Explainers

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea vs Liverpool – Carabao Cup final: Pochettino and Klopp go head-to-head for first silverware of season at Wembley

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE giants Chelsea and Liverpool return to Wembley this weekend in search of silverware.The two sides go head-to-head in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday in front of a capacity crowd.
      Liverpool beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final two years agoCredit: PA
      They last met in the final just two years ago when Jurgen Klopp’s side came out on top, winning 11-10 in a thrilling penalty shootout following a goalless draw.
      The Reds will likely be favourites going into the game given their impressive run of form.
      Liverpool currently sit at the top of the Premier League table, with Chelsea struggling down in 10th.
      But, of course, anything can happen in the Cup!
      Read More on Chelsea
      When is Chelsea vs Liverpool?

      Chelsea’s clash with Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final will take place on Sunday, February 25.
      The game will be held at Wembley Stadium.
      An earlier kick-off time than usual of 3pm has been selected for the final.

      What channel is the Carabao Cup final, can it be live streamed?

      Chelsea vs Liverpool will be shown on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
      You can live stream the action from the Sky Go or NOW TV apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Odds

      Chelsea – 9/4
      Draw – 5/2
      Liverpool – 11/10
      Chelsea to lift trophy – 5/4
      Liverpool to lift trophy – 4/7

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
      Most read in Football
      How Chelsea lined up against Liverpool in 2022 Carabao Cup final with just TWO of starting XI still at club
      Team news
      Both teams have several injury concerns going into the game.
      Defenders Reece James, Benoit Badiashile and Marc Cucurella are all unavailable with long-term injuries.
      Mauricio Pochettino also revealed that Thiago Silva picked up a “minor injury” before last week’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
      Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana and Carney Chukwuemeka also remain sidelined.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to miss the final due to injuryCredit: Getty
      Diogo Jota was stretchered off against Brentford last weekCredit: Alamy

      Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez, Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota recently suffered injury setbacks.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold has been confirmed as an absentee for the final because of a knee injury.
      Alisson and Dominik Szoboszlai could also miss out due to a hamstring issues.

      Who will be the star players?
      Conor Gallagher has arguably been one of Chelsea’s most consistent players this season.
      A boyhood Blue, the midfielder has captained his side on several occasions since the start of the campaign in the absence of James and Ben Chilwell.
      He has also popped up in some key moments for Pochettino’s side.
      Gallagher scored two crucial goals for Chelsea against Crystal Palace earlier this month to seal a crucial win.
      Conor Gallagher has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent players this season
      Mohamed Salah has a fantastic goalscoring record for Liverpool this season
      As for Liverpool, Mohamed Salah will be one to watch.
      The winger recently returned from injury and was back firing against Brentford last week.
      Salah has now scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.
      What has been said?
      Following Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City last week, Pochettino said: “For us, it was a really important game to keep the momentum, to realise we are in a good way and improving.
      “Still we are not at the level of Manchester City but that is our aim and of course, we are a very young team that needs this type of game to improve and to create a spirit that we need to show in every single game.
      Mauricio Pochettino was pleased with his team’s performance against Man CityCredit: PA
      “You want to be competitive because I think from the beginning, we were one of the best teams in the way we perform, create chances and I think after 15 games, we deserved to be in the top four.
      “But football is not only to show good quality and be nice, it’s to be competitive and today the team has definitely showed we can be competitive also and play well.”
      Meanwhile, following Liverpool’s win over Luton on Wednesday, Klopp said: “This team that time ignored the fact who was missing.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “I want us to ignore the fact who is missing. That is difficult because the public got the knowledge of the whole amount of players missing only tonight – I needed a few minutes to process it!
      “From the moment when you know how you can sort it and deal with it for this game now, that feels really good, so that is what I wanted the boys to show.” More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      Why is Lewis Hamilton still driving for Mercedes after signing a contract with Ferrari?

