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      Supercomputer predicts Champions League winner after exciting quarter-finals draw.. and it’s awful news for Chelsea

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the winners of this season’s Champions League… and it’s bad news for Chelsea fans.Manchester City and Chelsea are the two remaining Premier League representatives after Liverpool and Tottenham crashed out in the last 16.
      A supercomputer has predicted the eight remaining teams’ chances of winning the Champions League
      And Pep Guardiola’s City have been tipped to go all the way and lift the trophy in Istanbul on June 10 following Friday’s exciting quarter-final draw.
      On the other hand, the odds are not in Chelsea’s favour.
      Graham Potter’s side have been given just a five per cent chance of winning the tournament by FiveThirtyEight.
      Only AC Milan have been given a lower chance of winning the trophy than two-time winners Chelsea, who face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
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      Even if they do get past Los Blancos, the Stamford Bridge side will take on the winners of Man City vs Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
      City are yet to win the coveted prize, with the defeat to the Blues in the 2021 final the closest they have come to winning the tournament.
      But Guardiola and Co have been given a 28 per cent chance of winning the Champions League this year.
      That’s the highest chance of any of the eight remaining teams, and comes despite a tough quarter-final tie against Bayern.
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      The German giants are the second most likely team to win the tournament, according to the supercomputer, with an 18 per cent chance – suggesting the winner of the tie will go all the way.
      Serie A high-fliers Napoli, who face AC Milan in the quarters, have the third best chance of winning the tournament.
      Napoli had never reached the Champions League last eight until this year, but now have a 17 per cent likelihood of winning the tournament altogether.
      They have a better chance of lifting the trophy than defending champions Real Madrid.
      The 14-time winners have been given a 13 per cent chance of winning the tournament.
      That is ahead of Benfica (ten per cent), and Inter (six per cent), who face off against each other in the next round. More

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      Newcastle dealt cruel blow in race for Champions League with top scorer Miguel Almiron out for THREE WEEKS with injury

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      NEWCASTLE have been dealt a huge blow in the Champions League race with Miguel Almiron set to miss three weeks through injury.The Paraguayan has been a key player for the Magpies this season as they look to challenge the Premier League’s established order.
      Miguel Almiron has been a key player for Newcastle this seasonCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But a knock in training has left him missing the Friday night trip to Nottingham Forest and set for a spell on the sidelines.
      He has also not be picked for his international team due to the injury.
      Paraguay manager Guillermo Barros Schelotto said: “Miguel Almiron was injured yesterday [Thursday] and will be out for three weeks and it is not necessary for him to come.
      “We received the report from his club and we saw the video of the injury.”
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      The development comes as a huge blow to Newcastle who have been fighting to get into the top four.
      Almiron, 29, has been leading the charge and can boast 11 Premier League goals this season, more strikes than in his previous four seasons put together.
      His latest was a crucial winner against Wolves at St James’ Park last week.
      The timing of Almiron’s injury means he may not miss too many games.
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      The international break spans two weeks and he may only miss the crucial home game against Man United at the beginning of April.
      Despite their lofty league position, Toon have struggled for goals this season and have not scored three in a game since Boxing Day.
      Injury-hit strikers Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak have also not netted as many as they would like and only have 12 in all competitions between them. More

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      ‘The days of George Best will return to Man Utd’ if they complete shock transfer for in-demand wonderkid, says Henry

