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      Many of Dream Team’s most popular defenders are floundering but is it time to panic?

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      DREAM TEAM managers are facing a crisis.Points are drying up for many of the game’s most popular defenders and it’s not all that clear whether gaffers should stick or twist.Slim pickingsCredit: Dream TeamTrent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) remains the most selected defender with an ownership of 26% but he’s immune to this trend because he capitalised on a favourable FA Cup match-up with Accrington Stanley with a goal and clean sheet for a 17-point return on Saturday.But for William Saliba (£4.9m), Virgil van Dijk (£5.1m) and Josko Gvardiol (£4.3m), the second, third and fourth most popular defenders, it’s been slim pickings of late.Arsenal’s French centre-back has mustered nine points from his last four outings while Liverpool’s captain has scraped eight points together from his three most recent games.Manchester City’s Croatian left-back has registered 17 points from his last five appearances.It’s a similar story for Rico Lewis (£3.1m), Noussair Mazraoui (£2.9m), Diogo Dalot (£3.2m) and Andy Robertson (£4m), who are all within the 15 most selected defenders at present.Gvardiol’s returns have dried up during Man City’s slumpCredit: GettyGabriel (£5m) is exempt because he scored against Manchester United last time out, his fifth goal of the season, but his owners received just six points from his previous three outings.Pedro Porro (£4.2m), Lewis Hall (£4.4m) and the aforementioned Alexander-Arnold are the only (relatively) popular defenders who have provided healthy returns lately.That’s the state of play but how should Dream Team bosses react?Most read in FootballThe first thing to note is that Gameweek 19 is not yet complete.A clean sheet for Arsenal in the North London derby this evening will put Gabriel and Saliba’s backers at ease.Ruben Amorim will be hopeful of a stress-free win at home to Southampton on Thursday night given Saints are rooted to the bottom of the table with just six points to their name.Gabriel and Saliba have been short on clean sheets latelyCredit: GETTYFurther blanks for the Gunners and Red Devils will really set the cat among the pigeons.Gaffers will be understandably reluctant to ditch most of the aforementioned defenders because the upcoming schedule favours Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Man United and Tottenham.These six teams have four fixtures to fulfil across Gameweeks 20 and 21 because of Champions League and Europa League commitments – the other 14 clubs will play just twice in the same time frame.UPCOMING DOUBLE GAMEWEEKSMANCHESTER CITY vs Ipswich (a) & PSG (a), Chelsea (h) & Club Brugge (h)ARSENAL vs Aston Villa (h) & Dinamo Zagreb (h), Wolves (a) & Girona (a)LIVERPOOL vs Brentford (a) & Lille (h), Ipswich (h) & PSV (a)ASTON VILLA vs Arsenal (a) & Monaco (a), West Ham (h) & Celtic (h)MANCHESTER UNITED vs Brighton (h) & Rangers (h), Fulham (a) & FCSB (a)TOTTENHAM vs Everton (a) & Hoffenheim (a), Leicester (h) & Elfsborg (h)There are plenty of points on offer there for Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs on paper but gaffers stacked with Man United and Man City defenders will probably be more keen on replacements.Mazraoui is a tackle machine but his points have dwindled in recent GameweeksCredit: RexPep Guardiola’s side just aren’t right at present, particularly at the back where they’re still conceding far too many clearcut opportunities.14.1%-owned Lewis didn’t play a single minute in Gameweek 19.Whereas Man United haven’t kept a clean sheet since December 1st.READ MORE SUN STORIESDepending on what happens at the Emirates tonight, Porro is likely to be a popular recruit ahead of the Gameweek 20 deadline.While others have floundered, Spurs’ right-back has notched 31 points from his last four games and is up to third in the defensive rankings.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 NOW More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘rolled his eyes’ whenever Man Utd team-mate spoke in the dressing room

