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      Ilkay Gundogan’s starting Dream Team price revealed ahead of anticipated return to Manchester City

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      MANCHESTER CITY are expected to resign Ilkay Gundogan in what would be one of the most surprising transfers of the summer.The 33-year-old departed the Etihad at the end of the treble-winning 2022/23 season and promptly joined Barcelona but just over a year later he’s set to return to the Premier League and, more importantly, the world of Dream Team.Don’t call it a comebackCredit: Dream TeamThe La Liga giants’ well-documented financial issues have reportedly prevented them from registering new signing Dani Olmo and so Gundogan, one of the highest earners at the club, is being ushered out in an attempt to balance the books.This news has generally been greeted with glee among Man City fans, who still hold fond memories of the German midfielder’s clutch performances in sky blue.Pep Guardiola could do with another quality midfielder and who better than one of Europe’s most-intelligent footballers, one who is already familiar with City’s sophisticated tactics?From a Dream Team perspective, the anticipated transfer presents gaffers with yet another tempting option.Friends reunitedCredit: ReutersGundogan was a widely-selected and successful asset throughout the second half of his first spell, when he became a more regular goalscorer.Having scored 22 goals across his first four seasons at City, he bagged 38 across his last three, including several decisive strikes in big games.Whether Gundogan will return as an advanced, box-crashing goal threat remains to be seen.He may well be deployed in a deeper midfield role, as a tempo-setter, which would likely yield fewer Dream Team points.Most read in FootballGundogan was a popular asset in Dream Team Euros earlier this summerCredit: RexThe broader view is that Gundogan is a class act with a history of providing healthy returns who is set to rejoin the team that have provided the most points collectively in recent years.If/when the transfer is confirmed, Gundogan will be added to Dream Team at £4m.For comparison, that puts him level with Jeremy Doku (£4m), slightly more expensive than Jack Grealish (£3.5m) and Savinho (£3.5m) but a fraction cheaper than Rodri (£4.5m) and Bernardo Silva (£4.5m).Tempting, tempting…BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — HERE*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Khadija Shaw hails ‘special’ PFA Women’s Player award win with Grace Clinton collecting Young Player prize

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      KHADIJA SHAW paid tribute to her football rivals and Manchester City team-mates after being voted women’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year.The striker, 27, who is currently on a pre-season tour in Australia with her club, described her win as “a special honour”.Khadija Shaw’s PFA Players’ Player award win follows her helping Man City finish second in the WSL last termCredit: AlamyThe City striker won last term’s WSL Golden Boot despite sustaining a season-ending ankle injuryCredit: GettyGrace Clinton was voted the PFA’s Young Women’s Player of the Year following her impressive loan spell at Tottenham last seasonCredit: GettyLauren James is one of three Chelsea stars named in the PFA’s Women’s Team of the YearCredit: GettyThe Jamaica captain pipped team-mates Yui Hasegawa and Lauren Hemp to the gong.Chelsea trio Erin Cuthbert, Lauren James and Niamh Charles are the three remaining nominees who finished as runners-up for this year’s prize.Shaw’s triumph follows a season in which she collected the Women’s Super League’s Golden Boot after netting 21 goals in 18 top tier games last term.The Jamaica hotshot played an influential role in the Cityzens pushing Chelsea all the way in a tense top-flight title battle.Read More Football Stories A contest which the Blues’ won on goal difference last term.She said: “I am both happy and proud to have received this award – to be recognised in such a way by my peers is a very special honour. “I also want to thank my teammates and the entire coaching staff because without them this wouldn’t be possible. “I’d also like to congratulate all my fellow nominees who are such amazing players. Most read in Football”To have been voted the player of the year means a lot.”Earlier this year Shaw, who sustained a season-ending ankle injury in April, was named as the WSL’s Player of the 2023-24 campaign.The striker, who joined the club from French side Bordeaux three years ago, is one of six City aces named in the PFA WSL Team of the Year.England trio Alex Greenwood, Hemp and Khiara Keating are included in the star-studded line-up along with Japan playmaker Hasegawa and Spain defender Laia Aleixandri.Blues full-back Charles, midfielder Cuthbert, forward James and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, have also been included in the PFA’s WSL women’s team of the year.This follows a season in which the quartet helped their side to a fifth successive WSL title win to round off Emma Hayes’ final year at the Blues’ helm.James finished as the WSL’s second highest scorer with 13 goals netted in 16 games.Grace Clinton and Arsenal centre-back Lotte Wubben-Moy are the only two players from outside the league’s top two sides named in the PFA’s selected 11.Man United starlet Clinton, 21, who impressed during her one-term loan spell at Tottenham, was also voted the PFA’s Young Women’s Player of the Year.I’ve played with confidence and when you play with that, then you see the best version of a player.Grace Clinton – PFA Young Women’s Player of the Year winner This follows a season in which the midfielder helped Spurs reach the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time ever.The young Lioness, who began her senior club career at Everton in 2020, made 20 top-flight appearances for Tottenham last season.The North London side, managed by Robert Vilahamn, were beaten 4-0 by the Red Devils at the Wembley showpiece in May.Clinton, who attended tonight’s star-studded PFA ceremony at the Manchester Opera House, said: “It’s such an honour to be voted by the unbelievable players that play in this league.The midfielder, who scored on her senior England debut in February, added: “It’s the best league in the world.”To go out on loan, learning as a young player and being recognized is lovely.”I’ve played with confidence and when you play with that, then you see the best version of a player.Clinton helped Tottenham make history with the team beating Arsenal for the first time in the WSL last DecemberCredit: Sunday Times”Tottenham have been a massive part of my journey, and I can’t thank them enough.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Goals and visualisation are important to me but most of all just enjoying playing. “If I’m enjoying myself then I play my best football.” More

