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    Chelsea vs Real Betis tale of the tape: How Conference League finalists compare with Enzo Maresca facing ‘football dad’

    CHELSEA are on the brink of history as they prepare to take on Real Betis in the Conference League final.Enzo Maresca will clash with “football dad” and former boss Manuel Pellegrini when the two sides collide in Warsaw on Wednesday.Chelsea are hoping to make history in the Conference League finalCredit: GettyThey are up against a tough opponent in Real BetisCredit: ReutersAnd a win for Chelsea will see them become the first-ever team to win all three major European competitions.They face a tough test in Betis though, with the Spanish side boasting strong names including Isco, Antony and Gio Lo Celso.Here, SunSport compares the two sides for what is sure to be a lively clash in Poland.But just who will come out on top?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSEASON SUCCESSWith both sides reaching the Conference League final, neither side can say they have fallen short in Europe.Yet they have also enjoyed good club campaigns – to an extent.Chelsea at one stage looked on course to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title before a dramatic Christmas collapse.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Blues then faced a tough challenge to qualify for the Champions League.Most read in FootballThey eventually sealed a return to Europe’s top table on Sunday with victory over fellow challengers Nottingham Forest.Inside Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot securedCHELSEA VS REAL BETIS – CONFERENCE LEAGUE FINAL STREAM AND TV INFOAnd although they ultimately achieved their season goal, Chelsea undoubtedly made a meal out of it.As for Betis, they too enjoyed mixed fortunes in LaLiga.They ended up finishing sixth, sealing their place in next season’s Europa League regardless of the outcome of Wednesday’s final.However, fifth place in Spain would have been enough for Champions League football.Betis ended up finishing 10 points behind Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao, who took the last two spots.And although Europa League qualification will be welcomed by them, they surely would have loved to have been in the Champions League instead.BEST PLAYERSChelsea’s squad is worth a whole £627MILLION MORE than Betis’ – but there is always one man who stands head and shoulders above his teammates.Despite not enjoying the same success as he did in the 2023/24 campaign, Cole Palmer undoubtedly remains Chelsea’s star player and danger man.The midfielder has taken up a deeper role in a more central position under Maresca, allowing him to dictate more of the play.Palmer’s brilliant technique and vision means he is often the one keeping Chelsea ticking over in possession as teammates look to make darting runs through the lines.And if the Blues are to take control on Wednesday, he will need to be at his mercurial best once again – regardless of whether he scores or assists in the process.As for Betis, they have been inspired in the second half of the season by a Premier League misfit.Brazilian winger Antony, on loan from Manchester United, has been nothing short of a revelation since moving to Spain.He has a smile on his face again after hitting the goal regularly, with fans also showing their appreciation and adoration.A permanent transfer now looks on the cards this summer.And Antony will be desperate to reward the faith shown by Betis by guiding them to glory in Warsaw.TACTICSChelsea have adopted a possession-based style since Maresca’s arrival last summer, with players instructed to keep the ball moving as they inch their way forward to goal.Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 system, the Blues quickly become a fluid unit as players drift out of their regular positions to line up in a 3-2-4-1 shape.Whether it has been a raging success is up for debate, with Chelsea sometimes left exposed at the back while also failing to get enough players into the box to finish off a move.But Maresca’s system has built some team unity, with his unquestionable plan on the pitch making the Blues a strong cohesive force when it finally clicks.As for Betis, they too play with a 4-2-3-1 formation.However, it is much more old-school thanks to boss Pellegrini.There are few players who drift out of position, bar Isco as he floats around the final third before picking out a deadly pass.The wide men are encouraged to cut inside, with overlapping full-backs holding their positions on the flank.Betis are also happy to concede possession too, meaning there is a high possibility of them looking to hit with speed on counter-attacks against Chelsea.TROPHIESAs far as silverware is concerned, Chelsea are undoubtedly a tour de force.The Blues have scooped 27 domestic trophies in their time, including six titles.They have also enjoyed resounding success in Europe, with two Champions Leagues and two Europa Leagues making up part of their eight continental triumphs.And in 2021, Chelsea topped the globe by becoming Club World Cup champions.Winning the Conference League will not have fans bouncing for joy by any means.Chelsea have had plenty of success in the pastCredit: GettyReal Betis’ last trophy came in 2022 with the Copa del ReyCredit: AFPBut it will see the Blues become the first-ever side to win every European competition, making it a worthwhile piece of history for supporters and players alike.As for Betis, they have one league title to their name… but that came in 1935.Since then, it’s been a barren run despite winning eight other titles in Spain’s lower leagues.They have won the Copa del Rey three times though, with their most recent success coming in 2022.And should Betis triumph on Wednesday, fans are sure to party into the night and beyond.BIGGEST SIGNINGSIt’s no secret that Chelsea have spent well over a billion pounds since Todd Boehly’s arrival.In that time,  the Blues have splashed out huge fees on the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk.But their most expensive signing remains the 2023 transfer of Moises Caicedo from Brighton.Chelsea spent a mind-blowing £115m on the Ecuadorian midfielder.That made him not only the Blues’ biggest-ever signing, but the most expensive player in Premier League history.Moises Caicedo cost a whopping £115m to sign from BrightonCredit: GettyDenilson’s £25m move in 1998 set a new world recordCredit: Getty Images – GettyAs for Betis, they are yet to top a record fee paid way back in 1998.They spent a massive £25m on Brazilian winger Denilson from Sao Paulo, which at the time also set a new worldwide transfer record.But he ended up being a massive flop, scoring just 14 times in 198 games while also suffering relegation to the second division.Betis have clearly been wary about spending big numbers ever since, having only ever spent more than £20m just once.That went on Borja Iglesias, who joined from Espanyol for £23m in 2019 but lasted just four-and-a-half seasons.MANAGERSChelsea’s Italian gaffer Enzo Maresca has one of the safest seats in football – and that was before he sealed a top four finish on Sunday.The ex-Leicester man was brought in to Stamford Bridge to provide stability while also moulding Chelsea’s youngsters into English football’s next great team.Despite reservations over his playing style, fans appear to have finally taken to Maresca thanks to his calm approach and desire to win.The former Man City coach isn’t the most experienced either.But with time on his side, a trophy win in his debut season will only strengthen his position in the Chelsea hot seat.Enzo Maresca worked under Manuel Pellegrini at West HamCredit: GettyWill the Chelsea boss be able to get the better of his ‘football father?’Credit: ReutersAs for Manuel Pellegrini, he has now been at Betis for nearly five years.Having enjoyed most of his success at Man City, the Chilean has helped build Betis into plucky underdogs.Pellegrini broke their trophy curse by guiding them to the 2022 Copa del Rey.And he remains a wildly popular figure with fans and players alike, having resurrected the careers of fallen men like Isco and Antony.Read More on The SunPellegrini also knows Chelsea boss Maresca well, having coached him at Malaga before appointing him as assistant boss at West Ham.And it should be a fascinating battle between the pair, with Maresca warmly branding Pellegrini his “football father.” More

