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      Wrexham’s European dreams shattered by FA as Ryan Reynolds’ club BLOCKED from entering new competition

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      WREXHAM’s hopes of competing in Europe have been dashed.It comes after the Football Association blocked attempts to allow clubs playing in the English leagues to participate in the Welsh League Cup.Wrexham’s European dream has been blocked by the FA after they were denied access to playing in the Welsh League CupCredit: GettyThe new-look Welsh League Cup has been granted a Conference League qualification spot by UEFA.And the Football Association of Wales (FAW) had wanted the EFL’s Welsh clubs – Wrexham, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport – to participate.However, the English FA board has rejected the proposal on the grounds it does not provide equal opportunity to other clubs in the English football pyramid.A statement from the FA said: “The FA board has considered a request made by four Welsh clubs to take part in a restructured version of the FAW League Cup which would provide an opportunity to qualify for UEFA competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As part of the request, the Welsh clubs would forfeit their existing right to qualify for UEFA club competitions through the English system whilst they remained members of the EFL.”The Welsh clubs would then seek to qualify for UEFA competition via the English system should they be promoted to the Premier League.”As a result of the request, the FA undertook a thorough consultation with stakeholders and invited submissions from the Welsh clubs.”Following careful consideration, taking into account various factors including equal opportunity for clubs to participate in the same competitions, for the same rewards on an equal basis; concerns raised by stakeholders regarding competition integrity, fixture congestion and player welfare, and the impact on the standing of existing competitions, the FA board has rejected the request.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It was noted that it is open to the Welsh clubs to choose whether or not to participate in the English or Welsh system based on their own assessment of the relative merits of participation in each system, but if they choose to participate in the English system they must do so on the same basis as the English clubs which participate in that system.”If accepted the move would have handed the likes of Wrexham an additional revenue stream not accessible by their English EFL rivals.Wrexham’s multi-million pound training ground funded by Ryan Reynolds The Red Dragons were the last Welsh EFL side to play in Europe via a Welsh competition, coming in 1995/96 through the Welsh Cup.Since then, only Swansea have competed on the continent after winning the English League Cup in 2013. More

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      I feared I was blind for life and panic every time I hear a noise, says Yoane Wissa after alleged acid attack

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      BRENTFORD star Yoane Wissa has revealed his torment at allegedly having acid thrown in his face – insisting he could have been blinded for life.And the Bees’ record Premier League goalscorer, 28, said he has been left in fear ever since.Yoane Wissa has become a fan favourite at the GtechCredit: RexA woman has gone on trial in France accused of attacking Wissa at his home in July 2021, days before he joined Brentford from Lorient for £8.5million.Named only as Laetitia P., the 36-year-old is also accused of attempting to kidnap the player’s baby daughter – as well as actually taking another woman’s baby the following day.She faces up to 30 years in jail if found guilty.The court at Vannes in Brittany heard Wissa deliver an emotional account of the alleged events.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe striker said he let the woman into his Lorient apartment after she had called round earlier that day seeking his autograph.He said: “I opened a door, and had liquid thrown in my face.  I screamed and could not breathe.”My wife called the emergency services, and they told me to get under the shower to rinse my eyes.”At the hospital they told me my eyes were burned.  Someone had to come and rinse them out every hour.Most read in Football”It has been a nightmare.  Since then I panic every time I hear a noise, and the only thing that kept me going was knowing my children are safe.”I had surgery on both eyes, and the doctor told me I will need to use eye drops for the rest of my life.I was a goalkeeper until my mum told me to move outfield – now I’m playing up front in the Premier League”It took me six months before I fully got my sight back.”Had I not been treated so quickly, the consequences would have been far worse.”The days afterwards were traumatic for me. I know I will never feel the same as I used to.”I recognised the accused woman straight away.  She was wearing sunglasses even though it was 11pm.”I want justice.  Why has this happened to me?  My wife and I will suffer the after-effects for the rest of our lives.”This hugely delayed my move to Brentford. I missed their pre-season, and when I arrived the manager [Thomas Frank] said he had already drawn up his first team.’I HAVE BECOME MORE WITHDRAWN'”He sympathised with me, and gave me time to adapt – but I got injured quickly as I wasn’t feeling great.”After the attack I reacted like a father more than a footballer, and told myself at least my kids are unharmed even though I am blind.”Since that time I have become withdrawn. I can no longer tolerate being around people I don’t know.”I don’t now express as much love as I used to, and when I’m walking I instinctively look behind me.”And at nights I can no longer get to sleep if I am by myself.”My kids often ask me what I have done to my face, but they are too young for me to tell them what happened.”I have been offered an operation. But I have refused, as this is part of my personal history.”My wife and I have to see a psychologist, and she suffered depression. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We got married soon after the incident, as you never know what fate holds in store for you.”The trial continues. More

