Philippa Kaur

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    ‘Could be craziest week’ say fans as Arsenal and Liverpool set for 3 games in 11 days including potential title decider

    ARSENAL and Liverpool could be set for a crazy week which will determine their success domestically and in Europe.The pair have been slinging it out at the top of the Premier League all season long and could meet in the Champions League too.Liverpool and Arsenal could face each other three times in ten daysCredit: GettyArsenal and Liverpool are in the same side of the draw and if they win in the next two rounds will face off in the semi-final.The Champions League semi-final first leg take place on April 29/30, with the return leg a week later.That means one club could beat the other to reach the Champions League just days before they meet in an epic Prem title clash.The Gunners are scheduled to visit Anfield on May 10 in a fixture that could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of the Premier League season.READ MORE ON ARSENALAlthough that game is likely to be moved back a day for Super Sunday,Arsenal have closed the gap in recent weeks and Liverpool’s lead at the top could be reduced to just five points if Mikel Arteta’s side win their game in hand.So fans are ready for a huge week which could help Arsenal end their 21-year wait for a title, or claim their first-ever Champions League win.One supporter reacted saying: “This could be the craziest week ever 🤯”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother added: “That would be mental.”A third wrote: “OMG. This would be insane.”Arne Slot urges Liverpool not to make a habit of drawing games they should win after draw to Aston Villa However, both sides face a tough task to get that far.Liverpool landed the most difficult last-16 tie, against heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain – who smashed fellow French side Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the playoff round.They could then face another Prem rival in the quarters in Aston Villa, if Unai Emery’s side get past Club Brugge.Meanwhile the Gunners have, on paper, an easier last-16 clash against Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.However, they then face the daunting prospect of either beating Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid for a place in the semis. More

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    ‘That’s wild’ say fans as Liverpool star Mo Salah seen leaving arcades on Blackpool Pier during rare day off

    FOOTBALL fans were left in disbelief after spotting Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah on Blackpool Pier earlier this week.The 32-year-old was seen walking out of an arcade while on a day out.Mo Salah was spotted on Blackpool PierCredit: TikTok @jake79215The Liverpool winger was accompanied by his securityCredit: TikTok @jake79215Salah was accompanied by his security at the amusement park.Fans could not believe their eyes when they saw the winger had decided to use a rare afternoon off to head to Blackpool.One person took to social media to write: “That’s wild!”Another quipped: “Signed for Blackpool as he couldn’t handle the ‘Pier Pressure’ at Liverpool.”Read More in FootballA third wrote: “Egyptian king goes were he wants.”While a fourth joked: “Mo Salah to Blackpool THERE WE LAND!”Blackpool Pier is an icon of British summer holidays.Among the attractions at the seaside resort are arcade machines, a carousel, waltzers, dodgems and a bouncy slide.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSalah’s trip to the seaside comes with his Liverpool future in doubt as his contract is set to expire in June.Last month, he told Sky Sports: “This is the first time I would say I really want to win the Premier League [over the Champions League].Mo Salah calls out Jamie Carragher after Liverpool legend urged him to ‘take a leaf out of Virgil van Dijk’s book'”Why? Probably because we didn’t celebrate the last one we won the way we wanted and also coming back it’s my last year in the club so you want to do something special for the city.”Asked to elaborate on his comment, Salah added: “Do I really believe it’s my last year? So far yes.”These last six months there is nothing, no progress. We are far away from progress but we just need to wait and see.” More

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    Europa Conference League draw LIVE: Chelsea get DREAM path to the final as they avoid big hitters – updates

