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      in Soccer

      Premier League side set to get Christmas OFF in bizarre fixture quirk… as Chelsea and Wolves toil on Xmas Eve

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      THOMAS FRANK is planning to give his Brentford players Christmas off.Manchester City’s trip to the Club World Cup has effectively given the Bees a bonus winter break because they will not play for ten days.
      Thomas Frank is willing to give his players time off over ChristmasCredit: Getty
      Boss Frank believes his team — flying after three Premier League wins in a row — should be rewarded with a couple of two-day breaks, which is normally unheard of at this intense stage of the season.
      Brentford were due to visit City on December 23 but that has been postponed due to the champions’ trip to Saudi Arabia.
      After facing Aston Villa on December 17, Brentford’s next game is against Wolves on December 27 — also at the Gtech Community Stadium — so Frank is considering shutting the training ground on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
      Not that it takes much to annoy Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, but he is likely to be even angrier as his team must play Chelsea on Christmas Eve.
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      With a likely warm-down session on Christmas Day, he will have no time to prepare for the game at Brentford.
      Another quirk for Bees fans is they will not have to travel far for Premier League matches over the next few months.
      After a trip to Sheffield United on December 9, the next Brentford away game outside of London will be at Wolves on February 10.
      Brentford will also be boosted by the return of their suspended star striker Ivan Toney on January 17.
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      But don’t bet on him staying at the club beyond the end of the transfer window.
      Arsenal and Chelsea are targeting the striker, who has reportedly informed club bosses of his desire to leave.
      It is understood Brentford will demand £80million to let Toney leave. More

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      Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood unveils bold new look and is branded ‘perfect’ by fans in Christmas snaps

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      SASHA ATTWOOD showed off a bold new look as she got into the Christmas spirit.Model Sasha, the long-term girlfriend of Manchester City star Jack Grealish, took to Instagram to show off a collection of snaps.
      Sasha Attwood showed off a new look on her Instagram pageCredit: instargram @sasha_rebecca
      Sasha could be seen wrapping up for the winter coldCredit: instargram @sasha_rebecca
      Long-term partner Jack Grealish also made an appearanceCredit: instargram @sasha_rebecca
      Following Halloween and Bonfire Night, people have switched their focus towards Christmas.
      Sasha appears to be no different as she wrapped up for the winter cold, while also showing off a new darker shade of hair.
      One of the pictures Sasha shared showed her in a fluffy coat and beanie hat.
      A snap of a Christmas Tree was next, followed by a bouquet of flowers.
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      Grealish made an appearance in the next picture and could be seen wearing a hoodie.
      The next picture showed Sasha warming up with a hot drink, before a snap of an adorable dog.
      Sasha was then seen wearing a white shirt with a red jumper to match the colours of Christmas.
      The post was captioned: “Bit of this bit of that.”
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      Sasha could be seen getting in the festive spirit with a red jumperCredit: instargram @sasha_rebecca
      Sasha has 265,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
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      A number of Sasha’s 265,000 followers took to the comments under the post.
      One fan wrote: “You are perfect.”
      A second said: “Awww you two are the cutest.”
      A third said: “Absolutely stunning as always.”
      Another added: “Giirrlll the brown hair on u !!!”
      While a fifth said: “That coat.”
      Sasha and Grealish started dating when they were 16Credit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
      Sasha works as a fashion modelCredit: Instagram / @sasha__rebecca More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury shows off battered face after Ngannou fight with Gypsy King’s undisputed title clash delayed until 2024

