Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 213 Shares189 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘We need to sell players’ – Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis

    RUBEN AMORIM has admitted he will STILL have to sell to buy in a damning indictment of how much of a financial mess Manchester United are in.The Old Trafford boss knows he needs a top new striker and a clutch of signings to strengthen the squad he declared “the worst” in the club’s history.Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has admitted he will still have to sell to buyCredit: AlamyAmorim will almost certainly be forced to lose some of his best Man Utd playersCredit: RexBut to do so he will almost certainly be forced to watch some of his best players leave in the summer to raise funds.Boss Amorim declared: “I have to understand these problems [the club has] but that is not new.“You know the rules of financial fair play, we have a problem and right now my focus is on other things – like playing Tottenham on Sunday.“But here it is simple. To do something we need to sell players. Right now the window is closed. My focus is on the next game.”Read More on Man UtdYet Amorim’s focus is bound to be blurred by the cash crisis that has forced part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to consider making 200 more staff redundant having already dumped 250.Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-per-year salary for acting as an ambassador has also gone amid a host of other swingeing cuts.United, who have lost £300m over the last three years, were deeply fearful that that would be hit by a points deduction last month after sailing perilously close to the wind on Prem profit and sustainability rules.The club would also have allowed home grown stars Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho to go for the right price – both valued by United at around £65m each.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAmorim wants to start planning for a summer rebuild but faces destruction rather than construction of a squad that has precious little quality.United loaned Marcus Rashford and Antony out – to Aston Villa and Real Betis respectively – to save around £300,000 a week in wages combined.Roy Keane reveals emotional reaction to Man Utd exit after bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson Tyrell Malacia also went to PSV Eindhoven in another money-saving loan.Ineos billionaire and his No2 Sir Dave Brailsford set Amorim a “Mission 21’’ target of winning the title by 2028 to mark the club’s 150th anniversary.But with £1.1BILLION part-owner Ratcliffe robbing Peter to pay Paul that task even now, looks like a mission impossible.Amorim is trying to sound positive saying of “Mission 21” : “Yes, we talk about that with our focus from day on to win the Premier League.“We can change everything in a few years. I don’t know how long it’s going to take.“The way we play, the games we don’t win, but we need to work every day and focus on the little steps and then in the summer we will see.” More

  • 250 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘Body said enough is enough’ – Akanji’s season all-but over as Man City star suffers injury while playing ‘in emergency’

    MANUEL AKANJI will have surgery on a groin injury on Saturday and faces a fight to return before the end of the season.Manchester City’s Swiss defender limped out of the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday and has been assessed this week.Manuel Akanji’s season is all but over after he suffered groin injury against Real MadridCredit: PAThe Swiss defender will go under the knife this weekendCredit: REXAnd medics have decided he will go under the knife – which could see him sidelined for up to 10 weeks.That means he will miss a large chunk of the games remaining and may not be back until early May.Boss Pep Guardiola has had to deal with injuries to most of his defenders this season and believes the extra workload has caught up with Akanji.He said: “He’ll have surgery on his adductor on Saturday and it will be eight to 10 weeks.READ MORE FOOTI NEWS“We wish the best recovery for Manu because of the effort he has done for us this season.”It’s been unbelievable.“Him and Nathan Ake have played in difficult conditions to help the team in an emergency due to lack of players in those positions.“In the end, the body said enough is enough.”Most read in SportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJack Grealish is unlikely to face Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: REXGuardiola said the news was better on England midfielder Jack Grealish – who was also subbed in the defeat to Madrid.He is unlikely to face Newcastle on Saturday but is not expecting another long absence for his £100 million signing.Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid He said: “With Jack, it’s not as bad as Manu has done but I don’t think he will be ready for Saturday.”We will assess it in the next hours.” More

  • 200 Shares159 Views

    in Soccer

    Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 24: Latest on Cody Gakpo, Anthony Gordon and others

    DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 24 in one convenient location.Anthony Gordon is currently the most transferred-out player ahead of today’s 6:30pm deadline but Eddie Howe told journalists that Newcastle’s No10 “should be fine” to face Manchester City on Saturday.The England winger skipped the Magpies’ FA Cup fourth round tie with Birmingham with a thigh issue but has since trained alongside his team-mates.Scan results for Sven Botman and Dan Burn were warmly received by Howe this week with both defenders avoiding long-term injuries but this weekend certainly comes too for the former – the latter has a chance of making the trip.Gordon “should be fine” to play at the Etihad this weekendCredit: GettyArne Slot named Cody Gakpo as a doubt ahead of Liverpool’s home game against Wolves.The Dutch forward, who features in 21.6% of teams at the time of writing, had to be replaced at Goodison Park on Wednesday night because of a knock.Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton are sidelined while Curtis Jones is suspended following his full-time sending off against Everton.Kai Havertz has been ruled out for the remainder of the season having suffered a hamstring tear while in Dubai.The German forward joins Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus on the injured list.In more positive news for Arsenal fans, Ben White is available for selection ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Leicester this weekend.Most read in FootballGakpo is a doubt for this weekendCredit: Dream TeamPep Guardiola confirmed that Manuel Akanji is set to undergo surgery following his half-time withdrawal against Real Madrid in midweek.The Swiss defender is expected to be sidelined for “eight to ten weeks”. Jack Grealish was also replaced prematurely against Los Blancos and while his injury is not as severe as Akanji’s, the England international is unlikely to feature against Newcastle this weekend.New signing Nico Gonzalez is a doubt having been forced off at Leyton Orient on debut.Elsewhere, Iliman Ndiaye is set for a spell on the sidelines having incurred a knee injury against Liverpool.David Moyes told reporters: “Iliman has got a medial ligament injury. It’s not looking great at the moment.”Like Jones, Abdoulaye Doucoure is suspended having been shown a red card amid the full-time chaos on Wednesday night.Doucoure and Jones are both suspendedCredit: ReutersNicolas Jackson won’t return for Chelsea until April because of a hamstring injury.On Thursday, Enzo Maresca explained: “We knew it was a muscular problem but not how important it was. Unfortunately, he had the scan and it is an important one. He will be out for six to eight weeks.”Lucas Paqueta and Edson Alvarez resumed training this week and should be available for West Ham – Jean-Clair Todibo should also make the matchday squad.A setback for Crysencio Summerville means the ex-Leeds winger will be out for several more weeks.Tottenham may be boosted by the returns of James Maddison, Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario to the matchday squad ahead of Manchester United’s visit to North London on Sunday, although the former is still considered a doubt.As for the Red Devils, Ruben Amorim hinted at some fresh concerns but offered no names.Unai Emery declared Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings available to face Ipswich but Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Matty Cash remain sidelined.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai HavertzSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Pau Torres, Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana, Matty Cash, Ezri KonsaSuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Luis Sinisterra (doubt), Alex Scott, Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith, Evanilson, Enes Unal, James HillSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Igor Thiago, Rico HenrySuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Mats Wieffer (doubt), Igor Julio, Solly March, Pervis Estupinan, Lewis Dunk (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Nicolas Jackson, Marc GuiuSuspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Joel Ward, Chadi RiadSuspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Seamus Coleman, Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman Ndiaye, Nathan PattersonSuspensions: Abdoulaye DoucoureFULHAMInjuries: Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Harry WilsonSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin, Christian Walton, Wes BurnsSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Ricardo Pereira, Abdul FatawuSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Joe Gomez, Cody Gakpo (doubt), Tyler MortonSuspensions: Curtis JonesMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Manuel Akanji, Jack Grealish, Nico Gonzalez (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Altay Bayindir, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Lisandro MartinezSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Harvey Barnes, Sven Botman, Joelinton, Dan Burn (doubt), Anthony Gordon (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Callum Hudson-Odoi (doubt), Carlos Miguel, Taiwo Awoniyi (doubt)Suspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Ross Stewart, Jack Stephens, Ryan Fraser, Taylor Harwood-Bellis (doubt), Adam LallanaSuspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson (doubt), Radu Dragusin, Richarlison (doubt), Micky van de Ven, James Maddison (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Jean-Clair Todibo (doubt), Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio SummervilleSuspensions: NoneWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore (doubt), Yerson Mosquera, Jorgen Strand Larsen (doubt), Leon Chiwone, Hwang Hee-chan (doubt)Suspensions: None More

