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      Astana 0-2 Chelsea LIVE SCORE: Marc Guiu on the double for Blues in sub-zero Europa Conference clash – latest

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      CHELSEA are in Kazakhstan to take on Astana in huge Conference League clash on RIGHT NOW in freezing conditions.The Blues have enjoyed a perfect run in Europe so far as Enzo Maresca’s fringe players look to stake a claim as a first-team regular.Chelsea beat Heidenheim 2-0 in their last Conference League outing, with Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk firing the Blues to victory in Germany.Astana will be looking to climb the table as they eye their first win since their European opener back in October.Conditions at the Almaty Ortalyk Stadium are expected to be extreme, with the temperature potentially dropping well below zero.Kick off time: 3.30pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 2Live stream: discovery+Astana team: Seisen; Bartolec, Kazukolovas, Kalaica, Vorogovskiy; Marochkin, Amanovic; Ebong, Chinedu, Camara; TomasovChelsea team: Jorgensen; Acheampong, Disasi, Tosin, Renato Veiga; Rak-Sakyi, Dewsbury-Hall; George, Chukwuemeka, Pedro Neto; Marc GuiuFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Astana 0-2 Chelsea35. Every fixture is pitting Chelsea against teams that they have never played before.Not sure whether that says more about these European competitions or The Blues’ fall from grace over recent years,Astan a come forward and the ball is laid off to Geoffrey but it is an easy save for Jorgensen at his near post.Copy linkCopiedAstana 0-2 Chelsea33. Chelsea are trying their luck from all angles now.Renata Veiga shoots from the edge of the box but the keeper saves.Astana come forward but lose possession quickly.Copy linkCopiedAstana 0-2 Chelsea31. Maresca’s side look like scoring whenever they come forward.This time Guiu uses his strength to get between the defender and the ball.He tries a shot from a tight angle but smashes it over the target.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAstana 0-2 Chelsea29. The hardest part of this game for Chelsea will be the temperature.Since conceding, Astana have offered very little going forward.This could be like a training match for The Blues, in arctic conditions.Copy linkCopiedAstana 0-2 Chelsea27. Guiu is down receiving some treatment.He seemed to get a knock to the knee.Fortunately for Maresca, he is back to his feet and seemingly able to continue.Copy linkCopiedAstana 0-2 Chelsea25. This could be a long evening for the hosts.They will just be grateful that The Blues didn’t bring a first team.Neto puts a teasing cross into the back post but Renato Veiga cannot make anything of it.Copy linkCopiedAstana 0-2 Chelsea23. Almost another goal from the visitors.A shot from the edge of the box is parried by the keeper.He does well to get to his feet and retrieve the ball before any Chelsea player can react.Copy linkCopiedAstana 0-2 Chelsea21. It seems they have put that last one down as an own goal.Looking at the replays it is a tough one to call as to who got the last touch.Either way, Maresca will be pleased with the start his side have made.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAstana 0-2 Chelsea19. Great play from Pedro Neto in the build-up. The change of pace out wide left his marker for dead.As he whipped the ball into the box, Guiu bundled it over the line to double the visitors lead.