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    ‘Rotten vs rancid’ – Lineker, Shearer and Richards predict winner of Man Utd vs Tottenham in Europa League final

    GARY LINEKER, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards shared their predictions ahead of the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham.United and Spurs lock horns on Wednesday at San Mames with both teams in desperate need to win the trophy as it is their only hope of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards shared their Europa League final predictionsLineker and Shearer predicted Tottenham, while Richards backed Manchester UnitedThe two Premier League giants have endured a horrid campaign that will see them finishing in the bottom half of the table and thus the loser will miss out on European football altogether next term.That is why Shearer, 54, dubbed both Man Utd and the North Londoners as “rancid” and “rotten” in his most recent appearance on The Rest is Football with Lineker, 64, and Richards, 36.The Newcastle legend said: “They have been rotten in the Premier League. Rancid and rotten – rancidly rotten the both of them and one of them will be playing Champions League football next season.”Nevertheless, Shearer still predicted an entertaining encounter filled with goals that will go to penalties with Tottenham ending their 17-year run without a trophy.Read More on Man UtdThe legendary striker added: “My prediction is going to be 2-2 or 3-3 after extra-time and Spurs to win on penalties.”Tottenham legend Lineker agreed with his fellow Match of the Day icon and also isn’t ruling out extra-time.The England icon replied: “Oh, he’s gone full on there, sounds like a World Cup final. I’m going to have to go for Spurs, I couldn’t not.”Shearer responded: “After 90 minutes?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker said: “Well, I’ve got this feeling that it’s the teams that have not won for ages this year. “And I think they’re going to, I don’t know about 90 minutes or, I think it could easily go to extra-time.”Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney’s managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechlessRichards was the only one that backed United to lift the Europa League and finally lift the gloom at Old Trafford following their worst ever Premier League season.In fact, the Manchester City hero expects Man Utd to win 1-0 with Casemiro’s winner following an assist by Bruno Fernandes.Richards predicted: “I’m going to say, I think a lot of people have laughed off Casemiro or laughed at him for a while now. “But I think in these competitions, sometimes it goes down to set pieces. So I’m going to say Bruno assist for a Casemiro goal, 1-0.” More

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    Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku at centre of six-way transfer race with Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim a huge admirer

    CHELSEA star Christopher Nkunku is at the centre of a six-way transfer race this summer.The talented Frenchman is pushing for an exit from Chelsea, two years after a £52million switch from RB Leipzig.Six clubs are battling to sign Christopher Nkunku this summerCredit: GettyAnd SunSport can reveal that London rivals Arsenal are among those lining up a move for Nkunku.The Gunners are desperate to boost their firepower and Mikel Arteta sees the 27-year-old as a good option to add to his squad.But five other clubs are heavily in the race to secure Nkunku’s services.Manchester United, who made a move for the player during the January transfer window, are planning to go back this summer. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRuben Amorim is a huge admirer of the player, and believes his Premier League experience makes him a superb option for his Old Trafford rebuild.Liverpool also like Nkunku due to his versatility and previous goal record at Leipzig, where he netted 58 goals in his final two seasons.And West Ham, who will undergo a major rebuild, are plotting an ambitious raid of their own after ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter identified Nkunku as a star target.But there’s also strong interest from overseas, with Champions League finalists’ Paris St Germain among those to be monitoring developments. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey are believed to big admirers of Nkunku and think he could be a perfect addition to the stunning playing style Luis Enrique has created.Atletico Madrid are also interested in the player, with uncertainty over the future of Liverpool-linked ex-Man City forward Julian Alvarez.Cole Palmer eats sandwich and ketchup as Brit music legend makes cameo in brilliant Chelsea kit release videoIf Alvarez does go, then Nkunku is seen as the first option for a replacement.The Frenchman has endured a frustrating season for Chelsea and is fully expected to push for a move away.Just seven of his 22 starts this term have come in the league, with Nkunku instead a regular in the Conference League and domestic cups.He’s thought to prefer the idea of a move to a club in the Champions League, which would make Arsenal, Liverpool, Paris St Germain and Atletico Madrid the leading contenders. Chelsea would prefer to see the player move abroad as, despite his limited playing time, boss Enzo Maresca knows Nkunku has a lot of ability and knows selling him to a rival club could be risky. More

