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      Premier League club selling beer and wine cheaper than WATER this weekend but fans will have to be quick

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      PREMIER LEAGUE fans of one club will be in for a treat this weekend with pints of beer and cans of wine being sold for less than the price of water.However, fans will need to be quick with the deal only lasting until 2pm.Fulham are once again selling alcohol for just £1 at Craven CottageCredit: RexBut the deal will only run until 2pmCredit: AlamyThe scheme from Fulham was first revealed when they hosted Leicester at Craven Cottage on August 24.It saw pints of beer, pale ale, Guinness and wine being sold for just £1 before 2pm in a bid to avoid stadium chaos after rolling out a new electronic ticketing system.The club said they were anticipating “queues” while fans get to grips with the new system, and struck a deal to encourage fans to arrive early to minimise any teething issues.And they have now confirmed they will be running the scheme once again when they host West Ham at 3pm today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club have confirmed stands will open up to three hours before kick-off.The Riverside will open three hours before kick-off (12:00), the Johnny Haynes and Hammersmith Stands will open two hours before kick-off (13:00) and the Putney End will open an hour and a half before kick-off (13:30).However, while their opening match saw soft drinks reduced to just 50p, journalist Jack Kelly has reported soft and hot drinks will return to their normal matchday prices for the London derby.It costs £2 for a cup of tea, £2.50 for coffee, hot chocolate or a Bovril, while a can of Coke, Diet Coke, Fanta or water costs £3.50.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter 2pm a beer will return to its normal retail price of £5.50, while cider, Guinness and bitter will cost £5.A can of wine will cost £5.30 once the early bird offer is over.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersFulham won their first home game of the season against Leicester courtesy of goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi.They have also lost and drawn away from home in games against Manchester United and Ipswich respectively.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Man Utd seal two more transfers of wonderkids after FA sign off on deals… with former Arsenal star still to come

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have completed transfers for two new stars despite the transfer window being closed, reports suggest.The Red Devils have placed great emphasis on recruiting the best talent for their youth teams in recent seasons.Man Utd have signed James Overy following FA approvalCredit: GettySlovakia youth international Samuel Lusale has also joined the club after turning 17Credit: GettyEx-Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin is still waiting on FA confirmation before a deal is completedCredit: GettyThis has led to a steady stream of stars who have come through the academy to star in the first team, including the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Toby Collyer in recent seasons.But United have now completed deals for teenager starlets James Overy and Samuel Lusale, according to the Manchester Evening News. Deals for the pair were delayed as they waited for FA approval, and they will now link up with the Man Utd Under-18s this season.Meanwhile, a deal for ex-Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin is also in the works.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOvery, born in 2007, is an attacking right-back who began his career with A-League side Perth Glory.He started attracting interest from the likes of West Ham aged just 15 before departing and relocating to the south of England last year.Described as a “wonderfully polite and humble young man” by former coach Marc Revell in the Mid Devon Advertiser, Overy continued to impress with Newton Abbot Spurs before United came calling.He is eligible to play for both England and Australia at international level.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSunSport revealed in July how the Premier League and Fifa were both looking at his transfer. In the case of Lusale, he is a winger or attacking midfielder who has already represented Slovakia at Under-17 and Under-18 international level.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduatesHe was born in Guildford in 2007, and has finally been ratified to join United after turning 17 earlier this month.Once the FA sign off on 16-year-old Obi-Martin joining the Red Devils, it will complete a hat-trick of highly-rated signings for the club’s youth team.Fans are eagerly awaiting the signing of Obi-Martin, with training videos showing his remarkable finishing skills and teasing a bright career ahead.He also scored 10 goals in a single match for the Gunners against Liverpool Under-16s last season.United’s Under-18 side won an impressive treble last season, having lost just twice in the northern U18 division, before beating southern victors Chelsea to be crowned English champions.Another teen acquisition this summer, Sekou Kone, has been included in Man Utd’s Premier League squad list for the upcoming season following the end of the transfer window.Under-21 goalkeeper Dermot Mee was also registered as a fourth-choice goalkeeper as one of the 22 stars registered in the over 21 bracket of the squad registration.The quality from the academy has been laid bare this week after Mainoo and Garnacho were nominated for the Kopa Trophy and ex-United star Angel Gomes made his England debut.READ MORE SUN STORIESErik ten Hag’s senior team won 3-0 at Southampton in today’s early kick-off, with goals from Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.They were in desperate need of a win following back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Liverpool before the international break. More

