Match previews

ARSENAL return from the international break with a mammoth trip to Manchester City – and the result could be season-defining for both teams.The Gunners sit top of the tree going into the weekend – ahead of Liverpool by goal difference and a point clear of upcoming opponents City.Arsenal are top of the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyManchester City drew with Liverpool before the international breakCredit: GettyArsenal’s phenomenal form has propelled them to the summit after winning EIGHT consecutive Premier League matches, scoring 33 goals in the process.However, Pep’s Treble winners will still be labelled favourites to win this contest as the North London outfit have not beaten City at the Etihad since January 2015.Furthermore, City are renowned for not dropping points during the final run-in.But Mikel Arteta will be hoping his side’s dramatic penalty shoot-out Champions League win against Porto can inspire Arsenal to break this eight-year curse.Read more on ArsenalRecent formThe champions are unbeaten in 22 games and are still fighting for the Treble thanks to recent wins over Newcastle in the FA Cup and Copenhagen in the Champions League.Pep Guardiola’s side battled to a 1-1 draw with Liverpool earlier this month despite losing Ederson to injury.The Citizens easily could have lost that game but showed good character to pick up a point – which could have been three if Jeremy Doku’s strike that hit the post went a few inches to the left.Arsenal also made it through to the Champions League quarter-final last time out with victory over Porto, and they have not lost since their FA Cup clash with Liverpool in January.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Gunners have blown teams away with big thrashings in recent weeks, particularly on the road, with 17 goals in their last three away games.What is the team news?Guardiola has several injury concerns ahead of this huge title clash against Arsenal.Huge Man City blow just five days before crunch Arsenal clash as John Stones taken off NINE minutes into England clashKevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish were left out of their respective international squads due to groin problems but both have taken part in training this week.Captain Kyle Walker withdrew from England duties after sustaining a hamstring injury, however, the right-back is expected to be fit to participate.But John Stones (abductor), Manuel Akanji (muscle) and Ederson (muscle) are all expected to miss out.Elsewhere, Arsenal stars Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka left their international camps early after picking up minor injuries.Gabriel Martinelli is in a race against time as he looks to shake off a foot injury he received before the international break.While Timber still seems to be unavailable as the Dutchman didn’t feature in Arsenal’s loss to QPR which involved Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey.Star menPhil Foden has been City’s main man this season and has frequently popped up in big games with match-winning goals.He has embraced the responsibility of being City’s chief creator in the absence of De Bruyne and may have to fulfil that role once again with the Belgian an injury doubt.Foden, 23, has created 57 chances this season in just 28 games, with 11 goals and seven assists.As good as Foden has been, he has been surpassed in terms of creating chances by Martin Odegaard.Arsenal need a captain’s performance from the Norwegian, who is beginning to find his best form of the season.A return of 73 chances created in just 25 games shows he knows how to unlock a defence, and he has been key to Arsenal’s free-scoring form in recent weeks.Phil Foden is enjoying his best season so far for CityArsenal need a captain’s display from Martin OdegaardSunSport predictionThere have been goals galore in recent Arsenal games of late but these two sides should cancel each other out as they did in their meeting at The Emirates. 1-1.When is Man City vs Arsenal?
Manchester City and Arsenal will lock horns THIS Sunday – March 31.
The huge title clash is scheduled to get underway at 4:30pm GMT
Etihad Stadium is the allocated arena for this thrilling match and it can host approximately 53,400 fans.
Gabriel Martinelli’s late strike earned Arsenal a famous victory when the sides met earlier this season.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
Manchester City vs Arsenal will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
Coverage is expected to commence from 4pm GMT – 30 minutes before kick-off on both channels.
Fans can stream the match through NOW TV.
Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the game through our live blog.
READ MORE SUN STORIESJohn Stones picked up an injury on international duty with EnglandCredit: RexWhat are the odds?
Man City to win 20/23
Draw 27/10
Arsenal to win 14/5
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More

MANCHESTER UNITED return to Premier League action with a tough trip to Brentford – but Erik ten Hag’s men should be full of confidence following their last two results.Amad Diallo scored a 120th-minute winner in what turned out to be an FA Cup classic against Liverpool before the international break.Manchester United left it late to beat Liverpool in the FA CupCredit: EPAAnd it was the perfect way for United to build on their last Premier League encounter where they comfortably beat Everton 2-0 However, the Red Devils still have their work cut out if they are to catch top-four rivals Aston Villa who are currently nine points ahead of them on the leaderboards.But they’ll be expected to reduce the gap to just six as Brentford could be wounded from recently losing 2-1 to Burnley.When is Brentford vs Man Utd
Brentford vs Man Utd will take place Saturday, March 30th.
Kick off will be at 8:00pm GMT.
Gtech Community Stadium will host.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat TV channel is Brentford vs Man Utd on and can it be live streamed FREE?
Brentford vs Man Utd will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.
Team newsUnited defender Luke Shaw sustained a thigh injury and is expected to be out for an extended period. Lisandro Martinez is stepping up his fitness as he returns to Manchester after a knee injury. Elsewhere, head coach Thomas Frank confirmed that Brentford could see the return of Ethan Pinnock after the international break.Most read in FootballThe defender sustained an ankle injury during the 2-0 victory over Wolves in February. But Joshua Dasilva and Rico Henry are out for the season with knee injuries. Frank said: “Josh had a very successful surgery two days ago and he’s good.” What are the odds?
Brentford to win 2/1
Draw 27/10
Man Utd to win 23/20
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More

CHELSEA impressed to beat Newcastle United and pick up all three points on Monday Night Football – Cole Palmer scoring one and providing one in another top performance.Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring for the Blues with a brilliant flick from a Palmer shot that snuck past Martin Dubravka.Newcastle striker Alexander Isak then levelled just before the break with a smart finish into the corner to make it 1-1 at half-time.But it was Palmer, so often Chelsea’s hero this season, who broke the deadlock – firing in from outside the box to put the Blues in the lead.Mykhailo Mudryk then showed some smart footwork to wriggle himself free and around Dubravka to give Chelsea a commanding lead.Jacob Murphy rifled in a powerful late goal to set up a nervy finish but the Blues held on to take all three points.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL That’s all from West London
Three goals for Chelsea, three points for Chelsea, and renewed optimism among Mauricio Pochettino’s men and the Stamford Bridge faithful.
It wasn’t always pretty, but there were enough glimpses of class to hint that this season may yet offer something for the Blues to be proud of.
It’s the FA Cup and Championship leaders Leicester next for Chelsea on Saturday, and we’ll be back here to bring you all the action.
Until then, thanks for joining us and goodnight.
Copy linkCopiedExtra! Read all about it!
Before we sign off for the evening, enjoy a recap of Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Newcastle with Andrew Dillon’s match report from Stamford Bridge.
England head coach Gareth Southgate will have been impressed by Cole Palmer as he prepares to name a squad on Thursday for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. The best and most consistent player at Chelsea in a wobbly season has a fighting chance to make it to the Euros this summer with the kind of maturity he is showing in his first big season.Andrew DillonThe Sun

Copy linkCopiedImproving Palmer has no regrets
Chelsea may be languishing in mid-table, but Cole Palmer has no issues with his decision to leave European champions Manchester City in pursuit of regular first team football.
I thought I was ready to play football week in, week out and that’s the reason. I just wanted to showcase my ability and thankfully it has paid off. It was a very difficult decision to leave City, I was there since six years old. I was ready to play football, had a chat with my family, had a chat with the club and moved to Chelsea.Cole PalmerSky Sports

Copy linkCopiedBlues keep European hopes alive
With their win this evening, Chelsea stay in 11th position but close the gap on Newcastle and the top half to a single point – with a game in hand too.
With 11 matches remaining for the Blues, those at Stamford Bridge have not given up on qualifying for Europe via their league position.
Credit: premierleague.com
Copy linkCopiedChelsea’s Cole-den boy
With a goal and an assist this evening (brilliant and inadvertent respectively), Cole Palmer scored and provided in a Premier League game for the fifth time this season – more than any other player in the division.
The forward’s superb second half strike also meant that he hasnj0w scored in his last five home starts, making him the sixth Chelsea player to do so in the Premier League-era, and the first since Olivier Giroud in December 2020.
Palmer has now been directly involved in 19 goals (11 goals and eight assists) this season. Only four players have had more goals and assists combined in their debut Premier League campaign for the Blues.

Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from Stamford Bridge
No corners for Chelsea, Newcastle scoring with two of their three shots on target, and a referee who wouldn’t allow another ten seconds of play so that the visitors could clock up 500 passes.

Copy linkCopiedFull time – Chelsea 3-2 Newcastle
The final whistle goes, and – despite a late Newcastle flourish – Chelsea hang on for all three points.
You’ll do well to watch a stranger game of football this season, although perhaps it’s quite fitting.
Five superb goals highlighted the talent in these two expensively-assembled squads, but the sloppiness of play on display said much more about the inconsistency and lack of confidence that has hampered their season.
The result takes the Blues within a point of their opponents, but the upshot remains that both clubs are heading for a mid-table finish this term. More will be expected the next time they meet.

