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      Chelsea files: Blues ‘on a knife edge’ with club facing £70m black hole if poor form keeps them out of Champions League

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      CHELSEA’S stuttering bid to qualify for the Champions League may not impact Enzo Maresca’s role but it could wipe £70million off his summer budget.The Blues remain in the hunt for a top five finish but are convincing few that they will be able to get over the line.Chelsea could risk losing £70m if they fail to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s job could also be at riskCredit: AlamyAnd another year away from Europe’s top table will come at quite the cost – with one financial expert saying they are on a “knife edge”.A run into the knockouts would – thanks to their coefficient ranking and gate receipts – net at least £90m for the west Londoners.But a year in the Europa League – which they are expected to qualify for via the league or winning the Conference League – would land them just £20m.And after having to sell hotels and the women’s team to the club’s holding company, BlueCo, in order to dance around the Premier League’s financial rules – things could get tricky.Chelsea’s latest financial results showed a profit of £129.6m, but Professor Rob Wilson, an academic lead at University Campus of Football Business, is concerned.He told SunSport: “Their reported profits are suggesting financial health, but the underlying losses basically indicate a reliance on accounting strategies.”You can’t trade on accounting strategies forever.”What you’re doing is essentially just putting off the inevitable, which is at some point you’re going to post a pretty significant loss or you’re going to have to have a big asset sale.”They are kind of protecting that with the longevity of the player contracts that they’ve been including.”They are properly on a knife edge in my view.”They are backing themselves or have already backed themselves into a pretty unmanageable corner.”Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence near training groundKEEP KEPA?GOALKEEPING has been a hot topic at Chelsea this season and it’s not just restricted to those currently at the club.The future of Kepa Arrizabalaga is also of interest as his loan at Premier League side Bournemouth nears its end.The world’s most expensive keeper is desperate to stay on the South Coast to the extent that he would be willing to take a pay cut on his present wages of around £170,000 a week.Kepa, 30, has a year left on his contract at Chelsea but he knows there is no future for him at Stamford Bridge.Kepa Arrizabalaga is willing to accept a pay cut to stay at BournemouthCredit: AlamyEven though there are serious questions about the suitability of Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, there are other keepers further up the pecking order.Even untried teenager Mike Penders seems to be more popular with Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca than Spaniard Kepa, who cost a whopping £71.6 million in 2018.Bournemouth are keen on a permanent deal and it’s believed one could be struck for around £25 million.Kepa has played the last 14 games in all competitions for Bournemouth and is close to manager and fellow Spaniard Andoni Iraola.There has been speculation that Bournemouth fancy Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher but Kepa is more likely to be the club’s number one next season.BLUECO NO-GODROPPING into the Europa League would not only pose financial problems, but a mammoth headache for Chelsea’s American owners.Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali will be forced to place their shares in Ligue 1 side Strasbourg into a “blind trust” if both qualify for the Europa League.Strasbourg’s involvement in the Europa League could be a huge issue for Chelsea if they fail to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPStrasbourg, managed by Englishman Liam Rosenior, have been a BlueCo success story and are just a point off of the Europa League places in Ligue 1.While their qualification would be celebrated, it would cause an awful lot of admin for the owners.Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe faced a similar problem.His company INEOS also owns Nice and Swiss side Lausanne-Sport.Their ownership of both has been placed into a blind trust, with Nice in the Europa League alongside Manchester United.Their both being in the same competition also saw UEFA block any transfers between the two – which put a stop to United’s move for defender Jean-Clair Todibo.Chelsea have sent a number of youth prospects on loan to Strasbourg since the two clubs were brought under the BlueCo umbrella.Kendry Paez, the Ecuadorian who will complete his move to Chelsea this summer, has been training with Rosenior’s side ahead of a possible loan move next season – which could be barred under these rules.SECURITY CONCERNSLEGIA WARSAW’S infamous ultras are on their way to London and the police are on high alert.Extra cops will be on duty for Thursday’s Conference League quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.Legia Warsaw’s ultras caused chaos outside Villa Park in 2023Credit: GettyJust 1,000 fans of the Polish club are being allocated official tickets into the away section of the away end.Although with a sizeable Polish population in London already, there could be more in the home sections of the ground.Chelsea though are confident that their robust ticket policies will be enough to stop large scale infiltration by visiting supporters.Legia Warsaw have been dogged by controversy involving their fiery fans. They have been hit with travel bans.There was trouble in 2023 when the club played Aston Villa in the Conference League – several police officers were hurt in disturbances outside Villa Park.The Met won’t disclose details of their anti-hooligan policies but issued a statement to Sun Sport which read: “The Met works closely with partners to ensure the safety and security of those attending football matches in London. We want everyone to come and enjoy themselves but we will act decisively to deal with anyone intent on causing trouble.“We have increased the policing presence for Chelsea’s home match against Legia Warsaw this Thursday to ensure it takes place in a safe and secure environment. This decision was taken following a careful assessment of information and intelligence.”Warsaw have had their ticket allocation reduced on advice from the Safety Advisory Group and Chelsea.The statement continued: “We will continue to work with the club and our local partners to ensure the safety of those attending the match and those in the wider community.”NO PROBE FOR TODDDespite outraged Chelsea fans firing off a letter of complaint to the Premier League demanding a probe into the club chairman’s links to an unauthorised ticket resale site, the police won’t be knocking on Boehly’s door anytime soon.Supporters have openly protested about the fact the leading figure in the Stamford Bridge boardroom is cashing in with a 40 percent stake in Vivid Seats – a US-based outfit that passes on match tickets, often at vastly inflated prices.Todd Boehly has infuriated fans by earning money from Vivid Seats, a ticket resale siteCredit: ReutersThe Premier League is currently considering options on what to do about the tricky situation – after all on their own website they advise customers to exercise ‘extreme caution’ when dealing with companies like Vivid Seats.But any investigation is a long way off as so far, English football’s governing body will only confirm receipt of the letter from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust.However, it is still a delicate state of affairs with the Premier League under pressure to investigate the business dealings of one of the game’s most high profile players.LEAGUE OF THEIR OWNCHELSEA Women’s final away game of the WSL season has been selected for live broadcast by the BBC.And a kick off time has now been finalised with The Blues heading to Tottenham on Sunday, May 4 and it gets underway at 2.15pm.NEW INITIATIVEANYONE attending Sunday’s home game against Ipswich will have noticed the large number of brightly coloured flags fluttering in The Shed End before kick off.The plan to liven up Stamford Bridge comes from fans’ group We Are The Shed, who are also masterminding the creation of a singing section in the famous stand.While it’s not exactly keeping the blue flag flying high, it’s good to see that some supporters are not just giving up on the fading atmospheres at Premier League grounds.Where English stadiums were once revered for their noise and sway, they are now silent tourist attractions. Keep up the good work.Chelsea Women vs Tottenham will be broadcast on the BBCCredit: Reuters More

