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    Can Arsenal exploit the horror Man Utd stat that haunts Ruben Amorim’s flops? 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 broadcaster Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom.Arsenal take on Manchester United in the weekend’s biggest gameCredit: GettyThis week the panel gave their thoughts on how punters could make the most of the weekend’s biggest Premier League fixture, Manchester United vs Arsenal, and the bottom of the table scrap between Wolves and Everton.While they also weighed in on the Six Nations action and the Betfair Imperial Cup at Sandown.Check out all our best bets for the weekend below, in association with Betfair.Manchester United vs ArsenalKewku Afari: Arsenal to win & over 2.5 goals – 21/10READ MORE ON MAN UTD”If you look at Arsenal team, they’re strange when it comes to results. “Sometimes they can’t hit a barn door with banjo and sometimes, as we saw a midweek against PSV, they can put multiple goals in against the opposition. “I’m looking Manchester United here, and in six of their last seven games at Old Trafford the opposition has scored at least two goals. “And so I’m looking at them defensively. I’m looking at them in terms of Andre Onana the way that he doesn’t fill the fans of confidence. Most read in Football”They’re a team that do leak goals, especially at home.”Will Pugh: Mikel Merino to score first – 13/2″Merino’s got three goals in his last four appearances and notched one of the seven at PSV, didn’t he? and got two off the bench in that sort of striker debut [vs Leicester].”But as well as the Merino stats, since the weekend of Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge, only Leicester (13) have conceded the opening goal in more Premier League games than Manchester United, who have gone 1-0 down 12 times.”While Arsenal have scored in each of their last 10 Premier League away games against Manchester United.”They have 13 goals in those 10 games, having only managed to score 10 in their first 22 visits to Old Trafford.”Mikel Merino has scored three goals in four games since stepping in as Arsenal’s makeshift centre-forwardCredit: AFPSam Rosbottom: Arsenal HT/Draw FT – 12/1″I don’t think Arsenal are going to win this game. You have to go back to December 1 to find the last time Manchester United won a first half, that was against Everton at Old Trafford.”But they have won the second half in 8 of their last 11 matches.”The stats show that Manchester United are turning into a second half team”.Wolves vs Everton Kewku Afari: Beto to score anytime – 21/10″He’s scored five goals in his last five Premier League games. That’s more than his previous 44 games, which is… unbelievable.”And in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, he’s been very, very important. So they are relying on Beto. “Also, in his last five Premier League matches, he’s had two or more shots on target. So I expect him to come to the fore for Everton this weekend.”Will Pugh: Jorgen Strand Larsen to 2+ shots on target – 11/4″Jorgen Strand Larsen has been targeted by passes in the box 85 times this season, which is the most of any player in the Premier League.”While only Dominic Solanke has made more forward runs into the opposition penalty box at 237 than Strand-Larsen has – he’s really a focal point for Wolves.”I think Strand-Larsen has been doing some good work and he’s a real asset to them”.Sam Rosbottom: Jack Harrison 1+ shot on target – 6/4″Jack Harrison has been very unfortunate. He has an unwanted record.”He’s got the highest expected goals total of any player yet to score in the Premier League this season at 2.9xG – meaning he should have scored three times.”I’m not actually going to go with him to score though, but I do think there’s value in him to have a shot on target.”He’s had seven shots in his last six games and we just need one of them to be on target this weekend.”Jack Harrison is due a goal this seasonCredit: RexEngland vs Italy – Six NationsSam Rosbottom: Italy +16 – 2/1 “England are absolutely massive favourites against Italy, but we laugh about how tight England games have been. “And Italy, so far this tournament aren’t the whipping boys that they usually are. Wales are the whipping boys, not Italy.”So I’m looking at the handicap market here and I think there’s an opportunity to get Italy on side at plus 16 which is 2-1.”So essentially, England can win the game But if they win by a margin smaller than 16 points then we win the bet.””I don’t think it’s going to be tight, obviously because England should do the business, but I don’t think it’s going to be as big a gap as everybody’s anticipating here.”England are strong favourites to beat Italy this weekendCredit: PABetfair Imperial Cup at SandownSam Rosbottom: Go Dante – 11/2, Bo Zenith – 11/2, Lump Sum – 8/1 and Knickerbockerglory e/w – 14/1″Obviously, lots of movement already in the market following the news that last year’s winner, Go Dante, was 25/1. “There’s been a big gamble on him, now backed into joint favour at 11/2, now joint favourite along with Bo Zenith.”Lump Sum, who was the favourite, moving the other way, was 5/1, now 8/1. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a horse in here that I quite fancy for each way for five places at 14/1 – Knickerbockerglory.”I think that’s a SWEET each way shout”.Go Dante has seen its odds drop massivelyCredit: Rex More

