Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 138 Shares159 Views

    in Soccer

    Captaincy options for Gameweek 34: Can Bruno Fernandes produce repeat performance?

    DREAM TEAM managers will need to select a captain for Gameweek 34 before today’s 6:30pm deadline.Ahead of Gameweek 33, we singled out Bruno Fernandes (£6.8m) and Cole Palmer (£4.9m) as the two leading candidates and those who opted for the former were handsomely rewarded.Fernandes starred against Athletic BilbaoCredit: Dream TeamManchester United’s skipper banked 27 points to finish as the Gameweek’s top performer and take his overall total for the season past the 400-point mark.The Portuguese midfielder mustered just five points against Bournemouth but took Athletic Bilbao for a whopping 22 points in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals.This emphatic performance surely makes Fernandes the frontrunner for captaincy again this coming Gameweek, when the Red Devils will face Brentford at the Gtech Stadium before the second leg of their European semi at Old Trafford.As for Palmer, he notched nine points across his two outings against Everton and Djurgarden.As expected, Chelsea cashed in against their Conference League opponents but it was Nicolas Jackson (£2.7m) and Noni Madueke (£2m) who posted massive double-digit scores, not the 50%-owned England international.Chelsea have one foot in the Conference League finalCredit: GettyThe Blues will host Djurgarden next Thursday but there’s the small matter of a Premier League game against Liverpool to negotiate first.There may be a worthy captain lurking in Chelsea’s ranks but it’s difficult to justify selecting any Stamford Bridge over Fernandes after last night.Elsewhere, Tottenham’s double header against West Ham and Bodo/Glimt looks appealing.Most read in FootballThe Hammers are one of few very teams below Spurs in the league table and while the Norwegian outfit have impressed in the Europa League this season, they were comprehensively outplayed in North London last night, which bodes ill for the second leg.Solanke scored against Bodo/Glimt but limped off soon afterCredit: APWe have included Dominic Solanke (£3.5m) in our transfer recommendations this week and his goal last night has only strengthened his case.We had planned on listing him as a captaincy option as well but there may be a spanner in the works.The ex-Bournemouth striker hobbled off in the 75th minute against Bodo/Glimt and is therefore a minor doubt for Gameweek 34 – an annoying twist.Thankfully, Ange Postecoglou played down Solanke’s injury and suggested the substitution was precautionary but this inconvenience is probably enough to remove the 27-year-old from the captaincy conversation.The same goes for James Maddison (£4m), who was also forced off midway through the second half.Saka’s league minutes are not guaranteed this weekendCredit: GettyArsenal are the fourth and final team set to pull double duty in Gameweek 34.Instinctively, this puts Bukayo Saka (£6.1m) in the spotlight as the England winger averages a mighty 8.1 points-per-game this season – the same rate as Fernandes.However, his workload has been managed since his return from hamstring surgery – he played just 30 minutes against Crystal Palace in his last league outing – and with the Gunners 1-0 down on aggregate to PSG in the Champions League semi-finals it wouldn’t be a surprise if his involvement was limited against Bournemouth this weekend.Away from double headers, Mohamed Salah (£7m) is due to take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge having ended his mini goal drought in Gameweek 33.Liverpool’s main man needs another 18 points to reach 500 for the season!Read More on The SunLiverpool are on their victory lapCredit: PAIt’s only our humble opinion but we suspect the majority of the top managers will stick the armband on Fernandes before the 6:30pm deadline.Good luck, gaffers!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 NOW More

  • 225 Shares99 Views

    in Motorsport

    ‘The most important thing…’ – Max Verstappen reveals the blueprint for team-mates to BREAK infamous Red Bull curse

