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Leicester

Okoli focused for return to Serie A from Leicester Metropolis

by Soccer-News November 15, 2025

Italy worldwide Caleb Okoli has been spectacular at Leicester Metropolis to this point this season, however there are already experiences he might return to Serie A in January.

The 24-year-old central defender was a product of the Atalanta youth academy and had mortgage experiences with SPAL, Cremonese and Frosinone.

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for €14m plus as much as an extra €2.5m in add-ons.

Potential Italy comeback for Okoli

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Caleb Okoli of Leicester Metropolis celebrates scoring his workforce’s second purpose in the course of the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Leicester Metropolis FC at Amex Stadium on April 12, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Picture by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Photographs)

Okoli was unable to forestall the Foxes from struggling relegation from the Premier League in his first marketing campaign, however has executed properly to this point this time period within the English Championship.

He began 9 out of 15 aggressive matches and has lately been tailored as a right-back, giving him even higher versatility.

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, there are a number of Italian sides desirous to carry him again to Serie A within the January switch window.

, however didn’t go additional.

It’s reported that Okoli believes this might give him a greater likelihood of breaking into the Italy squad, seeing as he was referred to as up six instances by earlier coach Luciano Spalletti, however by no means given his senior debut.

The defender was a daily for the Below-21 aspect with 14 caps and one purpose.

November 15, 2025 0 comments

Premier League

Choose of the stats: Leicester v Middlesbrough

by Soccer-News November 4, 2025

written by Soccer-News

Leicester will likely be in search of to get their promotion hopes again on observe on Tuesday (19:45 GMT) once they welcome Middlesbrough to the King Energy Stadium.

The Foxes have now misplaced their previous three video games within the league, and have registered only one win in 5 – they’re 14th within the Championship.

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In the meantime, automated promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough suffered a blow final outing, when in simply Boro’s second lack of the season.

Leicester went on a 14-game unbeaten run within the league in opposition to Middlesbrough between 2003 and 2017 (W6 D8), however Boro did the double over them within the 2023-24 marketing campaign when the groups final met.

Middlesbrough beat Leicester 2-1 of their most up-to-date go to to the King Energy Stadium in February 2024, however haven’t gained consecutive league visits to the Foxes since 2000-01 and 2001-02 within the Premier League.

Leicester are winless of their previous six midweek (Tue/Wed/Thu) league video games (D1 L5), since successful 3-1 at residence to West Ham United in December 2024.

Middlesbrough have gained simply two of their previous 20 away league video games in opposition to opponents that had been relegated from the Premier League the season prior, beating Norwich in November 2022 and Leicester in February 2024 (D8 L10).

Leicester supervisor Marti Cifuentes has misplaced all three of his league conferences with Middlesbrough – however has gained each of his two conferences with Boro boss Rob Edwards, doing the double over his Luton aspect with QPR final season (2-1 each residence and away), after the second of which Edwards stepped down from his function with the Hatters.

[BBC]

November 4, 2025 0 comments

Premier League

Leicester Metropolis x Portsmouth – Highlights, Abstract and Match Report

by Soccer-News October 18, 2025

written by Soccer-News

Leicester Metropolis and Portsmouth performed out a carefully fought 1-1 draw at King Energy Stadium, retaining followers on the sting of their seats. The tenth fixture of the EFL Championship season noticed each side present loads of tactical self-discipline, with Leicester dominating possession however struggling to show that management right into a win.

The scoring opened within the twenty sixth minute when Leicester’s Aaron Ramsey slotted house a close-range right-footed shot, following a intelligent help from Fatawu Issahaku. It was Ramsey’s first aim of the season and appeared to set the house facet heading in the right direction for all three factors.

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Portsmouth responded within the second half, with John Swift equalising within the 58th minute. Swift’s left-footed end from the centre of the field, arrange by Yang Min-Hyeok, was his first aim of the marketing campaign and gave Portsmouth renewed hope, levelling the sport.

In the long run, it was a hard-fought draw, with Leicester controlling a lot of the play however Portsmouth’s resilience making certain they left King Energy Stadium with a worthwhile level.

Incidents: The story of the match

1′:

Jordan James commits a foul for Leicester Metropolis.

1′:

Jordan James from Leicester Metropolis dedicated a foul.

1′:

Jordan James from Leicester Metropolis dedicated a foul.

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1′:

The match begins

3′:

Ricardo Pereira from Leicester Metropolis dedicated a foul.

3′:

Ricardo Pereira from Leicester Metropolis dedicated a foul.

4′:

Jeremy Monga from Leicester Metropolis dedicated a foul.

6′:

Marlon Pack from Portsmouth dedicated a foul.

8′:

Connor Ogilvie from Portsmouth dedicated a foul.

10′:

Regan Poole from Portsmouth dedicated a foul.

11′:

Aaron Ramsey dedicated a foul towards Leicester Metropolis.

20′:

Missed alternative! Harry Winks of Leicester Metropolis took a left-footed shot from outdoors the penalty space that got here shut however finally went extensive. The help was offered by Ricardo Pereira.

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23′:

Alternative wasted. Abdul Fatawu from Leicester Metropolis took a left-footed shot from outdoors the penalty space that got here shut, but it surely went simply extensive of the highest proper nook following a nook kick.

Leicester Metropolis takes the lead with a rating of 1-0 towards Portsmouth. Aaron Ramsey scores for Leicester Metropolis, firing a right-footed shot from shut vary.

26′:

GOAL Leicester Metropolis: Aaron Ramsey (Leicester Metropolis) scores!

