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      Aston Villa vs Chelsea prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Premier League preview

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      EUROPEAN hopefuls Aston Villa and Chelsea meet in Saturday’s teatime kick-off this week.SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the Premier League game and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAston Villa vs Chelsea previewVilla’s point in midweek means a win over Chelsea here would move them to within a point of Enzo Maresca’s men in the table.Unai Emery’s side go into the weekend’s action in ninth place but only five points behind Man City in fourth.They’ve also only tasted defeat once in the league at home this season.That gap could’ve been shorter after a rollercoaster game at Villa Park the other night, where Villa trailed and led Liverpool before settling for a 2-2 draw.Donyell Malen’s last kick dragging a couple of inches wide could’ve really changed the outlook for both sides too but Villa come into the game in fine order.Chelsea don’t.It wasn’t all that long ago they were muscling into the title conversation. Now they could drop out the top six with defeat on Saturday night.Successive losses to Brighton in the FA Cup made it three defeats in their last four across all competitions but just TWO wins from their last NINE league outings.But they’ve not lost at Villa Park in any of their last four trips…First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 3-1 at 16/1 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Morgan Rogers 19/2 with talkSPORT BET – HEREAston Villa vs Chelsea latest oddsAston Villa at 17/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Aston Villa vs Chelsea predictions and tipsHome comfortsVilla have only lost twice at home this season – once in the league and once in the League Cup.They’ve been so strong at home, while Chelsea on their travels have been rotten recently.No wins – just two draws – in their last six games away from Stamford Bridge, conceding three goals in two of the last three games too.Aston Villa to win and over 3.5 goals at 27/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREMidfield battleFive yellow cards to his name in the Premier League, Enzo Fernandez has added two of those in the last two games.Frustration in that Blues midfield is apparent and should he keep his place, there’s no reason why a bookings hat trick isn’t on the cards.Villa midfield has been terrific, with likes of Tielemans and McGinn not feared to put a challenge in.Enzo Fernandez to be carded at 2/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware.org.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Who could Aston Villa face in the Champions League Last 16 draw?

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      ASTON VILLA will learn who they will face in the round of 16 of the Champions League and how they can get to the final THIS WEEK. Under the new league phase structure, the top eight teams avoided a two-leg play-off match and went straight to the round of 16.Teams placed ninth through twenty-four were compelled to participate in a play-off stage, where games were played over the previous two weeks, in order to secure the eight unseeded teams in the round of 16.Morgan Rodgers has been Aston Villa’s standout player in both domestic and European actionCredit: GettyAfter a 4-2 victory over Celtic on the penultimate matchday of last month, Unai Emery’s team finished in the top eight and advanced to the round of 16 as a seeded side. Villa accumulated 16 points with the result against Celtic being there fifth win in the league phase to sneak into the final seeded spot. Who could Aston Villa face in the Champions League Last 16 draw?The play-off ties’ 9th and 10th slot winners or the 23rd and 24th slot winners were assigned to Villa because of their eight-place league performance.READ MORE IN ASTON VILLA Those were Club Brugge, Atalanta, Sporting or Borussia Dortmund. After a 3-0 first-leg victory against Sporting, last year’s finalists Dortmund were virtually guaranteed to advance to the round of 16 and did so with a stalemate in the second leg. While Brugge defeated Atalanta 3-1 in their second leg, winning 5-2 overall with an early brace from Chemsdine Talbi proving decisive in match momentum. Villa’s opponent, either Dortmund or Club Brugge, will be determined by the draw in the round of 16 on Friday, February 21.Most read in Champions LeagueThe first leg of the last-16 matchups will take place on either March 4 or March 5, while the subsequent matches will follow a week later.Villa Park will host the second match, while Villa will travel as seeds for the first leg. More

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      Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Get up to £40 in football free bets with talkSPORT BET

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      THE Premier League has thrown up some great fixtures this weekend and Saturday night’s Aston Villa vs Chelsea game is one of them.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim up to £40 in free bets when they register an account and stake at least £20 on the Villa Park game under the lights.Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim talkSPORT BET offertalkSPORT BETVisit the talkSPORT website HERE*Create an account and Opt In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabMake a depositPlace your first bet up to £40, minimum £20, on any football market, at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first betFor example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free betsIf you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free betstalkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim Here*Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*What’s the offer?Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a welcome bonus of up to £40 when they register an account.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £20 or more on any football market at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account.What happens next?Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first bet bet.For example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free bets. If you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free bets:On settlement of your qualifying bet, your account will be credited with the following:£10 free bet – Bet Builder (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Correct Score (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)And the following free bets, which will be credited 24 hours after the first bonus funds:£10 free bet – To Win and Both Team to Score – 90 mins (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Acca 4+ selection (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)You can read the full breakdown of free bets and more on how to claim talkSPORT BET’s welcome offer here**18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember 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.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Who could Arsenal face in the Champions League Last 16 draw?

