Sparta can put Feyenoord on threshold of title – PSV defends spot two

Genoa back at highest level

Genoa returns after a year at the highest level of Italian soccer, Serie A. The club won Saturday over Ascoli (2-1) and is now sure of at least second place in Serie B, sufficient for promotion. Frosinone, leader in Serie B, previously secured promotion.

Mattia Bani and Croatian Milan Badelj scored for Genoa, Davide Marsura did so for Ascoli. Kevin Strootman, former international of the Netherlands, played the entire match with Genoa. Where Genoo is promoted, city rival Sampdoria is close to relegation as Serie A’s straggler.

Allardyce coach for ninth time in Premier League

Sam Allardyce was appointed the new coach of Leeds United on Wednesday. The Englishman replaces Javi Gracia, who has only been in charge of the group since February this year. It is his ninth job in the Premier League for the 68-year-old Allardyce. The former England national coach’s previous job ended two years ago. Then he had to save West Bromwich Albion from relegation, which he failed to do. He also has to save Leeds.

He previously managed Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Everton. Against leaders Manchester City, Allardyce and Leeds were trailing 2-0 at halftime on Saturday.

Standings: Sparta can put Feyenoord on threshold of championship

Sparta Rotterdam can take city rival Feyenoord to the threshold of the championship. If Sparta takes points in the home match against PSV (kick-off 18.45 hrs), Feyenoord can clinch the title on Sunday. Coach Arne Slot’s team must win at Excelsior.

Feyenoord are eight points ahead of PSV, who won the KNVB Cup by beating Ajax on penalties last Sunday. Sparta is having a strong season and is in fifth place.

With Ajax and AZ, the numbers 3 and 4 of the league table take on each other in the Johan Cruijff ArenA from 9 p.m. onwards. Ajax has 2 points more than the Alkmaarers and is 3 points behind PSV.

At the bottom of the premier league, relegation could become a reality this weekend for SC Cambuur and FC Groningen. Cambuur, which is 12 points away from a “safe” position, hosts FC Utrecht on Saturday night (kickoff 8 p.m.). FC Groningen will play Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday from 2:30 pm. With 11 points behind the first clubs above them (Excelsior and FC Emmen), Groningen too can hardly avoid relegation.

With new owner, Chelsea experience disastrous season: ‘Messes up on all sides’

A new owner, two trainer changes and a 12th place ranking; it is not Chelsea’s year, to say the least. And it’s not just a bad run or a down phase, but 39 points after 33 games.

“It’s rumbling on all sides,” also sees former Chelsea player Boudewijn Zenden, who has also been an assistant coach at the London club.