The German government has offered cash payments to Afghan nationals stranded in Pakistan if they give up efforts to immigrate to Germany under a resettlement programme established for vulnerable groups, including those who once worked with German forces in Afghanistan.
About 2,000 Afghans have been approved for relocation to Germany under the programme for people at risk under Taliban rule, but have been stranded in Pakistan for months or even years awaiting resettlement.
Germany’s conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz suspended the programme in May in a bid to show his administration’s seriousness about tackling migration, a major concern for German voters at a time when the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) tops several opinion polls.
“It is logical that if we assume that people have no possibility of being admitted to Germany, we offer them some perspective, and this is linked to making a financial offer for a voluntary return to Afghanistan or another third country,” German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said on Wednesday.
Afghan nationals who already hold binding approval to enter Germany under the suspended programme will still be allowed to enter the country – subject to security checks – but others will not, the minister added.
The site of an Israeli drone attack on a vehicle in the southern Lebanese village
The Israeli military said Thursday it launched strikes on Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon in response to what it described as the group’s attempts to rebuild operations in the region.
The Israel Defense Forces’ Arabic language spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued warnings to residents of several villages in the region ahead of the strikes.
“You are located in a building used by Hezbollah. For your safety, you are requested to evacuate immediately to a distance of at least 500 meters from the building. Remaining in the vicinity of these structures endangers your lives,” Adraee said.
A US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel went into effect in November 2024, ending over a year of cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The fighting began when the Lebanese militant group launched attacks on Israeli positions a day after the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault, in what Hezbollah said was an act of solidarity.
Under the agreement, Israel was to halt offensive operations and gradually withdraw from positions inside southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah was to pull back heavy weaponry north of the Litani River. However, Israel has continued to strike targets in Lebanon, citing Hezbollah violations of the truce, claims the group has denied.
The Israeli security cabinet is set to convene Thursday evening, according to two Israeli officials. One of the officials told CNN Lebanon will be among the topics discussed.
The officials said Israel has been warning in recent weeks against what they described as “Hezbollah attempts to rearm and reestablish its offensive capabilities.”
Nancy Pelosi has announced her retirement from Congress, ending a decades-long career that saw the California Democrat become one of the most powerful figures in US politics.
In a video message on Thursday, Pelosi said she will not be seeking re-election to Congress at the end of her term in January 2027.
It marks the end of a storied political career: Pelosi, 85, became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House and led her party in the lower chamber of Congress from 2003 until 2023.
“We have made history, we have made progress,” Pelosi said in her message. As we go forward, my message to the city I love is this: San Francisco, know your power,” Pelosi added.
Pelosi was first elected by her party to be speaker of the House in 2007, becoming the first woman to serve in that role. She served until 2011, when Democrats lost control of the lower chamber, before returning to the speaker’s chair from 2019 to 2023.
Speaker of the House is the one congressional job detailed in the US Constitution. After the vice-president, it is next in line to the presidency.
In that role, Pelosi played a critical role in advancing – or thwarting – the agendas of multiple presidents during her long career on Capitol Hill.
She is widely credited with marshalling the passage of former President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare legislation, as well as bills to address infrastructure and climate change under incumbent President Joe Biden.
Pelosi also directly challenged Donald Trump throughout his presidency, famously ripping up a copy of his State of the Union address behind his back.
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum has said she will press charges against a man who groped her during a public appearance.
Mobile phone footage of the incident on Tuesday shows Sheinbaum speaking to a group of supporters on a street near the National Palace in Mexico City.
In the video, a man approaches her from behind and attempts to kiss her on the neck and place his hands on her body.
Sheinbaum moved away quickly and a member of her team stepped in, but she was visibly shaken. The offender has been arrested.
“My view is, if I don’t file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women? If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?” Sheinbaum said at a news conference on Wednesday.
“I decided to press charges because this is something that I experienced as a woman, but that we as women experience in our country,” she said. “I have experienced it before, when I wasn’t president, when I was a student.”
