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    ‘He’s an animal’ – Phil Jones names Man Utd wonderkid, 17, Ruben Amorim must turn to NOW to ease woes

    PHIL JONES has singled out one academy gem at Manchester United to lead the team into a new era alongside the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo.Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim was forced to turn to the kids for the Red Devils’ 1-0 defeat to Tottenham last weekend, naming EIGHT teenagers on the bench for the clash.Phil Jones has named the wonderkid that could make a difference for Man UtdCredit: GettyMan Utd named eight teenagers on their bench for their 1-0 defeat to Spurs last weekendCredit: GettyJones reckons Ruben Amorim has plenty of talent in his youth ranksCredit: AlamyAnd although the academy kids’ day out was due to an injury crisis, former star Jones reckons that the bench is a sign of a promising future coming through the ranks at Carrington.Jones, who has been working with the academy at United, singled out 17-year-old striker Chido Obi as one of the youngsters with enough talent to pull the club out of the slump.Comparing the striker to some of the established players at Old Trafford, Jones labelled Obi as “an animal”.Speaking to the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, he said: “Working in and around the academy and helping those young players develop, United have some really good and talented young players coming through.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The squad had a lot of injuries against Tottenham and the bench was full of kids, but there were some talented players on that bench.”People might not know a lot about them now, but they certainly will in the next few years. “I think you look at Kobbie Mainoo, top player, you look at Chido who we’ve just signed from Arsenal, who’s an animal.”You look at Amad who had a couple of really good loans, and I remember watching him winning it against Liverpool in extra time last season, and I had said at that time he’d play a huge part in the next season.Most read in FootballChido Obi has been highlighted as one of the best talents at Man UtdCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I played with Amad for a year or two and you could see then that the quality he had was really good and really strong.”As I said there’s a great crop of young players ready to be given the chance and integrated into the team.”New Man Utd signing arrives at Old Trafford for first time since transfer… only to see horror show against TottenhamChido Obi was the only player to get off the bench for Ruben Amorim’s side during the defeat to Spurs.The Danish teenager didn’t actually manage to get a touch of the ball during his three minute cameo, but is tipped for big things inside the game.Obi arrived in Manchester this summer after signing from rivals Arsenal where he had smashed youth records with his goalscoring exploits.He managed an astonishing 32 goals in just 18 U18 Premier League appearances for the Gunners last season, and has scored nine in 11 for United’s youth ranks this term.Amorim will be hoping that Obi can replicate that goalscoring prowess at senior level too, with both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund misfiring up top at the moment.Zirkzee has scored just once in his last 13 appearances, while Hojlund has now gone 15 consecutive games without finding the back of the net.United face Everton in the early kick-off at Goodison Park on Saturday and boss Amorim could call upon Obi to try and turn things around given the club’s dire situation at the moment.Obi came off the bench in injury time last weekendCredit: AlamyJoshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have been struggling in front of goalCredit: Getty More

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    Ruben Amorim apologises to Christian Eriksen for ‘misunderstanding’ after comments about Man Utd star’s heart situation

    CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN will return for Manchester United with Ruben Amorim admitting he caused a false heart scare.The Danish midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 but subsequently made an amazing recovery after having an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) fitted.Ruben Amorim admitted he caused a misunderstanding about Christian Eriksen’s healthCredit: ReutersThe Man Utd boss appeared to unintentionally suggest that must be ‘careful’ due to his ‘heart situation’Credit: AFPBut after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Tottenham boss Amorim brought up Eriksen’s heart issue when he missed the game through illness.Amorim said at the time: “Of course has the heart situation and we have to be really careful with that.”It’s nothing about the heart! I’m just saying the heart rate has to be controlled because he has a fever.”Amorim’s words created a surge of get-well messages and Eriksen then went on social media to clear matters upRead More on Man UtdThe 33-year-old, fit again for Saturday’s clash with Everton along with Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte declared: “I just wanted to thank everyone for the get well messages I’ve been receiving after missing the Spurs game.”I picked up a virus like many people do at this time of year. Nothing serious and soon ready to get back to training.”An apologetic Amorim stressed: “With Chris it was a misunderstanding, really clear on that.”He’s healthy and he’s ready to play for many years at a high level. My limitations are explaining the injuries.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUnited face Everton below their rivals for the first time since David Moyes, now back at Goodison, took charge of his last game as Old Trafford boss – following an April 2014 2-0 loss to the Toffees.Amorim takes his side to Merseyside having lost eight of his last 12 league games but is up-beat, saying he is now hearing a different more confident noise from his players.Why Haaland & Mac Allister will decide Man City vs Liverpool – Experts’ best bets | Weekend WagerThey have struggled to adapt to his 3-4-3 tactical philosophy but he says: “What I see in training is they are improving and creating relationships.“Even the sounds of the training is different. We have to use that in the game and see it in the game and take that step.“We are bonding and we understand the we want to play, but in the game we struggle a lot.“The sound is when you making an exercise you feel the sound, people are talking and asking for the ball and give directions.“If you spend your life as a football player even the sound of the training is important.“So training, good, but I know we have issues when we play. We have to take how we train now into the games.”Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More

