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      Manchester United boss Marc Skinner enjoying ‘carnage and chaos’ of World Sevens Football seven-a-side test

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      MARC SKINNER reckons claiming the top prize at the World Sevens Football contest could be huge for Manchester United financially. Along with Man City his Red Devils got off to a winning starts on the first day of the women’s seven-a-side tournament yesterday. Celin Bizet was among Man United’s scorers yesterday on the first day of the inaugural World Sevens Football tournamentUnited and Man City are among eight sides battling it out for the contest’s top prize with the winning team set to claim around £1.8million from a £3.76 prize potKerolin, who scored twice for Man City in their 4-0 defeat of FC Rosengard, reckons the style of play of the tournament felt “a little bit Brazilian”In the coastal town of Estoril in Portugal, the two WSL rivals are battling it out with six other European teams competing for the chance to be the contest’s overall victors. The winning side of the inaugural three-day seven-a-side tournament will earn around £1.8million ($2.5m) from a £3.76m ($5m) prize pot. And total prize money for this competition is more than what the victors of this year’s Women Champions League final will win with holders Barcelona up against Arsenal on May 23. Skinner said: “For any team who wins it would do a lot. First and foremost the players are enjoying it and having a good time. Read More Football Stories”If we then get to the point where we can win the prize money then of course that can be huge for us as well.” “But more importantly, the players have to enjoy it and that’s exactly why we were here.”It’s carnage, chaos. You have to allow the players to make decisions themselves. We will learn. The ball is fast, light and the pitch is quick.”Along with Ajax, Roma, Benfica, Bayern Munich, FC Rosengard and Paris Saint-Germain, United and Man City competed in 30 minute matches played two halves of 15 minutes. Most read in FootballTeams are permitted to use unlimited substitutions from the 14 players allowed to be part of their squad for each game. United, who take on Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain today, defeated Roma 3-2 following Man City’s 4-0 triumph over Swedish side FC Rosengard. Aside from being in a seven-a-side format, the pacy, goal-laden matches played at the home of Primera Liga side Estoril Praia, featured a DJ playing live music during the action. And fans being permitted to drink alcohol in the stands during games was another departure from the norms of a Women’s Super League match day.Brazil star Kerolin, who scored twice for City side in their win, reckons the style of play and atmosphere felt a little bit Brazilian. The City forward said: “I think it’s a good opportunity to be myself, especially after I came back from my ACL injury.”I tried to go one-v-one all the time. It’s hard to do that when it’s 11-aside as there’s too much to think (about). “Here I just want to enjoy that and be aggressive. “I liked the music a lot. In Portugal the weather is really nice so everyone is like ‘OK, we like these vibes.’ “Let’s just see how the tournament goes. “Harder games will come. We prepare for that and we just need to wait to see how we perform.”We try. It’s a little bit Brazilian I think. I like the ginga. I just think about getting back those things and being a little bit brave.”The Man City squad selected by interim boss Nick Cushing for the World Sevens features a few of the club’s promising young prospects including Codie Thomas, 18, Poppy Pritchard 19, and Lily Murphy, 19. Anita Asante, who is a member of the tournament’s Players Advisory Council, sees the contest as another platform on which younger players can make their mark. The ex-Lioness, Arsenal and Aston Villa ace said: “There’s room to be creative. Ayemu Oyama, who scored for Man City in their opener, is likely to be in action when her team play Ajax and Bayern Munich today”It also gives players an opportunity to showcase their talent at an elite level that could be unique to the women’s game sport.Read More on The Sun“It’s a fantastic opportunity for clubs to utilise the tournament to give further development and playing opportunities including their younger players.””It might provide the platform for showcasing emerging talent in general.” More

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      Notts County manager Stuart Maynard SACKED just days after League Two play-off semi-final heartache