She added that she had decided to press ahead with bringing charges against the suspect as he had allegedly harassed other women in the crowd.
“A line must be drawn,” she said.
Women’s rights groups and feminist commentators have said the incident shows the extent of ingrained machismo in Mexican society, where a man believes he has the right to accost even the president if she is a woman.
Femicide is also a huge problem in Mexico, with a staggering 98% of gender-based murders estimated to go unpunished.
Sheinbaum promised to tackle the issue as a candidate, but so far in her administration there has been no discernible improvement in that area of violent crime.
The incident also comes amid discussions about presidential security and the wider safety of politicians.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that the same process that causes hair to turn gray may also protect the body from developing skin cancer.
The study, published on October 6, 2025, in Nature Cell Biology, found that pigment-producing stem cells in hair follicles called melanocyte stem cells (McSCs)—react to DNA damage in two different ways. These reactions can either lead to gray hair or, in other circumstances, to melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.
Throughout life, our cells are constantly exposed to stress from sunlight, chemicals, and internal changes that damage DNA. Such damage can cause both aging and cancer, but scientists have not fully understood how stem cells decide whether to protect or harm the body—until now.
Professor Emi Nishimura and Assistant Professor Yasuaki Mohri led the research team. Using long-term experiments in mice, they tracked how melanocyte stem cells respond when their DNA is damaged.
They found that when these cells detect serious DNA breaks, they enter a process called senescence-coupled differentiation or seno-differentiation. This means the cells stop dividing and mature into pigment cells that are eventually lost, resulting in gray hair.This, the researchers say, is the body’s way of protecting itself.
However, when these stem cells are exposed to certain carcinogens such as ultraviolet (UV) rays or a chemical called 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene they sometimes skip this protective step. Instead, they keep dividing and growing, even with DNA damage. This uncontrolled growth, supported by a molecule called KIT ligand, can lead to the development of melanoma.
Professor Nishimura explained, “The same stem cells can either stop functioning or start multiplying, depending on the type of stress they experience and the signals around them. This means that graying hair and melanoma are two sides of the same coin.”
The researchers emphasize that gray hair doesn’t mean you’re safe from cancer, but the graying process itself might reflect a built-in defense mechanism a way for the body to get rid of cells that could otherwise become harmful.
Their findings offer a new way to understand how aging and cancer are connected and suggest that losing pigment cells through graying could be part of the body’s natural strategy to stay healthy.
Mad. Christina Ampofowaah Akwah, Neonatal Nurse Specialist - KATH
The Pediatric Society of Ghana is advocating for equitable healthcare to every preterm baby, regardless of geographical location or socio-economic status.
Madam Christina Ampofowaah Akwah, a Neonatal Nurse Specialist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), made this call at the launch of Prematurity Awareness Month.
Nurses of MBU Neonatal Department at the Launching
According to her, the society is advocating for equal access to healthcare for all preterm babies, regardless of where they live or their parents’ socio-economic status.
She said the society is calling for basic equipment, such as incubators and ventilators, to be made available in all hospitals that care for preterm babies.
The Neonatal Nurse Specialist urged the government to prioritise the needs of preterm babies and provide support to hospitals to improve care.
According to Madam Akwah, many hospitals in Ghana lacked the necessary resources, including equipment and skilled staff, to care for preterm babies, and said Ghana’s preterm birth rate is higher than the global average, noting that the country faces significant challenges in reducing mortality rates.
The Pediatric Society of Ghana also called on the government, stakeholders and philanthropists to support efforts to improve care for preterm babies and advocated for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and training for healthcare professionals.
Dr. Eugene Martey, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Pediatric Society of Ghana emphasized the need for equitable care for all preterm babies.
Dr. Naana Wireko Brobbey, a Neonatologist at the Department of Child Healthcare at KATH stressed the disparities in healthcare access and quality, both between and within countries.
