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    Brentford vs Bournemouth: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Championship playoff second-leg

    BRENTFORD welcome Bournemouth with a place in the Championship playoff final up for grabs.The Bees have it all to do after going down 1-0 in the first leg at the Vitality Stadium, which ended their 12-game unbeaten run.

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    Danjuma’s strike was enough to give Bournemouth a goal lead going into the second-legCredit: Reuters
    Bournemouth are looking to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt but were beaten here 2-1 earlier in the season.
    When is Brentford vs Bournemouth?

    The second leg of this playoff semi-final will be held on Saturday, May 22.
    Kick-off is at 12.30pm BST.
    Brentford will be cheered on by more than 3,000 fans as Covid restrictions continue to ease.

    Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
    You can catch all of the action live on Sky Sports Football.
    Coverage will begin at midday.
    If you’re not a Sky subscriber, you can stream by getting a NOW TV pass from £9.99.

    What is the team news?
    Bournemouth look set to be without Steve Cook, who went off with a knee injury in the first leg.
    Chris Mepham is ready to step in, with Jonathan Woodgate expected to field a similar XI despite that enforced change.
    Brentford have no fresh injury concerns, but may choose to tread carefully with Rico Henry who has only recently returned from a hamstring issue.
    Match odds

    Brentford to win – 19/20
    Draw – 12/5
    Bournemouth victory – 14/5
    Bees to qualify – 6/4
    Cherries to reach Wembley – 1/2

    *All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication. More

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    West Brom ‘to hold talks with Chris Wilder’ over replacing Sam Allardyce as they plot route back into Premier League

    CHRIS WILDER will reportedly hold talks over becoming West Brom’s new boss.The Baggies are on the lookout for a manager after Sam Allardyce rejected an offer to plot their promotion bid out of the Championship.
    Chris Wilder is on West Brom’s shortlist after leaving Sheffield UnitedCredit: Rex
    Having only won four of his 25 games in charge, the 66-year-old has called for the club to find a ‘long-term’ solution in the dugout.
    Lincoln boss Michael Appleton and ex-Chelsea manager Frank Lampard have been linked.
    But Wilder is the frontrunner after the Telegraph reported on upcoming negotiations between the club and coach.
    West Brom are said to be keen on a free agent with their summer transfer budget already set.
    The 53-year-old left Sheffield United in March despite leading the Blades to two promotions and a mid-table finish in last season’s Premier League.
    The Yorkshire club will fight the Baggies for a way out of the Championship next season after the pair were relegated.
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    West Brom had hoped to keep Allardyce but he confirmed his departure after the 3-1 defeat to West Ham in midweek.
    He said: “West Brom made me a generous offer to stay [but] after serious consideration I have decided not to accept it.
    “If I were to stay and achieve promotion next season the expectation would be for me to continue for at least another season and, sadly, that is not a commitment I feel able to make at this stage of my career. I’m not long-term and they want long-term.
    “I think it needs someone to take the club by the scruff of the neck and take them up.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Sam Allardyce will leave West Brom at the end of the season after failing to keep Baggies in the Premier League – Sky Sports More

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    Ryan Gauld – once dubbed the Scottish Messi – has ‘30-plus’ free transfer offers including Stoke, Swansea & Inter Miami

    FREE agent Ryan Gauld was once called the ‘Scottish Messi’ and now he reportedly has more than 30 clubs after him. The 25-year-old midfielder is said to be on the radar of some huge teams including Inter Miami, Brighton, Swansea, Norwich and Stoke.
    Ryan Gauld was once dubbed the ‘Scottish Messi’ and could be heading back to the UKCredit: Getty
    Having burst on the scene at Dundee United the ‘Scottish Messi’ tag quickly took hold.
    A dream £3million move to Sporting Lisbon – whose fans recently clashed with riot police – followed in summer 2014 for the attacking midfielder.
    But in the years that followed in Portugal, Gauld’s appeal faded as he struggled to handle the hype.
    Sporting lost faith and farmed the winger out on loans to Vitoria de Setubal, Desportivo Aves and Farense.
    He was loaned back to Hibs in January 2019 before returning to Portugal in the summer where he was sold to Farense on a permanent deal.
    Despite his initial promise not quite being realised, the playmaker kicked on last season and has attracted interest from the UK, according to TeamTalk.
    Gauld scored nine times and laid on seven assists in 33 games for Faro based side Farense this season and also won the Primeira Liga’s Player of the Month award in April.
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    But he could not save them from relegation from the Portuguese top flight.
    His contract expires at the end of the season.
    Brentford, Sheffield United and Blackburn are also said to be keeping an eye on his situation.
    And Portuguese giants Braga are said to be keen on bringing him back to the Primeira Liga.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    West Ham and Fulham lead race for £25m Adam Armstrong transfer but face competition from three Premier League rivals

