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      Man City accidentally name injured star with horror broken leg on teamsheet – before quickly correcting mistake

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      MANCHESTER CITY accidentally named an injured star on their bench to play Southampton – before quickly changing it. The Premier League champions host the Saints sitting a point behind leaders Liverpool. Oscar Bobb with manager Pep GuardiolaCredit: PAAnd they went into the match with four first-team players missing; Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish. But there was actually a fifth with Oscar Bobb also sidelined – but the matchday teamsheet said otherwise. Bobb – out with a horror broken leg injury – was mistakenly named instead of James McAtee.But City soon amended the mistake with a re-print of the team sheet. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBobb was a standout in City’s pre-season tour but a freak training injury before the season started has left him sidelined until the New Year. City are still without playmaker Kevin de Bruyne too after he came off in the Champions League against Inter Milan in September. He has missed the last seven games with manager Pep Guardiola unsure when he will return. Guardiola said when probed: “I don’t know. Of course, I prefer to have all of the squad with the amount of games but it is what it is.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Hopefully he comes back soon but I don’t know yet. I would like to tell you but I don’t know.” City come into the game having won their last four, running riot midweek with a 5-0 hammering against Sparta Praha. Man City player ratings: Even Pep Guardiola can’t believe how good Erling Haaland is as new Samba man fails to shine (1) More

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      Uefa issue two referees with huge bans after drunkenly taking road sign before Champions League clash

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      UEFA have banned two referees for drunkenly taking a road sign before a Champions League clash.Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial were arrested in the Polish city of Lubin back in August.Uefa have banned Polish referee Bartosz Frankowski after he drunkenly took a signCredit: GettyTomasz Musial has also been suspended following the incident in Lubin back in AugustCredit: GettyThe pair had been appointed as VAR and AVAR officials for the third qualifying round tie between Dynamo Kyiv and Rangers.However, they were replaced by the Polish FA following their drunken antics the night before the match.Police caught the two referees on CCTV before arresting them, with Uefa fining them at the time.Frankowski and Musial have now both been handed lengthy bans for their behaviour.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey have been suspended until June 30, 2025 by Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.Their punishment is for breaking “basic rules of decent conduct”, the governing body confirmed.In a statement, Frankowski said: “I am still trying to find words that will sufficiently express how much I regret this incident and how sorry I am.”I realise that with one such violation, I ruined 22 years of refereeing, ruined my entire career. I should have calmly prepared for the match and not gone anywhere.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”As one of the police officers later told me, our prank was spotted by CCTV cameras and they intervened. I would like to clarify that we were in no way aggressive. These were stupid jokes.”We did not suspect that it would be perceived this way. We had no bad intentions. It was stupidity, an idiotic fantasy, I don’t even know what to call it.”Furious former Champions League finalists’ fans protest against club owner He also claimed the incident was simply a “prank” and had been a “stupid game” that went wrong.The 38-year-old, who is a Fifa referee, added: “Now, looking back, I understand that it was not a very smart idea.”It was a sign that was lying next to where road works were being carried out and we were passing by.”I am very sorry that this happened. And on a purely human level, it was stupid, because I know that my unfortunate behaviour will cast a shadow on many years of hard work.”What happened was irresponsible and unprofessional on my part, and I am fully aware of that.”I would just like to emphasise that there were no acts of aggression in my behaviour, I did not break the law and there was no unlawful behaviour on my part towards police officers or anyone.”Frankowski admits the incident was a ‘stupid game’ which went wrongCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use ROBOTS to hone technique

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      REAL MADRID continue to show why they’re a cut above the rest and football’s leading flagship club.Los Blancos have taken their training into the future with the addition of a ROBOT wall to allow players to master their free-kick techniques.Real Madrid implemented futuristic technology at their training ground in 2022Footage showed stars such as Luka Modric and Eder Militao perfecting their free-kicksThe mannequins are operated by a control panel on a tabletGone are the days of players bending the ball over stationary metal men in training, these guys can actually jump!Footage from Madrid’s Valdebebas Park base shows players working with a robot wall in front of goal.The mechanical free-kick wall allows coaches to adjust the specific height of each of the humanoids by a control panel on a tablet.This means players can practice against the height of different defenders they’re about to play against.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo, ahead of the El Clasico on Friday, Madrid stars could practice shooting over a mannequin that resembles the height of Jules Kounde or Raphinha.In a resurfaced video shared on Real Madrid’s social media, several players including midfielder Luka Modric managed to curl shots into the net.Eder Militao also successfully avoided the wall that consisted of five ‘mechanical men’.The clip shows sculpted torsos bearing Real Madrid kits mimicking the effect of jumping, akin to how a human wall would react in a game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut despite the advance in technology at their £100m base, the robot wall has not brought about many direct results on the pitch yet.In fact, the last time Madrid scored from a direct free-kick was Rodrygo’s strike against LaLiga outfit Sevilla on May 27 2023.Watch mortified Real Madrid legend Marcelo cover his face in embarrassment as son, 9, nutmegs him with outrageous skillParis Saint-Germain also attempted to implement something similar, albeit not to the same aesthetics.PSG practice free-kicks with a wall of mannequins on wheels which move up and down to block shots. Meanwhile, Madrid’s new free-kick taker Kylian Mbappe has never scored from a direct set piece.The France international has become the primary free-kick taker following the retirement of German legend Toni Kroos.Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi is the primary free kick specialist at PSG and was during Mbappe’s time at Parc des Princes.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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      You’ve been saying AZ Alkmaar all wrong and 12 other teams too… here’s why