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      Gabriel having it out with Haaland and ANOTHER Arsenal red could be knockout value as Weekend Wagers reveals best bets

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      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and cutting-edge analysis to unearth the best value bets ahead of the sporting weekend.Joining our very own Will Pugh this week is football journalist Kweku Afari and betting expert Sam Rosbottom, who will be looking for the best value on a packed two days of action.SunSport’s Weekend Wager team are finding the best value bets for this weekendCredit: SunSportThere’s plenty at stake when Man City travel to rivals Arsenal on Sunday, with Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhaes set to renew their rivalry.There’s also a derby in the Midlands as Wolves host an Aston Villa side with a depleted backline.And punters can also look forward to some tasty tips for the Six Nations, as well as some horse racing.Check out all our best bets for the weekend below:READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCould there be another red card for Arsenal this weekend?Credit: GettyARSENAL VS MAN CITYKweku Afari: “My tip is Arsenal to receive a red card at 17/2.“Ill discipline has underpinned Arsenal ever since Mikel Arteta took charge.“Arsenal have received 19 red cards since he took over in December 2019, the most in the Premier League.“There’s been reds this season for Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly.Most read in Football“Four reds, the most in the Premier League so far.”And I fully expect that to continue this weekend.”Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhaes could clash heads againCredit: GettyWill Pugh: “I have gone for Gabriel Magalhaes to be fouled two or more times in the game at 4/1. “The Gabriel/Erling Haaland battle that is going to ensue… “Gabriel has been fouled 11 times in the last 10 games.“Haaland has committed seven fouls in the last 11 matches.“They’ve got history. I just fancy them going head to head.”Josko Gvardiol is sure to be a threat for CityCredit: GettySam Rosbottom: “Looking at other markets that take my fancy, Josko Gvardiol to have two shots or more in the match at 11/4 is a tasty price for me.“It’s one of those you can throw into a bet builder, set pieces could be big in this game.“He’s had 12 shots in his last eight Premier League games. “He’s the league’s top-scoring defender at the minute with five goals.”And he’s also City’s third-top scorer.”SunSport’s best Arsenal vs Man City betsArsenal to receive a red card: 17/2Gabriel Magalhaes to be fouled 2+ times: 4/1Josko Gvardiol to have 2+ shots: 11/4Ezri Konsa will be an aerial threat for Villa at WolvesCredit: GettyWOLVES VS ASTON VILLAKweku Afari: “Huge game. Ezri Konsa to score at 12/1.“This Villa team has suffered with injuries — Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings, Amadou Onana.“Konsa is a threat in the box. He’s only scored once in 21 games but he will be their focal point at set pieces.“Wolves have conceded 303 fouls in the league — only second to Bournemouth on 309.“There’s going to be lots of balls going into Wolves’ box from Villa and I expect Konsa to be busy.“Now this stat is going to blow your mind. Wolves have shipped in 19 set-piece goals this season — excluding penalties — the most of any side.“The only side who conceded 20 in a season were Spurs in the 07/08 season and I expect Wolves to beat that this weekend.”Jorgen Strand Larsen has made the second-most runs into the opposition box this seasonCredit: GettyWill Pugh: “Talking of brave, Jorgen Strand Larsen to have 2+ shots on target in the game at 5/2.“Only Dominic Solanke, with 237, has had more runs into the opposition’s penalty area this season than Strand Larsen on 210.“And 80 of those 210 runs into the area have been targeted by passes by a Wolves player.“He’s had 10 shots on target in his last eight league matches. And he’s had at least one shot on target in six of those last eight games.“With Mings’ injury and Villa’s defensive frailties, I fancy he’ll get a lot of opportunities.”Youri Tielemans loves a shot from distanceCredit: GettySam Rosbottom: “Straight in there, Youri Tielemans to have two or more shots at 9/5.“It’s a great option to have for a bet builder. He’s had nine shots in his last five Premier League starts.“He had two blocked shots and one unblocked shot against West Ham.“When Wolves mark players, I think Tielemans will fly under the radar and he does get forward and into the box.”SunSport’s best Wolves vs Aston Villa betsEzri Konsa to score: 12/1Jorgen Strand Larsen to have 2+ shots on target: 5/2Youri Tielemans to have 2+ shots: 9/5Galopin Des Champs is favourite to win in DublinCredit: PADUBLIN RACING FESTIVALSam Rosbottom: “There’s one race that stands out for me and it’s the Irish Gold Cup.“Galopin Des Champs coming up against Fact To File.“Going into this race they’ve had two races so far this season up against each other. It’s currently 1-1.“Galopin Des Champs is the favourite in this at 4/7. While Fact to File is currently 7/2.“Whoever wins, we’re likely to see some implication for the Cheltenham anti-post Gold Cup market as well.“For the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Galopin Des Champs is favourite at 4/5, going for three in a row.“But if Fact to File wins on Saturday it could shake the market up completely.“Fact to File is 4/1 for the Gold Cup. But it’s a big ask. Galopin is a really strong horse and it would be a big surprise if it doesn’t do the business this weekend.”SunSport’s best racing betsDublin Racing Festival — Irish Gold Cup winnerGalopin des Champs: 4/7Fact to File: 7/2Cheltenham Racing Festival: Gold Cup winnerGalopin des Champs: 4/5Fact to File: 4/1England have been tipped to lose their Six Nations openerCredit: GettyIRELAND VS ENGLANDSam Rosbottom: “We’ve got the Lions tour this summer, players are going to want to play for that.“Currently France are the favourites for the Six Nations at 6/4.“Ireland could make history and become the only side to win three in a row at 7/4.“England are 4/1 to win at the minute. 10 losses against the top four sides in 11 attempts.“But the one win they did get in that time came in the Six Nations at Twickenham against Ireland, which stopped them winning the Grand Slam last year.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s a massive game. But it’s not very patriotic. Ireland to win with a -6 handicap at Evens.“Revenge is on the line, England have a lot to do still. Ireland look a sound bet.”SunSport’s best Six Nations betsIreland vs EnglandIreland to beat England with a -6 handicap: EvensSix Nations winner oddsFrance: 6/4Ireland: 7/4England: 4/1Scotland: 8/1Wales: 45/1Italy: 100/1Remember 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.orgFind 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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      England rugby coach Steve Borthwick issues foreign manager warning as he reacts to Thomas Tuchel appointment

