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      Fans say ‘let the chaos begin’ as Premier League confirms huge change to VAR in 2024-25 season

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      A MAJOR change to VAR has been announced ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season.Fans will now be able to access updates from Stockley Park throughout each match, explaining the decisions made by VAR officials.A new change to VAR has been announced ahead of the new seasonCredit: EPAFans will be able to access updates from Stockley Park during gamesCredit: AFPThe updates will be provided on Premier League Match Centre, a brand-new X account.An official statement from the Premier League on Tuesday read: “The Premier League has launched a new X account @PLMatchCentre ahead of the start of the 2024/25 season.”For the first time, the social media account will provide near-live explainers and updates on operational and officiating matters for every Premier League match.”The account will post factual explanations of on-pitch refereeing decisions and the involvement of the video assistant referee (VAR) including the role of technology in the decision-making process.Read More in Football”In the absence of live VAR audio being broadcast, as it is not permitted in football, the Premier League Match Centre will be able to relay on social media near-live information from the VAR Hub during a game.”Premier League Match Centre – based at Stockley Park – is the operational hub of the League that helps with the smooth running of matchday operations of the competition.”It is linked into all 20 Premier League stadiums, the VAR Hub and broadcast partners around the world.”The new feature aims to give fans more transparency in the VAR decision making process.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere have been a number of controversial incidents linked with VAR since it was introduced to the Premier League ahead of the 2019-20 season.Last season, Nottingham Forest sparked a storm after criticising officials on social media.Man United defender Harry Maguire wants VAR SCRAPPED…except in ONE way and gives Fury vs Usyk predictionThe Reds claimed three “poor decisions” went against them during a match against Everton.Managers such as Gary O’Neil and Mikel Arteta have also been critical.Many fans are pleased with the new feature, with one person taking to social media to write: “Few years too late. But progress is progress…”Another commented: “Finally! This is a big step forward.”A third joked: “Let the chaos begin. This should be fun.”While another person was torn, writing: “This could end really well or really badly.”The new Premier League season kicks off this weekend with Manchester United vs Fulham on Friday.VAR: The great debateMartin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you.Dan King’s anti VAR viewTHREE cheers and a hearty slap on the back for Wolves chairman Jeff Shi.For mentioning the unmentionable,  for speaking commonsense to deaf ears, for proposing that VAR should be scrapped.Shi is doomed to failure. His suggestion is unlikely to even go to a vote at next month’s Premier League AGM.And if it does get that far, it has a cat in hell’s chance of receiving the two-thirds majority required to carry such a radical proposal.But in one statement on Wednesday, Shi proved that he will be the brightest man in that meeting room.He claimed VAR ‘has led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand’.And he is absolutely spot on.The argument against VAR is wide-ranging and yet completely basic.If you believe that football is a sport, to be enjoyed in all its spontaneous, high-tempo glory, then you are against VAR.If you believe that football is a business, that it is far more important than a mere game, that forensic evidence must be applied, that we must reach the closest point to ultimate justice at all costs — and if you also believe that match-going supporters are irrelevant — then you are in favour of VAR. More

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      Jamie Vardy snubbed lucrative transfer to reunite with former manager after Leicester won Premier League promotion

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      JAMIE VARDY was offered the chance to reunite with Dean Smith this summer.The Leicester legend, 37, scored 18 league goals last season as the Foxes secured promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.Club legend Jamie Vardy has now spent 12 years at LeicesterCredit: AlamyDean Smith offered Vardy the chance to join him at MLS side CharlotteCredit: ReutersShortly after winning the Championship, Leicester lost manager Enzo Maresca and star playmaker Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea.They could have seen Vardy walk out of the exit door too had he accepted Smith’s offer to join him at MLS side Charlotte.Speaking to GiveMeSport, Smith revealed: “I did text him [Vardy] and see if he wanted to come over to America.”I knew that it was going to be hard once he took Leicester back to the Premier League. [I love] his enthusiasm for the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He doesn’t train as much as he used to, and he won’t get as many minutes as he used to, but if he’s used right he’ll be really, really good [this season].”You saw the goals he scored in the Championship last year.”Smith coached Leicester for eight games at the end of the 2022/23 season as they were relegated from the Premier League.He won just two matches in charge and left in June 2023, two months after taking the job.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe scored 18 goals in the Championship last seasonAfter six months unemployed, he joined Charlotte in December last year and has won 10 of 27 games, with the club sixth in the Eastern Conference.Meanwhile, Vardy is set to begin his 13TH season with Leicester when they host Tottenham in their Premier League opener on Monday.Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrationsHe has scored 136 goals in 307 Premier League games for the 2016 champions. More

