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      Chelsea stars facing huge financial hits if club don’t make Champions League this season with Felix’s future up in air

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      CHELSEA players are facing a hit to their own pockets if they fail to fight their way into the next season’s Champions League. The stakes could hardly be higher before tonight’s second-leg clash with Borussia Dortmund, with the future of star player Joao Felix also potentially dependent on the game.
      Felix has scored once, been sent off once and hit the bar twice in his six Chelsea appearances
      There are big financial drawbacks for clubs who fail to qualify for Europe’s premier competition.
      And the Telegraph report that there could be individual hits for many of Chelsea’s stars as well.
      Many of the players who have signed for the Blues since last year’s Todd Boehly-led takeover are believed to have Champions League clauses in their contract.
      This means they will reportedly face a 25 per cent reduction in their wages if the Blues fail to make it into the Champions League.
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      If this is the case, it represents a big change from the Roman Abramovich era.
      Player salaries did not change based on whether or not Chelsea made it into the top four – but there were incentives for winning trophies.

      The London club’s chances of making it into next season’s Champions League do not look particularly encouraging at the moment.
      Chelsea need to cut an 11 point gap to fourth-placed Tottenham in their final 13 games of the season.
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      Or they need to come from a goal down to beat Dortmund tonight before overcoming three other sides on their way to winning the Champions League for the second time in three years.
      Atletico Madrid loanee Felix admits any future at Stamford Bridge beyond this May could depend on how Chelsea European prospects.
      He said: “Yeah, playing in the Champions League is always different. It’s a competition that everyone wants to play.
      “But now I’m focused on this Champions League, on the game. We have a lot of games yet to try to reach the Champions League in the league. It’s not over. 
      “But, yeah, playing in the Champions League is an important decision, but the future no one knows, so let’s see what happens and then we’ll see.” More

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      Reece James and N’Golo Kante return to training in major boost to Graham Potter’s struggling Chelsea squad

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      CHELSEA have been handed an injury boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.The Blues approach the second leg of the round-of-16 fixture already 1-0 down to the Bundesliga giants and in desperate need of a result to save a wretched season.
      Reece James returned to Chelsea training before Tuesday’s gameCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      N’Golo Kante also took part in trainingCredit: PA
      And beleaguered boss Graham Potter had some rare good news for fans with an update on the fitness of star defender Reece James.
      James missed Chelsea’s match against Leeds on Saturday due to a tight hamstring.
      But he returned to training on Monday in preparation for Tuesday’s match against Borussia Dortmund.
      And during his pre-match press conference, Potter said: “Reece [James] – we’ll make a decision on him tomorrow.”
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      French midfielder N’Golo Kante was also seen in training ahead of the clash, but Potter has admitted that he is not ready to play a full 90 minutes of football.
      He added: “It’s a complex one with him because he has had a long time out.
      “It’ll be a case of how we get him back up to speed to play Premier League or Champions League football.
      “He won’t be able to go back in for 90 minutes any time soon but the fact he is with us is exciting.”
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      Kante has made just two appearances for Chelsea this season.
      He was forced off midway through the club’s Premier League clash with Tottenham in August due to a hamstring injury and has not played since. More

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      Chelsea vs Dortmund: Blues hope to contain Bellingham and Co as they eye Champions League last-16 comeback – stream, TV

