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      Chelsea vs Celtic betting predictions and tips PLUS free bets for pre-season

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      CHELSEA step up their pre-season preparations this Saturday when facing Scottish champions Celtic in Indiana.After a battling 2-2 draw with League One Wrexham in midweek, the Blues are now face a Hoops side who were ready 4-3 winners over Manchester City earlier this week.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesChelsea vs Celtic previewChelsea kickstarted their US tour with a 2-2 draw at Wrexham in midweek – and need to improve against Celtic here.The Blues took the lead before having to score late to rescue a draw against the League One side.Enzo Maresca – linked heavily with the Celts job before Ange Postecoglou’s appointment – had a mixture of first team players and youngsters in his starting side.But he’d have been most pleased to see Christopher Nkunku on the scoresheet, with the forward poised for a big campaign this term.For Celtic, they were great in the first half in particular as they beat English champions Manchester City in midweek.Nicolas Kuhn’s first half double and sublime assist for Kyogo was a real standout for the Hoops, who enter the final stages of their pre-season with the Premiership restarting next weekend.Chelsea vs Celtic betting predictions and tips PLUS free bets for pre-seasonChelsea vs Celtic latest oddsChelsea to win at 4/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERECeltic to win at 14/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.Chelsea vs Celtic betting tipGoalsFour goals in Chelsea’s game with Wrexham and it could quite easily have been a heck of a lot more.But Celtic’s last three games have bought 21 goals, including seven in the clash with City – where they scored four.Celtic’s season kicks off next week and they’ll likely be much more match fit and the attacking players will cause Chelsea problems.Defensively, they’re still struggling though. Chelsea can capitalise.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.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*Ladbrokes. 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with SUMMER50. Deposit £10+ and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. 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.*TalkSPORT BET: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile & bet £10+ on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly.*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G50 on registration. £/€10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £/€10 Place). Receive £/€20 Tote Credit, £/€20 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Christian Pulisic agrees to do ‘unbelievable’ lewd celebration if he scores against Man City

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      CHRISTIAN PULISIC has agreed to do the “Three Amigos salute” if he scores in the pre-season friendly against Manchester City.The AC Milan star has stayed in his homeland after a disappointing campaign at the 2024 Copa America which resulted in a group stage exit.Christian Pulisic agreed to do a lewd celebration if he scored against Manchester CityCredit: YouTube/The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonPulisic agreed to do the the ‘Three Amigos salute’ if he hits the back of the net in the pre-season clashCredit: AlamyThe AC Milan star has stayed in his homeland after USA’s dismal campaign at the 2024 Copa AmericaCredit: GettyAfter his much-needed break with his golf professional partner Alexa Melton, the ex-Chelsea man will return to the pitch with the Rossoneri to face Pep Guardiola’s squad in New York.Pulisic appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon ahead of the clash on Saturday and was asked: “Can you do a special celebration thing?”If you score a goal this Saturday, can you do something just as a nod to the fans of our audience?”After agreeing to the request, Fallon said to Pulisic: “You know what would be fun? Could you do the Three Amigos salute if you score?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe forward then asked Fallon to demonstrate the salute. During this gesture, the TV Presenter stood up and performed the lewd celebration by crossing his arms over his chest, and then placing his hands on his hips, before thrusting forward.Fallon then said: “If you could do that, that would be unbelievable.”To which Pulisic said: “Alright.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Three Amigos is a 1986 American Western comedy film starring Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short.AC Milan kick-off their pre-season tour against the Premier League champions.Meet Alexa Melton, golf star who sparked Christian Pulisic dating rumors by cozying up to USMNT star on jet skiThey then face Real Madrid in Chicago on July 31, followed by Barcelona in Baltimore on August 6.Pulisic, 25, will hope to hit the back of the net in the upcoming fixture after hitting a personal best on scoring last season.The forward hit the back of the net on 15 occasions during his 50 appearances in all competitions.In 2019 Pulisic became the most expensive American player when he signed for Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund for £58million.And in his second season at the West London club, Pulisic won the Champions League title with the Blues.After four terms at Stamford Bridge the American headed to Milan on a four-year deal worth £18.5million.Pulisic spent four seasons at Chelsea winning the Champions League in the 2020-21 seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League cult hero Mido comes out of retirement aged 41 after ‘ten-year break’

