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      ‘Hearts fuller than ever’ – Max Verstappen & Kelly Piquet reveal birth of 1st baby with sweet pics hours before Miami GP

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has become a dad for the first time after girlfriend Kelly Piquet gave birth to a baby girl.The four-time world champion has announced the arrival of little Lily hours before practice begins at the Miami Grand Prix.Max Verstappen has become a dad for the first time after Kelly gave birthCredit: @MAXVERSTAPPEN1Lily Verstappen was born this weekCredit: @MAXVERSTAPPEN1Piquet was due to give birth on her May 6 due date – two days after the Miami GPVerstappen and Piquet shared a picture of tot gripping onto a finger with the words: “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily 🌸.”Our hearts are fuller than ever – you are our greatest gift. We love you so much.”The happy news led to lots of well-wishes from fans and family, with Verstappen’s sister Victoria writing: “Can’t wait to meet her!”Lily was born on Thursday and Verstappen later flew out to Florida on the same day.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe Dutchman had delayed his flight to be at home with Kelly in Monaco.That meant the new dad, 27, missed Thursday’s usual media briefing, as he was in the air in his private jet after leaving an airport in Nice.Despite the news coming hours before practice begins in Florida, title-challenging Verstappen is expected to race for Red Bull this weekend.A statement from the team said: “Please note that Max will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“All is well and he will attend track tomorrow for the race weekend.“We will not be offering any further comment at this time in respect towards the privacy of Max and his family.”Verstappen’s excruciating reaction to Jack Whitehall gag at F1 new season launch event Practice 1 takes place on Friday lunchtime Miami time – six hours behind the time zone in Monaco – with sprint qualifying later at 9:30pm GST. There is then the sprint race at 12pm on Saturday plus qualifying for the Grand Prix at 4pm.Lights out on race day is 24 hours later at 4pm on Sunday.Verstappen – who picked up his only weekend win in Japan this season – will try and cut the gap on Oscar Piastri.The Australian sits top of the drivers’ standings on 99 points, ten clear of McLaren team-mate Lando Norris – with Verstappen third on 87.Brazilian model Piquet, 36, is the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet and has a five-year-old daughter, Penelope, with ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.Read More on The SunVerstappen and Piquet started dating in 2020 – four years after meeting at a dinner – after her relationship with Kvyat ended.The Dutchman revealed that hates being famous and wants to spend more time with his family in a new Viaplay documentary this week.Verstappen is set to race in Miami this weekend after his baby’s arrivalDutch champion Verstappen and Piquet have been together for five yearsVerstappen celebrates his first world championship title with Piquet in 2021 More

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      ‘Do you know the rules?’ – Bruno Fernandes gives blunt Spanish interview after red card controversy in Man Utd clash

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      BRUNO FERNANDES brutally shut down a Spanish journalist who disagreed with Athletic Bilbao’s red card.Fernandes bluntly explained the rules of the game after guiding his side to a 3-0 win in their Europa League semi-final first leg in the Basque Country.Bruno Fernandes gave a frosty interview after a reporter quizzed him about Athletic Bilbao’s red cardCredit: X @elchiringuitotvAfter a lengthy VAR review, Bilbao centre-back Daniel Vivian was sent off and conceded a penalty for pulling down Rasmus Hojlund in the 35th minute.With United already 1-0 up thanks to Casemiro’s back-post header five minutes before, Fernandes converted the penalty to double their lead under huge pressure from the home support.Fans inside the San Mames were stunned when Vivian was given his marching orders by referee Espen Eskas, who claimed he failed to make an attempt for the ball when denying a clear goal scoring opportunity.This point appeared to be lost on the reporter when questioning Fernandes, who had no issue setting the record straight. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe United playmaker questioned whether the reporter knew the rules of the game in a frosty exchange.The journalist began asking: “What did you think of the referee and whether he might have harmed Athletic Club?”Fernandes quizzed back in Spanish: “Do you think it wasn’t a penalty?”Before the reporter replied: “I think it could be a penalty but not a red card.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBut that prompted Fernandes to hit back: “Why wasn’t it a red card? Do you know the rules?”If he tries to tackle with his feet it’s a yellow card. If he pushes him or does it with his hands, it has to be a red card.”Bruno Fernandes walks out for Manchester derby with first wheelchair mascot after he saw 7-year-old’s celebration onlineBilbao players were outraged that Alejandro Garnacho had not been pulled up for a handball in the lead up to Vivian’s foul. Striker Inaki Williams said: “There are some plays that raise doubts. “The play before the penalty comes from a handball by Garnacho, which the referee doesn’t see.”Fernandes insisted that he did not see the incident and pointed to a decision United should have got moments before.The 30-year-old star then compared chatter around refereeing between Spain and his native Portugal with England.He said: “I didn’t see it but I think there was also a penalty on Garnacho.”Talking about the referee here, I think it’s a custom in Spain and Portugal.”But I’m in England and my mind has changed a long time ago and I’m not going to do it. “The referees are like us, they make mistakes but I don’t think he made a mistake today.”The comment appeared to upset at least two of the hosts back in the studio.Fernandes made it 3-0 with a composed finish from Manuel Ugarte’s through ball on the brink of half-time.Read More on The SunThe Portugal international is approaching 40 goal contributions this term, having scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists.He already has the most assists in Europa League history, with 18 and his 27 goals are the third most scored in the competition. More

