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    Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table as Chelsea shoot up SEVEN PLACES but awful news for Man Utd

    A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the final Premier League table following Chelsea’s rampant 6-2 win at Wolves.But it’s awful news for Manchester United after they suffered a stoppage time 2-1 defeat to bogey team Brighton.Chelsea have shot up SEVEN places in the power rankings after Noni Madueke’s hat-trick inspired performanceCredit: GettyBut United were again beaten by Brighton during their second GameweekCredit: AFPThe Opta analyst’s power rankings are a global team ranking system which assigns an ability score to nearly 13,500 domestic football teams.Chelsea’s dominant victory saw them climb a shocking SEVEN places with a new world rating of 90.4.This means the AI boffins have them tipped to finish fourth, with the club currently sitting eighth after two games.Chelsea shrugged off their season opening defeat to Manchester City to award fans with a stunning second-half performance at the Molineux.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd their form could be set to continue as they face Crystal Palace, who have lost two-in-two, Bournemouth and West Ham in their next three games.But it’s nasty news for those at Old Trafford as the club dropped four places in the rankings with a rating of 88.9.Their last-gasp defeat to the Seagulls at the Amex left the AI convinced they will come seventh come May with 57 points.Erik ten Hag – who remained at United despite calls for him to be sacked – wanted to push on after winning the FA Cup after the club finished eighth, their lowest-ever finish in the Prem.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe supercomputer has United finishing below Newcastle and Spurs in fifth and sixth.The Toon enjoy a 89.7 rating, while Spurs are marginally lower at 89.2.Chelsea release new pink and black ‘punk-inspired’ third kit for 2024-25… but fans all reckon ‘Nike tick is drunk’However, the algorithm claims Champions League qualifiers Aston Villa will plummet before eventually finishing behind Ten Hag.Villa fell to a 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal on Saturday, who are predicted to miss out on the title for the third successive season.The result moved Unai Emery’s side down two places.Manchester City’s 100.0 rating remains intact, as Pep Guardiola stays top after their 4-1 thrashing of newly-promoted Ipswich.At the other end of the table, Southampton dropped seven places to finish bottom after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.While Ipswich and Leicester make up the other relegation places.Chelsea ratings vs Wolves: Madueke and Palmer on fire as Blues run riot… but Mudryk has shockerNONI MADUEKE bagged himself a second-half hat-trick courtesy of Cole Palmer as Chelsea fired to a 6-2 victory away at Wolves.Palmer’s three assists and first half strike capped off a wonderful afternoon for the England ace and a game that at times resembled a basketball match.Here’s how SunSports’ Katherine Walsh rated the Blues stars…Robert Sanchez – 7/10Solid display. Held firm and kept Wolves at bay in the first half.Brilliant long ball distribution cross-pitch to Jackson who assisted Palmer’s goal and Chelsea’s second.Malo Gusto – 5Out of position for Matheus Cunha’s 26th minute equaliser and didn’t get forward enough.Failed to have an influence on the game after a quieter second 45 minutes from Wolves.Wesley Fofana – 6Had his back to goal for Wolves’ second equaliser before half-time.The ball had been guided in by a free-kick and Jorgen Strand-Larsen cleverly guided it home with his right foot.Levi Colwill – 6Not a particularly noticeable performance from the 21-year-old in a positive or negative sense.Suppose it was a solid showing but was also caught ball watching for Cunha’s goal.Pulled Cucurella away from the third brawl of the match.Marc Cucurella – 6Worked hard and found himself centre of multiple fights with Wolves players throughout the 90.Solid as ever, needing to be alert with Wolves lethal in the first half.Moises Caicedo – 6Quiet afternoon for the midfielder. Didn’t do much right or wrong.Enzo Fernandez – 7Often in the right place at the right time after clearing two Wolves’ attempts from inside the box.Battled to win the ball for Madueke’s third goal and frequently recovered possession for the visitors.Cole Palmer – 9A brilliant goal and THREE assists finished off a sensational performance from the No10 position.Somehow managed to outshine hat-trick scorer Madueke after providing all of his goals. His own notch came against the run of play just after receiving a yellow.Picked up the ball 20 yards from goal after a long Sanchez kick and lobbed Wolves keeper Jose Sa just when the visitors were hanging on.Mykhailo Mudryk – 4Enzo Marseca said he needed time and coaching to get his Chelsea career on track. But failed to make an impact against Wolves.Didn’t notice him being shipped off at half-time for former Wolves star Pedro Neto.Noni Madueke – 9The star man scored THREE in the second half after bagging against Servette on Thursday.Chelsea’s best player in the first half. The young winger has bundles of ability and energy.Looked lively and won several free-kicks in promising positions.Worth a note that he silenced the home fans who were heavily booing him throughout after his social media comments earlier today.Nicolas Jackson – 8Opened the scoring with a post header inside two minutes.But let himself down with silly antics while arguing with Cunha twice.Most non-penalty goals for Chelsea in the Premier League since the start of last season: 15.And assisted Palmer’s brilliant goal and Chelsea’s second.SUBSPedro Neto 7Put a shift in after coming on at half-time on his first return to the Molineux.Bagged himself an assist in the 80th minute.Joao Felix – 7Scored on his Chelsea 2023/24 debut after joining from Atletico Madrid for £42.6m.Combined with other new signing Neto for the goal.Christopher Nkunku – N/ARenato Veiga – N/AKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – N/A More

