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    FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem continues sacking spree with shock dismissal of F1 lead steward Tim Mayer

    MOHAMMED BEN SULAYEM has sacked F1’s leading steward Tim Mayer in another bombshell dismissal. The FIA president’s move comes just three-weeks after former F1 race director Niels Wittich’s shock axing with just three races to go.Leading F1 steward Tim Mayer has been sacked by FIA president Mohammed Ben SulayemCredit: AlamyMercedes driver George Russell recently said the drivers are “a bit fed up” with Ben Sulayem’s leadership of the FIACredit: GettyMayer is the son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer and one of the most respected figures in the sport.He has not been called up to officiate as chairman of the stewards since his last outing at Mexico City Grand Prix last month.The 58-year-old also worked for the organisers of the US Grand Prix in Austin, who were summoned after fans invaded the track after the race. Comments made by the US promoters reportedly upset Emirati executive Ben Sulayem.Read more on F1Mayer and Wittich are the latest in a series of senior people to leave the FIA in the past year, with Luke Skipper, former director of communications, leaving in October 2024.This coincided with the departure of Jacob Bangsgaard, the former secretary general of mobility. Steve Nielsen also left his role as sporting director at the FIA in December 2023, just before single-seater technical director Tim Goss followed suit. Rui Marques, the F2 and F3 race director, was named as the Wittich’s replacement from last weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEarlier this month furious drivers released an open letter demanding they are treated like ‘adults’ by the FIA when it comes to swearing, jewellery and clothing.Since then Mercedes driver George Russell recently said the drivers are “a bit fed up” with the leadership of the sport’s governing body. Why snapping up Adrian Newey is such a coup for Aston MartinHe made it clear he was referring specifically to the leadership of Ben Sulayem.Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), also said that the drivers “weren’t aware” of the decision to remove Wittich. The sport’s governing body suggested in a statement that the German had chosen to leave his post to “pursue new opportunities.”But Wittich hit back, claiming he did “not resign” just hours after the FIA had announced his departure from the role. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who was crowned champion last weekend in Las Vegas, said: “It’s a bit weird with three races to go to do that and to have to now deal with a different race director.”Leclerc added: “That came out a bit of nowhere. I think we were all surprised. “It could have probably been managed in a better way.” More

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    Mary McGee dead at 87: Racing legend and star of Lewis Hamilton’s ‘Motorcycle Mary’ film passes away

    RACING legend Mary McGee has passed away at the age of 87.The American was a pioneer in motorsport, breaking new ground as a woman in a male-dominated field.Motorcycle racing pioneer Mary McGee has passed away aged 83Credit: GettyShe was the subject of a Lewis Hamilton-produced short filmCredit: GettyMcGee competed from 1960 to 1976, becoming the first woman to race the Baja 1000, and the only woman to finish the Baja 500 solo.She initially raced sports cars before making the switch to motorcycles in 1964, and raced the Baja 500 on recommendation from Steve McQueen.Her family announced her death, saying: “Mary embodied resilience, grace, and optimism.”She was a historic athlete and a motorsports pioneer who embraced life’s challenges, cared deeply for others, and made time to brighten the lives of those around her. READ MORE IN F1″While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we are comforted knowing that her light will continue to shine in everyone she touched.”We would like to take a moment to extend a thank you to the healthcare providers, caregivers, friends, and family members that made Mary’s transition peaceful. “She particularly enjoyed the last few months meeting those who learned her story through the documentary, Motorcycle Mary.”McGee was also the subject of the short film, Motorcycle Mary, which was produced by Sir Lewis Hamilton.Most read in MotorsportThe F1 star invited McGee to the Canadian Grand Prix as a special guest this year and they spoke before the race.Sky Sports commentator also spoke to McGee, and he has paid tribute to the legend following her death.Lewis Hamilton in awkward car journey with George Russell and Carlos Sainz after Las Vegas GPHe said: “This is very sad, spoke to her on the grid in Montreal and was due to make a feature with Mary in Austin but she wasn’t well. “Truly remarkable lady, there is a documentary being released anytime about her life.” More

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    Liverpool v Manchester City headlines Score Predictor Matchweek 13 – read our top tips!

