Europa Conference League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares152 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea files: Blues ‘on a knife edge’ with club facing £70m black hole if poor form keeps them out of Champions League

      by

      CHELSEA’S stuttering bid to qualify for the Champions League may not impact Enzo Maresca’s role but it could wipe £70million off his summer budget.The Blues remain in the hunt for a top five finish but are convincing few that they will be able to get over the line.Chelsea could risk losing £70m if they fail to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s job could also be at riskCredit: AlamyAnd another year away from Europe’s top table will come at quite the cost – with one financial expert saying they are on a “knife edge”.A run into the knockouts would – thanks to their coefficient ranking and gate receipts – net at least £90m for the west Londoners.But a year in the Europa League – which they are expected to qualify for via the league or winning the Conference League – would land them just £20m.And after having to sell hotels and the women’s team to the club’s holding company, BlueCo, in order to dance around the Premier League’s financial rules – things could get tricky.Chelsea’s latest financial results showed a profit of £129.6m, but Professor Rob Wilson, an academic lead at University Campus of Football Business, is concerned.He told SunSport: “Their reported profits are suggesting financial health, but the underlying losses basically indicate a reliance on accounting strategies.”You can’t trade on accounting strategies forever.”What you’re doing is essentially just putting off the inevitable, which is at some point you’re going to post a pretty significant loss or you’re going to have to have a big asset sale.”They are kind of protecting that with the longevity of the player contracts that they’ve been including.”They are properly on a knife edge in my view.”They are backing themselves or have already backed themselves into a pretty unmanageable corner.”Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence near training groundKEEP KEPA?GOALKEEPING has been a hot topic at Chelsea this season and it’s not just restricted to those currently at the club.The future of Kepa Arrizabalaga is also of interest as his loan at Premier League side Bournemouth nears its end.The world’s most expensive keeper is desperate to stay on the South Coast to the extent that he would be willing to take a pay cut on his present wages of around £170,000 a week.Kepa, 30, has a year left on his contract at Chelsea but he knows there is no future for him at Stamford Bridge.Kepa Arrizabalaga is willing to accept a pay cut to stay at BournemouthCredit: AlamyEven though there are serious questions about the suitability of Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, there are other keepers further up the pecking order.Even untried teenager Mike Penders seems to be more popular with Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca than Spaniard Kepa, who cost a whopping £71.6 million in 2018.Bournemouth are keen on a permanent deal and it’s believed one could be struck for around £25 million.Kepa has played the last 14 games in all competitions for Bournemouth and is close to manager and fellow Spaniard Andoni Iraola.There has been speculation that Bournemouth fancy Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher but Kepa is more likely to be the club’s number one next season.BLUECO NO-GODROPPING into the Europa League would not only pose financial problems, but a mammoth headache for Chelsea’s American owners.Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali will be forced to place their shares in Ligue 1 side Strasbourg into a “blind trust” if both qualify for the Europa League.Strasbourg’s involvement in the Europa League could be a huge issue for Chelsea if they fail to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPStrasbourg, managed by Englishman Liam Rosenior, have been a BlueCo success story and are just a point off of the Europa League places in Ligue 1.While their qualification would be celebrated, it would cause an awful lot of admin for the owners.Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe faced a similar problem.His company INEOS also owns Nice and Swiss side Lausanne-Sport.Their ownership of both has been placed into a blind trust, with Nice in the Europa League alongside Manchester United.Their both being in the same competition also saw UEFA block any transfers between the two – which put a stop to United’s move for defender Jean-Clair Todibo.Chelsea have sent a number of youth prospects on loan to Strasbourg since the two clubs were brought under the BlueCo umbrella.Kendry Paez, the Ecuadorian who will complete his move to Chelsea this summer, has been training with Rosenior’s side ahead of a possible loan move next season – which could be barred under these rules.SECURITY CONCERNSLEGIA WARSAW’S infamous ultras are on their way to London and the police are on high alert.Extra cops will be on duty for Thursday’s Conference League quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.Legia Warsaw’s ultras caused chaos outside Villa Park in 2023Credit: GettyJust 1,000 fans of the Polish club are being allocated official tickets into the away section of the away end.Although with a sizeable Polish population in London already, there could be more in the home sections of the ground.Chelsea though are confident that their robust ticket policies will be enough to stop large scale infiltration by visiting supporters.Legia Warsaw have been dogged by controversy involving their fiery fans. They have been hit with travel bans.There was trouble in 2023 when the club played Aston Villa in the Conference League – several police officers were hurt in disturbances outside Villa Park.The Met won’t disclose details of their anti-hooligan policies but issued a statement to Sun Sport which read: “The Met works closely with partners to ensure the safety and security of those attending football matches in London. We want everyone to come and enjoy themselves but we will act decisively to deal with anyone intent on causing trouble.“We have increased the policing presence for Chelsea’s home match against Legia Warsaw this Thursday to ensure it takes place in a safe and secure environment. This decision was taken following a careful assessment of information and intelligence.”Warsaw have had their ticket allocation reduced on advice from the Safety Advisory Group and Chelsea.The statement continued: “We will continue to work with the club and our local partners to ensure the safety of those attending the match and those in the wider community.”NO PROBE FOR TODDDespite outraged Chelsea fans firing off a letter of complaint to the Premier League demanding a probe into the club chairman’s links to an unauthorised ticket resale site, the police won’t be knocking on Boehly’s door anytime soon.Supporters have openly protested about the fact the leading figure in the Stamford Bridge boardroom is cashing in with a 40 percent stake in Vivid Seats – a US-based outfit that passes on match tickets, often at vastly inflated prices.Todd Boehly has infuriated fans by earning money from Vivid Seats, a ticket resale siteCredit: ReutersThe Premier League is currently considering options on what to do about the tricky situation – after all on their own website they advise customers to exercise ‘extreme caution’ when dealing with companies like Vivid Seats.But any investigation is a long way off as so far, English football’s governing body will only confirm receipt of the letter from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust.However, it is still a delicate state of affairs with the Premier League under pressure to investigate the business dealings of one of the game’s most high profile players.LEAGUE OF THEIR OWNCHELSEA Women’s final away game of the WSL season has been selected for live broadcast by the BBC.And a kick off time has now been finalised with The Blues heading to Tottenham on Sunday, May 4 and it gets underway at 2.15pm.NEW INITIATIVEANYONE attending Sunday’s home game against Ipswich will have noticed the large number of brightly coloured flags fluttering in The Shed End before kick off.The plan to liven up Stamford Bridge comes from fans’ group We Are The Shed, who are also masterminding the creation of a singing section in the famous stand.While it’s not exactly keeping the blue flag flying high, it’s good to see that some supporters are not just giving up on the fading atmospheres at Premier League grounds.Where English stadiums were once revered for their noise and sway, they are now silent tourist attractions. Keep up the good work.Chelsea Women vs Tottenham will be broadcast on the BBCCredit: Reuters More

