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    Cole Palmer breaks incredible 23-year Chelsea record after sublime solo goal against Fulham

    COLE PALMER broke an incredible 23-year Chelsea goal record after his stunner against Fulham. The England international opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge in the West London derby. Cole Palmer celebrates his opening goal against FulhamCredit: GettyHe effortlessly drifted past a sea of Fulham shirts before placing a left-footed curler past Bernd Leno. It was 12th goal of the season and remarkably his 26th of 2024. That saw Palmer break Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s record of most Premier League Chelsea goals in a calendar year – scoring 25 in 2001.Others in the top five were Didier Drogba with 22 in 2010, Diego Costa scoring 21 in 2016 and Frank Lampard with 20 in 2005. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPalmer also made it 51 goals and assists in as many games since signing for Chelsea in the summer of 2023. The playmaker joined from Manchester City in a deal worth £42.5 million and has quickly become one of the most in-form players in the world. His solo stunner left former City defender and Amazon Prime pundit Nedum Onuoha in awe. Onuoha said: “My goodness. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Cole Palmer, he’s so so good at finding the ball in the spaces between the midfield and the defence but look at the way he takes this on the back foot and immediately wants to try and affect the game.”Takes it to the side, shuffles and it’s the easiest goal in the world for him.”Oh my goodness, there’s a megs [nutmeg] in there as well. When players can make it look that simple, you know they’re on a different level.”Despite Palmer’s stunner, Fulham fought back to steal a famous 2-1 thanks to goals from Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz. Rodrigo Muniz scored a late winner for FulhamCredit: Getty More

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    Aston Villa star Jhon Duran SENT OFF for moment of madness against Newcastle with Toon stars left furious

    JHON DURAN saw red after a horror challenge on Fabian Schar. The Aston Villa striker, 21, finally dislodged Ollie Watkins in the starting XI for Unai Emery in recent weeks.Jhon Duran was sent off for Aston Villa at NewcastleCredit: ReutersDuran lost out in his battle with Fabian Schar then landed on the defenderCredit: PAIt was the second flick of the boot on Schar’s back that prompted the red cardCredit: GettyBut he lasted just half an hour in the Boxing Day trip to Newcastle.Already showing his frustration earlier on after another decision went against him, Duran lost his cool while in a foot race with Schar.The Colombian youngster lost out in the battle and slipped into a tackle on the Newcastle centre-back.He seemingly landed on his left foot on Schar’s left hip. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut in a secondary action, Duran flicked his right boot out, catching Schar on the back with his studs and then pushing his foot up towards his opponent’s head.That prompted a furious reaction from Newcastle trio Martin Dubravka, Dan Burn and Joelinton who were quick to remonstrate with Duran as Schar clutched at the sore spots on his backside while lying on the turf. Referee Anthony Taylor took his time before brandishing the red card.And they were few complaints from the Villa man, his team-mates or the manager. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDuran then risked further punishment by furiously kicking a water bottle on the sidelines before being marched down the tunnel.Emery barely even looked at his No9, knowing he may well have ruined Christmas for Villa.Emi Martinez’s eight-word blast at Jack Grealish revealed as new footage of pair’s furious tunnel row emerges The visitors fell behind in just the second minute at St James’ Park thanks to Anthony Gordon’s superb curling finish. But they felt they should have been back level in terms of players on the pitch just before half-time. Joelinton swung a stray arm out at Morgan Rogers, catching the Villa man around the neck.Rogers went down in a heap, desperately trying to get Joelinton red carded.But Taylor decided a yellow was sufficient punishment.Then at half-time in the tunnel, tempers boiled over once again and Eddie Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall saw red. But the talk on social media at the break was all about Duran’s moment of madness – with many suggesting he could feel hard done by to receive his marching orders.One said: “Harsh red.”Another wrote: “Not in a million years.”And a third added: “Disgraceful decision.”But another user replied: “The first one I would give him the benefit but the second is so deliberate.”And a final commented: “He 100 per cent tries to do him, right decision red card, intent more than actual contact.”Ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given also gave his verdict at half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told Amazon Prime Video: “I think Schar puts in a brilliant tackle.”But I think he leaves a bit on Duran in the tackle and Duran reacts raking his studs down him.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski stretchered off after being whacked in face in worrying scenes

