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      Man Utd and Tottenham learn Europa League last-16 opponents as final game wins make it HARDER with full table confirmed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham’s Europa League fate has been determined. United won away at FCSB while Spurs beat Swedish side IF Elfsborg at home to bypass the playoff round and proceed straight for March’s last-16.Kobbie Mainoo celebrates with with Alejandro GarnachoCredit: GettyTottenham breezed throughCredit: APAnd, as they finished next to each other in the final league stage table in 3rd and 4th, the underperforming Prem pair have the SAME four potential opponents.Those are the four teams who 13th, 14th, 19th and 20th – Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, FC Midtjylland or AZ Alkmaar – who will face off with each other in the February’s play-off round double-header.Ironically, if United and Spurs had NOT won their final league games – each would have faced potentially easier opponents.That is because, despite their league positions, Real Sociedad and Galatasaray remain two of the toughest sides in the competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe draw takes place on Friday to determine the play-off fixtures – where each of Spurs and United’s potential opponents will be narrowed down to two.United saw off their Romanian rivals 2-0 thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo. While injury-ravaged Spurs ran riot in the last 20 minutes with academy kids Dane Scarlett, Oyindamola Ajayi and Mikey Moore getting on the score sheet. Rangers also took an automatic top eight qualification spot after beating Belgium’s Royale Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Scottish side could now play either Anderlecht, Bodo/Glimt, Twente or Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.Spurs’ win ensured they missed a potentially awkward reunion with old boss Mourinho – for now at least.’Joke of a club’ rant Man Utd fans as 100s of Rangers fans swarm into home end for Battle of Britain Europa League clashNice, Braga, Hoffenheim, Besiktas and Dynamo Kyiv are some of the big names dumped out of Europe. Elfsborg, Maccabi TA, Slavia, Malmo, RFS, Ludogorets and Qarabag make up the full 12. Now 16 clubs battle it out for the eight remaining spots in the knockout stages. Ajax, Porto, Roma, FCSB, Plzen, Ferencvaros and PAOK are also in the play-offs. Lazio topped the table and could now draw arch rivals Roma – as well as either Porto, Plzen or Ferencvaros. Who faces who in the Europa League?Here’s a look at the ties across the competition…Teams who finished from ninth to 24th in the Europa league phase will play off to decide who reaches the last-16.PLAYOFF ROUNDBodo/Glimt vs Twente or FenerbahceAnderlecht vs Twente or FenerbahceFCSB vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKAjax vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKReal Sociedad vs AZ Alkmaar or MidtjyllandGalatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar or MidtjyllandRoma vs Ferencvaros or PortoPlzen vs Ferencvaros or PortoWinners of playoff ties will then face the teams who finished in the top eight of the league phase in the last-16…LAST 16Lazio vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or PortoAthletic Bilbao vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or PortoMan Utd vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ AlkmaarTottenham vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ AlkmaarFrankfurt vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKLyon vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKOlympiakos vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or FenerbahceRangers vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or Fenerbahce More

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      Europa League LIVE RESULTS: Man Utd, Tottenham and Rangers all secure spots in last-16 after frantic league phase finale