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      ENGLAND rugby manager Steve Borthwick welcomed Thomas Tuchel into the international club – but warned that foreign managers do not tend to produce winning sides.Borthwick suggested that the testimonials of Tuchel’s former club players represent the biggest reasons to believe he can be a Three Lions success.England rugby head coach Steve Borthwick has welcomed Thomas Tuchel into the international clubCredit: PATuchel has been unveiled as the new England football managerCredit: GettyBut the Red Rose chief, who worked under Eddie Jones with Japan and England and then succeeded the Aussie, pointed to the history of top level sport to suggest Tuchel will have to break the mould of history.Borthwick said: “I’ve not met Thomas, although I’ve read a lot about him – and probably in the last 12 hours read even more about him.“I would look forward to hopefully having the opportunity at some stage to learn more from him.“The players speak really well of him and they are the best judges.READ MORE ON ENGLAND“You hear them and read what they say. Good players say good things about him.”Hopefully I will have an opportunity to meet him in the future.”Asked whether a coach’s nationality matters, Borthwick added: “First and foremost it is about having the best coach for the team that you have.“Different coaches are needed for different teams and what a team needs at any one point in time is going to be really, really clear.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But what we have also seen is that not too many major trophies have been won by teams coached by a coach from another nation.“That is just fact. The key point is, get the right coach. That is the most important thing.” Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man UtdANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

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      England clash risks being first in DECADES not to be shown on live TV amid frantic rush to agree deal

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      ENGLAND’S clash with Japan next month is in danger of becoming the first Red Rose men’s Test not televised live in decades.Rugby chiefs are reportedly scrambling to agree a deal for the clash with ex-boss Eddie Jones’ new team in Tokyo on June 22.Eddie Jones might yet find his Japan team’s long-awaited home clash with England in Tokyo in June not shown live on TVCredit: RexRed Rose coach Steve Borthwick will take on Japan twice this yearCredit: GettyThe Times say negotiations have yet to result in a solution.And if no answer is found, the RFU could end up streaming England’s summer opener on its website.Japan – coached by ex-Red Rose boss Jones – will travel to Britain this winter.After playing New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, Steve Borthwick’s men will finish their packed November schedule against the Brave Blossoms.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut the fixture before that, in the Japanese capital in five weeks’ time, is causing concern off the pitch.Sky Sports signed a deal with Southern Hemisphere rugby chiefs (Sanzaar) to show England’s two summer tests against New Zealand.The Red Rose face the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland on July 6 and 13.But Sanzaar does not cover Japan, meaning there is currently a broadcasting hole for that matchMost read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland last played the Brave Blossoms in November 2022, registering a 34-12 win in a World Cup pool game at Nice Stadium.Japan have not visited Twickenham since a 52-13 defeat in November 2022.Meet the Six Nations WAGs cheering England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland stars onRed Rose chief Jones was sacked just a month after thatHe took charge of home country Australia for a second time in January 2023 – but resigned 10 months later after a dire World Cup saw the Wallabies slump to ninth in the world rankings.Jones then made it two spells leading Japan when they appointed him coach last December. More

