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

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      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

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      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

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      Sarina Wiegman eyes Nations League victories for England in their first competitive tests this year ahead of Euros 

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      NOTHING less than two wins is the aim for Sarina Wiegman and England when they face Portugal and Spain in the Women’s Nations League.While the start of their Euros title campaign is five months away, the Lionesses are fully focused on the present. A 0-0 draw in July 2023 was the result of the last clash between Portugal and Sarina Wiegman’s LionessesCredit: GettyEngland will be aiming for an away win against Portugal at Portimao StadiumCredit: GettyThe game could see Nikita Parris play her first game for the Lionesses since November 2022 following her England recallCredit: GettyGroup place finishes at the end of the Nations League will dictate which sides are placed in each league for the European qualifying games for the 2027 World Cup. Teams who finish in first and second place in each League A group stay in the top league for the qualifiers.England boss Wiegman, whose side are in group three of League A, said: “We’re going to approach these games to win this Nations League. “This is also important to get us in the best position for the draw, for the qualification for the World Cup. Read More Football Stories”That’s a little further away, but that’s why these games are very important too.”Speaking to reporters at England’s base in the city of Albufeira in Portugal’s Algarve, full-back Lucy Bronze added: “Everyone’s always going to have one eye on the summer, that’s for sure. “But as Sarina said, We are focused on one game at a time. It is important to us. “I think the Nations League, the setup now, means that every game matters so much.Most read in Football”All the teams around us are getting better. “So it is important that we focus on the here and now.”While the here and now is a clash with Portugal in Portimao tonight followed by a February 26 Wembley duel with Spain, some fans will look at both as a rehearsal for England’s Euros campaign.In 137 days the Lionesses will kickstart their quest to remain European Champions.Their historic triumph in July 2022 was off the back of winning the six games they played at the tournament. Results which included a gritty quarter-final defeat of Spain on their way to beating Germany 2-1 in the final at Wembley. Much has changed on the international stage since then with Spain now a tougher force to be reckoned with, particularly when facing their European rivals. The team, managed by Montserrat Tome, won seven of their eight Women’s Nations League on their way to becoming the contest’s 2024 winners.Their victory last February, following a 2-0 defeat of France in Seville, came six months after beating England in the World Cup final in Australia. In 2024 we gained a lot of experience, whether it was good or bad. We learned a lot from that which is going to give us a bit more of an edge.Along with France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, Spain are among the sides likely to be the biggest challengers to the Lionesses for Euros glory. Having lost and drawn two of their last international fixtures, England are eager to get off to a solid start before this summer’s Euros and their next Nations League fixtures in April.While the team beat South Africa and Switzerland in friendlies last October and December they also drew 0-0 with the USA and lost 4-3 to Germany at Wembley. Bronze adds:  “In 2024, maybe some results didn’t go our way. “The most important thing is when we get to the summer, that’s when we want to make sure we’re performing for that tournament (the Euros).”In 2024 we gained a lot of experience, whether it was good or bad.”We learned a lot from that, which is going to give us a bit more of an edge.”Filling void left by midfield mainstay Georgia Stanway Since her breakthrough as the youngest player in England’s 2019 World Cup squad Georgia Stanway has become a lynchpin in the team’s midfield.But the Bayern Munich star is in a race to be fit before the Euros.A collateral ligament tear in Stanway’s right knee means England will be without one of their most influential figures from their 2022 Euros-winning squad for tonight’s game and their clash with Spain. A player who was the last to score for the Lionesses against Spain in a major tournament. Stanway’s absence has left Wiegman needing to look to midfield alternatives for one of her most tenacious all-round players. Bayern expects the midfielder who helped them to two title wins since 2022  her to be out for “several months” following her knee op in January. The 75-capped Lioness played in all six games for England at the 2022 Euros. Her link-up play with Keira Walsh and Wiegman’s forwards has proven effective in some of the Lionesses’ most high stakes encounters in recent years. In Stanway’s absence Grace Clinton will be among their midfield options in an eight role. Last February Clinton shone on her senior international debut, playing in this position during a 7-2 hammering of Austria. A natural is how Wiegman described the midfielder who has impressed with her dribbling ability. It took the United player, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham, just 19 minutes to score after making her first start for Wiegman’s England.  Grace Clinton could play in the number eight role for England with Stanway currently recovering from a knee collateral ligament injuryCredit: GettyOther potential alternatives include skipper Leah Williamson and Leicester ace Ruby Mace. READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland chief Wiegman said: “We have a lot of things in consideration and you’ll see who we’ll pick. “Of course we think about many, many scenarios, what the options are and at the end, we’ll pick one.” More

