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      Top tips for Score Predictor Matchweek 29 – £250 cash prize up for grabs!

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      WE’RE once again offering Score Predictor users the chance to turn their football knowledge into cash winnings.£250 is the weekly prize for Matchweek 29 while dozens of fans are still in contention to claim a chunk of the £5,000 season prize pot!Play now!Credit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the drama unfolds over the weekend.If you earn the most points then you’ll claim the weekly prize!PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR NOW!Allow us to present some key stats and facts to help inform your decisions…Brighton v West HamThe Seagulls’ push for European qualification isn’t dead in the water but their chances have reduced dramatically after five games without a win.Fabian Hurzeler will be hopeful of stopping the rot this Saturday as the Hammers are one of very few teams below Brighton in the form table.The atmosphere at West Ham is growing increasingly toxic as their dismal season draws to a close.A draw at home to relegated Southampton last time out was met with much derision.The reverse fixture ended 1-1 back in December but we’re backing a home win this time around.Most read in FootballOur Prediction: 2-1 to BrightonWest Ham have had little to celebrate this seasonCredit: ReutersNewcastle v IpswichThe Magpies were soundly beaten by Aston Villa last weekend but they remain among the top flight’s most in-form side having won their previous five in the league.Only Manchester City have scored more home goals than Newcastle this campaign and Alexander Isak will be licking his lips at the prospect of taking on the league’s third-worst defence on Saturday.The Swedish striker scored a hat-trick at Portman Road earlier this season.The Tractor Boys have earned twice as many points on the road than at home this season but that isn’t saying much if truth be told.Our Prediction: 3-0 to NewcastleIsak dismantled Ipswich in the reverse fixtureCredit: PAWolves v LeicesterThese two sides are separated by just four places in the table but they’re worlds apart in terms of form.Vitor Pereira’s side are flying having made it five consecutive wins when they picked up three points at Old Trafford last Sunday.They’ve had a favourable run of fixtures and that continues this weekend against the Foxes, now confirmed to be a Championship outfit in 2025/26.Statistically, this is the league’s most in-form side at home to the most out-of-form side.Our Prediction: 3-1 to WolvesWolves are on a winning streakCredit: GettyBournemouth v Manchester UnitedThe Cherries have won just one of their last ten games in all competitions but they remain in pole position to qualify for the Conference League as it stands.It wasn’t that long ago this match-up would be considered a laughable mismatch in favour of the Red Devils but most impartial neutrals would deem Bournemouth the superior team at this moment in time.Andoni Iraola watched his troops stroll to a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford just before Christmas and he’ll feel confident of a repeat as Ruben Amorim will surely be prioritising the Europa League semi-finals.Bournemouth rank in the Premier League’s top four for shots and xG this season whereas Man United sit in the bottom half for both metrics.Our Prediction: 3-1 to BournemouthAmorim will already have one eye on the Europa League semi-finalsCredit: PALiverpool v TottenhamThe Reds need just a single point to confirm themselves as champions of England but you’re deluded if you think the hosts will be happy to play out an easy draw.Arne Slot’s side smashed Spurs 4-0 at Anfield in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final in February and the last league meeting was the unhinged 3-6 result around the festive period when both Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz bagged braces.With Liverpool motivated to seal their triumph in fine style and Spurs distracted by Europa League commitments, Sunday afternoon could get very messy for the visitors.Ange Postecoglou may even rest some of his key players ahead of Bodo Glimt’s visit to North London.On paper this is a fixture between two of the top flight’s so-called ‘big six’ but the reality is this particular meeting is the league leaders at home to 16th.Read More on The SunOur Prediction: 4-0 to LiverpoolDo you see it differently? Show us how it’s done by entering your predictions 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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      Footballer hides under bed in terror as wife and son, 5, are kidnapped in horror ordeal

