Philippa Kaur

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    Managerless QPR release five players following culmination of Championship season… but SEVEN more could still leave

    QUEENS PARK RANGERS have announced five players are leaving the club – with a fan favourite potentially set to follow. The Rs have just completed their tenth-straight season in the Championship.QPR have announced five players are leaving the clubCredit: GettyPlayer of the season Jimmy Dunne is yet to sign a new deal with the clubCredit: AlamyRangers finished 15th, six points clear of the relegation zone but ten behind the playoff places. The club are currently searching for a manager after placing Marti Cifuente on gardening leave in April. But that isn’t stopping them from having a summer clear-out at Loftus Road. The club have confirmed Kenneth Paal, Conor Clark, Samuel Manufor, Harry Murphy, and Casey Shann have all been released.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPaal has been in West London since 2022, joining the club from Dutch side Zwolle.He has played 130 times for the R’s, scoring six goals. In an emotional statement on Instagram, he wrote: “From day one, I enjoyed every moment. “The people at the club as well as my team-mates helped me and my family, and I will always be thankful. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”There were tough moments but my time with QPR made me a better person and a better player. “I became a father here and my little one was born in London, so this will always be a special place and time for me. It was a life-changing period.”Former Championship club win promotion to National League as fans go wild after nightmare decadeSeven players remain locked in negotiations with the club over a new deal.Lucas Andersen, Jack Colback, Jimmy Dunne, Morgan Fox, Joel Halliday, Noah McCann, Kieran Petrie and Nathan Shepperd.QPR attempted to renew Dunne’s contract earlier in the season and blocked a move to Sheffield United in January. The 27-year-old was voted the club’s player of the season by both supporters and his teammates.Dunne is set to become a free agent if he is unable to sign a new deal in the capital. More

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    Frank Lampard releases eight Coventry stars after gut-wrenching Championship play-off defeat to Sunderland

    COVENTRY have released eight players after falling short of promotion to the Premier League.Frank Lampard, who landed the job in November, led the Sky Blues on an incredible surge up the table to finish fifth.Coventry have released eight playersCredit: PAJamie Paterson has left after just eight gamesCredit: PABut they remain in the Championship after conceding a 122nd minute winner to Sunderland in the play-off semi-final.Coventry have announced their release list following the end of the season with Jamie Paterson the biggest name departing.The 33-year-old was at the club for three months and managed eight appearances.But he has not been offered a new contract and will join League One side Plymouth Argyle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAcademy graduates Jack Burroughs, Ryan Howley and Cian Tyler have also been shown the exit door.Burroughs, 24, joined Coventry at the age of seven and went on to make 21 senior appearances.But he has spent recent seasons out on loan at Lincoln, Kilmarnock and Ross County.Howley, 21, played eight times in total and was with Scottish Championship side Ayr United on loan last season.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTyler, 23, is another who has been at Coventry since he was a schoolboy, but he never managed a first-team game.Under-21 quartet Aston Ellard, Daniel Rachel, Kain Ryan and Jayden Smith have also left the club.Coventry have decided to trigger one-year extension options in the contracts of midfielder Jamie Allen and goalkeeper Luke Bell.Allen, 30, has been in the squad for the last six seasons and he has featured 151 times for the club.Bell, 21, joined from Wolves three years ago and is their youth-team keeper.Jamie Allen will remain with the clubCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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    Man Utd star Amad Diallo ‘asks locals to pay for electric scooter’ as fans joke ‘these cuts are getting ridiculous’

