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    Score Predictor tips for Matchweek 4 – play for free and compete for £250 top prize this weekend!

    THE international break is almost over and that means the return of all things Dream Team, including Score Predictor.As usual, we’re putting up £250 for the weekly prize – not bad for a free-to-play game, eh?Simply submit predictions for five selected Premier League games and earn points for accuracy – most points pockets the cash.Play Score Predictor ahead of this weekend’s action!Credit: Dream TeamRemember, you don’t have to get all five scores exactly correct – that’s ultra rare – you just have to outperform everyone else.Feel free to channel your gut instinct if that’s your preferred method but for those who would like some stats for each match-up, look no further…Liverpool v Nottingham ForestA fixture that will always transport fans of a certain age back to the late 1970s.And we have to rewind that to that era to find the last time Forest won at Anfield in any competition – a 1-0 win for the visitors in the League Cup in 1978.More relevantly, Liverpool and Manchester City are the only two teams to have won all three of their league games this season with the Reds yet to concede a single goal.Clearly the hosts are big favourites but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have quietly started rather well themselves.Most read in FootballForest are among the seven sides yet to lose in the top flight and they’ve registered more shots than any other team at this early stage.Granted, they’ve only converted three of their 53 efforts into goals but their ability to create chances has to be admired.Our Prediction: 3-1 to LiverpoolArne Slot has started well very at LiverpoolCredit: GettyAston Villa v EvertonThe Toffees are bottom of the pile with zero points to show for their efforts this campaign.Their heartbreaking (and farcical) defeat to Bournemouth before the international break was a tough one to stomach and Sean Dyche would have hoped for an easier task this weekend than a trip to Villa Park, where the Villains have an excellent record since Unai Emery took charge.Everton actually won the last time they played Villa away but that was in the Carabao Cup amid considerable rotation – the last league meeting in the midlands finished 4-0 to the hosts.Villa have some injury concerns and will naturally have one eye on the Champions League in midweek but they should still have enough to beat an Everton outfit low on confidence.Our Prediction: 2-1 to Aston VillaScore 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 NOWBournemouth v ChelseaThe Blues plagued Score Predictor users throughout 2023/24 and they’ve picked up where they left off with a win, draw and defeat in their first three outings this season.Predictably unpredictable, Chelsea smashed Wolves 6-2 in Matchweek 2 but defeat in the Conference League play-off second leg to Servette and a draw to Crystal Palace have since tempered expectations.Only Man City and Liverpool have mustered more xG than the Cherries in the league so far and their miraculous comeback at Goodison Park maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign.Enzo Maresca has a huge advantage in terms of the talent available to him but Bournemouth are a well-drilled side – it’s a tough one to call.Our Prediction: 1-1 drawCole Palmer is expected to be fit this weekend after pulling out of the England squadCredit: GettyTottenham v ArsenalThe North London derby is undoubtedly the standout fixture this weekend.Mikel Arteta will be without his entire first-choice midfield of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard which is clearly a significant hindrance.But recent history is on the Gunners side as they’ve won five of the last seven meetings with their fierce rivals.Last season’s two derbies yielded nine goals in total with Bukayo Saka and Son Heung-min being the standout performers.Both teams wobbled before the international break but North London derbies tend to exist in their own space – make room on that fence…Our Prediction: 1-1 drawRice is suspended for the North London derbyCredit: RexWolves v NewcastleGary O’Neil’s mob have mustered just one point and only Everton have conceded more goals across the first three Matchweeks.In contrast, the Magpies are sitting pretty in fifth with seven points to their name.However, dig a little deeper and some stats put these two teams much closer.Both Wolves and Newcastle are in the bottom four for shots taken and in the top four for shots faced.Of course, it’s still a small sample size and Newcastle’s numbers are somewhat skewed by their opening game against Southampton when they had to play with ten men for over an hour; something that changed the game state dramatically.Even so, Eddie Howe’s side haven’t quite got up to speed just yet and footage of Bruno Guimaraes limping out of Brazil training will have jangled a few nerves on Tyneside.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 2-1 to NewcastleEnter your predictions before Saturday’s 3pm deadline!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 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 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 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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    Arteta will want instant impact from Sterling in North London Derby and he could be key difference over Arsenal’s season