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      WINNING against Leeds was a small step in the right direction for Chelsea.But victory over Borussia Dortmund would feel like an enormous leap for Graham Potter and his beleaguered Blues.
      Chelsea finally got back to winning ways against LeedsCredit: Getty
      Borussia Dortmund have won 11 games out of 11 in 2023Credit: AP
      Chelsea welcome Jude Bellingham and Dortmund to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday with a 1-0 deficit to overturn from the first leg.
      In a boost to Potter and Co, Karim Adeyemi, the scorer in Dortmund, remains an injury doubt for the game.
      The Blues will also be buoyed by Wesley Fofana’s 53rd minute winner on Saturday that sealed a first three points since January.
      However, goals remain a problem.
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      Fofana’s effort was just the SEVENTH time the Blues have netted in all competitions since November 6.
      Dortmund on the other hand are a winning machine.
      Edin Terzic’s side have won 11 out of 11 games in 2023, scoring 30 goals in the process.
      Stopping Dortmund won’t be easy, but the green shoots from Saturday’s win over Leeds will give the Blues belief of progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals.
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      The Blues were unlucky not to score at least once in Dortmund last month.
      And they know that, realistically, their only chance of playing in the competition next season will be winning it this campaign.
      However, the need to go out on the front foot could leave Potter’s side vulnerable on the counter-attack, and an early Dortmund goal would leave them with a mountain to climb.
      What is their form like?
      Chelsea’s win over Leeds was just a third victory in 16 games.
      On the other hand Borussia Dortmund have been faultless in 2023, winning 11 out of 11 in all competitions.
      What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
      Reece James is set to return after missing the weekend’s win over Leeds.
      N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic have also taken part in training ahead of the match.
      Mason Mount is suspended after picking up three yellow cards in the competition, while Thiago Silva remains out with a knee injury.
      Meanwhile Dortmund could be without goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who was injured in the warm-up against RB Leipzig at the weekend.
      Adeyemi is also a doubt, as is Donyell Malen, while Youssoufa Moukoko, Julien Duranville and Mateu Morey all sidelined.
      Who will be the star men?
      This game could come down to the midfield battle between two of the world’s top talents.
      The tussle between Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park is poised to be a fascinating watch.
      And whoever comes out on top could drag their respective teams to victory in the process.
      Jude Bellingham’s Bundesliga stats this season make for impressive reading
      Enzo Fernandez has one assist in five Premier League games since joining Chelsea
      What have the managers said?
      Potter is looking forward to unleashing winger Raheem Sterling against Dortmund on Tuesday.
      The boss told club media: “Raheem’s goalscoring record in the Champions League speaks for itself.
      “He’s an experienced, proven campaigner in that competition and we’re looking forward to having him on the pitch on Tuesday, hopefully enjoying his football and contributing to us winning and going through.”
      SunSport prediction
      Don’t be fooled by the recent form, Chelsea could have earned at least a draw in the first-leg last month.
      And Saturday’s win over Leeds will kick them into gear for this huge clash – but it won’t be easy.
      Home advantage will see the Blues progress, but don’t be surprised if this game goes the distance.
      Prediction: 2-0 Chelsea (after extra time)
      When is Chelsea vs Dortmund?

      Chelsea’s crunch Champions League second leg tie against Borussia Dortmund will take place on TOMORROW – Tuesday, March 7.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm UK time.
      Stamford Bridge will play host to the match.
      Dortmund ran out 1-0 winners in the reverse fixture.

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

      Chelsea vs Borussia Dortmund will be broadcast LIVE on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 7pm UK time – a whole hour before kick-off.
      Subscription members of BT Sport can stream the entire action live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.
      Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will have minute-by-minute coverage of the match.

      What are the odds?

      Chelsea to win 17/20
      Draw 5/2
      Dortmund to win 16/5

      To qualify
      Read More on The Sun

      Chelsea 1/1
      Dortmund 8/11

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      Bayern Munich vs PSG: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for massive Champions League game

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      PSG take on Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash. Lionel Messi and Co are trailing 1-0 thanks to Kingsley Coman’s first-leg winner in Paris.
      Kingsley Coman scored the winner as Bayern beat PSG in the first legCredit: Getty
      PSG are still looking to win an elusive Champions League title, having come so close on numerous occasions over the years.
      But Bayern will feel confident of getting the job done at home after winning the first leg so comfortably.
      PSG also have some major injury news to contend with, as superstar Neymar will miss the game with an ankle problem.
      When is Bayern vs PSG?

      Bayern Munich’s home game against PSG will take place on Wednesday, March 8.
      The game will get underway from 8pm UK time.
      The game will be held at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

      Champions League
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Bayern Munich vs PSG will be shown live on BT Sport 2.
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport app, which is available for download onto your mobile and tablet device.

      Team news
      Benjamin Pavard will miss the game for Bayern after being sent off late in the first leg.
      Lucas Hernandez is still out as he recovers from an ACL injury, with Bayern likely to go for a back three again.
      Sadio Mane could return but only to the bench.
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      Neymar is out for PSG with an ankle problem and Prensel Kimpembe will also miss the game with an Achilles issue.
      Odds

      Bayern – 3/4
      Draw – 16/5
      PSG – 14/5
      Bayern to qualify – 1/8
      PSG to qualify – 9/2

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

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      Benfica vs Club Brugge LIVE SCORE: Champions League latest as Portuguese giants look to seal last-8 spot – stream, TV

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      BENFICA are nailed on favourites to book their spot in the Champions League quarter-final – but stranger things have happened in football.Second-half strikes from Joao Mario and David Neres saw the Portuguese giants race into a healthy lead for the reverse leg.
      And Roger Schmidt will be hoping his men can seal the deal at home against a wounded Brugge side who were recently pummelled in the Belgian Pro League.