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    ‘Plays like Kaka’ – Watch Arsenal star Max Dowman, 15, score wondergoal for England in record-breaking appearance

    ARSENAL wonderkid Max Dowman has earned more rave reviews after a record-breaking performance.Dowman, 15, starred for England in a 4-2 win over the Czech Republic in the Under-17s Euros last night.Max Dowman broke a Euros record for EnglandCredit: GettyThe Arsenal wonderkid scored a fantastic solo goal to put the Three Lions aheadThe attacking midfielder put in a man of the match display but it was not enough to stop the Three Lions crashing out in the group stages.Dowman was the star of the show, scoring a sublime solo opener.He received the ball out wide and then turned the full-back inside out with a quick piece of skill on the byline.After getting past him most expected a cut back – but the teenage sensation fooled everyone including the Czech keeper by whipping the ball into the back of the net.READ MORE ON ARSENALAged 15 years, four months and 26 days – Dowman is now the youngest ever scorer in Under-17s Euros history.And his rampant first-half performance got even better as he produced a stunning assist for England’s second goal.The young Gunner dictated the play deep in midfield, letting a pass roll across a Czech player and his body to create himself a yard of space.Dowman then fired an inch perfect through ball into the path of striker Alejandro Gomes Rodríguez, who calmly converted.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesAside from the goals, the youngster was a constant threat as he glided his way through the Czech defence several times.A compilation of his performance has gone viral online, with fans saying: “Generational talent.”Another added: “Plays like Kaka used to. I just see a young Kaka, body type and running style. Could be a very special player.”A third said: “Max will be the best academy graduate the Arsenal’s ever produced. Special talent.”Dowman has already trained with the Gunners first-team and he is set to be involved in pre-season this summer.England legend John Terry is one of the many to have sung his praises after watching him dominate Chelsea’s youth team, saying: “He is a top, top player.”He was taking the ball on the half turn, drifting away from players, looking back and a couple of our boys went and put it on him a little bit. It was good to see. But Dowman is a very, very good player.”Declan Rice has said: “At 15, there is such a long way to go. You can be the best 15-year-old in the country, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to be at 18.Read More on The Sun”So, you need to be hungry, keep working and keep pushing.”I speak to Max a lot and he has got such a good family around him. He is unreal.”Max Dowman has caught the eye of Declan RiceCredit: GettyHe has been compared to icon KakaCredit: Getty More

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    Glamorous futsal player who was sacked after OnlyFans posts now earning 100 TIMES more selling adult content

    A FORMER futsal player booted out of her club for posting raunchy snaps on OnlyFans is now raking it in.She claims to be making 100 times more than what she earned during her playing days.An ex-futsal player was booted out of her club for posting raunchy snaps on OnlyFansBut she now makes 100 times more than what she earned during her playing daysMarcela Soares was sacked by Pelotas after club officials discovered her side hustleMarcela was told she had brought the club into disreputeMarcela Soares was sacked by Pelotas – a Brazilian futsal team located in Rio Grande do Sul state – when club officials discovered her side hustle saying she had brought the club into disrepute.Marcela told NewsX: “I love futsal, it’s my passion forever. But I can’t stay somewhere that tries to control who I am outside of the game.”I never stopped being the athlete I always was, and I never disrespected the club. But I was told I was setting a bad example for children.”However, Marcela’s new avenue gave her more “freedom and financial independence”.Read More on FootballThe 21-year-old added: “I was judged, excluded and I felt betrayed even by other women. “But I also gained something: freedom and financial independence. Today I feel stronger.”Marcela used to make a mere R$550 (£71.55) per month, which barely covered her travel costs to training.But after just four weeks on OnlyFans, the model says she netted R$55,000 (£7,155).Most read in FootballMarcela said: “It’s sad but I leave the sport with a clear conscience.”If I’d had this financial return from sport, I would never have left it.”Mexico’s sexiest fan and weather girl poses in bra and dressing gown as she celebrates four years on OnlyFansMarcela counts a whopping 241,000 followers on Instagram alone.She’s not the first sportsperson to cross over to glam content creating.Madelene Wright used to play football, Paige Spiranac was a golfer, Kayla Simmons was a volleyball star and Mikayla Demaiter was in ice hockey.Marcela used to make a mere R$550 (£71.55) per monthBut after just four weeks on OnlyFans, Marcela says she netted R$55,000 (£7,155)Marcela counts a whopping 241,000 followers on Instagram alone More

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    Betis vs Chelsea: Get £30 in free bets and £10 casino bonus with BoyleSports, plus 50% Conference League final boost

