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      Why Arsenal fans may have to wait years to see Ethan Nwaneri regularly as Mikel Arteta hatches Bukayo Saka-style plan

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      IT IS the bulk, not the brains, that still has Mikel Arteta hesitant when it comes to Ethan Nwaneri.Arsenal academy product Nwaneri, 17, is in the Premier League’s history books as the competition’s youngest ever player – coming on as a 15-year-old sub at Brentford in September 2022.Ethan Nwaneri has been sensational for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup this season – here he celebrates one of his two goals in the win over BoltonCredit: GettyThe 17-year-old (right) also scored a cracker against PrestonCredit: PANwaneri with boss Mikel Arteta during training – but the Spaniard does not fully trust him to be a regular yet in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyAnd this season has provided glimpses of the young midfielder’s seemingly limitless potential.Three Carabao Cup goals in his first two Arsenal starts have been followed by notable substitute appearances away at Tottenham, Newcastle and Inter Milan.For Arsenal fans, the next logical step is for Nwaneri to get a Prem start. The Emirates faithful are desperate for another teenage sensation to idolise and adore.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is why social media erupted when Arteta claimed: “The boy is ready” after the 5-1 Carabao Cup third round win over Bolton – with two goals from Nwaneri on his first start.There is no doubt that he possesses the technical ability to make an impact in this Arsenal first team, but these days, it is Prem-proven physicality that really wins over Arteta.The Gunners boss is obsessed with height and power and since the start of his tenure in December 2019, Arteta has transformed this squad from tiny toddlers to towering titans.It is understood that under Arteta, certain players have three or more sessions a week of heavy lifting in the gym to get them to the required standard.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd gazing over his starting XI now is like staring at a city of skyscrapers. William Saliba, Gabriel, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey are all six foot-plus and strapping.This big-man obsession has influenced recruitment too. Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino [both 6ft 2in] were signed this summer with exactly that in mind.Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealedArteta wants Nwaneri to bulk up like Bukayo SakaCredit: GettyNwaneri may have the maturity of a seasoned pro, but with the body of a kid standing at 5ft 9in, there appears to be a long way to go before Arteta takes the plunge from the off.And with giants like Rice, Partey and Merino to choose from in midfield, Arteta is unlikely to stray from what he knows gets results in the Prem.The good news is that Arteta has proven to be patient when waiting for players to beef up with varying methods – and it certainly pays off.The best example is Bukayo Saka – a spindly baby-face when he made his debut in November 2018 under Unai Emery as a 17-year-old, and had barely changed by the time Arteta took over.In order to protect him from being bullied by physically-superior opposition, Arteta kept Saka at left-back until he was ready bulk-wise to take on a demanding right-wing role.Saka’s mindset and dedication off the pitch has also been vital, having a home gym installed at his home, putting in extra rehab hours to stay fit and admitting to relying on his mother’s nutritious Nigerian home cooking.While Saka’s talent shone through in those early years, Arteta still demanded more from him physically. The big change came in the summer of 2023 where Saka’s body shape went from boy to man. It took four years, but Saka is now at the expected level.Ben White was another. A skinny, fresh-cheeked talent when he joined from Brighton for £50m in July 2021 as a 23-year-old, criticised on his Gunners Prem debut in a 2-0 defeat at Brentford for being too soft.Fast forward three years and White sent Arsenal fans crazy this summer when pictures emerged from pre-season of the right-back bench pressing 40kg dumbbells.Arteta’s other means of bulking is through the loan market, sending a 19-year-old Saliba out to Nice and Marseille between 2020 and 2022 to get to grips with men’s football.Now, the French centre-back is one of the best and most intimidating defenders in the division, able to match the likes of Erling Haaland for pace and power.It does not always work. Arteta signed Fabio Vieira for around £30m from Porto in June 2022, and instantly put him on a programme to make him more muscular.For whatever reason, the 24-year-old playmaker never really appeared to adapt to the Prem and was sent back to Porto on loan this summer in a bid to resurrect his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESNwaneri is unlikely to have a major growth spurt any time soon to suddenly become a starter – his physical development will take time and Arteta will continue to protect him.But, as 5ft 10in Saka has shown, it will be worth the wait. More

