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      Arsenal files: Viktor Gyokeres leaning towards Gunners transfer as Sporting agree cut price new fee

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      ARSENAL have been left to regret not signing a striker this season.But they are determined not to make the same mistake this summer, with new chief Andrea Berta already working on deals and the club believe they are in an ideal position to snap up their main target.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign a new striker this summerCredit: AFPSporting could sell Viktor Gyokeres for a cut-price fee in a major boost to chief Josh KroenkeCredit: GettySPORTING’S GYOKERES PLANTHERE is an inevitability around Viktor Gyokeres’ departure from Sporting Lisbon this summer as Arsenal and Manchester United keep tabs on the situation.The big Swede, 26, was eyeing a move during the past two windows, but a gentleman’s agreement with Sporting has seen him stay put during this season – instead focusing on delivering one last league title this term in a nail-biting finale with Benfica.As a thank you, Sporting are willing to let Gyokeres – who has 43 goals in 43 games in all competitions so far this term – leave for significantly less than his £85m release clause.Sporting are hoping to recoup between £55m and £70m, a welcome sum given their 24/25 financial reports showed a net transfer loss of around £15m.However, because of Sporting’s intense title race – level on points with Benfica with seven games remaining – SunSport understands the club are yet to pinpoint a first-choice replacement for Gyokeres.They have made use of the Brazilian market in the past to unearth bargain gems that can be sold for huge profit, but fans this time around are expecting a near like-for-like replacement to continue competing in the Champions League.In other words, major cash is expected to be splashed. That will not be easy when most of the best teams in Europe – including the Premier League – are on the look-out for a No.9.As a result, Sporting will be tough negotiators in any deal made this summer, which is why they are open to sparking a mega-money bidding war alongside the Saudis.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSaudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah FC – where Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is plying his trade these days – are ready to ruffle a few feathers in the battle for Gyokeres’ signature.Sporting will want the biggest up-front fee they can get – instead of several low-fee instalments – and Al Qadsiah are capable of offering just that, even if it means going above and beyond Gyokeres’ current value.Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeatViktor Gyokeres is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia as well as the Premier LeagueCredit: EPAThat is bad news for Arsenal and Man Utd, who were hoping to get a clean run at Gyokeres, yet may be forced to pay more than they would have initially planned.Both clubs believe they are perfectly positioned to convince the Swedish superstar.Gyokeres is believed to be leaning more towards the Gunners given their current form of competing for the Prem title and the Champions League, as well as boss Mikel Arteta’s record of improving players in the toughest division in world football.New sporting director Berta is also a huge fan of the player. The Italian’s first task in his new role will be to get a big deal over the line quickly to prove his worth to the Arsenal board and the fans.However, Gyokeres still has a soft spot for Ruben Amorim – his old boss at Sporting – and could be swayed regardless of United enduring one of the worst seasons in their history.Yet with the sort of eye-watering money Saudi teams can lob into the mix, Arteta and Amorim should be wary of putting all their eggs in one Gyokeres-shaped basket.BERTA IN, BUT WHO CAME CLOSE?ARSENAL are convinced that Berta is a game-changing recruit in their pursuit of major silverware.The 53-year-old began work in North London on Monday as the club’s new sporting director, taking