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      Chelsea fans hit by travel chaos for Conference League clash against Noah as club release statement

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      CHELSEA fans have been hit by travel chaos ahead of the Conference League clash against FC Noah.The Blues continue their European campaign by welcoming the Armenian outfit to Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening.Chelsea fans will face travel disruption on ThursdayCredit: AlamyHowever, fans planning to travel to the match via the London Underground will now have to make different arrangements.Tube services will be severely impacted by strike action as there are not expected to be any trains running.Chelsea has warned supporters and notified them of the inconvenience.A statement read: “Supporters coming to Stamford Bridge for this week’s game against Noah are notified in advance that London Underground services are set to be affected by industrial action.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Chelsea play our next Uefa Conference League fixture against the Armenian side on Thursday (7 November) and currently no tube trains are expected to run that day.”Alternative services are likely to be busier than normal so it is important to plan ahead and check before you travel.”On Sunday (10 November), when we host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, London Underground is expected to run as normal apart from some services which may be affected by planned works.”The Blues have won both of their Conference League fixtures this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEnzo Maresca’s side began the league phase with a victory over Gent before dispatching Greek side Panathinaikos.This has left Chelsea at the top of the qualifying league while Noah is in 18th place, having won one and lost one.Shocking moment woman appears to make racial slur live on TV leaving presenter stunned after Man Utd vs ChelseaChelsea player ratings vs Man UtdCHELSEA came from a goal down to rescue a point at Old Trafford.Robert Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund with 20 minutes remaining and Bruno Fernandes rolled in what looked to be a decisive spot kick.But Chelsea hit back swiftly as Moises Caicedo’s sweet strike flew into the bottom corner.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield saw the performances of the Chelsea players in the 1-1 draw…Robert Sanchez – 3Made a few really good saves in the first half, and was much improved after a poor performance last time out against Newcastle.That was until he gave away a reckless penalty on Rasmus Hojlund, which was easily dispatched by Bruno Fernandes.His mistakes are starting to cost Chelsea time after time.Malo Gusto – 2Got in good positions in the first half, but was often wasteful when he got there.Was booked for a late challenge on Manuel Ugarte, before being hooked for Cucurella at half-time after an awful overall showing.Wesley Fofana – 6A strong performance at the back was marred only by the Frenchman letting Rasmus Hojlund escape him before winning a penalty for his side.Showed brilliant recovery pace throughout the game, and made some crucial challenges too.Levi Colwill – 6That was a strong defensive showing from the Chelsea number 6.For a player with a passing range as impressive as his is, it would’ve been nice to see him use it more as Chelsea looked for a goal.Reece James – 5Improved this week, but still showed signs of rustiness as he gave the ball away in dangerous positions a few times.More effective on the right side in Malo Gusto’s position, and more comfortable there as expected with Marc Cucurella on the left.Another 90 minutes in the tank is fantastic news for Chelsea fans.Moises Caicedo – 9Scored a certain contender for goal of the month with a sensational volley from the edge of the box to level the scoring for his side.Effective in breaking up play for the Blues once more, and showed why he is worthy of the £100m price tag Chelsea paid for him.Romeo Lavia – 8Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.Seems the perfect pivot partner for Moises Caicedo, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.Noni Madueke – 6Unfortunate to hit the post in the 13th minute with a header following a corner.Worked hard defensively throughout the game too, but was unable to really put his creative abilities to the test.Cole Palmer – 7In the first half, his signature ‘Palmer touch’ got the away supporters off their feet, and he was Chelsea’s most creative outlet on the day.Unable to add another goal or assist to his impressive tally this season, but still had a solid showing.Pedro Neto – 5Showed flashes of brilliance on the left-hand side, and came close with a shot across goal in the second half.Was moved to the right-hand side in the second half, but it was much of the same from there.Nicolas Jackson – 5Pretty invisible up front for Chelsea today.Worked hard and tracked back well when required to, but fans were left confused as to why Christopher Nkunku was left on the bench.In fairness to him, could’ve had an assist if Enzo Fernandez could finish his dinner.SubsMarc Cucurella (for Gusto, 46 mins) – 5A solid showing on the left-hand side. Chelsea look a better team with him in the 11.Mykhailo Mudryk (for Madueke, 70 mins) – 4Tried to light things up on the left hand side, but his spark wasn’t enough to win the game for his side.Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia, 70 mins) – 2Missed an absolute sitter which would have won his team the game after coming on. Looks very short on confidence.Click here to read more Chelsea stories.Chelsea are hoping to return to winning ways after their 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against Manchester United.Moises Caicedo’s superb strike cancelled out Bruno Fernandes’ second-half penalty to earn a point.Levi Colwill hailed his goalscoring team-mate after the match.The defender said: “It was definitely huge. You’ve got two ways to react, you either put your head down or you get on with it and try to get the equalising goal, which obviously we did.”Moi is an amazing player and we’ve got so many of them that, when you’re struggling in a game or when you’re not scoring, they pull out that magic.”We’ve been behind already this season and we know you’ve got to react fast.”We know we’re a good team, we believe we’re going to create more chances to score no matter the time in the game.” More

