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    Premier League claims VAR has IMPROVED with just two mistakes since start of season

    REFS’ chief Howard Webb believes Prem whistlers HAVE got better this season — and he has stats to prove it.The first two months of this campaign have seen more moans and even allegations of bias from fans and managers.The Premier League has claimed VAR and refereeing has improved this seasonCredit: AlamyRefereeing chief Howard Webb told the Stick to Football podcast what has changedCredit: YouTubeSo far, there have been 15 on-field decisions overturned by VAR — the same number as at this stage last term.But only five of those have seen refs’ rulings changed, compared to nine after the first 70 games in 2023-24.Part of that is a switch to “referee’s call”, meaning there must be clear evidence of a mistake for VAR to intervene.Yet Webb also pointed to the verdicts of the Prem’s Key Match Incidents panel of former players, managers and referees.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe PGMOL boss told Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast: “We didn’t manage expectations well over VAR. “It was always going to be [the case that] it did well on situations when you think, ‘That’s clearly wrong on first view’.“We have this panel now with ex-players on it and they judge each decision each week.“According to the panel, there have only been two VAR errors this season, compared to ten at the same time last year. We’re not complacent but it’s better.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThose errors were disallowing Dango Ouattara’s “winner” for Bournemouth against Newcastle for a handball — and Bruno Fernandes’ red against Spurs.SunSport analysis shows VAR has had little impact on the table. We looked at the “result” of every match if the original call, before VAR intervention, stood.Gary Lineker makes bold prediction on Match of the Day that his ‘good idea’ to fix VAR will eventually come inThe only big change sees Bournemouth go up to sixth from 13th. Newcastle, Brighton and Fulham would have two fewer points, while Wolves while Wolves move off the bottom on goals scored.Dango Ouattara saw his goal wrongfully ruled out against NewcastleCredit: YouTube/Sky Sports Premier LeagueBruno Fernandes was incorrectly dismissed against SpursCredit: Reuters More

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    ‘England is not a dream job’ – Premier League managers react after being snubbed by FA for Thomas Tuchel

    SEAN DYCHE claims managing England is no longer a job bosses are desperate to land.The Everton chief had no interest in succeeding Gareth Southgate and says “lots of coaches” felt the same.Thomas Tuchel is the new England managerCredit: GettySean Dyche has claimed the England role is no longer a ‘dream job’Credit: ReutersSteve Cooper believes British coaches need to prove themselvesCredit: PADyche confirmed he was not among the ten candidates interviewed by the FA before they appointed Thomas Tuchel and said: “I’m not sure ‘dream’ is the right word for the England job.“It’s a respected job but I don’t think it’s a dream, having spoken to a few England managers  — it’s a massively challenging job and changed over the years.“It’s certainly something that at some point of your career you’d like to have a look at. But it’s certainly not my time now — for lots of coaches.”Tuchel won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup in 18 months at Chelsea.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFA chief executive Mark Bullingham gave the England job to the German — on an 18-month deal worth £7.5million — because he believes there is a lack of elite English coaches.Eddie Howe was not one of those approached because the FA knew that Newcastle would demand huge compensation.Dyche and Wolves’ Gary O’Neil are the only other English bosses working in the Prem.Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter was on the FA’s shortlist.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDyche, 53, added: “I know most people would have liked an English coach to come in but Tuchel clearly has a record that says he can do it.“Gareth did a fantastic job but there have also been plenty of other very good managers since we won the World Cup in 1966.Reporter apologises to Thomas Tuchel for ‘flippant’ comment in first England press conference Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.“It’s not disheartening for English coaches like me — and I certainly wasn’t one of the candidates.”England legend Wayne Rooney is “surprised” that Tuchel landed the job.The Plymouth boss, 38, said: “What the FA have built over the last ten to 15 years has been a great platform for young coaches coming through.“So I’m surprised they haven’t gone with one of their own.“He’s a very good coach but I’m surprised the FA have employed him.”Leicester manager Steve Cooper believes British coaches need to stop moaning about not landing the England job until they prove they can compete on a global stage.But the Welshman, 44, does not feel the FA’s coaching pathway is broken.Cooper won the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017, with a squad that included Marc Guehi, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes.He said: “Hopefully over the course of time, British coaching will continue to improve and we’ll be right up there with the world’s best.“In the meantime, any opportunity we’re given, we have to take it and do a good job.“Until we do that on a regular basis maybe we shouldn’t say so much.“I really believe in British culture, I believe in the coaching education pathway as well.“The ones I’ve been involved with have been the FA and FA of Wales, and they have been  brilliant courses which have evolved over time.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.“They develop coaches and educate coaches in the right way.“But there’s no doubt the FA have appointed a top coach — and assistant with Anthony Barry — and hopefully they can carry on the progress of the last few years.”Gary Neville, who worked as No 2 to former Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson, feels that England are “damaging ourselves” with Tuchel’s appointment and says it leaves “difficult questions for the FA to answer”.Yet his old Manchester United and England team-mate Michael Carrick, now in charge at Middlesbrough, said: “I don’t think that anything has gone wrong.“It would be nice if there were more English coaches at the top level and over time hopefully that will happen. But you’ve got to earn it.”Southampton’s Russell Martin, born in England but a Scotland international, insists “loads of English coaches are capable of doing the job”.He added: “Maybe English managers aren’t given enough credit. Or maybe they are deemed not good enough by the most important people.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s going to cause a lot of interesting discussion,  especially at the FA.“We have a renowned coaching education system that people come from far and wide to do, then we can’t appoint someone from that.”ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