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      Alan Shearer’s daughter Hollie puts on leggy display as she enjoys desert holiday with England rugby star boyfriend

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      ALAN SHEARER’S daughter Hollie put on a leggy display as she enjoyed a desert holiday alongside England rugby boyfriend Joe Marchant.Glamorous singer Hollie, 29, dazzled as she jetted off to Marrakech this week.
      Hollie Shearer put on a leggy display as she enjoyed a holiday in the desertCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hollieshearer/
      Hollie is currently dating England rugby star Joe MarchantCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hollieshearer/
      The pair have been dating since February 2022Credit: https://www.instagram.com/hollieshearer/
      The blonde bombshell wore a grey dress as she posed on a mountain dune.
      Hollie completed her chic look with a pair of sunglasses.
      And later she enjoyed a night on the tiles with Marchant, who was not selected for England’s current Six Nations campaign.
      The loved-up pair have been dating since February 2022.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      And they gazed into the camera while enjoying a drink amid the setting sun.
      Fans were certainly left blown away by Hollie’s epic holiday snaps.
      One said: “Looks beautiful, is on my list of places to visit.”
      Another declared: “Looks amazing there, beautiful photos.”
      Most read in Football
      Hollie often dazzles her 83,000 followers on Instagram.
      Last month she struck a pose in Paris while showing off her latest designer gear.
      Alan Shearer’s daughter Hollie shows off her beach body in series of bikinis as she models outfits on holiday
      Hollie has also been known to pose in a crop top while showing off her toned tummy.
      And she greeted the start of 2024 by showing off a selection of her finest snaps from last year.
      Hollie is believed to be working on new music as she lives her best life.
      The hit-maker has produced numbers including ‘Leave Right Now’, ‘Love You Better’ and ‘Sauvignon Blanc’.
      Inside Hollie’s glamorous life as singer, model, football icon’s daughter and rugby Wag…
      Hollie Shearer is the glam daughter of Newcastle legend and World Cup pundit Alan Shearer
      Father and daughter; Hollie with dad Alan
      Hollie has become a celebrity in her own right
      Hollie boasts over 80,000 followers on Instagram
      Singer Hollie dreams of living in Nashville, Tennessee
      She supported Sam Fender at her father’s foundation nightCredit: Instagram
      Hollie dazzled in glittery fishnet stockings as she performed on stageCredit: Instagram
      Hollie, left, posed with brother Will and sister Chloe, right on a recent holidayCredit: Instagram/@chloeshearer1
      Hollie has been dating England rugby star Joe Marchant since 2022Credit: Instagram @hollieshearer
      Hollie cheered on partner Joe from the stands at the World Cup in France Credit: Instagram @hollieshearer
      Hollie wowed in this revealing bikini… but she stole it from her sisterCredit: Instagram / @hollieshearer
      Hollie often leaves fans swooning with her incredible toned bodyCredit: Instagram
      Hollie showed off her beach body on a swanky holiday to Greece
      Hollie cuts an elegant figure in a stunning red dress
      Hollie turned into a biker girl as she posed in a crop top and leather trousersCredit: Instagram
      She has accumulated a substantial following on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Hollie frequently posts pictures to her adoring fans on social mediaCredit: @blackboughswim
      She treats fans to regular glimpses into her lifestyleCredit: Instagram
      The singer-songwriter loves being on the water in an array of colourful bikinisCredit: INSTAGRAM / @hollieshearer
      She loves maintaining her impressive tan on holidayCredit: INSTAGRAM / @hollieshearer
      Hollie shares the same confidence in front of the camera that her dad showed in front of goal
      Hollie posed in a pink bra and thong for PrettyLittleThing Valentine’s Day shootCredit: PrettyLittleThing
      Hollie’s posts regularly have fans hailing her as a ‘stunning princess’Credit: Instagram / @hollieshearer
      Hollie looks equally as glamorous when not just in a bikiniCredit: instagram @hollieshearer More

