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    Tottenham vs Chelsea LIVE SCORE: Maresca’s Blues travel to Spurs for huge Premier League London derby – latest updates

    CHELSEA may have quietly become Premier League title contenders – but bitter rivals Tottenham will be eager to derail their hopes later today. The Blues’ recent 5-1 drubbing on struggling Southampton saw them close the gap on leaders Liverpool.While Spurs dropped points for a second successive time after losing 1-0 to Bournemouth on Thursday night.Kick-off time: 4.30pm GMTLive stream: NOW TVTV channels: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow ALL the action from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with our live blog below…Last 10 meetingsLook away now, Spurs fans.The last ten matches between the two clubs has made for pretty shocking reading for Tottenham supporters and great reading for the Blues.Chelsea have won SEVEN of the last 10 and lost only one.Those matches have also seen an aggregate score of 19-7 to the Blues…Chelsea 2 – 0 SpursSpurs 1 – 4 ChelseaSpurs 2 – 0 ChelseaChelsea 2 – 2 SpursChelsea 2 – 0 SpursSpurs 0 – 1 ChelseaChelsea 2 – 0 SpursSpurs 0 – 3 ChelseaChelsea 2 – 2 SpursSpurs 0 – 1 ChelseaCopy linkCopiedRainy day in the capitalBoth sides will have to brave the wind and rain today if they want to come out on top and away from the game with three points. Credit: ReutersCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedBoss focussed on task at handPostecoglou was asked whether he felt he had the support he requires from the club:”I don’t need support. I don’t worry about contracts, I don’t worry about support,” he said. “I just want to make sure that what I set out to do, I accomplish and that is to bring success to this football club. “I will work my backside off to make sure that happens. I am not going to be deterred in my ambitions or endeavour to do that and that’s what I’ll keep doing.”Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedMaresca looking to evolve teamAs things stands, Chelsea seem to be in a race for a top four position this season.Getting back into the Champions League will have been one of the main aims for the club right now.Victory in North London today would cement their place in the top four as we head towards a busy Christmas fixture schedule.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTottenham subsMaddison on the bench. Austin, Spence, Dragusin, Reguilon, Gray, Bergvall, Maddison, Werner, LankshearCopy linkCopiedTottenham XIFull strength back four for Tottenham but Vicario still out for a lengthy period. Forster; Porro, Romero, Van De Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr, Kulusevski; Johnson, Solanke, Son.Copy linkCopiedChelsea subsJorgensen, Gusto, Disasi, Tosin, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Joao Felix, Madueke, NkunkuCopy linkCopiedChelsea XICaicedo looks like he’s at right-back for Chelsea. Sanchez, Caicedo, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella, Lavia, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho, JacksonCopy linkCopiedAnge frustrated by lack of consistencyAgainst Man City, Spurs put the defending champions to the sword in their own back garden.They are capable, on their day, of causing problems for any of the big teams in the Premier League.What frustrates the manager most is that they can go from these games to losing to teams in the bottom half of the table.If they want to achieve anything this season, that needs to be addressed.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedWelcome to Tottenham vs ChelseaIt is a big crunch clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as two bitter rivals face each other in a London derby with Spurs welcoming Chelsea.Ange Postecoglou suffered the loss of Ben Davies with a hamstring problem in their recent defeat against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.Micky van de Ven is still out with a thigh problem, while Cristian Romero is still working his way back from a toe injury which may mean Archie Gray filling in alongside Radu Dragusin at the back for this game.Rodrigo Bentancur, Guglielmo Vicario, Richarlison, Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert are also out of the first-team reckoning.Son Heung-min came on for a second-half cameo in midweek and is likely to immediately come back into the starting line-up.Chelsea’s primary selection concerns also come in defence as Wesley Fofana and Reece James are the only senior players missing for the visitors due to injury.Youngster Omari Kellyman is also absent, while Mykhaylo Mudryk is ill. Instead Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho and Nicolas Jackson could all come back in for a refreshed attacking setup at the expense of Madueke, Nkunku and Joao Felix.Levi Colwill and Robert Sanchez are also primed for a return in the Blues’ backline but Disasi’s performance in midweek should see him stay in the side replacing Fofana.Copy linkCopied More

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    Major update on Michail Antonio as West Ham star undergoes surgery after horror Ferrari crash