    IT’S all eyes on Anfield this weekend but Score Predictor users will have to negotiate four other Premier League fixtures before they get to Matchweek 13’s main event.As usual, we’re putting up £250 for the weekly prize – not bad for a free-to-play game, eh?Play now!Credit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the five selected games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then you’ll claim the cash!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture this Matchweek, along with our own predictions.West Ham v ArsenalThe Hammers beat the Gunners at the Emirates between Christmas and New Year last season but Mikel Arteta’s side took their revenge in emphatic style with a 6-0 victory at the London Stadium back in February.Julen Lopetegui relieved some pressure with a 2-0 win at St James’ Park on Monday night but he will have to execute something special to upset an Arsenal side fresh of impressive wins over Nottingham Forest and Sporting CP.The North London outfit have taken just eight points from a possible 18 on the road in the league this campaign but it’s hard to look past them this Saturday, especially with the Martin Odegaard/Bukayo Saka combination up and running again.Our Prediction: 2-0 to ArsenalMost read in FootballWest Ham will have their hands full with Saka this weekendCredit: GettyTottenham v FulhamSpurs are the league’s top scorers at this stage and they rank second for shots, shots on target and xG – they pack a serious punch.However, even their most partisan fans freely admit consistency is an issue.Ange Postecoglou’s troops dusted Manchester City 4-0 last weekend but their most recent home game ended in defeat to Ipswich.As for the Cottagers, they’re still sitting pretty in the top half but a 4-1 loss to Wolves came as something of a reality check last time out.Fulham’s underlying defensive numbers are impressive but resisting Son Heung-min, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and company is a tough ask. Our Prediction: 2-1 to SpursSpurs score plenty of goalsCredit: GettyManchester United v EvertonRuben Amorim’s first league game at Old Trafford pits two relatively blunt attacks against each other.Only Southampton have scored fewer goals than the Toffees, with the Red Devils joint-16th in the same metric.Sean Dyche watched his side fail to breach the ten men of Brentford last Saturday while Man United drew 1-1 at Portman Road the day after.This match-up looks low on entertainment on paper but the Amorim factor (new manager bounce and all that) gives it a little something extra.The hosts have a Europa League game against Bodo/Glimt to fulfil first but, assuming they don’t lose any key men to injury, we’re envisaging celebrations at Old Trafford on Sunday.Our Prediction: 2-0 to Man UnitedScore 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 NOWChelsea v Aston VillaThe Villains have won their last two visits to Stamford Bridge in the league but they head to the capital amid a downturn in form.Wednesday night’s 0-0 draw with Juventus made it seven games in a row without a win in all competitions – Unai Emery’s side have slipped to 8th in the table.Whereas Chelsea are in third, breathing down Man City’s neck just one point adrift.The Blues play Heidenheim in Germany later today but Enzo Maresca has rotated his squad in the Conference League so the likes of Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke will be plenty fresh for the weekend.Both these teams have fared better away from home so far this season but this feels like an opportunity for Chelsea to make a statement in front of their season ticket holders.Our Prediction: 2-1 to ChelseaChelsea could rise to second by the end of the weekendCredit: GettyLiverpool v Manchester CityThe big one.It’s been years since a Pep Guardiola side approached a fixture as underdogs in the eyes of the neutrals.City’s late capitulation against Feyenoord on Tuesday night was their sixth result without a win – almost unthinkable for a side who have been so dominant in the modern era.In contrast, Arne Slot is enjoying a flying start to life on Merseyside.The Reds are eight points clear the top of the league table and boast a 100% record in the Champions League.Clashes between Liverpool and Man City have been gripping and unpredictable in recent years but the hosts couldn’t have picked a better time to welcome the defending champions to their lair.Our Prediction: 3-1 to LiverpoolREAD MORE SUN STORIESThink you know better? Prove it!Enter your predictions for Matchweek 13 now and compete for the £250 cash prize.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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    Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor forced to step away indefinitely due to ongoing family emergency

