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      Supercomputer reveals how many points teams need to get through new Champions League group stage… and avoid playoffs

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has revealed the most likely points tallies required to progress in the new-look Champions League.European football returns on Tuesday night with blockbuster games including AC Milan vs Liverpool.The new Champions League format begins on Tuesday nightCredit: GettyBut qualification for the knockout rounds of this year’s competition has changed as it is no longer eight groups of four teams.Instead, 36 teams are in one huge league and will play eight games against different opposition.The top eight will move straight into the last 16, while ninth to 24th go into a play-off round.According to Opta, the most likely points tally needed to finish in the top eight is 15.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere is a 44.934 per cent chance this will seal an automatic spot in the last 16.Meanwhile, the cut off to place 24th or higher is expected to be nine points.There is a 53.463 chance a team will avoid one of the bottom 12 spots should they reach this tally.That is crucial under new Uefa rules as Champions League sides will no longer drop down into the Europa League.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNew Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season.How the Supercomputer predicted the league phase to end upSunSport revealed on Tuesday that a supercomputer has predicted Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa and Atalanta to finish in the top eight.That means the likes of Arsenal, AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain will all have to go through the play-offs.Cristiano Ronaldo reveals bizarre thing that ‘turns him on’ during live Champions League drawTeams will play at least two extra games in this year’s Champions League.Four more additional matches will be played by the winner if they come through the play-off round.An expanded Club World Cup is also set to take place at the end of this season.And Manchester City midfieldier Rodri revealed on Tuesday ahead of his side’s clash with Inter Milan that players are close to striking due to too many matches.He said: “Yeah, I think we are close to that [striking], it is easy to understand.”If you ask any player he will say the same, it is not the opinion of Rodri.”If it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we don’t have any other option.” More

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      TNT Sports snap up Sky Sports pundit, 37, and will make debut TONIGHT in Champions League coverage

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      TNT SPORTS have swooped to snap up Karen Carney from Sky Sports.The former player-turned-pundit is one of the biggest names in football analysis.Karen Carney has been snapped up by TNT Sports from Sky SportsCredit: PAShe will make her Champions League debut tonight alongside Laura WoodsCredit: GettyAnd she will make her bow for TNT Sports in tonight’s Champions League coverage.Carney, 37, won 144 caps for England and is often seen on the screen giving her views on football’s top matches.But the ace has now switched sides after agreeing a deal to join TNT Sports.The broadcaster is showing this season’s European matches alongside Amazon Prime Video.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe latter is showing Liverpool’s highly-anticipated trip to AC Milan later tonight.But before that, TNT Sports will be the place to catch Aston Villa against Young Boys, as well as a host of other games.The likes of Laura Woods, Ally McCoist and Rio Ferdinand will all be on the screen this evening.And Carney will also feature in TNT Sports’ Goals Show Xtra programme.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt starts at 7.30pm, allowing the broadcaster to bring live updates of the Liverpool game on Prime Video – as well as the latest scores from the other European matches.Carney said: “I am thrilled to be joining the TNT Sports team and being involved in the Uefa club competitions.The new Champions League format explained“I’m really excited and can’t wait to get watching the games with you all.”Carney is not the only big name appearing on the show though.Goals Show Xtra will be presented by Matt Smith while featuring a panel including two-time Champions League winner Owen Hargreaves.Respected European experts Julien Laurens, James Horncastle and Rafa Honigstein will also provide their views on the continent’s top sides.And the group will return for tomorrow’s evening match between Manchester City and Inter Milan. More

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      Rodri sensationally claims players are close to STRIKING over schedule after Alisson said ‘our opinion does not matter’

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      MANCHESTER CITY midfielder Rodri has suggested that players could go on strike over extreme fixture scheduling.The Spaniard made 50 appearances for City last season and even begged Pep Guardiola to give him a rest back in April.Rodri claims players could strike over the fixture scheduleCredit: PAIt was the second time he voiced concerns about player welfare, having already claimed his workload was “not healthy” the previous year.But he doubled down on his stance ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash between Man City and Inter Milan.Asked how many games is optimum for a footballer, Rodri said: “Honestly I don’t have an exact number.”From my experience I can tell you 60-70 now, between 40-50 is the amount a player can play in the highest level, after you drop because it is impossible to sustain the highest level.Read More in Football”This year we can go to 70, maybe 80, in my humble opinion it is too much. Someone has to take care of ourselves.”We are the main characters of this sport or business.”Not everything is money or marketing, it is also the quality of the show. When I am not tired I perform better and if the people want to see better football, we need to rest.”The 28-year-old was then quizzed about the possibility of players going on strike over the issue.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlisson Becker claims players’ opinions ‘do not matter’Credit: AFPHe added: “Yeah, I think we are close to that, it is easy to understand.”If you ask any player he will say the same, it is not the opinion of Rodri, if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we don’t have any other option.”What’s new this season? Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson also voiced his disapproval of the fixture scheduling this week.The Brazilian slammed UEFA’s new Champions League format in which teams are forced to play at least eight group stage games as opposed to six.Ahead of Liverpool’s match against AC Milan, he said: “For the supporters, it is amazing – more games, more bigger games.”For us players, it is good that you are going to play against the best in Europe.”But it is always a good idea to add some games to the calendar that is not busy… I am being a little bit ironic!”Sometimes, nobody asks the players what they think about adding more games.”So maybe our opinion does not matter. But everybody knows what we think. Everybody is tired of it.”It is a matter of sitting down all together and listening to all the parties. We have the media and TV, UEFA and FIFA, Premier League, domestic competitions.”We are not stupid and understand that. We understand that people want more games.”But the reasonable thing would be, all the people I mentioned – those who make the calendar – to sit together and listen to all the parties inclusive of the players.”The comments from both Rodri and Alisson come just a fortnight after PFA chief executive Maheta Molango suggested players should be limited to a MAXIMUM of 60 games per season.The players’ union boss said: “We need to protect the players from themselves.”They love playing, they are committed to playing and they don’t want to lose their starting spot.”But the fans are paying 100 per cent prices and not seeing 100 per cent of the show.”We think there should be a maximum number of games, between 50 and 60 per season, which can vary depending on your age.”But players must not play more than five or six games back to back and they must be allowed a minimum three weeks of complete rest in the summer.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPlayers also have several international fixtures to contend with throughout the season as well as next summer’s new-look Club World Cup.Man City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are among the European sides in line to compete at the tournament in the USA which runs from June 15 to July 13.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Man City vs Inter prediction: Free betting tips, odds and preview for tasty Champions League opener

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE favourites Manchester City kick off the revamped competition with a mouth-watering clash against Inter on Wednesday.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest – and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses for the continental encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesMan City vs Inter previewManchester City have very fond memories of Champions League ties against Inter.Granted, they’ve only faced them once in this competition. But that was a memorable one with Rodri’s only goal in the 2023 final clinching European success for the club for the first time.Given the way they’ve started this season, they’re rightly favourites to win it again this season.They’re the only side with a 100% record after four games and Erling Haaland has nine goals in that time. Yup, 9.Inter are unbeaten themselves in four games in Serie A but have dropped points in both away games at Genoa and Monza.This is a little bit of a step up on those two.When is Man City vs Inter?Manchester City vs Inter will take place on Wednesday, September 18It is scheduled to kick off at 20:00pm BSTThe encounter will take place at the Etihad Stadium in ManchesterWhat TV channel is Man City vs Inter on and can it be live streamed?Manchester City vs Inter will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1Man City vs Inter live stream is via the Discovery+ appAlternatively, SunSport will have coverage of the match on our websiteMan City vs Inter oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.William Hill new customer offerWilliam Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Man City vs Inter betting tips and predictionsHead and shoulders aboveMan City tips? They have to centre around Erling Haaland.Scoring two goals, hat tricks, 1st scorer – the value is starting to get less for punters, and for good reason!So finding that him scoring with his head – something he’s done 11 times in his 72 Premier League games – is at a decent price will absolutely do for us!Erling Haaland to score a header at 11/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREGun’s blazingIlkay Gundogan’s City return was a big boost to Guardiola and co, as the German is a big game player.This, here, is a big game. And his late runs into the box and general build-up play is going to be a key weapon for the home side.Gundogan 1+ shot on target in each half at 7/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Manchester City vs Inter: Get £30 in free bets to spend on the Champions League with talkSPORT BET

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      THE Champions League returns this week and talkSPORT BET are marking its return with a monster offer.New customers to talkSPORT BET can claim a massive £30 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the Manchester City vs Inter showdown on Wednesday!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..talkSPORT BET offerVisit the talkSPORT BET website HERE*Create your account via mobileOpt-In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any sports market at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOn settlement of your qualifying bet, you will receive £30 in free bets to spend on selected marketstalkSPORT BET: Get £30 in free bets – Claim here*Not yet got yourself a talkSPORT BET account? Terrific, you can claim this offer!Simply register an account, deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater. Once that’s settled – your account will be credited with £30 in free bets!You could decide to use your free bets on Wednesday’s clash in the Champions League between Man City and Inter, and below are some of our expert picks and top prices with talkSPORT BET.Home winCity got the win in the only other Champions League tie between these two – the 2023 final.They can kickstart their pursuit of this year’s final in the same way, though have conceded in their last three games against Ipswich, West Ham and Brentford.Inter have scored in each game, though have failed to win either of their two away games in Serie A. This can follow a similar pattern.Manchester City to win and BTTS at 85/40 with talkSPORT BET – CLAIM HERE*18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Man City vs Inter: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses for the Champions League with William Hill

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      THERE’S a re-run of the 2023 Champions League final on Wednesday when Manchester City and Inter clash in matchday one of the revamped competition.And brand new William Hill customers who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with a colossal £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..William Hill £60 bonusVisit the William Hill website on your mobile device HERE*Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60Place a bet of at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greaterAfter settlement – win or lose – William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonusesWilliam Hill: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Not got a William Hill account? No problem!It’s really easy to register an account and you can get your hands on that generous £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the footy!Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60After that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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      Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava free betting tips: Back our 9/1 Bet Builder and claim £50 in free bets with Betfred

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE football returns this week and Celtic are eyeing a perfect start when Slovan Bratislava visit on Wednesday.Our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for the game, which Betfred have priced up at a terrific 9/1.There’s more! New Betfred customers who register an account with Betfred and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Celtic vs Slovan BratislavaOur Bet Builder selections: Celtic to win, both teams to score and Kyogo to score 1st.Back our 9/1 Bet BuilderHere’s why we’ve made those selections:Celtic to win: Should get off to a winning start, having started domestic campaign in sensational form. Been handed a kind draw but need to make most of it and in front of packed Celtic Park, can do just that.Both teams to score: Despite not yet conceding domestically, Celtic haven’t been tested, despite already hosting Rangers, Hearts and Kilmarnock, last season’s 2nd, 3rd and 4th. European ties a different test and can see that defence finally being breached.Kyogo to score 1st: Whispers of Manchester City being interested in the summer and he can show glimpses here of why. Movement is top class and teams know this but still can’t handle him. Big game player. Back our 9/1 Bet BuilderRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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      Bet £10 on Champions League football and get £50 in free bets with Betfred

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      EUROPE’S elite club competition makes a return this week but it’s a whole new look for the Champions League this year.And Betfred are adding to the mega excitement with a sensational offer for new customers!Brand new Betfred punters who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with £50 in free bets to use on football!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereThis week’s Champions League fixturesMatchday 1Tuesday 17th SeptemberJuventus vs PSVYoung Boys vs Aston VillaReal Madrid vs StuttgartBayern vs Dinamo ZagrebSporting vs LilleMilan vs LiverpoolWednesday 18th SeptemberBologna vs ShakhtarSparta Prague vs SalzburgPSG vs GironaClub Brugge vs DortmundCeltic vs Slovan BratislavaMan City vs InterThursday 19th SeptemberRed Star Belgrade vs BenficaFeyenoord vs LeverkusenBrest vs Sturm GrazAtalanta vs ArsenalAtletico Madrid vs LeipzigMonaco vs BarcelonaNot yet a customer with Betfred?Then – with Champions League football on this week – you’ve come to the right place!The good news is you’re not far away from collecting £50 in free bets as it’s so very easy to claim.Simply register a brand new account HERE* with Betfred using the Promo Code: BETFRED50 and deposit a minimum of £10 using a debit card.Once that’s done and dusted, stake a tenner on any qualifying sports bet – including any Champions League market – at odds of Evens or greater.After that, you’ll receive the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)Betfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More