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      in Soccer

      Burnley 0 Bournemouth 2: Kompany’s side edge closer to relegation as Kluivert and Semenyo strike for Cherries

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      ANOTHER DAY, another defensive clanger, another defeat for Vincent Kompany and the side bleeding itself dry of Claret.Justin Kluivert with a 13th minute strike and Antoine Semenyo with another late on claimed the points.Justin Kluivert rifled Bournemouth into the lead at BurnleyCredit: GettyTheir his boss Andoni Iraola will have headed back to the South Coast knowing that his side got very lucky in sealing their first win in eight games.For Bournemouth were there for the taking almost all the way through – except that  Kompany’s men just don’t have what it takes.Self–inflicted wounds at the back, failure to take chances at the other end have been the constant narrative all the way through a season that now stands as the Clarets worst-ever at Turf Moor.This was their 11th home defeat, they have taken only five points on their own patch and here, for nothing like the first time this season they only had themselves to blame.As one of the great centre backs of his generation former Manchester City skipper Kompany must look on with horror at what has gone on within his rear guard throughout a campaign descending into humiliation.The scenario that unfolded for Kluivert to collect his sixth goal for the Cherries said it all.Lewis Cook sent forward nothing more than a hopeful punt but Dara O’Shea, stupidly booked within 30 seconds for preventing a throw–in, switched off.Kluivert sped with him, then turned inside the bemused centre half and smashed home.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt was that easy for him. That bad for Burnley.  Just as maddening for Kompany will have been how his side missed a perfect opportunity especially during a first half in which they enjoyed 75 per cent possession to smash the Cherries instead.Solanke pays touching T-shirt tribute to team-mate’s mum who passed away after scoring Bournemouth’s fifth vs SwanseaThe Cherries were languid, detached even, probably having started out believing all they needed to do was turn up to win against a side that is doomed to return to the Championship.That they weren’t made to pay for their negative attitude was a crime against the locals who dutifully, almost pitifully, keep coming back for more.The problem for the Clarets is that they are not much better at taking opportunities than they are at keeping the ball out of James Trafford’s net.Five minutes in, Vitinho fired in a fine low cross after a crisp inter-passing move but Wilson Odobert snatched at his shot and Neto easily dealt with it.After pulling themselves together following Kluivert being presented with his sixth goal of the season they attacked with verve again.Sander Berge sent a low pass straight down the middle into David Datro Fofana’s patch but the striker on loan from Chelsea dallied for a millisecond and Neto was there to block him.The ball spun to Jacob Bruun Larsen who’s attempt from 14 yards was charged down by Adam Smith.Charlie Taylor then came up with a superb 22-yard free kick but Neto just managed to claw away from under the bar.Vitinho, revelling in his role on the right of midfield then got on the end of another excellent delivery from Taylor only to head over.Irola’s pre–match planning was partly spoiled by the departure of left back Marcos Senesi, forced off with a thigh strain after only 12 minutes.Yet there could be few other excuses from his side’s under-performance.But there were none at all for Burnley ‘s failure to go in at the break leading by at least one goal and possibly more.Josh Cullen did get the ball in the net only for his 66th minute effort to be disallowed after Taylor climbed all over Smith to flick on for his captain.Bournemouth kept sitting back, static and negative until Semenyo took it upon himself to have a bit of a go.Twice the wing back went close with low efforts and when he moved forward for a third time in the 88th minute nobody picked him up.No surprise there, then, or at least almost certainly not for Kompany.Vincent Kompany’s side are edging closer to the ChampionshipCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul vs Ryan Bourland LIVE RESULTS: Ring-walk time for Problem Child’s return, Serrano in main event – updates

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      JAKE PAUL makes his return to the ring this evening in a clash against unknown entity Ryan Bourland. The Problem Child has beaten both Nate Diaz and Andre August since his loss to Tommy Fury last year, but 17-2 Bourland will be hoping to put a stop to his career resurgence tonight in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
      Ring-walk time: 2.30am GMT/9.30pm ET
      Stream/TV: DAZN
      Welcome to Paul vs Bourland
      Hello and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of Jake Paul vs Ryan Bourland!
      Paul is looking to add another win to his 8-1 record as his continues his fanciful dream of winning a world title one day.
      The Problem Child takes on Bourland, who has an impressive winning record of 17-2 himself, but is largely an unknown opponent.
      The fight will be on the undercard of Amanda Serrano’s clash with Nina Meinke in Puerto Rico.
      Paul has said that after this fight he’ll look to do another one on non-PPV, his third in a row, before moving back into fights with bigger names.
      But first he must come through a determined Bourland at Puerto Rico’s capital.
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      in Soccer

