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      Europa League draw 2024/25: Date, stream, TV channel and pots for NEW league phase format

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham fans will be glued to the screens for the upcoming Europa League draw – but the 2024/25 edition has a slight twist to it.Ademola Lookman’s sensational hat-trick fired Atalanta to their first-ever European title in the 2023/24 final against Bayer Leverkusen.Ademola Lookman fired Atalanta to their first piece of European silverwareCredit: RexAnd as a result, the Italian outfit secured automatic qualification to this season’s Champions League.This means that we are guaranteed to see new winners when the showpiece match comes around next summer.But before we get there, teams have to find out who they will face in the new league phase draw, and SunSport have all the information on when it will take place.Find out about the Europa League 2024/25 league phase draw below.Read more on Europa LeagueWhen is the Europa League draw 2024/25?The 2024/25 Europa League draw will take place on Friday, August 30.The draw will begin at 12pm BST at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo, Monaco.Four pots of nine teams will be created before the draw, based on the UEFA coefficient ranking of the 36 qualified clubs.Each team will be manually drawn using physical balls during the ceremony and as each team is picked out, a software program will randomly draw two opponents from each pot.Most read in Europa LeagueThis is then revealed along with their home-away designations.It is also part of the new Europa League format for the 2024/25 season.What is the new Europa League 2024/25 format?This year’s Europa League will feature just one league table of all 36 qualified clubs, unlike previous years which saw eight groups of four.Each team will only face eight clubs based on the pot they have been drawn out of.The top eight will qualify directly to the last-16 while teams that finish 9th to 24th will contest in an additional play-off round and those who finish 25th to 36th are set to be eliminated from this season’s European competitions.This is the same format which is being used for the Champions League and the Europa Conference League.Clubs from the same association will not play each other and no team can face more than two opponents from the other country.What TV channel is the Europa League draw 2024/25 on and can it be live streamed?The 2024/25 Europa League draw will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports in the UK.Subscription members of TNT can stream the entire action through Discovery+Amazon have purchased UEFA rights in the UK for the first time so the draw will also be available on Amazon Prime Video.Alternatively, fans can find out who their teams will be drawn with through our live blog.Can I watch the Europa League draw 2024/25 for FREE?The Europa League draw will be broadcast for FREE on UEFA.comWhat are the Europa League draw 2024/25 pots?The competition will be completed by the addition of 12 Europa League play-off winners later this month, plus the seven Champions League play-off losers.Pot 1: Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, Rangers, Lazio, Porto, Eintracht FrankfurtPot 2: Olympiacos, LyonREAD MORE SUN STORIESPot TBD: Real Sociedad, AZ, USG, Nice, Twente, Athletic Club, Fenerbahce, HoffenheimWhat are the Europa League 2024/25 fixture dates?Matchday 1: September 25-26, 2024Matchday 2: October 3, 2024Matchday 3: October 24, 2024Matchday 4: November 7, 2024Matchday 5: November 28, 2024Matchday 6: December 12, 2024Matchday 7: January 23, 2025Matchday 8: January 30, 2025 More

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      Champions League draw 2024/25: Date, stream FREE, TV channel and pots for NEW league phase format

