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      Martin Odegaard should be STRIPPED of the Arsenal captaincy following PSG horror show, says former MOTD pundit

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      MARTIN ODEGAARD should be stripped of the Arsenal captaincy, according to ex-Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson.The former Liverpool defender did not hold back after Odegaard’s underwhelming display in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.Odegaard completed just 20 passes against PSGCredit: RexMikel Arteta’s side were beaten 1-0 at the Emirates after Ousmane Dembele struck early to give the French giants a crucial away win.Odegaard struggled to influence the game, completing just 20 passes out of 27 attempts – his lowest total in any match this season.Lawrenson reckons the pressure of being captain is affecting the Norwegian’s performances. He told Paddy Power: “The captain’s armband should be taken away from Odegaard, so he can get back to focusing on his performances.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”We all know that he’s a good player, but he’s just had a six out of 10 season.”Odegaard, 25, has worn the armband since 2022 after signing permanently for the club in 2021 and has been a integral part of Arteta’s leadership group.But Lawrenson believes there is a better candidate in the ranks. He added: “If you gave Declan Rice the armband instead, you imagine that it wouldn’t affect his performances, especially considering he was captain at West Ham.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I’d give it to Rice so Odegaard can focus on improving his performances.”Odegaard has registered just one assist in his last eight matches and was largely anonymous against PSG, as Arsenal failed to find a breakthrough. Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSGLawrenson believes Rice proved he can cope with captaincy at West HamCredit: GettyLawrenson, 66, made over 300 appearances for Liverpool and won five league titles during his career. He spent years on the Match of the Day sofa analysing performances – and he’s not convinced Odegaard is the right man to lead the Gunners.The second leg in Paris takes place next Wednesday, with Arsenal needing a big turnaround to keep their European dream alive. Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Raya saves keep Gunners in it and poor Odegaard subbed offARSENAL face an uphill battle next week.The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their all-important Champions League semi-final home leg.Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.But away from home, it will not be easy.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars on the night… More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 34: Can Bruno Fernandes produce repeat performance?

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      DREAM TEAM managers will need to select a captain for Gameweek 34 before today’s 6:30pm deadline.Ahead of Gameweek 33, we singled out Bruno Fernandes (£6.8m) and Cole Palmer (£4.9m) as the two leading candidates and those who opted for the former were handsomely rewarded.Fernandes starred against Athletic BilbaoCredit: Dream TeamManchester United’s skipper banked 27 points to finish as the Gameweek’s top performer and take his overall total for the season past the 400-point mark.The Portuguese midfielder mustered just five points against Bournemouth but took Athletic Bilbao for a whopping 22 points in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals.This emphatic performance surely makes Fernandes the frontrunner for captaincy again this coming Gameweek, when the Red Devils will face Brentford at the Gtech Stadium before the second leg of their European semi at Old Trafford.As for Palmer, he notched nine points across his two outings against Everton and Djurgarden.As expected, Chelsea cashed in against their Conference League opponents but it was Nicolas Jackson (£2.7m) and Noni Madueke (£2m) who posted massive double-digit scores, not the 50%-owned England international.Chelsea have one foot in the Conference League finalCredit: GettyThe Blues will host Djurgarden next Thursday but there’s the small matter of a Premier League game against Liverpool to negotiate first.There may be a worthy captain lurking in Chelsea’s ranks but it’s difficult to justify selecting any Stamford Bridge over Fernandes after last night.Elsewhere, Tottenham’s double header against West Ham and Bodo/Glimt looks appealing.Most read in FootballThe Hammers are one of few very teams below Spurs in the league table and while the Norwegian outfit have impressed in the Europa League this season, they were comprehensively outplayed in North London last night, which bodes ill for the second leg.Solanke scored against Bodo/Glimt but limped off soon afterCredit: APWe have included Dominic Solanke (£3.5m) in our transfer recommendations this week and his goal last night has only strengthened his case.We had planned on listing him as a captaincy option as well but there may be a spanner in the works.The ex-Bournemouth striker hobbled off in the 75th minute against Bodo/Glimt and is therefore a minor doubt for Gameweek 34 – an annoying twist.Thankfully, Ange Postecoglou played down Solanke’s injury and suggested the substitution was precautionary but this inconvenience is probably enough to remove the 27-year-old from the captaincy conversation.The same goes for James Maddison (£4m), who was also forced off midway through the second half.Saka’s league minutes are not guaranteed this weekendCredit: GettyArsenal are the fourth and final team set to pull double duty in Gameweek 34.Instinctively, this puts Bukayo Saka (£6.1m) in the spotlight as the England winger averages a mighty 8.1 points-per-game this season – the same rate as Fernandes.However, his workload has been managed since his return from hamstring surgery – he played just 30 minutes against Crystal Palace in his last league outing – and with the Gunners 1-0 down on aggregate to PSG in the Champions League semi-finals it wouldn’t be a surprise if his involvement was limited against Bournemouth this weekend.Away from double headers, Mohamed Salah (£7m) is due to take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge having ended his mini goal drought in Gameweek 33.Liverpool’s main man needs another 18 points to reach 500 for the season!Read More on The SunLiverpool are on their victory lapCredit: PAIt’s only our humble opinion but we suspect the majority of the top managers will stick the armband on Fernandes before the 6:30pm deadline.Good luck, gaffers!Score 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 NOW More

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      Race for Champions League takes new twist as supercomputer predicts who’ll land £16m pay-day with run-ins compared

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted who will qualify for the Champions League.Liverpool and Arsenal have already booked their spots in the next season’s competition but the other three places are up for grabs.Newcastle look set to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersManchester City have a 95 per cent chance of making itCredit: GettyNottingham Forest and Chelsea are set to battle for fifthCredit: GettyStrong performances in Europe from English sides this term have earned them a bonus place in the Champions League – with the top five going in instead of just four.We have just a few more weeks of the the season to go and a Sky Sports supercomputer has rated each club’s chances of qualifying.Newcastle lead the race on 62 points and have an 84 per cent chance of finishing in the top five.The Toon are in stunning form, having won seven of their last eight games in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut they have a tricky run-in with Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton to play.For that reason, Manchester City are more likely to get into the Champions League as the number crunchers rate their chance at 95 per cent chance.They sit just one point behind Newcastle, but Pep Guardiola’s side are the favourites to win all their remaining games against Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham.Chelsea and Nottingham Forest look set to battle it out for fifth place after the latter’s shock 2-0 defeat to Brentford last night.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAston Villa are in contention, but they have just 13 per cent hope.Enzo Maresca and Nuno Espirito Santo’s teams both have 60 points currently and it could all come down to a thrilling final day encounter as Forest head to Stamford Bridge.How the genius tactical play from Nottingham Forest is placing them firmly at the top of the leagueDespite Chelsea’s better goal difference, the supercomputer reckons Forest have the edge with 59 per cent chance compared to the Blues’ 49 per cent.Whoever misses out and finishes in sixth will have to settle for a spot in the Europa League.It is currently unclear if seventh will be a Europa or Conference League place as Crystal Palace have made the FA Cup final.If the Eagles beat City at Wembley, they will take one of the two Europa League spots from the Premier League table.And there could be six English clubs in next season’s Champions League as a Tottenham vs Manchester United Europa League final is likely after both secured leads in their semi-final first leg ties.Nottingham Forest are in danger of falling out the top fiveCredit: PA More

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      Man Utd and Tottenham fans facing brutal reality check for Europa League final as hotel rooms soar to £1,000 PER NIGHT

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham fans need to dig deep into their pockets to be at the Europa League final as prices soar.It looks set to be an all-English final in the Spanish city of Bilbao on May 21.It is set to be an all-English Europa League final in BilbaoCredit: ReutersFans face a travel headache trying to get to the Spanish cityCredit: GettyThe cost of flights and hotels for fans have soaredCredit: GettyUnited took a 3-0 lead back to Old Trafford for the semi-final second leg after beating Athletic Club last night.While Spurs saw off Bodo/Glimt 3-1 ahead of going to Norway.Both clubs have one foot in the final and supporters are researching their trips to Bilbao for the showpiece.But with less than three weeks to the game, the prices of hotels and flights have rocketed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMany places to stay in the city centre have been booked up already and very few remain under £1,000 per night.All direct flights to Bilbao from London and Manchester across the entire week have sold out.The cheapest option to go the day before the game and leave the day after now involves a stop in Milan – though that will still break the bank at around £350.Fans could potentially fly to cities like Madrid and get a train or coach, or they face gruelling drives across Spain after landing elsewhere.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSUnited and Spurs fans have been left horrified at the costs, with one saying: “Just looked at hotels in Bilbao. Is there any camp sites near by?”Another added: “Good luck booking a hotel in Bilbao for the 21st.”Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd A third wrote: “Literally stuck between I need to get to Bilbao for the final and my bank account disagreeing with the flight paths.”More commented: “Corr flights and hotel priced for Bilbao are crazy for the Europa League final.”Man Utd ratings vs Athletic Bilbao as Fernandes leads by example but Ugarte strugglesMANCHESTER UNITED are on the cusp of a first European final since 2021 after stunning Athletic Club 3-0 in Bilbao.Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes ran the show in Spain to sink one of LaLiga’s meanest defences.Ruben Amorim opted for a bold XI as United faced up to Europe’s best home rearguard.Bilbao had conceded just 11 goals at the Estadio de San Mames all season, with the arena a cauldron of noise in the early stages.But after some half chances for the hosts, the game turned on its head following Casemiro’s opener against the run of play – after Harry Maguire channelled his inner Lamine Yamal.The Brazilian headed United ahead, with Dani Vivian controversially sent off just minutes later for hauling down Rasmus Hojlund in the box.Bruno Fernandes stepped up to roll in the spotkick before adding to the rout on the stroke of half-time, firing past Julen Agirrezabala one-on-one.Bilbao retreated into their own half for the remainder of the game, keeping the score down to three.And United – so dismal for much of this season – are now overwhelming favourites to reach the Europa League final.Here’s how SunSport’s Jim Sheridan rated the Red Devils in Bilbao… More

