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    Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table as European race hots up with top four shock and Man Utd SIXTEENTH

    A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the final Premier League table – and it’s terrible news for Manchester United.The Red Devils dropped points once again at the weekend against Everton.Man Utd have been tipped to finish the season just two places above the relegation zoneCredit: GettyLiverpool are expected to win the Premier League titleCredit: AFPGoals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte salvaged a draw for United at Goodison Park following first-half strikes from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.But they were arguably lucky to avoid a loss after referee Andy Madley denied the Toffees a late penalty.The draw left Ruben Amorim and Co 15th in the Premier League table by the end of the weekend.However, they are now only ahead of West Ham on goal difference.Read More in FootballThe Hammers pulled off a shock victory over Arsenal on Saturday, putting a huge dent in the Gunners’ title hopes.Now, a supercomputer from Slingo has predicted that West Ham will surpass Man Utd before the end of the season.According to the simulation, Graham Potter and Co will finish 15th in the Premier League table, with United one spot lower in 16th.Separating the Red Devils from the relegation zone are Wolves with a total of 35 points.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe final Premier League table, according to a supercomputerBournemouth are predicted to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyAnd the teams predicted to go back down to the Championship are Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton.At the other end of the table, Liverpool are expected to be crowned Premier League champions after beating Arsenal by 11 points.Mikel Arteta lays into Arsenal flops after defeat to West Ham derails Premier League title bidManchester City and Bournemouth have been tipped to complete the top four, with Chelsea in fifth.However, due to the success of English clubs in Europe this year, the Blues will also secure a Champions League place should they finish just outside of the top four.Nottingham Forest and Newcastle will just miss out on Champions League football this season, according to the supercomputer.Instead, they will qualify for the Europa League.Meanwhile, Brighton have been tipped to make the Europa Conference League.The supercomputer has also predicted that both Aston Villa and Tottenham will miss out on Europe entirely.Spurs remain in the Europa League currently, while Villa are in the Champions League knockout stages.Tottenham are set to miss out on EuropeCredit: Getty More

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    Jose Mourinho gets huge pre-derby win after Champions League final ref is airlifted in for title clash with rivals

    A CHAMPIONS League final referee has been airlifted in for Fenerbahce’s derby clash against Galatasaray.Jose Mourinho will be thrilled with the decision for Slavko Vincic to be given control of the potential title decider.Jose Mourinho will be happy with the referee appointment for Fenerbahce’s next gameCredit: ReutersSlavko Vincic has been airlifted in for the derby game against GalatasarayCredit: GettyThe Portuguese manager has made no secret of his disgruntlement with the level of officiating in the Turkish Super Lig.The arrival of the Slovenian referee should be a relief to Mourinho as he officiated last season’s Champions League final.The referee is deemed a complete outsider to the context of the match.It is not the first time a foreign referee has been brought in for a one-off game in Turkey.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLast year, the VAR was often manned by referees from abroad for Super Lig matches.The match between the fierce rivals is TONIGHT at Galatasaray’s RAMS Park stadium.Mourinho will be desperate for his side to win in order to close the gap to their rivals to just three points at the top of the table.He will also be hoping that there are no controversial decisions called against his team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has addressed the appointment of Vincic ahead of the match.He said: “He’s a top European referee.Jose Mourinho booked after putting his laptop in front of TV camera to highlight referee’s wrong decisionMourinho put a laptop in front of a TV camera after disagreeing with one decision”That’s important for the credibility, for the image of this match.”I’m happy.”The former Premier League manager has often called out decisions after games in classic theatrical fashion.In one rant, he exploded and accused a referee of “drinking Turkish tea” and NAPPING during a match.It came after VAR failed to award Fenerbahce a penalty for a blatant handball against Trabzonspor.He was booked in September for putting his laptop in front of a TV camera to highlight a wrong decision as his side beat Antalyaspor 2-0.Mourinho believes that decisions against his team have cost them up to 15 points across the season.He said: “Normally, we should be eight or nine points ahead.”Mourinho’s gripes have not solely been in the domestic game as he was sent off in the Europa League clash against former club Manchester United.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was incensed after Bright Osayi-Samuel went down in the box under a challenge from Manuel Ugarte.His post-match rant saw him “congratulate” referee Clement Turpin for being able to see him on the touchline and the incident at the same time.Mourinho was sent off against Manchester United in the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty More