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    ‘Love this’: Grassroots football set for major rule change which will revolutionise way young English stars play forever

    GRASSROOTS football in England is set for a major revamp after the FA announced its plan to implement sizeable changes from 2026.The new format promises to revolutionise the way football is taught to youngsters, with the FA taking inspiration from the European youth set up.Grassroots football in England is set for a major revampThe first major change is the introduction of a new 3v3 entry format for the youngest players in the pathway at U7s level.Six to seven year old’s go straight into 5v5 at the moment, but will shift to fielding three players on each side from the 2026-2027 season.The smaller set up aims to maximise engagement and provide the best introduction to football that will allow kids more touches on the ball.This means that every increase in playing sides will be pushed back by a year.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFor example, U11s will go from playing 9-a-side matches currently, to 7-a-side matches from 2026-2017.England Football explained: “Each format will be played one year later as players transition through the pathway.”The next biggest change means that 11v11 which will move from U13s to U14s level.The FA will also evolve the Laws of the Game that are age-appropriate and best support the overall development of youth players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFor example, amendments have already been made to game restarts for U7s-U9s to increase ball in play time.The decision was informed by a two-year study of over 400 grassroots games (U6-U14) and insights from stakeholders.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againThe FA said: “We aim to further improve the experience for young players across the country – giving them more time on the ball, more time on the pitch and increasing their physical activity levels.”A series of workshops and tools will be provided to support all coaches, clubs and leagues across the country to further understand the changes that will be implemented.The Director of Football Development, James Kendall, said: “We’re excited about these new changes which follow a two-year period of consultation with the grassroots game. “Our approach is about evolution, not revolution, helping to increase the levels of engagement, physical activity, skill development and the volume of technical actions for every player.”The announcement has received a mixed response online.One footie fan wrote: “Ive seen 3v3 in Europe. You’re all fretting about nothing. Works great and the kids love it. “Coaches just supervise. No more yelling generic instructions required.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA second added: “I think it’s great, the kids will get more playing time and more time on the ball to work on their own ability.” But another social media user questioned: “But won’t this reduced squad sizes?” More

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    ‘Make it make sense’ – Hope for Arsenal in Champions League as ‘literally unbelievable’ Real Madrid stat emerges

    ARSENAL fans may be dreading the prospect of playing Real Madrid in the Champions League – but they needn’t fear.The Gunners learned their fate for the last-16 of the Champions League on Friday.Arsenal could end up playing Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPThe north Londoners boast an incredible record against the Spanish giantsCredit: REUTERSMikel Arteta’s troops will first face Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in the proper knockout stages of Europe’s elite club competition.Awaiting the winner will be whoever comes out on top of the tasty Madrid derby between Atletico and Real.The prospect of facing the 15-time European Cup winners Real has daunted some of the Emirates faithful.But the north Londoners’ record against Los Blancos is impressive, to say the least.READ MORE UCL NEWSThe Gunners are UNDEFEATED against the Spaniards, who booked their ticket to the last-16 by dumping out Manchester City.They have only played one another twice in their history, clashing in the last 16 of the Champions League back in the 2005/6 season.Arsenal fans were left stunned by the stat, with one writing on X: “Literally unbelievable.”Another said: “They’ve never faced a team like this either.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd another said: “Tell ’em again.”One remarked: “Let me correct you, Madrid never scored a goal against Arsenal, they are our b******s.”Champions League last 16 draw sees Liverpool take on PSG and Arsenal face PSV Another chimed in: “Wait, Real Madrid have never beaten Arsenal? Make it make sense.”Arsene Wenger’s then-troops kept Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham at bay in the first leg, which they drew 0-0.And club legend Thierry Henry won the return leg with a sensational solo goal, in which he skinned four players before firing the ball past Iker Casillas with his weaker foot.The Gunners ended up reaching the final of the competition that season but suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Real’s bitter rivals Barcelona.Thierry Henry scored the sole goal of the Gunners’ last Champions League clash against Real MadridCredit: AFP More

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    Supercomputer reveals Europa League winners with heartbreak for Tottenham in the final and more misery for Man Utd