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      Ipswich superfan Ed Sheeran stepped in to secure major Tractor Boys summer transfer, reveals club chief

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      ED SHEERAN stepped in to help Ipswich secure a major transfer during the summer, it has been revealed.Ipswich chairman and CEO Mark Ashton has lifted the lid on how the club’s most famous fan also played a key part in their recruitment team over the summer.Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton revealed Ed Sheeran played a key role in finalising a major transferCredit: ReutersThe Tractor Boys earned promotion to the Premier League for this season for the first time since 2002 under Kieran McKenna, but knew they needed reinforcements if they hoped to avoid relegation.Sheeran was already a major investor in the club, but received a call to help finalise a huge transfer.Speaking at a Soccerex event broadcast by Sky Sports, Ashton said: “A local man, global superstar, sponsor of the football club, now a shareholder and now officially part of our recruitment team.”In the summer we were trying to persuade one particular player to join the football club and realised very quickly that he was an Ed Sheeran fan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, hopefully that was a key part of getting the player across the line.”We’ve gone from the third tier of English football to the Premier League, but we haven’t forgotten our roots and Ed’s a key part of that, the work that we do in our local communities is central to us.”Without outright saying who the player was, Ashton was asked how the star was doing for them.He replied: “Certainly scoring a few goals!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe player is former Manchester City striker Liam Delap, who is the club’s top goalscorer this season with six in all competitions including the winner against Tottenham.The 21-year-old signed for the club for £20million on July 13. Watch Ed Sheeran down beer with Ipswich fans and FaceTimes players as he celebrates promotion to Premier LeagueDelap and Sammie Szmodics both netted in their recent 2-1 win against Tottenham.Sheeran was present at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when for the game, which saw Ipswich score twice before half-time.Szmodics and Sheeran were seen posing for a photo together after the game.Ipswich’s next game sees them host Manchester United in Ruben Amorim’s first game in England.McKenna’s side sit one point above the relegation zone with one win, five draws and five defeats from 11 games.Liam Delap scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over TottenhamCredit: AlamySheeran celebrated Ipswich’s first win of the season by getting a photo with SzmodicsCredit: Instagram / @samszmodics_ More

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      Cult hero BBC host rules himself out of replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day with eight-word statement

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      CULT hero BBC host Manish Bhasin has ruled himself out of replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.Lineker, 63, will be stepping down from his role as host at the end of the season.Manish Bhasin has ruled himself out of the running for Match of the DayCredit: Getty Images – GettyGary Lineker will leave the show at the end of the seasonCredit: PAThe former England striker has been in the hot seat for over 25 years.And following the 2026 World Cup, Lineker will also be leaving the BBC for good.Many names are said to be in the running to replace him for next season.Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman is the favourite.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlex Scott, Gabby Logan and Kelly Somers have also been tipped for the role.While fans have said they would love to see Alan Shearer promoted from the couch to the main chair.However, one BBC favourite will not be taking over.Bhasin, 48, first popped up on screens in 2004, after becoming the youngest host of Football Focus aged just 27.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe later became the BBC’s main cricket presenter and now works for Premier League Productions.But after being tipped by a fan to replace Lineker on Match of the Day, humble Bhasin ruled himself out with an eight-word statement.Gabby Logan backed to replace Gary Lineker on Match Of The Day by Lorraine Kelly saying she’d be ‘fantastic and amazing’Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment.The fan initially said: “Your time has finally come @_manishbhasin.@Bhasin replied: “I wish! Thanks for the kind comments though.”He received plenty of support from other fans who backed him for the role.One said: “The perfect successor to Lineker.”Another declared: “He would be a great choice.”One noted: “Good a chance as any tbf.”Another added: “The ideal candidate.” More

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      ‘North vs South match could be huge positive for English game’ as Premier League considers holding matches in the US