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      Inside Casemiro’s Man Utd redemption bid as star first to arrive for training before Liverpool debrief with Erik ten Hag

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      CASEMIRO has one of the most impressive CVs in world football — but it will count for nothing as he tries to prove himself all over again at Manchester United.Maybe he knows it too. That could be why the veteran Brazilian was the first player to report for training at Carrington in recent days.Casemiro arrived first at Carrington in a bid to turn his form aroundCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe was hooked at half-time after a disastrous display against LiverpoolCredit: PAErik ten Hag has backed him to respondCredit: AFPThe five-time Champions League winner had a nightmare in his last appearance for the Red Devils two weeks ago.He was blamed for Liverpool’s first two goals and then hooked at half-time as United lost 3-0 on a disastrous showing against their bitter rivals at Old Trafford.Now he has even more competition with new £50.8million signing Manuel Ugarte — as well as rookie Toby Collyer — pushing for his place in Erik ten Hag’s team.So he may have to get his head down and be patient.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuring the international break the 32-year-old was linked with a move to Galatasaray but a firm offer never materialised, now he and United are stuck with each other.Ten Hag has spoken with Casemiro about his horror show against Arne Slot’s men and says he will pick the team from what he sees in training from now on.The United boss said: “I normally do talk to them and in this case I did as well. But players in our club know when you are playing at this level there is always competition.“They also know you can only be successful if you have a squad with cover.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“You can’t have a squad where you only have one player who can cover — you need at least two for each position.“Sometimes it is three for two. That is OK when you have very robust players. All the players will understand — then it’s about what is the best fit for the team.’Man Utd have wrong bald Dutch manager’ – how Slot schooled Ten Hag at Old Trafford“They have to prove it, the key word. They will have games but they have to take responsibility and win games for the club.“If they show their levels on the training pitch, show levels and they’ll have playing time and then it’s about contributing to the team.“I am looking far ahead. A player who benefits most will play more minutes. That is also normal.”While Ten Hag and the new football leadership team have high hopes for Ugarte — after the Uruguayan’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain — they still need Casemiro to get back on track.With Europa League commitments starting this month, it will be a hectic period for the Red Devils.And the Dutch boss does not want the experienced star to be judged too harshly on his shocker against Liverpool.He added: “We definitely need him for sure, of course I speak with him about the situation, everyone can have a bad day at the office.“But it’s normal in life you have highs and lows and it’s the same in the life of a football player.“For a football player there are many observing this and have an opinion on this and you have to deal with this.“He knows how to deal with it. Nobody’s career goes only up, no team pattern only goes up. Then you have to deal with it — then it is about what is the end result.“But he is experienced. It’s not the first time I guess he’s had to deal with a bad game, he has to overcome it this well.”Ugarte, 23, only arrived back from international duty on Thursday lunchtime but is in contention to play at Southampton.Ten Hag revealed he has followed the South American since he featured for Sporting Lisbon against his Ajax team in the Champions League group stage three years ago.The Amsterdam outfit ran out comfortable winners in both matches but the way the midfielder performed stuck in his memory.Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career.Ten Hag added: “He’s been on my radar a long time, he played for Sporting Lisbon vs Ajax.“It was not only that match, also the seasons after when he played there and for Uruguay and PSG.“I had him in my mind and my eye, the scouting department had him in their mind and we followed him and we judged he will be a really good fit for our team.“He’s coming in as a late transfer but he’s playing a very important position, connecting the defending with attacking and attacking with defending.“Communication is very important to guide the team and lead the team, make the connections between defence and attack.“We have to help and guide him about how to play that role but what we have seen, he knows a lot already and has the profile where we think he can fit in that role.“We have to teach him details about how it works in our team.”Ten Hag is also backing summer arrival Matthijs de Ligt to bounce back from his Dutch disaster.De Ligt, signed in a £42.7m deal from Bayern Munich, had a nightmare international break.The 25-year-old was at fault for a goal in Holland’s 5-2 win over Bosnia then got blamed for both in a 2-2 draw with Germany days later.READ MORE SUN STORIESTen Hag said: “I know Matthijs and he is a great personality, his character. He will overcome this and will bounce back.“I’m not afraid for this situation — it’s about the Dutch squad — not his club. I know his qualities, I know he’ll fight back.” More