the time to meet reporters ahead of Arteta’s midweek press conference at London Colney.He is a quiet, shy individual, but his reputation as one of the game’s best negotiators is evident following his 12-year stint at Atletico Madrid, with Arteta recently suggesting: “He’s got this personality, this charisma and this drive to win that is going to be very contagious.”Whether it is Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Leroy Sane or Nico Williams, this is set to be an exciting summer for Arsenal with Berta in the mix.But what of the others? Arsenal were in talks with a number of candidates in the wake of Edu’s resignation in November, and one that piqued their interest was Bayer Leverkusen managing director of sport Simon Rofles.Andrea Berta (left) was in the stands for the first time as Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 on TuesdayCredit: GettyThe ex-German international had many admirers on the Arsenal board, playing a major role in the building of a squad that saw Xabi Alonso’s side break Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga stranglehold, winning their first ever domestic title last season.However, Rofles, 43, who had brief roles as academy coach and sporting director at Leverkusen before taking his current position in July 2022, had no intention of leaving Germany.SunSport understands that Rofles is incredibly happy at Leverkusen and with the progress being made under Alonso domestically and in Europe.He has intentions of seeing out a contract that does not expire until June 2028.TOUTING CONCERNSTHE EMIRATES is preparing for one of its biggest nights since it was opened in 2006, welcoming Real Madrid in a blockbuster Champions League quarter final first leg on Tuesday.But with that comes security concerns, especially with the demand for tickets greater than any Arsenal game in recent memory, and the growing risk of ticket touts and illegal online third-party sales.The Gunners’ solution has been to crack down hard on anyone found guilty of it, especially for the visit of the Galacticos, threatening fines, bans and even police involvement.Arsenal will punish any fan caught selling tickets illegallyCredit: GettySo far this season, Arsenal have cancelled more than 31,000 accounts, including 27,603 memberships, attempting to obtain tickets in unauthorised ways.One Arsenal season ticket holder – speaking with agreed anonymity – told SunSport that while excited for the match, he is concerned about the severe delays that could be caused by ticket touts and those trying to enter the ground with fake tickets, stopping regular fans getting to their seats for kick-off.However, the club are confident this will be avoided on Tuesday night, citing their million-pound investment to address the issues, the move to digital ticketing helping identify suspicious behaviour early.And as is the case for every Emirates matchday, there will be undercover third-party operatives in and around the ground on the night of the game, aiming to stop in-person touting deals being done.KAI’S GARDEN PARTYONE Arsenal star first fell in love with football after using garden gnomes for target practice.Kai Havertz was born in the German spa town of Aachen, near the Netherlands and Belgium border, and from a young age would spend hours kicking a ball about in his garden with his grandfather.He would line garden gnomes up on the wall before practicing his accuracy by trying to hit them over one by one with the ball, and would not stop until they had all been wiped out.Kai Havertz learned his trade by playing around gnomes in his granddad’s gardenCredit: GettyFast-forward almost two decades and that practice has paid off, surpassing all expectations since arriving in North London in July 2023 with 29 goals in 85 appearances in all competitions so far.As he recovers from hamstring surgery that has him out until next season, perhaps he will go back to basics with some more ‘gnome-ball’. 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      Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 30: Several popular players sidelined