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      THERE’S nothing quite like a Champions League draw to put football fans on the edge of their seats – and the 2024/25 edition will be historic.Jude Bellingham’s dream debut season at Real Madrid ended in glory as Los Blancos beat Borussia Dortmund in last season’s Champions League final.Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid win the Champions League in his first seasonCredit: GettyAnd the most decorated team in the competition will be tipped to win it again having added French phenomenon Kylian Mbappe to an incredible attacking force.However, Madrid have a lot more work to do to get to that stage due to the huge Champions League format changes.But first up is the league phase draw, and SunSport have all the information on when it will take place.Find out about the Champions League 2024/25 league phase draw below.Read more on Champions LeagueWhen is the Champions League draw 2024/25?The 2024/25 Champions League draw will take place on Thursday, August 29.The draw will begin at 5pm BST at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo, Monaco.An automated system will now randomly select eight opponents for each team from four pots and allocate which teams play at home and away.This is due to the new league phase format.Most read in Champions LeagueWhat TV channel is Champions League draw 2024/25 on and can it be live streamed?The 2024/25 Champions League draw will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports in the UK.Subscription members of TNT can stream the entire action through Discovery+Amazon have purchased UEFA rights in the UK for the first time so the draw will also be available on Amazon Prime Video.Alternatively, fans can find out who their teams will be drawn with through our live blog.Can I watch the Champions League draw 2024/25 for FREE?The Champions League draw is will be broadcast for FREE on UEFA.comWhat is the new Champions League format?Each club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.Clubs will only face other sides based on the pot they have been drawn out of and teams cannot face more than two opponents from the same country or from the same association.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Teams that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated from all European competition’s this season – meaning that they will not drop into the Europa League similar to previous years.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season.What are the Champions League draw 2024/25 pots?Pot 1: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, BarcelonaPot 2: Bayer Leverkusen, Atlético Madrid, Atalanta, Juventus, Benfica, Arsenal, Club Brugge, Shakhtar Donetsk, MilanPot 3: Feyenoord, Sporting CP, PSV Eindhoven, CelticPot 4: Monaco, Aston Villa, Bologna, Girona, VfB Stuttgart, Sturm Graz, BrestREAD MORE SUN STORIESWhat are the Champions League 2024/25 fixture dates?Below is the full schedule for the 2024/25 Champions League:Matchday 1: September 17-19, 2024Matchday 2: October 1/2, 2024Matchday 3: October 22/23, 2024Matchday 4: November 5/6, 2024Matchday 5: November 26/27, 2024Matchday 6: December 10/11, 2024Matchday 7: January 21/22, 2025Matchday 8: January 29, 2025Knockout round play-offs: February 11/12 and February 18/19, 2025Round of 16: March 4/5 and March 11/12, 2025Quarter-finals: April 8/9 and April 15/16, 2025Semi-finals: April 29/30 and May 6/7, 2025Final: May 31, 2025 More

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      Who is Sven-Goran Eriksson’s ex-wife Ann-Christine Pettersson?

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      SVEN-GORAN Eriksson made headlines during his five-year term as England boss due to a series of high-profile romances.The former manager has sadly passed away aged 76 following a battle with terminal pancreatic cancer. Sven-Goran Eriksson managed England between 2001 and 2006Credit: PAWho is Sven-Goran Eriksson’s ex-wife Ann-Christine Pettersson?Sven-Goran Eriksson’s ex-wife is called Ann-Christine Pettersson.They were married between 1977 and 1994.Sven said his marriage came to an end due to him having an affair with Graziella Mancinelli.Since being married to the late former football manager, Ann-Christine has kept her private life out of the public spotlight.READ MORE ON SVENWho else did Sven-Goran Eriksson date?Sven said in interviews that his marriage to Pettersson fell apart while he was managing a team in Genoa because he had an affair with Graziella Mancinelli, who he reportedly dated between 1993 and 1998.In an article for MailOnline, he wrote: “When I got the job managing Lazio, she’d wanted to move to Rome with me. But I think I’d tired of Graziella by then.”Sven — who was given the nickname ‘The Iceman’ during his time in Italy — then entered into a relationship with Italian lawyer and TV star Nancy Del’Ollio in 1998.He explained: “After my birthday party in Rome, I went out for a drink with some friends — as well as my ex-wife Anki, who was staying with them.Most read in Football”The talk turned to Nancy. She’d apparently made a big impression on everyone, not just on me.”Anki said: ‘I bet Nancy Dell’Olio will soon end up in Mister Eriksson’s bed, if she hasn’t already.’Trailer for new Amazon Prime documentary Sven”Naturally, Anki’s prediction came true.”In an interview with the HISTORY Channel Sven admitted that his high-profile love life took its toll.He said: “I thought I was prepared for England but I was not prepared for things outside football, my private life.”I am not very proud that fans could probably name three of my former girlfriends.The former England manager has died aged 76Credit: YouTube / Amazon Prime Video Sport”I don’t think it damaged my football results. But my image outside football it damaged, yes.”Do Sven-Goran Eriksson and Ann-Christine Pettersson have any children?Sven and his first wife Ann-Christine had two children together — a son named Johan and a daughter called Lina.Johan was born in 1979 and Lina followed in 1987.Before following in his father’s footsteps and taking up coaching, Johan played professional football.Sven photographed with his children Johan and LinaCredit: AlamyHe had a short-lived position on the coaching staff at Nigerian football club Kwara United from 2006-2007, and now works as a football agent.During the new Amazon Prime Video documentary called Sven, his children opened up about the impact his diagnosis had on the family.Johan said: “I had 10 missed calls from my sister, ‘Dad’s in the emergency room’.“He’s not in a good way. You can kind of tell when the doctor’s in tears that… not good. Worst possible news.”Lina added: “We found out that he had had five strokes and then you go into a state of fear. A panic mode.”Following their father’s cancer diagnosis, both Johan and Lina had been staying with Sven at his home.Sven’s family confirmed that he had died in a heartbreaking statement released on August 26, 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt read: “Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away.”After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.” More

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      What is Marc Guiu’s goal celebration?