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      Milos Kerkez spends summers fishing in the woods and could be Liverpool’s biggest catch with best pal already at club

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      MILOS KERKEZ spends his summers fishing in the woods, but might just be the Premier League’s biggest catch at the end of the season.The eye-catching Bournemouth left-back has been a huge success story on the south coast and has attracted interest from Premier League leaders Liverpool.Milos Kerkez is on Liverpool’s radarCredit: GettyKerez has been a stand out full-back with Bournemouth this seasonCredit: Instagram / miloskerkezofficialThe Serbian-born defender is unlike any character they have seen at Dean CourtCredit: RexKerkez scored the final goal of Bournemouth’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle at St James’ Park last weekCredit: GettyWhile the Cherries are refusing to sell to anyone this month, there is an expectation that they will bank an almighty profit on the fiery full-back they signed for £14million.Kerkez is a bundle of energy on the pitch and around his teammates.The Serbian-born defender is unlike any character they have seen at Dean Court and is often making the most noise in the dressing room.But that has not come as a surprise given that, when former club AZ Alkmaar qualified for the Europa Conference League he somehow found a megaphone and started celebrating with the fans.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFrom day one the Cherries knew they had a livewire on their hands.Kerkez’s father once revealed that his son can be a difficult character to manage, but boss Andoi Iraola has managed to harness that spirit.The 21-year-old is a constant menace with pace and energy to burn down the left – but still holds a passion for big challenges at the back.It is the ideal mix for any manager in the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Kerkez’s sporting talent has been clear from an early age.Initially he wanted to be a professional swimmer before making the decision to go with football at the age of eight, playing in the streets with his two older brothers.Prince William plays football with teens – but barely gets in a touchKerkez is a big character in the Bournemouth dressing roomCredit: GettyThe full-back found a megaphone and started celebrating with the fans at AZ Alkmaar back in 2022Credit: GettyBrother Marko, three years older than Milos, plays professionally for Partizan Belgrade back in Serbia.Having decided to go with football as his pursuit, Kerkez bounced around a number of clubs in his youth.He spent time with local side Vrbas in Serbia before spells in Austria and Hungary with Rapid Vienna, Hodmezovasarhelyi and Gyor.But at 17 things went up a step when Paolo Maldini called.The Italian great, then AC Milan’s sporting director, got in touch to say how much he admired Kerkez and reportedly flew out in a private jet to secure his signature.Kerkez joined the Milan academy for a year and spent time training with the first team.He had no real desire to leave Hungary or Gyor at that time, but could not say no to one of the greatest defenders of all time rolling out the red carpet.Kerez joined the Milan academy for a year in 2021Credit: GettyWhile with Milan’s academy he would face Liverpool youth sides in European games which featured Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah.But despite the plush surroundings of Milan’s Milanello training base, and everything he learned in 12 months there, Kerkez took the decision to move again.AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands were showing an interest and he knew a move there would mean matches – and what a decision it has proved.After just one season in the Eredivisie and Europa Conference League with Alkmaar, bigger clubs came calling again.Lazio and Benfica were both interested in deals, with the Portuguese side thinking they had an agreement in place.But Bournemouth beat them all to it and are now reaping the rewards.Kerkez arrived in the sleepy south coast town aged just 19 and was asked to step into a Prem game straight away following injury to Lloyd Kelly.Iraola knew it was a lot for such a young player, and things did not always go to plan – with wingers played at left-back ahead of him at times during that first term.The Cherries boss worked closely with Kerkez to improve his focus and tactical nous and the young defender credits Iraola with the huge steps he has taken this season.Kerkez credits Iraola with the huge steps he has taken this seasonCredit: ReutersKerkez is best pals with Liverpool star Dominik SzoboszlaiCredit: GettyWhile his career path has been hectic and nomadic, and looks set for another big step in the summer, Kerkez’s down time is often much more relaxed.He likes to leave his phone behind and head off camping and fishing in Serbia with close friends.That might become rather more difficult if he starts spending his weekends bombing up and down the flanks at Anfield.He told The Guardian: “I’ll be alone in a house, maybe with one friend, chill there, chop wood, make fire, camp, fish, that’s it, no phone.”People want you to focus on football, but you need something else because when you come back you’re even more motivated.”His close friendship with Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai could push him towards the league leaders if they come calling again.Szoboszlai called Kerkez his best pal in the Prem and the pair both played for Hungary at Euros 2024.The youngster is also well-known Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who signed him for Bournemouth.Szoboszlai commented on Kerkez’s social media post after he scored the final goal in Bournemouth’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle last Saturday.READ MORE SUN STORIESSzoboszlai replied to his compatriot with: “Yes my son ❤”. Kerkez also recently followed Luiz Diaz on Instagram.The left-back has flourished under Andoi IraolaCredit: Getty More

