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      Arsenal face nightmare path to Champions League final as play-off draw leaves fate in the balance

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      ARSENAL face a potential nightmare journey to Champions League glory following the play-off draw.The Gunners qualified automatically from the league phase after finishing third behind Liverpool and Barcelona.Arsenal face a potentially tricky path to the Champions League finalCredit: AlamyBut they have been dealt a tough draw with Juventus potentially up next if the Italian side beat Lille.Alternatively, Arsenal could play the winner of Feyenoord or AC Milan, depending on the draw for the Round of 16.If they progress an even more difficult quarter-final clash will await.That is because Arsenal have been picked out in the same side of the draw as Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.READ MORE ON ARSENALThey could face any of that trio or one of Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid or Celtic.Liverpool, Paris St Germain or Barcelona could come next in the semi-final, so the Gunners face a massive challenge to get to Munich.City have been tasked with the same nightmare run – only they face an game extra against Real Madrid in the play-off, with both juggernauts failing to finish in the top eight.By contrast Liverpool have an easier set of fixtures up until the semi-final, with PSG and Borussia Dortmund arguably the most difficult teams they could potentially face.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Gunners could face a nightmare runAston Villa were pulled out on the same side of the draw as Liverpool and could face Club Brugge, Atalanta, Sporting or Dortmund in the Round of 16.City’s horror draw means they face Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool in the space of a few weeks next month.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory More

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      Man City face horror February of SEVEN games including Liverpool, Arsenal and Real Madrid that may derail top four push

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      IT MAY appear to be smooth sailing once again at the Eithad Stadium thanks to recent results, but there’s an iceberg in the distance that could sink their newly patched up superyacht.Man City have been dealt a horror month of fixtures in February that could see their top four hopes come crumbling down.Manchester City have been handed a horror run of fixtures in FebruaryCredit: RexCity have been draw to face Real Madrid in the Champions League play-offsCredit: GettySheikh Mansour and the Man City hierarchy have splashed over £130MILLION this month to try and re-track their uncharacteristic campaign.And they’ll need all of their new arrivals to be on top form if they’re going to navigate a February that will see them take on the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid.Their nightmare month begins on Sunday with a visit to face recent rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.Before a trip to take on Leyton Orient in the FA Cup offers an unhelpful additional fixture against a side on flying form just three days before a huge European clash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity’s narrow qualification for the next stage of the Champions League means they will have to take part in a two-legged play-off round to book a spot in the last 16.And unfortunately for them, they’ve been drawn against Spanish giants Real Madrid.The Cityzens will play Madrid either side of a home game against Eddie Howe’s red hot Newcastle United side on February 15.As if that wasn’t difficult enough, after returning from the Spanish capital, City will have to play league leaders Liverpool in the same week.Most read in FootballMan City face Arsenal this SundayCredit: GettyThe play league leaders Liverpool right after their trip to MadridCredit: EPACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTheir February ends with a visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a ground they have only ever won one Premier League game at.The February slog could have huge ramifications on City’s league position as they fight to secure a spot in the top four.Man City boss Pep Guardiola looks forward to the return of injured players to help Champions League campaign City are currently fourth in the league, ahead of Newcastle in fifth on goal difference.While they trail Liverpool in first place by some 12 points.Pep Guardiola has urged his team to remain focused during the tricky run of fixtures, claiming it’s nothing new for the four-in-a-row champions.He said: “The schedule is what it is. In the Premier League every team has to play everyone, but it normally happens here in the Premier League, always they have the toughest schedules for the European teams at the toughest stages.