    WEST HAM and Fulham are leading the pack in pursuit of £25million-rated Adam Armstrong.Brighton and Everton are also interested in the pocket dynamite front man who has hit 29 goals in all competitions this season.
    Blackburn striker Adam Armstrong has banged in 28 Championship goals this termCredit: Rex
    Blackburn Rovers are still trying to persuade the 24-year-old to sign a new deal.
    But months of talks have not persuaded the former Newcastle centre-forward to put pen to paper.
    His current contract has one year left and the Ewood Park club are now close to cashing in on the Geordie bought from the Toon for just £1.75m four years ago.
    He finished this campaign on 28 league goals to make himself the Championship’s second-top scorer behind Ivan Toney.
    Boss Tony Mowbray has admitted that Prem clubs wouldn’t be ‘doing their job’ if they were not tracking Armstrong.
    Speaking earlier this month, Mowbray said: “They (Premier League clubs) are not doing their job if they’re not looking at Adam Armstrong.
    “That’s out of my control. For Adam’s sake, let’s hope the phone rings and someone offers us a ridiculous amount of money, we shake him by the hand and we say go and bang in loads of goals in the Premier League.
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    “And we’ll use some of that money in the team and can find another striker who can bang loads of goals in.
    “That’s football, that’s happened since the game started.”
    Newcastle, who have a 40 per cent sell-on agreement, are also considering an offer.
    But Hammers boss David Moyes and Fulham counterpart Scott Parker are ready to start the bidding.
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    Sam Allardyce calls Michail Antonio’s comments ‘a load of crap’ in attack on West Ham ace and ‘long ball’ critics More

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    Cardiff star Sol Bamba reveals he’s cancer free in heartwarming tweet and vows to return ‘soon’ after five-month absence

    SOL BAMBA has completed his recovery from cancer.The Cardiff defender was told of his non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis on Christmas Eve.
    Cardiff star Sol Bamba has revealed he is cancer freeCredit: Alamy
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    But after undergoing chemotherapy, Bamba returned to training with the Bluebirds and made an appearance on the field from the bench in Cardiff’s final game of the Championship season.
    Now he has received the news his treatment has been entirely successful.
    Bamba said: “I’m now cancer free.
    “It is of course an incredibly heartwarming news for my family and I – we are over the moon right now.
    “I really want to thank everyone that has been supporting me.
    “Above all, I want to thank the family at the NHS who took such good care of me.
    “I will always be grateful. Thank you to all my family, my friends, of course the club and everyone in the football industry that has helped me face this challenge.
    “Hopefully, I will see you soon again on the pitch.”
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    Hey everyone, just a quick message to inform you that I’m now cancer free ! It is of course an incredibly heartwarming news for my family and I, we are over the moon right now. I really want to thank each and everyone that has been supporting me, wether it’s been with a comment, pic.twitter.com/7weE6JzCTa— Sol Bamba (@Sol14Bamba) May 20, 2021

    Thank you to all my family, my friends and of course the club and everyone one in the football industry that has helped me facing this challenge. I wish you all a blessed day and hopefully will see you soon again on the pitch. Sol 💙— Sol Bamba (@Sol14Bamba) May 20, 2021

    Bamba made the bench for the final day of the Championship season as his side relegated Rotherham.
    And with his contract expiring this summer, he was given a chance to get out on the pitch for just the seventh time this season.
    He replaced Josh Murphy in the 95th minute and was given a warm embrace as he made his way onto the field.
    Fans were made aware of Bamba’s potential involvement ahead of the game when he uploaded a picture online.
    It showed his kit and boots laid out and ready and he simply shared them with a blue heart and angel emoji.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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    Kiyan Prince’s family hail FIFA 21 tribute to QPR teenager on 15th anniversary of tragic death