Aaron Ramsey scores aim #1 within the competitors (3 matches)

30′:

Abdul Fatawu commits a foul for Leicester Metropolis.

35′:

Julián Carranza dedicated a foul towards Leicester Metropolis.

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39′:

Julián Carranza from Leicester Metropolis dedicated a foul.

40′:

Connor Ogilvie from Portsmouth dedicated a foul.

42′:

Alternative wasted! Harry Winks from Leicester Metropolis took a shot together with his proper foot from outdoors the penalty space, but it surely narrowly missed the goal. The help got here from Jordan James following a nook kick.

47′:

Luke Thomas from Leicester Metropolis dedicated a foul.

48′:

Missed alternative! Colby Bishop from Portsmouth tried a header from the middle of the field however could not discover the goal. The cross was delivered by Andre Dozzell.

49′:

Missed alternative! Marlon Pack from Portsmouth took a right-footed shot from the precise facet of the penalty space.

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50′:

Abdul Fatawu dedicated a foul on a Leicester Metropolis participant.

51′:

Abdul Fatawu dedicated a foul towards a participant from Leicester Metropolis.

52′:

Conor Chaplin from Portsmouth dedicated a foul.

It is now Leicester Metropolis 1, Portsmouth 1. John Swift from Portsmouth scores with a left-footed shot from the center of the penalty space.

58′:

GOAL Portsmouth: John Swift (Portsmouth) scores!

John Swift scores aim #1 within the competitors (10 matches)

62′:

Aaron Ramsey dedicated a foul towards Leicester Metropolis.

63′:

Ricardo Pereira from Leicester Metropolis dedicated a foul.

64′:

Missed alternative. Márk Kosznovszky from Portsmouth tried a left-footed shot from outdoors the penalty space…

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71′:

Yang Min-Hyeok from Portsmouth dedicated a foul.

76′:

Alternative wasted! Jordan Ayew from Leicester Metropolis took a right-footed shot from outdoors the penalty space that narrowly missed the goal. The help got here from Luke Thomas.

78′:

Florian Bianchini from Portsmouth dedicated a foul.

81′:

Boubakary Soumaré from Leicester Metropolis dedicated a foul.

84′:

Missed alternative! Harry Winks from Leicester Metropolis took a shot together with his proper foot from the middle of the field, but it surely sailed excessive and extensive to the precise. The help got here from Abdul Fatawu.

87′:

Andre Dozzell from Portsmouth dedicated a foul.

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87′:

Andre Dozzell from Portsmouth dedicated a foul.

87′:

Andre Dozzell from Portsmouth dedicated a foul.

89′:

Abdul Fatawu dedicated a foul towards a participant from Leicester Metropolis.

89′:

Abdul Fatawu commits a foul for Leicester Metropolis.

90′:

Missed alternative! Hamza Choudhury from Leicester Metropolis tried a right-footed shot from a difficult angle on the precise facet, but it surely sailed excessive and extensive of the aim. The help got here from Abdul Fatawu, who delivered a cross.

90 +3′:

Wout Faes from Leicester Metropolis dedicated a foul.

998′:

The referee whistles for the top of the match

October 18, 2025 0 comments

Premier League

Beautiful Belleau double helps Northampton sink Leicester

by Soccer-News October 11, 2025

written by Soccer-News

Two luxurious tries from summer time signing Anthony Belleau helped Northampton Saints maintain off Leicester Tigers in a gripping East Midlands derby.

Amongst returning British and Irish Lions, it was Belleau and teenager Edoardo Todaro, an Italy Below-20 worldwide, who conjured the standard to defy Northampton’s nearest neighbours.

Belleau capped a 90-metre crew transfer earlier than latching onto his personal chip for a person effort on the hour mark. A lot earlier, Fin Smith had celebrated his contract extension by gathering a diving offload from Alex Mitchell.

Todaro dived over out huge within the first half and burst clear, having popped up on the shoulder of Smith, to arrange Tom Pearson simply earlier than the break.

Tigers, who gained 33-0 on this floor simply seven months in the past, would keep shut and commerce blows all through. Freddie Steward, glorious at full-back, carved by way of for his or her first strive following Emeka Ilione’s clattering run.

Business from the forwards ensured a gentle stream of penalties, 4 of which have been transformed between Billy Searle and debutant James O’Connor. Harry Wells muscled over within the second interval, too.

Nevertheless, regardless of scrapping to inside a rating, Tigers must make do with a shedding bonus level as Smith booted the ball into the stand to finish the competition.

As for the remainder of Northampton’s quartet of Lions, Tommy Freeman’s a hundredth membership look ended with a worrying harm as he limped out of the motion. Henry Pollock’s temporary cameo from the bench featured a trademark turnover.

Phil Dowson can be relieved to have secured most factors from a sometimes chaotic tussle.

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Extra to comply with…

04:58pm

Full-time | Northampton Saints 32 Leicester Tigers 26

That’s it. The ball is whipped again to Fin Smith, who smacks it into the stand. Saints edge it.

04:56pm

79 minutes: Northampton Saints 32 Leicester Tigers 26

Thirty seconds left. Callum Chick is down with cramp. Saints have to survive another scrum.

04:55pm

78 minutes: Northampton Saints 32 Leicester Tigers 26

Oooh. Massive second. Coles exerts stress on the throw and the ball will get wrapped up. Scrum turnover.

04:54pm

77 minutes: Northampton Saints 32 Leicester Tigers 26

Leicester’s maul ekes out a penalty and Bailey will go for contact… it’s a line-out simply contained in the Saints 22.