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      DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 30 in one convenient location.Gabriel has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and is due to undergo surgery on his hamstring after limping off against Fulham in the week.Gabriel will be a big miss for ArsenalCredit: Dream TeamThe Arsenal centre-back currently ranks fifth among defenders and still appears in 12.8% of teams at the time of writing.The Gunners have other problems at the back with Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu still sidelined.Mikel Arteta and his team will make late decisions on Jurrien Timber and Ben White – both are considered doubts at this stage.As for Arsenal’s weekend opponents, long-term absentee Dwight McNeil could be included in Everton’s squad having returned to training this week.Iliman Ndiaye made his comeback as a substitute against Liverpool last time out.Erling Haaland, one of just three players to have earned 300+ points this season, is estimated to be out for between five and seven weeks with an ankle injury.Haaland faces a spell on the sidelinesCredit: REXManchester City’s No9 is by far and away the most transferred-out player ahead of the deadline but such was his immense popularity, he remains the third-most selected player at present!Abdukodir Khusanov was absent from the squad against Leicester in Gameweek 29 but the Uzbek defender was merely rested.Most read in FootballAnge Postecoglou confirmed that Micky van de Ven suffered cramp and nothing more serious in the final moments of Tottenham’s defeat to Chelsea on Thursday.Richarlison has a chance of making the matchday squad when Spurs host Southampton on Sunday but key player Dejan Kulusevski is still not ready to return.Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola told reporters that it will be “difficult” for Justin Kluivert to make the trip to West Ham this weekend.The Dutch midfielder’s ownership was close to 20% before his setback but has now halved as a result.Kluivert is one of several popular Dream Team assets deemed unavailable for Gameweek 30Credit: AlamyEddie Howe was characteristically vague when discussing the condition of Alexander Isak and Kieran Trippier.Speaking in his morning press conference, the Newcastle coach said: “I will see them for the first time today. We don’t think we have any big injuries from Wednesday night, but we have a few niggles.”The Swedish striker was substituted in midweek due to a groin complaint.Anthony Gordon is no longer suspended but he is a major doubt having not trained with his team-mates since withdrawing from the England squad during the international break.Only two defenders average more points-per-game than Ola Aina this season but the Nottingham Forest right-back will be unavailable “for a while” having incurred a calf injury.Callum Hudson-Odoi is available to face Aston Villa but Chris Wood faces a late assessment and therefore remains a major doubt.Isak’s groin troubled him against BrentfordCredit: GettyArne Slot confirmed that Alisson will return in goal for Liverpool as soon as the Brazilian satisfies the concussion protocols.Kobbie Mainoo may return in some capacity for Manchester United in Gameweek 30 but Ruben Amorim ruled out a start for the teenager in Sunday’s derby.Matthijs de Ligt is a doubt for the Red Devils.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 NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber (doubt), Ben White (doubt)Suspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Ross Barkley (doubt), Leon BaileySuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Enes Unal, Luis Sinisterra, Justin Kluivert (doubt), Marcus Tavernier Suspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Igor Thiago, Rico Henry (doubt), Fabio Carvalho, Mathias Jensen (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Igor Julio, Georginio Rutter, Adam Webster, Tariq Lamptey, Joel VeltmanSuspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Marc Guiu (doubt), Romeo Lavia, Wesley FofanaSuspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad, Chris Richards (doubt)Suspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Dwight McNeil (doubt), Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-LewinSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Harry WilsonSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Wes Burns, Sammie Szmodics, Omari Hutchinson (doubt), Leif Davis (doubt)Suspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Abdul FatawuSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley (doubt), Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Rodri, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Erling HaalandSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Ayden HeavenSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall, Kieran Trippier (doubt), Alexander Isak (doubt), Anthony Gordon (doubt)Suspensions: Anthony GordonNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Chris Wood (doubt), Ola AinaSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Ross Stewart (doubt), Juan Larios (doubt), Will Smallbone, Ryan Manning, Lesley Ugochukwu (doubt), Paul Onuachu (doubt)Suspensions: Flynn DownesTOTTENHAMInjuries: Radu Dragusin, Richarlison (doubt), Dejan Kulusevski, Kevin DansoSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Mohammed Kudus (doubt), Crysencio SummervilleSuspensions: NoneWOLVESRead More on The SunInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Yerson Mosquera, Leon ChiwoneSuspensions: Matheus Cunha More