    RAHEEM STERLING’S deadline day move to Arsenal was, without doubt, one of the most intriguing deals of the entire window.The 82-cap England international sealed a season-long loan transfer to the Gunners after being frozen out by new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.Raheem Sterling could make his Arsenal debut against TottenhamCredit: GettyHis arrival adds some much needed depth to Arsenal’s attackCredit: GettyAnd he has been reunited with Mikel Arteta, who helped turn Sterling into a prolific goalscorerCredit: GettyArteta will be hoping for an instant impact from his new signingCredit: GettyDeals between the big six clubs are often few and far between given how much is at stake in terms of competitive advantage.However, for Sterling, Arsenal represents the fourth big six team he has played for, having also turned out for Liverpool, Manchester City and the Blues.It’s understood there is no option or obligation to buy the 29-year-old, but Arsenal have secured an attacking player who adds both depth and quality to their attacking options in wide areas. Indeed, one of the biggest concerns for Arsenal fans in recent seasons has been the sheer number of matches talisman Bukayo Saka has had to play with little real depth in their position. READ MORE ON ARSENALBut now Mikel Arteta may be given the chance to give his star man a rest from time to time, with Sterling able to play across the attack.Arsenal play Tottenham in the North London derby this weekend, and below we take a look at what Sterling could offer ahead of his potential debut.Stretching the width of the pitchAs Sterling has progressed through his career he has moved from being an out-and-out winger to an inverted wide player comfortable in the channels and central areas to support the striker.Crucially, this means that Arsenal have essentially signed a wide attacker who will offer them both options depending on the specific attacking shape and structure that Arteta is looking to get.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOften we see Arsenal have their wingers hold the width of the attack staying on the outside and forcing the opposition fullbacks to defend wider than they would like. By doing this Arsenal force the opposition to move their fullbacks more outside and this will, in turn, create spaces in the defensive line of their opponents that they can attack through movement from the striker or the more advanced midfielders.Raheem Sterling showing off skills in Arsenal training sessionHere Sterling receives the ball isolated 1v1 before direct play to the byline helps create a chance for a central team-mateAgainst Spurs this weekend we are likely to see Arteta again look to use his wide attackers as options to stay outside, at least in the initial phase of the attack and the build-up, and spread the Spurs defensive line out before attacking through those spaces. With Sterling likely to start on the outside on the left of the pitch, his ability to attack the Spurs right-back either on the outside or the inside has the potential to generate real threat.Arsenal will likely look to build from the back and into the middle third of the pitch before quickly looking to access their wide attackers isolated on the outside against the opposition fullbacks. They are able to use their wide attackers in this manner because of the presence and work rate of Kai Havertz as the central striker.This time Sterling gets the ball in a moment of transition before sliding the ball across the box for a tap-inBut having players in wide areas who can be as effective as Sterling, on the left, and Saka, on the right, should have a genuine impact on the game.Sterling’s ability to play wide as a more traditional winger type will be effective for Arteta in creating space centrally in the attacking phase.Goal threatSterling has chosen to move to Arsenal to reignite a career that appeared to be stalling when he was at Chelsea by reuniting with Mikel Arteta.Arteta previously worked with Sterling when he was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, with the Spaniard being credited with turning him into a goalscoring attacker.A large part of their 1v1 sessions was thought to centre around shot locations and asking