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      THE Europa League league phase has concluded after a thrilling finale.Manchester United finished 3rd in the table and automatically progressed to the last-16 following a 2-0 win away at FCSB.Tottenham also finished the league phase in the top eight after a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Elfsborg.Rangers claimed 8th spot by the skin of their teeth on goal difference and are the final team to automatically progress to the last 16.TV channel: TNT Sports (various)Live stream: discovery+CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Ruben still keeping it realSpeaking with BT Sports after the match, the Red Devils’ manager gave his view on his team’s performance tonight:I think we control very well the game. We had a lot of possession but the opponents is not the same as the Premier League. We had a lot of time to think. The lads did a good job, clean sheet again and we created some chances. We have to score more goals. We made them chase the ball a lot in the first-half. In the second-half the opponent got tired and it was easier for the players who came on.Ruben AmorimMan UtdCopy linkCopiedRangers ensure Scottish journey continuesThere was only an outside chance of Rangers finishing in the top eight this evening, needing other results to go their way.Clement made sure his side were focussed on getting their job done by beating Union SG this evening.The visitors caused them a lot of problems but they dug deep and saw the game out to grab all three points.Add to that, they got their rewards as they sneaked into the automatic qualification places to ensure there is no two-legged playoff to deal with.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedCaptain’s delightRangers skipper James Tavernier revealed he had no idea his side were in eighth spot until after the full time whistle.But he’s delighted they did sneak in and reckons taking time off when others have play off games will suit them.He told TNT Sports: “We conceded a goal which we know as a team we should do a lot better. It made it closer. Delighted for the team and we sneaked into the top eight. We didn’t have a clue until the end.”I’m happy to play a part for the team wherever I’m asked by the manager I’ve still got the legs to go up and down the right wing.”You want to compete against the best, European football is getting harder and harder each year and you want to test yourself.”We’ll take the weeks off, we can work hard on the training ground and properly train now. Delighted we can save those couple of weeks.”Copy linkCopiedBoss reserved in victory as progress securedSpeaking with BT Sport after the game, the Spurs manager gave his views on the performance and answered whether they would be active in the remainder of the transfer window:Yeh am really pleased. The objective was to try and win today and secure our top eight spot. It took a while to get our goal but yeh a good victory. We shouldn’t lose sight that we had a couple of 18-year-olds out there which is good for the club. We have a big week coming up so it was all about managing the players. People at the club are working hard to see if we can do some business.Ange PostecoglouTottenhamCopy linkCopiedAnge-l delight in North LondonFor the majority of the game this evening, it was all more of the same from Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs.They dominated the game from start to finish, with 81% possession and 21 shots during the course of the game.It took until the 70th minute for them to break the deadlock but once they did, the visitors looked dead on their feet.Goals from Scarlett, Ajayi and Moore gave the fans something to celebrate as they book their place in the last 16.However, the one blot on the landscape was the injury to Dragusin.There may be a sign outside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tomorrow……..defenders required, apply within.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedRed Devils get job done on the roadMan Utd made it back-to-back wins in all competitions as they ran out two-nil winners in Romania.Goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo saw them secure their place in the top eight.Some positive vibes for the long-suffering fans with this competition offering their only realistic chance of securing Champions League football next season.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPotential opponents – CONFIRMEDSo, what does that mean for the British sides moving into tomorrow’s draw?Well none of the three have to contend with the play-off round, so that’s a huge weight lifted off those three sides.And they’re all seeded in the round of 16, meaning second legs at home.Manchester United and Tottenham finish the league phase in 3rd and 4th so have the same four potential opponents in the round of 16.Man Utd potential opponents: Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ, MidtjyllandTottenham potential opponents: Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ, MidtjyllandRangers potential opponents: Bodo/Glimt, Anderlecht, Twente, FenerbahceCopy linkCopiedFT from Craig Mahood watching Rangers vs Union SGWow, wow, wow. Ibrox has seen some incredible nights and sensational atmospheres on Thursdays in Europe.This right now is right up there with them. How on earth have they snatched the eighth spot??The fans didn’t know about it for quite some time and it was in jeopardy with one more goal conceded here or one other in two of the other games going on potentially ruining it.But Gers did their bit and the noise continued to erupt after the full time whistle as news filtered through.A quite stunning achievement from Philippe Clement and his side given where they started the night and now they avoid those dreaded play off spots!Copy linkCopiedPerfect