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has revealed the blueprint to break the daunting curse of being his Formula One team-mate.Verstappen, 27, is a four-time F1 world champion with Red Bull.Max Verstappen has revealed the blueprint to how to break the curse of racing alongside him at Red BullCredit: GettyVerstappen revealed the plan in Viaplay documentary – 10 Years of Max VerstappenCredit: ViaplayYuki Tsunoda, right, will need to heed the advice to avoid the same fate as previous Verstappen team-mates like Sergio Perez, left, or Liam LawsonCredit: GettyHowever, his team-mates during his time with the outfit have often failed to live up to expectations and rival the Dutchman.But speaking on a new Viaplay documentary celebrating his first decade in F1 – 10 Years of Max Verstappen – he has now revealed how anyone who drives next to him can overcome that curse.He said: “How I would deal with it [racing with me]? Try not to think about it too much you know. It’s always important to focus on yourself.”That’s what I’ve done when I’ve entered new teams or had to go up against team-mates.READ MORE IN F1″So that’s the only thing that you can control and influence so that’s why it’s always the most important thing to look at yourself.”Verstappen was promoted to the Red Bull senior team from Toro Rosso in 2016, and became the youngest ever Grand Prix winner at 18 years and 228 days in his debut race.But dating back to 2016, Verstappen’s team-mate have often endured a tumultuous time.Daniel Ricciardo was the first to fall in the Verstappen test when he quit the team to join Renault in 2019.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVerstappen’s next team-mate was Pierre Gasly in 2019, who only lasted half a season before he was swapped for Alex Albon.Albon fared little better in the 2019 and 2020 seasons before he too was replaced by Sergio Perez in 2021.’People can’t handle the truth’ – Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bossesThe Mexican managed the tricky Red Bull car the best during his three seasons behind the wheel, managing to win five races with the team before a disastrous final season saw him axed.Rookie Liam Lawson then joined the team for the start of the 2025 season, but he lasted only two races – in which he never came close to scoring points – before he too was replaced.Yuki Tsunoda is now the incumbent of the most cursed seat in modern F1, but managed to score two points in his second race in Bahrain before an unfortunate retirement at the Saudi Arabia.Verstappen missed media duties on Thursday due to the expected birth of his first child with partner Kelly Piquet. The due date is May 6 – two days after this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix in Florida.But SunSport understands Verstappen delayed his flight out to the United States to be at home with Kelly in Monaco.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARKelly also has a daughter, Penelope, from a previous relationship with ex-F1 star Daniil Kvyat, who Verstappen has a very close bond with.Although it was reported his private jet was seen leaving an airport in Nice on Thursday morning, and Red Bull insist he will be expected to complete his racing duties this weekend.His future next year has been cast into doubt though after he was tipped to take a year out from the sport by an unnamed F1 driver.And in the documentary Verstappen declared it was “not fun being famous” and revealed the one thing he wishes he was able to do but can’t due to his career in the spotlight.Read More on The SunThe ace, who earns a cool £52million a year, said: “It’s not fun to be famous, I prefer to be unknown. But I know that’s part of F1 especially when you do well.”Of course I would sometimes like to be able to walk around with your family and friends and not be known, but unfortunately that’s not the case anymore.” More

  • 213 Shares109 Views

    in Soccer

    Race for Champions League takes new twist as supercomputer predicts who’ll land £16m pay-day with run-ins compared

    A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted who will qualify for the Champions League.Liverpool and Arsenal have already booked their spots in the next season’s competition but the other three places are up for grabs.Newcastle look set to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersManchester City have a 95 per cent chance of making itCredit: GettyNottingham Forest and Chelsea are set to battle for fifthCredit: GettyStrong performances in Europe from English sides this term have earned them a bonus place in the Champions League – with the top five going in instead of just four.We have just a few more weeks of the the season to go and a Sky Sports supercomputer has rated each club’s chances of qualifying.Newcastle lead the race on 62 points and have an 84 per cent chance of finishing in the top five.The Toon are in stunning form, having won seven of their last eight games in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut they have a tricky run-in with Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton to play.For that reason, Manchester City are more likely to get into the Champions League as the number crunchers rate their chance at 95 per cent chance.They sit just one point behind Newcastle, but Pep Guardiola’s side are the favourites to win all their remaining games against Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham.Chelsea and Nottingham Forest look set to battle it out for fifth place after the latter’s shock 2-0 defeat to Brentford last night.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAston Villa are in contention, but they have just 13 per cent hope.Enzo Maresca and Nuno Espirito Santo’s teams both have 60 points currently and it could all come down to a thrilling final day encounter as Forest head to Stamford Bridge.How the genius tactical play from Nottingham Forest is placing them firmly at the top of the leagueDespite Chelsea’s better goal difference, the supercomputer reckons Forest have the edge with 59 per cent chance compared to the Blues’ 49 per cent.Whoever misses out and finishes in sixth will have to settle for a spot in the Europa League.It is currently unclear if seventh will be a Europa or Conference League place as Crystal Palace have made the FA Cup final.If the Eagles beat City at Wembley, they will take one of the two Europa League spots from the Premier League table.And there could be six English clubs in next season’s Champions League as a Tottenham vs Manchester United Europa League final is likely after both secured leads in their semi-final first leg ties.Nottingham Forest are in danger of falling out the top fiveCredit: PA More