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Marc Guiu (Chelsea)Copy linkCopiedAstana 0-1 Chelsea17. It was all too easy that goal.Like watching a football match in the school playground.Astana have the highest XG in this competition for goals against.Copy linkCopiedAstana 0-1 Chelsea15. That was some good play from the Chelsea striker.He picked the ball up out wide and beat his man, making beeline for goal.Once he had the goal in sight, he slotted it past the Astana keeper with ease.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Marc Guiu (Chelsea)Copy linkCopiedAstana 0-0 Chelsea13. Astana clip a high-ball into the edge of the box.Jorgensen comes steaming out his goal to punch it but misses.Not convincing goalkeeping from the Chelsea man.Copy linkCopiedAstana 0-0 Chelsea11. The Blues will be wanting a win this evening.They have won their last five games and will want to keep that run going.Completely different side, Maresca will want the same mentality.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAstana 0-0 Chelsea9. It has been a scrappy start to this game.Both sides are trying to find their feet in this one.VAR is checking for a potential penalty for Chelsea during the melee of the corner.Check complete, nothing doing.Copy linkCopiedAstana 0-0 Chelsea7. Both sides are gifting possession away here.Rak-Sakyi is bundled over in the middle of the park and wins a foul.Chelsea are patiently passing the ball around, Neto picks it up out wide and cuts inside onto his left foot.He gets a shot off but the keeper gets down well to parry behind for a corner.Copy linkCopiedAstana 0-0 Chelsea5. The hosts look to clip a ball over the top to break the Chelsea offside trap.No such luck as the linesman flags.Both sides are looking to get forward when the chance presents itself.Copy linkCopiedAstana 0-0 Chelsea3. The visitors win a free kick in a dangerous position.Chance for Enzo Maresca’s side to work the keeper.They play it short and George tries his luck from the edge of the box but it is well wide of the target.Copy linkCopiedAstana 0-0 Chelsea1. It is usually the winter break in Kazakhstan now.Astana are having to play to due to these European commitments.The Blues are looking to get their foot on the balll and pass it around in the early stages here.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Astana vs ChelseaWe are underway in Kazakhstan.It is a cold evening for the visitors to get used to.Chelsea get the game started.Copy linkCopiedNew opponent for West London sideThis is the first-ever match between Chelsea and any club from Kazakhstan. Astana’s only match-up with English opponents, meanwhile, came in the 2019 Europa League group stage against Manchester United.They lost 1-0 at Old Trafford but came from behind on their own 4G pitch to beat a very young Red Devils side 2-1.Copy linkCopiedMaresca making most out of sizeWhile the Chelsea manager has moaned about the amount of travelling his side have had to do for this match, only two of the entire squad are every likely to be involved in the Premier League.Pedro Neto and Axel Disasi start this evening for The Blues.Enzo Maresca is probably glad now that Chelsea have a squad bigger than a lot of countries’ armies now.Copy linkCopiedFormer Fox gets some game timeWhen Kiernan Deewsbury-Hall chose to switch the King Power for Stamford Bridge, he would have expected to see much more game time.The former Leicester midfielder has seen more of the Chelsea bench than he has the pitch in West London.He will be hoping to impress this evening to get more of a glimpse of first-team action.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBlues firm favourites for winThe bookies cannot see anything but an away victory in Kazakhstan this afternoon:Astana – 6/1Draw – 15/4Chelsea – 3/8All match odds brought to you by Betway.Copy linkCopied More