According to her, Prematurity is a significant public health concern globally and that Ghana is no exception, explaining that prematurity accounts for an estimated 10% of births globally.
She disclosed that in 2010, the global preterm birth rate was 9.9% with 9.8% in high-income countries and 10% in low-income settings.
She indicated that Ghana’s preterm birth rate is well above the global average, with various risk factors contributing to that issue, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, infection, maternal age, multiple pregnancies, under-nutrition and poor ANC attendance.
The Neonatologist noted that Ashanti region faces significant challenges in caring for preterm babies, including Limited Neonatal Units.
“The region has limited neonatal units, and those available often lack specialized equipment and adequate supplies,” she said.
She added that “there is a shortage of skilled staff, and inconsistent guidelines implementation and weak referral systems further exacerbate the problem” which disparity in healthcare access and quality highlights a hidden crisis in quality of care and access.
Dr. Wireko Brobbey emphasised that it is not just death, but also severe morbidity, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), cerebral palsy, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), poor growth and developmental delays, that have a significant impact on families and society.
She reiterated that the situation calls for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, training for healthcare professionals, and community involvement to address the root causes of prematurity and improve care for preterm babies.
She recommended that stakeholders work together to reduce the burden of prematurity and ensure that every baby has the best possible start in life.
Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries
“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.”- (1 Corinthians 12:27 NLT)
INTRODUCTION
One of the most powerful truths in the New Testament is that every believer in Christ is not just saved, but placed into a spiritual Body. The Christian life is not a solo journey. God never intended that anyone would walk with Him alone. We are saved into a family, a community, the Church of the Living God.
The Bible makes this very clear: “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NLT)
This means every believer is needed. Every believer is intentionally positioned by God.
There is no believer without purpose.
There is no believer without a ministry.
There is no believer without something to contribute.
Everyone has a role and every church needs its members to function in their place.
Every Believer Matters
Many Christians think ministry is only for pastors, prophets, or those on stage. But according to Scripture, every believer is a minister in some area. God places His people intentionally. Some roles are visible and others are quiet and hidden. But all are valuable in the eyes of God.
Sometimes the most impactful ministries are the ones nobody notices.
Someone interceding quietly may be carrying the whole ministry in prayer. Someone sweeping the room before service begins may be preparing the atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to touch hearts. Someone welcoming people at the entrance may be the reason a visitor stays long enough to hear the Gospel.
This shows that in the Kingdom of God, size does not determine significance. What is unseen can be very powerful.
When We Withdraw, The Body Becomes Weaker
When an organ in the human body refuses to function, the whole body suffers. In the same way, when a believer decides not to serve, the church is affected.
Many churches today are becoming weaker not because they lack prayer or finances, but because many gifted and capable believers choose to sit in church and not take responsibility. When believers stop serving, ministries lose strength.
We were not saved to be spectators. We were saved to be vessels God uses.
Serving Others Is Serving God
Ephesians 2:10 teaches that God already prepared good works for us to walk in. That means every act of service is planned by God. Every time we serve someone, we are ministering to God Himself.
When we support someone in the church, we are honouring Christ. When we dedicate time to build the work of God, we invest in eternal things. Service is worship.
A moment for personal reflection
Each of us must ask:
How am I serving the Body of Christ in my local church?
Am I contributing or just attending?
Have I withdrawn from serving, and how did that affect the church?
Serving is not optional in the Kingdom of God. It is part of who we are as followers of Christ.
CONCLUSION
Every believer has a God-given assignment in the Body of Christ. There are no unnecessary members in the church. God placed everyone in the Body for a reason. When we serve, the Church becomes stronger. When we do not serve, the Body becomes weaker.
Do not only attend the church.
Do not only enjoy the benefits of Christian fellowship.
Take your place and serve.
Your gift matters.
Your presence matters.
Your service matters.
God sees it and God rewards it.
Quilled and adapted for this week’s article from Rick Warren (May 21, 2014) and also through teaching threads attributed to Steve
Stay blessed!
