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    Champions League draw LIVE: Latest reaction as Arsenal face Bayern and Man City meet Real Madrid – latest updates

    ARSENAL and Manchester City have been handed HORROR Champions League quarter-final ties.Harry Kane will return to London as Arsenal have been drawn against Bayern – a team they have never beaten in the knockout stages and lost 10-2 on aggregate when they last met in 2017.Man City also have a tough couple of nights in the coming weeks with Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid to visit during the last-eight.Should both English clubs win their quarter-final draws they will then MEET in a potential all-English semi-final.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSupercomputer predicts quarter-finals
    A supercomputer predicts that Arsenal will beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.
    Statisticians at BETSiE have used their supercomputer to guess the outcomes of the Champions League.
    They have simulated matches 100,000 and believe Mikel Arteta’s side have a 51.51 per cent chance of beating Bayern.
    Arsenal will play the winner of Manchester City versus Real Madrid in the semi-final. And the algorithm reckons that they have a 25.75 per cent probability of making the final at Wembley.
    Man City supposedly have 59.76 per cent chance of victory in their glamour tie against Real Madrid in a repeat of last season’s semi-final.
    On the other side of the tournament, Atletico Madrid face Borussia Dortmund and PSG clash with Barcelona.
    The Parisians are the favourites as they have a 25.48 per cent chance of making the final and a 10.96 per cent of ending their wait to seal a Champions League crown.
    Copy linkCopiedBayern fans BANNED from quarter-final
    Arsenal were handed a horror Champions League quarter final draw against Bayern Munich – but already have a massive advantage in their first leg at the Emirates.
    The German giants will NOT have any away fans at the Emirates for the first leg having received a Uefa one-match ban earlier this week for fan trouble.
    During their 1-0 first leg defeat away at Lazio in the last-16, travelling Bayern fans threw fireworks onto the pitch. They would eventually win 3-1 on aggregate to advance.
    Having already received a suspended one-match ban – as well as a £30k fine – for an identical incident in the group stages at Copenhagen in October, Uefa were left with no choice but to impose the ban.
    Copy linkCopiedChampions League round-up
    SunSport’s Martin Lipton gives his round-up of the Champions League draw.
    Martin Lipton reacts to the Champions League draw as Arsenal face old foes
    Copy linkCopiedMuller’s message to Arsenal
    Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller had a message for Arsenal and Kai Havertz following the Champions League draw.

    Copy linkCopiedQuarter-final draw
    The Champions League quarter-final draw is set, with each club’s path to the final also revealed.
    Arsenal will play Bayern Munich as Manchester City meet Real Madrid.

    Copy linkCopiedRoute to the Champions League final
    The route to the Champions League final for Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester City has been revealed.

    Copy linkCopiedWhere will the final be played?
    This year’s Champions League final will be played at Wembley Stadium in London.
    It will take place on June 1.
    Credit: AP
    Copy linkCopiedWhen will the fixtures be played?
    The round dates for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final are as follows:

    Quarter-finals: 9/10 April and 16/17 April 2024
    Semi-finals: 30 April/1 May and 7/8 May 2024
    Final: 1 June 2024

    Copy linkCopiedEuropa League draw
    Click HERE to follow our live blog for the Europa League draw, which is about to take place.

    Copy linkCopiedFans claim draw is ‘fixed’
    Furious Arsenal fans have taken to social media to vent their frustration after they found out their fate in the Champions League quarter and semi finals.
    Following the Gunners’ last-16 shootout victory over Porto on Tuesday, today they discovered they would be playing Bayern Munich next.
    The last time the two sides played was in 2017, with a devastating victory for the Germans.
    Two 5-1 wins at the Allianz Arena and the Emirates meant Bayern won the tie 10-2 on aggregate.
    This is the joint second biggest margin for victory over two legs in the competitions history, only eclipsed by Bayern’s 12-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in 2009.
    One fan said: “Arsenal v Bayern Munich… fix.”
    A second said: “Uefa fix the draw on nostalgia… and Bayern have history with Arsenal.”
    Copy linkCopiedBayern fans WON’T travel to Emirates
    Bayern Munich supporters will NOT be allowed at the Emirates Stadium for the Champions League quarter-final.
    That’s because UEFA issued a ban after Bayern fans threw fireworks onto the pitch during their 3-1 win at Lazio earlier this month.
    The club were also fined €40,000 after travelling fans set off fireworks during their 2-1 win at FC Copenhagen in October.
    Copy linkCopiedDraw in full
    Quarter-finals:

    Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
    Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
    Real Madrid vs Man City
    PSG vs Barcelona

    Semi-finals:

    Atletico Madrid/Borussia Dortmund vs PSG/Barcelona
    Arsenal/Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid/Man City

    Final:
    Atletico Madrid/Borussia Dortmund or PSG/Barcelona vs Arsenal/Bayern Munich or Real Madrid/Man City
    Copy linkCopiedFinal
    Atletico Madrid/Borussia Dortmund or PSG/Barcelona vs Arsenal/Bayern Munich or Real Madrid/Man City
    Copy linkCopiedSecond semi-final
    Arsenal/Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid/Man City
    Copy linkCopiedFirst semi-final
    Atletico Madrid/Borussia Dortmund vs PSG/Barcelona
    Copy linkCopiedQuarter-final draw in full

    Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
    Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
    Real Madrid vs Man City
    PSG vs Barcelona

    Copy linkCopiedFourth quarter-final
    Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona
    Copy linkCopiedThird quarter-final
    Real Madrid vs Man City
    Copy linkCopiedSecond quarter-final
    Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
    Copy linkCopiedFirst quarter-final
    Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
    Copy linkCopiedBlues icon to draw teams
    Chelsea legend and Champions League winner John Obi Mikel is here to draw the teams.
    Copy linkCopiedHere we go!
    The draw is about to get underway!
    Copy linkCopiedIn the pot
    Premier League title chasers Arsenal and Manchester City are set to find out their quarter-final opponents today.
    They could even face each other…

    Copy linkCopiedCountdown to the draw
    Just 30 minutes to go until we find out this season’s quarter-final fixtures!
    Make sure you’re keeping up with this live blog!
    Copy linkCopiedWhich teams are in the draw?
    Here are the eight Champions League quarter-finalists:

    Arsenal
    Atletico Madrid
    Barcelona
    Bayern Munich
    Borussia Dortmund
    Manchester City
    Paris Saint-Germain
    Real Madrid

    Copy linkCopied More

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    Europa League last-16 LIVE SCORES: Liverpool seal record-breaking win, West Ham run riot against Freiburg, Brighton OUT

    EUROPA LEAGUE action returned tonight with bags of goals flying in left, right and centre.West Ham completed a comeback in style as they thrashed Freiburg 5-1 on aggregate to book their spot in the next round.Liverpool sealed a record-breaking win against Sparta Prague by beating the Czech Republic league leaders 11-2 overall.While Brighton have gone crashing out at the hands of Italian giants Roma.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEuropa League quarter-finalists decided
    After tonight’s results we can now look forward to the draw for the next round tomorrow.
    The teams in the hat for the draw are:

    Liverpool
    West Ham
    Atalanta
    Bayer Leverkusen
    Benfica
    AC Milan
    Marseille
    Roma

    It should be an interesting draw, we could potentially even see an all-English tie now.
    Copy linkCopiedFT: Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 Qarabag (agg: 5-4)
    What a finish to this game at the BayArena.
    Going into added time, Leverkusen were a goal down with German heads completely down.
    Two goals from Patrik Schick have turned the game on its head and see Leverkusen progress to the quarter-finals.

    Copy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 1-0 Roma (agg: 1-4)
    It proved a bridge too far for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
    Coming back from four goals down was a mammoth task which Brighton just could not match.
    They had chances in the game but could not work the goal enough.

    Copy linkCopiedFT: Atalanta 2-1 Sporting Lisbon (agg: 3-2)
    It is a big win for the Italians against the Portuguese league leaders.
    Goals from two ex Premier League players take them through.
    After going ahead in the game, Lisbon will be devastated to go out.

    Copy linkCopiedBayer Leverkusen 3-2 Qarabag
    90+8. Insane scenes at the BayArena.
    Palacios crosses the ball in and Schick meets it to head home in the eighth minute of added time.
    Heartbreak for Qarabag.
    Copy linkCopiedGoal – Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)
    Copy linkCopiedBayer Leverkusen 2-2 Qarabag
    90+2. Would be believe it, they have done it again.
    Grimaldo crosses from the wing, Schick side foots it into the back of the net.
    It looks as though this one is heading to extra-time, with Qarabag down to ten men.
    Credit: AP
    Copy linkCopiedGoal – Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)
    Copy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 6-1 Sparta Prague (agg: 11-2)
    It is all over at Anfield.
    There was only ever one team in this tie over both legs.
    Cody Gakpo could not get the match ball with his first Liverpool hat-trick, which is the only disappointment this evening.