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      NOTTS COUNTY have sacked manager Stuart Maynard.The Magpies reached the League Two play-offs but were beaten by AFC Wimbledon in the semi-finals.Notts County have sacked manager Stuart MaynardCredit: ReutersNotts County were one of the favourites to win promotion before the start of the season and that was the aim of the club’s owners, Chris and Alex Reedtz.The pair released a joint statement announcing their reason for sacking Maynard.It reads: “After being unable to achieve our aim of winning promotion this season, we share the disappointment felt by everyone connected with the club.“While football is a game of fine margins, and Stuart undoubtedly faced numerous challenges over the course of the campaign, neither results nor performances reached the levels we believe the team was capable of – particularly during the defining period towards the end.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Stuart leaves with our very best wishes and gratitude for his considerable commitment and dedication to the role.“In the near future we will provide a comprehensive update to supporters, offering more of our own reflections on the 2024-25 campaign while also outlining our approach to next season and beyond.“Alongside our recently-appointed Head of Football, Roberto Gagliardi, our work is well underway to identify the correct coaching team and new signings to join us on these important next steps of our journey.“We are highly optimistic about the club’s future and remain as committed as ever to helping Notts County achieve its immense potential.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMaynard, 44, joined County in January 2024, finishing 14th last season before guiding the club to the play-offs.He won 28 of his 73 matches in charge but fell short against AFC Wimbledon, losing 2-0 on aggregate.Former Premier League club closing in on return to EFL despite finishing 23 POINTS behind play-off opponentsFollowing that defeat Maynard revealed he was “confident” he would keep his job. More

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      Son Heung-min suffers freak injury during Tottenham’s Europa League final celebrations after being hit in head by TROPHY

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      SON HEUNG-MIN has left Bilbao with a painful reminder of Tottenham’s wild celebrations. The South Korean forward, 32, came off the bench during Spurs’ historic 1-0 win over Manchester United on Wednesday.Son Heung-Min has finally got his hands on a trophy at SpursCredit: GettyThe South Korean suffered some battle scars during the celebrationsCredit: Instagram / spursofficialThe 32-year-old hit himself in the forehead with the Europa League trophyCredit: Instagram / spursofficialSon was left with a red mark following the unfortunate accidentCredit: Instagram / spursofficialSon joined his teammates to celebrate on the field at the San Mames Stadium after the full-time whistle. But he walked away with a swollen forehead after being whacked by the Europa League trophy. In the carnage of the celebrations, a dazed Son was seen holding his hair back to reveal a red mark. In a video shared by Spurs’ X account, Son shouted: “Look at this!READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I lift [the trophy] – somebody pushed me, and I [hit my] head with the trophy!”One fan laughed in response: “To be fair he’s never held a trophy before.”Another said: “Summaries this season perfectly, we even get injuried when lifting the trophy.”While a third joked: “That’s peak Spurs energy even when they win, chaos tags along!”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd a fourth added: “I love this guy so much. Son was overlooked for a winners’ medal after an embarrassing mix-up by Uefa.Inside Tottenham’s wild dressing room and team bus celebrations after winning Europa LeagueThe forward – alongside Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur -missed out as they were at the back of the line and the medals ran out. But the South Korean was far from bothered and later received his gong in the dressing room. He told TNT Sports: “Let’s say I’m a legend. Why not?”Only [for] today! 17 years nobody has done it, so today let’s say with amazing players probably a legend of the club.”This is what I’ve always dreamed for. Today is the day it happened. I am the happiest man in the world.” More

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      ‘Like something out of The Office’ say fans after awkward Europa League final moment between Rio Ferdinand & Gareth Bale