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    Red Bull banned from using controversial device in major boost to Lando Norris’ F1 World Championship hopes

    LANDO NORRIS believes he has been dealt a possible boost in his bid to beat Max Verstappen to world championship glory after Red Bull were ordered to make changes to their car.Rival teams claimed Red Bull have gained an advantage by running a contentious device which allowed them to adjust the setup of the car between qualifying and the race – something which is not prohibited in the sport’s rules.Max Verstappen could see his title chances take a hitCredit: ReutersThe changes could boost Lando Norris’ title hopesCredit: AFPA senior team representative at Red Bull said: “Yes it (the device) exists, although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run.”In the numerous correspondence we have with the FIA, this part came up and we have agreed a plan going forward.”Speaking ahead of this weekend’s US Grand Prix, McLaren’s Norris was asked if the FIA’s move to intervene will hand the title advantage his way.He replied: “If it has been helping them, and they have been utilising it in a way that people think they have, then maybe it will shift in our direction.READ MORE F1 NEWS”But they wouldn’t have got several poles and wins because of such a device.”I don’t think it will really change anything, but then when you look at the gaps in qualifying, and when the gap has been just hundredths of a second, then you might say this has helped.”It is good that the FIA are doing such a thing. There is a difference between black and white stuff like this, and a difference between Formula One and pushing the boundaries and innovating.”That is what we have done a very good job on, but been sure not to go any further than that.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris’ McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri said: “From what I heard, and I have been told, something like this is not pushing the boundaries, it is clearly breaking them.”Norris’ emphatic win at the last round in Singapore a month ago means he trails Verstappen by 52 points with 180 still to play for over the remaining six rounds.Watch Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton’s tense exchange after Hungarian Grand Prix as fans hint at ‘underlying issue’ Norris has taken 26 points out of Verstappen in the last four races.And there will be an additional eight points up for grabs in Austin with a sprint race on Saturday.He said: “After Singapore I wanted to keep going.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁”We were in a good rhythm, and we have been for quite a while, but everyone needs a break, including my team.”It is nice to reboot and put our heads down again.”I have been happy with how things have gone and I am confident if we keep our heads down and keep pushing we can do it, we can close the gap, but it is not going to be easy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I need more than me first, and Max to finish second, but I cannot change that.”I need to focus on myself and leave the rest to everyone else.”F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth.  More