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      TODAY’S draw will reveal Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 opponents.The top eight clubs advanced directly to the round of 16 under the new league phase format, avoiding a two-leg play-off match.Arsenal’s two potential opponents were decided on WednesdayCredit: GettyTo guarantee the eight unseeded teams in the round of 16, the teams ranked ninth through twenty-four were forced into a play-off stage – which saw the games completed over the past two weeks.The North London club coasted through their league phase with relative ease as they won six out of their eight games.Mikel Arteta’s side finished third – joint on points with Barcelona’s 19 – just behind table-toppers Liverpool. Who could Arsenal face in the Champions League Last 16 draw?Due to their third-place league performance, Arsenal was paired with either the 13th and 14th slot winners of the play-off ties or the 19th and 20th slot winners. READ MORE IN ARSENALThey were either PSV Eindhoven, Juventus, Feyenoord, or AC Milan.Following a 1-1 draw at the San Siro on Tuesday, Feyenoord advanced over AC Milan 2-1 on aggregate as Julian Carranza stunned the Serie A powerhouses with an equaliser in the 73rd minute.On Wednesday, Juventus led PSV 2-1 going into their second leg in Holland, but the Dutch champions rallied for a 4-3 aggregate victory after extra time.The last-16 draw on Friday, February 21 will decide Arsenal’s opponent, whether it be PSV or Feyenoord. Most read in Champions LeagueEither March 4 or March 5 will see the first leg of the last-16 matches, with the follow-up matches taking place a week later. Arsenal will travel for the first leg as seeds, while Emirates Stadium will host the second game. More

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      Gary Neville reveals ‘bucket list’ item David Beckham is getting him for his 50th birthday

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      DAVID Beckham is getting his pal and former team-mate Gary Neville his first tattoo for his 50th birthday present.Ex-England and Manchester United full-back Neville, said it is one of the items on his bucket list which he keeps on his phone.David Beckham is getting his pal and former teammate Gary Neville his first tattoo for his 50th birthday presentCredit: ReutersFormer full-back Neville played with Beckham at Manchester UnitedCredit: PAAsked what he will have, he said: “I don’t know.”I think Becks is getting me the tattoo for my birthday because he’s a specialist in tattoos.“I don’t know whether to get some writing or like a devil and a lion, a United, England thing.”Neville, who turned 50 on Tuesday, is thinking of having the tattoo on his upper left arm where it would normally be hidden by clothing.Read more on David BeckhamHe added on his Stick to Football podcast that his other bucket list items are going to cricket’s Ashes with his family and snowbiking around Canada.He also wants to compete in the Hyrox fitness race, which involves running and workouts.Driving the North Coast 500 in Scotland in a camper van, going on safari, trips to Glastonbury and the Oktoberfest in Munich are also on the list.To celebrate, the Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast pulled out all the stops.Most read in FootballParty poppers, huge balloons and a personalised cake filled the studio as Gary was played video messages from his loved ones.His brother Phil, 48, sent him his best wishes from the US where he manages MLS side Portland Timbers.David Beckham strips completely naked for steamy shower in racy new ad Phil said: “Gary, it’s Phillip here. Just wanted to send you a massive happy birthday.”I know we have not spoke or seen each other for ages. I’m always thinking of you and always watching what you’re up to and reading about you all the time.”Happy 50th and I will catch up with you when I’m back in the UK or if you come to Portland to see your brother.”Love you lots, miss you and have the most amazing birthday.”Roy Keane was then left shocked when Gary admitted he has not seen his brother, who he won six Premier League titles with at Manchester United, in over a year. More

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      Darwin Nunez is Liverpool cult villain who is loved and hated at the same time, but it’s clear he can’t be trusted

