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      West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski stretchered off after being whacked in face in worrying scenes

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      WEST HAM star Lukasz Fabianski was stretchered off in worrying scenes after sustaining a head injury.The 39-year-old goalkeeper collided with Southampton defender Nathan Wood’s elbow and went down in severe pain.Lukasz Fabianski suffered a horror head injuryCredit: ReutersHis team-mates and medics rushed over to the keeperCredit: ReutersFabianski left the field in a neck brace and covered in a blanketCredit: ReutersMedics quickly rushed onto the pitch and Fabianski received treatment for seven minutes.His concerned team-mates stood around him and his opposite number Aaron Ramsdale came up from his goal to check on him.Fabianski was put in a neck brace and covered in a blanket as he left the field on a stretcher.Both West Ham and Saints fans applauded.Alphonse Areola came on to replace the 40-year-old Polish international..Worried supporters shared their concern online, with one saying: “I hope Fabianski is okay. Looked nasty.”Another wrote: “Wishing Fab a speedy recovery.”A third wrote: “Respect to Ramsdale checking on Fabianski.”Most read in FootballAmazon Prime TV cameras did not show any replays of the incident and cut away while the keeper was down hurt.Fabianski was having a brilliant game at the time of his horror injury and had made three saves, including a sensational stop from a Paul Onuachu header.It was the second substitute West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui had been forced into making as Maximilian Kilman picked up a problem and went off for Jean-Clair Todibo.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Fans have ‘tears in eyes’ as Sky Sports icon Chris Kamara reunited with old pal Jeff Stelling on shock commentary return

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      CHRIS KAMARA made his long-awaited return to TV on Amazon Prime – drawing an emotional reaction from fans online.The former Sky Sports pundit, 67, was in the commentary box for Tottenham’s visit to Nottingham Forest. Chris Kamara was reunited with Jeff StellingAnd he was introduced by former Sky colleague Jeff Stelling – leaving fans fighting back tears online. One said: “Seeing Jeff Stelling and Chris Kamara back doing the football together is everything to me.”Another added: “Absolutely amazing to see Chris Kamara back where he belongs. Won’t lie I had a tear in my eye watching that.”One hailed: “Absolutely lovey to see Chris Kamara back on the telly btw.”Read more in footballAnother said: “Chris Kamara and Jeff Stelling back on my screen for the 3pms, this is the greatest Boxing Day ever.”Kamara was forced to take a step back from his broadcasting career in 2022 after he was diagnosed with apraxia of speech (AOS).The neurological disorder affects speech and thought processes. But Kamara was back on the TV providing updates on Spurs’ game and had Stelling chuckling with his trademark wit.Most read in FootballWhat is apraxia of speech?CHRIS Kamara has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech – but what is it?Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people.They explained: “Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. However they may be good at ‘automatic’ speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell.It’s usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke.The condition does not affect a person’s understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder.Kamara said: “I have got the best game of the day.”When Amazon rang me up, I thought they wanted me to deliver parcels but they said the game, YES!”Kamara had a successful playing career from 1975-1995 – but he had moved into punditry with Sky from 1992. He was a much-loved figure among the Soccer Saturday team. His voice is improving thanks to treatment in Mexico – and while he is not yet back to full health, he is on the road to recovery.Stelling also left Sky in 2023 and has since worked on talkSPORT and now Amazon over the Christmas period. More

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      Dani Olmo’s ‘agent arrives in Manchester’ with Spain Euros winner available for FREE despite joining Barcelona for £50m

