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      Inside Jamie Vardy’s outrageous Premier League return from necking Red Bull at half-time to X-rated rant at Spurs star

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      JAMIE VARDY is back with a bang, netting a second half equaliser for Leicester on his return to the Premier League.And the 37-year-old veteran did it in typical ‘Vardy style’ by guzzling Red Bull, winding up the opposition and leaving fans thoroughly entertained.Jamie Vardy marked his return to the Premier League with a goalCredit: GettyLeicester boss Steve Cooper had revealed Vardy wasn’t supposed to be fit for the gameCredit: PAThe Foxes defied the odds to pull off a surprise 1-1 draw against Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs side at the King Power on Monday night.It was Vardy’s 57th minute header that earned them a point, as the 26-time England international drifted in behind the Spurs defence and nodded the ball past Guglielmo Vicario.Remarkably, Vardy wasn’t even supposed to play the game having taken part in just FOUR training sessions ahead of the opening clash.The bullish bagsman was injured during pre-season and a late meeting with boss Steve Cooper convinced the 44-year-old to give him a chance after an injury to fellow striker Patson Daka.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCooper revealed after the clash: “If the game was yesterday or Saturday, he wouldn’t have played.”Adding: “It wasn’t sitting right with him that we didn’t have a fit senior striker because Patson Daka is out for three months.”He was feeling okay in his rehab, so he came to see me and declared himself fit. Go play, boy, no problem.”For sure, he’s not normal in terms of what he can still produce at his age and the athlete he still is.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He’s still hitting high speeds on tests in pre-season. He’s right up there in the top category. He’s hungry and motivated.”Vardy looked like an injured and ageing star in the opening exchanges as he and his teammates struggled to get to grips with Tottenham’s fast-paced ‘Angeball’ on their return to the top flight.Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrationsVardy was spotted drinking a Red Bull at half-timeCredit: XBut a half-time re-fuelling did the job to allow the striker to roll back the years and remind everyone why he is a Premier League champion.Vardy was spotted necking a can of Red Bull at the break, giving him the energy to buzz around the pitch and level the scores just 12 minutes after the start of the second-half.His age and lack of fitness caught up with him later in the game and the superstar was ultimately hooked after 79 minutes, prompting boos from the Spurs fans in the away end.But Vardy wasn’t going to go quietly after getting stick from the travelling support, instead he gave them a gentle reminder of his career highlights.The experienced forward pointed at the Premier League badge on his sleeve before seemingly gesturing to the Spurs fans that he has won the competition while the north London club still search for their first Prem title.The show didn’t end there either, with Vardy’s fan interaction sparking some understandable backlash from the Tottenham players – including Cristian Romero.And Vardy ensured he continued the pantomime by launching an X-rated rant towards the South American as he left the pitch to be replaced by Stephy Mavididi.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was a vintage Vardy performance, but certainly one that was felt in the legs of the Foxes hero.Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he joked: “I was as fit as a fiddle until I got to about 65 minutes if I am honest!”Vardy launched an X-rated rant towards Cristian RomeroCredit: RexThe striker also gave the Tottenham fans some stickCredit: GettyHe gestured to them that he has won the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyBefore reminding the Spurs support that their club are yet to lift the titleCredit: Getty More

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      Leicester 1 Tottenham 1: Jamie Vardy earns Foxes point on Prem return aged 37 as Spurs fail to finish off new boys

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      SPURS supporters have waited all summer for the answer.Would Ange Postecoglou’s side return to the form which saw them storm to 10 games without defeat at the start of last season?It was a familiar sight as Vardy netted yet another goal against SpursCredit: RexAnd he celebrated in typical Vardy styleCredit: RexIt came after Porro opened the scoring in a dominant first-half for SpursCredit: GettyBentancur had to be stretchered off after a head injuryCredit: RexOr would they resemble the team who only scraped four wins in their last 11 fixtures to stumble across the finish line?In the end they were both!Brilliant during a devastating first 45 in which Pedro Porro headed them in front.Unsure of themselves and rattled after the break as Jamie Vardy became Leicester’s oldest ever Premier goalscorer aged 