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could see the days of George Best return if they complete a transfer for Napoli wonderkid Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.Kvaratskhelia, 22, has been setting Serie A and the Champions League alight with his mesmerising displays this season.
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been compared to Manchester United legend George BestCredit: Rex
      The 22-year-old has been in sensational form
      Best won the Ballon d’Or while at Man Utd is regarded as one of the best players of all timeCredit: PA:Press Association
      Transfer links to Man Utd have drawn comparisons with legendary Red Devils forward George Best, regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
      Following a stunning goal against Atalanta, ex-Inter Milan striker Christian Vieri said: “The goal he scored was the stuff of madness!
      “If he goes to Manchester United, the days of George Best will return. Kvaratskhelia is the same.”
      Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has backed up this claim too.
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      Ahead of Napoli’s Champions League last-16 tie against Eintracht Frankfurt, Henry told CBS Sports: “He can press. He can hold the ball. He can see a pass.
      “He’s just the full package. Hopefully, it can carry on for him and they can win the league.
      “If they don’t win the league, it will be crazy because of the number of points that they have ahead. Winning the Champions League will be crazy.”
      Napoli have forged an 18-point lead at the top of Serie A to put them in a strong position to claim their first league title since 1990.
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      Back then they were inspired by Argentine legend Diego Maradona, and shortly after arriving Napoli fans dubbed Kvaratskhelia as “Kvaradona”.
      And the Georgian has done the name justice, scoring 13 goals and adding 15 assists in 29 appearances this season.
      One of his breakout performances came against Liverpool when Napoli tore the Reds to shreds in a 4-1 demolition in Naples, with Kvaratskhelia shining against Liverpool’s defence.
      He is also the Italian league leader for goal-creating actions and sits second only to Rafael Leao for successful take-ons.
      Despite comparisons to 1968 Ballon d’Or winner Best, United will face competition to sign him from a number of clubs.
      Newcastle, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are among the sides said to be in the race to sign the highly-rated winger. More

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      Napoli’s sexiest fan celebrates Champions League draw after promising naked bus tour if beloved team win trophy

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      ONLYFANS model and Napoli superfan Paola Saulino celebrated her team’s Champions League draw after promising to go on a naked bus tour if the Naples outfit wins the European title.Paola was very happy with the quarter-final draw after finding out that the Partenopei will take on Serie A rivals AC Milan, who knocked Tottenham out in the Round of 16.
      Napoli superfan Paola Saulino loved the Champions League draw against AC Milan
      Paola Saulino vowed to go on a naked bus tour if Napoli win the Champions League
      Paola Saulino is not afraid of any Premier League teams in the Champions LeagueCredit: https://twitter.com/PaolaSaulino/media
      Paola Sulino will rent a bus if Napoli win the Champions League this seasonCredit: https://twitter.com/PaolaSaulino/media
      The 31-year-old tweeted: “MILAAAAN WE GOT THIS.”
      Napoli have been a revelation this season as they are 18 points clear at the top of the Serie A table and their European exploits have led to many believing they could win the Champions League.
      And Paola has vowed to go “crazy” if Luciano Spalletti’s men go all the way in Europe after besting the likes of Liverpool, Ajax, Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt.
      The model promised to go around Naples on top of an open bus completely nude if the Serie A giants bring home the gold.
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      Paola told the Daily Star: “I can reveal to the Daily Star readers that I will do something crazy and celebrate by doing a naked open bus top of Napoli.
      “It is something I can do and it is something I can afford. Honestly I don’t think renting a bus is the most expensive thing in the world.
      “I think that with probably €3,000 (£2,625) I will do it and I can contact people who can rent me the bus or can provide for this service.”
      And the model is not afraid of any Premier League teams after Napoli destroyed Liverpool 4-1 in the group stage.
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      Paola added: “I wouldn’t be afraid of any English teams. English fans always think English teams are the best in the world then they get hit by reality like Liverpool did.
      “Honestly, only [Manchester] City makes me a bit scared. But it is incredible what we are doing in Serie A.
      “Unlike the Premier League where Arsenal have City on their heels, Napoli has no rivals, so there is no comparison.”
      Paola burst onto the scene in 2016 as she pledged to perform a sex act on anyone who voted “No” in Italy’s constitutional referendum.
      She later claimed she pleasured 700 “politically-active” men during her outrageous Pompa (Pump) Tour of her homeland.
      Paola Saulino burst onto the scene in 2016 during the Italian constitutional referendumCredit: https://twitter.com/PaolaSaulino/media
      Paola Saulino promised to perform sex acts on men who voted “No” on the referendumCredit: https://twitter.com/PaolaSaulino/media
      Paola Saulino claimed she pleasured 700 men after the referendumCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More