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      Enzo Maresca phoned Jadon Sancho BEFORE Chelsea transfer to lay down law with major warning to Man Utd flop

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      ENZO MARESCA loves Jadon Sancho — but it is tough love.Chelsea’s boss revealed he called his final and most high-profile signing of the summer transfer window to lay down a few ground rules even before the deal was done.Enzo Maresca has revealed he called Jadon Sancho before his loan transfer to ChelseaCredit: InstagramMaresca said he wanted to lay down some ground rules before the deal was doneCredit: GettySancho joined the Blues on loan from Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyWinger Sancho is set to feature at Bournemouth tonight having joined on loan from Manchester United.It was there where the one-time England international, 24, fell out with coach Erik ten Hag amid criticism of the player’s attitude and effort.Maresca, 44, feels signing Sancho is zero risk but also warned him and fellow new man Joao Felix the hard work starts now — and will not stop.The Italian said: “Listen, we have Jadon, Joao, these kinds of players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Before they joined I had a chat with them and one of my messages was if you come here and don’t work properly you are not going to play.“Before they arrived the message was clear. For Jadon. For Joao.“But I said, ‘the reason I’m speaking to you is that I really like you. If you come here in the way that we want, we are happy. “But if you come there and don’t work hard, it’s better if you don’t come’.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSancho has not played a Premier League game since August last year. He was banished to train alone by fuming Ten Hag for the first half of last season thanks to their fallout.Sancho thrived on loan at his old club Borussia Dortmund from January as they finished runners-up in the Champions League. How much every Premier League club earns in shirt sponsorsMaresca will pick up the baton as he strives to make Chelsea a force once again.He added: “I don’t consider Jadon a risk because I consider Jadon as a player who can help us.“I don’t have any idea about what happened with Erik. I can just judge the player in the weeks he has been with us and he has been perfect.“If the players perform during the week then they have a chance. “This is for everybody, if they don’t work properly they are not going to play.“Jadon has been working well with us since he arrived. I love Jadon, I love the players we have. “I knew him in terms of a player and what I have seen in two weeks is exactly what I expected.“With the way we play he is that kind of player who can help us a lot, especially in the last third  — when we arrive there so many times and need more quality, more patience, more accuracy.”READ MORE SUN STORIESForward Cole Palmer is fit again after missing England’s Nations League games with a minor hamstring problem. Midfielder Romeo Lavia has also recovered from a knock. More

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      Euro 2028 set for major change with abandoned UK stadium ‘unlikely to host games’ after redevelopment funding withdrawn