    KIYAN PRINCE’S dream of playing for Queens Park Rangers has finally been realised through the FIFA 21 video game on the 15th anniversary of the academy star’s tragic death.Superhoops hopeful Kiyan was stabbed and killed in West London at the age of 15 while trying to break up a fight.
    Kiyan Prince is being added to FIFA 21 as a playable character for QPR
    The academy starlet was fatally stabbed in 2006 at the age of 15
    His father, Dr Mark Prince OBE, has led an incredible campaign to educate youngsters on the dangers of violent crime alongside Championship side QPR, who even named their stadium after the Kiyan Prince Foundation.
    Developers at visual effects company Framestore, together with the Prince family, EA Sports and Bradford University, have collaborated to create a likeness of Kiyan that is now playable on FIFA 21.
    The talented footballer will go straight into the QPR squad with the No30 shirt to show the world the star that he would have become.
    And Dr Prince has hailed the idea as both a perfect tribute to his son and a vital reminder to youngsters that knives are not the answer.
    He told SunSport: “This fitted perfectly with my gut and my spirit telling me that Kiyan was never going to just fade away into obscurity.
    “I was over the moon and felt in my heart that this was meant to be.”
    QPR director of football Les Ferdinand also backed the idea as the club continues its work in the community, which includes its exemplary response to the Grenfell Tower disaster.
    He said: “Kiyan is very much still in our hearts and minds and for this to come to fruition is a huge honour for him and his family.
    Kiyan’s father, Dr Mark Prince (right) has revealed his happiness at the tribute
    QPR director of football Les Ferdinand has also given his backingCredit: PA
    “We are a community club and take our role very seriously, and he was one of the members of our community, someone we had high hopes for.
    “All the supporters will be immensely proud to see him recognised in this way.”
    Dr Prince has told gamers to expect the 30-year-old playable Kiyan Prince to be a powerful, dynamic player.
    In describing Kiyan’s playing style, he said: “In a word: powerful.
    “If you’d have seen this guy at 15… most people thought he was in an adult body. His power, driving through midfield, going down the wing, was ridiculous.
    “He was very confident, had great leadership qualities, he really lifted his team and brought his energy to the pitch.”
    Not only will Kiyan feature in the game but a direct link to the Foundation will offer users the education and advice services Dr Prince has dedicated his time to providing.
    The former boxer outlined his fear that the war on knife crime is failing, urging everyone from the top to the bottom of society to increase their efforts against it.
    My son didn’t die for me to just sit around and have him in the game, this is to get to the very highest levels.Dr Mark PrinceKiyan’s Father
    He continued: “You see all the time, the violence on the streets is increasing.
    “The mindset of these people is to resolve conflict with knives and that has to be stopped.
    “My son didn’t die for me to just sit around and have him in the game, this is to get to the very highest levels – to lobby for change in policy and law so that there is a system that doesn’t just criminalise young people but cares enough to find out what the real problem is, tackle it, and restore them back to the community.”
    The Foundation is looking to work with the army, Government, parents and more to provide support for those who may be turning to knives as a way of dealing with their personal issues.
    Dr Mark said: “I didn’t just want Kiyan in the game, because the story is bigger than that. 
    “This is about the next generation and creating change, reaching more of them to show them that there is a better way. That there’s nothing that can prevent you from becoming successful.
    Kiyan will don the No30 shirt in FIFA 21
    The Superhoops hopeful’s dream of playing for the club will finally be fulfilled
    “On the game you will have access to the Foundation where we will take you through the process; help you with employment, your education, your mindset. We can help. 
    “We’re providing the same sort of support for you to be great that Kiyan received for him to be great.”
    Ex-England striker Ferdinand, who grew up in West London, outlined how football can play a major role in keeping the streets safe.
    He said: “We’re all looking for ways to help in the best possible way.
    “If this can bring it home to people and this helps them to change their behaviours then this can only be a good thing. 
    “I think we’re all baffled at what it is that we can do, we talk about whether the Government or police can do more. But we need to do everything we can as individuals to try and help this situation because we’re hearing about it all too often.
    “There is not a day or week where it isn’t talked about on the news and unfortunately it seems to be getting worse rather than better.

    “I’ve got kids, I know the players who have kids, are all terrified of them walking the streets because of this situation.
    “That’s why this has come to fruition as we know football plays a big role in many of these young men’s lives and hopefully this can help.
    “Mark is an inspiration as he goes into places each and every day, trying to get these guys off the streets, to educate them on knife crime.
    “He’s having to live what happened to his son each and every day, we’re backing him as much as we can to hopefully eradicate what’s going on in this country.”
    Members of the public who want to support the campaign can donate to the Kiyan Prince Foundation by texting KPF (then the amount) to 70490. For more information please visit: https://www.thekpf.com/.
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    Barnsley 0 Swansea 1 LIVE REACTION: Ayew curler seals vital win in Championship play-off first leg – latest updates

    SWANSEA beat Barnsley 1-0 at Oakwell thanks to Andre Ayew’s curled effort in the first half of their Championship play-off clash.
    RESULT: Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    Barnsley XI: Collins, Brittain, Sibbick, Helik, Andersen, Styles, Mowatt, Palmer, Dike, Frieser, Woodrow
    Swansea XI: Woodman, Naughton, Cabango, Guehi, Bidwell, Fulton, Grimes, Hourihane, Ayew, Lowe, Cullen

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    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    THAT’S ALL FOR TONIGHT!
    Swansea have the advantage from the first leg but Barnsley aren’t out of this yet. 
    Andre Ayew will take the headlines for his superb match-winning strike, but the Swans were indebted to several fine saves by Freddy Woodman.
    See you at the Liberty for the second leg on Saturday!
    SWANS REACTION
    Swansea boss Steve Cooper said: “It was a good effort from the boys. We knew the game would be a certain type. We managed to show some bits of quality, the goal being the obvious one. I can’t wait to get back to our place on Saturday.
    “It was fine margins really, but I was really pleased with the resilience of the lads and the effort they had.
    “We’ve been here before and the final whistle in the next game is the most important one.
    “Andre’s a brilliant lad and a really good player. He came up with a bit of magic but it’s only half-time.”
    MARVELLOUS MARC
    After his side’s victory, Swansea defender Marc Guehi told Sky Sports: “It’s a massive performance. We knew how tough it was going to be. I love defending but it starts from the front.
    “I was a fantastic finish from Andre Ayew. He’s done that all season for us.”

    FREDDY FOILS TYKES
    Here’s that save from Freddy Woodman that kept his side in front. He’s now kept 22 clean sheets this season. Some going.
    Big chance! Barnsley right on the front foot at the start of the second half. Watch Barnsley vs Swansea live on Sky Sports 📺 pic.twitter.com/KOR6uFb5pf— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 17, 2021

    FT: Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    It’s advantage Swansea ahead of the return leg at the Liberty on Saturday. They have Andre Ayew to thank for a brilliant first-half strike, but Freddy Woodman was also outstanding in a frantic second period to keep Barnsley at bay. It’s still all to play for, as the saying goes, but Swansea have the edge.

    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES!
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    90+2. How has that stayed out? Morris’ flick from a corner comes back off the crossbar.
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    90. There will be three added minutes. Can Barnsley snatch a draw?
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    88. Victor Adeboyejo comes on for Dike. It’s been a disappointing night for the American who was playing in front of the Barnsley fans for the first time.
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    Ayew tries a repeat of his opener but this time Andersen makes the block. Grimes then has a go from range but Collins – eventually – claims the ball.
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    78. Second change for Barnsley as Jordan Williams replaces Romal Palmer. Swansea look happy to see this one out.
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    74. Woodrow is adamant he was fouled by Naughton just outside the box. Replays show the Swansea man got the ball.
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    70. Mowatt almost gets in behind the Swansea defence but Woodman races off his line to clear the danger. At the other end, Lowe engineers a half-chance for himself but shoots high and wide.
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    69. Substitution for Swansea. Wayne Routledge, now 36, replaces Liam Cullen as the Swans add a bit of experience to their XI.
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    67. Hourihane’s free-kick from the left almost catches out Collins but the keeper manages to claw the ball away from under the crossbar. Pretty sure Hourihane didn’t mean that.
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    64. Barnsley break from a Swansea corner. It’s three-v-two but Dike overcooks his cross and the danger passes. That was a real opportunity to do some damage.
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    60. Mowatt and Fulton engage in a touch of pushing and shoving as Barnsley look to take a free-kick. The referee steps in to cool things down. Things have calmed down on the football front too after that crazy start to the second half.
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    54. Guehi hauls back Dike on the halfway line but escapes a booking. Valerien Ismael is fuming.
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    53. Woodrow’s free-kick bounces just in front of Woodman but he manages to hold onto the ball at the second attempt. 
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    52. Yellow card. Ayew goes into the book for fouling Morris just outside the box. Free-kick in a good position for the Tykes. This second half has started at a million miles an hour.
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    50. This is better from Barnsley. Mowatt’s 25-yard strike is deflected wide by Bidwell. The resulting corner is met by Dike but he heads wide. Should have done better.
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    48. What a save by Woodman. He fumbles Morris’ shot before leaping to his feet to deny Brittain from close range. Brilliant stop.
    Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    47. As expected, Barnsley start the second half on the front foot. Brittain scampers to reach a pass but his cross from the byline goes into the side-netting.
    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!OFF WE GO AGAIN!
    46. There’s a change by Barnsley for the start of the second half. Carlton Morris is on for Dominik Frieser. Morris has scored five goals off the bench this season. He’d love to make that six but Barnsley will need to ask more questions of Steve Cooper’s side.
    PEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!
    HT: Barnsley 0-1 Swansea
    Andre Ayew’s wonderful strike for the visitors has lit up a somewhat scrappy affair. Barnsley need to improve after the break. Woodman hasn’t really been tested in the Swansea goal.

