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      Merricks vows Birmingham City will give their all in WSL promotion battle with London City Lionesses

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      AMY MERRICKS will urge Birmingham to give it everything in today’s promotion decider with London City Lionesses.And Brum boss Merricks reckons the women’s second tier deserves far more attention than it currently gets.Amy Merricks has guided Birmingham City to 12 wins and four draws in 19 games in the Women’s Championship this seasonCredit: GettyLondon City Lionesses will be out to deny Blues a home win in order to claim the point they need for promotion in the WSLCredit: GettyBirmingham City are expecting approximately a crowd 7,000 for their pivotal clash with London City at St AndrewsCredit: GettyCity must win at St Andrew’s to deny London the Championship title and a place in the WSL for the first time.Blues whose club’s co-owners include NFL legend Tom Brady are bidding to return to the league they helped establish 15 years ago.Ex-Lionesses Under-19 boss Merricks, who took charge of Birmingham City last April, said: “This club was one of the founding members of the WSL and to take it back there would be amazing.”But we have to focus first and foremost on the process to get there. The performance is that process and we’re taking nothing for granted.”Read More Football StoriesToday’s 2:15pm showdown is the first Women’s Championship game to be shown live on Sky Sports.Brum have already sold more than 7,000 tickets but Merrick hopes TV coverage will help attract even more fans to the second tier.She added: “My squad are ready to give everything. I’m really excited and what a great showcase for the Championship.”This is a league that deserves so much more attention. We have so much talent here and we are focused on showcasing the best of ourselves.”Most read in FootballAn away win for London City would see them become the only standalone women’s team competing in the WSL next season. The club, who share their Hayes Lane home ground with League Two men’s side Bromley, have been a force to be reckoned with this term after finishing eighth last term. Since being purchased by USA-born Michelle Kang, the club that was following a May 2019 breakaway from Millwall has undergone an overhaul in recent years. Her December 2023 takeover has been followed by a revamp of London City’s squad. A team whose players include senior internationals such as Sweden veteran Kosovare Asllani, 35, and rising young stars such as defender Teyah Goldie currently on loan from Arsenal. And last June the club appointed France-born Jocelyn Precheur as head coach following his one-season stint as Paris Saint-Germain during which he led the team to a Women’s French Cup win. Among the younger players who have helped London City register 13 victories and three draws from 19 games is England Under-23s player Isobel Goodwin. The forward 22, is set to win the Women’s Championship Golden Boot for this term after scoring 15 goals so far during the campaign. Isobel Goodwin has been in fine form in front of goal for London City Lionesses following her transfer from Sheffield United last SeptemberCredit: GettyGoodwin said:”The Championship is such a big league now and the growth in it each year is getting better and better. Read More on The Sun“Being in the promotion race, it’s just so exciting and this is probably one of the biggest games of my career knowing that we could possibly lift that trophy. “It’s every girl’s dream is to play in the WSL and get promoted. So hopefully we can do that.” More