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    Fulham 2 Leicester 1: Former Arsenal stars Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi combine to get Cottagers off the mark

    EX-ARSENAL duo Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi teamed up to get Fulham off the mark in the Premier League.The Cottagers conceded late on against Manchester United to lose the curtain-raiser.Fulham were head over heels with delight after beating LeicesterCredit: PAEmile Smith Rowe grabbed his first goal for his new clubCredit: ReutersBut they beat Leicester to seal all three points – as Steve Cooper’s wait for a first win as Foxes boss goes on.Smith Rowe and Iwobi both got in down the left channel for Fulham and fired past Mads Hermansen – either side of Wout Faes’ equaliser.The Belgian’s header initially got ruled out for offside but after a VAR review, Jamie Vardy was cleared of any interference.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.PREM RULE CHANGESSmith Rowe wheeled away in delight on his home debutCredit: RexAlex Iwobi danced into the evening sunset with the winnerCredit: GettyWout Faes’ header was allowed to stand even though Jamie Vardy was standing in an offside positionCredit: PAMarco Silva and the Fulham fans gave Bobby Decordova-Reid a fine reception on his returnCredit: ReutersSteve Cooper is still looking for his first win as Leicester bossCredit: ReutersJoachim Andersen was introduced to the home crowd following his arrival from Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty More

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    Fulham vs Leicester LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as Cottagers seek first win against newly promoted Foxes

    FULHAM host Leicester this afternoon in a huge Premier League clash at Craven Cottage.Marco Silva’s side kicked off the new season with a 1-0 defeat away at Manchester United, while the newly promoted Foxes snatched a point against Tottenham.Kick off time: 3pm BSTTV/Stream: Not available in the UK due to 3pm blackoutFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More

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    Stunned fans say ‘this guy is ready to throw anyone under the bus’ as Enzo Maresca lays into yet another Chelsea star

