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      West Ham 2 Wolves 1: Matchwinner Bowen lifts up Michail Antonio’s shirt in tribute as Hammers ease pressure on Lopetegui

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI may well have seen off Gary O’Neil, but could soon be joining him at the job centre.After last week’s thumping at Everton, O’Neil talked as if he would be gone by the morning and now this is surely it having come out on the wrong side of ‘El Sackico’.Jarrod Bowen held Michail Antonio’s shirt aloft after his goalCredit: GettyTomas Soucek also paid tribute to his stricken team-mateCredit: ReutersThe West Ham captain spoke highly of Antonio before kick-offCredit: AFPJarrod Bowen may have sealed his fate, bagging a winner after Matt Doherty had cancelled out Tomas Soucek’s opener.Both West Ham’s goalscorers celebrated by paying tribute to Michail Antonio after his horror car crash on Saturday.The disappointment boiled over within the Wolves squad at full-time as Mario Lemina sparked a row with Bowen by refusing to shake his hand before shoving his own team-mates and a member of the club staff.The only silver lining for Wolves was that they did not ship four – as they had done in the two before arriving in London.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLopetegui, having lasted longer than expected with a stay of execution last week, will hope this can be a turning point.Though it was not a victory won with free-flowing, buccaneering football.There was a smart, low, finish from Bowen, but little happened by design and the expectation in the West Ham boardroom is that Lopetegui will not see out the season.A win over Wolves, now second from bottom, proves little.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSthe-sun-22-23-momentum-f3c6b041-3cc5-4d76-8d53-91f3e2bfe346The contest, and the futures of the two managers overseeing it, felt far less significant in the early stages.Supporters sang Antonio’s name inside the first minute and then all stood to applaud throughout the ninth minute, with the travelling fans and Lopetegui joining in.West Ham stars pay tribute to Antonio with special shirts after pal’s horror crashThe emotion had certainly taken the edge off of a West Ham fanbase who decided to stick with the squad rather than express their frustrations.There was no collective anger aimed at Lopetegui or the ownership, who had come close to sacking the Spaniard last week but delayed.It took 20 minutes for the two sides to settle and the focus to shift to the football and what was at stake.Joao Gomes found space on the edge of the West Ham box to collect a bouncing ball but his shot was straight at Lukasz Fabianski, the Hammers goalkeeper.Neither side had a firm grasp and were relying on a touch of chance to create something.Bowen raced in behind to chase a deflected ball and saw his strike saved by Sam Johnstone as frustration spread through the London Stadium.Wolves fans aimed a dig at former boss Lopetegui, who kept them up before leaving just days before a new season, and some Hammers supporters joined in.The fate of Wolves each week largely hangs on whether Matheus Cunha is having a good day or not.He sent a low shot to the corner of the West Ham goal which had Fabianski stretching but hardly troubled.It turned into an end-to-end affair which exposed exactly why both O’Neil and Lopetegui are not long for their posts.The two defences were offering gaping holes, though neither forward line could truly take advantage.Carlos Soler and Gomes both wasted huge chances, the Wolves man missing a tap in from yards out.The hosts had a chance to build up a head of steam, but all they could muster was Konstantinos Mavropanos hooking well over the bar.No one looked confident on the ball or played with any conviction.The visitors managed to leave Soucek, the most obvious threat at a set piece, completely free at the far post.He waited for Bowen’s in-swinging corner to drop onto his head and nodded it back across goal, watching it loop into the far post.Mohammed Kudus then had the ball in the back of the net, but saw it ruled out for offside – the first of two on the night.O’Neil sent on Goncalo Guedes and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde to try and salvage the game.The former added life. He should have been awarded a penalty for a shove by Emerson and then helped set up the leveller.Guedes slipped a ball down the left for Ait-Nouri whose cross was placed bang on the penalty spot, where Doherty arrived sliding and finished first time.O’Neil barely even celebrated – instead choosing to berate referee John Brooks for not awarding the penalty.One last parting shot at officials, who have caused him so much grief at Wolves.His reprieve here did not last long, either.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter sending a deep free kick into the Wolves box, which they struggled to clear, Bowen moved to the edge of the box, cut inside Guedes and picked out the far corner.The England man held Antonio’s shirt aloft, in a final reminder of what was more important than which manager left with a smile. More

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      Cristian Romero appears to aim dig at Tottenham chiefs as he says club ‘could easily be competing for title every year’