    AMAD DIALLO was having trouble with the local transport in Malaysia – just hours before another embarrassing defeat for Manchester United. The Ivorian forward is part of the Red Devils squad currently on a post-season tour of Asia. Adam Diallo was filmed appearing to ask locals for help paying for his e-scooterCredit: XAlejandro Garnacho and Ayden Heaven were also taking in the sights of Kuala LumpurCredit: XThe Ivorian has enjoyed a strong season with the Red DevilsCredit: EPAAmad came off the bench during Wednesday’s dismal 1-0 loss to the ASEAN All Stars in Kuala Lumpur.Hours before, the 22-year-old joined teammates Alejandro Garnacho and Ayden Heaven for a spot of sightseeing.The trio – decked out in United training gear – hopped on some Beam e-scooters to take in the city. But they quickly ran into trouble when attempting to pay for their trip.READ MORE ON MAN UTDViral footage originally shared on TikTok showed a local having to help Amad and his fellow stars put a payment through. The striker appeared to give his phone over to one fan, while others took selfies with Garnacho and Heaven. One fan laughed in response: “Ratcliffe didn’t pay the players wages.”A second joked: “These cuts are getting ridiculous.” Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAn eagle-eyed third commented: “My guy left with the hotel slippers.”And a fourth clarified: “For those saying he was asking people to pay for his scooter, it’s their phones they just needed help with the app.”Ruben Amorim vows ‘good days are coming’ after ‘disaster season’ as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apologyDespite United suffering a dismal campaign, Diallo proved to be a shining light at Old Trafford.He suffered an ankle injury which kept him out for over tw months. But across 26 Premier League games, the Ivorian racked up 14 goal contributions. Taking to Instagram after Sunday’s final Prem game, he wrote: “Thanks to all United fans for the support no matter what happened.”See you next season, Reds.”United’s Asia tour is their first post-season trip in the club’s modern era. After an embarrassing defeat to the All Stars on Wednesday, Ruben Amorim’s men will head next to Hong Kong. More

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    Man Utd ratings: Kobbie Mainoo and Shea Lacey bright sparks in dismal performance that sees Hojlund flop once again