  • 175 Shares169 Views

    in Motorsport

    Major F1 rule change comes into force ahead of Miami GP after controversial incident

    A MAJOR new F1 rule change has been brought into force ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.The FIA sporting regulations have been reworked after a confusing incident involving Max Verstappen and Ollie Bearman at the Australian GP.A major new rule change has been brought into force ahead of the Miami Grand PrixCredit: RexRace control now have the power to close the pit-exit when the safety car train is passing by to block a back-marker from rejoining the leading mix.This comes after Bearman merged in front of Verstappen after pitting during a safety car in Melbourne.Verstappen, 27, was surprised to see Bearman’s Haas emerge from the pits immediately in front of him during a safety car period on lap 41.Bearman, 19, had been allowed to un-lap himself moments earlier, then came into the pits, which dropped him back behind the safety car.READ MORE F1 NEWSThis was a cause for concern at Red Bull, as it left Verstappen with a lapped car between him and the leading McLaren drivers, with Lando Norris later winning the season opener.Red Bull mistakenly believed Bearman would remain there until the restart.Verstappen asked his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase: “So this car is now staying here, or what?” Lambiase told him: “That’s correct. He’ll have to let you go immediately [after the restart].” Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Bearman was allowed to un-lap himself again, which allowed Verstappen to restart the race with no lapped cars in front of him.The FIA has changed its rules in Article 55.14 to guard against a repeat of this situation.10 Years of Max Verstappen documentary trailerRace director Rui Marques has the power to close the pit lane entrance when drivers are un-lapping themselves during a Safety Car period.The rule now states: “Having overtaken the cars on the lead lap and the safety car, these cars should then proceed around the track at an appropriate speed.”Without overtaking and they must make every effort to take up position at the back of the line of cars behind the safety car.”The pit lane exit may be closed when the safety car and line of cars behind it are approaching and passing the pit lane exit.”Ironically, Verstappen benefited from the old rule when he was able to pit and start alongside race leader Lewis Hamilton in the most controversial title deciding finale ever in Abu Dhabi in 2021.Reigning world champ Verstappen missed Thursday’s media day in Miami due to the pending birth of his first child with partner Kelly Piquet, with the due date two days after the race in Florida. The Red Bull star is still expected to race in Miami this weekend – which will host the second sprint session of the season.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

  • 250 Shares109 Views

    in Motorsport

    ‘It’s not fun being famous’ – Max Verstappen reveals family dream as F1 rival tips him to take year off

