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      Arsenal should refuse to give Liverpool a ‘guard of honour’ – it’s a humiliating load of old b*****ks

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      CHELSEA will give Liverpool a ‘guard of honour’ before tomorrow’s Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.And next weekend, presumably, Arsenal will do the same.Chelsea give Manchester City a guard of honour in the 2022/23 seasonCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunLiverpool stars celebrate after winning the Premier League title following victory against TottenhamCredit: GettyBut like so many other things in modern football, it’s something I will never understand. Frankly, I think it’s a load of old b*****ks.It’s not so much a mark of respect as a humiliation for the team lining up to give the champions a little clap. It is as if Chelsea and Arsenal and everyone who plays the champs for the rest of the season, is saying, ‘Well done, we’re perfectly happy you beat us’.When my Watford team lost an FA Cup final to Manchester City, we had to stand and clap while they got their medals.But that’s after the match, that’s fair enough.I was never in a position where I was expected to be part of a ‘guard of honour’. During my top-flight days, Watford never played against a team who had already been confirmed as champions.But if I had been in that situation, I’d have refused point blank.That’s what Arsenal, Liverpool’s nearest challengers this season, should do next Sunday.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat would really set down a marker for next season. No more Mr Nice Guys.I’VE got quite a lot in common with Jamie Vardy.We both came up from non-league football, through the Football League and into the top flight.Inside raucous Liverpool dressing room as Trent Alexander-Arnold leads celebrations and Darwin Nunez smokes a cigarWe both wore ankle tags while playing football after criminal convictions in our youth.We both became long-serving club stalwarts, him at Leicester and me at Watford.I’m pretty proud of what I achieved in the game, but Vardy . . . he’s something else.This bloke is Roy of the Rovers. He is football’s greatest underdog story.Jamie Vardy kisses the Premier League trophy after Leicester’s incredible 2015/16 triumphCredit: APHe won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Golden Boot, he’s played for England and — unlike me — he got to leave his club on his own terms after 13 years of sterling service.Vardy is 38, 18 months older than me and approximately 18st lighter!But after announcing that he’s leaving Leicester, he can still do a serious job for someone in the Premier League next term.Wolves are keen on him and I could see that happening. But, for me, Everton would be a great fit.David Moyes will be bringing in a dozen or more players this summer for the Merseyside club’s new era in their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.And I’m sure he would love to have the option of Vardy. With his pace, he will always be dangerous coming off the bench against a tiring defence and he could still start in some matches.Vardy is unconventional, a maverick. Right down to his fitness regime and diet – which has often included vodka, Skittles and the tobacco product, snus.What I like most about Vardy is that he hasn’t tried to change one bit as a player or a bloke.Some players might win the Premier League and try to reinvent themselves, thinking they’re a real all-round footballer. But Vardy sticks to what he has always done best.He doesn’t drop back and try to dictate games, he just continues to dart in behind defences and score goals. Even this season, he’s scored eight times in a Leicester team that couldn’t open a front door, let alone a defence.Scoring goals in a terrible team which creates very few chances is a seriously tough gig, but Vardy has managed it.I get the Wrexham link — the Hollywood club meets the Hollywood footballer.Ryan Reynolds and Co have brought in a lot of veteran players on their journey up from the National League to the Championship, so you can see why Vardy would fit in there.But he would be a great option for many Premier League clubs and he could break Teddy Sheringham’s record as the oldest outfield player in the competition.Teddy was playing for West Ham in the top flight not long before his 41st birthday.Jamie Vardy is leaving Leicester at the end of the seasonCredit: PALeicester play Southampton today as two of the worst teams the English top-flight has ever known.It’s sad what has happened to Leicester in recent years because what they achieved in winning the title in 2016 was probably the greatest story English football has ever known.That was our first season in the top flight after winning promotion with Watford and at the start of the campaign, we’d have considered them to be one of our rivals for relegation.But like everybody else, we couldn’t have been more wrong.What a team that was. The quality of Vardy and Riyad Mahrez in attack, the midfield duo of N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater was one of the best I ever played against.During that season, Vardy broke Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Premier League record by scoring in 11 consecutive games.Honestly, when you understand what an achievement it is to score in back-to-back Premier League games, your mind boggles at the idea of 11 in a row.And people often forget Vardy’s strike partner, Shinji Okazaki. What a work-rate he had. He would come off the pitch like a race horse, literally with steam coming off him!Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester played a 4-4-2 and their back four were old-fashioned defenders — head it, kick it, keep it out. And I mean that with the utmost respect.One of them, the captain Wes Morgan, I knew pretty well. And after Leicester beat us that season he told me ‘mate, we are seriously good, a really special group of players’.He said that they genuinely all got on brilliantly, they chose to socialise with each other all the time. And, believe me, that is really unusual, particularly at a Premier League club — or at any workplace, really.And when Leicester were confirmed as champions, as Spurs failed to beat Chelsea in a war of a game on a Monday night, who was hosting the players’ house party to celebrate? Vardy, of course.The last two home games of this miserable Leicester season will now be celebrations of Vardy’s career as they say farewell to a legend.And rightly so, because he is a player who should inspire EVERYONE in the non-league and lower leagues.Jamie Vardy is the miracle man. More