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S stars thought their embarrassing season was over, but the ASEAN All Stars left them even more red-faced than Tottenham.The Red Devils cautiously plodded their way to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the cobbled together Asian side in a humid 90 minute match in Kuala Lumpur.Manchester United lost 1-0 to ASEAN All-Stars in a lacklustre post-season tour performanceCredit: GettyUnited couldn’t break down the inferior oppositionCredit: GettyRuben Amorim gave 26 different players a run out in their un-needed post-season tour opener after the club’s worst ever Premier League campaign was wrapped up at the weekend.It was a goal from Maung Maung Lwin that was the difference as the All-Star side patiently waited for their chance against a lacklustre United showing.Amorim won’t be too upset at defeat in what is ultimately a glorified way of adding some pennies to his transfer kitty and getting a look at some youngsters on the books.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Hall rated the Man Utd performances…READ MORE ON MAN UTDANDRE ONANA – 6Had very little to do for the 45 minutes he played.Called upon once or twice and did enough to keep the opposition out.DIOGO DALOT – 3Really didn’t do anything of note in the half an hour he was on the pitch.Perhaps his biggest impact was regularly leaving the teenage centre-half next to him without any help.Most read in FootballNot his best showing at all.Diogo Dalot had little impact on the gameCredit: GettyHARRY MAGUIRE – 7Looked the most settled payer of the starting centre-back trio, which was no surprise as he lined up with 18-year-old’s either side of him.Took it upon himself to play some line-splitting passes in the knowledge that he was going to have step up alongside the teens for the short 31 minutes he played in.Hard to remember the last Maguire played as badly as people would like to tell you he does – consistently solid.AYDEN HEAVEN – 7After 30 minutes Heaven became the most experienced centre-back on the pitch for United – he’s 18.The former Arsenal man was confident enough to step into that role and looks like a talent for the future.Used his body very well and was always the first of the back line of defenders to react to any loose ball in United’s own final third.REECE MUNRO – 4Showed his inexperience with some cheap fouls in the opening 10 minutes when players were able to skip past him.The 18-year-old also failed to close down the all-stars attack quickly enough on a number of occasions.PATRICK DORGU – 7Perhaps the only first-term player that looked like he wanted to play at the intensity of a competitive match.The wing-back was regularly caning down the flank to try and get in behind, as well as tracking back to try and win the ball.Since he’s come in to United in January it’s been hard to say he’s been used properly by his manager or his teammates, but the signs are there that he could succeed next term.Patrick Dorgu was one of few United players to put in the effort over the matchCredit: AFPCASEMIRO – 6This was a game played at a pace suited to a player like Casemiro, slow build up that gives him time to make an impact.Unfortunately, nobody was moving off the ball to allow him to do so.Substituted on 31 minutes ahead of his return to the Brazil squad.KOBBIE MAINOO – 8A special moment for the midfielder who was handed the captain’s armband when Harry Maguire was subbed off.His feet are always impressive and he looked one of the more likely players to make something happen.That final finish and end product weren’t quite there today, but that’s to be expected in such an unusual friendly situation.Kobbie Mainoo was impressive on the ballCredit: ReutersMANUEL UGARTE – 6Advancing the ball much quicker than he has been since joining United.Played a few nice sweeping passes out wide to try and get the wing-backs in behind.United fans will be hoping they see more progression from his next seasonJACK MOORHOUSE – 6Looked comfortable on the ball every time it came to him.Clearly very confident in possession and looking to make things happen from central positions.Unfortunately there was only 30 minutes to look at the 19-year-old, hopefully he will get a chance to shine against Hong Kong later this week.RASMUS HOJLUND – 2If there was ever an example of how important confidence is then the first half of this match showed it.As much as some people might tell you differently, Hojlund is definitely better than the level he was facing today.However, he didn’t show it. The out-of-form striker was regularly losing possession and rarely got into a position to even receive the ball in a dangerous position, never mind scoring.He’s better than that, but with his confidence so low you won’t see it any time soon.Rasmus Hojlund struggled once again, despite playing against such poor oppositionCredit: GettySUBSSHEA LACEY – 7Silky footwork and a willingness to get forward, Shea Lacey looks like he could be a bright spark for the future at Old Trafford.When teams find themselves in dire situations it’s often academy prospects that step up and shine – think Bukayo Saka at Arsenal, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham at Chelsea and Pedri and Gavi at a cash-strapped Barcelona.That’s not to say that Lacey will follow in their footsteps, but he looks like he has enough talent to have a crack at breaking into this struggling United side.That said, he did only play 14 minutes.Shea Lacey was impressive in the short stint he had on the pitchCredit: GettyBRUNO FERNANDES – 8Even when the best players aren’t trying they still manage to show their class. Bruno Fernandes wasn’t trying to force the issue like he normally has to in this Man Utd team, but still managed some classy moments and silky touches – notably a Rabona pass to Alejandro Garnacho.The debate will run on in the coming weeks about if Fernandes is going to leave for Saudi Arabia.It’s safe to say that if he does leave, United will be losing their best player by some margin.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6He’s been told he can leave the club – but not before being made to play 45 minutes of painfully dull football in 30 degree heat in Kuala Lumpur.A few decent runs in behind and a bit of flair against his opposite number flattered to deceive. Most players didn’t want to play this game – never mind one that is very unlikely to be coming back after the summer break.JONNY EVANS – 5Didn’t cover himself in glory when the All-Stars got their goal, leaving his young centre-back partner Godwill Kukonki to cover the goalscorer all alone.Evans is essentially using this tour as a farewell tour given his impending exit from the club.TOBY COLLYER – 7Collyer has been one of the Carrington stars that has been in and around the first team for a while, and it’s obvious why.He looks like he’s ready to make a more regular step up to first team football and could be a part of the squad rotations under Amorim next season. It’s not just his confidence on the ball, but his ability to help win it back too that makes him an exciting prospect.AMAD DIALLO – 6Amad knows he’s been one of the few bright sparks for United this season and he played like it too. It wasn’t his usual display of blistering pace and hard work, but rather a tame effort to help the team while avoiding injury.Not his best, but not his worst.CHIDO OBI – 5Much has been made of the goal-scoring youngster since his high-profile move from Arsenal this season.While he found himself in a few good positions throughout the second half, Obi was often unable to get the ball out of his feet quick enough to get off a meaningful shot.Once he sorts that out he could be really dangerous.JIM THWAITES – 7At just 17 years old, Jim Thwaites had to be the one to prevent United from falling to a 2-0 defeat to their minnow opponents.The youngster bust a lung to get back in the final minute and pull off a sensational slide tackle to prevent a certain goal.Read More on The SunOther substitutions included… Jayden Kamason, Daniel Armer, Sekou Kone, Tyler Fletcher, Godwill Kukonki, Tom Heaton, Tyler Fredricson. More