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      RIO FERDINAND and Gareth Bale had very different reactions to Brennan Johnson’s winning goal in the Europa League final.Ferdinand, 46, and Bale, 35, were on punditry duties for TNT Sports as Tottenham beat Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao.Rio Ferdinand looked distraught after Brennan Johnson’s goalCredit: X @footballontntGareth Bale, meanwhile, was thrilled to see Spurs go 1-0 upCredit: X @footballontntBoth former superstars were filmed as the action unfolded at San Mames.In footage posted by TNT Sports, Ferdinand could be seen looking crestfallen following Johnson’s scrappy goal.The former Man Utd centre-back said: “It’s a Brennan Johnson chance… oh no.”With Spurs fans celebrating in the background, Ferdinand’s face fell.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe camera then zoomed beyond Ferdinand to show Bale’s jubilant response.Bale, who played 237 times for Spurs across two spells, beamed giddily as he clapped Johnson’s goal.Fans loved the brilliant contrast between the two reactions.One wrote on X: “It’s honestly like something out of The Office the way the camera zooms in on Bale after catching Rio looking crestfallen.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile a second joked: “Seeing Ferdinand like this is beautiful.”A third claimed: “Best thing ive seen all season.”Tottenham Players leave team hotel after Europa League triumph over Man UnitedAnd another added: “Pause everything—Rio and Bale’s goal reaction is comedy gold!”After the game, Bale took a cheeky shot at Man Utd after Tottenham posted a picture of their trophy lift captioned “Spursy”.The Welshman said: “It could be a ‘Unitedy’ thing now, I’m telling you.”Ferdinand grumbled: “Can we get off air now, and talk about this?”Bale then added: “It gets rid of that stigma now for sure and hopefully they can build on it.”It’s amazing for the club, it’s been a long time coming. Now, Ange goes down as a legendary manager, winning a European [trophy].Read More on The Sun”Now they’ve finally got it off their backs, hopefully this is a stepping stone to build off.”They’ll have a cash injection with the Champions League, they’ll be able to get players in and strengthen from there.”MAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions Gareth Bale appeared on TNT Sports alongside Lynsey Hipgrave, Rio Ferdinand and Glenn HoddleCredit: GettyBale poses with former team-mates Son Heung-min and Ben DaviesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Abandoned UK stadium that hosted FA Cup 110 years ago to undergo £130million regeneration after it was left to rot

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      THE CRYSTAL PALACE National Sports Centre – the site of 21 FA Cup finals – is undergoing a £130million refurb and could host top-class athletics by the end of the decade.The iconic sports venue in South London, which includes an abandoned Olympic-standard swimming pool, has fallen into a state of disrepair over the past decade.The Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is set to undergo a major refurbCredit: FAULKNER DOWNESA whopping £130million will be sunk into the venue, which has become agedCredit: FAULKNER DOWNESThe revamp could lead to the venue hosting top athletics by the end of the decadeCredit: FAULKNER DOWNESThe area had been left to rot, with PIGEON POO all over the indoor track, leaks in the roof and floodlights that were closed off on safety grounds.There had also been sightings of foxes and rats darting in-between the rusty old stands.Yet since the summer of 2023, work has begun to restore the arena back to its former glories, starting with long-overdue track repairs.And now “new concept images” have been released by the Mayor of London that show the potential transformation of the outdoor athletics arena and the swimming facilities inside the Grade-II listed building – with a completion date of 2028.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSThe hope is that future Diamond League meetings could be held there in front of a capacity crowd of 35,000.London Mayor Sadiq Khan has pledged millions to improve the sporting facilities at the Sports Centre that opened in 1964 and is just two miles from Selhurst Park, home of FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.And building firm Morgan Sindall Construction have been appointed to deliver the Centre’s improved design and build.A pre-construction period has started, which includes detailed applications for planning and listed building consent, with major works planned to commence in the second half of 2026.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMayor of London Sadiq Khan has pledged millions of pounds to revamp the venueCredit: PAThe redevelopment will include a complete rebuild of the structure of the swimming and diving pools and “improved sporting facilities”.The location holds a special place in British sporting history – with 20 men’s FA Cup finals, excluding replays, held on the same site between 1895 and 1914.How Crystal Palace outsmarted Man City in FA Cup finalIt was also the historic venue for the first Women’s FA Cup final in 1971, which was won by Southampton Ladies.It also hosted some of the greatest international athletics events in the UK – Usain Bolt ran a 200 metres race in front of 15,000 people at the London Grand Prix just weeks before the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.And Steve Ovett, Seb Coe and Steve Cram are among the other track-and-field icons who have raced there.Khan said: “Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is an historic and much-loved sporting and community facility where many UK sporting stars have started their careers and trained but which needs major investment and refurbishment.“I’m committed to this once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the site which will secure its future for decades to come.“With short-term improvements already delivered and Morgan Sindall Construction now appointed to deliver the design and build of the centre.”We look forward to working closely with partners and the local community to create an outstanding sporting venue as we work together to build a better, healthy London for all.” More