  • 250 Shares159 Views

    in Soccer

    Forget the hairdryer – Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson’s ferocious reputation masks a heart of gold, say his ex-players

    SIR Alex Ferguson ruled Manchester United with an iron first, or at least that’s the myth.Fergie, now 83, is widely regarded as the most successful manager of all-time.Sir Alex Ferguson had a reputation of having a fiery temperCredit: RexBut behind the scenes, Fergie was also kind-hearted claim many of his playersCredit: GettyDuring his Red Devils reign he won 13 Premier League titles, and lifted the Champions League twice.Often, it was perceived he struck fear into his teams to perform to the best of their abilities.Roy Keane and David Beckham have admitted to slanging matches with their old boss that resulted in the former leaving Old Trafford and the latter having a loose boot kicked in his face.But, plenty of others have also spoken about how kind-hearted the gaffer was.Read more Man Utd newsFrom former players to even a rival manager, SunSport debunks the hairdryer myth.’Nothing but positives’The great man said it himself.When he was asked if his players were scared of him and his fiery temper, he replied: “I hope not.””There’s a lot of myth attached to that. In training there’s nothing but praise for every player. Nothing but positives.”Most read in FootballSir Alex added: “The hairdryer is part of the myth and the circus. It’s completely exaggerated, like throwing the tea cups.Roy Keane reveals emotional reaction to Man Utd exit after bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson “But I’m a confrontational character. I don’t like people arguing back to me. I think that’s where the hairdryer treatment came from.”‘He was a football father for me’Sir Alex’s relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo has been well-documented.It can’t be argued that the Scot was the making of the Portuguese superstar.And it was Ronaldo who revealed his former manager had an extremely compassionate side.Speaking on the BBC documentary, Sir Alex Ferguson: Secrets of Success, Ronaldo revealed how Fergie showed great understanding before his father’s death in 2005.”When my dad was sick in London and was in hospital — very bad, in a coma — I had a conversation with [Ferguson],” Ronaldo said. “I said, ‘Boss, I don’t feel good.'”We are in a key moment in the league and the Champions League, but I say, ‘Boss, I don’t feel good. I want to see my dad.'”[He said] ‘Cristiano, you want to go one day, two days, one week, you can go. I’m going to miss you here because you know you are important, but your dad [comes] first.'”When he told me that, I thought, ‘This guy’s unbelievable.'”Cristiano Ronaldo shares a special bond with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyFergie gave Ronaldo compassionate leave before his dad’s deathCredit: AFPRonaldo has referred to Fergie as his ‘Football father’Credit: GettyRonaldo also believes Fergie was the making of himCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresRonaldo also revealed Ferguson’s success on the pitch was aided by the family atmosphere he created at United.”He invites everyone to come for lunch, come for tea… an English cup of tea!” Ronaldo added.”It was a family with him. He was a football father for me.”Ronaldo repeated that sentiment again – reiterating he got to the top thanks to his former coach.”Sir Alex is like a father in football for me,” he said.”He was the main key for me to be in the position that I am, he’s an unbelievable person.”