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    Two footie stadiums set to lift booze ban after 39 YEARS with police powerless to intervene despite opposition

    FOOTBALL’S booze ban will be lifted in a trial in the Women’s Championship.Drinking alcohol in sight of the pitch is prohibited in the top five tiers of the men’s game, although allowed lower down the pyramid.Football fans may be able to drink in their seat again in the near futureCredit: GettyTwo FA Women’s Championship teams are set to be part of a trial allowing fans to drink in sight of the pitchCredit: AlamyBut with the law not covering women’s football, a trial allowing drinking inside the stadium “bowl” will take place at two clubs in the second tier during this season.Nikki Doucet, chief executive of Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, told Leaders Week London at the Allianz Stadium that the clubs where the trial will take place had yet to be decided.She said: “ We are testing that actually in a couple of teams in the Championship this season and we’ll see what we learn from it.“Our fan base and the behaviour is different to the men’s game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Ultimately it’s about being able to give our fans choices, while obviously maintaining the safety and what we need to do in terms of being responsible.”The idea of fans being allowed to drink at grounds in League Two and the National League was proposed by former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch in her 2021 “Fan led Review”.While it was backed by fans’ groups and lower division club bosses, the push-back from Police was massive and saw the idea kiboshed.Sun Sport has been told that the Police position has not changed in terms of men’s football although there is no mechanism which would see local Forces able to prevent a women’s game trial.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDrinking in view of the pitch has been banned in the men’s top five divisions since 1985.Fans caught breaching the laws under the 1985 act can be banned from grounds, handed hefty fans and, in extreme circumstances, given three month prison sentences. The current laws around drinking in stadiums doesn’t include women’s footballCredit: AlamyTop 10 highest-paid Premier League stars More

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    Football could change forever as England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain puts Arsene Wenger plan back on agenda

    IF you have the ear of one of football’s most powerful men, you can make things happen.And David Dein’s relationship with Arsene Wenger could lead to the biggest change the game has EVER seen.Former Arsenal chief David Dein wants match time to be reducedCredit: GettyDein’s friend Arsene Wenger is likely to consider the proposalCredit: GettyFormer Arsenal vice-chairman Dein is convinced the end of football being a 90-minute game is the way forward.Dein and Wenger were Gunners colleagues for more than a decade and have been friends for nearly 30 years.So when Dein asks Wenger, Fifa’s head of global football development and a key member of law-making body the International FA Board, to consider making football a 60-minute game, it will be taken seriously.Dein’s argument is a simple one.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is unfair to expect referees to also allocate the precise amount of additional time to make up for delays, time-wasting and ‘dark arts’.Dein said: “I’ve asked all the refs in the Premier League, when the fourth official puts up the board for two, three or, four minutes, is that accurate to the last ten seconds?“The answer is ‘No, no chance’.“We should be able to know how long a game of football lasts — so my campaign is very simple.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The average length of time a ball is in play in the Premier League and most western European games is around about 55 to 57 minutes.“I would like to see a real-time two halves of 30 minutes, where the ball is in play for 30 minutes each half.How Chelsea can shock Liverpool in ultimate ‘game of chicken’ with high-risk ‘tension-ball’ tactic“Let’s have a clock where we can all see how much time is left.”Dein says analysis of the second half of England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain makes his points.In total, the three goal celebrations, substitutions and stoppages after fouls meant more than nine minutes of playing time were lost, in addition to time for throw-ins and goal-kicks. But French referee Francois Letexier added just FOUR minutes after the 90.Dein added: “A goal celebration is normally two minutes, a VAR check could be two minutes, injuries could be a minute or two, plus subs. Over a game, that’s at least ten minutes.“That is ALWAYS more than the time that is actually added on.“So I’d like to see time stopping when there is time being lost.“The fans will get value for money, they would get an extra ten minutes of football.”Dein is one of the game’s movers and shakers and is on first-name terms with Fifa and Uefa figures.That allowed him to lobby Wenger and Ifab to give his idea a go.Dein continued: “I’ve spoken to Howard Webb and Anthony Taylor, who said they were in favour.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The next thing is for Ifab to agree to trial it.“That could be anywhere but I’ve already talked to the Dutch league.”Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    I’m one of Arsenal’s most unprofessional players – I never stretch but still don’t get injured

