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      Inside football’s greatest cup competition where upsets are encouraged with minnows set to take on £3.5bn giants

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      EVERY year debates rage over whether the FA Cup can ever regain its “magic”.But over in France, their domestic competition is going from strength-to-strength.Stade Briochin produced a sensational upset in the last roundCredit: AFPThe lower-league side are set to take on PSGCredit: AFPUpon first inspection, you might wonder what the big deal is: after all, Paris Saint-Germain have won it 15 times, Marseille on 10 occasions.But look a little closer, and you’ll see a competition that consistently delivers drama, upsets and “magic”, every single season.This season’s quarter-finals feature just four teams from Ligue 1, with some of the top-flight’s biggest clubs having been humbled along the way.And with fourth-tier Cannes hosting Ligue 2 Guingamp, at least one team from outside the top flight is guaranteed to reach the semi-finals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLyon were astonishingly beaten on penalties by fifth-tier Bourgoin-Jallieu, who hail from a town of just 28,000 people barely 20 miles away.And the minnows very nearly backed up their incredible win, only falling to top-flight Reims on penalties in the last round.Lille, who have defeated Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Juventus on the way to the Champions League round of 16, were also defeated via spot kicks by second-tier Dunkerque – despite stars such as Jonathan David being in action.Montpellier, Ligue 1 champions in 2012, finished their Coupe de France campaign in disgrace this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAlready bottom of the table, they received no respite in the Coupe as they were astonishingly trounced 4-0 by fourth-tier Le Puy Foot 43 Auvergne.During the match, experienced captain Teji Savanier was asked “Last in Ligue 1 – does that hurt?” – to which he brashly replied: “When you’re being paid €210,000 (£175k) a month, no.”Inside PSG’s £250m lavish new training complex with luxury pools as fans joke ‘players will spend half the time lost’Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Nice, meanwhile, were beaten 2-1 by fourth-tier Stade Briochin courtesy of Hugo Boudin’s late double.Their reward? The opportunity to face Ligue 1 champions PSG in the quarter-finals.Such has been the interest in the fixture, set to take place tomorrow, that the match has been moved from Stade Briochin’s charming Stade Fred-Aubert home to Rennes’ Roazhon Park.Luis Enrique’s star-studded side will of course be huge favourites, but their lowly opponents will relish the opportunity to test themselves against one of Europe’s most in-form teams.Part of what sets the Coupe de France apart is its format.Ditching two-legged ties in 1999, the competition now automatically makes the underdog in each game the home side, provided that they are two divisions or more below their opponents.Third-tier US Quevilly subsequently reached the final in 2012, while Les Herbiers from the same level finished as runners-up in 2018.Coupe de France fixturesQuarter-FinalsAngers vs ReimsCannes vs GuingampBrest vs DunkerqueStade Briochin vs Paris Saint-GermainIn 2020, the Coupe de France also scrapped extra time, meaning underdogs just have to last 90 minutes before reaching the lottery of penalties.With the Coupe de la Ligue having also been axed that year, the competition also has maximum prestige as France’s only domestic tournament.Another fun wrinkle of the competition is that it allows clubs from semi-autonomous French regions around the world to participate.Earlier this season, AS Venus made the 30-hour trip from Tahiti to face fourth-tier ASM Belfort in round seven.While last season, Golden Lion made the 8,000 mile round trip from Martinique to face the stars of Lille, although the ruthless Ligue 1 side played their full-strength side and won 12-0.It may well be that PSG go on to beat Stade Briochin before marching to a 16th Coupe de France triumph.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut that wouldn’t change the fact that this season’s competition has been full of shocks, upsets and incredible stories.And perhaps it still has another fairytale or two left to tell.The stars of PSG will be in action against Stade-BriochinCredit: GettyLille took on Golden Lion last seasonCredit: AFP More

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      ‘I didn’t say that you clown’ – Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand locked in row over Sky Sports pundit’s Salah comments