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      Real Madrid stars Mbappe and Rudiger handed one-match Uefa ban – but penalty will NOT be enforced for Arsenal clash

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      REAL MADRID stars Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger have been cleared to face Arsenal in next week’s Champions League quarter-final – after escaping with SUSPENDED bans.Uefa launched an investigation last week after Atletico Madrid accused the duo and team-mates Vinicius Jr and Dani Ceballos of “indecent conduct” following their shoot-out win in the last 16 tie at the Metropolitano.Kylian Mbappe grabbed his nether regions as Real Madrid celebrated in front of Atletico fansAntonio Rudiger also performed a slit-throat gesture during the celebrationsCredit: GETTYUefa have handed Mbappe and Rudiger suspended one-match bansCredit: ReutersFormer Chelsea defender Rudiger, who scored the decisive penalty,  was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture to home supporters. French ace Mbappe, who had earlier missed a spot-kick in normal time but converted in the shoot-out, was reported for touching his genitals in a clearly derogatory manner.Vinicius – long targeted by rival fans and who has been a regular victim of racist abuse – was involved in two separate confrontations with Atletico supporters before and after the shoot-out, while Ceballos aimed a one-armed gesture with a clenched fist at home fans.That raised the prospect of the quartet all being suspended for the first leg of the tie with the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.A probe saw a Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector decide there was no case to answer for Vinicius Jr while the other three were accused of “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”.But now Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has backed off serious action despite finding the three players guilty.Rudiger was handed a one-match ban, suspended for 12 months, and fined £34,000, with Mbappe given the same suspended punishment and fined around £25,000, with Caballos facing no ban and ordered to pay £17,000.A Uefa statement read: “Following the investigation of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, disciplinary proceedings were opened against the following Real Madrid CF players, Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez for potentially violating the basic rules of decent conduct (Art. 11(2)(b) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations).Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhat happened to the Englishmen who joined Real Madrid?TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD looks set to join Real Madrid this summer and will join an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.So had did those who came before him get on?LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.”No disciplinary proceedings were opened against Real Madrid CF player, Vinícius Júnior.”The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has taken the following decisions.”Arteta gives worrying Gabriel injury update as Arsenal sweat on four defenders ahead of Real Madrid clash”The CEDB has decided to fine Real Madrid CF player, Antonio Rudiger, €40,000 and to suspend him for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. “Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”To fine Real Madrid CF player, Kylian Mbappe, €30,000 and to suspend him for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. “Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”To fine Real Madrid CF player, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez, €20,000 for violating the basic rules of decent conduct.”Mbappe and Rudiger’s suspended sentences are bad news for Arsenal fans.The Emirates faithful were clinging onto the hope the duo would be banned for Tuesday’s match at the Emirates due to the team’s defensive crisis.Read More on The SunThe north Londoners are in defensive chaos following Gabriel Magalhaes’ season-ending hamstring injury against Fulham this week. Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori missed Tuesday’s visit of the Cottagers and are major doubts for next week’s clash with Los Blancos.Gabriel Magalhaes’ season-ending hamstring injury has thrown the Gunners into defensive chaosCredit: REUTERS More

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      Premier League accused of distorting the competition in favour of Arsenal in latest Man City claim

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      MANCHESTER CITY have accused the Premier League of distorting its rules in favour of Arsenal and three other clubs over shareholder loans.It is the latest development in the club’s long legal battle with competition chiefs over sponsorship rules originally launched last year after two Abu Dhabi sponsor deals were blocked by the league.Man City have accused Premier League financial rules of favouring Arsenal and other rivalsCredit: GettyCity claim the amended ATP rules are ‘discriminatory’Credit: GettyIn February the club won a major battle against the Premier League over Associated Party Transaction rules with an independent tribunal ruling the regulations were “void and unenforceable”.The Premier League hastily attempted to amend the ATP regulations following the verdict with City describing the move as “flawed and inadequate”.But in a fresh challenge issued at the end of March, the champions have now claimed to an independent tribunal that Arsenal, Brighton, Everton and Leicester have all been given an unfair advantage.According to The Times, City claim shareholders loans given to those clubs have not been treated in the same way as other ATPs like sponsorship deals with companies linked to club owners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity now suggest the league should return to pre-2021 rules until the matters are fully resolved due to the amended league rules continuing to “discriminate” and give other clubs “differential treatment”.The club argue the rules, “fail to meet the requirements of objectivity, precision and proportionality… and are liable to distort competition”.City argue the Premier League should not change rules that have already been declared void and were too hasty to amend them.They have criticised the league for claiming shareholder loans do not need to be assessed for fair market value in the same way as other APTs.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCity also slammed the 50-day grace period clubs get to convert shareholder loans into equity which is argued to give clubs an unfair advantage with Profit and Sustainability Rules.In Arsenal’s case, the Cityzens claim their title rivals in the last two seasons benefited from around £259million in shareholder loans during the 2022/23 season.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final Elsewhere, Everton got loans of £450m in 2022/23, Brighton £406.5m in 2021/22 and Leicester £265m in 2021/22.City said: “This continued preferential and discriminatory treatment of shareholder loans has the object and/or effect of distorting economic competition between member clubs on affected markets.”They added the rules, “do not eliminate, but on the contrary perpetuate the discriminatory and distortive treatment previously found by the tribunal”.On the rule changes, the Premier League have argued the amendments are “valid and enforceable”.The same tribunal will rule on this new challenge, which could force the league to make more changes to its financial rules.It will also jot up more legal costs while the separate issue of City’s 130 alleged breaches of financial breaches remains ongoing.Read More on The SunThe report adds the same team of lawyers is fighting both cases for City.Elsewhere for City, club legend Kevin De Bruyne has announced he will be leaving when the season ends. More