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    Forgotten former £17million Arsenal striker joins PSV on free transfer just weeks before Champions League tie

    EX-ARSENAL ace Lucas Perez has made the 14th transfer of his career to the 12th different club after signing for PSV Eindhoven.The 36-year-old sealed a free transfer to the Eredivisie giants just weeks before the two sides face off in the last-16 of the Champions League.Lucas Perez has sealed the 14th transfer of his career by signing for PSVIt comes weeks before Arsenal are due to play the Dutch club, though he cannot be registered to face his old clubCredit: PA:Empics SportHe has signed for PSV after unexpectedly terminating his contract at Deportivo La Coruna in JanuaryCredit: GettyArsenal secured their passage after finishing in the top eight of the new league phase of the competition, while PSV stunned Juventus with a 4-3 aggregate victory in the knockout play-offs.The first leg of the clash will be played in the Netherlands on March 4, with the Emirates playing host to the second leg on March 12.And just weeks before the tie the Dutch club have brought in a familiar face for Arsenal fans.However, Perez will not be eligible to play against the Gunners due to the registration date for the competition passing on February 6.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPerez had been a free agent after unexpectedly ripping up his Deportivo La Coruna contract in January for personal reasons.The Spanish striker has now signed a short-term contract to the end of the season to sign with PSV, where he will wear the No.27 shirt.In a statement, he said: “I can’t wait to show myself to the fans and my new team-mates. “I am very ambitious and am looking forward to delivering many goals and assists. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”My first impression of the club is very good, I get energy from the people I have already met.”PSV were on top of it right away and did everything they could to bring me to Eindhoven.‘Second again, ole ole’ – Brutal West Ham fans taunt Arsenal with three cheeky chants after stunning the Emirates”That did me a lot of good. Unfortunately, it took a bit longer than planned before a final agreement was reached, due to personal reasons on my part. “I found a solution for that and I am very grateful for the fact that the PSV management remained so patient.”He will join the team’s training group on Monday to work under Peter Bosz.The veteran added: “I am extremely driven to help this club achieve its other objectives, including winning the national title and national cup.””I have worked very hard in recent weeks, both on and off the field. I am more than ready to prove myself here.”Perez originally joined Arsenal in 2016 in a £17million transfer from Deportivo.But he never managed to truly settle in North London despite having a solid record when playing, with seven goals and five assists in 21 games in all competitions.Arsenal loaned Perez back to his hometown club, Deportivo in August 2017 before they sold him to West Ham the following summer.He scored six goals in 19 appearances for the Hammers before they sold him a summer later to Spanish side Alaves.Perez then bounced around from Elche to Cadiz and back to Deportivo for the fourth time in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESOverall he has scored 62 goals and added 53 assists in 172 games for the Spanish side.His other clubs include Atletico Madrid C, Rayo Vallecano B, Rayo Vallecano, Karpaty Lviv, Dynamo Kyiv (where he never made an appearance), and PAOK Saloniki before signing for Deportivo.Perez also played for West Ham during his time in EnglandCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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    Why Real Madrid may have no choice but to sell Vinicius Jr with Brazilian set to become billionaire ‘overnight’

    REAL MADRID might have no choice but to sell superstar Vinicius Junior to Saudi Arabia.Vinicius has been offered a lucrative five-year deal worth a staggering total of €1billion – which works out at £832million.Real Madrid may have no choice but to sell Vinicius JrReal would never be able to match the Saudis’ bid for ViniciusVinicius, 24, has a contract with Real until 2027 and club president Florentino Perez can’t afford to let him go for nothing.Madrid already benefitted from swooping Kylian Mbappe for no transfer fee from PSG.With the Saudi’s not letting up on their pursuit of Vinicius, Madrid would surely receive a world-record fee.In fact, Madrid’s share of the deal is believed to be around £237.5million, according to The Times.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThat would be reasonable profit on a player bought for roughly £37million at the age of 18. In that time, Vinícius has helped win two Champions League titles and three domestic titles among 13 trophies for Real in all. Prising the Brazilian star away from them in his prime would be a huge statement of intent.Vinicius could depart in the most incredible transfer in football history with in excess of €1billion being paid by Saudi Arabia.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNo club has been named but there are four leading sides – Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, and Al-Shabab.The Saudi Pro League shares out imported talent as a way of keeping the league competitive.Vinicius Jr wins Fifa The Best award after Ballon d’Or controversy while Man Utd ace Garnacho also bags top prizeAs of now, Madrid do not want to sell.Yet those close to the club suspect it will happen as they fear losing him for nothing in two years time, according to The Times.And Vinicius would be open to becoming the first overnight billionaire footballer.Despite starring for Madrid, the Bernabeu outfit have proved that their next superstar is never far away.Summer signing Mbappe was the star of Wednesday night’s heroics as the Frenchman bagged a stunning hat-trick in Madrid’s 3-1 demolition of Manchester City in the Champions League.Vinicius’ book of grievances include the abhorrent racism he has often faced in LaLiga and missing out on the Ballon d’Or to City midfielder Rodri in the summer.He will still have the World Cup with Brazil as his global showcase.Meanwhile, Saudi once lured players eyeing retirement savings, like N’Golo Kante and Roberto Firmino.Manchester United had hopes of sending Casemiro there too in order to get his £350,00-a-week wages off the bill.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the Middle Eastern nation’s recruitment plans have shifted towards young, current stars, with a promising football future.Their big January recruit was the explosive Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, 21, who joined for £70million. More

