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      Enzo Maresca confirms forgotten Chelsea wonderkid, 18, will start against Astana after contract stand-off

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      CHELSEA boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Josh Acheampong is set to start against Astana.The Blues will take on the Kazakh side tomorrow in difficult -13C conditions.Enzo Maresca has discussed Josh Acheampong’s futureCredit: GettyAcheampong, 18, is highly-rated at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyMaresca is set to make several changes to the side that beat Tottenham 4-3 last Sunday, with 11 academy starlets having been added to his Europa Conference League squad.Full-back Acheampong, 18, is set to come in for his first Chelsea start.The England youth international is highly-rated at Stamford Bridge and has made two cameos from the bench for the Blues.But in October it was reported that he had been “frozen out” amid a contract stand off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was recently seen having returned to first team training, however.And asked about Acheampong ahead of tomorrow’s match, Maresca confirmed that a contract agreement is close.The Italian, 44, said: “He’s in the squad and is probably going to play from the start.”With Josh, it’s quite clear, we all love Josh, the club love Josh and I love Josh.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We are trying to find an agreement with the player. It’s close, we are almost there.”Chelsea will embark on a 7,000-mile round trip to face Astana, with stars such as Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke among those that will be left at home.How Chelsea embarrassed Spurs with Enzo Fernandez leading genius in-game tactical shake-upOn their travel arrangements, Maresca added this morning: “We have a session now, then we fly there, eight hours.”We arrive, have dinner, bed. Fortunately they are five hours ahead of us. We are going to be there for 24 hours.”Friday morning, we are going to arrive around 6am in London.”Following Chelsea’s arduous trip, their West London derby against Brentford this weekend has been pushed back to an unusual kick-off time.The match will get underway at 7pm this Sunday, and it’s likely that Maresca could make as many as 11 changes from the side that will face Astana tomorrow.Acheampong has made one brief first team cameo under MarescaCredit: Getty More

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      Hilarious moment goalscorer runs full length of pitch to celebrate with a TREE… before opponents brand him ‘stupid’

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      ROCHDALE star Tobi Adebayo-Rowling baffled his opponents last night with an unusual goal celebration.The 28-year-old was in action as his side travelled to Leamington for an FA Trophy tie.Tobi Adebayo-Rowling ran the length of the pitch after scoringCredit: XHe then vaulted the railing at the side of the pitchCredit: XNext he ducked under a wooden fenceCredit: XThe Rochdale wing-back then performed his ‘tree hug’ celebrationCredit: XThe Dale wing-back gave his side the lead on the stroke of half-time, prodding home from close range following Ryan East’s corner.After his goal, Adebayo-Rowling ran the full length of the pitch.He then jumped over the railing at the side of the field, before ducking under a wooden fence.Adebayo-Rowling then stood with his arms outstretched by a tree.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe turned around to find that his team-mates hadn’t followed him.Instead he was met by his goalkeeper, who simply offered him a drink of water.Leamington were left baffled by the incident, with their social media account posting: “Rochdale take the lead and celebrate by running the length of the pitch, jumping the barrier and hugging a tree. Bizarre.”The commentator also labelled it “one of the strangest celebrations” that he’d ever seen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans online were also left puzzled.One wrote: “Pretty disrespectful if you ask me.”‘Non-league at its best’, joke fans after goalkeeper gets stuck in his own NET..While a second moaned: “What the hell is the point of this except stupid disrespect to the opponent?”Although another joked: “Glad to see he’s doing tree-mendously.”Following Adebayo-Rowling’s first goal for the club, Rochdale went in at the break leading 1-0.Matthew Dennis added to their advantage in the 84th minute, sealing a 2-0 win and progression to the fourth round. More

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      Man Utd playing bizarre fixture against Fulham after objecting to proposed kick-off time

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will take on Fulham at a bizarre fixture time in the Premier League.The Red Devils will have to play against the Cottagers at a new time after objecting to one proposed kick-off time.Manchester United will play Fulham in a bizarre TV slot timeCredit: RexChelsea faced Tottenham on a Sunday eveningCredit: GettyManchester United will travel to Craven Cottage for their Premier League on January 26.The match comes just days after their Europa League clash against Rangers at Old Trafford.The club have rejected a proposed kick-off time of 12pm due to wanting more recovery time for players.TNT Sports will televise the noon slot on Sundays, but it would have been only 62 hours after the match against the Scottish giants.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, the 2pm and 4.30pm slots are already reserved for Sky Sports, leading to the bizarre kick-off time.Manchester United will now take on Fulham at 7pm on the Sunday evening.Chelsea’s visit to Tottenham this weekend was played in the 4.30pm slot due to their away matches in Europe on Thursday.The Premier League has told clubs that the slot is supposed to only be a contingency option and not a regular one.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) has hit out at the Sunday evening fixtures and claimed it is “really unpopular” for fans.This is due to the limitations on transport, which can make it unsuitable for families.’Sit down.. childish,’ Roy Keane fumes at Ian Wright and slams ‘fing rubbish’ Man Utd star in Arsenal game watchalongIt is expected that Manchester United will offer travelling fans subsidised travel to Craven Cottage.A FSA spokesman said: “The Sunday evening kick-off slot is really unpopular with match-goers as public transport options are limited and it’s no good for families with young kids.“When the general slot was announced the Premier League told us it was a ‘contingency’ — but it seems to be getting used an awful lot for such a provision.“A big part of the problem is allowing broadcasters to choose ‘conditional’ picks which are then moved when a team progresses in Europe.“The Premier League puts broadcasters first by allowing them to select such games knowing full well conditional picks are very likely to be rescheduled again.”The slot will be used for Chelsea vs Brentford on Sunday but only due to them playing away in Kazakhstan on Thursday.The Blues face Astana away in the Conference League while Spurs will also have the slot to play Southampton due to their Europa League to Rangers. More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe slammed over ‘laughable’ start to Man Utd reign as Gary Lineker reveals ‘the worst thing of all’

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has been slammed over his “laughable” start at Manchester United. The British billionaire completed a 25 per cent takeover at Old Trafford in December and assumed control of football operations.Sir Jim Ratcliffehas been slammed over his ‘laughable’ start at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyDan Ashworth left his role as sporting directorCredit: PAErik ten Hag was sacked as Utd bossCredit: GettyBut things have gone from bad to worse with sporting director Dan Ashworth’s exit the latest to cause controversy in the red half of Manchester. It followed less than two months after Erik ten Hag was sacked with Premier League legend Alan Shearer full of criticism. He said on The Rest is Football podcast: “It’s not a good look at all for them is it?”It’s pretty bloody embarrassing what’s gone on with Dan Ashworth leaving and the decisions that since they’ve been in there in terms of the money that they’ve spent.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”The decisions that they’ve made with Ten Hag extending his contract, sacking him, paying him off, giving him the players that they have in the summer, then getting rid of him.”Then putting Dan Ashworth on gardening leave, getting him out of Newcastle, paying compensation for him, then getting rid of him after five months.”It is laughable really, it’s such a terrible look. So yeah, I dunno, it’s not a good look.”Ratcliffe sanctioned five big signings since his arrival last year. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into jobBy Neil Custis The blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed in November that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.Defeat Nottingham Forest in December, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.READ MORE ON MAN UTD’S CHAOS Man Utd signings under Sir Jim Ratcliffe Leny Yoro: £52mManuel Ugarte: £42mMatthijs de Ligt: £45m Noussair Mazraoui: £15m Joshua Zirkzee: £36.5m.Leny Yoro cost £52million, Manuel Ugarte was signed for £42m, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui both joined from Bayern Munich for £60m and Joshua Zirkzee was £36.5m. And Gary Lineker believes the wasteful spending is among United’s biggest sins under Ratcliffe – who hired Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s successor.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand He said: “Ultimately, the worst thing of all is the recruitment and the amount of money that they’ve paid out for players that have not realised what they obviously thought was good potential.”So it just shows you down to football, whoever comes in you’ve got to get that side of it right. “Whatever your budget and it’s not easy because you can never be sure how a player’s going to perform at a football club till he gets there.”But Micah Richards argued: “The only thing I would say on that one, in their defence the players that they’ve bought at the time were playing really well.”Where I think they’ve got it wrong is they’ve not bought players for a system, they’ve just bought individuals who have not performed which has just made them look ridiculous.”If you look at someone like Antony, when he was at Ajax he was on fire but where was he playing? READ MORE SUN STORIES”And the new manager now, he likes to play three at the back, four in midfield and three up front, what is his strategy going forward now?”That is what we have to see because you’re right Gary, there’s been a lot of big decisions that have just been awful.”Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards criticised Man UtdCredit: The Rest Is Football More

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      Richarlison set to become a dad as Tottenham star and law student partner reveal they are having a baby

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      RICHARLISON has announced he is to become a father with his partner pregnant.The Tottenham Hotspur star and Amanda Araujo made the announcement on social media.Richarlison is set to become a dadCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDaZGGkNvW0/?hl=en&img_index=1He and his partner are expecting their first child togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDaZGGkNvW0/?hl=en&img_index=1Richarlison and Amanda Araujo made the announcement on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDaZGGkNvW0/?hl=en&img_index=1She showed off their first baby scan picturesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDaZGGkNvW0/?hl=en&img_index=1Richarlison, 27, shared the news on Instagram with a collection of pictures of himself and Amanda.In the snaps they can be seen posing with ultrasound pictures as well as a baby-sized pair of flip flops.He captioned the post: “Now there are 3 of us.”The happy couple were congratulated on their pregnancy by fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne posted: “Congrats to you to! Such wonderful news.”A second wrote: “Congratulations bro, God bless you.”A third commented: “Little Pombo is coming.”A fourth said: “Mini pigeon is coming.”Most read in FootballAnother added: “That’s right my brother! God bless too much.”Amanda has studied law at a private university in Sao Paulo Brazil.They were spotted for the first time together in July 2023 when they holidayed with friends in Brazil.Richarlison breaks down in tears as he reveals he wanted to quit football and would always Google ‘rubbish about death’The happy couple were congratulated on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDaZGGkNvW0/?hl=en&img_index=1They are thought to have started dating in July 2023Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDaZGGkNvW0/?hl=en&img_index=1Amanda has been a supportive partner to Richarlison during his injury troubles in North London.Last November she flew over to see him after he underwent groin surgery.He is still struggling with injury issues and has only featured in seven matches this season.The forward has not played since he withdrew from action against Aston Villa in November.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Rangers vs Tottenham: Get £50 in free bets for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Betfred

