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      Arsenal 3 Monaco 0: Bukayo Saka scores twice to save wasteful Gunners and boost automatic qualification hopes

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      THANK GOD for Bukayo Saka.Without him, Arsenal could still be playing now without finding the net – the Gunners racking up enough glaring misses in either half to fill an Argos Christmas catalogue.After countless chances from the home side, Bukayo Saka opened the scoring inside 34 minutesThe England star then doubled Arsenal’s lead in the 78th minuteBukayo Saka scored a double as Arsenal eased past Monaco in the Champions LeagueSaka then set up Kai Havertz in the dying embers to make it a 3-0, in what was otherwise an own-goal but the German had it on targetIt came close to being three games on the spin in all competitions without a goal from open play before Saka stepped up in the 34th and 78th minute to decide this bizarre Champions League clash.Monaco were incredibly average, defensively naïve and offensively mute, but were in the contest thanks to Mikel Arteta’s merry band of wasteful wobblers – who ironically only had one corner kick the entire game.But in Saka, they have a man in form, a man for the occasion, a man whose numbers shine on the global stage, and even grabbed an assist from a late Thilo Kehrer own goal.He has 21 goal involvements in 21 games so far this term – nine goals and 12 assists.READ MORE ARSENALAnd since the start of last season, only Harry Kane (18) and Vinicius Jr (16) have been involved in more Champions League goals than Saka – eight goals, six assists.This European elite league phase does not look too shabby either for the North Londoners, surely coasting their way to a top eight automatic last 16 finish with four wins from six.Hale End academy grad Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, was thrown in for his first Champions League start amid yet another defensive crisis Arteta has lost sleep over.As was the case for the 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday, defenders Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko were absent with Jurrien Timber dropping out for Lewis-Skelly.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThomas Partey began at right-back for the second game in a row – another player that missed training in the build-up to this one, thrown in out of necessity.The spotlight was up the other end of the pitch, however, with Gabriel Jesus starting just his seventh game of the campaign in all competitions – his first in this competition since October 22.Arsenal Player Ratings vs MonacoGabriel Jesus missed a couple of sitters in the first halfWith just one goal to his name this term, it is easy to understand why. Arteta spent pre-match defending the Brazilian’s stinking form and insisting he would not be leaving in January.Jesus had the chance to back up his manager’s positivity with an early goal, but his current form appears to be harder to shake off than the common cold.Put through down the left inside the opening four minutes, his finish softly into the arms of Monaco keeper Radoslaw Majecki was tame and awkward.A brilliant one-two then allowed Mikel Merino to flash a delicious ball across goal. Jesus fell to the floor attempting a lunge, but he was on his toes and never getting there.Monaco were suffocating and needed to take a breath, doing some briefly as Aleksandr Golovin jinked is way into some space outside the box and worried David Raya with a whipped curler.A minor relief the French giants. Martin Odegaard responded with a curling effort of his own, trying to build some momentum and positivity with fluidity in short supply.Declan Rice took matters into his own hands by hoofing it long from his own box and Jesus was in with acres of green grass to gallop into but he never looked comfortable under the bouncing ball.Arsenal ratings vs Monaco as Lewis-Skelly gets standing ovation but Merino is heavy and slowBUKAYO SAKA scored twice as Arsenal saw off Monaco 3-0 in the Champions League.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 7/10Rarely troubled throughout the game, but did what he had to do.Commanding in the box, and pretty good distribution-wise, with only a few mistakes on that front.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A mixed bag from Partey tonight, with a few nice passes creating dangerous attacks, and a few going wildly astray.Wasn’t caused an awful lot of trouble by Monaco’s left side.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Solid at the back as per usual. Always gives you a seven out of ten.JAKUB KIWIOR – 7A capable deputy in Gabriel’s absence, sharp on the ball and dependable off of it. Equally as good as Saliba next to him.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 9Playing as a left-back, Lewis-Skelly became the latest Hale End academy graduate to make his full Champions League debut vs Monaco.A sensational bit of play to beat Monaco’s press allowed him to slot an inch-perfect ball into Jesus who set up Saka for Arsenal’s opener.Given a standing ovation by the home support when he left the pitch after 64 minutes.DECLAN RICE – 7Broke up play nicely as he always does, often sliding in to shut down Monaco attacks.Not as threatening as we have seen him be previously going forward, but that wasn’t his job this evening with Merino alongside him.MIKEL MERINO – 4I wasn’t moved.Arsenal fans might be left slightly disappointed by the Odegaard – Merino – Rice midfield they were excited about. Looked heavy and slow, and got booked.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Not his usual elegant self in midfield for Arsenal.Unfortunately let down by his end product tonight, as he missed two huge chances to double their lead either side of half-time.