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      Man City 1 Wolves 0: Kevin De Bruyne follows in Lionel Messi’s footsteps with vital goal for City’s top-five race

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      LET’S be honest, no-one ever seriously expected he would go quietly, did they?After all, when you’ve been a big noise at the Etihad for a decade, it’s not going to be a hush hush farewell come the final curtain call.Kevin De Bruyne scored as Man City beat Wolves 1-0Credit: ReutersErling Haaland was all smiles as City moved third in the tableCredit: RexBecause for all Kevin De Bruyne has never sparked headlines with off-field rants or blasts, he has made many on-field ones with flashes of genius for Man City.Like Friday night, for example, where he joined Lionel Messi as the only player to reach 250 goal involvements under Pep Guardiola.And so an evening which began with fans stunned by Pep’s admission he may quit when his contract is up here, ended with all eyes on a man who is definitely about to.Not by choice, admittedly. De Bruyne’s decade as an Etihad darling is coming to a close because his manager opted not to offer him a new deal when this one expires.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the sad fact increasingly dawning on the fans who idolise the Belgian so much he will surely be the next with a statue, is that the sands of time are trickling away.And De Bruyne, playing his penultimate match at the stadium he’s called home since 2015, is certainly living up to the old adage of going out leaving ‘em wanting more.A couple of weeks ago it was by scoring one and creating three others in a five-star, five-goal win over FA Cup final opponents Crystal Palace.Against Wolves it was with the deliberate, side footed – although admittedly slightly scuffed – opener that broke the stalemate in a turgid game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe headline act in a down-the-bill display from Guardiola’s fallen champions, who somehow got through another of the finals they must win to seal a top five finish.To be fair, there was precious little sign of them doing so until De Bruyne pounced, ten minutes before the break, as City huffed and puffed their way to, well nowhere really.Ruben Dias and Maya Jama’s romantic debut at Baller League matchThe fans who stayed away for the first six minutes, in protest at the number of years it has been since an increase in available season tickets, missed nothing.Not in terms of edge-of-the-seat raids from the champions of the last four years, yet now not even sure of a Champions League-placed finish.Indeed, the first serious one should have put Wolves ahead, when Jean-Ricner Bellegarde beat the offside trap a yard inside the City half.He could have shot but took the safer option of squaring for Marshall Munetsi to tap into an empty net.Well it should have been the safer option, at least. But Bellegarde over-hit the delivery, a stretching Munetsi wouldn’t have reached it with extendable legs and the chance was gone.De Bruyne showed his class with a strike 10 minutes before half-timeCredit: GettyThe Belgian is leaving this summer but showed he is still an important playerCredit: GettyA slap in the face which stung City into action? Well it was the spark for an even closer call…but once again created by those in old gold, not sky blue.Matheus Cunha may well be plying his trade in Manchester on a regular basis next term, if United push the boat out and make him the marquee summer striker they crave.But he gave a glimpse of what the can expected with an angled burst into the box that ended with the ball falling kindly for Rayan Ait-Nouri.The Algerian’s first effort came back off the foot of the post, but his second from the rebound was heading in until Josko Gvardiol hacked it away.Finally, finally, stumbling City kicked into top gear, Nico O’Reilly stinging Jose Sa’s fingertips with a rising drive.De Bruyne joined Lionel Messi as the only players to reach 250 goal involvements for Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyCity are now looking on course to play in Europe’s top flight next termCredit: ReutersAnd then, 35 minutes in, came the moment they all wanted…from the goalscorer they all prayed it would be.Jeremy Doku’s quickstep blast took him to the byline, before deliberately pulling it back for the ginger genius.De Bruyne has hit plenty of crisper strikes over his decade as an Etihad darling, but this one still found the net despite bouncing first. Almost a bump-ball goal, you could say.Still, they all count and after a first half that was hardly blow-your-socks off impressive, City were quite happy to take it.Not that it ever looked like opening floodgates, or anything remotely close. There were still too many close calls for that.Erling Haaland was back on the bench after his injury layoffCredit: RexWolves were left flat after missing several good chancesCredit: AlamyNone more than Cunha’s out-of-the-blue snapshot that rattled an uprightUltimately, though, City hung on as their fans showed Guardiola what they thought of him by belting out his name louder and longer than ever in the closing stages.Read More on The SunMind you, nothing like the ear-splitting ovation they gave to De Bruyne when he took his bow five minutes from the end.With good reason, too. They didn’t need telling who had got them out of the you-know-what yet again. More