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      Why is Astana vs Chelsea kicking off at 3.30pm in the UK?

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      CHELSEA will be looking to continue their perfect record in the Conference League TONIGHT as they take on Astana.Many of the Blues’ fringe players are looking to break through to the first team after four straight wins in Europe.Chelsea have won all of their Conference League matches so far this seasonCredit: GettyLast time out, Chelsea easily brushed aside German side Heidenheim 2-0, with Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk getting on the scoresheet.Enzo Maresca’s men will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Conference League table this evening but face a tricky test in tough conditions.Not only will Chelsea travel eight hours on a plane to Kazakhstan minnows Astana, but they will be forced to play in horrific winter conditions – with temperatures dropping below 0.Why is Astana vs Chelsea kicking off at 3.30pm?Chelsea’s Conference League clash with Astana will kick off at a bizarre time in the UK.READ MORE IN CHELSEAThe match is set to get underway at the Almaty Ortalyk Stadium at 8.30pm local time, which is 3.30pm in the UK.Astana is five hours ahead of London – and with freak winter temperatures expected in Kazakhstan, the fixture cannot be played any later.European games usually kick off at either 5.45pm or 8pm in the UK – but all of Astana’s home games in the Conference League took place at 3.30pm last season.Chelsea face a quick turnaround of fixtures, with the Blues set to face Brentford at 7pm GMT on Sunday – and Maresca has hinted at several changes to his squad this evening.Most read in FootballThe Italian said: “Some of them will be here and some of them will fly with us. More or less, we try to manage in the same way we have done before today.”We have many young players, 17 players with us, and the rest will be here with us. Eight hours is not a normal time for a game, you know, but we have to go there, we have to play, try our best and thinking also about the next game.”How to watch Astana vs ChelseaAstana vs Chelsea will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2.You can live stream the match on discovery+.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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      We’re so Chelsea-mad we’ve flown between two war zones to Chinese border to watch our team – and even eaten horse brains