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    ASEAN All-Stars 1 Man Utd 0: United humiliated by Asian minnows in miserable start to post-season tour

    MANCHESTER UNITED suffered an embarrassing 1-0 defeat to makeshift Asian side ASEAN All-Stars.Ruben Amorim named a strong XI in Malaysia three days after United’s shock 2-0 win over Aston Villa on the final day of the season at Old Trafford on Sunday.Man Utd suffered a shock loss to ASEAN All-StarsCredit: APRuben Amorim named a strong line-up for the matchCredit: GettyMaung Maung Lwin scored the decisive goalCredit: MUTVBut yet again, the majority of players etched their name into the chopping block in the sweltering 30 degree heat in Kuala Lumpur.After suffering the ultimate humiliation of losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final a week ago, United lost the Maybank Challenge Cup on Wednesday.Nearly 70,000 fans, most wearing Man Utd scarves and hats, came to see their favourite Premier League stars, with the club visiting for the first time since 2009.After a cagey start, it was the visitors who were on top, enjoying the best chances.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCambodia’s Coulibaly Abdel Kader slipped a pass down the outside of Ayden Heaven and Harry Maguire for a bright Nguyen Hai Long to run onto.Nguyen was just about offside when he whipped a left-footed shot just wide of Andre Onana’s post, but the dangers were clear.Amorim appeared like he could barely watch at times, looking down at the turf while Nguyen got in behind again.Onana was the first keeper to be called into action when he got down low to stop Sandro Reyes’ shot from 18 yards after dopey work from Manuel Ugarte and youngster Reece Munro.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordASEAN All-Stars celebrated with a team photo after the goalCredit: AFPAmorim had seen enough. The Portuguese gaffer made his first four subs in the 30th minute, with the shirts sticking and sweat pumping from United’s XI.United’s first shot on target came three minutes later when Kobbie Mainoo’s effort was curled wide by keeper Khammai. Mainoo had another cleared off the line before half-time.Man Utd players ride open-top bus through Malaysia during post-season tour of AsiaThe four teenagers injected pace and youth, with Sekou Kone and Shea Lacey particularly impressive in their short cameos.Half-time brought 11 changes from Amorim.Alejandro Garnacho, at the centre of a blazing row with his manager after his post-Europa League final comments, received a huge applause from fans.But the game was at walking pace now.Garnacho and Amad Diallo brought more quality, but United were knackered against a side made up of different teams from Asia.And before long, tragedy struck for Amorim in the 71st minute with United hit on the break.A diagonal pass from left to right by Adrian Segecic caught Godwill Kukonki napping and Maung Maung Lwin stormed through the inside-right and buried his shot past Tom Heaton.United’s best – and only – piece of quality came through Bruno Fernandes’ long ball over the top to Garnacho, who was frustrated to find NO-ONE in the box.The home side, who celebrated with a team photo after scoring, almost doubled their lead at the death if it wasn’t for 17-year-old Jim Thwaites. Read More on The SunSegecic, who laid on the assist for the opener, was set to pull the trigger until Thwaites recovered with a goal-saving challenge.How low can you go? United keep proving more heartbreak is to come.Ruben Amorim was left stunnedCredit: Reuters More

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    Matheus Cunha given savage new nickname after Man Utd try to pay £62.5million transfer fee in five instalments

