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      Liverpool No2 Pep Lijnders lands management job with club set to play in major tournament Klopp couldn’t qualify for

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      LIVERPOOL’S assistant manager has landed a new job as boss of a club set to compete in a competition Jurgen Klopp couldn’t qualify for.The Reds were rocked in January when their German manager announced that he would be leaving Anfield this summer.Jurgen Klopp’s assistant Pep Lijnders (left) has landed a new job in AustriaCredit: PAThe two men will both bid farewell to Anfield on SundayCredit: GettyThe 56-year-old ensured that he will depart with some silverware when guiding the Reds to Carabao Cup success in February.However, his hopes of leading them to the title are as well as their FA Cup and Europa League aspirations also being ended.Feyenoord manager Arne Slot, 45, is widely-believed to have already agreed to become Liverpool’s new boss for next season.And fans are just waiting for the formalities to be completed and an official announcement to be made with the Dutchman set to move into Klopp’s house on Merseyside.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut, while Klopp is set to make an emotional farewell to the Kop against Wolves in his final game on Sunday, two of his staff members are looking forward to an exciting new challenge.Pepijn Lijnders, will take over as Red Bull Salzburg manager after he departs Liverpool this weekend.And he will be joined at the Austrian Bundesliga giants by fellow Anfield coach Vitor Matos, who will go as his No.2.Lijnders said: “I am very proud to become the new head coach of FC Red Bull Salzburg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“This is a real privilege for me. After PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto and Liverpool FC, I am now moving to another exceptional club with a really good structure and a particular focus on youth development.“I want to develop a mentality with the team that places a lot of emphasis on attacking style of play and where passion and hunger for success are the basis of everything.Most dramatic Premier League’s final days“Together with my assistant coach Vitor Matos and the entire support team, we will do our best to help the club continue to grow in an ever-changing football world.“My family has visited the city before and was overwhelmed by its beauty and the friendliness of the people. That was the last and important step for me in choosing FC Red Bull Salzburg.”Lijnders initially worked at Liverpool from 2014 as U16s coach but then stepped up to be first-team development coach in 2015.Working initially under Brendan Rodgers, he remained in his role under Klopp before the Dutchman headed for a one-year spell as boss at NEC Nijmegen in his homeland.What they have said about Arne SlotHere’s what the experts think about Klopp’s replacement:
      MATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord
      “He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time.
      “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand.
      “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”
      SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot
      “When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach.
      “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself.
      “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”
      Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN
      “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league.
      “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”
      Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord
      “I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm.
      “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.”

      But Lijnders returned to Liverpool as assistant manager ahead of the 2018/19 campaign and played a key role in Klopp’s success.Liverpool were denied a place at the expanded 2025 Club World Cup while Arsenal also missed out after they were eliminated from the Champions League.Fifa decided that no more than two teams per country would be guaranteed participation in the controversial 32-team event with Man City and Chelsea representing the Premier League.Each Champions League winner from the period between 2021 and 2024 qualifies, meaning the 2023 and 2021 winners both make the cut.That ruled out the Kopites, while Arsenal needed to go all the way by winning this season’s Champions League to take part in it.However, they have now been knocked out of both events as a result of their defeat by Bayern Munich in the quarters.Instead, their spot will go to RB Salzburg – who will have their new man at the helm.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey’ve never won a European trophy and have only ever made it out of the Champions League group stage once.The second criteria is based on a club’s place in the Uefa Champions League coefficient over the same period, which is how Salzburg got in.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Chelsea land £5MILLION bonus from Real Madrid due to little-known Hazard transfer clause – despite him RETIRING

