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    How Man Utd could clinch a win in Fulham and the Man City star who LOVES the FA Cup – Weekend Wager’s best bets

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    SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and razor-sharp analysis to bring you the best value bets from the upcoming bumper weekend of sport.Joining our very own Will Pugh on this week’s show is football journalist Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom.Man Utd’s clash with Fulham is one to watch this weekendCredit: AFPThe panel analyse this weekend’s biggest FA Cup matches, including Manchester United’s clash with Fulham and Plymouth Argyle’s trip to the Etihad Stadium where they face Manchester City.Check out all our best bets for the weekend below, in association with Betfair.Manchester City vs Plymouth ArgyleKweku Afari: Manchester City to win & Kevin De Bruyne to score – 11/8″No player has been involved in more Cup goals than De Bruyne. In 26 games he’s got nine goals and 17 assists.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKevin De Bruyne has nine goals and 17 assists in 26 Cup appearancesCredit: Getty”He’s a man who can rise up, and I wouldn’t say it’s a big occasion, but against lower league opposition I think we’ll see Kevin De Bruyne come to the fore against a team, in Plymouth, who are just happy to be there.”Will Pugh: Man City to score 4+ goals – 5/2″There’s not loads of value in games like this really because the odds are so overwhelmingly in the Premier League team’s favour.”But I just fancy it, they have struggled a bit recently.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Man City have won their last 18 FA Cup games against lower-league sides by an aggregate score of 69-9 so they absolutely love it in this competition.”They don’t faff around when it comes to playing the lower-league teams and their last defeat against someone from a lower division was 1-0 against Wigan Athletic in the 2017/18 season in the same round as this.”Alejandro Garnacho’s punishment for Man Utd tunnel strop revealed as Ruben Amorim sheds light on controversySam Rosbottom: Jack Grealish to score or assist & have one or more shots on target – 11/10″Grealish – four goal involvements in two FA Cup starts this season. He’s also had three shots in those two games, one of them being on target.”So a big opportunity for Grealish this weekend against Plymouth.”Jack Grealish could make his mark against PlymouthCredit: PAMan Utd vs FulhamKweku: Man Utd to win & both teams to score – 100/30″Man Utd, surprisingly, have got an incredible record against Fulham despite being dismal, generally, over the last five/six years.”United have lost just one of their last 21 games against Fulham in all competitions, winning 17 of those with three draws in there.”So they are very dominant against the west London side.”And both teams have scored in all four FA Cup ties they have been involved in this season, so there will be goals on both sides but I expect Man Utd to sneak through.”Will: Bruno Fernandes to score – 5/2″He has been a rare shining light in an otherwise grim, dark season for Man Utd.”Fernandes has got 11 goal contributions in his last 11 FA Cup games – seven goals and four assists.”As well, he only failed to register a goal contribution in two of those last 11 FA Cup matches.”He loves this competition. He’s trying to single-handedly drag United to some sort of success this season so I really fancy that he’ll be on the scoresheet at least.”Bruno Fernandes has got 11 goal contributions in his last 11 FA Cup gamesCredit: ReutersSam: Sander Berge to commit 2+ fouls – 6/4″He’s committed 14 in his last 10 games with at least two committed in five of those – including three against Man Utd back in January.”NewburySam: Iroko – 7/2, Billytherealbigred – 9/2, Kandoo Kid – 11/2, Vincenzo – 7/1″Going on to Saturday, looking at the big handicap chase of Saturday at 3:45. Interesting one, there are a couple of horses in here who are going for the Grand National. Iroko, the favourite, currently 7/2.”Billytherealbigred at 9/2 next up, second favourite. And then one that I fancy in this one – Kandoo Kid for Betfair ambassador Paul Nicholls, 11/2 at the minute, course and distance winner. Grand National hopeful as well.”Second in the race last year on heavy ground. So hopefully the rain isn’t as bad going into the weekend and it can go one better this time.”Iroko is the favourite at 7/2Credit: PAChampions TrophySam: South Africa – 8/11, England – evens, Joe Root 50+ runs – 6/4″South Africa haven’t qualified yet. They have to win this game and they are fancied to do so. They’re odds on at 8/11. England, to upset the party for South Africa, even money.”With the reins being off, so to say, you’d hope, one day cricket, that they’re going to go out there and absolutely go for it. I’ve been really impressed with Joe Root, even though England are out, he has been carrying England at times, hasn’t he?”He scored 50 plus runs in three of his last four ODIs. For him to score 50 runs in this one, 6/4, which I think is a great price considering he’s been England’s key man.”Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgREAD MORE SUN STORIESFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      I was on books of EFL club’s youth teams… now I’m in England squad for major tournament in completely different sport