night for British sidesAll three British teams have secured places in the top eight in the Europa League final table.Rangers had a nervy end to the game as Union SG wasted a number of really good chances to get something out of the game and steal their automatic qualification spot.Man Utd had a comfortable 2-0 victory against FCSB to add some positivity to their gloomy season.Tottenham ran out 3-0 winners against Elfsborg with their youngsters digging them out of a hole in North London.Copy linkCopiedFull time from Dan King at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumSpurs fans caught up in the train delays had plenty of time to Google some of the players on their bench. But they all know who Oyindamola Ajayi is now. In a season where Tottenham have had to ask boys to do men’s jobs. Ajayi, 19, came off the bench and scored on his senior debut to put this game beyond doubt. And the one-two he played was with Dane Scarlett, scorer of the crucial first goal after coming on for latest injury victim Radu Dragusin. Scarlett, 20, was recalled from loan at Oxford because of a lack of game time. He scored within four minutes of his introduction here. Tottenham ended the game with four teenagers on the pitch, and one of them Mikey Moore made it 3-0 deep in stoppage time. There’s plenty still to play for in the cups for Spurs this season and whatever happens, the kids are all right. Copy linkCopiedFT: Midtjylland 2-2 FenerbahceA late goal from Byskov salvages a draw for the hosts.Jose Mourinho’s side have just about managed to hold onto 24th spot, the last play-off place as a result.That may have kept the ‘not so special one’ in a job.He looks overjoyed as that reality sinks in.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTottenham 3-0 Elfsborg90+4. We have seen two rare occurances in North London.Firstly Moore scores his first senior goal for the club.Then the camera pans onto, wait for it, Postecoglou smiling on the touchline.His face will be aching tomorrow, it has been a while since he has had reason to pull one of those out of the bag.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Mikey Moore (Tottenham)Copy linkCopiedRangers 2-1 Union SG90+2. Wow, it is anxiety central at Ibrox right now.The visitors get a ball into the box and it drops to Rodriguez who puts it over the bar from six yards out.Had that gone in, Union SG would have replaced Rangers in the top eight.Copy linkCopiedBy the way..Kevin Mac Allister is 100% a Scottish name. I’m not having him being Argentinian.Kevin McAllister (close) played for Falkirk, Chelsea, Hibernian, and Albion Rovers in the 1990s, including playing for the Bairns in their Scottish Cup final defeat to Kilmarnock.Knowledge.Copy linkCopiedAnderlecht 3-4 Hoffenheim90+1. What a game this one is.The Belgian side came into this hoping to secure a top eight spot and that has not gone according to plan.However, they have just scored a late goal hoping to still get something out of this match.Copy linkCopiedSame opponents?In third and fourth as things stand, Manchester United and Tottenham will currently have the same four potential opponents.As it stands they are; Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Porto, Union SG.Copy linkCopiedRangers 2-1 Union SG85. Nervy times at Ibrox as the visitors pull one back.As a cross is swung into the box, Kevin Mac Allister is left home alone in the middle to head home.He is the older brother of Liverpool midfielder Alexis who is probably in ann airport departure lounge somewhere wondering where he is.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 2-0 Elfsborg87. Tottenham defend their one goal lead in the only way how they know, score a second goal.Another youngster is on the scoresheet as Ajayi finds the back of the net.That will put some minds at rest in North London.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Damola Ajayi (Tottenham)Copy linkCopiedTottenham 1-0 Elfsborg84. As this result stands, it is job done for Spurs.The big question is, do they even have it in their locker to just shut up shop and manage this game.It is not the Tottenham vibe really, so we can expect everyone charging forward with no care for defending whatsoever.Copy linkCopiedRangers 2-0 Union SG77. It is nice to see the Rangers fans living their best life and not paying attention to their mobile phones.The downside to that is they are oblivious to the fact they have now moved into the top eight on goal difference.That is all down to Nice equalising against Bodo/Glimt.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedWell, well, wellAs things stand, Rangers are INTO the top eight!It would be quite incredible if all three British sides were to reach that top eight. United are 3rd, Spurs 4th and Rangers into 8th. Remarkable.Potential opponentsMan Utd: Ro16 – Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Porto, Union SGTottenham: Ro16 – Anderlecht, Ajax, AZ, PAOKRangers: Ro16 – Bodo/Glimt, FCSB, Midtjylland, ElfsborgCopy linkCopiedOlympiakos 2-0 Qarabag77. A brace from El Kaabi has put the Greek side in complete control of this one.More importantly, with other results this evening, they move into the top eight as well.They fully deserve the win here this evening, had this match been a boxing bout, someone from the Qarabag bench would have thrown the towel in by now.Copy linkCopiedLatest scores from around EuropeAjax 2-0 GalatasarayAnderlecht 1-4 HoffenheimAthletic Bilbao 2-1 Viktoria PlzenBraga 1-0 LazioDynamo Kiev 0-0 FK RFSFC Twente 0-0 BesiktasFCSB 0-1 Manchester United Ferencvaros 3-0 AZ AlkmaarLyon 1-0 LudogoretsMaccabi Tel Aviv 0-1 PortoMidtjylland 1-2 FenerbahceNice 1-1 Bodo/GlimtOlympiacos 2-0 QarabagRangers 2-0 Union Saint-GilloiseRoma 2-0 Eintracht FrankfurtReal Sociedad 2-0 PAOKSlavia Prague 1-2 MalmoTottenham 1-0 ElfsborgCopy linkCopied More