Please note that the preaching program on Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays at 5:30 am has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays at 5:30 am and YFM 107.9 – Sundays at 6:30 am for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm for Hymns and Their Stories.
“The mistake a lot of politicians make is forgetting they’ve been appointed and thinking they’ve been anointed.”
Mildred Pepper
Abronye, the name Kwame Baffoe has given himself, should have been the last name one should spill his ink on. However, we bring him for NPP people to know how he has helped to break this party we have all helped to wean and grow.
Say that Jaman South is Abronye’s Waterloo, and you will not go wrong literally or idiomatically. Abronye was on the respectable Bawumia Campaign Team, and Abronye took the mike to speak.
As expected, Abronye’s speech was lined with insinuations that pointed in the direction of Kennedy Agyapong and his “spokesmen.”
Then the insinuations backfired; the audience said it loud: “Kanea Bawumia betumiayɛ” (Tell us what Bawumiais capable of doing); “Hwanasemnaworeka no?” (whose story are you telling us); “Akutia no emmoa party yi” (The insinuation is not going to help the party).
Presto! And there was chaos. There was no time to reflect on Bawumia’s message. Huu-huu; huu-huu — that was Abronye being hooted at. So, a fine chance for Bawumia to distance himself from the allegation that his campaign had listed “Ten Sins of Kennedy Agyapong,” “Ten Sins of Bryan Acheampong,” and “Ten Sins of Dr. Yaw Adutwum’’. Or Bawumia to copyright same and take the credit or reward for it.
In a TV discussion, the panelists, save one, was on one accord. One discussant noted, Abronyereha Bawumia (Abronye is worrying Bawumia); another panellist asked, “Abronyeentiɔy3 correct? (Is Abronye okay mentally and psychologically?)” Abronye, sɛneaɔsi, kasayɔ, entiɔkyenaɔnnktee Bawumia to (“The way Abronye speaks, is he not capable of revealing Bawumia’s secret?”).
Abronye resee NPP (Abronye is lowering the dignity of the Party). Believe it or not the NPP is no longer attractive as it used to be, say in 2016! Or does the Bawumia’s Campaign team think Abronye has the Midas’ Touch? (ability to be successful in whatever one does). Abronye rather fritters away votes for whoever he champions for and scatters NPP lovers. Kwesi Poku Bosompem (Tema West NPP Chairman) says “NPP left 12 seats for Abronye in the Bono Region and now he has only 1 seat.
This is the man talking, insulting, attacking and making all the noise.”(A lady sitting by is told “Abronye’s wife is a lawyer,” and asked, “will you marry him…?” and she answers, “This man — he is the anti-thesis of Adonis (the male Greek god) or Apollo, both of whom are praised for their beauty or their awful handsomeness), how can I marry him?”).Whom has Abronye not insulted?
Tetteh Yohuno, the IGP, got his share of being described as most corrupt and Abronye is “trending”; as for Kennedy Agyapong, Abronye has used him as his “chewing stick.” He has “touched” A Plus calling him “impetuous and heedless fool”; he had a string of unprintable words from acidic tongue for the man of God, Duncan Williams. As for Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the Presidential Advisor engage in politics of convenience and vitriolic attacks on anybody including his own party leaders he thinks have not done something right.
This has also not spared him numerous court cases and criminal charges and investigations, and under Ghana laws, such behaviour is not only immoral but criminal. The police, acting rightly, invited him to explain himself. Instead of facing this squarely, Abronye chose to cloak himself in victimhood.
He twisted accountability into persecution. And now, shockingly, he is petitioning foreign embassies in Ghana including the USA, UK, Canada, Spain and Côte d’Ivoire for political asylum. The action of the police neither persecution nor oppression as he claims. Oh, poor Reverend Owusu-Bempah and Reverend Pambour! We quote a contributerinextense.