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      CRISTIAN ROMERO appeared to aim a dig at Tottenham chiefs as he claimed the club “could easily” compete for the title.The defender pointed to investment from other clubs and how that has improved results on the pitch.Cristian Romero hinted at who is to blame for Tottenham’s misfortunesCredit: GettyChelsea, who came from behind to beat Tottenham 4-3 on Sunday, are one example Romero pointed to.Romero was forced off in that clash just 15 minutes into his return from a toe injury as he felt a problem in his thigh.The Argentine has now voiced his concerns at Spurs and hinted the problem does not lie with the players or the manager.As reported by talkSPORT, he said: “The truth is, I would say no comment, but… Manchester City competes every year, you see how Liverpool strengthens its squad, Chelsea strengthens their squad, doesn’t do well, strengthens again, and now they’re seeing results.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Those are the things to imitate. You have to realise that something is going wrong, hopefully, they realise it.”The last few years, it’s always the same: first, the players, then the coaching staff changes, and it’s always the same people responsible.”Hopefully, they realise who the true responsible ones are, and we move forward because it’s a beautiful club that, with the structure it has, could easily be competing for the title every year.”Pressure is growing on boss Ange Postecoglou with Spurs languishing in 11th after just one win in five Premier League games.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut after his side threw away a 2-0 goal lead against Chelsea, it was midfielder Yves Bissouma who shouldered the blame for the defeat after he gave away a penalty for Blues’ third goal.He wrote on social media: “I’m so sad for that mistake. It’s burning me because we lost the game today from this mistake.Jadon Sancho throws corner flag during Chelsea’s celebration at Tottenham “I feel sorry for my teammates, staff, and fans. I take all the responsibility for that one.”l’ll learn from this one. It’s time now to show the real me.”Thanks for all the support.” More

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      Dan Ashworth’s four-man shortlist to replace Ten Hag ‘revealed’ with axed Man Utd chief not a fan of Amorim appointment

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      AXED Dan Ashworth drew up a four-man shortlist to replace Erik ten Hag – and Ruben Amorim was reportedly NOT included.The sporting director left Manchester United after just five months in his role, in what has been a farcical season for the Red Devils.Dan Ashworth’s four-man list of replacements for Erik ten Hag was rejected by United chiefsRuben Amorim was reportedly not favoured by AshworthBrentford manager Thomas Frank was among Ashworth’s top contendersAshworth, 53, was given the boot less than an hour after United’s 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday.And it has since been revealed by sources close to The Athletic that Ashworth wasn’t keen on Amorim’s appointment.Instead the former Newcastle and West Brom director wanted an English manager with more experience in the domestic game.He had a list and those he did propose had at one thing Amorin didn’t – Premier League experience.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe first two names included were Eddie Howe, despite the picture not always being rosy at Newcastle, as well as Fulham’s Marco Silva.The next two, Brentford manager Thomas Frank and ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who could have come in possibly as an interim until the end of the season.Potter is now reportedly willing to temporarily take over at West Ham should Julen Lopetegui be sacked this week, according to talkSPORT.But co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanted to hear more adventurous ideas from the man they gave Newcastle £2.5million for, and away from the people Ashworth already knew. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the sporting operation expert allegedly didn’t provide clear, compelling arguments for who to bring in.It’s perhaps far from a coincidence that there was nothing from Ashworth on the official announcement of Amorim.Sporting Director Dan Ashworth talks about his job at Newcastle United Ashworth had been quoted on Ten Hag’s contract extension and every signing brought in during the summer.According to The Athletic, Ashworth was said to have had little input on selecting Amorim as United’s boss, with CEO Omar Berrada a major influence on the Portuguese getting the job. It was Berrada who flew to Lisbon when Ten Hag was sacked to negotiate with Sporting president Frederico Varandas face-to-face.But it should be noted that Berrada went because he, rather than Ashworth, knew the people at Sporting.Ashworth pointed to Marco Silva’s Premier League experience at FulhamUnited’s summer transfer signingsArrivals:Leny Yoro (Lille) – £52mManuel Ugarte (PSG) – £50mMatthijs De Ligt (Bayern) – £43mJoshua Zirkzee (Bologna) – £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui (Bayern) – £16mSekou Kone (Guidars) – £1mSunSport also exclusively revealed three weeks ago that United’s new hierarchy were locked in a blame game over their summer business, and who decided to extend Ten Hag’s contract only for the Dutchman to be sacked 14 games later.Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.But their denied involvement irritated Ratcliffe, who said making decisions was all down to them.The Red Devils co-owner, who bought a 27.7 per cent stake, also revealed “it’s not my decision” before Ten Hag was given the boot.Ashworth’s departure was instigated by those at the top of the club.The sense among staff is a joint decision between Ratcliffe, Berrada, Sir Dave Brailsford and co-owner Joel Glazer.Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was named on Ashworth’s shortlistThe sporting director also named ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter ahead of AmorimTension was also apparent when Ashworth proposed bringing in a data company to evaluate the candidates to replace Ten Hag.Ratcliffe was said to have reacted badly, countering that it was Ashworth’s job to know such matters rather than outsource it.Eyebrows were also raised when Ashworth took a holiday on Amorim’s second day at Carrington. There were mitigating circumstances, with Ashworth marking a significant family event having postponed previous attempts for work reasons. READ MORE SUN STORIESHis absence, around the same time, from November’s executive committee meeting was however seen by some as a further indication all was not well. Ashworth had attended the ExCo summit in October at Ineos headquarters in London, as well as the previous one in Barcelona.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has played a huge role in the boardroom shake-upWho is Dan Ashworth?DAN ASHWORTH is a true footballing man who has progressed through the game’s ranks all the way from player to club director.He never made it to the top as a player, instead featuring for a number of non-league sides and in the US.After hanging up his boots he quickly moved into the backroom, landing his first job at Peterborough.His big break came at West Brom, before he moved on to the Three Lions job where he was instrumental in creating ‘England’s DNA’.Two roles with Premier League clubs followed before Man Utd swooped in the summer.So what’s next for Ashworth?READ HIS FULL STORY HERE: More