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      Man Utd ratings: Kobbie Mainoo shines in new role vs FCSB while poor Tyrell Malacia gets hooked at half time

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      KOBBIE MAINOO ran the show as Manchester United marched on in the Europa League in Romania.The Red Devils went into the game looking to guarantee their spot in the top eight of the league phase.Kobbie Mainoo was the best of the bunch in RomaniaCredit: APTyrell Malacia left much to be desired in his 45 minutes of actionCredit: RexMainoo, 19, partnered with fellow academy product Toby Collyer. from the start.He was allowed more freedom in a new role, which saw him further up the pitch to support the likes of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.The midfielder set up Diogo Dalot for the opening goal with a brilliant low cross.It then got even better for Mainoo as he netted the second with a cool finish to wrap up the result.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, it was another game to forget for Tyrell Malacia, as he was hooked at half-time after struggling to make an impact.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has given his ratings of the United players…Altay Bayindir – 6He was often a bystander during the game despite the hosts often getting up the pitch.Did show that he needs to work on his ball control with his feet with a few sloppy clearances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNoussair Mazraoui – 7Battled well at times as he took up the third centre-back role.Did very little wrong throughout the match.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd are a better team with Marcus Rashford but he has to change Matthijs de Ligt – 7Solid showing from the Dutchman in Romania who provided the muscle in the backline.Lisandro Martinez 70′ – 6Did well to help out in defence and keep the ball moving forward.Although, he should never have been allowed to take a decent free-kick opportunity in the first half that he blazed over.Diogo Dalot – 7Diogo Dalot grabbed the opening goalCredit: GettyOut on the wing, Dalot struggled to have a good impact on the game and was caught out on occasion when needing to defend.But proved crucial as he netted the opening goal with a tap in after making a good run at the back post. Toby Collyer 45′ – 6Made up one-half of Man United’s academy midfield duo and looked composed throughout the clash.He did not let the occasion get to him, as he showed plenty of strength when required.Harshly hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 8Kobbie Mainoo set up the opener and then scored himselfCredit: APExcelled in a slightly more advanced role to Collyer in the midfielder.Mainoo set up the opener with a cracking low cross to Dalot before scoring himself with a composed finish.Tyrell Malacia 45′ – 5Provided plenty of width in the left-wing-back role and whipped in a couple of decent crosses.Was replaced at the break Christian Eriksen 70′ – 6Forced a decent save inside 20 minutes and linked the play between the midfield and final third.Fell off during the second half and was replaced by Casemiro.Bruno Fernandes – 6Had a couple of moans at the referee in the first half and was largely quiet.Benefitted from the changes at the break as he had more natural attackers to link up with.Rasmus Hojlund 80′ – 5The on-trial striker put in plenty of effort as he was often making runs.Had a decent chance with his head but failed to get enough power on it to trouble the goalkeeper.SubsAmad Diallo 45′ – 6Added a bit more threat on the wing after replacing Malacia.Alejandro Ganracho 45′ – 7Alejandro Garnacho set up Mainoo’s goalCredit: APAlmost made an instant impact as he latched onto a loose ball but his effort hit the wrong side of the post.Picked up an assist with a decent pass to Mainoo.Leny Yoro 70′ – 6Slotted into the backline to help see out the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESCasemiro 70′ – 6Dropped deep into the midfield and gave himself as an option for defenders to pass to do move the ball forward.Joshua Zirkzee 80′ – 5Did not get much of an opportunity to grab a goal. More

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      What do Tottenham need to guarantee qualification to the Europa League last 16?

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      TOTTENHAM started their Europe League campaign in blistering form but have tailed off recently to add jeopardy to qualification. The North London club were the competition’s high-flyers, winning three from three, but in recent months have dropped points in three out of their last four.Ange Postecoglou is under increasing pressure at TottenhamA win in their last outing to equally out-of-sorts Hoffenheim has made the path towards a guaranteed place in the knockouts more simpler. Ange Postecoglou’s side currently sit sixth in the league phase on 14 points – just one ahead of the perilous play-off positions.The Lillywhites, who are on the hunt for an elusive trophy, host Swedish side Elfsborg for the final league game. But, what do they need to qualify?READ MORE on SPURSWhat do Spurs need to guarantee qualification to the Europa League last 16?Just like fellow last 16 hopefuls Manchester United, a win on Thursday would assure qualification for Spurs.The introduced eight-game ‘Swiss model’ has scrapped the traditional 32-team group stage of Europe’s top club competitions for a 36-team league phase.The top eight automatically qualify for the last 16 and are joined by the winners of a playoff tie between ninth to 24th.According to Opta’s supercomputer – which simulates the 2024-25 UEL league phase 50,000 times to work out team’s Europa League knockout likelihood – Spurs have a 92.6 per cent chance of a top-eight finish.Most read in FootballHow to watch Spurs vs Elfsborg Spurs’ final league phase game against Elfsborg will be shown live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK.Fans will also have the option to stream all the action on discovery+ which is available to download via any compatible mobile device or tablet.Kick-off for the huge match and all Europa League games is scheduled to get underway at 8pm GMT on Thursday, January 30.Alternatively, tune in to SunSport’s comprehensive live blog for all the action as it happens. More