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      JAMIE Carragher branded Rio Ferdinand a “clown” amid a heated row over the Liverpool legend’s comments about the Africa Cup of Nations.Carragher, 47, spoke on Sky Sports after his former team’s 2-0 win at Manchester City and appeared to suggest that playing at Afcon worked against Mo Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher landed in hot water over comments regarding the Africa Cup of NationsCarragher suggested Afcon doesn’t help Liverpool star Mohamed Salah’s claim for the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyCarragher branded Rio Ferdinand a ‘clown’ after he criticised his Afcon commentsCredit: RexThe legendary centre-back hinted that the Egypt international is at a disadvantage compared to Real Madrid superstars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.Carragher said on Sky Sports: “I think the problem [is] the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning, I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament [that influences who wins the Ballon d’Or].”Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr and Mbappe right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League. “Liverpool will be in that conversation, but right now [Real] is certainly the front runner.”Read More on FootballBut fellow pundits Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge chimed in to correct Carragher by insisting Afcon is a major tournament.Richards said: “Just to say, AFCON is a major tournament because a lot of people are at home saying, ‘They aren’t taking it seriously’. AFCON is a major tournament, just so you know.”Carragher asked the Man City hero if he thought Egypt had a chance of winning the World Cup. Richards replied: “No, but AFCON is big, isn’t it? You remember when he and [Sadio] Mane were going for it and…”Most read in FootballAnd Carragher interrupted the former defender by complaining:”Oh God.”Sturridge jumped in by stating it’s a “fact” that Afcon is at the same level as the Euros or Copa America. ‘Oh, God… did he say that?’ – Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at Jamie Carragher’s ‘not nice and not true’ claimThe ex-Liverpool star said: “It’s a fact. It’s a fact. It’s a fact. If you win the Euros or if you win Copa America it’s deemed to be big so the AFCON is at the same level.”Ferdinand, 46, caught wind of Carragher’s statement and argued that sort of thought process is “ignorant”.The Man Utd legend claimed he understood what his ex-England team-mate was trying to say but insists Fifa needs to work on promoting Afcon exactly like the Euros and Copa America.Ferdinand said on his Rio Presents podcast: “I think that comment is representative of the majority of the people out there. But I don’t think that’s right. It’s an ignorant thought process. “If you go to Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto’o, Riyad Mahrez, Mo Salah or Sadio Mane, they’ll tell you, ‘We have to win this’ – it’s a demand in their countries to win this.”Yes, it doesn’t get backed resources wise like the Euros etc, but that doesn’t mean you have to devalue it. It’s a continent of huge power. A continent that contributes to European football through players massively. It should be respected more than it is.Carragher slams Ferdinand”I understand what Jamie’s saying but I don’t agree with it. That’s the majority’s fault, if we’re honest, and its not right. “I think the federations like FIFA need to make sure they implement a way of thinking and language around Afcon so it equals the Euros and the Copa America.”Jamie is right in what he is saying because that is what happens. If Mo Salah won Afcon that would have no bearing on anyone when they vote for the Ballon d’Or, which is absolutely wrong.”Carragher heard what Ferdinand had to say on Instagram and hit back with a fiery response on the comments’ section.The Liverpool great branded his fellow Premier League hero a “clown” as he insisted his words were taken out of context.Carragher responded: “I didn’t say that you clown. Stop playing to the gallery like you always do.”Setting the record straightThe former centre-back tried to set the record straight with a lengthy post on Twitter.Carragher tweeted: “The point I was trying to make yesterday was that Mo Salah is at a disadvantage playing for Egypt in terms of him winning the Balon D’or.”If Salah had an average season at LFC but won the AFCON & was MVP I don’t think he would win the Ballon d’Or. Because I don’t think AFCON carries the weight of other tournaments.”But if Mbappe had an average season at Real Madrid but won the World Cup/Euros he would still have a great opportunity.”It’s not just about certain tournaments, [Andriy] Shevchenko (Ukraine), [Robert] Lewandowski (Poland) were never going to win the WC/Euros to help their case for the prize. I don’t think it’s controversial at all really it’s just a fact.”I know Mane came 2nd a few years back after winning the tournament but that alone wouldn’t have got him to that position, it was LFC being two games away from a quadruple that played a big role also.”It’s not disrespectful if I feel the WC/Euros/CP are better tournaments it’s just my opinion when I watch them. Saying it wasn’t a major competition was clumsy but I think most people watching could understand the point I was trying to make.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The face I pulled when Micah interjected was nothing to do with the merits of the tournament, I just knew as soon as he did what the reaction was going to be! I get a lot people didn’t like what I said & that’s fine.”I don’t normally respond to things on here with posts like this butI decided to tweet in the end after seeing so many phoneys jumping on the bandwagon & playing to the gallery when they knew what I meant. Good luck MO you little dancer.” More