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      ‘Throwing him under the bus’ – Ruben Amorim takes dig at Alejandro Garnacho leaving Man Utd fans shocked

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left stunned by Ruben Amorim’s digging out of Alejandro Garnacho after the Europa League final.The Argentina international was dropped to the bench for Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in Bilbao, much to the surprise of many.Alejandro Garnacho was dropped to the bench for the Europa League final against TottenhamCredit: ReutersHe came on late in the second half but was unable to make an impactCredit: PAThe winger was on the receiving end of a brutal dig from manager Ruben Amorim after the matchCredit: GETTYMason Mount replaced Garnacho but was hauled off in the 71st minute after a lacklustre display.And Amorim stunningly lambasted Garnacho for a key miss in the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao when asked bout his decision to start Mount.The Portuguese gaffer said: “It’s easy to say that now.“[But] who missed the big opportunity in the first half in the semi-final? Garnacho. Football is like that.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Old Trafford faithful couldn’t quite believe Amorim’s jibe at the winger, with one saying: “So, he is putting Garnacho under the bus?”Another said: “This is very bad from a good coach.”It seems he’s angry, but the truth is his formation and overall approach were poor, and he’s not ready to take responsibility.”It’s easy to say that now, when Garnacho missed that chance they said why didn’t he play Mount.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMan Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…And another said: “It’s genius when it works, he’s a fraud when it doesn’t. That’s football.”One remarked: “Amorim made a mistake he must accept it.”Dave Courtnadge reactions as Tottenham beat Man United in Europa League finalAnother chimed in: “This was the wrong call by Amorim. Not in hindsight but in foresight.”Garnacho was far from happy with his place on the bench and let rip at Amorim in a bombshell statement casting doubt over his future at the Theatre of Dreams.He said: “Until the final, I played every round helping the team.”Then the final arrives and I play 20 minutes?! I don’t know.“The final, the season, the whole situation of the club.”I will try to enjoy the summer and then we will see what happens.” More

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      Allegri favourite to replace Ruben Amorim after Man Utd manager threatens to walk with Mourinho and Glasner also in race