Copy linkCopiedChelsea 3-2 Newcastle – White yellow card
90+5. Mudryk has been a bundle of energy since his introduction, and he may well have just sealed the game for Chelsea – aside from scoring the decisive goal – by winning a free-kick high up the pitch.
The Ukrainian leaps on to a one-two, and goes down under the challenge of Joe White, a misdemeanour that earns the youngster a very harsh yellow card.
That should be that.
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Chelsea 3-2 Newcastle

90+2. Out of nowhere, it’s nervy times for Chelsea, who have retreated into a low block, content to break the remainder of the game up with a series of fouls and free-kicks.
Copy linkCopiedChelsea 3-2 Newcastle
90. On a night of brilliant goals, this is the best of the lot.
Jacob Murphy shrugs off the feeble challenge of Marc Cucurella by rolling away from him and bursts into the penalty area.
With the angle against him, the Newcastle substitute unleashes an absolute rocket of a shot that soars into the roof of the net via the crossbar, beating the stunned Djordje Petrovic at his near post.
Newcastle are not done yet, and there will be six minutes of stoppage time to play.

Copy linkCopiedWhat a hit!

Copy linkCopiedChelsea 3-1 Newcastle
87. The game is meandering towards its conclusion.
Supporters are already thinking about their plans for the week, and whether the shops will still be open on the way home.
Copy linkCopiedChelsea 3-1 Newcastle
84. Mudryk goes fast and direct again, powering his way to the right byline and thumping a cross into the chest of Dubravka.
It’s impressive if a little aimless from the Ukrainian, who takes a sore one as his momentum carries him crashing into the advertising hoardings.
Copy linkCopiedChelsea 3-1 Newcastle
82. The visitors continue to plug away, and Isak almost gets on the end of a hopeful delivery from the right.
However, Newcastle’s injuries – particularly in attack – are once again being highlighted with the lack of options available to support their tiring striker obvious.
Copy linkCopiedChelsea 3-1 Newcastle – Newcastle substitutions
80. Here come the kids.
Miley and White are on as Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock are taken off to preserve energy for other battles ahead.
Copy linkCopiedChelsea 3-1 Newcastle
78. Eddie Howe knows the game’s up, and calls for two of his youngsters from the bench.
Lewis Miley and Joe White are going to get some game time.
Copy linkCopiedChelsea 3-1 Newcastle
76. Three goals for Chelsea – and it should mean three points too!
Yet again – in what has been a largely unforgettable and sloppy game – it’s a goal of the highest quality.
Nicolas Jackson spearheads the attack on the left, eventually moving the ball to Mykhailo Mudryk on the charge though the middle.
The substitute barely breaks pace as he nips the ball through the legs of Sven Botman, dribbles around the lacklustre Martin Dubravka and steers into the empty net despite Emil Krafth’s last-ditch attempt to clear.
It’s the Ukrainian’s fourth Premier League goal of the season, and his first of 2024.

Copy linkCopiedIt’s three!

Copy linkCopiedChelsea 2-1 Newcastle – Caicedo yellow card
73. Enzo Fernandez attempts to take out Tino Livramento and misses.
No bother thinks Moises Caicedo, who duly obliges in flattening the right-back and receives a yellow card.
Finally, the Chelsea midfield partnership is beginning to flourish.
Copy linkCopiedChelsea 2-1 Newcastle – Petrovic yellow card
71. The Chelsea goalkeeper goes into the book for time wasting.
I wonder if referee John Brooks had to check whether his name is Petrovic or Petkovic like I have to every time he merits a mention.
Copy linkCopiedChelsea 2-1 Newcastle – Chelsea substitution
70. After those Newcastle changes, Mauricio Pochettino responds by making his first of the night.
Mykhailo Mudryk joins the action, replacing Raheem Sterling.
Copy linkCopiedChelsea 2-1 Newcastle – Newcastle substitutions
69. Burn wants to continue, but Eddie Howe appears to have decided that it’s the end of the night for the defender.
It’s one of two changes made by the visitors with Emil Krafth and Elliot Anderson both introduced into the action.
Miguel Almiron joins Burn in making way for the new arrivals.
Copy linkCopiedChelsea 2-1 Newcastle
67. Gordon header! Wide!
Murphy clips the free-kick across, and the Newcastle defender gets up high above Disasi to nod just past the near post.
However, Burn hasn’t picked himself back up off the floor, having landed very awkwardly. The Newcastle physios are on once more.
Copy linkCopiedChelsea 2-1 Newcastle
65. Newcastle win a free-kick deep inside the Chelsea half, out on the right.
It’s fair to say that the majority of Newcastle’s most threatening moments tonight have come from set-plays.
Copy linkCopiedChelsea 2-1 Newcastle
63. On the touchline, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is deep in conversation with assistant and influencer Jason Tindall.
Are the Toon plotting further changes?
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