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      DODGING war zones, braving Arctic conditions… and tucking into horse brains.An away day in the outer reaches of Kazakhstan is like no other.Chelsea face Astana 3,700 miles awayCredit: HaytersBlues fans have made the gruelling trip, eating horse brains and drinking Russian beerCredit: HaytersChelsea face Astana in the Conference League today, with die-hard fans embarking on a gruelling 7,000-mile round trip to a far-flung destination close to the Chinese border.Blues supporters are experienced European travellers and they have watched their side clinch continental success on numerous occasions — not least winning the Champions League in 2012 and 2021.Yet this trip provides an equally unforgettable and unique experience for the 500 going.Three flights are needed to get there as direct journeys from London to the city of Almaty are difficult to come by.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea fans have therefore been forced to get inventive — their 24-hour trip started yesterday with a plane from London to Ankara, Turkey.A seven-hour layover in an eerily quiet terminal until a local time of 2am awaited them before they hopped to board a second flight between two war zones to get to Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital.The route taken goes over the Black and Caspian Seas, using the so-called ‘Middle Corridor’, in order to avoid the Russia-Ukraine conflict in the north and the raging Middle East tensions to the south.That would normally be far enough but Astana’s regular home ground is being renovated and they are instead playing 764 miles away in Almaty’s Central Stadium.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTouching down just 235 miles away from China, the Chelsea faithful can expect to be greeted by bitterly cold temperatures.Weather forecasts say it will drop to -11C at the time of the game.How Chelsea embarrassed Spurs with Enzo Fernandez leading genius in-game tactical shake-upBut it has not put off Londoner George Higgins, who said it was the allure of visiting a new country that attracted him to the trip.His adventure was pushed over the 24-hour mark by a three-hour delay in London before he finally boarded a flight to Kazakhstan via Istanbul and the Uzbekistan capital Tashkent.In a region five hours ahead of UK time, Almaty is a city that finds itself somewhere between gentrification and post-Soviet greyness.Battered Mercedes estate cars of years gone by fill the roads but there are also modern shopping malls full of familiar brands.We said, ‘We have to go to Kazakhstan’. If Chelsea are going, why shouldn’t we?Chelsea fansIn the back alleys there are a surprising number of English-inspired pubs for fans to enjoy once they have shaken off the jet lag.Over a pint of Russian beer, Norwegian Chelsea fans Knut, Lars, Sven and Anders discuss a week that has seen them ditch the usual pre-match pie for a plate of horse brains.On what drew them to this unique away day, they said: “The trip, mate, the trip. We said, ‘We have to go to Kazakhstan’. If Chelsea are going, why shouldn’t we?Temperatures will hit -11 at kick-offCredit: Hayters“I was actually hoping to qualify for the Conference League because of exactly these types of away days.“You get to watch teams you have never heard of — but you still want the excuse of going somewhere you would never normally go.”It was a very nice journey but a long one.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe last time Chelsea were near Asia for a  competitive game of football was when they thrashed Arsenal 4-1 in the 2019 Europa League final in Baku,  Azerbaijan.Enzo Maresca and the travelling Blues fans will be hoping the miles on the clock are worth it come May 28 for the Conference League final in Wroclaw, Poland.Chelsea have had to travel to Almaty as Astana’s ground is being redevelopedCredit: HaytersIt is a 24-hour journey from StanstedCredit: Hayters More

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      Enzo Maresca confirms forgotten Chelsea wonderkid, 18, will start against Astana after contract stand-off

