More stories

  • in

    Does Kyle Walker have any children?

    KYLE Walker is one of the most successful defenders in the Premier League, having won the treble with Manchester City during the 2022/23 campaign.In January 2023, the England star split from his wife Annie Kilner. We take a look at how many children Walker has, and the women who he welcomed them with.
    Instagram snap of Kyle Walker with his wife Annie KilnerCredit: Refer to Caption
    Does Kyle Walker have any children?
    Kyle Walker has four children.
    He has three boys with his wife Annie — Riaan, Roman and Reign.
    The couple keep their children out of the public spotlight, so there isn’t much information about them available.
    Lauryn Goodman and Walker also have a son together named Kairo, who was born in April 2020.
    READ MORE ON KYLE WALKER
    Goodman had a brief relationship with the footballer in 2019.
    They conceived the youngster during their time together, when Kyle was temporarily split from his longtime partner Annie Kilner.
    After Lauryn gave birth to Kyle’s son, Annie said in 2020: “What he has done to me and our children is obscene.”
    Who is Lauryn Goodman?
    Lauryn Goodman, born on January 18, 1991, is an influencer, model and clothing brand owner.
    Most read in Football
    She is the older sister of reality TV star Chloe Goodman, who appeared on shows including Celebrity Big Brother and MTV’s Ex On The Beach.
    Lauryn is an Instagram model and goes by the handle @lauryngoodman91.
    She also founded and runs her own fashion brand — Nineteen Clothing.
    Who has Kyle Walker dated?
    Walker met Annie Kilner when he was 18 years old, while he was playing for his hometown side Sheffield United.
    She was 16 at the time and working as a model.
    In May 2019 Annie dumped Kyle for allegedly having a number of romps with Ex On The Beach’s Laura Brown.
    Reality TV star Laura told a pal she and Walker hooked up in his £200,000 Bentley 4×4.
    Laura says she then messaged model Annie about their trysts.
    She confided to a pal: “I felt Kyle had exploited me by using his power and wealth.
    “Because he is a rich footballer he felt that he could treat me how he wanted.
    “One night I just decided to do the decent thing and tell Annie what Kyle had been doing.”
    Laura told the pal she first met Walker on a night out in Manchester in September 2018.
    She added: “The following day he messaged me online and we started chatting.
    “But we first got together in March when he picked me up from my flat.
    “We then drove to a back street where he parked up and we got into the back together.”
    Laura then wrote to Annie: “He’s a rat.
    “He was always funny and a nice guy to me but when I found out he was actually with u and kids I’m not that girl to keep seeing him I no (sic) you’ve been togther (sic) long time but it’s no excuse for him.”
    When Annie demanded evidence, Laura forwarded a selfie sent to her by Walker, which showed the star in his front room.
    And when Walker discovered the two women had chatted online, Laura claims he contacted her to say: “Messaged her have you?”
    Lauryn Goodman also had a brief relationship with Walker in 2019 while he was separated from Kilner, with Lauryn giving birth to their son the following year.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    After reconciling, Kyle and Annie got married following being together — aside from the odd separation — for 12 years.
    They were wed in front of a handful of guests and a registrar at five-star Mottram Hall hotel in Cheshire at the end of November 2021. More

  • in

    Joey Barton comments: What has he said on Twitter?

    JOEY Barton is very active on social media, regularly making the headlines since early December 2023 for voicing his opinions about women commentating on men’s football.But what exactly has Barton said, and who has reacted to his incendiary comments?
    Joey Barton has made repeated claims that women should not commentate on men’s footballCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    What has Joey Barton said?
    Former Manchester City and Newcastle star Joey Barton has repeatedly taken to his keyboard to complain about female players talking about men’s football.
    Barton has repeatedly responded to men taking issue with his comments by calling them “eunuchs”.
    He’s also posted images of children’s dolls such as Action Man without any genitalia to emphasise his point.
    Here’s what Barton’s been saying…

