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      in Soccer

      Bukayo Saka feared he wouldn’t be the same player after Arsenal injury hell as kind gesture to hospital staff revealed

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      BUKAYO SAKA lay in his hospital bed on Christmas Eve, doubting whether he would be as good a player in the future as he had been in the past.But thanks to a self-help book and the mindful joy of a new puppy, the England and Arsenal star has returned from hamstring surgery focused only on the present.Buyako Saka was ‘worried’ about his future after having surgery just before ChristmasSaka tore his hamstring against Crystal Palace in DecemberAnd it is that perspective that can help put a frustrating campaign —  that began with a Euros final loss for England and ended trophyless for his club — behind him.Saka, 23, said: “I was not happy with last season — how it went and how it ended.“But the only thing I can do now is look forward and try to be the best version of myself and help my team-mates be the same.”The Londoner went under the knife on December 24 after sustaining the injury three days prior in a 5-1 win at Crystal Palace.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIn typical, kind fashion, he opted to do the procedure 24 hours before Christmas so the surgeons could be with their nearest and dearest the following day.He made it home to spend Christmas with his loved ones but what followed was nearly four months out which he used for  self-reflection.The Gunners talisman said: “I had gone from five years straight playing football, either involved with the team every single day training or playing games. Everything stops.“You are on crutches, in hospital and need help around the house for the first few weeks.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge“I got to spend more time with my family and got to do little things around the house that I wouldn’t have even paid attention to when I was playing.“On that note it was nice and I’ve come back with a bit more of a balanced head about football and life, and I’m trying to balance them better. It definitely helped me mentally.Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s glam girlfriend Tolami Benson steals the show in daring outfit at The Fashion AwardsSaka returned in March and played a starring role in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid“The first two days were the toughest, that realisation that I’ve got what I’ve got and I need an operation.“You start to think, ‘Am I going to be the same?’ as players came back from this injury and weren’t the same.“After two days my surgery was done, and successful, and you just look forward. I was really positive and put in all the work I needed with my diet, in the gym, on the pitch and the physios would say the same. I feel I’ve come back in a good place.”Saka is a keen reader of non-fiction and was inspired by a recommendation from Arsenal assistant coach Carlos Cuesta during his time sidelined.It is called The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and its message struck a chord with the talented winger.He added: “It’s a really good book. It’s about not thinking about the past, not thinking about the future, just being in the moment.You start to think, ‘Am I going to be the same?’Saka“Sometimes I can think, ‘Oh, am I going to come back in the best shape?’ Or, in the past, ‘What could I have done to prevent injury?’“But all that is not necessary. It’s only going to bring bad energy, negativity to your body.“One of the best things I took from the book is always ask yourself, what’s necessary in this moment right now and try to live that way.”Saka spent Christmas Day in a brace and on crutches at his cousin’s, having had surgery at 5am the previous day.He claimed it took him “ten minutes” to get to the dining room for dinner.So when his lively new Cockapoo called Tucker turned up soon after, it was not easy “to get after him”, as Saka put it, even if having the pooch has been a “good and funny experience”.On Tuesday against Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, Saka hopes to ­feature for the first time under Thomas Tuchel, who he describes as “demanding and intense” on the grass but “relaxed and nice” off it.Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich chief Tuchel has been brought in with the sole remit of winning the World Cup next year after a series of near-misses under predecessor Gareth Southgate.The German has won all three of his games, without conceding a goal, but underwhelmed with performances,  especially in Saturday’s drab 1-0 victory over Andorra in Barcelona.And Saka admits England sometimes have a motivation issue against the smaller nations.Saka is eyeing his first England game under Thomas TuchelArsenal team-mate Myles Lewis-Skelly has been called up to England againBut the bottom line — and Saka knows this best after a tough 12 months — is that winning is what matters most.He added: “Every player is different and I can’t answer for every player but naturally in the bigger games everyone is going to give a bit more.“In these other games we need to find a level where we can maintain that same quality and drive and hunger for the whole game.“It’s not easy at times but we need  to find that and get these games over the line.Read More on The Sun“The Andorra game, we still won, got another three points on the board and kept a clean sheet. It’s job done.“The expectation is to win, rather than entertain. If you can have both, then  perfect. But we feel more the expectation is to win than to entertain.”Saka’s Premier League stats this season More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Back to the grind in a few days’ – Anthony Joshua shows off results of elbow surgery as boxing star closes in on return