      Kick-off time: Tuesday, March 7 – 8pm GMT
      Live stream: BT Sport
      TV channel: BT Sport 2

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      Tottenham vs AC Milan: Out-of-form Spurs look to complete Champions League comeback against Italian giants – stream, TV

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      TOTTENHAM will be desperate to overcome Italian icons AC Milan in a huge Champions League last-16 second leg – but their form has to change.Brahim Diaz’s early strike was enough to see Milan run out 1-0 winners in the reverse fixture.
      Brahim Diaz’s sublime strike handed AC Milan the advantageCredit: Rex
      Tottenham have lost their last two consecutive matches in all competitionsCredit: Rex
      And since then, Spurs have been dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship side Sheffield United, before losing on the weekend to relegation-battling Wolves.
      However, Antonio Conte’s men pulled off two huge London derby wins against West Ham and Chelsea last month.
      Furthermore, Tottenham are set to take on a wounded Milan who recently suffered a shocking loss to twelfth-place Fiorentina in Serie A.
      When is Tottenham vs AC Milan?

      Tottenham’s Champions League last-16 second leg encounter against AC Milan will take place on Wednesday, March 8.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm UK time.
      The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London is the allocated arena for this match and it can host approximately 62,850 fans.
      Milan hold the advantage after winning 1-0 in the reverse leg.

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

      Tottenham vs AC Milan will be broadcast LIVE on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 7pm UK time – a whole hour before kick-off.
      Subscription members of BT Sport can stream the entire action live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.
      Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will have minute-by-minute coverage of the match.

      What is the team news?
      Eric Dier’s suspension adds to the woes of Tottenham boss Antonio Conte who is forced to continue without Ryan Sessegnon, Hugo Lloris, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur due to injuries.
      Elsewhere, AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has a near fully-fit squad to choose from.
      However, Pioli’s concern surrounds the first-leg matchwinner Brahim Diaz who will need further assessments on his knee sprain.
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      While Sergino Dest, Yacine Adli, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were all left out of the knockout round squad.
      What is the odds?

      Tottenham to win 19/20
      Draw 12/5
      AC Milan to win 29/10

      To qualify

      Tottenham 13/10
      AC Milan 4/7

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      Jude Bellingham should pick Man Utd transfer over Liverpool for four major reasons says Rio Ferdinand

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      RIO FERDINAND has stated why Jude Bellingham should snub Liverpool in favour of a transfer to Manchester United.Bellingham 19, is one of Europe’s hottest prospects and is being lined up for a big-money move this summer.
      Rio Ferdinand has stated why Jude Bellingham should snub a transfer to Liverpool in favour of Man UtdCredit: Rex
      Ferdinand has listed four reasons as to why Bellingham should snub LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Borussia Dortmund are hoping to collect north of £100million for the England regular.
      Manchester City, Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea all hold an interest, as do Real Madrid.
      However, United and England legend Ferdinand has stated four major reasons as to why Bellingham should snub Liverpool in favour of a move to Old Trafford.
      Ferdinand said on BBC Radio 5 Live’s The Friday Football Social: “If you put the two teams on a graph, Manchester United are going in one direction and Liverpool have stagnated.
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      “I wouldn’t say Liverpool are in decline, but other teams are catching them up and maybe going beyond them.
      “If I’m a player, say Jude Bellingham or Declan Rice – two of the most in-demand English midfielders that may get moves this summer – and someone says, ‘Manchester United or Liverpool, where are you going?’, forget my Manchester United ties, I have to go with United right now.
      “The way the team looks, the way the squad is shaping up, the way the managers are navigating their teams’ fortunes and who I see being more successful in the upcoming future – I really would be sitting on the side of United.”
      Liverpool won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season – but lost in the final of the Champions League to Real Madrid.
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      Jurgen Klopp’s men also took the Premier League title race to the final day of the season, finishing one point behind champions Man City.
      However, this season, the Reds have struggled both domestically and in Europe.
      Liverpool are 21 points behind leaders Arsenal in this campaign and facing a last-16 exit in the Champions League, having lost 5-2 to Real Madrid in the first leg at Anfield.
      Man Utd took Liverpool’s Carabao Cup crown while their defence of the FA Cup ended with a shock defeat to Brighton. More

