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      What do Man City need to guarantee qualification to the Champions League last 16?

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      MANCHESTER City may be established European juggernauts – but the new league format has made things trickier to navigate.Following defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, the Sky Blues sit 25th in the League Phase table – just outside the play-off spots – on eight points with one more game to fight for.Anything other than win in City’s last league game will end their Champions League campaignCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side had the chance to put themselves in a reassuring position in their penultimate game in Paris, but the 4-2 capitulation – when they led by two – has given advantage back to direct rivals PSG.City’s final game will pit them against fellow last 16 hopefuls Club Brugge at the Etihad on Wednesday.Brugge, one of nine teams still in contention for a playoff spot, sit 20th on 11 points.PSG and last playoff spot holder, Stuttgart, also clash on the final matchday.read more on MAN CITYWhat do Man City need to guarantee qualification to the Champions League last 16?For City to progress they must secure a win due to goal difference of the teams around them.The introduced eight-game ‘Swiss model’ has scrapped the traditional 32-team group stage of Europe’s top club competitions for a 36-team league phase.The top eight automatically qualify for the last 16 and are joined by the winners of a play-off round between those that finished ninth to 24th.Those that finish 25th to 36th are eliminated from all European competition – teams no longer drop into the Europa League.Most read in FootballAccording to Opta’s supercomputer – which simulates the 2024-25 UCL league phase 50,000 times to work out a team’s Champions League knockout likelihood – City have an expected points of 10.1.According to that algorithm, City had an 84 per cent chance of reaching the play-offs prior to their defeat in the French capital.Fan spot classy gesture from Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson to Man City newbie Abdukodir Khusanov after horror debutThe new tally of 63.8 per cent still gives them a chance of playoff qualification, but there is plenty of room for error with a 36.2 per cent chance of elimination.Despite the array of permutations and the number of teams involved, City’s task remains simple – win and they qualify for the play-off round. More

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      What do Aston Villa need to guarantee qualification to the Champions League last 16?

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      DESPITE the loss to Monaco last week, Aston Villa are still among possible contenders for automatic Champions League qualification.The Villans’ high flying Champions League campaign took another hitch as an uninspiring 1-0 defeat in Monaco left them outside the top eight – which guarantees progression to the last 16.A win in Villa’s final league game will give them a chance of qualifying for the Champions League last 16Credit: ReutersUnai Emery’s men are ninth in the League Phase table, joint on 13 points with five other teams, including Bayer Leverkusen, who occupy the final automatic spot. So far, Villa have won four, drew once and lost twice.What do Aston Villa need to do to guarantee Champions League round of 16 qualification?Their final game, Celtic at home, provides an enticing affair where only a win will give them a chance to go straight into the Round of 16. The opportunity arose after Bayern Munich’s shock defeat to Feyenoord and Brest’s defeat.read more on aston villa Those not in the top eight positions either fall into the play-off spots – ninth to 24th – or are immediately eliminated.Villa are offered the security blanket of at least a play-off spot.Opta have calculated that the Midlands side are favourites to scrape the all-decisive eight spot.A supercomputer simulation – that estimates the likelihood of teams finishing in the competition – has Villa down for a 52.6 per cent probability of clinching it.Most read in Champions LeagueFor that to happen, Villa will have to beat Celtic and also need one of Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan or Atalanta to not follow suit. The teams behind Villa – Monaco, Feyenoord, Lille and Brest – can also match the former’s final tally but their goal difference is inferior.Champions League club send Micah Richards shirt with very cheeky nickname on the back thanks to his Brest obsession Villa’s potential for a seeded spot will likely hinge on Atalanta and whether they can beat Barcelona – which would be needed to stay in the top eight. All outcomes are permutation-driven and ultimately out of Villa’s hand, who can only win to give themselves the best possible chance. More

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      Rugby match called off after mass brawl which left one player with a broken jaw