04:53pm

76 minutes: Northampton Saints 32 Leicester Tigers 26

Northampton go huge and cough up a breakdown penalty. Leicester could have a line-out now, simply past midway.

04:52pm

75 minutes: Northampton Saints 32 Leicester Tigers 26

5 minutes remaining and it’s a scrum put-in to Northampton on the midway line. Is there one other twist on this one?

04:51pm

74 minutes: Northampton Saints 32 Leicester Tigers 26

Each benches are emptied and Ale Loman, the Sweden worldwide, is on for his Premiership debut.

04:49pm

Penalty, James O’Connor! Northampton Saints 32 Leicester Tigers 26

O’Connor splits the posts. It’s a one-score agame once more.

04:48pm

70 minutes: Northampton Saints 32 Leicester Tigers 23

Coles can’t haul within the restart and Leicester maintain possession lengthy sufficient to win a penalty.

04:46pm

Penalty, Fin Smith! Northampton Saints 32 Leicester Tigers 23

Simple kick for Smith and the hole is now past a rating.

04:45pm

67 minutes: Northampton Saints 29 Leicester Tigers 23

Fin Smith loops round from a line-out, throws a dummy and scurries as much as the 22. Saints recyle shortly and power an offside penalty regardless that Pollock spills. Haffar hadn’t retreated fairly far rnough.

04:43pm

65 minutes: Northampton Saints 29 Leicester Tigers 23

Henry Pollock and Ollie Chessum tangle throughout an extended interval of assault for Leicester. Just a few phases later, Pollock pounces in entrance of his personal 22 to win the penalty.

04:41pm

64 minutes: Northampton Saints 29 Leicester Tigers 23

Wright burrows in for an important turnover.

04:40pm

64 minutes: Northampton Saints 29 Leicester Tigers 23

James O’Connor and Orlando Bailey are on for Leicester. Searle and Kata off.

04:40pm

63 minutes: Northampton Saints 29 Leicester Tigers 23

It’s not letting up. Radwan kicks forward now and nearly latches onto his personal strike. Belleau has to rush throughout to forestall a strive. Line-out to Leicester about seven metres out.

04:39pm

Strive, Anthony Belleau! Northampton Saints 29 Leicester Tigers 23

Fairly fantastic from Belleau. Leicester clear by way of Hassell-Collins and the France worldwide gathers near the touchline earlier than gathering his personal chip to attain because the bounce evades Whiteley.

04:36pm

59 minutes: Northampton Saints 22 Leicester Tigers 23

Henry Pollock is on. That’ll calm all of it down.

04:35pm

Northampton Saints 22 Leicester Tigers 23

Carries from Litchfield, Wright after which Pearson are repelled by Tigers earlier than Dingwall wriggles over.

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Bit of purses there, Chessum may be very indignant at Pearson and needs one thing checking. It’s a knock-on from Litchfield. And we come all the best way again for a scrum.

04:32pm

57 minutes: Northampton Saints 22 Leicester Tigers 23

Todaro bursts clear off the shoulder of Smith once more and Liebenberg jumps the gun when Saints come again to the left. He’s offside, and Northampton go to the nook…

04:30pm

Penalty, Billy Searle! Northampton Saints 22 Leicester Tigers 23

One other good strike from Searle.

04:30pm

55 minutes: Northampton Saints 22 Leicester Tigers 20

Will Wand sparks one thing for Tigers with an out of doors arc and Trevor Davison is penalised in midfield for flopping off his toes. Searle, who skews a kick-pass to Hassell-Collins, will name for the tee after benefit known as over.

04:27pm

53 minutes: Northampton Saints 22 Leicester Tigers 20

Jack van Poortvliet makes method for Tom Whiteley after one other Saints assault breaks down.

04:25pm

Strive, Anthony Belleau! Northampton Saints 22 Leicester Tigers 20

It’s a stunner.

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Leicester, once more, overthrow a line-out and Saints go huge from their very own 22 with Dingwall offloading to Hutchinson.

Hutchinson swings an extended go to Belleau, who retains the transfer going. Tigers scramble however Mitchell zig-zags and slips down the quick facet to free Belleau. The hosts have a bonus level, however this recreation is just not over by an extended shot. Smith can’t fairly convert from the left touchline.

04:21pm

49 minutes: Northampton Saints 17 Leicester Tigers 20

Tigers are squeezing right here… Searle with a high-quality kick in behind Mitchell, who’s caught by Hassell-Collins and has to concede a close-range line-out.

Grasp on, Saints have gone 90 metres to attain?!

04:20pm

47 minutes: Northampton Saints 17 Leicester Tigers 20

It appears like Belleau is at full-back right here. Fin Smith, nonetheless at 10, sends a raking kick into contact through a single bounce.

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Olly Cracknell comes on for Ilione and his contribution is a bruising carry.

04:17pm

Strive, Harry Wells! Northampton Saints 17 Leicester Tigers 20

Highly effective stuff from shut vary. Wells picks and goes across the fringe and is pushed over by his colleagues. Searle converts and Leicester are again in entrance.

04:15pm

45 minutes: Northampton Saints 17 Leicester Tigers 13

Warning issued to Saints, who infringe once more. Big second right here. Tigers pummelling on the try-line…

04:14pm

44 minutes: Northampton Saints 17 Leicester Tigers 13

Saints cease the maul however illegally. Leicester within the nook once more.