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      BARCELONA star Dani Olmo’s agent is in Manchester amid Premier League interest in his client, who could be available for free in January.Olmo, 26, completed an emotional comeback to boyhood club Barca following a £50million deal with RB Leipzig in August shortly after he helped Spain win Euro 2024 by beating England in the final.Barcelona star Dani Olmo’s agent flew to the UK amid interest from Man Utd, Man City and ArsenalCredit: RexBarcelona have been unable to register Olmo and he could be available for free in JanuaryCredit: RexHowever, the Blaugrana were unable to register the playmaker due to their ongoing financial struggles.That was until Hansi Flick’s side lost Andreas Christensen to a long-term injury and that allowed them to register the Spain international as an emergency player.However, this short-term arrangement runs out at the end of the year, which means the LaLiga leaders need to find another way to officially get Olmo in their books by December 31.The Spanish football federation will require Barcelona to make more cuts, find more revenue and comply with their financial guidelines.Read More on FootballThat Catalan giants have launched legal proceedings against LaLiga and were initially hopeful of reaching a solution before next week.If a resolution is not found then Olmo, who theoretically has a contract until 2030, will effectively be banned from playing for his boyhood club.This unusually chaotic situation has led to interest from the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal, who are all looking for attacking reinforcement ahead of the January transfer window.The Premier League giants could face competition from Bayern Munich in the winter market.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Spaniard’s priority has always been to stay at the Nou Camp but the drawn-out process has forced his agent Andy Bara to explore potential moves.According to The Mail, Bara flew to Manchester via private jet to attend the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at the Etihad.Ian Wright convinced Spain star Dani Olmo is ‘taking the micky out of us’ with pre-Euro 2024 final gestureThe agent told the same source that he was visiting the UK “on holidays”.Olmo has managed six goals and one assist in 15 appearances across all competitions with Barcelona.This comes after 29 goals and 34 appearances in 148 matches with RB Leipzig. More

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      Man City booed off by own fans after Haaland misses penalty to make it just one win 13 games for Guardiola’s side

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      MANCHESTER CITY felt the full fury of the home Etihad faithful after dropping more points on Boxing Day. Pep Guardiola’s team were booed from the field by frustrated supporters after a tepid 1-1 draw with Everton. Man City’s dismal form continued on Boxing Day against EvertonCredit: ReutersErling Haaland missed a penalty as his Premier League goal drought continuedCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s men have now won just one of their last 13 gamesCredit: GettyAudible boos were heard at the end of the Boxing Day clashCredit: EPABernardo Silva’s first-half goal appeared to have sent City on their way to a much-needed three points. But Iliman Ndiaye rifled the Toffees level just before the break, increasing the grumbles at the Etihad.Erling Haaland was given the perfect opportunity to win the game for Guardiola’s out-of-form side but saw a second-half penalty saved by Jordan Pickford.The Norwegian has scored just once in his last seven matches and has not found the net in his last four.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd frustrated fans made their feelings known at full time, with audible boos raining down from the terraces. One fan wrote on X: “City getting booed off yet they all talk about how they’ve been attending games since the Main Road days.”Another gasped: “City getting booed off, unbelievable how things have changed.”While ex-Man Utd striker Michael Owen wrote: “Wow! @ManCity fans booing their team off at the end. Years and years of incredible success witnessing some of the best football the world has ever seen. And when the team needs them most……..”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGuardiola’s side have now won just one of their last 13 matches in all competitions. They haven’t tasted victory since seeing off Nottingham Forest 3-0 on December 4.’We played like under-15s,’ fumes Bernardo Silva as angry Man City ace admits ‘we deserved’ Man Utd loss City’s draw does see them climb to sixth in the table.But could end the day five points adrift of the top four should results go against them.Guardiola conceded before the game that his side are at risk of failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 15 years.The reigning champions have won just one of their last five on home soilCredit: GettyHe said: “The one team that has been in the Champions League for the past years has been Manchester City. “Now we are at risk, of course we are. Definitely.” More

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      Everton keeper Jordan Pickford’s cheat sheet revealed on WATER BOTTLE as he saves Haaland’s penalty

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      EVERTON star Jordan Pickford’s cheat sheet was exposed on his water bottle before saving Erling Haaland’s penalty against Manchester City.Pickford, 30, has been very impressive for the Toffees in recent weeks amid another season that sees Sean Dyche’s side fighting another battle to avoid Premier League relegation.Everton keeper Jordan Pickford saved Manchester City star Erling Haaland’s penaltyCredit: RexPickford tried to put Haaland off with funny faces before the penaltyBut Pickford also had a cheat sheet on his water bottle before the penaltyThe cheat sheet got Haaland’s shooting percentages absolutely correctThe England goalkeeper was called upon after 53 minutes to defend a 1-1 scoreline at the Etihad after team-mate Iliman Ndiaye cancelled out Bernardo Silva’s opener.Savinho cleverly nicked the ball past Vitalii Mykolenko who fouled him inside the area and gave away a penalty kick to City.Haaland, 24, took on the spot-kick and appeared determined to ease Man City’s woes that had seen them losing nine of their past 12 matches across all competitions – of which they only won one.The star striker refused to be put off by Everton captain Seamus Coleman, who whispered something in his ear and got booked.Read More on FootballAnd Pickford tried his best to put the Norway international off with a funny face, similar to the one usually seen by New Zealand rugby stars during an intimidating haka as he stuck his tongue out.Unlike Coleman, the goalkeeper’s strategy seems to have worked as he lunged to his right and palmed Haaland’s shot away with relevant ease.The Norwegian than headed the ball to the back of the net but was caught offside.However, cameras caught Pickford looking at his water bottle before the spot-kick.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd it had a cheat sheet on it showing where City’s most usual penalty takers shoot the ball most.The camera caught a side of the bottle showing shooting percentages by Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic.Four Man City stars including Haaland and Grealish ‘miss penalties against NO KEEPER’ in bizarre training live streamNumbers showed Foden mostly shoots on the goalkeeper’s left, Doku on the right, Grealish in the middle and Kovacic on the right.The other side showed Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan as well as Silva’s stats.And it got the ex-Borussia Dortmund superstar’s numbers absolutely correct as it showed him shooting down the right 55 per cent of the time.Pickford proved to be the hero as he saved a valuable point for Everton.City, on the other hand, are with only one victory in 13 matches across all competitions, of which they lost nine. More