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      West Ham vs Wolves LIVE RESULT: Bowen’s superb winner eases pressure on Lopetegui while O’Neil’s future remains in doubt

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      WEST HAM have beaten Wolves 2-1 to ease pressure on Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui.Tomas Soucek’s looping header gave the Irons the lead in the 54th minute before Matt Doherty swept home an equaliser with 21 minutes left on the clock.Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen came to his side’s rescue with a superb finish to make it 2-1 and secure all three points for the hosts.Following the defeat, Gary O’Neil’s future as Wolves boss remains in huge doubt as his side sit second bottom of the Premier League with just nine points from 15 games.Ahead of the game, West Ham players showed their support for teammate Michail Antonio after the striker was involved in a road traffic accident on Saturday.Match result: West Ham 2-1 WolvesWest Ham team: Fabianski; Wan-Bissaka, Kilman, Mavropanos, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez, Soler; Kudus, Bowen, SummervilleWolves team: Johnstone; Semedo, Bueno, Toti; Doherty, Andre, Lemina, J.Gomes, Ait-Nouri; Cunha, Strand LarsenFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the London Stadium with our live blog below… More

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      Genius Cole Palmer is the simple reason Chelsea are in a Premier League title race and Man City are not

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      THERE is one common reason linking the facts that Chelsea are in the title race and  Manchester City are not. Cole Palmer.City are an ageing squad in desperate need of a world-class youngster to give them freshness and spark.Cole Palmer is Chelsea’s main man and just what old club Man City needCredit: AlamyEtihad chief Pep Guardiola must rue Palmer’s departure more than everCredit: GettyPalmer ran out of patience at Man City when they signed Jeremy DokuCredit: GettyThat player should have been Cole Palmer.Chelsea were a chaotic club in desperate need of an on-field leader to build a team around.That player is Cole Palmer.Pep Guardiola’s decision to allow Palmer to join Chelsea looked highly questionable even last season, when City were winning a fourth straight title and the young  Mancunian he released was the stand-out player in a wildly inconsistent Blues team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow that Palmer is the stand-out player in an excellent Chelsea side, and now that City have suddenly imploded — winning just once in nine games — that chicken is well and truly roosting.And yes, yes, the Rodri injury. But City’s extraordinary collapse is not all about the absence of their Ballon d’Or-winning midfield anchor.Etihad chiefs are this week  trumpeting the tenth anniversary of their City Football Academy, which has “developed 40 players for the men’s senior team and generated fees of up to £300million”.City boast that “seven Premier League clubs and 12 Championship sides currently have a player from the CFA”.Most read in FootballHe was so influential in Sunday’s 4-3 comeback win at SpursFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhich is all well and good, except that Palmer — one of two world-class players to come through the CFA, along with Phil Foden — is currently tearing it up for a team higher in the table than City.And for an initial fee of £40m, which now looks an absolute steal.These mistakes happen in football. It’s just that they usually happen to Chelsea and certainly not to Guardiola.Look around at Chelsea’s main rivals and you’ll find Kevin De Bruyne, flogged by Chelsea aged 22, who has been Manchester City’s best player for years.And you’ll find Mo Salah, shipped out by Chelsea aged 23, who has been Liverpool’s best player for years.You’ll also find Declan Rice, rejected by Chelsea aged 14, who  is now the £105million midfield heartbeat of Arsenal.When Jose Mourinho was Chelsea boss he didn’t think De Bruyne or Salah were useless. Just not good enough for his first team at that point and certainly not future  Footballers of the Year.It’s the same with City and Palmer — who got my vote as Footballer of the Year above City’s Foden, who won the award because most voters seemed to think it was more impressive to be a great player in a great team than be a great player in a bad team.Guardiola rated Palmer so highly that, while other promising City youngsters were loaned out, he was jealously guarded by the Etihad boss, drip-fed first-team football and asked to remain patient at City, just as Foden was.Yet by the summer of last year, Palmer was 21 and ready to be a major Premier League footballer.Guardiola had promised him substantially more football and all looked well last August when Palmer netted a stunning goal at Wembley in the Community Shield