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      How to watch Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen for FREE and why is the Champions League clash not on TNT Sports?

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      LIVERPOOL face German champions Bayer Leverkusen in a huge Champions League clash TONIGHT.The Reds are looking to secure a fourth straight win in the competition following wins over AC Milan, Bologna and RB Leipzig.Liverpool are in fine form of lateCredit: GettyLiverpool go into tonight’s European match top of the Premier League table after Saturday’s stunning comeback win over Brighton.Elsewhere, Leverkusen drew 0-0 with Stuttgart last time out and sit fourth in the Bundesliga.Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield at the helm of the German Champions for one of the standout matches in the Champions League this week – and you can catch all the action for FREE!How to watch Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League for FREEThis season’s Champions League sees a new broadcaster enter the UK scene.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmazon Prime Video will be showing the top Tuesday match in the iconic European competition each week at no additional cost to Prime members.Should you not currently hold a subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member.Why is Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen not on TNT Sports?TNT Sports – formerly BT Sport – have held the rights to air European football in the UK since 2015.This year, the broadcasting giants will still show 184 of the 204 matches live, but both Amazon Prime Video and the BBC now have coverage rights until 2027.Most read in Champions LeagueBBC’s coverage is restricted to highlights, but Amazon Prime Video will be exclusively showing the top Tuesday match for the next three seasons, including Liverpool’s clash with Bayer Leverkusen this evening.Who is on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage?Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage will see Gabby Logan as the streaming giant’s lead presenter.Punditary will come from the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge, Josie Henning, Frank Lampard, Gael Clichy and Laura Georges.Jon Champion and Alan Shearer will provide live commentary of every top Tuesday Champions League fixture, with Gabriel Clarke and Alex Aljoe reporting from inside the stadium More

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      Xabi Alonso breaks silence on why he ruled himself out of Liverpool job after Jurgen Klopp quit

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      XABI ALONSO has broken his silence on why he ruled himself out of the Liverpool job at the end of last season.Ex-Reds midfielder Alonso, 42, was the obvious candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp after the German confirmed he was leaving.Xabi Alonso has spoken about why he did not take the Liverpool jobCredit: PAArne Slot ended up replacing Jurgen Klopp in the summerCredit: GettyAlonso guided Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title last season without losing a game.They also won the DFB Pokal and reached the Europa League final.But Alonso then surprisingly announced he was going to stay at Leverkusen, removing any chance of him succeeding Klopp.Now he has opened up about why that was the case when he was asked whether he ever seriously considered the job at Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo which he replied: “At that time I was focused, I had a big thing with the players and we were really focused on that.”Arne Slot ended up replacing Klopp and will come up against Alonso on Tuesday night when Liverpool host Leverkusen in the Champions League.In the build-up to the game, Alonso, who is also being linked with Real Madrid, was quizzed on whether he could join Liverpool in the future.He said: “Let’s talk about the game tomorrow, it’s more interesting than my future.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Let’s talk about the great players on both sides, that is what is in my head.”For us it is a big challenge to come here. Liverpool at the moment is one of the best if not the best in Europe, they are showing that in a very strong Premier League and the Champions League.Roy Keane fumes Man Utd ‘wouldn’t have tolerated’ Xabi Alonso’s behaviour”It’s a good squad, good coach. At Anfield, it’s a big challenge. We’re looking forward to it, let’s see what happens.”Slot has made a sensational start to life as Liverpool boss, winning eight of his opening 10 Premier League games as they sit two points clear at the top of the table.Leverkusen are struggling in fourth in the Bundesliga, seven points adrift of Bayern Munich.But they have picked up seven points from three Champions League matches, including wins over Feyenoord and AC Milan. More