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    Mikel Arteta will be sacked by Christmas if Arsenal are not in top two, warns former Gunners star

    ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta could be sacked come Christmas next season.That is according to a club legend who insists the Gunners will have to be at least second in the Premier League table before the New Year or may have to find a new manager.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could be sacked come Christmas next seasonArsenal legend Paul Merson insists Arteta will have to be at least in the top two before the New YearThe North Londoners are set to finish as runners-up for the third year in a row and many argue Arteta, 43, is facing a make-or-break campaign next term with the club longing for a title.Arsenal haven’t won the Premiership since 2004 and questions have started to rise regarding the Spanish tactician’s ability to lead them to the top.Especially after some questionable decisions, such as not signing a natural striker – a matter that is expected to be resolved in the summer with the likes of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko targeted.And Paul Merson is adamant Arteta has only got until Christmas to convince the board he can be the first manager to win a Premier League title in the post-Arsene Wenger era.Read More on ArsenalMerson, 57, insists the Arsenal manager can’t hide behind any excuses as the club is more than capable of attracting top-level players.And four seasons without a title, despite all the quality in the squad, will purely not be good enough.Merson told Sky Sports: “That would be my worry: I think Arteta has got until Christmas. They will have to be in the top two at Christmas to keep on going.”If you get to four [seasons without any major trophies], you can’t [keep going]. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”People want to come to Arsenal so it’s not like they’re scratching to get players – and they’ve got the money.”For me, next year he’s got to be in the top two by Christmas or they’ll go for someone else. Mikel Arteta gives passionate speech to fans in Emirates after win over Newcastle“It’s timings. You have timings, you’ve got to make opportunities. “When it’s your time, you’ve got to make it count. Look at Liverpool, they went 30 years without a title and then all of a sudden it comes around – they win trophies.“I just think they have to make it count and I think this is the last year.” More

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    Carlos Baleba has gone from personal tragedy to Premier League star in three years as Brighton ace targets Ballon d’Or