    • 213 Shares96 Views

      in Soccer

      How Premier League could boast ELEVEN teams in Europe next season with seven qualifying for Champions League

      by

      THE PREM could still have 11 teams in Europe next season – although it needs Aston Villa to pull off the mother of all Champions League comebacks to still be on.Arsenal’s quarter-final first-leg thrashing of Real Madrid last week confirmed that England will have a fifth Champions League place next term, for the first time.Aston Villa’s second leg against PSG will be integral for other Prem clubs and their European hopesCredit: EPAFulham and Brighton could still qualify for EuropeCredit: ReutersBut if Villa were to find a way of overhauling their 3-1 first-leg deficit when Paris Saint-Germain visit the West Midlands tomorrow and go on to lift the trophy in Munich next month, that would mean six Prem teams in the competition.That would even extend to SEVEN if either Tottenham or Manchester United can progress and win the Europa League.And there is the possibility of a further FOUR places on offer if Chelsea make their status as Conference League favourites count by adding that trophy to the club’s European haul.If the standings in the Prem table were not to change between now and the end of the season, the current top five of Liverpool, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Manchester City would all earn a passage directly into the initial stage of the Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEnglish football also has three more guaranteed European slots, two in the Europa League plus one in the Conference League.But only one of those places, the second Europa League spot, would normally be awarded by a Prem finish, with the winners of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup respectively taking the automatic entries.However, a Wembley Final triumph for City or semi-final opponents Forest, or for Villa if they win the Champions League, will mean the place would revert to the Prem table.With Newcastle having won the Carabao Cup, their qualification for the Champions League would open the place in the third-tier competition.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIf Chelsea win the Conference League AND qualify for Europe through their League position, England would have a maximum of 10 sides in continental action.However, if Enzo Maresca’s Blues blow up in the Prem but still win the Conference League it would open up the path for a remarkable English battalion next term.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final That could see Europa League football for Fulham and Brighton, with Bournemouth squeezing into the Conference League. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ratings: Tyrique George breaks deadlock with first Blues goal but tired Cole Palmer hooked at half-time

      by

      CHELSEA took control of their Europa Conference League quarter-final tie against Legia Warsaw after a 3-0 win in Poland.The Blues had to deal with a raucous atmosphere from the Polish crowd with pre-game pyrotechnics leaving a heavy cloud of smoke in the visitor’s defensive end at the start of the game.Tyrique George celebrated scoring his first Chelsea goalCredit: ReutersNoni Madueke was rewarded with a goal of his own after coming off the bench following an injection of energy into the gameCredit: PAThe home crowd were certainly up for the clash and sang throughout the game, despite precious little happening in the first half.Enzo Maresca clearly gave his side a wake-up call at half-time with the Blues looking energised after the break before Tyrique George reacted quickest to a Reece James shot to break the deadlock.Noni Madueke then grabbed the second a few minutes later as Chelsea made the most of a counter-attack.Madueke added a third, again set-up by Jadon Sancho, 25 seconds after Christopher Nkunku saw a penalty saved. Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Blues in Poland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFilip Jorgensen – 6Not tested in the first half with Chelsea dominating the ball.Looked set to not change second half until he had to save a vicious Patryk Kun shot from close range in the 90th minute.Joshua Acheampong – 6Played more like a third CB with Gusto more advanced inverting from LB and looked comfortable enough in the role. Stepped into a more conventional role and won the ball back high leading to the game’s first shot on target from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.Grew in confidence on the ball and was more involved second half.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTosin Adarabioyo – 5Made some clever line-breaking passes to set the Chelsea attackers away at the Legia defence.Taken off at half-time for Levi Colwill.Fans beg Cole Palmer ‘never change’ as footage of Chelsea star asking waiter bizarre question emerges Benoit Badiashile – 5Showed good strength against the Legia attackers. Nodded down a cross into a dangerous area which needed last-ditch defending to clear.Malo Gusto – 6Playing at left-back today and looked out of sorts after giving the ball away cheaply on a few occasions. Grew into the game and was better with his crosses.Replaced by Mathis Amaugou after the third goal went in.Reece James – 7Back in midfield for the clash and looked comfortable spraying passes about even if he was rarely tested on the ball. Showed some good strength when asked to do his defensive duties.Curled a lovely cross into Dewsbury-Hall just after the break but his midfield partner fluffed his header. Saw shot a shot rebound out for George to score the rebound.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6Often found himself drifting out to the right-hand side to support Sancho. Had a curling shot palmed away by the goalkeeper for the first shot on target before missing an open header in the middle of the area on the stroke of halftime.Had another superb chance just after the break after ghosting into the box to head a James cross.Cole Palmer – 4Popped up all over the pitch to get on the ball but struggled to find his range, with one pass to Nkunku on a promising counter-attack going behind the striker.Looked tired and was hooked at half-time for Madueke.Jadon Sancho – 7Saw a lot of the ball in the early stages with little tangible output. Seemed to lack either the bravery or know-how to beat his defender, despite often being isolated one-on-one.Moved to the left wing after the break and looked brighter pairing with Gusto. Set up Madueke to score the second goal of the evening. Set up Madueke again 25 seconds after Nkunku’s saved penalty with a good low cross to the far post.Christopher Nkunku – 3Wasted a dangerous counter-attack by dragging a shot wide in the 15th minute, though in his defence the pass he was fed by Palmer was behind him. Put a ball on a plate for Dewsbury-Hall to score but he miscued his header.Moved behind George after the break and looked more interested in the game thereafter. Was just his luck when he won a penalty before seeing the spot-kick saved, with Madueke then scoring 25 seconds later.Tyrique George – 7George reacted quickest to a reboundCredit: ReutersQuiet in the first half but then scored his first senior goal just after the break as he was first to react on a rebound from a James shot when he was moved into the central striker role.Taken off after 75 minutes. But showed bright spots after his move inside.SubsNoni Madueke (for Palmer, half-time) – 9Madueke netted two goals after coming off the bench in the second halfCredit: APMade an impact straight away when he took on his man and managed to send them pedalling backwards. Rewarded for his positive play with a goal set up by Sancho on a Chelsea counter-attack.Added a second seconds after the penalty save as he tapped in a Sancho cross at the far post.Levi Colwill (for Adarabioyo, half-time) – 6Solid defensively on the rare occasions he was tested, but was most impressive spraying passes out of the back line.Marc Cucurella (for James, 58 mins) – 5Almost caught out within moments of coming on after Kun got behind him, only to fire the ball out of play.Read More on The SunMathis Amougou (for Gusto, 75 mins) – 6Made his European debut coming on in Poland. Not much to note after that.Shumaira Mheuka (for George, 75 mins) – 5Saw some powerful bursts into the box late on but was let down by a poor pass or touch. More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Legia Warsaw 0 Chelsea 3: Blues have one foot in Conference League semi-finals as Sancho shines despite exit links