    CHELSEA were handed a DREAM path to the final of the Europa Conference League.Enzo Maresca’s Blues are massive favourites for the competition after they come through the group phase with six wins and 25 goals, all while resting Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson.Chelsea will face Copenhagen in the round of 16 then the winner, and then the winner of Molde vs Legia Warsaw – importantly, the likes of Fiorentina and Real Betis are on the other side of the draw.The Round of 16 matches take place on March 6/13, while the quarter-finals are on April 10/17.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the latest updates below…Making historyAs well as silverware, there are two big incentives for Chelsea to win this year’s Conference League.If they do so, they will become the first side to triumph in all three of Uefa’s main competitions.While winning it will also guarantee a place in next season’s Europa League – should their form in the Premier League drop away. Credit: PACopy linkCopiedChelsea’s route to the finalEnzo Maresca’s Blues are the big favourites to lift the Conference League after blitzing their way through the group stages.Following today’s draw, here’s their route to the final on May 28.Round of 16: CopenhagenQuarter-final: Molde or Legia WarsawSemi-final: Pafos, Djurgarden, Borac or SK RapidFinal: Real Betis, Vitoria SC, Jagielloina, Cercle Brugge, Celje, Lugano, Panathinaikos or FiorentinaCredit: PACopy linkCopiedDates for the diaryWith the final draw of the season now complete, we now know the route to the final in Warsaw in May.Here’s the schedule for the Conference League over the next 99 days: Round of 16: 6 & 13 MarchQuarter-finals: 10 & 17 AprilSemi-finals: 1 & 8 MayFinal: 28 MayCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedUefa make ‘exception’ for Chelsea and SpursUefa rules usually prevent two clubs in the same city, or within a 50km radius, hosting European matches on the same day.But the organisation have reportedly relaxed rules ahead of Chelsea and Spurs now both being in action on March 13.Chelsea will host Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge, while Tottenham welcome AZ Alkmaar to North London in the Europa League. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedKeep Palm and carry onChelsea won all of their group stage games on their way to the Conference League knockouts. Cole Palmer wasn’t registered by the club in the early stages of the competition, with the club preferring to keep the England star fit for domestic action.But Chelsea have now activated Palmer for the remainder of the tournament. Trevoh Chalobah and Mathis Amougou will also be available to Enzo Maresca against Copenhagen. Copy linkCopiedConference League draw in fullIf you’re just joining us after your lunch break, here’s a reminder of how the Conference League draw played out. Jagiellonia Bialystok vs Cercle BruggeMolde vs Legia WarsawCelje vs LuganoPafos vs DjurgardenPanathinaikos vs FiorentinaBorac vs Rapid ViennaReal Betis vs VitoriaCopenhagen vs ChelseaCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedMaresca rallying cryChelsea’s Enzo Maresca maintains that the Blues are targeting a top-four spot this season.And he’s called on Chelsea fans to stop looking backwards and instead embrace the run-in. Maresca said: “The only thing I can say is that every time the fans have been behind us, we really appreciate because we are sure that with the fans behind we can achieve soon our target.”We mention many times that when you can hear the fans pushing in behind [you], it is a nice feeling.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChelsea vs Copenhagen head-to-headThe Blues are no strangers to the Danish club, with the last meeting coming in 2011.On that occasion, Copenhagen frustrated Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge. In the reverse fixture, a Nicolas Anelka brace gave Chelsea all three points in the Danish capital.Chelsea 1-1 Copenhagen – 22 October 1998, Cup Winners CupCopenhagen 0-1 Chelsea – 5 November 1998, Cup Winners CupCopenhagen 0-2 Chelsea – 22 February 2011, Champions LeagueChelsea 0-0 Copenhagen – 16 March 2011, Champions LeagueCopy linkCopiedAll Bets are offChelsea could be on a potential collision course with Real Betis if they reach the Conference League final.The Spanish side are currently 8th in LaLiga.Manchester United winger Antony is on loan at the club – and has hit three goals in five games since moving to Spain .Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – Blues learn fateChelsea will take on FC Copenhagen for a place in the last-eight of the Europa Conference League.The winner of that tie will face either Molde or Legia Warsaw in the quarters.While Enzo Maresca’s side are on the other side of the draw to both Fiorentina and Real Betis. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw semi-final bracketSemi-final 1Jagiellonia Bialystok or Cercle Brugge vs Real Betis or VitoriaCelje or Lugano vs Panathinaikos or FiorentinaSemi-final 2Copenhagen or Chelsea vs Molde or Legia WarsawPafos or Djurgarden vs Borac or Rapid ViennaCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw quarter-final bracketJagiellonia Bialystok or Cercle Brugge vs Real Betis or VitoriaCelje or Lugano vs Panathinaikos or FiorentinaCopenhagen or Chelsea vs Molde or Legia WarsawPafos or Djurgarden vs Borac or Rapid ViennaCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw in fullJagiellonia Bialystok vs Cercle BruggeMolde vs Legia WarsawCelje vs LuganoPafos vs DjurgardenPanathinaikos vs FiorentinaBorac vs Rapid ViennaReal Betis vs VitoriaCopenhagen vs ChelseaCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestCopenhagen vs ChelseaCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestReal Betis vs Vitoria Copy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestBorac vs Rapid ViennaCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestPanathinaikos vs FiorentinaCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestPafos vs DjurgardenCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestCelje vs Lugano Copy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestMolde vs Legia WarsawCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestJagiellonia Bialystok vs Cercle BruggeCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestConvoluted draw explainer video finally over, time to get underway…Copy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestMichal Zewlakow is the legend introduced to draw out the ties.18 goals in over 450 career games – his entire montage consists of bone-crunching tackles and fist pumps to the crowd.Proper player. He also tips Chelsea to go all the way…Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestIt wouldn’t be a Uefa event without montages.We’re currently in the middle of a lengthy introduction, with all 16 teams getting their own slot. Draw soon…promise. Copy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestAnother set change in Nyon for the third draw of the day. Pedro Pinto is earning his coin. He hosts yet again with Uefa bigwig Giorgio Marchetti about to introduce a legend to draw the ties. Credit: AFPCopy linkCopied More