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      How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final with star’s return and new pressing plan

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      ARSENAL face a make-or-break battle against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.The Gunners are trailing in their Champions League semi-final battle after a 1-0 first-leg defeat at the Emirates.Arsenal are preparing for their biggest game in living memory against PSGCredit: GettySunSport’s tactics guru Dean Scoggins (right) explained how Arsenal can reach the Champions League finalCredit: The SunAnd Mikel Arteta’s men have it all to do as they look to overturn the deficit and book their place in the final.But just how can they go about achieving the seemingly-impossible?And just who will make the starting XI cut for Arsenal’s biggest game in memory?Here, SunSport’s tactics expert Dean Scoggins reveals all as he answers YOUR questions…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSYSTEM CHANGE?Fan question: “Do Arsenal need to switch up their whole system in the second leg?”The short answer is no. It’s only half time. It’s game on.They don’t need to change the whole system but there’s a couple of subtle tweaks to make.PSG slot into three at the back and Hakimi goes to the right wing.Most read in FootballArsenal defended in a 4-4-2, with Odegaard joining the front man. It didn’t work.PSG’s diamonds meant they played out. I want to see Arsenal go man for man and be much braver on the press.The forwards go and the midfielders back it up, with the defenders also in a brave pressing shape.It could leave them vulnerable on the right. Do they bring Saka back in? It means Odegaard would go into a more natural position and Martinelli pushes on the left.PSG used clever wide diamond shapes to outplay Arsenal in the first legCredit: The SunThe Gunners’ pressing did not work and allowed PSG to cut through themCredit: The SunHakimi’s still a problem, but that’s where Lewis-Skelly comes in.He was unbelievable with his decision making in the first leg. He narrows off the midfield.So on paper, the system stays the same. But how they press and go from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 needs to slightly adjust.In the first leg, when it came into the central area, they should have set Merino and Rice onto PSG and steal the ball. Villa saw joy there against PSG.Rice was getting dragged wide and out of those positions. They have to cut off the central channel by forcing PSG infield and setting a trap to win it back.Arsenal need to be brave and squeeze the centre of the fieldCredit: The SunA compact shape will stop PSG from controlling the heart of the fieldCredit: The SunPARTEY’S RETURNFan question: “How vital will Thomas Partey’s return be?”He will be vital. Partey can change this. But it’s not just about him coming back in. It’s about Rice being freed up.Rice and Merino were split in the first leg with PSG playing diamonds out wide. They went picking those players up and PSG exploited it down the middle.We will now see a much more balanced midfield with Partey, Rice and Odegaard.Merino will definitely not be in midfield and it will be a difficult decision for Arteta as to who is up front.Arsenal are a different beast with Thomas Partey in the teamCredit: The SunHe straight away allows midfield teammates to operate in their natural areasCredit: The SunI’d err on the side of Trossard starting and Merino coming on later.But Partey gives you so much and takes the sting out of the game.He also favours the right side of the field, Arsenal’s attacks come from there.Partey drifts in to block the counter-attack and slots back into position.Going forward, Rice comes in for a 2vs1. And the right-back will help Partey too, allowing Lewis-Skelly to invert.They end in a very compact defensive shape. Partey on and off the ball will make a huge difference.Partey gives the attacking players licence to go and play. Without him you lose two, because you lose Rice as well.Partey will provide stability and flexibility in midfieldCredit: The SunHe will also drift to the right as Arsenal look to exploit their favourite flankCredit: The SunARSENAL FULL-BACKSFan question: “Will Arsenal’s full-backs need to step up in the second leg?”Lewis-Skelly showed you can get physical with PSG and upset them. He doesn’t lose duels, it’s remarkable.His body shape, size, speed, low centre of gravity… he almost took that side of the field on his own.Lewis-Skelly frees up Martinelli with his positioning, and his decision-making is also fabulous.Myles Lewis-Skelly was sensational in the first legCredit: The SunHe will tuck in as Arsenal aim to exploit the other flankCredit: The SunOn the right, you want Saka picking up the ball with the full-back coming to meet him.Odegaard has to do a deeper-lying job too, let’s not let Saka do that job.Timber’s got to be better and step up. They need to stop the ball going into Kvaratskhelia’s feet and leaving him 1v1.I think you start with Timber and accept if he gets booked, you make the change for White.White is very good on the overlap and works well with Saka, so later in the game he will overlap and that’s the substitution.Arsenal can use their full-backs to outwit PSGCredit: The SunBukayo Saka’s success depends on the support he gets on the rightCredit: The SunDEANO’S VERDICTArsenal have to score first but it doesn’t mean they should go all guns blazing early on.They’ve got to be sensible and dampen the crowd down.PSG are the team under pressure at home so the first 15 minutes might end up being cagey, which suits Arsenal.Read More on The SunThey’ve got to be brave though. Raya’s long passes will come into it, as will set pieces.The longer the game goes on, the more it plays into Arsenal going through. Go hard or go home. More