04:13pm

43 minutes: Northampton Saints 17 Leicester Tigers 13

Tigers hit the nook. Anthony Belleau is approaching for Freeman. Not sure what is going to occur to the backline now.

04:12pm

42 minutes: Northampton Saints 17 Leicester Tigers 13

Freeman isn’t transferring freely within the back-field. Yep. He’s simply missed a deal with on Ollie Hassell-Collins and shaken his head on the bench.

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Leicester, in the meantime, have a penalty benefit.

04:10pm

41 minutes: Northampton Saints 17 Leicester Tigers 13

Liebenberg as much as nab a Saints line-out. He’s an actual menace there.

04:08pm

Gamers again out

That felt fast. Second half shortly.

Freeman is again out, which can come as a reduction to Saints and England supporters.

04:00pm

Half-time | Northampton Saints 17 Leicester Tigers 13

Smith’s conversion hits the submit however Saints are again in entrance at half-time.

They’ve scored three tries however will really feel as if a couple of rusty errors have held them again. Their three Lions within the beginning facet have all had moments of sophistication.

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For Leicester, Steward has been eye-catching and deserved his strive. Tigers have been defiant. Now, will Northampton subside as they’ve over the primary two rounds of the marketing campaign? Will the guests roar again as they did final week?

03:57pm

Strive, Tom Pearson! Northampton Saints 17 Leicester Tigers 13

That’s what Saints have been making an attempt to get going all half, and it’s actually neat.

Once more, it’s Chick that has a rumble within the center to set issues off earlier than Smith arcs all the best way from the opposite facet of the breakdown to take a pull-back and ship Todaro by way of a spot with a flat go.

Todaro scampers clear and sends Pearson over out huge. Pretty strive.

03:53pm

39 minutes: Northampton Saints 12 Leicester Tigers 13

Extra harm woe for Saints, and it’s Freeman who’s struggling. He’s staying on for now, however actually didn’t look too intelligent. In the meantime, it’s a Northampton line-out on the Leicester 10-metre line.

03:52pm

Penalty, Billy Searle! Northampton Saints 12 Leicester Tigers 13

Ahead runners punch holes and Leicester ultimately get a penalty, which Searle kicks.

03:51pm

36 minutes: Northampton Saints 12 Leicester Tigers 10

Pearson penalised from Steward’s carry after Mitchell clears. He was authorized, however tacklers had not rolled away.

03:49pm

Strive, Edoardo Todaro! Northampton Saints 12 Leicester Tigers 10

Breathless. Leicester overthrow a line-out on the Saints 22 and the hosts transfer the ball to their left, the place Tom Litchfield stretches his legs and lifts a good looking offload for Freeman. Mitchell zig-zags on that facet of the sector for a couple of phases earlier than the ball heads to the Saints proper, the place a go from Litchfield – I believe – units Todaro clear.

03:45pm

31 minutes: Northampton Saints 7 Leicester Tigers 10

One other clunky strike play from Saints, with Dingwall failing to herald a go from Mitchell.

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Radwan climbs to take a excessive ball and Searle pins again the hosts with a intelligent kick.

03:43pm

28 minutes: Northampton Saints 7 Leicester Tigers 10

Let off for Saints and extra promising indicators for Leicester. Steward hits the road to earn floor and Chessum hits an angle towards the grain. Tom Pearson is again effectively to make an necessary deal with and Searle’s go to Kata goes ahead.

03:40pm

27 minutes: Northampton Saints 7 Leicester Tigers 10

Northampton get a penalty after a shove from Liebenberg on Coles and so they go into the backline on the second section after a line-out.

Smith fizzes a cut-out go into the trail of Freeman, who can’t maintain on. That’s rust, and sums up Saints’ opening.

03:38pm

Match motion

Right here’s the Saints strive:

03:38pm

24 minutes: Northampton Saints 7 Leicester Tigers 10

Leicester have scrummaging superiority right here. They get a nudge on and ultimately outmanouvre Saints to win a penalty. The travelling followers and the coaches to my left loved that.

03:36pm

22 minutes: Northampton Saints 7 Leicester Tigers 10

Extra robust carrying from JJ van der Mescht earlier than Fin Smith teases by way of a grubber.

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Hassell-Collins covers and Tigers hurriedly clear. Will probably be a Saints line-out contained in the 22… and that has gone awry.

Leicester are hanging robust right here.

03:34pm

21 minutes: Northampton Saints 7 Leicester Tigers 10

Poor George Hendy. Having simply returned from a critical harm, he seems to have picked up one other. He’s being helped off and can’t put weight on his left leg.

Tom Litchfield comes on and Freeman switches to full-back… and nearly creates one thing together with his first contact.

03:31pm

Strive, Freddie Steward! Northampton Saints 7 Leicester Tigers 10

Steward slices by way of for the end to reward a wonderful break from Ilione.

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Steward’s hovering take began all of it and Ilione carved by way of off the shoulder of Searle. He might need linked with Van Poortvliet however it doesn’t matter as a result of Steward arrives at first-receiver to tear clear. Pretty angle, and Searle converts.

03:28pm

17 minutes: Northampton Saints 7 Leicester Tigers 3

Scrum penalty to Leicester 5 metres from their very own try-line. Saints wheeling illegally there.

03:27pm

16 minutes: Northampton Saint 7 Leicester Tigers 3

Smith kicks to inside 5 metres however an tried trick play, with Robbie Smith’s throw going quick to Van der Mescht, is spilled.

03:26pm

15 minutes: Northampton Saint 7 Leicester Tigers 3

Chaotic little passage. Steward collects his personal up-and-under however Van der Mescht rips the ball clear. Then the Leicester line-out malfunctions with Pearson carrying the ball away.

