Three talking points ahead of this Premier League weekend

Arsenal must banish their untimely bout of title race anxiety as the wobbling Premier League leaders head to Tottenham for the north London derby.

Inter seek redemption after Bodo/Glimt loss

Serie A leaders Inter Milan travel to a resurgent Lecce on Saturday without leading light Lautaro Martinez after the midweek loss to Bodo/Glimt.

Forest thrash Fenerbahce in Pereira debut

Vitor Pereira made a dream start as Nottingham Forest boss with a 3-0 win over Fenerbahce in the first leg of the Europa League play-offs, while Stuttgart thrashed Celtic 4-1 to ruin Martin O’Neill’s 1,000th match as a manager on Thursday.

Controversy and comebacks shape play-off first legs

Vinicius Junior scored and then alleged he had been racially abused during Real Madrid’s 1-0 win away to Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday, while Paris Saint-Germain came from two goals down to beat Monaco 3-2.

Vinicius penalties propel Madrid past Sociedad

Vinicius Junior won and converted two penalties as Real Madrid thumped Real Sociedad 4-1 on Saturday to move provisionally top of La Liga.

Orlando Pirates extend advantage over Mamelodi Sundowns

Leaders Orlando Pirates beat lowly Marumo Gallants 3-0 in Soweto on Saturday to take a six-point lead over title-holders Mamelodi Sundowns midway through the PSL season.

Salah shines as Liverpool, City march on

Mohamed Salah struck as Liverpool cruised into the FA Cup fifth round with a 3-0 win over Brighton on Saturday, while Marc Guehi scored his first goal for Manchester City in a 2-0 victory over fourth-tier Salford.

Neto treble fires Chelsea past Hull in FA Cup

Chelsea eased into the FA Cup fifth round as Pedro Neto’s hat-trick inspired a 4-0 win at Hull on Liam Rosenior’s return to the club that sacked him two years ago.

Dortmund rout Mainz to keep title dream alive

A first-half Serhou Guirassy double and four Julian Ryerson assists helped Borussia Dortmund to a 4-0 home win over Mainz on Friday, pulling them three points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.

Sean Dyche sacked by Forest after Wolves draw

Nottingham Forest sacked manager Sean Dyche on Wednesday after a dismal home draw with Wolves left them hovering three points above the Premier League relegation zone.