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      How sold and forgotten Chelsea stars could fill ENTIRE Champions League squad this season – and have pick of managers

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      TODD BOEHLY’S Chelsea have been the Premier League’s big spenders since his takeover in May last year.If the £45million transfer of Cole Palmer goes through they will have spent over £1billion in transfer fees during Boehly’s ownership.
      De Bruyne is one of the 28 ex-Chelsea players playing in the Champions League this seasonCredit: Getty
      Mason Mount is one of the many Chelsea academy players to have flown the nest and play for a Champions League sideCredit: Reuters
      But part of his aggressive transfer strategy has seen Chelsea shed a number of players from the old regime.
      This summer alone, 21 players have left Chelsea either permanently or on loan, including a number of former regular starters in the form of Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic.
      That means the sight of a former Chelsea player popping up for a team in Europe has become commonplace.
      A remarkable 28 ex-Chelsea players are plying their trade for teams in the Champions League this season with a further three ex-Chelsea managers calling the shots at clubs in Europe’s elite competition.
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      Not all of these players left under the Boehly regime, but the number of players still playing at Europe’s highest level is testament to the club’s high turnover.
      Chelsea don’t have to look too far from home to be reminded of former Blues now playing in the Champions League, with a number of their players playing for fellow Premier League teams.
      Manchester City have Kevin De Bruyne, Nathan Ake and the aforementioned Kovacic all plying their trade for them.
      Arsenal’s squad contains Jorginho, who joined the club last January, Havertz and former Cobham academy player Declan Rice.
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      Newcastle took Lewis Hall on loan from Chelsea last week, and also snapped up Tino Livramento from Southampton in a £30m deal – who is another product of the Chelsea academy.
      The Magpies have been drawn in the same Champions League group as AC Milan who have FOUR ex-Chelsea players: Olivier Giroud, Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic.
      Manchester United added Mount to their ranks this summer in a £65m deal, the only player to up their Chelsea quota.
      If all of Chelsea’s ex-players were to link up in a hypothetical squad, they would be spoilt for choice for ex-Chelsea managers to take charge of them.
      Maurizio Sarri currently manages Lazio, Thomas Tuchel is in charge at Bayern and Carlo Ancelotti is still head honcho at Real Madrid, where he manages Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger.
      The full list of ex-Chelsea players featuring in the Champions League this year is as follows:

      Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City)
      Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
      Nathan Ake  (Manchester City)
      Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
      Jorginho (Arsenal)
      Declan Rice (Arsenal)
      Mason Mount (Manchester United)
      Oriol Romeu (Barcelona)
      Marcus Alonso (Barcelona)
      Andreas Christensen (Barcelona)
      Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid)
      Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
      Kepa (Loan – Real Madrid)
      Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid)
      Cesar Azpilicueta (Atletico Madrid)
      Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan)
      Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
      Olivier Giroud (AC Milan)
      Ruben Loftus Cheek (AC Milan)
      Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)
      Pedro (Lazio)
      Juan Cuadrado (Inter Milan)
      Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund)
      Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)
      Patrick Van Aanholt (PSV)
      Tino Livramento (Newcastle)
      Lewis Hall (Newcastle)
      David Datro Fofana (Union Berlin) More

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      Watch Alexis Mac Allister’s brother and team-mates’ wild celebration on plane after drawing Liverpool in Europa League

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      ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER’s brother was absolutely over the moon after learning of his imminent family reunion with the Liverpool star.Premier League big boys Liverpool eagerly awaited their fate for their Europa League campaign on Friday.
      Alexis Mac Allister and his Liverpool team-mates learned their Europa League fate on FridayCredit: Alamy
      Mac Alister will twice face brother Kevin when the Reds face Union Saint-GilloiseCredit: Rex
      Union SG were buzzing to have drawn the RedsCredit: TWITTER@UNIONSTGILLOISE
      Kevin had a message for his younger brother after learning of the drawCredit: TWITTER@UNIONSTGILLOISE
      The five-time Champions League winners were drawn into Group F of Europe’s secondary club competition, which pitted them against Union Saint-Gilloise, Toulouse and LASK.
      The matches with Union SG will be of major significance to Reds newboy Mac Allister, whose brother Kevin plays for the Belgian side.
      Union’s stars learned of their group while on board an aeroplane, with the moment being captured by the social media team.
      And they burst into cheers of joy after learning they would face the Kop club.
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      Kevin grinned like a Cheshire cat as he processed two games against his younger brother later this year.
      And he was quick to send a message to his £45million sibling.
      He said with a wry smile on his face: “See you soon, bro.”
      A buzzing Kevin then took to Twitter to send a message to Liverpool’s No.10
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      The Argentine tweeted: “I told you yesterday!!
      “Beyond the result, the experience of facing each other in one of the most beautiful soccer venues will be very special and will last a lifetime.
      “See you soon bro @alemacallister.”
      Alexis joined Liverpool from Brighton in the summer in a deal which could rise to £55m.
      But the 24-year-old’s career on Merseyside got off to the worst possible start as he was SENT OFF for a dangerous challenge in Liverpool’s first home game of the season against Bournemouth.
      But the dismissal was overturned upon appeal and he’s gone on to make three appearances for the Merseysiders so far this campaign.
      Alexis and his Liverpool team-mates will be back in action on Sunday, welcoming Aston Villa to Anfield. More

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      Supercomputer predicts Arsenal and Man Utd’s chances of reaching Champions League final but one team massive favourites

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted each club’s chances of reaching this season’s Champions League final.Following Thursday’s group stage draw, Bettingexpert’s supercomputer has simulated the tournament 100,000 times.
      A supercomputer has predicted this season’s Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Bukayo Saka’s Arsenal return to the Champions League after six years awayCredit: Getty
      Fans of the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United can now see their club’s chances of going all the way in Europe this season.
      However, one club is a massive favourite to go on and win the Champions League at Wembley Stadium in June.
      According to the supercomputer, holders Manchester City have a 44.2 per cent chance of reaching the final again.
      The Treble winners have also been given a 32.1 per cent probability of successfully defending their crown.
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      It comes after City were drawn in a relatively easy group on paper, consisting of RB Leipzig, Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade.
      Arsenal have a 15 per cent chance of reaching the final, along with the fourth highest probability of qualifying for the knockout stages.
      The Gunners are only behind City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona as they make their Champions League return after six years away.
      Mikel Arteta’s side will take on Sevilla, PSV and Lens in the group stage.
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      Manchester United have been given a slightly lower probability of making it to the Wembley final at 9.8 per cent.
      They are also only predicted to come second in their group behind Harry Kane’s Bayern.
      The German champions are second favourites to reach the final at 21.8 per cent.
      Despite being drawn in the group of death alongside PSG, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan, Newcastle have been tipped to advance to the last 16.
      The supercomputer has made the Magpies second favourites in their group behind PSG with a 55.1 per cent chance of progression.
      That’s despite being a Pot 4 team.
      Newcastle also have a seven per cent probability of reaching the final.
      Celtic are the only Scottish representatives in the group stage after Rangers’ play-off elimination.
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      Drawn with Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Feyenoord in group E, they have been given just a 0.9 per cent probability of making the final.
      The group stage will begin on September 19, with the full set of fixtures released on Saturday morning.
      Manchester United have been given a 9.8 per cent chance of making the finalCredit: Getty More

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      Calls for Newcastle chief to immediately get keys to city for cheeky TNT Sports interview after Champions League draw

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      NEWCASTLE chief executive Darren Eales reckons Newcastle will be ready to inflict some pain in this year’s Champions League group of death.The St James’ Park boss appeared to be delighted that Eddie Howe’s side have ended up against Paris St Germain, Dortmund and Milan on the club’s return to the competition after 21 years.
      Eales couldn’t resist a cheeky dig at SunderlandCredit: Getty
      Newcastle were named in a difficult group on their return to the Champions LeagueCredit: AP
      And Eales, here in Monaco, could not resist a cheeky dig at North East rivals Sunderland.
      He said: “Wow, what a group. It’s a super group of death, three great teams – PSG, Dortmund, the yellow wall, and AC Milan.
      “In 2003 we had almost 10,000 Geordies over in the wonderful city of Milan – and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Mackem in Milan – so it’s going to be exciting.”
      Fans instantly fell in love with Eales following his comments, with one person tweeting: “Legend status already.”
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      Another added: “GIVE DARREN EALES THE KEYS TO THE CITY IMMEDIATELY.”
      While a third wrote: “Love that man!”
      Eales added: “PSG are footballing royalty and Dortmund are a great football club. The noise at St James’ Park for that first game is going to be something special. We had a great season last season and we’re not here to make up the numbers.
      “We’ve got six great games ahead of us and we’re really going to give it our all. We want our fans to dream and have a draw and a group we can get excited about.
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      Tonali will face his former clubCredit: Alamy
      “We can’t wait to get those clubs at St James’ Park with the Champions League music – it’s going to be pretty amazing.”
      There were loud gasps in the auditorium when former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal announced that Newcastle would go into Group F.
      But what a brilliant few games they will be for Newcastle supporters. The fans will be waiting for the release of the fixtures in the next few days so they can scramble for flights.  
      The glamour draw includes an immediate reunion with Milan for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali after his £55m summer switch.
      The match against PSG will also be a Saudi Arabia versus Qatar derby in terms of both clubs’ ownership.
      Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth admitted that Toon boss Howe had yet to reply to his text after the draw.

      Ashworth said: “He will have been watching the draw and I am sure we will speak later. It’s been a 20-year wait to play against the top teams in Europe and we certainly got that in our pot, didn’t we?
      “It’s very exciting, brilliant for the fans, brilliant for the staff, it’s what the Champions League is all about.
      “It’s a brilliant moment for the city to play those three teams. An evening in St. James’s Park under the lights in Newcastle is going to be an incredible experience.”
      Ashworth was bullish over Newcastle’s chance of qualifying. He said: “We’ve got some experience in the side as well and we’ll be counting on that to help drive us through and get to the knockout stages.”
      Shay Given, who was part of the last Newcastle side to grace the Champions League 21 years ago, reckons Dortmund, Milan and PSG are in for a bumpy ride.
      In 1997, Louis van Gaal’s Barcelona were beaten 3-2 at a fever pitch St James’ thanks to Faustino Asprilla’s hat-trick.
      Given said: “That’s my standout game. I was only 21, it was my first Champions League game.
      “The atmosphere was absolutely mental that night. Asprilla got the hat-trick and Keith Gillespie was man of the match.
      “It was crazy, they had superstars like Luis Figo and Rivaldo coming to St James’ Park but we beat them. It’s just amazing to think Newcastle are back after so long. The club has strengthened the squad this summer and is in a great place.”
      Elsewhere, Harry Kane’s return to England with Bayern Munich to face Manchester United will be fascinating. It seems written in the stars he will score a few at Old Trafford. Equally, you would expect United to progress from Group A.
      Also, Arsenal, who return to the Champions League after six years, should be okay in Group B where they face Sevilla, PSV Eindhoven and RC Lens.
      But without doubt the happiest English club were reigning champions Manchester City.
      They have been given a quick rematch with German side Leipzig who they thrashed 7-0 in the second leg of their last 16 clash last season for an 8-1 aggregate win. They will also play Swiss side Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade.
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      City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “It is a tough match again against Leipzig. It will still be a tough group.
      “Any season we have to have new players, we have to refresh the squad and blend in the players and now need to compete. We want to make them better as well. We are happy.” More

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      Joe Cole has ‘look of terror on his face’ after Chelsea legend picks out team in Champions League group stage draw

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      FANS have been left in hysterics by the “look of terror” on Joe Cole’s face during the Champions League draw.The former Chelsea and West Ham star was pulling the balls out the pots as clubs discovered who they would be facing in the tournament’s group stages.
      Joe Cole was on duty at the Champions League drawCredit: TNT Sports
      But had a look of ‘terror’ at one team nameCredit: TNT Sports
      Instead of saying FC Crvena Zvezda, Cole went for Red Star BelgradeCredit: AP
      Cole, 41, was doing a professional job as he read out the team names, however he had a panic as he got to one in particular.
      As Cole removed Crvena Zvezda, he decided to call the team Red Star Belgrade.
      To which presenter Pedro Pinto joked that the former England international was “playing it safe” with his choice of phrasing.
      The Serbian club is referred to as Red Star Belgrade in English-speaking countries whereas in its homeland is called Crvena Zvezda.
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      Fans could not help but have a joke at Cole’s panic as they took to social media.
      One tweeted: “Joe Cole didn’t even attempt to pronounce Crvena zvezda.”
      A second commented: “The utter terror on Joe Cole’s face when he got Red Star Belgrade.”
      A third wrote: “Why was it difficult for Joe Cole to pronounce Crvena Zvezda?!?”
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      A fourth joked: “Joe Cole took an executive decision: I ain’t risking that 😂🤣😂.”
      A fifth said: “Joe Cole wanted no business saying Crvena zvezda.”
      While another added: “So much time for Joe Cole not even attempting to say Crvena Zvezda.”
      Many fans were even surprised to see that Cole was chosen to be one of the former players to carry out the draw.
      Erling Haaland’s girlfriend Isabel Johansen was said to have stolen the show during the draw as the cameras panned to her.
      While fans also claimed that the draw was “rigged” after Manchester City were drawn against RB Leipzig again,
      On the other side of Manchester, United fans were left thinking they were “cursed” after seeing their club drawn against Bayern Munich. More

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      Erling Haaland’s model girlfriend Isabel steals show at Champions League draw as cameras pan to her in crowd

