Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Liverpool ace Djibril Cisse facing PRISON after being accused of tax evasion with Champions League winner owing £660k

      by

      FORMER Liverpool star Djibril Cisse is facing a prison sentence after being accused of tax evasion in France.The France striker spent two seasons at Anfield, scoring 24 goals in 82 games and winning the Champions League before leaving for Marseille in 2006.Djibril Cisse is facing a prison sentence after being accused of tax evasionCredit: ReutersCisse won the Champions League and FA Cup with LiverpoolCredit: AP:Associated PressCisse will find out the verdict on his case on November 13Credit: AP:Associated PressCisse won 41 caps for France and scored a total of nine goalsCredit: AFP – GettyCisse. 43, later played for Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers.  He now works as a DJ and a pundit.But prosecutors told a court on Wednesday that they want the ex-international to receive a one-year suspended jail term and £85,000 fine.The hearing at Bastia criminal court went ahead in Cisse’s absence.  It is due to give its verdict on November 13.The trial heard an account set up to handle Cisse’s tax affairs was £465,000 in debt.Read More on FootballProsecutors claimed the ex-player was guilty of tax evasion for not having declared this sum to France’s equivalent of HMRC.Meanwhile Cisse was said to owe a further £195,000 from failing to declare VAT revenue on his income from image rights.Cisse’s lawyer Malcolm Mouldaia told the court: “He has been going through this case for years.  He owes huge sums to the tax authorities.”There can be no case of money laundering, as there is no tax fraud on his part.Most read in Football”He has had problems with his accountancy firm, as they have not handled his case well – and they have not kept him informed.”Liverpool paid Auxerre £14million for Cisse in 2004, and he helped them win the Champions League and FA Cup.Djibril Cisse shows off new bizarre bright blue and polka-dot haircut He left for Marseille, initially on loan, and went on to play in Greece, Italy, Qatar, Russia, Reunion and Switzerland as well as Sunderland and QPR.Cisse won 41 caps for France, scoring nine goals.Cisse allso played for Sunderland before moving to Greece, Italy, Qatar, Russia, Reunion and SwitzerlandCredit: AP:Associated Press More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Garnacho ‘likes’ Cristiano Ronaldo criticism of Ten Hag as fans say he’ll ‘be out of the squad tomorrow’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans reckon Erik ten Hag will DROP Alejandro Garnacho after he gets wind of his recent social media activity.Eagle-eyed Red Devils supporters spotted that the winger liked an Instagram post including Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest scathing rant about his former manager.Cristiano Ronaldo launched a blistering attack on Erik ten Hag before leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPAlejandro Garnacho recently liked an Instagram post including Ronaldo’s latest criticism of Ten HagRed Devils fans reckon Ten Hag could punish Garnacho by dropping himCredit: REXAnd many of the Old Trafford faithful believe the Argentina international could be set for a stint on the sidelines once Ten Hag is informed of his antics.One United supporter wrote: “He wants problems.”Another said: “Boy’s getting benched indefinitely now.”And another said: “Hopefully Garnacho gets sold.”READ MORE UNITED NEWSOne remarked: Good, we’ll see more of [Amad] Diallo now.”Another chimed in: “Garnacho liked it. My brother will be out of the squad tomorrow.”Garnacho is no stranger to liking critical Ten Hag content, liking a number of posts slamming his gaffer after he was subbed in United’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in April.But his liking of Ronaldo’s rant could land him in real hot water with the former Ajax manager.Most read in FootballRonaldo’s second stint at Old Trafford ended prematurely following a public bust-up with his former manager, who he slammed in a tell-all interview with Sun columnist Piers Morgan.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the Portuguese has once again taken aim at the under-fire Dutchman, telling former team-mate Rio Ferdinand: “Manchester, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion.“The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League.Tactical analysis of Man Utd star Manuel Ugarte“[As] Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League.“You have to be, to mentally say, ‘Listen, maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that.'”We’re going to try. You have to try.'”Ronaldo, 39, reckons Ten Hag must heed the advice of former players, including new assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, if he’s to have any chance of turning the club’s fortunes around.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “If Ten Hag listens to Ruud, maybe he can [help himself].”I think it can help a lot because he knows the club and the club should listen (to) the guys who were there.“You [Rio] or Roy Keane or Paul Scholes or Gary Neville, whatever, Sir Alex Ferguson.Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United in the wake of his explosive interview with Piers MorganCredit: TalkTV”You cannot, you cannot rebuild a club without knowledge. “Not guys who work in [the] office. They understand.“The people who understand the football, it was, 99 per cent is the people who were there in the dressing room.”They know how to deal with the players. It’s the people who understand these things.“So I believe that Ruud is going to help because he was inside the club. He knows the club. He knows the fans.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If the coach listens to him, I think they can improve a little bit the club.”United will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to St Mary’s to take on Southampton. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea legend lands first managerial job in five years after leaving Blues role and hires Champions League winner