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 4A threat down the left side in the first half, he should’ve had an assist were it not for Arsenal’s number nine.While he showed some bright sparks, his end product in general was not good enough.BUKAYO SAKA – 8In the right place at the right time as he so often is to open the scoring after a great ball across the box by Jesus.Reacted quickly to a goalkeeper mistake and finished into the far corner for what was his seventh home Champions League goal in seven home Champions League games – clinical.GABRIEL JESUS – 5Could’ve had a first-half brace, but for his lack of composure, as he missed TWO huge 1v1 chances early on in the tie.What he lacked in finishing however, he made up for with a quality assist to set up Saka for the opening goal.SUBS:LEANDRO TROSSARD (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 64) – 5Much the same story as the man whom he replaced.JORGINHO (DECLAN RICE, 64) – 6A calming presence in the Arsenal midfield, helped to settle the ball when he got on it.JURRIEN TIMBER (MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY, 64) – 6Replaced the best player on the pitch and Arsenal’s level didn’t drop much.KAI HAVERTZ (GABRIEL JESUS, 73) – 8Put the goalkeeper under plenty of pressure to force the mistake for Saka’s second.Got the faintest of nicks for the Gunners’ third.ETHAN NWANERI (MARTIN ODEGAARD, 79) – 5Another good few minutes in the tank for the Arsenal starlet with a very bright future.Some good touches to get the home fans excited.The touch was clumsy and the volleyed finish was inviting of a save from the right leg of Majecki.How about a do-over? Jesus got that chance seconds later but the same result, driving into the box with his shot deflected into the body of the busy Pole between the sticks.Arteta kicked the air in frustration, but he was soon jumping for joy. Lewis-Skelly brilliantly wriggled out of trouble and fed Jesus down the left.This time his touch was good, his delivery across goal to the far post for Saka to nudge in even better. A goal that should have put a pin in the anxiety balloon hanging over the Emirates.Instead, it gained in size thanks to the biggest miss of the lot.Odegaard pressed like a maniac, nicked the ball off a sleeping Soungoutou Magassa, nut-megged Kehrer and was in for a certain goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, got a standing ovation at full-timeMartin Odegaard missed the biggest chance of the nightIn this sort of funk, nothing is certain. The Norwegian took several looks and shanked wide. Moments later, Odegaard fed Martinelli only for the winger to do the same.Whatever had infected Arsenal’s shooting boots, it was spreading.The half-time whistle blew to stunned silence. Odegaard shook his head and flapped his arms.The nerves were jangling after the break.Ex-Hammeer Kehrer headed wide from a free-kick and Breel Embolo should have found the bottom corner from a William Saliba error in the 65th minute.Odegaard missed another soon after, firing straight at Majecki from a cross by sub Leandro Trossard.Arsenal needed the gift of all gifts, and they got it with 12 minutes remaining. READ MORE SUN STORIESMajecki tossed away all his good work by taking too long in his own six-yard box under pressure to another sub Kai Havertz, as Saka pounced and showed the rest of his pals how it is done.Ten minutes later, with the pressure lifted, even Monaco were teaching the hosts scoring lessons, Kehrer fumbling into his own net from a cross by – who else – Saka. More

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      Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into job as Amorim’s ‘storm coming’ words come true

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      THE blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.Dan Ashworth has left his role at Man UtdCredit: ZenpixAshworth lasted just five months under Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PAThere is word Ashworth did not favour appointing new head coach Ruben AmorimCredit: AlamySunSport exclusively revealed last month that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.READ MORE IN footballMeanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.There is word Ashworth did not favour appointing his successor and new head coach Ruben Amorim, preferring an English manager with more experience in our game.Perhaps that was why ex-England gaffer Gareth Southgate’s name was always mentioned after they worked together at the FA.Either way, Saturday’s showing against Nottingham Forest, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWas it the sight of the ineffective Joshua Zirkzee coming on as a sub that finally did it?You see, the 23-year-old Dutchman was thought to be a good buy at £36.5million. Ten Hag did not agree but had the player forced upon him.Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85That is on Ashworth.Already the club are looking to offload the flop forward.The word from Old Trafford was that Ratcliffe had issued a ‘liberating decree’ when he arrived on his white charger after acquiring 27.7 per cent of the club last February.Instead, it all just gets worse. They are locked in a mess of their own making, and nobody seems to have the key to get them out.Ashworth was supposed to have it, but he spent as much time on gardening leave from Newcastle as he did overseeing much-needed change at Old Trafford.He walked through the post-match media area with a security guard and the club’s chief operating officer, Collette Roche, around 30 minutes after the full-time whistle following the 3-2 loss on Saturday.It was odd as he marched with his head down without exchanging pleasantries.As we go through that process, we are constantly learning about what the best structure will be to help us to win.Manchester United statement He was on his way to the boardroom in the East Stand to finally agree to part ways.He was apparently “not a good fit”.Although he seems to have been everywhere else he worked.But a disagreement with the others brought in to put the former foot-balling juggernaut back on the right path had done for him.The explanation from the club was that the decision had been made “collaboratively following a period of transition for the club”.Yet it was Ashworth who was supposed to be central to that transition.It was also said to be a “difficult decision”. The club stressed that they have been building “a new team and structure here at pace”.’This is down