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      TOTTENHAM make the trip north of the border to face Rangers in an all-British Europa League clash.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a tasty £50 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the Euro showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereRangers vs Tottenham: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Rangers vs Tottenham: Get £50 free bets HERE*New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)FREE BET SIGN UP DEALS FOR FOOTBALLRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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      Rangers vs Tottenham prediction: Betting tips, odds and Europa League preview

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      THERE’S plenty on the line in a massive Battle of Britain clash in the Europa League on Thursday when Rangers host Tottenham.Ange Postecoglou appears to be hanging onto his job at Spurs and won’t expect much of a welcome from the Ibrox support being a former Celtic boss.SunSport betting experts have previewed the Premier League contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesRangers vs Tottenham previewIt’s not going well for Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham at the moment, highlighted by the fact not many people were surprised to see them bottle a 2-0 lead at home to Chelsea last weekend.They have failed to win any of their last four in all competitions and as pre-tournament favourites here, they find themselves down in ninth ahead of this one.Granted, that is two spots higher than their struggling 11th place in the Premier League.He now makes a return to Glasgow where he enjoyed success at the home of Rangers’ great rivals, Celtic.First scorer and correct score predictionsFirst scorer: TIMO WERNER – 8/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERECorrect score: 2-2 – 10/1 with BetMGM – HERESo the welcome for him won’t be too great, and Gers themselves are on a bit of a roll.It’s been some turnaround since a seemingly damaging defeat at Pittodrie, where Gers have now clawed back the deficit to Aberdeen in second to just two points – and they’ve a game in hand.With a bigger game to come on Sunday against Celtic in the League Cup final, Philippe Clement will want to rotate his squad but also be competitive here.The team news from both will be interesting…Rangers vs Tottenham latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Rangers vs Tottenham prediction and betting tipsGoals aplentyAs Spurs showed just a few days ago – and for much of their campaign – they’ve got plenty of goals in their attack.Unfortunately, they’ve also shown they’re quite easy to score against, too.Expecting plenty of Gers changes but this could be quite the basketball match.Captain’s markYou always know when Rangers are doing well – the stick James Tavernier receives disappears.That’s exactly what has happened for the Gers skipper in recent weeks and he has two goals and an assist in his last two.Has been a phenomenal player in Europe for Rangers and set piece taker always helps in these bets too!James Tavernier to score anytime at 4/1 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson ‘steps in to make sure legendary Man Utd boss’s family keep director’s box privileges’

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      LEGENDARY Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly stepped in to make sure the family of Sir Matt Busby have kept their privileges at Old Trafford.Busby, who managed United for 24 years between 1945 and 1969, passed away in 1994 but members of his family have since been gifted complimentary season tickets in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand.Sir Alex Ferguson has stepped in to help the Busby familyCredit: GettySir Matt Busby passed away in 1994 but his family have been given complimentary season tickets each yearCredit: Hulton Archive – GettyThe seats had been located next to the directors’ box and have access to a lounge.However, it’s understood they were moved to a different area of the stand as part of a restructure earlier this year and the Busbsys lost their hospitality table as a result.According to the Daily Mail, they were concerned over a lack of communication from United.But Ferguson intervened and spoke to Omar Berrada, the club’s chief executive, and chief operating officer Collette Roche to ensure the family were still taken care of.Read More on Man UtdThey were subsequently given access to the directors’ bar again.Sources say there was never an intention to withdraw the privileges.They also claim the Busbys will always be welcome at Old Trafford.An insider told the Mail: “There are two things you don’t touch at United – one is Fergie and the other is the Busbys.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNew United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ruffled some feathers with his cost-cutting attempts in recent months.He removed Ferguson from his ambassadorial role in October and stopped paying his £2million annual salary.’I nearly fainted!’ – Sir Alex Ferguson reveals the £630,000 signing that ‘took my breath away’Ratcliffe also axed 250 members of staff including comms man John Allen, who has worked at United for 25 years, as well as the club historian and a much-loved kit man.And the Telegraph claimed this week that the new chief has also replaced staff bonuses with a voucher.Rather than each member of staff receiving £100 extra ahead of the festive season, they have now been given a £40 voucher for M&S.What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More