      by

      FERRARI pulled off a major deal by signing Lewis Hamilton to a mega contract – but the F1 legend will continue to drive for Mercedes this season.It was announced on February 1, 2024, that Hamilton had triggered a secret clause that would see him drive for F1’s most famous team.
      Lewis Hamilton will join up with Charles Leclerc at FerrariCredit: AP
      And the deal for the seven-time world champion to join Ferrari is worth a staggering £100million.
      Hamilton would love nothing more than to follow up on this huge move with a championship win in the 2024 season.
      But fans are confused as to why the British mogul continues to represent Mercedes even after the paperwork has been signed.
      Why is Lewis Hamilton still driving for Mercedes?
      Lewis Hamilton will still drive for Mercedes as he confirmed that he was committed to finishing the season before starting life with Ferrari in 2025.
      Read more on Lewis Hamilton
      The British icon said: “I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together.
      “Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old. It’s a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.
      “But the time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge. I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together.
      “I am 100 percent committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Lewis Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013Credit: EPA
      Why did Lewis Hamilton switch from Mercedes to Ferrari?
      Lewis Hamilton signed a new two-year contract extension with Mercedes last summer which included a release clause that would allow the F1 legend to move elsewhere if triggered.
      And after lengthy rumours going back from 2018 about Hamilton joining Ferrari, the deal has finally been agreed.
      The British icon once revealed on Sky Italy that driving for Ferrari is a ‘dream’ team to represent.
      In 2021, Hamilton said: “It’s definitely going to be crazy to think that I never drove for Ferrari because for everyone, that is a dream position to be in.”
      He added: “It was never fully on the cards for me, and I’ll never know exactly fully why but I wish them all the best and I want to spend the next bit of my time stopping them from winning the championship.
      “I look at the pictures that the two drivers post and the red is ‘still the red'”.
      Full F1 2024 race calendar
      Below is the full calendar for the 2024 season and the final campaign where Lewis Hamilton will drive for Mercedes.

      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal vs Newcastle: Gunners host Eddie Howe’s side in massive Premier League clash – team news, kick-off time

      by

      ARSENAL return to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to host Newcastle in another crucial Premier League clash.The Gunners suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Porto on Wednesday following a last-minute goal from Galeno.
      Arsenal and Newcastle go head-to-head again this weekendCredit: Getty
      However, they will look to get back to winning ways against Eddie Howe’s Champions League-chasing Magpies.
      Mikel Arteta and his side felt aggrieved following their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle in November.
      Anthony Gordon’s goal was controversially given following a lengthy VAR check that looked at three separate incidents.
      Arteta was investigated following his post-match comments but officials later cleared him.

      The Spaniard could now be approaching Saturday’s game with revenge in mind.
      Team news
      Fabio Vieira returned to the Arsenal squad on Wednesday following an extended period out with a groin injury, so he could be in contention to play.
      Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain doubts.
      Fabio Vieira could return for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Meanwhile, Newcastle have a lengthy injury list.
      Most read in Football
      Callum Wilson is set for a long spell on the sidelines with a pectoral injury.
      Aleksandr Isak could also miss out with a groin issue.
      Supercomputer reveals Arsenal’s chances of winning Champions League after toothless Porto loss without a shot on target
      Joe Willock and Fabian Schar could be back in contention following their respective injury spells.
      But Nick Pope, Matt Targett, Joelinton and Elliot Anderson remain unavailable.
      Who will be the star players?
      Bukayo Saka added two goals to his Premier League tally against Burnley last weekend.
      He now has 12 goals and seven assists in 24 league appearances this season.
      Legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wegner hailed him as “world class” this week.
      The Frenchman told beIN SPORTS: “He is top level. He is top level because he is the type of player who makes differences at that level of game and has a great future.
      “He is a top person as well. Humble, wants to learn, wants to work, so his career will now be decided by how much he wants to continue to improve, but he is certainly one of the three best English players. I would say he is world-class.”
      Bukayo Saka has continued to be a key player for Arsenal this season
      Bruno Guimaraes has been one of Newcastle’s most consistent players
      Bruno Guimaraes has been one of Newcastle’s stand-out players so far this season.
      The midfielder has registered seven goal contributions in 24 games since the start of the campaign.
      He is also yet to be significantly impacted by injury.
      Guimaraes ruffled some feathers last time he came up against Arsenal, with some fans convinced he should’ve been sent off for an elbow on Jorginho.
      What has been said?
      Following last weekend’s impressive win over Burnley, Arteta said: “We are showing a high efficiency at the moment in front of goal, and you see especially the purpose, the way we’re playing at.
      “We always want to play forward and be a threat, and the players up front, they feel really connected at the moment. That’s a different story because it gives us much more tranquillity, especially to finish the games off.”
      Mikel Arteta wants his team to continue their impressive Premier League run of formCredit: Alamy
      Meanwhile, following last week’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, Howe admitted: “I’m well aware and I think people who watch us regularly are aware, that we’re not at full power at the moment, we’re not at our fluent best but I think the reasons for that are obvious.
      “We are a bit disjointed. We had players playing today who maybe wouldn’t be in their best positions given a free hand. But everyone is giving as much as they can to get consistent results.
      “We have to look at the positives. It’s another game unbeaten for us, we’re getting points where we went through a spell when we weren’t.”
      When is Arsenal vs Newcastle?

      Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle will take place on Saturday, February 24.
      The game will kick off at 8pm GMT.
      Arsenal vs Newcastle will be held at Emirates Stadium.

      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Arsenal vs Newcastle will be shown live on TNT Sports in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the Discovery+ app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Odds

      Arsenal – 4/11
      Draw – 4/1
      Newcastle – 7/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

    • 75 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is Dani Alves in prison?

      by

      ONCE regarded as one of the best right-sided players in the world, Dani Alves is now a convicted criminal.The disgraced football star is now set to spend a lengthy time in prison after being found guilty of a serious sex crime.
      Dani Alves is a convicted criminal who is now in jail
      Why is Dani Alves in prison?
      Brazilian international Dani Alves was accused of raping a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.
      In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, the footballer denied the allegations and said the encounter had been consensual. 
      Held at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court, the trial lasted three days and saw the victim, witnesses, and experts testify.
      Alves had previously confirmed he had sex with a woman in the nightclub’s toilet but insisted it was consensual.
      READ MORE ON DANI ALVES
      His accuser told the prosecution that she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but that he forced her to stay after she wanted to leave.
      In court she claimed that he was aggressive with her, slapping her and insulting her, and then forced her to have sex with him.
      Following the trial, Alves was found guilty of raping the woman.
      How long will Dani Alves go to jail for?
      Alves was sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars for the rape.
      Most read in Football
      The court also ordered Alves to pay £130K (150,000 euros) in compensation to the victim.
      The ruling included a nine-and-a-half-year restraining order from the accuser.
      The court said in a statement: “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”
      Following the sentence, Alves was sent to Brians 2 prison in Barcelona.
      He had previously been held in pre-trial detention since his arrest in January 2023.
      Alves can appeal his sentence.
      Who is Dani Alves?
      Alves’s new life behind bars is a far cry from his career as a footballer, which included him playing as a right-back for La Liga side Barcelona.
      During his time on the pitch, he won six La Liga titles, two Ligue 1 titles and the Serie A.
      Alves also won the UEFA Champions League on three occasions while playing for Barcelona in 2009, 2011 and 2015.
      After a successful spell in Spain, Alves moved to Juventus in 2016 on a free transfer.
      He helped the Turin club to a League title, a Coppa Italia and was an important part of the side that reached the 2017 UEFA Champions League final, losing to Real Madrid.
      After just one season in Italy, Alves joined French side Paris Saint-Germain, where he enjoyed further trophy success.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      After a spell at Sao Paulo in Brazil, Alves re-joined Barcelona in 2021, playing under former teammate Xavi.
      He left for a second time in 2022 after 17 appearances, signing for UNAM in Mexico, playing 13 games before they terminated his contract in 2023. More

    • 150 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Why are the first two F1 2024 races starting on a Saturday?

      by

      WE are set to witness the longest season in F1’s history – and that is not the only major change in the calendar.Max Verstappen is hoping to become only the fourth man to win FOUR consecutive titles after such a dominant performance last year.
      Max Verstappen has won third consecutive title last yearCredit: AFP
      But Lewis Hamilton will be determined to put an end to the Red Bull icon’s reign during his final season behind the Mercedes wheel.
      However, in what is destined to be a long season, both racers will need to slightly alter their preparations due to the opening GP’s taking place on a Saturday instead of Sunday.
      And SunSport can provide F1 fans with information on why this is the case.
      Why does the F1 2024 season start on a Saturday?
      The first race of the F1 2024 season takes place on a Saturday due to the sacred time of Ramadan.
      Read more on F1
      Ramadan starts on Sunday, March 10 which means the Saudi Arabian GP has moved forward by a day to Saturday, March 9.
      And to coincide with F1 rules that there must be at least a week between two races, the opening Bahrain GP has also been moved forward from Sunday, March 3 to Saturday, March 2.
      When is the first race of the F1 2024 season?