    CARLOS BALEBA isn’t just here to make up the numbers, he’s chasing football’s ultimate individual prize and wants to leave an indelible mark on the game.The 21-year-old Brighton midfielder is full confidence and charm as he reveals his dream of getting to the top of world football from his home in Hove after inviting me over for an interview. Carlos Baleba has wasted little time in settling into the Premier LeagueCredit: RexBaleba is the latest midfielder being linked with a move away from BrightonCredit: INSTAGRAM @carlos_balebaBaleba was born in the same town as Samuel Eto’o in CameroonCredit: AFP Baleba is dreaming of winning the Ballon d’Or, and says praise from Declan Rice and inspiration from Rodri’s success have convinced him it’s possible.He told SunSport in an exclusive interview: “Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, Joelinton, they’ve all told me I’ve got it in me.“I want to win the Ballon d’Or like Rodri. “I watched him during the Euros and before his injury I played against him and time I got the ball, he was right in front of me.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS “It was my first game against Manchester City, and it was very difficult. “He made it so hard to dribble or pass. That showed his class.“His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon d’Or someday.”Baleba is already making waves with his performances. The Cameroonian is the only midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues this season to register 30+ tackles, 30+ interceptions, 30+ clearances, 30+ take-ons, and 30+ aerial duels won, a stat line that shows just how complete his game is.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHis stock is rising fast, and he’s already been linked with Liverpool and Manchester City and Manchester United. But for now, Baleba is focused on developing and not paying attention to the rumour mill.Brighton players in tunnel post match after beating Bournemouth 2-1He said: “Yes, I can get to the very top of world football.“But I need to stay focused, stay calm, not rush, and not let what people write get in my head. If I keep working hard, I can be like Luka Modric or Toni Kroos, I just need to stay grounded.”The Brighton star’s journey is nothing short of remarkable so far. Just three years ago, he was still in Cameroon, uncertain about his future. When he finally got his breakthrough move to Lille, tragedy struck, he lost his mother, he says it was sudden and quick. It’s a pain that still drives him.Baleba spent just a season in France before Brighton made their moveCredit: GettyHe revealed: “It was very difficult for me because I didn’t see my mum. I wanted her next to me, but when I signed for Brighton, she wasn’t here.“That’s why the first season was really hard. I thought about her a lot. But I vowed that I would be the best version of myself and go as far as I can in my career.”The Premier League is the dream destination for many young African players, but Baleba warns it’s not for the faint-hearted.“The intensity,  if you don’t run, you cannot play in the Premier League. That’s the truth. You have to be willing to put in the hard work.”What makes Baleba stand out isn’t just his football, it’s his effort to adapt to a new culture and language.His English is still a work in progress, but he’s proud of the steps he’s taking to settle in,  even if the British weather isn’t always his cup of tea.“I love it here, to be honest. My favourite English food is the English breakfast, if I’m allowed to say that!.“But the weather is the only issue, it changes all the time.”Read More on The SunBrighton will be hoping Baleba can continue his meteoric rise, following in the footsteps of midfield stars like Alexis Mac Allister, Yves Bissouma, and Moises Caicedo.All arrived as unknowns but left as stars. The Cameroonian might just be the next one off the Seagulls’ midfield conveyor belt, and if he keeps dreaming big, he could go even further. More

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    Aston Villa set to make £25m transfer move for midfielder Habib Diarra – but Chelsea chiefs will have final say

    ASTON VILLA are making a fresh £25million move for Strasbourg’s Senegal star Habib Diarra.Villa have checked on the 21-year-old creative midfielder for the past few weeks after taking a huge interest last season.Aston Villa target Strasbourg star Habib Diarra but their bid could be affected by ChelseaDiarra will be sold by the French club at the right price.They have already turned down £15m from Eintracht Frankfurt but are open to a Premier League swoop.Unai Emery plans to move around some of his squad and there could be space for a new No10 next season as they go for glory at home and abroad.Everton and Nottingham Forest have also been watching Strasbourg games in Ligue 1 recently.Read More on ChelseaHowever, Villa’s interest in the versatile midfielder is the strongest and most deep-rooted.Nevertheless, Chelsea could play a role in the player’s future as Strasbourg have the same owners as the Premier League giants with BlueCo in charge of the French outfit.Diarra swapped from playing for France at Under-18 level to Senegal.He has already won nine caps and is now ready for the next stage in his club career.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, Frank Lampard’s Coventry are leading the race to sign Villa right-back Kaine Kesler-Hayden.Sky Blues are willing to pay £5m plus extras for the academy product, who had a good season on loan in the Championship at Preston.Villa will sell Kesler-Hayden, 22, as they trim their squad and the player knows his time at his first club is nearing an end.Former youth team captain Kesler-Hayden, 22, has been on loan five times and managed three first-team appearances. More

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    ‘That might edge it’ – Roy Keane predicts winner of Man Utd vs Tottenham in Europa League final

    ROY KEANE predicted the winner of the all-English Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham.United and Spurs lock horns on Wednesday in Bilbao with both teams in dire need of Champions League qualification as they are set to finish in the bottom half of the Premier League.Roy Keane predicted Manchester United will beat Tottenham in the Europa League finalKeane believes Man Utd’s history and Bruno Fernandes will lead them to silverwareAnd Man Utd legend Keane, 53, believes his former club will “edge it” thanks to their history and the quality of Bruno Fernandes.The Sky Sports pundit admits “there’s not much between” the two finalists, despite Tottenham beating the Red Devils twice in the Prem and eliminating them from the Carabao Cup quarter-finals this season.However, the iconic midfielder is confident in United’s heavy legacy and the fact they have won a lot more trophies than the North Londoners these past few years.Tottenham haven’t lifted any silverware since winning the League Cup in 2008.Read More on Man UtdWhereas the Manchester giants count four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, one Champions League trophy and one Europa League honour in the last 17 years.Keane told Sky Sports: “You still have to fancy United, someone like Bruno can produce, the history of Manchester United still carries a little bit of weight.”There’s not much between them [in the league] but come the crunch, come the final, United’s history in finals, them winning cups the last few years, you’d like to think they would have a bit more knowledge around the game than Spurs.”That might edge it for them, and I think Bruno can produce that bit of magic.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunSport have revealed that United will not host a victory parade if they win the Europa League.That is out of respect for the hundreds of staff who have lost their jobs this season amid minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal cuts.The players and club have agreed celebrations beyond the final would be in poor taste.Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

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    Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0: Watch Rice score beauty to all-but seal second for Gunners and dent Toon’s Champions League hopes

    AN Emirates afternoon where both sides dreamed of having Alexander Isak at their disposal.For Newcastle, a groin injury robbed Eddie Howe of starting his beloved No.9 in North London – and it ultimately cost them, setting up a tense final-day Champions League shoot out.Declan Rice bags Arsenal’s winnerCredit: AFPThe England midfielder celebrates his 55th minute strikeCredit: GettyAnd for Arsenal, Swedish superstar Isak is a striker they would love to prise away from Tyneside this summer – if they are prepared to break the bank for him with an offer in excess of £100m.There is a hefty transfer kitty to play with, especially after Declan Rice’s 55th-minute long-range stunner guaranteed the Gunners a third-successive top two Prem spot, as well as a place in Europe’s elite competition next term.Striker Kai Havertz came on in the 76th minute to end his three-month injury exile after hamstring surgery, but boss Mikel Arteta knows he is not the answer. Isak would be, albeit one who will not let go cheaply nor quietly.And there is a reason for that: he is a world class goal-getter at the very highest level, and he would have surely put away the numerous chances the Toon had to see off Arsenal in a dominant first-half display.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe nerves will now be jangling this weekend in a top-five race that promises to provide non-stop shocks, twists and turns.For Newcastle, they just need to beat Everton to return to the continental promised – but it could, and perhaps should, have been so much more comfortable.Callum Wilson stepped up to start up top for just his third match of a campaign dogged by hamstring issues, and only his second Prem start – the last coming in February.As for Arsenal, the presence of Havertz on the bench was a relief – if not too little too late – while Leandro Trossard led the line with Mikel Merino suspended.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDoing a job on Arsenal has been a trademark of Newcastle’s last few seasons. This term is no different, beating them three times with an aggregate scoreline of 5-0 before this one.They were in the mood to make it a salt-in-the-wounds quadruple against a team they simply love to hate and love to beat.Arsenal reveal new home kit for 2025/26 season with major change to badge and eye-watering priceArsenal looked leggy and lethargic, and Newcastle were making them run, and forcing David Raya into a number of top stops. Without the Spaniard, the hosts would have been a few goals down inside the opening 20 minutes, and that is being kind.Raya’s poor pass out the back into no-man’s land was plucked by Sandro Tonali and Wilson was picked out before back-heeling into the path of Bruno Guimaraes in the box.The Brazilian did not catch it with his usual smoothness but still troubled Raya with some stinging palms. Myles Lewis-Skelly scrambled clear in the six-yard box.Howe had opted for a three-man defence in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg clash against Arsenal back in February and it worked a treat, winning 2-0 at St James’ Park.The same trick, same outcome, but one that was enforced with injuries to Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall while Sven Botman was able to shake off a knee injury scare.Arteta’s boys were struggling to contain the lightning counter attacks. Forget the Red Arrows – the Black Magpies were frenzied and relentless.Tino Livramento combined with Anthony Gordon down the left and the full-back tested the reflexes of Raya once more.Fearing another painful day at the hands of the Toon, Arsenal attempted to shock themselves into life. Trossard dropped his shoulder on Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes and let fly with a deflected effort.From the resulting corner, a routine from the Nicolas Jover playbook brought out the best of Nick Pope, his gigantic right arm denying Thomas Partey a near-post header.Mikel Arteta’s side have sealed a Champions League spotCredit: APEddie Howe’s side spurned several chancesCredit: ReutersBut this is a proper Newcastle team Howe has put together, and they no longer crumble on the road when the going gets tough, even if their last Prem away win was on April 7.Barnes glided through a non-existent Arsenal midfield and watched his low effort nick off Partey’s heel and then Raya’s fingertips just wide. Howe put his hands to his face.Frustrations grew with every missed chance, and a missed opportunity to really stick the knife into a below-par Gunners.Raya came to the rescue again with a magnificent double save with his hands and feet. Six-foot monsters Dan Burn and then Botman thought they had nicked one.Arsenal needed a half-time revving up. What they did not need was a defensive shake-up. William Saliba remained in the dressing room with Riccardo Calafiori coming on in his place.The Italian left-back’s presence alongside second-choice Jakub Kiwior in central defence could have been a recipe for disaster, albeit a tasty one for Newcastle’s front line.It felt like a mismatch all over the pitch at times. Guimaraes and Tonali were swarming all over Partey and Rice. Gordon was giving Ben White a real tough afternoon.Instead, Howe’s boys faded after the break, even with Arsenal there for the taking. Regardless, Howe will be livid with Rice’s beauty of a curled effort into the far corner.Callum Wilson had to step in for Alexander IsakCredit: GettyGordon will be receiving a right rollocking in the analysis room. It was the England winger’s dawdling on the ball that invited Bukayo Saka to snatch possession and feed Martin Odegaard down the right.From there, it looked like a training ground move. The cut-back and then the finish.Howe had limited options off the bench, reacting by bringing on 21-year-old William Osula for Wilson, while another sub Emil Krafth was booked within seconds of coming on for hauling down Martinelli – a foul that had Arteta sprinting up the touchline.Read More on The SunOf course, this would not be an Arsenal vs Newcastle match without some late drama – a VAR check following some fisty-cups in the box following a Toon onslaught.But Arsenal’s job is now done. Newcastle have one more mountain to climb. More