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      CHELSEA will pocket £5million from Real Madrid due to a little-known clause in the deal to sign Eden Hazard despite the star RETIRING, according to reports. Hazard, 33, signed for the Spanish giants from the Blues in 2019 in a deal worth £130m.Chelsea will receive £5million after Real Madrid made the Champions League finalCredit: ReutersIt comes as part of the deal Madrid made to sign Eden Hazard in 2019Credit: GettyThe terms in the deal remain valid despite Hazard retiring in OctoberCredit: GettyThe deal saw Chelsea receive £88m up front, with various performance related clauses and add-ons included.The Belgian signed a five-year deal worth £20m a season with Los Blancos but struggled with injury throughout his time at the club.After playing just 54 LaLiga games for Madrid, Hazard saw his contract with the club terminated last summer.He then announced his retirement from football in October. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the terms of the deal between Chelsea and Madrid have remained valid, according to The Telegraph.And Carlo Ancelotti guiding Madrid to the Champions League final this season has seen another of these bonuses triggered. It means Chelsea, who recently sold their training ground and a hotel in intra-group deals to help them with Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, will gain a bonus £5m.Despite hanging up his pro boots, Hazard has shown he still has his incredible football ability.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFootage showed him skinning four players in training before impressing in a charity football match in Qatar.Hazard initially came through the ranks with Lille before joining Chelsea. Watch Eden Hazard ‘leave influencer for dead’ as ex-Chelsea star skins four players before scoring in charity matchAt Stamford Bridge he won two Premier League titles, two Europa League’s, the FA Cup and the League Cup while scoring 110 goals and adding 85 assists in 352 appearances. More

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      Douglas Luiz brutally trolls Rio Ferdinand as Aston Villa reach Champions League… after biting tongue for three months

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      DOUGLAS LUIZ bided his time… but found the perfect moment to strike a blow in his row with Rio Ferdinand.The Aston Villa star and Manchester United legend first clashed earlier this season after Luiz scored against the Red Devils.Douglas Luiz has trolled Rio Ferdinand after calling him out after Aston Villa qualified for the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersLuiz previously clashed with Ferdinand after Man Utd’s away win at Villa Park this seasonCredit: AlamyFerdinand hit out at Luiz over his celebration back in FebruaryLuiz, 26, baffled fans with his “belly-dancing shimmy” after equalising, before United went on to win the match.Ferdinand took the opportunity to troll the Brazil international on social media afterwards, sharing a picture of the celebration and writing “U ok @dgoficial?” with a bunch of laughing emojis.Luiz went quiet after that – before spotting the ultimate chance to hit back on Tuesday night.Villa had cause to celebrate this time after Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City secured them fourth place in the Premier League., and Champions League football next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Erik ten Hag’s United way off the pace in eighth, Luiz tweeted: “I just came here to find out if @rioferdy5 is okay?”.Villa fans, unsurprisingly, loved it.One wrote: “Hasn’t tweeted since that game and comes back just for this. my number 6.”While another said: “Yes Dougie!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut one United supporter was quick to add: “He’s okay with all his trophies, thank you.”And Ferdinand himself couldn’t help biting back.Douglas Luiz gets over Arsenal celebration embarrassment after loved-up Valentine’s Day with Alisha LehmannThe former England captain, who won six Prem titles and a European Cup with United, simply replied with a picture of himself lifting the Champions League trophy.Ferdinand, 46, added: “Congrats @dgoficial… Champions League football thoroughly deserved next season.” More

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      Aston Villa stars and Wags go wild as Emi Martinez soaks team in champagne after Haaland goal secures Champions League