    BEN WHITE has joked he is one of the most UNPROFESSIONAL players at Arsenal – despite his incredible injury record.Across the past four Prem seasons, the Gunners defender has missed just nine games.Ben White has rarely been injured since signing for ArsenalCredit: GettyAsked how he has managed this feat, White laughed: “I really don’t know. If you were to ask anyone at the club: ‘Who is the most professional?’ it wouldn’t be me.“I wouldn’t go in the ice bath, I don’t stretch, none of that. I just don’t get injured.“It is probably a factor that I’m not super quick, I am not that powerful. I can just plod along. I can play through a lot [of pain].“If you don’t play for a week, someone is going to and do well and you might not get in the team. It’s good for everyone to be competing and raising the level.”READ MORE ON ARSENALWhite is in line to return to the squad to face Bournemouth on Saturday after a rare occurrence of sitting out of Arsenal’s last two Prem outings due to a minor groin issue.Recovering at home, you will NOT find White watching football – a player well-known for suggesting he is not obsessed with the sport.On that topic, White explained: “It’s not a big deal. At training and with the number of videos you have to watch every day… it’s so extreme.“So, when I come home I just want to forget about it. There’s no football on, I don’t talk about it, mum and dad don’t speak to me about it… it’s just like it’s not my job.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I have always been that way and want to continue that, just a normal guy. I don’t do mad things when I get home. The normal day-to-day stuff is something I like to keep to myself.“People think that I don’t love [football], I don’t watch it, but I could still tell you most things about every winger I’m going to play against and their attributes.Arteta is open to allowing Arsenal academy players to take part in first team training“Playing right back, there are so many good wingers. Every game, every team, it is probably their best player. That’s why it is so difficult to play there in the Premier League.” More

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    Rangers on transfer alert as Ryan Kent FREED by Fenerbahce as Turkish giants rip up contract 16 months into 4-year deal

    RANGERS are one of a number of top European sides on transfer alert tonight after former Ibrox hero Ryan Kent agreed a mutual termination of his contract with Turkish giants Fenerbahce. It’s a remarkable turn of events, just 16 months into the money-spinning four year deal which the Gers star agreed with the club in July 2023.Ryan Kent of Fenerbahce in action during a friendly match between Fenerbahce and Hajduk SplitCredit: GettyRyan Kent, RangersCredit: Willie VassAlmost from day one, his place with the Turkish giants has been a source of major intrigue. And he’s sure to have major interest in his future after Fenerbahce released the following statement: “The contract with Ryan Kent, one of the Professional Football A Team players, has been terminated by mutual agreement. “We present it to the public.”It looked certain Kent, who came through Liverpool’s academy, would leave Fenerbahce in January with several clubs credited with an interest.A shock deadline day move to Lazio looked set to happen before it collapsed in the final moments.It emerged that Jose Mourinho had been left unhappy with the 27-year old’s refusal to leave.It was claimed that the player had knocked back an offer from SCOTLAND among multiple offers to leave during the summer window.Offers from England and Saudi Arabia were also reportedly turned down by Kent.Most read in FootballBut agreeing a deal to leave the Turkish giants is set to leave an almighty scramble for the players’ services – with Leeds United just one team who are long-term admirers of the player.That’s despite the fact that as his registration was held by Fenerbahce beyond the closure of the window, he cannot actually play for another club until the next registration window opens in January.Hilarious moment jubilant steward celebrates Ryan Kent’s Rangers goal vs Celtic Kent has never worked under Philippe Clement but his stock remains high amongst the club’s fans, with the Ibrox side’s Belgian boss previously indicating that he was prepared to use the free transfer market. The Gers are light up front with Cyriel Dessers the only recognised senior striker at the club alongside emerging Moroccan star Hamza Igamane and injury victim Danilo.Our New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    How Chelsea can shock Liverpool in ultimate ‘game of chicken’ with high-risk ‘tension-ball’ tactic