    Copy linkCopiedBayer Leverkusen 1-2 Qarabag
    88. The Germans are throwing everything at the visitors now.
    Wirtz has a chance to score but a brilliant sliding challenge blocks his effort.
    Qarabag are defending for their lives now to pull off an upset.
    Copy linkCopiedAtalanta 2-1 Sporting Lisbon
    87. The game is finely poised heading into the final stages.
    Sporting have dominated the ball in this second half but the direct style of the Italians has put them into a position of strength.
    They just need to hang on now to book their place in the next round.
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 6-1 Sparta Prague
    82. Elliott strides through the middle, seemingly looking for Gakpo.
    As he gets into the box, he has no other chance than to shoot.
    The keeper makes a fine save to tip it around the post.
    Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-0 Roma
    73. Despite having 63% possession in the game, The Seagulls just cannot find the target often enough.
    They have had 11 shots but only 2 of those have been on target.
    With those stats, there is no chance of coming back from a 4-0 defeat in Rome.
    Credit: PA
    Copy linkCopiedBayer Leverkusen 1-2 Qarabag
    72. Just like in the first leg, the Bundesliga leaders are having to come back from two goals down.
    Grimaldo crosses to find Frimpong who volleys home in spectacular style.
    This will be some finish at the BayArena.
    Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
    Copy linkCopiedBayer Leverkusen 0-2 Qarabag
    67. It is a carbon copy of the first goal for the visitors.
    Andrade crosses and picks out Zoubir who heads home.
    We could have an upset on our hands in Germany.
    Credit: AP
    Copy linkCopiedGoal – Abdellah Zoubir (Qarabag)
    Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-0 Roma
    62. Roma are starting to come into this game more.
    Spinazzola picks the ball up wide in the box and gets a shot away.
    It comes thundering back off the woodwork.
    Warning for Brighton there but the hosts need goals desperately now.
    Copy linkCopiedAtalanta 2-1 Sporting Lisbon
    59. Gian Piero Gasperini’s words at half time seem to have worked.
    Atalanta have completely turned this game around now.
    Marten de Roon squares the ball to Gianluca Scamacca who slots home, much to the delight of the Italian fans.
    Copy linkCopiedGoal – Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta)
    Copy linkCopiedBayer Leverkusen 0-1 Qarabag
    62. Despite their dominance, it is the visitors who take the lead.
    Leandro Andrade crosses with pinpoint accuracy to find Zoubir in the box who heads home.
    It has silenced the German fans, that is for sure.
    Copy linkCopiedGoal – Abdellah Zoubir (Qarabag)
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 6-1 Sparta Prague
    55. As a corner is whipped in, the keeper gets a weak punch on it.
    McConnell shifts it to Elliott on the edge of the box who shoots.
    His effort is going wide but Gakpo reacts to divert it into the bottom corner.
    Copy linkCopiedGoal – Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
    Copy linkCopiedAtalanta 1-1 Sporting Lisbon
    52. The former Everton winger gets on the scoresheet.
    It was an easy finish for Lookman with all the work being done in the build-up.
    It puts us all level on the night and on aggregate also.
    Copy linkCopied More

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    Bournemouth 4 Luton 3: Semenyo completes epic Cherries comeback after Hatters charged into three-goal lead