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      Ex-Tottenham star Mido has declared his aim to return to top-flight football… aged 41 and after an ELEVEN-YEAR break.The Egypt striker spent three years with Spurs, scoring nine goals in 61 games.Mido has revealed he is returning to football aged 41 after 11 years away from the gameCredit: X / @AlMasryAlYoumThe Egyptian striker scored 22 goals in 94 Premier League appearancesCredit: Times Newspapers LtdMido had further Premier League stints with Middlesbrough, Wigan and West Ham.But he announced his retirement in summer 2013 after a one-game Championship cameo with Barnsley.Ex-Ajax and Marseille ace Mido went on to manage a host of clubs in Egypt including former team Zamalek.But he has now stated his intention to pull on his boots once more, claiming he is still better than any of the Egyptian top flight’s current strikers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told a Cairo TV station: “My journey is not complete yet.  I’m thinking of going back to playing football in the Egyptian Premier League.”I bet that I will score at least 10 goals if I go back to the EPL.  There are currently no good strikers, and that’s what encourages me to come back.”I will join one of the Egyptian clubs soon, and I will go through the preparation period with them.  I am 60 per cent ready.”I didn’t retire from football – I only took a ten-year break.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMido hinted he will make his comeback with one of the north African country’s “historic” clubs.He won 51 Egypt caps, scoring 19 goals for the Pharaohs.Tottenham cult hero Mido leaves fans in stitches as he does sit-ups while puffing a cigarette on a private yachtMido was sacked after just nine games as coach of EPL club Ismaily 17 months ago. More

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      I haven’t seen ANY quality from Mason Mount… it’s concerning, reveals former Man Utd star

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      A MANCHESTER UNITED legend has revealed his concern over Mason Mount and claimed he has not seen ANY quality from him.The 25-year-old joined the Red Devils last summer for £60m from Chelsea but endured a disappointing first season at Old Trafford.Mason Mount touched down in LA yesterday for Man Utd’s tourCredit: GettyLouis Saha says the pressure is on him as he’s not seen any quality for the starCredit: GettyHe suffered a calf strain in November that ruled him out for four months and his lack of form also ensured he missed out on the England squad for Euro 2024.Mount made just 20 appearances last term and scored once but he knows that the pressure is on him this term.New United signing Leny Yoro made a great first impression following his £52million arrival from Lille last week against Glasgow Rangers.The French defender, 18, is United’s second signing under Sir Jim Ratcliffe after Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee arrived from Bologna for £36.5m.READ MORE ON MAN UTDNow boss Erik ten Hag is looking to add another Netherlands international to his ranks as he plots a swoop for PSG star Xavi Simons – which could be bad news for Mount.However, ex-Red Devils striker Louis Saha, 45, thinks that could actually be a good thing as he claimed that he had not seen any quality from last summer’s big-money buy.Saha, who was speaking to Paddy Power, said: “I know that Mason Mount has the potential to make us all forget about this horrific season, but it may be healthy to have competition.“Xavi Simons has been playing at the highest level, scoring and assisting, which is something we missed last year.Most read in FootballOLYMPICS FREE BETS – SIGN UP OFFERS AND DEAL FOR PARIS 2024“Mason Mount was missing games through injury last year, but in some of the games he did play, he didn’t show quality or courage, and his performances were not good enough.”Away from the pitch, Mount cut ties with a stunning former McDonalds worker after they were spotted on dates recently.Man Utd star Mason Mount tipped for stunning career change after Alan Shearer describes him as ‘perfect’But on it, Saha believes that the spotlight will be firmly on the 36-capped England international Mount this term.He added: “He is under pressure – it’s totally normal given his quality and the price tag, and the stature that he has.“We’re expecting much more, and I hope he can find a solution – other than a few glimpses in pre-season, I haven’t seen any quality from him.“It’s concerning, and he has to accept that Manchester United need someone who creates way more chances for the forwards.“Last season, Bruno Fernandes was the only person doing that consistently, and that’s not what we need.”Mount is currently in America on tour with United and is set to face Arsenal on Sunday with the all-Premier League showdown taking place at LA’s SoFi Stadium.That will be followed by a friendly against Real Betis at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California on August 1.United finish the trip to America with a match against rivals Liverpool at the Williams–Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey began their pre-season with a 1-0 defeat at Rosenborg, after which the manager slammed his team’s performance.That was followed by a 2-0 victory over Rangers at Murrayfield on Saturday. More

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      Chelsea legend Dennis Wise leaves Como 1907 and appears to take swipe at Cesc Fabregas in exit statement