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      Cagey Man City vs Liverpool and David Moyes’ Everton to stun old club United – Weekend Wager’s best Premier League bets

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      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and razor-sharp analysis to bring you the best value bets from the upcoming bumper weekend of sport.Joining our very own Will Pugh on this week’s show is football journalist Toni Afoke and betting expert Sam Rosbottom.Manchester City are set to take on Liverpool this SundayCredit: AFPThe panel analyse this weekend’s biggest Premier League matches, including Manchester City’s mouthwatering tussle with Liverpool.While they also cast expert eyes over Everton’s clash with Manchester United.The gang then cast their attentions towards Riyadh, and this Saturday’s huge rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.Check out all our best bets for the weekend below:READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester City vs LiverpoolToni Afoke: Alexis Mac Allister fouled 2+ times – 7/5″I’m going for Alexis McAllister to be fouled two or more times.”That’s at a price of 7-5.”The reason I’ve gone for this is McAllister’s been fouled 14 times in the last 10 games in all competitions and also 11 times in his last six Premier League starts.Most read in Football”So if you do the maths, that’s practically twice in a game.”He’s going to be going up against Nico Gonzalez as well, who’s a massive physical presence and that City midfield just doesn’t have the legs anymore.”Alexis Mac Allister is not afraid to put himself aboutCredit: AlamyWill Pugh: Less than 2.5 goals – 15/8″I am going less than 2.5 goals in the game, 15-8. I know it’s a little bit dull and it’s one of those, it’s not a 90 minute bet either, which I don’t normally like, it could be all over after 20 minutes.”But a little bit of insight from you before the show, Sam, got me thinking that this might be a bit of an omen.”This is the first time in 15 years that Liverpool are favourites to win at the Etihad. And the last time that happened in 2010, the game finished 0-0.”Like loads of football fans up and down the country, I’m used to looking forward to these games, getting all caught up in the hype as Sky Sports or TNT are trying to build it up and make us feel that it’s the most important thing ever to happen.”I’ve done that a few times now and I’ve learnt my lesson because the last three times these two teams have come up against each other, there has been less than 2.5 goals in the game.”You always leave afterwards a bit disappointed, feeling like they’ve cancelled each other out. The last time these two played in December 2024, Liverpool won 2-0 at Anfield.”Sam Rosbottom: Erling Haaland 2+ fouls – 7/2If he plays, Erling Haaland to commit two or more fouls at 7-2 is a big price for me.”He’s committed six fouls in his last three league games, which is more than any other City player.”Erling Haaland is often involved in physical battlesCredit: RexSam Rosbottom: Luis Diaz to be fouled 2+ times”Another one I do like is Luis Diaz to be fouled two or more times at 13-8.”He’s been fouled six times in his last three Premier League starts.”Looking at who he could be coming up against as well at right-back for City, (Abdukodir) Khusanov had that disaster game against Chelsea.”Since then I do think he has grown into the shirt. But he has committed six fouls in his last four in all comps.”It could be one of the key battles on Sunday, him versus Diaz. And I can see Diaz being fouled twice.”Luis Diaz is set to be in action on SundayCredit: GettyEverton vs Manchester UnitedToni: Everton winning at half-time – 21/10″I’m going for Everton winning at half-time at 21-10.”The reason I’m doing this is because Everton have been winning at half-time in four of their last five games.”It pains me to bet against my club, but at the end of the day, we’re rubbish.”And United have failed to score in the first-half in 15 of their last 16 matches in all comps.”The only goal that they scored was a first-half penalty in the 3-1 loss to Brighton, which was in January.”David Moyes has had an excellent start to life back at EvertonCredit: RexWill: Everton to win – 13-10″Listen, as we all know, I would build a statue of David Moyes outside London Stadium immediately. Therefore, I’m just going nice and simple with this one. Everton to win at 13-10.”David Moyes has won his last two Premier League home matches vs Manchester United, beating them 1-0 and 2-0 with West Ham in 2023.”He also won his last home league game against United in his first spell in charge of Everton, beating them 1-0 in August 2012.”And quite simply, Everton have won four of their last five Premier League games, which is more wins than they had in their first 20 games of the season. Everton are so good.”Sam: Beto to have two shots on target – 2/1″Something else that I like, Beto is a completely changed player. Man transformed, isn’t he? Under David Moyes.”I know it’s cliche, but he’s like a new signing for them, isn’t he?”A goal every 88 minutes. He scored four in his last three league matches. A shot conversion rate of 40% per cent under Moyes.”So I’m going to go Beto to have two shots on target at 2-1.”He’s had two shots on target in three of his last four games. And I think that’s a nice price for a bet build as well.”Beto has been in fine form for the ToffeesBeterbiev vs Bivol 2Sam: Beterbiev by knockout – 9/5″I’m looking at Beterbiev by knockout in this one at 9-5.”The reason why I like this one is because the guy is a knockout monster.”He’s got a 95 per cent knockout ratio, which is insane. Obviously, going into the bout in October, he was coming off the back of an injury, hadn’t fought for a while.”He’s in a much better place now coming into this one, much more prepared.”Look, don’t get me wrong, Bivol as well is a top class fighter, but I just think in this one, Berturbiev will have that extra little bit more and we could see some real firepower from him.”Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are set to battle on Saturday nightCredit: GettyRemember 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.orgREAD MORE SUN STORIESFind 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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      Supercomputer predicts Champions League winners with surprising favourites despite tough route to final

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      THE NEW-LOOK Champions League format will produce a new winner of the competition, according to a supercomputer.Earlier today clubs learned their fate in the knockout phase of Europe’s premier club competition.A first-time winner has been predicted for the Champions League this seasonCredit: EPAPremier League table-toppers and six-time competition winners Liverpool are due to face off against Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16.Elsewhere, Arsenal were drawn against PSV while Aston Villa take on Club Brugge.There are all-German and all-Spanish derby last-16 clashes with Bayer Leverkusen set to take on Bayern Munich and Real Madrid facing Atletico Madrid.Meanwhile, 2023 finalists Inter Milan will take on Feyenoord with Lille facing Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona up against Benfica.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith so many mouth-watering fixtures to go, it is difficult to pick a winner out of the final 16 clubs.However, Bettingexpert’s supercomputer BETSiE has attempted to predict the winner after running a simulation of the tournament 100,000 times.The algorithm takes into account fixtures from last season, pre-season results and current season progress and projections for the season ahead.Starting out with Liverpool, Arne Slot’s side have been tipped as marginal favourites to progress over PSG with a 53.3 per cent probability to win in the last-16.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Reds’ accumulative odds then drop to 40.1 per cent to win the quarter-finals and 20 per cent to win the semi-finals, before being tipped with a 12.8 per cent chance to win a seventh title.That win rate only ranks Liverpool as fourth favourites overall.Earthquake strikes Lisbon during Champions League press conference and leaves whole room shakingSerial winners and current holders Real Madrid are only ranked THIRD favourites to win the whole competition at 14.4 per cent.Second place is Barcelona, who have a favourable potential route to the final with a 15.2 per cent chance to win.A surprise first-time win has been tipped for Arsenal, with the Gunners given a 22.4 per cent likelihood of winning the tournament .Mikel Arteta’s side have been given an 87.3 per cent probability to beat PSV in the last-16, before 53.3 per cent odds to win the quarter-finals and 33.1 per cent to win the semi-finals.The club have reached the final once before, losing the 2006 final 2-1 to Barcelona, while the last time they even made the semi-finals came back in 2009.VILLA STRUGGLEAston Villa, enjoying their first Champions League season since 1983, have been handed just a 2.8 per cent probability to win the tournament.The supercomputer reckons they will win their last-16 tie against Club Brugge with odds of 83.8 per cent.But the prospect of then beating one of PSG or Liverpool is not favoured by the supercomputer, with the probability plummeting to just 24.5 per cent.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast year’s finalist Dortmund have just a 5.9 per cent chance of making the final again according to the supercomputer, while that elusive win is given just a 1.8 per cent chance.Six clubs: Benfica (0.9 per cent), Atletico Madrid (0.5 per cent), Lille (0.1 per cent), PSV (0.1 per cent), Feyenoord (0.1 per cent) and Brugge (0.0 per cent) won less than one per cent of simulations.Arsenal have been predicted to win the Champions League for the first timeCredit: AlamyLiverpool are fourth favourites to win a seventh titleCredit: AFPHolder Real Madrid are only third-favourites to win the tournamentCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Could be craziest week’ say fans as Arsenal and Liverpool set for 3 games in 11 days including potential title decider