‘He treats me like Ronaldo’Giuseppe Rossi didn’t quite have the career at Old Trafford many of expected of him.But that hasn’t stopped Fergie from reportedly helping the former Italy international out for the striker’s farewell match.Rossi has organised a ceremonial one-off game in Florence on March 22, where Sir Alex could return to the dugout.Ex-United starlet Giuseppe Rossi and Fergie will reportedly reunite for the Italian’s farewell matchCredit: Getty – ContributorRossi revealed even though he didn’t have a stellar career at Old Trafford, his old boss treats him like RonaldoCredit: GettyRossi revealed that Ferguson showed his eternal class by immediately agreeing to help out.The 38-year-old said: “I did little at United but he treats me like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 1,000 goals.”Ferguson will be there (at his farewell match) as a coach. He was my first coach, I signed when I was 17.”I only did three years with him and played little, but he immediately said yes and this shows what kind of person he is.”Helping out his rivalsIt’s almost unthinkable to think of Mikel Arteta picking up the phone to check on Pep Guardiola’s well-being after Man City’s recent woes.But, Sir Alex was a different breed, according to former rival David Moyes.”Sir Alex was great at phoning managers when things weren’t good and wanting to help,” Moyes once revealed.”He was competitive but also someone who thought about others.”Of course, Moyes would be Fergie’s successor at Old Trafford, upon the legend’s recommendation.David Moyes revealed when the chips were down Fergie would reach out to rival managers to offer helpCredit: Action Images – ReutersMoyes would later be recommended by Fergie as his successor at UnitedCredit: EPAFergie turned a blind eye to funAstonishingly, Nani – who played under Fergie from 2007-2013 – revealed that his former manager would, on occasion, turn a blind eye to players turning up drunk at training. “If I had the next day off, for example, then I could have some fun…on special days like Christmas or New Year – no one in England cares about that,” the ex-winger told Tribuna Expresso.”On New Year, we could even go to training drunk and the coach didn’t care about it. That’s the side of [Sir Alex] that knew how to deal with the players and had the perception to say: this day is special, I can’t make demands.”We had been playing non-stop all year long. It was a joy, a moment of relaxation, a different kind of training – clowning around. I won’t lie, I liked nights out.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFree spirit Nani also revealed he had a positive relationship with Sir AlexCredit: GettyNani claimed that Sir Alex would turn a blind eye to players turning up drunk at trainingCredit: ReutersThe Portuguese added, “It was amazing. He knows how to deal with the player, whether they are older or younger. He knows how to manage their professional career and the human being.”With him I can say that I gained a unique experience and maturity because they were very important phases of my life. I needed to grow up really fast, to learn and deal with that culture and the club culture.” More