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      ‘Omg so cringe’ say fans as Man Utd legend Peter Schmeichel and Kate Abdo involved in awkward blunder live on CBS Sports

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      MANCHESTER UNITED icon Peter Schmeichel was involved in an awkward exchange live on air with Kate Abdo.Schmeichel and Abdo, who now goes by the surname Scott after her marriage to boxer Malik Scott, were working for CBS Sports during their coverage of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.Kate Abdo had an awkward exchange with Peter Schmeichel live on TVCredit: CBSThe CBS Sports colleagues shared a joke about the ex-goalkeeper’s ‘controversial’ wardrobe decisionCredit: CBSSchmeichel showed off his ‘scruffy’ look to the camerasCredit: CBSAbdo presents the broadcaster’s Champions League coverage in the studio alongside Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah RichardsCredit: CBS SportsSchmeichel works as a pitchside reporter often interviewing playersCredit: GettyAhead of the match, the Premier League legend was in his usual spot pitchside, with Abdo in the studio trying to keep a leash on Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher and Thierry Henry.Schmeichel, 61, had just completed a segment analysing the game, when Abdo pointed out a feature of his wardrobe at the Emirates.The presenter, who was wearing a striking red dress, highlighted the fact that the former goalkeeper had his shirt untucked for the segment.She labelled the choice “controversial” before saying TV bosses would speak to him later about it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarragher then cheekily added: “Controversial or scruffy?”However, it had turned out that Schmeichel was still wired in and heard the entire conversation.The Dane pulled a bemused look with his arms out either side of him as he looked at co-presenter Anita Nneka Jones, before Abdo realised, “Oh they’re still there,” which left the studio in stitches.Schmeichel then joked: “Kate I’m gonna have a word with the cameraman.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I think he should cut around here (gestures to waist).”Reacting to the exchange, one fan said: “This show is just absolute chaos. And we’re here for it. Love it!!”‘The girls don’t like it’ – Kate Abdo tells Micah Richards off on live TV for using WRONG toilets at CBS studiosA second said: “Peter is a good laugh doesn’t take himself too seriously.”A third added: “It was the look down from Anita for me.”A fourth said: “Set Jamie up.”But another slammed: “Second time Kate with the passive aggressive comments.. not cool.. and it’s always about how people look and are wearing.”A sixth said: “OMG cringe.”Arsenal went on to lose the clash 1-0 thanks to an early Ousmane Dembele strike.Read More on The SunThe second leg at the Parc des Princes in Paris will commence on Wednesday May 7.Whoever wins the clash will already know who their opponent in the final will be with the second leg of the other semi-final, between Barcelona and Inter Milan, being played out the day before. More

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      Crystal Palace ready to let Guehi AND Eze leave to fund £130m transfer rebuild as Man Utd, Chelsea and Newcastle circle

