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      When does the Saudi Pro League transfer window close?

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      DEADLINE DAY is finally here – but not necessarily for the clubs in the Saudi Pro League.Teams in the Middle East have been spending big this summer courtesy of the country’s Public Investment funding.
      Al-Hilal are paying Neymar over £100million a year for his servicesCredit: Rex
      And it has led to the likes of Al Hilal luring Brazilian superstar Neymar to the club.
      While Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho are now all part of the Al-Ittihad squad.
      But fans are now itching to know when the Saudi transfer window closes as the Middle East sides continue to circle for some of Europe’s top talent.
      When does the Saudi Pro League transfer window close?
      The Saudi League’s website has confirmed that teams have until Thursday, September 7 to get their last deals done.
      Read more on Saudi Pro League
      However, there has been some confusion over the deadline day as FIFA listed the Saudi Pro League’s cut-off point as Wednesday, September 20.
      Either way, the Saudi sides have a longer period to sign players with the window shutting TONIGHT – Friday, September 1, for most of Europe.
      And this means that clubs in the Middle East can still bolster their squads while everyone else has to wait until January.
      What has been said about the Saudi Pro League?
      Al-Ittihad are reportedly preparing a world record £200million bid for Liverpool legend Mo Salah but Jurgen Klopp is adamant that the Egyptian star will stay at the club.
      Most read in Football
      Klopp also said: “The influence of Saudi Arabia is massive at the moment.
      “Pretty much the worst thing, I think, is that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia is open three weeks longer. If I am right, I heard something like that, then at least in Europe, that’s not helpful.
      “UEFA or FIFA must find solutions for that. But in the end, at this moment, I don’t know exactly what will happen. It’s already influential for us, but we will have to learn to deal with it…
      “Time will show.” More

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      When will the Champions League group stage fixtures be revealed?

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      THERE’S nothing quite like Champions League nights – and fans are itching to find out when the group stage fixtures will be revealed.Manchester United have been paired in a tricky group with European giants Bayern Munich.
      Manchester United have drawn Bayern Munich in Group ACredit: Reuters
      Arsenal will take part in Group B against Sevilla, while holders Manchester City are all set to go up against RB Leipzig once again.
      And Newcastle’s return to European football consists of trips to Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.
      But fans are still yet to know what the actual fixture dates are.
      When will the Champions League fixtures be revealed?
      The Champions League group fixtures will be announced on Friday, September 1 or Saturday, September 2, according to reports.
      Read more on Champions League
      However, the full schedule dates for the competition has been revealed.
      Champions League schedule
      Group Stage

      Matchday 1: Sept. 19/20, 2023 
      Matchday 2: Oct. 3/4, 2023 
      Matchday 3: Oct. 24/25, 2023
      Matchday 4: Nov. 7/8, 2023 
      Matchday 5: Nov. 28/29, 2023 
      Matchday 6: Dec. 12/13, 2023

      Most read in Football
      Knockout Stages

      Round of 16: Feb. 13/14/20/21, 2024 and March 5/6/12/13, 2024 
      Quarterfinals: April 9/10 and 16/17, 2024 
      Semifinals: April 30/May 1, 2024 and May 7/8, 2024 
      Final: June 1, 2024

      What are the groups?
      Newcastle face the toughest group for the English sides in this year’s Champions League competition.
      The Champions League group stage has been announced More

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      Who is Champions League draw star Giorgio Marchetti?

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      GIORGIO Marchetti is well known in the footballing world, with a career spanning decades.He has worked in the sport since the 1980s, but who is he?
      Giorgio Marchetti is known for drawing football teamsCredit: AFP
      Who is Giorgio Marchetti?
      Giorgio Marchetti is best known as the person who conducts the draws for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League throughout the campaign.
      Before this job he has had quite the career in the footballing industry.
      The Italian started off as a sports manager in the football league.
      At the beginning of 2004, with the new management of Lars-Christer Olsson as general manager, he was called by the European confederation to be the marketing and commercial director.
      Read more on sport
      What does Giorgio Marchetti do at UEFA?
      Marchetti’s work at UEFA began in 2007 when he became director of all UEFA club and country competitions.
      In December 2016, he became Director of Sport and was promoted to the position of UEFA Deputy Secretary General.
      Due to being director of competitions he assisted in carrying out the draws for all UEFA competitions.
      He is recognised for conducting the draws for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
      Most read in Football
      Marchetti has earned quite a following from the job, with supporters often tweeting their support during the draw for each competition.
      Speaking to the Daily Star about his role at UEFA, Giorgio admitted that he feels pressure when he draws the teams for each competition.
      He explained: “You feel huge pressure when you are live to deliver something which catches such eager attention among worldwide football fans.
      “What I try to do is to avoid thinking about anything which is not what’s happening on stage and following our procedure correctly. That’s not always easy, at times I feel I would need some kind of zen technique…”
      Is Giorgio Marchetti married and does he have children?
      Yes, Marchetti is married and has children.
      He is married to Matilde and the pair have three children together, Andrea, Davide and Matteo.
      The family live in Nyon, which is the city where UEFA is based. More

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      Who is Champions League draw host Pedro Pinto?

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      THE UEFA Champions League draw is a yearly event which determines the group stages and subsequent games for the upcoming season.Pedro Pinto hosts the annual draw with UK sports journalist and broadcaster Reshmin Chowdhury.
      Pedro Pinto is a sports journalist and presenter who hosts the UEFA Champions League DrawCredit: REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
      Who is Pedro Pinto?
      Pedro Pinto is a sports journalist and presenter. 
      He was born in Lisbon, Portugal, on January 28, 1975.
      Pinto moved to the US for college and graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in communications and marketing.
      Upon graduating Pinto began his career as a TV presenter, hosting programmes back in Portugal.
      Read More on UEFA
      He eventually landed a role as sports anchor and correspondent with CNN International, moving to Atlanta, Georgia.
      After a brief return to Portuguese television, Pinto took up another role with CNN, this time in London.
      In this job he interviewed major sports stars such as tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, as well as football’s Sir Alex Ferguson and Pelé.
      Pinto is also a businessman.
      Most read in Football
      He is the founder and CEO of Empower Sports, a sports communications agency with offices in Lisbon, London and São Paulo.
      As of August 2023, Pinto lists his job as founder, CEO, and director of communications at Empower Sports, and broadcaster and executive producer at ELEVEN SPORTS HQ.
      Pinto is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish and has a “good working knowledge” of French, according to his LinkedIn.
      What does Pedro Pinto do at UEFA?
      In 2013, Pinto left CNN for a second time, this time to take the job of Chief of Press at UEFA.
      The following year, he was named Chief of Communications and Media and in 2017 he became UEFA’S Managing Director of Communications.
      In this last role he served as an official spokesman for the organisation and oversaw editorial content on all UEFA digital and social media platforms.
      Although he left his Managing Director of Communications role in 2018, Pinto has stayed involved with UEFA and still hosts the Champions League draws.
      The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage draw is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 31, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. More

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      Cole Palmer salary: What is the footballer’s net worth?

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      COLE Palmer is a rising star when it comes to his football career.During the early stages of the 2023/24 season, he is set to make the move from Manchester City to Chelsea, but what is his salary?
      Cole Palmer is known for his football careerCredit: Alamy
      What is Cole Palmer’s salary at Manchester City?
      Cole Palmer plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Premier League club Manchester City.
      He signed a five year and £3,500,000 contract with the club in 2021.
      This included an annual average salary of £700,000.
      In 2023, Palmer earns a base salary of £1,040,000, which is around £25,000 a week.
      Read more on sport
      He has supported the team since he was a child and joined City at under-eight level and progressed through the Academy age groups before captaining the under-18s during the 2019–20 season.
      On 30 September, 2020, Palmer made his first-team debut for City in a 3–0 away win over Burnley.
      How much could Cole Palmer earn at Chelsea?
      In August 2023, Chelsea showed interest in Palmer.
      The Blue’s initial bid of £35million for the winger faced rejection but the bid is expected to rise to £45million.
      Most read in Football
      Reports suggest that Palmer’s earning would go up significantly if he were to transfer to Chelsea.
      An exact figure has not yet been released.
      Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been trying to add another attacking player to his squad since losing Christopher Nkunku to a long-term knee injury.
      Who is Cole Palmer?
      Palmer was born on May 6, 2002, in Wythenshawe.
      As well as his successful career at Manchester City, Palmer also represented the England national under-17 team at the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
      On August 27, 2021, Palmer received his first call up for the England Under-21s.
      He managed to score a goal on his debut in a 2–0 win over Kosovo in 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification.
      On June 14, 2023, Palmer was included in the England squad for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship which they went on to win. More

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      What happened to Pep Guardiola, why will he miss the Fulham game this weekend?

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      PEP GUARDIOLA’S Manchester City side have been excellent so far this season, but they’ll have to make do without him for this weekend’s clash against Fulham. City beat Burnley on the opening day 3-0 before overcoming Newcastle 1-0 in a close match last weekend.
      Pep Guardiola will miss Manchester City’s next match against FulhamCredit: EPA
      The Premier League champions then beat newly-promoted Sheffield United last weekend courtesy of a late Rodri winner.
      But Guardiola wasn’t in attendance, and he wont be at the Etihad on Saturday.
      Why is Pep Guardiola missing the Fulham game?
      Guardiola will miss the game against Fulham because he has undergone emergency back surgery.
      Man City released a statement which read: “Pep Guardiola has today undergone a routine operation on a back problem.

      “The Manchester City boss has been suffering with severe back pain for some time lately, and flew out to Barcelona for emergency surgery performed by Dr Mireia Illueca. The surgery was a success, and Pep will now recover and rehabilitate in Barcelona.
      “In his absence, assistant manager Juanma Lillo will oversee coaching of the first team on the training field and will assume duties on the touchline until Pep’s return. He is expected to return after the forthcoming international break.
      “Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery, and look forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.”
      The international break takes place after this weekend, so Guardiola’s next appearance on the touchline will be on September 16 against West Ham.
      Most read in Football More

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      Is Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon on TV? Live stream and team news ahead of huge Carabao Cup clash at Stamford Bridge

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      CHELSEA host League Two side AFC Wimbledon in a huge Carabao Cup second-round tie at Stamford Bridge.The Blues will host their London rivals for the first time ever on Wednesday night.
      Nicolas Jackson was got his first Chelsea goal on Friday night against LutonCredit: GETTY
      Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping his side can go far in this year’s competition as the Argentine eyes silverware in his first year in the Chelsea hot seat.
      Last season, the Blues were knocked out by Manchester City in the third round after a 2-0 defeat at the Etihad.
      AFC Wimbledon overcame last year’s Championship play-off finalists Coventry City to earn themselves a trip to Stamford Bridge.
      When is Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon?

      Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon will take place on Wednesday, August 30.
      Kick off will be at 7:45pm BST.
      Stamford Bridge will play host.

      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Is Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon on TV?
      Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon will not be broadcast live on TV in the UK.
      Sky Sports have picked Doncaster Rovers vs Everton to be broadcasted and no other UK broadcaster has the TV rights to the League Cup.
      Highlights from all the Carabao Cup second-round ties will be shown at 12:15am (Thursday morning) on ITV4.
      To keep up to date with all the action from Stamford Bridge, you can follow SunSport’s live blog.
      Most read in Football
      When is the Carabao Cup third round draw?

      The Carabao Cup third round will take place on Wednesday, August 30th.
      The draw is expected to get underway at 10:15pm BST, following the conclusion of the second-round tie between Doncaster Rovers and Everton.
      The Carabao Cup third round draw will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football.

      Odds
      Match result

      Chelsea – 1/9
      Draw – 8/1
      AFC Wimbledon – 22/1

      To qualify

      Chelsea – 1/16
      AFC Wimbledon – 7/1

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

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      Arsenal vs Man Utd: Red Devils travel to Gunners for iconic Premier League clash – stream, TV, team news

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      ARSENAL will host Manchester United as the Gunners look to get back to winning ways.Mikel Arteta’s side were held to a 2-2 draw with Fulham at the Emirates last weekend, while the Red Devils came from behind to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford.
      Eddie Nketiah was on the scoresheet against FulhamCredit: GETTY
      Bruno Fernandes scored Manchester United’s penalty to complete a stunning comeback against Nottingham ForestCredit: GETTY
      Man United found themselves 2-0 down inside just four minutes after a horror start against Steve Cooper’s side.
      Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were on the scoresheet to inspire the Red Devils to a stunning comeback.
      Arsenal had the better of Man United in their previous clash last campaign, with Eddie Nketiah claiming the spoils with a late winner.
      The Red Devils have the edge on results historically in a fixture that has become one of the most iconic Premier League fixtures of all time.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      When is Arsenal vs Man United?

      Arsenal vs Man United will take place on Sunday, September 3.
      Kick off will be at 4:30pm BST.
      The Emirates Stadium will play host.

      What TV channel is Arsenal vs Man United on and can it be live streamed?

      Arsenal vs Man United will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event.
      Sky Sports customers can live stream all the action via the NOW app.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action from the Emirates by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team news
      Rasmus Hojlund could make his Manchester United debut this weekend after recovering from a back injury that has sidelined the Dane since his £72million move to Old Trafford.
      Erik ten Hag has been dealt a huge blow after centre-back Raphael Varane suffered an injury during the Nottingham Forest game.
      Most read in Football
      Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia will remain on the sidelines meaning Diego Dalot is expected to fill in at left-back again.
      Mason Mount is expected to be out until after the international break due to a minor injury problem.
      For the Gunners, Gabriel Jesus will be pushing for a start after returning against Fulham last week.
      Long-term absentees Jurrien Timber and Mohamed Elneny will both be unavailable.
      What are the odds?
      Match result

      Arsenal – 3/4
      Draw – 14/5
      Man United – 16/5

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