    TOM LOCKYER made an emotional return in the stands as his Luton side lost a Premier League classic from 3-0 up.Antoine Semenyo struck two brilliant goals as Bournemouth’s second-half turnaround sealed their first home league win since Boxing Day.Cherries’ matchwinner Antoine Semenyo celebrates his late gloryCredit: ReutersTom Lockyer met the medical team who helped save his lifeCredit: GettyRoss Barkley and  Carlton Morris show Luton’s despairCredit: ReutersRob Edwards reflects after somehow losing 4-3Credit: ALAMY
    But at least the lowly Hatters were cheered by the sight of Lockyer watching on fit and healthy.The Luton skipper “died” for two minutes at the Vitality Stadium 89 days ago when his heart stopped beating.And on Wednesday night he was smiling then applauding his team-mates as they raced 3-0 up at the interval.Tahith Chong, Chiedozie Ogbene and Ross Barkley took full advantage of naive Bournemouth defending.Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on this pitch in December, with his team-mates in tears as they feared the worst before the match was abandoned.And before Wednesday’s kick-off the Wales international shook the hands of the four paramedics who saved his life.Then he walked to the centre of the pitch clapping both sets of fans, giving the away supporters the thumbs up sign.The home club band struck up “The Great Escape” in the pre-match entertainment which was fittingly appropriate on the night.PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder betsBournemouth midfielder Philip Billing was the first player to react to Lockyer’s plight in the first game and instantly summoned for help.Billing revealed in last night’s programme: “It was just a natural reaction to try and help him, even though I don’t feel like I did anything.Micah Richards leaves Kate Abdo stunned after challenging Premier League cult hero to press-up challenge on live TV “Credit has to go to the medical people, they’re the life savers.“I didn’t know until after the game and in the tunnel that his girlfriend was pregnant at the time, and things like that come before football.“Being there for his child is more important than football, at the end of the day, so it is beautiful to see him back on his feet and being with his family.”Rob Edwards’ desperate eyes were full of tears the last time we saw the Luton gaffer in these parts-but it wasn’t long in the match when he was full of smiles.That was in the ninth minute when the unmarked Chong thundered a header high into the net from Issa Kabore’s cross.Then a wonderful move by the Hatters saw Chong find Alfie Doughty who set-up Ogbene for the second on 31 minutes.And in first half stoppage time Barkley was left alone to smash Issa Kabore’s pass into the top corner.But the great Cherries’ fight-back started on 50 minutes when Dominic Solanke turned smartly and fired home his 17th goal which was given after a VAR check.Then 12 minutes later the Cherries had a second when goal-line technology confirmed that Illia Zabarnyi’s header was over the line before Doughty cleared.And amazingly it was 3-3 two minutes later when Ghana striker Semenyo cut inside and found the corner with a low shot.But Semenyo wasn’t finished. He took a return pass from sub Enes Unal and beat goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski at his near post for the winner.Semenyo cracks home his dramatic winner for BournemouthCredit: ReutersLockyer with the team who saved his life More

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    Atletico Madrid 2 Inter Milan 1 (agg 2-2, 3-2 on pens): Jan Oblak the hero as Man Utd flop misses penalty in shootout

    ATLETICO MADRID overturned a first leg one-goal deficit to beat Inter Milan on penalties in the last-16. Jan Oblak was the hero in the shootout, saving two efforts from Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klaassen before Lautaro Martinez blazed over the decisive kick.Jan Oblak was the hero in the shootoutCredit: GettyThe Atleti keeper made two stunning saves from the spotCredit: EPAAtletico showed all their experience to overturn the first leg deficitCredit: ReutersEx-Arsenal and Man Utd star Alexis Sanchez missed his spot-kickCredit: ReutersWhat a first half it was in an electric Estadio Metropolitano and one Inter Milan had looked totally in control of.Leading 1-0 from the first leg they were happy to control the ball and then broke to take the lead on the night and go 2-0 up on aggregate.It was a scintillating build up that had the home side chasing shadows before Nicolo Barella cut the ball back for Federico Dimarco to thump a shot past Oblak.His first goal in 25 Champions League matchesThe stadium silenced but for the ecstatic away following.But just two minutes 16 seconds later the teams were level on the night through the club’s all-time leading scorer Antoine Griezmann.Nahuel Molina crossed from the right and the clearance was met by Atletico captain Koke whose ball into the box took a couple of deflections before the French international turned home a volley.That took his tally to six in the Champions League this season, nobody has scored more in the campaign.The second-half was a more tense affair with so much on the line but chances fell at both ends.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Griezmann could have had a second when set up by smartly by Marcos Llorente but went for prescision more than power.Inter boss Simone Inzaghi was furious when Marcus Thuram fired wildly over when clean through.Diego Simeone’s son Giovanni nail impression of hot-head dad’s touchline antics leaving pals in stitches On came Depay and what an impact.Having hit the post with one effort he then grabbed the equaliser.The former Manchester United player received a pass from Koke, took it under his spell and then produced a magic finish.Then Riquelme could have put Atletico through with the last chance of the game but blazed a shot over.In the shootout, Oblak saved from Sanchez but Inter were let off the hook by Chelsea flop Saul Niguez as he missed.Former Everton man Klaassen then had his effort saved by Atleti’s world-class stopper before Martinez failed to keep his nerve as he fired over the bar to send the Spanish side through.The passionate boss Diego Simeone celebrated wildly as his backstreet brawlers lived to fight another day. PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder bets More