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      EURO 2028 is set for a major change to its originally scheduled plan, after the UK government announced it would not be providing funding to one stadium.Originally, 10 stadiums across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland were due to host matches for the next European Championships.Northern Ireland’s Casement Park will no longer host matches at Euro 2028Credit: SportsfileIt comes after the government pulled funding for a redevelopment project of the groundCredit: PacemakerThe estimated cost for the project had ‘risen dramatically’Credit: PacemakerHowever, Northern Ireland’s chances of hosting one such game now appear to be dead in the water.The plan was for the country to host four matches at a rebuilt Casement Park in Belfast.But costs “dramatically” rising by more than £220million have now seen that plan scrapped.The UK government announced on Friday night that the estimated cost of rebuilding the ground now stood at more than £400m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLConsequently, funding for the redevelopment project has now been pulled due to there being “significant risk” it would not be built in time.In order to be ready for Euro 2028, the building project for Casement Park would need to be meet a Uefa deadline of being completed by the summer of 2027.The ground, which would have seated 34,500, has been left empty for more than a decade and is now in a state of disrepair with overgrown grass and neglected facilities.The announcement was made in a joint letter from NI secretary Hilary Benn and Sports Minister Lisa Nandy to Stormont Minister Gordon Lyons – head of sport in Northern Ireland.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt read: “The estimated build costs have risen dramatically – from £180m when the EURO 2028 bid was awarded in October 2023 to potentially over £400m – and there is a significant risk that it would not be built in time for the tournament.”We have therefore, regrettably, decided that it is not appropriate for the UK government to provide funding to seek to build Casement Park in time to host matches at EURO 2028.”UK and Ireland WILL host Euro 2028 after Turkey pull out of race leaving no opposing bidsThe news comes despite Primer Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Sue Gray, “pushing hard” for the Gaelic football ground to be funded.Mr Lyons said his department remains “committed to the 2011 agreement with the GAA for a GAA stadium”.He added he he will work with the government and other stakeholders to “ensure that there is a lasting legacy for football in Northern Ireland”.The Ulster GAA branded the announcement “bitterly disappointing”.Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Irish FA said it would “consider the implications of this with our bid partners and UEFA”.Even if they do not end up hosting any matches, Northern Ireland could play a role as a training base or host warm-up games at the existing Windsor Park Stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Times have reported that the four matches due to be hosted in Northern Ireland will be split among the other host nations.The report adds that London’s Wembley, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium are the four set be handed an extra match.The stadium was announced alongside 10 others for Euro 2028 matchesCredit: SportsfileContingency plans have proposed that Wembley hosts one extra match along with three other stadiumsCredit: Alamy More

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      A sparkie, night shiftworker and sweet shop owner shooting it out for FA Cup golden ticket at Wembley

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      A SWEET shop owner, electrician and a telecoms engineer are all shooting it out to be at the FA Cup Final – one way or another.The trio would all love to fire their respective non-league sides to a miraculous Wembley triumph.Jonathan Lacey was last season’s top goalscorer in the FA CupCredit: X @EmiratesFACupAshford United’s Gary Lockyer is leading the way in this season’s competitionCredit: X @AshfordUnitedFCHe has eight goals so far and is gunning for more this weekendCredit: X @EmiratesFACupHowever, it’s fair to say that they all stand a much better chance of being a VIP under the arch instead of actually playing on Saturday 17 May. And that is because all three are currently battling to be crowned this season’s FA Cup top scorer and land themselves the Mitre Golden Ball award.The Football Association created it three years ago, and the winner gets the honour of not only collecting the trophy from an FA Cup legend but also walking the cup final match ball out onto the Wembley pitch before the final.The competition has already provided Tilbury hotshot Sam Bantick, who has five goals so far, with his greatest football memory.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe 32-year-old, who owns Sam’s Sweets and Shakes near Brentwood station, tasted the magic of the cup firsthand back in 2017.That was when he helped fire Heybridge Swifts into the first round proper and scored in their 3-1 defeat against their Football League opponents at St James Park.He moved to Isthmian League North Division outfit Tilbury this summer and capped his home debut with a hat-trick against Buckhurst Hill.But his exploits were caught on camera, and he soon went viral when his third, an audacious effort from inside his own half, was shared online.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I’ve tried it a few times but it hasn’t always come off. If I could do it all the time then I wouldn’t be playing the level that I’m playing at,” he told Sun Sport.“I hit that perfectly and as soon as I did I knew it was going in. I’ll always remember it.” I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying roundBantick has never been to an FA Cup Final, but after discovering the prize that awaits the top goalscorer, he says it would top the “best day of my life” at Exeter if he went to Wembley to collect the trophy.He said: “I’ll have to try a bit harder on Saturday now.“We don’t often get exposure or the chance to play big sides, of course you want to help your team out, but to get the chance to get honoured on a personal level like that is unreal.”And ahead of welcoming National League South outfit Chelmsford City to Chadfields, he added: “It’s going to be really tough, but it’s XI vs XI.“We know we’re massive underdogs but they’ll have to come to our ground, the changing-rooms will absolutely stink and we’ll try and make it as hard as we can for them.”Sparkie Sonnie Coleman, 27, is another looking to continue his hot-streak of six goals in three matches.And the Northern League Crook Town striker, who scored to help Hardwick Social retain the FA Sunday Cup in 2018 at Bramall Lane, has even played at Wembley before.He was part of the Stockton Town side that suffered FA Vase Final heartbreak at the hands of Thatcham Town six years ago.Tilbury hero Sam Bantick went viral earlier in the competitionCredit: Focus PhotosHe runs a family sweet shop near Brentwood stationCredit: Focus PhotosHe said: “Winning the Sunday Cup two years running was great but the Vase was the biggest game I’ve played in. That was the first and only time that I’ve ever been to Wembley. “So it would be amazing to get there and I have been keeping my eye on it.“I’ve seen the leader has eight, but I feel a bit ripped off as we haven’t had one replay and just gone straight through. He’s had a couple of replays but he’s obviously doing very well.”Coleman is gunning for Witton Albion, who are a step above them in the pyramid, on home turf on Saturday and added: “It’s already the furthest the club have been in the cup this century.“We’ve beaten Ashington already, who were from a step above, so let’s see if we can go even further.”The man they are all chasing is Ashford United’s Gary Lockyer.He already has EIGHT – including a four-goal haul in the last round – but was only told about JJ Lacey’s haul of ten being enough to secure the Golden Ball last season a fortnight ago.Sonnie Coleman of Crook Town already has some fabulous Wembley memoriesCredit: Si CrumbsLockyer, who works night shifts as a telecoms engineer for Network Planning Solutions, said: “After the four goals took me to eight, my manager said ‘you should be really up there’ but I hadn’t really thought or known about it.“I then looked it up and saw that the gentleman won it with ten goals last time and instantly thought ‘I’m quite close here’ and it would really be something to remember.“So I’m definitely hoping for a few more.”Man Utd fan Lockyer, 31, has experienced the first round proper when he was 17 at Hyde Town but didn’t play and he has also attended finals under the arch as a spectator.But the father-of-four is determined to stave off his competition and beat the likes of Erling Haaland and Mo Salah in the scoring stakes to land himself and his wife a VIP day out under the arch.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after being informed that his rivals were desperate for him to draw and blank and for Ashford united to be eliminated, Lockyer added: “I’m exactly the same!“I’m one for healthy competition and I’m eager to get it now that I know I’m in the lead. Hopefully I can get a few more this weekend.” More