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      ARNE SLOT may yet live to regret ignoring the blindingly obvious — that Darwin Nunez cannot be trusted.Some of the Kop may still see the Uruguayan as a sort of cult villain, Scouse irony making the fans hate him and love him at the same time.Liverpool had to settle for a point after Darwin Nunez’s shocking missCredit: PANunez somehow managed to blaze over in the 2-2 draw at Aston VillaCredit: GettyArne Slot might yet have cause for concern up frontCredit: ReutersBut his glaring, open-goal miss at Villa Park has somehow helped turn an eight-point lead at the top of the Prem into what feels like a crisis.And the days of forgiveness for Nunez will end in the stands if, once again, Liverpool blow their season.In fact, in Slot’s case, they already appear to be over.If the Liverpool manager is not questioning his own judgment over Nunez, he should be.READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWSThe £64million striker was forever  missing barn doors under Slot’s predecessor, Jurgen Klopp — a bit like on Wednesday when he shot over in front of an open goal at 2-2.Nunez also failed one-on-one against Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez with, as Slot has now suggested, his head gone.Yet a quick glance at the South American’s record should have told him  that, for all his mercurial  talents, there was no reliability factor and that Nunez’s head is often all over the place.Last season as Klopp’s quadruple bid fell apart, Nunez scored only once in the last 13 games, that run starting with a 4-3 loss at Manchester United that cost them an FA Cup semi-final place.Most read in FootballThe hitman averages less than a goal every five games this seasonThe Uruguayan could be giving Slot a headacheCredit: GettyHis only strike during that collapse was in a 3-1 win over doomed Sheffield United.The death knell to Klopp’s hopes of taking a second title away with him came in the 1-0 home defeat by Crystal Palace on April 14 that dropped the Reds down to third, and that was that.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBy then there had also been a 3-0 home hammering by Atalanta that saw Europa League ambitions go west at the quarter-final stage.Klopp left in the end with only the Carabao Cup to show for his final campaign.Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin NunezIt will not have been lost on him that as he bade his farewells at Anfield after the last–day 2–0 win over Wolves, Nunez was the only player in a guard of honour not to applaud him.After the shock Palace loss, one fan posted of Nunez on social media: “He’s not alone in this but he was at the scene of every crime with his big, vacant smile and chorus of approval from the Kop.“Are we collectively insane? Because at this point I have to say, Darwin, I’m done.”In the aftermath of Wednesday’s draw with Villa, an actual Kop cult hero in Robbie Fowler used similar language. The 183-goal  former Liverpool star said on talkSPORT: “He’s missed the target, criminally, from seven, eight yards. That can’t be happening.“It’s a bad miss. It’s a really bad miss. Probably up there with one of the worst we’ve seen this year.“People worry about Darwin Nunez . . . he doesn’t think about the game enough.”Maybe Slot was worried about Nunez when he took over from Klopp — but not enough to do anything about it.The wise thing to do would surely have been to sign another striker as the only recognised frontman in last summer’s squad was Diogo Jota.The signs were all there for Slot from the beginning and there was plenty of money in the kitty. But he backed Nunez anyway.And especially as the Portuguese has proven to be injury-prone.Slot’s only summer addition was the near-invisible £10m Federico Chiesa — and he could yet pay for not adding more firepower.Nunez posted a “resilience” message on social media yesterday, saying he will never give up as a Liverpool player. But that will not cut it with Slot. Not now.The attacker has scored only six times this season over 35 games, four in the Prem.Since his arrival from Benfica in 2022 he has made 131 appearances yet has a mere 24 league goals and 15 in other competitions.The signs were all there for Slot from the beginning and there was plenty of money in the kitty.But he backed Nunez anyway and their eight-point lead could be five if Arsenal beat West Ham tomorrow.Liverpool will have again played a game more after facing Manchester City on Sunday.Nunez failed to get the better of Emi Martinez and Co on WednesdayCredit: GettyAnother defeat would prove Slot’s machine is breaking down —  having already dropped points in the Merseyside derby and struggled through a 2-1 win over Wolves.There was also the ten–change FA Cup humiliation by Plymouth Argyle, with Nunez playing the last 32 minutes of that 1–0 defeat.The Kop boss reminded everybody as he looked ahead to the City clash that his side are now unbeaten in 22 Prem games.But he will not need reminding Liverpool have not won a league game at the Etihad since 2015.And Arsenal are due at Anfield on May 10.READ MORE SUN STORIESBy then the top of the table could look dramatically different.And what looks like blind faith in Nunez may have proved to be a bad case of short-sightedness on Slot’s part. 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      Man City to rake in £41m windfall for summer rebuild after picking best possible year for early Champions League exit

