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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 9: Dare you back Phil Foden over Erling Haaland?

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      IT’S that time of the week again.Ahead of a rare Friday deadline (6:30pm today!) Dream Team managers are once again mulling over captaincy options for the Gameweek ahead.Phil Foden is among the captaincy candidatesCredit: Dream TeamImmediately, Manchester City’s home game against Southampton leaps out of the schedule.A trip to Pep Guardiola’s lair is an unenviable task for any side let alone one that has lost seven of their eight league games since promotion.Naturally, Erling Haaland (£8.9m) is the first name that comes to mind as Dream Team’s leading point scorer (132) and top goalscorer (13 in all competitions).It would be remiss not to mention that the Norwegian poacher has failed to score in his last three league outings but an impressive brace against Sparta Prague in midweek meant he reclaimed top spot in the rankings.The safe choiceCredit: GettyHaaland is the most logical captain for Gameweek 9 but some gaffers may be tempted to go against the grain and back Phil Foden (£5.9m) instead.Saturday’s fixture at the Etihad is such a mismatch on paper it’s likely several City assets will take advantage of the visitors’ fragile defence.Haaland is the primary goal threat, which obviously counts for a lot, but a player of Foden’s profile is more likely to run the game, opening up other avenues to points.The England international was among the most prolific bonus point collectors last season, which was a key reason he ended the campaign atop the rankings.Most read in FootballScore 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 NOWThe 24-year-old has been eased in this season but is seemingly up to speed after a 17-point haul in Gameweek 8.With Kevin De Bruyne (£6.3m), Jeremy Doku (£4.3m) and Jack Grealish (£3.5m) all said to be sidelined with injury for the upcoming Gameweek, Foden should get plenty of minutes – City will also face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup in midweek.A consistently brilliant performerCredit: PAMohamed Salah (£7.4m) is always worth a mention in the captaincy conversation.Liverpool travel to Arsenal on Sunday before an away day to Brighton in the cup on Wednesday night.That’s a relatively tricky double header all things considered but the Reds’ Egyptian superstar is one of those rare talents who is essentially immune to the schedule, as evidenced by his 21-point haul in Gameweek 8 at the expense of Chelsea and RB Leipzig.Elsewhere, Cole Palmer (£6.5m) is among the most-popular captains ahead of the Gameweek 9 deadline.Chelsea are due to play Newcastle twice in the space of four days and given the Magpies are without a win in their last four outings, it may well be the case that the reigning PFA Young Player of the Year cashes in.However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Enzo Maresca rotated his sizeable squad in midweek, as he has done in the Conference League this season.The bold choiceCredit: GettyDream Team bosses keen on a genuine left-field skipper might be tempted by Bryan Mbeumo (£4.4m).Brentford’s double header of Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday is hugely appealing on paper.Again, the Cameroon international isn’t guaranteed substantial minutes in midweek but as the joint-top goalscorer among midfield assets, his backers will be hopeful of a prosperous Gameweek even if he’s limited to just one fixture.READ MORE SUN STORIESMbeumo averages 8.7 points-per-game in 2024/25.Don’t get caught out by Friday’s 6:30pm deadline – make sure you select your captain in time!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Premier League club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre

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      IPSWICH TOWN’s stunning redevelopment plans for Portman Road have taken a huge leap forward.The Premier League club are planning to modernise the iconic Cobbold Stand.The Cobbold Stand is set to be redevelopedCredit: RexIpswich have bought land behind the ground ahead of plans to transform the areaCredit: BBCA stunning new hotel and aquatics centre will be builtCredit: BBCThe project has been dubbed a ‘masterplan’Credit: BBCAnd the improvements are now set to be given the green light after the Tractor Boys struck an “in-principle agreement” to buy land adjacent to their ground.Ipswich Borough Council said specific terms are “yet to be finalised” but the club is set to buy part of the New Portman Road car park that backs onto the Cobbold Stand.Back in March, the local authority unveiled a “masterplan” to regenerate the area.In a statement they said: “It features plans for an aquatics centre, a multi-storey car park, a hotel and designated space for Ipswich Town Football Club’s development and expansion.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe current Crown Pools will be replaced by a state-of-the-art facility and gym, while a seven-story car park comes in for the current 500 spaces.Incredible computer generated images show what the area might look like in the future.The council labelled it an “exciting project and partnership”.But they have admitted the plans for a new and improved aquatics centre are “ambitious”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Cobbold Stand, which was constructed in 1971, is the oldest at the stadium and is where away fans are positioned.Ipswich chief Mark Ashton previously said they will lose 4,000 of the 30,000 capacity for 18 months during the rebuild.Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venueKieran McKenna’s side currently sit 17th in the Premier League are still waiting for their first win.Portman Road will be at a reduced capacity during the building worksCredit: RexWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      Georgina Rodriguez hospitalised for four days with pneumonia as Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner releases health update