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      CHELSEA icon Dennis Wise has left Serie A side Como 1907 and appeared to take aim at Cesc Fabregas in his departure statement.The Blues legend, 57, was appointed technical consultant of the Italian side in 2019 and rose to sole administrator in 2021.Dennis Wise has seemingly taken aim at new Como manager Cesc Fabregas in his exit statementCredit: Andrea ButtiWise released a lengthy message on social media confirming his departureCredit: InstagramDuring his time at the club, Como have achieved two promotions and last season clinched their place back in the top division for the first time in 35 years.Ex-Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Fabregas, 37, joined Como as a player in 2022 before he became U19 and B-team coach.Last week, he was then announced as manager of the first team, signing a four-year deal.It came just days after Como defended an unnamed defender for an alleged racist remark made at Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan during a pre-season friendly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLComo received huge backlash following their statement – which claimed the incident had been “blown out of proportion”.Following that controversy and the appointment of Fabregas, Wise has opted to leave the club.And some of his words seemed to be aimed at Fabregas.He posted: “The club has decided to follow Cesc Fabregas’ direction.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDennis Wise’s statement in full”It is with a heavy heart that I leave Como 1907. I wish the club success going forward. It has been an incredible journey with Como 1907, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had here.”The support from the team, the coaching staff, and our loyal fans has been overwhelming, and I will always cherish the memories we’ve made together.”During my time with the club, we have made significant progress and achieved promotion back into Serie A, which gives me immense pride. I want to acknowledge the collective effort that made that possible.”I am also incredibly grateful to the fans who have supported us through thick and thin. Their passion and unwavering support has been a driving force for me to achieve the success they deserve.”The club has decided to follow Cesc Fabregas’ direction. I wish good luck to the team, to Cesc, and to all the new recruitment team in the next steps; Serie A status and European football – I wish you continued success.”While this is farewell, it is not the end. I will always carry the spirit of Como and its wonderful people with me, wherever I go.”Wise then went on to wish the Arsenal legend good luck, while he also insisted he will “carry the spirit of Como and its wonderful people with me, wherever I go”.Wise’s managerial career spanned from 2003 to 2008 when he coached at Millwall, Southampton, Swindon and Leeds.Chelsea and Wrexham stars Levi Colwill and James McClean fight just two minutes into pre-season friendly As a player, he spent 11 years with Chelsea, winning two FA Cups, one League Cup, the Cup Winners’ Cup and Uefa Super Cup.Wise also had spells at Wimbledon, Leicester, Millwall, Southampton and Coventry, while he earned 21 caps for England. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo links up with former Man Utd team-mate on holiday as they are treated to performance by singer

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has reunited with Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot on holiday.The Portuguese duo played together at this summer’s Euros and suffered heartbreak in the quarter-finals as they lost to France on penalties.Cristiano Ronaldo, centre, enjoying a holiday with ex-Man Utd team-mate Diogo Dalot, third from rightCredit: InstagramRonaldo and Dalot’s families were also treated to a private musical performanceCredit: InstagramThe performance was from Portugese singer Richie CampbellCredit: InstagramDalot was spotted comforting Ronaldo earlier in the tournament when the Real Madrid icon, 39, was seen crying after missing a spot kick against Slovenia.And now the pair are enjoying each other’s company during the off-season as Ronaldo shared a group photo including Dalot.The Al-Nassr forward also posted a video showing his and Dalot’s families watching a private performance from Portuguese singer Richie Campbell.Along with the clip, Ronaldo added an applause emoji to show his admiration for the musician.READ MORE ON RONALDOBut his appreciation for Dalot stretches back much further to his second stint at Man Utd.Weeks before Ronaldo’s Red Devils contract was torn up in 2022, he named Dalot as one of three players he had praise for in Erik ten Hag’s squad.In an interview with Piers Morgan, he said: “In Manchester United I can mention Dalot.”He’s young, but very professional but I don’t doubt that he’s going to have longevity in football because he’s young, he’s smart, intelligent and he’s very professional.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDalot consoled Ronaldo when he cried after missing a penalty at the EurosCredit: GettyThe pair spent 18 months as team-mates at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters”Probably Martinez, Casemiro is in his 30s, but I will say Dalot.”Ronaldo spent one and a half seasons playing with Dalot after returning to Old Trafford in 2021.Fans ask ‘what have I just watched’ as Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina’s bizarre sauna antics go viral He left for Al-Nassr 18 months ago and has scored 64 goals in 70 games for the Saudi Arabian side.But he suffered a nightmare time at Euro 2024, failing to hit the back of the net in any of Portugal’s five games. More

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      West Ham to cut ties with biggest sponsor over role in alleged betting scam that could see Paqueta banned for life