Sterling to take his shots from more central areas as opposed to shooting from wider angles.This period of Sterling’s career saw him become much more effective in front of goal and elevated his performances to the next level, and he will be hoping for the same impact the second time around.Sterling carries a threat from the corner as he can come inside and curl the ball into the bottom corner.If he is played regularly as part of the starting attack at Arsenal then there is nothing to stop him from contributing 10-15 goals this season as Arsenal chase the title.For Arsenal last season they had inconsistent production from the likes of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli who typically played from the left side of the attack. Adding Sterling in the final third and in the penalty area will, of course, bring added quality in the final third and a more consistent goal threat.This coming weekend we are likely to see Pedro Porro start at right back for Spurs, and as much as he is an effective attacking threat, he can struggle at times against direct attacking wingers. Sterling makes intelligent runs to attack open space, and here we see him making a long run in transition to get forwardThis is an area of the game where Arteta can create a real advantage with the use of Sterling from the left of the attack.The fact Arsenal were able to add a reliable source of goals late in the window could be a huge bonus as the season goes on.Intelligent positioningAs much as Sterling is effective when he is asked to stay wide and position himself on the outside of the opposition fullback, as we have already discussed above, he also has the versatility of movement and positioning to be able to drift and take advantage of the spaces that are open to him on the pitch. This essentially means that when using Sterling from either the left or the right of the attack we will see Arteta be able to be more versatile in his attacking approach.If he decides to play in this weekend’s North London derby with a more traditional left-back who gets up and down the flank effectively then Sterling may be more free to come inside in order to find pockets of space in which he can receive the ball to hurt the Spurs defence.Sterling is happy to receive the ball in the channels when a player overlaps on the outsideThere is every chance a coach of Arteta’s calibre will look to create situations and positions where on the right side they have a fullback who stays deep and narrow and a right-winger who stays wide while on the left side the fullback moves higher and the left-winger comes more inside. This kind of positioning and movement in the attacking third can help to create attacking overloads and opportunities.Here Sterling comes inside and positions himself in a pocket of space between four opposition defenders before turning out to play forwardThe fact that Arsenal have been able to add an international level forward with the experience and output throughout his career to date means that Arteta has far more options in terms of how he can set up his attack. This will make them harder to predict coming into this weekend’s derby against Spurs. READ MORE SUN STORIESConclusionThe signing of Sterling may well go down as one of the pivotal moments this season for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta as they look to close the gap on Manchester City and challenge for the league title. Arsenal fans will be excited to see how Arteta plans to use Sterling starting this weekend against their biggest rivals. More

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    Former Premier League club share bizarre list of items BANNED from stadium as fans joke ‘FFS can’t take my xylophone’

    BRADFORD have left fans in hysterics after a list of items banned from their stadium was revealed.The League Two side have started the new season in good form, losing just one of their opening five games in the fourth tier.Bradford’s list of items prohibited from being taken into their stadiumCredit: X @officialbantamsFootball fans have mocked some of the items listed by the League Two clubCredit: GettyGraham Alexander’s men sit fifth in the table as they look to return to League One for the first time since 2019.But it is not their on-field performances that have seen them ridiculed by the footballing community.A picture of a sign from outside the University of Bradford stadium shows exactly what is prohibited.It includes the usual things such as big bags, flares, knives and alcohol.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut there are also a number of bizarre items named by Bradford.They include large umbrellas, musical instruments, drones, push chairs, hip flasks, and hammers.Reacting on social media, one person said: “Can’t even take a hip flask in now… the world has gone mad.”Another joked: “Shame, I’ll have to take my guitar home now.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWho are these famous footballers?And a third added: “Oh ffs not gonna be able to take my xylophone to Bradford away now.”Another took umbrage with the 500ml restriction on liquids, replying: “I do think the older generations should get A BIT of a pass bringing 1L flasks of tea or coffee, as people have mentioned below, they aren’t the problem.”XI amazing players worth £78m available for free More