      by

      THE flares and pyrotechnics were in the home areas but it was Chelsea who delivered the second half explosives to effectively seal their place in the Europa Conference League semi-finals.This Blues team which cost over £1billion to put together has not exactly set alight the tournament which was introduced by Uefa for the game’s paupers.Noni Madueke made the difference after coming onCredit: PAJadon Sancho provided two assistsCredit: ReutersMadueke taps in Chelsea’s third from close rangeCredit: GettyTyrique George scored the first senior goal of his careerCredit: RexBut no other team in the Conference League can afford to take off a player like Cole Palmer at half-time and introduce a player like Noni Madueke.Blues manager Enzo Maresca was rewarded for his change with Madueke playing a part in the first goal, scored by teenager Tyrique George, before the England international grabbed the next two goals.Madueke’s second goal, for 3-0, came 25 seconds after striker Christopher Nkunku missed a penalty.And while Chelsea failed to score in the first half for a seventh successive game, they are in a good place for next week’s second leg when Legia and 1000 of their notorious fans – after a five-match away ban – will head to Stamford Bridge.READ MORE IN CHELSEAFor Chelsea, this was a first ever competitive game in Poland and it looks as though a second one in the same country will follow next month.While only 742 of Chelsea’s hardcore away support were allowed into this quarter-final first leg – and they were kept in for 60 minutes after the match for their own safety – the supporters will surely be heading back here in much greater numbers on May 28.As expected, the atmosphere inside the Polish Army Stadium was pretty lively and the home ultras’ constant use of flares is certain to land them with a Uefa fine. Another one.Chelsea were poor in the first half and created very little with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall having their only shot on target.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut four minutes into the second half, Reece James’ long-range shot was parried by the home keeper Kacper Tobiasz and George neatly tucked away the rebound for his first senior goal.That certainly took the sting out of the tie and the second goal duly followed with keeper Tobiasz at fault again, this time his poor clearance being cut out by James.Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence near training groundChelsea ratings vs Legia Warsaw as Tyrique George scores first ever Blues goalCHELSEA took control of their Europa Conference League quarter-final tie against Legia Warsaw after a 3-0 win in Poland.The Blues had to deal with a raucous atmosphere from the Polish crowd with pre-game pyrotechnics leaving a heavy cloud of smoke in the visitor’s defensive end at the start of the game.The home crowd were certainly up for the clash and sang throughout the game, despite precious little happening in the first half.Enzo Maresca clearly gave his side a wake-up call at half-time with the Blues looking energised after the break before Tyrique George reacted quickest to a Reece James shot to break the deadlock.Noni Madueke then grabbed the second a few minutes later as Chelsea made the most of a counter-attack.Madueke added a third, again set-up by Jadon Sancho, 25 seconds after Christopher Nkunku saw a penalty saved.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Chelsea victors…Jadon Sancho, who did little in the first half but played with a bit more zip after the break, picked out Madueke and he stroked a shot into the bottom corner from near the penalty spot.Chelsea were awarded a spot-kick after a foul on Dewsbury-Hall but Nkunku , who looks devoid of all confidence, saw his penalty saved by Tobiasz.Yet just 25 seconds later, Sancho burst down the left and his cross was turned in at the far post by Madueke.For Maresca, he can once again focus on claiming a top five spot in the Premier League with a game at home to Ipswich on Sunday.And due to this result, the Italian coach can make a few more changes for the second leg before trying to clip the wings of their lofty west London neighbours Fulham three days later. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smoke