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      Marco Silva wasn’t great for my career and was too impatient for success, but he’s good enough to reach Champions League

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      I’M NOT surprised that Marco Silva is proving to be a huge success at Fulham — as  he is one of the most ­infectious personalities I’ve ever met.Normally when you use that phrase you mean that someone is a bubbly character, the life and soul of the party.  But I don’t mean that about Silva.
      Troy Deeney praised Fulham boss Marco Silva’s work in the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
      At Watford, it was his relentless desire for success, to win at all costs and improve players individually which rubbed off on everybody.
      As club captain, you’re involved in internal club discipline — setting down rules and issuing fines for lateness and the like.
      But when Silva was my boss at Vicarage Road for six months or so, standards were so high that I barely even remember anyone getting fined.
      That is rare and it says a lot about what an excellent manager he was.
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      He certainly wasn’t backwards in b******ing players.
      And if you were a 17-year-old kid or a seasoned veteran, he would treat you exactly the same.
      But Silva had an incredible attention to detail.
      After every match, your own individual stats would be left at your spot in the training ground dressing room on the next working day, which is very unusual.
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      He wouldn’t often challenge you about them. But when any professional footballer sees a stat saying he’d only won 30 per cent of their heading duels, he makes damned sure that doesn’t happen again the next week.
      Silva was an extremely demanding boss but in a good way, you wanted to go and work for him. He was interesting and challenging.
       And I am not saying this because he was good news for my own career — if anything the opposite was true.
      I was injured in pre-season when he came in and I didn’t start many matches.
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      Troy Deeney and Marco Silva previously worked together at WatfordCredit: Rex
      He told me that I wasn’t his type of striker, that he ­preferred Andre Gray and Richarlison.
      But that sort of honesty is rare and I respected it. Most managers are nowhere near as honest. As it happened, I played a decent part in a few wins for him.
      The problem with Silva then, and this was five years ago,  was that his drive for success was perhaps too powerful.
      We made a flying start to that Premier League season and, very soon, news got out that Everton were after him.
      That whole situation could have been handled better by Marco and by the owners and results tailed off because of it. Eventually he was sacked but ended up at Everton anyway.
      The Everton saga was the one thing he wasn’t honest about publicly or internally at the club.
      Troy Deeney claims Marcio Silva wasn’t great for his career at WatfordCredit: AFP
      So when he took the Fulham job at the start of last season, I wasn’t convinced that he was well suited temperamentally to managing in the Championship. I wasn’t sure how long he would stick around.
      I think he has learned and matured since his Watford days in that respect, though.
      His Fulham side won the second tier in style, playing some great attacking football and now they are making a genuine challenge for Europe, and have reached the FA Cup quarter-finals.
      Fulham recruited really well last summer — Marco’s excellent knowledge of the Portuguese game helped them get Joao Palhinha for just ­£17million and he is outstanding in midfield.
      Then there’s Willian, who everyone thought looked out of shape and past it at Arsenal a couple of years ago but has  a new lease of life at Fulham.
      I’m sure Silva’s fitness coach, Goncalo Pedro,  one of the very best in the business,  has had a great impact on Willian.
      Marco Silva is pushing for European qualification with FulhamCredit: PA
      A lot of fitness coaches are like drill sergeants and they treat everyone the same in terms of the work they do.
      Not Goncalo. He would  listen, he would treat you like an adult and he would tailor individual fitness programmes for each player. These details matter in professional football.
       I’m sure Goncalo is playing a huge part in their success.
      It’s not just the new signings who are going well for Fulham, though. Players like Tim Ream and Bobby Decordova-Reid, who haven’t truly cracked the Premier League before, have improved immeasurably.
      That doesn’t surprise me because that is what Silva and his team do. They challenge people and make them better.
      Etienne Capoue had been Watford’s best player the previous season and we were all shocked when Silva dropped him and demanded improvement but Etienne responded brilliantly.
      I hope Silva stays at Fulham for four or five years and gets them into Europe because I believe he is capable of that, especially as the club are giving him what he wants in terms of investment.
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      Beyond that, I think he will end up as an elite Champions League boss, he really is that good.
      And just imagine how complimentary I would be about him if he had actually selected me to start very often! More