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      Supercomputer predicts final 2024-25 Premier League table with awful news for Man Utd but can Arsenal end title drought?

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the final Premier League table on the eve of the new season.Manchester City are aiming for an historic fifth title in a row with Arsenal the favourites to challenge their dominance.Manchester City are aiming to win a fifth title in a rowCredit: EPAMikel Arteta has guided Arsenal to back-to-back second place finishesCredit: AlamyAt the other end of the table Leicester and Southampton are back after a year’s absence, while Ipswich return after back-to-back promotions.That trio will be grateful to escape the drop while several clubs hold European qualification hopes, even the likes of Crystal Palace and West Ham.An AI-powered Opta supercomputer has calculated where each team will end up by simulating the Season 10,000 times.And it makes for good reading for Chelsea fans, as their club are tipped to finish fourth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Blues have brought in a new manager Enzo Maresca as well as 11 signings, with more set to arrive like Joao Felix.And they have been given a 19.5 per cent chance of finishing fourth, pipping Newcastle by just two per cent.The supercomputer is less confident about Aston Villa’s chances of repeating their success from last season.Unai Emery’s side will have Champions League football to juggle with their league campaign and that could lead them to struggle, with the supercomputer predicting an eighth-placed finish.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSManchester United are expected to finish sixth and have been given just a 12.9 per cent chance of qualifying for the Champions League.While Tottenham also look set to miss out with Liverpool taking a top four place – the Reds’ chances of finishing fifth are calculated at 5.8 per cent.Man Utd release 2024-25 third kit with bold colour scheme as thrilled fans say ‘we never miss with alternate strips’ But new boss Arne Slot is not expected to mount a title push, with Man City and Arsenal going for top spot.The supercomputer cannot look past Pep Guardiola’s side for glory once again, as they have been given an 82.2 per cent chance of finishing top. More

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      Crystal Palace’s move to bring Wilfried Zaha back hijacked by Premier League rivals in shock swoop

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      CRYSTAL PALACE may miss out on bringing Wilfried Zaha back to Selhurst Park this summer because of a Premier League rival, according to reports.Zaha, 31, left Palace last summer following 12 successful years with the club and moved overseas as he signed with Turkish giants Galatasaray.Crystal Palace want to bring Galatasaray star Wilfried Zaha backCredit: GettyCrystal Palace are facing competition from Leicester for Zaha’s signatureCredit: GettyAccording to The Athletic’s transfer insider David Ornstein, the Eagles explored the possibility of reinstating the winger on loan from the Turkish champions this summer.However, Oliver Glasner’s side is facing competition from Leicester who are also keeping tabs on the Ivory Coast international’s situation.The Foxes are actively working on a deal to bring Zaha back to the Premier League, it’s claimed.Galatasaray appear open to doing business as the ex-Manchester United ace will be available on loan.Read More on FootballTalks are taking place between the Championship winners and Galatasaray.Leicester would have to pay a loan fee to bring Zaha to the King Power Stadium.Palace have explored the exact same possibility as their former star has a contract until 2026.The forward burst onto the scene with the south Londoners in 2010 after six standout years in their academy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ex-England youth international enjoyed a stunning three-year stint with Palace and that led to a £15million move to United.However, Zaha struggled with the Red Devils in their first year after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement and that led to two loan stints back to Palace.Wilfried Zaha leaves press room in stitches with hilarious response to whether he is bothered about failed Man Utd spellHis beloved club then brought him back on a permanent deal in 2015 and he went on to amass a grand total of 90 goals as well as 62 assists in 458 appearances.Zaha left Palace as a free agent in 2023 after rejecting a record four-year deal worth £200,000 per week and went on to register 10 goals as well as five assists in 43 appearances with Galatasaray. More

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      Dream Team manager who earns most points in Gameweek 1 will win £5,000 – just don’t play a Booster!