37!READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSteve Cooper may be a new Fox but he’s definitely an old Fox when it comes to management.He kept an ace up his sleeve for Postecoglou as he handed a shock start to the Leicester City legend – and how Vardy repaid his faith in him.The old boy had only managed half an hour of Leicester’s opening pre-season game against Villarreal before limping off injured.But significantly he managed to score in that brief appearance and Cooper was clearly banking on the veteran to prove he can still hack it at this level.Most read in FootballPorro opened the scoring in a dominant first-half for SpursCredit: AFPVardy clashed with Spurs fans and Cristian Romero when he was subbed offCredit: GettyBentancur was given oxygen on the pitchCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTurns out he can – even though he has been sidelined for weeks now as he recuperated!It was a huge ask but it showed why Cooper has yet to sign a back-up striker.What’s new this season? That’s exactly what Postecoglou did in the summer as he splashed £65million on Dominic Solanke to provide a cutting edge for Spurs. If ever there was a match made for strikers to impress in it was this one.This fixture has produced 128 goals in 34 Premier League meetings – historically the highest scoring average goals per game (3.76) of all Prem fixtures to have been played more than 20 times.  In Leicester’s last season in the Prem the two fixtures between the clubs produced 13 goals as Spurs won 6-2 on home soil while Leicester won 4-1 at the King Power.Spurs were clearly in the mood to maintain the trend as they carved out a string of excellent early chances as they blew the Foxes apart in a whirlwind start.Rodrigo Bentancur, who was later stretchered off after being knocked out briefly, thought he had made an early breakthrough when he powered in a header from a James Maddison corner after six minutes.However, despite beating Mads Hermansen the Foxes were rescued by a spectacular goaline clearance from Wilfried Ndidi, who acrobatically hooked the ball clear.Brennan Johnson then powered in a volley which Hermansen beat away.Spurs continued to surge forward and Solanke saw a diving header held by Hermansen before Cristian Romero flashed a header just wide.Tottenham’s aerial superiority was clear and Solanke had another header saved by Hermansen as the home side suffered a stormy return to the top flight.So it came as no surprise when Spurs took the high road again to snatch the lead just before the half hour mark.James Maddison yet again found an empty patch of turf to work his magic and curled in a teasing cross.Pedro Porro accepted the invitation and beat Bobby De Cordova-Reid to the ball, then left Hermansen helpless with a glancing header into the far corner of the net.It meant the Spaniard carried on where he had left off last season when he scored in Spurs 3-0 win at Sheffield United on the final day of the campaign.He must love Postecoglou’s freedom to roam as he constantly caused Leicester headaches popping up in the inside right channel.For his goal he was dead centre of goal – exactly where you would have expected Solanke to be.However as Spurs new striker had fluffed his two headers, no doubt he was grateful for the lesson in finishing. Maddison was at the heart of everything and he almost carved out a second when he shaped up to strike a free kick.Instead he flighted a perfect delivery to the back post where Brennan Johnson crashed a volley narrowly wide.The gulf in class by half-time was almost embarrassing as Spurs clocked up 22 touches inside the Leicester box, while the Foxes only had ONE inside the visitors’ penalty area.Even when Vardy scampered on to a long Wout Faes through ball Guglielmo Vicario raced yards out of his box to deny him with a diving header.But it is impossible to keep Vardy out of the headlines – the bigger the occasion, the bigger the response.Somehow he managed to haul Leicester off the ropes and back into this game with an equaliser just before the hour.Victor Kristiansen’s low cross just failed to pick out De Cordova-Reid but was recycled by Abdul Fatawu on the right.As Destiny Udogie stood off him, Fatawu sat up an inviting cross and Vardy appeared at the back post to head home.Cue bedlam!It may have been Vardy’s eighth goal on the opening day of a season – only Mo Salah has more – but he celebrated like a spring chicken! Who needs a pre-season when you can pop a couple of cans of Red Bull?Incredibly he could even have won it for Leicester.Decordova-Reid and Facundo Buonanotte combined and the Argentine sent Vardy sprinting clear of Porro.But Vicario dived to his left to brilliantly keep out his low shot to deny the veteran hitman.However the atmosphere changed completely when Bentancur took a sickening blow to the head following a mid-air clash with Leciester winger Abdul Fatawu.Medics rushed on to the pitch with the star knocked out, with players from both sides barely able to look.The game was delayed for six minutes before the Uruguayan midfielder, 27, was stretchered off, having been given oxygen on the same pitch where he had ruptured his ACL in February 2023.He was replaced by Archie Gray, who came on as the concussion sub.When play recommenced Postecoglou – who later confirmed that Bentancur appeared to have recovered and was talking again – made four changes while Cooper replaced Vardy with Stephy Mavididi.But Vardy made sure he gave the goading Spurs fans as good as he got – sending them a reminder of how many trophies he and they have won.Both sides came close to snatching all three points in stoppage time.Mavididi robbed Lucas Bergvall on the touchline, and it took a stunning reflex save from Vicario to keep out Ndidi’s netbound header.