“It’s tough playing against Real Madrid and the problem is, in the middle, playing Newcastle. They are always so kind with the calendar!”For many, many years it has always happened that way.”He added: “For many, many years before I came here, it’s always been like that.“So it’s not complaining because you had incredible success dealing with this calendar.“Always it has been like that and we accept it. I’m not complaining because we won the treble and quadruple doing it like that.“I said many times in the past, last season, we played the quarter-finals against Madrid and three days later we had the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley when we could have had more days. It’s always been like that.“And we survive and we don’t survive because Madrid is better, because the opponents are better.“But the calendar, I remember when I was in Barcelona training, and I followed the Premier League because it is the most attractive league in the world and Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger made the same complaints.“So now you cannot ask me about the calendar because it’s from a long, long time ago.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s not as though the difficult fixtures stop when February does either, City take on high-flying Nottingham Forest as their first game in March.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Gabriel having it out with Haaland and ANOTHER Arsenal red could be knockout value as Weekend Wagers reveals best bets

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      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and cutting-edge analysis to unearth the best value bets ahead of the sporting weekend.Joining our very own Will Pugh this week is football journalist Kweku Afari and betting expert Sam Rosbottom, who will be looking for the best value on a packed two days of action.SunSport’s Weekend Wager team are finding the best value bets for this weekendCredit: SunSportThere’s plenty at stake when Man City travel to rivals Arsenal on Sunday, with Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhaes set to renew their rivalry.There’s also a derby in the Midlands as Wolves host an Aston Villa side with a depleted backline.And punters can also look forward to some tasty tips for the Six Nations, as well as some horse racing.Check out all our best bets for the weekend below:READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCould there be another red card for Arsenal this weekend?Credit: GettyARSENAL VS MAN CITYKweku Afari: “My tip is Arsenal to receive a red card at 17/2.“Ill discipline has underpinned Arsenal ever since Mikel Arteta took charge.“Arsenal have received 19 red cards since he took over in December 2019, the most in the Premier League.“There’s been reds this season for Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly.Most read in Football“Four reds, the most in the Premier League so far.”And I fully expect that to continue this weekend.”Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhaes could clash heads againCredit: GettyWill Pugh: “I have gone for Gabriel Magalhaes to be fouled two or more times in the game at 4/1. “The Gabriel/Erling Haaland battle that is going to ensue… “Gabriel has been fouled 11 times in the last 10 games.“Haaland has committed seven fouls in the last 11 matches.“They’ve got history. I just fancy them going head to head.”Josko Gvardiol is sure to be a threat for CityCredit: GettySam Rosbottom: “Looking at other markets that take my fancy, Josko Gvardiol to have two shots or more in the match at 11/4 is a tasty price for me.“It’s one of those you can throw into a bet builder, set pieces could be big in this game.“He’s had 12 shots in his last eight Premier League games. “He’s the league’s top-scoring defender at the minute with five goals.”And he’s also City’s third-top scorer.”SunSport’s best Arsenal vs Man City betsArsenal to receive a red card: 17/2Gabriel Magalhaes to be fouled 2+ times: 4/1Josko Gvardiol to have 2+ shots: 11/4Ezri Konsa will be an aerial threat for Villa at WolvesCredit: GettyWOLVES VS ASTON VILLAKweku Afari: “Huge game. Ezri Konsa to score at 12/1.“This Villa team has suffered with injuries — Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings, Amadou Onana.“Konsa is a threat in the box. He’s only scored once in 21 games but he will be their focal point at set pieces.“Wolves have conceded 303 fouls in the league — only second to Bournemouth on 309.“There’s going to be lots of balls going into Wolves’ box from Villa and I expect Konsa to be busy.“Now this stat is going to blow your mind. Wolves have shipped in 19 set-piece goals this season — excluding penalties — the most of any side.“The only side who conceded 20 in a season were Spurs in the 07/08 season and I expect Wolves to beat that this weekend.”Jorgen Strand Larsen has made the second-most runs into the opposition box this seasonCredit: GettyWill Pugh: “Talking of brave, Jorgen Strand Larsen to have 2+ shots on target in the game at 5/2.