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      ERLING HAALAND sparked raucous joy amongst Aston Villa players and Wags as he booked them an historic Champions League spot.The striker’s double sunk Tottenham to put Manchester City on the brink of a fourth straight Prem title and ensure fourth place for the Villans.Lucas Digne was particularly ecstatic amid Villa’s joyCredit: https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficialKeeper Emi Martinez got the champagne outCredit: https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficialBoss Unai Emery shared the joy at the awards nightCredit: https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficialVilla players like Pau Torres went crazyCredit: https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficialHere’s the moment that left Villa stars roaring as Man City forward Erling Haaland finishes off Spurs from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersVilla keeper Emi Martinez led the wild scenes at the club’s end of season awards, soaking his fellow stars in champagne after they leapt from their seats to scream in celebration.But it was defender Lucas Digne who appeared the most ecstatic – dancing and yelling in font of the camera.Boss Unai Emery raised his arms in delight – knowing for sure now his squad will finish below only City, Arsenal and Liverpool.There was even royal rejoicing – via an official message from the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media account.READ MORE TOP STORIESVilla-mad Prince William was behind it as the club’s post confirming qualification for the Champions League earned a regal re-tweeting.William and wife Kate wrote: “We are Champions League! A historic season and an amazing achievement. Thanks to Unai, the whole squad and everyone at @AVFCOfficial. Can’t wait for next season. #UTV! W”The players were watching City’s clash at Spurs on a large screen – in electric scenes shared by Villa on social media.The room hushed as Haaland lined up a stoppage-time penalty at 1-0 up.Most read in Champions LeagueWe are Champions League! A historic season and an amazing achievement. Thanks to Unai, the whole squad and everyone at @AVFCOfficial. Can’t wait for next season. #UTV! W https://t.co/u2px5yLqkR— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 14, 2024

      Haaland was the big-screen hero for VillaHaaland’s match-winning double at Spurs delighted Villa playersCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd when the Norwegian thumped his spot-kick into the top corner to guarantee’s City’s victory, he became a Villa thriller – as the large indoor gathering 100 miles away exploded into ecstasy.Amid the back-slapping and whoops of excitement, fans noted the first reaction of many guests was to take pictures of others celebrating!Watch Gary Neville’s brilliant reaction to Aston Villa equaliser against Liverpool on live TV as fans beg ‘meme that'”Some party in here tonight!” posted one viewer.”Wild celebrations of people filming each other,” wrote another.A third observed: “Absolute scenes as everyone films everyone else. “Others put the achievement of reaching Europe’s top club tournament into spectacular context.Villa have never before qualified for the Champions League – and were last in its predecessor, the European Cup, as long ago as 1982-83, the season after they won that competition.The club only returned to the Premier League in 2018, via the play-offs, following two terms out.One fan said: “From Championship to Europe’s elite within 5 years. It’s been quite a journey.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was also not lost on many fans that Emery and Martinez are ex-Gunners.So this message in particular might be painful to Arsenal fans: “Unai Emery and Emi Martinez stopped Arsenal winning a title by taking 6 points off them? Sounds like karma to me.”Emery was at the centre of emotional scenesCredit: https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficialMartinez found it tough to take inCredit: https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial”They were playing for the consequences of the result” 🗣Pep Guardiola on Ortega and his side’s response in the second-half 🙌 pic.twitter.com/hlSsJfgKUx— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 14, 2024 More

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      Champions League winner ‘could be awarded Ballon d’Or FOUR YEARS late’ in never-before-seen move

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI could win the Ballon d’Or FOUR YEARS late – in a move almost as remarkable as his 2019-20 season.Covid restrictions robbed the striker of football’s top individual gong – despite his 55-goal campaign helping Bayern Munich win the Treble.Robert Lewandowski might get an extra gong after helping Bayern win the Treble in 2019-20, including beating PSG in the Champions League finalCredit: GettyInter Miami’s Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or for an eighth time last yearCredit: AFPBayern icon Lewandowski, 35, is still going strong, albeit for BarcelonaCredit: GettyLewandowski, now with Barcelona, is arguably the greatest modern-day men’s star never to have picked up the award.And in 2021, when Lionel Messi picked up the seventh of his record eight Ballons d’Or, the Argentine revealed everyone believed the Polish goal machine had been cruelly denied 12 months earlier.Messi told the ceremony: “Robert, you deserve your Ballon d’Or. Last year, everyone was in agreement to say that you were the big winner of this award.”Now Diario Sport journalist Ivan San Antonio claims France Football are considering handing Lewandowski the gong retrospectively. READ MORE TOP STORIESIt’s understood no final decision has been made over such an unprecedented step.But Lewandowski would reportedly be delighted to get the award – rather than frustrated at missing out when the prestigious occasion was ditched for the first time in 64 years.OneFootball quote the 35-year-old as saying: “If I won the Ballon d’Or four years later, I wouldn’t feel offended. “It would be a great honour and I would accept the award.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBALLON D’OR WINNERS THIS CENTURYLIONEL MESSI and Cristiano Ronaldo of course have dominated the men’s award this century – but the last British winner also sneaks into the list.

      2000: Luis Figo (Real Madrid)
      2001: Michael Owen (Liverpool)
      2002: Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2003: Pavel Nedved (Juventus)
      2004: Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan)
      2005: Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
      2006: Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid)
      2007: Kaka (Milan)
      2008: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
      2009: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2010: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2011: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2012: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2013: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2014: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2015: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2016: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2017: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2018: Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
      2019: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2020: Cancelled because of Covid-19
      2021: Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)
      2022: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
      2023: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

      Lewandowski’s 2019-20 term has few equals for goalscoring.He failed to net when Bayern completed the Treble with a 1-0 victory over PSG in the Champions League final – the only time he has won that tournament.Ex-Man Utd star HEADBUTTS Robert Lewandowski and then scores own goal as Barcelona suffer epic collapseBut Lewandowski’s 55 goals in all domestic football was 16 more than his nearest rival in Europe’s big five leagues – with 34 strikes coming in his 31 Bundesliga matches.Apart from winning the European Golden Shoe, he was also named Fifa’s Men’s Player of the Year – which only added to the anger from many fans and pundits when the Ballon d’Or awards were cancelled.The 148-cap hero won the German crown eight times in a row and, since joining Barca in 2022, has added one LaLiga title.And apart from his own record-breaking, he stands to become his country’s first ever Ballon d’Or winner – if France Football does opt to roll back the years.ALL-TIME TOP 10 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SCORERSROBERT LEWANDOWSKI is third on the all-time list – behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
      But Lewandowski, former Bayern team-mate Thomas Muller and Kylian Mbappe are the only top-tenners still with clubs playing Champions League football.
      140: Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd, Real Madrid, Juventus)129: Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain)94: Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Barcelona)*90: Karim Benzema (FRA, Lyon, Real Madrid)71: Raul González (ESP, Real Madrid, Schalke)56: Ruud van Nistelrooy (PSV Eindhoven, Man Utd, Real Madrid)54: Thomas Muller (GER, Bayern)*50: Thierry Henry (FRA, Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona)48: Zlatan Ibrahimović (SWE, Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United)48: Kylian Mbappé (FRA, Monaco, Paris)*
      * Includes 2023/24 More

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      Huge boost for footie fans as UK to host FOUR-DAY Champions League festival ahead of Wembley final