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    Why is Erling Haaland not playing for Man City against Liverpool?

    MANCHESTER CITY welcome Liverpool for a blockbuster Super Sunday clash at the Etihad.The Reds can extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to a whopping 11 points with victory this afternoon.Erling Haaland will play no part against Liverpool this afternoonCredit: GettyMAN CITY VS LIVERPOOL LIVEIt comes after title rivals Arsenal fell to a 1-0 defeat to London rivals West Ham yesterday.Liverpool will fancy their chances against a wounded City side after they were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid on Wednesday night.Arne Slot’s men have been handed a welcome boost before the match with top scorer Erling Haaland not included in the City squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy is Erling Haaland not playing for Man City against Liverpool?Erling Haaland limped off with a suspected knee issue during Man City’s 4-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday, February 15.He was since an unused substitute for their Champions League knockout play-off second leg with Real Madrid on Wednesday night after being deemed unable to start the match.Speaking before the Liverpool clash, Pep Guardiola said that yesterday (Saturday), Haaland “didn’t feel good” after training, which is why the forward is missing this afternoon.It’s the first time the Norwegian goal machine has not been named in the City squad for a Premier League match since April 2024, when he missed a 4-0 win over Brighton.Most read in FootballOmar Marmoush replaces Haaland up top, looking to build on his stunning hat-trick against Newcastle in his last Prem outing.How to watch Man City vs Liverpool?Man City vs Liverpool will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League.Sky Sports customers can live stream the match via the NOW/Sky Sports app.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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    Erling Haaland OUT of Man City squad for crunch Liverpool clash as Pep Guardiola hit with yet another injury blow

    ERLING HAALAND has not been included in Manchester City’s squad to face Liverpool.The striker is the club’s top scorer this season with 27 goals in 35 games across all competitions this season.Erling Haaland is missing from Man City’s squad to face LiverpoolCredit: GettyHowever, Pep Guardiola has been sweating over the fitness of his talisman since he fell to the floor awkwardly holding his knee following an awkward landing against Newcastle last week.The 24-year-old was named on the bench for City’s mid-week 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout play-offs, but failed to make it on to the pitch.Guardiola told reporters in his Friday press conference that a decision was yet to be made about his participation against the league leaders.The Spaniard had said: “I don’t know yet. Tomorrow [Saturday] we will know.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it has now been confirmed that Haaland will miss today’s Etihad clash after he was missing from the Cityzens matchday squad.It is the first time he has not been named in a squad since the fourth round of the FA Cup against Leyton Orient earlier this month, and the first time it has happened in a league game since April 2024 when he missed a 4-0 win over Brighton.New £59million signing Omar Marmoush was chosen to spearhead City’s attack against Liverpool.Haaland’s absence from the pitch in midweek had seen ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher joke he was suffering with “Rudigeritis” while working as a pundit on CBS Sports.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhen asked about the comments, Guardiola said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that?”Did he say that Haaland didn’t want to play the game? It’s not nice — and it’s not true.Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe “He was crazy to play the game but had a problem with his knee and could not play.”Carragher responded on social media by clarifying the comment was a joke made at the expense of fellow pundit and ex-Man City star Micah Richards.During Sky Sports Super Sunday broadcast, Carragher was asked again about the comments. The 47-year-old said while smirking: “Listen that illness may have carried over and could be Van Dijkitis.”After a few jokes among the panel, including presenter David Jones, Richards, Daniel Sturridge and Roy Keane, Carragher added: “Listen there’s no doubt, I think I said in this fixture at Anfield, I think [Virgil] Van Dijk has the edge in terms of being slightly better in his position than Haaland is.”But that is a brilliant match up.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHaaland has scored just one goal against Liverpool in the Premier League from four matches, while his overall record against the Reds stands at three goals in eight games.City have beaten Liverpool just once when Haaland has played, while picking up two draws and five defeats. More