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen Spurs sub Richarlison headed over from four yards following a Bergvall free kick.Clearly, the Brazilian is no Jamie Vardy! 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      Rodrigo Bentancur injury updates: Tottenham star given OXYGEN and taken off after horror head collision at Leicester

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      RODRIGO BENTANCUR needed extensive medical attention and was carried off on a stretcher after a horror head clash during Tottenham’s match at Leicester City.Bentancur appeared to be unconscious for a brief while as medics rushed onto the pitch – he was then seen receiving oxygen in the match against Leicester before he was carried off on a stretcher and replaced by Archie Gray.The Tottenham midfielder could be seen sitting up and responding to treatment after a six-minute delay.The game continued at 1-1 after a delay and ended that way – Pedro Porro opened the scoring before Jamie Vardy’s equaliser.Follow the latest news below…Bentancur ‘communicating’Ange Postecoglou has revealed Rodrigo Bentancur is conscious and communicating after his head injury.He said: “He is up and communicating. It’s a head injury and we’ll leave it in the hands of the medical team but he’s conscious and communicating. Nowadays we’re always cautious in the moment.”Copy linkCopiedAnge’s Bentancur update“I haven’t spoken to him. It’s a head injury so he’s got to be really careful.“The good news is that he is up and talking. So we’ll leave it to the medical team.”Copy linkCopiedSpurs’ next fiveCopy linkCopiedMore tributesOne supporter wrote: “Wishing him a quick recovery.”Another added: “Speedy recovery. Hopefully nothing serious.”Copy linkCopiedWell wishes flood in for BentancurOne wrote: “Get will soon lad. We need you back and healthy.”A second said: “It looks like a nasty bump on the side of the head. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”Copy linkCopiedBentancur ‘communicating’Ange Postecoglou has revealed Rodrigo Bentancur is conscious and communicating after his head injury.He said: “He is up and communicating. It’s a head injury and we’ll leave it in the hands of the medical team but he’s conscious and communicating. Nowadays we’re always cautious in the moment.”Copy linkCopiedMore from PostecoglouSpeaking after the match, Ange Postecoglou told BBC Sport: “It was a disappointing outcome for us.”I thought we were excellent first half and controlled the game.”Really dominant with our football but just wasteful in front of goal and the same in the second half and when that happens you keep the opposition in the game.”We created chances and weren’t ruthless enough at other times lacking composure. It’s stuff we need to fix. When you are so dominant you need to make sure it is reflected by the scoreline.”Copy linkCopiedAnge’s Bentancur update”I haven’t spoken to him. It’s a head injury so he’s got to be really careful.”The good news is that he is up and talking. So we’ll leave it to the medical team.”Credit: PACredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedClearest picture of Bentancur’s mid-air collisionCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedTottenham send message to BentancurCopy linkCopiedAnge Postecoglou’s verdict on Spurs’ performanceTottenham boss Ange Postecoglou told Sky: “Disappointing night for us. First-half excellent and controlled the game but wasteful in front of goal.”Second half was the same. we started off well and once Leicester scored, the crowd lifted and we lost our composure.”It was an issue we had last year as well, we need to keep working hard and be a bit more ruthless in front of goal. “At times we made poor decisions. When we are that dominant we should be out of sight. We play to score goals and we didn’t score. The dominance is great but if you don’t score it is meaningless.”To be that wasteful tonight is disappointing. We just weren’t clinical.””It’s not our football or effort. To get results you need to be a lot more ruthless in the final third. If we don’t we won’t get the rewards our football deserves.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedBentancur sat up after a few long minutesCopy linkCopiedBentancur was down for five minutesThe midfielder was at least sitting up before being carried off but had been given oxygen.Bentancur also ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament at the King Power in February 2023, which kept him out for eight months.