‘’This is not a story of a political prisoner. This is a story of a man who has lived by politics of abuse and now seeks to evade the consequence by crying wolf to the international community. Abronye is no stranger to controversies. If words were weapons, his arsenal would be overflowing with bullets of abuse. His political career has been marked less by policy ideas and more of vitriolic attacks. His speeches often broadcast on radio and social media are littered with slurs and unfounded accusations. To him, disagreement is not to be debated, it is to be cursed.
We must as a people reject the normalisation of insults in politics. We must teach our children that leadership is about service, not slander; about ideas, not abuse. Ghanaians must unite in saying: no more to politics of insults and condemn actions such as those of Abronye’’. What else would one have to add to this?
Is insult the new trade-mark of political advantage. A lady has filed a defamation lawsuit against Abronye demanding a retraction, an apology, and GHS10 million for alleged defamatory statements about her salary and conduct. The Acting CEO of the Forestry Commission, on his part, has sued Abronye for GHS2.6 million for accusations of forging documents and illegal land sales. Abronye himself admits insulting President John Mahama 89 times and President John Agyekum Kufuor.
On September 8, 2025, one must have read a by-line by one Neenyi Essel Jr. titled ‘Kwame Abronye DC, a merchant of insults seeking refuge in deception.’ The story goes: “Ghana is a land where respect is woven into our culture like kente threads — vivid, enduring and sacred. From the days of our forefathers, reverence for authority, elders and institutions has defined who we are. In our villages, no child dared to call an elder a fool. Unfortunately, politics of convenience is gradually eroding some of these sacred cultures the nation has imbued with its people.
One individual has stood out not for wisdom nor leadership, but for a crude trade in insults — the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Kwame Baffoe, popularly (or)notoriously known as Abronye DC. He continues to be loved by NPP? So that, now, the more you insult, the greater your recognition? We agree that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”; but can’t we do our politics devoid of insults?
In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (in Luke 18:11–14), the Pharisee prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people — robbers, evil-doers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector.” The tax collector humbly acknowledged his sin and asked for mercy. Jesus noted that God favoured the tax collector’s prayer because he was humble, but the Pharisee’s prayer was self-serving; those who exalt themselves will be humbled; those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Don’t talk to us and advise us about Kevin Taylor, nor Captain Smart, nor Omanhene. In these cases, we pray nobody does “unhealthy equalisation.” Don’t preach to us that what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. What Prof. Atta Mills would say: “Dzi wo fie asem” (Clean your own home). Let’s be guided by the Biblical fiat: “First cast out the beam out of thy own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:3–5).
To talk the simple language, the boo from the audience at Jaman South did not hit Abronye (he has already dirtied himself); it was to hit Bawumia!
Hearts and Kotoko renew rivalry on matchday nine of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League. As the ninth round of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season kicks off this weekend, excitement is building among football fans eager to see how their teams respond in the quest for vital points.
The season has already showcased a blend of high-intensity performances and tactical surprises. Emerging talents have begun to make their mark, adding fresh energy to the competition, while managers across the league continue to tweak their strategies in search of consistency. With every point now proving crucial, the coming weekend promises more drama, determination and defining moments on the pitch.
Match officials have earned praise this season for their consistency and composure, helping to ensure a fair and competitive atmosphere across fixtures. Their performance has contributed to the growing sense of discipline and respect within the league.
Beyond the pitch, the positive conduct of players, coaches and supporters has also been a highlight of the campaign. The renewed sense of unity and respect across all levels of the game reflects a league evolving not just in quality, but in professionalism and sportsmanship as well.
Below are the matchday nine previews:
Hearts, Kotoko Face Off in Accra
The city of Accra is bracing for Ghana’s biggest soccer rivalry as Hearts of Oak host Asante Kotoko in a fixture that continues to define Ghanaian football. With both sides entering the match under contrasting circumstances, the stakes are high and the atmosphere promises to be electric.
Samuel Atta Kumi, Bibiani Gold Stars
Hearts head into this clash in strong form, sitting fourth on the league table with 16 points after eight matches. Their recent performances have been encouraging, pushing them closer to the top three.