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      GEORGINA Rodriguez has revealed she spent for four days in hospital with pneumonia as she shared a health update with fans.Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner, 30, thanked hospital staff for taking care of her after being discharged.Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez has spent four days in hospitalCredit: Instagram @georginagioGeorgina, 30, posted this update on her InstagramCredit: Instagram @georginagioPosting to her Instagram story, Georgina revealed she had been treated at Saudi German Hospital in Riyadh.She also showed off a bouquet of flowers and a get well soon card.Updating fans, she wrote: “Finally back home!”I spent 4 days at the hospital with pneumonia, I’m better now but still recovering at home with my family.READ MORE ON RONALDO”I have to say a big THANK YOU to all the staff members, doctors, nurses and everyone at the hospital…”They took care of me wonderfully and I’m so grateful for that.”Thank you all for such a great stay.”During Georgina’s illness, Ronaldo played two games with Saudi side Al-Nassr.Most read in FootballThe 39-year-old was in action last Friday, scoring in a 2-1 Saudi Pro League win over Al-Shabab.He then had to travel to Dubai to face Iranian side Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League – playing the full 90 minutes as his side won 1-0 courtesy of Aymeric Laporte’s late goal.Inside the story of how Georgina Rodriguez went from shop assistant to a millionaire with a media empireRonaldo and Georgina have been together since 2016 after they met while she was working in a Gucci store in Madrid.The couple have six children, three of whom Ronaldo had through surrogacy before meeting Georgina, who is the mother to the younger three.The couple have lived in Madrid, Turin during Ronaldo’s time at Juventus, Manchester and then most recently Saudi Arabia.Ronaldo was recently back in Europe for international duty.He was on the scoresheet as Portugal won 3-1 in Poland earlier this month.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner then played what could be the final match of his career on British soil as Portugal battled Scotland at Hampden Park.Steve Clarke’s men earned a 0-0 draw in Glasgow, with Ronaldo furious upon the final whistle.Georgina, 30, is recovering from pneumoniaCredit: Getty More

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      Meet Ibrahim Rabbaj, 15-year-old English Chelsea wonderkid compared to Messi with 52 goals and 60 assists in 40 games