    CHELSEA fans continue to be left gobsmacked by Enzo Maresca’s savagery following his scathing criticism of Mykhailo Mudryk.The former Leicester City manager hasn’t minced his words since replacing Maurico Pochettino at the Stamford Bridge helm.Enzo Maresca has been nothing but ruthless since becoming Chelsea managerCredit: REXThe Italian publicly criticised Mykhailo Mudryk after his display against FV ServetteCredit: RexBlues fans have been left stunned by Maresca’s savage approach to managementCredit: GETTYMaresca has publicly told England internationals Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling that they’re surplus to requirements and that they should leave if they want to play first-team football this season.The Italian is in the process of trimming down Chelsea’s massive squad to help balance the books at the Bridge.And £89million man Mudryk, who was at his inconsistent best in the first leg of Blues’ Europa Conference League qualifier against Servette FC on Thursday night, is seemingly in the firing line.Maresca said of the Ukrainian’s display against the Swiss side: “I think this is Mudryk, in terms of not only tonight, but in terms of since he joined the club.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS”I think he had some good moments and then some moments like flipping a coin.”You don’t know if it’s one thing or the other thing.”If he can become more consistent, he can take one step forward.”We are going to try and help him change.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaresca’s Ruthlessness Is Nothing NewBy Graeme BryceNOBODY at Leicester was surprised at Enzo Maresca’s shock Chelsea cull.The new Blues boss has brutally dumped England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell and told them: Find another club.But the Italian, 44, was just as ruthless at the Foxes during last season’s storming run to Championship glory.He may not have assembled a massive Chelsea-style ‘Bomb Squad’ during his time at the King Power as the Foxes simply do not have the same ridiculous wealth of resources.But there were one or two high-profile casualties at the start of Maresca’s single season in charge. Danish left-back Victor Kristiansen was banished to Bologna when he did not buy into his boss’ ideas.Maresca wanted the 5ft 11in full-back to become a third centre-back when the Foxes were in possession — but Kristiansen saw himself on the front foot, flying down the left flank.Harry Souttar was a high-profile signing at centre-half but Maresca did not fancy the Australian World Cup star and only gave him one Championship start all season.Maresca was famously prickly when it came to anyone questioning his tactics.Brendan Rodgers’ high-pressing game was binned and Pep Guardiola’s former No 2 made it clear he was a disciple of a much more measured possession-based style.All was well when Leicester got off to a flying start.But midway through the gruelling campaign there were grumbles from fans, bored rigid by their team’s patient, methodical approach.It came to a head in January’s 3-1 win over Swansea.Leicester were 1-0 up at half-time but there were groans from the crowd about the slow nature of the football.Afterwards, moody Maresca bleated to reporters: “As soon as my ideas are doubted, I will leave.”When asked to clarify if he was referring to the owner and board, the club’s PR department made it clear the barb was aimed at the paying punters in the stands.The first sign of friction between the coach and Leicester’s Thai owners appeared during that month’s transfer window.Maresca hoped to freshen up his squad — in particular, landing Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi.But he was told he could not sign anyone until players were sold — and then the Sensi deal collapsed shortly before the window shut.Maresca bit his tongue and led the Foxes to the title.Then, after securing the Championship title with a win over Preston, he let rip within minutes of the whistle.Referring to Leicester’s transfer policy and financial situation, he moaned: “I need to sit down with the club and talk through the issues.”The gloves were off and Maresca hinted he could be too.In the final run-in, he was quizzed about the future of stars like Jamie Vardy, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho.He replied: “It’s impossible to say, I don’t even know if I’ll be here.”Leicester treated their squad to an end-of-season break in Monte Carlo and the owners sat down with Maresca, believing everything was sorted.A fortnight later, he was boss of Chelsea.”When he is in the last third it is about taking the right decision.”For me, most of the mistakes from Misha is not about the quality or the technical mistake, it’s about the choice.”Enzo Maresca comments on the futures of Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling at Chelsea and comments on player contract lengthsFootage of Maresca’s brutal assessment of the 23-year-old after his side’s 2-0 win went viral and received a slew of comments on social media.One fan wrote on X: “This guy is literally going to last months.”How many of his own players is he throwing under the bus?”Another said: “This guy is ready to throw anyone under the bus.”And another said: “Unbelievable.”One remarked: “This guy should be protecting his players.”He is going to lose the dressing room in a few weeks.”Another chimed in: “Hanging the lad out to dry. He hasn’t been great but this won’t help at all, especially for selling him lol.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Doesn’t he have like an 85-year contract?”Chelsea will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, travelling to Molineux to take on Wolves. More

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    Premier League and EFL tips this weekend including acca, Saturday banker and 57/1 longshot