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      DREAM TEAM are getting the new season underway in fine style with a £5,000 prize for the manager who earns most points in Gameweek 1.Usually, you would have to excel for months on end to land this much cash from a fantasy football game but you only need to get ONE team selection right to enhance your bank balance with Dream Team at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.Strike the right balance and you’ll be celebrating the return of the Premier League with a £5,000 windfall!PLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON – £50,000 TOP PRIZE PLUS £5,000 FOR GAMEWEEK 1 WINNER!Start the new season with a bang!Credit: Dream TeamGameweek 1 gets underway at 8pm on Friday August 16th with Manchester United v Fulham and ends three days later when Leicester v Tottenham wraps up on Monday night.Here are the Gameweek 1 fixtures in full:Manchester United v FulhamIpswich v FulhamArsenal v WolvesEverton v BrightonNewcastle v SouthamptonNottingham Forest v BournemouthWest Ham v Aston VillaBrentford v Crystal PalaceChelsea v Manchester CityLeicester v TottenhamIf you fancy a shot at the £5,000 prize, it’s a smart idea to tailor your XI to these match-ups.Liverpool’s trip to newly-promoted Ipswich is a potential mismatch to target with Mohamed Salah (£7m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.5m) being the players who boasted the highest points-per-game averages among the Reds last season.Elsewhere, Southampton earned promotion back to the top flight via the play-offs but it’s worth noting they conceded 63 goals during the regular Championship campaign – 13 teams had better defensive records including Sunderland, Stokes and QPR, who finished 16th, 17th and 18th respectively.Most read in FootballThis suggests the likes of Alexander Isak (£5m) and Anthony Gordon (£4.5m) might enjoy themselves against Saints at St James’ Park.Both Gordon and Isak are popular selections ahead of Gameweek 1Credit: ReutersMan City’s visit to Stamford Bridge may appear like one of the more competitive games of the set on paper but Pep Guardiola’s side confidently dispatched the Blues during their pre-season tour of America thanks to an Erling Haaland (£8.5m) hat-trick.Needless to say, identifying the optimum captain will go a long way to putting you in the mix for the Gameweek 1 prize and the prolific Norwegian poacher is among the strongest candidates.Dream Team’s Fantasy Football GamePLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON!Free to play£50,000 jackpot for overall winner plus weekly prizesPlayers score points in Premier League games, European competitions and both domestic cupsPlay in Mini Leagues against your mates£5,000 prize for Gameweek 1Play via Dream Team’s app or website today!You may be tempted to activate one of your three Boosters in an attempt to win the £5,000 but this would disqualify you from claiming the prize.Gaffers who activate Goal Bonus, 12th Man or Max Captain are NOT eligible to win any of the weekly cash prizes throughout the season.It’s best to wait for juicy double Gameweeks (when multiple teams have two fixtures to fulfil) when playing your Boosters so we wouldn’t advise such a strategy at this stage anyway.Remember to confirm your team selection and captain (and vice captain) before Man United v Fulham kicks off – good luck!PICK YOUR DREAM TEAM NOW! More

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      Premier League title odds and prediction 2024/25: Man City favourites, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Man Utd trail