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      Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona transfer could be torpedoed by ASTON VILLA after £325,000-a-week Man Utd ace offered to club

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      MARCUS RASHFORD’s potential loan move to Barcelona could fall apart – because of Aston Villa’s transfer business. The out-of-favour Manchester United star, 27, has been linked with a temporary switch to the Nou Camp. Marcus Rashford has been linked with a loan move to BarcelonaCredit: RexRashford has been a target for Dortmund, AC Milan and Napoli this window after being frozen out by new Utd boss Ruben Amorim. But his mammoth £325,000-a-week wages have proved a stumbling block in negotiations. Barcelona are reportedly desperate to bring the 27-year-old in to turn around their stuttering LaLiga campaign. To do so, they have to save enough money to register him within their league spending cap. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAccording to ESPN, Barcelona were desperate for Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza to join Aston Villa earlier this month.The Catalan giants retain 50 per cent of any future transfer fee the defender raises after selling him to Celta in 2022.That deal never materialised, with Villa instead turning to Levante’s Andres Garcia to shore up their defensive options.The report adds Rashford has been “offered to every top club in France, Spain and Italy.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSParis Saint-Germain, Monaco and Marseille were all reportedly contacted.Barcelona had also hoped to raise funds by selling winger Ansu Fati. Marcus Rashford smiles as he’s seen in Man Utd training for first time since admitting he wants transfer exit But he is reportedly unwilling to leave the club this January.As such, they are scrambling around late in the window – and may not be able to raise enough cash to afford Rashford. The England striker watched from the stands as Man Utd beat Rangers 2-1 in the Europe League on Thursday.Barcelona had reportedly hoped to fund Rashford by pocketing a sell-on for Villa target Oscar MinguezaCredit: GettyVilla opted to sign Andrés García from Levante insteadCredit: Instagram / avfcofficialHe was left out of Amorim’s squad again – despite the Red Devils boss having three spaces spare on his bench.Rashford has now been dumped out by Amorim for ten-straight games.Rashford has been frozen out since giving an interview last month where he declared he was “ready for a new challenge.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite not playing against Rangers, Rashford gave his full support to his teammates from the terraces.Speaking on Instagram, the forward posted his view of the pitch, accompanied by the caption: “Come on the boys”. Man Utd ratings: Bruno Fernandes captain fantastic in last-gasp win but Harry Maguire asleep in dreadful cameoMANCHESTER UNITED all but sealed automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to a last-gasp win over Rangers.The Red Devils welcomed the Scottish giants to Old Trafford in the penultimate group match of their European campaign on Thursday night.And they took a giant step towards a top-eight finish thanks to a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.A calamitous own second-half goal from Gers stopper Jack Butland broke the deadlock.Cyriel Dessers thought he’d rescued a point for the visitors in the 88th minute before Bruno Fernandes broke the hearts of the travelling Teddy Bears four minutes later.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence was in attendance for the Battle of Britain and is on hand to rate and slate the performances of Ruben Amorim’s side.Altay Bayindir – 7The Turk is a better keeper than No 1 Andre Onana, especially dealing with corners.Took a sore one colliding with Toby Collyer showing exactly that.Leny Yoro – 5The £52m central defender was deployed on the right side of Rubin Amorim’s three-man rearguard.Youngster was shaky at times but looked better when he had the ball.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Terrible early touch stranded Toby Collyer – Nicolas Raskin’s even worse touch let him off the hook.Hooked at the break – no surprise there, although Amorim said afterwards that he “felt something”.Lisandro Martinez – 5Once known as The Butcher of Amsterdam but he’s long lost that scary presence.Another one who doesn’t look happy in the new system.Amad Diallo – 7Looks a bit different these days since his tough time on loan at Rangers three years ago.Not on wonder-boy form this time but still a threat.Toby Collyer – 6Made his first appearance on a European stage and the boy done good.The 21 year old is a very decent emerging midfielder.Christian Eriksen – 6Turns 33 next month and his legs aren’t really up to playing in centre midfield.He’s always been a creator anyway but he dug in.Diogo Dalot – 5Started out on his wrong foot as a left wing back.Switched midway through the second half and looked far more comfortable.Bruno Fernandes – 9You wonder if he drives himself as mad as he must do his manager at times. But scored a fantastic winner.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Ruben. He’s NOT a centre-forward.Whatever £36m bought, it wasn’t a natural striker and it’s unfair to be playing him up there on his own.Alejandro Garnacho – 8Busy and focused – didn’t look like any talk of being sold to Chelsea was bothering him.On this sparkling evidence United would be mad to let him go anywhere.SUBSMaguire (for De Ligt 46) 3 Totally asleep for Rangers’ equaliser.Malacia (for Yoro 56) 5 : Looking happier now injury worries overUgarte (for Collyer 73) 5 : Put in a solid short spell.Mainoo (Eriksen 73) 5 : Added strength and mobility.Hojlund (for Zirkzee 82) 5 : Ran about a bit – he’s good at that. More