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      TO most players, a shock promotion to No 3 in the England batting line-up for a crunch match would be a huge change.But perhaps not for Jamie Smith – as he dropped a promising football career to become one of cricket’s most exciting prospects.Jamie Smith has raced up the England batting order to become No 3 for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against AustraliaCredit: GettySmith will bat one up from Test legend Joe Root in the ODICredit: GettyEngland are gambling by elevating the powerful hitterCredit: GettyTest legend Joe Root has been moved down to No 4 due to Smith’s rise up the order for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against Australia.It will be only the second time the big-hitter has come in first wicket down in professional 50-over cricket.Not only that, the 24-year-old will also take the gloves from Phil Salt, who will continue to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett.But it’s nothing too dramatic for Smith – not compared to the major decision he made aged 15.READ MORE IN SPORTHe was a highly-talented central midfielder for League Two club AFC Wimbledon.And indeed as a kid football dominated his thoughts… until he became the first person in his family to play cricket.Surrey CCC rated Smith so highly at the smaller-ball game that they picked him for their Under-17s when he was just 12.The wicketkeeper-batsman revealed how it all began.Most read in CricketSmith faces a big task behind the stumps and with the batCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe once told the Mail: “No one in my family played cricket. “I was pushed into a holiday camp with my local club, Sutton – something my parents did to keep me busy.”England legend’s son, 16, hits new career milestone with incredible century as dad watches on as his coachHowever, he confessed: “I didn’t really want that to be the case, but I knew with my cricket that I had something a little bit special. “I wasn’t naive. When you’re growing up, people push you for a reason.”They’re putting you in higher teams, because they can see a talent in you.‘It was getting to the point where football and cricket were overlapping too much. “Going on pre-season tours with Surrey in March meant missing things. Doing both wasn’t sustainable.”However, Smith revealed choosing cricket was partly down to a brutal self-assessment of his chances at football.He said: “Walking into a contracts meeting with Wimbledon at the end of the season, knowing how the contracts worked, I was never going to get one. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everyone had their little percentage score for attendance and mine was 56.”Now, however, that’s a figure he’d love to match for England at cricket, where he averages an impressive 42 in Tests and a modest 22 in ODIs.England cricketer Smith was a youth footballer with AFC WimbledonCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-England star, 58, takes up completely new sport and wins promotion with fellow Three Lions ace convinced to play too

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      AFTER sharing the pitch with David Beckham and earning 23 caps for England, a former Three Lions player is shining in a new sport.Former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn is now a local cricket star, winning promotion to the Yorkshire Premier League North last year.Former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn has taken up a new sport – village cricketMartyn was capped 23 times by England, playing alongside the likes of David BeckhamMartyn played at Crystal Palace and Leeds during his England spellBilled as a more-than-handy wicketkeeper, Martyn took up cricket alongside fellow former England stopper Paul Robinson at Knaresborough Club, in North Yorkshire.Despite Robinson replacing Martyn as Leed United’s No.1 in 2002, the pair are the best of pals and returned to a different kind of pitch 20 years later.Martyn, 58, told the England and Wales Cricket Board: “I saw him (Robinson) somewhere, and he asked what I was doing.”I told him I was playing cricket at Knaresborough, which is where he lives. His lad, Jack, is actually in the Yorkshire setup – probably around under-12s or 13s.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I said, ‘Look, you get the camaraderie we had in football dressing rooms, it’s good exercise, come and play a bit yourself’.”But he has a lot of football engagements, like punditry in the Middle East.”He’s not available much, but when he is we like to get him in. We actually played a game at Dringhouses away about two seasons ago. “It was the first game we played together, and there were some Leeds fans in their team. They couldn’t believe it.”Most read in FootballEx-England pro Paul Robinson also plays for Knaresborough Cricket Club from time-to-timeMartyn played football with the current England cricket team in 2017FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMartyn came through the Football League with Bristol Rovers, before becoming the first £1million goalkeeper in British football when he signed for Crystal Palace in 1989.He start both games in iconic 1990 FA Cup final, when Palace forced a replay after holding Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd to 3-3 draw at Old Wembley.Tragedy as cricketer dies aged 35 after suffering cardiac arrest and collapsing during televised match United would go on to win the replay 1-0 thanks to Lee Martin’s goal from left-back.Martyn then moved to Leeds and enjoyed their most successful spell in recent memory, before moving to Everton until retirement in 2006.And he was voted as part of Leeds United’s greatest team in 2006 and made the semi-final of the Champions League in the 2000-2001 season.Seven years ago, Martyn played football with the current England cricket team.In 2017, he was invited to join the team in their warm-up ahead of a Test against the West Indies by Jonny Bairstow.He previously told the BBC: “I always preferred cricket, but I was slightly better at football. “But I had to play outfield – though I was allowed to keep wicket for the school cricket team.”Once I turned professional the cricket had to stop. I couldn’t risk breaking a finger. I would get into a bit of trouble if I did that.’It started at school.It was rugby in the winter, then football and cricket. I really enjoyed playing, at 14 joined my local club and went from there.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You get into that changing room as a 14 year old and row up pretty quickly. There was a lot of fun to be had and we loved the competition of it.”He has previously spoken of his hope that more players from Cornwall would go onto play for England.Robinson also played for Leeds More