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      MANCHESTER CITY are eyeing a remarkable five-in-a-row when they attempt to defend their Premier League title.But their odds with bookmakers William Hill have drifted from an odds-on price to the 6/5 on offer to clinch the astonishing feat.As usual, there’s a host of clubs in behind who are desperate to topple Pep Guardiola’s men.Premier League title winners oddsPremier League winner odds from William HillMan City 6/5Arsenal 13/8Liverpool 13/2Chelsea 18/1Man Utd 22/1Newcastle 28/1Tottenham 28/1Aston Villa 50/1Brighton 150/1Crystal Palace 200/1West Ham 250/1Bournemouth 300/1Wolves 500/1Fulham 500/1Brentford 500/1Everton 750/1Southampton 1000/1Nottingham Forest 1000/1Leicester 1500/1Ipswich 1500/1Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles herePremier League 24/45 title oddsManchester City 6/5Would be rather daft if anyone else was favourite, wouldn’t it?Pep’s men have dominated English football in recent seasons – winning the last four top divisions – and there’s no sign of that stopping, despite Arsenal pushing them all the way last term.Are on the drift though having been odds-on. You wonder if some are counting on the charges hanging over them and how any sanctions could harm their title defence.Arsenal 13/8Really short price but pushed City all the way last year, with their chances going down to the final day.Finished two points behind but after a stellar season, the challenge will be to replicate that once again.Signed Riccardo Calafiori for big money but still no world-class finisher to call upon in the centre forward position. How much damage will that do to their hopes?Best new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesLiverpool 13/2A period of transition at Anfield? Perhaps. But the players reportedly really enjoying working under Arne Slot.Interestingly and surprisingly, they’re the only Premier League side to have made no signings in the summer window. Finished 3rd, 2nd, 5th and 3rd in last three seasons so improvement definitely needed.Chelsea 18/1Now we reach those at much, much bigger prices, with the title seemingly a three-horse race ahead of it getting underway.Chelsea haven’t had a great pre-season results wise and under new management, it could take a while to really get going.Have spent over £100million again already this summer on the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Filip Jorgensen and Marc Guiu and look set to lose Conor Gallagher who skippered the team for much of last season.Man Utd 22/1It didn’t look likely for much of last season but Erik ten Hag does get the beginning of a new campaign to try and take Manchester United back challenging.Will be desperate to build on last season’s FA Cup success, though injuries in pre-season haven’t helped – including to new boy Leny Yoro, signed for big money.Joshua Zirkzee the only other incoming this summer and it would take something special to see them back competing at the top of the table on recent evidence.Bonus 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*OutsidersNewcastle (28/1) do have the “luxury” of no European football to distract them from league business and secured top four the last time they had a free run. Tottenham (28/1) just missed out on the Champions League last time out and that will likely be their ceiling again, though Ange Postecoglou won’t agree. Aston Villa (50/1) are the only other double figure price and are set for another great season and have recruited very well in the summer. May well find balancing Champions League football with the league a big challenge, though.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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      Ex-Man Utd star and Premier League winner’s boxing debut REVEALED as he joins KSI Misfits card

