Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 163 Shares169 Views

    in Soccer

    Should Dream Team bosses remain loyal to Cole Palmer amid Chelsea’s faltering form?

    COLE PALMER (£5.9m) is the second-most popular player in Dream Team right now.Only Mohamed Salah (£8.3m) currently appears in more teams than Chelsea’s talisman, who is experiencing a popularity spike this week despite the Blues’ faltering form.Palmer features in 55.8% of teamsCredit: Dream TeamEnzo Maresca’s side find themselves in the bottom half of the form table having won just two of their last nine games in the Premier League.Despite this downturn in form, Palmer’s ownership is increasing ahead of double Gameweek 25, when he will take on Aston Villa and Southampton.Having not been included in Chelsea’s initial Conference League squad and frequently rested in the domestic cups, the England international has pulled double duty just twice in 2024/25 to date.In Gameweek 16, he notched 19 points across outings versus Everton and Fulham.And in Gameweek 13, he produced a combined haul of 28 points against the Villains and Saints – the exact reverse fixtures of those coming up in Gameweek 25.Palmer can’t do it all on his own at ChelseaCredit: PANot only is Palmer set for a rare double header, his recent record against said opponents is hugely encouraging.It’s no wonder Dream Team managers are backing him for a sizeable haul this coming Gameweek but there’s no doubt Chelsea’s downturn is a limiting factor to consider.Palmer has averaged 5.4 points-per-game across his last five appearances, way down on his overall season average of 9.5.Most read in FootballThe 22-year-old has provided two assists in that time, not to mention six bonus points, but it’s now over a month since his last goal.Palmer’s record is impressive but his numbers are heading in the wrong directionCredit: ReutersThis is not to say Palmer should be criticised for his tangible output as he has been an absolute superstar in that department ever since his move to Stamford Bridge.He has scored 14 goals and registered nine assists in 26 outings this season – remarkable figures.But recent data suggests that even Palmer has been hindered by the broader issues dogging Chelsea of late.Earlier in the campaign, he dovetailed with Nicolas Jackson (£3.7m) to great effect but the Senegalese striker went off the boil and then picked up an injury.More importantly, Maresca has struggled to replicate the dynamic football that caught the eye in the first half of the campaign.Palmer scored against both Aston Villa ad Southampton back in Gameweek 13Credit: AlamyPalmer owners may have a decision to make in the near future if his returns continue to stagnate but hopes are high for Gameweek 25 – he could feast at home to relegation-bound Southampton next Tuesday.It’s also worth noting that while Chelsea won’t have an FA Cup fifth round fixture in Gameweek 26, the first leg of their Conference League round of 16 tie will be added to Match Centre once the draw has taken place later this week.Palmer did not participate in the league phase due to “load management” but he has been added to the squad for the knockout stage.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith all due to respect to Uefa’s tertiary club competition, the prospect of mismatches against the likes of Heidenheim, Jagiellonia Bialystok and Celje would be hugely appealing to Dream Team gaffers.If only Chelsea would sort themselves out…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 Shares129 Views

    in Soccer

    EFL club takeover takes major step forward after rapper A$AP Rocky is found not guilty in gun trial

    A$AP ROCKY’S shock takeover of Tranmere Rovers has moved a step closer after he was found not guilty in a gun trial.The rapper was facing two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm following an incident in 2021.A$AP Rocky was found not guilty of firing a gun at a former friendCredit: GettyHe celebrated as he left an LA court with pop star wife RihannaCredit: The Mega AgencyA$AP Rocky is involved in a consortium that wants to buy Tranmere RoversCredit: GettyRocky had been accused of shooting at his former friend and rapper A$AP Relli several times after a dispute in Hollywood.The hip-hop artist, who is married and has two young kids with pop star Rihanna, was facing multiple years in prison if the prosecution was successful.But the verdict from a Los Angeles court today was that Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was not guilty.The defence successfully argued that he fired blanks from a prop gun he got from a music video set.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was overcome with emotion when the verdict was read out, hugging his family and wife Rihanna as she burst into tears.Rocky was defended in court by renowned attorney Joe Tacopina.As SunSport exclusively revealed in October, the lawyer and rapper are both part of an American consortium interested in buying Tranmere Rovers.Rocky’s not guilty verdict is a major boost in their hopes of taking over the League Two side before the start of next season.Most read in EFLJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe group are in talks with current owner Mark Palios about a deal.Tranmere are involved in a battle to avoid the drop at the bottom of the fourth tier and sit just two points above the relegation zone.Rihanna shares very raunchy Valentine’s Day video with A$AP RockyThe Merseyside club staying in the division is also key to the deal. A behind-the-scenes documentary on Tranmere similar to the one about Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buying Wrexham could be commissioned by a TV giant.Tacopina served as an attorney for Donald Trump in his case involving payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and in a civil rape, sexually assault and defamation case with E. Jean Carroll.The lawyer has previously owned shares in Italian clubs Roma, Bologna, Venezia and SPAL.Two-time Grammy nominated Rocky has had two No1 albums in the US and has a reported net worth of £15million.The rapper’s attorney Joe Tacopina [right] is involved in the Tranmere dealCredit: The Mega Agency More