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      Fans fear Champions League ‘fix’ as two sides can play out bore draw and guarantee qualification in final match

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      EYES will be on one game in particular as the Champions League group stage comes to an epic conclusion next week.The revamped tournament sees a mammoth 18 matches take place on a single night.Stuttgart are in with a chance of reaching the Champions League playoffsCredit: AFPThe Germans host PSG in their final group-stage match – and a draw sends both throughCredit: Rex24 teams will make it through to the knockout stages following the bumper evening of action. And, so far, only Liverpool and Barcelona have definitely secured their spot in the round of 16.A host of clubs – including Aston Villa, Bayern Munich and holders Real Madrid – are guaranteed a place in the playoffs.But some fans are fearing two sides could come to agreement that will see them BOTH go through.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLStuttgart and Paris Saint-Germain face each other next week at the MHPArena in Germany. The Bundesliga side beat Slovan Bratislava 3-1 last week and currently sit 24th in the standings, the final qualifying spot.They are level on points with the Ligue 1 champions, who have a slightly superior goal difference. And all that means a draw will guarantee both teams make it through to the playoffs – barring a miraculous goal swing.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDinamo Zagreb would require an epic seven-goal victory against AC Milan to leapfrog either Stuttgart or PSG, should they draw their game.Fans were quick to notice the anomaly and have speculated the two teams will “fix” a draw, similar to claims made ahead of Romania and Slovakia’s 1-1 stalemate at Euro 2024.Champions League clash suspended after just 72 seconds with players unable to see due to smoke caused by fans’ flaresOne fan wrote on X: “Wait till Stuttgart and PSG fix their game and play a draw.”Another joked: “Can’t believe you’re just writing off Zagreb winning 11-0.”One team in real danger of crashing out are Manchester City.Pep Guardiola’s men need to beat Club Brugge at home to make sure of a place in the playoffs.Should City beat Brugge and Stuttgart draw with PSG, all three would head through to the knockout stages at the expense of the Belgian side.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness has rubbished claims his side will settle for a point and has instead indicated they will be aiming for all three on Wednesday. He said: “So far, we have always done quite well by sticking to ourselves and focusing on our tasks. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And this time, too, we will try to implement our game and our strategy. Of course, we know the possibilities.”For both teams, including Paris, it’s about progressing. And that’s exactly how we’re approaching the game.” More

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      Stats and facts for Score Predictor Matchweek 20 – play for free and compete for £250 weekly prize