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      AN amateur rugby match was abandoned following a mass brawl in front of shocked spectators.The ruck was sparked when two opposing players were sent off for fighting.An amateur rugby match was abandoned following a mass brawl in front of shocked spectators (stock photo)Credit: AlamyOne, playing for Gravesend then allegedly punched opposition Reeds Weybridge’s coach, who is said to have hit him back — knocking the player out and breaking his jaw.Other players and family and friends on the touchline then piled in on Saturday afternoon, witnesses said.The Regional 2 South East match, in Hersham, Surrey, was abandoned and police called.A witness said: “Throughout the game there were punches thrown and handbags.read more on rugby“Then at the end of the game there were two red cards for fighting.“Gravesend’s player walks off, punches the Reeds coach and he hit him back and it knocked him out.”Officers arrested and later bailed a man aged 30 on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.Another witness said: “What happened was a disgrace, especially with kids present.Most read in Football“The book should be thrown at both clubs.”A horrified dog walker said: “The match ended in a huge fight. It was absolutely disgraceful scenes.”It was a mass brawl with punches and stamps. Children were watching.”I went on a dog walk through Whitley Village. Instead I witnessed a reenactment of Passchendaele.”A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We attended the scene following reports of a facial injury.Eighth-tier football club move into former Rugby Premiership stadium with bigger capacity than Premier League side “One person was assessed and treated before being taken to St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey.”A joint statement from both teams read: “An unfortunate incident occurred towards the end of the game between Reeds Weybridge RFC and Gravesend RFC which saw a Gravesend player get injured.“The incident was dealt with properly at the time by the referee and pitch-side medical support from both clubs.“We would like to reassure our supporters that the player appears to be on the road to recovery and both clubs continue to support all those involved.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The incident was subsequently reported to the relevant authorities.“The management of both clubs have and continue to work closely together but we will not be making any further statements until all investigations have been completed.”The Regional 2 South East match, in Hersham, Surrey, was abandoned and police calledCredit: Getty More

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      Rachel Reeves backs Man Utd’s plans for new 100,000 seat mega-stadium to help ‘generate growth’

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      CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves will set out her goals for growth today — backing the construction of Britain’s biggest football ground.The Sun can reveal Manchester United’s plans for a 100,000-seater mega-stadium will “generate growth” to the tune of £7billion every year.Rachel Reeves has backed the construction of Britain’s biggest football groundCredit: Story Picture AgencyManchester United’s plans for a new 100,000-seater mega-stadium will ‘generate growth’ to the tune of more than £7billion every yearCredit: GettyMs Reeves is expected to give the residential, transport and entertainment development at Old Trafford the green light — and back a new runway at Heathrow and possibly Gatwick airport too.She has warned “low growth is not our destiny but growth will not come without a fight”.All the decisions risk a major backlash from other parts of Britain desperate for similar investment.Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also keen for government support for stadium developments and scores of Labour MPs may attempt to block any airport expansions.READ MORE ON THE ECONOMYBut the Chancellor will insist she is “on the side of working people . . . willing to take the right decisions now to change our country’s course for the better”.In a speech in Oxfordshire, she will say: “Britain’s potential has been held back for too long. We have accepted low expectations, stagnation and the risk of decline. We can do so much better.“We are at the forefront of some of the most exciting developments in the world like artificial intelligence and life sciences. We have great companies, delivering jobs and investment in Britain.“And we have fundamental strengths — in our history, our language, and our legal system — to compete in a global economy.”Most read in FootballMs Reeves will also back a new rail link from Oxford to Cambridge, which will add an estimated £78billion to the economy over the next decade.PM Sir Keir Starmer yesterday threw down the gauntlet to his ministers yesterday, saying growth must be “hard-wired into all Cabinet decisions”.Rachel Reeves wants to follow Trump’s lead & stop talking UK down… but will her ‘Make Britain Great Again’ mantra work?Last night, Tory Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffiths hit out, saying: “Words are cheap but a growth strategy cannot just be infrastructure projects for the 2030s.” More

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      Sacked ref David Coote set for sensational return to football with new job – despite cocaine shame and Klopp rant