    BRISTOL ROVERS manager Matt Taylor has been forced to step away due to a family emergency.The League One boss will step down indefinitely due to an ongoing emergency.Matt Taylor has stepped away from managing Bristol Rovers indefinitely following a family emergencyCredit: GettyA statement from the club read: “Bristol Rovers can confirm that first-team manager Matt Taylor is to take a leave of absence due to an ongoing family emergency.”David Horseman and Wayne Carlisle will take interim responsibility for all footballing duties.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Bristol Rovers are with Matt and his family during this difficult period, and we look forward to welcoming him back to work as soon as is suitable.”The Club will be making no further comment and asks that the privacy of Matt and his family is respected during this time.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAssistant manager Wayne Carlisle and first team coach David Horseman will step in as interim bosses in Taylor’s absence.Taylor was in the dugout for Rovers’ 2-0 defeat to Blackpool on Tuesday night.The Pirates currently sit 14th in League One, having won six, drawn three and lost eight of their games.They face Barnsley in the FA Cup on Saturday, their first clash without Taylor at the helm.Most read in FootballFans have sent their well-wished to Taylor amid the news and are right behind their gaffer during his difficult time.One wrote: “Thoughts are with Matt & his family at this difficult time”.While another added: “Family come first despite our love for the club. Thoughts & prayers to MT and his family. Stronger united”.And a third commented: “Such sad news, thoughts with him and his family.”Fellow Football League clubs such as Rotherham, Exeter City and Bristol City also posted messages of support. More

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    Embarrassing moment Champions League star scuffs his lines with ‘one of the worst misses in football history’

    CHAMPIONS LEAGUE star Ivan Martin had a moment to forget during Girona’s 1-0 defeat the Sturm Graz last night.Martin, 25, missed an absolute sitter to put Girona ahead in the Champions League league phase clash in Austria.Ivan Martin missed a golden chance for his first ever Champions League goal last nightCredit: RexMartin drifted into the back post to find space with the goalkeeper out of placeCredit: DAZNHe was found by a tidy pass from teammate Bryan GilCredit: DAZNMartin unbelievably missed the target, hitting the ball over the barCredit: DAZNThe midfielder was left face down with his head in his handsCredit: DAZNThe attacking midfielder found himself in a golden position to score his first ever Champions League goal during the first half of the match.But what looked to be a certain goal was soon a moment that will have kept Martin up all night as he fluffed his lines and hit his shot over the bar from around two yards out.The former Villarreal man was devastated with his miss and put his head in his hands following the shocking moment.While fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing with the keeper completely out of the equation when Martin missed the target.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn social media, one wrote: “That has to be one of the worst misses in football history”.While another asked: “Miss of the century?!”A third joked: “That’s impressive tbh it’s so much harder to miss this chance than to actually score”.And a fourth teased: “He should be arrested after the match”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThings got worse for Martin when his miss came back to haunt him as Sturm Graz scored a 58th minute winner through former Arsenal striker Mika Biereth.Girona have now lost four of their five Champions League games this season, falling to defeats at the hands of PSV, Feyenoord and PSG.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers More

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    Roy Keane reveals brutal two-word put down to rude selfie-hunter as Man Utd legend discusses fame with Ricky Gervais

    ROY KEANE has revealed the brutal two-word put down he said to a rude selfie-hunter.The Manchester United legend has made it no secret that he hates being asked for pictures.Roy Keane revealed his brutal put down to a rude selfie-hunterCredit: YouTube/The OverlapKeane, in the past, has hidden himself from selfie hunters and snubbed a request at an NFL game in London.During a trip to America in 2023, one fan did not take his rejection well.This led Keane, 53, to make a brutal put down in order to fire back at their comments.Keane recounted the story during the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “There was a guy last year when I was in America meeting some lads.”Everyone was flexing their muscles, and this big guy came over and asked for a picture.”I just said, ‘No, I am waiting for some friends, and I am not taking pictures’.”He just said ‘you know nobody knows who you are around here’ and I just went ‘you do’. It was perfect.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpecial guest comedian Ricky Gervais agreed with Keane in his dislike of selfies.He said: “I’m worried that I’m going to be running for a train and someone is going to ask for a selfie – I’m going to say, ‘Yes’ and miss the train’.Roy Keane tells fan ‘I’ll wait in the car park’ after furious pitchside confrontation following Ipswich vs Man UtdKeane has often refused to take selfies with fans”I can’t stand someone out there who says that I’m a complete a***hole. I even had someone ask me for one at breakfast today! “Once I was at the urinal and someone asked if he could have a selfie with me.”He put his arm around me and took the selfie. Unbelievable – and I couldn’t say anything.”Now, I haven’t got the selfie, but it’s in his phone!”Gervais also poked fun at Keane for his confrontation with an Ipswich Town supporter after the 1-1 draw with Man United.Keane clashed with the supporter and said: “I’ll wait for you in the car park.”To which Gervais joked: “I’m just glad Roy didn’t want to chat to me in the car park.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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    Which teams have the most favourable fixtures this December?