      by

      CHELSEA legend Claude Makelele has agreed to become the new manager of Greek side Asteras Tripolis.The 51-year-old has been out of work since leaving his coaching role at Stamford Bridge a year ago.Chelsea legend and former technical mentor Claude Makelele has agreed to become manager of Asteras TripolisCredit: GettyMakelele was a technical mentor during his time at Chelsea, advising players on how to improve.But he is now returning to management for the first time in five years.The France legend has accepted a managerial job offer from Asteras Tripolis.The Greek side recently sacked Milan Rastavac despite sitting fifth in the Super League after three games.READ MORE ON CHELSEARobbie Keane was allegedly in advanced talks over the role and even flew to Greece to meet club chiefs.However, Tripolis have instead decided to appoint Makelele.The ex-midfielder has previously managed French club Bastia and Belgian side Eupen.He has also coached at Paris Saint-Germain and Swansea City.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer Swansea and Reading boss Paul Clement will join Makelele in Greece as his assistant.Clement has previously worked at some of the biggest clubs in Europe as an assistant manager, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyHe won the Champions League with Real Madrid back in 2014 alongside Carlo Ancelotti.Clement also has a Premier League title and two FA Cups among his accolades.Chelsea will lose their soul by leaving Stamford BridgeBy Matt PennJUST what London needs – another £1billion bowl-shaped, soulless football stadium.No offence to Spurs, because theirs looks great, but it’s not like they had years of title-winning history to celebrate at White Hart Lane.Arsenal moved on from Highbury a couple of years after their last Premier League title win in 2004, and to no avail, they’ve been chasing that glory ever since.And the less said about West Ham’s move from Upton Park, the better. The Olympic Stadium pales in significance to Upton Park, where binoculars weren’t needed to see the pitch from Row Z.It’s no secret Chelsea fans have become disillusioned with the club since Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali took over from Roman Abramovich two years ago.The sacking of two full-time managers in that time, a 12th-place finish in the league, no European football, billions spent on Brazilian teenagers you’ve never heard of and civil war between the owners have turned the club into a laughing stock.Seems like the perfect time to revamp plans to leave Stamford Bridge, doesn’t it?According to The Guardian, Chelsea are in talks to move to a new 60,000-seater site in Earl’s Court, something they’ve attempted before.Chelsea are said to have made plans for the Lillie Bridge depot site as an area that could be developed in a move that could cost hundreds of millions.Forget that so much else still needs fixing on the pitch, that the results are still not going the way they should, that players still can’t seem to click on a consistent basis.The owners, who are said to be looking to buy each other out already, might not think it, and the seats might be a little rusty, but fans do value tradition.The Bridge has been a place supporters can call home every other Saturday. It’s raw, the stands are close to the pitch, it has four sides, and most importantly, it’s owned by the fans.For any deal to go through, Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), a group made up of over 14,000 fans, have to approve a move away from the 42,000-seater stadium.On the other hand, redvelopment of Stamford Bridge would see the team move away from the stadium for a number of years, likely double the three years Tottenham spent at Wembley.But why not overhaul each stand one-by-one? Both Liverpool and Fulham had stands refurbished and they were able to stay put. There are also plans for Crystal Palace to do the same.If Boehly and Eghbali are so desperate to put money at the forefront of their decision-making, then go about it in a way which will appease fans.Sadly, football isn’t really about fans anymore, and it’d be easy to say Chelsea will lose their soul if they leave Stamford Bridge.But you fear they already have. More