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      CRYSTAL PALACE boss Oliver Glasner has given his blessing to the sales of both Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze this summer to fund an overhaul of the squad.Guehi is certain to leave as he has just 12 months left on his contract with former club Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle ready to bid.Marc Guehi is set to leave Palace this summerCredit: AlamyEberechi Eze’s release clause can be activatedCredit: RexOliver Glasner wants to splash the cash on six new signingsCredit: GettyEze could also depart Selhurst Park as he has two years remaining on his contract.A £60million release clause can be activated by rival clubs at the end of the season.Glasner is understood to be relaxed about both potential sales as he is planning significant changes at the FA Cup finalists.The Austrian has asked the club for up to six new players this summer, as he wants to make Palace even more physically dominant, and is ready to sacrifice Eze if necessary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Palace have delighted fans by reaching the FA Cup final against Man City at Wembley this month, Glasner has been disappointed at times by his side’s inconsistency.The 50-year-old wants players who are prepared to work harder off the ball, with Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham expected to be a target if the Championship club are not promoted.Newcastle bid £70m for Guehi last summer, but Palace were able to resist as they sold Joachim Andersen to Fulham for £30m instead.With no progress in contract talks however, Palace are resigned to selling the 24-year-old this summer with Newcastle planning to bid again.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTottenham failed with a late bid for Guehi during the January transfer window.But with Newcastle on course to qualify for the Champions League, St. James’ Park is likely to prove a more attractive destination.Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleySpurs have also been tracking Eze for some time but will face competition from Manchester United, with the 26-year-old’s release clause making him very attainable. More

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      Arsenal files: Gunners consider shock Leicester star transfer as talks set to be held with ex-Spurs boss

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      MARTIN ODEGAARD’S form has been a hot topic after his poor display in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.But given the club’s injury record and squad make-up this term, the Norwegian is very rarely rested, meaning he must play through bad patches regardless.Martin Odegaard has been come under fire after his performance against PSGCredit: GettyArsenal haven’t decided on the future of midfielder Fabio Vieira, who is on loan at PortoCredit: AlamyYet it is worth remembering that the Gunners do have a young No.10 on their books, who could have provided back-up, in Fabio Vieira – currently on loan back at boyhood club Porto.Vieira returned to the Estadio do Dragao back in August having started just three games in all competitions under Mikel Arteta last season.The £30m splashed on the-then 22-year-old in June 2022 was initially viewed as a positive step to strengthen the squad with a young talent brimming in potential.Nearly three years on and the Portuguese midfielder looks unlikely to have a future at the Emirates. So, what is the situation?Porto would love to bring Vieira back to Portugal permanently, especially after his upturn in form this term from January under new boss Martin Anselmi, scoring three goals in the league since then. But the start to the season under Vitor Bruno was hampered by injury.Vieira will be staying beyond the end of the regular season to compete in the Club World Cup – a stipulation Porto insisted on when negotiating with Arsenal last summer – but there is no option to buy.However, there are a few complications. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Vieira has enjoyed living back in Portugal, SunSport understands he has not enjoyed a below-par season with Porto, 13 points off league leaders Sporting Lisbon and set to finish fourth, only qualifying them for the Europa Conference League.Porto are also not in a position to spend this summer, with Arsenal likely to demand close to the £30m they paid for him up front, while Vieira’s wages are also viewed as excessive, something the player is refusing to budge on since arriving in North London.Mikel Arteta slide tackles his own player in training a day before Arsenal’s biggest game of the season vs Real Madrid Arsenal would need to be convinced to let Vieira leave for significantly less than they paid, which is unlikely, and would rather not loan him out for a second successive campaign.Those negotiations would be led by club president and former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas, but SunSport understands that has not yet happened.The loan fee to lure Vieira away from Arsenal was believed to be around £750k, with another £600k penalty fee if the player did not play more than half of Porto’s games this season.Porto have managed to avoid this, with Vieira featuring in 36 of their 43 games so far.Vieira then is expected to return to Arsenal for pre-season after a few weeks’ rest from the Club World Cup, but could soon be on the move again.Throughout this season, Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Vieira, but there is believed to be an acceptance that his future lies elsewhere, with several clubs in Europe interested.And needing to spend big during the upcoming window, Vieira could prove to be a useful sale in raising funds, alongside the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior.Arsenal will remain patient, however. Midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho are out of contract this summer, while the £51m signing of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is yet to be completed, even if it is viewed as a formality inside the club.Former Spurs and Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is the president of PortoFOXES STAR AN OPTION?Speaking of midfielders, there have been links to Leicester City’s 20-year-old Moroccan playmaker Bilal El Khannouss following the club’s Prem relegation.A £21m signing from Genk in August, he has shone in a woeful team, having made nearly 100 senior appearances in the Belgian top flight as a teenager.Much like Vieira, there have been concerns about El Khannouss’ physicality, described as a “tiny, slight boy, very thin” at Genk, but with incredible technique and vision. One academy coach summed it up: “I used to tell people that he had eyes in his back.”He is not the player Arsenal fans will have in mind when it comes to one of their biggest transfer windows in years this summer.But could be a useful squad addition, one that could come at a bargain price with the Foxes desperate for cash now they are in the Championship.Leicester manager Rudd van Nistelrooy said earlier this season: “His potential is there to be a top player in the Champions League. He can go a long way.”But for now, he has only produced two goals and three assists in 25 starts this term.And he is behind both Odegaard and Vieira when it comes to chances created, shots and passes per 90 minutes, as well as passing accuracy, passes into the box and crosses.The one area he does impress is in duels, competing in 9.7 per 90 minutes – more than Odegaard [7.7] and Vieira [9.5] – and winning 48.8 per cent of them.TICKETS FOR PARISPSG fans are confident their team will be making it through to the Champions League final so demand for Wednesday’s semi-final against Arsenal has rocketed.Tickets in the home areas for the clash at the Parc des Princes are going for between £424 and £5100 on ticket reselling sites.Meanwhile, Arsenal have only been given 2000 tickets for the away end at £51.30 each.That is 500 below the five per cent away teams are entitled to by Uefa in European competitions and Arsenal have complained.PSG, though, were given special dispensation to reduce that to 4.1 per cent before the start of the season owing to a request from local police.At those online prices, you won’t get any Arsenal fans trying to get into the home areas. 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      Martin Odegaard should be STRIPPED of the Arsenal captaincy following PSG horror show, says former MOTD pundit

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      MARTIN ODEGAARD should be stripped of the Arsenal captaincy, according to ex-Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson.The former Liverpool defender did not hold back after Odegaard’s underwhelming display in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.Odegaard completed just 20 passes against PSGCredit: RexMikel Arteta’s side were beaten 1-0 at the Emirates after Ousmane Dembele struck early to give the French giants a crucial away win.Odegaard struggled to influence the game, completing just 20 passes out of 27 attempts – his lowest total in any match this season.Lawrenson reckons the pressure of being captain is affecting the Norwegian’s performances. He told Paddy Power: “The captain’s armband should be taken away from Odegaard, so he can get back to focusing on his performances.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”We all know that he’s a good player, but he’s just had a six out of 10 season.”Odegaard, 25, has worn the armband since 2022 after signing permanently for the club in 2021 and has been a integral part of Arteta’s leadership group.But Lawrenson believes there is a better candidate in the ranks. He added: “If you gave Declan Rice the armband instead, you imagine that it wouldn’t affect his performances, especially considering he was captain at West Ham.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I’d give it to Rice so Odegaard can focus on improving his performances.”Odegaard has registered just one assist in his last eight matches and was largely anonymous against PSG, as Arsenal failed to find a breakthrough. Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSGLawrenson believes Rice proved he can cope with captaincy at West HamCredit: GettyLawrenson, 66, made over 300 appearances for Liverpool and won five league titles during his career. He spent years on the Match of the Day sofa analysing performances – and he’s not convinced Odegaard is the right man to lead the Gunners.The second leg in Paris takes place next Wednesday, with Arsenal needing a big turnaround to keep their European dream alive. Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Raya saves keep Gunners in it and poor Odegaard subbed offARSENAL face an uphill battle next week.The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their all-important Champions League semi-final home leg.Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.But away from home, it will not be easy.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars on the night… More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 34: Can Bruno Fernandes produce repeat performance?