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      Harry Maguire has finally snapped over Man Utd snub.. but maybe he thinks he can last longer at club than Erik ten Hag

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      HARRY MAGUIRE, it appears, has finally grown sick of getting splinters in his backside.Finally cracked, after months of keeping his head down and working his nuts off to try and reclaim a regular place in Manchester United’s wafer-thin defence.
      Manchester United ace Harry Maguire snapped about the lack of minutesCredit: Alamy
      Finally his frustration has replaced the silent fortitude which won him such respect for the dignified way he battled to reignite his career.
      Unfortunately for Harry, the one thing it didn’t win was the favour of Erik ten Hag. As the months passed, it became more obvious it was never going to.
      Which brought us to that media conference ahead of England’s what’s-the-point friendly against Australia on Friday, when Maguire admitted enough is enough.
      If he continues to play no more than a cameo role for the club, he told us, then it may well be time to look for another.
      Read More on Man Utd
      All very understandable, of course. Horses for courses and all that, and Maguire clearly doesn’t suit the Ten Hag stable.
      Yet as he sat there, some questions nagged away . . . Why now, Harry? What’s changed? Wasn’t summer the ideal opportunity for all this?
      It’s not as if he has only just slipped into the wilderness. He went into this season knowing he was fourth-choice centre-back — at best.
      Maguire isn’t stupid, he’s been in the game at the highest level for long enough. He knows where he  features in Ten Hag’s thinking.
      Most read in Football
      Last season told him that, when he began only eight Premier League games. Moving left-back Luke Shaw to the middle was a more attractive option for the manager.
      So what made him think he was suddenly about to turn into a  regular? Two Prem starts prove he won’t. Had it not been for injuries, he might still be awaiting his first.
      Last week was one of them, and you couldn’t disguise the irony of him being United’s best defender against Brentford, for all it was a pretty low bar.
      It was Maguire’s flick which teed up Scott McTominay for the 97th-minute winner. Two men Ten Hag has  frozen out ended up saving his skin.
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      Maguire has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester UnitedCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      It was almost unbelievable . . . just like the idea he hasn’t already had plenty of meetings with the United manager to discuss his future.
      Which brings us back to why he suddenly feels the need to mention moving now. If he is worried about it affecting his England chances, surely he was in the summer.
      A summer, remember, when he could have joined West Ham had a deal gone through.
      The Hammers were keen, Ten Hag would have all but driven him there himself, yet the apparent stumbling block was the size of the pay-off Maguire demanded.
      There were those on the London side of the proposed transfer, though, who had doubts about whether Harry was ever really that keen on joining them at all.
      He would clearly have preferred a move to Newcastle or Tottenham, that’s hardly a shock, but neither was interested.
      Maguire may think he can last longer than Ten Hag at Manchester UnitedCredit: Alamy
      So he stayed put, that pay-off stalemate actually providing a handy and eminently plausible excuse.
      Yet there is another, more  devilish, thought over why he wasn’t in a great rush to leave which springs to mind here. The next couple of months will not only show whether Maguire is going to become a regular name on the teamsheet, they will also decide much about United’s season.
      With no points from two Champions League games, it will be a brief return to Europe’s top table should things not pick up.
      With Newcastle in the Last 16, the Old Trafford club’s defence of the Carabao Cup may be a brief one.
      And with City, Chelsea, the Toon and Liverpool on the horizon for a team which went into the international break in tenth, United may soon only have a distant view of the top four.
      Had they not pulled it out of the fire against Brentford last week, there was no danger Ten Hag’s job would have been under threat. But, make no mistake, the inquests wouldn’t have been far away.
      Maguire is still being called up for England action by Gareth SouthgateCredit: Getty
      So perhaps, just perhaps, Maguire — who has shown plenty of patience thus far — is happy to play the long game.
      Perhaps, just perhaps, he believes if he sits tight, he could actually end up outlasting his manager in Manchester.
      You couldn’t blame him for thinking so.
      CITY WEAK TO FORGET
       MANCHESTER CITY have lost two league games in a row for the first time in five years, so it is ludicrous to mention the word “crisis”.
      It is still far from that, and says much about the standards City set for anyone to even whisper as much.
      They will bounce back and remain favourites to make it four titles in a row.
      Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola can’t afford more injuriesCredit: Reuters
      But what is hard to get away from is the feeling Pep Guardiola’s  Treble winners are a weaker unit than 12 months ago.
      Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez have gone while Kevin De Bruyne remains injured.
      They have depth to cope  and are far from weak — but most definitely weaker.
      And Guardiola will be sweating rather more than normal this time should any others join the casualty list.
      SQUEAKY BRUM TIME
      OF all the stars to emerge over the last 20 years, few have shone quite as brightly as Wayne Rooney.
      Manchester United’s 253-goal all-time top scorer, a setter of milestones, smasher of records and a genuine great.
      Wayne Rooney is facing his biggest managerial challenge at Birmingham CityCredit: Getty
      Sacking John Eustace and replacing him with Rooney was certainly a bold move by Birmingham City.
      Yet it is perhaps an even bolder one by the new boss.
      Rooney did a fair job in impossible circumstances at Derby. He could not say the same after 15 months in the MLS with DC United.
      Now he inherits a team punching above their weight, not one in freefall. Taking Birmingham into the play-offs is the minimum demand.
      Succeed and the next step is upwards. But flop and the only way is down. Make no mistake, the pressure is on.
      RAM JAM
      AARON RAMSDALE was  Arsenal’s No 1 a month ago with hopes of being the same for England. Now he is on the bench for both.
      Mikel Arteta’s bizarre claim he would chop and change with David Raya always looked dubious. The truth is Ramsdale’s chances of being England’s top dog have been stiffed by his boss.
      MUST ROSE ABOVE
      IF England  beat Fiji today, one of the worst Red Rose sides to contest the World Cup will be 80 minutes from the final.
      Read More on The Sun
      After a kind draw, England must go beyond the semis to justify any sort of celebration. Yet one thing is guaranteed . . . 
      Given the axing of George Ford and Freddie Steward, and naming a 23 with three fly-halves and a makeshift full-back, Steve Borthwick will find his neck on the block if they fail. More

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      Meet England’s rugby Wags including daughter of MOTD pundit who will be cheering team on at the Rugby World Cup 2023

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      THE Rugby World Cup is upon us.England’s rugby team kick off their campaign against Argentina on September 9.
      Meet England rugby’s stunning WagsCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Beautiful Beth Dolling will be cheering on the RosesCredit: Instagram @bethdolling
      Beth is the partner of Marcus Smith
      The squad is currently in turmoil with captain Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola missing the start of the tournament after receiving bans.
      Add to that a dismal run of defeats to Ireland and Fiji that mean the Roses are low in confidence.
      But, there’s plenty of talent in the squad to cause a dent in France.
      Off the pitch, the Wags will be cheering their partners on. From a stunning model to a co-founder of an online community for mums, meet the Wags cheering on our boys…
      Read more England rugby news

      Beth Dolling
      Beautiful Beth, 23, is the girlfriend of Marcus Smith.
      She has appeared in campaigns for online fashion giants PrettyLittleThing.
      She’s also embracing a career as a singer and has an Instagram account dedicated to her music.
      The pair have been together for four years.
      Most read in Football
      Hollie Shearer
      Gorgeous Hollie, 28, is the daughter of England legend and Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer.
      Like Beth, she is a singer and songwriter – so surely a collaboration is on the cards.
      Hollie Shearer shows off her stunning bikini body to her 83,000 Instagram followers
      Hollie is the daughter of England legend Alan ShearerCredit: Instagram
      Joe Marchant and Hollie Shearer togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hollieshearer/?hl=en
      She dates Joe Marchant, and they have been together for a year.
      Hollie’s Instagram has drawn 83,000 followers to her account, who are wowed by the incredible lifestyle she lives.
      Olivia Thomas
      Not much is known about very private Olivia Thomas, who is engaged to Harlequins hooker Jack Walker.
      The brunette beauty keeps her cards close to her chest by making her Instagram private.
      Brunette beauty Olivia keeps a private profileCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jwacker96/
      Jack Walker and Olivia recently got engagedCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jwacker96/
      However, she appears on Walker’s social media – often looking glam and fashionable.
      They share a dog they affectionately nickname ‘The Queen’, and revealed they are expecting a baby.
      Megan Ely
      Toulouse flanker Jack Willis is in a long term relationship with Meg, who lives in the South of France with her beau.
      They have a son together called Enzo, who was born in 2021.
      Meg Ely lives in the South of France, where her beau playsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/meganely_/?hl=en-gb
      Jack Willis and Meg are in a longterm relationshipCredit: https://www.instagram.com/meganely_/?hl=en-gb
      She is often seen at the Stadium de Toulouse – cheering on Willis and his team.
      No doubt she will be there supporting him in France.
      Annie Knowles
      Sadly, model Annie won’t at this year’s Rugby World Cup.
      The Wag of Sales Sharks star Ben Curry, he is a notable absentee after suffering a hamstring injury.
      Gorgeous Annie Knowles is a model with agencies in London and ManchesterCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anniekknowles/?hl=en-gb
      Ben Curry and Annie pose for a selfieCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anniekknowles/?hl=en-gb
      Annie is signed to J’adore Models in Manchester and BMA models in London.
      Her Instagram is full of glam images showcasing her beauty.
      Michelle Daly
      In 2021, Michelle and Elliot Daly said their ‘I do’s’ in a glitzy wedding ceremony.
      They posted a series of photos of their big day on Instagram, accompanied with the caption: “One month ago today I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, four years engaged and now finally married.”
      Michelle Daly runs her own photography studio
      Michelle and Elliot Daly got married in 2021Credit: https://www.instagram.com/elliotdaly/?hl=en
      Michelle runs her own photography studio called Michelle Sylvia Photography.
      She is a graduate of the London School of Photography.
      Jessica Lawes
      Jessica is married to Northampton Saints star Courtney Lawes.
      They have four children together, and she is the co-founder of online community The Mum Club, which connects mums to various events close to them.
      Read More on The Sun
      She said on social media: “We honestly can’t believe the journey that The Mum Club has been on.
      “To think we started this driving across the country hosting brunches to 2.5 kids, and now we’ve six kids between the two of us, over 40 franchises, hosted over 500 plus events, a team of seven at HQ and now we’re entering international territory with a franchise opening in Dubai. Madness!”
      Jessica Lawes runs an online community for mums
      Jessica and Courtney Lawes have four children together More