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      Aston Villa vs PSG LIVE SCORE: Villains look to stage monumental comeback in Champions League quarter-final – latest

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      ASTON VILLA will look to the support of Villa Park to host another European classic as they seek to overturn a two-goal deficit against Paris Saint-Germain. Unai Emery’s side were outclassed in the first leg in Paris, as Morgan Rogers’ opener wasn’t enough as PSG went on to win 3-1 and take firm control of the time.The Villans’ European campaign has been littered with glorious moments so far, and will have to pull another if there dream run is to continue.As for their French visitors, the star-studded squad showed their blossoming talent in full and with the league wrapped up, the quest for Champions League success is firmly in sight. Live stream: Amazon Prime Aston Villa XI: To follow… PSG XI: To follow…. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow our live blog below… “I’m really enjoying myself in this team” – Ousmane DembéléAs for challenges, they don’t come more fierce than this version of Ousmane Dembélé. 32 goals, 10 assists places him amongst Europe’s premier players firmly casting away failed wonderkid discourse.Ahead of the match, he spoke to the media about his and team’s surge in form: “I believe I’m one of the key players in the team, but I’ve stayed the same, as always. I just try to do what I know how to do and set an example for the younger players.””Being decisive is an objective: whether that’s scoring or getting an assist. What drives me the most is winning team trophies. I’m really enjoying myself in this team.”The team has a lot of character, it doesn’t give up until the last minute. No matter what happens during the match, the coach tells us to always believe. Whether it’s the young players or the older ones, we give everything until the last minute to turn things around. I think that’s one of our strengths.”Copy linkCopiedThe challenges that faces Villa Paris Saint-Germain are currently on a four-game winning streak on the road in Europe, which equals the record set by Les Rouge et Bleu in the 1994–1995 season. Ousmane Dembélé has scored seven goals in the UEFA Champions League this season, with only four Paris players having netted more times in a single UCL campaign. Les Parisiens have scored 28 goals in the UEFA Champions League this season, thereby breaking their previous record of 27 goals from the 2017–2018 season.Luis Enrique has now overseen 100 competitive fixtures as Paris Saint-Germain manager. In his nearly two seasons at the club, the Spaniard has picked up 70 wins, 19 draws, 11 losses and, most importantly, five trophies. The one that eludes him… the Champions Legaue!Copy linkCopiedUnder the Villa Park lightsAfternoon and welcome to a massive upcoming night of Champions League football. For Aston Villa, this is exactly what they dreamed of when they qualified for Europe’s elite club competition. The biggest nights under the lights of Villa Park. Well, it’s exactly what they’re getting. Albeit with a two-goal deficit to overturn, the theatre of drama still remains fresh in the minds of hopefuls.PSG come without the bling bling nowadays but heck they’ve got some star-studded talent in the ranks, as seen in the first leg. The big one is upon us, 8pm BST kick-off with build-up and more to come.Copy linkCopied More

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      ‘Seemed like a part-time job’ – Carlo Ancelotti reveals he rejected huge role with Real Madrid future in doubt

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI has revealed he rejected the chance to take up a huge managerial role because it seemed “like a part-time job”.The Italian coach, 65, is hoping to mastermind a stunning comeback from 3-0 down for Real Madrid against Arsenal on Wednesday, although preparations have been anything but smooth.Carlo Ancelotti has said he rejected the Italian national team job in 2018He said he thought it might ‘make me lose a bit of my passion’Credit: RexAncelotti has been with the club since 2021, but he has now opened up on how he turned down the Italian national team gig in 2018, before they ultimately appointed Roberto Mancini.Speaking to Swiss broadcaster RSI, he said he rejected the role because he feared it would make him “lose a bit of passion”.He explained: “I said no because I didn’t feel like it.“I really like being on the pitch daily to prepare training sessions, and the national team seemed like a part-time job that would make me lose a bit of my passion.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”That’s the only reason.”Ancelotti’s contract with the Spanish giants runs until 2026.However, the club face a mountain climb to defend their Champions League crown and are trailing Barcelona in La Liga by four points.They also play their arch-rivals in the Copa del Rey final later this month, and if they fail to overcome Barcelona in at least one of the domestic competitions, they could be left trophyless this season.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIf that happens, ruthless club bosses may not waste any time in relieving him of his duties as manager despite his stellar record during his second spell in Madrid.Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed Real Madrid will make a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso if Ancelotti leaves.How Declan Rice can be ‘world class’ AGAIN vs Real Madrid | Tactics Exposed Deano’s DecisionAncelotti said he would discuss his future with the club at the end of the season, telling reporters: “I shouldn’t talk about things about my future, because the contract is quite clear.”Whatever it is, it will be discussed at the end of the season. The club always supports me, especially in difficult moments.”Since returning to manage Los Blancos, Ancelotti has won 11 titles, including two Champions Leagues, two league titles, the Copa del Rey and the Club World Cup.The former AC Milan and Chelsea manager joined the club from Everton, and revealed he initiated contact over a return.Carlo Ancelotti has now won 28 trophiesHe added: “Actually, I was the one who called them.”The year before, I had reached out to see if they had any players available, and we ended up signing James Rodriguez.”I knew they were looking for a coach the following year.”I spoke to the director and said they needed to get a good one.”I shouldn’t talk about things about my future, because the contract is quite clear.Carlo AncelottiAncelotti also admitted that before joining the Toffees his dream was to manage Liverpool, but after experiencing the Merseysiders’ rivalry first hand he was now “absolutely” an Everton fan.He said: “My dream was to coach Liverpool, but then I found myself at Everton and I experienced their rivalry, and now I’m absolutely an Everton fan.Read More on The Sun”I really liked the environment, because there is a spectacular passion for colours.”You also notice the suffering that the fan has for Liverpool, which for many years and still today excels in the Premier League.” More

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      How Declan Rice can be ‘world class’ again vs Real Madrid and send Arsenal into Champions League semi-finals

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      DECLAN RICE put on a performance for the ages against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final.He had gone more than 400 career matches without scoring a direct free-kick.Declan Rice produced a stunning performance against Real MadridCredit: GettyHe was all over the pitch but got forward wellCredit: SunSportThen he produced two moments of sheer class within 13 minutes to turn the tie in Arsenal’s favour.Mikel Merino turned in a superb third to give the Gunners a 3-0 lead to take to the Bernabeu on Wednesday night. And ahead of the second leg, SunSport’s tactical guru Dean Scoggins unpacked what made Rice’s masterclass so good in the latest episode of Tactics Exposed…DECLAN RICE LOOKED A WORLD BEATER AGAINST REAL MADRID… WHY?Declan Rice is a world-class football player. We talked previously about how he can be wasted in the England system.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAgainst Real Madrid, Rice played much further forward and was freed up – but don’t underestimate the Bukayo Saka factor.Jude Bellingham came back to help David Alaba deal with Saka but that moved the midfield sideways for Madrid – which opens gaps for Rice to get forward and be a threat. Minus Rice’s two free-kicks, Myles Lewis-Skelly was the best player on the pitch – he was unbelievably good. He came in to make a midfield two with Thomas Partey which took some defensive responsibility off Rice.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWHAT DO YOU MAKE OF RICE DEFYING ARSENAL’S SET-PIECE COACH AND SHOOTING RATHER THAN CROSSING?Declan Rice the leader came to the fore in this game, too. Players can magic moments. This was an opportunity and he took it. How Lewis-Skelly could be Tuchel’s secret weapon for EnglandRice told Bukayo Saka he was going to ignore the set-piece coachCredit: GettyRice pushed into the high left No8 positionCredit: SunSportIf he put it over the bar, it wouldn’t matter.Too often in football matches it has becomes robotic and turgid because players don’t want to take the risk and shift responsibility. Rice has done that brilliantly well. We saw Brennan Johnson not take the penalty against Southampton when he could have completed his hat-trick – he semi-asked if he was allowed but Mathys Tel took it. Rice owned the free-kick and is becoming the main man in a very good team.WHICH FREE-KICK WAS BETTER – FIRST OR SECOND?I think the second one. As a mid-ranking amateur footballer that I was, I judge a goal on ‘could I have done it?’If you gave me 100 attempts, maybe I could score one in a hundred for the first one – but the second one not even one in a million. No chance! The pace he hits it at, the angle, the attitude to give it a go. IS RICE PLAYING IN THE WRONG POSITION?At the moment for Arsenal, his position is here, it’s there, it’s everywhere.He’s two, maybe even three, players in one. So yes, Mikel Arteta is getting the best out of him. Out of possession, he drops in with Partey and gets back in position but they call him the ‘horse’ because he never stops running. When the full-back inverts, he can go further upfield. Lewis-Skelly is English – so can he do the same for England to get the best out of Rice in a Three Lions shirt?Read More on The SunIf you have another holding midfielder alongside Rice for England, then you can have Rice and Bellingham running from deep. Get Rice on the field and tell him to run. Rice was able to push on due to the inverted role of Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: GettyBukayo Saka’s influence cannot be underestimatedCredit: SunSportThe Englishman has been a standout performer all seasonCredit: SunSport More

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      Chelsea make Enzo Maresca decision after worrying downturn in form and taking swipe at Blues fans

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      ENZO MARESCA is safe as Chelsea boss – for now.The club’s Italian head coach retains the confidence of the club’s board despite a worrying downturn in form.Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea have endured a poor run of formCredit: RexSunday’s dismal 2-2 draw against struggling Ipswich leaves them sixth in the Premier League and out of the Champions League reckoning for next season.Chelsea’s entire gameplan revolves around returning to the money-spinning European competition as quickly as possible.Maresca’s team was booed off at half time and needed an own goal and one from on-loan Jadon Sancho to grab a point against relegation-bound Town.But Maresca’s dedication to his job and unflinching commitment to the cause mean the Stamford Bridge top brass remain convinced he is still the right man for the job.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has been in charge for less than a season since leaving Leicester City having won last season’s Championship title.Maresca, 45, is the fourth permanent manager to serve under Chelsea’s ownership since they took over less than three years ago.Yet there is no desire for another change of coach even though results have taken a tumble.A Blues insider told SunSport: “Everyone at the club is totally on board and committed to getting us back in the Champions League.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge“Enzo, the board and the sporting directors are wedded to that ideal.“If it doesn’t happen this season there will be questions asked naturally. But as it stands Enzo is still seen as the man to take Chelsea forwards.”’I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smokeChelsea have drawn their last two Premier League games dropping four points.They sit a point outside the top five which would qualify them for the Champions League after a two season absence.There are only six games left in which to make up lost ground although they do play direct rivals Newcastle and Nottingham Forest during the run-in.It’s a tough challenge and winger Sancho has called for unity in the closing weeks of a topsy turvy campaign, even though Chelsea face a tough trip to neighbours Fulham on Sunday.Chelsea ratings vs IpswichJADON SANCHO spared Chelsea’s blushes as Enzo Maresca’s side came from behind to draw against Ipswich.The relegation-threatened Tractor Boys went 2-0 up after 31 minutes with Chelsea flat throughout the first half.But Maresca’s men woke up after the break and fought back for what will still be a disappointing point as they chase a Champions League spot.So who were the shining lights for the Blues – and who had an afternoon to forget?Read Conor Jones’ ratings here to find out.Sancho said: “We really want that Champions League spot.“It’s not over, we’ve still got six games to go. From now on every game is going to have to be a final, so we’re going to need everyone at 100 per cent.“We have tough games ahead but if we stick together I’m sure we can get what we need from them.”Maresca complained that the ‘environment’ at Stamford Bridge is not helping his players in their quest to get back among Europe’s elite clubs.Read More on The SunChelsea’s demanding fans are restless and are not happy that even though the team is up against it domestically they are flying in the UEFA Conference League this season.Maresca said: “We are stronger with our fans. We are a better team and it’s up to them to decide the way to be.” More

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      Real Madrid in chaos before Arsenal second-leg with stars in bust-up, Mbappe red card shame and Modric busy buying club

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      REAL MADRID will need all hands on deck to complete an unbelievable Champions League turnaround against Arsenal on Wednesday.However, the Spanish giants have been hit by internal chaos ahead of the crunch quarter-final tie.Real Madrid have been hit by chaos ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second leg against ArsenalCredit: ReutersKylian Mbappe was sent off at the weekendCredit: AFPThe first leg at the Emirates saw the 15-time European champions fall 3-0 behind after a second half blitz by the Gunners led by two outrageous free-kicks from Declan Rice.Carlo Ancelotti called for calm ahead of the reverse leg at the Bernabeu, but it seems the message has not trickled down to his distracted multi-million pound stars.Los Blancos returned to winning ways on Sunday with a 1-0 win at Alaves, despite Kylian Mbappe being sent off for a horror tackle when he went diving in with his studs raised and caught Antonio Blanco high on his shin. Training before the game was equally chaotic for Ancelotti’s squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReports in Spain claim Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger had to be separated in a training ground bust-up on Friday.El Chiringuito claims that former Chelsea star Rudiger clattered Bellingham with a rough challenge during a training game.This prompted the England international to bite back with a scathing insult, which subsequently sparked a clash between the pair as team-mates were forced to intervene to separate them.Despite the confrontation, Bellingham and Rudiger are said to have resolved the matter quickly.Most read in FootballJude Bellingham and Antonion Rudiger had a training ground bust-upCredit: GettyLuka Modric is looking to become a shareholder in SwanseaCredit: Sunday TimesFerland Mendy has also been ruled out of the clash through injuryCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMeanwhile, news has emerged that veteran midfielder Luka Modric is set to become a minority shareholder in Championship club Swansea.A deal has reportedly been agreed that sees the 39-year-old legend acquire a stake in the Welsh club.Thierry Henry’s blunt six-word statement to Kylian Mbappe before Arsenal’s incredible win over Real MadridThe amount of the Swans he is buying and the cost of the investment is currently unclear with Modric set to join Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Nigel Morris and Jason Cohen as part-owners of Swansea.The move will not impact his ongoing playing career and he is not ready to hang up his boots just yet.But buying into a football club is likely to have been a distraction.On top of all of this, Madrid have also been rocked by news that defender Ferland Mendy is definitely out of the tie.The left-back suffered a hamstring injury before the first leg, and it has now been reported by AS there is no chance of him making a sudden comeback.That adds on to the already absent Eduardo Camavinga after he was sent off at the end of the game at the Emirates.There are also fitness doubts surrounding Federico Valverde and David Alaba, while Dani Ceballos is almost certainly out against his former club.The one boost Real can count on is the return of Aurelien Tchouameni from suspension.Speaking about the clash, Ancelotti referenced previous times huge deficits have been turned over in the Champions League, with the term “remontada” being born after Barcelona overturned a 4-0 first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.He said: “Remontada? We will try. Read More on The Sun”It happened many times. “We will try until the last minute.”Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners… More