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      What do Man Utd need to guarantee qualification to the Europa League last 16?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are on the brink of finalising their place in the next stage of the Europa League.United secured a late 2-1 win over Rangers last week and currently sit fourth on 15 points in the league phase of the competition.Bruno Fernandes’ stoppage time goal against Rangers grabbed an all important three pointsCredit: GETTYThe win against Rangers was significant as it ensured the Old Trafford club gained breathing space between them ninth-placed Galatasaray.Although not enough to confirm straight qualification, their trip to Romanian giants FCSB on Thursday puts fate in Ruben Amorim’s side’s hands.FCSB are also inside the top eight with a host of teams vying for a one of the eight seeded spots, including sixth-place Tottenham and the aforementioned Rangers in 13th. What do Man Utd need to guarantee qualification to the Europa League last 16?Simply put, a win would see the Red Devils progress into the last 16 as one of the four best sides. READ MORE ON MAN UTD United are already guaranteed at least a place in the play-offs with their current point tally. But victory would allow them the chance to finish second, third or fourth – as long as results in either Roma’s clash with Frankfurt and Athletic Club vs Viktoria Plzen go their way.Despite being one of the three unbeaten sides in the competition, the Reds can’t catch table toppers Lazio.According to Opta’s supercomputer – which simulates the 2024-25 Europa League phase 50,000 times to work out team’s Europa League knockout likelihood – United have an 89.8 per cent chance of a top-eight finish.Most read in Europa LeagueHow to watch FCSB vs Man UtdUnited’s final league phase clash against FCSB will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.Fans will also have the option to stream all entire action on discovery+ which is available to download via any compatible mobile device or tablet.Kick-off for the huge match – and all other Europa League games – is scheduled to get underway at 8pm GMT on Thursday, January 30.Alternatively, tune in to SunSport’s comprehensive live blog for all the action as it happens. More

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      Do Champions League teams drop into the Europa League if they don’t qualify for the last 16?

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      THE final night of the Champions League is HERE – and it’s win or go home for many teams.Manchester City are one such side after a horror Champions League campaign culminated in a 4-2 capitulation against Paris Saint-Germain last week.Man City must win to avoid Champions League eliminationCredit: PARafa Benitez led Chelsea to Europa League success in Amsterdam in 2013Credit: Getty ImagesYet while City needed a win to have any chance of qualification – they are now staring down the barrel of elimination.Pep Guardiola’s side have to beat Club Brugge and then hope other results go their way.Do Champions League teams drop into the Europa League if they don’t qualify?In previous years, teams that struggled during the Champions League group stage always had the safety blanket of dropping down into the Europa League.Chelsea famously became the first team to win the Champions League and Europa League in consecutive seasons in 2012 and 2013.The Blues won in Munich under Roberto Di Matteo but six months later were dumped out of the group stage – costing Di Matteo his job – and moved into the secondary competition.Rafa Benitez took charge and lead the team to Europa League glory in Amsterdam.But teams won’t be able to go down that route anymore.The expanded Champions League – which has seen an increase in teams and a dramatic change in the format – means teams will no longer drop into the Europa League.The new 36-team format sees the top eight in the league phase qualify automatically for the last 16.Teams that finish 9 to 24 are then entered into a draw to play a two-legged tie to make it into the last 16.The teams that finish 25th to 36th are then ELIMINATED from ALL European competition. More

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      How European play-offs could dramatically change Dream Team landscape in February