      by

      CHELSEA fans have fumed that they can’t see their own players following a crazy pyro show from Legia Warsaw supporters.The Blues are in Poland tonight for the first leg of their Uefa Conference League quarter-final. Legia fans unleashed a stunning tifo ahead of their Conference League game with ChelseaCredit: TNTSmoke billowed out from behind the goalCredit: TNTFans flocked onto social media to complain they couldn’t see the gameCredit: TNTThe Legia fans’ huge banner read ‘Fear no one’ and was accompanied by flaresCredit: PALegia fans welcomed the two teams onto the field with a stunning display from the terraces. Ultras behind the goal released a mammoth tifo, setting off flares and fireworks. A banner was raised by the fans, reading: “Fear no one.”But huge amounts of smoke billowed out down onto the field and remained there for almost 10 minutes after kick-off.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans were quick to moan that they couldn’t see the players on TNT’s coverage from the Polish capital. One fan complained on X: “I am trying to watch the game of Legia vs Chelsea but I can’t see anything.”Another said: “I can’t be the only one struggling to see what’s going on in this Chelsea game.”While a third added: “I can’t even see the match , which kind of stadium is this.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd a fourth fumed: “Why are they allowed to create smoke like this?”Enzo Maresca welcomed back Cole Palmer to the starting XI for the clash in Poland. Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeThe England midfielder was dropped for Chelsea’s clash to Brentford last weekend.Djurgardens or Rapid Vienna await the winners of the two-legged clash.Chelsea aim to become the first club to win all three of Uefa’s active club competitions. For Legia, controversial coach Goncalo Feio has already guided the Polish club to their best European run in the 21st century. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Legia Warsaw vs Chelsea LIVE SCORE: Cole Palmer STARTS for Chelsea as they face Warsaw in Poland – updates