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      A TERRIFIED footballer hid under his bed while his wife and son were kidnapped in a horror house raid.Jackson Rodriguez, who plays for Emelec in Ecuador, has pleaded for the safe return of his family.Emele’s Jackson Rodriguez hid under the bed during a terrifying kidnappingCredit: GettyRodriguez’s five-year-old son was taken in the horrifying incidentCredit: Instagram @jackson_rodriguez20The incident occurred on Wednesday night in the coastal city of Guayaquil.Masked men raided Rodriguez’s home at 3am and broke down his front door. The 26-year-old defender said he hid under a bed as the men ransacked the property, located in the Mucho Lote 2 neighbourhood.Police chief Edison Rodriguez confirmed that the footballer’s wife and five-year-old son were taken during the terrifying raid.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey were snatched after asking if the Emelec star was at the residence, police confirmed.Rodriguez saw from a window “the individuals were travelling in a gray-colored double-cab pickup truck.”He hid under the bed and was able to evade capture.A state of emergency was declared last week by the Ecuadorian government in nine areas of the country.Most read in FootballThat includes the province of Guayas, where Guayaquil is situated.Organised crime groups have wreaked havoc across the country, with 2,345 violent deaths reported between January and March, per ESPN.Ten-man Venezuela accused of ‘world class s—housery’ as SPRINKLERS go off in stoppage time of Brazil drawRodriguez, a talented full-back, has played 9 times for Emelec this season.The club play in the LigaPro, the highest tier in the country, and currently sit 11th in the table. Kidnapping of footballers is not unheard of in Ecuador.Last December, Quito star Pedro Perlaza was kidnapped in the city of Esmeraldas.He was found alive a few days later. More

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      Red cards for diving, no more throw-ins and an end to 3pm blackout – top 20 things football fans want to see revealed

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      FANS have revealed their top 20 things that they would like to see implemented in football.This includes having diving players being instantly slapped with a red card and imposing salary caps.Some fans want VAR binnedCredit: RexOthers want to see red cards for divingCredit: ReutersA poll of 2,000 football supporters found some even want 3pm matches to be televised, which would end the traditional blackout.While others wanted a stop clock to be implemented so that injury time could be accurately tracked.One in 10 opted for a hint of nostalgia by suggesting the return of the Golden Goal rule to decide games, with other fun suggestions including ‘kick-ins’ to replace throw-ins, and no offsides.The research was commissioned by OLBG which has also created its own live poll to find out which rules fans want changed the most.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJake Ashton, football betting expert at the brand, said: “Football gets fans going and people spend lots of time and money following their favourite team.“With the rules often evolving, it’s great to see what fans would want introduced if they were given the opportunity to take charge.“While we know lots on the list will never come to pass, there is definitely a case for some of them.”JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe research went on to reveal a quarter of those who had an opinion on the number of subs allowed in a game, want this changed back to a maximum of three.Most read in FootballOther things fans want reduced are the number of games available to watch (25 per cent).Liverpool fans work out where guard of honour could be with Steven Gerrard humiliation in line to be avenged a decade onFans have voted against an NFL-style half-time show in footballCredit: GettyThe majority of fans prefer to watch football from homeCredit: GettyOf these who said their screens are saturated with too much football, 40 per cent put the Europa Conference League as their top choice to chop.When it comes to getting to games, a quarter (26 per cent) of those who watch football admit to never going to watch a match in person.Three-quarters (75 per cent) prefer to watch their football on TV.TV isn’t just popular for watching games, it also ranks first for getting footie fans their news (69 per cent), with online articles (53 per cent) and social media (44 per cent) completing the top trio.Sitting in top spot in the table of fans favourite competitions is the Premier League with almost half (49 per cent) agreeing.And ‘goals’ scored highest (66 per cent) on the list of things they love about watching or listening to the game.Just as well, with the top players voted being Mo Salah (23 per cent), Lionel Messi (22 per cent) and Harry Kane (22 per cent) according to the OnePoll.com data.There doesn’t seem to be any need to inject more fun into football, with 52 per cent of fans not backing the suggestion of introducing NFL-style halftime shows into matches.Seven in 10 (71 per cent) agreed the game should get back to its roots, as it’s become too commercialised.Ashton added: “Whether fans can get to the grounds or choose to watch football on TV, its important they always get a good experience.Read More on The Sun“With a large portion of those who love the game agreeing it would be better sticking more to its roots, it shows the sport doesn’t always need these over-complicated rule changes.“This is something rule makers should keep in mind – sometimes less is more.”Top 20 rules fans would like to see implemented in footballHere are the top 20 rules that fans want to see in football…1. Salary cap on players2. 3pm kick-offs televised3. A stop clock to make sure injury time is accurate4. Red card to anyone who dives5. Stricter spending cap on clubs6. Referees have to wear microphones7. Change the rules around handball to make it simplified8. No more VAR9. Introduce sin bins10. Give penalties against teams who argue with the referee11. Get rid of transfer windows and let players move whenever they want12. The player fouled must take the penalty13. Bonus points if team scores 4 or more goals in a game14. Make it so clubs have to include a certain number of youth players in their starting line up15. Bring back golden goal16. Allow people to drink alcohol in the stands17. No offsides18. Get rid of draws and decide games which do end up in a draw with a penalty shoot-out19. Unlimited subs20. Allow kick-ins instead of throw-ins More