to Ratcliffe’They added: “As we go through that process, we are constantly learning about what the best structure will be to help us to win.”So, the much-sought-after Ashworth, whom the club fought so hard to have released from Toon and paid £3m in compensation for, is now felt not good enough to be part of that ‘structure’.This is down to Ratcliffe, who is already vying with the Glazers as the most unpopular man at the club.If a mutual agreement was done collaboratively, it makes you wonder why Ashworth was at Old Trafford on Saturday. Or had tea cups flown in the directors’ room afterwards?The sheer enormity of the job on everyone’s hands at Old Trafford appears to be proving too much.Not a single boss, chief executive, technical director or whatever has gotten to grips with it.Everyone has an idea of what to do but from the outside it looks like nobody has a clue. And in the meantime a whopping £1.6BILLION has been spent on players post Sir Alex Ferguson.Wilcox is now in charge of recruitment but there is nothing left to recruit anyone with.Spending rules, cost-cutting, payments to departing staff, and a massive wage bill for under-performing stars have all stymied the club.There will be no big signings in January, nor next summer.The club is stuck with this lot and they are simply not good enough.READ MORE SUN STORIESAshworth knows it, everybody knows it. Amorim said there was ‘a storm coming’.It has well and truly hit. More

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      Top five Christmas gifts for a football fan from an immersive experience to much-loved novelty fashion

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      CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and for football fans who have and know it all – it is hard to find something they will love.But we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of five sublime gifts that will leave your footie fanatic feeling like they have taken home all three points.Classic Football Shirts have shops in Manchester and LondonCredit: AlamyA fun footie experience could be something newWhether you’re looking for a memorable experience, a budget treat for your Sunday league strike partner, or need ideas for the work Secret Santa – we have got you covered. 5. FC25: £26.99 + Clothing rangeIf you’re buying for a die-hard supporter and they somehow haven’t got EAFC25, your mind should be made up already.The ultimate football game, available on whatever console you choose – it’s a no brainer to let them jump on Ultimate Team Rush and play the winter nights away with their mates. Buy it from just £26.99 here. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFC25 is guaranteed fun for any football fanCredit: Getty“But they’ve already got FC25, in fact, they never get off of it” Well, you can buy your gaming addict some clothing to match their hobby, such as these stunning numbers released by EA themselves, available until the 8th December.EA Sports’ FC 25 apparel collection has some hidden gems for gamers 4. ClubLegacyz Limited Edition Football Cards, £20Fans all over the world grew up collecting football cards as a kid. Whether they were Shoot Out specials, shiny Match Attax or magical Merlin stickers – there was something special about that feeling of pulling your favourite star. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo why not give a bit of nostalgia with a twist this Christmas?This is where ClubLegacyz comes in… forget flimsy cards with creased edges.Spending a fortune just to get some washed up players from a team you do not support is now a thing of the past too.Instead choose a premium quality card of your favourite player – limited to a small number of people in the world.Or even get a metal poster of the star of their choice to decorate any space.Club Legacyz cards have a brilliantly premium feelMetal posters offer a premium feel to decorate any roomA gift guaranteed to bring a smile to any fans’ face – shop the ultimate football cards here. 3. Football themed Christmas jumpers, £25-£45.A present perfect for the fans of any team, this will serve them perfectly for lounging around, going to Christmas parties and games over the festive season.The ultimate football Christmas jumpers can be found at Classic Football Shirts – where you can find a sublime variety of football knits.Some even feature a legendary player on the back. From Didier Drogba to Lionel Messi, CFS has it all.Their Arsenal number is invincible themedThis belter from the Man Utd treble season has a Christmas twistIf £40 is stretching your budget a bit far, we’ve got a budget option for you too…While you make a slight compromise on quality, you can make an exceptional gift from this choice of witty sweaters from GiftDelivery.Our personal favourite is this Cold Palmer “Baby it’s Cold Outside” number, but they also feature the perfect gift for fans of Bukayo Saka, Mo Salah, and of course Cristiano Ronaldo. We love this brilliant Cole Palmer jumper2. Classic Football Shirt: Price variesFrom a football fan, here’s a tip, treat them to a shirt from Classic Football Shirts this Christmas.A virtual football shirt heaven, CFS offers something for everyone – whether it’s a retro kit with a legend on the back from their favourite team.A shirt they missed out on a few seasons back at a much cheaper price than a modern strip.Or an entirely random European number, which quite frankly just looks cool as a fashion piece as well as a piece of history.Classic Football Shirts are in style, just ask Snoop DoggCredit: PA:Press AssociationDua Lipa loves a classic tooCFS has truly got it all, and if you don’t know which one they’d like the most – just treat them to a gift card.They have stores in Manchester and London – they will be almost guaranteed to find something they want.1. Trip to Toca Social: £12.50 Per PersonSo you’re after an experience, but match tickets are seemingly impossible to get a hold of and they have already done the stadium tour. Well here it is, your final destination.READ MORE SUN STORIESTOCA Social is the world’s first interactive football and dining experience, offering heaps of fun for all. You can choose from a range of mini-games, enjoy some brilliant music, and have some great food in either Birmingham or London. Try your hand at interactive football challenges against your matesHarry Kane is a big TOCA Social supporterCredit: PA More