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    Erling Haaland in mourning as Man City star shares heartbreaking hospital pic after ‘chief fixer uncle’ dies aged 59

    ERLING HAALAND has paid a touching social media tribute to his father’s late best friend and his “uncle”, Ivar Eggja.The Haalands are mourning the loss of the 59-year-old father-of-three, who passed away on Wednesday.Erling Haaland is mourning the loss of his dad’s best friend, Ivar EggjaCredit: INSTAGRAM@ERLING.HAALANDThe Manchester City star paid a touching social media tribute to his “uncle” after rushing to see him in the hospitalCredit: INSTAGRAM@ERLING.HAALANDThe late Eggja played a big role in Erling’s lifeCredit: INSTAGRAM@ERLING.HAALANDAnd Erling took to Instagram to publicly pay his respects to the late Eggja, posting a photo of himself holding his hand as he lay in his hospital bed.The heartbroken Manchester City hitman’s accompanying caption read: “You are a legend, Ivar.”Words cannot describe how much you meant to me! Words cannot describe how much you will be missed!”I don’t give a s**t! I don’t give a s**! That’s exactly what I’m going to do.READ MORE ON HAALAND”Thank you for everything, you madman. We will see each other again. “Rest in peace, Ivar.”Eggja – who was the best man at Alf-Inge’s wedding – was more than just a close friend to the Haalands, he was a regular helper of the family.He helped Erling seamlessly transition to life in Dortmund, Salzburg and Manchester by making sure his apartments were fully furnished so he could focus on his football.Most read in FootballThe late Eggja is survived by his two sons – Fabian and Felix – and his daughter Ine, who confirmed his passing on social media.The late Ivar Eggja is the best friend of Erling’s dad, Alf-IngeCredit: INSTAGRAM@ERLING.HAALANDEggja was the best man at Alf-Inge’s weddingCredit: INSTAGRAM@ERLING.HAALANDEggja is survived by his three childrenCredit: INSTAGRAM@ERLING.HAALANDShe wrote on Facebook: “The superhero of our lives has been taken from us.”At 3.30 p.m. we said goodbye to Dad for the last time and it feels a bit like the whole world has been put on ice.How to stop Erling Haaland: Five tactics every Premier League team must use vs Man City”He meant so much to so many people, but to us he was everything.”Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, also paid tribute to Eggja, saying: “Ever since I met you, I thought your power was to brighten up any room.”I didn’t know it was a superpower, and that you would go through so much, so soon, so fast.”In a way that is the best example of strength, dignity, tolerance and optimism that family and friends can only dream of. More

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    ‘I’m not sure he likes him,’ says Paul Scholes about Trent Alexander-Arnold after spotting Slot gesture on touchline

    PAUL SCHOLES has claimed new Liverpool boss Arne Slot may not be a fan of Trent Alexander-Arnold.The Manchester United legend was sat just behind the dugouts as his former club were smashed 3-0 by the Reds two weeks ago.Paul Scholes is unsure whether Arne Slot likes Trent Alexander-ArnoldThe Liverpool manager has subbed him off in every game this seasonCredit: APAlexander-Arnold impressed for England during the international breakCredit: GettyDuring the game, Scholes noticed that Slot appeared frustrated at Alexander-Arnold on several occasions.The right-back has been subbed off between 70 and 80 minutes in all three of Liverpool’s games so far this season.Scholes made the claim on Sky Bet’s The Overlap, saying: “Watching that game, every time he gave the ball away Slot is shaking his head.”He kept looking away, turning around to his bench.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Every time he was trying these long balls that he can do brilliantly, he kept turning around.”I’m not sure he likes him. Conor Bradley is a good player.”Jamie Carragher joked Scholes was “trying to get rid of him” – but he did admit Slot is not a fan of long balls.Alexander-Arnold has often been criticised for his lapses in concentration defensively and with his technical ability, Gareth Southgate played him in midfield at the Euros.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the “experiment” did not work and Ian Wright slammed the ex-England boss, saying: “Gareth did not have it set up for him in midfield that is why he changed it two other times.”Trent should have a team built around what his strengths are, that is Anthony Gordon going long – someone coming short and people making runs.” Gary Neville tells Gareth Southgate ‘it’s illegal’ again as he repeats fierce criticism of ex-England manager’s tacticsScholes said: “It is alright being at right-back on the ball, you get plenty of time. “But you have got to find space in midfield and it is not f***ing easy.”I thought in the summer Trent should have played left-back because we did not have a left footer.”He is the one that can get there and play these passes, get on the ball, cut inside and the game opens up.”After two solid performances at right-back for the Three Lions against Ireland and Finland, Gary Neville doubled down on his claims that it is “illegal” for him to not be playing for England.He said: “If we have a player that can do what he can do and we can’t get him in our team, we have got a massive problem.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCarragher added on Alexander-Arnold’s ability in possession: “It’s too easy for him, it’s almost like he is in training.”I think when you look at any player’s weakness, you say do the benefits override that. I think the benefits of him on the ball does.”England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham. More

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    Inside downfall of ex-Man Utd star Anderson who ‘could have been world’s best’ but was obsessed with McDonald’s

    FORMER Manchester United star Anderson once had the world at his feet.But an obsession with McDonald’s and a string of controversies led to his downfall in the beautiful game.Former Man Utd star Anderson was once tipped for greatnessCredit: AFPHe won a string of trophies during his time at Old TraffordAnderson’s first season ended with a league and European doubleCredit: GettyHe even won the prestigious Golden Boy award before his career took a downward turnCredit: GettyAnderson, 36, had already spent three years starring for Gremio and Porto when he secured a move to United in 2007.Two years earlier he won the Fifa U17 World Championship Golden Ball.And aged just 19 at the time, the playmaker commanded an eye-watering £27million fee.Yet Sir Alex Ferguson felt Anderson, already a two-time Portuguese league winner, was worth every penny after drawing comparisons with Wayne Rooney.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe wrote in his autobiography: “I sent Martin (Ferguson, brother) to watch him in every game for four or five weeks.“Martin said, ‘Alex, he’s better than Rooney!’ ‘For Christ’s sake, don’t say that,’ I told him.“’He’ll need to be good to be better than Rooney’. Martin was adamant.”Anderson’s first season at United saw him make 38 appearances in all competitions, including 24 in the league.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt also resulted in a stunning Premier League and Champions League double, as well as the Golden Boy award in 2008.But it also would prove to be his highest amount of games in a season for the rest of his Old Trafford career.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsAnderson helped Brazil win the Copa America in 2007His short-lived international career resulted in just eight capsAnderson’s obsession with McDonald’s took hold as he picked up more and more injuriesCredit: GettyIndeed, it wasn’t until the 2009/10 campaign when Anderson netted his first goal for the club.Injuries had already started piling up for the midfielder, who by this point had won the last of his eight caps for Copa America winners Brazil.And along the way, an unhealthy obsession with junk food – namely McDonald’s – began to take a hold.Former United and Brazil team-mate Rafael said: “We would be on the team coach and pass the services on the motorway, and Anderson would jump up impulsively and yell ‘McDonalds’, McDonald’s’.”Rafael went on to claim that Anderson could have been the “best in the world” had he knuckled down more.He added: “The guy was crazy, but I love him. Give him a football and he would just play with freedom.”And sometimes, if he got a good run of games, he could play as well as any player in the league.”He picked up a lot of big injuries and then his problems with eating the way he did started to affect him.”It was no coincidence that his best form came when he had a lot of games because that was when he couldn’t eat so much.”I will say something about Anderson – if he had been a professional football player, he could have been the best in the world.”Anderson sometimes courted controversy on the pitchCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesHe performed a gun celebration after scoring against Spurs in 2011Credit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesAnderson left United in 2015 with four Premier League