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      TYSON FURY has confirmed he has no serious injuries that could threaten the December 23 undisputed decider with Oleksandr Usyk.Morecambe’s WBC heavyweight king had agreed a deal with Ukraine’s WBA, IBF and WBO to contest all the belts 48 hours before this coming Christmas.
      Tyson Fury locked horns with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou on SaturdayCredit: AFP
      The Gypsy King was dropped in the third round but secured a controversial points winCredit: GETTY
      Fury was left with a hell of a shiner on his left eyeCredit: BOXING KING MEDIA
      But-  after the 35-year-old was dropped and beaten up by MMA’s boxing debutant Francis Ngannnou on Saturday and nicked a split decision – promoter Frank Warren said it would be delayed until January or even February.
      However, 36-year-old Usyk’s team have confirmed that the December 23 date is concreted into the contract and only a serious injury and doctor’s note will delay the Saudi Arabia showdown.
      With nasty purple bruising all around his battered left eye, Fury revealed: “I’ve only got some surface bruising. 
      “There was a little bit of a head clash and a few punches but nothing major, no serious injuries”.
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      That will make it difficult for the Gypsy King’s team to push back the Christmas cracker and the potential rematch that has to happen before April to coincide with the Riyadh Season.
      Fury reckons his shocking performance was down to ring rust and the 26lbs he had to lose I’m just eight weeks.
      But he refused to blame excuses and throw shade on 37-year-old Ngannou’s superb showing.
      “I am not taking anything away from Francis Ngannou,” he told Boxing King Media.
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      The stats from the fight show Fury landed more punches overall and in the majority of the rounds
      “I trained very well and prepared very good.
      “But it’s boxing where you have good nights and bad and you just need to crack on forward and continue.
      “I felt my timing was quite off, I have been out of the ring nearly a year again.
      “I had a bit of ring rust, it was not one of my best performances, it was far from vintage Tyson Fury.”
      When asked flat-out if December 23 was still on the cards, he said: “I leave all that to my team, I don’t get involved”.
      Tyson Fury’s undisputed bout with Oleksandr Usyk is seemingly hanging on a knife edgeCredit: Getty More

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      Furious Chelsea supporters group demand Premier League make Christmas Eve U-turn as Blues slated to face Wolves

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      CHELSEA fans have demanded a meeting with Prem chiefs after their Wolves clash was confirmed as the first Christmas Eve fixture in 28 years. League bosses unveiled the broadcast selections which will have matches live on TV between December 21 and January 2.
      Chelsea fans have demanded Premier League chief make Christmas Eve U-turn on their fixture against WolvesCredit: 2023 Jason Allen/ISI Photos
      But that includes Chelsea travelling to the West Midlands for a 1pm kick-off on Christmas Eve – the first Prem game on that date since Leeds beat Manchester United 3-1 in 1995.
      And the move was slammed by fans of both clubs, with the Chelsea Supporters Trust saying: “This is totally unacceptable.”
      The Trust added: “We have made it clear that selecting this kick-off time will place another hurdle in the way of many match-going supporters.
      “We have requested an urgent meeting with the relevant decision-makers within the Premier League.
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      “We expect this meeting will be held very soon alongside the Wolves 1877 Trust and the Football Supporters’ Association.
      “And will formally request the Premier League properly consults supporters and reverses this decision.”
      Prem bosses needed the green light from West Midlands Police and Wolves’ Safety Advisory Group to reschedule the game.
      The match is one of 41 date or kick-off time changes between December 5 and January 2.
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      Over the Festive period, games will be screened every day except Christmas Day and December 29.
      Stand-out matches over Christmas include West Ham hosting Manchester United in the lunchtime kick-off on December 23, followed at 5.30 by Arsenal’s visit to Anfield.
      Armchair fans will be able to watch four games back to back on Boxing Day.
      This includes a 3pm choice between Bournemouth against Fulham and Sheffield United versus Luton – and concluding with Aston Villa at Old Trafford at 8pm.
      The “Boxing Day” matches, which run until December 28, will be on Amazon Prime – as will the midweek programme at the start of December, also split over three days.
      Other matches will be shown by TNT Sports and Sky Sports, with Liverpool playing Newcastle on New Year’s Day and Brighton at West Ham the following evening. More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League festive fixtures confirmed with Chelsea landing first Christmas Eve match in 28 years