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      Arsenal will travel just 250 miles in next 13 matches thanks to favourable fixture schedule

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      CHRISTMAS and New Year are some of the busiest times around for people, with travelling often making up a big part of that schedule.That rule also commonly applies to football, with Arsenal being no different in terms of having a busy schedule.Arsenal have avoided any huge away days over the Christmas and New Year periodCredit: GettyBut Arsenal have found some nice luck in their Christmas schedule with a surprisingly low amount of travelling on the itinerary for them over their next 13 games.In fact, they will travel outside of London just ONCE before January 22, with three away games all coming in the capital.Their clash with Brighton on January 4 2025 will be the only Premier League game that is not a London derby away from home.Arsenal remarkably play nine games at the Emirates Stadium during the run, starting with Manchester United on Wednesday and ending with Dinamo Zagreb on January 22.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe run will see them rack up just under 250 miles of travel on the road.Brighton alone will account for 177.4 miles of this overall figure.Meanwhile, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brentford will count for 21.2, 26, and 24 miles respectively.Mikel Arteta and co might have feared travel fatigue from an unfavourable FA Cup third-round tie in tonight’s draw.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, they were spared any with new travel arrangements in tonight’s FA Cup third-round draw as they were drawn at the Emirates against Manchester United. It means they will face Crystal Palace and Man Utd twice during the run.Moment huge brawl breaks out in West Ham end with punches thrown and fan knocked to ground in London derby vs ArsenalAfter their 5-2 win over West Ham on Saturday, which in itself was a trip of 11.8 miles, Arsenal are nine points off of league leaders Liverpool.The favourable fixture list of not travelling a lot could help them close that gap.In the same period, Arne Slot’s side travel to Newcastle, Girona, Southampton, West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Brentford – none of which are exactly around the corner.Regardless, Arsenal will be aiming to take advantage and chase down the leaders by the end of the season, though a nine-point lead at this stage of the season has never been lost before in Prem history.Arsenal ratings vs West HamWEST HAM and Arsenal served up one of the finest London derbies in recent memory on Saturday night, with SEVEN goals in the first half alone.The Gunners sailed into a 4-0 lead in the opening 35 minutes before the Hammers reduced the deficit with two quickfire goals, including a sublime Emerson free-kick.Bukayo Saka’s penalty on the stroke of half-time made it 5-2, becoming only the fourth Premier League match in history to see seven goals before the break.A relatively lacklustre second half followed, with Mikel Arteta ringing the changes, particularly with Wednesday night’s showdown with Man Utd at the Emirates in the back of his mind.The result pulled the Gunners up to second in the Premier League table, six points behind Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s huge showdown between the leaders and a struggling Man City.Read how SunSport’s Charlie Pittock rated the Gunners stars. More

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      Inside EFL club’s stadium with police-seized LED lights from cannabis factory helping maintain pitch

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      POLICE have gifted LED lights to Crewe Alexandra after seizing them during a raid at a cannabis factory.The Christmas donation will help to maintain the League Two side’s pitch at their formerly named Gresty Road.Christmas lights of a different variety have arrived at Crewe Alexandra courtesy of Cheshire PoliceIt came after a police raid seized equipment at a local cannabis farmsCheshire officers arrived with a special delivery to Crewe’s ground last week, according to The Mail.LED grow lights are an efficient and sustainable option for illuminating stadium grass playing surfaces and reusing heat, according to HortiDaily.And Crewe’s snazzy new lights fit the bill for a fourth-tier side battling for promotion to League One.The sponsored Mornflake Stadium is currently kitted out with a set of modern-looking floodlights.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Crewe welcomed the extra utilities that could even be used on the training ground pitches.Multiple outlets have reported several successful million-pound police raids in the area of Crewe this year.And it seems they’ve run out of places to put the seized cannabis farm equipment.Items, including compost, garden canes, flower pots and fertiliser were donated to local gardening centres over the summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAuthorities have also donated some of the cultivation material to primary schools, including electric fans.Lighting was even provided to a pigeon flying club.If I was a painter or a builder I might not be here and now I’m back in EFL after open heart surgery saved my life In June 2021, the club agreed a £500,000 naming rights deal with its long-term shirt sponsor Mornflake.Dating back to 1906, the home of the Railway Men has a current capacity of 10,100 with a complete rebuild of all four stands occurring in the 1990s.Crewe dropped to third in the League Two table after drawing 1-1 away at Carlisle on Saturday. The club, managed by former EFL midfielder Lee Bell, confirmed the LED delivery to SunSport.Crewe have confirmed the delivery to SunSport More

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      Which teams have the most favourable fixtures this December?