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      DREAM TEAM are once again putting up £250 in cash for Score Predictor Matchweek 20.As usual, it’s completely free to play and, if you opt for sheer gut instinct, it takes mere seconds to submit your entry.Play now!Credit: Dream TeamSimply enter 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 you’ll claim the weekly cash prize!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture to help inform your decisions.Liverpool v IpswichThe Tractor Boys were battered 6-0 by Manchester City last weekend and won’t be relishing a trip to the lair of the league leaders this Saturday.Kieran McKenna’s side have looked better than fellow promoted teams Southampton and Leicester but the brutal truth is that they’ve mustered just 16 points upon their return to the top flight.Only Saints and Everton have scored fewer goals than Ipswich at this stage.In contrast, Arne Slot’s troops are the league’s top scorers having reached a half century of goals away to Brentford last weekend.It might be a long afternoon for Ipswich…Most read in FootballOur Prediction: 4-0 to LiverpoolSalah and company could run riot against IpswichCredit: GettyManchester City v ChelseaPep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten in ten against the Blues, having won eight of those contests.However, they have suffered late capitulations against Brentford and PSG this month and still don’t look back to their best.City have recruited reinforcements during the transfer window and it will be interesting to see if new forward Omar Marmoush, one of Europe’s most in-form players, is thrown straight into the action on Saturday.As for Chelsea, they are in the midst of a downturn in form, even accounting for their win over Wolves on Monday night.Enzo Maresca’s side sit 13th in the form table, just below West Ham, but remain fourth in the table that matters most.Cole Palmer will be hopeful of haunting his old team given City’s problems in deep midfield and defence of late but whether the visitors have enough resolve to resist Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland is another conversation entirely.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawCity’s new weapon in attackCredit: GettyCrystal Palace v BrentfordBryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa gave the Bees victory over the Eagles in the reverse fixture but the recent history of this match-up has been littered with draws, five in the last seven meetings to be precise.Palace have enjoyed an upturn of late and only five teams have earned more points from their last ten league outings.Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta have reestablished their profitable connection in recent weeks as Oliver Glasner’s side have moved away from the relegation scrap and into the safety of mid-table.Just one point separates these two teams but the hosts will feel this is an excellent opportunity to leapfrog their London rivals – Brentford’s only win in their last nine games came against Southampton.Thomas Frank’s injury-blighted side have scraped just five points on the road this season.Our Prediction: 2-1 to Crystal PalacePalace have looked much better in recent weeksCredit: PAAston Villa v West HamGraham Potter is still in the embryonic stage of his tenure as Hammers boss and will be fully aware of the size of the task after defeat to Palace last time out.The East Londoners failed to register a single shot on target against the Eagles last weekend.The Villains lost to Monaco in midweek and have struggled in the league after Champions League excursions this season but a recent win over West Ham in the FA Cup will give them hope of a positive result this time around.Unai Emery’s side boast the fourth best home record in the top flight and will start as favourites on Sunday, especially as the visitors have several injuries to key attackers.Our Prediction: 2-0 to Aston VillaPotter has a big job on his handsCredit: AFPFulham v Manchester UnitedThe Cottagers are seven points ahead of the Red Devils in the table and head into Sunday’s game having had a full week to prepare, whereas Ruben Amorim’s men faced Rangers on Thursday night.Man United have mustered just ten points from ten away days in the league this term having scored ten goals on the road – only Everton and Southampton have scored fewer goals away from home.A Joshua Zirkzee winner ensured his side took three points off Fulham at Old Trafford back in August but 40% of Score Predictor users have opted for a 2-1 win for the hosts at Craven Cottage as it stands.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 1-0 to FulhamShow us how it’s really done by entering your predictions for Matchweek 20 now!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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      MOTD legend urges Gary Neville to become Man Utd manager as he’s ‘best man for the job’ leaving Carragher in hysterics