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      THE Premier League have confirmed their festive fixture list.Footie fans up and down the country have been wondering which matches will be broadcast on tele during the Christmas and New Year period for several months.
      Chelsea and Wolves will play in the first Christmas Eve match in 28 yearsCredit: GETTY
      Newcastle and Nottingham Forest kick off the Boxing Day fixturesCredit: GETTY
      Aston Villa’s trip to Manchester United is the pick of the Boxing Day matchesCredit: THE TIMES
      And the answers to their long-burning questions have been finally answered.
      Prem chiefs announced the times and channels for their feast of festive football on Thursday afternoon.
      And the fixture which stood out was Chelsea’s trip to Wolves on Christmas Eve.
      The Molineux melee will be the first Prem match to take place on Santa’s busiest day of the year in a staggering 28 years.
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      That means Blues fans will have to make a quick dash from Molineux to Birmingham New Street Station to make sure they’re back home before the big man arrives.
      The broadcasting rights for the festive fixtures have been shared between Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Amazon.
      Newcastle’s clash with Nottingham Forest kicks off Amazon Prime Boxing Day coverage, with Aston Villa’s trip to Old Trafford at 8pm rounding things off.
      North London duo Arsenal and Tottenham will close out 2024 with 2pm matches on New Year’s Eve.
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      Arsenal’s trip to Fulham is one of two matches on New Year’s EveCredit: EPA
      The Gunners’ trip to West London to take on Fulham will be broadcast on Sky Sports at the same time as Spurs host Bournemouth.
      And footie fans are in for a late Christmas cracker on New Year’s Day as Newcastle host Liverpool at St James Park in a tasty 8pm kick-off.
      Premier League festive fixture list
      December 21
      20:00 Crystal Palace v Brighton (Sky Sports)
      December 22
      20:00 Aston Villa v Sheff Utd (Sky Sports)
      December 23
      12:30 West Ham v Manchester United (TNT Sports)Fulham v BurnleyLuton Town v NewcastleNott’m Forest v AFC BournemouthSpurs v Everton17:30 Liverpool v Arsenal (Sky Sports)
      December 24
      13:00 Wolves v Chelsea (Sky Sports)
      December 26
      12:30 Newcastle v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime)AFC Bournemouth v Fulham (Amazon Prime)Sheff Utd v Luton Town (Amazon Prime)17:30 Burnley v Liverpool (Amazon Prime)20:00 Man Utd v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime)
      December 27
      19:30 Brentford v Wolves (Prime Video)19:30 Chelsea v Crystal Palace (Prime Video)20:15 Everton v Manchester City (Prime Video)
      Newcastle host Liverpool in a tasty New Year’s Day tussleCredit: REX

      December 28
      19:30 Brighton v Spurs (Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v West Ham (Prime Video)

      December 30
      12:30 Luton Town v Chelsea (TNT Sports)Aston Villa v BurnleyCrystal Palace v BrentfordManchester City v Sheff UtdWolves v Everton17:30 Nott’m Forest v Man Utd (Sky Sports)
      December 31
      14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)14:00 Spurs v AFC Bournemouth
      New Year’s Day
      20:00 Liverpool v Newcastle (Sky Sports)
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      January 2
      19:30 West Ham v Brighton (Sky Sports) More

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      Premier League set for festive football feast with rare Christmas Eve clash and games EVERY DAY except Christmas Day

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      ARMCHAIR fans are reportedly set for a huge festive feast of Premier League action that could potentially see Christmas Day as the only day off from action.The already-stacked schedule over Christmas and New Year looks set to be even more crammed this season ahead of the updated schedule being announced.
      Armchair footy fans could be in for a real Christmas treatCredit: Getty
      Plans are being discussed for football to be screened every day bar Christmas DayCredit: Getty
      That is according to the Daily Mail, who state that “clubs are braced for a rearranged festive fixture list that could see Christmas Day left as the only one without a televised game”.
      Premier League execs are currently making their amendments to the match schedule for the back end of December and January.
      They have already announced their TV picks and alterations for the first round of games for December.
      And now they hope to confirm the Festive fixtures and their new timings early this week.
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      This fresh update states that “scheduling a first Premier League game on Christmas Eve since 1995 has been on the agenda” for bosses.
      Wolves’ home clash with Chelsea is the favourite for the controversial TV spot but that has received fierce backlash since speculation emerged last week.
      Top-flight teams are aware that further changes have been discussed and that they would enable supporters to watch at least one match per day – except for December 25.
      However, there are a number of factors to be considered before any official announcement such as travel issues, policing and broadcasters.
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      Due to the Qatar World Cup last winter, last season’s festive fixtures did not get underway until Boxing Day.
      During the 11 day period that followed there was only a December 29 that did not feature a Premier League match on TV.
      This report also states that “at least one match is in line to be pushed back as far as January 2” with the FA Cup third round taking place over the opening weekend of the New Year. More

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      in Soccer

      Shock clash revealed as Premier League’s likely Christmas Eve TV game risking huge fan backlash