      by

      CONFERENCE LEAGUE favourites Chelsea look to extend their winning run in the group stage proper as they jet east to face Polish heavyweights Legia Warsaw. The Blues narrowly edged past Servette in the competition’s qualification round despite losing the second leg, and have since gone on to win all eight of their games, including last round’s two legs against Copenhagen. Although boosting loftier heights than the third tier of European football – with a place in the Champions League on the cards in league play – winning the competition would be the new ownership’s first salute since the 2022 takeover. Legia, like 2021 Champions League-winning Chelsea, have endured testy times in recent years with a downturn in league finish since winning seven out of the last nine titles dating back to the 12/13 season. Controversial coach Gonçalo Feio has already guided the Polish club to their best European progression in the 21st century. Kick-off time: 5.45pm GMTTV channel/FREE live stream: TNT Sports 1/Discovery plusLegia Warsaw team: Tobiasz, Wszolek, Pankov, Kapuadi, Vinagre, Oyedele, Agustyniak, Elitim, Chodyna, Luquinhas, MorishitaChelsea team: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Tosin, Badiashille, Gusto, Dewsbury-Hall, James, George, Palmer, Sancho, NkunkuFollow Chelsea’s Conference League clash below…On the benchLegia Warsaw: Kovacevic, Mendes-Dudzinski, Barcia, Olewinski, Kun, Biczachczjan, Goncalves, Mozie, Szczepaniak, PekhartChelsea: Sanchez, Colwill, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Amougou, Rak-Sakyi, Fernandez, Neto, Madueke, Jackson, MheukaCopy linkCopiedYoung gunsCobham graduates Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George BOTH start for Chelsea tonight.The pair have impressed in the Conference League this season. Tonight gives them an opportunity to step up and guide Chelsea into the semi-final, as the club prepare for what could be a HUGE transfer window in the summer. Copy linkCopiedCole Palmer STARTSPalmer was not even in the squad for Chelsea’s group stage games in the Conference League, but he starts here tonight. Captain Reece James also starts, and is expected to play in midfield, alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedXI’s confirmedLegia Warsaw: Tobiasz, Kapuadi, Oyedele, Augustyniak, Chodyna, Pankov, Wszolek, Vinagre, Elitim, Morishita, Luquinhas Chelsea: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Tosin, Badisahille, Gusto, Dewsbury-Hall, James, George, Palmer, Sancho, Nkunku Copy linkCopiedNext up: team newsChelsea and Legia Warsaw announce their line-ups NEXT.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWhen in WarChelsea travel to Legia Warsaw in the Conference League quarter-finals.Enzo Maresca’s side saw off Copenhagen in the round of 16 to set up a tie against the Polish outfit in the last eight.The Conference League is the only chance Chelsea have of picking up a trophy this season, with the Premier League out of touch, and the side are out of the FA Cup.It also presents an opportunity for Chelsea to become the first club in history to win the Champions, Europa and Conference League. Legia Warsaw are no slouches, and saw off Molde in the round of 16 -overturning a 3-2 loss to win 2-0 after extra time in Poland in the second leg.The Blues have already proven to be somewhat put off by a hostile environment, struggling to break down Copenhagen for 45 minutes in the round of 16 in the away leg.If Legia Warsaw are to upset the odds, they will need their fans to put on a big display.SunSport has you covered for play-by-play action from tonight’s clash. Copy linkCopied More

    • 163 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Win a trip to the UEFA Conference League Final in Wroclaw with Hankook

      by

      WE have teamed up with Hankook, official sponsors of the UEFA Conference League, to give two lucky Sun readers and a guest each a trip of a lifetime to the UEFA Conference League Final in Wroclaw on Wednesday, May 28.The tournament is heating up with the first leg of the Quarter Finals kicking off this Thursday at 17:45pm. Each winner will receive two tickets to the UEFA Conference League Final on Wednesday, May 28 at the Wroclaw Stadium.The lucky readers will also bag return standard flights from a UK airport (determined by Hankook Tyre UK) to Wroclaw departing on Tuesday, May 27 and returning on Thursday, May 29 for them and their guest. Plus, two night’s accommodation for the winners and plus ones at the Raddison Blu Wroclaw on a B&B basis on Tuesday 27th May and Wednesday 28th May.Premium tyre manufacturer, Hankook Tyre UK, has been a long-term partner of the UEFA Europa League and extended that partnership to the UEFA Conference League during its inaugural season in 2021/22. Hankook has recently added new GT tyres to its ION range, the world’s first tyres to be made from 77 per cent sustainable materials. The new tyres have been expertly created to offer more range, less impact and perfected for EV.You can find out more on Hankook and tyre safety, here.Fill in the form below and for your chance to win this great prize.Competition is open to UK residents (excluding Northern Ireland), aged 18+ only. Competition ends at 23:59pm on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Winners will be notified within 7 days. See here for the full Terms & Conditions.Most read in Football More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 30: European quarter-final first legs key to unlocking bumper points