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      CHRISTMAS is a time for friends, family and football.The games come thick and fast throughout the festive period and Dream Team managers will need to have their wits about them if they are to come out the other side with an improved rank.The festive period is a crucial juncture in the Dream Team calendarCredit: Dream TeamMany gaffers like to take each Gameweek as it comes but it’s often beneficial to plan further ahead.With that in mind, let’s analyse each Premier League team’s fixtures between Gameweeks 13 and 17 – some teams will play NINE games during this crucial period.LIVERPOOLManchester City (h)Newcastle (a)Everton (a)Girona (a)Fulham (h)Southampton (a)Tottenham (a)Leicester (h)West Ham (a)Everything’s coming up roses for the Reds right now.Arne Slot’s side are top of the league and well on course for safe passage through to the Champions League round of 16.And it’s a great time to play Man City with the defending champions in the midst of a rare crisis.No fewer than five Anfield residents have achieved 100+ points to date – they’re flying.Most read in FootballMANCHESTER CITYLiverpool (a)Nottingham Forest (h)Crystal Palace (a)Juventus (a)Manchester United (h)Aston Villa (a)Everton (h)Leicester (a)Pep Guardiola’s winless run has extended to six games in all competitions and so it has to be considered a terrible time to visit Anfield.Erling Haaland (£8.6m) addressed his minor blip with a brace against Feyenoord but points have severely dried up for the likes of Rico Lewis (£3.4m) and Josko Gvardiol (£4.6m).Dream Team’s transfer activity suggests many gaffers have lost patience with City assets… at least for the time being.Guardiola has problems to solveCHELSEAAston Villa (h)Southampton (a)Tottenham (a)Astana (a)Brentford (h)Shamrock Rovers (h)Everton (a)Fulham (h)Ipswich (a)The Blues are one of five teams with nine fixtures to fulfil from this weekend until New Year’s Day.However, Enzo Maresca has made extensive use of rotation in the Conference League so it’s likely to be Christopher Nkunku (£4.5m), Joao Felix (£4.4m) and Mykhailo Mudryk (£3.1m) who cash in against Astana and Shamrock Rovers.Those three league games at the end of the month could be profitable for Cole Palmer (£6m) backers if Chelsea’s talisman is in the mood.ARSENALWest Ham (a)Manchester United (h)Fulham (a)Monaco (h)Everton (h)Crystal Palace (h)Crystal Palace (a)Ipswich (h)Brentford (a)The Gunners won’t be leaving London until 2025 and one suspects minimal travel time will be an advantage when the schedule gets hectic.A double header against the Eagles has to be considered a stroke of luck (facilitated by the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw) given Oliver Glasner’s men are currently languishing 19th in the table.Bukayo Saka (£6.4m) could well be a must-have asset for December as ninth-placed Fulham is his toughest domestic opponent according to the league table.EssentialCredit: RexBRIGHTONSouthampton (h)Fulham (a)Leicester (a)Crystal Palace (h)West Ham (a)Brentford (h)Aston Villa (a)Just the seven games for the Seagulls but a string of bottom-half opponents (and Fulham) until the end of Gameweek 16 appears ripe with potential.Joao Pedro (£4.1m) averages 8.7 points-per-game at the time of writing, a rate only bettered by Haaland and Mohamed Salah (£7.4m) among forwards.Kaoru Mitoma (£3.7m) and Georginio Rutter (£3.4m) might prove to be smart differential midfielders.TOTTENHAMFulham (h)Bournemouth (a)Chelsea (h)Rangers (a)Southampton (a)Manchester United (h)Liverpool (h)Nottingham Forest (a)Wolves (h)There’s almost no point looking at Spurs’ schedule because their inconsistency defies the form table; as typified by their mighty 4-0 win over Man City in the wake of their defeat to Ipswich.Son Heung-min (£5.3m) and company will be busy boys in the coming Gameweeks though with plenty of points on offer.As well as the skipper, Pedro Porro (£4.4m), Dejan Kulusevski (£3m), Brennan Johnson (£3.7m), James Maddison (£4.5m) and Dominic Solanke (£4.3m) are all perfectly viable options.Plus, Fraser Forster (£1.8m) is a potential bargain while Guglielmo Vicario (£3.1m) recovers from a fractured ankle.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWNOTTINGHAM FORESTIpswich (h)Manchester City (a)Manchester United (a)Aston Villa (h)Brentford (a)Tottenham (h)Everton (a)After a flying start to the campaign, consecutive losses to Newcastle and Arsenal either side of the international break have come as a reality check for Forest.Chris Wood’s (£3.8m) owners will be hopeful of healthy returns at home to the Tractor Boys this weekend but the schedule takes a nasty turn from Gameweek 14.ASTON VILLAChelsea (a)Brentford (h)Southampton (h)RB Leipzig (a)Nottingham Forest (a)Manchester City (h)Newcastle (a)Brighton (h)In complete contrast to last season, the Villains have earned more league points away from home this time around.Unai Emery’s men are in a bad moment right now having gone seven games without a win in all competitions.Emi Martinez (£3.9m), Ollie Watkins (£5.3m), Lucas Digne (£3.5m) and Morgan Rogers (£2.8m) are all popular selections in the realm of