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      Gary Lineker and Marcus Rashford show footballers are a better opposition to the government than the actual Opposition

      by

      FOOTBALLERS, eh? What a bunch of loony-left woke snowflakes.Well, not really, no.
      Gary Lineker has been a vocal critic of the governmentCredit: EPA
      During Gary Lineker’s playing days, the overwhelming majority of professional footballers voted Conservative.
      And even now, here are a group of self-made men, many of them who grew up in deprived areas, who have fought their way up in a cut-throat industry, an absolute meritocracy, and become multi-millionaires through their own talent and willpower.
      What could be more Thatcherite than that?
      And in an export market damaged by Brexit, the Premier League — “the greed is good” league — is perhaps Britain’s most successful global business model.
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      It’s hardly a breeding ground for dangerous leftist militants.
      But as the Gary Lineker affair has underlined, footballers past and present are increasingly able to oppose Government policy more stridently and successfully than the actual Opposition in Westminster.
      Before Lineker’s suspension from Match of the Day and the remarkable near-blackout of BBC Sport, we had Marcus Rashford campaigning against child poverty and the determination of footballers to “take the knee” in support of racial equality.
      These are extraordinary times because, until recently, the stereotype of footballers as monosyllabic morons was a staple of comedy sketch shows. They were widely portrayed, unfairly, as a bunch of thickos.
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      But in the social media age, footballers have found their voices — and many are intelligent, socially conscious, opinionated and extremely good at delivering messages.
      Premier League dressing rooms are some of the most racially diverse and cosmopolitan workplaces in the country.
      And the league itself is a success story for multiculturalism and internationalism, in an age when England has become insular and isolationist after Brexit.
      When footballers feel strongly about uniting to oppose, for example, racism, they do so from a position of knowledge.
      Likewise, Rashford experienced child poverty first-hand.
      Tory MPs enjoy kicking footballers and ex-pros in the media but it is not a popular strategy.
      After Rashford’s miss in the Euros final penalty shoot-out against Italy in 2021, Dover MP Natalie Elphicke claimed the Manchester United forward “should have spent more time perfecting his game and less time playing politics”.
      During that same tournament, several Tory MPs criticised the England team for taking the knee.
      And the opposition to that gesture centred around the Black Lives Matter organisation being “Marxist”
      Again, the idea of Premier League footballers, some of the nation’s highest earners, following the Communist Manifesto is laughable.
      You’d do well to find any coming out for post-match interviews and declaring: “At the end of the day, the proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains, Clive.”
      And Lineker himself is fighting the HMRC over a £4.9million tax demand — as part of a wrangle over his employment status.
      Marcus Rashford forced a government U-turn regarding child povertyCredit: Getty
      That debate over whether Lineker should be regarded as a BBC employee or a freelancer came up again after his “Nazi” tweet last week.
      Did he have to abide by the BBC’s vague impartiality guidelines, or was he free to speak his mind?
      When peace broke out, and Lineker’s return to Match of the Day was confirmed for next weekend, the unapologetic former England striker repeated his support for refugees.
      The whole fiasco has been a PR disaster for the BBC hierarchy.
      Thankfully it is now over and the public will be able to watch a proper BBC Match of the Day next weekend, including live coverage of two FA Cup quarter-finals.
      There are many football fans who cannot afford subscription TV and they have been let down badly by the Beeb’s ham-fisted approach to Lineker.
      But with the solidarity of his colleagues, Lineker has “won” his argument with the BBC.
      Just as Rashford forced government U-turns on child hunger and ended up being awarded an MBE.
      Neither Lineker or Rashford has ever come out as Labour Party supporters and it’s very possible they might vote for somebody else.