titlesAnderson is now assistant manager at Turkish side Adana DemirsporIn 2010 Anderson was hospitalised in a horror car crash in Portugal.He was dragged from his Audi R8 unconscious before it exploded, but somehow miraculously escaped with just minor injuries.A year later Anderson then courted controversy when he celebrated a rare strike with a gun celebration.His 76th minute effort in United’s 3-0 home win against Tottenham saw Anderson do a little dance before pointing his fingers in the shape of pistols.It was around this time that former United coach Mike Clegg left the club as well.And he previously revealed that Anderson’s laziness saw Fergie joke about HITTING him with a STICK.Clegg said: “You could never find a nicer person, he was popular with everyone but he was a lazy bleeder.“He always had his excuses. I used to have a stick and I said to Fergie very early on, ‘If he carries on, I’m going to hit him with my bleeding stick’.“Fergie couldn’t believe it. ‘Don’t you dare. He cost me a lot of money. You can’t be hitting one of my players, are you mad?’“Then six weeks later, Fergie came to me. ‘Where’s that bloody stick? Give me that stick, I want to hit him’.Anderson’s career statsGremio, 2004-2006: 31 games, 9 goalsPorto, 2006-2007: 25 games, 3 goalsMan Utd, 2007-2015: 181 games, 9 goalsFiorentina (loan), 2013-2014: 8 games, 0 goalsInternacional, 2015-2016: 88 games, 6 goalsCoritiba, 2017: 23 games, 3 goalsAdana Demirspor, 2018-2019: 15 games, 0 goalsBrazil, 2007-2008: 8 games, 0 goalsTrophiesBrazil Serie B (Gremio)Primeira Liga x2, Portuguese Cup, Portuguese Super Cup (Porto)Premier League x4, Champions League, Carabao Cup, Club World Cup, Community Shield x2 (Man Utd)Campeonato Gaucho (Internacional)South American U17 Championship, Copa America (Brazil)U17 World Championship Golden Ball, Golden Boy (Individual)“Anderson was more than capable of being an absolute stormer of a player. He just needed his head knocking. He didn’t keep fit.“He chose not to put in the work, so it’s hard to have too much sympathy for him. He was a party animal.”Anderson’s United career eventually fizzled out in 2015, with his final two seasons resulting in a combined five league appearances.In total he scored nine goals in 181 games while picking up three more titles.After a brief loan at Fiorentina, he returned to Brazil with Internacional and underwent a revival with 88 games in just two years.Anderson then spent time with Coritiba before seeing out his career in 2019 with Turkish side Adana Demirspor aged just 31, where he remains to this day as assistant manager.But his post-playing career has also been overshadowed by off-the-field issues.Three years ago Anderson was reportedly charged with alleged involvement in a £4.7million cryptocurrency fraud rung.He was named by Brazilian media as one of eight people being investigated by a state prosecutor for aggravated theft, fraud and money laundering.It is not immediately clear today if the investigation is still ongoing.Former team-mates and coaches reckon Anderson was too lazy as a playerThe star, seen heer with celeb chef Salt Bae, has since been embroiled in a series of controversies in BrazilAnderson has been ordered to pay £45,000 in owed child maintenance feesAnd Anderson denied all allegations at the time.This week, Anderson hit headlines after being ordered to prison over his reported failure to pay child maintenance.He is said to be the father to nine children.And Anderson was told by a family court judge he must hand over £45,000 in owed fees or else serve 30 days’ jail time in Porto Alegre, Brazil.Former United team-mates still ponder what could have been for Anderson.Ben Foster said: “He could have been the best player in the world, I promise you.“Everybody would say he could have been the best, but he just didn’t care at all.”Michael Owen added: “He was very talented. Without being too general, he’d have that Brazilian attitude.“He was a pretty relaxed guy, maybe too relaxed at times. He loved being out there with a ball at his feet.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But he did not bother about weights or anything really. Him getting back from injuries was often a slow process.“He was a really good player but if he had that driven mentality he could have been great.”What 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.They plan to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a second venue. They will scale it down to a 30,000-seater that can then be used for the women’s team and academy matches.That would mean the history remains with statues and the Munich clock and memorial plaque all most likely staying in their current positions.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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    Ex-Liverpool ace Djibril Cisse facing PRISON after being accused of tax evasion with Champions League winner owing £660k