  • 250 Shares169 Views

    in Soccer

    Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football painting Paulo Di Canio, now he’s following in his footsteps

    IAN HOLLOWAY enjoyed four years out of football as he focussed on painting and travelling Britain in his motorhome.One of his proudest pieces of art was an acrylic painting of West Ham legend and former Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio.Ian Holloway took up painting as a hobby while out of managementCredit: RexHolloway has painted some iconic figures of the game – including Paolo Di Canio and Steven GerrardSo it was ironic he followed in the Italian maverick’s footsteps by returning to the game in charge of the League Two Robins in October.He has also painted other sporting figures such as Jurgen Klopp and Ian Wright.Although Di Canio and Holloway have different personalities they are outstanding characters.The 61-year-old has a management career that has spanned 29 years, bossing Bristol Rovers, QPR (twice), Plymouth, Leicester, Blackpool, Crystal Palace, Millwall and Grimsby.Read More in FootballAnd Holloway told SunSport: “I went on the after-dinner circuit and got a motorhome with my wife Kim because I didn’t want to feel like a lorry driver.“I’d go up to wherever we were doing a gig, book on a campsite, get a cab to the job, come back, stay there for a couple of days then come home.“I learned to paint with acrylics — I do portraits – because I’ve always got to be doing something new.“I find painting frustrating because everything I do, I don’t see as good enough so I’m trying to be kinder to myself.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe League Two manager has also painted ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp“I’ve always drawn and used charcoal, pencil and even ink but with colour it’s the tonal value that can change everything.“I might be driving and will pull over because I’m seeing a sunset. It makes you see life, it makes you see shadows, it makes you see all sorts of things.Ian Holloway fears Swindon’s scary form is down to ‘haunted’ training ground “Anybody can paint, anybody can draw. It makes you feel even more alive to the wonderful things around you.”Holloway loved painting Di Canio after being commissioned to do it for a mate.He said: “A friend saw one of mine that I gave to my son of the Joker and he said, ‘I’ll buy that’ and I said, ‘You can’t, it’s my son’s’.“So I said, ‘Give me a picture of your favourite player’, because he’s a West Ham geek, and I did Paolo Di Canio, who funnily enough is an ex-Swindon manager, and I gave it to him. He loves it.”Holloway believes the Premier League has created a selfish culture in English football — and players even in the lower leagues can lose touch with fans and each other.The Swindon boss — who famously took Blackpool into the top flight in 2010 — had to tough out a period of criticism from fans but last week won the SkyBet League Two manager of the month.At one point, he even claimed the training ground was haunted … and needed to get his wife Kim to banish the demons with sage!We can only conclude that if she did do that, it has worked because Swindon host Mansfield tomorrow aiming to stretch their unbeaten run to 10 games — having lost just once in their last 14 league matches.Holloway said: “Football has become selfish. It’s all about money and more like a business whereas at our level it shouldn’t be.“Everybody in the Premier League talks about how much they’re spending and how unreal it is.“It’s like travelling to the moon. We talk about how far it is, how many miles an hour we’ve got to be going and how much fuel we need.“Hang on a minute, this is football — but footballers have got so far away from your average person in the street it’s wrong.“In League Two we’ve got to be more caring and understanding — and it’s also about your attitude to going to work. There’s not enough encouragement or support in the world, there’s always criticism.“I’m creating an environment where you’re allowed to fail provided you’re working hard. And that has made the difference.”Holloway blames modern society for creating an uncaring culture.He said: “We don’t revere older people. We don’t look after them like the Chinese and Japanese.“I was brought up by good people in my early days as a Bristol Rovers player and that’s what I’m building here.”His painting of Ian Wright is one of his most impressiveThe highlight of Holloway’s managerial CV was managing Blackpool in the Premier League.And, although he enjoyed his time with the Seasiders, he disliked the top division because it was so removed from reality.He said: “Did I like the top of the game? Do I like it? No, I don’t.“Football needs to start relating to the real world. During Covid, we weren’t the vital source, it was people in hospitals helping us. We were just entertainment.“If you get away from that you’ve got it all wrong. Our priority must be to entertain and give our all for supporters.”During Holloway’s time out of the game, he watched on with interest as English football continued to pay homage to the Pep Guardiola way of playing before others decided to break ranks.He said: “Football was following one person’s lead but now I’m happy people are realising you haven’t got to have total possession to win.“You can win football in different ways. You haven’t all got to be Pep.”And there is something poetic about managing back in his beloved West Country after years moving around the country.The Bristolian said: “Geographically it’s perfect for me being a West Country boy. I like the fact I had no ties with Swindon – never played for them, never managed them. They were deep in the mire so it was a great challenge.“If I’d have failed that would’ve been me failing but I’m delighted we’re moving forward and I’m feeling good about my decision to come here.“My wife let me because we didn’t have to move. I’ve moved her FORTY-EIGHT times! She didn’t want to move again.“And this club is nicknamed the Robins … and you know my history with Bristol City, whose bitter rivals Rovers are the Robins!READ MORE SUN STORIES“Marina Dolman, the Bristol Rovers president, keeps teasing me by saying, ‘We’ll make a Robin of you yet!’“She’s got a road named after her in Bristol — Dolman Way. I don’t think I can get one named after me here … Holloway Way doesn’t sound right. And it’s the last thing we need in Swindon. We’ve got magnificent roundabouts and the Sat Nav explodes! We don’t need a street named after me!”Holloway was recently named EFL Manager of the MonthCredit: EFL More

  • 250 Shares129 Views

    in Soccer

    Match for Hope 2025 LIVE SCORE: KSI and IShowSpeed’s star-studded teams face off in huge charity match – latest updates