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      It’s grim down south as London’s so-called football elite lose out again and keep the capital a trophy-free zone

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      FROM Hackney Marshes to Wembley Stadium, London is a city which eats, sleeps and breathes football.Forget the supposed heartlands and  hotbeds of the north, England’s capital boasts more professional clubs than any metropolis outside South America — 16 of them in the top five tiers, with seven in the Premier League.Arteta’s hopes of domestic silverware look to have gone againCredit: RexMaresca has a long way to go to make Chelsea top boys once againCredit: GettyAnge’s hopes of a trophy rest with the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyYet Erik ten Hag won more silverware during his dismal Manchester United reign than the whole of London put together.And after a major February meltdown, it’s highly likely that no London club  will lift a domestic trophy for a fifth  consecutive season.Arsenal have blown another title, the Gunners and Spurs lost the League Cup semi-finals, while only Fulham, Crystal Palace and Millwall remain in  the FA Cup — with none of them having previously lifted the trophy.Arsenal don’t have a striker and don’t have any discipline, Chelsea’s owners have spent a billion and don’t have any senior players, while Tottenham don’t even want to be referred to as Tottenham any more.READ MORE FOOTBALLWest Ham are the worst Premier League team in the capital after sacking their best manager in decades — and David Moyes is the only boss to have won a major trophy for a London club in front of a full stadium since 2018. If Uefa’s Conference League even counts.Chelsea won the Champions League in front of a post-pandemic sprinkling of supporters in 2021 but the Blues have lost six successive Wembley finals, while Arsenal haven’t  won the title since 2004 and Spurs have won nothing since 2008.So with London such a des res for footballers, and with more than a third  of the Premier League based in the  capital, why do all major domestic  trophies head north?The winner of next month’s Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle will be the 14th consecutive English trophy-winner from north of Watford.Most read in FootballOne common factor, a perennial  problem for all of the capital’s clubs, is the sheer weight of derby fixtures.How Mo Salah bamboozled Man City with genius ‘backpedal trick’Derbies tend to be levellers which take their toll — and while Arsenal are top of this season’s London derby table, they have lost at home to West Ham twice in succession and failed to beat Fulham this term or last.Since the exits of Arsene Wenger and Roman Abramovich — the two most  influential figures in London football over the previous half-century — the city is becoming a trophy-free zone.Wenger took the Premier League by storm with his genius during his early years at Arsenal — and kept winning FA Cups even in his dog days.By then, Vladimir Putin’s pal  Abramovich had arrived at Stamford Bridge and, as Arsenal director David Dein put it, “parked his Russian tank in our front garden and fired £50 notes at us” — before we’d even heard of FFP or PSR.With Manchester City in meltdown, this ought to have been Arsenal’s time for a first title since Wenger’s heyday. Yet five red cards have cost them up to ten points and the lack of a fit striker, or any authentic No 9, means their chances of catching Liverpool were always remote.Under Abramovich, Chelsea collected five Premier League titles and the only two European Cups ever won by any London club.Since he scarpered into exile, the Blues have become prisoners of their own dogmatic business model — signing young players on extremely long contracts, with no senior pros to guide them.Now Cole Palmer, the 22-year-old who has carried the club for 18 months, faces another season without Champions League football.And with six years to run on his Blues deal, a player who sees himself as Ballon d’Or material might soon be getting itchy feet. A Conference League title won’t cut it.Then there’s the football club formerly known as Tottenham who, in a bizarre missive, requested broadcasters no longer refer to them as “Tottenham”, only as “Spurs” or by their full name, Tottenham Hotspur.We knew Ange Postecoglou’s men were having a poor season but we didn’t realise they needed to seek a new identity under the witness  protection programme.All in all, it’s grim down south.Pep Guardiola made the north football’s dominant region – and Arne Slot is making sure things stay that wayCredit: RexEven Erik ten Hag lifted two trophies as Man Utd bossCredit: ReutersDIFFERENT LEAGUELAST season, the clubs promoted to the Premier League all went back down.While two of those relegated to the Championship came straight up and the third, Leeds, lost the play-off final.This term, the three promoted clubs look relegation certs.And all three were  hammered at home this weekend by an aggregate scoreline of 12-1.Opposition players aren’t even properly  celebrating their goals against Southampton or Leicester any more.Meanwhile two of last season’s relegated clubs — Sheffield United  and Burnley — sit in  the Championship’s top three, along with Leeds.If it seems the gap between the top two divisions is widening again, then how on Earth do you explain the plight of Luton Town?The Hatters  made a decent stab at top-flight survival last year but are rock-bottom of the Championship right now.Luton could be set for two drops in a rowCredit: RexASH CLOUDOVERTURNING the injury-time penalty awarded to Everton’s Ashley Young against Manchester United proves the supposed VAR ‘high bar’ has been forgotten and matches are again being re-refereed from Stockley Park.And, after ref Andy Madley had made an honest, instinctive on-field decision on a 50-50 call in awarding the spot-kick, it’s also possible his VAR might have had time to take into account Young’s previous for taking a tumble.Which wouldn’t be right.Ashley Young thought Everton had won a penalty against his old sideCredit: GettyLEAKY BUM TIMEIF you thought Manchester United were bad on the pitch, consider the mess behind the scenes.Chief executive Omar Berrada is threatening to sack any United employees who turn whistle-blower and leak news of plans to axe even more staff.These job cuts will help pay for billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s disastrous decision to offer a new contract to Erik ten Hag, then sack him, and to poach sporting director  Dan Ashworth from Newcastle, only to fall out with him and pay him off five months later.Ratcliffe’s chum Sir Dave Brailsford is apparently sick of hearing about the Sir Alex Ferguson era.Brailsford reckons it puts unfair pressure on the Ratcliffe regime to mention that, under Fergie, United dominated the English game, winning 13 Prem titles and two European Cups.In which case, why didn’t Ratcliffe buy a club which had never won so much as a raffle prize, and run that one into the ground instead?Ratcliffe and Berrada are trying to stop the leaksCredit: GettyHOME RULE?YOU’VE got to turn your home stadium into a fortress because it’s always tough to win  on the road in the Premier League, isn’t it?Well, hardly any tougher than winning  at home, actually.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere were seven away wins in the top flight this weekend, meaning a total of 101 home victories and 95 away successes this season.With plenty of teams enjoying success on the counter-attack, with defensive ‘low blocks’ difficult to break down and away ends invariably out-singing home fans, home advantage is a thing of the past. 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      Albanian Laura Woods leaves fans in shock with revealing pink outfit as she looks ahead to Champions League last 16