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      Eddie Howe returns to Newcastle duties after spell in hospital battling pneumonia

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      EDDIE HOWE has returned to his managerial duties at Newcastle after suffering from pneumonia.The manager was admitted to hospital earlier this month and missed three matches.Eddie Howe is back working after being in hospitalCredit: GettyFans showed their support for the managerCredit: ReutersJason Tindall has been in charge in Howe’s absenceCredit: GettyHowe, 47, was missing from the dugout during games against Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.Assistant Jason Tindall had taken charge of the team in the absence of the manager.He led the Magpies to impressive romps against Man United and Palace before losing to Villa on Saturday.The club has now confirmed that he is back working at the training ground with the players.READ MORE ON SPORTA statement read: “Newcastle United are delighted to confirm that Eddie Howe has returned to his duties at the club’s training Centre.”Eddie had recently been hospitalised with pneumonia and has now returned to work after a period of recovery.”We thank supporters for their warm wishes.”Howe initially believed that he had flu but was later diagnosed with pneumonia by doctors.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was admitted to hospital on April 12 after his condition deteriorated.The former Bournemouth manager is expected to be on the touchline when they host Ipswich Town this weekend.Watch Premier League manager rock up to press conference in golf buggy as fans joke ‘PSR hitting hard’ Fans have been left relieved with the news as they reacted on social media.One posted: “Fantastic news.”A second commented: “Wonderful news. Welcome back Gaffa.”A third wrote: “Welcome back Eddie!”A fourth added: “Great news!”Another said: “Great news! Demolition of Ipswich loading!”Howe will be hoping he can lead Newcastle back into the Champions League now he has returned.Read More on The SunAfter facing the Tractor Boys, the Magpies will have four games left of the Premier League season.They will take on Brighton, top five rivals Chelsea and Arsenal before finishing the campaign hosting Everton. More

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      Ian Wright’s touching £1,700 gesture to injured women’s football star revealed after Eni Aluko criticised Arsenal legend

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      FORMER Arsenal striker Ian Wright continues to prove that he is just as much of a legend off the pitch as he was on it.The 61-year-old has been a huge advocate for women’s football over the years.Ian Wright is paying £1,700 out of his own pocket for a player’s ACL injury rehabCredit: GettyKayleigh McDonald has thanked Wright for his generosityCredit: GettyAnd last April, he showed just how much he cared with an incredible gesture to a player who had suffered a potentially career-jeopardising injury.After Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald suffered a ruptured ACL during a match against Burnley, she was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed.The Telegraph has revealed that he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket.The defender has revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month.McDonald has insisted that Wright deserves more recognition for his kind gesture.She told Telegraph Sport: “I wouldn’t be in a great place mentally if it wasn’t for Ian Wright.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEni Aluko has criticised Wright for ‘blocking’ opportunities for women in football broadcastingCredit: Getty”I would probably still be waiting for my surgery if it wasn’t for him.”For him to do this for me, someone he didn’t know, I think there should be more of a spotlight shone on him.”Emotional Man Utd icon Roy Keane is visibly moved by Ian Wright interview News of the Arsenal legend’s incredible generosity comes after he was criticised by former England Lioness Eni Aluko for “blocking” opportunities for women in football broadcasting.Speaking on Radio 4 Woman’s Hour earlier this week, she said: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and, you know, I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.”The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available.”If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.”But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.”When asked to clarify if she thought it was wrong for Wright to be at the forefront of women’s football coverage, Aluko added: “I don’t know about wrong, but I think we need to be conscious and we need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women’s game.”It’s still new, it’s still growing. There’s a finite amount of opportunities and I think that men need to be aware of that.”Men need to be aware that, you know, you’re in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven’t always had these opportunities, and so it’s about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.”Wright has continued to back the growth of women’s football in recent years.In 2023, he teamed up with Barclays to help create the Ian Wright Coaching Fund – an initiative created to increase the number of female coaches at grass-roots level.He made a £15,000 donation and paid for 664 female coaches to attend their Level One training course.And in 2022, following England’s European Championship semi-final win over Sweden, he insisted that all girls should have the opportunity to play football at school.Wright said: “Whatever happens in the final now, if girls are not allowed to play football in their PE, just like the boys can, what are we doing?Read More on The Sun”We have to make sure they are able to play and get the opportunity to do so.”The former Arsenal striker started a women’s football podcast with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton last year and regularly features on ITV’s coverage of the Lionesses.McDonald was forced to set up a GoFundMe page when Stoke initially refused to pay for surgeryCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxWright is now paying £1,700 a month for her rehabCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxWOMEN’S FOOTBALL needs more people like Ian Wright.In a world where the “nobody cares” narrative is still all too common, the Arsenal legend remains a huge advocate for the sport both on and off our TV screens.So I was quite surprised to see that former England Lioness Eni Aluko had criticised him earlier this week for “dominating” punditry in women’s football.When it comes to women in football, it would be difficult to find anyone more supportive than Ian Wright.The much-loved former England star has invested both time and money in building up the game.And he is not just doing the bare minimum.From supporting a semi-pro player throughout her recovery from a severe ACL injury to helping hundreds of women earn their Level One coaching qualification, he cares.The question is – why would someone who cares so much be “blocking” opportunities for others?Having followed the game for so long, Wright clearly knows what he is talking about.If you ask me, that’s surely the No1 priority when it comes to hiring a pundit.What does it matter if he’s not a woman?Last year, the ITV pundit started a new women’s football podcast called ‘Crossways’ with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton.The insight that he and Houghton give is fascinating and fresh, a unique perspective on the WSL and international football.Speaking of England’s top tier, it would be fair to say that coverage is dominated by women as it is.The likes of Houghton, Ellen White, Anita Asante, Izzy Christiansen, Karen Carney, Jen Beattie and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk feature on coverage across the BBC and Sky Sports.Meanwhile, Wright only covers England games as a pundit for ITV Sport.His involvement is certainly not “blocking” opportunities for women.It’s a great thing that one of the most universally beloved figures in English football is an advocate for the sport.We’re lucky to have him. 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      Former European semi-finalists declared bankrupt and immediately thrown out of league