    WEST HAM star Lukasz Fabianski was stretchered off in worrying scenes after sustaining a head injury.The 39-year-old goalkeeper collided with Southampton defender Nathan Wood’s elbow and went down in severe pain.Lukasz Fabianski suffered a horror head injuryCredit: ReutersHis team-mates and medics rushed over to the keeperCredit: ReutersFabianski left the field in a neck brace and covered in a blanketCredit: ReutersMedics quickly rushed onto the pitch and Fabianski received treatment for seven minutes.His concerned team-mates stood around him and his opposite number Aaron Ramsdale came up from his goal to check on him.Fabianski was put in a neck brace and covered in a blanket as he left the field on a stretcher.Both West Ham and Saints fans applauded.Alphonse Areola came on to replace the 40-year-old Polish international..Worried supporters shared their concern online, with one saying: “I hope Fabianski is okay. Looked nasty.”Another wrote: “Wishing Fab a speedy recovery.”A third wrote: “Respect to Ramsdale checking on Fabianski.”Most read in FootballAmazon Prime TV cameras did not show any replays of the incident and cut away while the keeper was down hurt.Fabianski was having a brilliant game at the time of his horror injury and had made three saves, including a sensational stop from a Paul Onuachu header.It was the second substitute West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui had been forced into making as Maximilian Kilman picked up a problem and went off for Jean-Clair Todibo.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Fans have ‘tears in eyes’ as Sky Sports icon Chris Kamara reunited with old pal Jeff Stelling on shock commentary return

    CHRIS KAMARA made his long-awaited return to TV on Amazon Prime – drawing an emotional reaction from fans online.The former Sky Sports pundit, 67, was in the commentary box for Tottenham’s visit to Nottingham Forest. Chris Kamara was reunited with Jeff StellingAnd he was introduced by former Sky colleague Jeff Stelling – leaving fans fighting back tears online. One said: “Seeing Jeff Stelling and Chris Kamara back doing the football together is everything to me.”Another added: “Absolutely amazing to see Chris Kamara back where he belongs. Won’t lie I had a tear in my eye watching that.”One hailed: “Absolutely lovey to see Chris Kamara back on the telly btw.”Read more in footballAnother said: “Chris Kamara and Jeff Stelling back on my screen for the 3pms, this is the greatest Boxing Day ever.”Kamara was forced to take a step back from his broadcasting career in 2022 after he was diagnosed with apraxia of speech (AOS).The neurological disorder affects speech and thought processes. But Kamara was back on the TV providing updates on Spurs’ game and had Stelling chuckling with his trademark wit.Most read in FootballWhat is apraxia of speech?CHRIS Kamara has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech – but what is it?Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people.They explained: “Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. However they may be good at ‘automatic’ speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell.It’s usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke.The condition does not affect a person’s understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder.Kamara said: “I have got the best game of the day.”When Amazon rang me up, I thought they wanted me to deliver parcels but they said the game, YES!”Kamara had a successful playing career from 1975-1995 – but he had moved into punditry with Sky from 1992. He was a much-loved figure among the Soccer Saturday team. His voice is improving thanks to treatment in Mexico – and while he is not yet back to full health, he is on the road to recovery.Stelling also left Sky in 2023 and has since worked on talkSPORT and now Amazon over the Christmas period. More

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    Dani Olmo’s ‘agent arrives in Manchester’ with Spain Euros winner available for FREE despite joining Barcelona for £50m

    BARCELONA star Dani Olmo’s agent is in Manchester amid Premier League interest in his client, who could be available for free in January.Olmo, 26, completed an emotional comeback to boyhood club Barca following a £50million deal with RB Leipzig in August shortly after he helped Spain win Euro 2024 by beating England in the final.Barcelona star Dani Olmo’s agent flew to the UK amid interest from Man Utd, Man City and ArsenalCredit: RexBarcelona have been unable to register Olmo and he could be available for free in JanuaryCredit: RexHowever, the Blaugrana were unable to register the playmaker due to their ongoing financial struggles.That was until Hansi Flick’s side lost Andreas Christensen to a long-term injury and that allowed them to register the Spain international as an emergency player.However, this short-term arrangement runs out at the end of the year, which means the LaLiga leaders need to find another way to officially get Olmo in their books by December 31.The Spanish football federation will require Barcelona to make more cuts, find more revenue and comply with their financial guidelines.Read More on FootballThat Catalan giants have launched legal proceedings against LaLiga and were initially hopeful of reaching a solution before next week.If a resolution is not found then Olmo, who theoretically has a contract until 2030, will effectively be banned from playing for his boyhood club.This unusually chaotic situation has led to interest from the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal, who are all looking for attacking reinforcement ahead of the January transfer window.The Premier League giants could face competition from Bayern Munich in the winter market.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Spaniard’s priority has always been to stay at the Nou Camp but the drawn-out process has forced his agent Andy Bara to explore potential moves.According to The Mail, Bara flew to Manchester via private jet to attend the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at the Etihad.Ian Wright convinced Spain star Dani Olmo is ‘taking the micky out of us’ with pre-Euro 2024 final gestureThe agent told the same source that he was visiting the UK “on holidays”.Olmo has managed six goals and one assist in 15 appearances across all competitions with Barcelona.This comes after 29 goals and 34 appearances in 148 matches with RB Leipzig. More

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    Everton keeper Jordan Pickford’s cheat sheet revealed on WATER BOTTLE as he saves Haaland’s penalty

    EVERTON star Jordan Pickford’s cheat sheet was exposed on his water bottle before saving Erling Haaland’s penalty against Manchester City.Pickford, 30, has been very impressive for the Toffees in recent weeks amid another season that sees Sean Dyche’s side fighting another battle to avoid Premier League relegation.Everton keeper Jordan Pickford saved Manchester City star Erling Haaland’s penaltyCredit: RexPickford tried to put Haaland off with funny faces before the penaltyBut Pickford also had a cheat sheet on his water bottle before the penaltyThe cheat sheet got Haaland’s shooting percentages absolutely correctThe England goalkeeper was called upon after 53 minutes to defend a 1-1 scoreline at the Etihad after team-mate Iliman Ndiaye cancelled out Bernardo Silva’s opener.Savinho cleverly nicked the ball past Vitalii Mykolenko who fouled him inside the area and gave away a penalty kick to City.Haaland, 24, took on the spot-kick and appeared determined to ease Man City’s woes that had seen them losing nine of their past 12 matches across all competitions – of which they only won one.The star striker refused to be put off by Everton captain Seamus Coleman, who whispered something in his ear and got booked.Read More on FootballAnd Pickford tried his best to put the Norway international off with a funny face, similar to the one usually seen by New Zealand rugby stars during an intimidating haka as he stuck his tongue out.Unlike Coleman, the goalkeeper’s strategy seems to have worked as he lunged to his right and palmed Haaland’s shot away with relevant ease.The Norwegian than headed the ball to the back of the net but was caught offside.However, cameras caught Pickford looking at his water bottle before the spot-kick.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd it had a cheat sheet on it showing where City’s most usual penalty takers shoot the ball most.The camera caught a side of the bottle showing shooting percentages by Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic.Four Man City stars including Haaland and Grealish ‘miss penalties against NO KEEPER’ in bizarre training live streamNumbers showed Foden mostly shoots on the goalkeeper’s left, Doku on the right, Grealish in the middle and Kovacic on the right.The other side showed Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan as well as Silva’s stats.And it got the ex-Borussia Dortmund superstar’s numbers absolutely correct as it showed him shooting down the right 55 per cent of the time.Pickford proved to be the hero as he saved a valuable point for Everton.City, on the other hand, are with only one victory in 13 matches across all competitions, of which they lost nine. More

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    Man City ratings: Haaland costs Guardiola the win, Akanji at fault for goal but Foden rare bright spark on dismal day