    CHELSEA have been warm favourites for Conference League glory this season and head into Wednesday’s final with Betis in fine fettle. And punters who register an account with BoyleSports and stake a tenner on the European showdown will be rewarded with £30 in football free bets plus an extra £10 casino bonus!BoyleSports are also offering customers a whopping extra 50% boost on their Bet Builder winnings!Betis vs Chelsea: £30 in free bets & £10 casino bonus HERE*Get extra 50% boost on Bet Builder winnings HEREFind The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim…BoyleSports offerVisit the BoyleSports website HERE*Register a new account and depositPlace a qualifying bet of £10 or more at odds of Evens or greaterRemember, your qualifying bet must be placed within 30 days of account openingOnce that’s settled, you will receive £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonusBoyleSports: Get £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE*New to BoyleSports? Good news – you can claim their Europa League final offer!Simply visit the BoyleSports website HERE* and register for your brand new account.Deposit at least £10 and then place a tenner or more on any football betting market with BoyleSports at odds of Evens or greater.Once that’s settled, you will receive £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus!You will also be eligible for BoyleSports’ amazing special for the European final in Poland!They are offering all customers an extra 50% on their Bet Builder winnings which you can claim HERE*.BoyleSports: Get £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE**18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. £40 in FREE Bets (FB) as £30 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. Online only. Min Odds of (3/1). Max stake 20. One bet per customer. 50% Boost. Boost will be added once all selections have settled. Max boost payout £/€1,000. Offer does not apply to multiple bets. Free/void/cashed out bets won’t qualify. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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    Ange Postecoglou left in dark over Tottenham future and jets off on holiday with no idea whether he still has a job

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU is being made to wait on his Tottenham future with Daniel Levy not expected to make a decision this week.Chairman Levy is still mulling over whether to back or sack the Aussie, who delivered the North Londoners’ first trophy in 17 years with last week’s Europa League success.Ange Postecoglou is still in the dark about his Tottenham futureCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDaniel Levy is not expected to make a decision this weekCredit: PAPostecoglou, who also oversaw Spurs finishing 17th in the Premier League, is currently on holiday with his family.No meetings are believed to have been held with the 59-year-old before he left and with a number of other staff also jetting off for some post-season R ‘n R, a call on Postecoglou is not anticipated for some time yet.Levy had been of the mind to axe the ex-Celtic chief but the Europa triumph could spark an emotional U-turn.That has been the case for a vast number of supporters who previously wanted a change in the dugout but now are demanding Postecoglou stay after the glory in Bilbao.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Tottenham centre-back Ramon Vega says it is “bizarre” Postecoglou’s future is even being discussed after ending the club’s silverware drought.The Swiss, who won the League Cup with Spurs in 1999, told SunSport: “The question of whether he deserves to stay on is disrespectful. It would be a huge mistake to sack him.“We had managers who were names and potentially more expensive than Ange and they won nothing whatsoever.“I don’t know where these guys (the board) are living, in reality, or cuckoo land?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“It’s the board’s responsibility now (to back him). The club was a laughing stock until last week, let’s be honest.“He’s suddenly put Tottenham on the map internationally and finally won a trophy with an unbelievable season with injuries.How Tottenham won the Europa League final v Man United“He has to stay, that’s it. If he’s the person who brought a trophy to the club, why is there even a question? Why do we have to wait for yes or no? That’s it, continue.”Postecoglou urged Spurs to ensure they keep hold of talismanic defender Cristian Romero in his final press conference of the season on Sunday.Romero was key to Spurs’ Europa triumph but has seemed to agitate for a move at times this season, stating publicly his desire to play in La Liga amid interest from Atletico Madrid.Yet the World Cup winner, 27, hinted he could stick around by claiming he had “no doubt that staying together led us to success. We must continue, this is the path” in a social-media post.Former centre-back Vega, 53, reckons it is essential to keep Romero – and believes retaining Postecoglou could be the key to it.The ex-defender, who played for Spurs between 1996 and 2001, added: “Absolutely we need to keep hold of Romero. He’s top notch.“If Ange stays, most likely Romero and all these guys will say ‘Yes I will stay’. If another person comes in, then Romero might say ‘I’m prepared to leave now’.“Ange can convince them to stay. If you have a manager who is respected from top to bottom within the dressing room, you can achieve anything.“This is what the board needs to realise. They have a manager that the players believe in going forward.”Meanwhile, James Maddison is targeting a return from his serious knee injury in time for next season’s kick-off.Read More on The SunThe England midfielder, 28, said: “I’ll have to work over the summer and rest and recover. I’ll be back hopefully for the start of next season. That’s the aim.”Maddison will likely miss much of Spurs’ pre-season match schedule, which they announced on Tuesday will include a friendly against Newcastle in South Korea, though the date and venue are yet to be confirmed.Postecoglou led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 yearsCredit: Getty More