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      Man Utd star Casemiro ‘in line for massive pay rise if club win the Europa League giving Ruben Amorim huge headache’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Casemiro will pocket a HUGE pay rise if Ruben Amorim’s side win the Europa League, reports suggest.And the midfielder’s new wages would see him making the exact same amount as Cristiano Ronaldo during his second stint at Old Trafford.Casemiro will receive a massive pay rise if Manchester United win the Europa LeagueCasemiro would make the same amount as Cristiano Ronaldo during his second stint at Man UtdUnited have switched their attention to the Europa League as it poses as their only hope for Champions League qualification amid an awful season that has seen them slump down to 15th place in the Premier League.According to The Star, however, winning the trophy would bring a major dilemma for Man Utd manager Amorim regarding what to do with Casemiro.The Brazil international has a clause in his contract which guarantees him a staggering 25 per cent raise if the Red Devils return to the Champions League.The ex-Real Madrid star made that agreement with the Manchester giants before moving from Santiago Bernabeu in 2022 at a time when the Prem outfit weren’t in Europe’s elite competition.Read More on Man UtdTherefore, if United win the Europa League on May 21 in Bilbao then Casemiro will see his salary go up by a whopping £100,000 a week.That would see the Brazilian making £500,000 a week, which is exactly the same amount Ronaldo pocketed from 2021 until 2022.That could pose as a problem for Amorim, who’s been asked to slash the wage bill by minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Casemiro has endured an inconsistent three-year spell at Old Trafford but the Portuguese tactician still values him as he managed to regain top form in recent weeks.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe defensive midfielder helped Man Utd destroy Athletic Bilbao with a score of 3-0 in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday at San Mames, which is where the final will take place.Bilbao now have all to do in Thursday’s second leg, therefore United pose as favourites to advance to the final where they could face Premier League foes Tottenham.Rio Ferdinand blasts ‘highly disrespectful’ Jamie Carragher for brutal eight-word assessment of Man Utd star CasemiroBut a triumph in Bilbao, which would see the Red Devils salvaging their dreadful season, will see Casemiro becoming their highest-paid player.And he doesn’t seem keen on leaving before his contract runs out in 2026 as he and his family are happy in Manchester.Therefore, Amorim’s hand may be forced as he also need to raise funds to put together a major squad revamp in search of players that can apply his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation next season. More

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      Arsenal tipped to finish FOURTH by Jamie Carragher as he predicts race for Champions League places

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has predicted Arsenal will go from playing second-fiddle in the Premier League title race to scraping into the Champions League qualification spots.The Gunners are on a woeful run of league form that has seen them fail to win all but one of their games since April 1, with a 2-1 win over Fulham giving way to just one win in five.Jamie Carragher has predicted Arsenal to finish below two other teams owing to their poor Premier League formCredit: GettyThe Gunners have lost 21 points from winning positions this season and won just one of their last five league gamesCredit: RexMikel Arteta’s side have led in all of those fixtures but failed to win four of them – meaning they have lost 21 points from winning positions this season, their joint-most alongside 2019/20.The run saw draws with Everton, Brentford and Crystal Palace before losing to Bournemouth, while their only win in this period was a 4-0 thrashing of ten-man Ipswich.This ultimately saw them hand the title to Liverpool, who were crowned champions for a record equalling 20th time – although they have shifted focus to their Champions League run.However, the North London club’s dreadful form is threatening to see teams below them in the table catch up to them as the Champions League race heats up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester City have won four of their last five league games to reinforce their grip on a spot, while likewise Newcastle have won six of their last seven league outings.Below the Middle East owned clubs, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa all remain in contention for the coveted fifth Champions League qualification place, with only goal difference to separate them.And speaking to Sky Sports, former Liverpool star Carragher predicts Arsenal to fall as low as fourth during the run-in.He said: “I still think Newcastle and Manchester City can actually catch Arsenal.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”Just with the situation Arsenal have in the Champions League… they go to Anfield, they’ve also got to play Newcastle as well. It’s a brilliant race.”Aston Villa have to win in the next couple of games to give themselves a fighting chance.”Arsenal boss Arteta shuts down reporter after being asked revealing question ahead of crucial PSG Champions League clashIf Arsenal were to maintain second spot in the league, they run the risk of eclipsing the record set between Man City and Manchester United in 2017/18 for the most points between the champions and runner up.Should champions Liverpool beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge later today, the gap between first and second will stand at 18 points.The record set by the Manchester clubs in 2018 was a 19-point gap, though that was a season Pep Guardiola’s side became the first-ever English top flight centurions.Liverpool host the Gunners next weekend, so could extend the gap to a colossal 21 points without Arteta’s side losing grip on second.Carragher, 47, also reckons Nottingham Forest and Chelsea will miss out on the final Prem Champions League spot, with Aston Villa leapfrogging them both.He continued: “Playing Spurs and Manchester United in their (Aston Villa) last two games might actually fall into their lap in terms of the Europa League final as well.”I think this is going to go right to the wire. I don’t think Nottingham Forest are going to make it now, Villa might make a late push. I still think Chelsea will find it difficult looking at their fixtures.” More