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFans reaction to Bentancur One wrote: “I pray Bentancur is OK!”A second said: “Bentancur is just doomed to be permanently injured. Feel for him.”Another replied: “So glad he is conscious. I hope Bentancur gets well soon!”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedTottenham fans worried about BentancurBentancur appeared to be immediately knocked out when jumping for a header alongside Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu in the 71st minute.Physios were rushed onto the field and he did not come to until after a few minutes.James Maddison and Son covered their mouths in shock, worried about their team-mate.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFULL TIME: Leicester 1-1 Tottenham And 37-year-old Jamie Vardy stole the show tonight with his equaliser early in the second half.He even celebrated in true Vardy passion and fashion.Tottenham will be disheartened not take all three points after dominating the first half.Jamie Vardy returned to the Premier League with a BANGCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLeicester 1-1 Tottenham (’90+9)Richarlison almost wins it!Copy linkCopiedBentancur updateSunSport’s Graeme Bryce at the King Power Stadium”Bentancur took a sickening blow to the head following a mid-air clash.”Blood could be seen leaking over the player’s forehead.”Son was in disbeliefCopy linkCopiedLeicester 1-1 Tottenham (’90+6)90+6: Dominic Solanke almost releases Timo Werner but his pass is slightly over hit.Story of his Tottenham debut… close but not quite. Copy linkCopiedLeicester 1-1 Tottenham (’90+5)Just four minutes remaining.Leicester goal-kick. Steve Cooper urges his fans to up the noise.Copy linkCopiedLeicester 1-1 Tottenham (’90+3)Leicester have enjoyed five shots to Tottenham’s four in the second half.Copy linkCopiedVicario fuming with defendersTottenham keeper was really unhappy with his defence there and he screams at Gray.Bergvall is disposessed in his own half and Leicester flood forward. Corner to Leicester.Subs: Son off.Copy linkCopiedNine added minutes at LeicesterAnd the Foxes were inches away from snatching a hard fought victory.Copy linkCopiedBentancur reportedly up and talkingSky Sports have said he is up and talking according to Spurs medical staff.Still 1-1 here at the King Power. Can expect at least six added minutesCopy linkCopiedLeicester 1-1 TottenhamGoalscorer Jamie Vardy also departed in the 79th minute.He’s taking his time, to the annoyance of Romero, before being replaced by Mavididi.Credit: APCopy linkCopied More

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      Why are Leicester and Tottenham players wearing black armbands during tonight’s match?

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      LEICESTER CITY begin the 2024/25 Premier League season tonight as they take on Tottenham.And both sets of players are set to wear black armbands in the game at the King Power.Leicester City will pay tribute to former manager Craig Shakespeare todayCredit: GETTYWhy are Leicester and Tottenham players wearing black armbands?Leicester and Tottenham players are wearing black armbands during tonight’s match in tribute to former Foxes manager Craig Shakespeare, who sadly passed away at the beginning of August aged 60.Shakespeare’s family released the following statement confirming the heartbreaking news, it read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, ‘SHAKEY’.”Craig passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by his family.”Whilst the family are immensely proud of his footballing achievements as both a player and a coach, to us, his family, he will always primarily be a loving and loved husband, father, son, brother and uncle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The loss is devastating to us all and we would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly difficult time as we try to come to terms with, and mourn, the loss of a very special person.”Shakespeare played a pivotal part as Claudio Ranieri’s assistant in Leicester’s fairytale Premier League winning season in 2016.Craig Shakespeare played a huge role in Leicester’s 2015/16 Premier League winning seasonCredit: GETTYHe later replaced Ranieri as the club’s manager in February 2017 and took charge of 24 games.Shakespeare also worked for the likes of West Brom, Hull, Everton, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich and had a spell as England assistant boss in 2016.Most read in FootballShakespeare’s career in numbersA look into Craig Shakespeare’s career…Playing Career1981-1989: Walsall (240 apps, 45 goals)1989-1990: Sheffield Wednesday (17 apps, 1 goal)1990-1993: West Brom (112 apps, 12 goals)1993-1997: Grimsby Town (106 apps, 10 goals)1997-1998: Scunthorpe United (4 apps, 0 goals)1998: Telford United (1 app, 1 goal)2000: Hednesford Town (1 app, 0 goals)Coaching Career2006: West Brom (caretaker manager)2008-2010: Leicester City (assistant)2010-2011: Hull City (assistant)2011-2017: Leicester City (assistant)2017: Leicester City (manager)2019-2020: Watford (assistant)2020-2021: Aston Villa (assistant)2021-2022: Norwich City (assistant)2023: Leicester CityLeicester confirmed plans to honour the life of Shakespeare ahead of their Premier League opener against Tottenham on Monday, August 19.As well as the players wearing black armbands, the club have asked fans to take to their seats early for a minute’s applause before kick-off.Representatives from both Leicester and Tottenham will lay flowers in the dugouts ahead of the Premier League fixture.A book of condolence will be in the Foxes Fanstore from 3pm on Monday, August 19 for those who wish to leave their own words of tribute. More