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      Man Utd vs Man City prediction: Free betting tips, odds and preview for Manchester derby clash in the Premier League

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      MANCHESTER comes to a standstill on Sunday when United host City in a crunch Premier League contest.SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the Old Trafford derby and select the best bets and tips for the game.How to claim..Tote special offerVisit the Tote website HERE*Register a brand new account and depositPlace your first bet of at least £5 on horse racing or other sports at odds of 1/1 or greaterOnce your Qualifying Bet is settled you will receive £20 in free bets and bonusesTote welcome offer: Claim your £20 bonus — claim here*Man Utd vs Man City previewThe two Manchester clubs come together on Sunday for the latest edition of the Manchester derby.While City fans have had the bragging rights in terms of league and European successes recently, interestingly it’s a fixture that United have done very well in in recent times.United – going into the game midway inside the bottom half after somehow losing to Nottingham Forest in midweek – are actually unbeaten in the last three games with City.They won last year’s FA Cup final against Pep Guardiola’s men before a draw – losing on penalties – in the Community Shield and have already beaten City at the Etihad this season.How they didn’t get on the scoresheet with 24 efforts on goal at the city Ground on Tuesday is anyone’s guess. Though a lack of goal scoring centre forward was always going to come back and bite them.For City, the FA Cup remains their only chance at silverware this season and a 2-0 win over toiling Leicester showed a lack of cutting edge without the injured Erling Haaland.They’re in a real battle for the top four and five positions and a Champions League spot next season.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 2-2 at 11/1 with Tote – HEREFirst scorer: Bruno Fernandes at 7/1 with Tote – HEREMan Utd vs Man City latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.Man Utd vs Man City predictionsTough to split themYou just don’t know what Manchester United team will turn up.Strangely this season, the same can be said of Manchester City.United were the better side at Nottingham Forest in midweek, losing to a good Anthony Elanga goal and just struggling to work too many big chances in their 24 efforts at goal.But without Erling Haaland, City also lacked a cutting edge by beating a terrible Leicester side just 2-0.United have had City’s measure on the past few occasions they’ve met too and they could play out a draw here.Match result: Draw and both teams to score at 10/3 – CLAIM HERERemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Register between 3/4/25 and 6/4/25 and bet a min £/€5 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £/€5 Win + £/€5 Place) within 7 days of registration to qualify. Receive £/€10 Tote Credit, £/€5 sports Free Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to the bet slip. 7-day expiry. 18+. One welcome offer per customer. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply. More

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      Man Utd vs Man City: Bet £5 and get £20 in free bets and bonuses with Tote

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Manchester derby serve up a Sunday treat this week in a blockbuster derby fixture.Brand new Tote customers who register an account and stake £5 on the Old Trafford showpiece will be rewarded with a cracking £20 welcome bonus to spend!How to claim..Tote special offerVisit the Tote website HERE*Register a brand new account and depositPlace your first bet of at least £5 on football or other sports at odds of 1/1 or greaterOnce your Qualifying Bet is settled you will receive £20 in free bets and bonusesTote welcome offer: Claim your £20 bonus — claim here*New to Tote? This mega offer could be yours!Simply visit the Tote website HERE* and register a new account.Once that’s sorted, deposit and and place your first bet of at least £5 on football, racing or any other market on the Sportsbook at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater.Once your Qualifying Bet is settled — win or lose — you will receive £20 in free bets and bonuses into your account.They’re credited as so:£10 Tote Credit£5 Free Sports Bet50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza!Tote welcome offer: Claim your £20 bonus — claim here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Register between 3/4/25 and 6/4/25 and bet a min £/€5 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £/€5 Win + £/€5 Place) within 7 days of registration to qualify. Receive £/€10 Tote Credit, £/€5 sports Free Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to the bet slip. 7-day expiry. 18+. One welcome offer per customer. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply. More