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      LONDON will host a four-day festival at five locations across the city ahead of the Champions League final in Wembley.The grand finale of the prestigious European club competition is returning to the capital for the first time since 2013.A four-day festival will be held before the Wembley showdownCredit: GettyLondon Mayor Sadiq Khan revealed the details todayCredit: GettyBorussia Dortmund beat the odds to reach the Champions League final this yearCredit: AFPToday, Sadiq Khan unveiled plans for the “family-friendly” celebration in the run-up to Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid’s clash on Saturday, June 1.The festival will include concerts, community events, and, of course, a lot of football.Events will be planned across five central London locations.It will take place at Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Somerset House, Potters Fields Park and South Bank.Read More in FootballFestivities will kick off on Thursday, May 30, in Trafalgar Square as the Champions League trophy is welcomed to London.The square will then be filled with inflatable football activities, a five-aside mini pitch and food stalls.This will be followed by a headline performance from Hackney’s Rudimental on Friday May 31.The show will be powered by the movement of dancing fans through a “kinetic dancefloor” before the night culminates with a DJ set by Faithless.Most read in FootballRegent Street will be pedestrianised between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus for the last two days of May to enable penalty shootout challenges and other activities.Meanwhile, Champions League legends from around the globe will be at Somerset House showcasing their skills in a five-a-side tournament.At Potters Fields Park, by Tower Bridge, a giant inflatable UEFA Champions League trophy will greet visitors, with interactive installations and activities continuing along the South Bank.It is hoped the festival, which ends on June 2, will attract many Londoners as well as the tens of thousands of travelling fans for the two teams.Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern MunichUefa’s general secretary, Theodore Theodoridis, said: “Festival-goers will enjoy a wide array of family-friendly entertainment, creating memories that will last a lifetime ahead of what is sure to be another epic encounter at the iconic Wembley Stadium.”Mr Khan said: “London is the sporting capital of the world and so it’s fitting that we are hosting the Uefa Champions League final. “I am proud that Europe’s biggest match will take place in London and delighted that thousands of Londoners and visitors will be able to experience the thrill of this special competition through the Uefa Champions Festival. “This is the start of an incredible sporting summer for London and a key part of our work to build a better London for everyone.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTransport for London has advised travellers that public transport is likely to be very busy on Saturday, June 1, particularly the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines. The Metropolitan Police have meanwhile said they will be working closely with UEFA, the FA, Wembley Stadium, local authorities and other emergency services, to ensure the safety of fans and festival-goers.Jude Bellingham will represent Real Madrid and face his former side in the finalCredit: GettyTrafalgar Square will be one event location for footy fansCredit: PAWembley will once again host the Champions League final this yearCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League permutations: All the details on title race, European spots & relegation battle as season draws to an end

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      THERE is still so much to be decided as the Premier League comes to a close on Sunday afternoon.Here is all you need to know regarding the race for the title, European spots and the relegation battle.The Premier League title race will go down to the final dayCredit: GETTYWhat do Man City need to do to win the Premier League title?Manchester City needs to win their final two games away at Tottenham and at home to West Ham to guarantee a fourth straight title.Should Arsenal lose or draw to Everton on the final day, Pep Guardiola’s side will only need to claim victory from one of their last two matches.The Premier League title could even be decided on goal difference should the two English giants end level on points.What do Arsenal need to win the Premier League title?Arsenal need to beat Everton at the Emirates on the final day and hope that Man City don’t win their two remaining matches.READ MORE IN PREMIER LEAGUEMikel Arteta’s side could even claim the trophy with a draw if City only take one point from their last two games.And the Gunners could also win the title on goal difference should the two sides end on the same points.How the Premier League title could be decided by goal difference?This season’s frantic title race could be decided on goal difference if Man City and Arsenal finish level on points.For that to happen, the Gunners must draw their last game with Everton and City draw their final two matches – or Arteta’s side lose their final game and City only take one point from the six available.Most read in FootballBoth teams could also be tied for top spot if Arsenal beat Everton and City only take four points from the last two.The Gunners currently hold a +3 goal difference to City.Who can claim a spot in Europe?Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool have all confirmed their spots in next season’s Champions League.Aston Villa and Tottenham are both still in the mix for fourth but the Villans edged closer to securing Champions League football after picking up a late point against Liverpool on Monday night.Should Spurs lose or draw to Man City on Tuesday, Villa will be in the Champions League next season.But if Tottenham win against the champions it will go down to the final day and Villa must claim at least a point to guarantee a top four finish as they have a far superior goal difference.Spurs can confirm a top-five finish if they avoid defeat against Man City on Tuesday night.If they lose to City, they could still guarantee fifth place before their final game if Newcastle and Chelsea both lose in midweek.The race for Europe will go down to the final day for both Newcastle and Chelsea even if they win on Wednesday night.However, goal difference means that should Newcastle secure all three points against Manchester United – and Chelsea lose at Brighton, it would take a minimum of a 12-goal swing on the final day for Toon to miss out on sixth.The Red Devils can claim a spot in the Europa League even if they finish eighth as they can qualify for continental football by winning the FA Cup.Should Erik ten Hag’s side lose, the Europa League football place will go to seventh position.Who will qualify for Europe as it stands?*If Man Utd win the FA CupChampions League: (1st) Arsenal, (2nd) Man City, (3rd) Liverpool, (4th) Aston VillaEuropa League: (5th) Tottenham, Man Utd (as FA Cup winners)UEFA Conference League: (6th) Newcastle*If Man City win the FA CupChampions League: (1st) Arsenal, (2nd) Man City, (3rd) Liverpool, (4th) Aston VillaEuropa League: (5th) Tottenham, (6th) NewcastleUEFA Conference League: (7th) ChelseaREAD MORE SUN STORIESWho can get relegated from the Premier League?Sheffield United and Burnley have already been officially relegated from the Premier League.Luton Town are all but down, as they will need to beat Fulham on the final day and hope Burnley beat Nottingham Forest, with a 12-goal swing required. More