“Only Dominic Solanke, with 237, has had more runs into the opposition’s penalty area this season than Strand Larsen on 210.“And 80 of those 210 runs into the area have been targeted by passes by a Wolves player.“He’s had 10 shots on target in his last eight league matches. And he’s had at least one shot on target in six of those last eight games.“With Mings’ injury and Villa’s defensive frailties, I fancy he’ll get a lot of opportunities.”Youri Tielemans loves a shot from distanceCredit: GettySam Rosbottom: “Straight in there, Youri Tielemans to have two or more shots at 9/5.“It’s a great option to have for a bet builder. He’s had nine shots in his last five Premier League starts.“He had two blocked shots and one unblocked shot against West Ham.“When Wolves mark players, I think Tielemans will fly under the radar and he does get forward and into the box.”SunSport’s best Wolves vs Aston Villa betsEzri Konsa to score: 12/1Jorgen Strand Larsen to have 2+ shots on target: 5/2Youri Tielemans to have 2+ shots: 9/5Galopin Des Champs is favourite to win in DublinCredit: PADUBLIN RACING FESTIVALSam Rosbottom: “There’s one race that stands out for me and it’s the Irish Gold Cup.“Galopin Des Champs coming up against Fact To File.“Going into this race they’ve had two races so far this season up against each other. It’s currently 1-1.“Galopin Des Champs is the favourite in this at 4/7. While Fact to File is currently 7/2.“Whoever wins, we’re likely to see some implication for the Cheltenham anti-post Gold Cup market as well.“For the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Galopin Des Champs is favourite at 4/5, going for three in a row.“But if Fact to File wins on Saturday it could shake the market up completely.“Fact to File is 4/1 for the Gold Cup. But it’s a big ask. Galopin is a really strong horse and it would be a big surprise if it doesn’t do the business this weekend.”SunSport’s best racing betsDublin Racing Festival — Irish Gold Cup winnerGalopin des Champs: 4/7Fact to File: 7/2Cheltenham Racing Festival: Gold Cup winnerGalopin des Champs: 4/5Fact to File: 4/1England have been tipped to lose their Six Nations openerCredit: GettyIRELAND VS ENGLANDSam Rosbottom: “We’ve got the Lions tour this summer, players are going to want to play for that.“Currently France are the favourites for the Six Nations at 6/4.“Ireland could make history and become the only side to win three in a row at 7/4.“England are 4/1 to win at the minute. 10 losses against the top four sides in 11 attempts.“But the one win they did get in that time came in the Six Nations at Twickenham against Ireland, which stopped them winning the Grand Slam last year.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s a massive game. But it’s not very patriotic. Ireland to win with a -6 handicap at Evens.“Revenge is on the line, England have a lot to do still. Ireland look a sound bet.”SunSport’s best Six Nations betsIreland vs EnglandIreland to beat England with a -6 handicap: EvensSix Nations winner oddsFrance: 6/4Ireland: 7/4England: 4/1Scotland: 8/1Wales: 45/1Italy: 100/1Remember 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 – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Premier League closing in on EXTRA Champions League spot for next season after English clubs dominate European groups

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      THE Premier League has closed in on an extra place in next season’s Champions League after dominating the first phase of the new expanded competition.Six of the Prem’s seven sides earned automatic qualification for the last 16 of their respective competitions, with Liverpool and Chelsea achieving top seeding spots and Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs in the top four.Prem clubs have excelled in Europe this seasonCredit: ReutersIt means that with the initial league phase of the three revamped competitions now concluded, English sides have picked up an average of 20.892 coefficient points.That puts the Prem more than 3.7 points clear of third-placed Spain, the equivalent of 13 individual match wins, in the fight for an extra place in the elite competition.And it gives Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle even more encouragement as they seek a place in the most prestigious club competition in football.Across the 54 matches played by Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea – who had to play a two-legged Conference League qualifier, Prem sides have won 37 and lost just eight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBy contrast, Italy’s eight sides amassed 32 wins between them, losing 15, Spain clocked up 31 victories but had 19 defeats and Germany’s 29 triumphs were almost cancelled out by 26 losses.And with Liverpool, Arsenal, Villa, Spurs, United and Chelsea all qualifying automatically for the last 16 of their respective competitions, the English sides have added a further 62.25 bonus points already.England’s aggregate total of 146.25 points is the highest by 7.75pts, with Italy on 138.5 and Spain on 120.25.But the position was strengthened by England having just seven teams in Uefa action, compared to the eight for Italy and Germany who earned an extra Champions League slot last term, as total points are then divided by the number of competing teams each nation has at the start of the season.