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      Federico Chiesa hit with another setback on miserable start to Liverpool career with just 18 MINUTES played

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      FEDERICO CHIESA’S nightmare first season on Merseyside has taken another unfortunate turn. The Italian has played just 18 minutes in the Premier League for Liverpool since joining the Reds from Juventus over the summer. Federico Chiesa has been ruled out of Liverpool’s Boxing Day clash with LeicesterCredit: GettyThe former Juventus winger has only played 18 minutes in a Liverpool shirtCredit: RexChiesa arrived for a cut-price deal worth an initial £10million at the end of August.The 27-year-old has been plagued by injuries, restricting his playing time in the top flight to a single cameo sub appearance against Bournemouth. Liverpool fans had been excited to see Chiesa feature on Boxing Day after Chiesa came off the bench in the Carabao Cup tie with Southampton. But boss Arne Slot has revealed the Italian will not be part of the matchday squad against Leicester due to illness. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSlot explained: “[Chiesa is] sick. Ill. “Unfortunately for him because he had some minutes against Southampton.”He was sick in the last two days and today as well so we couldn’t bring him to the game.”Chiesa arrived from Juve struggling for match fitness. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd despite his injury issues, Slot is confident he can play an important role down the stretch. Slot continued: “You see him on the pitch now, it means he’s getting stronger and better. Juventus star Federico Chiesa leaves Turnin on private flight for transfer deal with Liverpool “He had to adapt for quite a long time. I’ve said so many times, as expected if you miss team training sessions for so long. “And then you go to a league where the intensity is so high as well, and to a team who plays with a lot of intensity.”He is getting stronger, but he’s also facing a lot of competition in the right-wing position.”Liverpool are currently setting the pace at the top of the Premier League.After their Boxing Day clash with the Foxes, they visit West Ham on Sunday before welcoming Man Utd to Anfield on January 5. More

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      Man City ratings: Haaland costs Guardiola the win, Akanji at fault for goal but Foden rare bright spark on dismal day