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Saints get a penalty, on the again of a Van der Mescht carry.

03:24pm

Strive, Fin Smith! Northampton Saint 7 Leicester Tigers 3

The Lions half-backs mix! It’s a little bit streaky, however Saints gained’t thoughts in any respect.

The scrum wheeled in the direction of the Leicester loosehead – to be sincere, it regarded like Nicky Smith had achieved a job on Trevor Davison – and Mitchell dummied to the suitable earlier than darted to his left and kicking off that facet.

Radwan retreated however was foxed by the bounce, which noticed the ball balloon again to Mitchell and a diving offload discovered Smith.

03:20pm

9 minutes: Northampton Saints 0 Leicester Tigers 3

Full of life stuff. Leicester can’t maintain maintain of the ball and Mitchell’s lengthy go, from inside his personal 22, permits Dingwall to stretch his legs.

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Mitchell goes to the air and Emeka Ilione knocks on.

03:18pm

8 minutes: Northampton Saints 0 Leicester Tigers 3

Sloppy line-out from Saints because the ball goes unfastened. Tigers clear.

Smith returns and Searle finds area within the back-field. The ball dribbles over the try-line however Saints wil lneed to hit a goal-line drtop-out.

03:16pm

Referee change

Luke Pearce is heading off. He appears to have achieved some harm to a calf.

Alex Thomas is taking on.

03:16pm

7 minutes: Northampton Saints 0 Leicester Tigers 3

Leicester fumble once more and the ball is moved to Chick through Pearson. Chick kicks forward for Hendy to chase and Seale has to scramble again. He does effectively.

03:15pm

6 minutes: Northampton Saints 0 Leicester Tigers 3

Adam Radwan comes up with a breakdown steal, his second in as many weeks.

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Saints have been breaking after Tom Pearson fed Alex Mitchell with a unfastened ball however Leicester recovered effectively.

03:13pm

5 minutes: Northampton Saints 0 Leicester Tigers 3

Traditional transfer from Saints. Chick barges into midfield on the primary section and JJ van der Mescht has a keep on the following one.

On the third, Hutchison pulls the ball behind a runner to Smith and Hendy cuts a line however can’t fairly maintain on.

03:11pm

4 minutes: Northampton Saints 0 Leicester Tigers 3

Pearce is staying on. Cheers all spherical.

03:11pm

3 minutes: Northampton Saints 0 Leicester Tigers 3

First foray from Adam Radwan earlier than TIgers go to the air, with Hendy successful the ball again forward of Radwan.

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Freeman has had a full of life begin and he collects his personal chip superbly. Alex Coles is in help however the go doesn’t fairly attain the back-rower. Solomone Kata blocked it off and Van Poortvliet clears.

Grasp on… referee Luke Pearce is in a spot of trouble.

03:09pm

2 minutes: Northampton Saints 0 Leicester Tigers 3

It was Fin Smith who was penalised for holding onto Jack van Poortvliet a little bit too lengthy within the deal with.

Smith’s restart has been spilt by Tigers, so it’s a Saints put-in.

Free-kick to Northampton however good defence from Leicester. The hosts fumble simply past the 10-metre line.

03:07pm

Penalty, Billy Searle! Northampton Saints 0 Leicester Tigers 3

Good strike from about 40 metres.

03:06pm

1 min: Northampton Saints 0 Leicester Tigers 0

Todaro fields the kick-off and feeds Mitchell, who clears all the way down to Steward.

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Luke Pearce penalises Saints, probably for an offside, and Searle requires the tee.

03:03pm

Gamers out

Right here we go…

Saints file out behind Chessum earlier than Freeman leads out Saints to mark his century. Fireworks, too. What a deal with. It appears like Invoice Searle goes to get us going.

03:00pm

Lewis Moody

The stadium announcer states that the entire rugby household can be behind Lewis Moody following his motor neurone illness prognosis. .

02:57pm

Ten minutes till kick-off

Chick leads Northampton again into the altering room, to fairly subdued applause, it have to be mentioned. In equity, followers are nonetheless taking their seats. Leicester are led on a half-lap by Chessum. All fairly quiet thus far.

02:55pm

Which Saints will flip up?

Over the primary two rounds of the season, Northampton are 64-14 forward on mixture within the first half of video games. Within the second, they’re 54-6 behind.

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That’s fairly mad.

02:52pm

Group runs

Phil Dowson and Geoff Parling each hands-off whereas their sides undergo some patterns. Sam Vesty leads Saints whereas Peter Hewat coorindates Leicester.

02:45pm

Twenty minutes till kick-off

Each groups have two packs engaged – pardon the pun – in dwell scrums whereas the backs sharpen up with attacking drills.

02:42pm

Across the grounds

Bristol Bears are internet hosting Exeter Chiefs in immediately’s 3pm recreation. Later, at 5.30pm, Tub are taking up Gloucester at The Rec.

In case you have not caught up with Sale Sharks’ thrashing of Newcastle Purple Bulls from final night time, .

Getty Images

Getty Pictures

02:36pm

Late change for Leicester

Joe Heyes is out. Will Hurd begins at tighthead prop and Sweden worldwide Ale Loman comes onto the bench.

02:35pm

Final day out…

Saints have been spanked 33-0 right here seven months in the past in a recreation that epitomised the difficulties of their title defence. .

rugby

Getty Pictures

02:28pm

Strips

Leicester’s gamers solely began taking tht discipline to heat up about 10 minutes in the past. Freddie Steward was the primary. I’m not certain whether or not that’s deliberate, however it appeared fairly late to me. One to ask about afterwards.