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    ‘I didn’t know whether I’d walk properly again’ – James Milner opens up on injury hell as he plans to play into his 40s

    JAMES MILNER feared he may never walk again after suffering nerve damage during an operation.The former England international missed the lion’s share of the 2024/25 season for Brighton after having surgery following a knee injury last August.James Milner went under the knife after suffering a knee injury in surgeryCredit: GETTYDamage to a nerve almost left the former England midfielder unable to walkCredit: GETTYA nerve, however, ended up being damaged during his knee reconstruction and left him unable to lift his feet or toes.The 39-year-old recalled: “I had a contact injury in training before the Arsenal game on my knee.“It was stable and we gave it a go and my hamstring reacted. “I had a knee operation and knee reconstruction, which was fine and I would have been back at the start of December.READ MORE SPORT NEWS“But in the operation, a nerve got damaged. After the operation, I couldn’t lift my foot or my toes.”The first time I saw any flicker of life was the 31st of December.”Milner’s road to recovery has been a long and arduous one, to say the least.He continued: “It’s been a long, tough road. The medical staff have been incredible, [club physio] Sean Duggan has been absolutely unbelievable.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJames Milner is hoping to bag a new contract with BrightonCredit: GETTY“There was a chance I might not have come back at all. I didn’t know if I could walk normally again, never mind play football.”But, thankfully, the hard work’s paid off. And to get on the field today [Sunday] with the boys and see them turn it around in the second half and be a part of that was special.My dad was in same England squad as James Milner before injury heartbreak – now I’m making my own way in Premier League“I’ve been on the grass for a good few months now, but I just need to be careful with contact. “I’ve just run out of time. If the season was next week, I think I would have been fit from now on.“It’s not age-related, it’s just one chance in however many thousand. “It was just a bit of bad luck after starting the season well and feeling good.”Milner returned to action on the final day of the season last weekend, in which Brighton romped to a 4-1 win over Europa League winners Tottenham.And the veteran is hoping to earn a new contract at the Amex, which will see him play top-flight football at the ripe old age of 40. He said: “I started the season well, I look at my fitness now and I feel good.I didn’t know if I could walk normally again, never mind play football.”James Milner”Coming on against Tottenham, I would like to keep playing, I’ve definitely got another year left in me. “I think we’re quite close, so it will be nice to be here and be part of the team and help the boys.“You look at the season we have had. We have good players and good results.”But there have been times when we’ve dropped points and shouldn’t have done. You need a bit of experience.“You look at the players that have come in, the likes of Mats Wieffer and Brajan Gruda, difficult coming to a new team and country.Read More on The Sun”But look how good they’ve been in last few weeks. It takes time.“I’m excited for next year for sure. Hopefully I can be a part of it.” More

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    Chelsea files: Enzo Maresca and Cole Palmer’s bonus woes and fans’ Conference League final travel chaos