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    Chelsea learn Conference League fate… and could face reborn Man Utd flop Antony in final

    CHELSEA have learned their route to the Conference League final after drawing Copenhagen in the last 16.The Blues sealed their spot in the knockout stage of the competition after an incredible group stage run.Chelsea have discovered their route to the Conference League finalCredit: ReutersChelsea finished top of the pile with six wins from as many games.But they have now been handed a tricky last 16 tie against Copenhagen, who are among the highest-ranked sides left in the Conference League.The first leg will take place on March 6, with the second occurring a week later on March 13.Should the Blues get past the Danes, they will then face either Molde or Legia Warsaw in the quarters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe first leg of that tie takes place on April 10, with the second on April 17.There are then four potential sides awaiting in the semis, with Pafos, Djurgarden, Borac and Rapid Vienna all hoping for the chance to cause an upset.The dates for the semis are May 1 and May 8,While in the final, which takes place on May 28 in Wroclaw, Chelsea could take on Real Betis.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Spaniards are enjoying a resurgence after signing flop winger Antony on loan from Manchester United.He already has several goals to his name and will be keen to impress against an English side.Humble Nicolas Jackson snubs mega-money supercars as he leaves Chelsea training in £30,000 Fiat 500 Europa Conference League draw in fullLast 16 (March 6 & 13)Jagiellonia vs Cercle BruggeMolde vs Legia WarsawCelje vs LuganoPafos vs DjurgadenPanathinaikos vs FiorentinaBorac vs Rapid ViennaReal Betis vs VitoriaCopenhagen vs CHELSEAQuarter-finals (April 10 & 17)QF 1: Real Betis or Vitoria vs Jagiellonia or Cercle BruggeQF 2: Celje or Lugano vs Panathinaikos or FiorentinaQF 3: Copenhagen or CHELSEA vs Molde or Legia WarsawQF 4: Pafos or Djurgaden vs Borac or Rapid ViennaSemi finals (May 1 & 8)SF1: QF 1 winner vs QF 2 winnerSF 2: QF 3 winner vs Q 4 winnerFinal (May 28)SF1 winner vs SF2 winnerOther teams on Betis’ side of the draw include Panathinaikos and Cercle Brugge.Chelsea have also avoided Italians Fiorentina, who lost the last two Conference League finals to West Ham and Olympiacos.Chelsea will now be gearing themselves up to go and win the competition.Victory in the Conference League would see the Blues become the first side in history to lift all three major European trophies.Their squad has been strengthened by the registration of Cole Palmer, who was left out of the group stage.Trevoh Chalobah and Mathis Amougou were also added to the side.But Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia will play no part after being left out due to their injury woes.Chelsea’s record in Conference League 24/25QualifierChelsea 2 Servette 0Servette 2 Chelsea 1Chelsea’s group stage resultsChelsea 4 Gent 2Panathinaikos 1 Chelsea 4Chelsea 8 Noah 0Heidenheim 0 Chelsea 2Astana 1 Chelsea 3Chelsea 5 Shamrock Rovers 1P6 W6 D0 L0 GF 26 GA 5 GD21 Pts18Top scorers (inc. qualifier)Christopher Nkunku: 7Marcu Guiu: 6Joao Felix: 4Mykhailo Mudryk: 3Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: 2Renato Veiga: 2Pedro Neto: 1Noni Madueke: 1Marc Cucurella: 1Tosin Adarabioyo: 1Axel Disasi: 1 More

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    Fixtures added to Dream Team as European round of 16 ties confirmed for Premier League clubs