    MANCHESTER UNITED target Matheus Cunha has been given a savage new nickname – and it is not even his fault.The Wolves star is subject to a transfer bid from the Red Devils.Matheus Cunha has been given a new nicknameCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe has a buyout clause worth £62.5million which United are prepared to meet.However they have seen a bid knocked back after attempting to pay the fee in five instalments, with Wolves demanding it is paid in full by the end of the 2026-27 campaign.Wolves’ rejection of the deal structure has been made public knowledge and has been met with mockery by fans.One fan likened United’s approach to a consumer buying a product with online financial service company Klarna, which allows buyers to pay using instalments.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAs a result, one supporter came up with a clever nickname for Cunha: Matheus Klarna.Other fans found the joke highly amusing, with one responding: “Tweet of the day easily.”Another added: “Very clever 😀”And a third wrote: “Absolutely fantastic.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCunha signed a new Wolves contract – which included the new release clause – in February after receiving interest from both Arsenal and United.But he has reportedly agreed a five-year deal to move to Old Trafford and will take Marcus Rashford’s No10 shirt.Rasmus Hojlund leaves Man Utd fans unimpressed in training video with AngrygingeCunha struck 17 goals and six assists in 36 outings this term.While Rashford is expected to leave United and his representatives have met with Barcelona over a permanent transfer. More

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    Chelsea vs Real Betis LIVE SCORE: Conference League final updates as Jackson told he will START in Poland – stream FREE