The Phobians appear more balanced this season, displaying improved organisation and confidence, especially at home, where they have been difficult to break down.
Black Stars’ number one goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare, could prove the difference if Hearts are to get anything from this encounter.
Kotoko, meanwhile, are enduring a challenging start to their campaign as they currently occupy ninth place with 11 points with three outstanding matches in hand. Kotoko will be eager to make the most of their opportunities and a match against Hearts provides the perfect platform to reignite their season.
Recent head-to-head meetings between the two sides highlight the unpredictability of this rivalry. In their last few competitive encounters, Kotoko have claimed three victories, including 2–0 and 3–2 wins.
Hearts, however, dominated their most recent meeting, a 2–0 friendly victory in August, 2025 suggesting the momentum may be shifting their way.
With Hearts aiming to strengthen their title push and Kotoko desperate to climb the table, this clash has all the ingredients of a tense, high-quality battle.
Expect intensity, tactical discipline and moments of brilliance as Ghana’s biggest rivals collide once again.
Heart of Lions Host Berekum Chelsea
Heart of Lions prepare to face Berekum Chelsea in what promises to be a tightly contested Premier League encounter, with both sides looking to gain valuable momentum at this stage of the season.
Benjamin Asare, Hearts of Oak
Heart of Lions enter the fixture in a promising position, sitting fifth on the league table with 15 points just behind Hearts of Oak and within touching distance of the top four.
Their recent form shows improvement, highlighted by competitive performances and greater attacking stability. Playing at home, where they traditionally perform strongly, the Lions will see this match as a key opportunity to climb further up the standings.
Berekum Chelsea, on the other hand, approaches the fixture with mixed results in recent games. Though their current standing is slightly lower than that of Heart of Lions, Chelsea has shown resilience and the ability to grind out results.
Their head-to-head history with the Kpando-based side suggests they are capable of causing problems once again.
With each side having claimed one win and shared a draw in their recent encounters, this fixture remains delicately balanced. Heart of Lions will rely on their strong home form and current league position, while Berekum Chelsea will aim to replicate their narrow victory from April.
League leaders Aduana welcome Medeama
Aduana and Medeama are set for a heavyweight clash at the top of the Ghana Premier League table, with both sides entering the fixture in excellent form and separated by just a single point. This matchup has all the makings of a title-defining encounter.
Aduana currently sit first on the league table with 18 points after eight matches. Their campaign has been built on efficiency and defensive solidity, reflected in their six wins and impressive goal record.
Playing at home, where they are particularly strong, Aduana will look to reassert their dominance and maintain their position at the summit.
Medeama, sitting second with 17 points, have been equally impressive. With five wins, two draws, and just one loss, they boast one of the most balanced squads in the league. Their goal record reflects a team capable of blending defensive organisation with sharp attacking play. Medeama’s recent form suggests momentum is building at just the right time ahead of this crucial fixture.
The head-to-head history between the two sides adds even more intrigue. Medeama have proven they can trouble Aduana, securing 2–0 victories in both March 2024 and March 2025.
However, Aduana responded strongly with a 2–2 draw in October 2024 and a 2–0 home win in September 2023. This evenly balanced record underscores how unpredictable this fixture can be.
With only one point separating the teams, the winner could gain a significant early advantage in the title race.
Tottenham and Manchester United battle in North London
Sitting level on points and within touching distance of the Premier League’s top three, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United do battle in North London on Saturday lunchtime.
The two teams meet for the first time since last season’s Europa League final in May.
After being booed off the pitch by their own supporters following their wretched 1-0 defeat to rivals Chelsea in the Premier League last weekend, Tottenham bounced back in emphatic fashion on Tuesday night as they put Copenhagen to the sword 4-0 on home soil in the Champions League.
Tottenham fans are now crying out for consistency and Frank is optimistic that his side can build an extended run of form.
Man United and head coach Ruben Amorim deserve credit for how they have responded to a turbulent start to the campaign.