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      GLAMOROUS presenter Eva Murati left fans shocked as she wore a striking pink outfit.The 29-year-old, dubbed the Albanian Laura Woods, has more than one million followers on Instagram.Eva Murati left fans shocked with a stunning pink dressCredit: Instagram / evamuratiEva is an Albanian sports presenterCredit: INSTAGRAM @evamuratiShe also works as a modelCredit: INSTAGRAM @evamuratiEva is the host of Champions League coverage for Tring TV.She has anchored the broadcaster’s coverage since 2017 and has been working as a presenter since the age of 18.But Eva is not just a presenter, also working as an actress and lingerie model – the latter career leading to her stunning fans in a silky red outfit for a special Valentine’s Day post.Although she isn’t just a pretty face after majoring in law at the University of Tirana.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe may even dip into the world of music in the future after revealing she loves to sing.Eva will once again be back on viewers’ screens as the knockout stages of the Champions League get underway next week.And in a social media post asking fans which clash they were most excited for she left many shocked.That is because she was seen wearing a striking bright pink dress.Most read in FootballReacting to the glamorous look, one fan said: “You are breathtaking.”A second said: “So beautiful.”A third added: “Always beautiful.”Other fans responded by actually answering the question, with one pointing out Paris Saint-Germain v Liverpool, a second highlighting the Madrid derby and another saying Benfica v Barcelona.Meet glam Champions League host Eva MuratiEva Murati presents Champions League action in AlbaniaCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe 29-year-old is always joined by an all-star panelCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva also works as a modelCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe Albanian star is a Juventus fan and recently met Fabio CannavaroCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva is a fans’ favourite on Champions League nightsCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva recently presented coverage of PSG’s win over BarcelonaCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiShe also hosts magazine show Sports WeekCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe popular star also works as a lingerie modelCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva has a huge following on social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva building a huge fanbase across the globe thanks to her many talentsCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe presenter has nearly one million Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiShe has been presenting Champions League action since 2017Credit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva has also tried her hand at actingCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiWhile she would also like a go at singingCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva loves to share snaps from her holidaysCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiDuring her time off she can be found on the beachCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamurati More

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      Marco Asensio’s timely brace tempts Dream Team bosses ahead of Aston Villa’s double Gameweek 26

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      MARCO ASENSIO (£3.2m) was Aston Villa’s hero against Chelsea on Saturday.The 29-year-old, signed on loan from PSG in January, scored twice to help the Villains overturn a half-time deficit and take all three points.Asensio earned 16 points against ChelseaAsensio’s brace yielded 16 Dream Team points, more than enough to catch the eye of a few managers.In fact, the Spain international is currently the third-most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 26.A lot can change before Friday’s deadline, especially with a full round of Premier League fixtures still to come before Gameweek 25 is complete, but a certain portion of Dream Team bosses have made their intentions clear.At the time of writing, only Alexander Isak (£6m) has scored more points than Asensio this Gameweek.Asensio is enjoying a popularity boost this weekCredit: GettyThe former Real Madrid midfielder has impressed since his switch to the midlands but, prior to Saturday, he wasn’t rewarded with points to show for his efforts.But a decisive 16-point return from his first full 90 minutes in Villa colours has changed the outlook.Asensio’s heroic performance is rather timely too as Unai Emery’s side are one of just two teams set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 26.Rotation is to be expected against Cardiff in the FA Cup fifth round on Friday night but next Tuesday’s trip to Club Brugge in the Champions League has to be considered one of the more favourable European match-ups in Gameweek 26.Most read in FootballGranted, the Belgian side did beat Villa 1-0 back in November but they also finished 24th in the league phase, scraping through to the play-offs by the skin of their teeth.Rashford has made an impact at VillaCredit: GettyAsensio’s minutes are a slight concern but a match-winning brace will surely stand him in good stead for the Gameweek to come – it will be interesting to see whether he gets the full 90 minutes again at Selhurst Park on Tuesday.Marcus Rashford (£3.4m) set up both goals against Chelsea having come off the bench at half time.The 27 year-old England international has flexed his creative muscles since his loan move with three assists in four outings at an average of one every 45.3 minutes.Having been frozen out at Manchester United, Rashford has notched 23 points in three Gameweeks since his much-needed change of scenery.Rogers is a doubt for Tuesday’s game against PalaceCredit: AlamyOllie Watkins (£5.2m) and Morgan Rogers (£3.8m) have been Villa’s two best performers in Dream Team this season and both are among the most selected players in their respective positions right now.The latter picked up a minor injury at the weekend and is a doubt to face Crystal Palace but he should be available again in Gameweek 26 – the trip to Belgium is still eight days away. More

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      From Chelsea flop to not wanted by Klopp – can Mo Salah end Ballon d’Or hoodoo or will it be Madrid heartbreak again?

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      MO SALAH has spent his entire career proving people wrong.Yet for Liverpool’s brilliant, 32-year-old talisman, to be crowned the best player on the planet would be his greatest achievement – for a variety of reasons.Mo Salah has been the star of the Premier League this seasonCredit: ReutersHe flopped when he first came to England at ChelseaCredit: Action Images – ReutersJurgen Klopp originally was not keen on signing the Egyptian forwardCredit: Sunday TimesFrom being a Chelsea flop and then not wanted by Jurgen Klopp to becoming one of Liverpool’s greatest players while firing Arne Slot to a stunning debut season with 30 goals.And we’re only in February.It is inevitable that Salah will collect his second Premier League winners’ medal after Sunday’s 2-0 win at Manchester City – but could he pip Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr to the Ballon d’Or later this year?It is difficult to believe that 11 years ago last month, Salah joined Chelsea from Basel for £11m, but in his two years at Stamford Bridge made just six Premier League starts and scored only two goals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis was because he spent most of his time away from West London on loan at Fiorentina and Roma.Although fingers have always pointed at Jose Mourinho, who was in charge for much of the time when Salah was a Chelsea player, the Portuguese coach said: “For a start, people try to identify me as the coach that sold Salah. I am the coach that bought Salah. It’s completely the wrong idea.“I pushed the club to buy him and at the time we already had fantastic attacking players – Hazard, Willian, we had top talent there. But I told them to buy that kid.”Salah was sold once Mourinho had left the club and proved to be a huge hit for Roma in a £12m move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut after shining in Serie A, he returned to England for £34m in 2017 yet incredibly, the move was not initially wanted by Liverpool manager Klopp.Klopp’s first preference was to sign German international Julian Brandt from Bayer Leverkusen.Fans plead with Pep Guardiola as they spot secret Mo Salah charm offensive after Liverpool loss Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool stats Mohamed Salah has been a constant star since his arrival at Anfield in 2017…Appearances: 387Goals: 241Assists: 109Trophies: Premier League x1, FA Cup x1, League Cup x2, Community Shield x1, Champions League x1, Uefa Super Cup x1, Fifa Club World Cup x1Instead, Liverpool’s head of recruitment at the time Dave Fallows was the person who insisted on the club signing Salah.Yet the Egyptian was an instant sensation, scoring 44 goals from 52 games.Yet, he did not necessarily enjoy a close, warm relationship with Klopp. It was more professional and cordial than anything.There were occasions during his spell on Merseyside when Salah was clearly hoping for a move to Spain, hence a couple of interviews with Spanish sports paper Marca.This was a surprise because he has barely ever spoken to the English media apart from brief TV interviews directly after matches when, most of the time, he was handed the man-of-the-match award.Even last season, Salah argued with Klopp on the touchline during the 2-2 Premier League draw with West Ham.Afterwards, he said he claimed if he spoke “there will be fire” which clearly illustrated the relationship was not totally harmonious.By then, Salah knew Klopp would be heading off into the sunset and few people would have expected the forward to shine like this season under new boss Slot.Salah was one of the three musketeers alongside Bobby Firmino and Sadio Mane. Yet when his brilliant attacking unit started to break up, some Liverpool fans wanted to keep the other two.Even at the start of this season, there were some supporters who felt that, maybe, it was time for Salah to move on once his contract expired this summer.Now, though, there is not a single person connected with the club who wants their talisman to leave. Despite the mega money offers from Saudi Arabia, Salah – surely – will remain a Liverpool player.So that means he will still be on Merseyside when we have the Ballon d’Or awards later this year.There was a huge outcry in Madrid when Manchester City midfielder Rodri pipped Vinicius to the award last October. The weird thing was that everyone in Spain seemed to forget that it was actually Jude Bellingham who won the LaLiga player-of-the-year award.But Real officials made the decision to boycott the awards. And because they have made such a fuss, you would expect Brazilian star Vinicius to be a firm favourite for this year, albeit for the wrong reasons.So if Salah is to win the accolade this year, he might actually have to lead Liverpool to success in the Champions League final in Munich on May 31.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt seems a bit unfair but that is what he is facing. But equally, anyone betting against this remarkable footballer could be proved wrong. Again. More

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      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table as European race hots up with top four shock and Man Utd SIXTEENTH