    On December 6, 2023 Barton started the controversy by tweeting: “Women shouldn’t be talking with any kind of authority in the men’s game. Come on. Let’s be serious.
    “It’s a completely different game. If you don’t accept that. We will always see things differently.
    “The women’s game is thriving. Fantastic to see.
    “I cannot take a thing they say serious in the men’s arena.”
    Most read in Football
    His tirade on X, formerly Twitter, included saying that women commentating on men’s football was the same as him “talking about knitting or netball”.
    Barton, 41, defended his comments on Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV — slamming former England and Arsenal footballer Alex Scott.
    During her footy career she won eight league titles, three WSL Cups, seven FA Cups, the Champions League once, and two Community Shields.
    When quizzed about her commentating he said, “she hasn’t played in it”. 
    “One is 200 years old and one is about 40 years old… it’s the same rules but football is about a lot more than rules… The games are at two different speeds,” he said in his rant.
    Barton said it was the same as him commentating on Formula One just because he can drive a car.
    He then took to X once again to call out Bianca Westwood and Laura Woods for a debate on his new Common Sense podcast, after the pair both shared their views on his remarks.
    The former midfielder wrote: “Both of you follow me. And not the other way around. So, Why the silence?
    “Do you both have something to hide?
    “You can come and debate. Just make sure you’re ready.
    “I’ll take your silence as a sign you know it’s not for you. Screaming from the rooftops yesterday. Tumbleweeds blowing across the vast expanse today. Says it all…”
    Neither Woods nor Westwood responded to Barton’s taunt — so he increased his efforts by questioning why they chose to remain silent.
    He added: “Laura Woods and Bianca Westwood won’t come on the show. They’re not brave enough. Lots to say yesterday?
    “You should have kept your heads down. Something to hide girls?
    “Cat got your tongue today!”
    On December 7, 2023 Barton tweeted: “The Women’s game is absolutely thriving. Great to see. It’s a fantastic sport in its own right.
    “Really entertaining. Good to watch. Technically and tactically not that much difference.
    “Physically. Complete different planet. Until you have experienced that. You cannot say what you would have done in said position at said time. No.
    “It’s got a great England team (that wins stuff!) it’s got its own Premier League. It’s got its own Champions League.
    “Please for the love of God, go and commentate on that!
    “You can say what you want. You will be qualified to. You have actual experience of what is taking place.
    “The eunuch’s might not agree. But somebody had to say something. Hate it having to be me…”
    On December 8, 2023 he wrote:” If any top male players, ex-players think I’m wrong. That Women are overkill and under qualified in the Men’s punditry and commentary space.
    “The floor is open to you all as well.
    “As I said, anywhere, anytime and any place.
    “Send me Location. 
    “2 hours. No edit. 
    “Gloves off. Conkers out.”
    On December 16, 2023 Barton continued his social media tirade by slamming Football Focus.
    Barton said: “36 minutes. Football Focus turned off. Sorry, it’s just terrible.
    “Drivel and nonsense served with a side of boring. No wonder it’s getting canned.
    “Well done to all involved. Another flagship destroyed by The Tokens.”
    He next took aim at SPOTY winner Mary Earps.
    On December 20, 2023 Barton tweeted: “So the best sports person this year is… A Women Goalie. Lost in a couple of finals this year. Not won a sausage.
    “So popular that Nike didn’t even sell a replica jersey before tournament.
    “You telling me all those who jumped on that bandwagon, haven’t voted in the BBC nonsense?
    “Good luck to Mary. Hope she makes a few quid.”
    Joey then added: “To win before Ronnie O’Sullivan and Frankie Dettori…? Well, that’s just madness to me.
    “Both almost genius like in their respective fields. They’ve lost to a big sack of spuds that plays in goal for a girls team.”
    On December 26, 2023 he tweeted: “Is this women pundit (Finnis-Brown) an international goalie.
    “She’s at least a foot shorter than Tortoise head and McManaman…
    “I’d Chip her on her line.
    “Why is she talking about the men’s game???
    “Please stop this nonsense”
    On December 31, 2023, Barton reposted a tweet from Amazon Prime managing director for sport Alex Green, along with the comment: “Well done Alex.
    “Can you now remove the terribly under qualified, tone deaf, tokenistic women currently all over your broadcasts.
    “They’re ruining the experience for most of us.”
    On Jan 1, 2024 Barton posted: “How can we not call this out for what it is?
    “Women who are under qualified, under prepared and over opinionated.
    “It’s ruining the experience for millions of Football addicts, like myself.”
    On January 5, 2024 Barton compared two female commentators to serial killers.
    He called  pundits Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward “the Fred and Rose West of football”.
    Speaking about Aluko, Barton tweeted: “How is she even talking about Men’s football. She can’t even kick a ball properly.
    “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.
    “Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”
    And on January 7, 2024 Barton alleged women use “pillow talk” and their “sexuality to get an advantage”.
    He posted: “We all know whose marriages you have violated. What info you got from the pillow talk to get ahead…
    “I also, don’t blame you using your sexuality to get an advantage. It’s a big tool and everyone should use all there tools wisely in the game of life.”
    He added: “Don’t take me for a fool. Lawyer up. Sue me. Get me cancelled. Pressure my employer’s, my sponsors.
    “I’ve got plenty to fight you back with. I’ve deeper pockets than most.”
    Who has reacted to Joey Barton’s comments?
    TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods slammed Barton’s comments in a Twitter post.
    She said: “Usually avoid these conversations as I don’t like adding more oxygen.
    “But throwing young vloggers to the wolves is wrong.
    “I started my career vlogging and I’ve always got on with Joey. He also sent me a lovely good luck message for TNT in June.
    “Does that make him a eunuch too?
    “Joey’s entitled to his opinion. If he feels that strongly about women in the men’s game he could ask for a private conversation with the broadcasters & state his case.
    “These tweets only encourage a pile on for the women getting on with their jobs. Or was that the intention?”
    Barton’s outburst triggered ex-Sky Sports veteran Bianca Westwood to ask him: “Who is qualified to speak on football then?”
    Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored show on TalkTV on December 6, 2023 Bianca added: “I’ve been watching football for 40 years, my first game at West Ham was before Joey was even born.
    “I’ve been watching hours and hours of football. I worked behind the scenes at Sky for 10 years before I was even given a shot on camera, watching my male colleagues who maybe weren’t as good as I was, getting chances I was never given.
    “I don’t really understand what we need to know, how long we need to work behind the scenes before we are allowed on camera. To be a pundit, the laws are the same.”
    She then drew on Chelsea women manager and ITV pundit Emma Hayes and Lioness boss Sarina Wiegman, asking Barton: “Are you saying they can’t offer an insight?”
    In an Instagram story posted on December 7, 2023 Alex Scott and an unknown colleague can be heard laughing about Barton’s comments.
    In the clip, Scott asks: “Who are you interviewing?”
    The colleague replies: “I’m interviewing you actually.”
    Scott says: “Oh are you? What are we talking about, Joey Barton?”
    The quick-witted joke made Scott’s colleague burst out laughing.
    On December 8, 2023 Scott then spoke out on X while sharing an article in which she opens up about her charity work.
    She wrote: “Only thing I want to give oxygen to today on this platform & raise my voice to right now is this article below and how I’m so honoured to have spent the day yesterday with Refuge Charity who continue to do such incredible vital work for women & children.”
    On December 16, 2023 presenter Dan Walker defended Scott, posting: “Hi Joey. Hope you’re ok. One of my Christmas wishes is that people with a big platform on here wouldn’t use it to drag others down.
    “Alex WAS a great pro and IS a top television presenter — and a lovely person.
    “Women who love football already have too many hurdles to climb over and too many doors slammed in their face. You have a big voice… use it to encourage.”
    On January 5, 2024 ITV Sport hit back at Barton comparing its pundits to serial killers, with a spokesperson saying: “For Joey Barton, an ex-professional player with a significant social media presence, to target two of our pundits, Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, with such vindictive remarks based on gender and to involve the names of serial killers in doing so is clearly contemptible and shameful on his part.
    “Football is for everyone.”
    Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville supported ITV’s statement, posting: “Well done ITV. It’s gone too far this and mentioning serial killers is quite simply incredible.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    “I come from a family that has fought these issues for years and I’ve witnessed it first hand.
    “All this does is just discourage and it’s not the way forward. It’s bloody hard work for Women to succeed in sport and media as it is without this stuff.” More

  • in

    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk: UK start time, TV channel, live stream and full details as new fight date CONFIRMED

    TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk are finally set to clash in a massive undisputed fight next month. The two heavyweight titans were due to fight on December 23rd, but it was put on ice after the Gypsy King’s clash with Francis Ngannou in late October.
    Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have confirmed a new date for their huge undisputed heavyweight fightCredit: EPA

    Fury is the holder of the WBC title and overcame the former UFC champion in controversial circumstances in Saudi Arabia.
    The Gypsy King was dropped in the third round before labouring to a points win on the night.
    Usyk is coming off wins over Fury’s compatriots in, Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua.
    The fight is one of the biggest that can be made in the sport and will be the first time that all four titles are on the line.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO and IBF straps, has a record of 21-0, while Fury, also undefeated, sits at 33-1-0
    When is Fury vs Usyk going to take place?

    Fury’s clash with Usyk will take place on Saturday, February 17 2024.
    The bout will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the Kingdom Arena.
    Expect ring-walks to get going from around 10.30pm UK time.

    What TV channel will it be on?
    Fury vs Usyk will likely be shown live on TNT Sports Box Office in the UK.
    You can live stream the action from the TNT Sports Box Office app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    Most read in Boxing
    What has been said?
    The pair were separated after their heated face-off to promote their colossal undisputed heavyweight fight in February.
    Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk face off ahead of their huge undisputed heavyweight bout in Saudi ArabiaCredit: EPA
    Despite Usyk standing his grown, Fury insists he saw fear in the unified heavyweight champion’s eyes.
    The undefeated WBC king said: “I think he’s scared to death. He’s rattled.
    “His balls are twitching now, boys. His a***hole is flapping.”
    Former pound-for-pound king Usyk believes Fury’s shenanigans were borne out of fear.
    He said: “The man behaves like that when he’s afraid and he doesn’t feel comfort.
    “He’s not sure about anything.”
    Usyk later added: “For me, this is a big opportunity [becoming] undisputed. For my family, my country.
    “[And] my people, who now defend my country.”
    Usyk will become only the second male fighter in boxing history to become an undisputed champion in two weight classes should he overcome Fury in their showdown.
    But the former cruiserweight king insisted: “There is no destiny.
    Read more on The Sun
    “God gives me this opportunity and I’m using the opportunity.
    “Thanks God for everything.” More

  • in

    Who is Sadio Mane’s wife Aisha Tamba?

    FORMER Liverpool star Sadio Mane has married his ”long-term” partner Aisha Tamba.The pair married in January 2024, with the private wedding taking place in the footballer’s native country of Senegal. From the couple’s nuptials to Mane’s sporting career – here’s everything you need to know.
    Ex-Liverpool star Sadio Mane has married Aisha TambaCredit: Magvision Evens
    Who is Sadio Mane’s wife Aisha Tamba?
    Professional footballer Sadio Mane, 31, has married his girlfriend, Aisha Tamba.
    Unlike her sports star spouse, Aisha, who is thought to be his long-term partner, appears to remain out of the spotlight and has no presence on social media.
    Therefore, not much information has been publicly disclosed regarding Mane’s new wife.
    When did Sadio Mane and Aisha Tamba get married?
    Sadio Mane and Aisha Tamba wed on January 7, in Dakar, Senegal.
    Read More in Sport
    According to Business Day, the couple married in a mosque in Keur Massar in January – an area in Dakar, Senegal’s capital.
    The pair hail from the same area of Senegal.
    Photos from the couple’s wedding have been shared on online, with a photography company posting pictures to the social media platform Instagram.
    In the photographs, Mane and his wife can be seen holding hands and posing for photographs following the wedding ceremony.
    Most read in Football
    In one snap, the pair can be seen photographed in front of a decorative sign that reads ”Mrs Mane”.
    A video was also shared of the pair sitting together as they posed for photos.
    Photos of the wedding shared on social media received more than 85,000 likes in less than 24 hours.
    Before their nuptials, the footballer had kept the details of his relationship private.
    However, back in 2022, Mane did discuss the kind of person he was looking for as a partner.
    In an Interview with Tribune, the former Liverpool forward said: “I’ve seen a lot of girls asking me why I am not married, but sorry you might be wasting your time. The woman I marry will not be on social networks.
    “I want to marry a woman who respects God and prays well. Everyone has their own way of making their choice of love.”
    What team does Sadio Mane play for?
    Sadio Mane, born April 10, 1992, is a Senegalese professional footballer, who plays as a forward or a winger for Al Nassr, and the Senegal national team.
    He joined Saudi Arabian Al-Nassr in the summer of 2023, following a 12 month spell at Bayern Munich.
    However, his most prolific sporting stint came at Liverpool – where he scored 120 goals and provided 48 assists in 269 games.
    Read more on The Sun
    Mane also helped Liverpool to win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Club World Cup.
    The footballer is now preparing to captain Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast later in January 2024. More

  • in

    Why is Andre Onana still playing for Man Utd despite being called up to play at AFCON 2023?

    MANCHESTER UNITED goalkeeper Andre Onana has been called up for Cameroon in their upcoming games in AFCON.But why is he still playing for the Red Devils?
    Andre Onana played the full 90 minutes for Manchester United in their 0-2 win against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup last nightCredit: Reuters
    This SATURDAY the tournament opening match will see hosts Ivory Coast play Guinea-Bissau in the Alassane Ouattara Arena in Abidjan.
    In this year’s AFCON, 24 nations will participate to see who can be named kings of Africa once again.
    Five cities will be hosted in Ivory Coast and they are Yamoussoukro, Bouake, Korhogo, Abidjan and San Pedro.
    The final will be on February 11 and will also be played in Abidjan in the Alassane Ouattara Arena.
    READ MORE ON AFCON
    Many Premier League fans across the UK are hoping that their players don’t go far in the later stages of the tournament.
    However, there is a possibility that Andre Onana will not be missed by Manchester United due to Erik Ten Hag’s men only playing TWICE in January.
    When is Andre Onana’s supposed to be traveling to AFCON?
    Andre Onana is expected to be in goal this Sunday when Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur.
    According to the Mail, Erik ten Hag may have persuaded the Cameroon goalkeeper to stay and help struggling United for another week.
    Most read in Football
    Onana will fly out to Ivory Coast straight after to be available for selection in Cameroon’s first game of the group stage where they face Guinea on Monday January 15.
    Potentially, Onana, 27, will be legible play TWICE in 24 hours for club and country.
    Several high profile professionals are making the trip to the southern coast of West Africa.
    Egyptian Mohamed Salah, Senegalese striker Nicholas Jackson and Moroccan Achraf Hakimi are all flying out to the competition.
    What does this mean for Altay Bayındır?
    Altay Bayındır joined Manchester United from Fenerbahce in a £4.3million deal last summer.
    Bayındır’s, 25, wait for minutes in a Manchester United shirt was expected to end in last nights 0-2 win over Wigan Athletic but that was not the case.
    Since his arrival, he has not made a single appearance for the Red Devils which have left fans surprised by Erik ten Hag’s decision.
    One fan took their opinion to X, saying, “Bayindr should be on the phone to his agent telling him to secure him a move away.”
    “He can’t even start him in the FA Cup against League One Wigan Athletic.”
    Altay Bayındır, 25, Turkish international has played 0 minutes so far this seasonCredit: Reuters
    What TV channel is AFCON being shown on and can it be live streamed?

    All tournament games will be broadcasted on Sky Sports in the UK.
    Games will be shown on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Mix.
    Alternatively, AFCON may broadcast live coverage of games on their YouTube channel – CAF TV.

    Who are the favourites to win AFCON 2024?
    Surprisingly, after only winning one AFCON trophy in their history, Morocco are this year’s tournament favourites.
    Morocco finished 4th in the World Cup which was the highest finish of any African Nation.
    Players to look out for will be Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri, 26, Galatasary forward, Hakim Ziyech, 30, and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, 25.
    Captain Kalidou Koulibaly will be hoping his nation Senegal will retain the AFCON trophy after being second favourite to win the tournament.
    Read more on The Sun
    After all his club and individual accolades, Egyptian Mohamed Salah, 31, has never won the AFCON trophy.
    The forward fell short in two finals in 2017 and 2021 where he went against his former ex Liverpool team mate, Sadio Mane. More

  • in

    Newcastle vs Man City preview: Guardiola’s Treble winners look to close gap on Premier League table toppers

    MANCHESTER CITY visit struggling Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s men are hoping to close the gap to Liverpool to two points with a win over the Magpies.
    Bruno Guimaraes will brilliant in Newcastle’s win over SunderlandCredit: Getty
    Kevin de Bruyne could return to Premier League action against NewcastleCredit: Getty
    Man City won the previous fixture between these two sides thanks to Julian Alvarez’s brilliant goal.
    Manchester City will be looking forward for the return of Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgian maestro came off the bench in a 5-0 win against Huddersfield Town.
    De Bruyne provided an assist for Jeremy Doku in a 33 minute cameo against the Championship strugglers.
    What is their form like?
    Newcastle United have the 3rd best home record in the Premier League by only loosing twice all season to Liverpool and quite recently, Nottingham Forest.
    READ MORE ON MAN CITY
    However recent form does not go for good reading for The Magpies.
    Eddie Howe’s men have endured seven defeats out of TEN matches in all competitions which has left his side currently sitting 9th in the league.
    After being 6 points adrift in early December, Manchester City have certainly found their form by being unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions.
    Pep Guardiola’s men are currently leading the Premier League with the most goals with 45, which is seven goals less after 19 games in their treble winning season.
    Most read in Football
    Not to mention, The Citizens away form in the league is better than any other side which makes Saturday a very compelling game due to Newcastle’s impressive home record at St .James’ Park.
    Who will be the star men?
    Fresh off a brace at the Stadium of Light, Alexander Isak is a man on a mission with the Newcastle forward scoring 13 goals in all competitions this season.
    The Swedish forward has already beaten his previous season tally which was 11 goals.

    If Newcastle end up getting a result on Saturday, there would be no surprise if Isak contributes to that with the striker scoring 4 goals in his last 3 games.
    Silky Phil Foden is in fine form this season with the midfield maestro scoring 11 goals and producing 8 assists for his side.
    Similarly, the Stockport born midfielder is also coming off the back of a brace last weekend by scoring two instinctive goals in the sides win over Huddersfield Town.

    The England International has certainly stepped up for the treble winning side after Premier League’s leading goal scorer Erling Haalandendured a small period on the side lines with an ankle injury.
    What is the team news?
    Injury hit Newcastle United still have several key players out for the fixture.
    Nick Pope, Matt Targett, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson, Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson will be unavailable on Saturday.
    Brazilian midfielder, Joelinton, is currently being assessed ahead of the game.
    Manchester City will be without defender John Stones after sustaining an ankle injury at Goodison Park in late December.
    Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips are expected to feature after the duo missed the FA Cup win against Huddersfield due to illness.
    Pep Guardiola will be hoping that his star man, Erling Haaland, will be available for the trip to St. James’.
    What have the managers said?
    Pep Guardiola said: “[Erling has had] two or three sessions and feels good. Hopefully, [he can play soon but], I don’t know for Sunday or for Newcastle.”
    Eddie Howe said after his sides win over Sunderland on the weekend that: “It’s been a frustrating time for us and our injuries are still a big problem.”
    “Physically we look stronger. That extra gear was back. And we’ve not just won the game but kept a clean sheet.”
    When is Newcastle v Man City?

    Newcastle United will face Manchester City on Saturday, January 13.

    The match is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm GMT.
    St. James’ Park will host approximately 52,000 fans in Tyneside.

    What TV channel is Newcastle v Man City on and can it be live streamed?

    Newcastle United v Manchester City will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate.
    Coverage of the tie will be expected to be at 4:45pm GMT.
    Alternative, you can watch Newcastle United V Manchester City LIVE on the streaming platform, discovery+.

    SUNSPORT prediction
    Newcastle United 1-2 Manchester City
    Read more on The Sun
    What are the odds?

    Newcastle to win 9/2
    Draw 16/5
    Manchester City to win 4/7

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

  • in

    Why are only half of the Premier League playing this weekend?

    It has been a thrilling start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, with battles at both ends of the table starting to heat up.And as we enter the second half of the season, fans are wondering why only half of the top flight are playing this weekend – SunSport has the reason why.
    The Premier League winter break is in full forceCredit: PA
    Why are only half of the Premier League playing this weekend?
    There will only be ten Premier League teams in action this weekend.
    This is because the other ten sides will be on their winter break following a gruelling Christmas period.
    Gameweek 21 has been split across two weeks, so each Premier League team will have a weekend off, but limited live football will still be on for fans to enjoy.
    Five games will take place between the 12th and 14th of January, while the other five will take place between the 20th and 22nd.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The Premier League will then return back to normal with a full round of fixtures between January 30th and February 1st.
    What are the Premier League fixtures over the winter break?
    Gameweek 21 Premier League fixtures:
    Friday, 12 January