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      SACKED Prem referee David Coote may make a sensational return to football — as a VAR instructor, his friends said.The 42-year-old, lauded for his honesty over his cocaine shame, could use his vast experience to help younger officials.David Coote may make a sensational return to football with a new job as a VAR instructorCredit: GettyCoote was fired after footage emerged of him snorting the class-A drug at Euro 2024The 42-year-old has been lauded for his honesty over his cocaine shameCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdDespite his career being torpedoed, Coote is keen to stay in football, although possibly not as a ref.A source close to him said: “He’s built up an incredible wealth of knowledge and skill. It would be a massive shame if that was lost because of mistakes he made while under moments of incredible stress.“He still gets on with all the other referees and I could see him taking a role somewhere. He’d be perfect as a VAR pundit or expert.”In an exclusive interview in yesterday’s Sun, Coote said he was scared to come out as gay and took coke to “escape”.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEHe was fired after footage emerged of him snorting the class-A drug at Euro 2024.However thousands of fans debated a possible return ­yesterday after he opened up about the “pressure cooker” of suppressed emotion, plus a punishing work schedule.Paul Field, chairman of the ­Referees’ Association, said he hoped Coote is able to remain in English football.He said: “The work he does with young people is exemplary. He’s an unbelievable tutor. He puts so much time and effort into the up-and-coming grassroots officials.Most read in Football“I’d love him to be part of the FA, training, mentoring, out of the public light to look after himself. He has so much to offer.”Coote was among the UK’s top three VAR exponents — and one of a select few English officials called up for international matches. Coote himself said he would love to come back.Moment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024He added: “Whether it would be with a whistle in my hand would be another matter. Certainly not for me to judge. But in terms of utilising my experience I hope there is an opportunity to do so in some way.”He revealed he was “not sober” when he called former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “c***” in shocking footage.And he also told how he got sickening abuse as a ref, including messages hoping he was paralysed in a car crash.Gay rugby referee Nigel Owens yesterday supported Coote for hiding his sexuality.Coote said he was scared to come out as gay and took coke to ‘escape’Credit: XCoote revealed he was “not sober” when he called former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘c***’Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdThe 53-year-old was suicidal over fears of repercussions before coming out in 2007. He went on to officiate major games including the 2015 World Cup Final. Owens said: “Homophobia remains a problem in all sports.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on: “When you are struggling with your identity, it’s a very difficult and sometimes very dark place. “You will go to the extent of trying to deal with those demons and mental health issues in ways we’ve seen David Coote give examples of.”    ’I ADMIRE HIS BRAVERY’By Mark Halsey, ex-Premier League RefDAVID Coote taking full responsibility for his mistakes and showing the bravery to come out deserves all our admiration.It should also be the first step back towards some involvement in the game again. I’ve never touched drugs or even a cigarette but I can understand why the pressure and scrutiny of being a pro ref would cause someone to seek that kind of escape. Especially when you consider the fact he felt he had to hide his sexuality.We all knew about David’s sexuality when he was coming through the system. It is good he has now spoken out.We have all made mistakes in our lives. All referees discuss what they think of certain players and managers.David has just been let down by his so-called friends.In 2020 referee Bobby Madley returned to the Football League two years after being sacked over a video in which he mocked a ­disabled person. It should serve as an example to David that his career is not entirely over. More

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      Forgotten Chelsea star set to join Neymar at Santos as he leaves Stamford Bridge after just THREE appearances