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      WEST HAM are set to sever ties with their biggest sponsor Betway next year following their role in the alleged betting scam that could see Lucas Paqueta banned for life.The online gambling firm was the first company to sound the alarm about the volume of bets placed on Paqueta to be booked in West Ham games last season which led to the Brazilian star being charged with spot-fixing and the FA demanding a life ban from football.West Ham are set to sever ties with their biggest sponsor BetwayCredit: GettyThe online gambling firm was the first to highlight the volume of bets placed on Paqueta last seasonCredit: GettyWest Ham are furious with the FA, with SunSport revealing yesterday that they are considering mounting a legal challenge to prevent them hearing the case. The club are considering going to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Laussane to argue that the FA due not have the jurisdiction to give Paqueta a life ban.West Ham are also understood to be unhappy with Betway, particularly that they did not speak to them before reporting the suspicious bets to integrity investigators.Sources linked to the club insist that the decision to move on from Betway is not linked to the Paqueta case. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWest Ham will honour their existing £10 million-a-year shirt deal with Betway, which has one more season left to run.However, the club are already searching for new sponsors for the start of the 2025/26 season.West Ham were already considering other options for the 2026/27 campaign onwards due to a new government ban on front-of-shirt gambling advertising that kicks in that summer.But the Paqueta case may accelerate their plans to move on from Betway.Most read in FootballGambling firms will still be allowed to have sleeve sponsorship deals from 2026/27, but Betway are unlikely to be considered for that deal by West Ham.The FOUR games Paqueta has been charged forLUCAS PAQUETA has been charged by the FA over four specific games…FIRST INCIDENT – West Ham 0-2 Leicester, 60th minuteThe Brazilian was booked for lunging into Leicester’s Boubakary Soumare from behind.After initially playing the advantage, referee Jarred Gillett eventually pulled it back and brandished the yellow.SECOND INCIDENT – West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa, 70th minute Four months later against Aston Villa Paqueta slid into John McGinn inside the centre circle, completely missing the ball and instead catching his legs.THIRD INCIDENT – West Ham 3-1 Leeds, 65th minuteAt the end of the 2022-23 campaign against Leeds at the London Stadium Paqueta tripped Crysencio Summerville from behind.The foul prevented the visitors from breaking on the counter attack.FOURTH INCIDENT – Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham, 93rd minuteWith just a few minutes remaining on the opening day of the season, Paqueta jumped up for an aerial challenge but instead handled the ball.The referee, who was standing directly in front of him, was quick to brandish the yellow.Betway were the first to report the flurry of bets based on Paqueta to be booked last year.Their suspicions were raised by the fact that many of them came from new account holders living on Paqueta Island, off the coast Island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer windowPaqueta is accused of deliberately getting booked in four Prem games – against Leicester in 2022, plus Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth in 2023 – to make money for friends.Betway sources told SunSport that they are looking forward to working with West Ham next season, but would not comment on their commercial relationship. More

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      Eagle-eyed Chelsea fans spot Reece James’ bizarre kit tweak showing England star is ‘proper Chels’

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      CHELSEA fans have claimed that Reece James is “proper Chels” after spotting the star’s unusual kit tweak.The Blues faithful think that their captain is showing even more support for the club than their other stars.Fans noticed something different about Reece James’ kit during Chelsea’s pre-season clash against WrexhamCredit: GettyThe star was wearing his socks the wrong way roundCredit: GettyJames’ choice (L) displays the Chelsea lion on the front of his socks, while other players show the Nike logo instead (R)Fans online spotted that James has been wearing his socks differently to the rest of the team.A squad photo taken prior to Chelsea’s 2-2 pre-season draw with Wrexham showed that James is wearing his socks back to front.The bizarre choice means that the Chelsea lion is on full display on the front of his socks rather than the back.While his teammates show the Nike logo on the front of their socks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe simple change could be done with players now wearing socks as a tube with the feet cut off to enable them to sport performance socks inside their boots.Fans reacted to the eagle-eyed spot online, hinting that it shows how much the 16-time England international loves the club.One wrote: “I love how Reece always wears his socks backwards so the Chelsea lion is on the front.”While another added: “Never noticed this, he’s certainly Chels.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOthers labelled him as “proper Chels” and “so Chels” because of the strange kit choice.And a fifth fan posted: “The one player that I would expect to do this would be Reece, he bleeds blue”.Chelsea and Wrexham stars Levi Colwill and James McClean fight just two minutes into pre-season friendly Chelsea’s pre-season tour is now well underway in the US, as the Blues adapt to life under new boss Enzo Maresca.Their 2-2 draw with Hollywood owned Wrexham in Santa Clara was their first pre-season clash during their tour of the States.Chelsea will face Celtic next before taking on Club America, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Inter Milan to finish off their pre-season preparations.And they’ll hope the tricky ties will put them in good stead for the upcoming campaign, with Premier League champions Man City their first game of the new league season.Chelsea drew 2-2 with Wrexham yesterdayCredit: AP More