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      How Premier League could boast ELEVEN teams in Europe next season with seven qualifying for Champions League

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      THE PREM could still have 11 teams in Europe next season – although it needs Aston Villa to pull off the mother of all Champions League comebacks to still be on.Arsenal’s quarter-final first-leg thrashing of Real Madrid last week confirmed that England will have a fifth Champions League place next term, for the first time.Aston Villa’s second leg against PSG will be integral for other Prem clubs and their European hopesCredit: EPAFulham and Brighton could still qualify for EuropeCredit: ReutersBut if Villa were to find a way of overhauling their 3-1 first-leg deficit when Paris Saint-Germain visit the West Midlands tomorrow and go on to lift the trophy in Munich next month, that would mean six Prem teams in the competition.That would even extend to SEVEN if either Tottenham or Manchester United can progress and win the Europa League.And there is the possibility of a further FOUR places on offer if Chelsea make their status as Conference League favourites count by adding that trophy to the club’s European haul.If the standings in the Prem table were not to change between now and the end of the season, the current top five of Liverpool, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Manchester City would all earn a passage directly into the initial stage of the Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEnglish football also has three more guaranteed European slots, two in the Europa League plus one in the Conference League.But only one of those places, the second Europa League spot, would normally be awarded by a Prem finish, with the winners of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup respectively taking the automatic entries.However, a Wembley Final triumph for City or semi-final opponents Forest, or for Villa if they win the Champions League, will mean the place would revert to the Prem table.With Newcastle having won the Carabao Cup, their qualification for the Champions League would open the place in the third-tier competition.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIf Chelsea win the Conference League AND qualify for Europe through their League position, England would have a maximum of 10 sides in continental action.However, if Enzo Maresca’s Blues blow up in the Prem but still win the Conference League it would open up the path for a remarkable English battalion next term.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final That could see Europa League football for Fulham and Brighton, with Bournemouth squeezing into the Conference League. More

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      Jude Bellingham ‘has to be separated from Antonio Rudiger in training ground bust-up’ just days before Arsenal clash

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM allegedly had to be separated from Antonio Rudiger in a training ground bust-up ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League showdown with Arsenal.Reports in Spain claim the pair were pulled apart on Friday during a heated session at their base outside the capital.Reports in Spain claim Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger had a training ground bust-upCredit: GettyReal Madrid teammates were forced to intervene ahead of the Arsenal clashCredit: GettyEl Chiringuito claims that former Chelsea star Rudiger clattered Bellingham with a rough challenge during a training game.This prompted Real’s English midfielder to bite back with a cutting insult.And it sparked a clash between the pair as teammates intervened to split them up.However, Bellingham and Rudiger are said to have quickly resolved the matter.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile it was noted that incidents at the training ground are part and parcel of the beautiful game.Their collision comes at a key moment in Real’s season.Carlo Ancelotti’s domestic and European champions are in danger of losing their grasp on both titles.Real are four points behind Barcelona in the title race with just seven games remaining.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWhile they are on the verge of a Champions League quarter-final exit after losing their first leg against Arsenal 3-0.The two sides collide at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, with Real needing a miracle to overturn the scoreline.New footage sees raging Jude Bellingham KICK VAR monitor in frustration after Real Madrid’s last-gasp defeatAnd they will remain without three of their regular back four defenders, with Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy all missing through injury.Eduardo Camavinga is also suspended after being booked in the first leg.But Aurelien Tchouameni is available to anchor Real’s midfield after returning from suspension. More