    CHELSEA travel to Anfield to take on league leaders Liverpool on Sunday in the biggest game of this weekend’s Premier League action.And although the Blues may be going into the game as underdogs, they could shock their Merseyside opponents with their high-risk tactics. Enzo Maresca’s high-risk tactics could cause some issues for Liverpool this weekendCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca has already whipped his side into shape since coming through the door in SW6 this summer.And he can really lay down a marker on Sunday by luring Liverpool into the ultimate game of chicken with his favoured “tension-ball” tactics. While Liverpool’s high press tactics under Arne Slot could either play right into Chelsea’s hands or expose the Blues’ plans.Inverted full-backsMaresca has completely changed the way Chelsea play since arriving from Leicester and one his biggest tactical tweaks is playing with an inverted full-back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the current system it tends to be Malo Gusto who drifts away from his traditional full-back position and into midfield to offer more numbers in the middle of the park.That decision is ultimately to allow the Blues to have an overload in midfield – meaning they should almost always outnumber their opponents in central areas.Gusto playing more central allows him to play alongside Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo to create a box-like four in midfield.That would allow Chelsea one more central player than Liverpool, with Slot usually opting for a three of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.Most read in FootballHowever, it can also expose Chelsea on the wings, with Gusto leaving his flank and leaving Maresca’s side with gaps in wide areas.Chelsea play with Malo Gusto as an inverted full-back allowing for more options in midfieldTheir overload allows them to outnumber Liverpool in midfieldMalo Gusto is regularly receiving the ball in central areasFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUltimate game of chickenThat swings-and-roundabouts approach of leaving yourself vulnerable in wide areas to win the midfield battle is exactly what could create a game of chicken at Anfield on Sunday.Liverpool always aim to press high and did so with a four-man press during their thrashing of Man Utd earlier in the season.How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheThat intense press is where the game of chicken begins, with Liverpool hoping to gamble on Chelsea being unable to play out from the back without Gusto as an extra option in defence.If Chelsea can bypass that press then they will be able make use of their midfield overload and get the better of Liverpool.If they can’t do that, then they’ll likely run themselves into all kinds of trouble against one of the best pressing teams in the league.Liverpool are one of the best pressing teams in the league and often push on with four playersTheir four-man press could create a game of chicken as they look to stop Chelsea from playing out from the backIf Chelsea bypass their press then the Blues could have a huge overload in midfieldTension-ballChelsea’s overloading plans aren’t just for playing out of the back, Maresca wants it to happen all over the pitch.The Italian regularly talks about having “tension” across the pitch as a way to help his players “jump” into space.In short, that means he wants his technically gifted players to invite pressure onto themselves so that they can ping the ball away to players in space in other parts of the overload.Maresca wants his players to effectively drag the opposition out of position and then occupy those spaces themselves, moving fast to take advantage of the spaces they’re vacating.It’s a high-risk high-reward way of playing and one that will certainly be tested to its limits against a very strong Liverpool team.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, Chelsea fans can expect multiple moments on Sunday where they will want to watch through their fingers as their side plays with fire in the midfield.However, if they can get it right – as they have done on most occasions this season – they could well spring a surprise on Slot’s men.Maresca’s tactics will try draw players onto the man with the ballOnce that player moves it frees up another man for the passArne Slot’s press will certainly be a tough test for Maresca’s tension-ballCredit: Getty More