    ENZO MARESCA will not get a bonus if he wins Chelsea the Conference League tonight.The Blues boss is looking to cap Champions League qualification by lifting a European trophy in Poland – but it will not earn him any extra cash.Enzo Maresca will not get a bonus if Chelsea win the Conference LeagueCredit: GettyWhen Maresca agreed to take over at Stamford Bridge last summer, the bonuses included in his five-year deal showed the real ambitions at Chelsea.The Italian will only be rewarded personally for success in the Premier League and Champions League during his time in west London.While everyone at Chelsea will have wanted to win the Conference League this season – having started as clear favourites – a top five finish was far more important for the club’s long-term future.And Maresca has argued that he is ahead of schedule in delivering it, stating the owners wanted to qualify for Europe’s top competition within two years of his arrival from Leicester.Player bonuses, however, are negotiated on a season-by-season basis and the Blues squad are in for a reward if they triumph over Real Betis in Wroclaw.The size of the bonus for each player will depend on how many appearances have been made throughout the competition.So if Cole Palmer – who was not even in the squad for the group stage – starts against Betis he will still earn less than some of those fringe players who did all the hard work early on.Chelsea would become the first ever club to win all three of the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League should they get past Manuel Pellegrini’s men.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPLAYING FOR KEEPSCHELSEA are confident they will not have to fight off West Ham for goalkeeping chief Ben Roberts this summer.Former Blues boss Graham Potter is making his mark in East London and has decided to move goalkeeper coach Xavi Valero on.Potter has already hired close pal Kyle Macaulay from his role at Stamford Bridge and appointed him as head of recruitment at the London Stadium.Roberts followed Potter from Brighton to Chelsea as one of his coaching staff but has since been given a role as global head of goalkeeping across both of BlueCo’s clubs.While West Ham are in the market for a new coach, there is no concern at Chelsea over losing Roberts this summer.Chelsea’s goalkeeping chief Ben RobertsCredit: Chelsea AN GUARD TODD BOEHLY has personally stamped on the fingers of any team trying to swoop for Andrey Santos in the summer transfer market, with PSG, Arsenal and Crystal Palace all reportedly keen. The Chelsea midfielder, who spent this season on loan at BlueCo-owned RC Strasbourg, helped the French side secure Conference League football for next year with 10 goals and 3 assists in Ligue 1. The Stamford Bridge outfit picked up Santos for just £18m two years ago. Still, with Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez all looking to be starters for Enzo Maresca next season, the Brazilian has been linked with a big-money move away. Having watched him closely this season, and in person, that would be a big mistake.London rivals Arsenal and Champions League finalists PSG were two teams circling the midfielder, but Todd Boehly seems to have warned them away as he spoke at the Qatar Economic Forum last week. He said “We are laser-focused on the Club World Cup. We have some players that are joining us, [like] Andrey Santos. We are really excited about him and what he can add to the squad.”A personal name-dropping of the midfielder speaks volumes of the value he presents to the Blues, and he should expect to be a part of Enzo Maresca’s plans beyond the summer tournament.Andrey Santos is due to return to Chelsea next seasonCredit: GettyWHEN THERE’S A WILLLAMINE YAMAL has set the footballing world alight this season. A left-footed, right-wing Barcelona prodigy who just happened to be bathed by Lionel Messi in a kind of ‘footballing baptism’ and has already helped carry his side to a league title at the age of 17 – it’s easy to see why he’s viewed by many as the heir to Messi’s throne. Part of what made football so incredibly good for the past 20 years, was