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      My pal Gary Lineker has been brilliant on MOTD – but he wasn’t happy when I told him he’s even more divisive than ME

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      THREE weeks ago, I dined with Gary Lineker at an Italian restaurant in West London, along with England cricket legend Stuart Broad and Sky TV newsman Mark Austin.It went the way all our regular dinners go; a friendly welcome hug to start (Gary’s always bang on time, a legacy from when he’d be fined for every minute he was late for football training), a couple of Negronis to loosen the tonsils, and then, as the fine wine flowed, a series of intense, passionate arguments about everything from the Israel/Hamas and Russia/Ukraine wars to Trump, illegal immigration, and Thomas Tuchel becoming England manager. Piers at dinner with Stuart Broad, Gary Lineker and Mark AustinThe host has now confirmed he will quit Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyGary’s not always right, says Piers, but ‘we probably agree on more things than we disagree’Gary’s a smart, funny, loyal guy and always excellent company.We probably agree on more things than we disagree, but both enjoy fiery conversational combat, and however contentious things may get, our evenings together always end as this one did, with another hug, and a resolve to do it again soon.One thing’s for sure; although Gary’s not always right and can be amusingly stubborn when he is clearly wrong, he always means what he says, thinks about things surprisingly deeply, and he practices what he preaches, even taking a war-torn refugee into his home.Watch Piers’ explosive interviews on his Uncensored YouTube channel hereREAD MORE FROM PIERSHe’s also been a brilliant Match of the Day host, and live sport presenter.And of course, he was one of England’s best-ever footballers.So, amusing though it is to see how angry some people get about him, and his right to express his opinions – he got particularly incensed over dinner when I said he was now a more divisive public figure than me! – the bottom line is this: he’s a good bloke, with a good heart, and extremely successful at everything he puts his mind to.Which is more, I suspect, than can be said for a lot of his most vociferous critics.Most read in Football More

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      Fans can’t believe who Sir Alex Ferguson sat next to for Man Utd’s cup win after England legend from other sport spotted