    THE six Premier League clubs still active in Europe now know their round of 16 opponents.Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa will participate in the Champions League knockout stage in March while Tottenham and Manchester United are set to resume their Europa League campaigns – Chelsea remain favourites to win the Conference League.Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa will resume their Champions League campaigns in MarchCredit: ReutersThe European competitions always have a significant bearing on Dream Team and managers should target these fixtures in the near future.CHAMPIONS LEAGUEPSG v LiverpoolPSV Eindhoven v ArsenalClun Brugge v Aston VillaArne Slot’s reward for topping the league phase is meeting with the best team in France – Ousmane Dembele and company beat Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the play-offs.The Gunners will face the current Dutch champions, who edged out Juventus in the play-offs.PSV have won just one of their six league games since the turn of the year.Unai Emery will be quietly confident after the Villains were drawn against the team that finished 24th in the league phase, although Club Brugge did bear Villa 1-0 in Belgium back in November.Liverpool and Aston Villa will meet in the quarter-finals if both sides progress beyond the last 16.Most read in FootballIf Arsenal get past PSV, they will play the winners of Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid.SEE THE FULL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 DRAW HERE.Liverpool are due to face PSGCredit: ReutersEUROPA LEAGUEAZ Alkmaar v TottenhamReal Sociedad v Manchester UnitedLike their North London rivals, Spurs have been drawn against Dutch opposition.AZ lost to Ange Postecoglou’s side in North London in late October and ultimately finished 19th in the league phase.The Red Devils’ goal-shy opponents are currently 11th in La Liga having lost four of their last five league games.At the risk of getting far too ahead of the game, Spurs and Man United wouldn’t meet until the final…SEE THE FULL EUROPA LEAGUE AND CONFERENCE LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 DRAWS HERE.CONFERENCE LEAGUEChelsea v CopenhagenChelsea are favourites to win the Conference LeagueCredit: PAAll the last 16 first legs will take place in Gameweek 26 with the second legs to follow in Gameweek 27.Consequently, Aston Villa and Man United will be the only teams to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 26; the Villains will also host Cardiff in the FA Cup fifth round while the Red Devils will welcome Fulham to Old Trafford in the same competition.All six clubs will then double up in Gameweek 27 as the second legs of the European ties will follow a full round of league fixtures.GAMEWEEK 27 DOUBLE HEADERSLIVERPOOL vs Southampton & PSGARSENAL vs Manchester United & PSVASTON VILLA vs Brentford & Club BruggeTOTTENHAM vs Bournemouth & AZ AlkmaarMANCHESTER UNITED vs Arsenal & Real SociedadCHELSEA vs Leicester & CopenhagenREAD MORE SUN STORIESPalmer is now available for selection in EuropeCredit: PAIt’s worth noting that Cole Palmer has been added to the Blues’ Conference League squad for the knockout phase.The England international wasn’t included in Enzo Maresca’s squad for the league phase of the competition with the Italian tactician citing “load management” but it seems Dream Team’s leading midfielder will have a part to play on Thursday nights going forward.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

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    ‘Had to be them, this draw is rigged’ moan fans as Man Utd handed nightmare Europa League draw

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed the Europa League draw as “rigged” after discovering their path to the final.The Red Devils and fellow Premier League side Tottenham were placed in a pair for the draw after finishing third and fourth respectively in the league phase.Man Utd will play Real Soceidad in the last-16Credit: ReutersUnited’s path to the final has been revealedAfter the play-off round, the English clubs were partnered with potential opponents Real Sociedad and AZ Alkmaar. Today’s draw revealed that United got the harder last-16 tie and will play the Spanish side as Spurs go head-to-head with the Dutch club.If United beat Real Sociedad, they will face either French outfit Lyon or head back to Romania to play FCSB, who they met in the league phase.Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, Rangers, Roma or Athletic Bilbao await in the semi-final. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans have slammed the draw as “rigged” and on facing Real Sociedad instead of AZ, supporters complained “it had to be them”.Others said: “We are finished.”More commented: “It was fun while it lasted, let’s focus on the FA Cup.”It is a tough draw for United as Real Sociedad pose the joint-third best defence in LaLiga.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut they have the advantage of playing the second leg at Old Trafford on March 13 after heading to San Sebastian on March 6.Lyon are the favourites to win their last-16 clash against FCSB and they showed their class in the league phase, only losing the last of eight matches which was a dead rubber.Man Utd squad is worse than Tottenham despite £553million MORE in transfer spending in last decade, says Gary NevilleOn the other side of the draw, Spurs will face either Ajax or Eintracht Frankfurt should they beat AZ.Bodo/Glimt, Olympiakos, Viktoria Plzen and Lazio are their possible semi-final opponents.It means a United vs Spurs final is a possibility. More