    CHRISTMAS is a time for friends, family and football.The games come thick and fast throughout the festive period and Dream Team managers will need to have their wits about them if they are to come out the other side with an improved rank.The festive period is a crucial juncture in the Dream Team calendarCredit: Dream TeamMany gaffers like to take each Gameweek as it comes but it’s often beneficial to plan further ahead.With that in mind, let’s analyse each Premier League team’s fixtures between Gameweeks 13 and 17 – some teams will play NINE games during this crucial period.LIVERPOOLManchester City (h)Newcastle (a)Everton (a)Girona (a)Fulham (h)Southampton (a)Tottenham (a)Leicester (h)West Ham (a)Everything’s coming up roses for the Reds right now.Arne Slot’s side are top of the league and well on course for safe passage through to the Champions League round of 16.And it’s a great time to play Man City with the defending champions in the midst of a rare crisis.No fewer than five Anfield residents have achieved 100+ points to date – they’re flying.Most read in FootballMANCHESTER CITYLiverpool (a)Nottingham Forest (h)Crystal Palace (a)Juventus (a)Manchester United (h)Aston Villa (a)Everton (h)Leicester (a)Pep Guardiola’s winless run has extended to six games in all competitions and so it has to be considered a terrible time to visit Anfield.Erling Haaland (£8.6m) addressed his minor blip with a brace against Feyenoord but points have severely dried up for the likes of Rico Lewis (£3.4m) and Josko Gvardiol (£4.6m).Dream Team’s transfer activity suggests many gaffers have lost patience with City assets… at least for the time being.Guardiola has problems to solveCHELSEAAston Villa (h)Southampton (a)Tottenham (a)Astana (a)Brentford (h)Shamrock Rovers (h)Everton (a)Fulham (h)Ipswich (a)The Blues are one of five teams with nine fixtures to fulfil from this weekend until New Year’s Day.However, Enzo Maresca has made extensive use of rotation in the Conference League so it’s likely to be Christopher Nkunku (£4.5m), Joao Felix (£4.4m) and Mykhailo Mudryk (£3.1m) who cash in against Astana and Shamrock Rovers.Those three league games at the end of the month could be profitable for Cole Palmer (£6m) backers if Chelsea’s talisman is in the mood.ARSENALWest Ham (a)Manchester United (h)Fulham (a)Monaco (h)Everton (h)Crystal Palace (h)Crystal Palace (a)Ipswich (h)Brentford (a)The Gunners won’t be leaving London until 2025 and one suspects minimal travel time will be an advantage when the schedule gets hectic.A double header against the Eagles has to be considered a stroke of luck (facilitated by the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw) given Oliver Glasner’s men are currently languishing 19th in the table.Bukayo Saka (£6.4m) could well be a must-have asset for December as ninth-placed Fulham is his toughest domestic opponent according to the league table.EssentialCredit: RexBRIGHTONSouthampton (h)Fulham (a)Leicester (a)Crystal Palace (h)West Ham (a)Brentford (h)Aston Villa (a)Just the seven games for the Seagulls but a string of bottom-half opponents (and Fulham) until the end of Gameweek 16 appears ripe with potential.Joao Pedro (£4.1m) averages 8.7 points-per-game at the time of writing, a rate only bettered by Haaland and Mohamed Salah (£7.4m) among forwards.Kaoru Mitoma (£3.7m) and Georginio Rutter (£3.4m) might prove to be smart differential midfielders.TOTTENHAMFulham (h)Bournemouth (a)Chelsea (h)Rangers (a)Southampton (a)Manchester United (h)Liverpool (h)Nottingham Forest (a)Wolves (h)There’s almost no point looking at Spurs’ schedule because their inconsistency defies the form table; as typified by their mighty 4-0 win over Man City in the wake of their defeat to Ipswich.Son Heung-min (£5.3m) and company will be busy boys in the coming Gameweeks though with plenty of points on offer.As well as the skipper, Pedro Porro (£4.4m), Dejan Kulusevski (£3m), Brennan Johnson (£3.7m), James Maddison (£4.5m) and Dominic Solanke (£4.3m) are all perfectly viable options.Plus, Fraser Forster (£1.8m) is a potential bargain while Guglielmo Vicario (£3.1m) recovers from a fractured ankle.