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      CHELSEA have splashed the cash on wonderkids over the last few transfer windows – but their biggest star could already be at the club.Meet 15-year-old Ibrahim Rabbaj, whose diminutive dribbles and wand of a left foot have him compared to Lionel Messi.Ibrahim Rabbaj is England and Chelsea’s future starCredit: Instagram @ibz_cfcThe youngster has been tearing up youth-team football with his unstoppable dribbling and clinical left footCredit: GettyRabbaj with ex-Chelsea star and fellow Moroccan Hakim ZiyechCredit: @ibz_cfcThe youngster has scored a sensational 52 goals in 40 games.Add a whopping 60 assists to those stats and it is clear to see why he has been called up to the England Under-16s squad, with him also eligible for Morroco.PLAYING STYLEAlready there have been numerous comparisons to Messi. Not just the hair either which is cut into that distinctive bob-style like Leo.Being mentioned in the same breath as arguably the greatest player of all time piles on the pressure of expectation and prompts opponents to kick lumps out of you.READ MORE ON BOY WONDERSHe is diminutive and operates in the middle or outside on the right. Rabbaj loves creating, passing, making things happen and scoring. He is excellent at one on ones and his preferred job is to cut in from the right side, onto his left foot and find the opposite bottom corner of the net. Dare we say it, but a bit like Cole Palmer and former Chelsea great Arjen Robben.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite being on the small side, Ibrahim uses his body strength well playing for Chelsea and England Under-16s. He has been in every international camp for the past year.RISE TO THE TOPOne of six kids in his family and raised in Ashford, Kent, he was picked up by Charlton aged seven and went to pre-academy. Their South London neighbours, Crystal Palace then swooped for him and he was there until aged around 12.A look at Chelsea’s forgotten wonderkidsHe came to the attention of Chelsea during Covid but was still signed by The Blues because they felt a duty to give the young lad a sense of belonging, even though with the pandemic in full swing, there was not even any training to be done.His dad is Moroccan and he could play for them but so far has represented England. Ironically, even scoring one of his best goals to date against his ancestral homeland.Rabbaj is at Chelsea full-time now, including for his schooling and lives with eight other boys with a host family. GCSEs beckon next summer.EXPERTS’ VIEWHe has played for Chelsea U17s in pre-season during mixed age group games. A ‘classic no.10’, it will be interesting to see as he gets older how he handles the age gap. Those closest to the player want to see him let loose through the middle of the pitch in order to drive at opponents and recreate the days of old when players of smaller stature could use their mobility and technical ability to great advantage against bigger opponents.The people around Ibrahim want to see him operate like Romania legend Gheorghe Hagi, or Yossi Benayoun, who may be more familiar to Premier League fans.He has been compared to Lionel MessiCredit: Instagram @ibz_cfcWHAT’S NEXT?Crunch time approaches when he should be offered at least a scholarship by Chelsea but in football who knows? The club lost winger Rio Ngumoha to Liverpool recently, who slipped through the net, so Chelsea’s youth coaches need to stay on their toes.Retained youth players get two years with a scholarship. The best are offered a year ‘pro’ on top of that. Which would mean Rabbaj would effectively become a professional footballer at 17.READ MORE SUN STORIESSometimes clubs even offer just one year scholarship and two years of a pro contract. Rabbaj is exciting to watch and considered by those who watch him regularly as a hugely exciting talent.He is eligible for England and MorroccoCredit: Instagram @ibz_cfc More

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      Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher slapped with FA charge after furious tunnel rant during Brentford clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED coach Darren Fletcher has been charged with misconduct by the FA.The incident happened last weekend following Brentford’s controversial opener at Old Trafford.Darren Fletcher has been charged by the FACredit: PAMan Utd furiously protested Brentford’s goalCredit: GettyFletcher and his colleagues protested the decision to allow Ethan Pinnock’s goal to stand.United staff complained as Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch because blood leaked from a gash in his head – meaning the team was down a man when Pinnock headed in from a corner.But only Fletcher has been charged by the FA over allegedly acting in an improper or confrontational manner as he criticised the officials.Fletcher, 40, is also accused of using abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official.An FA statement read: “Darren Fletcher has been charged with misconduct following Manchester United’s fixture against Brentford on Saturday, October 20, in the Premier League.”It’s alleged that the coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees.”Darren Fletcher has until Tuesday, October 29, to respond.”United assistant boss Ruud van Nistelrooy also reacted angrily to the decision, while Erik ten Hag was shown a yellow card for his protests.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDe Ligt furiously kicked a ball away too, clearly frustrated at having to go off as physios attempted to patch him up for a third time.United produced a second-half comeback as goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund gave them a 2-1 win.Erik ten Hag focuses on positives after Man Utd’s 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce More

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      Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use ROBOTS to hone technique