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      Watch incredible moment ex-Chelsea star Diego Costa starts BRAWL during U20s game as fans ask ‘what did they expect?’

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      DIEGO COSTA might hope he’s ageless but he certainly doesn’t rage less.The controversial former Chelsea striker, 35, sparked a brawl, grabbed an opponent by the NECK and saw red – all in an UNDER-20s match.Diego Costa dashed over to confront a Juventude rivalPlayers crowded in after Gremio veteran Costa reacted aggressivelyBrazilian club Gremio only fielded the ex-Atletico Madrid ace in what should have been a low-key junior match to help him rediscover his “rhythm”.But instead of finding harmonious high notes he found crash, bang, wallop.”What did you expect?” asked one fan upon seeing the astonishing clip of Costa flaring up in retaliation.”What could possibly go wrong?” wondered another, while a third posted: “This guy is nuts but I’m here for it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCosta’s career in LaLiga and the Premier League was blighted by bans, bust-ups and bruises.Worst of all, he was suspended for eight games in 2019 after insulting a referee following his sending-off for Atletico against Barcelona.That took him past FORTY matches out banned during his career.Back in 2015 he picked up two three-game suspensions for Chelsea after high-profile dismissals for violent conduct against Liverpool and Arsenal. Most read in FootballCosta got up to chase after the offenderCosta has had previous clashed with refs since returning to GremioCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTh ex-Spain star retained his combative spirit since returning to his birth country Brazil with Botafogo in August 2023.But it was still a shock to see his animated exchange for his latest club Gremio in an U-20s fixture against Juventude.XI amazing players worth £78m available for freeCosta took exception to a careless late challenge after he had passed the ball – and raced after the offender.He grabbed the player by the neck and shoved him back as both sides came rushing in.Both players were sent off.One fan wrote: “Bro didn’t last 60 minutes. Proper Chelsea.”Other disapproving verdicts included: “That’s so Costa”… “Never change”… and “He’s a clown”.But many viewers seemed amused and impressed by his continuing hothead attitude.Amongst such opinions were: “Cracking up”… “Absolutely here for it!!”… and Proper centre forward”.Meet North London derby WagsARSENAL travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the North London derby on Sunday.So with that in mind, SunSport has put together a piece looking at 10 of the players’ partners ahead of the game.One Arsenal man is with a woman who had a romance and daughter with Hollywood star Jude Law.Another Gunners player is married to a competitive twerker who goes by the stage name Redheaded.And one Spurs star convinced his partner to move to England from Los Angeles when they got together – before they went on to have three children.Click here to read the full story. More

