Summary

  • Decision on West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui's future to be made before weekend

  • Should the Hammers give Lopetegui more time? Poll at top of this page

  • News conferences: Spurs, Brighton, Bournemouth and Fulham

  • Six matches on Wednesday including Arsenal v Man Utd (20:15 GMT)

  • United abandoned plans to wear a jacket supporting LGBTQ+ community before Sunday's win over Everton because a player refused to wear it.

  • Wales reach major women's tournament - Euro 2025 - for first time with win over Republic of Ireland, but Scotland miss out

  • Get Involved: #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

  1. Bournemouth 'need to be at their very best'published at 13:43 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    Tottenham v Bournemouth (Thurs, 20:15 GMT)

    Bournemouth

    Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola when asked if Tottenham's way of playing suits his team: "I wouldn't say so. They are a different team. Their stats are amazing, and they are top scorers in the competition.

    "They have so many threats, especially offensively and they are really good in their position. It's going to be very difficult.

    "The past season we played very well. Even playing well, they beat us 3-1, but I think we played well.

    "These games you have to be very good and better than them in the boxes because they are high quality. They are very good team, that I enjoy watching.

    "They are offensive the way they play, and they have very good players. We need to be at our very best and we have to be better inside the boxes."

  2. Silva to speakpublished at 13:38 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    Fulham v Brighton (Thu, 19:30 GMT)

    Fulham

    Tom Cairney being comforted by two players.Image source, Getty Images

    Fulham manager Marco Silva will speak to the media shortly ahead of his side's Premier League game against Brighton.

    Fulham are unbeaten across their last eight Premier League London derbies (W4 D4), the club's longest ever such run.

    Silva is likely to update us on team news, injuries and potential transfer window talk.

    His side will be without captain Tom Cairney, who was sent off at Tottenham on Sunday

    We will bring you all the top lines from his news conference shortly.

  3. Van Dijk 'offered new Liverpool contract'published at 13:35 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    Virgil van Dijk celebratesImage source, Getty Images

    Liverpool have offered a new contract to captain Virgil van Dijk, it has been reported..

    That is according to The Athletic's David Ornstein who has said on X, external that following an opening proposal, a contract offer has now been made.

    The report also suggests that talks are ongoing with Trent Alexander-Arnold and a new deal for Mohamed Salah will also be proposed soon.

    All three have contracts currently set to expire at the end of the season.

  4. Iraolo 'hopes' his players will come to playpublished at 13:30 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    Tottenham v Bournemouth (Thu, 20:15 GMT)

    Bournemouth

    Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola on his team selection ahead of tomorrow's head-to-head with Tottenham: "Very similar to the squad we had. We have the suspension [Antoine Semenyo] and then we have one or two players that played the other day and finished tired [Lewis Cook].

    "They will play in a very short space of time and important game. I hope they all come to play."

    On Lewis Cook: "He is going to train today and we will see and ask him if he is going to play. We will ask him. We have to consider how they want to play."

  5. 'The performance was really good'published at 13:25 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    Tottenham v Bournemouth (Thu, 20:15 GMT)

    Bournemouth

    Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola on Saturday's 4-2 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers: "We were pleased because the performance was really good.

    "I am happy because Justin Kluivertscored a hat-trick, happy because a lot of players had good performances.

    "But it was a game we needed to win."

  6. 'The storm will come' - Amorim braced for tough timespublished at 13:22 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    Arsenal v Man United (20:15 GMT)

    Man United manager Ruben AmorimImage source, Getty Images

    Ruben Amorim says the "storm will come" for his Manchester United team as he refuses to be carried away by an unbeaten start.

    United began a tricky run of nine games in December by thrashing Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford.

    They travel to second-placed Arsenal later - a game described by new head coach Amorim as "by far" his biggest challenge so far.

    "We are going to have difficult moments and we will be found out in some games, I know that," said Amorim.

    "I know it is really hard to be a Manchester United coach and say these things in press conferences - and we want to win all the time, no matter what - but we know we are in a different point compared to Arsenal.

    "I would like to say different things, but I have to say again, the storm will come."