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has shown off the results of his elbow surgery as he plots his return to the ring. AJ went under the knife two weeks ago to fix the arm injury that has kept him out of action.Anthony Joshua has shown off the results of his elbow surgeryCredit: Instagram / @anthonyjoshuaJoshua shadowboxed two weeks after surgeryCredit: Instagram / @anthonyjoshuaAJ is plotting a return to the ringCredit: Instagram / @anthonyjoshuaAnd Joshua has given a small glimpse into his recovery as he shadowboxed on social media. Posting to his Snapchat account, he posted: “2 weeks post operation. Back to the grind in a few days.” Joshua, 35, was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, at Wembley and looked to be targeting an immediate rematch. But that failed to materialise with Dubois now rematching Oleksandr Usyk on July 19 in London – two years after losing to the Ukrainian. READ MORE IN BOXINGTyson Fury, 36, was last year beaten by Usyk, 36, twice and subsequently announced his retirement in January a month after losing the rematch. But AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn is hoping the unpredictable Gypsy King will make a U-turn and return to fight Joshua. Talks are ongoing with Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh over a new two-fight deal. And Hearn told BoxingScene in late May: “He’s had the operation, which went very well, and now he’s just sort of rehabbing it.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I believe about six weeks till he can punch again properly, and that kind of lends itself to a September, October, November fight.”That gives us a chance to see what happens with Dubois against Usyk.”That gives us a chance to see if Mr. Fury will ever return, and maybe something else.”But he’s definitely fighting this year and looking forward to it.”Tense moment Anthony Joshua and Mahmoud Charr face off ahead of proposed two-fight deal More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua lined up to fight two heavyweight rivals in new deal… but they are NOT Tyson Fury or Daniel Dubois

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA is in talks over a new two-fight deal – but it may not include Tyson Fury or Daniel Dubois.AJ has been out since September when he was knocked out by Dubois at Wembley.Anthony Joshua is in talks over a new two-fight dealCredit: PAAn arm injury has ruled him out of returning – leaving Joshua to have surgery on his elbow in May.And promoter Eddie Hearn revealed talks with Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh have taken place in the meantime. Hearn told BoxingScene: “We are actually discussing a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season.“We’ve been doing that, [Turki Alalshikh] said that on the night of Canelo [vs. William Scull, May 3], when we had our meeting, and that’s the plan really. READ MORE IN BOXING”We want to box sometime this year, October, November, December.”Joshua, 35, snubbed a rematch with Dubois, 27, the IBF champion. Dubois now rematches Oleksandr Usyk on July 19 at Wembley two years after losing to the Ukrainian.Fury, 36, was twice beaten by Usyk, 38, in 2024 and announced his shock retirement in January. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt dashes hopes of a British blockbuster with AJ but Hearn said: “We’ll see what happens with Dubois-Usyk, we’ll see what happens with Fury. “And if we don’t fight those guys, we’ll fight, and then maybe we’ll follow one of those guys next year.”Josh Kelly played against Jordan Pickford but now eyes title fight against ‘freak’ champ who’s as tall as Anthony JoshuaTwo names also on Joshua’s radar are Dillian Whyte and American Jared Anderson.Hearn said: “Two guys that have been discussed, but nothing concrete.” AJ knocked out Whyte in 2015 and they were due to meet in a rematch in August 2023. That was until Whyte returned “an adverse finding” in his pre-fight drug test – having to subsequently withdraw. He blamed the failed test on a tainted supplement and returned last year with wins in Ireland and Gibraltar.Whyte is due to return on Saturday on Fabio Wardley’s undercard in Ipswich – but is yet to have an opponent. Anderson, 25, meanwhile was KO’d by Martin Bakole, 31, last August but beat Marios Kollias in his February comeback. Joshua was due to rematch Dillian Whyte in 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunAmerican heavyweight Jared AndersonCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua faces off with ex-champ who survived assassination attempt as Eddie Hearn opens up on new two-fight deal