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S dreadful form continued as they slumped to a 1-1 draw with Everton at the Etihad.Pep Guardiola’s side failed to conjure a Christmas cracker of a performance, despite taking the lead via Bernardo Silva in the 14th minute.Pep Guardiola’s side’s poor form continued against the ToffeesCredit: ReutersMan City continue to struggle for winsCredit: GettyIliman Ndiaye produced a sensational equaliser for the Toffees shortly before half-time.Erling Haaland had the chance to recapture the lead from the penalty spot in the second-half, after Savinho was scythed down by Vitaliy Mykolenko in the box.But the Norwegian’s woes continued as he saw his spot kick saved by Jordan Pickford.With City having now produced just one win from their last 13 matches, SunSport’s Phil Thomas rates and slates each of their players’ performances against Everton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSTEFAN ORTEGA – 6Had virtually nothing to do until Ndiaye’s equaliser – and he had no chance of keeping that out. RICO LEWIS – 5One costly waste of possession could have cost City a goal. Gave it away at the other end as well at times.MANUEL AKANJI – 5Shocking wave-a-leg effort to clear let in Iliman Ndiaye for the equaliser. Had a real power battle with Abdoulaye Doucoure.NATHAN AKE – 7First game back after four out and City’s best defender, capped by a last-ditch tackle on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJOSKO GVARDIOL – 6Thumped an early header against the post. Didn’t have too many tricky moments to deal with at the back.MATEO KOVACIC – 6Fizzed one half volley just wide. Held his own in a midfield tussle that was more a stalemate than a slugfest.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again Mateo Kovacic battles at the heart of the midfieldCredit: GettySAVINHO – 7Injected more tempo and had a couple of dangerous efforts blocked. Won the penalty that should have put City back in front.PHIL FODEN – 7Knocked a couple of incisive passes. One of the brightest in a dreary bunch for City.BERNARDO SILVA – 6Settled nerves with the opener but then missed a sitter that could have settled the game before half time.Bernardo Silva gave Man City a 14th minute leadCredit: AFPJEREMY DOKU – 6Lively. Assist for Bernardo with a shrewd ball to the left. Buzzed around but with little threat of an end product.ERLING HAALAND – 5His touch is still a mile off. Had a penalty save and was then a mile offside as he headed in the rebound.SUBSTITUTESKevin De Bruyne (For Doku, 75) – 6READ MORE SUN STORIESIlkay Gundogan (for Kovacic, 85) – 5Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (for Ake, 85) – 5Phil Foden was a rare bright spark for Man CityCredit: Reuters More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Chelsea host Fulham with Man Utd on later, City held to draw by Everton – Boxing Day latest

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      BOXING DAY football is here – and there are some huge matches unfolding RIGHT NOW!In the early kick off, Manchester City have dropped even more points after Ndiaye’s strike and Haaland’s missed penalty saw the game end 1-1.There are five 3pm matches today with Chelsea vs Fulham, Newcastle vs Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham the standouts.Later, Manchester United will be hoping to bounce back from their 3-0 drumming to Bournemouth last time out as they travel to Wolves.And the final game of an action-packed Boxing Day sees leaders Liverpool host struggling Leicester.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKick off times: 12.30pm/3pm/5.30pm/8pmLive stream: Amazon Prime VideoHT: Southampton 0-0 West HamDue to the injury to Fabianski, we had ten minutes of added time at St Mary’s but still no goals.Onuachu has been the stand-out player so far on the south coast.He has got into some great conditions but the only baffling thing is how he hasn’t scored.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jack Rosser at Stamford BridgeFulham must feel fortunate to be just one down at the break the way they have played since the goal.They have been shocking on the ball, handing the ball over to Chelsea far too often – Silva has to address it before they come back out.Marc Cucurella should have punished them with his diving header, but sent it straight at Bernd Leno.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at St Mary’sDespite 55 minutes of play, following the injury that forced West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski off on a stretcher, a pretty entertaining game remains goalless. There are promising signs for Saints fans from Ivan Juric’s first half in charge. They should be ahead. But, in the short, medium and long term, it’s the hope that kills you. Merry Christmas.Copy linkCopiedHT: Nott’m Forest 1-0 TottenhamNuno Espirito Santo’s side have asked some serious questions of Spurs in the first-half.Elanga’s goal is the difference between the two teams so far.Spurs have created openings themselves but only the agility of Sels was enough to deny them.Copy linkCopiedHT: Newcastle 1-0 Aston VillaThe Magpies will be pleased with their industry so far.They have had a goal ruled out and Martinez has made some good saves to keep his side in this game.With Duran having been sent off, it seems an uphill struggle for the visitors to get anything out of this game.Copy linkCopiedHT: Bournemouth 0-0 Crystal PalaceThe Cherries are struggling to break down the visitors.Iraola’s side have created the majority of the chances but do not seem to have their shooting boots on.Glasner will want to see more from his side in an attacking sense.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at the Vitality StadiumBoth sides headed for their half-time team bemoaning missed opportunities.Sarr thought he had broken the deadlock on 27 minutes when he ran through and netted but that was before the offside flag was raised.Then at the other end Enes Unal headed the perfect ball down from Lewis Cook’s corner only to see Ouattara volley over the bar.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Tom Barclay at the City GroundNUNO ESPIRITO SANTO is well-placed to make his old side Spurs pay thanks to Anthony Elanga’s third goal in as many games.It has been a decent watch with Forest deserving of their lead – though they were also indebted to keeper Matz Sels for his superb stop to deny Brennan Johnson.Ange Postecoglou has had to endure chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” and “you’re just a fat Aussie b***ard” from a section of the home fans which feels a little random, if there is no prior history.Copy linkCopiedHT: Chelsea 1-0 FulhamThe Blues have dominated the first-half in this London derby.However, with a single goal lead, Fulham are well and truly still in this game.The next goal will be pivotal in the outcome of this match you feel.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Aston Villa44. The Magpies almost double their lead at St James’ Park.Tonali strikes his shot well and it seems a certain goal.Martinez throws himself at it full-stretch and makes a brilliant fingertip save to deny him.Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 1-0 Tottenham39. Johnson comes close to scoring against his old team.He drills a shot towards goal but Sels makes a magnificent save to tip it over the bar.Brennan Johnson has his head in his hands in disbelief.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at the Vitality StadiumThe Eagles threatened first with Jean-Phillipe Mateta shooting wide before Ismailia Sarr shot straight at home goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalanga.Then Daniel Munoz side-footed a weak effort into Arrizabalaga’s hands before the Cherries woke up.Dango Ouattara drove the ball across the face of the Palace goal before Antoine Semenyo saw his effort clearered off the line by Sarr.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Aston Villa32. Things go from bad to worse for the visitors.Duran is chasing down the ball but inadvertently stamps on the defender twice as he clears it.The referee does not hesitate and gives him his marching orders.Copy linkCopiedRed card – Jhon Duran (Aston Villa)Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 1-0 Tottenham28. Forest thread the ball in behind the Spurs’ defence.Elanga uses his pace to get to it before Forster and pokes it past the keeper to break the deadlock.More worries for Postecoglou as his side have a mountain to climb at the City Ground.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Anthony Elanga (Nott’m Forest)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at the City GroundThe West Ham fans were reduced to singing “We’ve got a big f**king German” quite early on, perhaps just to remind Niclas Fullkrug that he was starting a Premier League game for only second time. The Hammers hit the bar early on through Carlos Soler but since then the Saints should have score twice. Onuachu put one free header wide, and Mateus Fernandes sent another straight at Lukasz Fabianski. A decent watch so far, first goal will be crucial.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Tom Barclay at the City GroundLively start here at the City Ground if no goals.Ref Craig Pawson has been accused of inconsistency from the crowd for booked Ryan Yates – who is now suspended for Everton at the weekend – but not Forest old-boy Brennan Johnson.Welsh winger Johnson has copped a few pantomime-villain boos having left the Tricky Trees for Spurs last year.While the travelling supporters have reiterated their desire for chairman Daniel Levy to go.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jack Rosser at Stamford BridgeThat goal shows just why everyone at Chelsea has fallen so heavily for Cole Palmer.Fulham had made a pretty bright start and were causing problems in transition for the hosts.But give Palmer an inch of space and he will create something to turn a game – and often he will do it brilliantly.Even fortunate moments like rolling the finish through the legs of Issa Diop feel intentional when it’s Palmer.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Fulham16. What a sensational goal from Cole Palmer.He picks the ball up in the middle of the park and dribbles through the Fulham midfield.The defenders stand off him as he passes it into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedGoal – Cole Palmer (Chelsea)Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 0-0 Tottenham11. The hosts are asking some questions of the visitors already.Hudson-Odoi cuts inside onto his favoured right foot before getting a shot off at goal.It seems to take a deflection as it loops over the crossbar but the referee awards a goal kick.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-0 West Ham8. It has been a positive start by The Saints as their new manager takes charge of his first game at the club.West Ham knew they would be facing a completely different Southampton to the side we have seen for most of the season.It is amazing how appointing a new manager can raise spirits and improve effort levels out on the pitch.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse at St James’ ParkNewcastle City Centre has been bubbling since the doors to boozers opened today as they welcome Villa to St James’.Unai Emery is the man in the opposition dug-out, the Spaniard who turned down the Toon job which led to them turning to Eddie Howe.Both teams will be hoping to take a big step towards a top four finish with a win this afternoon, but Villa haven’t won here since the in famous day 20 seasons ago when Magpies stars Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer were both sent-off for fighting each other.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at the Vitality StadiumLas Vegas billionaire Bill Foley was in town to see just how well his gamble to buy Bournemouth was paying off.The Cherries faced Crystal Palace looking for their fifth Premier League win in six games to keep their Europe dreams alive.Palace were looking to get back to winning ways after suffering that 5-1 hammering by Arsenal.The Londoners made three changes including star striker Eberechi Eze who was back from injury.Copy linkCopied More