  7. 'We have seen classic games between these down the years'published at 13:17 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    Arsenal v Man United (20:15 GMT)

    Chris Sutton BBC banner

    I can understand the excitement about Ruben Amorim from Manchester United fans because he is a hugely charismatic guy who comes across so well in interviews.

    I am pleased for him that he has got off to a decent start, because he is unbeaten after his first three games, but this is the real acid test that will demonstrate where United are at.

    We have seen some classic games between these teams down the years, but Arsenal are a long way ahead of United, especially now Odegaard is back - he has taken them to the levels we were expecting from them all season.

    It would be a real eye-opener if United go to Emirates Stadium and get something, but I can't see it.

    Arsenal have scored a lot of goals in the past week and that should continue here. They will win, and win well.

    Sutton's prediction: 3-1

  8. get involved

    Get Involved - Lopetegui futurepublished at 13:12 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    I'm not for sacking managers and I am not a Hammers fan. But Lopetegui must go for the sake of entertainment. A pessimistic approach has rubbed off the players who have lost interest and desire.

    Jordan, Essex

  9. Shaw 'devastated' at latest injury setbackpublished at 13:07 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    Arsenal v Manchester United (Wed, 20:15 GMT)

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport's chief football news reporter

    Luke ShawImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United defender Luke Shaw says he is "devastated" after suffering yet another injury setback that will keep him out for a few weeks.

    "I've been through a lot and had a lot of ups and downs, but this has been my toughest period," Shaw said.

    "I'm absolutely devastated and it's extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this time.

    "I understand there's going to be people frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all that. There is no-one feeling that more than me at this moment in time."

    Despite his injury concerns with United, Shaw was named in Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2024, where he made two substitute appearances in the knockout stages before starting in the 2-1 final defeat to Spain.

    That was his last competitive appearance before coming off the bench in manager Ruben Amorim's first game in charge against Ipswich on 24 November.

  10. get involved

    Get Involved - Lopetegui futurepublished at 13:03 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Bring back Harry Redknapp, he'd get a decent tune out of that squad!

    Chris

  11. Iraola to speakpublished at 13:00 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    Bournemouth v Tottenham (Thu, 20:15 GMT)

    Bournemouth

    Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is due to speak to the media shortly ahead of the team's meeting with Tottenham on Thursday night.

    Bournemouth currently sit 13th in the table after winning 4-2 in their last match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

    Iraola is likely to be asked team news, about their 'high risk but high reward' style and some possible transfer talk.

    We will bring you all the top lines from his news conference soon.

    Justin KluivertImage source, Getty Images
  12. Lopetegui future to be decided by the weekendpublished at 12:55 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    Leicester 3-1 West Ham

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport's chief football news reporter

    West Ham will decide Julen Lopetegui’s short-term future by the weekend.

    Lopetegui is under huge pressure following last night’s 3-1 defeat at Leicester and sources say Lopetegui's future hinges on a Board meeting to be held later this week.

    Brought in on a two-year deal to succeed David Moyes in the summer, the former Spain and Real Madrid coach arrived at the London Stadium amid huge expectation.

    West Ham spent over £120m on nine new players in the belief Lopetegui could steer them towards a return to Europe after missing out last season for the first time in four years.

    However, £27m Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug is yet to start a Premier League game, £25.5m Brazilian youngster Luis Guilherme has featured for just 11 minutes in two substitute appearances and many of the other new arrivals, including EFL player of the year Crysencio Summerville have struggled for form.

    While there is also scrutiny on technical director Tim Steidten, Lopetegui is the one feeling the heat after one win in five games since the victory over Manchester United on 27 October that triggered the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.

    Last night’s result leaves West Ham in 14th spot.

    Julen LopeteguiImage source, Getty Images
  13. 'Players are entitled to hold their own individual opinions'published at 12:51 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    Manchester United

    When asked about abandoning plans to wear a jacket supporting the LGBTQ+ community, Man United issued a statement: "Manchester United welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion.

    "We demonstrate these principles through a range of activities, including support for our Rainbow Devils supporters' club, and campaigns to celebrate our LGBTQ+ fans and combat all forms of discrimination.