      Luton 2 Aston Villa 3: Super-sub Lucas Digne boosts Villans’ top four hopes after they threw away two-goal lead

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      OLLIE WATKINS scored twice to seal his best ever Premier League scoring season but Unai Emery was bailed out by two of his substitutes.Villa striker Watkins grabbed goals no 15 and 16 in this impressive to leapfrog Mo Salah and move within one-goal of 17-goal Erling Haaland.Lucas Digne’s late goal spared Villa’s blushes after a stunning Luton comebackCredit: GettyThe Hatters had managed to fight back from 2-0 down but couldn’t hold outCredit: ReutersYet remarkably, showing they will not go down this season without a bloody huge fight, Luton pulled themselves back into the match by capitalising on some poor Villa defending with Tahith Chong and Carlton Morris both scoring inside six minutes.Yet Emery, knowing his team appeared to be on a suicide mission to lose this game, made FOUR subs in the 79th minute.These included Moussa Diaby and Lucas Digne and in the 89th minute, Villa grabbed the winner which sees them remain in a strong position in the top four.Digne had not scored in the Premier League since November 2022 yet he met Diaby’s cross at the far post and it could prove to be a huge moment in what is turning out to be a terrific season for Villa.As for Luton, this was gut-wrenching and a fifth successive loss in all competitions. At the end, the team was applauded off the pitch but Rob Edwards’ team, who have been so impressive this season, need to start picking up results again.In contrast, Villa go into Thursday’s Europa League visit to Ajax on the back of three successive League wins but they cannot afford lapses in concentration like displayed midway inside the second half.But with Watkins in terrific form, and he has beaten last season’s record of 15 Premier League goals, they have a chance.With Harry Kane moving to Bayern Munich and Ivan Toney serving his betting ban, you would not have put much money on an Englishman appearing at the top of the scoring charts.The stats show just how close the match was in the end – despite Villa cruising at half-timeCredit: The SunOllie Watkins’s double will have done his hopes of a spot in the Euro 2024 squad no harm at allCredit: PABEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWatkins couldn’t actually beat Haaland, could he? Well, probably not. Yet the fact he is playing with such freedom and confidence – he has also delivered 10 assists – is not only good news for Emery but for Gareth Southgate.When Watkins put Villa in command in the first half, the only question was whether he would leave with the match ball.The momentum tells the story of a topsy turvy gameCredit: The SunLuton keeper Thomas Kaminski will have been mightily relieved to have been given the night off on Tuesday when his no 2, Tim Krul, had six goals stuck past him by Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round.Kaminski made a couple of decent saves to keep out efforts from Jacob Ramsey and Watkins but Luton’s third clean sheet never seemed a possibility.And Watkins was left completely unmarked to score with a near-post header from Leon Bailey’s corner.Watkins fired a shot against the post and then and then thought he had been denied a second by the linesman’s flag.Full marks to Douglas Luiz for having the intelligence to catch out Luton by floating a quickly-taken free-kick over the top of the home side’s square defence.Watkins took a touch before burying the ball into the bottom right corner and while he initially looked up to the sky in disappointment, his mood soon changed when, after a quick VAR check, it was obvious that he was being played onside on the other side of the pitch by sub Chiedozie Ogbene.The striker hit a double, taking his tally in the Premier League to 15 this seasonCredit: RexTahith Chong spurred on Luton’s comebackCredit: RexBefore Morris equalised, but the hope of a point against fourth placed Villa proved to be short-livedCredit: RexYet Luton once again proved they have some cajones and they were rewarded for their persistence by scoring twice to put themselves in a position to win the game.After Matty Cash blocked a header by Reece Burke on the line, Chong scrambled the ball over the line.And while Emery will have been disappointed with the fact his side failed to clear Alfie Doughty’s corner, he will have been livid with the second.Villa’s players seemed to just stand and admire Doughty’s free-kick over to the far post and Morris delivered that great finish by sweeping the ball past Emi Martinez.Emery made those four changes in the 79th minute and with Luton on their knees, Digne ended up the unlikely hero with just a minute left.Watkins’ stats have been so impressive this seasonCredit: The SunRelive how it all happened at Kenilworth Road… More

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle vs Wolves LIVE SCORE: Latest updates, team news for Premier League clash at St James’ Park

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      NEWCASTLE take on Wolves in the Premier League this weekend and they’ll be hoping to bounce back from a bad defeat at Arsenal. The Magpies were comfortably beaten 4-1 at the Emirates while Wolves overcame Sheffield United 1-0 thanks to a goal from Pablo Sarabia.
      Kick-off time: 3pm GMT
      TV/Stream: Not televised in the UK
      Follow all the action with our live blog below… More

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      in Soccer

      Fulham vs Brighton LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as Cottagers look to build on last-gasp win at Man Utd

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      FULHAM host Brighton in a huge Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon.The Cottagers go into the game on the back of a last-gasp win at Manchester United last weekend.Brighton are eyeing up a European space for the second season in a row but face plenty of competition from top Premier League clubs.
      Kick off time: 3pm GMT
      TV/Stream: Not available in the UK due to 3pm blackout
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      in Soccer

      Everton vs West Ham LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as Hammers eye back-to-back wins – stream, TV

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      WEST HAM travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton this afternoon.The Hammers are eyeing back-to-back wins following their thrilling 4-2 triumph over Brentford on Monday night.Everton will be aiming to extend the gap between them and the bottom three after their 10-point deduction was reduced to six after appeal.
      Kick off time: 3pm GMT
      TV/Stream: Not available in the UK due to 3pm blackout
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      in Soccer

      Tottenham vs Crystal Palace LIVE SCORE: Spurs continue top four hunt against Eagles in a Premier League London derby

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      TOTTENHAM host London rivals Crystal Palace with a chance to close the gap on Aston Villa in fourth spot.Spurs have had two weeks off to ponder on their Wolves defeat due to last Friday’s Chelsea clash getting postponed for the Blues’ Carabao Cup commitments.While Oliver Glasner got his Palace managerial career off to the perfect start by beating Burnley 3-0 last Saturday.PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder bets More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 Bahrain Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Verstappen LEADS from pole amid chief Horner’s sext scandal – latest updates

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      THE Formula 1 season is kicking off with the Bahrain Grand Prix today.Defending champion Max Verstappen is starting from pole after topping qualifying for an opener which has been marred by Red Bull chief Christian Horner’s alleged sext scandal which has rocked the sport.The team principal has again denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague after being cleared following an internal investigation on Wednesday before messages claiming to be from him were leaked.
      Start time: 3pm GMT
      TV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event
      Lap 17/57 – Verstappen leads, Perez second
      Everyone has pitted now apart from Verstappen who now leads the race by 31.3 seconds.
      Russell is in third, Leclerc in fourth place just ahead of his teammate in fifth.
      Norris sits in sixth ahead of Piastri in seventh.
      Copy linkCopiedLap 15/57 – Verstappen leads, Alonso second
      Sergio Perez is on fire today.
      Another great move as he takes George Russell to move into sixth place.
      The Red Bull driver has Albon in his sights now.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedLap 13/57 – Verstappen leads, Sainz second
      As ever, pit stops change the complexion of the race.
      Verstappen now has a 11.9 second lead over Sainz in second.
      Alonso is now in third, with Tsunoda in fourth.
      Copy linkCopiedLap 11/57 – Verstappen leads, Russell second
      Verstappen now has a 7.2 second lead in the race.
      Alonso was struggling to hold off the Mercedes of Hamilton and drops to ninth place.
      It looks like Logan Sargeant may be our first retirement of the race.
      He surprises all as he returns to the track which will prevent the need for any safety cards.
      The two Ferraris almost have a coming together as Sainz moves up into fourth spot.
      Copy linkCopiedLap 9/57 – Verstappen leads, Russell second
      This is not a good start to the race for Charles Leclerc.
      Sergio Perez is the next driver to take the Ferrari.
      Leclerc is now in fourth place with Perez in third.
      The Ferrari driver has locked-up three times already in the race, on this occasion giving the Red Bull the chance to capitalise.
      Copy linkCopiedLap 7/57 – Verstappen leads, Russell second
      It is business as usual for the Red Bull of Max Verstappen.
      He has opened up a 4.6 second lead over the Mercedes of Russell.
      Norris is now in sixth, closely followed by teammate Piastri.
      Copy linkCopiedLap 5/57 – Verstappen leads, Russell second
      Russell is 2.1 seconds behind Verstappen in first place.
      His main concern at the moment is holding of the Ferrari of Leclerc.
      The stewards had a look at that earlier incident between Stroll and Hulkenberg and have cleared it.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedLap 3/57 – Verstappen leads, Russell second
      Hulkenberg heads into the pits and had a chancge of tyres.
      All 20 drivers started this race on soft tyres today.
      The front of the grid looks, as we started, with the exception of Hulkenberg who is at the back of the field now.
      That is all change as the Mercedes of Russell makes a move to take the Ferrari at the corner.
      Copy linkCopiedLap 1/57 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      Max Verstappen makes a great start to the Grand Prix.
      Charles Leclerc had to back off a bit at the first turn.
      Lance Stroll and Nico Hulkenberg had some contact at the first corner and the latter seems to have some front wing damage.
      Copy linkCopiedLights out in Bahrain Grand Prix
      Copy linkCopiedFormation lap begins
      Copy linkCopiedReminder of F1 grid for race
      Here is how the drivers will line-up this afternoon in Bahrain.
      Credit: @F1
      Copy linkCopiedBahrain Grand Prix race odds
      As you would imagine, Max Verstappen remains the heavy favourite for every race he enters.
      Max Verstappen – 2/13
      Charles Leclerc – 9/1
      Sergio Perez, George Russell – 20/1
      Carlos Sainz – 25/1
      Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton – 40/1
      Lando Norris – 50/1
      Oscar Piastri – 66/1
      All race odds brought to you by Grosvenor Sport.
      Copy linkCopiedChanges for 2024 race season
      DRS is s huge part of Formula One nowadays but there will be a change for this season.
      Drivers will first be able to access it – provided they are within one second of the car in front at the respective detection point – on the second lap of the race instead of the third as before. 
      What sort of impact that will have, only time will tell.
      Copy linkCopiedContracts up for grabs this year
      As we head into the new race season, we have quite a strange situation when it comes to the drivers.
      More than half of this year’s grid, 13 drivers, have not yet confirmed contracts for next season.
      It will make for an intriguing campaign, with some big announcements expected as drivers edge towards the end of their existing contracts.
      Copy linkCopiedExciting F1 season lies ahead
      Not that anticipation for the new campaign needs much more hype but we will also see the return of the Chinese Grand Prix this year.
      It will be the first time since 2019 that the Shanghai International Circuit will feature in the race season.
      Prior to the concerns due to the pandemic, it had been a regular feature in the calendar for fifteen consecutive years from 2004-2019.
      Copy linkCopiedSight of things to come
      As the drivers ponder tactics prior to the race, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc share some thoughts.
      With this being Hamilton’s last season with Mercedes, the pair will soon be teammates at Ferrari.
      Mercedes will hope that he can go out on a high for them this campaign, which would be the perfect swansong for their partnership.
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopiedSo close to perfect start in qualifying
      Ferrari almost made the perfect start to the season as Charles Leclerc seemed tohave pipped Max Verstappen to pole position.
      However, opting to go onto soft tyres for Q3 cost them as the defending world champion put in a performance to seal the front place on the grid.
      Ferrari’s drivers sit in second and fourth on the grid and will be looking to make a positive start to the season.