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    Europa League draw LIVE: Man Utd and Tottenham opponents CONFIRMED as English sides on opposite sides of draw – updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham have found out their Europa League oppnents!The Red Devils and Spurs have been drawn onto opposite sides of the draw, making an all English final a huge possibility.United will face Real Sociedad, while Tottenham face AZ Alkmaar – whom they beat 1-0 in the group phase.The first leg of the round of 16 will take place on March 4/5, and the second leg will take place on March 11/12.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the latest updates below…Tottenham’s route to the finalSpurs are hoping to end a trophy drought that stretches all the way back to 2008.Here’s the route they will have to take if they’re to win this season’s Europa League: Round of 16: AZ AlkmaarQuarter-final: Ajax or FrankfurtSemi-final: Viktoria Plzen, Lazio, Olympiakos or Bodo/GlimtFinal: Real Sociedad, Man Utd, FCSB, Lyon, Fenerbahce, Rangers, Roma or Athletic BilbaoCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAmorim – United have ‘more problems than solutions’It’s been a tough start to life at Old Trafford for Ruben Amorim.Spain’s Real Sociedad are up next in the Europa League – and the Portuguese boss admits things have been a struggle since he joined in November.Amorim told the BBC: “What I feel is that sometimes you don’t feel improvement in the team but some games you think we can play and create situations. That is a good thing.”In this moment when you watch the games, you see more problems than solutions. “That is clear. When we play some games, I see things are there and we are capable but we have to be consistent.”Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedCapital gains Chelsea and Spurs will both be in action at home on March 13 – and Uefa are happy for the games to go ahead. Uefa rules usually prevent two clubs in the same city, or within a 50km radius, from hosting European matches on the same day.But according to the Mail, the organisation have relaxed rules ahead of Chelsea and Tottenham now both being in action on March 13.Tottenham welcome AZ Alkmaar to North London in the Europa League, while Chelsea will face Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League. Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedEuropa League draw in fullShould you just be joining us, here’s how the draw played out early in Nyon, Switzerland.The 16 remaining clubs have been sorted into their respective brackets. As such, Man Utd, Tottenham and Rangers can start plotting their route to the final in Bilbao. Here’s the draw for the last 16, along with who each team could face in the quarter-finals:Bodo/Glimt or Olympiacos vs Viktoria Plzen or LazioFenerbahce or Rangers vs Roma or Athletic BilbaoAZ Alkmaar or Tottenham vs Ajax or Eintracht FrankfurtFCSB or Lyon vs Real Sociedad or Man UtdCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedHome comforts Manchester United will face Real Sociedad in the last 16 of the Europa League – and will play the second leg at home.Often seen as an advantage in tournament football, the draw went in United’s favour for the latter stages. The Red Devils will also play the second leg at Old Trafford in both the quarter-final and semi-final, should they get that far. Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedTell me MourRangers face a tough task as they go up against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the last-16. The Special One loves his European football – he remains the only manager to have won all three current Uefa club competitions.Fenerbahce are currently second in the Turkish Super Lig, six points behind leaders Galatasaray. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedTop providers in the Europa LeagueGoing into the round of 16, this is how the assist chart looks:Mertens – Galatasaray – 5 assistsCherki – Lyon – 4 assists Dzeko – Fenerbahce – 3 assistsCopy linkCopiedTop scorers in the Europa LeagueGoing into the round of 16, this is how the Golden Boot race looks:El Kaabi – Olympiacos – 7 goalsOsimhen, Varga, En-Nesyri, Aghehowa – 6 goalsHojlund, Akgun – 5 goalsCopy linkCopiedAnge’s second season spectacularAnge Postecoglou has insisted his sides always wins something in their second season. The Europa League is the last chance they have, as they are out of the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and out of the Premier League title race.They will have to beat AZ Alkmaar in the round of 16, and then either Ajax or Frankfurt in the quarter-final, before they could potetnaially meet group stage winners Lazio in the semi-finals.Copy linkCopiedAn all-English final?There is a chance that Manchester United and Spurs meet in the Europa League final this season!Spurs narrowly beat Amorim’s side last weekend, will they meet again in the final?Credit: Mark Pain/Alamy Live NewsCopy linkCopiedRangers learn their opponentRangers will face the Turkish League’s second placed side Fenerbahce in the round of 16.The sides last met in 2001, with the first leg ending 0-0, and the second leg ending 2-1.Credit: gettyCopy linkCopiedUnited’s problemAccording to OptaJoe on X, United haven’t won ANY of their three home games in Europa League history against Basque opposition.They have lost to Real Sociedad in 2022 and Athletic Club in 2012, and drew to Sociedad in 2021.Credit: Mark Pain/Alamy Live NewsCopy linkCopiedA rematchAZ Alkmaar and Tottenham will face off in a rematch of a game they have already played this season. Tottenham won 1-0, and Richarlison scored the only goal.Credit: REUTERS/Dylan MartinezCopy linkCopiedManchester United’s fate is decidedUnited will host Real Sociedad in the round of 16 in the Europa League. Sociedad have only one win over United, a 1-0 win in 2022.Of their four meetings in the Europa League, United have won two, lost one and drawn one.Copy linkCopiedEuropa League draw completeThere we have it.Tottenham will need to see off AZ Alkmaar to set up a clash with Ajax or Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd face Real Sociedad and could then take on either FCSB or Lyon in the last-eight. And Rangers will go up against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, with Roma or Athletic Bilbao the prize in the quarters.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEuropa League quarter-final bracketBodo/Glimt or Olympiacos vs Viktoria Plzen or LazioFenerbahce or Rangers vs Roma or Athletic BilbaoAZ Alkmaar or Tottenham vs Ajax or Eintracht FrankfurtFCSB or Lyon vs Real Sociedad or Man UtdCopy linkCopiedEuropa League last-16 draw in fullBodo/Glimt vs OlympiacosFenerbahce vs RangersAjax vs Eintracht FrankfurtFCSB vs LyonAZ Alkmaar vs TottenhamReal Sociedad vs Man UtdViktoria Plzen vs LazioRoma vs Athletic BilbaoCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestRoma vs Atletic BilbaoCopy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestViktoria Plzen vs Lazio Copy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestReal Sociedad vs Manchester UnitedCopy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestAZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Copy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestFCSB vs LyonCopy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestAjax vs Eintracht FrankfurtCopy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestFenerbahce vs Rangers Copy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestBodo/Glimt vs Olympiacos Copy linkCopied More