    SUNSPORT tipster Craig Mahood takes a deep dive into this weekend’s English football, now that the competitions are up and running in full swing! Amongst the tips and predictions is a special 17/1 accumulator, best Saturday single bet and a whopping 57/1 longshot treble attempt for those that like one at big odds!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles herePremier League and EFL tips this weekend including single, acca and huge longshotWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*The 5-fold acca – back it with William HillIt’s a 17/1 five-fold for punters this week and we start in the top flight with FULHAM (5/6) who host Leicester City.The Cottagers went down narrowly – and late – at Old Trafford last week to kick-off the new Premier League season but looked a really good outfit for much of that contest.More new additions this week have them looking in a much stronger position following the window and they’re fancied to get on the board for the season against a Leicester side who were outplayed for the majority of the game with Spurs on Monday, nicking an equaliser in the second half.LUTON TOWN (5/4) make the trip north to face a Preston side who appear all over the place at the moment.North End are now onto their THIRD manager of the season in Paul Heckingbottom, who hasn’t had much time to put his ideas across and takes over a side yet to score in the league. Luton haven’t started well themselves but can capitalise on the whirlwind off the park at Deepdale.How to claim William Hill’s new customer offerWilliam Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Sticking in the Championship, WATFORD (19/20) have scored 11 goals in their last three games and are one of three sides with a 100% record in the division.They host Derby who had a good result at home to Middlesbrough last time out but the Hornets should have enough on early season form to make it three from three.HUDDERSFIELD (4/9) are another side with two wins from two – after a strong pre-season – and in England’s third tier they host Shrewsbury who sit bottom after two games.And CHESTERFIELD (8/13) round-off the acca as they host Salford in League Two, having thumped Crewe 5-0 last time out and beating Man City U21s on penalties in the cup in midweek. Salford have one point and no goals to their name after two.Saturday English football accaBack with William HillFULHAM vs LeicesterPreston vs LUTONWATFORD vs DerbyHUDDERSFIELD vs ShrewsburyCHESTERFIELD vs SalfordBack all five to win at 17/1 with William Hill HERE*William Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Saturday singleThere’s plenty of tight games across the country on Saturday, with plenty of odds-against home sides.But we’re going with the shortest price team on the coupon this weekend and Manchester City at home to Ipswich.The Premier League new boys were great in the first half against Liverpool, going in goalless at half time.And while they only lost two goals in the second half, it could quite easily have been five or six and ruthless Manchester City won’t let those chances pass.Man City to score over 3.5 goals at 6/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERELongshotFor this one, we’re on the hunt for a bit of a bigger price and have selected a BTTS & win treble.It starts with Crystal Palace who host West Ham, with both sides on the end of a defeat in their opening game – though did score when doing so.This looks a tight game on paper but Crystal Palace have won four of the last five meetings with the Hammers – with both teams scoring in all four – and the other game was a 1-1 draw.Wrexham host Reading in a tasty League One fixture with the Hollywood side usually a good bet for a BTTS pick (ignoring last week) and can get the edge over a Reading side who look like being up there for promotion come the end of the season.And finally, Newport host Accrington with both sides scoring in all four of the games involving those teams in the league so far.Newport were good 3-1 winners over Doncaster last time, with Accrington registering just one point so far.Crystal Palace, Wrexham and Newport all to win & both teams to score in each game at 59/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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    Carabao Cup fixtures give Gameweek 2 added edge but gaffers should be wary of shortsightedness

    DREAM TEAM managers should be aware that 13 Premier League teams are set to pull double duty in Gameweek 2.Only those sides that qualified for Europe will not participate in the Carabao Cup second round next week, after a full round of top flight fixtures across Saturday and Sunday.Many Dream Team bosses will be hopeful of midweek points in Gameweek 2Credit: Dream TeamTo clarify, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea are the seven teams with just one fixture in Gameweek 2.It should go without saying that it would be short-sighted to ditch players from these clubs in favour of those with two games to fulfil this coming Gameweek as it won’t be long before gaffers should be targeting the European fixtures – in fact it’s a good idea to have one eye on Gameweek 4 already.But the additional cup fixtures should be taken into account.For example, those thinking of replacing one of their players who might be about to play 180 minutes with an asset who will play just once may want to delay such a switch until Gameweek 3.Generally speaking, more minutes on the pitch equals more points.Isak is the highest-owned player with two fixtures in Gameweek 2 but will he start in the Carabao Cup?Credit: GettyGAMEWEEK 2 FIXTURESBrighton v Manchester UnitedCrystal Palace v West HamFulham v LeicesterManchester City v IpswichSouthampton v Nottingham ForestTottenham v EvertonAston Villa v ArsenalBournemouth v NewcastleWolves v ChelseaLiverpool v BrentfordBrighton v CrawleyEverton v DoncasterLeicester v TranmereBirmingham v FulhamCrystal Palace v NorwichWolves v BurnleyAFC Wimbledon v IpswichCardiff v SouthamptonColchester v BrentfordWest Ham v BournemouthNottingham Forest v NewcastleMost read in FootballFor ease, here are all the double headers:Brighton: Man United (h), Crawley (h)Everton: Spurs (a), Doncaster (h)Crystal Palace: West Ham (h), Norwich (h)Bournemouth: Newcastle (h), West Ham (a)Wolves: Chelsea (h), Burnley (h)Newcastle: Bournemouth (a), Nottingham Forest (a)Fulham: Leicester (h), Birmingham (a)Southampton: Nottingham Forest (h), Cardiff (a)Brentford: Liverpool (a), Colchester (a)Ipswich: Man City (a), Wimbledon (a)West Ham: Crystal Palace (a), Bournemouth (h)Leicester: Fulham (a), Tranmere (h)Nottingham Forest: Southampton (a), Newcastle (h)Rotation is to be expected across the board in the Carabao Cup but the likes of Alexander Isak (£5m), Eberechi Eze (£4.5m), Anthony Gordon (£4.5m), Emile Smith Rowe (£2.5m) and Kaoru Mitoma (£3.5m) have the capacity to earn points from cameo appearances off the bench against weaker opposition in midweek.Eze banked plenty of points in the Carabao Cup second round last seasonCredit: RexAnother important difference in Gameweek 2 concerns the deadline.All gaffers should be aware that the cut-off time for making transfers and electing their captain (plus any Boosters they wish to play) is 11am this Saturday – 90 minutes before Brighton v Man United kicks off.The Gameweek 1 deadline coincided with the first fixture getting underway but that was just to help out those who were caught out by the Friday night scheduling.For the rest of the season, the Gameweek deadline will fall 90 minutes before the first fixture begins – so don’t leave it late when confirming your strategy!’Ben Brereton Diaz is a disgrace and should face charge with Schar’ | The Whistleblower, Mark Halsey More

