Skiddle's Open Goal: A Weekly Roundup of Football news and events

We are back after an international break where the World Cup picture became a bit clearer. The biggest story being that Sadio Mane once again got the better of Mo Salah on international duty as the Liverpool players went head to head. In a laser pointer-ridden penalty shootout, Salah missed and Mane scored the decisive penalty.

We've also discovered the groups for the tournament and England fans will be quite confident after being given Iran and the USA. Yet, the last place will belong to either Scotland, Wales or Ukraine and they'll be looking for a fierce game against one of the home nations. In Premier League news, the battle for the top stays as a stalemate, with Liverpool beating Watford and Manchester city beating Burnley by a score of 2-0.

The battle for the top 4 is heating up however as Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham and Manchester United all compete for the final Champions League place. With the North London rivals looking like the two teams most likely, both are in fine form with Tottenham beating Newcastle 5-1 and Arsenal holding an advantage of having two games in hand.

In one of the biggest surprises of the season, Everton's tumble towards the relegation zone hasn't been helped by a dreadful away record that was increased by a 2-1 loss to West Ham and a sending off for Michael Keane. With a daunting fixture list ahead, they must beat relegation rivals Burnley in the week. 

One of the biggest shocks was Brentford's 4-1 away win at Chelsea. The home side have been relatively unfazed by recent off-pitch turmoil and looked to continue their win streak as Rudiger smashed in a stunning long-range goal. Yet, out of nowhere, Brentford scored three in 14 minutes and added another goal late on. It was the first time in Premier League history where a home side had scored in the second half and then conceded 3+ goals to end up losing.

If you want more football and even some early World Cup plans then check out the events below.

 

Champions League Benfica vs Liverpool

When: Tuesday 5th April

Where: Peppercats, Liverpool

It's a huge night in the Champions League as we've reached the quarter-finals stage, and this is where anything can happen. Liverpool are away at Benfica and you can come and watch it in the company of your fellow Liverpool fans. The club are still in for multiple trophies this season and the Champions League would be a massive achievement.

 

Find tickets for Champions League Benfica vs Liverpool - here

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Meet and Greet With Football Legend Peter Beardsley

When: Thursday 7th April

Where: The Merton Apprentice, London

Peter Beardsley is a former England international whose club career boasted stints at Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Carlisle United and more. A winner of First Division titles, the FA Cup and with various individual awards, Beardsley is an iconic English player and you can get to greet him at this event.

 

Find tickets for Meet and Greet With Football Legend Peter Beardsley - here

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Richmond Fan Zone

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When: Monday 21st November

Where: Richmond Athletic Ground, Richmond

This one is for all of you early planners, as you can bag yourself a place at the Richmond fan zone for this year's World Cup right now. If you want to be there right from the start of England's World Cup journey with your fellow fans then there's no better place for atmosphere than this.

 

Find tickets for Richmond Fan Zone - here

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Manchester United vs Brentford Hospitality

When: Monday 2nd May

Where: Hotel Football Old Trafford, Manchester

 Brentford recently went to the home of the European Champions and embarrassed them so this may not be the walkover that you might have predicted earlier in the season. Manchester United will have to be at their best to contain a lively Brentford side who have picked up some unlikely points this season.

 

Find tickets for Manchester United vs Brentford Hospitality - here

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Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.