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      CHELSEA boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Josh Acheampong is set to start against Astana.The Blues will take on the Kazakh side tomorrow in difficult -13C conditions.Enzo Maresca has discussed Josh Acheampong’s futureCredit: GettyAcheampong, 18, is highly-rated at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyMaresca is set to make several changes to the side that beat Tottenham 4-3 last Sunday, with 11 academy starlets having been added to his Europa Conference League squad.Full-back Acheampong, 18, is set to come in for his first Chelsea start.The England youth international is highly-rated at Stamford Bridge and has made two cameos from the bench for the Blues.But in October it was reported that he had been “frozen out” amid a contract stand off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was recently seen having returned to first team training, however.And asked about Acheampong ahead of tomorrow’s match, Maresca confirmed that a contract agreement is close.The Italian, 44, said: “He’s in the squad and is probably going to play from the start.”With Josh, it’s quite clear, we all love Josh, the club love Josh and I love Josh.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We are trying to find an agreement with the player. It’s close, we are almost there.”Chelsea will embark on a 7,000-mile round trip to face Astana, with stars such as Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke among those that will be left at home.How Chelsea embarrassed Spurs with Enzo Fernandez leading genius in-game tactical shake-upOn their travel arrangements, Maresca added this morning: “We have a session now, then we fly there, eight hours.”We arrive, have dinner, bed. Fortunately they are five hours ahead of us. We are going to be there for 24 hours.”Friday morning, we are going to arrive around 6am in London.”Following Chelsea’s arduous trip, their West London derby against Brentford this weekend has been pushed back to an unusual kick-off time.The match will get underway at 7pm this Sunday, and it’s likely that Maresca could make as many as 11 changes from the side that will face Astana tomorrow.Acheampong has made one brief first team cameo under MarescaCredit: Getty More

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      EFL stadium set to be invaded by Greek ultras armed with flares… weeks after shocking vandalism following Euro clash

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      FLARE-CARRYING ultras from Greek giants Panathinaikos are about to invade Shrewsbury.At least 900 of the Athens giants’ fans look set to descend on the Shropshire town to watch their club take on Welsh Premier League minnows The New Saints at The Croud Meadow.Shrewsbury’s Croud Meadow is set to host TNS vs PanathinaikosCredit: GettyPanathinaikos ultras are known for creating a lively atmosphereCredit: AFPCroud Meadow was vandalised by Djurgårdens last time outCredit: Shrewsbury Town FCThe Greek side’s Gate 13 ultras are famous for the noise, passion and atmosphere they create home and away.TNS are playing their Conference League games at the home of the League One club because their own Park Hall Ground in Oswestry does not meet Uefa regulations.And 19 miles along the A5, the locals are gearing up for tonight’s showdown in the hope that Craig Harrison’s players will smash some plates in their history-making campaign.As SunSport paid a visit, the only proper Greek restaurant in Shrewsbury — Exo Poli, just over a mile away from the ground — promises “a little bit of Crete” for customers heading to the match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCloser still is the Charles Darwin pub, named after the “theory of evolution” naturalist who was born in the town.Manager Katy Hutchings coped with plenty of visiting supporters after 1,800 Swedes descended on Shrewsbury for last month’s visit of Djurgarden.Those fans left The Croud Meadow in a mess — despite the visitors winning 1-0 — with graffiti sprayed on three sides of the ground and damage in Smithy’s Bar while two dozen seats were ripped out.But in the Charles Darwin there were no problems. Hutchings said: “We had some bouncers on the doors but we didn’t need them.Most read in Football“And I’m pretty good at throwing customers out myself anyway!“We’re well-used to visiting fans coming in here for Shrewsbury’s games and the Swedish lads were fine.“These games are great for the local economy — and in this town we’re proud of the way we always welcome visitors.”At the Oxon Priory pub close to the Roman Road, general manager Pam Hayward said: “The more the merrier. We’ll have extra staff in.“And we look forward to entertaining as many Greeks as want to join us before the game. Everybody around here is hoping The New Saints stay in the competition.”The Croud Meadow safety officer Lawrence Ellerby added: “There was talk on social media that there might be as many as 4,000 Panathinaikos fans coming. What we know is about 900 visitor tickets have been sold, with plenty of Greek ex–pats here buying them.“Damage done by Djurgarden fans was disappointing but we know how to cope with big numbers at this club.“We’ve had the likes of Liverpool and West Ham and never had any big problems.“We’re looking forward to the Panathinaikos game and their fans and good luck to TNS, we’re happy to give them a temporary home.”The campaign is not just a money-spinner for the town but also for 16-time domestic champs TNS — the first-ever Welsh League club to qualify for a European competition proper — as they made £4.1million in reaching the league stage.Goals from Rory Holden and Declan McManus gave them a 2-0 victory over Astana from Kazakhstan at The Croud Meadow to register another first by a Welsh outfit in a major European competition and a £330,000 win bonus.There was the TNS trip of a lifetime to Florence and a 2–0 loss to Fiorentina plus the 2-1 Dublin defeat to Shamrock Rovers.But a win over 20-time Greek title winners Panathinaikos would open the way to another Welsh League first — qualification for a European knockout stage.Last up is a visit to Celje in Slovenia and TNS are just one point off the Conference League’s play-off zone.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoss Harrison said: “Panathinaikos is huge for this club but if we could even come away from our last two games with four points to reach a total of seven we could have a chance of going through.“We’ve lost games but we haven’t conceded more than two in any — goal difference could be the deciding factor, if we can get seven points or more!” More