    MICHAIL Antonio has undergone surgery on his broken leg after his horror Ferrari crash, West Ham said in a statement.The West Ham star was raced to hospital after the smash in Epping, Essex at around 12.50pm yesterday.Michail Antonio is ‘conscious and communicating’ after a horror crashCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe scene of the horrific crashCredit: XThe incident occurred earlier todayCredit: XThis afternoon the club said: “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.Read More Sport”The Club will provide further updates when appropriate.”Michail has been at West Ham United since 2015 and played in a range of positions including right back, right midfielder, and as a winger.The forward joined the club from Nottingham Forest and was named as the club’s Player of the Year in 2017. Eventually, he established himself as the club’s main striker and on August 23, 2021 he became West Ham’s top scorer in the Premier League.Most read in FootballAntonio has made 15 appearances this season and scored once.He is the club’s all-time Premier League top goal scorer, with 68 goals.Yesterday the club said: “We can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area.”Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.”At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.”The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage.”We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.”Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.”The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene. An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit.”If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”Please quote incident 605 of 7 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”Alternatively, please email the investigating officer, PS Mark Hewitt.”An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car.READ MORE SUN STORIES”On arrival firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm.”The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.” More

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    Cole Palmer’s incredible off-field earnings revealed after Chelsea star sets up his own company to handle sponsor deals

    FOOTIE hotshot Cole Palmer made £1.6million in a year – ON TOP of his wages for playing.The England star, 22, who became the second-quickest Chelsea star to reach 30 Premier League goals this week, has seen cash in his image rights company Palmer Management Limited shoot up.Cole Palmer made £1.6million in a year – on top of his wages for playingCredit: AlamyPalmer netted lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of fashion brand BoohooCredit: BoohooHe also starred in a Burberry advertCredit: BurberryThe Chelsea and England attacking midfielder makes more than £30,000 a week from sponsorship deals.The windfall comes in addition to his Stamford Bridge salary.Accounts filed this week show he had assets of £2,149,409 at the end of October 2024 – compared to £563,475 a year earlier.Assets include £1,698,821 cash in the bank.READ MORE IN football They cover the period when Cole – who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer of 2023 – netted lucrative sponsorship deals with Nike and fashion brand Boohoo.Cole set up the company three years ago to handle his off the pitch earnings, with it described as a “media representation services” company.After paying bills, Cole was left with net assets of £1,271,616.The star paid £318,421 corporation tax and a further £189,643 in tax and social security.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCole, 22, banked a substantial pay rise over the summer, taking his salary from £80,000 to £130,000 a week, after penning a fresh nine-year deal with the Londoners.The former City man recently revealed he is dreaming of winning the Ballon d’Or and being crowned the world’s best player. He told the Men In Blazers podcast: “Ballon d’Or, that’s what everyone wants to win. I wish.” Cole Palmer reveals he failed PE in hilarious interview as fans tell Chelsea star to consider going into comedy More

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    Next Man Utd sporting director odds revealed with TWO ex-bosses and Prem icon among frontrunners to replace Dan Ashworth

    THE odds on who will replace Dan Ashworth at Manchester United have been revealed – and two familiar faces are in the market.Ashworth, 53, has quit as sporting director just five months after arriving at Old Trafford.Dan Ashworth has left Man Utd following showdown talksCredit: ReutersDougie Freedman is the bookies’ favourite to replace himCredit: ReutersHe held crunch talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last night and left by mutual consent, a United statement said.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly been pivotal in Ashworth’s exit and is now on the lookout for a new chief.The bookies have Crystal Palace director of football Dougie Freedman (2/1) as the frontrunner.Freedman, who came close to getting the job instead of Ashworth, has been credited for several successful Palace signings such as Marc Guehi and Michael Olise.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBonusCodeBets have Atletico Madrid’s Andrea Berta (4/1) and Juventus’ Cristiano Giuntoli (6/1) next on their list.United could get Lee Congerton (16/1) out of the former Leicester and Atalanta supremo’s contract at Al-Ahli.While AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini is priced the same following his four years as the Italian giants’ technical director.If Ratcliffe wants to poach another Newcastle chief like he did with Ashworth, his successor Paul Mitchell (20/1) could be an option.Most read in FootballHe was linked to the Man Utd job before Ineos’ takeover was completed last Christmas.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOdds on Ashworth’s replacement Dougie Freedman – 2/1Andrea Berta – 4/1Cristiano Giuntoli – 6/1 Lee Congerton – 12/1Paolo Maldini – 16/1Paul Mitchell – 20/1Julian Ward – 25/1Ralf Rangnick – 33/1Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – 50/1via BonusCodeBets.Ex-Liverpool chief Julian Ward (25/1) is another alternative, but he is currently working for Reds owner FSG.Perhaps United will perform a shock U-turn and bring Ralf Rangnick (33/1) back after he never got to fill his planned role consultancy role due to him stepping in as interim boss.Man Utd’s Player Ratings Against Nottingham Forest The German claimed he needed to perform “open-heart surgery” to fix things at the club.But he is unlikely to put his scrubs on as he is currently Austria’s manager.But another ex-United boss who is out of work is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (50/1).His return is highly unlikely given he has never been a sporting director before.Ralf Rangnick is an outsider to seal a shock return to Old TraffordCredit: GettyOle Gunnar Solskjaer is unlikely to get the jobCredit: AFP More