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    Mikel Arteta BANNED for Arsenal’s final game of season after touchline antics in clash against Newcastle

    MIKEL ARTETA will miss Arsenal’s final game of the season after picking up a touchline ban.The Spaniard picked up a yellow card against Newcastle after kicking the ball away late on.Mikel Arteta has been suspended for Arsenal’s final game of the seasonCredit: GettyIt was his third of the current campaign.And as a result, Arteta has now picked up a one-match suspension.It means he will not be present when Arsenal take on relegated Southampton on the final day of the Premier League.Assistant Albert Stuivenberg is likely to take charge in Arteta’s absence.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the Arsenal boss won’t mind too much after his side all-but-sealed a second-place finish.A super strike from Declan Rice saw the Gunners beat Newcastle to the runners-up spot while also cementing a place in next season’s Champions League.Arsenal could now lose their final match to Southampton.But they will still be present in Europe’s elite competition as Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Man City and Nottingham Forest scramble for the three remaining spots.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSArsenal will be eager to make amends for an underwhelming season, having fallen short in the title race once again.The door looked open for them to finally triumph after Man City fell off the pace.Arsenal reveal new home kit for 2025/26 season with major change to badge and eye-watering priceBut it was Liverpool who capitalised as Arne Slot sealed title victory in his first season.Arsenal did enjoy a good run in the Champions League though, reaching the semi-finals.However, the Gunners crashed out to Paris Saint-Germain as they missed out on a place in the final against Inter Milan. More