that we had an individual rivalry in Ronaldo vs Messi that provided constant debate and discussion as for who was the best in the world.Many thought that kind of rivalry that might be revived with Erling Haaland vs Kylian Mbappe, but it may actually be Lamine Yamal vs a Chelsea starlet waiting to explode – Estevao Willian. Both seem to have been crafted by the footballing gods in the mould of Lionel Messi, but idolise and bring all the flair and skill which Neymar did in his time at Barcelona. Estevao was signed for £28million by Chelsea last summer, with the move set to be finalised this summer ahead of a transition into the Blues’ first team next campaign. The wonderkid has played predominantly on the right in Brazil, but can also play through the middle and on the left – the kind of versatility Enzo Maresca will adore. Coincidentally nicknamed ‘Messinho’, he has broken all sorts of records set by Neymar in Brazil, and is more than ready to step up and take some pressure off of the shoulders of Cole Palmer. Be patient Chelsea fans, your Lamine Yamal awaits…Estevao Willian is a superstar in the makingCredit: AlamyMARESCA’S YOUNG GUNSAFTER Chelsea’s lineup vs Nottingham Forest was announced, it was official… The class of 24/25 became the youngest team in Premier League history. The average age of Enzo Maresca’s starting eleven’s over the course of the season was 24 years and 36 days – beating the previous record of Leeds United by 136 days.Inexperience has been richly discussed among Blues’ fans since Todd Boehly and his BlueCo consortium took control of the club, with the general consensus being that the team needs some sort of leadership outside of 27-year-old Tosin Adarabioyo, who has been nicknamed the ‘Uncle’ of the dressing room. It remains to be seen if BlueCo’s risky strategy of buying almost exclusively young talents will pay dividends in terms of trophies and on-pitch success, or if the Blues will splash some cash on an experienced defender and forward in a bid to bring a Premier League title back to Stamford Bridge – but if they don’t it may be a long wait until they see it. Chelsea’s class of 24/25 became the youngest team in Premier League historyCredit: GettyFIGHT OR FLIGHTMORE THAN 100 fans were set to board the 07:40am flight from Luton to Poznan this morning in the hope of arriving in Poland and exploring Wroclaw before Chelsea play the Conference League Final tomorrow. However, the WizzAir flight has left fans stranded in Luton with the flight has been delayed until 4pm UK time.A six-hour delay means that passengers will now arrive in Poznan around 7pm, before still needing to travel to Wroclaw where the final takes place – another 113 miles away. For fans who would’ve arrived at Luton airport around 5am, they now face a nightmare day of travel which could be as long as 17 hours. Not to mention fans will also face expenses such as missed trains, taxis, buses, late check-in fees, and paying ridiculous prices for airport meals with such a lengthy delay.It comes on the back of our story that hotels in Wroclaw have been finding crafty ways to suddenly and inexplicably increase their room rates for Chelsea fans who booked months ago in anticipation of their team reaching the final.Blues fans face travel chaos ahead of the Conference League finalCredit: GettyCUP FOR IT ENZO MARESCA will finally discover this weekend who he faces in the opening game of the new and expanded Club World Cup this summer.Club America play off against Los Angeles for the right to face Chelsea on June 16 in the first Group D fixture.The two teams have a chance to join the cream of Europe and South America after Club Leon were banned over multi-club ownership rules. They are stablemates with CF Pachuca and teams in the same groups cannot compete in the same tournament.The game takes place this Saturday – the same day as the Champions League Final – but Blues supporters can watch both with the CWC play off not starting until 7.30pm and that’s in California which is 3.30AM the following morning in London.Enzo Maresca discovers who he faces in the opening game of the Club World CupCredit: Getty More

