CHELSEA forward Marc Guiu has been named as eligible for the EFL Cup thanks to a little-known rule change.
The teenager spent a short-lived spell with Sunderland on loan earlier this season but was recalled before the transfer deadline.
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Enzo Maresca did not include Marc Guiu in his EFL Cup squadCredit: Reuters
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The Spaniard is eligible to play thanks to a little-known rule changeCredit: Getty
He scored for the Black Cats in their EFL Cup exit to Huddersfield while with the club, an appearance that was believed to have made him ineligible for future EFL cup games this season.
However, a rule change for the 2025/26 season changed the laws to allow a player to turn out for two different clubs in the same campaign.
But Chelsea themselves were reportedly not aware that the Spaniard was able to play in their cup match with Lincoln City on Tuesday, and he has been left out of the squad.
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EFL fans have been left baffled over Portsmouth’s goalkeeper substitution.
Keeper Nicolas Schmid was forced off after suffering a first half injury.
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Portsmouth’s goalkeepers are the spitting image of one another
And he was replaced by deputy Ben Killip, with the pair sharing an embrace as they switched over.
It was an eye-cathcing sub as Schmid and Killip bore a striking similarity with one another.
They both have curly blond hair and beards, prompting confusion for viewers at home.
One reacted saying: “I swear Portsmouth just bought on a stunt double for their keeper. Absolute doppelganger.”
Another added: “Should have just swapped them at half time without anyone knowing.”
A third wrote: “Bit unfair cloning your starting GK, Pompey.”
And another commented: “Had me questioning my sanity.”
The incident took place during Portsmouth’s 0-0 draw with Southampton in the South Coast derby.
Shortly afterwards the match was interrupted by a pitch invader, who made it as far as the halfway line and appeared to gesture towards the away fans.
Saints also aimed a cheeky dig at their rivals by unveiling a provocative tifo before the match, showing James Beattie celebrating a goal against Pompey in 2003.
Southampton vs Portsmouth paused as pitch invader evades security before being dragged off by eight police and staff
ANTHONY HARTIGAN was once taught a tough lesson at Wembley by Tottenham “beast” Victor Wanyama as a skinny 17-year-old.
But the Barnet captain is hoping to put that and all his EFL experience to good use as the Bees return to League Two on Saturday after a seven-year absence when they host Fleetwood.
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Anthony Hartigan tried his best to get the ball of Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama in 2018
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Hartigan, 25, clocked 118 appearances in League One for AFC Wimbledon and another 20 for Newport (on loan) and Mansfield in League Two before dropping into non-league with Barnet.
And he has also played at Wembley twice — including taking on Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs in 2018 with the Dons while their new stadium was being built.
He told SunSport: “We got drawn away against Tottenham in the FA Cup so I had a unique chance to play at Wembley. It was an incredible experience to take on Premier League stars live on TV.
“I was only 17 and it was my breakthrough year. I’d only made my senior debut that season so to be walking out under the arch alongside the likes of Harry Kane was surreal.
“I was up against Alli and Wanyama. I’ve got a photo of me trying to get the ball off Wanyama, which is funny because I’m like a skinny little boy and he was just a beast! I didn’t stand a chance!
“Our manager Neal Ardley told us the next morning, ‘That’s the standard you must reach if you want to make it to the top.’
“They just do everything so well technically, tactically, physically and mentally. It’s frightening how big a gap it is from our level.”
Luke Hartigan has found a new home with Barnet where he has returned to the EFL
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Anthony Hartigan also faced Arsenal and Eddie Nketiah in the Carabao Cup
Hartigan was also on the losing side in the 2021 League Two play-off final with Newport when they were beaten after extra-time by Morecambe.
Not only was the day soiled by the result but the crowd number was limited to only 9,083 because of Covid restrictions.
Neil Warnock hints at shock return to management with ‘unbelievable’ crisis club
Hartigan feels he has unfinished business in the EFL, having played regularly for the Dons.
But when he joined Mansfield three years ago, a shoulder injury wrecked his first season there before he was loaned for a year to Barnet, a move he made permanent last July.
However, he has found a home at the Hertfordshire club, starting 89 of his 90 league appearances — and winning the National League title in May.
Now he cannot wait to get his EFL career motoring again with the Bees.
He said: “I had a bit of bad luck going to Manfield. It was the right club for me at the wrong time — but Barnet has definitely proved to be the right team at the right time.
“I’ve excelled here because there are good people around me, I’m getting games under my belt again and the whole environment has been excellent.
“We don’t fear the jump into League Two because this team deserves to be here.
“On a personal level I want to reach the highest level I can and enjoy my football. I’m enjoying my journey with Barnet.”
He declared: “Football these days for me is more about mentality than ability.
“Every player at the level has ability which has allowed them to get to this point, but it’s so important that we, as a management team can tap into their psychological side too.
Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers
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Louis was transferred over 50 times as he clocked up 903 appearancesCredit: PA:Press Association
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The ace has now taken up a new job as assistant coach at Slough TownCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“Throughout the season, individuals will need one-to-one chats when things aren’t going as well as they may have hoped.
“And I strongly believe that with myself, Yella and now Jefferson joining the group, we’ve got all bases covered with the wealth of experience we have that we can now give back to the players.”