    MANCHESTER CITY’S dreadful form continued as they slumped to a 1-1 draw with Everton at the Etihad.Pep Guardiola’s side failed to conjure a Christmas cracker of a performance, despite taking the lead via Bernardo Silva in the 14th minute.Pep Guardiola’s side’s poor form continued against the ToffeesCredit: ReutersMan City continue to struggle for winsCredit: GettyIliman Ndiaye produced a sensational equaliser for the Toffees shortly before half-time.Erling Haaland had the chance to recapture the lead from the penalty spot in the second-half, after Savinho was scythed down by Vitaliy Mykolenko in the box.But the Norwegian’s woes continued as he saw his spot kick saved by Jordan Pickford.With City having now produced just one win from their last 13 matches, SunSport’s Phil Thomas rates and slates each of their players’ performances against Everton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSTEFAN ORTEGA – 6Had virtually nothing to do until Ndiaye’s equaliser – and he had no chance of keeping that out. RICO LEWIS – 5One costly waste of possession could have cost City a goal. Gave it away at the other end as well at times.MANUEL AKANJI – 5Shocking wave-a-leg effort to clear let in Iliman Ndiaye for the equaliser. Had a real power battle with Abdoulaye Doucoure.NATHAN AKE – 7First game back after four out and City’s best defender, capped by a last-ditch tackle on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJOSKO GVARDIOL – 6Thumped an early header against the post. Didn’t have too many tricky moments to deal with at the back.MATEO KOVACIC – 6Fizzed one half volley just wide. Held his own in a midfield tussle that was more a stalemate than a slugfest.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again Mateo Kovacic battles at the heart of the midfieldCredit: GettySAVINHO – 7Injected more tempo and had a couple of dangerous efforts blocked. Won the penalty that should have put City back in front.PHIL FODEN – 7Knocked a couple of incisive passes. One of the brightest in a dreary bunch for City.BERNARDO SILVA – 6Settled nerves with the opener but then missed a sitter that could have settled the game before half time.Bernardo Silva gave Man City a 14th minute leadCredit: AFPJEREMY DOKU – 6Lively. Assist for Bernardo with a shrewd ball to the left. Buzzed around but with little threat of an end product.ERLING HAALAND – 5His touch is still a mile off. Had a penalty save and was then a mile offside as he headed in the rebound.SUBSTITUTESKevin De Bruyne (For Doku, 75) – 6READ MORE SUN STORIESIlkay Gundogan (for Kovacic, 85) – 5Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (for Ake, 85) – 5Phil Foden was a rare bright spark for Man CityCredit: Reuters More

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    Premier League LIVE SCORES: Chelsea host Fulham with Man Utd on later, City held to draw by Everton – Boxing Day latest

    BOXING DAY football is here – and there are some huge matches unfolding RIGHT NOW!In the early kick off, Manchester City have dropped even more points after Ndiaye’s strike and Haaland’s missed penalty saw the game end 1-1.There are five 3pm matches today with Chelsea vs Fulham, Newcastle vs Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham the standouts.Later, Manchester United will be hoping to bounce back from their 3-0 drumming to Bournemouth last time out as they travel to Wolves.And the final game of an action-packed Boxing Day sees leaders Liverpool host struggling Leicester.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKick off times: 12.30pm/3pm/5.30pm/8pmLive stream: Amazon Prime VideoHT: Southampton 0-0 West HamDue to the injury to Fabianski, we had ten minutes of added time at St Mary’s but still no goals.Onuachu has been the stand-out player so far on the south coast.He has got into some great conditions but the only baffling thing is how he hasn’t scored.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jack Rosser at Stamford BridgeFulham must feel fortunate to be just one down at the break the way they have played since the goal.They have been shocking on the ball, handing the ball over to Chelsea far too often – Silva has to address it before they come back out.Marc Cucurella should have punished them with his diving header, but sent it straight at Bernd Leno.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at St Mary’sDespite 55 minutes of play, following the injury that forced West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski off on a stretcher, a pretty entertaining game remains goalless. There are promising signs for Saints fans from Ivan Juric’s first half in charge. They should be ahead. But, in the short, medium and long term, it’s the hope that kills you. Merry Christmas.Copy linkCopiedHT: Nott’m Forest 1-0 TottenhamNuno Espirito Santo’s side have asked some serious questions of Spurs in the first-half.Elanga’s goal is the difference between the two teams so far.Spurs have created openings themselves but only the agility of Sels was enough to deny them.Copy linkCopiedHT: Newcastle 1-0 Aston VillaThe Magpies will be pleased with their industry so far.They have had a goal ruled out and Martinez has made some good saves to keep his side in this game.With Duran having been sent off, it seems an uphill struggle for the visitors to get anything out of this game.Copy linkCopiedHT: Bournemouth 0-0 Crystal PalaceThe Cherries are struggling to break down the visitors.Iraola’s side have created the majority of the chances but do not seem to have their shooting boots on.Glasner will want to see more from his side in an attacking sense.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at the Vitality StadiumBoth sides headed for their half-time team bemoaning missed opportunities.Sarr thought he had broken the deadlock on 27 minutes when he ran through and netted but that was before the offside flag was raised.Then at the other end Enes Unal headed the perfect ball down from Lewis Cook’s corner only to see Ouattara volley over the bar.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Tom Barclay at the City GroundNUNO ESPIRITO SANTO is well-placed to make his old side Spurs pay thanks to Anthony Elanga’s third goal in as many games.It has been a decent watch with Forest deserving of their lead – though they were also indebted to keeper Matz Sels for his superb stop to deny Brennan Johnson.Ange Postecoglou has had to endure chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” and “you’re just a fat Aussie b***ard” from a section of the home fans which feels a little random, if there is no prior history.Copy linkCopiedHT: Chelsea 1-0 FulhamThe Blues have dominated the first-half in this London derby.However, with a single goal lead, Fulham are well and truly still in this game.The next goal will be pivotal in the outcome of this match you feel.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Aston Villa44. The Magpies almost double their lead at St James’ Park.Tonali strikes his shot well and it seems a certain goal.Martinez throws himself at it full-stretch and makes a brilliant fingertip save to deny him.Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 1-0 Tottenham39. Johnson comes close to scoring against his old team.He drills a shot towards goal but Sels makes a magnificent save to tip it over the bar.Brennan Johnson has his head in his hands in disbelief.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at the Vitality StadiumThe Eagles threatened first with Jean-Phillipe Mateta shooting wide before Ismailia Sarr shot straight at home goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalanga.Then Daniel Munoz side-footed a weak effort into Arrizabalaga’s hands before the Cherries woke up.Dango Ouattara drove the ball across the face of the Palace goal before Antoine Semenyo saw his effort clearered off the line by Sarr.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Aston Villa32. Things go from bad to worse for the visitors.Duran is chasing down the ball but inadvertently stamps on the defender twice as he clears it.The referee does not hesitate and gives him his marching orders.Copy linkCopiedRed card – Jhon Duran (Aston Villa)Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 1-0 Tottenham28. Forest thread the ball in behind the Spurs’ defence.Elanga uses his pace to get to it before Forster and pokes it past the keeper to break the deadlock.More worries for Postecoglou as his side have a mountain to climb at the City Ground.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Anthony Elanga (Nott’m Forest)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at the City GroundThe West Ham fans were reduced to singing “We’ve got a big f**king German” quite early on, perhaps just to remind Niclas Fullkrug that he was starting a Premier League game for only second time. The Hammers hit the bar early on through Carlos Soler but since then the Saints should have score twice. Onuachu put one free header wide, and Mateus Fernandes sent another straight at Lukasz Fabianski. A decent watch so far, first goal will be crucial.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Tom Barclay at the City GroundLively start here at the City Ground if no goals.Ref Craig Pawson has been accused of inconsistency from the crowd for booked Ryan Yates – who is now suspended for Everton at the weekend – but not Forest old-boy Brennan Johnson.Welsh winger Johnson has copped a few pantomime-villain boos having left the Tricky Trees for Spurs last year.While the travelling supporters have reiterated their desire for chairman Daniel Levy to go.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jack Rosser at Stamford BridgeThat goal shows just why everyone at Chelsea has fallen so heavily for Cole Palmer.Fulham had made a pretty bright start and were causing problems in transition for the hosts.But give Palmer an inch of space and he will create something to turn a game – and often he will do it brilliantly.Even fortunate moments like rolling the finish through the legs of Issa Diop feel intentional when it’s Palmer.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Fulham16. What a sensational goal from Cole Palmer.He picks the ball up in the middle of the park and dribbles through the Fulham midfield.The defenders stand off him as he passes it into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedGoal – Cole Palmer (Chelsea)Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 0-0 Tottenham11. The hosts are asking some questions of the visitors already.Hudson-Odoi cuts inside onto his favoured right foot before getting a shot off at goal.It seems to take a deflection as it loops over the crossbar but the referee awards a goal kick.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-0 West Ham8. It has been a positive start by The Saints as their new manager takes charge of his first game at the club.West Ham knew they would be facing a completely different Southampton to the side we have seen for most of the season.It is amazing how appointing a new manager can raise spirits and improve effort levels out on the pitch.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse at St James’ ParkNewcastle City Centre has been bubbling since the doors to boozers opened today as they welcome Villa to St James’.Unai Emery is the man in the opposition dug-out, the Spaniard who turned down the Toon job which led to them turning to Eddie Howe.Both teams will be hoping to take a big step towards a top four finish with a win this afternoon, but Villa haven’t won here since the in famous day 20 seasons ago when Magpies stars Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer were both sent-off for fighting each other.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at the Vitality StadiumLas Vegas billionaire Bill Foley was in town to see just how well his gamble to buy Bournemouth was paying off.The Cherries faced Crystal Palace looking for their fifth Premier League win in six games to keep their Europe dreams alive.Palace were looking to get back to winning ways after suffering that 5-1 hammering by Arsenal.The Londoners made three changes including star striker Eberechi Eze who was back from injury.Copy linkCopied More