      by

      DREAM TEAM managers have until 11am on Saturday morning to confirm their transfers for Gameweek 30.In terms of strategy, it’s all eyes on the European quarter-final first legs with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea set to play again after the weekend’s Premier League action.Arsenal v Real Madrid is just one mouthwatering fixture included in Gameweek 30Credit: APNaturally, these double headers are the focus of this week’s transfer recommendations.Just to clarify, we consider Bruno Fernandes (£7m), the game’s most in-form player, firmly in the camp of: blindingly obvious.Bukayo Saka (£6.6m)In a week that featured several popular assets suffer ill-timed injuries, Dream Team bosses were boosted by the return of Arsenal’s No7.Saka marked his comeback with a goal against Fulham to underline his credentials.Only Mohamed Salah (£7.7m) averages more points-per-game than the England winger in 2024/25.Mikel Arteta will be delighted to have his star player back ahead of a trip to Everton and Real Madrid’s visit to the Emirates.Saka’s ownership has already increased to nigh on 20%.Saka marked his return with a goalCredit: ReutersMarcus Rashford (£3.7m)It’s a good time to back Unai Emery’s troops amid an unmatched succession of double Gameweeks.Most read in FootballNo fewer than nine Villa assets notched double-digit hauls in Gameweek 29 but Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) was not among them; far from it in fact as he mustered just one point from two substitute appearances.Instead it was Rashford who led the line against Preston and Brighton and boy did he capitalise.The 27 year-old loanee bagged a brace in the FA Cup and then got on the scoresheet again during his side’s win over the Seagulls in midweek for a 29-point return in total.Barring something extraordinary at Stamford Bridge this evening, he will finish as Gameweek 29’s top performer.Villa’s Gameweek 30 is far from favourable with high-flying Nottingham Forest to come before a daunting meeting with PSG in the Champions League but Rashford has form on his side.A word for Marco Asensio (£4.1m) who has now scored EIGHT goals since his loan switch despite having started just four times for Villa.The Spaniard’s minutes are a slight concern but his impressive average of 8.2 points-per-game is the headline right now.Rashford thrived in Gameweek 29Credit: GettyDominic Solanke (£4m)This suggestion comes with the caveat that Spurs are due to face Chelsea this evening and so the outlook may change depending on how things play out in West London.Ange Postecoglou’s side are the only team with the luxury of two home fixtures this coming Gameweek and that includes one against relegation-bound Southampton.Frankfurt are expected to provide stiffer competition next Thursday but it’s an appealing double header nonetheless.Son Heung-min (£4.6m) is currently the second-most popular recruit ahead of Saturday’s deadline on account of him being Spurs’ top points scorer.However, it’s worth noting the South Korean superstar has played just 275 minutes across his last five outings at an average of 55 minutes per appearance.In contrast, Solanke has completed the full 90 minutes three times in a row since his return to the starting line-up after injury.Son may pack more of a punch (he’s first-choice penalty taker too) but the England striker seems to be far more immune to Postecoglou’s rotation.It’s worth remembering that for all Spurs’ problems this season, they have scored plenty of goals across all competitions.Solanke has scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists this seasonCredit: ReutersDjed Spence (£3.2m)It’s a similar story in defence.Pedro Porro (£4.5m) is by far and away the top performer in his position among his team-mates with a mighty 223 points but, like Son, his minutes have decreased lately – he didn’t feature at all against Fulham last time out.Whereas Spence’s form has seen him play every minute of the last four games.This shuffle in the pecking order is interesting as the 24-year-old currently features in just 0.8% of teams, making him a huge differential option.Read More on The SunSpence ranks fifth in his position for bonus points this season despite the fact he hardly featured at all during the first four months of the campaign.He is certainly capable of a satisfying double-digit haul if given the nod against Saints and Frankfurt.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More