    • 138 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Should Dream Team managers activate a Booster ahead of Gameweek 4?

      by

      HAVING endured an almost universally despised international break, Dream Team managers can now focus on preparations for Gameweek 4.With 13 of the 20 Premier League teams set to fulfil two fixtures, many gaffers will be tempted to activate a Booster; and perhaps with good reason.Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah’s form lends itself to a Booster in Gameweek 4Credit: Dream TeamBoosters are generally best saved for opportunities when the majority of players (and all the top teams) have two games at their disposal – Gameweek 4 seemingly fits the bill.GAMEWEEK 4 FIXTURES BY TEAM:Manchester City vs Brentford (h), Inter (h)Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest (h), Milan (a)Brighton vs Ipswich (h), Wolves (h)Arsenal vs Tottenham (a), Atalanta (a)Brentford vs Man City (a), Leyton Orient (h)Aston Villa vs Everton (h), Young Boys (a)Tottenham vs Arsenal (h), Coventry (a)Fulham vs West Ham (h), Preston (a)Manchester United vs Southampton (a), Barnsley (h)Crystal Palace vs Leicester (h), QPR (a)Wolves vs Newcastle (h), Brighton (a)Southampton vs Man United (h), Everton (a)Everton vs Aston Villa (a), Southampton (h)Newcastle vs Wolves (a)Bournemouth vs Chelsea (h)Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool (a)Chelsea vs Bournemouth (a)West Ham vs Fulham (a)Leicester vs Crystal Palace (a)Ipswich vs Brighton (a)Some managers may choose to rotate in the third round of the Carabao Cup but Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, Arne Slot and Unai Emery will want to get their respective Champions League campaigns underway with a win.It’s usually the case that European fixtures have a significant impact on the overall leaderboard (not mention Mini Leagues worldwide) and so Dream Team bosses could potentially get ahead of the game by playing a Booster in Gameweek 4.Aston Villa have Champions League fixtures to enhance their schedule this seasonCredit: GettyHere’s a quick reminder about each Booster’s effect:Goal Bonus: Goals are worth nine points instead of the usual six12th Man: Select an additional player for freeMax Captain: Automatically captains the player who top scores in your XI (double points)All three Boosters are viable in Gameweek 4 but Max Captain may not be necessary at this stage with Erling Haaland (£8.8m) in such devastating form.Most read in FootballThe Norwegian poacher has plundered 59 points in just three outings so far this season.If you activate your Max Captain Booster and Haaland ends up top-scoring, a relatively likely outcome, then that’s essentially a waste of a Booster because you probably would have captained him anyway.Of course, if Haaland missed out against Brentford and Inter at the same time one of your lesser-owned assets bagged two or three goals then the Max Captain Booster would have a hugely positive impact – it’s just that you don’t really want to be in a position where you’re betting against Man City’s No9.59 points and countingCredit: RexWith Haaland and Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) both in such good form, gaffers who own both might consider activating the Goal Bonus Booster.The pair have scored ten goals from six outings between them already this season and so Gameweek 4 has to be considered ripe with potential.Alternatively, Dream Team bosses who only own one of Haaland or Salah currently might want to activate 12th Man to recruit the other’s services for the upcoming Gameweek at least.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWWhile it’s undoubtedly a tempting time to play a Booster, it’s certainly not a necessity. We’re only three Gameweeks into the new campaign and many gaffers will want a clearer lay of the land before they pull out the big guns.Plus, it might be beneficial to wait until a Gameweek when Spurs, Man United (both Europa League) and Chelsea (Conference League) are active in Europe alongside the Champions League teams.READ MORE SUN STORIESRemember, you can only play each Booster once throughout the season; and each one lasts the duration of just one Gameweek.Read more about Boosters here.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — HERE*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Barcelona ace claims reason they didn’t win more titles and famously lost to Liverpool was because they were ‘BORED’