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      FA needs to urgently rethink policy on FA Cup semi-finals after rows and rows of empty Wembley seats

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      CAN you imagine turning up to a Taylor Swift gig and finding rows and rows of empty seats? Exactly, it wouldn’t happen.But last weekend, for a showpiece occasion at Wembley Stadium, there were banks of seating with no one in them.There were rows and rows of empty seats for the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: ReutersIt was very far from a sell-out and the FA needs to urgently rethink their policy on FA Cup semi-finals.Push finally came to shove as the simple economics of attending matches in the capital hit home last Sunday as Manchester City against Nottingham Forest, two big clubs based many miles from Wembley, clashed for a place in the final.What greeted the millions of armchair viewers across the world, keen to tune in to the oldest football competition of them all? Thousands of unused plastic red seats.First of all, it’s not a good look. TV companies will not be remotely happy with this.Most read in FootballTrying to sell a tournament when there are empty seats galore is difficult if not impossible and it damages the image of the competition.A lot is said about the ‘magic’ of the FA Cup, but the TV coverage from Sunday will prompt many to ask why fans are not turning up.This is not a dig at City at all. They are one of the best-supported clubs but could only shift 27,000 of their 36,230 allocation.This was their 29th Wembley trip since the stadium was refurbished in 2007 so you can understand why a touch of London fatigue has kicked in.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTicket prices cost between £30 and £150 and then you have the 400-mile round trip.Throw in food and drink, plus the Russian roulette of catching a train and you can see why thousands of die-hard fans said enough is enough.Karren Brady’s daughter Sophia reveals she’s pregnant with her second child – as Apprentic star is set to become a grandmother againAsking two clubs to travel so far from their fanbase is not only expensive, it’s also illogical.Why not use much closer, high-quality venues such as Villa Park or Old Trafford.Wembley should be reserved for the final. You might think that is traditionalist but some traditions are worth preserving.It always had a real aura about it and getting there was a kind of footballing El Dorado.By putting semi-finals there, the FA has diluted their own competition, with the result there were over 17,000 empty seats on Sunday.It’s not as if this was a rare occurrence as the 2023 FA Cup semi-final between City and Sheffield United attracted fewer than 70,000 at Wembley’s 90,000- capacity stadium.In 2019, just over 71,000 attended the semi-final between Brighton and City.I think some common sense as well as common decency is needed.If two clubs from the capital meet each other in an FA Cup semi-final, I can see the logic in hosting it at Wembley.Many Man City fans didn’t seem bothered to travel to the capital for the gameCredit: PABut dragging Northerners hundreds of miles to London, with the enormous costs involved, seems complete lunacy.Football needs to take care of its traditions and none more so than the FA Cup which, since it began in 1871, has seen 44 different clubs lift the famous trophy.It has been won by Blackpool and Burnley, Wimbledon and Wigan and the FA Cup needs to be cherished and respected.Perhaps the most famous FA Cup giant-killing goal of them all was Ronnie Radford’s screamer to help non-league Hereford knock out Newcastle in the 1970s.Read More on The SunRonnie’s reaction has gone down in folklore as he celebrated hands aloft, tummy out, wide-mouthed in disbelief.The reaction of the fans showed what it meant to the good folk of Hereford. Wouldn’t have been the same with rows of empty seats, would it? More