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      Erling Haaland suffers injury scare in Man City training just hours before Sporting clash and left writhing in pain

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      ERLING HAALAND appeared to suffer an injury scare in training ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Sporting Lisbon.City face the Portuguese champions, who are still managed by new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, in the Champions League on Tuesday night.Erling Haaland suffered an injury scare in trainingCredit: ReutersThe striker went down clutching his leg and was pictured rolling in painCredit: ReutersHaaland grimaced before slowly climbing back onto his feetCredit: ReutersHe has still been named in the squad to face Sporting tomorrowCredit: GettySeveral of Haaland’s team-mates are already in the treatment roomCredit: ReutersPep Guardiola’s men trained at their usual base this afternoon before flying out to Portugal later on Monday.And during the first 15 minutes of the session, Haaland went down hurt and was left writhing in pain.The striker hit the deck after briefly moving gingerly, with the injury not sustained due to contact with another player.He rolled around on the floor and was seen clutching his right leg while grimacing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaaland required treatment on the same area during 2-1 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.Phil Foden went over to Haaland and quickly made sure he was OK before carrying on with training.The man with 14 goals in 14 games for City in all competitions this season soon slowly got back to his feet but remained hunched over for short time.He was later seen smiling and seemingly continued to join in with the session.Most read in Champions LeagueHaaland has also been named in City’s squad for Tuesday’s game.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut their treatment room is already full of absentees with Ruben Dias, John Stones, Rodri, Oscar Bobb and Jack Grealish all out injured.However, the champions have been boosted by the returns of Savinho and Kevin De Bruyne.Both were unused subs in the Bournemouth loss and are nearing full fitness.Asked if Haaland’s needs a rest, Guardiola said pre-match: “I don’t think so – maybe he’ll get one in the international break.”On other injuries, the manager added: “Most of them Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake are still with problems.“De Bruyne is getting better, he’s having sessions with less pain so we feel that he feels more comfortable.“That is excellent news for all of us and Kyle Walker as well with problems with his knee since he was with the national team.“The rest, Jeremy Doku has had a little problems with muscular issues, Savinho is getting better with his ankle, the rest are fine.”Haaland picked up an injury on the same leg against BournemouthCredit: Reuters More

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      European giants selling off part of iconic stadium after incredible £1billion renovation

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      REAL MADRID’S first-team locker room from the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will be auctioned off.Real’s historic dressing room will be sold by Sotheby’s, who will open the bidding online from 12 November for two weeks.Real Madrid’s first-team locker room from Santiago Bernabeu will be auctioned.This comes after the most extensive renovation of the Bernabeu, which cost £1billionCredit: GettyBidders will be offered 24 individual lockers used by legends of the gameCredit: GettyThe auction is being held in partnership with Pursuit 3 Marketing Group S.L., which is the club’s official memorabilia partner.It comes after the massive renovation of the Bernabeu, which cost a staggering £1billion.Bidders will be offered 24 individual lockers used by legends, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham. Zinedine Zidane, Sergio Ramos and Luis Figo.Bidding starts at £10,000 and each locker will be presented as it appeared during the 2022 season.Read More on FootballThat means that the lockers could be sold for at least £250,000.And each will be accompanied by a letter certifying its authenticity, listing each of the players who once called the locker their own.The sale will also include the Real Madrid Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Mosaic measuring approximately three metres wide with bids starting at £12,000.Also up for grabs are the stadium’s metal doors, which will go for at least £8,000.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA portion of the proceeds will go to the Real Madrid Foundation, which is committed to encouraging the education of children.The foundation also promotes social inclusion of the most vulnerable members of society and builds a world-class memorabilia programme for the club as well as its fans.Headline Legendary stadium looks unrecognisable with football pitch in underground greenhouse and amazing 360-degree big screenReal are currently second in LaLiga with nine points separating them from leaders Barcelona.Bidding will be taking place at sothebys.com. More

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      Fans savagely troll ‘imposters’ Arsenal after amazing stat about Premier League top six emerges