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      A FOOTBALL club has been declared bankrupt – with all players released immediately despite offering to play for free.Fourth-tier German side KFC Uerdingen will not be able to finish the 2024/25 season.KFC Uerdingen will no longer be able to complete the remainder of the season after being declared bankrupcyCredit: GettyOn Tuesday, an insolvency administrator ordered the immediate suspension of play.Thomas Ellrich declared that operations must be ceased so that players can apply for benefits.The administrator said: “At the same time, all players have been released from their duties as of today so they can apply for appropriate benefits from the employment agency.”Therefore, there will be no further matches until the end of the season.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe non-profit status of Uerdingen was revoked by tax authorities “some time ago” unbeknownst to the administrators.Club officials have therefore been unable to pay staff and players.They also cannot accept volunteers in a blow to any hopes of keeping the club running.Ellrich continued: “The revocation of non-profit status means that fewer, if any, donations of money and goods can be expected in the future.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Furthermore, it would make employing volunteers considerably more difficult.”The significant funds recently provided by supporters have since been exhausted, and no new payments are expected.”Angry Premier League flop says ‘I’ll probably get biggest fine in Bundesliga history’ as he swears in live TV interviewAs a result of the bankruptcy, KFC Uerdingen has been immediately relegated from the Regionalliga.However, the club plan to take legal action.KFC consultant Mehmet Eser was left shocked by the decision and told German outlet Kicker: “After the team learned that the season was being suspended, the players agreed to forgo their salaries until the end of the season and play for KFC Uerdingen for free.”Eser has also agreed to personally cover the cost of every league match until the end of the season.Uerdingen formerly played in the Bundesliga and enjoyed plenty of success in the 1980s.The German minnows reached the Cup Winners Cup semi-final in 1986, where they faced Atletico Madrid. More

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      ‘I already mentioned that twice’ – Mikel Arteta takes issue with reporter’s question as Arsenal title hopes all but end