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      Chelsea add 11 academy stars to Conference League squad with kids set to face -21C temperatures and 7,000-mile trip

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      CHELSEA could take 11 academy stars on the 7,000-mile round trip to Kazakhstan as they prepare to face Astana in temperatures of -21C.The Blues have enjoyed a perfect run in the Conference League after winning all four of their fixtures to sit in first place in the League Phase.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca may have up to 11 youngsters at AstanaCredit: GettyChelsea youngster Shumaira Mheuka and Co face subzero temperatures at AstanaCredit: GettyRichard Olise – the brother of Bayern Munich star Michael – is on Chelsea’s listCredit: GettyChelsea youngster Tyrique George will make the 7,000-mile trip to KazakhstanCredit: AlamyAnd the West Londoners have done so without some big names such as Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana and star man Cole Palmer, who were left out in manager Enzo Maresca’s bid to manage a busy fixtures list.Palmer and Co can still play in the competition during the knockout stages, but Maresca wishes to rest players who will also have to compete in the summer’s controversial Club World Cup.Cesare Casadei was also sent off with two yellow cards at Heidenheim two weeks ago, which has led to fewer senior choices.The Italian tactician has placed faith in youth during the European campaign and will do the same against Astana, in a match that kicks off at 3.30pm UK time.Read More on ChelseaThere is no official confirmation as to how many academy players will be flying, but 11 of them are currently listed in Chelsea’s updated squad.Those are Harrison Murray-Campbell, Kaiden Wilson, Tyrique George, Kiano Dyer, Harrison McMahon, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Ato Ampah, Max Merrick, Josh Acheampong, Shumaira Mheuka and Richard Olise.One of the names may sound familiar as Olise is the brother of ex-Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, who now plays for Bayern Munich.Astana could mark senior debuts for Murray-Campbell, Wilson, Dyer, Ampah, Mheuka, Olise and Merrick.Most read in FootballAnd fans will be hoping the don’t freeze in the spotlight as temperatures in Astana are expected to drop to -21C on Thursday when the two teams face off at the Pavlodar Central Stadium.When Chelsea started in the competition, only five were named in the squad – Acheampong, Dyer, George, McMahon and Merrick.Jadon Sancho throws corner flag during Chelsea’s celebration at Tottenham The Premier League giants are allowed to add an unlimited number of youngsters from their esteemed Cobham academy to their squad’s B list whenever they wish.Chelsea ratings vs TottenhamCHELSEA came from two goals behind to beat Spurs 4-3 in a chaotic game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium,Here’s how the Blues players rated…Robert Sanchez – 4The home fans were on to him for the entirety of the first half after he lumped the ball out of play early on.Not an awful lot he could’ve done about the goals, and he did recover well in the second half.Moises Caicedo – 6Chelsea’s best defender on the day, he put in some strong challenges inverting into midfield and put in a solid performance once again.Fortunate to escape a card for a late challenge on Pape Matar Sarr, before a brilliant second half.Benoit Badiashile – 4Looked uncomfortable playing as a left-footed centre-back on the right-hand side.Often didn’t help Robert Sanchez by playing him into trouble, and looked awkward when trying to progress from the back.Levi Colwill – 6Allowed Solanke to get in front of him and finish brilliantly at the near post for the opening goal.Didn’t have an awful lot to do in the second half, which was perhaps a good sign, as the whole defence was improved.Marc Cucurella – 4Slipped at the vital moment to practically set Spurs through and open the scoring within five minutes, before slipping AGAIN which saw Kulusevski double the lead.Recovered really well after swapping his ice skates for football boots, nabbing the assist for Sancho’s goal and giving a solid showing for the whole second half.That said, he has to be marked down for the two goals.Romeo Lavia – 8Energetic, strong and smooth on the turn in midfield, with some brilliant line-breaking passes too.Much the same as Caicedo, he is becoming a dependable, impressive body in the Chelsea midfield.Came off at half-time for Malo Gusto, which must have been a tactical switch.Enzo Fernandez (c) – 9Didn’t misplace a single one of his 28 passes in the first half, the same as Lavia – before adding a stunning, game-winning, left-footed volley to his myriad of impressive actions.His best game in a Chelsea shirt came in one of their biggest matches of the season, as he continues his remarkable run of goal contributions.Pedro Neto – 7A threat on the right wing in the first half for Chelsea, he pressed well and came close to scoring Palmer’s deflected effort.A constant danger, he was creative but slightly lacked in end product if you’re being critical.Cole Palmer – 9Mis-kicked a chance in the first twenty minutes you would usually bet your house on him scoring, before coming close again with a shot from range moments later.Calmly dispatched his equalising penalty into the bottom corner, before setting up Enzo Fernandez to put his side in the lead.Added the cherry on the Chelsea cake with an ice-cold panenka from the penalty spot.Jadon Sancho – 8Excellent finish to pull one back for the Blues and spark hope among supporters.Generally sharp in build-up, and tricky feet as always, with a great slide-rule pass to see Caicedo win the penalty for Chelsea’s equaliser.Nicolas Jackson – 6Looked a threat going forward for Chelsea in spells, but failed to get himself on the scoresheet on this occasion.Seemed troubled as he departed the pitch for the oncoming Christopher Nkunku.SUBS…Malo Gusto (Romeo Lavia, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.Christopher Nkunku (Nicolas Jackson, 76)Got in some good positions and pressed well, remaining an outlet for the Chelsea attack when they countered.Ultimately not enough time to have the impact he would’ve liked.Noni Madueke (Pedro Neto, 86)Not enough time to impact the game in any way.Renato Veiga (Marc Cucurella, 90)Not enough time to give a solid review, hardly touched the ball.Joao Felix (Cole Palmer, 90)Came on with seven minutes to go, in which Chelsea were defending for the most part. More

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      Awkward moment new BBC MOTD favourite upsets David Moyes with comment live on TV as he gives deadpan response

