Football Brief: Carrick handed Man Utd ultimatum as Arsenal backed for Champions League glory

Tonight's football round-up: Manchester United have been plunged into crisis following an injury to Carlos Baleba, leaving Michael Carrick fighting for his job. Meanwhile, Arsenal have received a major fitness boost after being backed by Opta as Champions League favourites.

Premier League: Carrick on the brink, Arsenal squad boost

Manager Michael Carrick has confirmed that £70m midfielder Carlos Baleba has suffered a hamstring tear and faces several weeks on the sidelines.

Manchester United have slumped to 17th with just 7 points from 9 matches, marking their worst start to a season in 40 years.

For Arsenal, star winger Bukayo Saka is sidelined for a few weeks with a thigh injury, but centre-back William Saliba is fit to start against Hull City.

The Gunners currently top the table with 24 points from 9 matches ahead of their clash with the newly-promoted side, who have spent £150m.

La Liga: Real Madrid welcome back key duo, Sevilla held to frustrating stalemate

Manager José Mourinho welcomes back Arda Güler and Aurélien Tchouaméni for the trip to Valencia.

New France manager Zinedine Zidane has called up four Real Madrid stars: Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ibrahima Konaté.

Sevilla were held to a 0-0 stalemate at home by Deportivo Alavés, despite dominating 59.3% of possession in front of 42,714 spectators.

The game's turning point came in the 31st minute when Sevilla's Rubén Vargas squandered a golden opportunity from the penalty spot.

Champions League: Supercomputer backs Arsenal, PSG flying high

The Opta supercomputer backs Arsenal as Champions League favourites with a 22.08% chance of glory, ahead of Bayern Munich (17.77%) and Manchester City (11.07%).

At the halfway stage, PSG and Real Madrid are the only two sides boasting a perfect record with a maximum 12 points.

Newly-promoted Como are the surprise package in 4th with 9 points, powered by a lethal attack that has racked up 19 goals in just 4 matches.

In stark contrast, Manchester United have disappointed, languishing in 17th with a mere 6 points from 4 matches.