      by

      IVAN RAKITIC has claimed that his Barcelona side were beaten by Liverpool in 2019 because they were “BORED”.The LaLiga giants were dumped out of the Champions League by the Premier League outfit after an unforgettable 4-0 defeat at Anfield.Liverpool mounted a spectacular comeback to beat Barcelona in 2019Credit: Times Newspapers LtdIvan Rakitic has claimed the result came about because they were ‘bored’Credit: Getty – ContributorLiverpool mounted a miraculous comeback to win the tie, having been 3-0 down after the first leg in Spain.Divock Origi scored the first before Georginio Wijnaldum’s brace levelled the tie.Origi then netted the iconic winner after latching on to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick corner.Rakitic, 36, has now insisted that the defeat for Barcelona was as a result of the team being “bored.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “With all due respect and affection to all the teams, Barcelona did not win more because of boredom and thinking about things other than football.”I have heard many of your teammates say that they have never seen anything like this.”We screwed up against Roma and Liverpool, but I am convinced that we were affected by that boredom, by feeling too superior.”If you don’t give your all, you don’t win.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”If we had maintained our hunger, we would have won one or two more Champions Leagues.”Rakitic enjoyed a lot of success in Barcelona during his six-year spell at the club.The 25 top-rated footballers in EA FC25The Croatian midfielder won four LaLiga titles, four Copa de Rey’s and a Champions League in 2015.The result in 2019 saw Jurgen Klopp’s side book their spot in the Champions League final.Liverpool went on to win the match against fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘one of three clubs who made shock transfer swoop for Tottenham’s Cristian Romero this summer’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED were one of THREE clubs who moved for Tottenham defender Cristian Romero this summer, according to reports.The Red Devils, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain all asked about the World Cup winner’s availability in the most-recent window.Cristian Romero was targeted by United, PSG and Real MadridAccording to sources close to Romero’s camp, United, Madrid and PSG all showed interest in luring him away from Spurs.Romero has developed into one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, forming an impressive partnership under Micky van de Ven in North London.United approached Tottenham for Romero as early as June, according to Argentine news outlet TYC Sports.But boss Ange Postecoglou refused to part ways with his vice-captain.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTottenham informed the three clubs that he was not for sale, refusing to enter into any negotiations or even put a price on the 26-year-old.And TYC claim interest is likely to be re-ignited next summer, when Romero will have two years left on his contract.Erik ten Hag prioritised strengthening his back-line following Raphael Varane’s exit and United’s defensive injury crisis last season.No defender has scored more Premier League goals than Romero since the start of 2023-24.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 26-year-old’s header in Tottenham’s emphatic 4-0 win over Everton was his sixth goal since last September.Romero was chosen ahead of United defender Lisandro Martinez in every game of Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar 2022, including playing all 120 minutes in the final.Piers Morgan slams ‘complete idiot’ Erik ten Hag in astonishing rant against Man Utd boss about Cristiano RonaldoMartinez and Romero are now the first choice parting for Argentina, and helped their nation win the Copa America against Colombia in July.Meanwhile, United added Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to their squad this summer.The Red Devils were preparing a move for Romero in 2021 after he was named the best defender in the Serie A while on loan at Atalanta.But, that summer, they instead signed Varane from Real Madrid, along with Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus.None of those three players are still at Old Trafford.Romero joined Tottenham on loan with the move made permanent the following year for £42m during that same window. More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Dave Kidd: Aston Villa getting Champions League is one of Prem’s best-ever achievements… but ticket fiasco has ruined it