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA faced off with forgotten heavyweight Mahmoud Charr – as Eddie Hearn confirmed plans for a two-fight deal.AJ has been out of action since a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September while an elbow injury – which needed surgery – has sidelined him. Forgotten heavyweight Mahmoud Charr facing off with Anthony JoshuaIt comes with AJ in talks for a new two-fight dealBut promoter Hearn revealed talks with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season for a pair of bouts are underway. He told BoxingScene: “We are actually discussing a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season. “We’ve been doing that, [Turki Alalshikh] said that on the night of Canelo-Scull, when we had our meeting, and that’s the plan really. “We want to box sometime this year, October, November, December.”READ MORE IN BOXINGDubois, 27, now rematches Oleksandr Usyk, 38, on July 19 at Wembley two years after his stoppage loss to the Ukrainian. Usyk is coming off two wins over Tyson Fury, 36, last year which led to the Gypsy King’s surprise retirement in January. Hearn still hopes Fury will return to face Joshua, 35, while London’s undisputed title clash will also factor into their next move. He said: “We’ll see what happens with Dubois-Usyk. We’ll see what happens with Fury. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”If we don’t fight those guys, maybe we’ll fight one of those guys next year.” Another name hoping to put himself in the mix to fight Joshua is Lebanon-born German Charr – who changed his name from Manuel to Mahmoud. How Tyson Fury’s second season of Netflix reality show can be key to finally securing Anthony Joshua fightCharr long held the WBA’s secondary heavyweight title but lost it to Kubrat Pulev in December – not returning since. He now resides in Dubai where AJ was recently on holiday before also travelling to Oman on a visit. Charr went face-to-face in a tense stare down with Joshua and said: “There’s only one giant in Syria.” The 40-year-old has a 34–5 record, notably losing to Vitali Klitschko in 2012. But his career – and life – was almost ended in 2015 when he was targeted in a drive-by shooting in a kebab shop in Essen.He miraculously survived and lived to see his shooter, Youssef Hassan, sentenced to five years in prison after also undergoing two hip operations. Charr was astonishingly back in the ring just nine months later – to cap off a truly incredible comeback. He was 32 bouts into his career when his life was almost taken from him, following a cowardly assault from a Facebook troll.The attacker had been provoking the fighter online, posing videos of his losses on social media.But when Charr offered to face the man behind the screen in person, he was subject to an assassination attempt.Charr had two tune-ups fights afterwards but later needed a double replacement, undergoing surgery in 2017 at the age of just 32.Read More on The SunHe told SunSport in 2022: “I am not afraid of anyone. Fear is a feeling and feelings can be controlled. Fear exists only in your mind.”Charr was shot four times in 2015Credit: InstagramHe returned to boxing after surviving the shootingCredit: InstagramYoussef Hassan was given five years in prison for shooting CharrCredit: Alamy More

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      Former boxing world champion undergoes brain surgery after being rushed to hospital when he collapsed in the ring

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      GINJIRO SHIGEOKA has undergone brain surgery following his brutal defeat to Pedro Taduran.The Japanese southpaw collapsed in the ring as the result of his rematch with Taduran, which he lost via split decision, was announced – he was then stretchered out of the arena.Ginjiro Shigeoka rematched Pedro Taduran in Osaka, Japan last weekendCredit: ALAMYThe southpaw suffered a split decision defeat to the FilipinoCredit: ALAMYShigeoka collapsed after the result of the fight was announcedCredit: ALAMYThe former IBF light-flyweight champion was immediately rushed to the hospital after losing consciousness following the gruelling war, in which he failed to exact revenge on Taduran.The 25-year-old, who was undefeated before his consecutive losses to his Filipino foe, currently remains in a medically induced coma.He required emergency craniotomy, which involves removing part of the skull, which has brought about the end of his career.An update from his representatives read: “According to JBC [Japanese Boxing Commission], Japanese Former IBF Champion Ginjiro Shigeoka has suffered from an acute subdural hematoma and has already undergone a craniotomy.READ MORE IN BOXING“G. Shigeoka is still currently under observation in a private hospital in Osaka, Japan.”The commission has already enforced that Shigeoka has to retire from boxing following his craniotomy procedure.”Japanese Boxing Council rules prohibit boxers who have undergone any type of brain surgery from holding licenses, even if they make a full recovery.Shigeoka, the younger brother of former WBC light-flyweight titleholder Yudai, currently remains under observation.Most read in BoxingGinJiro Shigeoka remains under observation in a medically induced comaCredit: ALAMYAnd it will take the best part of a week before his condition becomes clear.Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, the JBC’s Secretary General, said: “The definite information is that he has an acute right subdural hematoma.Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun Sport“He underwent emergency craniotomy immediately after the match and is currently under observation.”It will take about a week to know his condition. He is asleep under anaesthesia.”We will continue to monitor his condition from now on.” More

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      in Soccer

      ‘I didn’t know whether I’d walk properly again’ – James Milner opens up on injury hell as he plans to play into his 40s