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      Leicester facing TWO points Premier League deductions for breaking spending rules during Championship campaign

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      LEICESTER are facing two separate points deductions from the Premier League this season for breaking spending rules.SunSport has learned the EFL handed over their probe into the Foxes’ alleged PSR breaches in the Championship to the Prem who are expected to charge the club, owned by Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha for a second time.Steve Cooper’s Leicester City may face a two point deduction after overspendingJamie Vardy’s Leicester side are accused of breaking PSR rules in the ChampionshipLeicester are likely to suffer the same fate as Everton, who were given two points deductions for overspending in successive three-year periods ending in 2021-22 and 2022-23.The Toffees had November’s ten-point deduction reduced to six on appeal for the first offence.But they were then hit with another two-point rap for the next period.Leicester were charged by the Prem in March with breaching the £105million loss limit for the period ending 2022-23.Read more football newsBut the case was delayed as the club have launched a legal challenge.Leicester’s lawyers say the Prem had no right to charge them while they were in the Championship.The Premier League charges relate to Foxes’ top-flight seasons between 2020 and 2023 when they lost £215.3m, more than £110m over the limit.While the EFL are forecasting another large overspend for last season.The EFL even began investigating Leicester’s 2023-24 finances in real time last season due to concerns that they would breach the limits again.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJannik Vestergaard and Leicester begin their Prem campaign against TottenhamAn attempt to impose an EFL-run business plan on Leicester was defeated on appeal but the club was given a transfer ban in the second half of the promotion season and the matter has been passed on to the Premier League.Sources have told SunSport that the Premier League are expected to push for two points deductions.Premier League Drama: Football Kicks Off and Glamour Models!Given Leicester are fighting the Prem’s right to charge them the eventual punishment is unlikely to be reduced due to mitigating factors, which Everton and Nottingham Forest benefited from last term.Everton’s second punishment was reduced from five points to two thanks to their co-operation.While Forest’s penalty came down from eight to six points due to their early guilty plea.Leicester’s tactics have varied during the case, which could cost them.Having co-operated with the top flight as they were running away with the Championship last season, the club sought to delay matters when poor results put promotion at risk.Leicester kick off the season at home to Tottenham tomorrow in Steve Cooper’s first competitive game at the club.The Premier League has declined to comment.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskNottingham ForestDeducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.EvertonInitial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.Sheffield UnitedHit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…Manchester CityEtihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.ChelseaBlues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.LeicesterFoxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.Everton (again)The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season. More

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      Premier League stars show off their celebrations ahead of new season including Jamie Vardy’s brilliant taunt

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      PREMIER LEAGUE goal celebrations are BACK!From Cole Palmer’s ‘ice cold’ pose to Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siu’, SunSport takes a look at how the greatest stars of 2024-25 will celebrate this season. Jamie Vardy’s wild celebrations will return to the PremWhile United fans hope Rasmus Hojlund can get firing this seasonSpurs’ newest recruit Dominic Solanke shoots an imaginary arrowJack Grealish vowed to cover his ears every time he scores this seasonWith cameras set up at every club’s training base, Prem stars jumped at the chance show off their signature moves to TNT Sport.And Jamie Vardy’s Prem promotion means fans can expect a range of cheeky gimmicks and taunts this term.The Leicester striker, 37, lived up to his name and performed a Kylian Mbappe-esque ‘cry face’ before shushing the camera lens.Vardy has developed a reputation for his ‘wind-up’ celebrations after flapping his arms like an eagle in front of Crystal Palace fans in 2019 and bowing to West Ham supporters as they piled abuse at him in 2021.