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The guests can be of their gentle mint alternate equipment, whereas Saints will put on black, inexperienced and gold.

02:25pm

Key battles

Alex Mitchell v Jack van Poortvliet is a tussle of two England scrum-halves and I’m very a lot wanting ahead to how Chick and Ilione go.

Ilione kicked on below Michael Cheika and Geoff Parling is clearly a fan, too.

02:22pm

Good afternoon

Good day and welcome alongside to our protection of what needs to be an enchanting East Midlands derby from cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens as Northampton Saints host Leicester Tigers.

There are subplots all around the pitch this afternoon, most prominently with the return of 4 British and Irish Lions to the Saints facet. Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman all begin, the latter on the event of his a hundredth Northampton look.

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On the bench is a sure Henry Pollock. As I made my strategy to the press room a little bit earlier, the younger back-rower was strolling across the taking part in floor, visualising and limbering up. What an attention-grabbing season he has forward, having secured an enhanced Elite Participant Squad (EPS) deal to sign additional involvement with England. Keep in mind, he’s nonetheless 20.

Right here is the complete Saints facet. One other factor to notice is that, regardless of the presence of Fraser Dingwall, Callum Chick is captain.

Northampton Saints: G Hendy; T Freeman, R Hutchinson, F Dingwall, E Todaro; F Smith, A Mitchell; E Iyogun, R Smith, T Davison, T Lockett, JJ van der Mescht, A Coles, T Pearson, C ChickReplacements: C Wright, D Fischetti, L Inexperienced, J Kemeny, H Pollock, A McParland, A Belleau, T Litchfield

Leicester reintegrated new skipper Ollie Chessum final weekend and have promoted Tommy Reffell from the bench to the beginning line-up whereas shifting Emeka Ilione over to the bottom of the scrum. Hanro Liebenberg is match once more, which feels vital.

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Tarek Haffar, a former Saints, is again among the many replacements. There’s one other change in midfield, too, as Will Wand – he of two tries towards Harlequins – is given the 13 shirt once more.

Harry Wells companions Chessum within the engine room and Jamie Blamire, one of many 4 reinforcements proactively launched by Geoff Parling per week in the past, swaps in for Charlie Clare.

As a consequence of accidents, the backline choices on the bench are barely funky. In addition to Tom Whiteley, there are James O’Connor and Orlando Bailey. After all, these gamers do cowl loads of positions between them.

Leicester Tigers: F Steward; A Radwan, W Wand, S Kata, O Hassell-Collins; B Searle, J van Poortvliet; N Smith, J Blamire, J Heyes, H Wells, O Chessum, H Liebenberg, T Reffell, E IlioneReplacements: C Clare, T Haffar, W Hurd, J Moro, O Cracknell, T Whiteley, J O’Connor, O Bailey

October 11, 2025 0 comments

Premier League

Whelan steps down after 15 years as Leicester CEO

by Soccer-News October 2, 2025

written by Soccer-News

Susan Whelan has left her position as Leicester Metropolis chief govt after 15 years with the membership.

In her time within the job, Leicester rose from England’s second tier to win a beforehand unfathomable Premier League title in 2015-16 earlier than happening to additionally declare the FA Cup for the primary time in 2021.

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Whereas she was concerned in a decade of unprecedented success on the Foxes, which included bringing Champions League soccer to the King Energy Stadium, the membership has most not too long ago suffered two relegations in three years.

The specter of factors deductions for alleged breaches of spending guidelines have additionally hung over the membership lately.

Whereas Leicester efficiently argued towards being punished on their return to the Premier League final season, the latest case introduced towards them by the English Soccer League stays unresolved.

These relegations, the tightening of budgets and on-field struggles have seen each Whelan and director of soccer Jon Rudkin.

Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha has taken over from Whelan on an interim foundation.

October 2, 2025 0 comments

Premier League

Chelsea FCW vs. Leicester Metropolis WFC, Ladies’s Tremendous League: Preview, group information, tips on how to watch

by Soccer-News September 21, 2025

written by Soccer-News

Chelsea return to Kingsmeadow for the primary time this season as they host Leicester Metropolis in a lunchtime conflict on Sunday. The Blues have made an ideal begin underneath supervisor Sonia Bompastor with back-to-back victories, together with a 3-1 win at Aston Villa final weekend the place Sam Kerr made her long-awaited return with a objective. Leicester, in the meantime, secured their first win of the season by defeating Liverpool 1-0 at dwelling and will probably be seeking to construct on that momentum underneath interim boss Rick Passmoor.

Date / Time: Sunday, September 21, 2025, 12:00 GMT; 7:00am ESTVenue: Kingsmeadow, Kingston upon Thames, UKReferee: Mel BurginForecast: Gentle cloud and light-weight winds

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On TV: Sky Sports activities (UK); none (USA); Streaming: Sky Go (UK); ESPN+ (USA)

Chelsea group information: Bompastor has confirmed that Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Naomi Girma will all miss Sunday’s match. There may be additionally a doubt over Niamh Charles’ health after she was substituted at half-time towards Aston Villa with an ankle drawback, although the boss indicated the harm was not critical.

Erin Cuthbert is out there after recovering from a knock, whereas Sam Kerr is prepared for choice following her profitable return to motion final weekend. The Australian striker ended her 20-month harm absence with a objective towards Villa and Bompastor confirmed she’s in a very good place each mentally and bodily.