    A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the outcome of the Europa League – and it doesn’t look good for Manchester United.The Red Devils have endured a miserable season so far.A supercomputer has predicted Man Utd to crash out early in the Europa League knockout stagesCredit: GettyIt’s better news for TottenhamCredit: GettyThey currently sit 15th in the Premier League table with just 29 points from 25 games.And their hopes of a trophy are now pinned on the FA Cup and the Europa League.Ruben Amorim and Co have been handed a difficult last-16 draw in Europe’s second-tier competition.United will face La Liga side Real Sociedad for a place in the quarter-finals.Read More in FootballHowever, a supercomputer from Slingo predicts they will suffer a 5-3 defeat on aggregate.The algorithm – which has given Man Utd an 11 per cent chance of winning the competition – suggests Amorim’s side will lose 3-2 away from home and 2-1 at Old Trafford.Meanwhile, Tottenham are predicted to win their last-16 meeting with AZ Alkmaar 2-0 on aggregate.Spurs are then tipped to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTottenham have been predicted to reach the finalCredit: PAThe supercomputer has predicted a thrilling affair between the two teams, with Spurs ultimately winning 5-4 after two legs.Ange Postecoglou and Co are then expected to face Lazio in the semi-finals.Rio Ferdinand fears that Man Utd might not win again in the Premier League this season Should that be the case, they are predicted to win 3-2 on aggregate to secure a spot in the final.However, that is where the Europa League journey will come to an unfortunate end for Spurs.According to the supercomputer, Tottenham will lose 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao in the Spain final.It would mean Bilbao would win the title in their own city – at San Mames Stadium.The teams expected to miss out on the final are Lazio and Real Sociedad.Lyon, Fenerbahce, Olympiacos, Rangers, Roma, Bodo/Glimt, Viktoria Plzen and FCSB are also set to fall short of Europa League glory.The Supercomputer’s Europa League prediction More

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    Jose Mourinho braced for epic revenge tour with Fenerbahce to face THREE former clubs including Man Utd in Europa League

    TAKE THAT, Fleetwood Mac, The Stone Roses, The Eagles and Spice Girls have enjoyed some of the biggest comeback tours ever seen.While fans across the globe can’t wait for Oasis’ big return in the summer.Jose Mourinho could be set to embark on a huge comeback tour against three of his old clubsCredit: AFPIf Fenerbahce make the quarter-finals they could face RomaCredit: GettyA semi-final showdown could see Mourinho face Man Utd againCredit: EPAWhile making it to the final could lead to the biggest grudge match of all against TottenhamCredit: AlamyHowever, it’s Bananarama superfan Jose Mourinho’s own reunion tour this spring that may be the most exciting of the bunch.That’s as the Portuguese boss braces himself for returns to the scenes of all his most recent acrimonious departures in the Europa League knockouts.Mourinho is now the boss of Turkish club Fenerbahce, and saw his side coast past Anderlecht and into the last-16 of the competition on Thursday night.Next up is Rangers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut, it’s if Mourinho’s side manage to get past the Scottish giants when the fun really begins.First up could be a quarter-final against the Special One’s most recent club Roma – where he left under a cloud in January 2024.The potential fixture list gets even tastier in the semi-finals with Fenerbahce having the chance to play Manchester United.Mourinho won the Europa League with United in 2017 and finished second in the Premier League in 2017-18 – a position the club would dream of now – but was sacked just months later.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMourinho’s stunning comeback tour could then end in the final in Spain, where he may face old club Tottenham in the ultimate grudge match decider.The Portuguese tactician was famously sacked by Spurs just before the 2021 Carabao Cup final.Rangers boss Philippe Clement opens up on the challenge of facing Jose Mourinho’s FenerbahceThe North London side went on to lose that final, with Ryan Mason in interim charge, and their trophyless streak goes on to this day.It’s safe to say Mourinho hasn’t forgotten. More

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    Man Utd chief fires off 580-word email warning staff they face being SACKED if they continue to leak information