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      RUBEN AMORIM is prepared to walk away from Manchester United – but which managers are on the shortlist to replace him?The Portuguese boss, 40, was only appointed SIX months ago but has overseen the worst period in the club’s recent history.Ruben Amorim could be facing the sack after six months at Man UtdUnited missed the chance to end another horror season on a positive note as they were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.Amorim immediately claimed he would quit Off Trafford with no pay-off if the board and fans decide his time is up.He said: “I’m always open, if they feel that I am not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation. “But I will not quit. I am really confident in my job. As you can see, I will not change nothing in how I do things.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited were seven points off a Champions League spot when Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag, but now are a remarkable TWENTY SEVEN points off fifth spot.Yet Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co are backing the man who has picked up just NINE points since December as United hit a new low every week.But while the post Sir Alex Ferguson era has got worse and worse, no manager has suffered the humiliation of being 16th in the Prem table, with the cash-less squad needing an entire overhaul. SunSport takes a look at the six candidates to replace Amorim if he decides to head for the ever-lasting revolving door.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMassimiliano AllegriFormer Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri leads the betting markets at 4/1, according to Betfair.The pragmatic 58-year-old – once hailed as an “extraordinary technician” by Sir Alex – was a front-runner in October 2024 before Amorim was hired. Allegri has been out of work since being sacked just two days after winning the Coppa Italia with Juve a year ago.It’s claimed that he was involved in angry exchanges with officials, a reporter and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli after the 1-0 win over Atalanta – which largely contributed to him receiving the boot.The decorated coach won five Serie A titles with Juve, as well as five league cups.He also reached two Champions League finals during his first stint in charge, before returning in 2021 to manage them for a further three years.Allegri first managed AC Milan between 2010 and 2014, winning Serie A in the 2010-11 season.Ex- Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri leads the betting markets to replace AmorimKieran McKennaIpswich boss McKenna was also on United’s shortlist of candidates to replace Ten Hag last year.The Northern Irishman – who was a coach under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at United – is still held in high regard despite being unable to avoid relegation with the Tractor Boys.McKenna knows United inside out, but whether he’s ready to front England’s biggest team is another story – just look at Amorim.Ipswich won back-to-back promotions from League One to the Prem, ending the club’s 22-year absence, under his tutelage.Kieran McKenna was an under-18s and first team assistant coach at Man Utd before joining IpswichJose Mourinho He couldn’t. Could he?The Special One is a staggering 6/1 favourite to make a stunning return to Old Trafford and take over from his former apprentice.Mourinho guided United to their last European cup victory in 2017 and it’s hard to imagine him losing to Spurs in any final. The 62-year-old, who is just about to finish second in the Super Lig in his debut campaign with Fenerbahce, spent just over two seasons with United before he was sacked in December 2018.The former Chelsea boss then spent two years at Spurs before things turned sour in 2019, with United going trophy-less until 2023.The likelihood of Ratcliffe bringing him back seems slim, especially given his past history with the chaos club who don’t need anymore scandals.But serial winner Mourinho loves the Prem and will believe he can find success anywhere – before inevitably falling out with everybody.Jose Mourinho is a contender to replace AmorimOliver Glasner Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner’s stock is at an all-time high following his FA Cup success against Manchester City.Like Postecoglou ended Spurs’ 17-year drought last night, Glasner won Palace’s first ever trophy in the club’s 120-year history. The 50-year-old has experience of success, having led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022.He also lifted the Austrian Cup twice with SV Ried, where he spent most of his playing career.Glasner has never lost or conceded a goal to Man Utd either, smashing them 4-0 within months of going Palace in May 2024.Oliver Glasner has a history of successMauricio PochettinoSpurs fans wanted Pochettino back before Ange delivered a trophy at long last this week.Pochettino, currently paid £4.5m a year in his US national team job, is available at 7/1 to make a return for a fourth stint in the Prem. The Argentine previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea, who he left by mutual consent last year.But Poch, sacked in 2019, just months after leading Spurs to the Champions League Final, has spoken of “unfinished business” in North London.While 53-year-old was once considered to become a future legendary boss, United fans don’t want to become his fifth Prem club.Pochettino has been lined up to replace Amorim AND Ange PostecoglouGareth SouthgateThe former England boss has been out of management since leaving his role with the Three Lions after the Euro 2024 final.In October, he ruled himself out of any dugout jobs for at least 12 months – but may have turned his back on football for good.Southgate – who is writing a book, been a technical observer for Uefa and gave the BBC’s Richard Dimbleby Lecture – said: “I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.”I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”Read More on The SunThe ex-Middlesbrough coach was somehow strongly linked to the Old Trafford hotseat last summer, amid uncertainty regarding the future of Ten Hag.Southgate is said to have admirers within Ineos, but the fans will surely riot if he arrives as gaffer.The former Middlesbrough boss has been strongly linked to the Old Trafford hotseatMan Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men… More

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      Last chance to win cash with Score Predictor this season – stats and facts for each fixture

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      THIS is your last chance to win cash through Score Predictor this season.If your crystal ball offers you a clear picture of the final day of the Premier League campaign, you could be £250 richer by Sunday night!Play now ahead of the Premier League’s final weekendCredit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the five selected fixtures and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you earn the most points then you’ll claim the cash prize!PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR NOW!Allow us to present some key stats and facts to help inform your decisions…Fulham v Manchester CityPep Guardiola’s side fell short in the FA Cup but they are technically the Premier League’s most in-form team heading into the last weekend having won five of their last six games in the top flight.The recent history of this match-up is incredibly one-sided with Man City having won the last 17 meetings in a run that stretches back to 2012!There’s also a disparity in terms of motivation with Fulham very much on the beach in 10th while City still need to confirm qualification for the Champions League.The Cottagers are a well-organised outfit capable of playing the role of party poopers but we’re inclined to back an away win.Our Prediction: 3-1 to Man CityMost read in FootballOmar Marmoush scored a stunning goal against Bournemouth in midweekCredit: GettyManchester United v Aston VillaIf the Europa League final is anything to go by, the Red Devils won’t be up to much this weekend.Defeat to Tottenham in Bilbao has condemned Ruben Amorim’s side to the club’s worst season in generations and there’s a real danger the mood will turn toxic at Old Trafford if Unai Emery’s troops run riot on Sunday.The Villains are finishing the season in fine form – only City are above them in the form table – with a place in the Champions League up for grabs on the final day.That being said, Man United have been a bogey team for Villa for decades now.In fact, they’ve only won twice at Old Trafford in the Premier League era.More recently, Man United have won four of the last five meetings in all competitions.Even so, we think Villa will break the hoodoo this time around.Our Prediction: 3-0 to Aston VillaRuben Amorim is under serious pressureCredit: GettyNewcastle v EvertonJordan Pickford saved an Anthony Gordon penalty as these teams played out a scrappy 0-0 in the reverse fixture back in October.Here’s hoping the last-day-before-school-holidays vibe of the final weekend encourages a more entertaining contest at St James’ Park.The hosts will probably need a result to keep them in the top five but they may be without top-scorer Alexander Isak, who remains a doubt following his absence against Arsenal last weekend.Only Liverpool and Man City have scored more goals than Newcastle in home league games this season and the Magpies could jump to the top of that list with a convincing victory over the Toffees.Home advantage should be enough to propel Newcastle over the line in this one.Our Prediction: 2-0 to NewcastleNewcastle are close to a return to the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersNottingham Forest v ChelseaThe pick of the fixtures as two of the Champions League hopefuls battle it out.The Blues may have one eye on the Conference League final but they can’t afford to rest key players against Forest given the stakes.Only Liverpool have registered more shots and generated more xG than Chelsea in the top flight this season but Enzo Maresca’s side did a lot of their best work in the first third of the campaign, when Cole Palmer was at his best.Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have faded at the back end of the season but a crucial win over West Ham last weekend will ensure a feverish atmosphere at the City Ground.No team has conceded fewer goals at home than Forest in 2024/25 and it’s notable that Chelsea rank just 11th for points earned on the road.Call us romantic but we can see the home side getting the job done.Our Prediction: 2-1 to ForestForest will be buoyed by their home fansCredit: GettySouthampton v ArsenalWe finish with what should be a more straightforward match-up in the form of 20th vs 2nd.Saints fans will be glad to see the back of a miserable season in which their side have mustered just two wins and 12 points.Southampton actually went 1-0 up at the Emirates back in October but ultimately succumbed 3-1 as Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka got on the scoresheet.If the Gunners are in a vindictive mood then it could get messy for the hosts but the visitors might prefer to cruise towards their summer holidays instead.Read More on The SunOur Prediction: 2-0 to ArsenalShow us how it’s done by entering your predictions now!Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More