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBruno Fernandes kept it simple and will repeat his ‘I can’t hear you’ gesture by cupping his ears in a nod to his two kids.New Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke opted for the same celebration as Newcastle forward Alexander Isak – a shooting arrow.While Palmer, of course, performed his ‘ice cold’ signature move and Rasmus Hojlund put a ‘loser’ sign up to his mouth.James Maddison was loyal to his single dart throw gesture, while Jack Grealish put two fingers in his ears and shut his eyes to silence the critics.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was a move Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey and new Chelsea winger Pedro Neto emulated.While Marcus Rashford’s point to the head celebration was performed by himself, Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi and new Arsenal signing Riccardo Calafiori.Jack Grealish sneaks out of Bernardo Silva’s birthday party in underground tunnel as Man City stars hit town with Wags (1)The humble Kobbie Mainoo and Hwang Hee-chan of Wolves offered a simple salute to the camera at their respective bases.Elsewhere, newly-promoted Ipswich Town defender Harry Clarke did the ‘Siu’ at Playford Road.Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk will keep his signature celebration by putting his hand under his chin and wiggling his fingers – dedicated to missing former Red’s midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.The greatest scorer in the Prem right how, Erling Haaland, pointed and waved his index finger with a smile at the Etihad Campus, while Rodri wrapped things up by checking himself out in the camera lens.The Prem kicks off at Old Trafford as Manchester United host Fulham on Friday night.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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      Which teams have the easiest August fixtures? Smart Dream Team bosses will target favourable match-ups

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      WITH £5,000 up for grabs in Gameweek 1, many Dream Team managers will understandably be focused on the first round of Premier League games when locking in their selections.However, it’s also wise to consider the first few weeks of the new campaign as a whole when choosing players.Two transfers per Gameweek allows for a certain degree of flexibility but smart gaffers will always look ahead when devising their strategies.PLAY DREAM TEAM TODAY – £50,000 TOP PRIZE PLUS £5,000 FOR GAMEWEEK 1 WINNER!Start the new season in style by checking the fixtures ahead of timeWith that in mind, let’s look at the fixtures for the first three Gameweeks of the season, covering August, for all 20 Premier League clubs.ARSENALWolves (h)Aston Villa (a)Brighton (h)A moderate start for last season’s runners-up.The Villains are the only team to beat the Gunners in the league since the turn of the year – in fact, Unai Emery’s side did the double over them last season.ASTON VILLAMost read in FootballWest Ham (a)Arsenal (h)Leicester (a)Villa’s pre-season wasn’t the most convincing and it remains to be seen to what extent key man Ollie Watkins (£6m) will be thrown straight in having been given an extended rest after Euro 2024.As already mentioned, they took six points off Arsenal in 2023/24 but a trip to the Emirates is a daunting prospect nonetheless – a difficult match-up to predict this early.BOURNEMOUTHNottingham Forest (a)Newcastle (h)West Ham (a)Everton (a)The thing to note here is that the Cherries’ trip to the London Stadium is a Carabao Cup second round fixture.All the top-flight clubs not participating in Europe have two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 2.Andoni Iraola will have to adapt to life without Dominic Solanke (£4m), who scored 21 goals in all competitions last time out.Solanke is a big miss for BournemouthCredit: RexBRENTFORDCrystal Palace (h)Liverpool (a)Colchester (a)Southampton (h)The Bees have a few injuries to contend with and the uncertainty over Ivan Toney’s (£4m) future probably isn’t doing their preparations much good either.If the Eagles pick up where they left off then Thomas Frank’s side could find life hard going to begin with as they travel to Anfield for their second outing.The second half of the month looks considerably more friendly.BRIGHTONEverton (a)Manchester United (h)Crawley (h)Arsenal (a)The Seagulls have looked good in pre-season and will hope to take advantage of the injury-ravaged hosts at Goodison Park this weekend.A perfect cup draw against local rivals from League One is offset by meetings with two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs either side of it – although Brighton have a decent record against the Red Devils in recent years.Dream Team’s Fantasy Football GamePLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON!£5,000 prize for the manager who earns the most points in Gameweek 1 – master the opening weekend for a HUGE payout!Play in Mini Leagues against your mates£50,000 jackpot for overall winner plus other weekly prizesPlay for FREE via Dream Team’s app or website today!CHELSEAManchester City (h)Wolves (a)Crystal Palace (h)A visit from the defending champions represents a tough start for the Blues, especially as Pep Guardiola’s beat them in a friendly just a few weeks ago.It’s difficult to get a read on Chelsea amid the constant whirlwind of transfer activity and managerial changes but Cole Palmer (£6m) is set to start the campaign as the second-most popular player in Dream Team.CRYSTAL PALACEBrentford (a)West Ham (h)Norwich (h)Chelsea (a)Oliver Glasner’s men finished last season with six wins from the last seven games and while they’ve lost Michael Olise, the likes of Eberechi Eze (£4.5m), Marc Guehi (£3.5m) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£3.5m) remain… for now at least.Palace don’t have the easiest set of fixtures this month but they won’t be too fearful either.Palace fans are desperate to hold onto EzeCredit: GettyEVERTONBrighton (h)Tottenham (a)Doncaster (h)Bournemouth (h)The Toffees have the benefit of three home games out of their first four, which might offset their injury absentees to some degree.Sean Dyche’s side kept things tight at the back last season but lacked firepower up top.A trip to Spurs might be hard work but games against Brighton and Bournemouth should provide an indication of where Everton are at right now.FULHAMManchester United (a)Leicester (h)Birmingham (a)Ipswich (a)The Cottagers help get the new season underway at 8pm this evening.After that, they’ve got two newly-promoted teams and a Carabao Cup game against a second-tier outfit – rather friendly all things considered.Gameweek 1 starts with Fulham away to Manchester UnitedCredit: FulhamFCIPSWICHLiverpool (h)Manchester City (a)AFC Wimbledon (a)Fulham (h)Talk about a baptism of fire!The Tractor Boys will have to fight tooth and nail to avoid a pair of shellackings first up.LEICESTERTottenham (h)Fulham (a)Tranmere (h)Aston Villa (h)Like Everton, the Foxes only have one away day across their first four fixtures.Most pundits aren’t expecting much from the Championship winners, especially with a potential points deduction looming, but they have some talented players in their ranks.Having to play two of last season’s top five early doors isn’t ideal.LIVERPOOLIpswich (a)Brentford (h)Manchester United (a)Many Dream Team bosses will be expecting big things from Mohamed Salah (£7m) and company this Saturday.The Reds’ fixtures look relatively favourable until mid-October if truth be told but it’s worth noting they’ve only won twice at Old Trafford in the league in the last ten seasons.Salah is always among the best Dream Team performersCredit: AlamyMANCHESTER CITYChelsea (a)Ipswich (h)West Ham (a)Is there such a thing as a hard fixture for a team that has won the league four times in a row?Gaffers will be expecting a massive haul from Erling Haaland at home to Ipswich in Gameweek 2.MANCHESTER UNITEDFulham (h)Brighton (a)Liverpool (h)Erik ten Hag admitted that his side were “not ready” for the new season in his press conference, which hardly breeds confidence.Liverpool is clearly the first ‘big’ fixture but Man United fans will know not to underestimate Fulham or Brighton, two teams that won at Old Trafford last season.NEWCASTLESouthampton (h)Bournemouth (a)Nottingham Forest (a)Tottenham (h)Both Alexander Isak (£5m) and Anthony Gordon (£4.5m) are among the eight most-selected assets in Dream Team at the time of writing – that’s a solid indication of what’s expected of the Magpies out the gate.Eddie Howe will be quietly confident of a fast start, especially as Spurs lost 4-0 and 6-1 upon their last two visits to St James’ Park.Popular selectionsCredit: ReutersNOTTINGHAM FORESTBournemouth (h)Southampton (a)Newcastle (h)Wolves (h)Given the match-up with Newcastle is a Carabao Cup fixture, this has to be considered a favourable start for Forest.That being said, Nuno Espirito Santo’s troops finished 17th last season so expectations have to be realistic.Managers taking a punt on Morgan Gibbs-White (£3.5m) will be hopeful of healthy returns this month. SOUTHAMPTONNewcastle (a)Nottingham Forest (h)Cardiff (a)Brentford (a)As play-off winners who shipped 63 goals during the regular Championship campaign, expectations in the top flight aren’t all that high for Saints among neutrals for 2024/25.However, once the long journey to Newcastle is done, their next three games aren’t particularly intimidating and the outlook would change quickly with some positive results.TOTTENHAMLeicester (a)Everton (h)Newcastle (a)Ange Postecoglou’s men stormed out of the blocks last season and they couldn’t have asked much more from the fixture computer than a newly-promoted team first up this time around.Five Spurs players have an ownership of at least 10% prior to Gameweek 1, suggesting gaffers have high hopes.As previously mentioned, Newcastle