Live Coverage of Celtic vs Rangers
Billy Munday is providing minute-by-minute updates for the Celtic versus Rangers match. Fans can follow the live coverage by clicking the provided link.
Mbappé Out of Real Madrid Squad for El Clásico
Kylian Mbappé will not feature in Real Madrid's squad for tonight's crucial match against Barcelona. The French forward has been omitted from the squad list ahead of the fixture. Instead, the forwards selected include Vinícius Júnior, Gonzalo García, Brahim Díaz, and Franco Mastantuono.
Mbappé has been recovering from a hamstring injury and participated in training with his teammates on Friday.
Scottish Premiership Table and Old Firm Derby
Hearts secured a draw against Motherwell in an intense match at Fir Park, ensuring they maintain at least a one-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership heading into the penultimate match of the season.
Today also marks the Old Firm derby, with Celtic hosting Rangers as both teams aim to close the gap on Hearts in the league standings.
Chaos at Prague Derby Following Pitch Invasion
The Czech league derby between Slavia Prague and Sparta Prague was abandoned on Saturday after hundreds of Slavia supporters invaded the pitch during the closing moments. Slavia was leading 3-2 at Fortuna Stadium and was seconds away from securing the league title.
Supporters breached security barriers in stoppage time, flooding the field with some carrying lit flares and advancing toward the visiting fans' section. Pyrotechnics were thrown into the stands as players from both teams attempted to exit the pitch.
Czech police intervened to restore order and have initiated criminal proceedings on suspicion of rioting. Authorities confirmed that Sparta goalkeeper Jakub Surovcik was targeted by home fans and was struck by a flare.
The referee subsequently called off the match. Czech media reported that Sparta players feared for their safety and departed the stadium shortly after on the team bus under police escort.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: El Clásico Preview
Barcelona will host Real Madrid in another edition of El Clásico this evening. A win or even a draw for Barcelona under Hansi Flick would secure the league title.
Real Madrid have experienced a turbulent week, including a training ground altercation between Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni on Thursday, which resulted in Valverde being hospitalized with a head injury. Both players were fined a record €500,000 each for the incident. Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has defended both players since.
Reflection on Liverpool's Season and Arne Slot's Position
Turning away from the Premier League's top fixtures, Liverpool fans are debating whether Arne Slot should remain as manager this summer. Last season, Slot managed to balance Klopp's intense style, making the team formidable. However, this season has seen a significant downturn.
Today's match between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle is difficult to predict. A Forest win combined with West Ham dropping points could secure Forest's Premier League status. Despite a recent Europa League defeat to Aston Villa, Forest have maintained solid league form.
The author notes personal fatigue due to late-night boxing viewing and a restless cat but hopes to be revitalized by a visit to the pub. The absence of European football next season should allow for more convenient match times.
Regarding the match, the squad is considered to be running on empty due to injuries and recent exertions. Newcastle, coming off a decent result and with manager Howe's future seemingly confirmed, are slight favorites. The prediction is a 2-1 victory for the away side.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts, predictions, and plans for the day, including whether they will support West Ham or Arsenal.
West Ham's Struggles and Liverpool's Identity Crisis
West Ham have been competing with Tottenham this season, with the latter unexpectedly becoming relegation candidates. This has provided a lifeline for West Ham, but that advantage appears to be diminishing.
Arne Slot faces a significant challenge in regaining the support of Liverpool fans. The team seems to be merely progressing toward Champions League qualification without the characteristic Liverpool style or identity. Despite mitigating factors, the expectation is for Liverpool to play proactively at Anfield, which has not been met.
The author found humor in a comment made by Pep Guardiola at his recent press conference, noting that such colorful personalities add flavor to the modern game, which can otherwise feel mechanical.
Other Premier League and Championship Updates
At Craven Cottage, Bournemouth secured a 1-0 victory over Fulham, with both teams finishing with ten players.
Brighton maintained their European aspirations with a 3-0 win over Wolves at the Amex Stadium.
Elsewhere, Sunderland held Manchester United to a 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light.
Arne Slot Explains Substitution Decision Against Chelsea
Arne Slot's decision to substitute Rio Ngumoha for Alexander Isak in the match against Chelsea was met with disapproval from fans. Slot clarified that the substitution was due to the 17-year-old winger suffering from cramps.
"Rio had cramps before then when he went to the floor. Then I had contact with him and he said that was enough, that’s why I took him off. It makes complete sense [the boos] if you take off a player who is playing well and had assisted. It wasn’t my intention to take him off but he is not at the level yet where he can play at 50/60% and make a difference. He wasn’t fit enough to sprint.
"I knew the moment his number went up that would be the reaction but that is not the reason. After the game, I think it [the boos] also makes sense because this club should not be happy with a 1-1 against Chelsea. We always aim for a win and if we don’t win we are disappointed, especially in a season when we have not won as much as people expect. It is frustration building up and that came out probably after half-time. The players and myself feel the same way."
Slot Responds to Fan Criticism and Looks Ahead
Slot acknowledged the criticism following the draw with Chelsea but remains confident in his ability to win back the Anfield crowd next season.
Ryan Gravenberch, who scored his first league goal of 2026 in the match, described the criticism as unfair and emphasized the need for fan support in upcoming games.
"OK, we didn’t win, but I don’t really think we deserved this," said Gravenberch. "We need them. Hopefully they wouldn’t do it again in the next two games."
When asked if he believed he could regain fan support, Slot replied:
"Yes I do. Not this season, this season the fans will have their opinion and it will not change. But if we can have the summer that we are planning then I am 100% convinced we will be a different team next season. Different in terms of results and different in how things look. For me, it is really clear what we are lacking this season and we are trying [to fix it]."
Match Result and Premier League Table Update
Enzo Fernández secured a 35th-minute equalizer for Chelsea against Liverpool following an early goal from Ryan Gravenberch. The draw left Chelsea in ninth place and Liverpool in fourth in the Premier League table.
Arsenal's Focus Ahead of West Ham Clash
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has encouraged his players to build on their Champions League semi-final victory against Atlético Madrid and channel their energy positively as they approach the final three Premier League matches, starting with today's game against West Ham.
"I think we’re in a really good moment. You could sense the energy the night after the game. I see every single day, here, I know how much we want it, and those are elements that are very, very positive. I think we have to channel that energy in the right way – it’s very, very powerful. They [the players] feel confident. They are convinced, and they are really looking forward to playing on Sunday. That’s probably the best part of it."
Pep Guardiola's Message to West Ham
At his press conference, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola concluded with the phrase "Come on you Irons," accompanied by crossing his arms to mimic the hammers on West Ham's badge.
Arsenal can secure the Premier League title if they win their remaining three matches, starting with today's fixture at the London Stadium. Manchester City, having defeated Brentford yesterday, now sit two points behind Arsenal.
Today's Premier League Fixtures and Overview
Welcome to another Matchday live. Today features a significant Premier League match with important implications at both ends of the table.
Relegation-threatened West Ham face title-chasing Arsenal this afternoon, with both teams requiring a win. A failure to secure three points would likely confirm West Ham's relegation, with Tottenham currently one point ahead before their match against Leeds United tomorrow. Arsenal aims to maintain their lead over Manchester City with two games remaining.
Additional fixtures include Nottingham Forest hosting Newcastle, Crystal Palace facing Everton, and Burnley playing Aston Villa.
In the Scottish Premiership, Celtic and Rangers meet in the Old Firm derby, both seeking to close the gap on league leaders Hearts.
In La Liga, Barcelona has the opportunity to clinch the league title with a victory over Real Madrid.
Further updates and analysis will follow throughout the day.