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      DEIVID WASHINGTON is set to leave Chelsea on loan and join Neymar at Santos. The Brazilian signed for the Blues in the summer of 2023 for £17.1million from Santos. Deivid Washington is set to leave Chelsea on loan and join Neymar at SantosCredit: GettyBut he has managed only three appearances in West London – all coming in cup competition last season. The playmaker – who can play centrally or out wide – has been linked with a move away from Chelsea amid his lack of game time. And according to Ben Jacobs, 19-year-old Washington is closing in on a season-long loan back to Santos before the January transfer window shuts.It comes as the Brazilian side – top of the league – look to bring superstar Neymar back to the club. READ MORE IN football The former PSG and Barcelona winger has terminated his £2.5million-a-week deal with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The 32-year-old managed just one goal and three assists in seven appearances during a disappointing two-year stint at the Kingdom Arena.Neymar ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.It kept him out for a year before returning 12 months later – getting injured again in his second game back. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAl Hilal agreed to terminate his contract and Neymar is closing in on a return to Brazil. Neymar spent four years with Santos from 2009-2013 – scoring 136 goals in 225 games – before joining Barcelona.In Spain he won two LaLiga titles and the Champions League before a world-record £198m move to PSG in 2017. After five years in the French capital – winning the league title every season – Neymar made the move to Saudi. Neymar has left Al HilalCredit: AFPThe Brazilian is closing in on a return to SantosCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Just unacceptable’ – Mikel Arteta blasts attack of referee Michael Oliver as police probe abuse after Arsenal red card

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      MIKEL ARTETA blasted the attack of referee Michael Oliver and urged governing bodies to kick “hatred” out of football.Police are investigating abuse suffered by Oliver after he controversially sent off defender Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Wolves last weekend.Mikel Arteta has blasted the abuse directed at Michael Oliver following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves on SaturdayCredit: EPAMichael Oliver is currently having his house monitored by police after ‘abhorrent abuse’ following the matchCredit: AlamyOliver controversially sent off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly during the matchCredit: PAThe Gunners full-back has since had his three-match ban wiped out by an independent committee after the club filed an appeal on Tuesday morning – despite the player missing the news due to being ASLEEP on the plane.But ref Oliver continues to have his house watched by police following alleged threats against him and his two-year-old daughter – leaving the PGMOL “appalled”.And Arsenal boss Arteta – who recently slated the online hate aimed at his player Kai Havertz – said: “Regardless of whether it is a player or a coach, a referee — it does not matter.“We shouldn’t be here with this hatred, these things we see, because they affect everyone and in the end, they take away the joy of this sport.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We have to really work harder to try to eradicate that part of the game that brings nothing but bad stuff, bad taste and it makes people’s lives more difficult. Let’s get it out, let’s kick it out.“For everyone in football. You should not be permitted [to do that]. We don’t want it, we don’t need it and it certainly damages our sport.“We are talking about it, but no one seems to be moving strongly enough because it’s just unacceptable. Why haven’t we done it?“We’re always putting a lot of emphasis on where football is going in the next five, ten years; on the rules, and all that sort of thing.Most read in FootballLewis-Skelly was dismissed for a trip on Wolves star Matt DohertyCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But the most important thing we can do is create an environment that’s much better at a social level: one that’s healthier, that’s nicer.“Reward things that are not only winning, that when people make mistakes they have the chance to make amends.”Moment Mikel Arteta gives Michael Oliver ‘death stare’ after shaking his hand following Lewis-Skelly red card blunderOliver will not officiate Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City on Sunday, instead taking charge of Ipswich vs Southampton at Portman Road on Saturday before overseeing the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton on February 5.It is also alleged that Oliver received a threat of a car bomb after the awarding of a penalty during Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on January 5.Havertz also had his wife and unborn child attacked on Instagram following Arsenal’s FA Cup third round penalty shoot-out defeat to Man United on January 12 in which the German missed the decisive spot-kick.Arsenal were understood to have been in touch with the PGMOL over the abuse aimed at Oliver and are supportive of any inquiries.The PGMOL said in a statement on Sunday: “No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family.“We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour. Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.”Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the 43rd minute at Molineux for a tame trip on Matt Doherty inside the Wolves half – with the decision upheld by VAR official Darren England as “serious foul play”, one that left Arteta “fuming”.Oliver also sent off Wolves’ Joao Gomes in the 70th minute for a second yellow before Riccardo Calafiori scored a late winner.Pundits such as Micah Richards and Alan Shearer blasted Oliver for sending off Lewis-Skelly, the former labelling it “one of the worst decisions I have ever seen”.On Lewis-Skelly’s ban being lifted, Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori said: “We knew that it was a mistake, and now we keep on going and I’m happy for him.“He’s a strong guy mentally and also on the pitch.”An Arsenal statement said yesterday evening: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.”Asked how Lewis-Skelly reacted to the news ahead of their Champions League clash at Girona, Arteta said: “He was sleeping on the plane [to Spain] when I got the news and looked back. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I haven’t spoken to him but I imagine there is a big smile on his face.On if he woke him up, Arteta laughed: “I was working and he was in the back, so I didn’t.”Kai Havertz and his family were recently the victims of online abuse tooCredit: APMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. More