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    ‘I don’t think I’ve seen a Man Utd team this bad’ – Rio Ferdinand slams flops’ ‘unforgivable’ antics in Everton draw

    RIO FERDINAND slammed Manchester United’s “unforgivable” performance against Everton and suggested he has NEVER seen his former team play this bad before.Ferdinand, 46, won a raft of silverware with United during a glittering 12-year stint at Old Trafford as he lifted six Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League trophy.Rio Ferdinand lambasted Manchester United after their draw with EvertonCredit: AlamyFerdinand slammed Man Utd for their ‘unforgivable’ performance at EvertonCredit: ReutersBut the legendary centre-back has seen his beloved team hitting new lows this season by dropping to 15th place in the Premier League table with 12 points separating them from European qualification.And Man Utd’s troubles continued on Saturday when the former England international watched Ruben Amorim’s side draw 2-2 at Everton after finding themselves two goals down by half-time.Ferdinand was left fuming and didn’t hold back on his brutal post-match analysis as he stated this might be the worst United have ever been during his lifetime.The popular pundit lambasted the players’ “embarrassing” display and lack of desire, which he found especially unacceptable.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Leeds star advised manager Amorim not to hold back on his assessment of the players and let them know how disappointing they were once more in the dressing room.Ferdinand told TNT Sports: “I’m sitting here and I don’t know if I have seen a United team this bad. It has been embarrassing in all different facets of the game.“Yes, we can talk about quality, you talk about talent, but one thing which is unforgivable is a lack of desire.“There’s instances in this game where Man Utd need to look at this Everton team and take examples from it. It’s embarrassing to sit here and watch it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure.“We said they were going to have to come out and roll their sleeves up, because Everton would come out fighting.“Man Utd haven’t done that. They’ve been pressed, they’ve been harried. They haven’t been able to deal with the press at all.Man Utd ratings: Casemiro disappearing into irrelevance as Real Madrid legend saved again by Bruno Fernandes “They have chance after chance to clear the ball. Zero conviction, no-one taking over the situation.“You’ve got to fight. You don’t come to Everton at this place, whatever form they’re in, and think you can roll them over easily. Man Utd have not understood that assignment from the first whistle.“I hope [Amorim] went absolutely ballistic at the players. They were out-run, out-fought, out-jumped, every single department of the game. They were second best.” More

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    ‘Oh, God… did he say that?’ – Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at Jamie Carragher’s ‘not nice and not true’ claim

    PEP GUARDIOLA fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked last week’s Euro blockbuster because he is scared of Antonio Rudiger.The Manchester City striker was an unused sub in their Champions League mauling at Real Madrid with a knee injury.Pep Guardiola fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked last week’s trip to the BernabeuCredit: GettyCarragher questioned Haaland’s place on the bench after City were hammered by Real MadridBut Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher reckons the Norway ace wanted to avoid Real’s fit-again centre-back Rudiger, 31.Speaking as pundit on CBS, he said: “It’s Rudiger-itis is it? Is that what we’re saying here?”Ahead of City hosting the Reds on Sunday, Guardiola shook his head in disbelief when told of Carra’s stunning comments.He said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that?READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Did he say that Haaland didn’t want to play the game? It’s not nice — and it’s not true.“He was crazy to play the game but had a problem with his knee and could not play.”It comes ahead of the Etihad fixture, which has become increasingly ill-tempered, and Haaland, 24, faces a late test to make the City line-up.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd he will be desperate to make it after Kop legend ­Carragher’s  taunts.Most read in FootballCarragher, 47, said: “So let me work this out. Haaland has gone to the manager this morning and said he’s not fit?Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe “Do you think it’s got something to do with Rudiger? Is that because Rudiger is playing?“He’s on the bench so he can’t be injured. I never went to see the manager on the morning of a game and said I’m not fit. So he’s injured, is he?” More