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      Pep Guardiola reveals he will ‘stop’ after Man City contract expires as he sparks retirement rumours

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has said he is going to “stop” after he leaves Manchester City as he refused to rule out retiring from management.Guardiola, 54, has been with Man City since 2016 and signed a contract extension with the club last November keeping him at the Etihad until 2027.Pep Guardiola has said he is going to ‘stop’ after he leaves Manchester CityCredit: AlamyBut the Spanish manager, who is widely thought to be one of the greatest of all time, could call it quits when that contract does come to an end.Guardiola admitted that he needs a break from the technical area when he does leave City, having started his managerial career some 18 years ago.He told ESPN Brazil: “I want people to remember me however they want.”After my contract with City, I’m going to stop. I’m sure. I don’t know if I’m going to retire, but I’m going to take a break. How I want to be remembered, I don’t know.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All coaches want to win so we can have a memorable job, but I believe that the fans of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City had fun watching my teams play. “I don’t think we should ever live thinking about whether we’re going to be remembered.”When we die, our families cry for two or three days and then that’s it, you’re forgotten. In the careers of coaches, there are good and bad ones, the important thing is that the good ones are remembered for longer.”I’ll tell you that the most important thing is not what people think of you. After all, our lives as footballers have been very good. Most read in FootballGuardiola won the Champions League twice as Barcelona managerCredit: AFPThe Spanish manager won three Bundesliga titles with Bayern MunichCredit: Bongarts – GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”There are new challenges as a coach. I don’t know what will happen in the future and in the end that doesn’t matter.”However, the City boss hasn’t ruled out extending his stay in Manchester even further than his current 2027 terms.Pep Guardiola slams own player as he reveals why Man City midfielder is playing out of position Probed on his comments on Sky Sports, he said: “When I finish my time here, one year, two years, three years, five years, six years.”Guardiola has won 18 trophies as Man City boss, and has amassed 40 major titles across his reigns with City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.Amongst those honours are six Premier League titles, three La Liga titles, three Bundesliga titles, 10 domestic cups and three Champions Leagues.As well as guiding teams to success as a collective, he has also been recognised as the World’s Best Coach by Fifa on three separate occasions. Guardiola has made history on multiple occasions too, icluding leading Man City to four consecutive Prem titles and becoming the first manager to see his side rack up over 100 points in a single Prem campaign.City have had an uncharacteristic season this term, falling away from title contention early and finding themselves in a battle for European football.However, they have still managed to earn a spot in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace – an opportunity for Guardiola’s third FA Cup success.Discussing the blow-par campaign, which saw City embark on a run of just one win in 13 games this winter, Guardiola said: “It was a year of great learning. “There is not just one reason why this year was difficult, there are many details, like wrong decisions made for me. So, it has been a year of great learning for me, personally.”People think we learn more from defeats than from victories. But I also think I learn from victories.Read More on The Sun”I knew there would be a moment when we would fall, but we fell a lot. We didn’t expect to be so far, but we can’t win them all. ‘What we did during 10, nine years was exceptional, but now we have to sit down and learn to try to understand what we need to produce in the future.”Guardiola’s managerial honoursHere’s a look at the silverware Pep Guardiola has won during his managerial career…Barcelona – 2008-20123 x La Liga winner2 x Spanish Cup winner3 x Spanish Super Cup winner2 x Uefa Super Cup winner2 x Champions League winner2 x Fifa Best Coach winner2 x Fifa Club World Cup winnerBayern Munich – 2013-20163 x Bundesliga winner2 x German Cup winner1 x Uefa Super Cup winner1 x Fifa Club World Cup winnerManchester City – 2016-present6 x Premier League winner1 x Champions League winner4 x League Cup winner2 x FA Cup winner3 x Community Shield winner1 x Uefa Super Cup winner1 x Fifa Club World Cup winner1 x Fifa Best Coach winner More