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      JAMES MILNER feared he may never walk again after suffering nerve damage during an operation.The former England international missed the lion’s share of the 2024/25 season for Brighton after having surgery following a knee injury last August.James Milner went under the knife after suffering a knee injury in surgeryCredit: GETTYDamage to a nerve almost left the former England midfielder unable to walkCredit: GETTYA nerve, however, ended up being damaged during his knee reconstruction and left him unable to lift his feet or toes.The 39-year-old recalled: “I had a contact injury in training before the Arsenal game on my knee.“It was stable and we gave it a go and my hamstring reacted. “I had a knee operation and knee reconstruction, which was fine and I would have been back at the start of December.READ MORE SPORT NEWS“But in the operation, a nerve got damaged. After the operation, I couldn’t lift my foot or my toes.”The first time I saw any flicker of life was the 31st of December.”Milner’s road to recovery has been a long and arduous one, to say the least.He continued: “It’s been a long, tough road. The medical staff have been incredible, [club physio] Sean Duggan has been absolutely unbelievable.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJames Milner is hoping to bag a new contract with BrightonCredit: GETTY“There was a chance I might not have come back at all. I didn’t know if I could walk normally again, never mind play football.”But, thankfully, the hard work’s paid off. And to get on the field today [Sunday] with the boys and see them turn it around in the second half and be a part of that was special.My dad was in same England squad as James Milner before injury heartbreak – now I’m making my own way in Premier League“I’ve been on the grass for a good few months now, but I just need to be careful with contact. “I’ve just run out of time. If the season was next week, I think I would have been fit from now on.“It’s not age-related, it’s just one chance in however many thousand. “It was just a bit of bad luck after starting the season well and feeling good.”Milner returned to action on the final day of the season last weekend, in which Brighton romped to a 4-1 win over Europa League winners Tottenham.And the veteran is hoping to earn a new contract at the Amex, which will see him play top-flight football at the ripe old age of 40. He said: “I started the season well, I look at my fitness now and I feel good.I didn’t know if I could walk normally again, never mind play football.”James Milner”Coming on against Tottenham, I would like to keep playing, I’ve definitely got another year left in me. “I think we’re quite close, so it will be nice to be here and be part of the team and help the boys.“You look at the season we have had. We have good players and good results.”But there have been times when we’ve dropped points and shouldn’t have done. You need a bit of experience.“You look at the players that have come in, the likes of Mats Wieffer and Brajan Gruda, difficult coming to a new team and country.Read More on The Sun”But look how good they’ve been in last few weeks. It takes time.“I’m excited for next year for sure. Hopefully I can be a part of it.” More

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      Why are Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison not playing in the Man Utd vs Spurs Europa League final?

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      TOTTENHAM Hotspur will be without two of their most influential attacking players for the Europa League final against Manchester United.Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison’s absences are due to injuries sustained in the final weeks of the season, severely impacting Spurs’ preparations for this crucial match.James Maddison left the quarter-final first leg between Tottenham Hotspur and Bodo/Glimt injuredCredit: GettyDejan Kulusevski was injured playing in the Prem against Crystal PalaceCredit: ReutersKulusevski in hospital posted this pic from hospital on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/spursofficial/?hl=enDejan Kulusevski — knee injury and surgeryDejan Kulusevski has been a key figure for Tottenham this season with 10 goals and 11 assists across 50 appearances.He suffered a knee injury during Spurs’ 2-0 home defeat against FA cup heroes Crystal Palace on May 11, 2025.The Swedish international was forced off the pitch in the after 19 minutes, with subsequent medical evaluations revealing damage to his right patella.Kulusevski underwent surgery on his knee shortly after the injury, which has ruled him out for the remainder of the season, including the Europa League final.read more on spursAt first Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou said: “It should be okay. Just talking to him after, the medical team’s not too concerned with him.It’s more of a knock than anything else… We’re hopeful it will be fine. I can’t say for sure, though.” However, after further assessment and surgery, Ange confirmed the the news his side’s fans were fearing: “Initially we thought it wasn’t too serious but it blew up the day after.”He’s had the surgery, which will put him out for at least a few months.”Most read in Europa LeagueOn whether Kulusevski would be ready for the start of next season, he added: “We’ll see. I currently have only basic details regarding his recovery, but it will definitely keep him out for a considerable period.”James Maddison — season-ending knee injuryJames Maddison, another creative force in Tottenham’s midfield, has also been ruled out of the Europa League final due to a knee injury.‘Spurs does crazy things to people’ – Postecoglou takes swipe at Wenger as Arsenal legend proposes shock rule changeMaddison sustained the injury during the first leg of the semi-final against Bodø/Glimt at the start of May.Despite his instrumental role in Spurs’ European campaign, both scoring and assisting in key knockout matches, Maddison’s season was abruptly ended by this setback.Tottenham confirmed he would not return before the end of the season.The midfielder expressed his disappointment publicly, stating he was “absolutely gutted” to miss out on the club’s biggest match in years.Maddison wrote on social media: “Gutted. Just absolutely gutted.”Maddison believes his side an still win the final despite the absencesCredit: Reuters”We’ve had our sights on that European final in Bilbao from day one.”He added: “But I truly believe it can be a special night for my football club. Bring on the 21st. All together.”His absence leaves a significant creative void in Spurs’ lineup for the final.Impact on Tottenham’s lineupThe loss of both Kulusevski and Maddison is a major blow for Tottenham.Both players have been central to the team’s attacking play and their injuries have forced Ange to rethink his approach for the final.Read More on The SunIn addition to these two, Spurs are also missing Lucas Bergvall (ankle injury) and Timo Werner (hamstring injury) from the squad named for the knockout stages.Nevertheless, Tottenham will look to rally around their available squad members in hopes of securing their first major trophy since 2008. More