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      DREAM TEAM managers will need to select a captain for Gameweek 34 before today’s 6:30pm deadline.Ahead of Gameweek 33, we singled out Bruno Fernandes (£6.8m) and Cole Palmer (£4.9m) as the two leading candidates and those who opted for the former were handsomely rewarded.Fernandes starred against Athletic BilbaoCredit: Dream TeamManchester United’s skipper banked 27 points to finish as the Gameweek’s top performer and take his overall total for the season past the 400-point mark.The Portuguese midfielder mustered just five points against Bournemouth but took Athletic Bilbao for a whopping 22 points in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals.This emphatic performance surely makes Fernandes the frontrunner for captaincy again this coming Gameweek, when the Red Devils will face Brentford at the Gtech Stadium before the second leg of their European semi at Old Trafford.As for Palmer, he notched nine points across his two outings against Everton and Djurgarden.As expected, Chelsea cashed in against their Conference League opponents but it was Nicolas Jackson (£2.7m) and Noni Madueke (£2m) who posted massive double-digit scores, not the 50%-owned England international.Chelsea have one foot in the Conference League finalCredit: GettyThe Blues will host Djurgarden next Thursday but there’s the small matter of a Premier League game against Liverpool to negotiate first.There may be a worthy captain lurking in Chelsea’s ranks but it’s difficult to justify selecting any Stamford Bridge over Fernandes after last night.Elsewhere, Tottenham’s double header against West Ham and Bodo/Glimt looks appealing.Most read in FootballThe Hammers are one of few very teams below Spurs in the league table and while the Norwegian outfit have impressed in the Europa League this season, they were comprehensively outplayed in North London last night, which bodes ill for the second leg.Solanke scored against Bodo/Glimt but limped off soon afterCredit: APWe have included Dominic Solanke (£3.5m) in our transfer recommendations this week and his goal last night has only strengthened his case.We had planned on listing him as a captaincy option as well but there may be a spanner in the works.The ex-Bournemouth striker hobbled off in the 75th minute against Bodo/Glimt and is therefore a minor doubt for Gameweek 34 – an annoying twist.Thankfully, Ange Postecoglou played down Solanke’s injury and suggested the substitution was precautionary but this inconvenience is probably enough to remove the 27-year-old from the captaincy conversation.The same goes for James Maddison (£4m), who was also forced off midway through the second half.Saka’s league minutes are not guaranteed this weekendCredit: GettyArsenal are the fourth and final team set to pull double duty in Gameweek 34.Instinctively, this puts Bukayo Saka (£6.1m) in the spotlight as the England winger averages a mighty 8.1 points-per-game this season – the same rate as Fernandes.However, his workload has been managed since his return from hamstring surgery – he played just 30 minutes against Crystal Palace in his last league outing – and with the Gunners 1-0 down on aggregate to PSG in the Champions League semi-finals it wouldn’t be a surprise if his involvement was limited against Bournemouth this weekend.Away from double headers, Mohamed Salah (£7m) is due to take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge having ended his mini goal drought in Gameweek 33.Liverpool’s main man needs another 18 points to reach 500 for the season!Read More on The SunLiverpool are on their victory lapCredit: PAIt’s only our humble opinion but we suspect the majority of the top managers will stick the armband on Fernandes before the 6:30pm deadline.Good luck, gaffers!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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      Race for Champions League takes new twist as supercomputer predicts who’ll land £16m pay-day with run-ins compared

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted who will qualify for the Champions League.Liverpool and Arsenal have already booked their spots in the next season’s competition but the other three places are up for grabs.Newcastle look set to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersManchester City have a 95 per cent chance of making itCredit: GettyNottingham Forest and Chelsea are set to battle for fifthCredit: GettyStrong performances in Europe from English sides this term have earned them a bonus place in the Champions League – with the top five going in instead of just four.We have just a few more weeks of the the season to go and a Sky Sports supercomputer has rated each club’s chances of qualifying.Newcastle lead the race on 62 points and have an 84 per cent chance of finishing in the top five.The Toon are in stunning form, having won seven of their last eight games in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut they have a tricky run-in with Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton to play.For that reason, Manchester City are more likely to get into the Champions League as the number crunchers rate their chance at 95 per cent chance.They sit just one point behind Newcastle, but Pep Guardiola’s side are the favourites to win all their remaining games against Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham.Chelsea and Nottingham Forest look set to battle it out for fifth place after the latter’s shock 2-0 defeat to Brentford last night.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAston Villa are in contention, but they have just 13 per cent hope.Enzo Maresca and Nuno Espirito Santo’s teams both have 60 points currently and it could all come down to a thrilling final day encounter as Forest head to Stamford Bridge.How the genius tactical play from Nottingham Forest is placing them firmly at the top of the leagueDespite Chelsea’s better goal difference, the supercomputer reckons Forest have the edge with 59 per cent chance compared to the Blues’ 49 per cent.Whoever misses out and finishes in sixth will have to settle for a spot in the Europa League.It is currently unclear if seventh will be a Europa or Conference League place as Crystal Palace have made the FA Cup final.If the Eagles beat City at Wembley, they will take one of the two Europa League spots from the Premier League table.And there could be six English clubs in next season’s Champions League as a Tottenham vs Manchester United Europa League final is likely after both secured leads in their semi-final first leg ties.Nottingham Forest are in danger of falling out the top fiveCredit: PA More