    MATCH for Hope is here, and there are some huge names taking part in Qatar!Team Chunkz and IShowSpeed will go head-to-head with Team KSI and AboFlah in a blockbuster charity match.Football legends such as Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta and David Silva will feature alongside some of the biggest names on the internet.Kick off time: 5pm GMT/8pm local timeFREE live stream: Chunkz’s official YouTube channelTeam Chunkz x IShowSpeed: Thogden, Tobi Brown, Harry Pinero, Manny Brown, AJ Shabeel, Andres Iniesta, David Silva, IShowSpeed, Chunkz, Taiyo, Kimura, Eman SV2.Team KSI x AboFlah: David Vujanic, KSI, Danny Aarons, Angry Ginge, Miniminter, Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Del Piero, Musaed Al Fouzan, Billy Wingrove, AboFlah, Thierry Henry.Donate to Education Above All FoundationFollow our live blog below…Waiting gameWe’re still waiting for the live stream to kick off and the 10,000-plus people waiting on Chunkz’s YiouTube channel are not taking to it too kindly… We’re sure the stream will kick in any second now.Copy linkCopiedOne hour to go!Match for Hope 2025 kicks off in one hour!The match is available to watch for free on Chunkz’s Youtube channel.Stay tuned to this page to catch all the actions as it happens.Copy linkCopiedBREAKING: Match for Hope 2025 lineups confirmedTeam Chunkz x IShowSpeed: Thogden; Tobi Brown, Harry Pinero, Manny Brown, AJ Shabeel; Andres Iniesta, David Silva; IShowSpeed, Chunkz, Taiyo, Kimura; Eman SV2.Team AboFlah x KSI: David Vujanic; KSI, Danny Aarons, Angry Ginge, Miniminter; Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Del Piero, Musaed Al Fouzan; Billy Wingrove, AboFlah, Thierry Henry.Copy linkCopiedWinner stays on!Watch as Chunkz gives his verdict on who is the best midfielder in the world.Copy linkCopied30 Minutes until lineupsWith just two hours until Match for Hope 2025 kicks off the starting lineups for Team Chunkz x Team IShowSpeed and Team AboFlah x Team KSI will be out shortly.Stay tuned to this page to find out who starts as soon as they’re in.Copy linkCopiedTIM CAHILL spills the secrets behind Everton’s turnaround under David MoyesThe Everton legend will be the assistant manager for Team Chunkz x IShowSpeedCopy linkCopiedEXCLUSIVE Mauricio Pochettino interviewWatch as Team Chunkz x IShowSpeed manager Mauricio Pochettino gives his thoughts on the current situation at former club Tottenham HotspurCopy linkCopiedSpeed working on his shooting ahead of tonight’s matchSpeed might need a bit of work on his finishing before kick-off…Copy linkCopiedKSI mocked by Team Chunkz x IShowSpeedWatch as Team Chunkz and IShowSpeed take the mick out of KSI’s new song “Thick Of It” in the pre-match press conference.Copy linkCopiedWho are the influencers to look out for?Football influencer Billy Wingrove, one half of F2Freestlyers, will certainly be one influencer to keep an eye on. Wingrove spent time in Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur academies as a youngster and has a wand of a left foot.Members of British Youtube group The Sidemen who will be involved include, KSI, Behzinga, Miniminter and Tobi Brown.From America, popular streamers, IShowSpeed and Fanum aren’t renowned for their football skills but should provide an entertainment factor and viral moments during the match.Copy linkCopiedWhat happened last year?Last year’s edition of Match for Hope was filled with goals with team Chunkz emerging 7-5 victors over team Aboflah in a highly entertaining affair. The sides were managed by Arsene Wenger and Antonio Conte respectively.The 2024 edition saw the likes of Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos, Didier Drogba, David Villa and Kaka taking part in the charity event.Both Didier Drogba and David Villa left with braces and viral moments were created, with IShowSpeed missing an open goal after being squared the ball by Eden Hazard.Copy linkCopiedWhere can I watch the match?Match for Hope 2025 is expected to kick off at 5pm GMT/8pm local time, at Stadium 974 in Qatar.The match will be broadcast on BeIn Sports globally, but there is no TV coverage in the UK however, it will be streamed LIVE on Chunkz’s Youtube channel, free to watch anywhere.Stay tuned to this blog to catch all the action as it happens!Copy linkCopiedGood afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of Match for Hope!It’s matchday in Qatar as Team Chunkz x IShowSpeed and Team KSI x AboFlah go head-to-head in a huge charity match.The match brings huge social media influencers and football legends together to raise money for children’s schools in Palestine, Sudan, Mali, Rwanda, Tanzania and Pakistan.Around 22 million people watched last year’s event and $8.8 million was raised for the cause.This year you will see Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta, Andrea Pirlo, David Silva and many more stars playing in the game.Mauricio Pochettino and Arsene Wenger will be managing the respective sides.Copy linkCopied More