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      MARK CHAPMAN put his foot in his mouth in an awkward exchange with David Moyes on Match of the Day 2.Chapman, 51, hilariously made an accidental jibe at David Moyes’ European success with West Ham.Mark Chapman talked himself into an awkward situation on Match of the Day 2 when discussing the Uefa Conference LeagueCredit: BBCDavid Moyes questioned Chapman for suggesting the Conference League isn’t up to scratchCredit: BBCChapman and Alan Shearer burst out laughing at the deadpan responseCredit: BBCChapman apologised to Moyes for the inadvertent jibeCredit: BBCMoyes joined Chapman and Alan Shearer on the BBC highlights show as a pundit to talk through the weekend’s action.And when discussing Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa, Chapman delved into the Blues’ ability to rotate their squad due to their participation in the Uefa Conference League instead of the Champions League or Europa League.Seemingly hinting that the Conference League’s subpar opposition allows Chelsea to rotate heavily in Europe, Chapman said: “If you look at the changes that he [Enzo Maresca] can make in Europe.”And look they’re in the Conference League so they can…”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBefore the experienced broadcaster could even finish his sentence he was hilariously interrupted by Moyes who asked: “What’s up with the Conference League?”The quick-witted interjection had both Chapman and Shearer in fits of laughter with Moyes hinting at his spectacular success in the Conference League with West Ham.Chapman jokingly said: “That was a bit awkward!”.Moyes led West Ham to Conference League success in 2023, beating Fiorentina in the final in Prague and becoming the first English team to lift the relatively new trophy.Most read in FootballDavid Moyes led West Ham to Conference League glory in 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was the first major trophy won by West Ham in 43 years and the crowing jewel of Moyes’ long and illustrious career as a manager.Fans enjoyed Moyes’ tongue-in-cheek reaction to Chapman’s awkward moment.Watch Alan Shearer’s cheeky pitch to be new Match of the Day host in first show since Gary Lineker exit confirmedOn social media, one fan wrote: “Great moment!”While another added: “The laugh from Moyes and deadpan expression. Brilliant.”Chapman is currently favourite to replace Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day at the end of the season.Lineker is set to step down from his role as the highlight show’s host after over 25 years in the hotseat.And Chapman, who has hosted MOTD2 since 2013, is strong favourite to be handed the role by the BBC.However, The Sun exclusively revealed last month that the Beeb are hoping to share the role between two presenters – an idea that Chapman isn’t keen on.In fact, Chapman has flatly refused a Match of the Day job share.Mark Chapman is favourite to be named as the new host of Match of the DayCredit: GettyUltimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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      EFL stadium left vandalised as shocking pictures emerge after ground hosted European clash

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      AN EFL stadium was left vandalised after hosting a European clash on Thursday.The Croud Meadow has been the home of League One outfit Shrewsbury Town since 2007.Shrewsbury Town’s stadium was vandalised after playing host to TNS’s Europa League Conference clashCredit: GettyFans from Swedish side Djurgarden covered their stand in graffiti while ripping up seatsCredit: Shrewsbury Town FCWelsh side The New Saints played at Shrewsbury’s ground as their own does not meet Uefa regulationsCredit: Shrewsbury Town FCSeating 9,875 fans at a time, it has also become a temporary base for Welsh side TNS (The New Saints).The Cymru Premier champs usually play at their Park Hall stadium in Oswestry.But it does not meet Uefa regulations, forcing them to host their Europa Conference League home fixtures at Croud Meadow.TNS’ latest continental clash saw them host Swedish side Djurgarden on Thursday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNearly 2,000 Scandinavian supporters turned up for the match, which their side won 1-0.However, Shrewsbury Town have since revealed that travelling fans vandalised Croud Meadow in disgraceful scenes.“Substantial damage” was caused to various parts of the ground, with over two dozen seats ripped out from the West Stand.Lighting, tables and chairs were also vandalised in both Smithy’s Bar and the Fanzone.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd various bits of graffiti also covered the three areas.Shrewsbury say they are now talking with Djurgarden to “repair the damage.”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 But it is unlikely to be sorted in time for Wednesday’s League One clash against Blackpool.A statement read: “Shrewsbury Town are angry and saddened to report the Croud Meadow has been left vandalised by Djurgarden supporters.“As a club, we took the decision to host TNS and their Europa Conference League matches in our home to boost tourism in the county and bring European football to Shropshire.“However, we have been left dismayed by supporters of Djurgarden after they caused widespread damage last night.“More than two dozen seats have been ripped out of the West Stand. There has also been substantial damage to lighting, tables and chairs in Smithy’s Bar and in the FanZone.“Alongside destroying property, Djurgarden fans also took it on themselves to cover all three areas in graffiti.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We have spoken to Djurgarden as we continue to assess the damage and are working with them to repair the damage – however this work may not be done in time for our next fixture against Blackpool on Wednesday“As a club we would like to stress this vandalism is nothing to do with TNS – with the damage clearly caused by Djurgarden supporters.” More