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Summer season signing Alyssa Thompson made her debut off the bench towards Villa and has settled nicely into the squad. The Blues head coach praised the depth of attacking choices out there to her, noting the significance of rotation given Chelsea’s intense schedule throughout 4 competitions.

“With the standard of the gamers we now have, we’re one of many groups with the very best quality upfront, for certain. I feel that’s actually vital as a result of we’re taking part in so many video games.

“The schedule is intense, and we wish to compete in all 4 competitions. It’s vital to have depth in each place, but additionally to have wholesome competitors between the gamers.

“We wish to go into each sport and be a aggressive group. Whenever you have a look at a few of the groups in Europe, additionally they invested some huge cash in some gamers, so I’d say we’re most likely probably the greatest in Europe, however not the one one.

“We could have some good competitors, and will probably be good to see that.”

-Sonia Bompastor; Supply:

Leicester Metropolis group information: Leicester had a blended summer time switch window, bringing in veteran American midfielder Celeste Boureille from Montpellier, younger Irish goalkeeper Katie Keane from Shamrock Rovers, and most just lately Australia worldwide Emily van Egmond from Birmingham Metropolis. Nevertheless, these additions don’t appear to completely compensate key departures together with long-serving defender Sophie Howard, and ahead Deanne Rose.

On prime of that the Foxes are nonetheless adjusting to life underneath interim supervisor Rick Passmoor, who took over simply 10 days earlier than the season began following the shock sacking of Amandine Miquel. Regardless of a 4-0 opening day defeat to Manchester United, Leicester bounced again with a vital 1-0 victory over Liverpool final outing.

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Passmoor has been working to create a optimistic atmosphere whereas the membership searches for a everlasting supervisor. The ahead trio of Missy Goodwin, Denny Draper and Noémie Mouchon stay unavailable by way of harm, although Jutta Rantala is predicted to be within the squad regardless of not participating in full coaching.

Beforehand: Three totally different goalscorers in a 3-1 win the place Chelsea largely dominated the Foxes at Kingsmeadow.

September 21, 2025 0 comments

Premier League

Choose of the stats: Oxford United v Leicester Metropolis

by Soccer-News September 12, 2025

written by Soccer-News

Oxford United host Leicester Metropolis on Saturday early afternoon (12:30 BST) in a bid to say their first victory of the season.

The U’s have just one level to their identify after their opening 4 league video games, although they did acquire it final outing with in opposition to Coventry Metropolis.

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They are going to look to do one higher in opposition to Leicester, who’ve gained all however one in all their league video games up to now (L1) to take a seat one level above the Sky Blues in fourth place.

It has been over three a long time for the reason that two sides final met within the English Soccer League – who will declare the primary bragging rights of the twenty first century?

This would be the first Soccer League assembly between Oxford United and Leicester Metropolis since a 2-2 draw within the second tier in April 1994.

5 of Leicester Metropolis’s final seven Soccer League journeys to Oxford United have resulted in a draw (W1 L1), with each side scoring in 5 of these video games.

Oxford have solely gained 4 of their final 22 league video games (W4 D7), selecting up the fewest factors of any ever-present Championship aspect in that point (19 factors since twenty second January).

Leicester have gained six of their final eight Championship video games (L2), whereas the Foxes may report three successive league clear sheets for the primary time since October 2022 within the Premier League.

After a run of 15 video games and not using a purpose, Abdul Fatawu has scored in consecutive league appearances for Leicester for the primary time.

[BBC]

September 12, 2025 0 comments

Premier League

Vardy reveals how Chelsea coach helped him choose Cremonese & compares new journey to Leicester

by Soccer-News September 10, 2025

written by Soccer-News

English striker Jamie Vardy has given his first press convention as a Cremonese participant, after he joined the newly-promoted Serie A facet the summer season.

Vardy left Leicester Metropolis after his contract expired and joined Davide Nicola’s facet on a free switch, to a lot fanfare and celebration.

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Talking to the press, through , Vardy revealed that he “was in a position to get on a zoom name with” Nicola, the place they spoke for “45 minutes to an hour, displaying his ardour for the membership and the way he’s desirous to push on. And simply wanting in his eyes and what he wished, that basically resonated with myself and I believe as a footballer, it’s at all times good to really feel wished.”

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Jamie Vardy of Leicester Metropolis through the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Leicester Metropolis FC at Molineux on April 26, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Picture by Carl Recine/Getty Pictures)

Vardy discusses parallels between Cremonese and Leicester Metropolis

Vardy was additionally requested if there have been any parallels between Cremonese and his final membership Leicester Metropolis, the place the Foxes famously received the Premier League title as huge underdogs and Vardy enjoying an enormous half within the success.

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“I believe having sat down with the supervisor and the proprietor, I believe the principle activity is ensuring we keep within the league and to be trustworthy, that’s the way it was after I was at Leicester. It was by no means any ‘we’re going to go for this’,” the striker continued, “it was at all times ‘we have to keep within the league’, that’s the principle factor.”

Vardy emphasised the significance of taking it one match at a time if you find yourself a small membership making an attempt to remain within the league, “On a standard match day it’s 11 vs 11 and anybody can beat anybody. So we’ll simply be working as onerous as we will on the coaching discipline to verify we’re prepared for each single recreation that comes up. We’ll take them one after the other and see the place that takes us.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Enzo Maresca, Supervisor of Chelsea, reacts through the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage on April 20, 2025 in London, England. (Picture by Ryan Pierse/Getty Pictures)

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Vardy: ‘Cremonese need to be the overachieving underdogs’

Vardy was later requested to develop upon what particularly led him to affix Cremonese and what it was that Davide Nicola mentioned to him to persuade him to affix the membership. “I believe the factor for me personally is all through my profession I’ve at all times been doubted,” the striker confessed, “I at all times have and at all times will nonetheless.”