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has revealed the one thing he would love to do but can’t because of his Formula One career.Verstappen, 27, missed media day ahead of the Miami Grand Prix due to the expected birth of his first child with Kelly Piquet.Max Verstappen missed media duties ahead of the F1 Miami Grand Prix with the expected birth of his childCredit: GettyKelly’s due date is May 6Credit: instagram/@kellypiquet/But Verstappen has revealed what he wants to be able to do in his personal lifeCredit: ViaplayHe was speaking on Viaplay documentary, 10 Years Max Verstappen, about his lifeCredit: ViaplayThe due date is May 6 – two days after the race in Florida.But SunSport understands Verstappen delayed his flight out to the United States to be at home with Kelly in Monaco.Kelly also has a daughter, Penelope – from a previous relationship with ex-F1 star Daniil Kvyat – who Verstappen has a very close bond with.Although his private jet was only seen leaving an airport in Nice on Thursday morning, and Red Bull insist he will be expected to complete all his racing duties this weekend.READ MORE IN F1The birth of his first child comes with Verstappen in his tenth year as an F1 driver.His future has been cast into doubt though after he was tipped to take a year out from the sport by an unnamed F1 driver.In a new Viaplay documentary – 10 Years of Max Verstappen – airing from May 2, the Dutchman spoke about his personal life.The four-time world champion confessed he does not enjoy the spotlight and revealed the one thing he wishes he was able to do.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe said: “It’s not fun to be famous, I prefer to be unknown. “But I know that’s part of F1 especially when you do well.’People can’t handle the truth’ – Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses”Of course I would sometimes like to be able to walk around with your family and friends and not be known, but unfortunately that’s not the case anymore.”Verstappen, who earns a cool £52million a year, also spoke about his passionate supporter base, known as the Orange Army, and admitted he loves the “positive energy” they give to him every race.The Red Bull ace said: “Yeah it’s always fantastic and great to see the fan support. “For such a small country to still have so many fans and to see them still travelling all over the world is really, really nice.”And for my home Grand Prix, seeing them on the grandstands for me it gives me goosebumps and positive energy.”There’s no more pressure for me but it’s positive energy and you try to use that in the best way possible.”Verstappen currently sits third in the F1 World Drivers Championship standings.Read More on The SunHe is 12 points off of leader Oscar Piastri and two points behind fellow McLaren driver Lando Norris.Verstappen won the first two races around the circuit in 2022 and 2023, before Norris won his first ever Grand Prix in Miami last season.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

  • 263 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Man Utd and Tottenham fans facing brutal reality check for Europa League final as hotel rooms soar to £1,000 PER NIGHT

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham fans need to dig deep into their pockets to be at the Europa League final as prices soar.It looks set to be an all-English final in the Spanish city of Bilbao on May 21.It is set to be an all-English Europa League final in BilbaoCredit: ReutersFans face a travel headache trying to get to the Spanish cityCredit: GettyThe cost of flights and hotels for fans have soaredCredit: GettyUnited took a 3-0 lead back to Old Trafford for the semi-final second leg after beating Athletic Club last night.While Spurs saw off Bodo/Glimt 3-1 ahead of going to Norway.Both clubs have one foot in the final and supporters are researching their trips to Bilbao for the showpiece.But with less than three weeks to the game, the prices of hotels and flights have rocketed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMany places to stay in the city centre have been booked up already and very few remain under £1,000 per night.All direct flights to Bilbao from London and Manchester across the entire week have sold out.The cheapest option to go the day before the game and leave the day after now involves a stop in Milan – though that will still break the bank at around £350.Fans could potentially fly to cities like Madrid and get a train or coach, or they face gruelling drives across Spain after landing elsewhere.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSUnited and Spurs fans have been left horrified at the costs, with one saying: “Just looked at hotels in Bilbao. Is there any camp sites near by?”Another added: “Good luck booking a hotel in Bilbao for the 21st.”Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd A third wrote: “Literally stuck between I need to get to Bilbao for the final and my bank account disagreeing with the flight paths.”More commented: “Corr flights and hotel priced for Bilbao are crazy for the Europa League final.”Man Utd ratings vs Athletic Bilbao as Fernandes leads by example but Ugarte strugglesMANCHESTER UNITED are on the cusp of a first European final since 2021 after stunning Athletic Club 3-0 in Bilbao.Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes ran the show in Spain to sink one of LaLiga’s meanest defences.Ruben Amorim opted for a bold XI as United faced up to Europe’s best home rearguard.Bilbao had conceded just 11 goals at the Estadio de San Mames all season, with the arena a cauldron of noise in the early stages.But after some half chances for the hosts, the game turned on its head following Casemiro’s opener against the run of play – after Harry Maguire channelled his inner Lamine Yamal.The Brazilian headed United ahead, with Dani Vivian controversially sent off just minutes later for hauling down Rasmus Hojlund in the box.Bruno Fernandes stepped up to roll in the spotkick before adding to the rout on the stroke of half-time, firing past Julen Agirrezabala one-on-one.Bilbao retreated into their own half for the remainder of the game, keeping the score down to three.And United – so dismal for much of this season – are now overwhelming favourites to reach the Europa League final.Here’s how SunSport’s Jim Sheridan rated the Red Devils in Bilbao… More

  • 225 Shares109 Views

    in Soccer

    Dele Alli’s ex-girlfriend Ruby Mae goes braless in daring outfit as she leaves very little to the imagination

    DELE ALLI’S ex girlfriend Ruby Mae has made the most of the stunning spring weather after being seen in a stunning outfit.Ruby dated former Tottenham star Dele between 2016 and 2021.Dele Alli’s ex-girlfriend Ruby Mae stunned in a dazzling dressCredit: Instagram / @rube_maeThe outfit saw her in a stunning diamond pattern sundressCredit: Instagram / @rube_maeRuby wowed in the braless sundressCredit: Instagram / @rube_maeRuby left little to the imaginationCredit: Instagram / @rube_maeShe also sported a green handbag with a horse and cherry accessoryCredit: Instagram / @rube_maeShe was standing in front of a field of rapeseed flowersCredit: Instagram / @rube_maeBut the model has not been looking back in anger as she was seen in a colourful braless dress.She was seen in a striking diamond pattern sundress.It boasted a wide range of colours from yellow and green to red and blue, with each pattern having three colours on the rim, interior and a middle circle respectively.Ruby, who has 91,000 followers on Instagram, wore the backless dress in a field of dazzling rapeseed flowers.READ MORE ON WAGSShe also showed off a green handbag complete with a cherry and pink horse accessories.Reacting to the pictures, one fan said: “Beauty.”A second said: “Stunning pics!!”A third added: “Gorge.”Most read in FootballA number of others commented: “Wow,” while others replied by posting love heart emojis.Three years following her relationship with Dele, Ruby exclusively told The Sun there was “no way” she would ever be a footballer WAG again.Beaming Dele Alli left speechless as Pochettino delivers heartwarming message live on Sky SportsRuby said: “To me, he was just my boyfriend. I didn’t think: ‘Oh my god, my boyfriend the footballer.’”It changed as he got bigger, but we kind of grew together.”Sometimes he wouldn’t have a day off for a whole month during the season. England international games take players’ time, too.”The best time was out of season when we’d go away in a group. We used to get a villa. I’d take my friends, he’d take his, and we’d chill.” More

  • 188 Shares169 Views

    in Soccer

    Spain legend reveals plan to KIDNAP Man Utd star Antony after incredible loan transfer spell

    SPAIN legend Joaquin is prepared to “KIDNAP” Antony to stop the winger from returning to Manchester United. The Brazilian’s sensational half-volley secured a 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final.Spain and Real Betis legend Joaquin joked about kidnapping AntonyIt comes after Antony’s belter secured a narrow 2-1 win over FiorentinaCredit: GettyAfter picking up the ball outside the 18-yard box, Antony initially failed to get a long-range effort away on his favoured left foot. But he showed rapid reactions and excellent precision to smash the ball into the top corner with his right foot on the follow-up – which flew past his former Old Trafford team-mate David de Gea.The Brazil winger added to a thunderbolt opener from Abde Ezzalzouli to double the Betis’ lead.It marked his 10th goal contribution for the LaLiga outfit in what has been an incredible loan spell since he left Man Utd in January. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLuca Ranieri gave Fiorentina hope for the return leg in Italy by slamming a 73rd-minute reply.Antony’s future in Seville is up in the air, with United rejecting a £25m season-long loan deal for next term, preferring a permanent sale instead.But Betis legend Joaquin has urged his former side to do everything they can to keep the 25-year-old.The 43-year-old joked: “I’ll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what. Most read in FootballAntony has been a huge hit with his Betis team-matesCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”This is the moment to enjoy. I think important moments will come, and we’ll see later.”Antony’s strike took his tally to six goals and four assists across 19 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side since joining in January.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers everHis influence has been a major factor in Betis’ push for European football, as the club currently sit sixth in the table.It comes as his parent club enjoyed a memorable night of their own, with United running out 3-0 winners against Betis’ LaLiga rivals Athletic Bilbao. Antony was, however, given a straight red in Betis’ 2-1 win over Getafe in February, before it was overturned by the Spanish Football Federation. More