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      THE league phases of the Champions League and Europa League will reach a dramatic conclusion this week.Amid all the excitement, Dream Team managers should pay careful attention to how it all plays out as the results could have a dramatic impact on the game’s landscape.Keep a keen eye on tonight’s actionCredit: Dream TeamLiverpool are one of only two teams (alongside Barcelona) to have already secured automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16.Only a disaster for Arsenal away to Girona (combined with unfortunate results elsewhere) will prevent the Gunners from joining Arne Slot’s side in the last 16.However, Aston Villa’s fate is less certain ahead of their clash with Celtic at Villa Park.A win over the Scottish giants will give them every chance of an automatic spot but they’ll also need at least one of Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta, Milan, Atletico Madrid or Inter to falter to a certain degree.Emery has overseen four wins from seven in the Champions League this seasonCredit: ReutersAs for Manchester City, the 2023 winners of the competition are at risk of elimination following defeat to PSG last week.Pep Guardiola’s troops are currently 25th in the table but will earn a play-off spot with a win over Club Brugge at the Etihad this evening.Hypothetically, let’s say both Villa and Man City end up finishing between 9th-24th in the table and progress to the play-off round.The first legs of the Champions League play-offs are schedule for February 11th/12th and the second legs for February 18th/19th.Most read in FootballThis would mean double headers for Villa and Man City in Gameweeks 23 and 24.Man City’s stuttering campaign may create an opportunity for Dream Team bossesCredit: GettyAt present, Liverpool and Everton are the only teams set to pull double duty in Gameweek 23 (due to the rescheduled Merseyside derby) but additional fixtures for the likes of Erling Haaland (£7.9m), Phil Foden (£6.6m), Morgan Rogers (£3.5m), Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) and others would change the outlook considerably.It’s a similar situation in the Europa League with the play-off legs for the continent’s secondary competition also scheduled for Gameweeks 23 and 24.However, both Manchester United and Tottenham are in strong positions to qualify for the last 16 automatically after wins over Rangers and Hoffenheim respectively in Gameweek 20.The Red Devils are fourth ahead of their trip to FCSB, who are also pushing for a top-eight finish, while sixth-placed Spurs host Swedish outfit Elfsborg knowing a positive result will ensure they avoid the stress of the play-offs.Man United’s late winner against Rangers delivered a huge boostCredit: GettyMore than a few Dream Team bosses will be hoping things go awry for Man United and Spurs on Thursday night as that will mean more point-scoring opportunities for Bruno Fernandes (£6.3m), Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m) and company next month.Make no mistake, the addition of extra fixtures for any of the aforementioned teams in February will affect transfer and captaincy strategy.Dream Team’s Match Centre will update as required once the European play-offs are confirmed but it’s never too early to start formulating potential plans.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor example, Haaland is currently second among the most transferred-out players prior to Gameweek 22 but those managers will probably be scrambling to bring him back in if City end up in the Champions League play-offs.All eyes on the Etihad this evening…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

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      LaLiga ace Alex Berenguer & model wife ‘have gun pointed at them’ after three balaclava-wearing robbers break into home

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      A LALIGA footballer and his wife reportedly had a gun pointed at them during an armed robbery of their home.Athletic Bilbao forward Alex Berenguer, 29, and model Sofia Jem were targeted at their villa in Mungia, in the Basque country, on Monday night.Spanish footballer Alex Berenguer and his wife Sofia Jem were victims of an armed robbery attemptCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrThe couple were at home on Monday night when three masked men tried to force entryCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrBerenguer plays in attack for Athletic BilbaoCredit: RexAccording to El Correo in Spain, three armed men wearing balaclavas attempted to break in.The report adds that Berenguer managed to close a glass door which stopped the trio from entering. It is then claimed that a gun was aimed at both Berenguer and Jem.Thankfully, the shocking ordeal ended as the footballer was able to alert the police during the attempted raid and the robbers fled. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpanish authorities launched an investigation.It is understood neither Berenguer nor aerospace engineer Jem were injured in the raid but are both likely heavily shaken up. Neither have commented publicly just yet. Berenguer came through the youth academy at Osasuna then joined Torino in 2017.Most read in FootballThe Spaniard spent three years in Italy before returning to his homeland, signing for Bilbao in 2020.Berenguer scored the winning penalty in last season’s Copa del Rey final shootout victory over Mallorca – ending the club’s 40-year trophy drought. Joelinton’s mansion targeted by thieves as Newcastle winger calls cops after getting alert burglars were lurking in homeDespite the key moment, his contract technically ran out for a week last summer – briefly making him a free agent – before signing a new deal with Bilbao until 2027. He has racked up 32 goals in 199 games – and could make his 200th appearance in Thursday’s Europa League clash with Viktoria Plzen or against Real Betis on Sunday. Bilbao are enjoying a fine season, sitting fourth in LaLiga and third in the Europa League. Various Premier League footballers have also been targeted by thieves in recent years including Paul Pogba, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Dele Alli and Joelinton. The footballer and aerospace engineer are marriedCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrJem is a model and studied aerospace engineerCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrThe pair regularly post holiday snaps togetherCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrNeither of them have commented publicly on the ordeal just yetCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrThey enjoyed a trip to Disneyland while Berenguer was at TorinoCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerr More