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Chelsea's interim manager Callum MacFarlane details his tactical blueprint for the FA Cup final against Manchester City, aiming to mirror January's resilient draw. He highlights key halftime adjustments that freed Enzo Fernandez and credits the players' fighting spirit for the result. With European qualification likely hinging on the final, the return of injured stars Reece James and Levi Colwill provides a crucial boost.

Liverpool's 2-4 defeat to Aston Villa, their 19th loss of the season, leaves their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. The team's defense has set a century-worst record (51 goals conceded, 20 from set pieces), and forward signings have flopped. Slot retains board support but fan confidence has collapsed, with the team's away record against top-nine sides yielding just one point.

An alleged scouting controversy involving Southampton FC has thrown the Championship play-off final schedule into doubt, with the English Football League criticized for unclear rules and delayed disciplinary clarity. Hull City supporters say the uncertainty is unfair and could cause financial and travel losses for fans. While an independent hearing is pending, Wembley Stadium’s packed schedule adds further complications to any potential rescheduling.

Premier League end-of-season power rankings overhaul: Manchester City strongly revive to top the list with 14 unbeaten matches, closely chasing Arsenal; Liverpool and Chelsea fall into decline with negative non-penalty expected goal differences. Mid-table sides like Bournemouth and Brighton shine, while relegation-threatened Leeds and Tottenham have broken free through tactical adjustments, resulting in an extremely competitive landscape.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery laments the loan situation of Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, who made only four substitute appearances this season, calling it embarrassing for all sides. The mandatory buyout clause in the loan contract thus failed to trigger. Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirms the player will return, acknowledging the loan fell short of expectations for all three parties, wasting the young player's development time.

Manchester City youth team beat Manchester United 2-1 in the FA Youth Cup final to win the title for the fifth time. In the 87th minute, Regan Heskey, son of former England striker Emile Heskey, scored the winner. Manchester City's first-team coaching staff watched on, while Manchester United's first-team captain also attended to support. The younger Heskey said after the match that his father is proud of him.

Hearts are one draw away from winning the Scottish Premiership for the first time in 66 years. Despite a tiny budget compared to Celtic and Rangers, the Edinburgh club has challenged the Glasgow duopoly using data analytics and shrewd signings. A win would end a 40-year wait for a non-Old Firm champion since Aberdeen's 1985 title.

Japan have announced their 26-man squad for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Kaoru Mitoma misses out through injury, while Takefusa Kubo leads the attacking unit. Veteran Yuto Nagatomo is included and makes history as the first Asian player to appear in five World Cups.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has been shortlisted for the Premier League Manager of the Season award after guiding the team to 10 wins and 3 draws in his 15 league matches in charge, securing a Champions League spot from a sixth-place position. The club plans to extend his contract. The winner will be chosen by public vote and expert panel. The shortlists for Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season have also been revealed.

Brighton confirm Japan international Kaoru Mitoma out for rest of season with hamstring injury, casting a shadow over his World Cup hopes. Manager says recovery timeline uncertain, will assess with JFA. As Japan's key attacker, his injury raises concerns at national team level. Japan's World Cup group stage opponents: Netherlands, Tunisia, Sweden.

France has announced its final World Cup squad, with Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and forward Randal Kolo Muani surprisingly omitted, while Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser earns his first call-up. The team boasts a stellar attack led by Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, aiming for a third World Cup title. This tournament marks the head coach's final campaign, with Zinedine Zidane seen as a potential successor.

Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Oviedo was overshadowed by controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappe's substitute role. Mbappe claimed coach Alvaro Arbeloa told him he was the 'fourth choice' forward, a statement Arbeloa firmly denied. The French star also addressed criticism over his recent injury-period vacation and accepted fan jeers, while expressing disappointment over the team's second-half collapse. The conflicting accounts have become the dominant story at season's end for the club.

78-year-old Dutch legend Dick Advocaat returns to coach Curacao, becoming the oldest head coach in World Cup history. He will lead the team against Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast. Curacao, the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup finals with a population of just 156,000, fields a squad largely composed of Netherlands-born players.

Manchester United reignite pursuit of Dortmund midfielder Bellingham, Chelsea scout Real Sociedad winger Barrenetxea; PSG approach Real Madrid's Valverde, Gordon reaches personal agreement with Bayern Munich; Rodri close to extending Man City contract; Carrick tipped for Man Utd manager role, Lewandowski could leave on free transfer, Neuer signs new Bayern deal on reduced wages, multiple clubs eye Hjulmand, Bowen, and others as the transfer market heats up.

After the drone scandal and global ban, Bev Priestman took charge of Wellington Phoenix Women in 2025 and remarkably led them to their first A-League Women's Grand Final. The former Olympic gold medalist transformed the team, built cohesion, and attracted key signings. This weekend, she faces Melbourne City for the title, completing an extraordinary redemption story from rock bottom to the pinnacle.

The FA Youth Cup final will be a Manchester derby between United and City. The tournament is a testament to United's storied academy history, having produced stars like Giggs and Beckham. The focus is on the duel between United's 15-year-old prodigy JJ Gabriel and City's top scorer Teddy Lamb. Despite controversy over the venue, this match is a crucial opportunity for young talents to showcase their abilities and take a step toward the top level.