      But while Keir Starmer is too scared to speak freely about immigration or Brexit for the fear of losing votes, footballers have become the outspoken voices of reason in a fractured and angry nation.
      Maybe they should form a party of their own and stand at the next election. They’d probably win it.
      BOYLE IN THE BAG
      AFTER Chelsea beat Borussia Dortmund, I sat next to an elderly Scottish gentleman on the District Line, who was chatting to a couple of match-going tourists from America.
      They asked the man sitting next to me whether he’d been to the States and he certainly had.
      His name was John Boyle who, as well as winning a European trophy with Chelsea, had captained and then managed Tampa Bay Rowdies in the 1970s in the North American Soccer League.
      I asked him whether he’d played against Pele and it turns out Boyle had marked the great man, who was “still a fit lad in his mid-30s” when playing for New York Cosmos.
      Boyle sounded totally enthused by Chelsea’s performance against Dortmund.
      And coming from a man who marked Pele, that’s probably a more ringing endorsement than Blues boss Graham Potter might have imagined receiving a week or two ago.
      SOUL FAR AWAY
      ENGLAND’S record 53-10 defeat by France at Twickenham — after head coach Steve Borthwick had benched skipper Owen Farrell — was the equivalent of England’s footballers losing 7-1  to Germany in a  competitive match at Wembley after Gareth Southgate had dropped Harry Kane.
      But while there was isolating booing at the final whistle, the response of the 81,000 crowd was generally one of mild indifference.
      The Twickenham crowd, dominated by corporate day-trippers, will get behind England if they’re winning but it doesn’t actually seem to matter to them if their team loses.
      And that makes the whole experience feel pretty soulless.
      HORSING AROUND
      ANYONE keen on cutting public expenditure might ask why so many mounted police were deployed to the “posh derby” between Fulham and Arsenal.
      It is the least menacing fixture in the Premier League.
      And the Met’s horses were getting so much friendly attention, Craven Cottage felt like a petting zoo.
      BRAIN GAME
      ANTONIO CONTE claimed Spurs were “too soft” in their Champions League exit against AC Milan.
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      But wasn’t his defensive general Cristian Romero sent off for two reckless challenges — the second of which scuppered an attempted late rally?
      Tottenham were too soft? Too brainless, more like. More

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      I played in the 2007 Rugby World Cup final for England… now I’ve bought a non-league football team

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      A FORMER England Rugby player is one of the surprise people involved in the takeover of non-league club Yeovil Town. The National League side have finally changed ownership after weeks of speculation.
      Ex-Rugby star Paul Sackey (right) and Matt Uggla are among the main faces heading up the Yeovil takeoverCredit: Rex
      The SU Glovers group confirmed it had “taken on the stewardship” of the club earlier this week.
      And former England World Cup star Paul Sackey is among the group involved, it has emerged.
      The ace was a part of England’s rugby union side who got to the 2007 World Cup Final before losing to South Africa.
      But now he has moved onto pastures new and is looking to help turn Yeovil’s fortunes around after a difficult few years.
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      The bid is believed to be headed up Sackey, businessman Matt Uggla and his mother Julie-Anne.
      Sackey and Uggla were interviewed about their intentions for the club in a video uploaded to Yeovil’s social media channels.
      Sackey, 43, said: “We love the history of the club. We’ve done a lot of research and background on the club and we love it.
      “It’s got such a passionate fanbase. It’s a big club but the position it’s in now, it’s probably too big for this place, so we want to bring [the club] back to where it needs to be.”
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      Uggla added: “We’re really excited. It’s taken some time to get to this point but we’re really excited to be here and we’re hoping that we can move the club forward and bring it back to where it belongs.”
      Yeovil were relegated out of the EFL in 2019 after 16 consecutive seasons in the football league.
      Their mission for the rest of the season is to avoid being relegated again with the Glovers only out of the National League bottom four on goal difference. More