    Burnley vs Luton Town – 19:45

    Most read in Football
    Saturday, 13 January

    Sunday, 14 January

    Saturday, 20 January

    Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – 12:30
    Brentford vs Nottingham Forest – 17:30

    Sunday, 21 January

    Sheffield United vs West Ham – 14:00
    Bournemouth vs Liverpool – 16:30

    Read more on The Sun
    Monday, 22 January

    Brighton vs Wolves – 19:45 More

  • in

    What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer window

    THE January transfer window is in full swing, with many Premier League clubs looking to strengthen ahead of the business end of the season.But some clubs may have to be more careful than others due to FFP restrictions – and SunSport has all the details why.
    Premier League clubs spent a total of around £2.4bn in last summer’s transfer windowCredit: GETTY
    What is FFP and how will it affect Premier League sides during the January transfer window?
    Mikel Arteta admitted that signing a new striker in the January transfer window was unlikely, many Arsenal fans blamed three things – F, F, P.
    FFP – or Financial Fair Play – is a concept originally introduced by Uefa in 2009, officially to prevent clubs from spending money they could not afford.
    Yet many critics have rounded on the system, accusing it of being a protective instrument, drafted by the so-called “legacy clubs” to prevent insurgent and wealthier clubs from buying their way onto the top table.
    The Premier League introduced its own FFP regulations which came into effect for the 2013-14 season and which, while less stringent than Uefa regulations, they do impact on club spending.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Under the current Prem “Profitability and Sustainability” regulations, clubs who are constant members of the top flight for a three-year period are allowed total losses of £105m over those three campaigns.
    But it is not as simple as totting up outlay and income.
    The biggest outlay, of course, is transfer fees. The 20 Prem clubs spent a total of around £2.4bn in last summer’s transfer window.
    Yet that does not mean they “spent” that money as far as the Prem rules are concerned.
    Most read in Football
    Transfer fees are “amortised” over the length of the contract, so, for example, a £100m fee for a player who signs a five-year deal is amortised at a cost of £20m per season for each of those five campaigns.
    Chelsea’s splurge in the summer once again saw them offering deals of up to eight years, spreading the P&S “cost” of the deals even further, although club chiefs agreed to close that loophole and amortise all deals across a maximum of five years going forward.
    Of course, that is storing up trouble if the players do not work out, as the “loss” each does not reduce as quickly.
    On the other side, all transfer fees received can be accounted for in full – minus what is left on the initial amortised cost.
    Using Chelsea as an example, they could bank the full combined £82m received for the home-grown Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kwame Ampadu.
    But while Arsenal paid £65m for Kai Havertz, the “profit” was around £40m as he still had two years on his initial Blues contract, while they would have made a small loss on the £17m sale of defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
    Kai Havertz joined Arsenal from Chelsea this summerCredit: GETTY
    Wages to the first team squad and managerial staff also have to be factored in, as well as agents’ fees and any compensation payments to sacked bosses.
    But clubs can deduct cash spent on stadium infrastructure, academy costs, their women’s teams and, until last season, the impact of the pandemic.
    After Everton received a 10-point penalty for breaching the regulations – the Toffees are appealing the sentence but admitted guilt – other clubs are aware of the potential repercussions.
    It is those concerns that appear to be an issue for Arsenal and Newcastle in particular this month.
    The Gunners, who had a net spend of around £140m in 2022-23, lashed out nearly £200m this summer to land Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Havertz, although they recouped £70m from sales.
    Declan Rice joined Arsenal for a club-record £105m feeCredit: GETTY
    Newcastle, under their new Saudi owners, had a net spend of around £170m last season and a further £95m in the summer.
    In simple terms, a number of clubs are worried they might break the spending limits – and do not want to suffer the consequences, forcing a degree of constraint in this window.
    Both Newcastle and Arsenal also have to contend with new Uefa spending rules, which not only limit losses to £77.7m over three years but also restrict the total outlay on transfers and wages to 90 per cent of a club’s total income this season, reducing to 70 per cent by 2025-26.
    Read more on The Sun
    Meanwhile, Prem lawyers and accountants are combing their way through the books presented by all 20 clubs before the end of last year to discover if any teams breached the spending limits for last season.
    Under new League rules agreed by the 20 clubs in the summer, any charges must be brought by next week with commission hearings that would be completed by the start of April. More