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      ‘Not acceptable’ – Arsenal captain Odegaard fumes after Bournemouth defeat as boss Arteta urges players to ‘use rage’

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      ARSENAL captain Martin Odegaard slammed his team’s “sloppy” and unacceptable performance after the shock loss to Bournemouth.The Gunners wasted a 1-0 lead as Declan Rice’s opener was cancelled out by Dean Huijsen’s equaliser before Evanilson turned the game on its head and gave the Cherries a 2-1 win at the Emirates on Saturday.Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard slammed the performance against BournemouthArsenal boss Mikel Arteta sent a message to his players ahead of the match with Paris Saint-GermainAnd Odegaard, 26, didn’t hold back during his post-match interview as the North Londoners have now dropped 21 points from a winning position.Plus, second position is now in peril as third-placed Manchester City are three points behind and a victory for Newcastle at Brighton would see them getting only two points behind Arsenal.The playmaker admitted the hosts lost control of the game after Huijsen levelled the score and insisted they should learn some valuable lessons ahead of Wednesday’s crunch clash with Paris Saint-Germain.Odegaard told Sky Sports: “Massive disappointment. I think we started the game pretty well. Read More on Arsenal”We got the goal and felt like we controlled pretty much everything, but they score and we lose control of the game.”We never find the rhythm after that, it is too chaotic and too sloppy from us. The second half is not acceptable.”We have to move on as we have a massive game coming up. We have to get ready for that and analyse this game as well.”This is what we want — we want to compete in every competition. We wanted to come here and do a good game and win, but that wasn’t the case.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal are now set to take on PSG in the Champions League semi-finals at Parc des Princes in a crucial second leg after losing 1-0 in north London on Tuesday.And manager Mikel Arteta urged his players to use the “anger, frustration, rage, [and] disappointment” against the French champions.’Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyArteta said: “Well we have a lot to do, yes, because mathematically we are not qualified, we haven’t had the right to finish second yet so we still have a lot to do.”It created a lot of anger, frustration, rage, disappointment. Let’s use all of that on Wednesday. That’s what we have to do.” More

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      ‘For a Spanish person it is strange’ – Marc Cucurella reveals thing he doesn’t like in Chelsea song about him