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      REAL MADRID continue to show why they’re a cut above the rest and football’s leading flagship club.Los Blancos have taken their training into the future with the addition of a ROBOT wall to allow players to master their free-kick techniques.Real Madrid implemented futuristic technology at their training ground in 2022Footage showed stars such as Luka Modric and Eder Militao perfecting their free-kicksThe mannequins are operated by a control panel on a tabletGone are the days of players bending the ball over stationary metal men in training, these guys can actually jump!Footage from Madrid’s Valdebebas Park base shows players working with a robot wall in front of goal.The mechanical free-kick wall allows coaches to adjust the specific height of each of the humanoids by a control panel on a tablet.This means players can practice against the height of different defenders they’re about to play against.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo, ahead of the El Clasico on Friday, Madrid stars could practice shooting over a mannequin that resembles the height of Jules Kounde or Raphinha.In a resurfaced video shared on Real Madrid’s social media, several players including midfielder Luka Modric managed to curl shots into the net.Eder Militao also successfully avoided the wall that consisted of five ‘mechanical men’.The clip shows sculpted torsos bearing Real Madrid kits mimicking the effect of jumping, akin to how a human wall would react in a game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut despite the advance in technology at their £100m base, the robot wall has not brought about many direct results on the pitch yet.In fact, the last time Madrid scored from a direct free-kick was Rodrygo’s strike against LaLiga outfit Sevilla on May 27 2023.Watch mortified Real Madrid legend Marcelo cover his face in embarrassment as son, 9, nutmegs him with outrageous skillParis Saint-Germain also attempted to implement something similar, albeit not to the same aesthetics.PSG practice free-kicks with a wall of mannequins on wheels which move up and down to block shots. Meanwhile, Madrid’s new free-kick taker Kylian Mbappe has never scored from a direct set piece.The France international has become the primary free-kick taker following the retirement of German legend Toni Kroos.Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi is the primary free kick specialist at PSG and was during Mbappe’s time at Parc des Princes.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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      Man City vs Southampton: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

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      MANCHESTER CITY have the chance to jump to the top of the Premier League table – for 24 hours at least – if they beat Southampton on Saturday.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the top-flight clash.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsMan City vs Southampton: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Man City vs Southampton: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. 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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      Gary Neville addresses absence from Monday Night Football as Sky Sports role evolves after taking up new jobs

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      GARY NEVILLE has spoken about stepping back from Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.The pundit first appeared on the show in August 2011 and quickly became a mainstay, with Jamie Carragher joining later and the duo forming a popular double act.Gary Neville is stepping away from Monday Night FootballCredit: GettyNeville has not appeared on MNF since August with Carragher taking responsibility alongside a variety of guests including Aaron Ramsey and Graham Potter.Instead he has focused his time on commentary and has appeared frequently on Sky Sports Super Sunday.He also features in the weekly Gary Neville podcast and has focused more time on his Overlap shows Stick to Football and It’s Called Soccer!In an appearance on the latter for The Overlap US Neville spoke to broadcaster Rebecca Lowe where he confirmed he is no longer a regular on Monday Night Football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “So tomorrow, I’m expected to do set-pieces, whereas with Sky, on Monday Night Football, there are some set pieces which I prepare for – but now I don’t do Monday Night Football anymore, I don’t do set-pieces any more.”Last season, Neville appeared on just three of the 18 Monday Night Football shows.He is still expected to appear on future episodes.Neville has appeared on Friday Night Football and Saturday Night Football this season but has reduced his presence on Sky Sports as his role there evolves.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEarlier this month he missed Sky Sports’ coverage of Aston Villa vs Manchester United as he reported on the match for NBC Sports instead.Neville also has a number of irons in the fire outside the world of punditry, and he is looking to expand his £100m empire.Gary Neville reveals he bought and sold a Bentley after three weeks as he ‘felt like a w*****’He already owns Hotel Football outside Old Trafford but wants to create a ‘World of Manchester United’ as part of the stadium regeneration project.Neville is part of the task force looking at how to redevelop the stadium and he has grand ambitions for the area.He said: “What I want to see is a world of Manchester Utd around that stadium – of opportunity, hope and belief.”It sounds Disneyfied, but I don’t mean a theme park. I mean where people visit that area and think, ‘Wow’.”In five, six or seven years, I want United to have the best stadium and training ground in the world, plus doing the right things on the football side.”That will come again and we’re patient.” More