      The opening F1 Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 2.
      It is expected to get underway from 3pm UK time – 6pm local time.
      Bahrain International Circuit is the allocated track for this opening race and it can host approximately 70,000 fans.
      Max Verstappen got off to a winning start at this exact circuit in 2023.

      What is the FULL calendar?
      Below are details for every single race in the 2024 calendar:
      Most read in Motorsport

      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd vs Fulham: Erik ten Hag’s side look to continue superb winning form in Premier League as they host Cottagers

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED host Fulham in a huge Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon.Erik ten Hag’s side have been in superb form of late as they continue to chase down a Champions League spot.
      Rasmus Hojlund’s quick-fire double secured a 2-1 win for Manchester United against LutonCredit: GETTY
      Rodrigo Muniz was on the scoresheet for Fulham last weekendCredit: GETTY
      The Red Devils got the better of Luton Town last time out – running out 2-1 winners at Kenilworth Road.
      Rasmus Hojlund’s quick-fire double was enough to edge a frantic Premier League clash with the Hatters.
      Elsewhere Fulham are sitting fairly comfortably in mid-table, nine points clear of the bottom three.
      They are looking to get back to winning ways, and their season back on track for a top-half finish.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Last time out, Marco Silva’s side were beaten by 2-1 at home to Aston Villa, with Ollie Watkins bagging a brace at Craven Cottage.
      United currently sit sixth, just three points behind Tottenham and five points behind Unai Emery’s men.
      However, they remain fairly inconsistent at Old Trafford with only five teams having scored fewer league goals at home.
      But the Cottagers are one of the Prem’s tamest sides away on their travels, with just a single away win all season and zero in 2024.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      What is their form like?
      Fulham have recorded one victory since their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the FA Cup fourth round.
      Marco Silva’s men ran out 3-1 winners over Bournemouth at home before their defeat to Villa.
      Before that victory, Fulham were held to two successive draws against relegation strugglers Everton and Burnley.
      Erik ten Hag’s side are undefeated in their last seven games in all competitions.
      United have recorded four consecutive league wins, and scored 11 goals across those fixtures.
      Kobbie Mainoo scored a late grasp winner to win 4-3 at Wolves, before a 3-0 victory over West Ham, and 2-1 away win at Villa Park.
      Team news
      Luke Shaw was withdrawn just before half-time during the 2-1 win at Luton last weekend.
      The England left-back was also taken off with a knock the week before against Aston Villa and is a doubt for Saturday’s clash.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Anthony Martial and Tyrell Malacia all remain out.
      Fulham will be without midfield stalwart Joao Palhinha as he misses out through suspension after collecting ten yellow cards.
      The Portugal international has made more tackles than anybody else in the top flight this term and is a vital screen in front of the defence for Marco Silva’s side.
      Raul Jimenez will be unavailable with a thigh injury, while Chelsea loanee Armando Broja could return from illness.
      Star players
      Hojlund proved invaluable to United in his last six games
      United forward Hojlund is in red hot form and will be the biggest threat Fulham face going forward.
      Hojlund, 21, now has 14 goals in all competitions, notching all seven of his Premier League goals in his last six outings.
      His goal inside 37 seconds at Luton saw a Prem record smashed.
      He became the youngest ever player to score in six consecutive league games.
      Pereira will be the one to watch for the visitors
      As he normally is, Pereira will be the main problem the Red Devils need to look out for.
      The Belgian midfielder’s electric pace and vision in the final third means he can turn any moment into a dangerous situation.
      The former United man will likely step up to punish his former side.
      After all, this will be a necessity in Palhinha’s absence.
      Predicted line-ups
      Here’s how we think United will line up
      Here’s how we think the away side will line up
      SunSport prediction
      Fulham haven’t beaten United since 2009, with only two draws since 2014.
      Also, other than the most recent meeting between the two, this fixture has had both teams on the scoresheet in every game since 2019.
      But Fulham have been unlucky, suffering a stoppage time goal from Bruno Fernandes in their 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture.
      United are returning to last season’s goal scoring form, but remain vulnerable at the back with a makeshift defence again likely on the weekend.
      United 2-1 Fulham
      When is Man Utd vs Fulham?

      Man Utd vs Fulham will take place on Saturday, February 24.
      Kick off will be at 3pm GMT.
      Old Trafford will host.