Amorim, who has been nominated for October’s Manager of the Month award, believes that his players are “giving everything” and “have the potential to do better” in their quest to push the club up the table.
Now sitting eight in the table and only behind both Spurs and Chelsea on goal difference, Man United will endeavour to put together a run of five games without defeat for the first time since January/February 2024, which was also the last time they scored at least two goals in five successive matches.
Real Sociedad will be aiming to make it three straight wins in Spain’s top flight when they continue their campaign with a clash against Elche at Estadio Martinez Valero on Friday night.
Mikel Oyarzabal, Real Sociedad
The visitors are currently 14th in the La Liga table, picking up 12 points from their first 11 matches of the season, while the home side are ninth, boasting 14 points from their opening 11 games of 2025-26.
Elche have a record of three wins, five draws and three defeats from their 11 league matches this season, with 14 points leaving them in ninth spot in the table, four points behind sixth-placed Espanyol.
Elche have lost three of their last four in La Liga, though, including a 3-1 reverse to Barcelona last time out.
Real Sociedad beat Elche 1-0 and 2-0 during the 2022-23 La Liga campaign, while they have not been overcome by the Green-striped ones since a 1-0 reverse in April 2015.
The White and Blues have had a tough start to the season, but they are currently on a run of three straight wins in all competitions, including their last two in La Liga against Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao.
There has not been a draw between these two sides since August 2013, with Real Sociedad dominating the recent meetings, but Elche are yet to lose on home soil this season, and we are expecting the Green-striped ones to be good enough for a point here.
The unofficial Granit Xhaka derby will be held at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon, when Sunderland and Arsenal square off in a Premier League top-four battle.
Gabriel Magalhães, Arsenal
The high-flying hosts find themselves just seven points and three places worse off than Mikel Arteta‘s men, who must attempt something no other team has managed so far this season – beat the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s Champions League collision with Slavia Prague made them achieve something no English top-flight side had achieved for a staggering 105 years – win eight successive games in all competitions without conceding a single goal.
The seventh result in that sequence was another routine away-day triumph – a 2-0 beating of Burnley at Turf Moor that saw Arsenal maintain their six-point advantage over Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League standings, where they will remain throughout the international break.
Arsenal are also bidding to record five straight Premier League wins with clean sheets for the first time in their history, last managing that feat in the top flight during the George Graham days of 1987.
Sunderland’s consistent home scorers pit their wits against one of the meanest backlines English football has ever seen, and the latter has our vote to come out on top.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Undefeated Como welcome Cagliari
Undefeated at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia this season, Como welcome Cagliari in Saturday’s Serie A gameweek 11 fixture, aiming to avoid defeat in Lombardy.
Cesc Fabregas‘s team have earned 11 of the 15 points available in front of their supporters, including winning two consecutive matches, and they are favourites to secure a third straight victory against an opponent who are winless in their last three away games in the top flight.
Nico Paz, Como
Como secured a commendable point in Naples last weekend, drawing against Antonio Conte’s team to prolong their unbeaten away streak to four matches.
However, although they have not been defeated since a 1-0 loss to Bologna at the end of August, the Lariani have only managed three draws in their most recent four away games, including two consecutive goalless matches against Parma and Napoli.
They aim to secure three consecutive home wins in Serie A, a feat not accomplished since last season when they defeated Torino (1-0), Genoa (1-0) and Cagliari (3-1) between April and May.
This goal appears attainable, considering they have scored the joint-third highest number of goals (nine) in home matches and conceded just three, fewer than every other club except Bologna and Pisa, who have let in one and two, respectively.
Cagliari were the team against whom Como achieved three consecutive wins in May, and the Sardinians hope to avoid a repeat this weekend.
However, this season’s precedent suggests the Isolani may face more disappointment on the road, given their record of one win, two draws and two defeats away from home.
Against a team as skilled as Fabregas’s side, the Sardinians are likely to face a third defeat on their travels this weekend.