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    How Arsenal and Liverpool’s Champions League draw hands English teams huge advantage in race for fifth spot in Europe

    ENGLISH teams have been handed a boost in the race for an extra Champions League spot following the quarter-final draw.Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa are the three remaining English teams in Europe’s premier competition after Manchester City were knocked out by Real Madrid.English clubs have been handed a boost following the drawCredit: GettyLiverpool could meet Arsenal in the semi-finalCredit: AFPThe trio have been pulled out on the same side of the draw which means Liverpool could take on Villa, and one of those two sides could face the Gunners in the semi-final.That means each team could pick up a win in the Round of 16 to boost England’s co-efficient ranking.England currently lead the rankings with 106.6 points, with Italy second on 93.4 and Spain third on 89.1 – an extra Champions League place will be awarded to the top two countries.But with two Spanish sides drawn against each other in the next round – Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, there will be fewer opportunities for Spain to win points.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGermany, who are fourth in the co-efficient rankings, face the same issue after Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen were drawn to face each other.However, with Borussia Dortmund in the same half of the draw there could still be an all-German semi-final – just as there could be an all-English semi-final.And while there is no prospect of an all-Spanish semi-final, Real Madrid or Atletico and Barcelona could all reach the last four, on different sides of the draw.However for Spain to overtake England in the rankings they would likely need one of their clubs to win the Champions League, and hope English sides do not reach the latter stages.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe points earned by clubs from the same domestic league are added up and divided by the number of clubs the league has in Europe – England and Spain have seven while Italy has eight.This season, bonus points are available to clubs playing in the Champions League, so England have an advantage with three teams left, particularly as Liverpool could play Villa in the quarter-final to guarantee at least one English club in the semis.Earthquake strikes Lisbon during Champions League press conference and leaves whole room shakingManchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea also remain in European competition so could boost England’s co-efficient ranking further.If England are awarded an additional place, that would mean FIVE teams in the Champions League next season.That extra place would be handed to the team finishing fifth in the Premier League – currently Bournemouth. More