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      PREMIER LEAGUE winner Danny Simpson is set for his boxing debut after joining KSI’s Misfits league. As first revealed by SunSport, the former Manchester United and Leicester star has been in talks for his first bout. Alan Smith, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Danny Simpson and Jonny Evans in 2007Credit: GettySimpson won the Premier League with LeicesterCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe has since retired from footballCredit: Richard WalkerAnd it has now been announced that he will take on YouTuber Danny Aarons on August 31 in Dublin. Aarons was due to fight TikToker Brandon “Beavo” Beavis – known for filming himself swallowing food whole. But Beavis pulled out with an injury allowing Simpson to step in as replacement. YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI and music mogul Mams Taylor co-founded the Misfits platform as a home to celeb-style crossover bouts.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd promoter Taylor talked up the possibility of welcoming footballers into the Misfits scene.Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney admitted he was even in talks to do so – before turning it down to focus on management.But his former United team-mate Simpson becomes the first to take the step into the ring. The event was due to be headlined by KSI – until hand injury also forced him to withdraw. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInstead, KSI will perform to the sold-out 3Arena crowd with a new main-event to be announced. Simpson, 37, recently confirmed his retirement from football to now focus on his first fight. Jake Paul reveals stunning three-fight plan including Tommy Fury rematch before shock cruiserweight WORLD TITLE shotAs of last year, he was training with non-league Macclesfield while also returning to United to work on his coaching badges.He is a regular on MUTV having come through their academy before spending four years there as a professional between 2006–2010.In that period under the great Sir Alex Ferguson, the full-back only made eight appearances and spent time out on loan.But Simpson was part of the famous Leicester side that beat 5,000-1 odds to win the Premier League title in 2016.The defender was playing for Bristol City until his contract was ripped up by mutual consent in March 2022.Misfits have had stars from the social media, MMA and boxing world compete on their showsAnd Simpson will not be the first to trade the pitch for the ring.Curtis Woodhouse played in the Prem but switched to boxing in 2006 despite having no amateur background.He had 31 pro bouts – even winning the English and British light-welterweight titles – while playing football part-time.Footballers-turned-boxers Woodhouse’s last fight was in 2017 beating renowned and celebrated journeyman Lewis van Poetsch.Leon McKenzie was another to have played in the English top-flight for the likes of Crystal Palace and Norwich.McKenzie is the son of British and European title holder Clinton and nephew of three-time world champ Duke.So after his playing days stopped in 2013, he also moved into boxing making his super-middleweight debut that year.McKenzie amassed a record of eight wins, two losses and one draw before hanging up the gloves in 2017 aged 39.Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing currently have former Accrington Stanley midfielder Paddy Lacey signed.Lacey still plays for Welsh top-tier side Flint Town United but is 10-0 as a middleweight boxer.Despite the successful switches – it does not work out for everyone.Rio Ferdinand infamously tried to turn pro aged 39 but was denied a British Boxing Board of Control licence in 2018.Ferdinand’s former team-mates Wes Brown and Simpson both train at the same Punchline Boxing Gym in Macclesfield.READ MORE SUN STORIESSimpson has been in boxing training as far back as 2020 with his eyes on a debut bout. More

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      I’m concerned about Chelsea – I fear Enzo Maresca will be sacked before Christmas, says Blues legend

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      WILLIAM GALLAS has revealed he fears Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will be “sacked by Christmas”.Maresca took over as manager at Stamford Bridge this summer after leaving Leicester City.Chelsea icon William Gallas fears Enzo Maresca will be ‘sacked by Christmas’Credit: ReutersMaresca joined the Blues earlier this summer from Leicester CityCredit: GettyBlues legend Gallas has reflected on the club’s pre-season tour in the USA which has been dismal.So far they have played four games in the States winning only one, and recently lost a 4-2 defeat to Premier League champions Manchester City.Speaking to Genting Casino Gallas said: “Even though it’s pre-season, I’m concerned about Chelsea and I’m concerned when I look at the squad. “Despite all the money they’ve spent, the squad still isn’t good enough to qualify for the Champions League, they have so many players and they still need more quality.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Could Enzo Maresca be sacked before Christmas? Anything can happen in football.”Chelsea have spent well over £1billion on transfers since Todd Boehly took over the club in May 2022.And last season former boss Mauricio Pochettino managed to secure the club a European spot finishing sixth in the Premier League.But despite his impressive turnaround after a dismal start to the season the Argentinian was sacked.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Gallas hopes Maresca will be able to at least see the Blues through till the end of the campaign.He continued: “I hope to see him stay until at least the end of the season and get that opportunity to show what he can do but it’s always going to be the same problem.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targets”If he doesn’t have the right players and team to compete in the Premier League then it will be incredibly difficult for him.”Not just with Chelsea but all Premier League owners, they have no patience anymore. “Maybe Arsenal did with Mikel Arteta and Manchester United are with Erik ten Hag, but most aren’t thinking about the long term.”Managers now come in for six months or a year, I hope that Chelsea move away from that and stick with Maresca for the long term.”Maresca is the fifth manager the club has had since Boehly and co arrived in West London.Gallas added: “His future all depends on the target of the manager and if they are happy with the top four or the top six.”I think they will only change their manager if they find themselves in 15th place at the turn of the year. Otherwise he’ll stay.” More