    THE final of the Conference League will take place TONIGHT – and it promises to be a thriller.Chelsea face Real Betis in the Wroclaw showpiece as the Blues look to make history by becoming the first club to win all four of the major Uefa club competitions that have existed.The West Londoners will be mixing it with Europe’s elite next term after securing Champions League qualification against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but Enzo Maresca will want to cap off his first season at the helm with a trophy.Betis will be playing in the Europa League one way or another after their LaLiga finish, but in-form Antony and Co would love to secure the Spaniards their first European trophy.Kick-off time: 8pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 1FREE live stream: discovery+Chelsea XI: team to follow…Real Betis XI: team to follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Real Betis predicted XICedric Bakambu is expected to lead the line as the 34-year-old looks to add to the seven goals he has scored so far this term in the Conference League.Former Tottenham star Giovani Lo Celso is a doubt, but he trained yesterday, so he could be fit enough to start, which would allow Pablo Fornals to go on the left flank.Youssouf Salby is expected to start at right-back due to the injury-stricken Hector Bellerin.Copy linkCopiedMudryk turns up in Chelsea kit to Maresca’s surpriseMykhailo Mudryk is back in a Chelsea kit again after turning up unannounced at the Conference League final.Head coach Enzo Maresca was taken by surprise when informed the troubled Ukrainian winger had popped up in Poland after months in the wilderness.Mudryk is currently suspended from playing after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium while on international duty in November.But it did not stop him making his own way to Wroclaw where he was spotted by fans wearing a club tracksuit in a steakhouse.It’s believed he told them he is here to collect a medal after the final against Real Betis.Maresca appeared caught off guard when it was put to him that the £62million wideman was in town.He said: “To be honest, I just… Is he here or is he coming? He’s here. I’m happy for Misha to be here.”I don’t know, I just said that. I’m happy for Misha to be here.”Banned Mykhailo Mudryk turns up in Chelsea kit unannounced on eve of Conference League final to shock of clubCopy linkCopiedChelsea’s stunning European final historyChelsea have reached seven Uefa finals in their history, winning six of them.The Blues’ first European triumph came in 1971 when they beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a replay of the final to win the Cup Winners’ Cup.Chelsea made it two from two in 1998 as Gianfranco Zola’s famous goal secured a 1-0 win over Stuttgart in the Cup Winners’ Cup final.The Londoners’ perfect run came to an end in 2008 when the Blues lost to Manchester United on penalties in the Champions League final.In 2012, Chelsea defied the odds and lifted their first Champions League trophy by beating Bayern Munich on spot kicks.12 months later, the Blues made it back-to-back European trophies when they defeated Benfica 2-1 in the Europa League final following their early Champions League exit.In 2019, Chelsea added a second Europa League title with an emphatic 4-1 win over London rivals Arsenal in the final.Finally, in 2021, the Blues returned to the top of European football after they beat Manchester City to be crowned Champions League winners for the second time.Copy linkCopiedChelsea predicted XINicolas Jackson is expected to slot straight back in up top after missing the last two Premier League games of the season due to suspension.That will allow Pedro Neto to play in his more natural position out wide.With Romeo Lavia ineligible, Moises Caicedo will likely play in a midfield two with Enzo Fernandez, with Reece James coming in at right-back.Maresca could opt to start the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyrique George after impressing in both legs of the semi-final.Copy linkCopiedCrazy scenesSome more scenes from the street brawl in Poland.Copy linkCopiedStreet battleViolence has broken out again on the streets of Poland between Chelsea and Real Betis fans in ugly scenes ahead of their Conference League final tonight.Supporters were seen hurling punches and kicks, launching bottles and smoke grenades near the fanzone in Wroclaw with riot police forced to defuse the violence.he ugly scenes continues after similar violence yesterday when tear gas was needed to separate the hostile fans.Betis fans are looking forward to their first ever major European final, with a red hot atmosphere in Poland boiling over into a full on brawl this afternoon.Supermarket shelves are running dry of beer and pubs are out of pint glasses as fans soak in the atmosphere ahead of the final.And six hours before kickoff tonight, the violence spilled over when fans started kicking and throwing flares into each other’s camps.Copy linkCopiedAtmosphere buildingCredit: ReutersCredit: GettyCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEyes on the prizeReal Betis and Chelsea will contest tonight’s final, already knowing their European fates are sealed.The Blues will be playing Champions League football next season after they secured a top-five finish in the Premier League, while the Spaniards have already qualified for the Europa League with a 6th placed finish in LaLiga.This means the two sides are just playing for the right to win a European trophy – and the cash prize that comes with it…Uefa have revealed that the winners of this year’s Conference League will take home a staggering £5.9million.While the runners-up are set to pocket approximately £3.37m.Here is the full breakdown:Winner: £5.90mRunner-up: £3.37mSemi-finalists: £2.11mQuarter-finalists: £1.10mRound of 16: £674,135Reaching knockout round play-off: £168,533League-phase wins: £337,067League-phase draws: £112,075Copy linkCopiedEXCLUSIVE: Jackson to STARTNicolas Jackson has been told he will start for Chelsea in tonight’s Conference League Final.The striker is desperate to make amends for getting sent off at Newcastle 17 days ago.He is currently serving a three-match domestic ban and will miss the first game of the next Premier League season as a result.But Blues boss Enzo Maresca has been making his final team selection ahead of this evening’s clash with Real Betis and Jackson is in.Maresca told the media last night that Jackson is ‘in debt’ to his team mate’s over his red card.Jackson was sent off in the first half at St.James’ Park and ten man Chelsea went down 2-0 leaving their Champions League hopes on a knifedge.But they recovered in his absence to seal a top four finish with Sunday’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest.Copy linkCopiedMoment Chelsea and Real Betis fans CLASH in PolandViolence has broken out again on the streets of Poland between Chelsea and Real Betis fans in ugly scenes ahead of their Conference League final tonight.Supporters were seen hurling punches, kicking, launching bottles and smoke grenades near the fanzone in Wroclaw, with riot police forced to defuse the violence.Moment Chelsea & Real Betis fans CLASH in Poland launching bottles & smoke grenades hours before Europa Conference finalCopy linkCopiedRain coming down in WroclawCredit: PACredit: PACopy linkCopiedMaresca ahead of Conference League finalEnzo Maresca discussed the importance of coming home with the trophy ahead of tonight’s showpiece, he said “The message over the last 48 hours has been, ‘We did something important [qualifying for the Champions League], but if we want to confirm that we are becoming an important club again, we need to show the desire to win the game and the trophy’.“So it’s job done [in the Premier League], fantastic, and we’re happy. But tomorrow is a different game, a final, and we want to win at any cost.“Every day we have something to prove, no doubt. What we have done [qualifying for the Champions League] is done. Now we have to prove ourselves again tomorrow.“We have played many games this season in this competition, now we have just one more.“For sure, for me personally [there is something to prove], but the message to the players is exactly same. Every day is a chance to improve, and we want to compete for titles.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedReal dealAntony has enjoyed a stunning spell at Real Betis since joining the LaLiga outfit on loan from Manchester United at the end of January.The Brazilian winger has been a revelation in Spain and played an instrumental part in Betis’ run to the Conference League final. In the 25 matches Antony has featured in since his arrival from Manchester, the Spanish side have won 13, drawn eight and lost just four.The 25-year-old has scored nine goals and made five assists, including scoring in both legs of Betis’ stunning Conference League semi-final win over Fiorentina.The Spanish side want to keep Antony at the club on a permanent basis, with Man Utd reportedly wanting around £30-£35m this summer.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedReal Betis team newsFormer Arsenal star Hector Bellerin is expected to miss tonight’s final after he picked up a hamstring injury in the semi-finals second leg with Fiorentina.Marc Roca, Diego Llorente and Chimy Avila are also confirmed absentees.Former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso is a doubt due to muscle discomfort, but the Argentine did train yesterday.Youssouf Sabaly and Johnny Cardoso are available after shaking off minor knocks.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedChelsea fans making themselves heard in WroclawCredit: AFPCredit: PACredit: PACopy linkCopiedChelsea team news Chelsea are boosted by the return of striker Nicolas Jackson after he missed the last two games of the Premier League season due to suspension.Maresca has had more positive news in the forward areas with Christopher Nkunku back from a knock.Romeo Lavia will be forced to miss out as Chelsea are unable to add him to their squad list for tonight’s final.Elsewhere, Wesley Fofana, Omari Kellyman and Mykhaylo Mudryk are all unavailable.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGood afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of the Conference League final!Chelsea and Real Betis go head-to-head in tonight’s showpiece in Wroclaw.The Blues have already secured their spot in the Champions League next season, so there is less riding on this final than there could have been if the West London outfit lost to Nottingham Forest on Sunday and results elsewhere went against them.That said, Enzo Maresca’s side can make history this evening by becoming the first side to win all four of the major Uefa club competitions that have existed.Meanwhile, Premier League winner Manuel Pellegrini is looking to lead Real Betis to the first European trophy in the club’s history.Like Chelsea, Betis’ European fate has already been sealed regardless of tonight’s result, as they finished 6th in LaLiga, which has already qualified them for next season’s Europa League.Copy linkCopied More