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      Man Utd flops set unwanted Premier League record as Arsenal and Man City fill almost entire PFA Team of the Year

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      MANCHESTER UNITED hit another new low as they set an unwanted Premier League record.It’s the first time in the Prem era United have gone two seasons in a row without having a player in the PFA Team of the Year.Man Utd hit another new low as they set an unwanted recordCredit: GettyIt’s the first time in the Prem era United have gone two seasons in a row without a player in Team of the YearCredit: GettyIn a season full of unwanted records that saw them finish in an unprecedented eighth in the Prem, the Red Devils have added yet another bad omen.While the red side of Manchester has been subject to a downward spiral since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, players have still managed to often sneak into the Team of the Year XI.Of course, years have come where no United player has featured in the star-studded XI, but it’s never happened for TWO consecutive seasons.Cristiano Ronaldo – who returned for his second spell in 2021 – was the last Old Trafford player to make the top line-up in 2021/22.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw made the 2020/21 XI after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finished second behind Manchester City.Paul Pogba made the XI in 2019 – even though United finished sixth.David de Gea was often their saving grace, featuring as the No1 goalkeeper for four consecutive years between 2015-2018.This time round the PFA Team of the Year features five Arsenal players and four City stars.Most read in FootballThe 2023/24 Premier League Team of the YearFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal loanee David Raya – who joined on a permanent basis from Brentford this summer- edged out Alisson to a spot between the sticks.While William Saliba, Virgil van Dijk, Gabriel and Kyle Walker made up a back line of zero City representatives for the first time since 2020.Arsenal vs Wolves: Player RatingsRodri was named in the heart of the midfield trio, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard also got the nod in the XI.Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Aston Villa’s topscorer Ollie Watkins made up the front three.The last time United went two seasons without a player featuring in the best starting XI was between 1986-87 and 1987-88. But it did happen THREE times in a row between 1979 – 1980, when Liverpool and Arsenal were dominating the league.Arsenal stars dominated the starting XIGianfranco Zola presents Cole Palmer with his PFA Young Player of the Year trophyCredit: PA More

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      Sky Sports legend blasts Man City’s style as ‘no way to play football’ after bizarre Haaland stats at Chelsea

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S style is “no way to play to football”, claims Sky Sports legend Martin Tyler.The respected broadcaster pointed to Erling Haaland’s THREE completed passes against Chelsea on Sunday as an example of the negative effects of “over-coaching”.Sky Sports legend Martin Tyler has blasted Man City’s styleCredit: GettyAs Erling Haaland stats are laid bareCredit: RexHaaland’s completed just three passes against Chelsea, despite scoring the first goalTyler told The Football Authorities podcast: “The most prolific goal scorer in the Premier League at the moment– 91 goals in 100 appearances now – played a game on Sunday.”He had one touch of the ball between the 18th and the 52nd minute, completed three passes throughout the game, one dribble, one goal.”Former ITV broadcaster Clive Tyldesley replied: “Is the new centre forward somebody who doesn’t see a great deal of the ball?”Before Tyler, 78, responded: “Haaland, he’s such a good player and he gets so few touches because of the way Manchester City play.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I don’t know how he manages on this. The goals and the medals and the money all make it work – but it’s no way to play football.”Man City play a possession-based style, emphasising quick, short passes to control the ball out from the back.Much was often made of Haaland’s lack of touches last season, with games against Bournemouth, Liverpool and the defeat to Aston Villa particularly highlighted.And the Norweigan ace was barely involved in City’s play in their 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend.Most read in FootballHaaland was limited to a few touches at ChelseaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHaaland completed just three passes, which is the fewest amount a player has managed in 90 minutes for a Pep Guardiola-coached team.He acknowledged he needs to improve despite notching his 91st goal for City in 100 games for the club.Chelsea vs Manchester City: Player Ratings BreakdownHaaland said: “When you see today, all the defenders and how good they play to the midfielders. Pep will not like me saying this, but they don’t need me in this team, so I can just stand there and watch!”I want to get more involved, that’s what Pep wants.”But in games like this, do I need to be that more involved? That’s the million-dollar question.”I want to get more assists and become a better player.”The 24-year-old has proven he doesn’t need to be involved in the game to get goals, winning the Golden Boot in his first two campaigns.He opened the scoring from close range on Sunday before former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic finished the home side off in the 84th minute.READ MORE SUN STORIESTyler later added: “I think the game is a bit overcoached. We put too much emphasis on the managers as broadcasters, the constant cutting to bench shots.”In terms of playing out of the back in the lower league, the pitches aren’t good enough, the players aren’t good enough and the risk and reward; there’s very little reward.”What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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      Pep Guardiola ‘told to decide by Christmas’ over Man City future as speculation over England job continues

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      MAN CITY’s bigwigs want Pep Guardiola to make a decision about his future before Christmas.Guardiola has hinted that his time at the Etihad Stadium may be nearing its conclusion, while rumours continue to swirl about the Spanish tactician taking over as England boss.Pep Guardiola’s future at Man City remains up in the airCredit: PAGuardiola admitted last week that, at present, “the motivation to win another Premier League is not there”.The 53-year-old caveated his bold statement with the reassurance that he will rediscover that hunger for a fifth consecutive league title in the last month of the season.But that attitude may just give fans a glimpse into the mind of Guardiola as he considers his future with Man City.Guardiola has entered the final year of his current deal with the Manchester club and admitted last season that he is “closer to leaving than staying.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow Sky Sports have claimed that chiefs at Man City have handed the manager a deadline for his decision as they look to prepare for a possible exit.It’s claimed that City’s execs want to know if Guardiola will be staying or leaving by Christmas – giving them plenty of time to find a suitable replacement for one of the game’s greatest ever managers.However, the report suggests that even if Guardiola was to pen a new deal with City it would only “delay the inevitable” of his impending exit.City will certainly be prepared either way as it’s been claimed the club are well aware that they are unable to hold on to Guardiola forever and have been monitoring replacement since as far back as 2019.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Cityzens might have a lot to deal with in the coming seasons if Guardiola is to call time on his tenure in the Etihad dugout, with their 115 charges from the Premier League also imminent.For Guardiola it may be that a fresh start is the most attractive prospect with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss likely to have a lengthy list of potential suitors should he leave City.Pep Guardiola refuses to rule out England manager job after Wayne Rooney tips him to succeed Gareth Southgate Reports suggest one of those options could be the England national team as the FA continue their search for a permanent boss after handing Lee Carsley the role on an interim basis.And when quizzed on taking over from Gareth Southgate in the nation’s hot-seat, Guardiola refused to rule out the possibility.Speaking earlier this month, he said: “I have to decide what I want to do in my life.“If I want to continue here, take a break, train national teams or not – many things.”During his eight-season reign at Man City Guardiola has won six Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups and the Champions League.The mastermind got his ninth campaign off to a winning start at the weekend as his side beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.City’s bigwigs have reportedly given Guardiola until Christmas to make a decisionCredit: RexMan City beat Chelsea 2-0 to open their Premier League campaignCredit: AFPEngland’s interim boss Lee Carsley was watching on at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty More