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      Fuming Man Utd fans say Europa League draw is ‘even more fixed’ than Champions League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have claimed the Europa League draw is “EVEN MORE FIXED” than the Champions League ballot after being handed a tough quarter-final tie.The Red Devils learned their fate for the last eight of Europe’s secondary club competition on Friday afternoon.
      Manchester United fans are fuming with the Europa League drawCredit: Rex
      The Red Devils have been drawn against Spanish giants Sevilla in the quarter-finals of the tournament.Credit: GETTY
      Some of the Old Trafford faithful have claimed the draw is ‘fixed’Credit: REUTERS

      Erik ten Hag’s troops will lock horns with six-time tournament winners Sevilla in the next round of the competition.
      Should they advance, United will face either Juventus or Arsenal’s conquerors Sporting Lisbon in the semis.
      And some of the Old Trafford faithful reckon the draw has been rigged against them.
      One tweeted: “Europa league draw even more fixed UEFA you are a f***ing joke.”
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      Another said: “Fixed draw.”
      And another said: “All European draws are fixed, IDC.”
      One remarked: “Looks like we are f***ing fixed draw. Destined to be us [and] Roma final.”
      One fuming Red Devil added: “At this point, I’m suspecting that this draw is fixed. Four Spanish teams in one campaign??”
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      The quarter-final draw for the Europa League took place after its Champions League counterpart.
      And the two remaining English teams remaining in the tournament were handed supremely tough ties for the next round of Europe’s elite club competition.
      Premier League strugglers Chelsea were drawn against tournament legends Real Madrid, who dumped them out of the competition last season.
      And reigning English champions Manchester City were handed a tasty tie against their German counterparts Bayern Munich.
      The first leg of the ties will take place on April 11, with the returns scheduled for a week later.
      The Europa League quarter-finals, meanwhile, will take place on the weeks of April 13 and 20 respectively. More

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      Paul Scholes urges Man Utd to seal transfer for ‘aggressive’ Champions League star after quarter-final draw is revealed

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      PAUL Scholes has urged Manchester United to sign Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez after the Champions League quarter final draw was revealed. United signed Dutchman Wout Weghorst on loan in January but it is unlikely he will be signed on a permanent basis.
      Scholes has urged Manchester United to sign Lautaro Martinez from Inter MilanCredit: Rex
      Marcus Rashford has shouldered the goal scoring at United this seasonCredit: Rex
      The Red Devils’ only other options are Marcus Rashford, who has been in superb form this season, and the injury-prone Anthony Martial.
      The Old Trafford club will likely spend a large fee on bringing a striker in this summer.
      The two big names being linked are Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen but Scholes think’s Maritnez would be a good choice.
      Scholes spoke to BT Sport on Thursday night following United’s 1-0 over Real Betis.
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      He said: “I like Lautaro Martinez at Inter Milan.
      “I think he is a Ten Hag type of player, he likes a centre forward that will run about, be aggressive, get against people.
      “I like United’s current options, I like Rashford, I like Martial, but Martial just can’t stay fit. So there are options out there.”
      The former midfielder also spoke about Harry Maguire’s situation at the club.
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      He said: “Harry’s in a difficult position not playing games but I think his attitude there with the interview saying ‘it doesn’t matter if I’m playing or not, it’s my job to make sure I can make the club as successful as they can be.
      “I think that guarantees him in the England situation as well. It’s a good thing.
      “It’s good for Man Utd as well that he will go away and get a couple of games that will only bode well for Manchester United.”
      United are next in action on Saturday when they host Fulham at Old Trafford in the FA Cup quarter final. More

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      Arsenal fans all say the same thing as they celebrate ‘best possible’ Champions League draw

