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      Lens vs Arsenal: Mikel Arteta’s Gunners travel to France for epic Champions League Group B clash – stream, TV, team news

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      ARSENAL will travel to French side Lens for an epic Champions League Group B match.Mikel Arteta’s side thumped PSV 4-0 to mark their return to Europe’s elite competition.
      Kai Havertz scored his first Arsenal goal in the Gunners 4-0 win away at Bournemouth on the weekendCredit: GETTY
      Since then, the Gunners are unbeaten in all competitions, thrashing Bournemouth 4-0 most recently.
      Summer signing Kai Havertz scored his first Arsenal goal at the Vitality after converting a penalty.
      Meanwhile, Lens have had a torrid start to the new Ligue 1 season, losing four of their first seven games.
      The French outfit claimed a point away at Sevilla in their Champions League opener and sit second in Group B.
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      When is Lens vs Arsenal?

      Lens vs Arsenal will take place on Tuesday, October 3rd.
      Kick off is set to take place at 8pm BST.
      The Estadio Bollaert-Delelis will host.

      What TV channel is Lens vs Arsenal on and can it be live streamed?

      Lens vs Arsenal will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 2.
      TNT Sports customers can live stream all the action via the discovery+ app.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all of the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team news
      Lens will be without the likes of Wuilker Fairnez, Jimmy Cabot, David Costa and Massadio Haidara.
      Mikel Arteta will be hoping winger Gabriel Martinelli will return to the Gunners squad on Tuesday after missing the last four games due to injury.
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      Bukayo Saka limped off in Arsenal’s 4-0 win away at Bournemouth on the weekend and may not be risked for the trip to France on Tuesday night, with the Gunners playing title rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
      Thomas Partey has returned to training this week and could feature against Lens.
      What are the odds?

      Lens – 9/2
      Draw – 3/1
      Arsenal – 3/5

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Iconic Champions League stadium bigger than most Prem grounds shuts down after authorities LOST maintenance manual

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      GREECE’S iconic Olympic Stadium has been forced to shut down over grave safety concerns.The Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) is the country’s biggest sporting complex and hosted the 2004 Olympic Games as well as the Champions League final in 1983, 1994 and 2007.
      Athens’ landmark OAKA Stadium has been forced to shut downCredit: AP
      Greek chiefs lost a manual with detailed instructions regarding OAKA’s maintenanceCredit: AP
      The ground – named after famous 1896 Olympic hero Spiros Louis – holds a capacity of 70,000 and makes it larger than every Premier League stadium bar Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Wembley.
      However, the government decided to close it until further notice due to concerns over the stability of its steel dome.
      All events, including concerts, have been halted indefinitely as the stadium’s roof – as well as that of the cycling track nearby – “did not meet the legally permitted levels of static adequacy”.
      According to journalist Tasos Telloglou, authorities lost a manual with detailed instructions regarding the dome’s maintenance left behind by architect Santiago Calatrava – who built the landmark in 2004.
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      Greek media showed images of the stadium’s crumbling state and claim OAKA had to shut down due to security concerns for fans in attendance.
      According to ERT, prosecutors have already launched a preliminary investigation covering the last five years.
      The government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has faced criticism after promising to revamp it in 2021.
      Sports Minister Yiannis Vroutsis admitted the decision to shut the facilities down was “painful”.
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      Vroutsis added that the government is actively looking for the best solution to resolve the issue, but experts fear it will take a long time until OAKA reopens its doors.
      Panathinaikos used the stadium until very recently but had to move back to Leoforos Alexandras and their historic Apostolos Nikolaidis ground.
      In fact, the Greek giants faced Villarreal in a Europa League clash less than two weeks ago and won 2-1 before heading back to Leoforos. More

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      Man Utd vs Galatasaray: Ten Hag’s men hoping to bounce back from Bayern defeat – stream, TV channel, team news