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON was spotted in the stands for Manchester United’s 5-2 Carabao Cup win over Leicester on Wednesday night.The legendary Red Devils manager, 82, was recently relieved of his £2million-a-year ambassadorial role at the club.Sir Alex Ferguson was in the stands at Old Trafford alongside a familiar faceCredit: RexBut he remains welcome at matches and was on hand to watch the first game since Erik ten Hag was sacked.Fergie will have been proud to see one of his former players, Ruud van Nistelrooy, taking charge of the team on an interim basis.But it was not the Scot’s presence at the match that surprised fans.Instead, it was the company he was keeping as he chatted to an England cricketing legend.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMichael Vaughan was pictured talking to Fergie during Man Utd’s comfortable victory.The skipper for England’s iconic 2005 Ashes triumph was a name many would not have expected to see with Ferguson – especially as he is a proud Sheffield Wednesday fan.And people reacted in their droves on social media.One fan said: “Why is Michael Vaughan sitting next to SAF 😭😭.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVaughan, centre, kisses the Ashes after England triumphed in the iconic 2005 seriesCredit: AFPAnother added: “Is that Michael Vaughan I see at Old Trafford. 😭”A third replied: “Poor Sir Alex having to watch the game with Michael Vaughan in his ear.”Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noWhile a fourth responded: “What is Michael Vaughan doing next to Sir Alex?”United’s win came as they closed in on bringing Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim to Old Trafford to replace Ten Hag.Man Utd ratings vs LeicesterMAN UNITED started life after Erik ten Hag with a comfortable win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup.But who shone in the 5-2 victory, and who will be hoping incoming boss Ruben Amorim wasn’t watching?SunSport’s Katherine Walsh gives her ratings…Altay Bayindir – 6Although United dominated, Bayindir looked shaky when Leicester’s chances came.He flapped with a dodgy punch which led to the away side’s 33rd minute goal. And he looked to repeat it with McAteer’s shot just before half-time.But one excellent second half save, pushed on to the crossbar, when Steve Cooper’s side were pressing, boosts his mark up a bit.Victor Lindelof – 6Hasn’t got the partnership with De Ligt established yet as they both failed to deal with crosses too often from centre-back.But wasn’t really troubled consistently in the absence of Jamie Vardy in what was his second start of the season.Matthijs De Ligt – 7A more physical presence at the back than in previous performances but a more potent attack could have caused much more trouble.Kasey McAteer got the better of him a few times and he was subbed in the 71st minute for Jonny Evans.Lisandro Martinez – 6Looked vulnerable at left-back in moments, with Lindelof filling in at centre-back.James Justin often had acres of space in the second half before United made it 5-2.Diogo DalotBack in his beloved right-hand side and told to push into midfield but often left his defensive channel wide open.Passed back all too often and kept Justin onside in the first half. He assisted Garnacho’s opener though after collecting Casemiro’s stunning lofted pass.Played a part in Leicester’s second after the ball bounced off him to drop for Coady in another silly goal to concede for the home side.Casemiro – 9The star of the show. A stunning first-half showing saw Casemiro score a brace after bagging a 30-yard screamer for United’s opening goal inside 15 minutes.He was involved in Garnacho’s goal too. Came up with a number of key defensive headers in the second-half to show class is permanent, although form might be temporary at 32 years old.Manuel Ugarte – 6Conceded early fouls but worked hard. Slowly but surely starting to get to grips with his United team-mates after a shaky start.Bruno Fernandes – 8Restored United’s 3-1 lead with his first finish of the season. Played with a smile on his face, which we often haven’t seen this season.Dummied the ball for Casemiro’s worldie and scored his second of the evening in the 57th minute after rolling it under Danny Ward before tapping it into an empty net.Will be leaned on heavily by Van Nistelrooy to produce the goods following Ten Hag’s departure.Marcus Rashford – 6A quiet evening for Rashford, who needs to kick on after Ten Hag’s exit.The winger lost the ball a lot in the first 30 minutes. Flicks didn’t come off and hauled off again in the 60th minute.Rashford’s only played a full 90 minutes THREE times this season.Alejandro Garnacho – 7A goal and assist for Garnacho, who attended the Ballon d’Or on Monday.The 20-year-old doubled United’s lead inside 27 minutes after a well worked team move and set up Casemiro’s brilliant opener.Looked a constant threat throughout and was taken off 20 minutes from time to be saved for Sunday’s clash against Chelsea.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Worked hard but never looked confident on the ball and struggled to get involved in the seven-goal thriller. Never seemed to be on his toes either.But the only consolation is that he was involved in Casemiro’s second (United’s fourth).Trudged off after 85 minutes looking disgruntled with his tail between his legs.SubsAmad (60′ for Rashford) – 7Instant impact from the bench. The youngster almost scored an overhead kick with his first touch of the evening.Mazraoui (60′ for Martinez) – 6Hojlund (71′ for Garnacho) – 6Jonny Evans (71′ for De Ligt) – 6Ethan Wheatley (85′ for Zirkzee) – N/A More

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      Man Utd owners the Glazers and Chelsea director in race to buy another team in £650million league

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      MANCHESTER UNITED owners the Glazer family and Chelsea chief Jonathan Goldstein are in the race to buy one of The Hundred cricket teams.The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are looking for investors in the league.Bids of over £100m have gone in for London SpiritCredit: GettyThe Glazers are thought to be keen on one of the clubsCredit: GettyJonathan Goldstein, left, appears keen ahead of the second round of biddingCredit: GettyThe Hundred, which is a short-form 100-ball event that started in 2021, has eight clubs that are valued at a combined £650million.With the opening round of bidding slamming shut this week, The Telegraph claim the ECB are “delighted” with the amount of interest.Over 100 offers have supposedly been placed for the eight teams.Capital-based sides London Spirit and Oval Invincibles have attracted proposals worth between £120m and £140m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeloitte and The Raine Group are in charge of the bidding war.The latter played a key role in the sale of Chelsea to Todd Boehly in 2022 and in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Man Utd this year.And with the investment bank involved, chiefs from both clubs have come forward for cricket.Goldstein, who is Boehly’s business partner, has reportedly asked for further information on the second round of bidding. Most read in CricketFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd the Glazers, excluding Joel, have also come to the crease in recent weeks.It is not clear which one of the eight teams the family, who are still hated among Man Utd fans for using massive loans to purchase the club for £790m in 2005, want to buy.Awkward moment BBC legend leaves co-star ‘blushing’ after cheeky ill-timed comment live on air in England cricket clash But they could be competing against India’s richest family, the Ambanis, who have an eye on London Spirit.The valuations from the first round of bidding are for 100 per cent of the teams.ECB chiefs will sell their 49 per cent stake in each, with the cash raised set to be pumped back into the cricket.The other 51 per cent will be given to the host counties.They will then have the choice of what to do with their share.Surrey reportedly wantto keep their 51 per cent stake of the Oval Invincibles.But other counties could be open to selling their entire share.The Hundred teamsBirmingham PheonixLondon SpiritManchester Originals Northern Superchargers Oval InvinciblesSouthern BraveTrent RocketsWelsh Fire More

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      My dad is Premier League cult hero… now I’m making my own way as a presenter – I’ve even interviewed Kane and Bellingham

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      KENZIE BENALI will have had plenty of practice interviewing footballers before quizzing the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on live TV.That is because the rising reporter is the daughter of Premier League cult hero Francis Benali.Kenzie Benali is the son of Southampton cult hero FrancisCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe is forging her own career as a broadcasterCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliBenali interviewed Harry Kane on the Wembley pitchCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe worked in the media at the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie is set to become a mum in 2024Credit: Instagram @kenziebenaliThe former full-back certainly has legendary status in Southampton after coming through the academy at his hometown club and spending his entire professional career on Saints’ books. Benali Sr racked up more than 350 appearances for Southampton across 16 years from 1988 to 2004, chipping in with just one solitary goal. He did get a runners-up medal from the FA Cup despite not being involved in the 2003 final, then turned out for Eastleigh for a season in 2006-07. After retiring, he set up the True Greats website and co-founded the 73 Management agency company – both alongside former Saints team-mate Matt Le Tissier – and does some after-dinner speeches and punditry work. READ MORE ON SPORTBut it has been his charity efforts that have led to his MBE and Freedom of Southampton.His heroic challenges include a marathon and a 75-mile cycle ride each day for two weeks to visit all 44 Premier League and Championship stadiums in October 2016.Then in 2019, he attempted to complete seven Ironmans in seven days – he completed five and was hospitalised but still raised a staggering £1million. Benali’s son Luke had brief stint at Winchester City in non-league but it is daughter Kenzie who is flying the football flag for the family now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBorn in May 1995, she is already forging a stellar career in front of the camera as a broadcaster.She presents the Premier League Rising Stars show with Ben Foster and has done various gigs with the likes of The Hundred and England cricket, England rugby, Southampton and Wimbledon, where she interviewed Andy Murray.Playboy model and daughter of LaLiga legend banned from dating footballersBenali Jr has helped cover The HundredCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie married Northamptonshire cricketer Lewis McManus in 2021Credit: Instagram @kenziebenaliBenali rocked a red suit to cover England rugby – nicknamed the Red RoseCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe was clearly delighted to chat with Jude BellinghamCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliHowever, her biggest jobs have been in the Qatar World Cup, FA Cup and for the England football team, chatting on live TV to the likes of Kane, Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones.The popular star even got her football boots on as part of a shoot with Puma in 2022.Away from her job, Kenzie married her Northamptonshire cricketer husband Lewis McManus in November 2021.They are set to welcome her first child, a daughter, in 2024. Glamorous Kenzie is also a huge fan of the theatre and an animal lover and posts plenty of stunning content from her wonderful lifestyle on Instagram – including her highlights at work, family photos, baby bump pics and even horse riding. Alongside dad Franny, she is also an ambassador for the Saints Foundation.The glamorous presenter lives an incredible lifestyleCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliHer knowledge of a wide range of sports has served her wellCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie interviewed Andy Murray at WimbledonCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe regularly posts smiley pics from various sporting venuesCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie even showed off her baby bump at WembleyCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliHer love for Wimbledon is clear to seeCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliDad Franny received an MBE for his incredible physical challenges for charityCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliShe talked with Kevin De Bruyne after the FA Cup semi-finalCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliKenzie loves horses and likes to go out ridingCredit: Instagram @kenziebenaliThe star is also a huge fan of the theatreCredit: Instagram @kenziebenali More

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      Former England cricket star spotted in new job as ARTIST painting Premier League match from sidelines

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      FORMER England cricketer Jack Russell MBE was spotted PAINTING next to the pitch at Craven Cottage during Fulham’s Premier League clash with Everton.The the wicket keeper-turned-artist was situated next to the photographers throughout the game.
      Ex-Cricketer Jack Russell painted a picture of Craven Cottage during the game

      Russell became an artist after retiring from cricketCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      He spent the 90 minutes painting a picture of Craven Cottage on a small wooden canvas.
      Fans were in disbelief after spotting the ex-cricketer pitchside, with one person tweeting: “This is peak Fulham stuff right here.”
      Another added: “Every time I fall out of love with this club I fall right back in it.”
      While a third joked: “Stick him up top, can’t do any worse!”
      READ MORE IN CRICKET
      After making his England debut in 1987, Russell played in 94 international matches.
      In 1995 against South Africa he broke the world record for dismissals in a test match.
      He decided to take up art after becoming bored when rain stopped play during cricket matches and has been painting for over 30 years.
      After retiring from cricket in 2004 he became a goalkeeping coach at Forest Green Rovers.
      Most read in Football
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      He also continued coaching at Gloucestershire and Middlesex.
      Russell now has his own art gallery in Chipping Sodbury and some exhibits in London which showcase his portfolio of work.
      After Tuesday’s match he took to X to share his painting.
      He wrote: “My office tonight courtesy of @FulhamFC magic #football ground.”
      The points were shared at Craven Cottage following a 0-0 draw.
      Russell made 94 international appearances for EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Sky Sports legend to make shock return to broadcasting as fans say ‘best way to start the year’

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      FANS have been buoyed after broadcasting legend David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd revealed that he is returning to commentary.The former cricketer left Sky Sports two years ago after working for the company between 1999 and 2021.
      David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd is returning to broadcastingCredit: Getty
      Lloyd, 76, is not returning to Sky and will instead be joining talkSPORT for England’s five-Test tour of India.
      The tour is set to start later this month with the opening test taking place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on January 25.
      Reacting to the announcement by talkSPORT, Lloyd posted: “Chuffed is an understatement! So pleased.”
      The news of Lloyd’s return to commentary has pleased fans as they flocked to social media.
      READ MORE SPORT NEWS
      One posted: “Good to have you back… and made for radio.”
      A second commented: “Geet in Bumble! Best pundit going.”
      A third wrote: “Brilliant news Bumble. Your dulcet tones have been greatly missed. I’ll definitely be tuning in!”
      A fourth said: “Fantastic news to have Bumble back on commentary.
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      A fifth declared: “Best way to start the cricketing year.”
      Another added: “Superb news Bumble. I reckon fans will follow you to whoever you’re commentating for. Have a great series.”
      England has a packed fixture list in 2024; after the tour of India, there are series against Pakistan, West Indies and Sri Lanka.
      In September England face Australia in a series of ODIs and T20s. More