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      How Man Utd and Spurs fans can avoid paying £1,000 a night on hotel for Europa League final in Bilbao including glamping

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham fans are scouring for accommodation in Bilbao with both sides seemingly destined for the Europa League final.It’s set to be an all-English affair in Spain later this month after the Premier League duo took control of their respective semi-finals.Man Utd fans face paying £1,000 for a Europa League final hotelCredit: AlamySpurs fans are also in the same boat with both sides looking destined to meetCredit: RexThe final takes place in Bilbao, where hotel prices have already soaredCredit: GettySpurs beat Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.While United thrashed Athletic Club 3-0 away from home.And the Red Devils seem certain to return to the Estadio de San Mames in Bilbao for the final on May 21.The showdown between Spurs and United has more than just a trophy at stake, with the winner also booking their spot in next season’s lucrative Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd fans on both sides know how much of a game-changer that could be, with tens of thousands now looking to snap up accommodation for the big night.However, it will cost an arm and a leg to stay in Bilbao that evening.Hotel prices have soared, with the price of one person in a single room for the night costing a mind-boggling £1,000.But thankfully, there are cheaper alternatives for those hoping to witness the match in person.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey definitely do not include staying in an Air Bnb in Bilbao, with prices for a city centre flat costing a whopping £2,300.Instead, supporters hoping to remain as near as possible could have better luck elsewhere.Man Utd and Spurs on course for £100m winner-takes-all Europa League final despite two of their worst seasons everBERMEOLocated 21 miles from Bilbao, Bermeo is a just a 35 minute drive for fans to reach their destination on game day.And Air Bnb flats featuring three beds for one night range from £568 to £714.But a single person travelling may instead fancy their chances in a hotel, with the average cost of one in Bermeo just £100.Bermeo is located in the province of BiscayCredit: GettySAN SEBASTIANMeanwhile, the city of San Sebastian is located 100km away from Bilbao to the east.It would take around 70 minutes to reach the stadium on game day.And a top-rated hotel for one person, staying one night, would cost about £300.But there is a cheap-and-cheerful option for those on a shoestring, with hostels in San Sebastian only costing £34 for a bed in a shared complex.San Sebastian is located to the east of BilbaoCredit: AlamySANTANDERMoving west of Bilbao, the city of Santander offers promising prices too.Located the exact same time and distance away as San Sebastian in the east, a top hotel there costs a bargain £68.While a hostel is dirt cheap at just £22 for one night.Santander is west of where the final will be heldCredit: AlamyGLAMPINGThose fancying some outdoors action could also enjoy a spot of glamping.Known as “glamorous camping”, it provides the feel of sleeping in the wild while also basking in the amenities of every-day life.And one glamping site, located an hour away from Bilbao, has bungalows available for £50 per person, per night.There is yet another option for those who leave it late for their tickets.Those wishing to spend time outdoors can go glampingCredit: GettyBIARRITZThe town of Biarritz is located just over the border in neighbouring France.It is a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Bilbao.But Biarritz boasts plenty of top hotels, as well as peace and quiet from bustling bigger cities.And a night there costs just £90 per person.Read More on The SunCheaper options include glamping in a log cabin, with a six-person berth costing £580.While for those looking to save big time, static caravans can be rented for just £150 — sleeping up to five people.Biarritz is a picturesque town just over the border in FranceCredit: Alamy More

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      Why there could be goals galore when champions Liverpool face Chelsea – Weekend Wager’s best bets