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      Pep Guardiola sensationally reveals Man City were offered never-before-seen rule change to ease fixture congestion

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      THE season starts here for Manchester City – and doesn’t Pep Guardiola know it.Today’s home game with Brentford is the start of four matches in just 11 days – spread across three different competitions.Manchester City face four matches in 11 days in three different competitionsCredit: GettyPep Guardiola made a shock revelation about their Carabao Cup tieCredit: AlamyThen come another three in quick succession before the next international break.Guardiola said after the win at West Ham two weeks ago that it still felt like pre-season – despite City’s perfect start to the campaign.So now things get serious – and the scheduling of their Carabao Cup tie against Watford next week is certainly no laughing matter at the Etihad.They will face the Championship high-fliers just 49 hours after their title showdown against Arsenal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEven for a club with City’s resources, it will be a test and the Spanish boss fears things are only to get worse for clubs involved in European competitions.Uefa have expanded the group stage of both the Champions League and Europa League meaning the calendar is getting more and more full.And as far as the former Barcelona coach is concerned, all the meetings to try to find solutions are “useless”.His big fear is the physical and mental health of the players is going to suffer as a result.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPep said: “It’s going to happen many times. When someone creates another new competition, it’s going to be even worse.“It’s impossible to fix all the schedules and calendars.Watch moment cheeky Man Utd mascot stops Pep Guardiola before Community Shield with eight-word request“People say with players and managers with the money they shouldn’t complain but it’s not that – it’s about the health.“Doctors especially say the bodies have to recover for four or five days. We did three and now two.“We’re not going to change, the meetings are useless. If they decide they’re going to do it they’re going to do it.”City play title rivals Arsenal next Sunday then go to Newcastle for a lunchtime kick-off on Saturday, September 28 – with both games already locked in for live TV coverage.Normally the Carabao Cup game would be played on the Wednesday but that option was ruled out as Manchester United are at home in the Europa League that night.So Guardiola’s men were told they would have to play on either the Tuesday or Thursday night – or switch the tie to Vicarage Road.He said: “I prefer to play at home than go to London because this way our fans can watch this lovely, adorable team at home.“That’s why I decided to play on Tuesday. If we had said Thursday we wouldn’t have time to recover to go to Newcastle.“Hopefully we can select two teams and be fit and have no injuries but everyone knows the schedule will be tight this season.”City were furious when their FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea in April was picked for the Saturday – even though they had played in Europe against Real Madrid on the Wednesday night.Both Guardiola and match-winner Bernardo Silva publicly slammed the decision but the City boss does not see anything changing.He said: “The week is seven days. We cannot create eight days a week or nine days a week.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.“So you have to fix all the games and the schedule is so tight it is impossible to handle. We just go for it.“I learned when you are at a club in a lot of competitions it’s important to keep the energy to the moment of the game.“So it is not about training good the day before or after because you need the energy for the 95 minutes you are going to play.“Whether it affects the chances of injury or quality I would love to know but I don’t know the consequences on injury or performance.”Thomas Frank’s Bees were the last team to win at the Etihad – way back on the eve of the 2022 World Cup.Guardiola hopes that is not an omen, saying: “I wish you’d not told me that. But it shows how well we have done – two years without losing a game at home. It’s good.”READ MORE SUN STORIES“I don’t remember an easy game against a Thomas Frank team, he’s a person who I admire.“Since they were promoted, they have always been tough here and there and this will be no exception.”Ivan Toney scored the winner for Brentford at the Etihad just before the 2022 World CupCredit: GettyErling Haaland has hit the ground running this seasonCredit: Getty More