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    Nicolas Jackson told he WILL start Chelsea’s Conference League final with Real Betis after serving red card ban

    NICOLAS JACKSON has been told he will start for Chelsea in tonight’s Conference League Final.The striker is desperate to make amends for getting sent off at Newcastle 17 days ago.Nicolas Jackson will start the Europa Conference League final against Real BetisCredit: ReutersThe 23-year-old hasn’t played since picking up a red card against Newcastle earlier this monthCredit: GettyHe is currently serving a three-match domestic ban and will miss the first game of the next Premier League season as a result.But Blues boss Enzo Maresca has been making his final team selection ahead of this evening’s clash with Real Betis.And Jackson will be included in the starting XI in Wroclaw. Jackson was sent off in the first half of the huge showdown at St James’ Park.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe 23-year-old threw an elbow at Newcastle star Sven Botman, with replays showing he was watching the defender’s movement before glancing away and striking him in the face.Ten-man Chelsea went down 2-0, leaving their Champions League hopes on a knife-edge.But they recovered in his absence to seal a top-four finish with Sunday’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest.Maresca told the media last night that Jackson is “in debt” to his team-mate’s over his red card.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd the Blues boss revealed the Senegalese international had apologised following the incident. Maresca said: “I think Nico is in debt with his team-mates. Fuming Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca delivers two-word X-rated response to critics in fiery press conference”And the reason why is because in that moment, Newcastle away was for us the most important game. “And he left his teammates with ten players for one hour.”So for sure he’s in debt. For sure he’s a good guy. For sure he recognised the mistake. CHELSEA VS REAL BETIS – CONFERENCE LEAGUE FINAL LIVEBETTING TIPS AND FREE BETS FOR THE FINAL”He apologised to his teammates. That is very important. “And I’m sure that [in the final] he’s going to do a very good game for us.” More