  • 263 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Premier League block Aston Villa request to move Liverpool clash – leaving Emery’s side with 5 brutal games in 14 days

    ASTON VILLA are facing a punishing fixture congestion consisted of five games in just 14 days.That is after the Premier League rejected Villa’s request to move next week’s clash with Liverpool.The Premier League rejected Aston Villa’s request to move next week’s clash with LiverpoolCredit: RexUnai Emery’s side face a brutal fixture congestion consisted of five games in just 14 daysCredit: RexThe frustrated Villans are scheduled to host the Prem leaders on Wednesday at Villa Park.That game was originally pencilled down for March 15 but it now clashes with the Carabao Cup final weekend with the Reds facing Newcastle on the 16th at Wembley.With the Champions League Last 16 starting in the first week of March, Unai Emery’s side wanted to push the Liverpool game back to later next month or later in the season.Villa’s argument was based on them having only one Premier League game next month at Brentford on March 8.Read More on FootballHowever, Prem chiefs blocked that request to leave Emery and co facing a brutal fixture pile-up over the next two weeks.Villa are now set to play Ipswich on Saturday, Liverpool on Wednesday, Chelsea on February 22 and Crystal Palace on the 25th.Emery’s men will then host Cardiff in the fifth round of the FA Cup on February 28.Villa are competing on three fronts this season after an impressive campaign last term.Most read in FootballThe Midland giants are favourites to qualify to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.They also finished in the Champions League’s top eight and made it straight to the Last 16.Emi Martinez reveals Unai Emery’s genius pre-match preparation that inspired Aston Villa to win over Bayern MunichAnd Villa are targeting another top-four finish in the Premier League as they are currently eighth with six points separating them from fourth-placed Chelsea. More

  • 188 Shares139 Views

    in Soccer

    Declan Rice’s cringeworthy Valentine’s Day pick-up lines re-emerge in incredible video years before Arsenal transfer

    DECLAN RICE may not want to look at his phone today as he could be bombarded by Valentine’s Day messages.But rather than loved-up posts, it may be friends poking fun of him in an old video.Declan Rice starred in a video saying cringeworthy pick-up linesRice looks very different to his 19-year-old selfCredit: GettyRice is in a long-term relationship with Lauren Fryer and they have a son togetherCredit: Instagram @laurenfryer_Back in 2018, Rice, recorded some cringeworthy chat up lines for a West Ham social media post.The first line from the then 19-year-old was: “Do you know what my shirt is made of? Boyfriend material.”The second was: “Do I know you? Because you look exactly like my next girlfriend.”The final cringeworthy line was: “Do you believe in love at first sight? Or should I walk by again?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRice would go on play for the Hammers for another six years, playing 245 times and becoming a regular for the England national team in the process.His final appearance for the East London club saw him win the club’s first trophy since 1965 by winning the Europa Conference League while wearing the captain’s armband.Rice then joined Arsenal in 2023 in a transfer worth up to £105m.In all that time, Rice has found his Valentine by being in a relationship with childhood sweetheart Lauren Fryer, whom he started dating in 2015.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRice quietly confirmed the birth of his first child with Lauren after showing off a tattoo on his arm which read “Jude Rice” along with the astrology symbol for Leo and the date of his son’s birth, 7 August 2022.Unfortunately, Lauren has suffered disgusting abuse from trolls on social media, which saw her wipe her Instagram account clean of all of her pictures. ‘Now everyone’s calling me it…’ – Declan Rice reveals hilarious new nicknameDani Dyer, the partner of Rice’s former team-mate Jarrod Bowen, launched a passionate defence of Lauren in an interview with Fabulous Magazine in November last year.Ex-Love Island star Dyer said: “It was so hard for her, the trolling, as she doesn’t put herself out there.”I think it’s harder when you are not in [the celebrity world] and you are being personally attacked. I found that hard.”She is a really good mum, who keeps to herself. No one deserves to be criticised like that.”So, attacking a girl because of what she looks like, in this day and age, I don’t agree with it.”Rice has once again starred on the pitch for Arsenal this season, playing 33 times in all competitions so far this season.He is likely to be in action for the Gunners next game as they travel to Leicester in the Premier League.ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over. More