#player-form

#player-form

Every Friday I will pick the weekend's best or most exciting games that are not to be missed in the world of football. From derbies to top-of-the-table clashes, relegation six-pointers to world-class players facing each other or other interesting tactical battles, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. This week, it is all about top (or near top) of the table clashes, so let's get right into it!

From Brazil they mentioned Chelsea as a possible solution for Rodrygo, Romano said. But at the moment, what I'm getting from Chelsea sources is very clear; Chelsea are not in negotiations with Rodrygo, and are not in talks with Rodrygo's camp or Real Madrid. That's about as straightforward as it gets really, isn't it? Sorry to any Chelsea fans who were hopeful about the Brazil international rocking up at Stamford Bridge any time soon!

Bayern Munich sputtered into the international break with a 2-2 draw against Union Berlin. While it was tough watch at times, there is no reason to panic...right? Right? Right - and let's talk about why, plus more on the next edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show: The aftermath of Bayern Munich's 2-2 draw with Union Berlin. How are fans feeling? Did Vincent Kompany go to the well one too many times? Was the team tired, uninspired, or both?

This clash with the All Blacks is coming so early in the season that it's hard to get a gauge on player form, but there's a freshness to the team Andy Farrell picked that suggests he's learnt lessons from last season's defeat in the same fixture. Seven of his starting pack were Lions last summer, six of them took part in the Test series, and while there's a worry over their lack of game-time, there's a lot of experience and class up front to bridge the gap.

Former Tottenham and Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has criticised West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta for his poor form and selfish performances. The Brazil international has at various points been a key player for the Hammers, even leading to speculation that top clubs like Manchester City were interested in him. There were also links with Aston Villa in the summer, though a deal never materialised and he seemed to commit his future to West Ham.

He has a contract for one more year, two more years with us. The most important thing for him is he's back, he's playing, Guardiola told reporters. His influence in every Everton game is there maybe after what happened, Manchester City wants him back. I don't know, many things are still going to happen. It's about the club, the agent, of course the manager's involved but we'll see.

"This is a guy who's given absolutely everything for this club," Rodgers said. "But it's so important that you don't get caught up in this mentality of 'it's not fair' because it's very dangerous territory and it's hard to move on from."

With four goals in his opening seven appearances, Jackson said his striker started the season with "a point to prove". "He was there week in, week out and I didn't feel the team functioned as well without him. So probably partly down to me playing him so much that he had a little bit of a drop off," Jackson told BBC Radio London.