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    Jamie O’Hara slams ‘bang out of order’ Guglielmo Vicario after Tottenham star’s behaviour towards debutant team-mate

    JAMIE O’HARA has slammed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for his stoppage-time outburst during their 1-1 draw at Leicester.The Italian shot-stopper berated debutant Lucas Bergvall after the 18-year-old’s error forced Vicario into making a late save.Guglielmo Vicario gave debutant Lucas Bergvall a piece of his mindCredit: RexAfter the 18-year-old lgave the ball away and conceded a chanceCredit: RexLate substitute Bergvall lost the ball from deep in the 90th minute, allowing Leicester’s Wilfred N’didi to get a shot off at Vicario.After forcing a corner, Vicario, 27, sprinted towards the worried-looking youngster, pointing and waving his arms to give him an earful.And former Spurs midfielder O’Hara was left fuming with the “bang out of order” verbal tirade.O’Hara told Grosvenor Sport: “I really liked Lucas Bergvall when he came on, he was really bright and really comfortable on the ballREAD MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”He looked like James Maddison, the way he was drifting into pockets. He wanted the ball over the pitch and performed well.”I’m really annoyed with Guglielmo Vicario, because of the way he dug Bergvall out when he gave the ball away and conceded that chance. “Not one Spurs player was showing for it. The way he came out, all guns blazing, shouting at the young lad – that’s bang out of order!”Vicario is meant to be a leader, but he wasn’t shouting at Christian Romero when he left Jamie Vardy free in the six yard box for a free header.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I hated that as a player, and if it was me, I would’ve turned around to him and put him in his place. “Bergvall is going to be a top player for Tottenham. Vicario needs to sort himself out and not do that again because that is poor leadership.”Catfish and the Bottlemen announce concert at Tottenham Stadium Many Spurs fans were split by Vicario’s criticism, particularity towards such a young new arrival.Some thought his hairdryer treatment towards the teenager was unnecessary, while others felt he was showing the leadership skills needed for the Premier League.Jamie Vardy returned to the Premier League with a bangCredit: GettyBergvall joined Tottenham over the summer from Swedish side Djurgarden.The midfielder signed a five-year deal at the club after his £8.5million transfer was confirmed.Rubbish Romero O’Hara later added: “Romero for Leicester’s equaliser was awful!”Vardy is one of the most clinical strikers the Premier League has ever seen – he has eight opening game goals.”And Romero walks past him and gives Vardy space in the six-yard box with a free header! Come on, Romero is a World Cup winner, he needs to do better.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile Vicario told The Athletic this summer: “I’m one of the oldest players in this group.”It’s just my second year, but I feel like I have more responsibilities than last season. It’s a big honour for me to have this opportunity to be with the young players more and to speak with them.”Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    James Maddison shows his class with message to Gareth Southgate after Spurs star was left out of Euro 2024 squad