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      Donny van de Beek appears to blame Man Utd for injuries and admits warming the bench left his confidence shot to pieces

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      DONNY VAN DE BEEK has linked his ongoing injury problems with being benched during his nightmare spell at Manchester United.Van de Beek’s was forced to undergo surgery on his Achilles last week after a confidence-building debut season with Girona. Donny van de Beek’s career took a downward spiral when he joined Man Utd in 2020The Dutchman said injuries came after being sidelined for extended periods of timeThe former Man Utd and Ajax midfielder rediscovered his love for the game with 35 appearances for the LaLiga side this season.It marked a significant step in his quest to rediscover a run of form that once made him one of Europe’s most wanted players.In fact, Van de Beek was so keen to impress that he pushed through a disastrous pain barrier to help Girona retain their LaLiga status this term.He told SPORTbible: “I’ve had this Achilles issue for a while and kept playing through it, but it got too much in the end.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 28-year-old has suffered another setback and will miss the final game of the season on Sunday after having surgery on his left ankle.The Dutchman has endured several different injuries since his doomed £35million move from Ajax to Old Trafford in 2020.And Van de Beek as now linked his fitness issues to his extended time spent on the bench during his four years at Man Utd.He said: “It’s difficult to build rhythm and confidence when you’re constantly being sidelined.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”It’s hard to be at your best when you’re in and out of the team, and I think when you’re not playing regularly.”Your body isn’t used to the intensity and you become more prone to injuries. The lack of consistent minutes didn’t help either.”Bilbao cops to launch ‘biggest security operation ever’ as 70,000 Brits flood Spanish city for Europa League finalFrom thighs, groins and hamstrings, to a huge knee injury that kept him out for 179 days, Van de Beek spent more and more time in the medical room.And it was the same at during his loan spells at Goodison Park and Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.After starting just four league games in his debut season under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, Van de Beek started three consecutive games for the first time under Erik ten Hag after two years in 2022.But a brutal season-ending injury against Bournemouth, wiped out that momentum. I’ll be watching on Wednesday night. I still love to see United play and hope they can win it.Van de BeekSPORTbibleVan de Beek added: “I think I deserved more chances, especially in my first year.”I didn’t play all the time, but when I did, I had some good games. I was convinced I would get more opportunities.”I felt good, and thought, ‘Okay, my time will come’ but for some reason, it didn’t happen.”After a year or two, it gets harder because if you don’t get a longer run of games then it’s difficult to prove yourself.”But the Dutchman still holds Man Utd close to his heart and his family have fond memories of living in Manchester.And he’ll be cheering Ruben Amorim’s side from afar against Tottenham in the Europa League final – four years after being part of the United squad that fell to a penalty shoot-out defeat against Villarreal.He said: “I’ll be watching on Wednesday night. I still love to see United play, and I stay in contact with a lot of people from the club.”I really hope they can win it, they deserve it. The fans have been through a lot recently.”I never had any bad experiences with the fans. We had a great relationship. They were always so good to me. Read More on The Sun”That gave me a lot of energy, especially during difficult moments.”The fans and staff deserve so much better than what’s happening now. It’s tough to see.”MAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions More