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      in Soccer

      Newcastle 1 Everton 1: Calvert-Lewin scores from spot for first goal in 24 games after VAR as Toffees earn crucial point

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      THEY might never win again but Everton may just draw their way to survival. The Toffees have now gone 108 days and 13 games since they experienced that sweet taste of victory. Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a late penalty to secure Everton a draw against NewcastleCredit: GettyEverton have gone 108 days and 13 games since their last winCredit: ReutersPaul Dummet gave away a late penaltyCredit: GettyIt was given after a VAR reviewCredit: GettyHowever bad life has been recently, they’ve never gone so long without a win in the Premier League. And it looked like being just the latest soul-destroying game of their miserable season until sub Dominic Calvert-Lewin bagged a potentially precious point with a late penalty.Newcastle sub Paul Dummett was the Geordie villain. He couldn’t have been more unsubtle if he tried as he manhandled Ashley Young to the floor moments after coming on. And the much-vilified Calvert-Lewin did the rest, burying past Martin Dubravka with his fourth goal of the season and first since October. Having lost three on the bounce heading to Tyneside, another defeat would have been crushing. Yet there’s now just a hint of optimism back in the ranks ahead of Saturday’s humdinger with Burnley. Sean Dyche’s joyless side refused to go under but their lack of quality from front to back continues to alarm. Beto is nobody’s idea of a top-flight striker and you’re in serious danger if you’re pinning your hopes on a front three of him, Dwight McNeil and Ashley Young to keep you up. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERYet if they can somehow get Calvert-Lewin scoring and full of beans again, there may just be hope. Newcastle had more than enough chances to finish this game off and can only blame themselves. Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanAlexander Isak fired them ahead with a brilliant first-half strike, and is there a deadlier striker in the Premier League? Well, we can rule out Beto for starters. What about Erling Haaland, I hear you say. The Manchester City machine may have three more goals than the Swede, but then again he’s played an extra seven hours across the campaign. When it comes to goals per 90 minutes, Isak is ahead of the rest. He’s now bagged five goals in five games and 15 from 21 this season. The big debate on Tyneside is, if they have to sell a star this summer to comply with FFP, it would be worse to lose Isak or Bruno Guimaraes. It might be like asking which arm you’d like cut off, but in terms of who is the most irreplaceable, it’s got to be Isak. One of the world’s most in-demand forwards across the world, the Geordies could easily demand £100million for someone they paid Real Socicedad a club-record £60m for in 2022. Arsenal front the queue, but that value is rising by the game right now. The underwhelming draw put the brakes on their European charge, leaving them four points behind Manchester United having played an extra game. Following Saturday’s sensational 4-3 win over West Ham, St James’ Park was electric from the off. The Geordies love nothing more than abusing former Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford and gave him hell all night. But the England stopper was up to ask 100 seconds in to deny Harvey Barnes from point-blank range. Everton had only scored twice in their previous seven away games in all comps, and their wasteful finishing showed no sign of ending here. Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Tarkwowski both wasted decent early openings. And that growing confidence was shattered in the 15th minute when red-hot Isak became the first Toon player to score in five successive Prem home games since Yoan Gouffran in 2013. Barnes grabbed the assist with a brilliant lofted through ball down the left. It didn’t look overly threatening as defenders tracked back but Isak made it all look so easy as he skipped past Jarrad Branthwaite and through Tarkowski before burying past Pickford in the bottom corner. One chance, one goal, while at the other end Beto showed just why the Merseysiders are stuck in the mire – highlighted by his first sighter shanked comically wide. Everton’s lack of quality, up top especially, is alarming. Doucoure had another decent chance but his effort was weak and straight at Dubravka. McNeil and Young, either side of severely limited workhorse Beto, were anonymous. And Eddie Howe will have been frustrated not to have had the game wrapped up by the break. One more goal would have surely done it to see off Sean Dyceh’s side, but Pickford kept them in it with a brilliant stop with his legs to deny Jacob Murphy’s stinging volley before Isak fired just over from the top of the box. Tarkowski almost gifted Newcastle with that all-important goal at the start of the second half, skewing a clearance off his own crossbar. Dan Burn then thought he’d bagged it after converting Isak’s low cross, only for VAR to adjudge the Swede a millimetre offside from a short free kick. Dyche rang the chances with 30 minutes remaining, hooking Beto for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. James Garner was also thrown on, and the midfielder went closer than anyone else within minutes when rolling a daisycutter off the inside of the post. As ice-cool as Isak has been in front of goal, he really should have doubled Newcastle’s lead moments later but saw an unconvincing effort blocked on the line. And they were made to pay for their profligacy when Mags sub Dummett hauled down Young in the box.Calvert-Lewin did the rest to avoid Everton being left feeling blue again, powering home through Dubravka to claim what could be a priceless point. Newcastle led through Alexander IsakCredit: GettySee how the match unfolded below… More

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      in Boxing

      Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke LIVE RESULTS: Fight ends in a DRAW after bloody Wardley CUT on nose – O2 Arena latest

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      FRAZER CLARKE and Fabio Wardley fought to an incredible DRAW in their huge O2 Arena clash. The fight was a bloody one thanks to a cut on Wardley’s nose, but it was Clarke who hit the deck once as the pair fought their hearts out in the capital. The fight ultimately ended all square and there’ll no doubt be calls for a rematch afterwards.
      Start time: 7pm GMT
      Main event: 9.30pm GMT
      Stream/TV: NOW TV/Sky Sports Main Event
      ‘Gutted’ Clarke keen for rematch
      Frazer Clarke says he will bow to fans’ demands for a rematch with Fabio Wardley.
      But he claimed he was a “bit gutted” to draw – despite facing a knockdown and having a point taken off for a low blow.
      Clarke said: “We didn’t bring the title back to the dressing room, so we are a little bit down and gutted.
      “I felt I did enough to win it, even though he had a few good attacks.
      “I hope he wants to run it back.
      “If it was as much of a classic as the fans seem to he saying, then the fans deserve to see it again.”
      Copy linkCopiedFans in stitches as Whyte ‘searches’ Fabio
      Fabio Wardley’s manager Dillian Whyte astonished and amused fight fans by appearing to do a search on his man before the British heavyweight title fight.
      One viewer joked the scene – where Whyte “patted down” Wardley – had “absolutely ended me”.
      Another posted: “I love Dillian Whyte” while a third added: “Love it.”
      And a fourth joked: “He’d be sacked for doing a good job if he was a football steward.”

      Copy linkCopiedInterviews ditched
      So great was the need for medical treatment from both boxers that Sky sports’ usual post-fight interviews were ditched.
      Clarke looked the most exhausted – ironic since Wardley had the more obvious damage in the shape of a “horrific” bloodied nose.
      This is how tired the former looked on the final whistle of an epic 12-rounder…
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopied’Madness’ one judge gave it to Clarke 115-112
      Fight fans appeared united in hailing a close fight as “too close to call”.
      But one judge calling it 115-112 for Clarke amazed many.
      Credit: Getty
      The Olympic bronze medallist survived a knockdown and losing a point for a low blow as he slugged it out with Wardley in a classic British heavyweight title fight.
      One fan posted: “Agree with the draw but never 115-112 Clarke, that scorecard never happened with the 3 points off it’s 118-112 to Frazer that’s ridiculous.”
      Another wrote: “115-112 is an absolute joke with 1, maybe 2, 10-8 rounds”
      And a third argued: “Close fight and fine with the draw but 115-112 with Clarke being knocked down and having a point deducted is madness.”
      But a fourth suggested: “Wardley 339 Clarke 341. Get rid of draws. Clarke edges it.”
      Copy linkCopiedFans demand rematch
      Viewers are demanding a rematch after Fabio Wardley’s epic draw with Frazer Clarke.
      With the former having survived a horrific bloodied nose, one fan posted: “What a fight..Wardley has some heart..”
      Another wrote: “Fair play to both, would love to see the rematch.”
      And a third argued: “Fair result, no one deserved to lose that.”
      Wardley’s battered face and expression says it all after a gruelling contestCredit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      With such razor thin scores, it was ultimately the two points deducted that cost Clarke the win.
      He actually won more rounds on all three of the judges’ scorecards but the points off saw him let the win slip.
      The good news? We most likely get to see it again.
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke DRAW
      Judges score the bout, 114-113 Wardley, 115-112 Clarke, 113-113… it’s a DRAW!
      WOW! In honesty, maybe that is the most appropriate result. NO ONE, deserved to lose that.
      A rematch simply must happen, with Wardley retaining his titles.
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      We go to the judges scorecards and they will surely make for interesting reading.
      Clarke was the cleaner and more consistent boxer of the two but had a point off while Wardley landed the bigger shots and scored a knockdown.
      Judges scorecards to follow…
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      Round 12 – Lovely right uppercut lands for Clarke and Wardley looks exhausted in there as he smashed into the ropes.
      Unbelievable effort from the pair, who have put on an utterly sensational showdown for the fans.
      Wardley, covered in blood from the cut on his nose, goes toe to toe with Clarke as they fight to the very last second.
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      Round 11 –Clarke sneaks in a couple of shots but Wardley does well to take the sting out of it.
      Huge end to the round as Wardley traps Clarke on the ropes and unloads but he doesn’t have quite enough to put him down.
      Somehow, we head into the 12th and final round of a sensational scrap which could go either way.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      Round 10 – Big uppercut lands for Clarke while Wardley is on the ropes.
      Ringside doctor is called to take a look at Wardley’s cut nose and blood seeps down the champion’s mouth.
      The bout is waved off and both men let massive shots go, nothing lands clean and it sensational action towards the end with both going blow for blow.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      Round 9 – Pace of the bout has finally started to slow and shots are looking more cumbersome.
      Wardley is bleeding heavily on the bridge of his nose but amazingly shakes it off to keep coming forward.
      Clarke looking to keep his space but there is little to separate the pair.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      Round 8 – Big right over top by Wardley and he follows it up with a sharp body shot.
      Wardley lands another big combo and the bloodied champ smashes Clarke’s body.
      It could come down to a war of attrition down the stretch.
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      Round 7 – Low blow goes in from Clarke and he’s docked a point! With the knockdown against him that’s another huge point lost.
      Huge counter uppercut lands for Clarke, who may have now let his early lead slip.
      Wardley’s nose is also now heavily busted up as a result of the thrilling action.
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      Round 6 – Huge right hand lands for Wardley and Clarke falls in to hold on.
      Wardley drives Clarke back with a triple jab and pours on the pressure.
      Double right hand has Clarke going backwards but he replies with a good shot of his own. Thrilling action!
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      Round 5 – Wardley had Clarke hurt and on the retreat and he did not let him off the hook.
      As Clarke was looking to get away a big right dropped him and provided Wardley with a much-needed break in the bout.
      Amazing action here.
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      Round 5 – Big three-punch combination lands for Wardley.
      Big right hands lands flush for Clarke but Wardley again stands up to it.
      Huge counter right lands for Wardley and he swarms Clarke, who looks to hold on but he’s FLOORED.
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      Round 4 – Three right hands go in from Clarke but Wardley takes them well.
      Big counter right lands for Clarke as Wardley gets caught coming in but the champ lands with a lean counter of his own.
      Both land big blows towards the end of the round with the action red hot in the ring right now.
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      Round 3 – Wardley comes out aggressive but Clarke lands with a clean right.
      Wardley has a cut opened from a previous nose injury.
      Back and forth action as Wardley drives Clarke back with some huge right hands but gets caught himself in an exchange.
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      Round 2 – Wardley backs Clarke up with a barrage of right hands but the challenger tucks up well and doesn’t let much through.
      Couple of sneaky right uppercuts land for Clarke but Wardley shrugs it off.
      Big counter right lands for Clarke and Wardley fires back recklessly coming forward but he takes a right uppercut for his troubles.
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      Round 1 – Battle of the jabs early on with both active lead hands.
      Clarke has Wardley backed up on the ropes and looks to unload but the champion covers up well.
      Wardley attempts a couple of looping counter right hands over the top but just miss the mark.
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      We are underway!
      It’s the extensive amateur pedigree of Clarke’s versus Wardley’s experience in the pro ranks.
      British and Commonwealth titles on the line.
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      This fight has been over a year in the making.
      Clarke at the time was the mandatory for the British title Wardley still holds but he was pulled from negotiations.
      Now they settle it in the ring.
      Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Clarke
      The big one is up next.
      Clarke, the 2020 Olympic bronze medalist in Tokyo, is first to the ring as the challenger.
      And here comes the champion Wardley, the betting favourite heading into the bout.
      Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Eubank
      Azim says: “I am ready, this is what I wanted. He may be a Eubank but I am an Azim.”
      Eubank adds: “I don’t think he wants the fight, his team want the fight but his team think it will be easy for it and it won’t be.”
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      in Soccer

      Liverpool 2 Brighton 1: Salah the hero as Reds keep title bid on track despite early scare from former Man Utd man

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      ONLY Roberto De Zerbi knows what Jurgen Klopp whispered to him as he was bear–hugged by the German.The exchange may only have been the usual touchline pre–match sweet nothings although it went on far longer than the norm.Mo Salah bags Liverpool’s hard-earned winnerCredit: GettySalah is congratulated by his team-matesCredit: AFPBut it could also have been Klopp saying he could count on his recommendation if he wants the position that will become vacant this summer.Either way De Zerbi, thanks to the brilliant 87th second strike by Danny Welbeck that set this enthralling clash alight, did himself no harm at all if indeed he does want one of the biggest jobs in world when Klopp leaves.In the end Klopp’s machine, as has so often been the case this season, got going on full power again after a stuttering start.Luis Diaz and the marvellous Mo Salah saw to that with the goals that won the game and kept their team’s title bid flying.But this was a close–run thing as Klopp knew, just as his potential successor did, too, in what was his first interview in front of The Kop following the news that top candidate Xabi Alonso won’t be leaving Bayer Leverkusen to take over.He’s sure to be given another, proper one too by CEO Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes now that the head – hunters have been forced to spread their net with Sporting’s Ruben Amorim also well in the frameThe Seagulls were downed in the end but De Zerbi could hardly have asked for a better start to his audition.Although he isn’t the only coach to have worked out this season that Liverpool can be got at early in games.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe right flank, whether Trent Alexander-Arnold or currently Conor Bradley are playing full-back, is a place for plunder as Simon Adingra proved once again.Bradley, 20, deputising in the long-term injury absence of Alexander-Arnold, found himself stranded up-field as the winger motored into space.Jurgen Klopp calls out Gareth Southgate with brutal message on live TV after Liverpool held by Man CityHis low cross could have been swept away by Dominik Szoboszlai but the £60m Hungarian shanked only towards Virgil van Dijk and his attempted clearance spun into Welbeck’s path.Sixteen yards out and on his 100th Premier League appearance for the Seagulls reacted in some style, powering his right footer beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.Klopp, having gone into the game talking up De Zerbi as a “top coach” stood bemused on the touchline.The goal was a complete mess from Liverpool’s point of view and things didn’t get better for quite a while.Young Bradley, always encouraged to get forwards as Alexander-Arnold has been, was AWOL again as Adingra looked headed off down the wing again.That 14th minute attack was ended by Alexis Mac Allister’s shove and a yellow card that followed.Klopp’s side had been frantically pouring forward, for the sixth Premier League game of the season, looking to save themselves from themselves.Five times they had come back to win after going behind and now they have retrieved a total of 26 points from losing positions.But De Zerbi and his determined players made this fight back one of the toughest all the way to the end.The fact that Klopp’s players were able to celebrate come the final whistle was once again mainly down to Salah as has so often been the case.It was he who of all people, in the 27th minute, rose high and courageously to head into the box.Diaz got on the end of it, hooking high into the net although a long VAR wait followed.But Liverpool got lucky for while the Colombian attacker looked offside, the ball had been played on by defender Joel Veltman’s poor attempt to belt clear.For a spell now Liverpool were in control and Alexis Mac Allister was pulling the strings.Indeed this was probably his best performance in a red shirt since last summer’s departure from Brighton.De Zerbi has always said he was a big miss, and the World Cup winner’s display only underlined how good an attacking midfielder he is.At no time more so than in the 65th minute when he accepted a pass from Bradley then delivered the perfect pass to Salah.The Kop’s Egyptian king tried with ten shots, no less, to hit the net in the first half but missed with all of them.This time there was no mistake as he delivered with the signature left-footed strike that made him the first player in the Prem era to reach double figures for both goals and assists in three consecutive campaigns.Diaz thought he had notched a second soon after but VAR spotted he was offside by the length of his right big toe.That let-off only ramped up the nerves around most of Anfield, De Zerbi’s men continuing to threaten on the break.And helping prove that in the Italian, those Kop head-hunters should very much have him in for meaningful discussions once this campaign is over.Danny Welbeck fired Brighton into the leadCredit: ReutersWelbeck celebrates with Tariq LampteyCredit: ReutersLuis Diaz levelled from close rangeCredit: APDiaz netted a crucial goal for the RedsCredit: AFPRead how the game unfolded in our live blog below… More

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      in Soccer

      Man City vs Arsenal LIVE SCORE: Saka in XI as Gunners take on City in massive title clash – Premier League latest

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      ARSENAL are taking on Manchester City in a mammoth Premier League clash TODAY!The big news is Bukayo Saka STARTS for Arsenal. Kevin De Bruyne captains Pep Guardiola’s side today. Gabriel Martinelli is on the bench for Mikel Arteta’s men while Gabriel Jesus starts.
      Kick-off time: 4.30pm
      TV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
      Man City starting XI: Ortega, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, Rodrigo, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Haaland
      Arsenal starting XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Jesus
      Liverpool hosting Brighton first from 2pm BST
      Man City vs Arsenal betting: Tips, odds and predictions35 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Kovacic creates a dangerous situation for Man City as he gives the ball away at the back where Odegaard is.
      However, City manage to avert disaster with an offside trap that Arsenal fall for.
      Copy linkCopied33 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      White has been Arsenal’s most dangerous player so far in the game.
      Some really good runs down the wings combined with some sharp crosses to the front three.
      Copy linkCopied31 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Chance!
      Another missed opportunity for Arsenal and Jesus who finds space on the edge of the box to deliver a shot that just misses Ortega’s bottom left corner.
      Copy linkCopied30 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      We’ve reached the half-hour mark in a rather uneventful clash, all things considered.
      Both teams appear to be cautious, and sometimes a little too much.
      Copy linkCopied28 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Man City boss Guardiola has placed Akanji at centre-back and Lewis at right-back.
      Very unlucky for the hosts and Ake…
      Copy linkCopied26 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Substitution
      Man City’s injury hell continues as Ake hobbles off with a knock.
      Guardiola replaces his defender with Lewis.
      Copy linkCopied25 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal create some danger as Jesus releases Havertz in the penalty area from the left.
      The playmaker vies for the ball Man City keeper beats him to it.
      Havertz goes hard on his compatriot as he appears to go at him studs first.
      Copy linkCopied23 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal star Saka has been anonymous so far in the match due to some exceptional marking by Gvardiol, Ake and Rodri.
      This is where the Gunners also miss Martinelli on the other wing…
      Copy linkCopied20 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal star Jesus receives a warning from the referee after a rough challenge on Silva.
      This comes after the striker’s late challenge on De Bruyne earlier one…
      Copy linkCopied18 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      It’s quite an even affair at the Etihad but Man City are enjoying more possession.
      However, Arsenal’s midfield and back four are doing a good job keeping the hosts at bay and away from Raya’s box.
      Copy linkCopied16 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Chance!
      Man City come close with their first opportunity of the match as Ake meets a corner-kick in the penalty area.
      The defender gets a touch with his head and a deflection from close range but Raya picks it up.
      Copy linkCopied15 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      And here’s how the two teams look like at the Etihad.
      Man City playing in their signature sky blue jerseys while Arsenal don their legendary red and white kit.
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopied13 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Man City are dominating possession in the last three minutes and turned the tables on Arsenal with their own high pressure.
      This is definitely the battle of midfield, whoever wins this will win the match.
      Copy linkCopied10 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal’s high pressure is paying off as Man City are struggling to play out from the back.
      The back four finding it quite challenging to link with midfield…
      Copy linkCopied8 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Chance!
      And we have the first opportunity of the match as Rice releases White down the right and the playmaker delivers a cross to Jesus at the far post.
      The striker chests it down beautifully and tries a shot that just misses Ortega’s bottom right corner.
      Copy linkCopied5 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal are applying pressure high up on the pitch but Man City are still able to play out from the back.
      City are fast down the wings with Foden and Silva.
      Sky Sports claimed Ake would play at left-back but he’s at centre-back alongside Dias with Gvardiol on his left, as reported by SunSport.
      Copy linkCopied2 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Arsenal fans’ hearts drop as the referee blows his whistle after Haaland goes down inside the area while under pressure from White.
      However, the Man City star is caught offside.
      Copy linkCopied2 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      And another quick reminder:
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola appears to have opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation with two changes to the team that beat Newcastle in the FA Cup quarter-finals two weeks ago.
      Stefan Ortega starts between the sticks as Ederson wasn’t passed fit due to a muscle injury.
      This comes as John Stones and Jack Grealish are named on Guardiola’s bench.
      Manuel Akanji will play at right-back with Josko Gvardiol on the other side, while Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake team up at centre-back.
      Rodri covers the No6 role with Kevin De Bruyne and Matteo Kovacic in front of him.
      Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden cover the wings on the right and left respectively.
      And of course, Erling Haaland spearheads the Treble winners’ attack.
      Copy linkCopied1 Man City 0-0 Arsenal
      Here’s a quick reminder:
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has opted for a 4-3-3 formation with only one change to the team that beat Porto in the Champions League Last 16 two weeks ago.
      David Raya starts in goal with Ben White at right-back and Jakub Kiwior on the other side, while Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba team up at centre-back.
      Declan Rice, Jorginho and captain Martin Odegaard link up in midfield.
      Bukayo Saka, ex-Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz lead the attack.
      Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli has been named in the visitors’ bench.
      Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-0 Arsenal
      Peep!
      Off we go in Manchester!!!
      Copy linkCopiedHere come the teams
      The Etihad is ready to host what could be a decisive Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal.
      City captain Kevin De Bruyne leads his team-mates out to the pitch in front of the homes fans.
      The Gunners follow with Martin Odegaard donning their esteemed armband.
      Not long to go now…
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopiedHavertz chases Henry record
      Arsenal star Kai Havertz is spearheading Mikel Arteta’s attack against Manchester City.
      And Havertz is chasing a very special record at the Etihad which has stood for around 24 years.
      If the attacking midfielder scores today then he will become the first player to hit the back of the net in five consecutive Premier League appearances during his debut season with the Gunners since the 1999-2000 season.
      The last player to do that at Arsenal is none other than the club’s record goalscorer Thierry Henry.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 2-1 Brighton
      Liverpool completed a comeback to beat Brighton in their Premier League clash at Anfield.
      That means the Reds have climbed up to the top of the table with three points ahead of Arsenal and four adrift of Manchester City.
      Danny Welbeck opened the scoring for the Seagulls after just two minutes.
      But Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah turned things around for the Merseysiders.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedKevin De Bruyne milestone
      Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne has been named in the starting line-up against Arsenal.
      And De Bruyne will have the chance to make history for City today at the Etihad.
      If the talismanic playmaker scores twice then he will register 100 career goals for the Citizens.
      The Belgium international is already considered as a club legend amid his stunning nine-year stint with the Manchester giants.

      Copy linkCopiedPep Guardiola chases record
      Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has beaten Arsenal 16 times throughout his eight-year stint at the Etihad.
      That means that if Guardiola beats the Gunners again today he will tie his record of 17 victories against Burnley.
      But the Catalan tactician will need the help of City talisman Erling Haaland, who has failed to score in 11 of his past 16 appearances for club and country.
      However, Haaland still tops the Premier League scoring charts with a staggering 18 goals in 23 matches.
      Credit: Getty
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      in Soccer

      Aston Villa 2 Wolves 0: Diaby and Konsa goals help Villans to derby win in huge step towards Champions League football

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      UNAI EMERY finally ended his Wolves hoodoo as he won for the first time against them in seven attempts.A goal in each half from Moussa Diaby and Ezri Konsa saw Villa beat their bogey team for the first time in the league at Villa Park since the days of David O’Leary way back in December 2003.Moussa Diaby put Villa ahead with a fine strikeCredit: RexAs Villa dominated a disappointing Wolves sideCredit: ReutersThe international break seemed to agree with Villa as Diaby celebrated his return to the French team during the week with his first league goal of the year.While Konsa, so impressive for England against Brazil and Belgium, marked his return with his first goal since he nabbed a double against Leicester City way back in December 2021.The win maintained Villa’s three point lead over Spurs, who had turned the heat up by winning earlier in the day.And it ticked off another matchday as Emery’s men close in on a Champions’ League place with a hard-fought win.Gary O’Neil’s side had to dust themselves down from their FA Cup exit at the hands of Coventry City.But their recent record in the Premier League has been hugely impressive.Wolves have collected 22 points since Christmas Eve, an achievement only the top three of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have bettered.Wanderers also love Villa Park where they had only lost once in their last eight league visits.Konsa’s goal was far more fortunateCredit: RexBut topped off a dream week that saw him make his England debutCredit: RexWhile Villa appaeared to dominate, the stats showed an even gameCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe visitors started brightly with 18-year-old striker Leon Chiwome leading the line in his first Premier League start and pinned Villa back for long periods.Tommy Doyle fired just wide after Ollie Watkins headed a Pablo Sarabia corner into his path.Fans thought I was HONKING and I’d started looking for new club but one conversation changed my career says John McGinnThen Villa had the ball in the net after nine minutes when Moussa Diaby sent Ollie Watkins clear on goal.Jose Sa, making his 100th Premier League appearance, managed to block the England striker’s effort but Douglas Luiz pounced on the rebound to fire home.However assistant referee Steven Meredith raised his flag as Watkins had clearly been offside when Diaby played him in.Wolves passed up a glorious chance to seize the lead when Sarabia’s corner was headed straight to Rayan Ait-Nouri off a Villa head.The Wolves full back had the whole goal to aim at but to his dismay Emi Martinez threw himself across his goal to deflect the defender’s effort over.It was a stunning point blank save which turned out to be a huge turning point as it gave Villa a wake-up call.Youri Tielemans, fresh from his double against England, sliced through the Wolves defence with a precision pass to set Watkins clear.But Villa’s top scorer clipped his shot into the side netting as Sa raced off his line.Diaby was dominant and scored a crucial goalCredit: The SunSarabia was booked for pulling Morgan Rogers’ shirt and Tielemans joined him in ref Paul Tierney’s notebook for a foul on Ait-Nouri.Villa were moving through the gears and took the lead nine minutes before half-time.Douglas Luiz chipped the ball to Leon Bailey wide on the left and the wingers’ cross was deflected by Tommy Doyle to the dge of the Wolves box.It fell perfectly to Moussa Diaby who ferociously lashed the ball beyond Sa and Max Kilman on the goalline.It was the French international’s first Premier goal of the year, three months after he scored against Burnley on December 30.However Villa suffered a setback at half-time as Ollie Watkins failed to reappear after the break due to injury and his place was taken by Jhon Duran.Encouraged, Wolves piled forward after the break, but Villa with Douglas Carlos and Ezri Konsa so solid at the back, they couldn’t find a way through.And Villa put the game beyond them as they doubled their lead after 65 minutes.Villa were dominant throughoutCredit: The SunDuran robbed Tommy Doyle and fed fellow sub Nicolo Zaniolo who found Diaby.He fed Ezri Konsa on the overlap and the big defender chipped in a cross towards Duran which sailed over Sa and drifted in at the far post.Despite nine minutes of stoppage time – mostly caused by a battery malfunction to assistant ref Meredith’s power pack – Wolves couldn’t grab a late consolation.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER More

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      Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Nuno’s side look to climb out of bottom three

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are in need of a huge win to boost their survival chances.Palace will be hoping they can have an improved backend of the season and not get dragged into a relegation dogfight.
      Kick off time: 3pm
      TV/Stream: Not available to watch in the UK.
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      Aston Villa vs Wolves LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Unai Emery’s men continue their top-four hunt

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      ASTON VILLA host Wolves in a Saturday evening battle for three Premier League points.Nicolo Zaniolo rescued a point for the Villans in their encounter with West Ham before the international break.And they’ll be expected to return to winning ways as they come up against a Wolves side who recently went crashing out of the FA Cup thanks to Championship outfit Coventry.
      Kick-off time: 5:30pm GMT
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Premier League
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      Nottingham Forest 1 Crystal Palace 1: Tricky Trees move out of drop zone as Chris Wood equaliser bags important point

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      CHRIS Wood had boss Nuno Espirito Santo punching the air as Nottingham Forest climbed out of the bottom three in their battle to beat the drop.Wood’s superb back-header earned his side a draw in Forest’s first game since being docked four points for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.Chris Wood’s strike saved Forest to secure a point against Crystal PalaceCredit: ReutersIt was a decision that left Nuno admitting he ‘punched something’ when he heard the news.But this will give the Portuguese coach hope that his players can avoid the drop.Jean Phillipe-Mateta’s 11th minute opener put Palace ahead – and danger man Eberechi Eze could have extended the lead.But an improved second half display from Forest made sure they climbed over Luton Town after their defeat at Tottenham.The City Ground fans had a message for their team in their wake of the points penalty;They unveiled a banner at the Trent End which read: ’We shall fight and we shall overcome’.For the first half though, it looked like that level of support would be in vain as Nuno’s side struggled to make an impact.It was clear that Forest recognised Eze as Palace’s danger man as defender Felipe sent him flying after nine minutes.Forest could not convert their possession into chancesNuno Espirito Santo’s side dominated for large periodsBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut it would be the second half before the Brazilian was shown a yellow card.Eze picked himself up and played a part in the game’s opening goal as Palace forward Mateta scored for the fourth time in seven games.What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer windowJefferson Lerma played a through ball for Eze, and he slid it to Mateta who smashed it into the back of the net from 10 yards.Four minutes later Eze curled a free kick curled to far post, and Forest keeper Matz Sels had to tip it over the bar.Forest fans were growing impatient with Palace’s first half time wasting tactics – but Oliver Glasner’s side had a great chance to make it two before the break.                                                                               Adam Wharton’s pinpoint pass out Eze put clean through on goal, but Sels spotted the danger and made the save.Wharton fed Eze again six minutes after the break, but this time the Palace forward put his wide of the far post.But Forest were coming into the game and Callum Hudson-Odoi brought a save out of former City Ground loanee Dean Henderson.Forest got their reward just after the hour mark though when Wood found the net for the second successive game.Gibbs-White pumped a ball into the Palace box and Wood cleverly back-headed the ball over the stranded Henderson to level the scores.That set the City Ground alight again as Forest’s supporters urged their team to find a winner.But it was Palace who came close to regaining the lead with 20 minutes left as Eze’s shot was kept out by Sels.Sub Gio Reyna almost found the net with 16 minutes left as his shot was punched out by Henderson.But Palace almost claimed the points with two minutes left when the ball appeared to come off Neco Williams from a corner and hit the post. More