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      MARC CUCURELLA does have massive hair but he doesn’t like lager . . . That simple message is unlikely to prompt a rethink of the chant being sung in praise of the Spanish defender having frizzy locks and a thirst for Estrella, who has become an acquired taste like the famous beer from his homeland.Marc Cucurella has transformed his Chelsea fortunesCredit: GettyBoss Enzo Maresca has pushed Cucurella up into a more adventurous roleCredit: RexAfter a difficult start  at Stamford Bridge, Cucurella is regarded as a versatile left-back and goalscoring midfielder.Blues fans have been loving his displays as they sing: ‘He eats paella, he drinks Estrella, his hair’s f***ing massive.’That chant in his honour — to the tune of La Bamba —  has come from the stands more frequently in recent weeks.Grinning widely, Cucurella, 26, joked: “I don’t like Estrella, I don’t like the beer, I don’t like wine. I tried it but don’t like it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“For a Spanish person it is strange  — but it’s the truth. I only like vodka.”There is no doubt that despite the jokes and even though he does not like wine, the dedicated pro has matured like a good vintage from any vineyard back home.A burglary at his home soon after  joining Chelsea in August 2022 hampered  attempts to settle in — but that is in the distant past now.Cucurella is quite short — a half pint if you like — but  is full  of character and spikiness when it comes to the Chelsea cause.Most read in FootballCucurella says he knows his quality and ‘my family believe in me’Credit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt is a huge turnaround from his  first season when personal problems and the transition of leaving Brighton to become a key signing in an experimental, but expensive squad  affected his  confidence.The £55million transfer fee was  questioned. His quality and durability doubted. ‘I played five minutes and it was my fault’ – Chelsea star opens up on horror season after big money transfer But Cucurella is now a major weapon in the Chelsea armoury.He has scored six goals this season — impressive for a full-back. And all coming since mid-December when head coach Enzo Maresca began tinkering with his team and pushed Cucurella upfield.He now slots in midfield when Chelsea are on the offensive and has scored twice as many goals as star forward Cole Palmer since that point in time when the manager switched tactics.Ahead of hosting Liverpool on Sunday, Cucurella said: “I feel very proud because when I joined  it was tough.“It was my first season and I tried to work hard, not say anything, work in silence. “I know my qualities, my family believe in me. So I try to work hard every day, show my qualities in training.“And then when I have the opportunity, I try to do it in the games. Now  my team-mates and  staff give me  confidence.”Cucurella is urging team-mates to use the awkward moment of forming a guard of honour for Liverpool as inspiration  for future glory.Tradition demands the newly-crowned Premier League champions are afforded an official tribute from their next  opponents after winning the title.It is a painful experience applauding  a rival team but defender Cucurella hopes it can put fire in the bellies of  the Chelsea players dreaming of one  day being on the receiving end.The Spaniard said: “They deserve it because they have been there all season.  If we need to do it, we do it.“This is before the game. It is a process and is not important.“Once the game starts we go for our objectives. We try to fight with everything and fight for the three points.“I don’t remember doing one before, this is the first time. Hopefully, we can have this as well in the next few years.“It’s what we are fighting for and  what we are trying to do.”We train every day for winning every game, for playing these important games… and we start to build something important.Marc CucurellaChelsea players had to endure the embarrassment of forming a guard  of honour at Stamford Bridge when Leicester won the title in 2016.Blues stars such as Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and Cesar Azpilicueta were forced to bow down before the Foxes on their home turf.Not easy for a bunch of players who were ruthless and serial winners — a mentality that current Blues boss Maresca is trying to reintroduce.First step is bidding to win the Conference League — and Chelsea have one foot in the final after trouncing hopeless Swedes Djurgardens 4-1 on Thursday in their semi-final first leg.And Cucurella added: “We train every day for winning every game, for playing these important games, reach finals, play for titles.“This is our main objective and we start to build something important.”Liverpool have lost only two Premier League games on their march to a record-equalling 20th league title.Read More on The SunChelsea are 22 points adrift of them, have suffered eight losses in the league and  dropped points against lowly teams like relegated Ipswich.Maresca is sweating on the fitness of keeper Robert Sanchez while he has been monitoring forward  Christopher Nkunku ahead of this afternoon’s game. 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      Liverpool ready to let Trent Alexander-Arnold join Real Madrid EARLY… but it will cost the Spaniards

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD is set to join Real Madrid from Liverpool for less than £1million in time for the Club World Cup.As SunSport reported in December, Real want the defender to be available for their opening game of next month’s Fifa competition.Liverpool are set to allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to join Real Madrid early for a feeCredit: EPAAnd reports in Spain say Kop chiefs are prepared to let that happen for a token fee, while saving a month of the England star’s wages.Despite suggestions that Alexander-Arnold might join Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk in penning a new deal, Liverpool are resigned to the home-grown full-back leaving for the Bernabeu.His contract expires on June 30 but Real are keen on pushing through a move before then.Two special transfer windows — from June 1 to 10 and June 27 to July 3 — will allow Club World Cup sides to improve their squads.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal are said to be willing to pay £850,000 to bring in TAA before the end of his deal, ahead of playing Saudi side Al-Hilal on June 18.Some Reds fans are upset that the club are set to lose the player for so little.They point to the example of Jack Grealish, who signed a new deal at hometown club Aston Villa before joining Manchester City for £100m — money that was used to help transform Villa.Meanwhile Liverpool are keen to tie down versatile forward Luis Diaz with a longer contract.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Colombian, who has just over two years left on his current deal, has been linked with Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League.Diaz, 28, has enjoyed an impressive season at the Reds.HOW LIVERPOOL WON THE TITLEHe is known to have dreamed of playing for Barca.But there is huge scepticism about the cash-strapped Catalans’ ability to pay big fees. More