Dream Team but gaffers will need to see an upturn from Villa sooner rather than later.Villa’s form has fallen away in recent weeksCredit: ReutersFULHAMTottenham (a)Brighton (h)Arsenal (h)Liverpool (a)Southampton (h)Chelsea (a)Bournemouth (h)The West Londoners have enjoyed a positive start to the campaign but their next four opponents are all within the top six of the table – a tough test.Fulham will be desperate to get one over their local rivals on Boxing Day but their record against Chelsea is miserable – they haven’t won at Stamford Bridge since 1979!NEWCASTLECrystal Palace (a)Liverpool (h)Brentford (a)Leicester (h)Brentford (h)Ipswich (a)Aston Villa (h)Manchester United (a)Gaffers keen on backing Alexander Isak (£5.4m), an understandable inclination, might want to target the Magpies’ fixtures in Gameweeks 15 and 16 (Leicester, Brentford, Ipswich and Villa).Eddie Howe’s side looked to be heading the right direction after wins over Chelsea, Arsenal and Forest but an unexpected defeat to West Ham on Monday night has slowed their momentum.Truth be told, Newcastle games have been a tad light on Dream Team points this season.Always a tempting optionCredit: GettyBRENTFORDLeicester (h)Aston Villa (a)Newcastle (h)Chelsea (a)Newcastle (a)Nottingham Forest (h)Brighton (a)Arsenal (h)The Bees boast the best home record in the top flight but the second-worst away record.Given the nature of their away fixtures in December, their problems on the road could extend until the new year.That being said, Bryan Mbeumo (£4.3m) is a decent midfield option for Gameweek 13 – the Cameroon star averages 8.1 points-per-game this season.MANCHESTER UNITEDEverton (h)Arsenal (a)Nottingham Forest (h)Viktoria Plzen (a)Manchester City (a)Tottenham (a)Bournemouth (h)Wolves (a)Newcastle (h)The last of our teams with nine fixtures to fulfil.A match-up with the Toffees represents a relatively favourable first league game at Old Trafford for Ruben Amorim but the Portuguese tactician faces some tough tests in December.A trip to Czechia in the Europa League might provide some relief before a tricky Gameweek 15 (Man City and Spurs) but if the Red Devils come through relatively unscathed there could be healthy returns up for grabs against the Cherries and Wolves.Bruno Fernandes (£6.4m), Alejandro Garnacho (£4.2m), Noussair Mazraoui (£4.1m) and Diogo Dalot (£4m) have all provided their fair share of points across the first 12 Gameweeks of the season.Can Amorim get a tune out of Man United in the coming weeks?Credit: APBOURNEMOUTHWolves (a)Tottenham (h)Ipswich (a)West Ham (h)Manchester United (a)Crystal Palace (h)Fulham (a)Antoine Semenyo (£2.9m) is the only player in the squad to make any waves in Dream Team so far and he’s suspended for this weekend’s trip to Molineux.And with just seven games for the Cherries, let’s move on…WEST HAMArsenal (h)Leicester (a)Wolves (h)Bournemouth (a)Brighton (h)Southampton (a)Liverpool (h)The Hammers have just seven fixtures with testing match-ups bookending this run but a few Dream Team managers may feel Jarrod Bowen (£5.3m) is worth a whirl at some stage.The England international has amassed 105 points at an average of 7.5 per outing via four goals and four assists.Bowen has almost twice as many points as West Ham’s next best performers, Mohammed Kudus (£5.1m) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£3.3m), who are level on 56 each.A reliable performerCredit: PAEVERTONManchester United (a)Wolves (h)Liverpool (h)Arsenal (a)Chelsea (h)Manchester City (a)Nottingham Forest (h)There’s no sugarcoating the Toffees’ December; it’s a brutal run.Dwight McNeil (£3.7m) has impressed this season but gaffers should probably stay well clear of all Everton assets in the run-up to New Year’s Day.LEICESTERBrentford (a)West Ham (h)Brighton (h)Newcastle (a)Wolves (h)Liverpool (a)Manchester City (h)The Foxes are in desperate need of a new manager bounce and they’ll probably need to get their points early in December as they face an extremely taxing end to the month.WOLVESBournemouth (h)Everton (a)West Ham (a)Ipswich (h)Leicester (a)Manchester United (h)Tottenham (a)Wolves are a tad light without European fixtures or a Carabao Cup quarter-final but six consecutive bottom-half opponents could yield plenty of points for Matheus Cunha (£4.8m).Gary O’Neil’s star player averages 8.3 points-per-game this season and is in particular strong form right now having banked over 50 points in his last four appearances.A strong wildcardCredit: RexIPSWICHNottingham Forest (a)Crystal Palace (h)Bournemouth (h)Wolves (a)Newcastle (h)Arsenal (a)Chelsea (h)Liam Delap (£2.4m) is the only Tractor Boy with an ownership above 0.3% and that’s unlikely to change any time soon, despite Kieran McKenna’s admirable efforts in Suffolk.CRYSTAL PALACENewcastle (h)Ipswich (a)Manchester City (h)Brighton (a)Arsenal (a)Arsenal (h)Bournemouth (a)Southampton (h)The Carabao Cup draw has cruelly given the Eagles a double header against the Gunners but at least they have eight fixtures, one more than nine other clubs.Palace have found it hard going this season but Eberechi Eze (£5m) is player to keep an eye on as he tends to collect Dream Team points for fun when fit – he’s due back from injury any day now.Palace need Eze back sooner rather than laterCredit: GettySOUTHAMPTONBrighton (a)Chelsea (h)Aston Villa (a)Tottenham (h)Liverpool (h)Fulham (a)West Ham (h)Crystal Palace (a)With all due respect to Saints, there aren’t many Dream Team bosses out there keen on a club rooted to the bottom of the table.