against Arsenal and scored again in the European Super Cup against Sevilla.But the following week, City spent £55.5m on Jeremy Doku — who, while not a like-for-like player to Palmer, was another attacking player, the same age as Palmer, who City rated with a higher transfer value.This arrival surprised Palmer and his advisers, and was the straw that broke the camel’s back when it came to the player deciding he wanted to leave.Palmer notched two penalties at Spurs, including this Panenka effortCredit: AlamyChelsea chief Enzo Maresca has got the best out of PalmerCredit: RexGuardiola didn’t want him to go but didn’t want to keep a player against his will when he knew his first-team chances would remain limited at City last season.Also, the Doku transfer meant City needed to balance the books  to comply with those ever-pesky  Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules.Doku is a decent player — a bums-off-seats winger who may improve significantly but, at present, lacks end product and is often a substitute.He is certainly not in the same class as Palmer, whose two penalties and one glorious assist helped Chelsea close on leaders Liverpool with a statement comeback victory at Spurs on Sunday.After that 4-3 win at the  Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca — who had worked with Palmer as a coach in City’s academy — was glowing about his talisman.Especially interesting was Maresca’s admission that Palmer, who has scored 12 spot-kicks out of 12 in the Premier League, doesn’t practise penalties.The idea of not practising penalties is remarkable in the modern age.England didn’t practise penalties and they kept losing shootouts. Under Gareth Southgate, they practised and studied them pretty much to PhD level and started winning shootouts.But according to Maresca, Palmer is “not normal”. He is “not like us”.Normal players practise and get better. Even very good players practise and get better.The absolute best — the innate, blessed, ice-cool, off-the-cuff geniuses — are different.The strange thing is that Guardiola — an undoubted genius himself — didn’t realise he had an actual genius in his squad.For Manchester City, and for Chelsea, that is the difference.Ashworth exit so excruciatingMANY highly successful businessmen have gone into football and ballsed it up – but Sir Jim Ratcliffe is taking this trend to new limits.Sir Jim, literally the most successful businessman in England, has gone into Manchester United, England’s biggest football club, and, within a year, has made the biggest imaginable pig’s ear of it.This summer’s decision to hand Erik ten Hag a new contract and a huge say in transfer policy, only to sack him nine games into the season, was embarrassing enough.But now the exit of Dan Ashworth – the world-class sporting director poached from filthy-rich Newcastle United in a supposedly almighty coup – just five months into his role, is truly excruciating.Ashworth had an excellent track record of appointing managers – Gareth Southgate at England, Graham Potter at Brighton and Eddie Howe at Newcastle.Yet Ratcliffe apparently ignored Ashworth’s advice when appointing Ruben Amorim.Perhaps, Amorim will be a hit, perhaps not.But Ratcliffe’s blunders over Ten Hag and Ashworth have cost United around £25million.The multi-billionaire Ineos chief is currently trying to claw back some of his own immense wastage by charging children £66 to watch United and by sacking swathes of hard-working club staff. And that there is capitalism in motion, baby.’Smallest’ clubs hit treble top for bosses THIS summer, Bournemouth sold their star man, Dominic Solanke. Brentford flogged their goal machine, Ivan Toney. And Fulham cashed in on their best player, Joao Palhinha.Yet all three clubs – probably the three ‘smallest’ in the Premier League – have improved and sit in the top half of the table, looking down on several bigger, wealthier sides.Immense credit should go to managers Andoni Iraola, Thomas Frank and Marco Silva.Brentford have thrived despite Ivan Toney’s big-money exit to Al-AhliCredit: GettyChesterfield promoting Blues is a new spinFOOTBALL clubs don’t actually need expensive PR gurus.Win matches and people in the media will generally write and say positive things. Lose matches, and people in the media will generally write and say negative things.Yet Chelsea are apparently hiring a blue-chip spin doctor, Nerissa Chesterfield, who was director of communications in Rishi Sunak’s Downing Street regime. Which went well.Perhaps she can help to ship out all those unwanted members of Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’. To Rwanda, maybe?READ MORE SUN STORIESCornering the marketLET’S not be snobbish about Arsenal’s reliance on set-piece goals.If it was good enough for Stoke City, it should be good enough for the footballing chatterati of Stoke Newington.Bukayo Saka’s corners are a major factor in Arsenal’s goal tallyCredit: Rex More