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      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and razor-sharp analysis to bring you the best value bets from the upcoming bumper weekend of sport.Joining our very own Will Pugh on this week’s show is football journalist Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert James Mackie.Chelsea vs Liverpool is the big game this weekendCredit: APThis week the panel break down where the value is hidden for the Premier League’s mega clash between newly crowned champions Liverpool and European chasers Chelsea on Sunday.While they also look at Sunday’s other big game as Brighton take on Newcastle United at the Amex.Saving enough time to take a punt on the Newmarket races and a little look at Indian Premier League Cricket.Chelsea vs LiverpoolKewku Afari: Over 3.5 goals – 5/4READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m expecting goals in this one. They’re pretty short odds, but the stats back it up as well.”Liverpool are champions now after that win against Spurs last week and have scored in each of their last 30 Premier League matches.”While Chelsea have failed to keep a clean sheet against a top six side at home since August. There will be goals in this one.”Liverpool won’t be on the beach, but they could be a bit more open. Chelsea are in win now mode, but I can’t predict a Chelsea win.Most read in Football”However, I will predict plenty of goals in this one.”There could be plenty of goals in Chelsea vs LiverpoolWill Pugh: Chelsea to win – EVENS”Liverpool have done their job now for the season. I think I’ve gone for a Chelsea win for the value instead of choosing an imaginative bet.”Chelsea are at home, and I know Liverpool have been hard to beat this season, but I just fancy that there’s some value there.”The stats back it up again. Chelsea have picked up 17 points in their last eight Premier League matches.”While only two Liverpool managers (Bill Shankly and Roy Evans) have won their first league games against Chelsea at Red boss.”Arne Slot would become only the third Liverpool gaffer to do that after their 2-1 win earlier in the season.”James Mackie: Luis Diaz to score or assist – 2/1″I think this is a great price for a player that has been in and amongst the goals and assists this season.”Diaz has scored or assisted in six of his last seven Premier League appearances.”While he also has three goal involvements in three league games against Chelsea.”If he starts, I think at 2/1 it’s the hidden value on Sunday”.Luis Diaz has scored or assisted in six of his last seven Premier League appearancesCredit: AFPBrighton vs NewcastleKewku Afari: Brighton to win – 8/5″When you look at Newcastle’s record away to Brighton, it’s not good.”The Magpies are winless in all seven of their Premier League visits to Brighton. They’re drawn four of those and lost three.”This is a place that Newcastle struggle and despite their great form, Brighton always prove to be difficult customers for the Toon Army.”Brighton have already beaten Newcastle twice this season, 1-0 in the reverse league fixture, and 2-1 in the FA Cup. History points to a Brighton win”.Will Pugh: Over 4.5 goals – 3/1″I just fancy goals, goals, goals. We saw last week there was five goals in Brighton’s 3-2 win over West Ham. “Brighton are one of only two sides in the Premier League this season who have both scored and conceded more than 55 goals. “Each of the Seagull’s last 11 matches have seen at least three goals scored. That’s 45 goals in 11 games – an average of 4.1 goals per game.”Couple that with the fact that, under Eddie Howe, Newcastle have won 27 Premier League matches by a margin of three or more goals”.James Mackie: Alexander Isak to score anytime – 11/10″This is simply a value bet. When you’re getting a prime striker like Isak, Kylian Mbappe or Mohamed Salah to score and you’re getting odds against, you HAVE to have a look at it.”Only Salah has more goals in the league that Isak in 2025. He’s playing a Brighton side that have been leaking goals and this looks like good value”.Alexander Isak can’t stop scoring goalsCredit: GettyNewmarket – Sat, 3.35pmJames Mackie: Field of Gold – 7/4, Ruling Court – 4/1, Expanded – 9/2, Scorthy Champ – 13/2, Shadow of Light – 7/1 “I think this is when the racing really kicks into gear, this is the best three-year-olds over a mile taking on each other.”This year there’s a stellar field going to post with all the big name trainers having runners.”You’ve got Aidan O’Brien who’s got Expanded at 9/2, Charlie Appleby with Ruling Court at 4/1 and also Shadow of Light at 7/1.”But Ruling Court is the one that’s come for money. It really is a prestigious race. “The horse I think is going to win it is Field of Gold at 7/4, he’s a really likeable bray and was a really smart horse last year as a two-year-old.”James Mackie has given his tips for NewmarketIPL – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super KingsJames Mackie: RCB to win – 8/15, CSK to win 6/4, Kohli top RCB run scorer – 17/10″CSK are 6/4 outsiders, but that looks very short to me as they are a team with a lot of work to do at the bottom of he table.”I think the RCB to win price is very, very short too. So I think the bet to focus on is looking at individual players.Read More on The Sun”Virat Kohli has been on fire. In his last three games he has scored 51, 70 and 73 runs – being RCB’s top run scorer in two of those three games.”We’re getting 17/10 to keep his good form going and I really like those odds”.Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli is on fireCredit: AFP More