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      MARC Guiu is quickly emerging as one of football’s most exciting young talents.From his memorable debut at Barcelona to his high-profile move to Chelsea, his journey is one that fans and followers of the sport won’t want to miss.Marc Guiu is a rising football starCredit: AlamyWho is Marc Guiu?Marc Guiu Paz is a Spanish professional footballer born on January 4, 2006, in Granollers, Barcelona, Catalonia. He plays as a striker for Chelsea in the Premier League. Marc’s early football journey began at Penya Barcelonista Sant Celoni, a fan club of FC Barcelona, before joining Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy in the 2013–14 season.His development at La Masia caught the attention of the senior team, leading to his call-up for pre-season matches in June 2023.read more on ChelseaHe made his unofficial debut for Barcelona in a friendly against Vissel Kobe.His competitive debut for Barcelona was memorable, as he scored the winning goal just 23 seconds after coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 La Liga victory over Athletic Bilbao.This made him the youngest and fastest debutant to score for Barcelona in the league.Following his impressive performances, Marc made his UEFA Champions League debut. Most read in FootballHis talent and potential were recognized by Chelsea, who signed him in July 2024 for a reported €6 million fee. Marc made his Premier League debut in August 2024 against Manchester City.On the international stage, Marc has represented Spain at various youth levels.What is Marc Guiu’s goal celebration?Marc Guiu’s goal celebration has garnered significant attention due to its unique connection to the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen. After scoring, Marc mimics the signature move of the character Gojo Satoru by holding up two fingers on each hand.Marc isn’t the first player with Chelsea ties to showcase an anime-inspired celebration. Dominic Solanke, another anime enthusiast and former Chelsea player, has a celebration inspired by the character Kakashi Hatake from Naruto.He celebrated by briefly donning an orange mask similar to Kakashi’s. Dominic told BBC’s Football Focus: “A lot of my friends watch it, so they were pressurising me to watch it, and at first, I wasn’t really into it.”But then I watched Naruto first, and I just couldn’t stop watching it.”And Chelsea’s Cole Palmer also has a distinctive goal celebration, where he rubs his arms as though he’s chilly or cold.How many goals has Marc Guiu scored for Chelsea?As of August 2024, Marc Guiu has yet to score for Chelsea. He joined the club in July 2024 and debuted as a substitute in a Premier League match against Manchester City on August 18, 2024, ending in a 2-0 defeat.Marc has scored a total of 8 goals across his club career. READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring the 2023–24 season with Barcelona, he netted 6 goals in 17 appearances.For Barcelona’s senior team, he added 2 more goals in 7 appearances. More

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      What is Christopher Nkunku’s ‘balloon’ goal celebration? France & Chelsea star’s goal salute explained

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      CHRISTOPHER Nkunku is a French professional football player who plays for Chelsea FC?But what is the football star’s rather unique way of celebrating, when he scores a goal?Christopher started using a blue balloon when he joined ChelseaCredit: Getty ImagesWhat does Christopher Nkunku’s ‘balloon’ celebration mean?Christopher thrilled fans when he brandished and inflated a balloon, after scoring.It was a stunning moment that left fans bewildered.“The balloon was for my son. He likes balloons,” Christopher explained after the game. How else does Christopher Nkunku celebrate goals?Normally, Christopher uses a red balloon to celebrate scoring a goal. Read more in goal celebrationsHowever, since switching over to Chelsea, Christopher has switched the colour of the balloon he celebrates with. Now, Christopher uses a blue balloon to celebrate scoring and to represent his team.His fellow teammates Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson each have their own way of celebrating when they score a goal.How long has Christopher Nkunku been at Chelsea and what other teams has he played for?Christopher signed to Chelsea in June 2023, in a deal reportedly worth £53 million.Most read in FootballBefore this, he represented France at an under-16, under-19, under-20 and an under-21 level.He was a graduate of the Paris Saint-Germain Academy and began playing professionally for the team in 2015. Next, he went to RB Leipzig in a €13 million deal. He stayed with RB Leipzig until he joined Chelsea FC.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      What is Pedro Neto’s goal celebration?