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      Phil Foden swipes at Gareth Southgate for playing him out of position at Euros as England star says ‘we never got going’

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      PHIL FODEN has finally got his spark back and is now aiming to light up the rest of Manchester City’s season.The Premier League’s Player of the Year in 2023-24 felt burnt out when he returned to the club following last summer’s European Championship.Phil Foden opened up on his Euro 2024 heartacheCredit: GettyAlthough England reached the final in Germany, it was a difficult tournament for Foden.The hangover from that disappointment lasted several months and it is only since the start of 2025 we have begun to see the old Foden again.It cannot be a coincidence that six goals in the last four Prem games have coincided with a mini-revival for Pep Guardiola’s team.And they need their homegrown star to continue to shine to help save their Champions League skins tonight.READ MORE IN football Only a win over Club Brugge will be enough for the 2022-23 winners to avoid an embarrassing early exit.Yet with Foden back in form, most expect them to get the job done.The hopes of a fifth straight Prem title may be all but gone but the midfielder insists City have plenty to play for — and he intends to be at the centre of it.Foden, 24, said: “Even though it’s been a challenging season, we’ve still got things to look forward to.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Because we’re having a bit of a blip, we can’t lose belief in that.“I still believe we can do good things and come back from this. I want to try to show I’m a leader by turning up in big moments and help the team when I can. Kyle Walker opens up on ‘uncomfortable’ conversation with Guardiola as he admits ‘things weren’t going well’ at Man City“We need to look at finishing at least top four in the Premier League — aiming to win the Champions League and the FA Cup as well.”Foden has been pivotal to City’s recent success which has seen them win six of the last seven Prem titles.It is only 19 months ago they did the Treble but Foden feels all the exertions of recent years finally caught up with him in August.He could not find the energy which has been such a key feature of his game — leaving fans wondering what was wrong.Foden said: “For me, football is played with the brain and when the brain is mentally fatigued you’re not going to see a player for who he is.“I’m normally itching to get back but when I came back my body and my mental state was low.“I’ve been playing since the age of five pushing myself every day to be the best I can.“When you add up all the games and all the travelling it is a lot for the body. “I wasn’t feeling 100 per cent when I was training, and there were a few niggles. There were times when I was getting frustrated.“My body didn’t feel how I was used to and it’s something I’ve had to deal with.“I feel that’s the reason why I had a slow start to the season. I had a bit of rest, just to give my body time to recover.“I took the start of the season very slowly, I didn’t play much. I was resting and trying to get back to myself.“When you start the season good, I feel you have the rest of the season good. I feel frustrated I didn’t get out what I wanted to. The position I was put in on the left was very difficult to influence the game.Phil Foden “But I missed periods at the start of the season so I think that’s why it’s taken me so long to get going.”Foden is looking much more like his old self now — as City have started to go through the gears since Christmas.But the regrets over his time at the Euros with the Three Lions — when so much was expected of him — still linger.The England faithful even came up with a song — an adaptation of Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing in Dark.But Foden was stuck out on the left by former boss Gareth Southgate and never really got going — even though he played every game as the Three Lions reached the final.He said: “I feel frustrated I didn’t get out what I wanted to. The position I was put in on the left was very difficult to influence the game.“Coming off last season — being the best player in the Premier League and playing centre midfield — I do feel the position was quite difficult to get used to.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m one who can play multiple positions and I had to try to deal with it the best I could. “I don’t feel like England ever got going or performed to our potential.”Gareth Southgate played Foden on the leftCredit: Alamy More