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly rolled his eyes in the dressing room when one specific star team-mate spoke.Ronaldo, 39, made an emotional return to United in 2021, 12 years after the end of a first stint that saw him winning three Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and the 2004 FA Cup.Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo used to roll his eyes when Harry Maguire spokeCredit: GettyRonaldo wasn’t shy in expressing his displeasure with the state he found Man Utd upon his returnCredit: ReutersHowever, CR7’s second spell at Old Trafford didn’t live up to expectation and came to a dramatic end in 2022 after a bombshell interview in which he lambasted the club from top to bottom.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s scintillating 19-year career in Europe then came to an end as he moved to Saudi Arabia where he joined Al-Nassr, while the Red Devils’ struggles have since persisted.According to The Telegraph, the star forward wasn’t shy in expressing his displeasure with the state in which he found the club upon his return.And the Portugal captain didn’t seem too excited to have Harry Maguire as his captain.Read More on Man UtdThat is why Ronaldo apparently rolled his eyes when Maguire, 31, gave a team talk.The England international ended up losing the armband during former United manager Erik ten Hag’s tenure following a series of dismal performances.However, the centre-back has turned things around under new boss Ruben Amorim.Maguire has started the last five Premier League games and convinced the Manchester giants to trigger a one-year extension in his contract.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThe defender was also a focal point in United’s impressive performance against rivals Liverpool two weeks ago.In fact, Maguire almost scored the winner that would have seen his team beating the Prem leaders 3-2 at Anfield. ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd iconThe same source claims that the ex-Leicester star’s comeback has been so impressive that now “no one is rolling their eyes in that dressing room” when he speaks as Ronaldo “was known to do”.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb. More

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      Pep Guardiola still wearing his wedding ring for Man City clash hours after news of shock split from wife Cristina Serra

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      PEP GUARDIOLA wore his wedding ring as he was seen for the first time since reports he has split with his wife Cristina Serra.Spanish newspaper Sport were the first to say the pair have ended their relationship after more than 30 years. Pep Guardiola seen in public for the first time since reports he has split with his wifeCredit: ReutersGuardiola was all smiles while arriving at BrentfordCredit: ReutersHe wore his wedding ring despite reports of a splitCredit: ReutersGuardiola put the personal news behind himCredit: RexBut Guardiola had to put it behind him as for Manchester City’s trip to Brentford. Guardiola was all smiles as he arrived at the Gtech Community Stadium – despite reports of his split. He even wore his wedding ring for the game in West London.However he wasn’t totally happy at full-time after seeing his side throw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Brentford.READ MORE IN football Sport reported that the couple decided to end their relationship in December while both in Spain over the Christmas period. The Barcelona-based paper wrote their relationship is still “cordial, stable and friendly” despite deciding to part ways.The report also claims they have been living apart for nearly five years after Cristina moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion company.But she has been moving from Spain to London – still spending time with City manager Guardiola.Most read in FootballCity declined to comment when approached over reports of the split.Guardiola is believed to have met Cristina in her family’s clothes store called Serra Claret when he was just 18.Man City boss Pep Guardiola’s recen struggles could be a response to the end of his marriage to teenage sweetheart  Cristina SerraHe was modelling for designer Antonio Miro in Serra’s shop when he first met Cristina.And even as recently as January 2024, the former midfielder revealed Cristina helps pick out his matchday outfits.Serra Claret stock many brands he has worn on the touchline, such as Dsquared2, CP Company and Armani.He told Men In Blazers: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion.”So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.”I am smart enough to know that when people are much much better than me, follow their advices, and hers is really good.”Despite meeting as teens, they waited a long time to get married.They tied the knot in 2014 in an intimate ceremony in Spain – a private service just for close family in Catalonia.And the two have three children, Maria, Marius and Valentina.Pep Guardiola and Cristina in July 2024Credit: RexThe couple met as teenagersCredit: GettyThe two pictured in 2013 in MunichCredit: Bongarts – GettyEldest daughter Maria, 24, is a model who has over 900,000 followers on Instagram.Son Marius, 22, currently resides in Dubai and runs three companies – one of them dedicated to advertising and marketing.And youngest Valentina, 17, is focused on studies.Cristina supported Guardiola as a player and then manager – his career as a boss starting with Barcelona in 2008.He won three LaLiga titles and two Champions League trophies with Barca before moving to Bayern Munich in 2013.He left Germany in 2016 after three seasons – in each of which he won the Bundesliga.Guardiola joined City in 2016 and has won SIX Premier League titles during his reign – and also a Champions League in 2023 to complete an historic Treble.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut this season has seen a dip in form, with with six losses leaving the club in sixth – 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.Guardiola with Cristina and their three kids in 2018Credit: PA:Press AssociationEldest Maria is a modelCredit: INSTAGRAM More

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      Man Utd rivals ‘believe Ratcliffe will sanction transfer of homegrown star this month with Mainoo and Garnacho targeted’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are bracing themselves for Manchester United to put the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford on the market.According to The Telegraph, United’s rivals believe part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will put homegrown talent up for sale to stay within financial rules.Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo could attract transfer attentionCredit: PAThat would mean Rashford, Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho would be at risk of being sold by the Old Trafford board.It was announced today that all 20 Premier League clubs avoided charges over profit and sustainability rules (PSR) for the 2023-24 campaign.But United’s financial losses mean they give themselves little room for manoeuvre without Champions League football next season.The club currently sit 13th in the league – with European football well out of sight for now.READ MORE IN football But their PSR position would be helped by selling a homegrown player generating “pure profit” after being developed by the club.That is opposed to selling on a player they have already bought – with Rashford, Mainoo and Garnacho all academy products.Rashford, 27, is in talks to leave United after revealing in December that he is ready for a “new challenge”. His reps were in Italy to speak to AC Milan while the likes of Monaco, Arsenal and Tottenham are also linked. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMainoo’s future was thrown into doubt after failing to agree terms on a new contract – with his existing deal expiring in the summer of 2027. Chelsea and Bayern Munich are among those monitoring the midfielder’s situation, as revealed by SunSport. And Garnacho has fallen out of favour under United manager Ruben Amorim – having been dropped for the Manchester derby in January. He has since returned to the squad – but is still linked with a move away with Napoli interested in the winger. Man Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here.Former Man Utd star slams Rashford and says he should move to MLS More

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      New Tottenham keeper Kinsky tipped to join Real Madrid after just TWO GAMES as it’s revealed he is ‘learning Spanish’

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      TOTTENHAM new boy Antonin Kinsky has been tipped to join Real Madrid.Kinsky, 21, has enjoyed a whirlwind start to his Spurs career since signing from Slavia Prague nine days ago.Antonin Kinsky has had an impressive start to his Spurs careerCredit: PAWith Guglielmo Vicario still out with a fractured foot, Kinsky went straight into the starting XI for Tottenham’s 1-0 League Cup semi-final first leg with over Liverpool.The Czech ace then experienced the other side of English football, playing the full game as Spurs beat Tamworth 3-0 after extra time in the FA Cup.Prior to breaking into Slavia’s first team, Kinsky spent seasons on loan at Czech sides Vyskov and Pardubice.While with the latter he displaced stopper Viktor Budinsky, who remains with the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKinsky’s emergence at Spurs has caused great excitement among Czech football fans.And speaking to Czech paper MF DNES, Budinsky did little to dampen the hype.”Great boy. Already at the first training session it was clear that he was different,” he said of Kinsky.”Strong in the head, healthy confident and purposeful. He can be even higher in three years.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYQuizzed over where he sees Kinsky going next, he added: “At Real Madrid. Plus, he is learning Spanish, he’ll be ready, he won’t get lost there.”When Tonda [Kinsky] came to us in Pardubice from Vyskov, who were playing in the second league, many would not have said that he would be in the Premier League within two years.Tottenham announce the signing of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague”And yet. I think Tottenham is an intermediate step for him, that an even bigger club is waiting for him.”Kinsky is contracted to Spurs until 2031.Upon joining the club, he said: “I’m really happy to be here and to sign the contract.”It’s a pleasure for me because Tottenham is a big name in Europe, in the world, especially in the Czech Republic so, as I say, for me it’s a big honour and I’m really happy.’THE RIGHT CHOICE'”I spoke with the coaches, I spoke with the sporting director, almost with everyone, and I really got the feeling that this is going to be the right choice.”I’m looking forward to everything. For me, it is a new experience. I’m really happy to make that first step outside of the country (Czechia).”I’m really happy, I’m really excited and I’m looking forward to the training sessions, to the games because, of course, it is the aim of every player to be on the pitch.”And that is what I am going to do; I’m going try to push in the training session to get the minutes.”READ MORE SUN STORIESVicario is expected to remain sidelined for at least another month.It is then not a given that he will return straight to the starting XI, with Kinsky signed to challenge for the No1 spot.Guglielmo Vicario is set to compete with Kinsky for the No1 positionCredit: Rex More

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      My dad will look down with pride when Forest host Liverpool and rekindle 70s rivalry, says Brian Clough’s son Nigel

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      BRIAN CLOUGH will be looking down with pride when Nottingham Forest host Liverpool in an amazing rekindling of their 70s rivalry.That is the message from his son Nigel — who played for both sides — ahead of tonight’s unlikely Premier League title crunch at the City Ground.Liverpool and Nottingham Forest collide in an unlikely top-of-the-table clash tonightCredit: GETTYThe match is a throwback to the ’70’s when the clubs were the best in the landCredit: REXBrian Clough was in charge of Forest when they went toe-to-toe with the Reds for major honoursCredit: PASon Nigel believes his late father will be looking down proudly this eveningCredit: REXForest are the story of the Prem season after six consecutive top-flight wins that has them battling with the big boys at the top.If Nuno Espirito Santo’s side make it seven on the bounce, they will cut Liverpool’s lead to just three points.Clough Sr took Forest from the old Second Division in 1977 to break the dominance of Liverpool and land the First Division title and two European Cups within just three years.Mansfield boss Nigel, 58, whose League One side play Wigan in the FA Cup tonight, declared: “Dad would have been very proud to see Forest back up there.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“So many older supporters have said they wish their children were around to see that time.“Now, they are getting a little taste. Not of what it was — but a little taste of them being up there.“It’s just brilliant for those fans. It was always special playing Liverpool and I couldn’t believe the recent stat that Forest had not won at Liverpool since 1969.“For how much Forest did challenge them, they could not win at Anfield — despite some good nil-nils there.Most read in Football“It will be another sell-out at the City Ground. People can’t get tickets there these days, although they are welcome to come to the One Call Stadium if they want to see some live football.”Back in the late 1970s, Forest versus Liverpool was the country’s biggest rivalry.Elon Musk wants to buy Liverpool in stunning takeover says dad who fears club will ‘raise price’ for world’s richest manOld Big ’Ead, who died in 2004, masterminded Forest’s rise from the second tier in 1976-1977 and they won the First Division the next year.What followed was even more remarkable — European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980, following on from Liverpool’s consecutive wins before that.Forest also beat Liverpool in the 1978 League Cup final at Wembley as Clough and his Anfield rival, Bob Paisley, created an enduring rivalry.Clough Jr, who was 12 when Forest won the title in 1978, said: “I never thought I would see the sides up there together in the top three or four again.“It brings back memories of the late 70s when they were English football’s dominant forces.“Every time they have played in recent history, it’s always Liverpool who have been strong favourites.“But this does take you back all those years, when Forest were the only side responsible for preventing Liverpool’s dominance continuing.Dad would have been very proud to see Forest back up there.Nigel Clough“They were established European champions, had dominated in the mid-70s and looked as though they would continue to do that until Forest came along and upset the apple cart.”For a few years, Forest were then equal to them at least.”It will bring back a lot of memories for the older Forest supporters, who can tell their children that 40-odd years ago they were toe-to-toe with Liverpool.“This is the closest it’s been since that time at the moment.“I remember watching the rivalry build and Liverpool players from that time acknowledge the role Forest played in giving them that challenge they were not getting anywhere else in Europe.“It was not a geographical rivalry. It was just a rivalry on the pitch after becoming Liverpool’s closest challengers.“It wasn’t like a Liverpool v Manchester United situation.“But we just had so many battles around that time — including the League Cup final, as well as pipping them for the title and beating them in the European Cup first round.Matches between Forest and Liverpool were the pinnacle of English football in the 1970sCredit: GETTYNigel Clough played for both Nottingham Forest and LiverpoolCredit: GETTY“It all just evolved. The one uniting factor, if anything, was the Hillsborough disaster a few years later.“You would never get the tragedy chanting like with Liverpool v Manchester United — it’s not that sort of rivalry.”It is just purely the rivalry on the pitch of two very, very good football teams at their peak.”After two seasons finding their feet back in the top flight, Forest have suddenly hit form.They are the only team to win at Anfield this season, thanks to Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal in September.And Clough — who played over 300 times for Forest before signing for Liverpool in 1993 — reckons they have to be taken seriously as title contenders.He added: “You can’t ignore Forest now because of the run they have had, similar to when Leicester won it.“It breeds confidence, which is a commodity in football you can’t buy.“You can’t instil it, either. The only way to get it is by winning games.“I saw some of the game at Wolves the other night and, after Forest scored early, the home side failed to take one of two or three chances.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Forest won it 3-0 when it could have maybe been 1-1.“When games like that are going for them, you can’t rule them out.” More

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      Borussia Dortmund in chaos and forced to move 140 MILES AWAY after horror bout of flu at training ground

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND have been thrown into chaos by a savage bout of Die Manflu.Last season’s Champions League finalists are being forced to quit their training ground as a result and move into the German FA headquarters in Frankfurt which is 140 miles away.A flu outbreak has wreaked havoc with Borussia Dortmund’s squadCredit: GettyThe Germans have been forced to temporarily leave their training ground as a of a resultCredit: GETTYThey are due to play at Holstein Kiel tonight but the squad has been severely weakened by illness.Dortmund were beaten 3-2 at home on Friday night by Bayer Leverkusen – conceding after only 25 seconds.The players have been banned from shaking hands with only fist bumps allowed to minimise the risk of infection.Dortmund will continue to base themselves at the HQ of Germany – known as Die Mannschaft – until their own training ground gets the all clear.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSManager Nuri Sahin said of the outbreak: “Emre, Ramy, Pascal, Filippo and Alex are the sick ones and their hearts are fine now.”But to be honest, we don’t know yet whether it’ll be enough.”The boys were really ill and they’re on the right track, but we still have to wait and see how they tolerate training.”Karim’s got it too, and he’s a big question mark, Jamie is question mark for the game and with Donny we have to wait and see.”Most read in FootballManager Nuri Sahin has gone to extreme lengths to quell the outbreakCredit: GETTYSahin himself is struggling, saying: “Maybe you can tell by my voice it broke us all a bit.”We’re very careful in our interaction but somehow this virus got in and now we have to endure it.”Watch the moment Dortmund and Celtic fans BOTH sing You’ll Never Walk AloneDespite his side being ravaged by illness, Sahin insists his troops won’t go down without a fight.He said: “We still want to achieve our goals.”Of course, it’s a bit harder but we play in Kiel tomorrow to get the three points.”No matter what the personnel situation is, we will play 11 against 11 tomorrow, and as Borussia Dortmund we want to win the game.” More

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      Who is Liverpool wonderkid Rio Ngumoha, 16, who becomes Reds’ youngest EVER player after debut in FA Cup

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      RIO NGUMOHA has been handed a shock first start for Liverpool in the FA Cup third round against Accrington Stanley.He will become Liverpool’s youngest EVER player when he makes his debut against the League Two side.England Under-17 international Rio Ngumoha will start against Accrington Stanley in the FA CupCredit: REXThe 16-year-old has been training with the Reds’ first-team squad this seasonCredit: AFPThe 16-year-old wonderkid “truly believes” he can win the Ballon d’Or one day and is the talk of the Anfield faithful?SunSport is on hand to shed some light on the starlet, who has the brightest of futures ahead of him.How long has Rio Ngumoha been at Liverpool?The teenager joined the Merseysiders in September from Chelsea in a deal that proved to be the last of Arne Slot’s first transfer window.Liverpool made their move to sign the starlet in April after seeing his goalscoring exploits in Chelsea’s Under-17 Premier League Cup final win over Wolves.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the west Londoners’ fury at the Reds’ snapping up of Ngumoha meant he wouldn’t be able to play for the Kop club’s Under-18s until September.The forward has impressed Slot during his brief stint at the club, so much so that he was called up to train with the first team in November.Ngumoha recently travelled with the Reds for their Champions League clash with Girona.But he was ineligible to play in the match as he didn’t meet the List B criteria for Europe’s elite club competition. Most read in FootballThe only way he could’ve played in the match would have been if he’d taken a place in the 25-man List A squad.He was then an unused substitute for the Reds during the Carabao Cup match against Southampton on December 19.Liverpool snapped up Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea in the summerCredit: GETTYWhat position does Rio Ngumoha play?The right-footed starlet can play across the front line but predominantly features on the left wing.Has Rio Ngumoha represented England?Ngumoha has been capped at Under-15 and Under-17 level for the Three Lions, finding the back of the net twice for the former side.Arne Slot says its ‘Not only Trent’ who played poorly against Man Utd What has Rio Ngumoha said?Ngumoha isn’t short of confidence and has already set his sights on winning the Ballon d’Or – despite not having a single first-team appearance to his name.During an appearance on Inside the Academy, he said: “I truly believe I can win the Ballon d’Or one day.”I want to be regarded as one of the best players to ever play football and be a legend of the game.”The love for football started when I was four or five. Rio Ngumoha has represented England at Under-15 and Under-17 levelsCredit: REXThe starlet has ambitions of one day winning the Ballon d’OrCredit: AFP”I was watching my brother and I wanted to be like him.”I was going to academies from a young age and it was a big thing when so many clubs wanted to sign me.”I have learned you have to be resilient and believe in yourself. “You can have a few bad games but you have to have that belief that you are the best.”For me, if I am in bad form I just put it behind me and work hard.”What has Arne Slot said about Rio Ngumoha?Before Ngumoha’s debut, Slot said: “It’s always special if young players make their debut, there’s a smile on my face, he’s a young kid.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everytime he trains with us, he’s not afraid to do what he’s good at.”What shirt number will Rio Ngumoha wear?He has been handed the No 73 shirt. More