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    Wayne Rooney set for huge blow in Plymouth relegation battle after horror run of just one win in nine Championship games

    STRUGGLING Wayne Rooney’s hopes of a financial lifeline to bring in new players at PLYMOUTH in the January window are growing slim.Argyle owner Simon Hallett’s potential deal with new investors has dragged on for months.Wayne Rooney’s hopes of bringing in new signings at Plymouth are growing slimEFL chiefs must approve any cash injection — and that takes weeks, leaving Rooney no time to move for new recruits.No deal has been completed yet, and even if that was achieved soon it would still be unlikely that they could splash the cash in January.Rooney is currently without five major players including captain Joe Edwards, shot-stopper Conor Hazard and forwards Ibrahim Cissoko, Morgan Whittaker and Muhamed Tijani.Plymouth are currently languishing inside the Championship relegation zone and are desperate need of reinforcements.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSince taking over in the summer, Rooney has won just four of the club’s 18 games this season.It’s been well over a month since the the Pilgrims picked up three points and Rooney would’ve earmarked January as the chance to improve his squad.Plymouth have conceded 10 goals in their last two games, scoring just once themselves.While they have won just ONE of their last nine games in the Championship – a 1-0 victory over bottom of the table Portsmouth.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe dire form of the club has led to reports that Plymouth’s next two fixture are pivotal in deciding Rooney’s future.Perhaps the Man Utd legend was somewhat offered a chance at reprieve when Oxford United’s visit was cancelled on Saturday.Wayne Rooney reveals nine-word message to Plymouth stars that inspired stunning comeback from being 3-0 downThe game was abandoned on Friday with severe weather warnings in place for South West England and Wales amid Storm Darragh.Winds of up to 70mph tore through Devon on Friday night, with travel deemed too dangerous by the club’s Safety Advisory Group.It’s claimed that there’s an understanding that Rooney is dealing with an injury crisis at Home Park, but the continued poor form is now beginning to be a concern.Rooney’s Plymouth recordA look at Rooney’s record at Plymouth so far…Games in charge: 20Wins: 5Draws: 5Defeats: 10Goals scored: 21Goals conceded: 40 More

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    Leicester vs Brighton LIVE SCORE: Foxes score two late goals in four minutes to complete INCREDIBLE comeback – updates

    RUUD VAN NISTERLOOY is chasing a second successive win as Leicester boss TODAY – but Brighton are looking to bounce back from their midweek loss.The Seagulls had their wings clipped by Fulham who hand them a 3-1 defeat at Craven Cottage.While Manchester United legend Van Nistelrooy led the Foxes to a 3-1 win against West Ham during their last outing.Kick-off time: 2pm GMTLive stream/TV: Not televised in the UKFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the King Power with our live blog below… More

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    Ipswich vs Bournemouth LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest updates as Cherries look to build on dominant Spurs win

    BOURNEMOUTH will be determined to build on their dominant Tottenham win TODAY against Premier League new boys Ipswich.Teenage sensation Dean Huijsen became the Cherries’ youngest-ever goal scorer and fired Bournemouth to a crucial win over Spurs in their last outing with a tidy back-post header.While the Tractor Boys sunk further into the relegation zone thanks to a strike from Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.Kick-off time: 2pm GMTLive stream/TV: Not televised in the UKFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Portman Road with our live blog below… More