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      A NORTH vs South match could be a huge positive for English football, says a football investment expert.It was an idea mooted by Todd Boehly two years ago, not long after he took control of Chelsea.The Big Six already compete in the Summer Series friendlies in the USBoehly stated at the time that he wanted the Premier League to “take a little bit of a lesson from American sports” and questioned why there was not an All-Star game.A YouGov poll found most fans opposed the idea of such a match, though younger fans supported it, but investment specialist Adam Sommerfeld believes it could benefit the Premier League.He suggests US investment, which already has a stronghold in the Prem, could enhance the English game and improve its entertainment product.Sommerfeld told SunSport: “Some of the things they would bring to the game could be necessary changes or enhancements to the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”A North vs South game, an All-Star game, why is it so bad? It’s just more entertainment, it’s something different. “We are in this attention economy, it’s a better and improved entertainment product so I don’t see it as a bad thing at all.”Those discussions are taking place (to have a Prem match in the US). We’ve seen from the NFL, NBA, MLB coming to London, these are big showcases, they are great events and they help promote that game.”I don’t think it’s the worst thing. I think it’s quite exciting, I think the fans would travel. We’ve seen from games in Europe that fans like the away day.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I don’t think that’s the worst thing at all.”LaLiga president Javier Tebas said there are plans to hold a league match in the US as early as the 2025-26 season, to build LaLiga’s brand in the American market.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanCrossing the pond for pre-season friendlies has already become a regular fixture for several English clubs, even League One side Wrexham thanks to the popularity of documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.TV executives are keen for a Prem game to be played in the US and the idea has received support from Liverpool chairman Tom Werner and London mayor Sadiq Khan.Werner told the Financial Times: “I’m determined one day to have a Premier League game be played in New York City.”I even have the sort of crazy idea that there would be a day where we play one game in Tokyo, one game a few hours later in Los Angeles, one game a few hours later in Rio, one game a few hours later in Riyadh and make it sort of a day where football, where the Premier League, is celebrated.” More

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      Forgotten Man Utd wonderkid handed debut by Sir Alex Ferguson now a POSTMAN after getting ‘fed up’ with football

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      FORMER Manchester United wonderkid Marnick Vermijl has ditched professional football to become a postman.Vermijl, now 32, was part of an impressive Red Devils academy generation.Marnick Vermijl made two first-team appearances for Man UtdCredit: GettyThe defender, now 32, was handed his debut by Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyThe defender featured for United academy sides alongside the likes of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Ravel Morrison and Michael Keane – having impressed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer while turning out for Standard Liege’s youth team.He even earned a first team debut under Sir Alex Ferguson, featuring in a starting XI also including Wayne Rooney as the Red Devils beat Newcastle 2-1 in a September 2012 League Cup tie.Full-back Vermijl did not feature again under Ferguson, and went on to spend the 2013-14 season on loan at Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen.He made one more outing for Man Utd, in the disastrous 4-0 League Cup defeat by MK Dons under Louis van Gaal, before departing Old Trafford permanently in 2015.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpells at Sheffield Wednesday, Preston and Scunthorpe United followed in the EFL.Vermijl then left England in 2019, moving to Dutch side MVV Maastricht.A year later, after not having his contract renewed by MVV amid the coronavirus pandemic, Vermijl decided to drop down to the Belgian third-tier to play for Thes – with family at the heart of his decision.The transfer saw him link up with brother Laurens.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile his newfound semi-pro status allowed him to become a postman, which Vermijl enjoyed.As quoted by Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad, he explained: “I was fed up with professional football.’It felt like the beginning of the end for Harry Kane’ says Man Utd legend as he admits fears for England captain “You are too dependent on the trainer you have. Finding pleasure was also a big factor for me.”Father to a daughter and a son, Vermijl also loves being able to spend plenty of time with his kids.He added: “As a postman I have to get up at four o’clock, but now I am home around noon and can pick up the children from school every day.”That is a luxury.”Vermijl played for MVV Maastricht prior to the pandemicCredit: Getty More

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      Former England star named as fans’ favourite to take over Match of the Day with pundit more popular than Gary Lineker

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      FANS want a former England international to become the next Match of the Day host.Gary Lineker confirmed earlier this month that he will step down as host of the BBC highlights programme at the end of the season after 25 years in the role.The BBC are yet to confirm who will replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day hostCredit: BBCA number of broadcasters have been linked with the role including the likes of Mark Chapman, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Kelly Somers.But a poll carried out from Ipsos of football fans between the ages of 18 and 75 has revealed a left-field name as the viewers’ choice for the position.That individual is Alan Shearer.A total of 71 per cent have a “favourable” view of him as a pundit, while 22 per cent would like to see him as the next host of Match of the Day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat is a higher figure than any other candidate – with the next best being Chapman at 20 per cent, followed by Scott at 12 and Logan at ten per cent.Ian Wright has the next highest pundit favourability percentage at 65 per cent.Lineker is down in third at 57, narrowly ahead of Roy Keane [56], Gary Neville [55] and Micah Richards [54].Recent reports have claimed Shearer penned a new deal with the BBC in the wake of Lineker’s departure.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlan Shearer, right, is the fans’ favourite to take over from LinekerCredit: Kieran Clarke/BBCShearer has a 22 per cent approval rating, higher than any other candidateHe also joked he would not sign an extension on Match of the Day if pal Richards was named as Lineker’s successor.Speaking on The Rest Is Football, he said: “That is a f***ing massive concern by the way [Richards hosting Match of the Day].”I’m not signing my new contract if you’re a presenter by the way.”Gabby Logan backed to replace Gary Lineker on Match Of The Day by Lorraine Kelly saying she’d be ‘fantastic and amazing’The fans’ favourite pundit is also ShearerShearer’s former England team-mate Paul Gascoigne recently tipped the Newcastle legend to take the Match of the Day job because he “loves a bit of money”.Premier League record scorer Shearer has been a pundit on the BBC show for nearly two decades.He has also worked for Amazon Prime on their football coverage.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

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      A-list celebrities exploring takeover of EFL clubs after watching Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham success

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      A-LIST celebrities are set to follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney after their success with Wrexham.The Hollywood actors secured back-to-back promotions with the Red Dragons to return the club to the third tier for the first time in 15 years, and are on the right track to repeat that feat this season.Celebrities are looking to follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyCredit: AFPTom Brady invested in Birmingham last yearCredit: GettyA figure like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson could have a big impact on an English clubCredit: The Mega AgencyThe pair have acted as a catalyst for celebrity investment in English football, with the likes of Tom Brady, JJ Watt, Will Ferrell and golfers Jordan Spieth and Jordan Thomas all involved at various EFL clubs.Many more high-profile celebrities are set to follow suit according to football investment specialist Adam Sommerfeld, whose work involves connecting clubs with prospective celebrity investors.He told SunSport: “There are some incredibly high profile celebrities that are looking, some of the time it’s with their agent, some of the time it’s with the direct celebrity, but there are certainly some incredibly high profile ones looking at the moment.”Whether they find what they are looking for is another question. Celebrities certainly from the sporting world want to be seen to back a winner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”If you back a team in the Premier League that then gets relegated three times in a row, you don’t want to be connected to that.”It’s finding a club that could go on a journey but isn’t likely to plummet and negatively impact your brand.”Reynolds and McElhenney are quite unique as they are majority owners of Wrexham, whereas the likes of Brady and Watt only have minor shares in Birmingham and Burnley respectively.But they have already seen a return on their investment in terms of exposure, with League One Blues a regular pick for Sky Sports coverage – David Beckham even attended their match against Wrexham and sat alongside NFL legend Brady.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd it appears the trend of celeb and US involvement in English clubs is only set to rise, with rapper A$AP Rocky tipped to invest in Tranmere.Sommerfeld continued: “Every team has at some point spoken in recent months to US investors. Most teams will listen and listen very seriously, as will most companies. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash”For a celebrity it’s a win-win. Ultimately you want to make sure you’re not backing the wrong horse that could have multiple relegations, goes out of business, but that’s very rare.”Otherwise it’s win-win for the celeb because they get to promote their personal brand to that team, they will gain Instagram followers, social media followers, which can be directly related to revenue for them.”There is the fun element, there is the partnership element of other doors that will open up in terms of co-valuing opportunities for both sides.”It’s sort of like how can The Rock’s followers go and follow Watford for example, and now that celebrity is being followed by Watford fans and now they might go and watch his latest film because of the affinity to Watford.”And rarely do celebrities put big capital in, most of it will be brand equity they will be putting in. “So their name is their investment, it’s not like they have to put in a huge amount of capital.” More

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      Top tips for Score Predictor Matchweek 12 – play now and compete for £250 weekly prize!