“Talking with the supervisor, there was lots of doubt in Italy about Cremonese with the ability to keep within the league and with how the supervisor is and the fervour he has obtained and his work ethic, that’s not what he needs. And I believe with how the lads have began it’s unbelievable. We all know it’s a protracted season however that’s the function he’s wanting: to be the underdogs which can be overachieving.”

Vardy additionally revealed that Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who labored with the Englishman at Leicester, performed an enormous function in his resolution to . “I managed to have a very good chat with him as soon as we knew it was going to be a chance and he did nothing however sing the praises of the membership itself and the encircling areas. Cremona as a metropolis and every thing. His recommendation for me was to come back right here and that was it, as soon as he mentioned that and I managed to talk to my household, there was just one place I used to be going to go.”

September 10, 2025 0 comments

Premier League

On This Day (sixth September 1980): Knighton pays tribute to his group after Leicester Metropolis win

by Soccer-News September 6, 2025

written by Soccer-News

After profitable promotion again to the Division One, Ken Knighton’s Sunderland had been driving excessive within the league. Two wins to start out the season in opposition to Everton and Manchester Metropolis elevated the optimism surrounding the group’s possibilities of surviving within the league.

This fast begin caught the attention of the British public and noticed Southampton – who had Kevin Keegan and Dave Watson of their ranks – come to Roker Park to play in entrance of the Match of the Day cameras. Regardless of defeat, the fared properly and adopted up with a reputable draw at Outdated Trafford.

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Regardless of the constructive begin to the league, drama was by no means distant and humiliation within the League Cup as fourth tier Stockport County knocked out the group over two legs to depart native media reeling within the aftermath.

Labelled as ‘flops’ by one newspaper, Sunderland needed to reply and subsequent up was Leicester Metropolis on today in 1980 at Filbert Avenue.

Regardless of the embarrassing defeat, Knighton caught to the identical group that performed within the cup defeat hoping that they may redeem themselves.

Credit score to the facet, they pulled an enormous outcome out of the bag in opposition to their fellow promoted facet with an early objective from John Hawley within the fourth minute the one objective within the sport.

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In a efficiency that was described as being ‘stuffed with character, organisation and loads of good soccer’ by the Sunday Solar, Hawley was in the proper place on the entrance to money in on a mistake the Foxes goalkeeper Mark Wallington who failed to carry on to Alan Brown’s shot to earn his fifth objective of the season.

One can be forgiven for pondering Sunderland carried out a ‘backs in opposition to the partitions’ efficiency for the remainder of the sport however this was not the case because the group continued to assault for a second. Simply earlier than the 20th minute, Hawley had a second objective inexplicably disallowed for a supposed foul on John O’Neil.

Within the second half, Leicester piled the strain on they usually had their goalkeeper Chris Turner to thank for some saved alternatives, significantly within the 51st when he saved a header from Alan Younger.

As the sport went on, Sunderland weathered the Leicester assaults and will have had a second of their very own just for missed probabilities from Hawley, Brown and in addition Stan Cummins.

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Finally, the win was an infinite constructive for Knighton’s group after a tough week for his facet. Glowing with delight, Knighton praised his group.

“It was an impressive efficiency and super outcome for us.”

“Frank Clark and I believed and spoke lengthy and exhausting about whether or not or to not make adjustments.“

“We ultimately determined it could be greatest to provide the gamers the possibility to redeem themselves which they did in super trend.“

September 6, 2025 0 comments

Premier League

Passmore getting ready Leicester after ‘whirlwind’ week

by Soccer-News September 4, 2025

written by Soccer-News

Leicester Metropolis interim supervisor Rick Passmore says he’s centered on their opening Ladies’s Tremendous League recreation after a “whirlwind” week which noticed him parachuted into the submit.

It has been a turbulent time for the Foxes, who simply 10 days earlier than the beginning of the brand new marketing campaign.

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Former West Ham assistant supervisor Passmore earlier on Thursday and can lead Leicester of their first league match of 2025-26 at Manchester United.

He left West Ham for “private causes” this week to maneuver additional north and be nearer to household – earlier than taking up this new function.

“The final couple of days have been manic, a whirlwind,” he instructed a media convention on Thursday. “However I am glad to be right here with so many good folks.”

Passmore says his focus in on getting Leicester as prepared as attainable for Sunday’s match at Man Utd, however he’s eager on a long run function.

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“It is about getting ready for the weekend, making certain we do very well, however I’d love to remain at this membership,” he stated.

“I have been right here a couple of days, something past that could be a query for the membership. I am getting ready for Sunday.”

Leicester have been quiet within the switch market, and offered key midfielder Ruby Mace to Everton on Wednesday. Veteran Australian worldwide Emily van Egmond has arrived from WSL2 aspect Birmingham Metropolis as a substitute.

However regardless of all of the upheaval, Passmore insisted the gamers had been centered.

“You’ll be able to see how skilled the mindset is now, they’ll park feelings and are available to do an expert degree of soccer,” he stated.

“All of the gamers have tailored, it has been a pleasure working with them. I’ve solely had a few classes, however the gamers have labored exhausting.”

[BBC]

September 4, 2025 0 comments

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