    JAMES MADDISON says he could never hate Gareth Southgate.Even though he broke his heart by leaving him out of England’s Euro ’24 squad this summer.James Maddison insists there is no bad blood between him and Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettySouthgate left Maddison out of his 26-man Euro 2024 squadCredit: AlamyInstead, Maddison intends to harness the searing pain of that rejection to fuel his anger and frustration at being snubbed by his nation.And use it to inspire him to reach greater heights than ever before this season.”I was devastated to miss out on the Euros,” confessed the straight-talking Spurs midfielder in his first interview since England lost to Spain in the final… without him.At 27, Maddison was in his prime, yet he was one of three high-profile shock omissions from Southgate’s 26-man squad when he named it in June – along with Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire.Read More in FootballIt’s taken time for the hurt to heal.”I trained really well in the build up. I trained well with England as well,” Maddison revealed.”We had the warm-up game against North Macedonia and I felt I played well in that, so it was disappointing to miss out.”But you’ve got no choice other than to accept it because you can’t change it, once it’s happened.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSouthgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. “Gareth’s a great man and I had a good chat with him about it.”I was disappointed. He explained his reasoning. It was never personal.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Charlie Wyett discuss Gareth Southgate quitting as England manager and who could replace him”He’s a good person. We have a great relationship.”I messaged him not long ago to congratulate him on his managerial career with England.”There’s no hatred towards him.”I knew it was a business decision and he did what he thought was best for the team.”I didn’t agree with him – no doubt about that – I felt I could have bought something to the squad.”Maddison says it took some fatherly advice from his dad to help him deal with the bitter disappointment – and admits he has a point to prove this season.”Of course I have something to prove,” he said.”Setbacks are set-ups for comebacks. I’ve seen that quote somewhere.”It’s how you deal with adversity. My network around me, my parents, partner, agent, the manager – they wouldn’t let me dwell on it.”I knew I would come back with a hunger. I knew I’d be ready by game one to have a good season.”I want to show the gaffer, the fans, my team-mates that I can be back consistently to my best.”I couldn’t quite find that post-injury. But it’s always about how you respond.”My support network – and my dad especially – would never let that define me.”Dad would never let me be upset. Even though he was upset for me, like any parent would be.”He was hungry for the new season and I’m hungry to do well this season.”He wanted me to use my disappointment as motivation to remind me that I can and should be at that level.”It’s about using it as fuel to be good for Tottenham this season.”I’m desperate to be a top player for the whole season, stay fit and show everyone the best version of myself.”For 45 minutes against his old club Leicester City on Monday night, Maddison showed the watching world what England had been missing in the summer.He found pockets of space between the lines and tormented the Foxes defence with his clever flicks and laser-accurate crosses.Maddison has just started his second season with SpursCredit: GettySouthgate’s England recordHere is a look at Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager.Overall recordGames: 102Wins: 61Draws: 24Losses: 17Goals scored: 213Goals conceded: 72After 33 minutes he shared a knowing look with Brennan Johnson before a free-kick.Then as Leicester’s players braced themselves for a shot at goal – Maddison picked Johnson out at the back post with a delicate disguised cross which the winger volleyed inches wide.”I never ever doubt myself,” he said.”There’s always going to be outside noise. Every player has to deal with it.”I had no doubt that in the first game of the season I was going to be ready to go and put in a good performance. I felt like I did that.”I did some of the build-up stuff well, maybe I could have been a bit more clinical with the final pass if I’m being harsh on myself. But I’m always self-critical.”Pre-season is pre-season but when the Premier League comes and the big games and it’s furious, it’s a completely different ball-game.”But that’s where I thrive and I knew I was ready. I’m just disappointed we didn’t get three points.”We should have been three or four up in the first half. If we were a little bit more ruthless we could have been out of sight.”But I know this place better than anyone. When they get a little bit of momentum, the fans here get behind the team.”We didn’t have as much control over the second half. But we should be getting three points at places like this.”It’s Tottenham Hotspur, no disrespect to Leicester, of course, but they are a newly-promoted team.”We’re a big club, what we want to achieve and what we are striving for, we need to come away with three points.”The fact that Spurs couldn’t seal the deal will be seen by many as further proof that Ange Postecoglou’s men are too flaky to mount a serious challenge.Maddison disputes that analysis and said: “The only important messages we need to listen to are the manager’s. We know what we are capable of.”Nights like this, you lot in the media will get carried away about Spurs dropping points from winning positions but it’s all outside noise.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s about what we do within the walls of the training ground and our stadium.”It’s about blocking you all out to get to what we want to achieve.” More