      Copy linkCopiedMercedes hoping to challenge this season
      George Russell has spoke about his team’s plans for the season.
      “Everyone at the factory have done an amazing job to give Lewis and I a car we feel much happier with and a base we can build upon.
      “Obviously Max is right out there in front, we’ve still got some catching up to do but when we look at our qualifying performance over the last two years and our race pace, starting P3 in Bahrain is a great place.”
      Copy linkCopiedStars head to F1 opener in Bahrain
      Yuki Tsunoda meets Neymar in the pits as preparation continues.
      There is no other sport like F1 to attract the world’s biggest star to the track.
      The anticipation is building as we head towards lights out in the Bahrain Grand Prix.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedPutting on a brave front
      Amid all the media attention, Geri Halliwell is treating everything as ‘business as usual’ in Bahrain.
      A regular attender at the races, the former Spice Girl is showing support for her man this weekend.
      Red Bull will be hoping for another dominant season this term, expecting more from Sergio Perez in support of Max Verstappen.
      Credit: AP
      Copy linkCopiedAlpine struggling with change in qualifying
      After finishing sixth in the constructors’ championship last season, Alpine made changes to their car to try and bridge the gap.
      Sadly, it seems these changes have had the adverse effect in qualifying.
      Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly up line up 19th and 20th respectively for the season-opener.
      Copy linkCopiedHow the drivers line-up in season opener
      Here is today’s grid positions for the Bahrain Grand Prix:
      Credit: @F1
      Copy linkCopiedMax focussed on driving not scandal
      The reigning world champion has spoken about the revelations about Christian Horner have affected the team:
      From my side, and I think what I can see also from the mechanics and the engineers, we are fully focused on the car and the performance here during the weekend. And that’s how it should be, I think, and that’s what we continue to do, because it’s not our business. We’re not particularly involved in that. And we are here, we are paid to do our job, and that’s what we are doing and that’s also what we love doing. So that’s what we focus on.Max VerstappenRed Bull
      Copy linkCopiedSeason start could not come sooner
      One thing is for sure that Red Bull will be glad to see the start of the season.
      With the spotlight directly on the constructor with the bombshells about Christian Horner, they will be hoping that Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez can divert attentions this afternoon.
      While Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing, the text messages have been leaked into the public arena with his partner Geri Halliwell said to be ‘devastated’ by the nature of the content.

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