      by

      ASTON VILLA’S qualification for the Champions League was one of the most underrated achievements of the Premier League era.In the previous two decades, only twice has a club from outside the Big Six stormed the barricades to reach the group stage of Europe’s elite competition — Leicester’s 2016 miracle men and Newcastle’s filthy-rich Geordie Arabia project.Aston Villa will compete in the Champions League this seasonCredit: GettyFans have been left fuming at the ticket prices set by the clubCredit: GettySo, Unai Emery leading Villa into the top four — above Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle — was a truly significant feat.It is 41 years since Villa last competed at Europe’s top table, as defending champions following their 1982 European Cup triumph over Bayern Munich.That Bayern should be the first Champions League visitors to Villa Park, with further home fixtures against Juventus and a ‘battle of Britain’ against Celtic to come, made this campaign even more greatly anticipated among fans.With Goodison Park and Old Trafford facing the bulldozers, Villa Park will soon be one of the few remaining great English footballing cathedrals.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe place drips with history and pulsates with noise.From the North Stand banner with a transcript of the TV commentary for Peter Withe’s 1982 winner against Bayern, to the statue of William McGregor, the Villa chairman who invented the Football League — and indeed league football — in 1888, the place is a living, screaming museum.And last season, this was the Premier League’s feel-good club.Marooned in the Championship just five years ago, and in deep relegation trouble when Emery had taken over in late 2022, here was a remarkable success story under an excellent manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut then came a spectacular, horrible own goal from Villa’s top brass.The announcement of ticket prices for those long-awaited Champions League fixtures ranged from an eye-watering £85 to £97, or £70 to £82 for season-ticket holders.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeTo any person with a grip on the real world, there is a glaringly obvious ‘ouch’ here.Loyal supporters who had turned up in tens of thousands to watch league football against Burton Albion and Rotherham a few years ago will be fleeced if they want to experience great European glory nights.It is a case of floodlit robbery from Villa’s owners.Many fans will now have to pick and choose between Champions League fixtures or forego Christmas presents for their kids, if they can afford to watch any European football at all.The disconnect between billionaire owners of Premier League clubs — including Villa’s Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris — and punters struggling in a cost-of-living crisis has never been more stark.But Villa seem particularly tone-deaf, as Liverpool and Manchester City both offer Champions League prices that are lower than £40, while Arsenal include European fixtures with their, admittedly expensive, season tickets.Villa supporter groups had advocated Champions League prices in the region of the dearest ‘category A’ Premier League matches, at a minimum of £55, but they were ignored.It is a case of floodlit robbery from Villa’s owners.Dave KiddRunning parallel to all this is Villa’s quite justifiable gripe against Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules.In an outspoken interview last week, Villa’s chief executive Damian Vidagany claimed these rules were not ‘fit for purpose’.And he revealed that the club were ‘hours away’ from a ten-point deduction until they flogged Douglas Luiz before PSR’s ludicrous June 30 mid-window deadline.These complaints are fair. PSR protects the existing elite by denying ambitious owners the chance to spend and compete.As Vidagany said, Villa needed a ‘miracle’ from Emery to reach the top four.But the answer is not to penalise fans. Especially when they have waited so long to see their great club competing at the highest level.An extra 30 or 40 quid a pop is not going to make a vast difference to Villa’s balance sheet, when Champions League participation is already so lucrative — but it certainly will make a difference to families struggling to make ends meet.This is not the only example of Villa’s hierarchy — with the club’s head of business operations Chris Heck bearing the brunt of criticism — ignoring the financial hardships of fans.Last week they were forced into a U-turn after doubling the prices of parking spots for disabled supporters.And the corporatisation of Villa Park is described as ‘excessive’ and out of touch with the core of the club’s fanbase, especially by tearing seats out of the vast Holte End — the stadium’s heart and soul — to create the more expensive ‘Terrace View’ area.Edens and Sawiris are among the Premier League’s most desirable owners.Wealthy and ambitious, intelligent in their key appointments, and without any of the human-rights issues regarding state-ownership models at both Newcastle and Manchester City.Yet they have still managed to turn a serious success story into a firestorm.And supporters who were rich in anticipation now find themselves significantly poorer.SNAKE HIGHSJack Grealish silenced te Irish crowd with a goal on SaturdayCredit: EPAJACK GREALISH marked his goal for England against the Republic of Ireland with genuine joy.But his fellow former Irish so-called ‘snake’ Declan Rice opted for that virtue-signalling ‘non-celebration’ celebration.Interestingly, my English spy watching the match in a Dublin bar says Irish fans preferred Grealish’s reaction to Rice’s.“If you’re going to sell your soul to the devil, you should at least go the whole hog,” said one.UP FOR A BUSLee Carsley won his first game in charge of EnglandCredit: GettyWHILE we harp on about England’s lack of a major trophy since 1966, we seem to have missed the fact Lee Carsley has the chance to become the first Three Lions boss to lead the team to promotion.Gareth Southgate oversaw relegation to Nations League B, due in no small part to that disastrous 4-0 humping by Hungary at Molineux in 2022.But Carsley can now pilot our brave boys back to the promised land of League A.An open-top bus parade to Trafalgar Square in November, anyone?COLE CLASSHarry Kane will reach 100th England appearance against FinlandCredit: PAAshley Cole was one of the best left-backs during his playing daysCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdOF the nine players Harry Kane will join members of England’s 100-cap club, probably the most underrated is Ashley Cole.Cole won 13 major trophies with Chelsea and Arsenal and is currently interim boss Lee Carsley’s No 2. He was undoubtedly the best left-back on the planet for a decent stretch of time in the Noughties — only lacking proper recognition due to his pathological hatred of the media.But those who know Cole well swear by him as a bloke — and his vast international experience will be an asset to Carsley should he land the England job full-time.MOUR TIME ERIK?Man United have stumbled out of the blocks this seasonCredit: GettyHOW long has Erik ten Hag got left as Manchester United manager?Well, if the Red Devils’ results and performances continue to be as bad as the last two matches — defeats by Brighton and Liverpool — then probably not very long at all.But if you want to pinpoint the Dutchman’s most likely departure date, then how about the evening of October 24, in the wake of a Europa League loss in Istanbul to Fenerbahce and their old boss Jose Mourinho?BIG ANGSTAnge Postecoglou will be hoping for victory over ArsenalCredit: GettyWHEN the Premier League returns next weekend, the North London derby will take centre stage.And it looks a huge fixture for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Aussie’s record in his last half-dozen matches against top-half Premier League sides reads: played six, lost six, conceded 17.If Arsenal win on Spurs soil for a third successive season then Big Ange will be entering crisis territory.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Laura Woods names her all-time Premier League XI with Man Utd and Arsenal legends dominating