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      What happened to West Ham star Michail Antonio?

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      THERE are fears that West Ham striker Michail Antonio may never return to the pitch again after his horror accident on Saturday afternoon.Since signing from Nottingham Forest in 2015, Antonio has established himself as West Ham’s all-time Premier League leading goal scorer with 68 goals.Michail Antonio’s footballing career is in jeopardyCredit: GettyThe Jamaican forward also played a key role in West Ham’s 2023 Europa Conference League triumph – the Hammers’ first major trophy in 43 years.But it has now been revealed that Antonio’s return to action is in jeopardy following the news that broke last weekend.And SunSport can explain exactly what has happened to the versatile footballerWhat happened to Michail Antonio?Michail Antonio “shattered” his legs after being involved in a horror car crash.Read more on Mihcail AntonioShocking images showed the West Ham striker had smashed his £260,000 Ferrari FF into trees.COLLECT PIC OF WEST HAM FOOTBALLER MICHAIL ANTONIO TRAPPED IN HIS FERRARI SPORTS CAR FOLLOWING A CRASH IN EPPING FOREST,ESSEX TODAY-07/12/24Credit: Steve BellAnd it was reported that Antonio was trapped for 45 minutes before being cut free by a fire crew.Antonio was then airlifted to a London hospital were he underwent surgery on his lower limbs.It is now understood the dad-of-four’s best-case scenario will be a one-year recovery time.Most read in FootballWhat has been said?West Ham put out a statement confirming that Michail Antonio has undergone surgery.The statement read: “West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon.”Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days.”Everyone at the Club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and expresses its sincere gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news.”A heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and first responders who attended to Michail in the immediate aftermath of the incident, and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery.”The Club will provide further updates when appropriate.”Ahead of West Ham’s Premier League match with Wolves on Monday, December 9, Hammers players warmed-up in special ‘Antonio 9’ shirts as well as walking out in top adorning the striker’s name.West Ham players showed their support to Michail Antonio during the warm-up before their Premier League clash with WolvesCredit: PAMichail Antonio’s first words since the crashThe Premier League star asked a witness who rushed to his help three worrying questions after the crash.He was disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’Samuel WoodsSamuel, a carer from Regent’s Park, told The Sun: “I said to him ‘hello’ to see if anyone was alive.“I heard sirens and told him that help was on its way.“He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’“The paramedics got there really fast. I couldn’t believe what happened. The car smelt of petrol.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSamuel, who does not follow football and did not recognise the star, went on: “I looked at him and thought, ‘He’s in big trouble’.“I just said, ‘You’ve had an ­accident’. He didn’t reply. He was looking around trying to make sense of what I just said. He was sitting in the passenger side.” More

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      Graham Potter open to return to management for first time since Chelsea sacking but role could be temporary