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      Fans say Pep Guardiola is ‘apologising for letting him leave’ as Man City boss chats to Chelsea’s Cole Palmer after win

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      FANS are convinced Pep Guardiola has apologised to Cole Palmer for letting him leave Manchester City.The forward joined Chelsea last summer in a £42.5million transfer to get more game time.Pep Guardiola chatted to Cole Palmer after Man City beat ChelseaCredit: GettyPalmer, 22, has gone on to become one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League since arriving at Stamford Bridge.Last season, he scored 22 goals and assisted 11 more in 33 league appearances.His performances saw him earn a call from Gareth Southgate to go to the Euros with England.Palmer’s exit did not weaken Man City too much as they went on to win the Premier League for the fourth consecutive season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter Chelsea’s first game of the new season, Palmer had a catch-up with his former manager Pep Guardiola.The Spaniard was the happier of the two, having seen his side come out 2-0 victors at Stamford Bridge.The pair were caught on camera having a conversation as they made their way off the pitch.The video has made its way to social media and fans are convinced they know what Guardiola was saying to Palmer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne posted: “Pep explaining to him why moving to Chelsea wasn’t a good move.”A second wrote: “Pep is apologising for letting him leave.” Fans say ‘Roy Keane would be proud’ as ‘fashion police’ Micah Richards trolls Redknapp and Sturridge live on Sky SportsDave Kidd: Why I’ve voted for Cole Palmer to be Footballer of the Year despite Chelsea woesBy Dave KiddTHE voting for the Footballer of the Year award closes on Tuesday and, unlike many, I’ve gone for Cole Palmer.Most Football Writers’ Association members vote by starting with the likely Prem champs and work backwards. So the winner will be Phil Foden, Rodri, Declan Rice or Martin Odegaard.There is dissent if a player from a less successful team wins, like David Ginola from mid-table Spurs in Manchester United’s ’99 Treble- winning year.But enjoying a superb individual season in a poor team is a greater achievement.And for Palmer — just 21 and in his first season as a regular starter — to have chalked up 23 goals and 13 assists in such a basket-case team as Chelsea, makes him this season’s outstanding player.Read Dave Kidd’s full column hereOr click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.A third commented: “Guardiola is really asking him if he was sure about signing that new long contract.”A fourth said: “Pep’s saying if I kept you, then I would win the league with ten games to spare.”Another added: “Pep is asking Cole if he wants to come back to City, obviously.”Palmer has been rewarded for his fine form at Stamford Bridge with a bumper new contract.He has signed a new contract that will run until 2033 and will receive a pay rise from his previous £60,000-per-week salary.He has also been nominated for both the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award and the PFA Young Player of the Year award.Harry Redknapp’s 2024/25 season predictions TOP FOURARSENAL, MANCHESTER CITY, LIVERPOOL and TOTTENHAM  — and  I’ve got a really strong feeling for Arsenal this season. A few of Man City’s star players are getting a bit older. There’s been nothing between the two teams over the past two years.RELEGATIONEVERTON (18th), SOUTHAMPTON (19th), LEICESTER (20th) — I like Sean Dyche and Everton are a great club with brilliant, knowledgeable fans. They’re just badly run. They need to go down to rebuild to come back again. But the key is new owners.TOP SCORERERLING HAALAND — I can’t see anyone taking his crown off him. He’s a goal machine, isn’t he? If I can get him at evens, I might lump on!MOST ASSISTSMARTIN ODEGAARD — He’ll be the catalyst for Arsenal’s surge to the title. I can see it now. He’s a superb player and he makes it look so easy.CARABAO CUPTOTTENHAM — Ange Postecoglou will break Spurs’ trophy curse. Most big teams will mess about with this trophy, but Tottenham will go full steam.FA CUPLIVERPOOL — I fancy Arne Slot to stamp his mark on English football quickly and there’s few better ways to do it than lifting this famous old trophy.CHAMPIONS LEAGUEREAL MADRID — Carlo Ancelotti is bullish about their chances. He has said that with Kylian Mbappe, it’s the best team they’ve had for a long time.EUROPA LEAGUEMANCHESTER UNITED — Clubs seem to have stopped sneering at this competition. And Spurs and United should be going both barrels for it.CONFERENCE LEAGUECHELSEA — The Luxembourg champions could be dangerous! Joking aside, the Blues must win it. More