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      Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 34: Popular recruit Dominic Solanke now doubtful

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      DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 34 in one convenient location.Dominic Solanke was unable to complete the full 90 minutes for Tottenham against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night.The 27 year-old striker, who is currently the most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 34, scored to help Spurs win their Europa League semi-final first leg 3-1 but was replaced due to a quadriceps complaint.Solanke was replaced soon after scoring on Thursday nightCredit: Dream TeamJames Maddison was also withdrawn after tweaking his knee.Ange Postecoglou downplayed the severity of both issues, telling reporters that the players “didn’t feel it was anything too significant” and that the substitutions were more precautionary – still both are doubtful ahead of Sunday’s trip to West Ham.Lucas Bergvall missed Thursday night’s game.Elsewhere, Noussair Mazraoui impressed against Athletic Bilbao but is highly likely to be rested for Manchester United’s upcoming visit to Brentford.Referring to the defender’s recent workload, Ruben Amorim said: “He cannot play.”In brighter news for the Red Devils, Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Lift both returned in Spain and reported no issues at full time.Evanilson’s red card has since been rescinded, meaning the Bournemouth striker is available to face Arsenal this weekend.Most read in FootballMazraoui is among the most popular transfers but seemingly won’t play on SundayCredit: RexEddie Howe told journalists that “it’ll be difficult” for Joelinton to play again before the end of the season – the Newcastle midfielder is currently in Brazil.Sven Botman responded well to his return to the matchday squad last weekend and has trained well this week.Arne Slot expects Conor Bradley to be available for Liverpool’s away day at Chelsea on Sunday.However, the title-winning tactician was quick to stress that the full-back’s return to fitness does not necessarily mean he will start.Rodri was pictured in Manchester City training this week but the Ballon d’Or holder is not yet ready to return to action.Pep Guardiola said: “The moment the official doctor says Rodri can start to play minutes he will, but the doctors have to tell me.The decorated coach suggested that Erling Haaland also needs more time to recover but the big No9 is progressing well.Could Rodri return in time to start the FA Cup final?Credit: EPAUnai Emery hopes that Marcus Rashford will be able to play at least once more before the end of the campaign but a hamstring injury will keep the Aston Villa loanee sidelined for at least the next fortnight.Antonee Robinson returns for Fulham having missed the win over Southampton but Rodrigo Muniz may not play again this season.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 NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori, Jorginho, GabrielSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Marcus RashfordSuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Enes Unal, Luis Sinisterra, Ryan ChristieSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Igor Thiago, Fabio Carvalho, Vitaly JaneltSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Georginio Rutter, Adam Webster (doubt)Suspensions: Joao PedroCHELSEAInjuries: Marc Guiu, Wesley Fofana, Robert Sanchez (doubt), Christopher Nkunku (doubt)Suspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Chadi RiadSuspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (doubt), James Tarkowski, Jesper LindstromSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Reiss Nelson, Rodrigo MunizSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Wes Burns, Sammie Szmodics, Conor Townsend (doubt), Nathan Broadhead (doubt), Jaden Philogene, Kalvin Phillips (doubt), Arijanet Muric, Axel Tuanzebe (doubt)Suspensions: Leif Davis, Ben JohnsonLEICESTERInjuries: Abdul Fatawu, Stephy Mavididi, Mads Hermansen, Ricardo Pereira, Facundo Buonanotte, Bobby De Cordova-ReidSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Joe GomezSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Rodri, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Erling HaalandSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven, Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo DalotSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Lewis Hall, Matt Targett, JoelintonSuspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Callum Hudson-Odoi (doubt)Suspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Albert Gronbaek, Charlie TaylorSuspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Radu Dragusin, Son Heung-min (doubt), James Maddison (doubt), Dominic Solanke (doubt), Lucas BergvallSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Crysencio Summerville, Edson Alvarez (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWOLVESRead More on The SunInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Yerson Mosquera, Leon Chiwone, Sam JohnstoneSuspensions: None More