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      GRAHAM POTTER is willing to take the West Ham job until the end of the season, according to reports.Julen Lopetegui could well be sacked after just seven months in charge if they lose at home to Wolves tonight.Graham Potter is reportedly willing to take the West Ham job on a temporary basisAnd the Hammers are considering making a short-term appointment to steer them away from any threat of relegation.The former Chelsea boss previously admitted that he’s “looking at things” as speculation linking him with West Ham intensifies.But SunSport exclusively revealed that Potter was in line for a shock call from RB Leipzig if Marco Rose doesn’t turn things around.He could be up against former Manchester United Erik ten Hag, who has also been heavily linked with the Bundesliga club.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Leipzig must act fast as Potter could temporarily take over at West Ham, according to talkSPORT.Top target Max Allegri, who left Juventus amid disagreements in May, has also held talks with the London Stadium hierarchy.However the six-time Serie A champ is reluctant to take a job in the Premier League mid-season and would only take it next summer.Former Brighton manager Potter has been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in April last year.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe managed 31 Blues games, losing 11 – leaving Chelsea in 11th place in the Prem.West Ham face Wolves in a crunch clash at the London Stadium with both Lopetegui and Gary O’Neil facing the axe.Premier League club to make history by wearing AI-generated kit designed by fans So much so the game has been dubbed “El Sackico”.Both managers were targeted with chants of “you’ll be sacked in the morning” from their own fans last week as Wolves lost 4-0 at Everton and Leicester beat West Ham 3-1.O’Neil’s side sit second from bottom, four points from safety.The Hammers, meanwhile, are 14th, six points from the relegation zone.West Ham have won just once in their last five Prem fixtures – a 2-0 win at Newcastle.The board reportedly held talks over Lopetegui’s future last Wednesday, and he likely has one more game to save himself.Ironically, Lopetegui left Wolves on the eve of last season after being frustrated at not being able to sign anybody.Gary O’Neil faces the sack, with Wolves 19th in the PremJulen Lopetegui must get a result against WolvesNext West Ham manager oddsOdds via talkSPORT BETGraham Potter 4/5Kasper Hjulmand 7/2Edin Terzic 5/1Sergio Conceicao 6/1Michael Carrick 16/1Roger Schmidt 20/1Jose Mourinho 25/1 More

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      Premier League announce 16 fixture changes including Man Utd matches with crunch clash yet to be given kick-off time

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have announced changes to 16 fixtures in the new year.The clash between Liverpool and Manchester City has been moved to Sunday February 23, with the kick-off time to be decided.The Premier League has moved 16 fixtures in FebruaryCity’s huge trip to Arsenal has also been switched from a Saturday to Sunday 2 at 4:30pm.Arsenal are involved in two changes with their visit to Leicester now the early kick-off on February 15 – however this could change again if the Gunners are still in the Champions League at that stage.Many of the changes are only kick-off times, including Manchester United’s trip to Everton on Saturday 22, which is now a 12:30pm start time.Two of United’s have been moved to Sunday’s – at home to Crystal Palace on February 2 and a trip to Tottenham on February 16.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe home match has been moved due to United’s participation in the Europa League, and if the Red Devils progress their clash with Everton will also be moved, likely to a Sunday.The remaining fixtures have been changed for TV, with Sky Sports and TNT Sports sharing the games.The early kick-offs in February will be Nottingham Forest vs Brighton, Leicester vs Arsenal and Everton vs Man Utd.And the Saturday evening games, kicking off at 5:30pm, include Wolves vs Aston Villa, Crystal Palace vs Everton and Aston Villa vs Chelsea.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPrem fixture changes – FebruaryNottingham Forest vs Brighton – Saturday 1 – 12:30pmWolves vs Aston Villa – Saturday 1 – 5:30pmBrentford vs Tottenham – Sunday 2 – 2:00pmMan Utd vs Crystal Palace – Sunday 2 – 2:00pmArsenal vs Man City – Sunday 2 – 4:30pmChelsea vs West Ham – Monday 3 – 8:00pmBrighton vs Chelsea – Friday 14 – 8:00pmLeicester vs Arsenal – Saturday 15 – 12:30pmCrystal Palace vs Everton – Saturday 15 – 5:30pmLiverpool vs Wolves – Sunday 16 – 2:00pmTottenham vs Man Utd – Sunday 16 – 4:30pmLeicester vs Brentford – Friday 21 – 8:00pmEverton vs Man Utd – Saturday 22 – 12:30pmAston Villa vs Chelsea – Saturday 22 – 5:30pmNewcastle vs Nottingham Forest – Saturday 22 – TBCMan City vs Liverpool – Sunday 23 – TBCThere will also be a Friday fixture as Brentford travel to Leicester on February 21.Meanwhile West Ham host Chelsea in the only Monday Night Football clash of the month.’I nearly fainted!’ – Sir Alex Ferguson reveals the £630,000 signing that ‘took my breath away’SunSport understands the two matches with kick-off times still to be decided, Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest and Manchester City vs Liverpool, are awaiting confirmation from police. More