Slough fans reacted with delight at the news.
One said “Class this, great gaffer to learn off.”
Another declared: “Superb appointment, welcome back.”
One noted: “Absolutely love this, welcome Louis.”
Another added: “So much experience and knowledge at this level.”
FORMER League Two club Aldershot Town have released a statement amid concerns over the filing of their accounts to Companies House.
Aldershot, who finished 16th in the National League this season, are overdue for the publication of their accounts for the last financial year.
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Aldershot Town have released a statement after being late to file their financial accountsCredit: PA:Press Association
The late publication of their accounts has led to the company being issued a notice for compulsory strike-off.
A strike-off notice, which removes a company from the official register, effectively means a company ceases to exist as a legal entity if followed through.
Aldershot are able to object to the strike-off and try and explain their situation to Companies House before the action is carried out against the business.
Aldershot fans have voiced their concern online around the emergence of a compulsory strike-off notice appearing on the club’s Companies House page, prompting a response from the club itself.
A statement issued on X by the club’s official account read: “The Club is aware of recent comments on social media regarding the delay in filing our annual accounts with Companies House.
“The Club want to reassure our supporters and stakeholders that there is no cause for concern.
“The delay, whilst regrettable, is administrative and the result of a migration to a new accounting system.
“The transition has taken longer and proved more challenging than anticipated, but our finance team is working closely with our auditors/accountants to finalise the accounts, which we expect to file within the next seven days.”
Fans are still concerned by the situation with one supporter labelling it as “very strange”.
While a second wrote: “For full transparency, I think all of us fans would like to see how the accounts are doing”.
And a third added: “Well that eases no one’s mind…”
Aldershot won their first piece of silverware in nearly 20 years this season as they lifted the FA Trophy thanks to a 3-0 victory over Spennymoor Town at Wembley.
The Shots have been trying to make a return to the EFL since their relegation from League Two in 2013, but are resigned to a 13th consecutive National League season following their 16th placed finish this term.
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Aldershot won the FA Trophy this seasonCredit: Alamy
CARLOS BALEBA isn’t just here to make up the numbers, he’s chasing football’s ultimate individual prize and wants to leave an indelible mark on the game.
The 21-year-old Brighton midfielder is full confidence and charm as he reveals his dream of getting to the top of world football from his home in Hove after inviting me over for an interview.
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Carlos Baleba has wasted little time in settling into the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex
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Baleba is the latest midfielder being linked with a move away from BrightonCredit: INSTAGRAM @carlos_baleba
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Baleba was born in the same town as Samuel Eto’o in CameroonCredit: AFP
Baleba is dreaming of winning the Ballon d’Or, and says praise from Declan Rice and inspiration from Rodri’s success have convinced him it’s possible.
He told SunSport in an exclusive interview: “Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, Joelinton, they’ve all told me I’ve got it in me.
“I want to win the Ballon d’Or like Rodri.
“I watched him during the Euros and before his injury I played against him and time I got the ball, he was right in front of me.
“It was my first game against Manchester City, and it was very difficult.
“He made it so hard to dribble or pass. That showed his class.
“His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon d’Or someday.”
Baleba is already making waves with his performances. The Cameroonian is the only midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues this season to register 30+ tackles, 30+ interceptions, 30+ clearances, 30+ take-ons, and 30+ aerial duels won, a stat line that shows just how complete his game is.
But for now, Baleba is focused on developing and not paying attention to the rumour mill.
Brighton players in tunnel post match after beating Bournemouth 2-1
He said: “Yes, I can get to the very top of world football.
“But I need to stay focused, stay calm, not rush, and not let what people write get in my head. If I keep working hard, I can be like Luka Modric or Toni Kroos, I just need to stay grounded.”
The Brighton star’s journey is nothing short of remarkable so far. Just three years ago, he was still in Cameroon, uncertain about his future.
When he finally got his breakthrough move to Lille, tragedy struck, he lost his mother, he says it was sudden and quick. It’s a pain that still drives him.
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Baleba spent just a season in France before Brighton made their moveCredit: Getty
He revealed: “It was very difficult for me because I didn’t see my mum. I wanted her next to me, but when I signed for Brighton, she wasn’t here.
“That’s why the first season was really hard. I thought about her a lot. But I vowed that I would be the best version of myself and go as far as I can in my career.”
The Premier League is the dream destination for many young African players, but Baleba warns it’s not for the faint-hearted.
“The intensity, if you don’t run, you cannot play in the Premier League. That’s the truth. You have to be willing to put in the hard work.”
What makes Baleba stand out isn’t just his football, it’s his effort to adapt to a new culture and language.
His English is still a work in progress, but he’s proud of the steps he’s taking to settle in, even if the British weather isn’t always his cup of tea.
“I love it here, to be honest. My favourite English food is the English breakfast, if I’m allowed to say that!.
“But the weather is the only issue, it changes all the time.”
Brighton will be hoping Baleba can continue his meteoric rise, following in the footsteps of midfield stars like Alexis Mac Allister, Yves Bissouma, and Moises Caicedo.
All arrived as unknowns but left as stars. The Cameroonian might just be the next one off the Seagulls’ midfield conveyor belt, and if he keeps dreaming big, he could go even further.