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      Player hospitalised with freak injury after kicking window in argument with Premier League champion boss

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      SPAIN ace Sergio Canales has needed medical treatment for a badly-cut leg… after smashing a glass door amid an alleged row with ex-Manchester City star Martin Demichelis.Midfielder Canales, 34, has played for Mexican top-flight club CF Monterrey since 2023.Sergio Canales now plans for Monterrey in MexicoCredit: GettyFormer Man City star Martin Demichelis is manager of MonterreyCredit: AFPHowever he is a major doubt for Saturday’s Liga MX clash with Chivas after needing 10 stitches in his leg.Argentine defender Demichelis, 44, became Monterrey’s coach last August.He spent three years at the Etihad, helping City win the 2014 Premier League title and two League Cups, before leaving for Espanyol in 2016.A Monterrey spokesman said: “On April 3 Sergio Canales received medical attention to wounds in his left leg, after breaking a glass door when entering the dressing-room following practice at the El Barrial training ground.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”The player rested for the remainder of the day. The medical team will monitor Sergio closely to assess his recovery and potential involvement in Saturday’s game.”Mexican media quizzed former hard-man defender Demichelis about the incident.He said: “You can use whatever headline you want. You call it an argument.”We’re open to whatever opinions the player wants to express. In every team, sport and dressing room, there is an exchange of opinions.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDemichelis, now 44, won the Premier League with Man CityCredit: PA:Empics SportCanales played for Real Madrid between 2010 and 2012Credit: Getty – Contributor”I’m not an authoritarian. I like to listen and to have the player give their opinions, so I can draw the best conclusions.”Canales has won 11 Spain caps, and played for Real Madrid and Valencia.James Maddison reveals awkward confrontation with Tottenham fans He spent the bulk of his career with hometown club Racing Santander, Real Sociedad and Real Betis.The midfielder has since scored 29 goals in 76 games for Monterrey, who are nicknamed The Gang and The Striped Ones. More

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      VAR official seen scrolling through betting site as shocking footage from top flight surfaces live on TV

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      A VAR official has landed in hot water after appearing to scroll through a betting site on live TV.A Bulgarian official is alleged to have been spotted using the site moments before kick-off between CSKA Sofia and Lokomotiv Sofia.A VAR official appeared to scroll a betting site before a matchHe was suspended after footage of the incident began to circulate on social media.Hawk-Eye Innovations, which is responsible for the VAR system in the Bulgarian First League, explained the decision in a letter to the Bulgarian Football Union.It said: “Hawk-Eye Innovations acknowledges with regret an incident involving one of its VAR operators during the Parva Liga match between PFC CSKA-Sofia and PFC Lokomotiv Sofia yesterday evening (2nd April 2025).“Live footage from the camera situation in the VAR operations room documented the individual utilising a personal smartphone during the match and appearing to engage in inappropriate activities which would constitute gross misconduct in relation to the responsibilities of their assigned role.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe company said it would investigate the official during his suspension, as reported by NeedToKnow.It added: “If the individual has been found to have been engaging in such inappropriate activity, we will look to dismiss the individual in accordance with their contractual terms.”Fans were shocked by the revelation with one saying: “Lol that’s wild.”Another added: “Everything you need to know about VAR…”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Nah this is some nasty business.”And another commented: “We are in a very bad situation…”‘People like you will be happy’ – Postecoglou snaps at Sky Sports reporter in ‘generational meltdown’ after Chelsea loss More