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir next six opponents are all top-half clubs too – it could get messy for Russell Martin and his troops.Target the right fixtures with the right players and you will surge up the leaderboard this Christmas!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Everton had Premier League’s easiest start – now pressure is on for Sean Dyche with £600m takeover complete by Christmas

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      DAN FRIEDKIN is on schedule to make many despairing Everton fans’ Christmas wishes come true.The days are passing fast on his £600million Toffees takeover that will finally see the departure of debunked majority owner Farhad Moshiri, expected by the end of next month.Everton manager Sean Dyche could face a nervy yuletideCredit: GettyDan Friedkin is on the brink of completing the long-awaited takeoverCredit: GettyWhether boss Sean Dyche will be able to mark the Californian’s arrival as a season to be merry or not remains to be seen.For he is about to start opening the windows on an advent calendar from hell.By the time he has completed it, any thoughts he might have had  of landing a new contract from Friedkin could be mere humbug.Dyche goes into Saturday’s home clash with Brentford under growing pressure.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe game will signal the end of what Opta stats suggest was the easiest start of this campaign for any Prem club.Yet in 11 games Everton have scraped together only ten points, with just two wins and ten goals.And that after kicking off with four defeats in a row to mark their worst league opening in 66 years.And now comes the hard bit.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollowing the visit of the Bees is a trip to Old Trafford a week on  Sunday in what will be Ruben Amorim’s first home league game as Manchester United’s new manager.Wolves at Goodison follows on December 4 before resurgent title leaders Liverpool come calling in the Merseyside derby three days later.Everton legend Andy van der Meyde takes busty star Charlotte Michelle for a spin in his car It is not liable to get any easier, either, with Arsenal at the Emirates on December 14, Chelsea on the 22nd then a Boxing Day meeting with reigning champs Manchester City.Were Dyche and his players still standing after that lot then he would surely deserve backing from incoming chief Friedkin. But everything points to another winter of discontent among the majority of supporters and a third successive drop battle.Fans are grateful to the 53-year-old manager for keeping the club up against a backdrop of financial crises and sales of prized playing assets like Anthony Gordon and Amadou Onana.A year ago Dyche and Co were left reeling by a ten–point penalty, later reduced by two points, over breaches of the  Prem’s Profit and  Sustainability Rules. Another two points were docked later.Throughout his near-two-year tenure, Dyche has been swimming against the Mersey tide.Transfer funds for new  players have not even been at the same level as most Championship clubs. And there is appreciation on the Gwladys Street End  for his efforts.But, increasingly, he is facing a revolt over his playing style.The faithful complain about dull, predictable, long-ball tactics, with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin — who is refusing to extend his own deal that also expires next summer — as the only attacking option.If — and it is a big if — Dyche can keep Everton up, do they really want to kick-off Prem life in their new 52,888-seater  stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock playing that brand of football?As the takeover of The Friedkin Group has gained momentum, Dyche has repeatedly sounded off about the problems he has faced.Everton hope their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will be ready next yearCredit: AFPHe said: “There seems to always be that cloud waiting around Everton Football Club — on or off the pitch.”Before the 2–1 win over Crystal Palace in September, the ex-Watford and Burnley boss stressed, “Some day the truth will come out,” on how difficult his time in charge has been.He added: “After all that’s been happening, it would be nice just to talk about football.“That’s something that’s  happened about twice since I got here 21 months ago. I’ve worked hard to correct a lot of things and I think I’ve done a very good job.”But more and more, Dyche comes across as someone who does not see himself lasting too much longer.There is also his admission that, despite the mess he has been trying to clean up, “the fans want to see a winning team, no matter what”.And through no great fault of his own, Dyche has struggled to produce winning teams, having just hit the 550-game mark as a manager.Brentford’s visit will be his 77th game in charge at Goodison, with just 25 victories.READ MORE SUN STORIESHow many more he  gets over the next sequence that ends at the  Etihad — by which time Friedkin is likely to be in charge — will almost certainly decide his future.Dyche, facing that nightmare fixture schedule, may well need a Christmas miracle of his own to survive the entrance of Moshiri’s successor. More