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      SCORE PREDICTOR returns with Matchweek 12 coming in hot.As usual, it’s free to play with a £250 cash prize for the weekly winner so there’s no reason to shy away.Play Score Predictor now!Credit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then – cha ching – you’ll pocket the cash!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture this Matchweek.Arsenal v Nottingham ForestThis was a relatively straightforward match-up to predict in recent seasons but Forest are a different beast this term.Nuno Espirito Santo’s mob are currently fifth in the table, level with the Gunners on 19 points.Only Liverpool have conceded fewer league goals than Forest at this stage while only Erling Haaland is clear of Chris Wood in the Golden Boot race.Mikel Arteta’s troops will certainly be wary of an upset having only won one of their last five outings in all competitions; and that a victory over Championship side Preston in the Carabao Cup.Most read in FootballWhat’s more, Forest boast the second-best away record in the top flight having gone unbeaten on the road since the start of the campaign.There’s a chance Arsenal will have reset during the international break but all signs point to a very competitive game at the Emirates this Saturday.Our Prediction: 1-1 drawForest have already won at Anfield this seasonCredit: GettyManchester City v TottenhamProbably the standout match-up of Matchweek 12.Pep Guardiola suffered a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time in his managerial career when his side fell to Brighton prior to the break.It would be quite something if that run were to extend to five but certainly not inconceivable given the opposition.Spurs have been a bogey team for the decorated tactician in recent years although his woes have generally stemmed from North London – City’s home record remains imperious.Ange Postecoglou’s side are difficult to pin down this season.They’re the league’s top scorers but inconsistent form, typified by their loss to Ipswich last time out, has them tenth in the standings.These sides rank first and second for total shots in the Premier League this season and with vulnerabilities in both defences it could be an entertaining contest – a tough one to predict though.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawScore 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 NOWSouthampton v LiverpoolIf the first two match-ups are tantalisingly poised, this one appears relatively simple.With Saints pinned to the bottom of the table and the Reds leading the way at the top, this is a huge mismatch on paper.Arne Slot may have one eye on Real Madrid in midweek but it’s surely a question of how many for the visitors on Sunday?Our Prediction: 4-0 to LiverpoolSouthampton will be up against it this weekendCredit: GettyIpswich v Manchester UnitedThe Red Devils once beat the Tractor Boys 9-0 under Alex Ferguson’s watch but that was a long time ago.After an underwhelming start to the campaign that proved to be the end of Erik ten Hag, Man United are just four places above Ipswich in the table at present.Although the East Anglians were made to wait until November 10th for their first Premier League since promotion.The primary talking point about this game revolves around Ruben Amorim with the Portuguese tactician set to take charge of his first game as head coach of the 20-time champions.Score Predictors will have to ask themselves how much they believe in the concept of a new manager bounce.Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored fewer league goals than Man United this term but there were signs of an upturn prior to the break.Our Prediction: 3-1 to Manchester UnitedA trip to Portman represents a relatively favourable start for Amorim on paperCredit: GettyNewcastle v West HamOptimism has been restored at St James’ Park this month following back-to-back wins over Arsenal and high-flying Forest.After a somewhat subdued start to the campaign, Alexander Isak is now bang in form having scored in four consecutive games – the Swedish striker will fancy his chances of extending his streak on Monday night.In contrast, patience is running thin among Hammers fans in regards to Julen Lopetegui’s tenure.West Ham failed to score in either of the last two outings (against Forest and Everton) and have been rendered relatively toothless by Mohammed Kudus’ lengthy suspension.Having been 3-1 down in the 76th minute, Harvey Barnes inspired Newcastle to a 4-3 win over West Ham in the corresponding fixture last season but it should be a more straightforward task for the hosts this time around.Our Prediction: 2-0 to NewcastleREAD MORE SUN STORIESThink you know better? You’re almost certainly right!Play Score Predictor now and put yourself in contention for the £250 weekly prize.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More