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      ARSENAL were trolled after a stunning stat emerged regarding the Premier League’s top six.Nottingham Forest are proving to be this season’s surprise package in the Prem as they climbed up to third place in the table after a flying start under Nuno Espirito Santo.Arsenal were trolled after a stunning stat emerged regarding the Premier League’s top sixCredit: ReutersThe Premier League’s top six all have something in common – except ArsenalForest have won five out of their first 10 league matches – losing only once along the way – and are only six points away from leaders Liverpool.The Tricky Trees are also just four points behind reigning champions Manchester City and second place.Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa complete the top six in fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively.That means the current top-six teams in the English top flight now count a total of 12 European Cups between them.Read More on FootballLiverpool won the prestigious honour six times, City finally lifted old Big Ears in 2023, Forest enjoyed a back-to-back triumph, Chelsea have done it twice and Villa conquered the European Cup in 1982 before it was rebranded as the Champions League in 1992.However, some fans decided to poke a bit of fun at Arsenal’s expense as they are the only ones to have never won Europe’s elite honour, even though they came close in 2006 when they made it to the final.One fan tweeted: “Look at those “s****y reds” sneaking in and disrupting the top six. Fans and media saying “they have no right to be there”.”Another commented: “Spot out the imposter.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “I know an imposter when I see one.”This fan said: “Remove Arsenal and it’s still the same.”Edu’s exit is a huge loss for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will feel very different without him, says SunSport’s Jack RosserAnd that one stated: “With Arsenal having zero in there.”Nevertheless, it is important to remember that although Arsenal never won the Champions League they did in fact win the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994. More

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      Inside Champions League club’s ‘awful’ 30,000-seater new stadium plan as ‘unique’ arena becomes ‘futuristic toilet bowl’

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      FANS have reacted with horror to a new stadium renovation in Italy – claiming it will turn an iconic arena into a “toilet bowl”.Social media erupted after plans for the new 30,000-seater stadium were released on Saturday.The Stadio Renato Dall’Ara is set to undergo huge renovationsCredit: GettyThe iconic arena will be completely revamped with a £167m makeoverCredit: GettyBut fans are not taken with the futuristic look of the new groundCredit: X / @IFTVofficialThe Renato Dall’Ara Stadium has stood since 1927 and is one of Italy’s more picturesque grounds.With uncovered sections and sloping terraces, it remains one of Serie A’s most recognisable stadiums and incorporates nearby architecture into the stands. The £167million renovations include building a huge domed roof, as well as removing metal structures put in place for the 1990 World Cup.But one fan raged on X: “This is awful, destroying a very good arena for modern football. So bad tbh.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALL NEWSAnother said: “Unfortunately another impersonal concrete statement. This ruins our football culture.”While a third fumed: “Another traditional stadium with character turned into a futuristic toilet bowl.”Bologna are keen to renovate the stadium to get it ready for Euro 2032.They will play at a temporary venue east of the city while the work is completed.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAreas to the north of the ground on Via Andrea Costa are also set to be upgraded.Following the dramatic changes, the stadium – which is hosting Champions League football this season – will be upgraded to Uefa Category 4, the highest level. Furious former Champions League finalists’ fans protest against club owner The club plans to reduce the capacity to slightly over 30,000, down from the current 36,000.Announcing a partnership with Webuild until 2027, Bologna want to make the stadium “in line with the best in the world.”In a statement, the club wrote: “All the seats will have an excellent view of the action due to the proximity of the stands to the pitch, at around 7 metres from the field of play. “Given the Webuild group’s world-class expertise in stadium design, the aim of the project — which involves a total investment of €200 million — is to renovate and increase the value of the ground, founded in 1927, while maintaining its public ownership. “The Dall’Ara will become a high-class facility used seven days a week, in line with the best stadiums in the world.”New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.Bologna enjoyed a superb Serie A season in 2023-24, finishing 5th and qualifying for the Champions League.It was their highest-placed finish since 1971. READ MORE SUN STORIESSo far this campaign, a series of frustrating draws have kept the club away from the European spots.They currently sit 9th in the league, despite losing just one of their opening 10 games. More

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      Watch former Premier League bad-boy Nile Ranger’s dramatic extra-time winner as seventh-tier Kettering stun Northampton