      What TV channel is Man Utd vs Fulham on and can it be live streamed?

      Man Utd vs Fulham will not be broadcast on live TV in the UK.
      This is due to the 3pm blackout.
      However, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the huge match at Old Trafford.

      What are the odds?
      Match result
      READ MORE SUN STORIES

      Man Utd – 1/2
      Draw – 7/2
      Fulham – 9/2

      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More

    • 113 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is Man City vs Brentford not on TV?

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY will be looking to get back to winning ways after dropping points last week. Pep Guardiola’s side were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.
      Man City and Brentford renew their rivalry for the second time in three weeksCredit: GETTY
      The visitors looking to get revenge following their 3-1 home defeatCredit: Getty
      This means that City are four points behind table-toppers Liverpool, but they do have a game in hand over their rivals.
      Jack Grealish is ruled out for the game following a muscle injury sustained in last week’s Champions League win over FC Copenhagen.
      The England international didn’t play in Saturday’s draw and is expected to be back in a few weeks.
      A positive for the Treble winners is the return of midfielder Mateo Kovacic to the squad following injury.

      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Why is Man City vs Brentford not on TV?
      Man City are hosting Brentford at 7.30pm on Tuesday night after the fixture was rearranged.
      The match was due to take place on Friday, December 23, but it had to be postponed due to City’s involvement in the Fifa Club World Cup.
      The original fixture wasn’t picked to be shown on TV when broadcasters made their selections for the December fixtures.
      And that meant it was due to be played at 3pm on Saturday – during the nationwide TV football blackout.
      Most read in Football
      Therefore, the match cannot subsequently be picked up by Sky, TNT or Amazon Prime Video because the companies have a limited number of matches as part of their deals with the Premier League.

      So the fixture remains untelevised – just like Liverpool vs Brentford 24 hours later.
      Alternatively, highlights will be shown in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League later tonight at 10:30pm or on their YouTube channel.
      Phil Foden scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture at the Gtech Community StadiumCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      When is Europa League last-16 draw? Date, UK start time and FREE stream as Liverpool & West Ham learn opponents

      by

      THE draw for the Europa League last-16 will take place this week – and some huge names are in the hat.Liverpool, West Ham, Brighton and Rangers are among the clubs that have already secured their place in the knockout stage after finishing top of their respective groups.
      Liverpool have already secured their place in the last-16 of the Europa LeagueCredit: GETTY
      The eight group winners from this season’s Europa League automatically qualify for the last-16.
      The runners-up face the eight teams that finished third in their respective Champions League groups in a two-legged play-off round.
      Winners of the play-off ties will join the Europa League group champions in the hat for the last-16.
      When is the Europa League last-16 draw?

      The Europa League last-16 draw will take place on Friday, February 23.
      The draw commences at 11am GMT.
      It will take place at the Uefa headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      What TV channel is the Europa League last-16 draw on and can it be live streamed FREE?

      The Europa League last-16 draw will be FREE to watch on Uefa.com.
      TNT Sports 2 will also broadcast the draw with TNT Sports customers able to live stream on the discovery+ app.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog for all the latest from the draw in Switzerland.

      Which teams are playing in the Europa League play-offs?
      Here are all the teams battling it out to secure a place in the Europa League last-16:
      *The first leg results in brackets, the second legs take place on Thursday

      Feyenoord (1) vs Roma (1)
      Galatasaray (3) vs Sparta Prague (2)
      Shakhtar Donetsk (2) vs Marseille (2)
      Young Boys (1) vs Sporting Lisbon (3)
      Benfica (2) vs Toulouse (1)
      Lens (0) vs Freiburg (0)
      AC Milan (3) vs Rennes (0)
      Braga (2) vs Qarabag (4)

      Most read in Europa League
      Which teams have already secured their place in the Europa League last-16
      Here are all the team already in the hat:

      Liverpool
      West Ham
      Brighton
      Atalanta
      Leverkusen
      Rangers
      Villarreal
      Slavia Prague

      When will the Europa League last-16 take place and what is the format of the ties?

      Ties take place over two legs, with the group winners at home in the second leg.
      The first legs are scheduled for March 7, with the second legs a week later on March 14.
      No away goals will count after 180 minutes, with penalties played if teams cannot be separated after an additional 30 minutes. More