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      Pep Guardiola claims Erling Haaland deserves Ballon d’Or as Man City star battles Lionel Messi… but there’s a twist

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      PEP GUARDIOLA claims Erling Haaland deserves to win the Ballon d’Or – but so does Lionel Messi.Haaland has been nominated for the coveted prize after scoring 52 goals in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign.
      Erling Haaland deserves to win the Ballon d’Or according to Pep GuardiolaCredit: PA
      Lionel Messi is set to battle Haaland for the Ballon d’OrCredit: Rex
      Yet City boss Guardiola has always maintained his former Barcelona talisman, who inspired Argentina to World Cup success in 2022, is the best player he has ever coached.
      Guardiola said: “I always said that the Ballon d’Or had to be of two sections – one for Messi and one for the others.
      “Haaland should win. We won the treble because he scored 52 goals but, of course, Messi – his worst season is the best of most players. Both deserve it.
      “Egotistically, I would say I want Erling because he helped us to achieve what we achieved, I would love it, but I won’t tell you it’s unfair if Leo wins.
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      “It’s nice that many players for Man City will be there for the first time in many years and challenging for these trophies. That makes us so proud for our organisation.”
      Champions City are hoping to get back to winning ways in the Premier League this weekend after losing their two matches prior to the international break to Wolves and Arsenal.
      They face a tough challenge, however, with Brighton the visitors to the Etihad Stadium, and Guardiola has been highly impressed by their performances under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
      Guardiola said: “He’s converting Brighton into a top club. (Alexis) Mac Allister and (Levi) Colwill have gone but they continue to play at a good level.
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      “Last season was really good too. They qualified for Europe and but for some decisions against them in the last games they could fight to be champions.
      “It is one of the toughest tests we have this season and we are going to try and go for it.”
      City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who has struggled for game time under Guardiola, this week admitted he needs to play more at club level to retain his place in the England squad ahead of Euro 2024.
      That has increased speculation he could leave in January and Guardiola, speaking at a press conference on Friday, did not rule out that possibility.
      He said: “The transfer window is over, now we are here together. When we need a game with transitions or games with something with chaos Kalvin is perfect.
      Guardiola believes both Haaland and Messi would be worthy Ballon d’Or winnersCredit: Getty
      “When there is something you need to do, there are still one or two players who can do it better. That’s the simple reason.
      “He will be here until winter. After, I don’t know what will happen because nobody knows once the window is open.”
      Guardiola admitted it was “so important” Rodri returned this weekend after the influential Spain midfielder was sorely missed during his recent suspension.
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      Rodri incurred a three-match ban after being sent off following a confrontation with Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White last month.
      Guardiola said: “Rodri has to learn. We have to control our emotions and stand up and go. I’m pretty sure he will learn.” More

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      Chelsea fans to honour Eden Hazard with huge flag after retirement… as Real Madrid erase all traces of record transfer

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      EDEN HAZARD is set to be honoured by Chelsea fans ahead of their clash with Arsenal.The Blues welcome Mikel Arteta’s side to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
      Chelsea fans are set to honour Eden Hazard on SaturdayCredit: Reuters
      A flag will be unfurled by supporters before their match against ArsenalCredit: PA:Press Association
      Ahead of the match, supporters will display a huge flag to honour Hazard following his retirement.
      The Belgian announced he was hanging up his boots at the age of 32 last week.
      A crowd-surfing banner has since been paid for and made by Chelsea supporters.
      It will be unfurled five minutes before kick-off on Saturday in order to avoid a clash with a minute’s silence for the victims of the Israel-Palestine war.
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      However, no such tribute is being planned by Real Madrid, who have removed all traces of Hazard’s £100million record transfer to the club.
      The forward endured an injury-ravaged four years in Spain after signing from Chelsea in 2019, missing 95 games for club and country during that time.
      His time at the club came to an end in the summer, with the Spanish giants terminating his contract a year early.
      Hazard remains a hero in West London, though, thanks to his glittering seven-year spell with Chelsea.
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      Real Madrid have removed all traces of Hazard’s time at the clubCredit: Getty
      During that time he scored 110 goals in 352 appearances and won six major trophies, including both the Premier League and Europa League on two occasions.
      After retiring, Hazard is not expected to move into management, with his brother Thorgan shutting down speculation of a coaching career.
      He has already returned to a football pitch, though, appearing in a star-studded charity match in France this week. More

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      Shock clash revealed as Premier League’s likely Christmas Eve TV game risking huge fan backlash

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      PREM chiefs are considering playing a match on Christmas Eve for the first time in nearly 30 years.Chelsea’s trip to Wolves, initially scheduled for December 23, is understood to be the game under discussion.
      Wolves vs Chelsea is the fixture likely to be moved to Christmas Eve this yearCredit: AFP
      Sky Sports are believed to be pushing for a match on the day before Christmas to be part of their festive TV offer to fans.
      It would be the first time a top flight game has been played on December 24 since Leeds beat Manchester United 3-1 at Elland Road in 1995.
      But the idea has already brought a backlash from Chelsea fans and supporters of the Molineux outfit.
      Chelsea’s recent decision to end the subsidy for fans travelling to away matches has added to the frustration of Blues fans.
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      And there is also the likelihood of pushback from West Midlands Police ahead of a night when their resources are likely to be stretched thin patrolling the streets and ensuring revellers are safe.
      Prem bosses were due to announce the full list of December and January fixture switches on Friday.
      Instead the League only announced the seven matches moved from the 3pm Saturday slot on December 2, which include Manchester United fans facing ANOTHER 8pm away match, this time at Newcastle.
      The Prem said: “The remaining December and January fixtures will be announced early next week.”
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      Manchester City’s home game with Spurs will be the main event over that weekend in the 4.30pm Sunday slot.
      Four games – Bournemouth versus Aston Villa, Chelsea’s match with Brighton, Fulham’s trip to Liverpool and West Ham against Crystal Palace will be 2pm starts on December 3 because of European commitments the previous Thursday. More

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      Fans in hysterics at James Maddison’s X-rated blast at Pedro Porro after Tottenham team-mate trolled his outfit

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      TOTTENHAM stars James Maddison and Pedro Porro left fans in hysterics with a hilarious exchange on social media.Maddison and Porro are among Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou’s stalwarts who have helped the team climb up to the top of the Premier League table.
      Tottenham ace Pedro Porro described team-mate James Maddison’s outfit as a “pyjama”Credit: Instagram @madders
      And it seems like there is not only chemistry on the pitch among the players as there is also a lot of it off the grass as well.
      The North Londoners’ duo proved it with some friendly banter on Instagram.
      Maddison shared a photo of himself returning to training at Enfield with a casual outfit.
      The versatile midfielder didn’t look very slick as he set foot for practice ahead of Monday’s Prem clash against London rivals Fulham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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      And Porro took a swipe at the 26-year-old’s threads, which he described as “Pyjamas”.
      The full-back posted on the comments’ section: “Good pyjamas for sleeping in..”
      The Spain international’s post left a raft of Tottenham fans in stitches.
      But Maddison took it up a notch with an X-rated blast at his 24-year-old team-mate.
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      The England international responded: “Speak English motherf*cker.”
      Tottenham fans were then left laughing their socks off after that friendly exchange of wits.
      Maddison’s quip attracted 1,272 likes, but Porro wasn’t far behind as he amassed a total of 1,120.
      One fan commented: “Please Pedro, he looks handsome.”
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      Maddison responded with a friendly X-rated blast at Porro on InstagramCredit: Rex
      Another posted: “Pedro plsss.”
      A third said: “Always in form.”
      This fan added: “What a legend.”
      And that one noted: “Man got drip on and off the pitch.” More

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      Ben White unveils shock new look ahead of Chelsea clash and Arsenal fans all make the same joke

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      ARSENAL star Ben White looks transformed following his bold hairstyle change.The defender was spotted in training on Friday sporting a new look ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea.
      Ben White has made a big transformation to his hairCredit: Instagram / arsenal
      Fans started making the same joke about the defender’s new hairCredit: Instagram / arsenal
      A before photo shows how much White has changed his lookCredit: Getty
      He laughed with Reiss Nelson and jokingly slapped the winger on his face as the squad stepped outside at London Colney to begin training.
      White, 26, has bleached his hair so that the colour now matches his name.
      Fans have picked up on that fact and many have reacted by making the same joke.
      One said: “White’s hair is white🤣”
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      Another added: “White has gone White.”
      A third wrote: “Fits the name finally… should be trademarked! 😂
      And another commented with White’s nickname: “Benny blanco.”
      White has made an impressive start to the season and played a key role in Arsenal’s recent win over Manchester City as he kept Phil Foden quiet.
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      The Gunners have opened talks with White over a new deal and are confident of reaching an agreement.
      He is viewed as a key component to Mikel Arteta’s squad and will be tasked with dealing with the threat of Raheem Sterling on Saturday. More

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      Fears Premier League clash could be CALLED OFF due to floods with club on red alert and in talks with police

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S home clash with Luton is at risk of being CALLED OFF due to floods.However, the hosts remain “hopeful” the game will still go ahead despite the extreme weather.
      Nottingham Forest remain ‘hopeful’ the game will go ahead despite floodingCredit: Rex
      Flooding has impacted Scotland as a result of Storm BabetCredit: PA
      Forest are due to host newly-promoted Premier League side Luton at 3pm on Saturday afternoon.
      Flooding in the city has led to fears the match could be postponed.
      But according to The Athletic, the home side are optimistic the match will take place as scheduled.
      Forest will stay in constant contact with the safety advisory group, police and local councils as they monitor the heavy rainfall.
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      The treacherous conditions are expected to continue into Saturday.
      According to Manchester Evening News, the North West is also expected to be hit hard by the weather as four more games threaten to be impacted.
      They are Liverpool vs Everton, Manchester City vs Brighton, Newcastle vs Crystal Palace and Sheffield United vs Manchester United.
      Roads in Nottingham have been forced to close due to the floods, with rail services also impacted.
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      More flooding looks set to take place this weekendCredit: PA
      Flood warnings have been issued to those in Nottinghamshire, but the City Ground pitch is yet to be affected.
      Forest relaid their pitch in the summer and made improvements to the drainage system.

      The Met Office has issued weather warnings, including alerts about potentially life threatening amounts of rain and high winds that could cause power outages.
      On Friday, forecasters sent out another rare red weather warning for part of eastern Scotland, indicating a danger to life.
      The warning – for “exceptionally heavy and persistent rain” – is in place from midnight on Saturday to 11:59pm on the same day.
      Shocking footage showed a distraught homeowner in Angus wading through their flooded house following torrential rainfall.
      40ft-high waves even destroyed a historic lighthouse in South Shields as the storm continues to batter Britain.
      Massive waves were seen crashing against the coast in other areas while howling gusts sweeping in from the Atlantic pose a danger to life. More

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      Pep Guardiola ‘names next Man City manager during secret chat to players in tunnel’ in bitter snub to club legend

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has reportedly told three Brighton players that Roberto De Zerbi will be the next Manchester City manager.The Spaniard is expected to leave the Etihad when his contract expires in 2025.
      Pep Guardiola told Brighton players that Roberto De Zerbi will be the next Man City managerCredit: Reuters
      The Man City boss has hailed De Zerbi as one of the most influential managersCredit: Reuters
      Guardiola has already won five Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups, two FA Cups and the Champions League with City, so his departure will inevitably mark the end of a glittering era.
      However, he believes that Brighton boss De Zerbi will be the perfect person to pass the baton to.
      According to The Telegraph, Man City manager Guardiola approached three Brighton players in the tunnel after the two sides met in May.
      He told them: “That’s the next Man City manager,” while nodding in the direction of De Zerbi.
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      Guardiola is a known admirer of the Italian and has even hailed him as one of the most influential managers of the last 20 years.
      Former Man City captain Vincent Kompany has been linked with the job in recent months.
      Burnley full-back Connor Roberts is convinced that he will take charge of the Cityzens one day.
      Roberts said: “Vincent will go and have that Man City job one day. I can’t express how good Vincent and his staff are.
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      “I thought I knew quite a lot about football about how to play and what to do. But this season working with them, now I know a lot more.”
      Despite their success in the Championship, Kompany’s Clarets have endured a slow start to life back in the Premier League.
      They currently sit 18th in the table with just four points from eight games.
      Vincent Kompany has been linked with the Man City jobCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League cult heroes turned into WWE wrestler action figures by AI including Big Sam and Steve Bruce

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      OH you didn’t know? Premier League cult heroes have been turned into WWE action figures.It’s true, it’s damn true! Soccer Slammers have formed a formidable tag team with AI as they transformed some of our favourite Prem heroes into professional wrestling toys.
      Steve Bruce has been turned into a WWE action figureCredit: Instagram / @soccerslammers
      Neil Warnock was turned into a toy with the help of AICredit: Instagram / @soccerslammers
      Sam Allardyce has been promoted with the Big Slam finisher, and Pint of Wine accessoryCredit: Instagram / @soccerslammers
      Harry Redknapp comes with a car door and his Transfer Window finisherCredit: Instagram / @soccerslammers
      And YES, the results are both hilarious and impressive, so much so that business could pick up if Vince McMahon caught wind of that initiative.
      Introducing first, coming down the aisle, is none other than “Big” Sam Allardyce.
      Just like John Cena, Allardyce can turn things around after some grueling punishment and pick up a shock win – only difference is he won’t win titles but instead save your favourite club from relegation.
      And next, making his way to the ring, is Neil Warnock, who will layeth the smackdown with his special finisher The Rant.
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      Up next, please welcome Harry Redknapp who carries his trusty car door with him and will knock you down for the pin with the help of his signature Transfer Window.
      And who’s this? That’s gotta be Steve Bruce who always finds a way to deliver his famous Sack Attack finisher wherever he is.
      Bah Gawd! There’s Roy Hodgson with years of experience under his title belt.
      Crystal Palace boss Hodgson has England still reeling with his Icelandic Shock finisher.
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      And here’s the returning David Moyes with a lot to prove as he climbs back to his former glory after a shocking stint at Manchester United.
      Just like fellow Scotsman and WWE superstar Drew McIntyre, Moyes was labelled “The Chosen One” but failed completely at his bid of becoming the next big thing.
      However, the West Ham boss has turned his career around at the London Stadium with his signature Moyes Effect move taking down the absolute best in the world.
      Boomer Sooner! Fulham star Adama Traore is hulking up with the help of his trusty baby oil that helps him take down defences with his sheer size and strength.
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      West Ham boss David Moyes takes out his opponents with his Moyes Effect finisherCredit: Instagram / @soccerslammers
      Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson is promoted with the Icelandic Shock finisherCredit: Instagram / @soccerslammers
      Fulham star Adama Traore’s action figure comes with baby oilCredit: Instagram / @soccerslammers
      You don’t want to let Traore build momentum once you get him out of his box.
      The millions – and millions – of Premier League fans were left in hysterics as they stormed social media.
      One fan tweeted: “I want to see Arsene Wenger.”
      Another commented: “Xmas presents sorted!”
      A third posted: “I need one of these.”
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      This fan begged: “Please make these.”
      And that one asked: “Where can I buy this?” More