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      NILE RANGER headed the extra-time winner as seventh-tier Kettering stunned League One Northampton to make the FA Cup second round.Ranger, 33, once pocketed £10,000-a-week and says he could have been as good as Erling Haaland – but instead ended up unemployed after stints in jail.Nile Ranger headed in against Northampton Town in the FA CupCredit: bbcHis goal gave Kettering Town a huge upset in the historic competitionCredit: bbcHe was handed a career lifeline by Southern League Premier Central side Kettering last month.And he made an instant impact with a towering header to stun their more illustrious local rivals.Cobblers star Connor Johnson had netted in the first-half own goal to hand Kettering the lead before Luca Miller levelled to send the game to extra time.Thrilled Ranger said: “It’s special, especially where we’re coming from.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Obviously our tier of football is quite low, so coming to Northampton, it’s a derby as well. Look what it means to the fans. It’s a lot.”I’m trying to be humble. I’m getting old now.”Obviously, I went down a level to show everyone I’m still hungry. It feels good for myself as well.”Ranger rose highest to head home the winner in the 92nd minute at the Sixfields Stadium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe is not the only former Premier League star at Kettering with Gary Hooper and Marvin Sordell both also on the books.The result was a huge scalp for Kettering and Northampton are four divisions higher than the Southern League Premier Division Central side.Meet non-league star with longest throw in football who plans to put it to good use in FA Cup giant killingRanger was over the moon after scoringCredit: PAGainsborough will be the lowest-ranked side in tonight’s FA Cup second-round draw after a penalty shoot-out victory following a 4-4 draw with eighth-tier Hesnesford.The Northern Premier League strugglers recovered from 3-0 down to force extra-time with an added time leveller from Will Lancaster.Seventh-tier Trinity fell behind again before levelling — then won 5-4 on penalties to reach the second round for the first time in 72 years.Gainsborough boss Russ Wilcox said: “I’ve never been involved in anything like that. In the penalty shoot-out we had three chances to win it and three chances to lose it.”And National League strugglers Wealdstone pulled off a shock by winning 1-0 at League Two Grimsby with Alex Reid’s 90th-minute strike.The striker said: “The gaffer said show respect but believe in yourselves.”Oldham overcame the one-division gap to League Two Tranmere to beat Rovers 2-1 at Prenton Park.National League Dagenham also beat League Two opposition with Dion Pereira’s second-half penalty clinching a 1-0 win at Crewe.Daggers boss Ben Strevens said: “It’s an amazing day for us. The scenes at the end are what we do it for.”Seventh-tier Harborough are in the second round for the first time after a 4-1 win at National League South Tonbridge.FA Cup first round results Here are all of the results from the FA Cup first round…Notts County 5-1 Alfreton TownTamworth 1-0 HuddersfieldTonbridge 1-4 Harborough Town Worthing 0-2 Morecambe Burton Albion 1-0 Scarborough AthleticSolihull Moors 3-0 Maidstone UnitedGillingham 0-2 BlackpoolReading 2-0 FleetwoodNewport County 2-4 Peterborough Barrow 0-1 DoncasterWoking 0-1 Cambridge UnitedStockport 2-1 Forest Green RoversBristol Rovers 3-1 Weston-super-MareRochdale 3-4 BromleyWalsall 2-1 BoltonPort Vale 1-3 BarnsleyExeter City 5-3 BarnetSwindon Town 2-1 ColchesterWycombe 3-2 York CityChesterfield 3-1 HorshamSouthend 3-4 CharltonMaidenhead 1-2 Crawley TownBrackley Town 0(5)-(4)0 Braintree TownCrewe Alexandre 0-1 Dagenham and RedbridgeBradford City 3-1 Aldershot TownCarlisle 0-2 Wigan AthleticTranmere 1-2 OldhamStevenage 1(5)-(4)1 GuiseleyGrimsby Town 0-1 Wealdstone Salford City 2-1 ShrewsburyRotherham 1-3 CheltenhamRuchall Olympic 0-2 Accrington StanleyHednesford Town 4(4)-(5)4 Gainsborough TrinityNorthampton Town 1-2 Kettering TownStill to playMK Dons v AFC WimbledonSutton United v Birmingham CityCurzon Ashton v Mansfield TownBoreham Wood v Leyton OrientHarrogate Town v WrexhamChesham United v Lincoln CityPaul Malone gave the Southern League Premier Central side the lead before Ben Stephens (two) and Danny Forbes sealed it.Northern Premier League Guiseley gave League One Stevenage a scare before finally going out on penalties.Will Longbottom’s equaliser for the non league outfit made it 1-1 but keeper Murphy Cooper made two saves to help win the shoot-out 5-4.Maidstone’s hopes of another memorable Cup run ended with a 3-0 defeat at Solihull Moors.READ MORE SUN STORIESJosh Magennis scored a hat-trick for Exeter in the League One side’s 5-3 win over National League Barnet.And National League North outfit Rushall Olympic finished with ten men with Luke Benbow sent off for two bookings as they were beaten 2-0 at home by League Two Accrington. More