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    Borussia Dortmund 2 PSV 0 (agg 3-1): Jadon Sancho scores but forced off close to tears as Germans reach quarter-final

    JADON SANCHO showed Manchester United what they are missing by firing Borussia Dortmund into the quarters.The exiled Red Devils winger’s 20-yard beauty just two minutes in was enough to beat PSV 2-1 on aggregate before he hobbled off late on.Jadon Sancho opened the scoring for DortmundCredit: AFPHowever, Sancho was forced off with an injuryCredit: EPAHe left the pitch seemingly close to tearsCredit: GettySancho, 23, admitted at the weekend that he has “disappointed” since going back to Dortmund on loan in January after falling out with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.But it’s now back-to-back goals following his early struggles, leaving him chasing a Champions League crown while his United future remains up in the air.The Yellow Wall was jumping at kick-off and Sancho sent them wild with his first knockout goal in the competition.Picking it up 20 yards out, he shifted it to his right and fired a stunner into the bottom corner.A revitalised Sancho was running the show, involved in everything as they battered PSV in the first half without extending their lead.Striker Niclas Fullkrug lashed a great chance wide before keeper Walter Benitez kept his side in it with a great double stop.Dutchman Donyell Malen was then inches away as his former club clung on in at the Westfalenstadion.PSV finally got to grips as the opening 45 minutes wore on with Belgian winger Johan Bakayoko posing the greatest threat.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL And Eindhoven forward Hirving Lozano went closest at the start of the second half, firing a brilliant 25-yard strike off the post with the keeper beaten.Benitez made a smart stop to deny Fullkrug and keep his side in it 65 minutes in before Dortmund stopper Gregor Kobel’s brilliant save denied Bakayoko at the other end moments later.Ten Hag claims there were ‘issues’ with Jadon Sancho BEFORE boss arrived at Man Utd and ‘all the way through’Sancho went off injured with 15 minutes remaining and Dortmund looked to be holding firm until Newcastle striker Luuk de Jong skied a sitter at the death.Yet the Germans still had time to make it 2-0 as sub Marco Reus finished off a counter to seal a spot in the last eight.Check out how the action unfolded… More

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    Barcelona 3 Napoli 1 (agg 4-2): Man City’s forgotten man guides Spanish giants into Champions League quarter-finals

    MANCHESTER CITY forgotten man Joao Cancelo helped put Barca into the quarter-finals.The Portuguese, on loan from City for the season after falling out with Pep Guardiola, struck after 20-year-old Fermin Lopez had broken the deadlock.Joao Cancelo scored for Barcelona in between Fermin Lopez and Robert Lewandowski’s goalsCredit: GettyThe Spanish giants booked their Champions League quarter-finals spot for the first time since 2020Credit: APNapoli hit back through Amir Rrahmani and had chances to take the game to extra time.But they could not take them and the game was up when Robert Lewandowski hit his 19th goal of the season late on.Barca were worth their win but did not look a patch on their great sides of yesteryear – giving little reason for other teams to fear Xavi’s men in the next round.They raced into a two-goal lead inside the first 17 minutes, though, that threatened to kill the tie off altogether.First, Cancelo fed Raphinha down the left and the ex-Leeds man picked out youngster Lopez – who was on loan in the third tier of Spanish football last season – to find the corner.Two minutes later, it was 2-0 when Raphinha’s shot crashed against the post and there was Cancelo to fire home the rebound.But the visitors reduced the arrears on the half-hour through Kosovan defender Rrahmani who swept in Matteo Politano’s fine cutback.Francesco Calzona’s men pushed for another with sub Jesper Lindstrom somehow heading wide with ten minutes to go.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL And they paid for their wastefulness.Because three minutes later, sub Sergi Roberto exchanged passes with Ilkay Gundoagan before teeing up veteran sharpshooter Lewandowski.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersStill Napoli had opportunities.Mathias Olivera hit the bar and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia drilled just wide but Barca were relatively comfortable.Here’s how the drama unfolded at the Barcelona Olympic Stadium… More

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    Liverpool vs Man City LIVE: Klopp and Pep face off for final time in Premier League title clash – latest updates

    GRAB your popcorn football fans as Liverpool and Manchester City face off in a Premier League match which could have huge implications on where the title ends up in May.Both English giants had to sit back and watch Arsenal jump above them following their gruelling 2-1 win over London rivals Brentford.But three points for either side this afternoon would see them climb up to top spot with just ten games to play in this thrilling season.
    Kick-off time: 3:45pm
    Live stream: NOW TV
    TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Premier League 
    Liverpool starting XI: Van Dijk; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Elliot, Nunez, Diaz
    Man City starting XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Akanji, Ake, Rodri, Silva, De Bruyne, Alvarez, Foden, Haaland
    Explainer: Why did the game kick-off at 3:45pm?
    PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder betsLiverpool 0-0 Man City
    21. Man City are knocking the ball around and trying to slow down play.
    They look a little unsure of themselves when Liverpool play their high-tempo football, a trademark of a Jurgen Klopp side.
    Pep Guardiola continues to bark instructions from the touchline.
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-0 Man City
    19. Walker has been penalised for fouls twice now as he looks to drop into the centre of midfield.
    The referee is trying to let the game flow but you feel the next time he will see yellow.
    Nunez makes a run and squares it for Diaz to knock it into an empty net but the flag goes up for offside.
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-0 Man City
    17. Diaz gets to run at the Man City defence for the first time.
    He clips a cross into the box but Nunez cannot adjust to send his header towards goal.
    This is more like it from Jurgen Klopp’s side.
    Credit: Reuters
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-0 Man City
    15. Liverpool are starting to knock the ball around more now.
    Making Man City chase it as they look to press high up the pitch.
    Nunez takes up a wide position and drills a ball towards Szoboszlai but the midfielder cannot get it under control.
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-0 Man City
    13. It is rare in these games to see the away team dominating in the early stages of the match.
    Bradley gets forward for the first time and puts a teasing ball across the six yard box.
    Nunez slides in at the back post but cannot reach it, colliding with the post instead.
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-0 Man City
    11. Man City are looking to take this game to Liverpool today.
    Jurgen Klopp’s side are failing to hold onto possession currently.
    They need to ask more questions of the visitors’ defence.
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-0 Man City
    9. An early chance for the visitors as De Bruyne looks to lift the ball over Kelleher but it narrowly misses the far post.
    Moments later, City are coming forward again and the Belgian playmaker tries his luck from distance but Kelleher beats it away.
    Pep Guardiola’s side are trying to turn the screw in the early stages.
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-0 Man City
    7. The fans are making themselces heard, getting behind their team.
    A loose clearance by Ederson almost gifts the ball to The Reds.
    Walker is looking lively in the early exchanges, using his pace to cover balls in behind the defence.
    Credit: Reuters
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-0 Man City
    5. De Bruyne gets down the right flank and crosses into the box.
    It is too deep for anyone to attack and Alvarez recycles the ball.
    Liverpool’s defence stands firm as they look to counter.
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-0 Man City
    3. The whistles and jeers ring out when Man City have the ball.
    Alvarez has the first sight of goal but his left-footed shot is saved easily by Kelleher.
    It maybe a little different this time around with the visitors seeing far more possession than you would usually expect in these games.
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-0 Man City
    1. The wait is over, this crucial match is finally upon us.
    Nunez is making some runs into the channels early on, looking to stretch the visitors’ defence.
    Games do not get much bigger than this one.
    Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Liverpool vs Man City
    We are underway at Anfield.
    As you can imagine, it is a cauldron of noise as ever.
    Liverpool get the game started.
    Copy linkCopiedThe one they all want to own
    In case anyone needed reminding what the importance of this game has on the title race, the trophy itself is pitchside.
    While this game won’t win either side the crown, it will act as a springboard for the run in.
    If Man City want to make it four in a row, they need to come through this difficult Anfield challenge unscathed today.
    Credit: Getty
    Copy linkCopiedKlopp’s side come into game as underdogs
    Man City are fancied to come away from Anfield with all three points.
    Liverpool – 9/4
    Draw – 13/5
    Manchester City – 11/10
    All match odds brought to you by Betway.
    Copy linkCopiedAtmosphere building at Anfield
    It will be an intimidating place to come as ever for the visitors today.
    As we edge closer to kick-off, tensions are building.
    It will be a cauldron of noise at Anfield when the whistle gets us underway.
    Credit: Getty
    Credit: Reuters
    Copy linkCopiedArsenal laying marker to rivals
    Having gone top of the table with a late victory against Brentford yesterday, it is over to these two teams today.
    Only victory would take either Liverpool or Man City to the summit of the Premier League.
    The stakes could not be higher for this crucial match in the title race.
    Copy linkCopiedA tale of two strikers
    Whoever comes out on top this afternoon will need their strikers on top form.
    One of the exciting things about this crucial match is both sides have forwards who are at the top of their game right now.
    Nobody would fancy being a defender today.

    Copy linkCopiedMan City subs:
    18. Ortega, 3. Dias, 8. Kovacic, 11. Doku, 21. Gomez, 24. Gvardiol, 27. Nunes, 52. Bobb, 82. Lewis
    Copy linkCopiedMan City starting XI:
    Both Doku and Nunes make the bench following injury concerns for this top-of-the-table clash.
    31. Ederson, 2. Walker, 5. Stones, 25. Akanji, 6. Ake, 16. Rodri, 17. De Bruyne, 20. Bernardo, 19. Alvarez, 9. Haaland, 47. Foden
    Credit: @ManCity
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool subs:
    13. Adrian, 11. Salah, 18. Gakpo, 21. Tsimikas, 26. Robertson, 42. Clark, 53. McConnell, 65. Nallo, 67. Koumas
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool starting XI:
    The big news is that there is no Mohamed Salah in the starting line-up and Andrew Robertson is also on the bench.
    62. Kelleher, 2. Gomez, 4. Van Dijk, 78. Quansah, 84. Bradley, 10. Mac Allister, 3. Endo, 8. Szoboszlai, 19. Elliott, 9. Nunez, 7. Diaz
    Credit: @LFC
    Copy linkCopiedHome is where the heart is
    Under their current managers, these two teams have faced each other twenty times.
    The away side has only ever won twice in all of these encounters.
    If the trend continues today, it would be a huge statement by Klopp’s inexperienced side that they are ready to win the title one last time for their manager.
    Copy linkCopiedInjury-ravaged Reds facing ultimate test
    While Liverpool have managed to continue winning even without a lot of their star players due to injury, the visit of Man City will be the ultimate test today.
    With three clubs locked in a title battle, three points could be the springboard for either of these teams to go on and win the Premier League this season.
    Arsenal went top of the league yesterday with a late winner against Brentford, putting pressure on both of these sides today.
    Copy linkCopiedEnd of an era
    Unless the pair were drawn together in this season’s FA Cup, we may be witnessing the end of a historic era of Premier League football.
    Today’s game could be the final time Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola face each other, something that has elevated the competition in recent years.
    Both managers would love nothing more to get one over the other for one last time.
    Credit: Reuters
    Copy linkCopiedTeam news from Anfield
    Liverpool will be without Ben Doak, Joel Matip, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch through injury.
    A welcome sight during the week was the substitute appearance of Mohamed Salah who is likely to be involved this afternoon, possibly from the bench.
    Ibrahima Konate will have a late fitness test after he hobbled off in the victory over Sparta Prague on Thursday.
    For Man City, Matheus Nunes suffered a dislocated finger against Copenhagen but is likely to be on the bench for today’s game.
    Jeremy Doku also did not play in the second leg after complaining about muscular issues, it is doubtful he will be involved today and Jack Grealish is out with a groin issue.
    Guardiola rested Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake to get a complete rest in midweek and if Doku is not fit for today, he is likely to be replaced by Alvarez.
    Copy linkCopied More

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    Aston Villa 0 Tottenham 4: Spurs run riot to gain upper hand in top-four race after McGinn’s senseless red card

    JOHN McGINN had stated just how much this match mattered to Aston Villa – and perhaps that explained why, when it was all going so wrong for his side, he lost his head.The likeable Scot is known for being a combative midfielder but not a dirty one.James Maddison and Brennan Johnson’s quickfire goals set Tottenham on their wayCredit: PASon Heung-min fired in as the clocked ticked into injury timeCredit: ReutersWhich is why his wild and aggressive kick-out on Destiny Udogie, shortly after Spurs’ quickfire double through James Maddison and Brennan Johnson, seemed so out of character.The man advantage allowed Spurs to run riot, with Son Heung-min scoring a third and teeing up a fourth for sub Timo Werner.McGinn had labelled this game the “most important” league fixture in years in the build-up, given a win for Villa would go a hell of a long way to securing a Champions League finish.Spurs went into this five points behind their fourth-placed hosts, albeit with a game to play.Lose and that would be extended to eight which would surely KO their chances of usurping Unai Emery’s men.Yet now the gap is only two points, with Spurs having the game advantage and a marginally preferable run-in, save for a horrendous-looking end of April/early May.Fifth place may still be enough for qualification to Europe’s elite club competition if the coefficient battle goes England’s way.But even so, Villa will know what an opportunity missed this was.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd why McGinn, who had never been red-carded for Villa before today, became so frustrated.Emery may well be kicking himself too from a tactical perspective.James Maddison gives young Tottenham fan ‘memory to last a lifetime’ as England star shows his true colours The Spaniard has played a blinder for most of the season but his surprise tweak here to go to five at the back looked a mistake.Perhaps it was due to Villa’s exertions in Europe, drawing at Ajax on Thursday before the second leg with the Dutch giants in three days.But it hindered their attacking output, with man-of-the-moment Ollie Watkins feeding off scraps.Emery’s rejigged system saw Matty Cash pushed from right-back to wing-back.The Polish international had become Public Enemy No1 with Spurs supporters after injuring Rodrigo Bentancur and Matt Doherty with poor tackles in the last two years.Cash received dog’s abuse at every opportunity from the travelling fans, especially when he prepared to take a throw-in right in front of them midway through the first half.The only chance – or half-chance, really – of a dreary first half came when Lucas Digne diverted McGinn’s cross off his shoulder just wide of the far post.This game pitted arguably the striker and defender of the season against each other in Watkins and Micky Van de Ven.But Spurs’ defender Van de Ven was forced off through injury minutes into the second period.The jet-heeled Dutchman had just flung himself in front of a shot from Leon Bailey – who was offside anyway – and seconds later, collapsed to the turf.Encouragingly, Van de Ven managed to walk off the pitch but headed straight down the tunnel, to be replaced by January signing Radu Dragusin.Van de Ven probably was still on his way to the dressing room when Maddison put Spurs ahead.It came from a pinpoint cross from Pape Matar Sarr, who laid the ball on a plate for Maddison to poke past Emi Martinez.The England star then had a bit of fun with the home crowd, who had been ribbing him for his Leicester connections, by throwing imaginary darts their way in celebration.Maddison broke the deadlock just after half-timeCredit: ReutersBrennan Johnson found the roof of the net in styleCredit: ReutersThree minutes later, Spurs doubled their lead after capitalising on some lax play by Ezri Konsa.The Villa defender dilly-dallied on the ball and then played it behind Youri Tielemans, allowing Dejan Kulusevski to intercept.He then passed it onto Son, who fed Johnson to finish high into the net. The ex-Nottingham Forest man followed up Maddison by telling the Villa fans to keep quiet as he wheeled away.A visibly-peeved Emery responded with a three-sub change, bringing on Nicolo Zaniolo, Moussa Diaby and Alex Moreno, doing away with his back five in the process.Among the players to come off was centre-back Clement Lenglet, who spent last season on loan at Spurs before temporarily joining Villa from Barcelona this term.But the new players’ chance to make a difference evaporated when McGinn had his moment of madness on 65 minutes.John McGinn clattered into Destiny UdogieCredit: RexTempers flared on the touchline after the challengeCredit: PAThe Villa captain saw red for the first time in his Villa careerCredit: RexOnly four players have scored more goals for Tottenham than SonCredit: GettyTimo Werner expertly guided the ball inside the far post for the fourthCredit: ReutersSpurs full-back Udogie was embarking on one of his stereotypical dribbles when Villa’s captain came rushing across and went right through him with an X-rated tackle. The young Italian reacted angrily, as did his team-mates and staff, in a mini melee by the touchline.Emery did his best to drag McGinn away, while Spurs boss Ange Postecglou also tried to act as peace-maker.It was such a bad challenge that the red card subsequently produced by ref Chris Kavanagh was the only course of action.The game was up at that point, with the only question remaining whether Spurs were going to rub any more salt into their top-four rivals’ wounds.Son provided the answer of a resounding yes as he dispatched Kulusevski’s cutback in injury time, before then teeing up Werner to do the same three minutes later.The pressure was on going into this important game – as McGinn’s pre-match comments underlined – but only one team managed to handle it.Here’s how the action unfolded at Villa Park… More