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    Betis vs Chelsea free bets: Bet £10 get £40 bonus on Conference League final with Betano

    CHELSEA go in search of European glory on Wednesday, when facing Betis in the Conference League final.Brand new Betano customers who sign-up and stake a tenner on any sports market, including the Polish showdown, will receive a whopping £40 in free bets and bonuses!Betano: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses HERE*How to claim..Betano welcome offerVisit the Betano website HERE*Sign-up for a new accountOpt in to this promotion via the Offers tab or Sign Up pageMake a minimum deposit of £10 to qualify for this promotionPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any football market at odds of Evens or greater within 3 days of account creationOn settlement of your qualifying bet, you will get £40 in free bets and bonusesBetano: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses HERE*No Betano account? No problem!Simply register an account with Betano HERE* and Opt in to this promotion via the Offers tab or Sign Up page.Make a minimum deposit of £10 to qualify for this promotion.Stake a tenner on any football market – including Betis vs Chelsea in the Conference final – at odds of Evens or greater.This must be done within three days of your account being created.Once that initial bet has settled – win or lose – you’ll receive the full £40 welcome bonus!Here’s what you get:On settlement of your qualifying bet, you will get the following Free Bets:A £10 Free Bet to be used on any Football Market;A £10 Free Bet to be used on any Football accumulator (3+ selections);24 hours after settlement of your qualifying bet, you will also receive:A £10 Free Bet to be used on any Football Market – correct score  A £10 Slots Bonus, to be used on any of games from the included list (see below)Betano: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses HERE**18+ New Customers Only. Opt in and bet £10 on football (odds 1/1+) within 3 days of sign up. Get 3x£10 Free Bets for set markets and a £10 Slots bonus on selected slots, 30x wagering, max redeem £250. Bonuses expire in 10 days. Scroll down for for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More