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      in Soccer

      Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd preview: Nuno’s side host Red Devils in huge Premier League match-up – team news, kick-off

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will close out 2023 with a trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest.Erik ten Hag’s side will be hoping to end the year with a win after their thrilling win over Aston Villa in midweek.
      Manchester United beat Aston Villa last time outCredit: Getty
      Nottingham Forest thrashed Newcastle on Boxing DayCredit: Alamy
      Man United came from two goals down to beat the high-flying Villans in what seemed like a throwback to the days under Sir Alex Ferguson.
      Erik ten Hag’s side were buoyed by a brace from Alejandro Garnacho and a first Premier League goal for Rasmus Hojlund.
      The win helped the Red Devils back into sixth place in the Premier League.
      It was also the first time they scored in four matches in all competitions as United’s attack showed signs of clicking.

      It was not the only good news for United this week as it was confirmed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of 25 per cent of the club had gone through.
      The British billionaire will take charge of the footballing operations at the club.
      Nottingham Forest also put an end to their winless run last time out.
      Chris Wood put on a show against his former side Newcastle as he netted a stunning hat-trick to hand Nuno Espirito Santo his first win as manager of the club.
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      The East Midland outfit’s victory was its first in 14 matches in all competitions.
      The three points have lifted Forest above Everton in the table and put them two points clear of the bottom three.
      What is their form like?
      Nottingham Forest’s win have put an end to a terrible run of form that saw the team drop down the table.
      The poor run ultimately cost Steve Cooper his job and led to the appointment of the former Wolves boss Santo.
      United’s win has also relieved some pressure as they had struggled to do anything in the games before.
      Before beating Villa, the Red Devils had lost to West Ham, Bournemouth and Bayern Munich.
      However, they did pick up a brave point away at Anfield against Liverpool and beat Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford.
      Team news

      Forest are still without Taiwo Awoniyi and Serge Aurier, who have groin and calf strains respectively.
      Casemiro remains sidelined and Harry Maguire still has a groin issue to work through himself.
      Kobbie Mainoo is expected to remain in central midfield with Christian Eriksen.
      And Rasmus Hojlund will be hoping to build on scoring his first Premier League goal against Aston Villa.
      Who will be the star players?

      Ten Hag will be hoping that Garnacho picks up from where he left off against Aston Villa.
      The winger was electric as he netted a brace against the Villans to take his tally in the Premier League to three goals.
      The Argentine also took on a leading role in the dressing room and he insisted to his team-mates that they could come back from 2-0 down.
      For Forest, the key player will likely be Anthony Elange.
      The Swede will have a point to prove against United after the club sold him in the summer.
      The winger has already proved to be of Premier League quality and has outperformed all of United’s attackers this season.
      Elanga has scored four goals and assisted five this season, one of which provided Chris Wood with the equaliser against Newcastle last time out.
      What have the managers said?
      Erik ten Hag has called on his players to be more consistent following the win over Aston Villa.
      He said: “Yeah, but you also have to analyse why.
      “And so, we have to so often change the team and you don’t get the routines in.
      “We know football is about solid performance, and consistency, and top football.
      “But we know we have to make a step there.
      “But I’m sure when we have more players often available, and especially in key positions, then we will get a consistent role.”
      Speaking after the win against Newcastle, Nuno Espirito Santo has urged his players to maintain their performance standard.
      He said: “The credit needs to go to the boys.
      “We haven’t been here a long time, but credit to them for their work.
      “Congratulations to the players and to our supporters. They were amazing again and they help us so much.
      “Let’s enjoy this moment, but let’s not stop here. We know we have to rest now and there is a quick turnaround.”
      When is Forest vs Man Utd?

      Forest’s clash with Man Utd will take place on Saturday, December 30.
      The game will kick off at 5.30pm GMT.
      The City Ground will host the fixture.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

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

      Read more on The Sun
      Odds

      Forest – 21/10
      Draw – 5/2
      Man Utd – 6/5

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

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      in Soccer

      Luton vs Chelsea preview: Blues take on in-form Hatters at Kenilworth Road – Premier League team news, kick-off time

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      CHELSEA will be hoping to end 2023 with a bang and put an awful year behind themselves as they travel to Luton Town this weekend.The Blues face the Hatters in the early kick-off on Saturday, having won their midweek fixture against Crystal Palace.
      Chelsea beat Crystal Palace last time outCredit: Alamy
      Luton Town have won their last two matches in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side laboured to all three points against the Eagles.
      Mykhailo Mudryk netted his third goal in the Premier League this season to give his side the lead at Stamford Bridge.
      Michael Olise equalised for the visitors before Noni Madueke netted a later winner from the spot.
      The win kept the West London side in the top ten of the Premier League.

      This year has been a tough one for the Blues, having spent vast amounts in the transfer market with very little reward on the pitch.
      Pochettino will be hoping 2024 will bring better fortunes to the club which has struggled to stay in the top half of the table.
      The match against the Hatters will not be an easy one for the Blues despite the newly promoted sides’ lowly league position.
      Luton have won their last two games in the Premier League, lifting them to 18th place and only one point from climbing out of the bottom three.
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      Last time out, they won a five-goal thriller against Sheffield United thanks to two own-goals from their relegation rivals.
      Rob Edwards will be confident ahead of facing Chelsea, with his side already causing the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City problems this season.
      In the matches against the title favourites, Luton’s players were able to go toe-to-toe only to end with nothing.
      What is their form like?
      Chelsea have won two of their last five Premier League games.
      The club’s inconsistent form has seen them struggle to cement themselves in the top half.
      Chelsea’s win over Crystal Palace followed the defeat at Wolves in which the only positive was a goal for debutant Christopher Nkunku.
      Before that the Blues beat Sheffield United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge which stopped a run of losses which came against Everton and Manchester United.
      Luton Town have won their last two games with one against the Blades and the other versus Newcastle.
      These wins have relieved the pressure following five losses in a row.
      Team news

      Chelsea will welcome Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer back into the XI after suspension kept them out against Crystal Palace.
      Christopher Nkunku now seems a permanent starter and can expect a place in the XI once again.
      Romeo Lavia made his debut for Chelsea on Wednesday night against Palace but apparently picked up a knock and could be out of action once again.
      Carlton Morris could get a start for Luton after coming on and having a hand in both of the Hatters’ late goals against Sheffield United earlier this week.
      Who will be the star men?

      Christopher Nkunku has looked bright in his limited time on the pitch for the Blues.
      The attacker was signed almost a year ago but injury has stopped him playing this season until the defeat to Wolves.
      Nkunku’s pace and eye for goal could make him a tricky customer for the Luton Town defence.
      The Hatters will face the Blues but one player will have a point to prove at Kenilworth Road.
      Ross Barkley was on Chelsea’s books for four years but failed to make the grade at Stamford Bridge.
      He has become an important player for Luton since arriving on a free transfer in the summer.
      The midfielder would likely love to get one over his former club.
      What have the managers said?
      Pochettino has urged Nkunku to get more involved ahead of the match against Luton.
      He said: “He needs to adapt to the team and the Premier League, but he played more than 60 minutes and it was an important step for him.
      “There were a few combinations that were very good but we need to repeat these actions.
      “We need him to be more involved but it’s normal, it’s his first 70 minutes.
      “He needs to play games and he will start to find himself and adapt.”
      SunSport prediction
      Luton Town 1 Chelsea 2
      When is Luton vs Chelsea?

      Luton’s clash against Chelsea will take place on Saturday, December 30.
      The game will kick off at 12.30 GMT.
      Kenilworth Road will play host to the fixture.

      What channel is Luton vs Chelsea and can it be live streamed?

      Luton vs Chelsea will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports 1 HD 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 on The Sun
      Odds
      Luton – 17/4Draw – 3/1Chelsea – 3/5
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      in Athletics

      Who are the previous winners of World’s Strongest Man?

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      THE World’s Strongest Man is an annual strongman competition that began back in 1977.There have been 24 winners of the contest, which takes place in the US in the summer but isn’t aired in the UK until late December.
      Brian Shaw of USA is one of the past winners of the World’s Strongest Man competitionCredit: Victor Fraile/Getty Images
      Who are the winners of the World’s Strongest Man?
      Bruce Wilhelm – 1977-1978
      Bruce Wilhelm won the first ever World’s Strongest Man contest, which was held at Universal Studios, California, in 1977.
      He went on to win the competition again the following year, beating runners-up Bob Young and Ken Patera.
      After his wins, Wilhelm helped organise and officiate subsequent contests.
      He was also a member of the executive board of the United States Olympic Committee. 
      READ MORE ON STRONGMAN
      Don Reinhoudt – 1979
      Don Reinhoudt was named the World’s Strongest Man in 1979, a year after he placed as a runner-up at the 1978 event.
      Despite his win, Reinhoudt would go on to compete only once more, placing ninth in 1980.
      Bill Kazmaier – 1980-1982
      Bill Kazmaie is a former World’s Strongest Mans champion and world record holderCredit: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images
      Bill Kazmaier dominated the World’s Strongest Man contest from 1980 to 1982.
      He was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2017 and is widely considered to be one of the greatest strength competitors of all-time.
      Most read in Athletics
      Geoff Capes – 1983, 1985
      British strongman Geoff Capes was the first non-American to win the World’s Strongest Man contest in 1983Credit: Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
      Brit Geoff Capes became the first non-American to win the World’s Strongest Man title in 1983.
      The former shot putter also had a very successful athletic career and represented both England and Great Britain.
      He competed at the Commonwealth games, the European indoor championships, and at three Olympic Games.
      Jón Páll Sigmarsson – 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990
      Jón Páll Sigmarsson won the title of World’s Strongest Man four times
      Jón Páll Sigmarsson was a strongman, powerlifter and bodybuilder from Iceland.
      He was the first man to win the World’s Strongest Man four times.
      Sigmarsson died on January 16, 1993, after suffering a heart attack while deadlifting.
      Jamie Reeves – 1989
      After placing third the year before, Jamie Reeves took home the win at the 1989 World’s Strongest Man competition.
      The former coal miner, from Sheffield, was also a professional wrestler.
      After retiring from competitive sports, Reeves worked as a referee, event promoter and coach for strength contests.
      Magnús Ver Magnússon – 1991, 1994-1996
      Magnús Ver Magnússon, from Iceland, is one of the most famous World’s Strongest Man winnersCredit: Antonio RIBEIRO/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
      Icelandic strongman Magnús Ver Magnússon dominated the World’s Strongest Man contest for much of the 1990s.
      Like his fellow Icelandic competitor Sigmarsson, Magnússon won the competition four times.
      Ted van der Parre – 1992
      Ted van der Parre won the World’s Strongest Man contest in 1992, with the 6’10” athlete becoming the tallest ever competitor to take the title.
      As of 2023, he is the only competitor from the Netherlands to win the competition.
      Van der Parre competed again in 1994 but was forced to drop out due to a calf injury.
      Gary Taylor – 1993
      Welsh strongman Gary Taylor won the title of World’s Strongest Man in 1993.
      According to Guinness World Records, 6′ Taylor is the shortest ever winner of the contest.
      The sportsman, from Cardiff, has become a commentator and organiser for the annual UK’s Strongest Man contest since retiring from competing himself.
      Jouko Ahola – 1997, 1999
      Jouko Ahola is a former strongman, powerlifter and actor from Finland.
      He won the World’s Strongest Man twice and is also a two time winner of the Europe’s Strongest Man competition.
      Ahola has starred in films like Kingdom of Heaven, Bad Day to Go Fishing and War of the Dead.
      He also had a role in the History Channel series Vikings.
      Magnus Samuelson – 1998
      Magnus Samuelsson competed for the title of World’s Strongest Man three times before winning in 1998.
      He has been named one of best arm wrestlers in the world and was a European Arm Wrestling champion before moving into strongman competitions.
      Samuelson is also an actor and has starred in Swedish crime thriller series Arne Dahl as well as the BBC’s The Last Kingdom.
      Janne Virtanen – 2000
      Janne Virtanen of Finland was once the World’s Strongest Man competition winner but has since retiredCredit: China Photos/Getty Images)
      Finland’s Janne Virtanen was a runner-up in 1999 but moved up to the top of the podium in 2000.
      He also won Finland’s Strongest Man in 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001, the Helsinki Grand Prix in 2000), and the Turkey Grand Prix in 2002.
      Virtanen announced his retirement in 2007 and now works as a carpenter.
      Svend Karlsen – 2001
      Svend Karlsen became Norway’s first World’s Strongest Man in 2001.
      He retired from competing in 2006 and began working in TV.
      Karlsen has worked as the presenter and producer of the Norwegian version of the World’s Strongest Man contest, and for the qualifying tour Giants Live.
      Mariusz Pudzianowski – 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008
      Mariusz Pudzianowski is a former strongman and MMA fighterCredit: Maciej Gillert/Gallo Images Poland/Getty Images
      Mariusz Pudzianowski is a former strongman competitor and MMA fighter.
      The sportsman, from Poland, has the nicknames “Pudzian” and “Dominator”.
      Pudzianowski won five World’s Strongest Man titles in seven years, the most in history.
      He retired in 2009 and made his debut as an MMA fighter the same year.
      Vasyl Virastyuk – 2004
      Vasyl Virastyuk won the World’s Strongest Man contest in 2004.
      He is one of only two people to defeat Pudzianowski during his seven-year stint at the contest.
      Virastyuk is also a politician and in 2021 he was sworn in as a member of the Ukrainian parliament.
      Phil Pfister – 2006
      Phil Pfister won the World’s Strongest Man contest in 2006Credit: Ron Antonelli/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images
      Phil Pfister was named the World’s Stongest Man in 2006.
      He was the first American to win the title since Kazmaier in 1982.
      Pfister came in fourth at the 1998, 2001, 2007, and 2008 contests but retired from the sport in 2009.
      Žydrūnas Savickas – 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014
      Zydrunas Savickas of Lithuania has won the World’s Stongest Man competition four timesCredit: Victor Fraile/Getty Images
      Zydrunas Savickas knocked Pudzianowski off the top spot to claim his first World’s Strongest Man win in 2009.
      He went on to win the competition three more times and break over 70 world records.
      The Lithuanian hasn’t appeared at the World’s Strongest Man competition since 2018, when he finished tenth.
      Brian Shaw – 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016
      Brian Shaw of USA is a four time winner of the World’s Strongest Man contestCredit: Victor Fraile/Getty Images
      Brian Shaw is one of Savickas’ fiercest competitors and has also won the World’s Strongest Man competition four times.
      The athlete, from Colorado, became the first man to win the Arnold Strongman Classic and the World’s Strongest Man competitions in the same calendar year in 2011.
      He then replicated this feat in 2015.
      Shaw is the fourth most decorated strongman in history and announced his official retirement in August 2023.
      Eddie Hall – 2017
      Eddie Hall was crowned the World’s Strongest Man in 2017Credit: John Phillips/Getty Images
      Eddie Hall is a former strongman and boxer who won the World’s Strongest Man competition in 2017.
      Hall is best known for setting the world-record 500kg deadlift in 2016, widely regarded as one of the most iconic lifts in the history of the strongman sport.
      Since retiring from strongman, Hall has revealed plans to move into bodybuilding.
      Hafthor Björnsson – 2018
      Hafthor Julius Bjornsson is a World’s Strongest Man champion
      Hafthor Julius Björnsson won the World’s Strongest Man contest in 2018, after missing out by just one point the previous year.
      He is the first and only person to have won the Arnold Strongman Classic, the Europe’s Strongest Man, and the World’s Strongest Man competitions in the same calendar year.
      Björnsson is also an actor and is best known for his role as “The Mountain” Ser Gregor Clegane in the HBO’s Game of Thrones.
      Martins Licis – 2019
      Professional Strongman Martins Licis was named the World’s Strongest Man in 2019Credit: Paul Archuleta/Getty Images
      Latvian-American professional strongman Martins Licis had a surprise win at the 2019 World’s Strongest Man event.
      He went on to win the 2021 Rogue Invitational and 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic strongman championships.
      Oleksii Novikov – 2020
      Ukraine’s Oleksii Novikov won the World’s Stongest Man competition in 2020Credit: The Sun
      Oleksii Novikov claimed his first World’s Strongest Man title in 2020.
      The Ukrainian became the second youngest man to win the competition, triumphing when he was 24 years and 278 days of age.
      Sigmarsson is the youngest to have won, clocking in at 24 years and 271 days of age when he gained his title in 1984.
      Tom Stoltman – 2021, 2022
      Tom Stoltman has won the World’s Strongest Man title twiceCredit: Antonio Brecht Grist/ Alamy Live News
      Tom Stoltman made history when he became the first Scot to win the World’s Strongest Man title in 2021.
      The sportsman won the contest again 2022, becoming only the tenth man in the competition’s history to win the title of World’s Strongest Man twice.
      Mitchell Hooper – 2023
      Mitchell Hooper won the World’s Strongest Man competition for the first time in 2023
      Mitchell Hooper claimed the World’s Strongest Man title for the first time in his career in 2023.
      Hooper, from Midhusrt Canada, became the first Canadian in World’s Strongest Man history to win.
      What is the prize for World’s Strongest Man?
      The prize for winning World’s Strongest Man is monetary.
      The amounts have changed over the years and the prize pot went up significantly after 2021.
      Read more on The Sun
      It has been reported that the 2020 first prize was around £42,000, while in 2021 it increased to just over £117,000.
      Runners-up also receive money for their efforts. More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea vs Crystal Palace preview: Blues look to bounce back as they host London rivals in Premier League clash

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      CHELSEA host London rivals Crystal Palace on Wednesday – and both London sides are in need of three precious points.Mauricio Pochettino’s Christmas got off to a rotten start as the Blues were beaten 2-1 at Wolves on the eve of the big day.
      Chelsea suffered their eighth defeat in the Premier League last time out against WolvesCredit: ALAMY
      Jordan Ayew was on the scoresheet for Crystal Palace against BrightonCredit: GETTY
      Chelsea have only taken six points from their last five games and sit 10th in the Premier League table.
      Crystal Palace have been on a dogged run, with their last win coming against Burnley at the start of November.
      The Eagles were denied their first victory in almost two months last Thursday as Danny Welbeck snatched bitter rivals Brighton a point late on at Selhurst Park.
      When is Chelsea vs Crystal Palace?

      Chelsea vs Crystal Palace will take place on Wednesday, December 27th.
      Kick off will be at 7.30pm GMT.
      Stamford Bridge will host.

      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      What TV channel is Chelsea vs Crystal Palace on and can it be live streamed?

      Chelsea vs Crystal Palace will be broadcast LIVE on Amazon Prime Video.
      Alternatively, follow SunSport’s blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes!
      Amazon Prime offers a 30-day FREE trial for new customers, which includes access to watching Chelsea vs Crystal Palace.
      Team news
      Poch will be without two shining lights in an underwhelming season, with Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling suspended after they both picked up their fifth yellow card on the season at Molineux.
      Most read in Football
      The Chelsea gaffer could opt to give Christopher Nkunku his first start to help mend their creative wounds.
      Reece James and Robert Sanchez will both be out, while midfield duo Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are doubts.
      For Palace, Roy Hodgson could have shot stopper Sam Johnstone back from a calf issue.
      Meanwhile, creative midfielder Eberechi Eze could return to the starting line-up.
      What are the odds?
      Match result

      Chelsea – 3/4
      Draw – 13/5
      Crystal Palace – 18/5

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

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal vs West Ham preview: Title-chasing Gunners host Hammers for thrilling Premier League London derby – stream FREE

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      ARSENAL topped the tree at Christmas once again – and they’ll be hoping to keep their good run of form going against London rivals West Ham.The Gunners have only lost two controversial matches in the Premier League this season.
      Gabriel earned Arsenal a vital draw in LiverpoolCredit: EPA
      Jarrod Bowen inspired West Ham to a huge win against Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      But many would argue that VAR was actually on their side last time out as they held Liverpool to a thrilling 1-1 draw at Anfield.
      And Mikel Arteta’s side will be expected to build on that positive result when the Hammers turn up to their side of town as they are yet to taste defeat at home.
      However, David Moyes’ men have already got the better of Arsenal in a November Carabao Cup clash and they go into this match fresh from hammering Manchester United.
      When is Arsenal vs West Ham?

      Arsenal’s Premier League London derby against West Ham will take place on Thursday, December 28th.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 8:15pm GMT.
      Emirates Stadium is the allocated arena for this thrilling match and it can host around 60,704 fans.
      West Ham dismantled the Gunners 3-1 when the sides last met in a Carabao Cup last-16 in November.

      Read more on Arsenal
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Arsenal vs West Ham will be broadcast LIVE on Amazon Prime Video.
      Alternatively, follow SunSport’s blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes!
      Amazon Prime offer a 30-day FREE trial for new customers which includes access to watching Arsenal vs West Ham.
      What is the team news?
      Mikel Arteta escaped Anfield with no fresh injury concerns but the Gunners gaffer will be without suspended Kai Havertz who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Liverpool.
      Most read in Football
      Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf), Fabio Vieira (groin), Thomas Partey (muscle) and Jurrien Timber (knee) all continue to be sidelined.
      Elsewhere, David Moyes is expected to have Michail Antonio (knee) and Nayef Aguerd (muscle) unavailable for the trip to the Emirates.
      What are the latest odds?

      Arsenal to win 1/3
      Draw 4/1
      West Ham to win 8/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      in Soccer

      What’s Jim Ratcliffe’s net worth and how much of Manchester United has he bought?

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is the chemical engineer and industry tycoon who has purchased a 25% stake in Manchester United.Ratcliffe, who is one of the UK’s richest men, is a huge football fan and his deal for United has finally been announced.
      Ineos CEO Jim Ratcliffe has bought a stake in Man Utd
      Who is Jim Ratcliffe and what is his net worth?
      Jim Ratcliffe is a fracking and chemicals entrepreneur who is the chairman and CEO of chemicals group Ineos.
      The Brexit-backing businessman came from humble beginnings and was brought up in a council house near Manchester by his joiner dad and office manager mum.
      He was born on October 18, 1952, as James Arthur Ratcliffe.
      Ratcliffe’s first job was with oil giant Esso but he later went on to study for an MBA from London Business School and, in 1989, he joined US private equity group Advent International.
      In May 2023 Ratcliffe surged to second in the Sunday Times Rich List with a reported net worth of £29billion.
      When did he start Ineos?
      Ratcliffe is the chairman and chief executive of the Ineos chemicals group, which he founded in 1998 from a small base in Hampshire.
      Using high-yield debt to fund deals, he started buying unwanted operations from groups such as energy giant BP, picking targets based on their potential to double their earnings over a five year period.
      In 2006, Ineos bought BP’s refining and petrochemical arm Innovene, giving Ineos refineries and plants in Scotland, Italy, Germany, France, Belgium and Canada.
      Then, in April 2010, Ratcliffe relocated Ineos’ head office to Rolle in Switzerland, cutting the company’s tax bill by £100million per year.
      Ineos products are used every day to clean water, make toothpaste, manufacture antibiotics, insulate homes and package food.
      The chemicals giant employs more than 18,500 people at 181 sites across 22 countries.
      When was Jim Ratcliffe knighted?
      Ratcliffe was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list on June 2, 2018, receiving the honour for services to business and investment.
      Other big names on the honours list that year included Kenny Dalglish and Emma Thompson.
      What sports teams does Jim Ratcliffe own and does he support Manchester United?
      Boyhood Manchester United fan Ratcliffe revealed his interest in buying the Old Trafford club in January 2023 after the Red Devils were put up for sale by the US-based Glazer family.
      Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani was thought to have put in a £5billion bid for the team –  short of the Glazers’ £6billion valuation of the club.
      In 2022 Sir Jim tried to buy United’s Premier League rivals Chelsea after Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich was forced to sell the West London club as part of sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
      US investor Todd Boehly and his consortium took control of the Blues after Ratcliffe’s bid was rejected.
      Ineos already own French football club Nice, as well as Swiss side Lausanne and a third of F1 motor racing team Mercedes.
      His Team Ineos cycling team has won seven editions of the annual Tour de France, boasting riders such as Sir Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas.
      MORE ON FAMOUS FACES’ NET WORTHS
      Does he have children?
      Ratcliffe has two sons, called George and Samuel, with his first wife Amanda Townson, who he split from in 1995 after a ten-year marriage.
      He went on to welcome a daughter, Julia, with his second wife, Italian tax lawyer Maria Alessia Maresca – also known as Alicia Ratcliffe.
      Ratcliffe reportedly wed Alicia in the late 1990s, before splitting up a few years later.
      In 2020 Ratcliffe moved to tax haven Monaco, leaving behind his properties in Chelsea and Hampshire. More

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      Man Utd vs Aston Villa preview: Under-fire Ten Hag faces title-chasing Villans in a huge Boxing Day clash – stream FREE

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are in need of a big Boxing Day result in the Premier League – but they face Unai Emery’s title-chasing Aston Villa.The Red Devils are breaking all of the wrong records under Erik ten Hag’s management this season.
      Manchester United cannot seem to hit the back of the netCredit: Rex
      United’s 2-0 loss last Saturday against West Ham was already their 13th defeat of the campaign – their most before Christmas since 1930.
      And it also meant that the English giants have failed to score in FOUR consecutive games for the first time in 31 years.
      However, it doesn’t take much to turn things around in football and beating Emery’s men would certainly bring the feel-good factor back to Old Trafford.
      But they face a Villa side who currently sit 3rd in the league and haven’t lost a match since the beginning of November.
      Read more on Man Utd
      When is Man Utd vs Aston Villa?

      Manchester United’s Boxing Day clash against Aston Villa will take place on Tuesday, December 26.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm GMT.
      Old Trafford is the allocated arena for this huge fixture and it can host approximately 74,310 fans.
      Bruno Fernandes’ strike was enough for the Red Devils to seal all three points when these sides last met in April.

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

      Manchester United vs Aston Villa will be broadcast LIVE on Amazon Prime Video.
      Alternatively, follow SunSport’s blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes!
      Amazon Prime offer a 30-day FREE trial for new customers which includes access to watching Manchester United vs Aston Villa.
      Most read in Football
      What is the team news?
      Erik ten Hag would have been delighted to escape West Ham with no fresh concerns despite losing 2-0.
      But the United boss could still be without; Raphael Varane (ill), Harry Maguire (groin), Amad Diallo (knee), Mason Mount (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Casemiro (hamstring), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Victor Lindelof (knock) and Anthony Martial (knock).
      Jadon Sancho’s banishment continues.
      However, Unai Emery’s injury list is just as lengthy.
      Youri Tielemans (knock), Robin Olsen (knock), Tyrone Mings (knee), Bertrand Traore (muscle), Kortney Hause (knee), Pau Torres (knock) and Emiliano Buendia (knee) look all set to miss out.
      While Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara are suspended.
      What are the latest odds?

      Man Utd to win 31/20
      Draw 5/2
      Villa to win 31/20

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua next fight: Who could AJ fight next after Deontay Wilder defeat puts heavyweight clash in jeopardy

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA takes on Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia tonight, but who will he fight after? For months there’s been talk of a huge mega-fight with Deontay Wilder in 2024.
      Deontay Wilder lost to Joseph Parker in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Reuters
      JOSHUA VS WALLIN LIVE
      But first, both Joshua and Wilder had to get through their respective opponents Otto Wallin and Joseph Parker.
      Wilder, however, lost to Parker via unanimous decision on the undercard, putting his two-fight deal with AJ up in smoke.
      Joshua will likely have to find a new opponent for the rumoured March 9 date.

      So who will he fight next?
      Who will Anthony Joshua fight after Otto Wallin?
      Joshua was lined up to fight Wilder across two separate fights in 2024, but that’s now not set to happen after the latter’s defeat to Parker.
      Joshua, who has fought Parker before, beating him on points in 2018, may look for a rematch with the New Zealander.
      But the money on offer to fight Parker is nowhere near the level he was going to earn to fight Wilder.
      Most read in Boxing
      Joshua’s best bet may be to target a world title shot again.
      Anthony Joshua takes on Otto Wallin in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      In that case, he could wait for the winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk on February 17.
      But one stumbling block is the rematch clause, which could leave AJ sidelined for months as he waits for the winner of their two fights.
      Joshua could then look to secure a mandatory shot at the IBF title, which is set to be called next.
      That would line him up with a fight against Filip Hrgovic, who beat Mark De Mori on the undercard in Saudi.
      One thing’s for sure – Joshua’s next fight is no longer set in stone, unless a new contract with Wilder can be renegotiated. More