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      ARSENAL fans were all saying the same thing after this morning’s Champions League draw.The Gunners haven’t played in Europe’s premier competition since 2017, but that didn’t stop some of their supporters watching this morning’s draw with interest.
      Arsenal fans have been celebrating Man City’s Champions League drawCredit: Getty
      Their title rivals Manchester City are still going strong in the Champions League after smashing RB Leipzig 8-1 on aggregate in the round of 16.
      And they have been rewarded with a tough, potentially bruising tie against perennial German champions Bayern Munich.
      Chasing their first league title since 2004, Gunners fans are looking for any potential positive signs.
      And they are enjoying the prospect of City potentially taking their eye off the ball in the Prem around their tough tie with Pep Guardiola’s former side Bayern.
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      One fan account pointed out: “Man City drawn against Bayern in a two-legged Champions League quarter-final.
      “If they progress, they face one of Real Madrid or Chelsea in the semi. On paper those look very demanding ties.
      “So… a good draw for Arsenal?”
      To which another replied: “The best possible draw. They’ve got to play Bayern and most likely Madrid, all while competing in the title run in. They will have to make changes for the league games if the champions league is their priority…”
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      Man City have drawn Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
      A second tweeted: “Awesome draw, if city want to win the CL, they can’t afford to drop players for those matches, and no disrespect had it been Benfica/Milan they may have got away with making big changes…City will now have to play at least 3 more mid week games, hopefully that’ll help.”
      While another added: “Assuming they get past Bayern, couldn’t have gone any better. All that remains is a FA Cup semi final against Man Utd.”
      The draw for the Champions League semi-finals was also conducted this morning, with City getting the winner of Real Madrid vs Chelsea, should they overcome Bayern.
      Arsenal, meanwhile, will have a free run at the Prem now after being knocked out of the Europa League by Sporting Lisbon last night.
      Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead on the night via Granit Xhaka, before being pegged back by Pedro Goncalves’ stunning long range strike.
      Sporting eventually prevailed on penalties.
      Arsenal were eliminated by Sporting Lisbon last nightCredit: Getty More

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      Fans convinced Champions League draw is ‘FIXED’ after Chelsea and Man City land nightmare opponents

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      FANS claimed the Champions League draw is “fixed” after the English clubs landed horror opponents.Chelsea were pitted against reigning champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
      Chelsea and Manchester City landed nightmare Champions League drawsCredit: AFP

      Manchester City must get past Bayern Munich to reach the semi-finals.
      To make matters worse, the Premier League rivals are in the same half of the draw and therefore would meet in a potential semi-final.
      On the other side, Benfica face Inter Milan and AC Milan are up against Napoli – with one of those clubs guaranteed to reach the final in Istanbul on June 10.
      And it did not take long for English football fans to lament the nightmare scenario.
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      One said: “This draw is fixed.”
      Another wrote: “Tell me the Champions League draw isn’t fixed when Chelsea draw Real and City draw Bayern…”
      A third added: “No way they fixed it for Napoli to reach the final lmao.”
      And a final user commented: “Really just had to stack one half of the draw like that.”
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      Chelsea fans felt particularly aggrieved as they will face Real Madrid for the third season in a row.
      The Blues came out on top in their 2021 semi-final on their way to lifting Ol’ Big Ears.
      But they came unstuck in a dramatic quarter-final 12 months ago and will be hoping there is no repeat this time around.
      One Chelsea fan said: “Real Madrid vs Chelsea for three seasons in a row is weird.”
      And another raged: “Real Madrid vs Chelsea for three years in a row, F*** off.”
      Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, must go back to the Allianz Arena to face his old side – and former winger Leroy Sane.

      The Etihad side thrashed RB Leipzig 8-1 in the last 16, thanks in large part to Erling Haaland’s incredible FIVE goals.
      And he will surely need to deliver something special again to get past the defending German champions and six-time Champions League winners.
      And the lop-sided draw means a guaranteed blockbuster semi-final between Real or Chelsea and City or Bayern – and no repeat of the 2021 final.
      However, it presents a major chance for Napoli, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Benfica to go all the way.
      Inter were the last Italian side to be crowned European champions under Jose Mourinho in 2010, their third title.
      The most recent of AC’s seven crowns came in 2007 while Benfica’s pair came in back-to-back seasons in 1961 and 1962.
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      Like Manchester City, however, Napoli have never won the European Cup or Champions League.
      In fact, this is the first time the runaway Serie A leaders have reached the quarter-finals in ten attempts dating back to 1987-88.
      Graham Potter knows he has to get past Real Madrid and then either Man City or Bayern to reach the finalCredit: Getty
      City’s reward for crushing RB Leipzig is a showdown with Bayern MunichCredit: Getty More