    "Players are entitled to hold their own individual opinions, particularly in relation to their faith, and these may sometimes differ from the club's position."

  14. Man Utd scrapped LGBTQ+ jacket planspublished at 12:47 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    Bruno FernandesImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United abandoned plans to wear a jacket supporting the LGBTQ+ community before Sunday's win over Everton because a player refused to wear it.

    The Athletic, , externalsaid defender Noussair Mazraoui declined to take part in the initiative, citing his Muslim faith.

    United declined to confirm the identity of the player when approached by BBC Sport. Mazraoui's agent also declined to comment.

    LGBTQ+ supporters' club Rainbow Devils said it was a "great disappointment".

  15. FA will not charge Palace or Guehi over armband messagepublished at 12:41 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    Marc GuehiImage source, Getty Images

    The Football Association will not take formal action against Crystal Palace or club captain Marc Guehi after the defender again displayed a religious message on his kit.

    The England centre-back was reminded about the FA's regulations over religious messaging after writing "I love Jesus" on his rainbow captain's armband for Saturday's match against Newcastle United at Selhurst Park.

    Guehi ignored the reminder and displayed a 'Jesus loves you' message on his armband during Tuesday night's win against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

    The rainbow armbands are being worn as part of the Premier League's LGBTQ+ inclusion initiative in association with the charity Stonewall. Team captains are encouraged but not required to wear one.

    FA rules prohibit the "appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any religious message".

    BBC Sport has been told the FA will not take any formal action against Guehi or Palace but it has once again reminded the club about regulations regarding messaging on kits.

  16. Lopetegui decision 'before end of week'published at 12:34 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    Sky Sports

    West Ham boss Julen LopeteguiImage source, PA Media

    Sky Sports chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol on under-pressure West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui: "I think a decision on his future will be made before the end of the week.

    "The latest information we have is that it's 60-40 that Julen Lopetegui will be leaving before Friday.

    "The decision will be made by West Ham's board. I think there's a general acceptance that performances simply haven't been good enough.

    "At the moment, I think it's more likely he goes than stays but this is a difficult decision for the board to make because he was only appointed in the summer and they spent a lot of money in the transfer market."

  17. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 12:28 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    #bbcfootball on X, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Fans don't seem to happy about Sarina Wiegman's admin error.

    @RabbNawaz on X: An unbelievable mix-up! Could've been a game-changer for the Lionesses.

    @SleemMetaX on X: That's a major blunder! An admin error costing England a potential game- changer like Lucy Bronze is unbelievable.

  18. Bronze sent back to the dug-outpublished at 12:22 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    England 1-0 Switzerland

    Lucy Bronze on the side-line talking to Sarina WiegmanImage source, Getty Images
    Lucy Bronzer sat in the dugoutImage source, Getty Images

    England's Lucy Bronze was told to sit back down in yesterday's international friendly against Switzerland after a team sheet confusion.

    England boss Sarina Wiegman confirmed she intended to bring the right-back on in the second half, but was told she could not make an appearance on the pitch due to a team sheet error.

    "Unfortunately that was a human error from our side," said Wiegman.

    "And that's very frustrating of course, and very disappointing, because we wanted to bring her in mainly for her. Things happen sometimes."

    Despite the error, England successfully secured a 1-0 win against the Euro 2025 hosts, thanks to Grace Clinton who scored in the eighth minute of the match.

  19. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 12:15 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    #bbcfootball on X, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    As a long-suffering West Ham fan of 55 years this sort of form is the norm. However, we missed a trick in the summer in not appointing a younger manager. We need someone with fresh ideas who will bring in younger players. Our squad is largely old and immobile and we are so easy to counter against. Julen needs to go while there is still time for a new manager to come in and turn things around. I would personally like to see Graham Potter but don't think that will happen. The real underlying problem at West Ham is the board and owners. Until that changes it will always be a bit of a circus.

    Steve, Horsham

  20. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 12:10 Greenwich Mean Time 4 December

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Good result for Palace, showed the Premier League class we should have after 10+ seasons but we need to strengthen in January, absolutely toothless when Eze went off and looked very vulnerable in the last 10. There are three worse teams but the supporters deserve better.

    Miles in Slough