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      Chelsea fans slam ‘weak wrists’ Robert Sanchez as ‘Kepa regen’ after keeper’s howler against Man City

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      CHELSEA fans are worried they have another goalkeeping flop on their hands.The Blues were chasing an equaliser against Manchester City when former midfielder Mateo Kovacic let loose from range.Robert Sanchez was close to keeping out Mateo Kovacic’s effortCredit: AFPThe Spaniard was beaten twice as Man City wonCredit: GettyMateo Kovacic stung his former clubCredit: ReutersHis effort gave City a 2-0 lead but Robert Sanchez got a hand on it and probably should have kept it out.Chelsea fans on social media saw shades of Kepa Arrizabalaga in the ex-Brighton keeper, 26.One wrote: “Sanchez has weaker wrists than Kepa. Wasn’t even a hard shot!”A second added: “no WAY we have a kepa regen.”READ MORE CHELSEA NEWAA third said: “How many times did this club need to see Robert Sanchez be absolutely diabolical to realise he was absolutely diabolical. It actually boils my blood. He’s terrible, he’s a calamity. GET HIM OUT.”A fourth fumed: “No manager who starts Robert Sanchez in 2024 gets sympathy from me.”Chelsea were second best for long periods at Stamford Bridge and it was no surprise to see Erling Haaland give City the lead.Nicolas Jackson thought he had netted an equaliser but saw his effort chalked off for offside.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd after a decent second-half spell for the Blues, City took control again and Kovacic settled the contest.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca told BBC Match of the Day: “The performance was good and we competed against the best team in the world. Robert Sanchez shows off his unbelievable reflexes in Spain training “We played well and created chances. The biggest difference was inside the box and how they managed the ball at the end, they are a master. “We don’t like to lose games but the performance was good.”We can for sure improve many things, we’ve been together for just six weeks. “At the same moment, we liked to analyse the game and we tried to play football and create chances. It’s not easy but we did well.”It’s always tough because many of them deserve to play from the start. “We have another game soon so they have chances to play for sure.” More

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      Rival Premier League fans say ‘I feel sick’ as Man City’s £21m new-boy Savinho turns out to be ‘Riyad Mahrez regen’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE fans are fuming that Manchester City got their hands on Savinho.The seven-cap Brazil ace made his debut on Sunday after arriving from sister club Troyes in a £21million deal last month.Savinho looked superb on his Man City debutCredit: ReutersHe was unfortunately forced off injuredCredit: ReutersRiyad Mahrez is a Man City legendCredit: GettyThat fee, which could rise to £33.6m, is already looking like a bargain.Savinho started on the left flank but switched wings with Jeremy Doku after 15 minutes,He looked comfortable on the opposite side until injury forced him off at half-time, showing a few flashes of the ability.And that was all rival supporters needed to see – comparing the winger to Riyad Mahrez.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne posted: “Savinho man. They got themselves a Mahrez regen. I feel sick.”Another added: “I see mahrez everytime I watch savinho.”A third wrote: “Savinho is giving Mahrez regen vibes.”A fourth posted: “Savinho is good. He reminds me of mahrez, direct, take your man on and create chaos. Bargain.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSErling Haaland opened the scoring as City began their campaign with a 2-0 win at Chelsea.The Blues put up a fight but former midfielder Mateo Kovacic settled the tie with a late long-range effort.Manchester City challenging the Premier League and its entire rulebook in a court case with millions of pounds of damages on the lineHe told Sky Sports: “We are missing some big players.“I had a longer break so I could recover better, I wanted to be ready for the beginning of the season.“[Regarding Rodri’s absence] I played some kind of his role today, but we are always missing Rodri.“He is, if not, one of the best in the world.“I don’t score many goals, and when you score you want to celebrate.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.“But I have huge respect for Chelsea. I spent five years here.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I scored but that is not always the most important thing for me, the most important is winning.“This team is so hungry and it’s a pleasure to be a part of it and win titles.” More