    MANCHESTER UNITED chief Omar Berrada has warned staff they face being sacked if they continue to leak information about the club.The Red Devils’ CEO made the threat in a 580-word email to employees this week.Omar Berrada has warned staff who leak news will be firedCredit: PASir Jim Ratcliffe’s United reign has been plagued by poor performances on the pitch.Erik ten Hag was sacked earlier this season, with successor Ruben Amorim taking them even lower down the table.While off the pitch, around 250 staff have been made redundant in a bid to reduce spending.And now, those who remain have been warned that “additional measures” have been put in place to prevent any further leaking of updates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport exclusively revealed that the the club could make up to 200 more redundancies in the following weeks and months.But despite acknowledging the unsettling conditions, chief executive Berrada told staff that anyone caught leaking information to the media will be sacked.An email seen by the Telegraph read: “Anyone disclosing information outside of the club is breaching their obligations of confidentiality, and we are very clear that this will be considered gross misconduct.“To protect the club and its colleagues, additional measures are being put in place to prevent future breaches of confidentiality and also identify any persons responsible.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“Journalists are extremely well-versed in gathering information from multiple sources.”United have not commented on the email sent out by Berrada.Europa League last 16 draw sees Man Utd face Real Sociedad and Tottenham take on AZ Alkmaar It came in the same week that debt levels at the club hit the £1billion mark.The figure rose after United spent £10.4million on sacking Erik ten Hag and his staff.The club spent a similar amount to bring in Amorim mid-season.While Dan Ashworth’s exit as sporting director cost £4.1m as total revenue dropped by 12 per cent over the quarter. More

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    Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 25: Latest on Erling Haaland, Son Heung-min and others

    DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 25 in one convenient location.Erling Haaland is considered a doubt for Sunday’s huge match-up between Manchester City and Liverpool.Haaland is a doubt to face Liverpool this weekendCredit: Dream TeamThe Norwegian No9, who features in 53.9% of teams at the time of writing, was substituted against Newcastle last weekend and didn’t come off the bench against Real Madrid in midweek.When asked about Haaland’s availability, Pep Guardiola told reporters today: “Don’t know yet… tomorrow we will know.”John Stones is definitely sidelined and may even require surgery but Nathan Ake returned at the Bernabeu.As for the Reds, Cody Gakpo has not yet trained with the rest of the squad having been unfit in Gameweek 24.read more on footballArne Slot said on Thursday that it will be a “close call” in regards to the Dutch forward.Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez have been ruled out with the latter expected to be unavailable until near the end of the season.Bradley is unlikely to feature against either Man City or NewcastleCredit: PANoni Madueke has been added to Chelsea’s injury list ahead of their trip to Villa Park on Saturday.Ezri Konsa will be in contention to start for the hosts if he makes it through today’s training session without complaint.Most read in Dream TeamAxel Disasi is ineligible to play against his parent club.Christian Eriksen, Lenny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte are all likely to make Manchester United’s squad at Goodison Park.However, Kobbie Mainoo is not yet ready to return for the Red Devils.Lewis Dunk remains a doubt for Brighton but Fabian Hurzeler will be able to call upon Pervis Estupinan and Solly March ahead of the Seagulls’ trip to Southampton.Son will be available for Spurs this weekendCredit: AFPAnge Postecoglou provided a positive update on Son Heung-min, Kevin Danso and Rodrigo Bentancur.Speaking to journalists, the Tottenham boss said: “The three guys who picked up knocks last week… are all good, we’ve had a full week to recover and prepare.”West Ham will be without Lucas Paqueta at Arsenal this weekend following an unfortunate “training incident” with team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Oliver Glasner believes Eberechi Eze is “ready to start” against Fulham on Saturday and reported no new concerns.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, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai HavertzSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Pau Torres, Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana, Ezri Konsa (doubt), Boubacar KamaraSuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith, Evanilson, Enes Unal, James Hill (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Igor Thiago, Rico Henry, Sepp van den BergSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Igor Julio, Lewis Dunk (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, Noni MaduekeSuspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Joel Ward, Chadi RiadSuspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Seamus Coleman, Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman Ndiaye, Nathan PattersonSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Harry WilsonSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin (doubt), Christian Walton, Wes Burns, Julio EncisoSuspensions: Axel TuanzebeLEICESTERInjuries: Ricardo Pereira, Abdul Fatawu, James JustinSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Cody Gakpo (doubt), Tyler Morton, Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley (doubt)Suspensions: Curtis JonesMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Erling Haaland (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Altay Bayindir, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Tom Collyer, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad DialloSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, JoelintonSuspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Carlos MiguelSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Ross Stewart, Ryan Fraser (doubt), Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Adam LallanaSuspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Cristian Romero, Timo Werner (doubt), Dominic Solanke, Radu Dragusin, Richarlison, Micky van de VenSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Vladimir Coufal, Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville, Lucas PaquetaSuspensions: NoneWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Yerson Mosquera, Jorgen Strand Larsen (doubt), Leon Chiwone, Hwang Hee-chan, Sam Johnstone (doubt), Rodrigo Gomes (doubt), Emmanuel Agbadou (doubt)Suspensions: None More