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      ARSENAL and Liverpool could be set for a crazy week which will determine their success domestically and in Europe.The pair have been slinging it out at the top of the Premier League all season long and could meet in the Champions League too.Liverpool and Arsenal could face each other three times in ten daysCredit: GettyArsenal and Liverpool are in the same side of the draw and if they win in the next two rounds will face off in the semi-final.The Champions League semi-final first leg take place on April 29/30, with the return leg a week later.That means one club could beat the other to reach the Champions League just days before they meet in an epic Prem title clash.The Gunners are scheduled to visit Anfield on May 10 in a fixture that could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of the Premier League season.READ MORE ON ARSENALAlthough that game is likely to be moved back a day for Super Sunday,Arsenal have closed the gap in recent weeks and Liverpool’s lead at the top could be reduced to just five points if Mikel Arteta’s side win their game in hand.So fans are ready for a huge week which could help Arsenal end their 21-year wait for a title, or claim their first-ever Champions League win.One supporter reacted saying: “This could be the craziest week ever 🤯”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother added: “That would be mental.”A third wrote: “OMG. This would be insane.”Arne Slot urges Liverpool not to make a habit of drawing games they should win after draw to Aston Villa However, both sides face a tough task to get that far.Liverpool landed the most difficult last-16 tie, against heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain – who smashed fellow French side Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the playoff round.They could then face another Prem rival in the quarters in Aston Villa, if Unai Emery’s side get past Club Brugge.Meanwhile the Gunners have, on paper, an easier last-16 clash against Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.However, they then face the daunting prospect of either beating Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid for a place in the semis. More

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      ‘That’s wild’ say fans as Liverpool star Mo Salah seen leaving arcades on Blackpool Pier during rare day off

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      FOOTBALL fans were left in disbelief after spotting Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah on Blackpool Pier earlier this week.The 32-year-old was seen walking out of an arcade while on a day out.Mo Salah was spotted on Blackpool PierCredit: TikTok @jake79215The Liverpool winger was accompanied by his securityCredit: TikTok @jake79215Salah was accompanied by his security at the amusement park.Fans could not believe their eyes when they saw the winger had decided to use a rare afternoon off to head to Blackpool.One person took to social media to write: “That’s wild!”Another quipped: “Signed for Blackpool as he couldn’t handle the ‘Pier Pressure’ at Liverpool.”Read More in FootballA third wrote: “Egyptian king goes were he wants.”While a fourth joked: “Mo Salah to Blackpool THERE WE LAND!”Blackpool Pier is an icon of British summer holidays.Among the attractions at the seaside resort are arcade machines, a carousel, waltzers, dodgems and a bouncy slide.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSalah’s trip to the seaside comes with his Liverpool future in doubt as his contract is set to expire in June.Last month, he told Sky Sports: “This is the first time I would say I really want to win the Premier League [over the Champions League].Mo Salah calls out Jamie Carragher after Liverpool legend urged him to ‘take a leaf out of Virgil van Dijk’s book'”Why? Probably because we didn’t celebrate the last one we won the way we wanted and also coming back it’s my last year in the club so you want to do something special for the city.”Asked to elaborate on his comment, Salah added: “Do I really believe it’s my last year? So far yes.”These last six months there is nothing, no progress. We are far away from progress but we just need to wait and see.” More

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      Europa Conference League draw LIVE: Chelsea get DREAM path to the final as they avoid big hitters – updates

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      CHELSEA were handed a DREAM path to the final of the Europa Conference League.Enzo Maresca’s Blues are massive favourites for the competition after they come through the group phase with six wins and 25 goals, all while resting Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson.Chelsea will face Copenhagen in the round of 16 then the winner, and then the winner of Molde vs Legia Warsaw – importantly, the likes of Fiorentina and Real Betis are on the other side of the draw.The Round of 16 matches take place on March 6/13, while the quarter-finals are on April 10/17.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the latest updates below…Making historyAs well as silverware, there are two big incentives for Chelsea to win this year’s Conference League.If they do so, they will become the first side to triumph in all three of Uefa’s main competitions.While winning it will also guarantee a place in next season’s Europa League – should their form in the Premier League drop away. Credit: PACopy linkCopiedChelsea’s route to the finalEnzo Maresca’s Blues are the big favourites to lift the Conference League after blitzing their way through the group stages.Following today’s draw, here’s their route to the final on May 28.Round of 16: CopenhagenQuarter-final: Molde or Legia WarsawSemi-final: Pafos, Djurgarden, Borac or SK RapidFinal: Real Betis, Vitoria SC, Jagielloina, Cercle Brugge, Celje, Lugano, Panathinaikos or FiorentinaCredit: PACopy linkCopiedDates for the diaryWith the final draw of the season now complete, we now know the route to the final in Warsaw in May.Here’s the schedule for the Conference League over the next 99 days: Round of 16: 6 & 13 MarchQuarter-finals: 10 & 17 AprilSemi-finals: 1 & 8 MayFinal: 28 MayCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedUefa make ‘exception’ for Chelsea and SpursUefa rules usually prevent two clubs in the same city, or within a 50km radius, hosting European matches on the same day.But the organisation have reportedly relaxed rules ahead of Chelsea and Spurs now both being in action on March 13.Chelsea will host Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge, while Tottenham welcome AZ Alkmaar to North London in the Europa League. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedKeep Palm and carry onChelsea won all of their group stage games on their way to the Conference League knockouts. Cole Palmer wasn’t registered by the club in the early stages of the competition, with the club preferring to keep the England star fit for domestic action.But Chelsea have now activated Palmer for the remainder of the tournament. Trevoh Chalobah and Mathis Amougou will also be available to Enzo Maresca against Copenhagen. Copy linkCopiedConference League draw in fullIf you’re just joining us after your lunch break, here’s a reminder of how the Conference League draw played out. Jagiellonia Bialystok vs Cercle BruggeMolde vs Legia WarsawCelje vs LuganoPafos vs DjurgardenPanathinaikos vs FiorentinaBorac vs Rapid ViennaReal Betis vs VitoriaCopenhagen vs ChelseaCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedMaresca rallying cryChelsea’s Enzo Maresca maintains that the Blues are targeting a top-four spot this season.And he’s called on Chelsea fans to stop looking backwards and instead embrace the run-in. Maresca said: “The only thing I can say is that every time the fans have been behind us, we really appreciate because we are sure that with the fans behind we can achieve soon our target.”We mention many times that when you can hear the fans pushing in behind [you], it is a nice feeling.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChelsea vs Copenhagen head-to-headThe Blues are no strangers to the Danish club, with the last meeting coming in 2011.On that occasion, Copenhagen frustrated Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge. In the reverse fixture, a Nicolas Anelka brace gave Chelsea all three points in the Danish capital.Chelsea 1-1 Copenhagen – 22 October 1998, Cup Winners CupCopenhagen 0-1 Chelsea – 5 November 1998, Cup Winners CupCopenhagen 0-2 Chelsea – 22 February 2011, Champions LeagueChelsea 0-0 Copenhagen – 16 March 2011, Champions LeagueCopy linkCopiedAll Bets are offChelsea could be on a potential collision course with Real Betis if they reach the Conference League final.The Spanish side are currently 8th in LaLiga.Manchester United winger Antony is on loan at the club – and has hit three goals in five games since moving to Spain .Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – Blues learn fateChelsea will take on FC Copenhagen for a place in the last-eight of the Europa Conference League.The winner of that tie will face either Molde or Legia Warsaw in the quarters.While Enzo Maresca’s side are on the other side of the draw to both Fiorentina and Real Betis. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw semi-final bracketSemi-final 1Jagiellonia Bialystok or Cercle Brugge vs Real Betis or VitoriaCelje or Lugano vs Panathinaikos or FiorentinaSemi-final 2Copenhagen or Chelsea vs Molde or Legia WarsawPafos or Djurgarden vs Borac or Rapid ViennaCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw quarter-final bracketJagiellonia Bialystok or Cercle Brugge vs Real Betis or VitoriaCelje or Lugano vs Panathinaikos or FiorentinaCopenhagen or Chelsea vs Molde or Legia WarsawPafos or Djurgarden vs Borac or Rapid ViennaCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw in fullJagiellonia Bialystok vs Cercle BruggeMolde vs Legia WarsawCelje vs LuganoPafos vs DjurgardenPanathinaikos vs FiorentinaBorac vs Rapid ViennaReal Betis vs VitoriaCopenhagen vs ChelseaCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestCopenhagen vs ChelseaCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestReal Betis vs Vitoria Copy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestBorac vs Rapid ViennaCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestPanathinaikos vs FiorentinaCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestPafos vs DjurgardenCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestCelje vs Lugano Copy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestMolde vs Legia WarsawCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestJagiellonia Bialystok vs Cercle BruggeCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestConvoluted draw explainer video finally over, time to get underway…Copy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestMichal Zewlakow is the legend introduced to draw out the ties.18 goals in over 450 career games – his entire montage consists of bone-crunching tackles and fist pumps to the crowd.Proper player. He also tips Chelsea to go all the way…Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestIt wouldn’t be a Uefa event without montages.We’re currently in the middle of a lengthy introduction, with all 16 teams getting their own slot. Draw soon…promise. Copy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw – latestAnother set change in Nyon for the third draw of the day. Pedro Pinto is earning his coin. He hosts yet again with Uefa bigwig Giorgio Marchetti about to introduce a legend to draw the ties. Credit: AFPCopy linkCopied More