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      PREM chiefs are considering playing a match on Christmas Eve for the first time in nearly 30 years.Chelsea’s trip to Wolves, initially scheduled for December 23, is understood to be the game under discussion.
      Wolves vs Chelsea is the fixture likely to be moved to Christmas Eve this yearCredit: AFP
      Sky Sports are believed to be pushing for a match on the day before Christmas to be part of their festive TV offer to fans.
      It would be the first time a top flight game has been played on December 24 since Leeds beat Manchester United 3-1 at Elland Road in 1995.
      But the idea has already brought a backlash from Chelsea fans and supporters of the Molineux outfit.
      Chelsea’s recent decision to end the subsidy for fans travelling to away matches has added to the frustration of Blues fans.
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      And there is also the likelihood of pushback from West Midlands Police ahead of a night when their resources are likely to be stretched thin patrolling the streets and ensuring revellers are safe.
      Prem bosses were due to announce the full list of December and January fixture switches on Friday.
      Instead the League only announced the seven matches moved from the 3pm Saturday slot on December 2, which include Manchester United fans facing ANOTHER 8pm away match, this time at Newcastle.
      The Prem said: “The remaining December and January fixtures will be announced early next week.”
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      Manchester City’s home game with Spurs will be the main event over that weekend in the 4.30pm Sunday slot.
      Four games – Bournemouth versus Aston Villa, Chelsea’s match with Brighton, Fulham’s trip to Liverpool and West Ham against Crystal Palace will be 2pm starts on December 3 because of European commitments the previous Thursday. More

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      We live by a stadium – now we’re being made homeless right before Christmas just because the club wants more seats

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      FURIOUS residents living right next to a football stadium have been left worrying that they will be forced out of their homes before Christmas.Disgruntled locals have blasted Blackpool football club for the “outrageous” move and said families with young children are “terrified” of being made homeless due to club expansion.
      Locals living next to Blackpool FC Stadium have been left stunned by the club’s plans to demolish houses for a 4,600 seat East StandCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      Residents living next to Bloomfield Road have voiced their concernsCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      Danielle Caton said residents are scared of getting turfed out before ChristmasCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      Robert Parkinson has blasted the proposed plansCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      Bosses at the club want to demolish their houses before the festive period so they can build a 4,600-seat East Stand at their Bloomfield Road ground.
      And Blackpool Council plan to issue compulsory purchase orders if landlords or homeowners do not agree to sell the terrace houses in Henry Street next door to the ground.
      It is thought the council are offering up to £90,000 for a house and £130,000 for a car garage.
      Mum-of-two Danielle Caton, 39, said: “I’m petrified about being made homeless just before Christmas.
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      “My landlord has accepted the offer so there’s not much I can do as it’s not my house.
      “But I’m terrified about the effect, its going to have on my son who has learning difficulties.”
      She continued: “We could end up in a hotel as a short-term measure as I want a council house.
      “There’s no way I could afford a house as nice as this as rents have gone up so much.”
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      Homeowner Robert Parkinson, 52, said: “One half of the street is definitely going in the first phase and then it looks like the other half will go after that but we’ve all been kept in the dark.
      “I have done a lot of work on our house but I’m worried we will lose money.
      “But more than that, I’m scared we’ll be forced out of our home.
      “We love it here with the football ground so close. We have residents parking permits so match days aren’t really a problem.
      “Plus my daughter has caught the football bug. She plays herself and has posters of Blackpool players on her bedroom wall.
      “We don’t want to move.”
      Mum-of-four Michaela Howard, 30, said: “The council and football club are behaving outrageously.
      “We could be forced from our homes.
      “I like it round here. We only really get problems when Preston North End fans come here as it’s a local derby.”
      Several houses have been boarded-up after being sold.
      Jonmac Tyres garage owner Jon McLoughlin’s business is at the back of Henry Street .
      Jon, 63, said: “It’s been a nightmare. The council have offered us money but are now dragging their feet and I don’t know why.
      “The football club opened a door for away fans to come out in the alley right by my garage so I have to close on a Saturday.
      “So it’s all become a big headache so I’m ready to go.
      “I have sorted out another premises but it’s all taking so long.
      “I would go tomorrow but I know some people really don’t want to go.”
      A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: “The Revoe Community Sports Village will help regenerate the local area around Henry Street by building sports pitches for Blackpool Football Club and its Community Trust, as well as development of a new East Stand.
      “We are liaising with the property owners on Henry Street around purchasing their properties through negotiation on a voluntary basis at this stage.
      “We would only explore other options if we cannot buy the houses within a reasonable timescale.
      “Some owners have chosen to sell already, and advice is available for residents or tenants who need additional support. Nobody will be asked to move out without reasonable warning and it is not our intention for that to happen before Christmas.
      “We are very aware that we are buying people’s homes and have written to all residents to offer advice and support, to make sure that nobody is made homeless by the scheme.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Blackpool – nicknamed The Seasiders – currently play in League One after they were relegated from the Championship last season.
      Blackpool FC have been contacted for comment.
      Michaela Howard is another fearing that she will be forced from her homeCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      Jon McLoughlin has called the move a “nightmare”Credit: STEVE ALLEN More