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      MANCHESTER UNITED take on Galatasary on Tuesday night as they go in search of their first win in the Champions League this season. United lost 4-3 to Bayern Munch in a thriller in their first game and were largely outclassed throughout.
      Manchester United were beaten 4-3 by Bayern Munich in their group stage openerCredit: AFP
      Wilfried Zaha will be hoping he can haunt his old club on Tuesday nightCredit: Getty
      Ten Hag’s men have also been in less than stellar form in the Premier League, as they lost at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
      They’ll need a big response in Europe against Galatasaray, who drew their opener against Copenhagen.
      And they’ll have former United star Wilfried Zaha in their ranks for the huge clash too.
      When is Man Utd vs Galatasaray?

      Man Utd’s clash with Galatasaray will take place on Tuesday, October 3.
      The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
      Old Trafford will play host to the Champions League fixture.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Man Utd vs Galatasaray will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the Discovery+ app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Team news
      Antony could make his return to the side after his leave of absence from the first team following claims of assault from his ex-girlfriend.
      Lisandro Martinez is certain to miss the game as he recovers from a foot injury that could keep him out until 2024.
      Wilfried Zaha is expected to start against his old club from the off.
      Most read in Football
      Odds

      Man Utd – 2/5
      Draw – 15/4
      Galatasaray – 6/1

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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      Erik ten Hag hints he will hand out debut to forgotten transfer in must-win Galatasaray clash

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      ERIK TEN HAG has hinted that Altay Bayindir could make his Manchester United debut tomorrow.Bayindir, 25, joined the Red Devils in a £4.3million transfer from Fenerbahce on deadline day last month.
      Altay Bayindir could make his Man Utd debut on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag said the goalkeeper is ‘really developing’ in trainingCredit: Getty
      The goalkeeper is yet to make a first team appearance, but Ten Hag has suggested that he could start for United ahead of Tuesday’s huge Champions League clash with Galatasaray.
      He said: “We chose in the League Cup to play [Andre] Onana because he has to adapt to the England standard but… also we have to progress Altay.
      “He’s made a very good impression in training and he’s really developing, so we’re really happy with it.”
      Summer signing Andre Onana has featured in every match for Man Utd so far this season.
      Read more on Man Utd
      But he has come under scrutiny for some of his performances.
      The 27-year-old has conceded 11 goals in seven Premier League appearances.
      He was also criticised for a huge error which led to the opening goal in United’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich, which ended 4-3 to the Bundesliga giants.
      Tomorrow’s match against Galatasaray is a must-win for the Red Devils.
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      They currently sit last in Group A with no points, behind Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
      Discussing the match on Monday morning, Ten hag said: “We know that [Galatasaray’s quality], it’s not only [Wilfried] Zaha and [Mauro] Icardi, but there’s [Dries] Mertens and [Hakim] Ziyech, so they have a lot more and it’s about the team.
      “We have to defend that and have to be at our best to get the right result.” More

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      Antony WILL be considered for Man Utd’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray, confirms Ten Hag

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      ANTONY will be available for Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray – despite the domestic abuse allegations hanging over his head.The Brazil international has been accused of physical assault by an ex-girlfriend and was questioned by Greater Manchester Police for five hours last week.
      Manchester United star Antony is currently facing domestic abuse allegationsCredit: PA
      Antony hasn’t played since September 3 but returned to training on SundayCredit: GETTY
      Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has revealed he’ll be available for tomorrow’s Champions League match with GalatasarayCredit: GETTY
      The £85million signing was granted a leave of absence to address the allegations – which he vehemently denies – but returned to training on Sunday.
      And Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has confirmed he will be considered for selection for tomorrow’s visit of the Turkish champions.
      The Dutchman said in his pre-match press conference: “Antony will be in consideration but yesterday was his first time back in team training.
      “We have a final training, then we’ll make a decision.”
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      Antony, 23, hasn’t played since United’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal last month.
      The former Ajax man has been accused of assault by his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, who claims he assaulted her when she was pregnant with his baby.
      Cavallin reacted to the news of Antony’s return to training in a statement via her legal team.
      It read: “Gabriela Cavallin’s attorneys inform that the crimes committed by the player are still being investigated by the Manchester Police and also the Brazilian Police.
      Most read in Football
      Anthony has vehemently denied the allegations against himCredit: PA
      “Which is why we believe that he will soon be sent to court, where he will have to face a trial.
      “It seems obvious to us that fallacies would be created with the intention that the team bringing him back to training.”
      Antony has repeatedly denied the allegations, which became public in June.
      He wrote on Instagram: “Out of respect for my fans, friends and family, I feel obliged to speak out publicly about the false accusations that I have been a victim of.
      “From the beginning, I have treated this matter with seriousness and respect, providing the necessary clarifications to the police.
      “The investigation is under judicial secrecy, and therefore I cannot make its contents public.
      “However, I can calmly say that the accusations are false, and that the current evidence and the ones yet to be produced demonstrate my innocence.”
      Manchester United issued a statement on the ongoing investigation last week condemning all “acts of violence and abuse”.
      It added: “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has co-operated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK.
      “And he continues to do so.
      “As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed.
      “This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.
      Read More on The Sun
      “As a club, we condemn acts of violence and abuse.
      “We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
      Antony hasn’t played since Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal last monthCredit: GETTY More

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      Neymar stunned by appalling state of pitch Al-Hilal will play on in Asian Champions League

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      NEYMAR was left in total disbelief after seeing the state of a pitch he is expected to play on for new club Al-Hilal.The Brazilian superstar left Paris Saint-Germain for the Saudi Arabian club in a £77.6million move this summer.
      This is allegedly the pitch that Neymar will be playing on tomorrow for Al-HilalCredit: twitter @ActuSPL
      The Brazilian star shared his disbelief at the state of it on social mediaCredit: Getty
      He was one of a number of high-profile arrivals at Al-Hilal, joining the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
      The 31-year-old is yet to get off the mark in the domestic league but will be hoping to fire them to success in the AFC Champions League.
      They travel to Iran this week to take on Nassaji Mazandaran but it seems that the Samba ace is not looking forward to the trip.
      Shock footage went viral over the weekend of ground staff at Nassaji’s Azadi Stadium putting down strips of turf over what looked to be large areas of exposed concrete.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      It did not take long for Neymar to see it, and he responded to the clip with a facepalm emoji along with a caption that read: “This is not possible.”
      And his reaction led to supporters urging him to give tomorrow’s match a miss due to fears he could get hurt.
      “Maybe sit this one out,” said one fan on X.
      Another wrote: “Neymar don’t risk it bro that pitch looks like a death-trap.”
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      A fellow fan commented: “The absolute state of that pitch.
      “Neymar has gone from playing at the Parc des Princes to this garbage, what a fall from grace.”
      Rumours have been mounting that Neymar has not been seeing eye-to-eye with new manager Jorge Jesus, although the attacker has publicly rubbished those claims.
      Al-Hilal have a rich history in the AFC Champions League and are the most-successful team in the competition.
      The Riyadh-based club have lifted the trophy four times – the last of which was in 2021. More

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      Xavi names Man Utd star Marcus Rashford in elite group of three players Barcelona fear

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      XAVI has named Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford as one of the players Barcelona fear most.Rashford, 25, scored 30 goals and provided 11 assists in 56 appearances across all competitions last season.
      Xavi believes Marcus Rashford is one of the hardest players to play againstCredit: Getty
      The Barcelona boss admitted his team ‘struggled a lot’ against the Man Utd starCredit: AP
      He also featured in both legs of United’s Champions League clash with Barcelona, contributing one goal and an assist at the Nou Camp.
      The Red Devils defeated the La Liga giants 4-3 on aggregate to progress to the round-of-16 before eventually being knocked out by Sevilla in the quarter-finals.
      But those two matches stuck with Barca boss Xavi, who has since claimed that Rashford is one of the most difficult players to handle on the pitch.
      In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the Spaniard said: “With Rashford we struggled a lot. But also Vinicius, Benzema.”
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      The Man Utd winger has struggled to find his form this season, with just one goal in seven Premier League appearances.
      But Erik ten Hag has insisted that there is more to come from the England international.
      Speaking after United’s 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday, the Dutchman said: “I think he knows he can do better than he is now and I’m sure it will come.
      “He works hard and it will come, but not automatically. The team has to work around him, and they have to invest a lot.
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      “The decision-making wasn’t good enough and then we don’t score.”
      The Red Devils currently sit 10th in the league table with just nine points from their opening seven games.
      And Ten Hag has urged his team to be more consistent in terms of performances and results.
      He added: “Of course, that is the concern but we have to be more consistent.
      “This is not just a demand from Man Utd, the demand is that we get a row of wins, to get into a rhythm; we have to do better than we are doing right now.”
      Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema were the other two players Barcelona feared mostCredit: Reuters More

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      Manchester United star Antony pictured back in training for first time since domestic abuse claims

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      MANCHESTER United star Antony has been pictured back in training for the first time since domestic abuse allegations.The Brazil winger, 23, has not played for the Red Devils since their 3-1 loss at Arsenal on September 3.
      Antony in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training GroundCredit: Getty
      He could make a comeback against Galatasaray tomorrowCredit: Getty
      The Brazil winger, 23, has not played for the Red Devils since September 3Credit: Getty
      But he could make a comeback against Galatasaray tomorrow in the Champions League.
      Antony was back in England last week and attended a voluntary interview with Greater Manchester Police.
      Antony denies the allegations made against him in both the UK and his homeland.
      The winger was pictured at Carrington yesterday and could be back in contention for Erik ten Hag’s under-fire side against the Turkish outfit at Old Trafford.
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      It comes after Saturday’s home 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace – their fifth defeat of the season from nine games in all competitions.
      Yesterday his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin broke her silence since his return to training.
      “Gabrela Cavallin’s attorneys inform that the crimes committed by the player are still being investigated by the Manchester Police and also the Brazilian Plice, which is why we believe that he will soon be sent to Court, where he will have to face a trial,” a press release read, according to MailOnline.
      “It seems obvious to us that fallacies would be created with the intention that the team bringing him back to training.”
      Most read in Football
      United boss ten Hag insisted the embattled player’s return to the squad will not be a “distraction”.
      The club has faced numerous controversies in recent months – such as its handling of Mason Greenwood and ten Hag’s ongoing feud with Jadon Sancho.
      Dutchman ten Hag said he has spoken to Antony.
      It has been reported in Brazil that Gabriela has told police that £150,000-a-week Antony assaulted her four times.
      She previously alleged she was first attacked in June 2022 while pregnant and on holiday in Brazil.
      And she claimed in January Antony headbutted and punched her in a Manchester hotel, damaging a breast implant.
      She also alleged he threw a glass at her in May, injuring her finger.
      Cavallin led calls for Antony to be dropped from the squad in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday.
      Gabriela said: “Antony needs to be taken off the pitch. It’s disappointing he’s still allowed to play while there’s an investigation.
      “I am absolutely destroyed by the whole process. How can life go on as normal for him?
      “They cant just know what they know now and not do anything. He needs to be removed.”
      Antony gave a tearful interview earlier this month in which he denied the allegations made against him, and stated he does not fear for his United future.
      He said: “It’s something that doesn’t cross my mind. I never touched her.
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      “I know that many are massacring me but the truth always comes out. I am 100 per cent sure that I have never touched a woman.
      “I dream of returning to the national team and I want to show that Antony is innocent of all this.”
      Gabriela Cavallin claimed she was attacked by the playerCredit: instagram
      Antony denies all allegations against himCredit: Reuters
      Gabriela had urged United to drop him amid the investigationCredit: The Sun
      The star was quizzed by police over allegations of abuseCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More