      by

      LAURA WOODS has named her all-time Premier League XI and boss – with a shock midfield three and NO Sir Alex Ferguson.The footie presenter’s best starting line-up is also dominated by four Arsenal and Manchester United legends.Laura Woods was asked to pick her Premier League all-time XIArsenal hero Patrick Vieira made the cutWoods, 37, mocked up her ultimate Prem XI for BETMGM, with only ONE current player making the cut.In goal, Woods went for Peter Schmeichel, pointing to the impressive accolades achieved by the former Man United keeper.The Denmark international won 15 major honours under Ferguson, including the Treble in 1999 and five Prem titles.Arsenal fan Woods only included one of Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard – solely opting for the ex- Liverpool captain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe said: “In the team that Gerrard was in, I think he just dragged everybody up to his level, and I don’t think Liverpool would have had the success of that generation without him.”The rest of the midfield trio was made up by former Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira and Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne.Woods said: “Vieira is an incredible player. Again, another leader, so strong. I loved him and Roy Keane going at it in the tunnel.”Vieira won three Premier League titles, while former Man United captain Keane lifted seven.Most read in FootballGary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Tony Adams and Ashley Cole made up Woods’ back-four.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd it’s hard to argue with her front-three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry.But in a true to shock to everybody – or maybe no one – Woods finished her dream matchday squad with Invincibles manager Arsene Wenger.How Euro 2024 host Laura Woods finally tamed Love Island’s biggest bad boy Adam Collard who made Joey Essex look like a puppyShe said: “Wenger changed the Premier League. No one’s done it unbeaten since. “Everything about the way he treated those players and the way he dragged them from the pubs to the most professional era football in England had ever seen. I think he changed the game in this country.”Meanwhile, Woods hosts Prem football every Saturday on TNT and is a lead presenter on the channel’s Uefa Champions League coverage, after stepping down from her role at talkSPORT.The award-winning broadcaster is expecting her first child with former Love Islander boyfriend Adam Collard, 28.The loved-up couple recently enjoyed a romantic getaway to Ibiza at the end of August.Arsenal manager Arsene Wengergot the nod ahead of Fergie More