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 NOWNOTTINGHAM FORESTIpswich (h)Manchester City (a)Manchester United (a)Aston Villa (h)Brentford (a)Tottenham (h)Everton (a)After a flying start to the campaign, consecutive losses to Newcastle and Arsenal either side of the international break have come as a reality check for Forest.Chris Wood’s (£3.8m) owners will be hopeful of healthy returns at home to the Tractor Boys this weekend but the schedule takes a nasty turn from Gameweek 14.ASTON VILLAChelsea (a)Brentford (h)Southampton (h)RB Leipzig (a)Nottingham Forest (a)Manchester City (h)Newcastle (a)Brighton (h)In complete contrast to last season, the Villains have earned more league points away from home this time around.Unai Emery’s men are in a bad moment right now having gone seven games without a win in all competitions.Emi Martinez (£3.9m), Ollie Watkins (£5.3m), Lucas Digne (£3.5m) and Morgan Rogers (£2.8m) are all popular selections in the realm of Dream Team but gaffers will need to see an upturn from Villa sooner rather than later.Villa’s form has fallen away in recent weeksCredit: ReutersFULHAMTottenham (a)Brighton (h)Arsenal (h)Liverpool (a)Southampton (h)Chelsea (a)Bournemouth (h)The West Londoners have enjoyed a positive start to the campaign but their next four opponents are all within the top six of the table – a tough test.Fulham will be desperate to get one over their local rivals on Boxing Day but their record against Chelsea is miserable – they haven’t won at Stamford Bridge since 1979!NEWCASTLECrystal Palace (a)Liverpool (h)Brentford (a)Leicester (h)Brentford (h)Ipswich (a)Aston Villa (h)Manchester United (a)Gaffers keen on backing Alexander Isak (£5.4m), an understandable inclination, might want to target the Magpies’ fixtures in Gameweeks 15 and 16 (Leicester, Brentford, Ipswich and Villa).Eddie Howe’s side looked to be heading the right direction after wins over Chelsea, Arsenal and Forest but an unexpected defeat to West Ham on Monday night has slowed their momentum.Truth be told, Newcastle games have been a tad light on Dream Team points this season.Always a tempting optionCredit: GettyBRENTFORDLeicester (h)Aston Villa (a)Newcastle (h)Chelsea (a)Newcastle (a)Nottingham Forest (h)Brighton (a)Arsenal (h)The Bees boast the best home record in the top flight but the second-worst away record.Given the nature of their away fixtures in December, their problems on the road could extend until the new year.That being said, Bryan Mbeumo (£4.3m) is a decent midfield option for Gameweek 13 – the Cameroon star averages 8.1 points-per-game this season.MANCHESTER UNITEDEverton (h)Arsenal (a)Nottingham Forest (h)Viktoria Plzen (a)Manchester City (a)Tottenham (a)Bournemouth (h)Wolves (a)Newcastle (h)The last of our teams with nine fixtures to fulfil.A match-up with the Toffees represents a relatively favourable first league game at Old Trafford for Ruben Amorim but the Portuguese tactician faces some tough tests in December.A trip to Czechia in the Europa League might provide some relief before a tricky Gameweek 15 (Man City and Spurs) but if the Red Devils come through relatively unscathed there could be healthy returns up for grabs against the Cherries and Wolves.Bruno Fernandes (£6.4m), Alejandro Garnacho (£4.2m), Noussair Mazraoui (£4.1m) and Diogo Dalot (£4m) have all provided their fair share of points across the first 12 Gameweeks of the season.Can Amorim get a tune out of Man United in the coming weeks?Credit: APBOURNEMOUTHWolves (a)Tottenham (h)Ipswich (a)West Ham (h)Manchester United (a)Crystal Palace (h)Fulham (a)Antoine Semenyo (£2.9m) is the only player in the squad to make any waves in Dream Team so far and he’s suspended for this weekend’s trip to Molineux.And with just seven games for the Cherries, let’s move on…WEST HAMArsenal (h)Leicester (a)Wolves (h)Bournemouth (a)Brighton (h)Southampton (a)Liverpool (h)The Hammers have just seven fixtures with testing match-ups bookending this run but a few Dream Team managers may feel Jarrod Bowen (£5.3m) is worth a whirl at some stage.The England international has amassed 105 points at an average of 7.5 per outing via four goals and four assists.Bowen has almost twice as many points as West Ham’s next best performers, Mohammed Kudus (£5.1m) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£3.3m), who are level on 56 each.A reliable performerCredit: PAEVERTONManchester United (a)Wolves (h)Liverpool (h)Arsenal (a)Chelsea (h)Manchester City (a)Nottingham Forest (h)There’s no sugarcoating the Toffees’ December; it’s a brutal run.Dwight McNeil (£3.7m) has impressed this season but gaffers should probably stay well clear of all Everton assets in the run-up to New Year’s Day.LEICESTERBrentford (a)West Ham (h)Brighton (h)Newcastle (a)Wolves (h)Liverpool (a)Manchester City (h)The Foxes are in desperate need of a new manager bounce and they’ll probably need to get their points early in December as they face an extremely taxing end to the month.WOLVESBournemouth (h)Everton (a)West Ham (a)Ipswich (h)Leicester (a)Manchester United (h)Tottenham (a)Wolves are a tad light without European fixtures or a Carabao Cup quarter-final but six consecutive bottom-half opponents could yield plenty of points for Matheus Cunha (£4.8m).Gary O’Neil’s star player averages 8.3 points-per-game this season and is in particular strong form right now having banked over 50 points in his last four appearances.A strong wildcardCredit: RexIPSWICHNottingham Forest (a)Crystal Palace (h)Bournemouth (h)Wolves (a)Newcastle (h)Arsenal (a)Chelsea (h)Liam Delap (£2.4m) is the only Tractor Boy with an ownership above 0.3% and that’s unlikely to change any time soon, despite Kieran McKenna’s admirable efforts in Suffolk.CRYSTAL PALACENewcastle (h)Ipswich (a)Manchester City (h)Brighton (a)Arsenal (a)Arsenal (h)Bournemouth (a)Southampton (h)The Carabao Cup draw has cruelly given the Eagles a double header against the Gunners but at least they have eight fixtures, one more than nine other clubs.Palace have found it hard going this season but Eberechi Eze (£5m) is player to keep an eye on as he tends to collect Dream Team points for fun when fit – he’s due back from injury any day now.Palace need Eze back sooner rather than laterCredit: GettySOUTHAMPTONBrighton (a)Chelsea (h)Aston Villa (a)Tottenham (h)Liverpool (h)Fulham (a)West Ham (h)Crystal Palace (a)With all due respect to Saints, there aren’t many Dream Team bosses out there keen on a club rooted to the bottom of the table.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir next six opponents are all top-half clubs too – it could get messy for Russell Martin and his troops.Target the right fixtures with the right players and you will surge up the leaderboard this Christmas!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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    Frank Lampard CONFIRMED as Coventry manager as Chelsea legend returns to management after 18 months unemployed