    FORMER Liverpool star Djibril Cisse is facing a prison sentence after being accused of tax evasion in France.The France striker spent two seasons at Anfield, scoring 24 goals in 82 games and winning the Champions League before leaving for Marseille in 2006.Djibril Cisse is facing a prison sentence after being accused of tax evasionCredit: ReutersCisse won the Champions League and FA Cup with LiverpoolCredit: AP:Associated PressCisse will find out the verdict on his case on November 13Credit: AP:Associated PressCisse won 41 caps for France and scored a total of nine goalsCredit: AFP – GettyCisse. 43, later played for Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers.  He now works as a DJ and a pundit.But prosecutors told a court on Wednesday that they want the ex-international to receive a one-year suspended jail term and £85,000 fine.The hearing at Bastia criminal court went ahead in Cisse’s absence.  It is due to give its verdict on November 13.The trial heard an account set up to handle Cisse’s tax affairs was £465,000 in debt.Read More on FootballProsecutors claimed the ex-player was guilty of tax evasion for not having declared this sum to France’s equivalent of HMRC.Meanwhile Cisse was said to owe a further £195,000 from failing to declare VAT revenue on his income from image rights.Cisse’s lawyer Malcolm Mouldaia told the court: “He has been going through this case for years.  He owes huge sums to the tax authorities.”There can be no case of money laundering, as there is no tax fraud on his part.Most read in Football”He has had problems with his accountancy firm, as they have not handled his case well – and they have not kept him informed.”Liverpool paid Auxerre £14million for Cisse in 2004, and he helped them win the Champions League and FA Cup.Djibril Cisse shows off new bizarre bright blue and polka-dot haircut He left for Marseille, initially on loan, and went on to play in Greece, Italy, Qatar, Russia, Reunion and Switzerland as well as Sunderland and QPR.Cisse won 41 caps for France, scoring nine goals.Cisse allso played for Sunderland before moving to Greece, Italy, Qatar, Russia, Reunion and SwitzerlandCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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    Karim Benzema shows off incredible Ballon d’Or watch after responding to Ronaldo snub as he’s tipped for career change

    KARIM BENZEMA showed off an incredible Ballon d’Or watch after responding to Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim Kylian Mbappe is better than him.Real Madrid legend Benzema, 36, scored 354 goals in 648 appearances across a 14-year career for the Spanish giants.Karim Benzema posed in front of supercars in his latest social media videoCredit: InstagramThe Real Madrid legend could be seen in a variety of outfitsCredit: InstagramHe also wore a Ballon d’Or style watchCredit: InstagramIt comes after Benzema responded to former team-mate Cristiano RonaldoCredit: InstagramHe joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad last year, less than 12 months after capping a sensational season by winning the Ballon d’Or.Yet his near decade-long partnership with Ronaldo at Real Madrid did not stop the Portugal forward from picking Mbappe ahead of Benzema in a recent YouTube video.Benzema responded by sharing a photo of the Ballon d’Or trophy on his Instagram story.Now he has posted a video on social media of him walking around a number of flash supercars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlongside the clip, he posted the short caption: “Daddy 🇩🇿.”It is cut with footage of him training on the pitch and in the gym, but it is his watch that is the most eye-catching image.It includes a golden ball engraved into it which is in honour of him being a Ballon d’Or winner.Meanwhile, his acting in the video, which sees him smouldering at the camera, was praised by fans.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBenzema shared this image of his Ballon d’Or after Ronaldo picked Kylian Mbappe over himCredit: InstagramBenzema and Ronaldo spent nine years as Real Madrid team-matesCredit: EPAOne social media user tipped him to become an actor after he hangs up his boots, saying: “Big Benz could really cut it as an actor when he retires from football.”While another added: “It doesn’t get any colder I’m afraid.”Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveA third replied: “Best video I’ve seen in a while.”And a fourth responded: “Benzema is unmatched.”Benzema, who returned to Real Madrid for rehab on an injury in the summer, has started both of Al-Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League games at the start of the new season, scoring one goal.His side sit third in the table with maximum points, behind pace setters Al-Hilal on goal difference. More