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      Dele Alli’s ex-girlfriend Ruby Mae goes braless in daring outfit as she leaves very little to the imagination

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      DELE ALLI’S ex girlfriend Ruby Mae has made the most of the stunning spring weather after being seen in a stunning outfit.Ruby dated former Tottenham star Dele between 2016 and 2021.Dele Alli’s ex-girlfriend Ruby Mae stunned in a dazzling dressCredit: Instagram / @rube_maeThe outfit saw her in a stunning diamond pattern sundressCredit: Instagram / @rube_maeRuby wowed in the braless sundressCredit: Instagram / @rube_maeRuby left little to the imaginationCredit: Instagram / @rube_maeShe also sported a green handbag with a horse and cherry accessoryCredit: Instagram / @rube_maeShe was standing in front of a field of rapeseed flowersCredit: Instagram / @rube_maeBut the model has not been looking back in anger as she was seen in a colourful braless dress.She was seen in a striking diamond pattern sundress.It boasted a wide range of colours from yellow and green to red and blue, with each pattern having three colours on the rim, interior and a middle circle respectively.Ruby, who has 91,000 followers on Instagram, wore the backless dress in a field of dazzling rapeseed flowers.READ MORE ON WAGSShe also showed off a green handbag complete with a cherry and pink horse accessories.Reacting to the pictures, one fan said: “Beauty.”A second said: “Stunning pics!!”A third added: “Gorge.”Most read in FootballA number of others commented: “Wow,” while others replied by posting love heart emojis.Three years following her relationship with Dele, Ruby exclusively told The Sun there was “no way” she would ever be a footballer WAG again.Beaming Dele Alli left speechless as Pochettino delivers heartwarming message live on Sky SportsRuby said: “To me, he was just my boyfriend. I didn’t think: ‘Oh my god, my boyfriend the footballer.’”It changed as he got bigger, but we kind of grew together.”Sometimes he wouldn’t have a day off for a whole month during the season. England international games take players’ time, too.”The best time was out of season when we’d go away in a group. We used to get a villa. I’d take my friends, he’d take his, and we’d chill.” More

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      Spain legend reveals plan to KIDNAP Man Utd star Antony after incredible loan transfer spell

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      SPAIN legend Joaquin is prepared to “KIDNAP” Antony to stop the winger from returning to Manchester United. The Brazilian’s sensational half-volley secured a 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final.Spain and Real Betis legend Joaquin joked about kidnapping AntonyIt comes after Antony’s belter secured a narrow 2-1 win over FiorentinaCredit: GettyAfter picking up the ball outside the 18-yard box, Antony initially failed to get a long-range effort away on his favoured left foot. But he showed rapid reactions and excellent precision to smash the ball into the top corner with his right foot on the follow-up – which flew past his former Old Trafford team-mate David de Gea.The Brazil winger added to a thunderbolt opener from Abde Ezzalzouli to double the Betis’ lead.It marked his 10th goal contribution for the LaLiga outfit in what has been an incredible loan spell since he left Man Utd in January. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLuca Ranieri gave Fiorentina hope for the return leg in Italy by slamming a 73rd-minute reply.Antony’s future in Seville is up in the air, with United rejecting a £25m season-long loan deal for next term, preferring a permanent sale instead.But Betis legend Joaquin has urged his former side to do everything they can to keep the 25-year-old.The 43-year-old joked: “I’ll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what. Most read in FootballAntony has been a huge hit with his Betis team-matesCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”This is the moment to enjoy. I think important moments will come, and we’ll see later.”Antony’s strike took his tally to six goals and four assists across 19 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side since joining in January.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers everHis influence has been a major factor in Betis’ push for European football, as the club currently sit sixth in the table.It comes as his parent club enjoyed a memorable night of their own, with United running out 3-0 winners against Betis’ LaLiga rivals Athletic Bilbao. Antony was, however, given a straight red in Betis’ 2-1 win over Getafe in February, before it was overturned by the Spanish Football Federation. More

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      Man City plotting huge summer overhaul with Pep Guardiola set to sign ‘five new players’ including England star

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      MANCHESTER CITY are set to sign at least FIVE new players as part of a major summer overhaul.Pep Guardiola’s side are hoping to bounce back quickly after so meekly surrendering their Premier League title to Liverpool this season.Manchester City are set for a major summer overhaulCredit: AlamyNottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is on City’s radarCredit: RexMan City – whose streak of four successive titles came to a bitter end last Sunday – have already spent £188m on four new signings in January, the best of them being forward Omar Marmoush.But Guardiola is now looking to strengthen in other areas, with a goalkeeper, full-back and creative midfielder among the targets.And City rarely get things wrong in the transfer market, with Marmoush already setting a new record for most Prem goals scored by a winter signing in the same season.A move for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White is in the works to replace departing club legend Kevin de Bruyne.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Forest have reportedly slapped a £100m price tag on the England midfielder, who has five goals and nine assists in 34 Prem games this term.While City might have to battle Real Madrid for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, with the Bundesliga club set to ask for more than £100m, too.But the top priority is to trim the wage bill this summer, according to sources speaking to the The Athletic.Club legends Ederson and Bernardo Silva have been strongly linked with exits, with both contracts expiring in June 2026.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUnderstudy Stefan Ortega is also under contract for another year and has been linked with a move to Leverkusen.So they will need replacing, with City interested in Porto stopper Diogo Costa and 22-year-old Man Utd target Zion Suzuki.Pep Guardiola in iconic reaction to controversial Man Utd fans’ chantAfter so long at City, De Bruyne has earned £400,000-per-week over the last few years and Ederson nets around 120,000 every week.The Cityzens are also keen on bringing in a new full-back, with AC Milan loanee Kyle Walker set to permanently walk away from the Etihad in the summer.City are reportedly monitoring Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong and AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez.But Guardiola wants an experienced starter after the signings of young centre-backs Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov in January.City are still operating with two full-time transfer chiefs, with incoming director of football Hugo Viana recently starting work, with Txiki Begiristain set to leave the club after the Club World Cup.  More

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      Arne Slot to be given ‘one of biggest transfer budgets in Liverpool history’ as four-man transfer shortlist revealed

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      ARNE SLOT is going to be able to splash the cash this summer with Liverpool giving him “no set budget”, according to reports.The Reds wrapped up the Premier League title with four games to go and are looking to build on their stellar season.Arne Slot is set to go on a spending spree this summerCredit: EPADean Huijsen is attracting interest and he has a £50m release clauseCredit: GettyMilos Kerkez is highly-rated by Anfield chiefsCredit: ReutersSince Slot’s arrival last summer, only winger Federico Chiesa and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvi, who stayed at Valencia on loan this season, have been signed.But a much busier window is ahead for the club with the boss to be backed by “one of Liverpool’s biggest ever transfer budgets”, claim The Telegraph.Chief Richard Hughes was previously at Bournemouth and he is ready to go shopping at his old employers.Liverpool want to bolster their defence with Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez top targets.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe centre-back has a £50million release clause and there is set to be a major battle for his signature with the likes of Real Madrid involved.Despite being admirers of Kerkez, Liverpool are said to not want to overpay as they look for someone to share the left-back role with Andy Robertson rather than replace him.Remaining on the south coast, Antonie Semenyo is another Cherries star highly-rated on Merseyside.A top striker is Liverpool’s main priority and they see Newcastle’s Alexander Isak as the dream signing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut they know a deal will prove very difficult and are instead supposedly looking at Eintracht Frankfurt ace Hugo Ekitike, who has an £80m price tag on his head.Liverpool’s transfer war chest is set to be hugely bolstered by player sales.Cheeky Mo Salah reveals Liverpool’s Premier League title felt way better without Klopp, Mane and FirminoThe champions will cash-in on keeper Caoimhin Kelleher for £25m amid interest from Premier League sides like Newcastle and West Ham.Saudi Arabian clubs are after Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota – but not all three will be sold at the end of the season.Offers will be reportedly considered for Joe Gomez, Kostas Tsimikas and on loan star Ben Doak, while the future of Harvey Elliot is unclear.Antoine Semenyo is a target for Liverpool this summerCredit: Getty More