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the final Premier League table – and it’s terrible news for Manchester United.The Red Devils dropped points once again at the weekend against Everton.Man Utd have been tipped to finish the season just two places above the relegation zoneCredit: GettyLiverpool are expected to win the Premier League titleCredit: AFPGoals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte salvaged a draw for United at Goodison Park following first-half strikes from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.But they were arguably lucky to avoid a loss after referee Andy Madley denied the Toffees a late penalty.The draw left Ruben Amorim and Co 15th in the Premier League table by the end of the weekend.However, they are now only ahead of West Ham on goal difference.Read More in FootballThe Hammers pulled off a shock victory over Arsenal on Saturday, putting a huge dent in the Gunners’ title hopes.Now, a supercomputer from Slingo has predicted that West Ham will surpass Man Utd before the end of the season.According to the simulation, Graham Potter and Co will finish 15th in the Premier League table, with United one spot lower in 16th.Separating the Red Devils from the relegation zone are Wolves with a total of 35 points.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe final Premier League table, according to a supercomputerBournemouth are predicted to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyAnd the teams predicted to go back down to the Championship are Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton.At the other end of the table, Liverpool are expected to be crowned Premier League champions after beating Arsenal by 11 points.Mikel Arteta lays into Arsenal flops after defeat to West Ham derails Premier League title bidManchester City and Bournemouth have been tipped to complete the top four, with Chelsea in fifth.However, due to the success of English clubs in Europe this year, the Blues will also secure a Champions League place should they finish just outside of the top four.Nottingham Forest and Newcastle will just miss out on Champions League football this season, according to the supercomputer.Instead, they will qualify for the Europa League.Meanwhile, Brighton have been tipped to make the Europa Conference League.The supercomputer has also predicted that both Aston Villa and Tottenham will miss out on Europe entirely.Spurs remain in the Europa League currently, while Villa are in the Champions League knockout stages.Tottenham are set to miss out on EuropeCredit: Getty More

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      Jose Mourinho gets huge pre-derby win after Champions League final ref is airlifted in for title clash with rivals

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      A CHAMPIONS League final referee has been airlifted in for Fenerbahce’s derby clash against Galatasaray.Jose Mourinho will be thrilled with the decision for Slavko Vincic to be given control of the potential title decider.Jose Mourinho will be happy with the referee appointment for Fenerbahce’s next gameCredit: ReutersSlavko Vincic has been airlifted in for the derby game against GalatasarayCredit: GettyThe Portuguese manager has made no secret of his disgruntlement with the level of officiating in the Turkish Super Lig.The arrival of the Slovenian referee should be a relief to Mourinho as he officiated last season’s Champions League final.The referee is deemed a complete outsider to the context of the match.It is not the first time a foreign referee has been brought in for a one-off game in Turkey.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLast year, the VAR was often manned by referees from abroad for Super Lig matches.The match between the fierce rivals is TONIGHT at Galatasaray’s RAMS Park stadium.Mourinho will be desperate for his side to win in order to close the gap to their rivals to just three points at the top of the table.He will also be hoping that there are no controversial decisions called against his team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has addressed the appointment of Vincic ahead of the match.He said: “He’s a top European referee.Jose Mourinho booked after putting his laptop in front of TV camera to highlight referee’s wrong decisionMourinho put a laptop in front of a TV camera after disagreeing with one decision”That’s important for the credibility, for the image of this match.”I’m happy.”The former Premier League manager has often called out decisions after games in classic theatrical fashion.In one rant, he exploded and accused a referee of “drinking Turkish tea” and NAPPING during a match.It came after VAR failed to award Fenerbahce a penalty for a blatant handball against Trabzonspor.He was booked in September for putting his laptop in front of a TV camera to highlight a wrong decision as his side beat Antalyaspor 2-0.Mourinho believes that decisions against his team have cost them up to 15 points across the season.He said: “Normally, we should be eight or nine points ahead.”Mourinho’s gripes have not solely been in the domestic game as he was sent off in the Europa League clash against former club Manchester United.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was incensed after Bright Osayi-Samuel went down in the box under a challenge from Manuel Ugarte.His post-match rant saw him “congratulate” referee Clement Turpin for being able to see him on the touchline and the incident at the same time.Mourinho was sent off against Manchester United in the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty More