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      Aston Villa vs Olympiacos: Villans host Greek giants in Europa Conference League semi-final first-leg – team news

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      The Villains currently sit fourth in the Premier League and look set to qualify for the Champions League next season.Unai Emery’s men have surprised everyone with their performances and winning a European trophy for the first time since 1981 would be the cherry on top.Aston Villa went through to the semi-finals after beating Lille on penaltiesCredit: GETTYEmery has an excellent record in Europe, winning the Europa League a record-setting four times.But before they think about the final, they will have to overcome Olympiacos, who also sit in fourth place in their respective league.A regular in European competition, the Greek giants have been responsible for many cup upsets – including knocking out Arsenal in February 2020.However, Villa are unbeaten in their last six home games and will be looking to continue that record on Thursday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen is Aston Villa vs Olympiacos?
      Aston Villa against Olympiacos will take place on Thursday, May 2.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm BST.
      Villa Park is the chosen venue for this thrilling match with a capacity of 42,640.
      Both sides finished their quarter final games with a penalty shootout.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      Aston Villa vs Olympiacos will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 7pm BST – 60 minutes before kick-off.
      Fans can stream the entire action through the discovery+ app/website.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole match through our live blog.
      What is the team news?Unai Emery will be without the hero who took his side to the semi-finals.Emiliano Martinez was booked twice in the previous game but was not dismissed from the pitch because the second yellow card came during the penalty shootout.Most read in FootballDespite the World Cup winner staying on the pitch, he will be suspended for the semi-final first leg after he tallied up three yellow cards in the competition before the last-4 stage.Alex Moreno (calf) and Jacob Ramsey (foot) are both unlikely to feature, along with Boubacar Kamara (knee), Emiliano Buendia (cruciate ligament), and Tyrone Mings (cruciate ligament) suffering longer-term injuries.Olympiacos centre-back David Carmo could be a doubt after not appearing on the weekend along with former Manchester City striker Stefan Jovetic.Georgios Masouras, who has contributed to 15 goals this season, will also be absent through suspension.What are the odds?Match result
      Aston Villa – 2/5
      Draw – 17/5
      Olympiacos – 19/4
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Champions League top scorers 2023/24: Who is leading race for the Golden Boot?

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      LIFTING the Champions League trophy is a guaranteed way to immortalise your club in European history.But winning the Golden Boot is a surefire way to cement a striker as one of the best the game has ever seen — and once again, there’s a close fight for it.Erling Haaland took home the Golden Boot last yearCredit: GETTYManchester City goal machine Erling Haaland smashed the competition last year with twelve goals, four more than Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah with eight.But who is leading the way this year?Champions League top scorers 2023/24Champions League top scorers as of Wednesday, May 1:

      PLAYER
      CLUB
      GOALS

      Kylian Mbappe
      Paris Saint Germain
      8

      Harry Kane
      Bayern Munich
      8

      Antoine Griezmann
      Atletico Madrid
      6

      Erling Haaland
      Manchester City
      6

      Vinicius Junior
      Real Madrid
      5

      Alvaro Morata
      Atletico Madrid
      5

      Julian Alvarez
      Manchester City
      5

      Phil Holden
      Manchester City
      5

      Rasmus Hojlund
      Manchester United
      5

      Rodrygo
      Real Madrid
      5

      Wenderson Galeno
      Porto
      5

      Who has previously won the Champions League Golden Boot?
      1992/93 – Romario – (PSV Eindhoven), 7 goals
      1993/94 – Ronald Koeman – (Barcelona), Wynton Rufer (Werder Bremen), 8 goals
      1994/95 – George Weah – (Paris Saint Germain), 7
      1995/96 – Jari Litmanen – (Ajax), 9
      1996/97 – Milinko Pantic – (Atletico Madrid), 5
      1997/98 – Alessandro Del Piero – (Juventus), 10
      1998/99 – Andriy Shevchenko – (Dynamo Kyiv), Dwight Yorke – (Manchester United), 8
      1999/00 – Mario Jardel – (Porto), Rivaldo – (Barcelona), Raul (Real Madrid), 10
      2000/01 – Raul (Real Madrid), 7
      2001/02 – Ruud van Nistelrooy – (Manchester United), 10
      2002/03 – Ruud van Nistelrooy – (Manchester United), 12
      2003/04 – Fernando Morientes – (AS Monaco), 9
      2004/05 – Andriy Shevchenko – (AC Milan), 9
      2005/06 – Ruud van Nistelrooy – (Manchester United), 8
      2006/07 – Kaka – (AC Milan), 10
      2007/08 – Cristiano Ronaldo – (Manchester United), 8
      2008/09 – Lionel Messi – (Barcelona), 9
      2009/10 – Lionel Messi – (Barcelona), 8
      2010/11 – Lionel Messi – (Barcelona), 12
      2011/12 – Lionel Messi – (Barcelona), 14
      2012/13 – Cristiano Ronaldo – (Real Madrid), 12
      2013/14 – Cristiano Ronaldo – (Real Madrid), 17
      2014/15 – Neymar – (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo – (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi – (Barcelona), 10
      2015/16 – Cristiano Ronaldo – (Real Madrid), 16
      2016/17 – Cristiano Ronaldo – (Real Madrid), 12
      2017/18 – Cristiano Ronaldo – (Real Madrid), 15
      2018/19 – Lionel Messi – (Barcelona), 12
      2019/20 – Robert Lewandowski – (Bayern Munich), 15
      2020/21 – Erling Haaland – (Borussia Dortmund), 10
      2021/22 – Karim Benzema – (Real Madrid), 15
      2022/23 – Erling Haaland – (Manchester City), 12
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL More

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      Arsenal vs Bournemouth: Gunners look to extend Premier League lead after crucial derby win – stream, TV, team news

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      ARSENAL are just three victories away from lifting the Premier League title – unless Manchester City win four.The Gunners arguably have had the toughest title run-in between themselves, Man City and Liverpool.However, back-to-back derby triumphs over Chelsea and Tottenham saw Mikel Arteta’s men stay on top of the pyramid going into the last month of the season.And if they can beat an in-form Bournemouth side, they’ll be one step closer to ending their 20-year Premier League trophy drought.But even if Arsenal are victorious in their remaining three games, it still won’t be enough if Pep Guardiola’s men get a maximum of 12 points from 12.When is Arsenal vs Bournemouth?
      Arsenal’s huge Premier League match against Bournemouth will take place on Saturday, May 4.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 12:30pm BST.
      Emirates Stadium is the allocated arena for his crucial match and it can host approximately 60,704 passionate fans.
      The Gunners ran riot in the reverse fixture by thrashing the Cherries 4-0.
      Read more on ArsenalWhat TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      Arsenal vs Bournemouth will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sport 1 in the UK
      Coverage is expected to commence from 11am BST – one hour and 30 minutes before kick-off.
      Fans can stream the match live through discovery+
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute action of the entire Premier League encounter.
      What is the team news?Mikel Arteta will be delighted that his side picked up no fresh injury concerns despite being put through a tough north London derby on Sunday.However, it could possibly be too soon for Jurrien Timber who has been continuing his road to recovery with the U21’s team.Elsewhere, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is set to be without several key name for this huge match.Most read in FootballIllia Zabarnyi (muscle), Antoine Semenyo (knee), Luis Sinisterra (thigh), Tyler Adams (back), Marcus Tavernier (muscle), Chris Mempham (muscle), Ryan Fredericks (calf) and Philip Billing (muscle) are all expected to miss the trip to the Emirates.While Milos Kerkez will continue to serve his three-match ban after picking up a red card against Wolves.What are the current odds?
      Arsenal to win 1/8
      Draw 13/2
      Bournemouth to win 12/1
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More

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      Who is ITV Euro 2024 presenter Seema Jaswal?

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      ITV’S coverage for Euro 2024 is expected to include Seema Jaswal, who is well travelled in the field of sports presenting.The 39-year-old from Richmond has presented the Premier League’s global coverage, as well as Channel 4’s coverage of Motorsports.Jaswal also spent three years working for Channel 5’s The Wright StuffJaswal is expected to get involved in the Euro 2024 coverageShe also appeared on Channel 4’s coverage of the BDO Darts and the BBC for Snooker’s Triple Crown events.ITV employed Jaswal for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, working as a reporter and summariser.Jaswal also anchored FIFA’s coverage of the U-17 World Cup in 2017.And now she is expected to cover England’s bid of winning their first trophy since the 1966 World Cup.The Three Lions are among the favourites to win Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.Gareth Southgate’s men have been drawn in a group that includes, Serbia, Slovenia and Denmark.How old is she?Jaswal has now been in TV and radio for over a decade.That is after she got her big break on CBBC in 2008.Most read in Euro 2024Born in 1985, she is currently 39 years old.Is Seema Jaswal married?Seema’s maiden name is Pathan but she likes to keep her private life out of the public eye.Former England boss Fabio Capello says ‘fear’ will end Euro 2024 dream as he identifies player as the weakest linkShe is married but prefers to keep her husband out the limelight. More

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      Who is ITV Euro 2024 presenter Mark Pougatch?

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      PRESENTER Mark Pougatch fronts ITV’s major coverage of both football as well as rugby and is expected to get involved in the Euro 2024 team of TV stars and pundits.The 56-year-old replaced Adrian Chiles as ITV’s chief football presenter six years ago to cover Champions League and England fixtures.Mark Pougatch’s broadcasting career began in 1995 for Radio 5 liveHe won the broadcaster of the year award in 2012Mark Pougatch, left, was part of the BBC’s 5 Live team with Nicky Campbell and Victoria Derbyshire for the 2002 World CupCredit: BBCHe hosted ITV’s coverage of Euro 2016, and has also been presenting the Six Nations rugby since 2016, and also the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.Before that though he spent TWENTY-TWO YEARS, where he cut his teeth presenting for BBC Radio 5 Live.He also joined BT Sport in the summer of 2016 to host the show BT Sport Score, to rival Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer Saturday.In addition, Pougatch presented ITV’s live coverage of Euro 2020 with fellow presenters Seema Jaswal and Reshmin Chowdhury.Read More on FootballThey were jpoined by the likes of Ian Wright, Gary Neville, Eni Aluko, Ashley Cole and Patrick Vieira.As well as ITV’s live coverage, Pougatch hosted 12 Euro 2020 special episodes of the ITV Football Show podcast alongside Luton Town winger Andros Townsend.Euro 2024 gets underway on June 14 as hosts Germany take on Scotland.England’s campaign gets underway on June 16 when they face off against Serbia.Most read in Euro 2020The Three Lions have been drawn in a group that also includes Slovenia and Denmark. England will be looking to win their first ever trophy since the 1966 World Cup.Inside the ten stunning Euro 2024 stadiums including historic final venueGareth Southgate’s men are among the top favourites to win the competition.England play Scotland at Wembley on June 18The Krestovsky Stadium in St. Petersburg hosts the first game which ITV will show live this summer More

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      Championship permutations: Promotion, play-off and relegation scenarios explained

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      WE have reached the final week of the Championship season – and it’s still all to play for.Leicester City have already claimed promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking after winning the title in the second tier.Leicester won the Championship at Preston on Monday nightCredit: ALAMYTwo more undetermined sides will join the Foxes in the top flight next season from the Championship.But it’s not just the top of the table that is still to be decided with the relegation battle heating up.SunSport has all you need to know about what can happen at the top and bottom of the Championship table on the final week of the season.Who can claim automatic promotion to the Premier League?After Leicester secured the Championship title on Monday night with a 3-0 win away at Preston, just one more automatic promotion place remains.READ MORE IN EFLIf Ipswich can get four points from their remaining two matches, they will finish in the automatics behind Leicester.Leeds must hope that the Tractor Boys lose against Coventry or Huddersfield and then match the other result, as goal difference currently favours the Whites.Who can finish in the Championship play-offs?As previously alluded to, one of Leeds or Ipswich will finish third and have to settle for a play-off place.Southampton can’t move from their current fourth-placed position, while Norwich’s far superior goal difference to Hull City has all but secured their spot in the play-offs.Most read in EFLThe only way the Canaries can drop out of the top-6 is if they lose heavily to Birmingham on the final day, West Brom claim at least a point, and the Tigers beat Plymouth – with a more than seven-goal swing between Norwich and Hull required.Liam Rosenior’s side will have more hope that they can take the Baggies position in the play-offs – should they win and Albion fall to defeat on final day.Who can get relegated from the Championship?Rotherham’s position at the foot of the table can not be changed with their status as a League One club already confirmed for next season.Huddersfield’s relegation from the Championship is all but confirmed, with the Terriers in need of three points at Ipswich and Plymouth to lose to Hull – and they will require at least a 15 goal swing in the afore mentioned matches.Birmingham City ideally need to beat Norwich on the final day to stand any chance of safety – and hope that Plymouth lose to Hull.The Blues could draw and survive, but the Pilgrims would have to lose by five or more goals.Birmingham could stay up on goal difference should they win and Blackburn Rovers suffer defeat to title winners Leicester or if Sheffield Wednesday lose away at Sunderland.When are the Championship play-offs?Semi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (12pm) – Sunday, May 125th vs 4th (2.15pm) – Sunday, May 12Semi-final second legs3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Thursday, May 164th vs 5th (8pm) – Friday, May 17READ MORE SUN STORIESFinalSunday, May 26 (4.30pm) More

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      When are yellow cards wiped in the Champions League?