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    Barnsley 0 Swansea 1: Andre Ayew fires visitors to victory in first leg of Championship play-off battle

    ANDRE AYEW showed why he gets paid the big bucks by firing a brilliant winner for Swansea.Steve Cooper’s men were under the cosh at Oakwell and had failed to land so much as a glove on Barnsley for much of the first half.
    Swansea are 90 minutes away from the Championship play-off final after beating BarnsleyCredit: Rex
    Andre Ayew scored the only goal of the game as the visitors took controlCredit: Getty
    But in Ayew the Swans have a real heavyweight champ in the final third and he knows how to land a knockout blow.
    Picking up a pass from Kyle Naughton at the edge of the box six minutes before the break, the Ghana striker stepped inside Michael Helik and Mads Andersen before thumping an unstoppable shot past Bradley Collins.
    Ayew is on around £85,000-a-week at the Liberty but his 16 league goals in the regular season – plus last night’s effort – could go a long way to landing the Swans a £200MILLION jackpot if they get promoted.
    But the Swans were also indebted to yet more brilliant goalkeeping from on-loan Newcastle ace Freddie Woodman, who made a top drawer double save to deny Barnsley a certain leveller after the break.
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    First he did well to parry half-time Barnsley sub Carlton Morris’ piledriver and reacted superbly to somehow deny Callum Brittain’s follow-up from just six yards out.
    Barnsley had the lion’s share of the game in the first half.
    Dominik Frieser had appealed for an early penalty after he went down under a challenge from Marc Guehi – but ref Geoff Eltringham waved away his protests.
    But, from a resulting throw-in, Romal Palmer had an early sighter on goal for the Tykes on the edge of the box but he lifted his effort over.
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    A bruising game saw both sides battle for dominationCredit: Reuters
    Jay Fulton and Alex Mowatt clashed during a feisty encounterCredit: Reuters

    Barnsley were bombarding the Swansea defence with long balls with big and powerful Daryl Dike looking menacing.
    On one occasion, Dike bulldozed Ben Cabango but the ball ran out for a goal-kick.
    But when they eventually did, hearts were in mouths.
    Liam Cullen cut back a super ball for Ayew and the big Ghana striker went down under a challenge from Callum Styles. Again, the referee waved away the protests.
    But then Ayew found the net with one piece of brilliance.
    The Tykes sould have levelled before the break when Romal Palmer sent in a great cross but Helik headed straight at Freddie Woodman.
    Valerien Ismael put on a passionate display on the sidelinesCredit: Getty
    Steve Cooper’s side had the final say ahead of the second leg in WalesCredit: Getty
    After a whirlwind start to the second half – which also saw Barnsley outnumber Swansea on the break but Dike overhit his pass – the Swans almost added a second.
    Conor Houriane’s whipped a free-kick into the box from the left and the ball was going directly in but somehow Collins got enough of a hand on the ball to keep it out.
    Woodman then brilliantly raced out to clear 25 yards from his own goal with Morris springing the offside trap from Dike’s pass.
    Jamal Lowe should have wrapped the game up but blazed over and Matt Grimes saw a thumping 30-yarder blocked by Collins.
    But incredibly Morris almost levelled at the death but his flick on was superbly saved by Woodman.
    Swansea legend Dai Davies looks back on his football career More