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      WE ALL think we know our football.But do we know it quite as well as we think? Really?AZ Alkmaar and Athletic Bilbao are both incorrect namesCredit: GettyBecause there are a whole load of teams whose names we’ve been saying wrong for ages – many of us without even realising. A large part of that is down to geography.Of the 92 clubs in English professional football, all but two have the name of their city, town, borough or region in their title.The exceptions are Port Vale and Arsenal – although the Gunners were originally called Woolwich Arsenal when they played in South London. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs a result, we often tend to add the place names for some clubs that go by a single name to help us clarify which team we are referring to – more on that later.For other examples, it is a case of mistranslation – or, more specifically, partial translation. Finally, it could simply be a bit of laziness or ignorance.Anyway, with that all said, who are some of the regular football clubs we mispronounce or simply get wrong?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAZ Alkmaar is a common mistake.The Dutch side are actually called Alkmaar Zaanstreek.Football stars’ weird phobiasThis often gets nicknamed to AZ Alkmaar – but the A in AZ stands for Alkmaar.So AZ Alkmaar would mean Alkmaar Zaanstreek Alkmaar.To make things even more confusing, Alkmaar is the city the club is based in while Zaanstreek refers to the Zaan district in North-West Netherlands. Got it?Sticking in the Eredeivisie, there are regularly mentions of PSV Eindhoven when in actual fact the club’s full name is Philips Sport Vereniging, or PSV for short.There is no mention of Eindhoven, the city where they are based. The same rule applies to various other teams – where the city has been added for overseas fans to grasp exactly where they play.See Zenit Saint Petersburg and CSKA Moscow in Russia – officially Zenit and CSKA – AEK Athens.The Greek outfit are formally Athlitiki Enosis Konstantinoupoleos – with no mention of the capital city name – while AEK is pronounced as one word rather than A-E-K. TV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports)We don’t do the same to PSG Paris, Juventus Turin, Schalke Gelsenkirchen or Real Betis Seville. In Spain, it is Atletico de Madrid, not Atletico Madrid or worse still Athletico Madrid.Athletic should be used for the team in Bilbao. But they are Athletic Club or simply Athletic – and definitely not Athletic Bilbao. In Spain, there is just one major club it could refer to whereas in England we have Charlton and Wigan, for example. Across the border in Portugal, it is a similar mistake with Sporting Lisbon. They are actually Sporting Clube de Portugal, Sporting CP or Sporting – but not Sporting Lisbon. It is such a touchy subject that a #NotSportingLisbon campaign was launched to raise awareness for the error. The 2010 Champions League final was contested between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.However, Inter Milan should be referred to as Internazionale or Inter – although the official name is Football Club Internazionale Milano.As for the German giants, Bayern Munich sees half of the name translated into English – Munchen to Munich – but Bayern left in German. So it should either be Bayern Munchen – the official name – or Bavaria Munich. One of the other big teams in Germany also needs flagging.RB Leipzig are part of the Red Bull group along with Red Bull Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.But the RB in RB Leipzig’s name does not stand for Red Bull – well, not technically.It is no coincidence that the letters are RB – to make people think of Red Bull – alongside the red bulls on their logo.However, the German FA ban corporate company brands in club names.So they found a workaround and called the club RasenBallsport Leipzig instead – RasenBallsport translates as Lawn Ball Sports. Many refer to the Serbian team as Red Star Belgrade when “red star” is simply a literal English translation of their official name, Crvena Zvezda. And finally, the 1985-86 European Cup was won by Steaua Bucuresti, not Steaua Bucharest.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlthough they now have a new name, formally switching to FCSB in 2017 as a shortened version of FC Steaua Bucuresti.But the team is categorically not called Steaua Bucharest – which would be like the half-translation of Bayern Munich – because “steaua” is “star” in Romanian. Atletico de Madrid is the official name of the Spanish giantsCredit: GettyThe 2010 Champions League final was Bayern Munchen vs InternazionaleCredit: AP:Associated PressSporting fans get very frustrated with the incorrect use of Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe RB is RB Leipzig stands for RasenBallsport – not Red BullCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I don’t think he’ll be on a horse soon’ jokes commentator as Alexis Mac Allister takes thunderous shot to the groin

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      ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER was taken out by a thunderous shot to his groin against RB Leipzig – but the commentator saw the funny side at least.The midfielder put his body on the line to help Liverpool win Wednesday’s Champions League game in Germany.Alexis Mac Allister took a thunderous shot to the groinHe appeared to be in agony as he dropped to the floorCredit: RexThe midfielder received treatment and was able to continueCredit: GettyMac Allister bravely moved across to block a powerful shot from Leipzig defender Benjamin Henrichs.The ball smacked the Argentine in his crotch and knocked him to the floor.Mac Allister appeared to be in some discomfort as he received assistance from a physio – he even left the pitch momentarily before returning.BBC commentator Steve Wilson joked in response, saying: “That will sting. I don’t think he’ll be getting on a horse any time soon.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMac Allister was able to complete the 90 minutes as Liverpool won 1-0 courtesy of a well worked Darwin Nunez goal in the first half.Arne Slot has now won 11 of his 12 games in charge and the Reds are well placed to qualify for the knock-out phase of the Champions League.They are second in the table behind Aston Villa but boast a 100 per cent record having also beat AC Milan and Bologna.Mac Allister was rested for most of the game against Chelsea last weekend after returning from international duty in South America.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAside from that match he has started every Prem and Champions League game, proving a pivotal member of Slot’s new look Reds.He has been a hit at Anfield since his arrival last year and is reportedly attracting transfer interest from Real Madrid. More

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      Inside Erling Haaland’s ‘karate kick’ wonder goal as team-mate is caught literally scratching his head live on camera

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      ERLING HAALAND amazed fans, pundits and his manager Pep Guardiola by scoring an incredible “karate kick” for Manchester City last night.Guardiola’s men took on Sparta Prague at the Etihad on matchday three of the Champions League’s new “League Phase”.Erling Haaland produced a sensational acrobatic finishCredit: GettyThe forward impressive contorted his 6ft 4in frameCredit: GettyBernardo Silva placed his hand on his head after Haaland’s goalCredit: X @ManCitySilva looked in awe of his team-mateCredit: X @footballontntCity led 1-0 at half-time via Phil Foden’s strike, before really turning on the style in the second period.Just short of the hour mark, Haaland provided a piece of skill that will live long in City’s fans’ memories.Winger Savinho took on his full-back, jinking towards the byline.He then prodded a cross towards City’s centre-forward.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith the pass far from perfect, Haaland used all of his hulking 6ft 4in frame to make the ball his.The Norwegian, 24, launched himself into the air – showing remarkable athleticism to get to the ball.While 1.96m off the ground, Haaland’s lethal left foot made contact with the ball, directing it towards goal.As the striker landed in a heap, his shot bounced beyond the reach of goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPep Guardiola congratulates his strikerCredit: APHaaland then gingerly got to his feet, while wearing a smug grin on his face.His team-mates, who surely must be used to his exploits by now, were left stunned by the goal.Man City player ratings: Even Pep Guardiola can’t believe how good Erling Haaland is as new Samba man fails to shine (1)Bernardo Silva and Nathan Ake both put their hands on their heads.Speaking after the game Matheus Nunes, who grabbed City’s fifth in their 5-0 win, admitted that he was “speechless” after Haaland’s goal.Chatting to TNT Sports, he said: “It was an amazing goal. I was speechless after his shot.”Referencing one of Haaland’s previous wonder-goals, he added: “When he scored against Dortmund I was watching on TV and to see this live, it was amazing.”Guardiola, 53, could be seen simply applauding his striker’s brilliant goal.He then gushed after the game: “I didn’t know how he scored. For a human being, I would say no [it’s not normal].”He made a fantastic goal. He can touch 15 or 20 balls but have seven or eight chances. It’s unbelievable.”‘I’D HAVE PULLED MY GROIN!’Foden, meanwhile, joked: “I just spoke to him and said: ‘If I tried to do that I’d pull my groin!'”I don’t know how he did it I just think it’s just his long legs. He’s a freak, isn’t he?”Opposition coach Lars Friis lamented: “What can you say? He’s maybe the best striker in the world. He’s world class. We felt we had good hands on him but then he pops up with a goal like this.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCity’s win saw them set a new Champions League record for games unbeaten in the competition.Their tally now stands at 26 – with last season’s penalty shoot-out exit to Real Madrid not counted as a defeat by Uefa due to both legs finishing as draws in regulation time.Man City ratings vs Sparta PragueBy Ken LawrenceMANCHESTER CITY put in a five star performance as they romped to victory over Sparta Prague.The Citizens ran out 5-0 winners at the Etihad with Pep Guardiola’s side bagging four goals in the second half.Phil Foden gave the hosts the perfect start as he fired in the opener inside just three minutes.Erling Haaland also got himself on the scoresheet in the second half.The Norweigian striker had plenty of attempts to score, but it was his improvised finish in the 58th minute that found its way past Peter Vindahl Jensen.John Stones made it three with a brilliant looping header to add to his solid performance at the back.Haaland got his second in the 67th minute to make it 44 in the Champions League.Matheus Nunes was also impressed as he netted from the spot in the closing stages, which added to his two assists.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of Pep Guardiola’s side…Stefan Ortega – 5Almost a spectator, but at least it wasn’t cold or pouring down.Nathan Ake – 5Back after injury and unlucky to have City’s second chalked off.Manuel Akanji – 5Training games against his own team-mates are far harder than this was.John Stones – 7Followed his winner against Wolves with another towering header.Rico Lewis – 6The young multi-tasker produced a typical all-action displayMatheus Nunes – 7He claimed two assists and bagged his first-ever Champions League goal from the spot late on.Savinho – 5Supposed to be the new Samba man but didn’t dance that great.Ilkay Gundogan – 7The midfielder cruised through the 100th Champions League game of his career.Bernardo Silva – 6Quiet, effective and a non-stop cog spinning the City wheel.Phil Foden – 7It was a slick early finish in only his fourth start of the season, but the spark faded.Erling Haaland – 9Even Pep Guardiola couldn’t quite believe his amazing airborne strike before he added his second.SubsMateo Kovacic (for Bernardo Silva 69) – 5Couldn’t have had an easier task by the time he emerged.James McAtee (for Gundogan 69) – 5A few minutes of Champions League experience with no strain.Josko Gvardiol (for Ake 74) – 5Just a pleasant walk in the park….Ruben Dias (for Stones 74) – 5He won’t have minded stretching his legs for a bit.Nico O’Reilly (for Haaland 81) – 5The young attacker replaced a living legend. 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      Inside Panathinaikos’ stadium now used by minnows with 2,500 fans – as Greek side host Chelsea in rented ground

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      CHELSEA are visiting Panathinaikos in the League Phase of the Conference League tonight at Athens Olympic Stadium.The Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) has been used on and off by PAO ever since 2005 as they swap between Greece’s largest stadium and their historic ground of Apostolos Nikolaidis.Panathinaikos are facing Chelsea away from their traditional groundCredit: GettyPanathinaikos’ historic Apostolos Nikolaidis ground is in Leoforos AlexandrasCredit: GettyPanathinaikos have beaten the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona at LeoforosCredit: GettyThe Greek giants competed at their traditional home – also known simply as Leoforos because of its position at Alexandra’s Avenue in the centre of the capital – last season.However, Diego Alonso’s side returned to OAKA for this term after previous issues with the stadium’s roof were dealt with to the satisfaction of Uefa.This comes after the ground, named after famous 1896 Olympic hero Spiros Louis, had to close due to concerns over the stability of its steel dome last year.Greek press claimed authorities lost a manual with detailed instructions regarding the dome’s maintenance left behind by architect Santiago Calatrava – who built the landmark in 2004.Read More on FootballHowever, OAKA has reopened this season and the Blues will be playing in the same venue that hosted the 2004 Olympics as well as the Champions League final in 1983, 1994 and 2007.The Athens stadium holds a capacity of 70,000, which makes it larger than every Premier League ground bar Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Wembley.The club are paying rent to the Greek state, which is worth in the range of €300,000 (£250,000).PAO have experienced immense success at OAKA in the past having beaten the likes of Juventus, Roma and Feyenoord – that was also where they hosted Ajax in the 1995-96 Champions League semi-finals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it doesn’t compare to the glory Panathinaikos have tasted at Leoforos as that is where they played in the 1970-71 campaign.That was when Ferenc Puskas’ side made it to the European Cup final – eliminating Everton in the quarter-finals along the way – at Wembley where they were beaten by Johan Cruyff’s Ajax.Chelsea Player Ratings vs LiverpoolPanathinaikos later enjoyed even more European success at Leoforos as they made it to the Champions League quarter-finals in the 2001-02 campaign by beating the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.However, this season the ground is being used by Superleague opponents Kallithea, who are renting it out and are tasked with the venue’s maintenance.The Greek club needed to meet the necessary top flight requirements to host games, such as installing CCTV, but that would have cost them around €500,000 (£416,000).And so a decision was made to move to a stadium that already has the necessary gear, while Panathinaikos make a profit without having to worry about maintenance while playing in Marousi.Leoforos holds a capacity of 16,620, which is far larger than the average 2,454 attendance rate Kallithea are currently recording this season.Panathinaikos are currently working on building their own stadium at Votanikos – a project that has been in the works in the last two decades.Moving to a new stadiumHowever, Greek reports suggest the state of the art ground, which is expected to hold a capacity of over 40,000, will be completed by Christmas of 2026 or New Year’s Day of 2027.Nevertheless, as per the current rate of construction, the stadium could open its doors in time for the 2027-28 season.OAKA is expected to be at full capacity tonight due to Chelsea’s visit, which will see manager Enzo Maresca missing key players.Levi Colwill, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson are left out.And of course Marcus Bettinelli, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia as well as star man Cole Palmer were omitted from the Conference League list.Tonight will be an emotional match as it marks Panathinaikos’ first home game since star man George Baldock’s tragic death two weeks ago, therefore a series of tributes have been organised.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth teams will be wearing black armbands while a minute’s silence will be held in Sheffield United legend Baldock’s memory.And Oaka has been filled with posters, which read: ” There’s a starman is waiting in the sky”.Chelsea face Panathinaikos at the Athens Olympic Stadium, also known as OAKACredit: GettyOAKA is Greece’s largest stadium with a bigger capacity than every Premier League ground bar Manchester United’sCredit: GettyPanathinaikos have beaten the likes of Juventus, Roma and Feyenoord at OAKACredit: Getty More

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      If Arsenal lose to Liverpool, they are OUT of the Premier League title race… the gulf is massive’

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      LOSE to Liverpool, and Arsenal are out of the Premier League title race.That is according to Paul Merson, who believes the Gunners cannot afford to fall behind because the “gulf is massive” at the top.Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes Sunday’s crunch clash against Liverpool is a must win gameMartin Odegaard remains unavailable for selection with the Norway star desperate to return to trainingQuestion marks hang over Bukayo Saka’s availability after the Arsenal ace limped off during England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece in the Nations LeagueArsenal, who sit third in the Prem after a shock 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth last time out, host leaders Liverpool on Sunday.But they will do so without the spine of their team.With captain Martin Odegaard out with an ankle injury sustained on international duty, Bukayo Saka a doubt and William Saliba suspended after a red card at the Vitality Stadium last Saturday.And former Gunner Merson believes Sunday’s crunch clash could determine Arsenal’s Prem title hopes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMerson told Sky Sports: “This is a big football match, a huge football match. “I’d go as far as to say that if Arsenal get beat here, I think they’re out of it. I really do.”And people can say ‘Oh there’s 29 games left’ but after Manchester City beat Southampton, Arsenal will be six behind them.”And if they lose on the weekend, they’re going to be seven behind Liverpool.Most read in FootballArsenal suffered their first defeat of the season after going down to 10 men at BournemouthFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”These teams put up figures and don’t look like they’re going to get beat by the lesser teams. The gulf is massive. I think this is a huge game.”Arsenal could also be without Riccardo Calafiori, who came away from their cagey 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk injured, and Jurrien Timber, who picked up a knock against PSG, when Liverpool come to town.Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal suffered with tiredness against Shakhtar Donetsk Mikel Arteta admitted his side were tired in the second half against Shakhtar, who could have earned themselves a point were it not for David Raya’s excellent save to deny Pedrinho’s long-range shot in the 92nd minute.Liverpool have a couple of injury problems of their own and have a day less to recover after their 1-0 trip to RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.Goalkeeper Alisson is out with a hamstring injury while question marks remain over Diogo Jota, after the Portugal star limped off in the opening stages of their 2-1 win over Chelsea last weekend.It may not be must-win just yet, but it’s close to must-not-lose for Arsenal.Because while the gulf is massive, the margin for error is small. Mikel Arteta’s side are already four points off leaders Liverpool and three points behind last season’s title rivals City, who host 19th place Southampton, who are winless this term.But Merson might be being too hasty as Arsenal suffered four defeats by New Year last season, going onto to lose five games all season.Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More