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      THE Champions League semi-finals are upon us with some incredible action kicking off tonight.All Premier League clubs have been eliminated from Europe’s esteemed competition meaning there will be no English representation in the final at Wembley on June 1.Sergio Ramos is the player that has been booked the most in Champions League historyCredit: REUTERSManchester United and Newcastle endured a disappointing campaign that saw them getting knocked out in the group stage.Arsenal and Manchester City were eliminated by Bayern Munich and Real Madrid respectively during the quarter-finals.City have officially surrendered their crown which will pass on to either Real, Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain or Borussia Dortmund.The semi-finals kick off tonight with Madrid facing off against Harry Kane and co at the Allianz Arena before PSG and Dortmund square off at the Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday.Read More on FootballMany fans worry they might lose some of their key players who have amassed too many bookings ahead of the second leg or even the final – SunSport has the answers below.When do yellow cards get wiped in the Champions League?Fans of teams in the last four have no reason to fear, as yellow cards expire after the quarter-finals and are not carried over to the semi-finals.According to Uefa’s Article 52.04, all yellow cards and pending yellow-card suspensions expire on completion of the play-offs and are not carried forward to the group stage. They are also wiped out on completion of the Champions League quarter-finals and are not enforced during the semi-finals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe same article states that even if a player is cautioned across both semi-final legs, he cannot be suspended for the final unless he received a red card.And according to Article 52.05, cautions and pending yellow-card suspensions that occurred in major UEFA competitions expire at the end of the season.Raging Chelsea stars pushed away from referee and linesmen by Bues coaches in explosive bust-up after VAR stops goalThat means Kane will not miss out on a London return for the final if Bayern make it through and his dreams of finally winning silverware remain alive.That is, of course, if the star striker doesn’t get sent off in the second leg against Real. More

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      in Motorsport

      When is F1 Miami Grand Prix? Date, TV channel, live stream and full schedule as Max Verstappen eyes three straight wins

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      MIAMI hosts this weekend’s Grand Prix – with Max Verstappen looking to win back-to-back races in Florida.Verstappen comes into the weekend with four wins out of the first five races of the season.Max Verstappen won the Chinese Grand Prix last time outCredit: GETTYCarlos Sainz is the only other race winner this season back in late March at the Australian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton, who will be taking Sainz’s Ferrari seat next season, is yet to finish on the podium in 2024. Hamilton currently sits in ninth in the Drivers Championship, behind fellow Mercedes driver George Russell in seventh.Miami is a sprint weekend which means extra points are up for grabs for drivers to close that gap on Red Bull and Max Verstappen.READ MORE IN F1This does mean that teams only have a 60-minute practice session before the weekend racing begins.When is the F1 Miami Grand Prix 2024?
      The F1 Miami Grand Prix 2024 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 5.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 9pm BST/4pm ET
      Miami International Autodrome is the allocated track for this huge race and it can host a staggering 65,000 passionate fans.
      The venue also hosts an exclusive paddock on the side of the pitch for some of the world’s biggest celebrities.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      The F1 Miami Grand Prix will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports F1.
      Subscription members of Sky Sports can stream the entire action on the NOW or Sky Sports website/app.
      Why are Ferrari in blue for the Miami GP?Ferrari will ditch their red livery for Sunday’s Miami GP to honour the 70th anniversary of the team making their mark in North America.Most read in MotorsportThe design change will see two different shades of blue used on the vehicles with Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino taking the place of the traditional Rosso Corsa that can be found on the cars.Azzuro La Plata is a lighter blue which is said to hark back to the colour worn by legendary driver Alberto Ascari during his 1952 and 1953 world Formula One titles for Ferrari.While Azzurro Dino is a darker blue designed be a nod to the colours first worn by Ferrari in 1974 when five-time Grand Prix winner Clay Rega donned the shade before the team returned to their iconic red.The dual colour livery will be plastered all over the SF-24 car while Leclerc and Sainz are also expected to wear blue racing suits too.FULL race scheduleAll times are in BST/ETFriday, May 3
      Practice One – 5.30pm BST/12.30pm ET
      Sprint Shootout – 9.30pm/4.30pm
      Saturday, May 4
      Sprint – 5pm/12pm
      Qualifying – 9pm/4pm
      Sunday, May 5READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Race – 9pm/4pm
      Current F1 Driver Standings
      Max Verstappen, Red Bull – 110
      Sergio Perez, Red Bull – 85
      Charles Leclerc, Ferrari – 76
      Carlos Sainz, Ferrari – 69
      Lando Norris, McLaren – 58
      Oscar Piastri, McLaren – 38
      George Russell, Mercedes – 33
      Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin – 31
      Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes – 19
      Lance stroll, Aston Martin – 9
      Yuki Tsunoda, RB – 7
      Oliver Bearman, Ferrari – 6
      Nico Hulkenberg, Haas – 4
      Kevin Magnussen, Haas – 1
      Alex Albon, Williams – 0
      Esteban Ocon, Alpine – 0 
      Zhou Guanyu, Kick Sauber – 0 
      Daniel Ricciardo, RB – 0
      Pierre Gasly, Alpine – 0
      Valtteri Bottas, Kick Sauber – 0
      Logan Sargeant, Williams – 0 More