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      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table as Arsenal battle Man City for title and Man Utd fight for Europe

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the outcome of the Premier League ahead of the final day.And it’s good news for Manchester City fans, with the algorithm predicting that Pep Guardiola’s men are set to win a record fourth Premier League title on the row.A supercomputer has backed Manchester City to retain the Premier League titleCredit: ReutersMeaning heartbreak for Arsenal players and fansCredit: PATo do that, they will need to win their remaining games against Tottenham tomorrow and West Ham on Sunday – which the computer is backing them to do.It means heartbreak for Arsenal – who the supercomputer are backing to beat Everton on the final day to no avail.The algorithm is built by BettingExpert’s supercomputer BETSiE, and takes in performances from this season, as well as all of last season’s league performances and pre-season friendlies.All hope is not lost for Arsenal fans, however, with the supercomputer allocating a percentage chance to the two teams battling it out for the title.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGuardiola’s City are given a 68.5 per cent chance of winning the league, with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal given a 31.5 per cent chance.The Gunners will therefore be rooting for their rivals Tottenham against City tomorrow – but the computer reckons the Lilywhites will lose.If Spurs do lose, Aston Villa will be guaranteed to come fourth and bring Champions League football to Villa Park next season.They could have things wrapped up by then though, if they beat Liverpool at home tonight.Most read in FootballUnited look set to miss out on Europe altogetherCredit: GettyVilla look set to play in the Champions League next seasonCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpurs and Newcastle United are projected to finish fifth and sixth – with sixth most likely being enough to qualify for the Europa League.Lowly Manchester United are reckoned to achieve an eighth placed finish, missing out on Europe altogether.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowThat would likely see Erik ten Hag sacked by Sir Jim Ratcliffe – unless his side can win the FA Cup.Incidentally, an FA Cup win would secure the side Europa League football – which would also turn Newcastle’s sixth placed finish from Europa League qualification into Europa Conference League qualification.But that would be unlikely given City would be entering that final off the back of winning the Premier League, should the supercomputer be correct.Should the scenario of Manchester United not winning the FA Cup play out, Chelsea’s seventh placed finish would see Mauricio Pochettino return European football to Stamford Bridge.While Chelsea are used to sitting at the top table in the Champions League, it represents a definite improvement from their early season form and dismal 12th placed finish last season.The Argentine has been coy on his future, and suggested ahead of The Blues’ match with Forest that he could leave if him and the ownership are no longer on the same page.Mauricio Pochettino’s future remains uncertainCredit: RexSunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.

      Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
      Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
      Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
      Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
      Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
      Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
      Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
      Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
      Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
      Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
      Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
      Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
      Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
      Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
      Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
      Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
      Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
      Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
      Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
      Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
      Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
      Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
      Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
      Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
      Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More