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      MODEL Isabel Johansen stole the show from boyfriend Erling Haaland during the Champions League draw after she was spotted by the cameras.Isabel was in the crowd in Monaco as she watched Haaland get crowned Uefa Men’s Player of the Year following his 52 goals last season.
      Isabel Johansen stole the show at the Champions League drawCredit: YouTube @TNT Sports
      Isabel watched Haaland receive his awardCredit: YouTube @TNT Sports
      She watched as Haaland won the Men’s Player of the Year awardCredit: Getty
      Isabel is also footballer as well as a model
      Haaland, 23, was given the award after the Champions League draw was made by former West Ham and Chelsea star Joe Cole and ex-Barcelona defender Eric Abidal.
      The Norweigan watched on as his Manchester City side were drawn against RB Leipzig, Young Boys, and Crvena Zvezda.
      After the main draw, the Uefa awards were dished out with Sarina Wiegman and Pep Guardiola scooping the coach awards.
      After Aitana Bonmatí took home the Women’s Player of the Year award, Haaland was presented with his.
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      While Haaland was accepting his award, his girlfriend Isabel stole the show as the cameras panned to her.
      Isabel looked stunning in her black dress.
      And some fans on social media could not help but comment on her appearance.
      One viewer gushed: “Camera focusing on Isabel, Haaland is so lucky.”
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      A second Tweeted: “Isabel looking at Haaland with heart eyes.”
      A third wrote: “Who is the Beautiful girl?”
      Isabel, 19, is also a footballer and it was through the sport that saw her meet Haaland.
      The couple met each other at local team Bryne before Haaland joined Molde.
      It is believed they began dating during his time at Borussia Dortmund.
      City start the defence of their title in Group G
      Isabel was with Haaland when he won the Champions LeagueCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      They are believed to have started dating when he was at Dortmund
      She has 35k followers on Instagram More

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      Man Utd fans convinced they are ‘CURSED’ after horror Champions League draw as they beg ‘God help Ten Hag’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are convinced they are cursed after being handed a horror Champions League draw.The Red Devils will face Galatasaray, Copenhagen and Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich, who are the second favourites to win the tournament.
      Manchester United will come up against Harry KaneCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag faces a difficult challenge to win the groupCredit: Getty
      Arsenal and Manchester City have both been handed favourable draws by comparison.
      It is a blow for United who also faced a tricky group the last time they were in the competition in the 2021-22 campaign.
      But they did manage to win that group which consisted of Villarreal, Atalanta and Young Boys, but only thanks to six goals in six games from Cristiano Ronaldo.
      A year prior United were drawn against Paris Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig and Istanbul Basaksehir and finished third, which is why some fans feel they are cursed.
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      One supporter said: “You can’t tell me Manchester United isn’t cursed when it comes to draws.”
      Another added: “United’s #UCL draw couldn’t be much more difficult than that.”
      A third wrote: “Uefa give United a tough draw every year.”
      And another commented: “Man U VS Bayern????? May God help Ten Hag😂”
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      Bayern Munich are undefeated in 34 Champions League group stage matches, while Galatasaray will create a hostile atmosphere for the visit of the Red Devils.
      However Ten Hag will be hopeful he can keep Kane quiet as he stopped the striker from scoring in both Premier League matches last season.
      Kane has only scored five goals in 19 games against United, and overcoming Bayern would give Ten Hag’s side a great chance of reaching the knock-out stages. More

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      When will the Champions League group stage fixtures be revealed?

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      THERE’S nothing quite like Champions League nights – and fans are itching to find out when the group stage fixtures will be revealed.Manchester United have been paired in a tricky group with European giants Bayern Munich.
      Manchester United have drawn Bayern Munich in Group ACredit: Reuters
      Arsenal will take part in Group B against Sevilla, while holders Manchester City are all set to go up against RB Leipzig once again.
      And Newcastle’s return to European football consists of trips to Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.
      But fans are still yet to know what the actual fixture dates are.
      When will the Champions League fixtures be revealed?
      The Champions League group fixtures will be announced on Friday, September 1 or Saturday, September 2, according to reports.
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      However, the full schedule dates for the competition has been revealed.
      Champions League schedule
      Group Stage

      Matchday 1: Sept. 19/20, 2023 
      Matchday 2: Oct. 3/4, 2023 
      Matchday 3: Oct. 24/25, 2023
      Matchday 4: Nov. 7/8, 2023 
      Matchday 5: Nov. 28/29, 2023 
      Matchday 6: Dec. 12/13, 2023

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      Knockout Stages

      Round of 16: Feb. 13/14/20/21, 2024 and March 5/6/12/13, 2024 
      Quarterfinals: April 9/10 and 16/17, 2024 
      Semifinals: April 30/May 1, 2024 and May 7/8, 2024 
      Final: June 1, 2024

      What are the groups?
      Newcastle face the toughest group for the English sides in this year’s Champions League competition.
      The Champions League group stage has been announced More