  • 275 Shares139 Views

    in Soccer

    I helped guide my team from fourth tier to the top division.. but highlight was falling in love with and marrying MASCOT

    MARKUS KRoSCHE was named in SC Paderborn’s Team of the Century – and he even married the club MASCOT.The Eintracht Frankfurt CEO, 44, is one of European football’s rising stars in the boardroom.Markus Krosche, sporting director of Eintracht Frankfurt, met his wife Viktoria when she was a mascotCredit: GettyViktoria donned the costume for Holli the Mouse at Paderborn games in the early 2000sCredit: GettyKrosche started his football journey in more modest surroundings, signing his first pro papers with Werder Bremen aged 15.He would go on to spend the majority of his career with Paderborn, where he became a club legend. As a tough-tackling midfielder, Krosche helped lift the club from the fourth tier all the way to the Bundesliga.Krösche played almost 400 games for Paderborn and skippered the side in the top-flight. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut it was the club’s mascot – mouse Holli – that had a lasting effect on the former German under-21 international. Speaking to BILD, Krosche revealed: “My [now] wife worked for an agency that marketed the mascot. “She worked there alongside her studies and accompanied Holli to appointments as a photographer, among other things. “That’s how we met.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKrosche confirmed that his wife Viktoria would also help out as Holli on some match days.He added with a laugh: “It’s true, yes. That’s our story.”Club mascot provokes opposition players, starts a fight, gets sent off and then does Ronaldo’s siu celebrationThe pair now have two teenage daughters – Maya and Clara – with the family still living in Paderborn. Krosche worked as a sporting director at RB Leipzig before landing his current role with Frankfurt.The club have enjoyed success in recent seasons, winning the Europa League in 2022 and finishing 6th in the Bundesliga last term.Krosche admits he was fortunate to enjoy such a stunning career – as he lacked “outstanding skills.”He added: “I wouldn’t sign me at all because I didn’t have any outstanding skills. “No good technique, no outstanding header, I wasn’t particularly fast. “I would definitely fail our scouting team. READ MORE SUN STORIES”[Frankfurt Director] Charly Korbel once told me that he wanted to sign me to Eintracht in the mid-2000s. “The manager at the time turned me down – I would have done the same!” More

  • 225 Shares149 Views

    in Soccer

    Lucas Paqueta facing weeks out with ankle injury that could see him miss four crucial West Ham clashes

    LUCAS PAQUETA is facing up to a month on the sidelines with an ankle injury.The West Ham midfielder, 27, limped out of training at the London Stadium on Tuesday as Graham Potter’s side prepare to face Arsenal this weekend.Crocked Hammer Lucas Paqueta could miss four Prem gamesCredit: RexGraham Potter’s West Ham squad has been plagued by injuriesCredit: GettyPaqueta had only just returned from a groin injury which saw him miss the Hammers’ defeat to Chelsea.The Brazilian was assessed on Wednesday by club medics and is facing three to four weeks out.That could see Paqueta miss the next four West Ham games, with Potter’s side facing Arsenal, Leicester, Newcastle and Everton before mid-March.Paqueta started up front against Brentford, with new man Evan Ferguson on the bench as he continues to recover from his own ankle injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPotter is having to deal with an ever-growing injury list.The ex-Chelsea boss has only been able to play Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus together once since replacing Julen Lopetegui last month.Bowen has returned from a broken foot, but Michail Antonio will not play again this season.Meanwhile, summer signings Crysensio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug are both sidelined with hamstring injuries.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSVladimir Coufal also missed Saturday’s defeat to Brentford through injury.Antonio has been working on his recovery from his horror car crash in December, with a training camp in Dubai last week.Declan Rice’s cringeworthy Valentine’s Day pick-up lines re-emerge in incredible video years before Arsenal transfer The plague of fitness issues has sparked talk of the Hammers showing interest in Tammy Abraham.The ex-Chelsea forward, 27, is on loan at AC Milan from Roma.But it’s reckoned the 11-cap Englishman would ultimately prefer a return to the Prem.And a permanent summer switch back to Britain could be on the cards. More

  • 213 Shares159 Views

    in Soccer

    Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s £61million private jet that boasts 4K HD TVs, leather seats and a Rolls-Royce engine

