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      in Soccer

      Is the Champions League group stage decided on goal difference or head-to-head?

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      THE Champions League group stage continues tonight with all eyes on Europe’s elite competition.Chelsea take on AC Milan this evening while Man City travel to Copenhagen for their European duties.
      Groups are expected to finish in typically tight fashion, but only 16 teams can reach the knockout stages of the competition.
      So what happens if teams finish on the same number of points in the group? We’ve got all the answers for you. Credit: Reuters
      Manchester United could need a better head-to-head to progress
      How are teams that finish level on points sorted in the Champions League?
      Teams that finish level on points in the Champions League group stage are sorted by the following criteria.
      Unlike the Premier League – which uses goal difference when teams are tied on points – the Champions League separates the teams on head-to-head points among the two fixtures between the sides.

      Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
      Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
      Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
      Away goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
      Goal difference in all group matches;
      Goals scored in all group matches;
      Away goals scored in all group matches;
      Wins in all group matches;
      Away wins in all group matches;
      Disciplinary points (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points);
      UEFA club coefficient.

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      Arsenal vs Bodo/Glimt: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Europa League clash

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      ARSENAL host underdogs Bodo/Glimt, who will look to repeat their upset of AS Roma in last season’s Europa League group stage to shock the world.Mikel Arteta’s Gunners came out 2-1 victors in Switzerland as they faced FC Zurich in the opening game of the group.
      Arsenal celebrate against FC ZurichCredit: Getty
      Bodo/Glimt’s Hugo Vetlesen celebrates after scoring to put his side 2-0 up against FC ZurichCredit: EPA
      Bodo/Glimt have played two matches as they drew 1-1 with PSV in the opening game in Eindhoven before beating FC Zurich 2-1 at home.
      Arsenal have been impressive in the Premier League, sitting top of the table one point ahead of Manchester City and now take on the Norway side.
      Read More Football
      What time does Arsenal vs Bodo/Glimt kick off?

      Arsenal host Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, 6 October.
      The game will start from 8pm UK time.
      Arsenal vs Bodo/Glimt will be held at the Emirates Stadium in London.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Arsenal vs Bodo/Glimt will be shown live on BT Sport 3 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the Emirates on the BT Sport app, which can be downloaded on your mobile or tablet device.

      Most read in Europa League
      Team News
      Arteta will be without duo Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith Rowe due to long-term injuries.
      Cedric Soares has also sustained a fresh knock and will not be ready to return to action on Thursday as Arsenal could freshen up their team with many changes following their victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
      Bodo/Glimt will be without Sondre Fet as the midfielder continues recovery from a knee injury, with otherwise a fully fit squad.
      Odds
      Arsenal – 1/5
      Draw – 11/2
      Bodo/Glimt – 11/1
      *Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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      in Boxing

      Why has Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn been called OFF?

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      FANS have been left devastated as Chris Eubank Jr’s highly-anticipated boxing fight against Conor Benn has been called OFF.This is following the news which emerged earlier that Benn had returned a failed drugs test for the banned substance Clomofine.
      Chris Eubank Jr fights against Conor Benn this weekendCredit: Reuters
      Conor Benn has been training at the Matchroom gym in EssexCredit: PA
      And it means that boxing fans will have to wait to see a repeat of the 1990 and 1993 iconic bouts between Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn.
      Eubank Sr won the first one via 9th-round TKO, picking up the WBO middleweight title in the process, but the second fight, which took place at super-middleweight, ended in a draw.
      How the fighters compare

      When was Eubank Jr vs Benn?

      Eubank Jr’s massive clash with Benn was meant to take place on Saturday, October 8, 2022.

      Chris Eubank Jr beat Liam Williams on points in FebruaryCredit: Reuters
      Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn fought twice in their legendary careersCredit: Getty
      What has been said?
      A BBBoC statement read: “On the evening of 4th October 2022, the Board of the British Boxing Board of Control Limited resolved that the contest between Chris Eubank Jnr. and Conor Benn scheduled to take place on 8th October 2022 is prohibited as it is not in the interests of Boxing.”
      What was the Eubank Jr vs Benn UNDERCARD?
      Olympic gold medallist Galal Yafai continues his rise up the pro ranks against Mexican Gohan Rodriguez (12-1-1).
      While Eubank Jr’s cousin Harlem is also in action as is light-heavyweight star Lyndon Arthur.
      And former world champ Shannon Courtenay makes her boxing comeback.

      Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn (Catchweight)
      Mary Romero vs Ellie Scotney (Women’s Junior Featherweight)
      Galal Yafai vs Gohan Rodriguez (Flyweight)
      Harlem Eubank vs David Martin (Junior Welterweight)
      Lyndon Arthur vs TBA (Light Heavyweight)
      Felix Cash vs Connor Coyle (Middleweight)
      Matty Harris vs Chris Healey (Heavyweight)
      Shannon Courtenay vs Gemma Ruegg (Women’s Bantamweight)
      Chloe Watson vs Nancy Franco (Women’s Flyweight)

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      What is the banned substance clomifene that Conor Benn tested positive for?

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      CONOR BENN and Chris Eubank Jr were all set to square off in their highly-anticipated boxing clash THIS WEEKEND – but it has now been controversially called OFF It had emerged earlier that Benn returned a failed drugs test for the banned substance clomifene.
      Conor Benn tested positive for a banned substance named clomifeneCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are set to square up this weekendCredit: Reuters
      And now, BBBoC have confirmed that the huge O2 clash has been called OFF as a result.
      But what is clomifene and what are the effects of the banned drug?
      What is clomifene?
      Clomifene is a drug that is prescribed to women who are struggling with infertility.
      The anti-oestrogen medication comes in a pill form and is also known as clomiphene, and the brand name Clomid.
      Read More on Conor Benn
      Clomiphene is in a class of medications called ovulatory stimulants and it works similarly to oestrogen – the female sex hormone.
      The drug helps stimulate the ovaries to release an egg, and is used to help women conceive.
      But studies have shown when it’s used by men, low doses can elevate serum testosterone levels.
      Why is clomifene a banned substance?
      Taking clomifene boosts androgen levels indirectly – male hormones that play a big role in muscle mass and strength.
      It works by stimulating the body’s own production of testosterone and is known to provide similar results to injection or pellet testosterone.
      Most read in Boxing
      Clomofine has been misused by athletes in the past and can counter the side effects of anabolic steroid use.
      What have BBBCoC said?
      A BBBoC statement read: “On the evening of 4th October 2022, the Board of the British Boxing Board of Control Limited resolved that the contest between Chris Eubank Jnr. and Conor Benn scheduled to take place on 8th October 2022 is prohibited as it is not in the interests of Boxing.”

      🥊Eubank Jr vs Benn: Ring walk time, live stream, TV channel and undercard info for London super-fight More

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      in Soccer

      Omonia vs Man Utd: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Europa League clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED take on Omonia in their next Europa League clash on Thursday night. The Red Devils beat Sheriff Tiraspol in their second game, having lost their opener at home to Real Sociedad.
      Man Utd beat Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0 thanks to goals from Sancho and RonaldoCredit: AP
      Neil Lennon took charge of Omonia back in MarchCredit: Reuters
      Cypriot side Omonia, managed by Neil Lennon, have lost both their games thus far, but things don’t get any easier.
      United, however, are coming off the back of a 6-3 drubbing to rivals Manchester City and will be licking their wounds ahead of their crucial clash in Cyprus.
      What time does Omonia vs Man Utd kick off?

      Man Utd’s visit to Omonia will take place on Thursday, October 6.
      The game will get underway from 5.45pm UK time.
      Omonia vs Man Utd will be held at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia, Cyprus.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Omonia vs Man Utd will be shown live on BT Sport 1 with coverage beginning at 5.15pm.
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Most read in Europa League
      Team news
      Raphael Varane isn’t expected to play after coming off in the defeat to Man City with an ankle injury.
      Harry Maguire is still out of action with a hamstring problem.
      But Cristiano Ronaldo could get a start, after not playing a minute at the weekend.
      Hosts Omonia will have to do without Moreto Cassama, who joined from Reims in the summer.
      Odds

      Omonia – 13/1
      Draw – 5/1
      Man Utd – 1/5

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

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      in Motorsport

      F1 Japanese Grand Prix: Live stream, TV channel, schedule for practice and qualifying before HUGE Suzuka Circuit race

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      STRAP on your seatbelts Formula One lovers as the Japanese Grand Prix is up next for the racers – and the title could be clinched this weekend.F1 chiefs were forced into making the difficult decision last year to axe the GP at the iconic Suzuka Circuit due to Covid-19.
      Sergio Perez stormed to an incredible Singapore GP winCredit: Rex
      But to the delight of Max Verstappen, organisers have been given the greenlight for it to go ahead with him closing in on a second successive championship win.
      The Red Bull driver blew his chances of wrapping up the title in Singapore by disappointingly finishing seventh on the leaderboards while watching teammate Sergio Perez top the charts.
      However, Verstappen has a huge opportunity to secure silverware as long as he can outrace Charles Leclerc.
      Someone who Verstappen won’t have to worry about is Lewis Hamilton as his dreams of a record winning eighth championship were wiped out last weekend.
      Read More on F1
      When is the Japanese Grand Prix?

      The Japanese Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 9.
      It is expected to get underway from 6am UK time – 2pm local time.
      Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Japan will be the allocated track for this mouth-watering race and it can host a whopping 155,000 spectators.
      Valterri Bottas secured first place on the podium when the race last happened in 2019.

      Valterri Bottas celebrated an outstanding Japanese GP victory in 2019Credit: Reuters
      Is the Japanese Grand Prix on TV and can I live stream it?

      The Japanese Grand Prix will be broadcasted LIVE on Sky Sports F1 in the UK.
      Subscription members of Sky Sports can stream the entire action on the Sky Sports website or Sky Go app.
      Alternatively, head to NOW TV where the race will also be available on all devices and tablets so long as you are subscribed.

      Most read in Motorsport
      Can Max Verstappen win the title this weekend?
      Mathematically, Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez still have outside chances to snatch the title from Verstappen.
      However, a win for Verstappen in Japan would completely wipe out any chances of Perez winning the championship no matter where he finishes.
      And should Leclerc chart lower than second, a Verstappen victory would seal the title.
      What is the Japanese Grand Prix FULL schedule?
      Friday October 7

      Practice 1 – 4am UK
      Practice 2 – 7am UK

      Saturday October 8

      Practice 3 – 4am UK
      Qualifying – 7am UK

      Sunday October 9

      Race – 6am UK More

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      in Boxing

      Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn: Date, UK start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard for HUGE all-British dust-up

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR is facing Conor Benn in a highly anticipated second generation match-up – nearly three decades since their dads last fought.It was in 1990 and again in 1993 that Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn fought two brutal world title fights.
      Chris Eubank Jr fights against Conor Benn this weekendCredit: Reuters
      Conor Benn has been training at the Matchroom gym in EssexCredit: PA
      Eubank Sr won the first one via 9th-round TKO, picking up the WBO middleweight title in the process, but the second fight, which took place at super-middleweight, ended in a draw.
      Now 29 years on, their sons will clash at catchweight.
      Eubank Jr, a middleweight who has also campaigned at 168lbs, will come down to his lowest weight ever 157lbs to challenge Benn – a career welterweight.
      It was a fight which was first floated into the ether after Eubank Jr beat Liam Williams earlier this year.
      Nobody took the idea of it seriously, apart from Benn, who has struggled to find a competitive fight at 147lbs.
      How the fighters compare

      When is Eubank Jr vs Benn?

      Eubank Jr’s massive clash with Benn will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2022.
      The fight will take place at the O2 Arena in front of 18,000 fans.
      Both men will clash 29 years on, almost to the day, from Eubank Sr vs Benn 2 at Old Trafford on October 9, 1993.
      Ring-walks for the main event are expected to get going at around 10pm UK time.

      Chris Eubank Jr beat Liam Williams on points in FebruaryCredit: Reuters
      How to watch the fight?
      The fight, which will be a 12-round contest, will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV.
      It will be available to stream in over 200 countries across the globe via the DAZN app, either on television, console, mobile, tablet or computer device.
      However, the fight will come at a price, being a pay-per-view event for those in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
      The fight will cost £19.99 to watch in the UK, for those who have a DAZN subscription. Non-subscribers can purchase the fight – as well as a one-month subscription – for £27.98.
      The fight will also be available for Virgin Media customers for £27.98, which again will include a one-month DAZN subscription.
      Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn fought twice in their legendary careersCredit: Getty
      Eubank Jr vs Benn UNDERCARD
      Olympic gold medallist Galal Yafai continues his rise up the pro ranks against Mexican Gohan Rodriguez (12-1-1).
      While Eubank Jr’s cousin Harlem is also in action as is light-heavyweight star Lyndon Arthur.
      And former world champ Shannon Courtenay makes her boxing comeback.

      Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn (Catchweight)
      Mary Romero vs Ellie Scotney (Women’s Junior Featherweight)
      Galal Yafai vs Gohan Rodriguez (Flyweight)
      Harlem Eubank vs David Martin (Junior Welterweight)
      Lyndon Arthur vs TBA (Light Heavyweight)
      Felix Cash vs Connor Coyle (Middleweight)
      Matty Harris vs Chris Healey (Heavyweight)
      Shannon Courtenay vs Gemma Ruegg (Women’s Bantamweight)
      Chloe Watson vs Nancy Franco (Women’s Flyweight)

      What has been said?
      Both fighters are excited to put on a showdown which will roll back the years for many boxing fans.
      Eubank Jr said: “I grew up watching their legendary battles and always wanting to emulate that, and find my own arch nemesis… could this now be Conor Benn? We will find out.
      “He has walked the same path as I have. I know his struggle. Living in the shadow of a legend and trying to break out of that shadow and make his own name. If he can beat me, his name will be made, and he will never walk in his father’s shadow again.
      Most read in Boxing
      “It’s a fight that’s going to spark the imagination of the British public, that’s what I’m happy about. In terms of anticipation, legacy and hype it’s the biggest fight of my career.”
      Whilst Benn said: “This fight is for the legacy and was an opportunity I felt I couldn’t pass up.
      “My team and I had other options on the table as I’m currently ranked top 5 with all governing bodies at Welterweight and no doubt I’m looking for a World Championship fight very soon, but this fight is embedded with so much history and I know it’s one the public really want to see.
      “To me this fight is personal – it’s more than titles and rankings, this is unfinished business between our families!” More

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      in Soccer

      Champions League top scorers 2022/23: Who is leading the race?

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      THERE’S only one thing forwards dream about other than securing a Champions League medal for their club – and that’s to be top goal scorer.Well, Karim Benzema did both last season as the Frenchman’s 15 goals secured the golden boot as well as contributing to Real Madrid’s 14th triumph in club football’s top-tier competition.
      Karim Benzema helped Real Madrid to secure their 14th Champions League triumphCredit: The Times
      However, Benzema is already facing stiff competition from some familiar faces this time round.
      And it’s no surprise to see Manchester City goal scoring machine Erling Haaland high up in the charts as he is breaking all types of records this season.
      Who are the favourites to become the 2022/23 Champions League top scorer?
      Karim Benzema is surprisingly yet to register a goal in this season’s competition, but the Real Madrid sharp shooter will no doubt be a favourite.
      It’s also hard not to include Robert Lewandowski as a top candidate due his fantastic start to life at Barcelona.
      Read More on Champions League
      But there will be a lot of chips placed on Erling Haaland who is in phenomenal form for Manchester City – scoring THREE hattricks in his last three home games.
      Dark horses for the top scorer awards are the likes of Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane, sought-after Shakhtar Donetsk attacker, Mykhaylo Mudryk and a certain Argentinian magician, Lionel Messi.
      Champions League top scorers 2022/23
      As of Tuesday, October 4

      Erling Haaland – Man City – 3
      Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona – 3
      Kylian Mbappe – PSG – 3
      Mykhaylo Mudryk – Shakhtar Donetsk – 3
      Piotr Zielinski – Napoli – 2
      Leroy Sane – Bayern Munich – 2
      Mohammed Kudus – Ajax – 2
      Marian Shved – Shakhtar Donetsk – 2
      Alexis Saelemaekers – AC Milan – 2
      Mislav Orsic – Dinamo Zagbreb – 2
      Noah Okafor – RB Salzburg – 2
      Jude Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund – 2
      Richarlison – Tottenham – 2

      Who scored in the Champions League last time out?
      Bayern Munich vs Barcelona was the standout fixture on matchday two where the Bavarians comfortably won 2-0.
      Most read in Champions League
      Leroy Sane’s goal sealed the points for Bayern Munich and temporarily closed the gap on Haaland.
      However, Haaland’s sensational winner against his former team Borussia Dortmund, saw the Manchester City goal machine stretch his lead at the top of the charts.
      Meanwhile, the tremendous Paris Saint-German trio of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar all netted against Israeli champions Maccabi Haifa.
      Liverpool’s Mo Salah and Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling also got in on the action.
      Upcoming fixtures
      Tuesday, October 4
      Group A

      Group B

      Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid
      FC Porto vs Bayer Leverkusen

      Group C

      Group D

      Marseille vs Sporting CP
      Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur

      Wednesday, October 5
      Group E

      FC Salzburg vs Dinamo Zagreb
      Chelsea vs AC Milan

      Group F

      RB Leipzig vs Celtic
      Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk

      Group G

      Who has previously won the Champions League top scorer award?
      Cristiano Ronaldo leads the way for the amount of top scorer awards won having clinched it SEVEN times, while Lionel Messi is close behind with six.
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have 13 top scorer awards between themCredit: AFP or licensors

      2021/22: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) – 15
      2020/21: Erling Haaland (Dortmund) – 10
      2019/20: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern) – 152018/19: Lionel Messi (Barcelona) – 12
      2017/18: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) – 15
      2016/17: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) – 12
      2015/16: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) – 16
      2014/15: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Neymar (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) – 10
      2013/14: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) – 17
      2012/13: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) – 12
      2011/12: Lionel Messi (Barcelona) – 14
      2010/11: Lionel Messi (Barcelona) – 12
      2009/10: Lionel Messi (Barcelona) – 8
      2008/09: Lionel Messi (Barcelona) – 9
      2007/08: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) – 8
      2006/07: Kaká (AC Milan) – 10
      2005/06: Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan) – 9
      2004/05: Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United) – 8
      2003/04: Fernando Morientes (Monaco) – 9
      2002/03: Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United) – 12
      2001/02: Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United) – 10
      2000/01: Raúl González (Real Madrid) – 7
      1999/2000: Mário Jardel (Porto), Rivaldo (Barcelona), Raúl González (Real Madrid) – 10
      1998/99: Andriy Shevchenko (Dynamo Kyiv), Dwight Yorke (Manchester United) – 8
      1997/98: Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus) – 10
      1996/97: Milinko Pantić (Atlético Madrid) – 5
      1995/96: Jari Litmanen (Ajax) – 9
      1994/95: George Weah (Paris Saint-Germain) – 71993/94: Hristo Stoichkov (Barcelona) – 5
      1992/93: Franck Sauzée (Marseille) – 5

      What did Karim Benzema win for being Champions League top goal scorer?
      French forward Karim Benzema’s 15 goals contributed to Real Madrid winning the Champions League last season.
      Benzema won UEFA Men’s Player of the Year while Ancelotti secured best coachCredit: EPA
      And it also was a big factor in him being named the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award.
      After collecting his award, Benzema said: I’m really happy,
      “It’s the first time I’ve won this trophy but for me the most important thing is to win trophies with the team.
      “Mr Ancelotti is the best coach in the world; he gets it right with every player, he gives us confidence and he tells you what to do before every match.” More