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile all the English sides have reached the knock-out phase, the other major nations have seen clubs fall at the league hurdle.The Bundesliga lost both Leipzig and Stuttgart in the elite competition, while Bologna and Girona also missed the Champions League cut, meaning they cannot add to their countries’ totals.Ally McCoist explains the new Champions League format Hoffenheim made an early Europa League exit as did French outfit Nice – also part of United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos sporting empire.That means Germany are almost out of contention already.England’s huge advantage – plus the European form of the teams – means it would need a huge meltdown when the teams return to Uefa action for fifth place in the Prem not to earn a place among Europe’s elite.Despite their Prem wobbles, United and Spurs are now on course for a potential Europa League final showdown in Bilbao after finishing third and fourth in the league phase.It means they cannot play each other until the Final, when a sixth Champions League spot would also be on the line.Germany’s debacle leaves the Bundesliga fifth and more than six full coefficient points behind England, with Italy and Spain seemingly fighting for the second extra slotUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Marcus Rashford ‘REJECTS Tottenham transfer as Man Utd outcast has heart set on a different club’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has reportedly rejected a move to Tottenham after setting his heart on a different club.The Manchester United misfit has barely featured since being axed by Ruben Amorim last year.Marcus Rashford has rejected Spurs as he waits for his dream moveCredit: ReutersRashford now faces an anxious wait to see if he can secure a move away from Old Trafford before Monday’s deadline.And he has not been short of offers despite picking up north of £300,000-a-week.The likes of Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are all thought to have been in contact with Rashford’s representatives this month.However, they have all been brutally snubbed by the England forward.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Guardian claims Tottenham have become the latest suitor to feel the sting of Rashford’s rejection.Ange Postecoglou has made no secret of his desire to land a new attacker.And following Rashford’s decision to snub him, the Aussie is now hoping to wrap up a stunning £50million deal for Bayern Munich teen Mathys Tel.Rashford’s decision to turn down Tottenham means he is now waiting on the one club he’s wanted to join all along.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBarcelona came forward earlier this month despite their ongoing financial woes.And Rashford is desperate to link up with Lamine Yamal at the Nou Camp as soon as possible.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd are a better team with Marcus Rashford but he has to change But there is a major stumbling block so far preventing the deal from happening.Barcelona have only just been given special permission from the Higher Sports Council to temporarily register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor because of their financial situation.It means they must get rid of two players to free up space for any more signings.Former Chelsea man Andreas Christensen is thought to be one player up for sale, with Brentford interested in taking him back to England.But he is so far refusing to leave the Nou Camp, as is Ansu Fati.The former Brighton loanee has been told he can leave Barca and is a target for Ajax.READ MORE SUN STORIESFati plays in the same position as Rashford but he has so far resisted being pushed out of the club.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Europa League draw LIVE: Knockout play-off ties drawn as Man Utd safely through to Last 16 – latest updates

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      THE Europa League knockout play-off draw has concluded as the brackets take shape.Manchester United, Tottenham and Rangers are all safely into the Last 16 already and did not feature in this draw, but have learned more about their four potential opponents.The Last 16 draw – which features United and Spurs – will be taking place on Friday, February 21.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the updates below…Europa League round datesKnockout phase play-offs: 13 & 20 February 2025Round of 16: 6 & 13 March 2025Quarter-finals: 10 & 17 April 2025Semi-finals: 1 & 8 May 2025Copy linkCopiedEuropa League’s top earners so farCopy linkCopiedMan Utd secure biggest EL paydayMan Utd have bagged the biggest Europa League prize pot so far – despite finishing only third in the initial league phase.United’s final match win at FCSB means they have landed £19.5million to date and also confirmed their place in the last 16.And Spurs, fourth overall, stand second in the cash rankings at the end of the first phase.The North Londoners have banked £18.4m after recording five wins and two draws out of eight games.Copy linkCopiedRoad to BilbaoEuropa League draw sees Man Utd, Tottenham and Rangers straight through to the last 16Copy linkCopiedA reminder of the EL draw in full…Left side of the bracketFC Twente vs Bodo/GlimtUnion Saint-Gilloise vs AjaxAZ Alkmaar vs GalatasarayFerencvárosi vs Viktoria PlzenRight side of the bracketFenerbahce vs AnderlechtPAOK vs FCSBFC Midtjylland vs Real SociedadPorto vs RomaCopy linkCopiedWho could Man Utd and Tottenham face?Man Utd and Tottenham will each face one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar or Midtjylland in the last-16 of the Europa League.Copy linkCopiedWhen is the last-16 draw?The draw for the last 16 is on February 21 – a day after the play-off round finishes.Man Utd and Tottenham will find out their next opponents then.Copy linkCopiedPrem closes in on extra CL spotThe Premier League has closed in on an extra place in next season’s Champions League after dominating the first phase of the new expanded competition.Six of the Prem’s seven sides earned automatic qualification for the last 16 of their respective competitions, with Liverpool and Chelsea achieving top seeding spots and Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs in the top four.It means that with the initial league phase of the three revamped competitions now concluded, English sides have picked up an average of 20.892 coefficient points.That puts the Prem more than 3.7 points clear of third placed Spain, the equivalent of 13 individual match wins, in the fight for an extra place in the elite competition.And it gives Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle even more encouragement as they seek a place in the most prestigious club competition in football.Copy linkCopiedPath to the final…Copy linkCopiedEuropa League round datesKnockout phase play-offs: 13 & 20 February 2025Round of 16: 6 & 13 March 2025Quarter-finals: 10 & 17 April 2025Semi-finals: 1 & 8 May 2025Copy linkCopiedPlay-off fixturesThe first leg of the Europa League play-off fixtures will take place on February 13, with the return matches scheduled for the following week on February 20.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedDraw in fullLeft side of the bracketFC Twente vs Bodo/GlimtUnion Saint-Gilloise vs AjaxAZ Alkmaar vs GalatasarayFerencvárosi vs Viktoria PlzenRight side of the bracketFenerbahce vs AnderlechtPAOK vs FCSBFC Midtjylland vs Real SociedadPorto vs RomaCopy linkCopiedLeft side of the bracketFC TwenteUnion Saint-GilloiseAZ AlkmaarFerencvárosiRight side of the bracketFenerbahcePAOKFC MidtjyllandPortoCopy linkCopiedHere we go!The Europa League play-off draw is about to begin!Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedChampions League play-off draw in fullThe Champions League draw has just taken place! Here are the play-off fixtures we have to look forward to…Left side:Brest vs PSGJuventus vs PSV EindhovenMan City vs Real MadridClub Brugge vs AtalantaRight side:Monaco vs BenficaFeyenoord vs AC MilanCeltic vs Bayern MunichSporting Lisbon vs Borussia DortmundCopy linkCopiedWhich teams are automatically through?The top eight teams in the Europa League group stage table have earned automatic qualification for the last-16.LazioAthletic ClubMan UtdTottenhamEintracht FrankfurtLyonOlympiacosRangersCopy linkCopiedAre there any changes to the knockouts?No, there are no changes to the original knockout stages.The last 16 stage will continue, with a series of two-legged knockout games culminating in the final on May 21.The removal of away goals – implemented last season – will continue as well.Copy linkCopiedWho is in the draw?Bodo/GlimtAnderlechtFCSBAjaxReal SociedadGalatasarayRomaViktoria PlzenFerencvarosPortoFC AlkmaarMidtjyllandUnion Saint-GilloisePAOKTwenteFenerbahceCopy linkCopiedWelcome to the Europa League drawHello, good morning and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of today’s Europa League draw!Today the 16 teams who qualified for the knockout play-offs will find out who they will be facing next month.The winners of the play-off games will progress through to the last-16.We have some huge potential fixtures in the pipeline, so stay tuned!Copy linkCopied More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 22: Mohamed Salah to light up Carabao Cup semi-final?

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      DREAM TEAM managers must remember to select their captain for Gameweek 22 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.Generally speaking, it’s wise to stick the armband on a player with two point-scoring opportunities if possible.And so assets from Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham are in the spotlight as those four clubs are set to pull double duty in Gameweek 22, courtesy of the Carabao Cup semi-final second legs.Salah is the safe choice for a reasonCredit: Dream TeamMohamed Salah (£8m) is the first name that comes to mind as he leads the way with 339 points overall.Liverpool are due to face Bournemouth on Saturday before hosting Spurs on Thursday night.Two seasons ago, the Reds beat the Cherries 9-0 but a lot has changed since then.Right now, Bournemouth are arguably the Premier League’s most in-form side having dusted Newcastle 4-1 and thrashed high-flying Nottingham Forest 5-0 in their two most recent outings.Andoni Iraola’s side also boast the best defensive record in home fixtures this season.On paper, Salah faces a stern test this weekend.Bournemouth have outplayed several strong opponents this seasonCredit: GettyThat being said, the Egyptian superstar averages 10.6 points-per-game this season and even if he is constricted by Milos Kerkez (£3.6m) and company on the south coast then he may cash in against an injury-ravaged Spurs at Anfield a few days later.Most read in Dream TeamAnge Postecoglou’s side beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg and so Arne Slot is expected to name a strong starting line-up on Thursday night with a view to targeting his first trophy as Anfield boss.If Salah is going to be rested soon, it will surely be against Plymouth in the FA Cup fourth round.Many Dream Team bosses will be wary of overthinking captaincy this Gameweek and so the prolific 32-year-old provides a safe, logical option.Gaffers looking to take Salah on in Gameweek 22 would do well to consider Alexander Isak (£6.1m).A rare double Gameweek for Newcastle makes Isak an appealing optionCredit: GettyFulham (league) and Arsenal (cup) is far from a favourable double header for Newcastle but the Magpies are the only team with the luxury of two home games this Gameweek.The Toon’s Swedish striker has racked up 230 points via 19 goals this campaign – Salah and Erling Haaland (£7.9m) are the only names above him in the rankings.Isak will be up against two good defences this coming Gameweek but his blistering form means he almost transcends the schedule.Let’s not forget he banked 13 points against the Gunners in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.Arsenal have two big fixtures in Gameweek 22Credit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side are not to be underestimated but it would take a brave gaffer to confidently pick out a captain among their ranks at this juncture.Gabriel (£5m), Leandro Trossard (£3.9m) and Kai Havertz (£4.7m) have notched their fair share of points lately but Arsenal’s double header of Manchester City and Newcastle is a difficult one to predict.If Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) was fit and firing then he would be a strong candidate for the armband but sadly that’s not the case.It’s a similar story for Spurs.Son Heung-min (£5m), Pedro Porro (£4.2m) and Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m) have delivered plentiful points this term but it’s a stretch to think any of them are stronger captaincy options than Salah or Isak… isn’t it?A bold alternativeCredit: AFPCody Gakpo (£4.7m) is among the most popular recruits ahead of Gameweek 22 and his new owners might be tempted to slap the armband straight on him following his mighty 29-point return in Gameweek 21.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Dutchman is technically Liverpool’s most in-form player right now but again, it would take some courage to opt for him over Salah.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 NOWUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Premier League club announces 23,000-seater new stadium plan to fulfil Champions League ambition

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      BOURNEMOUTH have announced their plan to build a 23,000-seater stadium to fulfil their Champions League ambitions.The Cherries have gone from strength to strength since appointing Andoni Iraola as their manager 18 months ago.Bournemouth are ready to build a new 23,000 seater stadium to replace the VitalityCredit: RexThe Cherries’ current ground holds just over 11,000Credit: AlamyBournemouth lie 7th in the table with 11 wins and five defeats from 23 matches this season.Iraola’s men blasted five past Nottingham Forest’s mean defence last weekend.And seven days earlier they secured an impressive 4-1 win away at high-flying Newcastle.The Cherries have done all this with a severely depleted squad full of injuries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut fans are starting to dream of a shock push for Champions League football.And club chiefs are already setting out plans to take Bournemouth to the next level.American businessman Bill Foley took over the south-coast club in 2022 as part of his Black Knight group’s multi-team ownership strategy.As well as reversing Bournemouth’s fortunes on the field while landing a top coach in Iraola, Foley and Co are now close to finishing an elite new training ground.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut the biggest change is set to come with a brand new stadium, with plans at an advanced stage to double the capacity of Bournemouth’s current ground.The Cherries have been playing at the Vitality Stadium, otherwise known as Dean Court, since 1910.Premier League club announces major stadium changes with new capacity and away fans moved A new ground would help Bournemouth realise their Champions League ambitionsCredit: MicrosoftThe historic ground packs in over 11,000 fans for each game.But plans are now afoot to knock it down and build a new stadium over the same space while boosting capacity to over 23,000.The surge in tickets sold will give Bournemouth a huge financial boost, thereby helping them attract better players and eventually crack the Premier League’s top four.Foley told Men in Blazers via the Athletic: “We have a waiting list of 15 or 16,000 people that want tickets, so we’re not going to have trouble filling the stadium.“We’re a little ahead of schedule. I thought we’d be in Europe next year. We may have a chance this year if we can keep going and keep on playing well.“If we just get lucky on injuries and get these guys healthy the second half of the season, we should be very successful.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If we’re successful, we will play in Europe. The Champions League? That’s my dream.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More