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      Premier League fines hit nearly £1MILLION after just 11 games with worst teams revealed as behaviour worsens

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      SO much for the Respect campaign — it is already starting to look more like Anarchy in the UK.Well, in English top-flight football, certainly.The biggest fine so far was £125,000 to Nottingham Forest after the spat with ChelseaCredit: PANottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is still serving a five-game banCredit: PAFor Premier League clubs to be approaching £1million in matchday misconduct fines before the Christmas decorations have gone up is the clearest possible signal that behaviour is heading in the wrong direction.Not just the players and managers are losing control, but assistant bosses, sporting directors and even one notoriously combustible owner.And with the most cluttered part of the entire season about to launch — clubs face as many as 12 matches in just five weeks across various competitions — the FA probably need to hire more staff for its fines department to cover for holiday absences.Whether it is behaviour falling, a response to perceived refereeing inadequacy, or that fines are an increasingly ineffective means of controlling tempers, is a question that may not be possible to answer.Read More on FootballBut what is clear is that almost every week brings another financial penalty or FA misconduct charge, with the current Prem aggregate standing at £917,500.The biggest single fine levied so far was the £125,000 Nottingham Forest were ordered to pay  after the spat sparked by Neco Williams’ shove on Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella in the latter stages of October’s  Stamford Bridge draw.Defender Cucurella was pushed into Blues boss Enzo Maresca, leading to a fracas involving both benches  and players.The melee also cost Chelsea £90,000,  half of which was after the Blues picked up six yellow cards from ref Chris Kavanagh.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaresca responded not with  any contrition, but praise. He said: “I like the way the team is fighting. I don’t see any problems with that.”Perhaps unsurprising then the Forest game was the second of THREE matches in which Chelsea picked up six bookings this term — costing them £150,000 in total.Premier League referee David Coote update after statement from UEFA and revelation that referees don’t get drug testedForest, in turn, really are walking a financial tightrope following their repeated offences. Last  season’s attack on VAR Stuart Attwell, ‘outing’ him as a Luton fan, cost them £750,000 — plus  a £40,000 fine for boss Nuno Espirito Santo and £24,000 for defender Williams.But it means that Forest started this season with their copybook already blotted.And that was before owner Evangelos Marinakis opted to spit towards officials in the  tunnel after their home loss by Fulham.Marinakis is still serving the five-game ban imposed by an independent commission and which was upheld on appeal.To be fair, so far at least, we have not witnessed the chaos that marred Fulham’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester United in 2023.Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game ban and the two clubs rattled up fines adding up to £180,000. PGMOL bosses want their officials to report any instances in which they are harassed or feel intimidated, on or off the pitch.More casesLeicester, Tottenham and West Ham have all been punished for collective misbehaviour by players.Southampton skipper Jack Stephens ended up with a five-match ban and £50,000 fine after his furious response to a clear red card against United.Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher and Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs have both been unable to keep a lid on their frustrations with decisions they did not like.And there have been 14 instances of clubs receiving six or more cards in a match, with Bournemouth and United both guilty on two occasions, each offence adding a further £25,000 to the standard fine.No wonder that within the FA there is a feeling that a light needs to be shone on the snarling petulance being shown time and again on the pitch, from the dugout and even the directors’ box.Wembley chiefs know that what happens in the Premier League is reflected across the country on grassroots pitches, leading to a worrying shortfall in referees.It is an ugly look for the beautiful game and there is little reason to think it will not get worse.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaybe the punishments need to become even more severe, even leading to points deductions. That might, at last, make people think. More