    WHEN you’re a high flyer like Cristiano Ronaldo, you need a private jet to support your lifestyle.The Portugal legend, 40, added the flashy Bombardier Global Express 6500 to his list of means of transport last year.Cristiano Ronaldo has a new jet worth £61mCredit: Instagram @cristianoThe personalised jet is currently awaiting repairs at Manchester AirportCredit: X @manairportThe Bombardier Global Express 6500 is the height of luxury when it comes to private jetsCredit: bombardierAnd the super plane would have cost him a pretty penny – with his customised version costing around £61million.It recently touched down at Manchester Airport, although reasons are unclear.However, it won’t be leaving our shores any time soon – with reports that engineers spotted a cracked window, which will need to be fixed.That’ll be a blow to Ronaldo, missus Georgina Rodriguez, and their brood – who will have to make-do without their preferred transport for travel.Most read in FootballA glance at their social media shows they are often on board the incredible jet.SunSport takes a look inside, while telling you about its incredible features.A jet like no otherThe first thing that stands out about Ronaldo’s sensational jet is you can use for long haul.Astonishingly, it can fly for more than 18 hours without having to refuel.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s able to provide an impressive range of 6,600 miles, so you can fly to Hong Kong to London non-stop.Or, in this case, from Riyadh to Manchester which is around 2,800 miles.Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on ‘f—ing clueless’ coaches he’s played for, Messi relationship and calls himself the GOATPowered by a Rolls-Royce engine, it reaches up to speeds of Mach 0.90.The Global Express 6500 is a smooth ride – thanks to the patented Smooth Flex Wing, which works as an in-shock absorber to help contain turbulence.ComfortRonaldo’s jet has several suites passengers can take advantage of.The entrance and crew suite features a luxurious kitchen equipped with an oven, microwave, and even an espresso/coffee machine.,The communal bathroom features a large mirror, vanity, sink and faucet.So Ronaldo and Georgina don’t get any creases in their clothes, they have a spacious wardrobe for their personal items.Separate from the crew suite is the conference suite, that has a height adjustable table, as well as a dresser.A fully equipped kitchen features an oven and microwaveCredit: bombardierthe private suite allows VIPS to relax in styleCredit: bombardierGeorgina Rodriguez poses in a private suite of a jet with her luggageCredit: georginagio/InstagramBathroom are plush on board the Global Express 6500Credit: bombardierThe patented Nuage zero-gravity seats offer ultimate comfortread more sport featuresThe private suite has patented Nuage zero-gravity seats that allow Ronaldo and his Wag the opportunity to sit back and relax for their flight.While there’s a separate en-suite that has another fully-equipped bathroom, large wardrobe and a separate baggage compartment.EntertainmentFor those long journeys, in-flight entertainment is a must – and luckily for Ronaldo and his family the Global Express 6500 is well-covered in that respect.First, there’s 4K UKHD TV’s to marvel over if you want to watch some movies.High-speed internet is a given, while there is wireless music streaming capability throughout the cabin.READ MORE SUN STORIESA conference room allows for fine dining on boardCredit: bombardier4K HD TV’s decorate the private jetCredit: bombardierGeorgina Rodriguez has everything she needs onboard to stay entertainedCredit: Instagram @cristianoShould your electronics be light on battery, there’s wireless charging ports too.There will be nothing to bore the Ronaldo clan on this one. More

  • 250 Shares139 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘God was inspired by your beauty’ say fans as TNT Sports presenter steals show in low-cut dress for Champions League

    A CHAMPIONS League host has distracted fans from the on-field drama – with her outrageous outfit. Miroslava Montemayor, 35, won hearts during TNT’s coverage of the tournament in Mexico. Miroslava Montemayor has wowed fans in Mexico with her on-screen outfitCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontThe former pageant queen is a big celebrity in South AmericaCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontShe has spent the last ten years as a sports presenterCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontMiroslava joined ESPN over a decade ago before heading to TNT in 2019Credit: Instagram @miroslavamontThe presenter was front and centre for a night of high drama across the European competition. Celtic almost knocked out Bayern Munich, Club Brugge stunned Atalanta and Benfica drew 3-3 with Monaco. Montemayor was on hand to bring TNT viewers in Mexico all the goals as they happened.And she turned heads with her sultry choice of on-air attire, rocking a stunning blue outfit for the cameras. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDebuting the look to her 394,000 Instagram followers, one fan gasped: “What a stunner.”Another said: “Distracted me during the postgame.”While a third added: “When God invented beauty he was inspired by you.”Miroslava, 35, is a former Mexican beauty pageant titleholder.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShe represented her country at Miss International 2013 in Japan and began her foray into TV over a decade ago. After leaving modelling behind, she headed into the world of sports broadcasting. AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question Miroslava began her TV career on Azteca Noreste sports show ADN.She joined up with ESPN in 2015, fronting a number of their Spanish-language shows. The presenter turns her hand to everything from American football to tennis. Miroslava left ESPN in 2019 to join TNT, where she has since fronted the Champions League coverage in Mexico. Later that year she married Jorge Alberto Hank, owner of Mexican football club Tijuana.The stunning host has almost 400,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontShe has worked World Cups, Super Bowls and tennis majors in her careerCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontMiroslava began her career as a beauty queenCredit: Instagram @miroslavamont More

  • 250 Shares139 Views

    in Soccer

    Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘in talks to CANCEL Tottenham sponsorship two years early’ in fresh wave of cutbacks

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S Ineos are in talks to cancel their Tottenham sponsorship two years early.Spurs have a multi-million pound, five-year deal with the petrochemical company that sees their dugout seats bear the Ineos name.Sir Jim Ratcliffe could cut short Ineos’ Tottenham dealCredit: GettyThe deal secures the Ineos Grenadier as Spurs’ ‘official 4×4 vehicle partner’Credit: AlamyTh deal was signed in December 2022 to promote the Ineos Grenadier car.It is Tottenham’s “official 4×4 vehicle partner” but it seems that link could be approaching an end.Ineos are in discussions with the club over withdrawing from the agreement two years before it expires, report The Telegraph.It comes amid a strew of cuts at Manchester United overseen by Ratcliffe.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport understands the club is set to axe up to 200 more staff in his latest cost-cutting move.All departments are at risk of seeing their numbers slashed.A source exclusively told The Sun: “Ultimately, football is a business but there are hundreds of people who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes who contribute to any club’s success.”Morale is already on the floor after last year’s job losses. This will come as another big blow.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt comes after Ratcliffe made 250 of the 1,150 workforce redundant in July.Ratcliffe is reportedly concerned the club could go bust unless radical cuts are made.Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis United lost £300m over the past three years – but the United co-owner is confident he can turn things around in two seasons.Insiders told the outlet United would have “run out of cash” had Ratcliffe not injected £240m last year.And Ratcliffe is prepared to keep going with his cost-cutting – despite knowing it is hugely unpopular with fans.Almost every United player could be up for sale this summer at Old Trafford. More

  • 213 Shares179 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘Deeply disrespectful’ – Lookman releases statement after own manager called him ‘one of worst penalty takers ever’

    ADEMOLA LOOKMAN has called criticism of him “deeply disrespectful” after his manager slammed his missed penalty.The former Fulham and Everton star was in action for Atalanta last night as they were dumped out of the Champions League by Club Brugge.Ademola Lookman missed a spot kick last nightCredit: AFPSimon Mignolet saved Lookman’s penaltyCredit: AFPAtalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini was unimpressed with the wingerCredit: RexThe Serie A side trailed 3-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate at half time in Bergamo.Lookman, 27, pulled a goal back in the first minute of the second period, before being handed a golden opportunity to further reduce his side’s deficit from the penalty spot.The Nigeria international’s spot kick was saved by Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, however, with Atalanta going on to lose 3-1 on the night.After the game, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini said: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. (Mateo) Retegui and (Charles) De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”Lookman has since hit back at criticism directed his way.In a statement posted to his social media accounts, he wrote: “It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city.”Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here – the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful.”Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night’s result.Scottish fan is only away supporter to turn up to cheer on Atalanta against Napoli”During the match the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so.”Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which l’ll continue to do.”Lookman’s botched spot kick last night was not his first underwhelming penalty.With Fulham trailing West Ham 1-0 in November 2020, the winger stepped up from 12 yards in the 98th minute.He infamously attempted a Panenka penalty, which was easily saved by the goalkeeper.Prior to last night, however, he had scored all four spot kicks taken for Atalanta’LOST HIS HEAD’In the closing stages of last night’s match, Atalanta skipper Rafael Toloi “lost his head”.As the 34-year-old went to take a throw in, he was needlessly bumped by Maxim De Cuyper.The red mist then descended upon Toloi, who tried to throw the ball at his opponent.It slipped out of his hand, however, and he fell over.Feeling embarrassed, Toloi got up and begun to charge at De Cuyper, who had turned and was walking away.The referee attempted to get in the Brazilian’s away but his efforts were futile, Toloi bundling over his opponent.He went on to be sent off for his head loss, while De Cuyper was yellow carded.READ MORE SUN STORIESGasperini, 67, added of the incident: “That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads.”Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona.”Rafael Toloi bundled over an opponentCredit: TNT SPORTS More