    FRANK LAMPARD has been announced as the new manager of Coventry City.The Championship outfit have announced that the former Chelsea, Everton and Derby County boss will take over at the club.Frank Lampard has been announced as the new Coventry City managerCredit: GettyLampard has penned a two-and-a-half year deal with the Sky Blues, who currently sit 17th in the Championship.A statement from the club read: “Coventry City are delighted to announce the appointment of Frank Lampard as the Club’s new Head Coach.”The 46-year-old has signed a two and a half year contract with the Sky Blues and will take charge of City for the first time this Saturday against Cardiff City at the Coventry Building Society Arena.”Frank will be supported by two new coaches, Joe Edwards and Chris Jones, who he has worked with extensively previously.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Lampard has enjoyed an illustrious career in football, both on and off the pitch.”While Coventry owner and Executive Chairman Doug King said: “I am delighted that Frank Lampard has agreed to join our club as Head Coach.”Frank cut his teeth in the Championship and knows what is needed in this League to be successful.“His experiences thereafter at Chelsea and Everton will ensure he brings to our talented squad clear understanding of exactly what is needed to succeed at the very top level that we as a Club are striving to reach.” Most read in FootballFrank Lampard’s managerial recordHere’s a look at Lampard’s record as a manager…Derby County May 2018 – July 2019P57 W24 D17 L16 Win percentage 42.1%Chelsea July 2019 – January 2021P84 W44 D17 L23 Win percentage 52.4%Everton January 2022 – January 2023P44 W12 D17 L24 Win percentage 27.3%Chelsea (caretaker) April 2023 – May 2023P11 W1 D2 L8 Win percentage 9.1%Overall: P288 W132 D72 L16 Win Percentage 45.83%FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLampard is set to sit down in front of the press himself this afternoon.Lampard, 46, last held a job in management in June 2023, when he spent two months as Chelsea’s interim boss.I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard’Taking charge of just 11 games, Lampard managed to guide the Blues to only one victory.The unsuccessful interim period came after Lampard had spent a season and a half in charge of his former club between 2019 and 2021, securing a top four Prem finish and making it to the FA Cup final.The former England international also managed Everton between 2022 and 2023 where he helped keep the Toffees afloat in the Premier League.While he began his managerial career in the Championship with Derby County where he narrowly missed out on promotion to the top flight before earning his first move to Chelsea.Lampard’s first game will come on Saturday as Coventry host Cardiff City at the Coventry Building Society Arena.And fans have welcomed him to the club online, getting behind the Premier League hero already.One said: “Time to get behind him now. Super Frank’s Sky Blue Army.”A second wrote: “Always been better than Gerrard.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third commented: “Finally! Get in there.”And a fourth said: “Welcome Frank! Time to kick on, and write a new chapter.”Lampard started his managerial career as Derby County boss in the ChampionshipCredit: PA:Press AssociationLampard’s appointment is a kick in the teeth to Coventry faithful – fan’s viewBy Alex JohnsonIt was always going to be tough to fill the boots of a club legend like Mark Robins, a manager who provided many Sky Blues’ with their best-ever memories supporting the club, but the arrival of Frank Lampard has gone down like a lead balloon among the Cov faithful.In his Q&A appearance with fans after firing Robins, owner Doug King emphasised his intention to bring in a tactically minded head coach to get the best out of what is the most expensively assembled squad in Coventry City history.To end up with Lampard, whose former assistant Jody Morris received a lot of the credit for his success at Derby County, feels like a kick in the teeth. This isn’t someone who has won league titles or been praised for his brilliant style of football in the slightest.Coventry fans will get behind Lampard and give him a chance. But to suggest he is an upgrade on Mark Robins after one playoff finish and a 9.1% win percentage in his last job is laughable. More