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      LEGENDARY Match of the Day host Des Lynam still believes Gary Neville is the best man to turn things around at Manchester United.But the thought of Neville guiding United from the Old Trafford dugout has left Jamie Carragher in absolute hysterics.Des Lynam believes Gary Neville is the best man to turn things around at UnitedCredit: PALynam first mooted Neville to take the reins in 2020Credit: RexBut the idea left Jamie Carragher in hystericsCredit: GettyLynam’s comments calling for Neville to “save United” are now trending on X and Carragher was the first to jump in.Writing for the Telegraph, Lynam, 82, has doubled down on his previous stance that Neville should be considered for the United manager job.The first-ever MOTD host wrote: “Neville has Manchester United blood running through his veins and is deeply hurt by the club’s present predicament. “He has a powerful personality and would be a strong presence in the dressing room. Neville has remained the best candidate, in my mind.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAs expected, Carragher couldn’t wait to ridicule the suggestion.The Liverpool legend, who works as a pundit alongside Neville, replied with a series of laughing emojis: “😂😂😂😂😂”.And fans have also poked fun at the idea on social media.One said: “This might be one of the worst takes I’ve ever heard.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another joked: “After all these years, Des Lynam has finally come out as a Man City fan.”A third asked: “Des is surely trolling us 🤣🤣🤣.”Gary Neville to make special request to broadcaster over future plans Lynam first floated the idea in 2020 when the Red Devils were managed by club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.But the former commentator appears to be unfazed by Neville’s disastrous spell at Valencia – his only senior management role to date.Neville accepted an offer to coach the LaLiga outfit from owner and close business pal Peter Lim.But the former Old Trafford right-back won just three of his 16 league games before he was brutally sacked after four months.Meanwhile Neville is unlikely to take the reins away from Ruben Amorim at his former club.He has influenced things in other ways after joining Jim Ratcliffe’s Task Force discussing the future of Old Trafford.Neville also regularly criticises United’s misfortunes on Sky Sports as Amorim’s side sit 13th in the Prem.Lynam (centre) presented MOTD in the 80s, with Alan Hansen and Trevor BrookingCredit: BBC More

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      Arsenal face nightmare Champions League last 16 draw as supercomputer projects four most likely Gunners opponents

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      ARSENAL could face a nightmare draw in the next round of the Champions League despite being on track to finish in the top four of the new-look league phase.The Gunners have looked strong in the Champions League this season and all-but guaranteed their spot in the top eight with a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side could be handed a nightmare draw in the Champions League last 16Credit: ReutersArsenal all-but secured a top eight finish with a 3-0 win over Dynamo Zagreb on WednesdayCredit: GettyThe new league phase means that the teams that finish in the top eight avoid playing in a play-off game to reach the Last-16 that teams placed between ninth and 24th must compete in.Arsenal should finish in the top eight barring a disaster, and are projected to finish either third of fourth by beating Spanish outfit Girona in their final game of the league phase next week.However, they may not be rewarded as much as they’d like for their efforts.A supercomputer has predicted where every team will finish in the league phase and it makes grim reading for the Gunners’ when it comes to their seeded opponent in the next round.READ MORE ON ARSENALDespite being on course for a nice break from European football by avoiding the play-offs, Arsenal are in line to take on one of four European giants in the last 16 proper.A third or fourth placed finish would see them face one of the teams that finishes 13th, 14th, 19th or 20th in the league phase when they play their last 16 clash.According to the Football Rankings’ supercomputer, those four teams are most likely to be Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.Two of the four European heavyweights will have to do battle themselves in a play-off to book their spot against the Gunners.Most read in FootballArsenal could face Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyThe Gunners could take on Juventus tooCredit: SplashCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut should the league phase end as predicted then it would leave Arsenal with a really tricky tie.Each of Sporting and PSG would face one of Real Madrid and Juventus in the play-off round, according to the projection.Mikel Arteta admits that he uses music to inspire his Arsenal players Afterwards, each winner would face one of Arsenal or Inter Milan in the last 16 phase, under the complicated new system.That said, Arsenal will take confidence from the fact that they have already got the better of both PSG (2-0) and Sporting (5-1) in the league phase this season.Juventus and Real Madrid would be a different story for Mikel Arteta’s side with the Gunners’ not facing either club since their 2006 Champions League campaign.Of course, it’s all hypothetical and depends on what results actually come to fruition when all 36 Champions League teams face off at the same time next Wednesday.But Arteta will be confident that his team are in a good position to give any opposition a game, having won five of their seven games in the Champions League this term and not conceded a single goal from open play in the competition.Arsenal have already got the better of PSG this seasonCredit: GettyThey beat Sporting Lisbon 5-1 tooCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs Dinamo: Martinelli makes himself undroppable as Sterling blows big chanceBy Katherine WalshDavid Raya – 6A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.Jurrien Timber – 5Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.Gabriel – 6Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner.Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.Jakub Kiwior – 7For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.Declan Rice – 8Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.Jorginho – 6Horror backpass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.Martin Odegaard – 7Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.Raheem Sterling – 4A non-event. The former England winger was weak in front of goal yet again.But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.Gabriel Martinelli – 8A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?Kai Havertz – 7Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.SubsEthan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6Assured cameo in midfield.Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5Calm on the ball after coming on.Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5Made his 100th appearance for the club. 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