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      MIKEL ARTETA was left exasperated after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last night.The Gunners twice surrendered leads to Oliver Glasner’s side, with Jean-Philippe Mateta making it 2-2 with a brilliant strike late on.Mikel Arteta was interviewed by the BBC after last night’s matchCredit: BBCArsenal slipped to a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the EmiratesCredit: GettyArsenal’s latest slip-up means that Liverpool require just one point from their remaining five matches to become Premier League champions.After the match, Arteta was interviewed by the BBC.When it was pointed out that Arsenal had made “uncharacteristic errors” leading to Palace’s second equaliser, the Spaniard said: “Yes, unfortunately yes.”Arteta, 43, was then asked if he gave Palace credit for their approach to the match.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe Gunners boss responded curtly: “I already mentioned that twice, yes.”With the Premier League title now gone, Arsenal’s season rests on the Champions League.The Londoners will host Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their semi-final next Tuesday.Arsenal will remain without long-term absentees Gabriel, Kai Havertz, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus for the tie.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFor last night’s match, inexperienced quartet Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Jimi Gower, Jack Henry-Francis and Ismeal Kabia were all named on the bench.Asked if the rest of his players had come through the game unscathed, Arteta added: “I don’t know, I haven’t spoken to a doctor so we will have to wait and see.”Mikel Arteta accidentally photobombs Sky Sports report as he takes Arsenal dog Win for a walkBukayo Saka featured as a substitute against the Eagles.The England winger, 23, was the subject of a heavy challenge against Ipswich last weekend which saw full-back Leif Davis sent off.Arsenal ratings vs Crystal PalaceARSENAL delayed Liverpool’s inevitable title celebrations but not in the way they’d have wantedThe Gunners only just managed to hold up the Reds’ coronation with a lacklustre draw at home to Crystal Palace.Jakub Kiwior got the Gunners off to the perfect start but Eberechi Eze brilliantly volleyed home the equaliser for the Eagles.Ex-Brighton star Leandro Trossard netted a goal he would have particularly enjoyed against the Seagulls’ M23 rivals.But it was not enough for Arsenal to win the game thanks to William Saliba dallying on the ball.Jean-Philippe Mateta took full advantage of the mistake to chip David Raya and earn Oliver Glasner’s men a deserved point.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners on a forgettable evening. More

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      Liverpool fans work out where guard of honour could be with Steven Gerrard humiliation in line to be avenged a decade on

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      LIVERPOOL fans have worked out that Chelsea will likely give them a guard of honour, should their side clinch the title this Sunday.Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last night moved Arne Slot’s Reds to within one point of the Premier League title.Liverpool edged closer to the title by beating Leicester last weekendCredit: GettyArsenal faltered again by drawing 2-2 with Crystal Palace last nightCredit: GettyThe Anfield side will host Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday and would win the title with just a draw against Ange Postecoglou’s men.In the Premier League, it is customary for the new champions’ next opponents to give them a guard of honour as they walk onto the pitch, should they have sealed the title prior to the final day.Following this Sunday’s clash with Spurs, Liverpool travel to Chelsea on May 4.Should the Blues stick to tradition, they would give the Reds a guard of honour onto the pitch, if they have clinched the title by then.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe prospect has evoked memories of Liverpool’s unsuccessful title bid in 2014.Liverpool were dramatically beaten 2-0 by Chelsea at Anfield in a costly match in April of that year.During the match, in which Mo Salah featured for the Blues, Steven Gerrard infamously slipped, allowing Demba Ba to run through and score.Liverpool subsequently went to Crystal Palace hoping to drum up their goal difference, only to surrender a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSteven Gerrard infamously slipped against Chelsea in 2014Credit: Sky SportsDemba Ba raced through to score following Gerrard’s slipCredit: Rex FeaturesLiverpool blew a three-goal lead at Selhurst Park to draw 3-3Credit: GettyManchester City went on to be champions that season.And the following year Chelsea won the league, with Gerrard and Co having to give them a guard of honour on that occasion.Mo Salah commits to Liverpool with new two-year contract Even in recent years, the Blues have beaten Liverpool to signing the likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia.So the prospect of arriving at Stamford Bridge is a juicy one for those of a Red persuasion.Posting about the possibility, a Liverpool fan wrote on X: “Guard of honour at Stamford Bridge from Caicedo, Enzo and Lavia. HAHAHA we owe Chelsea Football Club.”While a second pointed out: “How ironic is it that Crystal Palace have helped us won the league and Chelsea will possibly be the first team to give us the guard of honour.”A Chelsea fan chimed in: “I do not want Chelsea to give Liverpool a guard of honour. Tottenham please be useful for once.”And another added: “Chelsea having to give Liverpool guard of honour is making me sick to the depths of my stomach. What did I actually do to deserve this.”Liverpool gave Chelsea a guard of honour in 2015Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More