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      PEDRO Neto is one of the newest members of Chelsea FC’s team, but he has quickly made his mark.But who is the footballer and has he come up with his own goal celebration?Pedro signed with Chelsea in 2024Credit: GettyWhen did Pedro Neto join Chelsea and what other teams has he played for?Pedro is a Portuguese footballer who has played with several clubs in his career.He signed with the Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2019 and made his first league goal for them in October 2020. However, an ankle injury in October 2022 sidelined him for five months.After this, he signed to Chelsea on August 11, 2024, in a deal reportedly worth £51.3 million. Read more in goal celebrationsWhat is Pedro Neto’s goal celebration?Although Pedro is too new to Chelsea to have established his own celebration, he has certainly made it memorable when he has scored goals in the past.When he scored one goal, Pedro held his hands to his ear and shouted, before waving his arms around. It was a gesture that showed just how overjoyed he was to score a goal. Will Pedro Neto be joining Chelsea at the Premier League?Pedro plays with Chelsea at the Premiere League. Most read in FootballHe made his debut with the team on August 18, 2024, when Chelsea lost 2-0 to Manchester City. He is joined by fellow teammates Cole Palmer, known for his “cold” goal celebration, and Nicolas Jackson, who imitates Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration.Football goal celebrationsScoring a goal is an impressive feat and each footballer has a unique way of celebrating when they score. Here are some of the most iconic goal celebrations in football: More

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      What is Nicolas Jackson’s goal celebration?

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      NICOLAS Jackson has made a name for himself in British football, despite joining Chelsea in 2023.But who is the footballer and what is his famous goal celebration?Nicolas is a Ronaldo super-fanCredit: GettyWho is Nicolas Jackson?Nicolas is Senegalese professional footballer, who quickly began to make a name for himself.He represented Senegal at an under-20 level, after being called up in 2018.In 2023, he signed an 8-year deal, reportedly worth £32 million, to join Chelsea FC.What is Nicolas Jackson’s goal celebration?Nicolas is an admitted Cristiano Ronaldo super-fan, so he isn’t shy about imitating his idol. Read more in goal celebrationsWhen Nicolas scored an impressive hat-trick, while playing for Chelsea, he adopted Ronaldo’s infamous “siu” celebration. Ronaldo is known to shout “siu” when he scores. “Siu” is derived from “si”, which means “yes” in Spanish. Nicolas isn’t the only Chelsea player with a famous goal celebration. Most read in FootballFellow Chelsea player Cole Palmer is well-known for his “cold” celebration.How many goals has Nicolas Jackson scored for Chelsea?Nicolas scored 14 goals in 35 appearances at the 2023-24 Premier League, despite heavy criticism during his first season at Chelsea. This made him the second highest African goal scorer during that season, behind Mohamed Salah.In 2023, he also scored a hat trick against Tottenham Spurs which thrilled fans.Football goal celebrationsScoring a goal is an impressive feat and each footballer has a unique way of celebrating when they score. Here are some of the most iconic goal celebrations in football: More

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      What is Harvey Barnes’ goal celebration?

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      HARVEY Barnes is the Newcastle United winger with one of the most unique goal celebrations in football.But what is his winning move and how many goals has he scored?Harvey often shoots an “arrow” into the crowd to celebrateCredit: Getty ImagesHarvey first played for Leicester CityCredit: AP: Associated PressWho is Harvey Barnes?Harvey is a Premier League footballer, born in Leicestershire. He joined Leicester City FC at the age of nine, before he signed a professional contract at the age of 16. In 2023, he was signed to Newcastle United for five years. Although his fee was undisclosed, it was reportedly worth £38 million.Read more in goal celebrationsHe plays alongside fan-favourites Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.What is Harvey Barnes’ goal celebration?Many footballers have a special celebration for when they score a goal. Harvey’s celebration is particularly unique, as he mimics firing an arrow into the crowd. Eagle-eyed fans that spot him making his move often “return” the arrow back to him, by copying his bow-and-arrow celebration. Most read in FootballHow many goals has Harvey Barnes scored for Newcastle?In total, Harvey has scored five goals for Newcastle United at the Premier League. He scored all five of these goals at the Premier League 2023, as he failed to score any at the Premier League 2024.However, he has scored 70 goals overall in his career, since first playing for Leicester City in 2016.Football goal celebrationsScoring a goal is an impressive feat and each footballer has a unique way of celebrating when they score. Here are some of the most iconic goal celebrations in football: More