away has been a bogey fixture of late.Pedro Porro is a widely-selected defender ahead of Gamdweek 1Credit: ReutersWEST HAMAston Villa (h)Crystal Palace (a)Bournemouth (h)Manchester City (h)The Hammers have seemingly recruited well this summer but their first few league fixtures are relatively tricky.Villa finished fourth in 2023/24, Palace have shown signs of immense improvement, and City are the dominant multi-champions.How Julen Lopetegui would love a win in front of the home fans this Saturday…WOLVESArsenal (a)Chelsea (h)Burnley (h)Nottingham Forest (a)READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s a rough start for Wolves too, made even harder by the sale of Pedro Neto (£3.5m).The second half of the month evens out but they may have to suffer first. 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      Premier League’s biggest opening weekend shocks including Man Utd’s horror defeat and Arsenal stunned by Aston Villa

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      THE day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here.Premier League football returns TONIGHT as Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford.There have been some huge opening day shocks over the years, including Brentford’s win over Arsenal in 2021Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunIpswich boss Kieran McKenna will be backing his side to cause an upset against LiverpoolCredit: PAUnited are favourites to win the opening fixture, but Marco Silva’s side should not be underestimated.The Cottagers won two of three pre-season games – against Benfica and Hoffenheim – and could cause quite an upset against the reigning FA Cup champions.Prem new boys Ipswich face Liverpool at home on Saturday in the hope of giving new manager Arne Slot a huge shock.And Championship winners Leicester City will be looking to spoil Tottenham’s start to the season when they kick off their campaign at the King Power on Monday night.Read More in FootballWe have seen several opening day upsets over the years, and SunSport have looked back at some of the most memorable.Brentford 2-0 Arsenal (2021/22)A day that all Arsenal fans wish they could permanently erase from their memory.The Gunners suffered a shock defeat to newly-promoted Brentford on the opening day of the 2021-22 season.It was a dismal defensive display from Arsenal as Sergi Canos and Christian Norgaard fired the hosts to a 2-0 win.Most read in FootballBrentford beat Arsenal 2-0 on the opening day of the 2021-22 season after earning promotionCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe result led Gary Neville to infamously question the North London side’s transfer strategy.Chelsea 2-3 Burnley (2017/18)Stamford Bridge was stunned into silence when Burnley earned a 3-2 win over reigning Premier League champions Chelsea.Goals from Sam Vokes and Stephen Ward fired the Clarets to a 3-0 lead before half-time.Chelsea managed to claw two goals back after the break but ultimately came away from the match with nothing.Sam Vokes scored twice as Burnley beat ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics SportPremier League sides deducted points and others at riskArsenal 1-3 Aston Villa (2013/14)Sorry, Arsenal fans.The Gunners suffered another unexpected opening day defeat in 2013, this time to Aston Villa.Olivier Giroud opened the scoring, but Christian Benteke turned the match on its head before Antonio Luna sealed the win for Villa at the Emirates.Arsene Wenger’s side still managed to sneak into the top four at the end of the campaign.The Gunners suffered a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in 2013Credit: Jamie McPhilimey – The SunArsenal 0-2 West Ham (2015-16)Once again, I’m really sorry, Arsenal fans!The Gunners suffered another shock opening day defeat two years after the Aston Villa disappointment.Slaven Bilic had just been appointed as West Ham manager and academy star Reece Oxford put on a stellar display to help the East London side to a 2-0 win.Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate were on the scoresheet for the Hammers on a memorable day at the Emirates.Arsenal also lost to West Ham on the opening day in 2015Credit: Getty Images – GettyHull 2-1 Leicester (2016/17)Just months after Leicester City were crowned Premier League champions, they started the 2016/17 campaign with a shock 2-1 defeat to Hull.It was the first time in the Premier League era the reigning champions began their title defence with a defeat.Hull beat Leicester after the Foxes won the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP or licensorsMan Utd 1-2 Swansea (2014-15)United suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Swansea on the opening day of the 2014-15 season following goals from Ki Sung-yueng and Gylfi Sigurdsson.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was the club’s first opening day defeat at home since 1972.Wayne Rooney hoped to get his side back into the game after scoring in the second half, but the Red Devils walked away with nothing.Swansea beat Man Utd at Old Trafford in 2014/15Credit: PA:Press Association More