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    ‘If we want to be all-time great defenders, we HAVE to win some trophies’ – Arsenal ace Saliba makes brutal admission

    WILLIAM SALIBA wants to join the pantheon of Arsenal greats with his centre-back partner Gabriel.But the Frenchman knows they cannot get there without laying their hands on the sort of silverware lifted by legendary figures of the club’s past.William Saliba and Gabriel Malaghaes are considered by many to be the best defenders in the Premier LeagueCredit: GETTYThe pair have played a significant role in Arsenal’s recent title challengesCredit: GETTYBut the Frenchman insists neither nor Gabriel will be considered true greats unless they win a titleCredit: GETTYMan mountains Saliba, 23, and 26-year-old Gabriel have been at the heart of Arsenal’s quest for silverware.Without doubt, they have all the hallmarks of some of the best defenders in Arsenal’s rich history.The power and athleticism of Sol Campbell, the leadership and aura of Tony Adams, the tenacity and hunger of Martin Keown.The duo are also huge figures away from the pitch, involved in numerous “Arsenal in the Community” projects, embracing their positions as role models and inspirers.READ MORE ON ARSENALBut when it comes to trophies, that is where the comparisons stop.Former captain Adams is the only man in English football to win league titles in three different decades — in 1989, 1991, 1998 and 2002 — and is immortalised in bronze outside the Emirates.Adams, now 58, won the title alongside the Steve Bould in ’98 then Campbell and Keown in 2002, while the latter two played an integral part in Arsenal’s 2004 Invincibles campaign.This current golden partnership needs to achieve similar feats to make the history books.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSaliba said: “If we want to be all-time great defenders, where everyone remembers us, we have to win some trophies.“We haven’t done it yet but we will give everything to achieve that.”Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaSaliba made a £27million move from Saint-Etienne as a teenager in 2019 but spent time on loan with Nice and Marseille before forming a strong bond with Brazilian Gabriel — who also cost £27m from Lille in 2020 — once Mikel Arteta paired them together at the start of the 2022-23 season.Saliba added: “Since the day I first played with him, I’ve enjoyed every game.“He’s a massive, massive defender that is so good in every aspect.”After falling short in the last two seasons – twice pipped to the title by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City – this campaign has called for a new type of challenge.Arteta’s men trail leaders Liverpool by seven points after 14 games ahead of today’s trip across London to face Fulham. And Saliba insisted: “Everything is possible.“The season is very long and we’ve experienced that in the past two seasons. We just have to focus on ourselves.“We are still only in December so there are still a lot of things that can happen.“We can improve but Mikel helped give us a lot of confidence.”Raised in the north-eastern Paris suburb of Bondy, Saliba – who started out his football career as a striker -idolised another Gunners great, Thierry Henry, as a youngster.He even had the name of the club’s all-time leading scorer, who netted 228 times for Arsenal, printed on the back of his shirt.Yet, growing up, Saliba admits he never got to meet any of his footballing heroes. And that is something that has inspired him in his work with Arsenal in the Community.Saliba recently gave up his time to join a group of year three children at Ashmount Primary School in Islington, less than two miles from the Emirates.Arsenal are rooted in and fuelled by the local community and Saliba – along with the entire Gunners’ squad – has embraced that.Away from the pressures and intensity of a title race, he spent the day answering questions and joining a reading class with the kids, as well as taking part in a kick-around before being mauled with hugs and high-fives.Saliba said: “When I was younger, I didn’t have that chance so now I am happy to give back and do it now. I know what we can give to the kids.“We’ve all been in their place when we were young. We know that when you love football, we want to see some football players like us.“From day one, I could see that we do a lot of things in the community with the kids.”I like these type of things a lot and it’s really good to give back and be connected with our local community.“We are so happy to be involved in this type of project. Their support is a huge inspiration for us and we take it with us every time we go on to the pitch.”Arsenal’s No 2 keeper Neto – who is yet to make an appearance for the club since signing on loan from Bournemouth in the summer – was alongside Saliba at the community event.The Brazil international, 35, said: “It’s massive as football is about community and passion.”The community is who keeps this sport so passionate and I like that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When we do these things for the kids it’s so nice, we can remember our own times when we had the opportunity to stay close with players, it’s a dream come true for the kids.“I’m a father as well and when we have those connections to the areas, it’s much better.” More