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      Man Utd line up axed Chelsea scout with Sir Jim Ratcliffe pinning all hopes on him to transform woeful transfer policy

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      OLD TRAFFORD chiefs are ready to sign up talent-spotting king Jim Fraser — after his Chelsea exile.Fraser spent 20 years at Stamford Bridge before being axed last year.Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to end transfer failingsCredit: PAPotential Man utd recruit Jim Fraser is seen presenting Alfie Gilchrist with his award as Chelsea Men’s Academy Player of the Year last MayCredit: GettyRichard Fraser discovered many young talents for Chelsea, like Reece James and Mason Mount, and is now set for Old TraffordCredit: AlamyNow his gardening leave is ending and he looks set to  join Manchester United.United are in the process of cutting about 200 jobs behind the scenes and also getting rid of several  scouts.But minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sees Fraser as a key capture as they plan to sign leading young talent for the future.He was Chelsea academy chief and boasts a huge reputation for unearthing top young stars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the Blues, he helped to discover the likes of Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Reece James and Tammy Abraham.Other gems included Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill and Dominic Solanke.This fits with  Ratcliffe’s push to discover talent at United — rather than spend fortunes on risky big-name signings.United’s shake-up  has begun, with leading figures like David Harrison — their director of football operations —  leaving.Most read in FootballThe club’s top brass have tried to delay the announcement of major redundancies until the end of this season.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCost-cutting chiefs held club-wide reviews, including senior scouting, with many interviewed about their roles.The month-long process ended a few weeks ago but the final cull was not meant to be made public at such a vital moment. ‘Do you know the rules-‘ – Bruno Fernandes gives blunt Spanish interview after red card controversy in Man Utd clashThere were fears the axings would hurt morale in the final weeks of  the season as they chase Europa League glory.It comes as Real Madrid attempt to set up a bizarre deal with United as the Spaniards eye Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras.Los Blancos reportedly hope to use the 22-year-old’s former club United as a “bridge” to help recruit the £51millon-rated star.The Red Devils sold Carreras for just £5.1m – but with a £15.3m buy-back clause.Real aim to work with United so that the Prem giants activate the defender’s relatively cheap asking price.Madrid could then step in to buy him – for a fee still well below £51m. More

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      Mason Greenwood puts Premier League on red alert with ex-Man Utd striker desperate to return to England

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      MASON GREENWOOD is pining for a return to England —  putting a string of Prem clubs on red alert.The forward, 23, left Manchester United for £26.6million last summer and signed a five-year deal with Marseille in the south of France.Mason Greenwood wants to move back to EnglandCredit: GettyHe has scored 19 goals for Marseille this seasonCredit: AFPHe came through the youth academy at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyHe has scored 19 goals in 33 appearances for the Ligue 1 side.But he has faced repeated criticism from manager Roberto De Zerbi and was dropped in March for a perceived lack of work-rate.Greenwood — who had charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour dropped in February 2023 — is yearning for a return to the UK with partner Harriet Robson and their two young daughters.He signed for Marseille following a successful spell in Spain with Getafe.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd a source revealed:  “When Mason first left United he loved Spain.“He and Harriet moved to Madrid and rebuilt their lives.“He loved the fact he could just play football and his life off the pitch was not the subject of such intense focus.“He was really happy to sign for Marseille and loved living in France.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“But he’s been abroad for nearly two years and the novelty has worn off.“Mason’s family visit but he is very introverted and misses his extended family and the friends he has from home.Top 10 highest paid footballersRoberto De Zerbi has been critical of the forward at timesCredit: Getty“A move back to the North West could suit him as he feels the vitriol he previously faced has died down a bit and people may have moved on.”Former Brighton boss De Zerbi dropped Greenwood and criticised his work-rate, saying: “I expect more from him.”Marseille’s Ultras have also unfurled a banner in the stands during games, urging him to  “Get a move on”. More