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      MANCHESTER CITY can press ahead with their team-rebuilding plans this summer despite their early Champions League exit.Pep Guardiola’s men failed to reach the last 16 of the lucrative competition for the first time since 2013 after Kylian Mbappe’s stunning hat-trick for Real Madrid.Manchester City were dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid this weekCredit: GETTYTheir stint in this season’s Champions League has added to Pep Guardiola’s summer war chestCredit: GETTYThat means they miss out on around £9million for reaching the knockout stage proper — along with the chance to go for around £44m more in prize money.Normally that could have hit their summer budget but City are heading for the money-spinning Club World Cup in June and July.The 32 teams are set to bank around £41m apiece just for playing in the USA tournament — with the prospect of doubling that for going all the way to the final.That should help to bridge any shortfall in the City coffers from a rare failure in Uefa’s showpiece competition — which saw them knocked out in the play-off round by Real Madrid on Wednesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey have secured Champions League football every year since they first qualified in 2011 — but face a battle to extend that sequence into next season.Despite spending more than £175m on four signings last month, Guardiola is keen to bring in more new faces this summer.Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz and Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso are targets.City’s elimination at the hands of Real has raised further doubts over Guardiola’s future with the club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPep Guardiola insists he will still be in charge of Manchester City next seasonCredit: GettyBut when asked if he’ll be at Eastlands next season, the Catalan told Movistar: “Yes, yes, yes, I’m going to stay [at City]. “We have drawn a very strong opponent at the best moment of the season and when the opponent is superior.’Pep Guardiola is stressed, man’ – Fans fear for Man City boss as Etihad legend spotted with fresh scratches on head”There is no other option than to congratulate them. Ten or 12 years ago we weren’t even in the picture.”It’s a competition with many details, a very emotional competition, and I have very few complaints about how we’ve behaved in Europe.”City will be back in action on Sunday, welcoming title-chasing Liverpool to the Etihad. More

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      How ex-Man Utd coach ‘who was always smiling’ got the best out of Marcus Rashford

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      BENNI McCARTHY says he brought the best out of Marcus Rashford — by making him smile.The South African spent two years on Manchester United’s coaching staff, which coincided with Rashford’s career-best 30-goal haul in 2022-23.Marcus Rashford is now on loan at Aston VillaCredit: AlamyBenni McCarthy was a Man Utd coach when Rashford was at his bestCredit: GettyThe forward, 27, hit just eight last season and is rebuilding his career on loan at Aston Villa.Former Blackburn striker McCarthy, 47, said: “That season when he scored 30 goals, when he stepped on to the pitch, he’s got a bit of a smile on his face. And I’m always smiling.“I think it becomes a little bit infectious. You can’t be angry around someone like me. Rashy was in his element.“He asked me for advice and it was nice that I was able to be there for him.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“After that, I don’t know what happened. He just went back into his shell and was  unapproachable.”Meanwhile, Villa chief Unai Emery reckons Rashford is “adapting fantastically” following his arrival in the last transfer window.The 60-cap Englishman made his first start in Wednesday’s thrilling 2-2 home Prem draw with leaders Liverpool, as did fellow loanee Marcos Asensio.Emery said: “They played good. They played 60-65 minutes so it’s another step forward from them by getting confidence and minutes, knowing the players and the idea.”Most read in FootballRashford was axed under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford but had thrived at his boyhood club while McCarthy was a coachCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn contrast, McCarthy believes United’s current situation is nothing to grin about.Under-fire manager Ruben Amorim was forced to pick a bench packed with teenagers last time out, as Sunday’s 1-0 Prem loss at Tottenham plunged the Red Devils to 15th.Ruben Amorim admits he and Man Utd players ALL fighting for their jobs between now and the end of the seasonMcCarthy said: “The Spurs match was very depressing.” It was sad to see, especially when you’ve just left the club not so long ago and then you see all the injured players.”You look at the bench and you don’t see that option to change things.“Yes, it’s great for the young players that they get in that kind of opportunity. But you know, we’re in the business of winning games.“When you just look at the bench, you can’t see where anything is going to come from. Because Antony’s gone out on loan, Marcus Rashford’s gone out on loan, Jadon Sancho is gone, Anthony Martial’s left.” More