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    Tottenham vs Chelsea LIVE SCORE: Maresca’s Blues travel to Spurs for huge Premier League London derby – latest updates

    CHELSEA may have quietly become Premier League title contenders – but bitter rivals Tottenham will be eager to derail their hopes later today. The Blues’ recent 5-1 drubbing on struggling Southampton saw them close the gap on leaders Liverpool.While Spurs dropped points for a second successive time after losing 1-0 to Bournemouth on Thursday night.Kick-off time: 4.30pm GMTLive stream: NOW TVTV channels: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow ALL the action from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with our live blog below…Last 10 meetingsLook away now, Spurs fans.The last ten matches between the two clubs has made for pretty shocking reading for Tottenham supporters and great reading for the Blues.Chelsea have won SEVEN of the last 10 and lost only one.Those matches have also seen an aggregate score of 19-7 to the Blues…Chelsea 2 – 0 SpursSpurs 1 – 4 ChelseaSpurs 2 – 0 ChelseaChelsea 2 – 2 SpursChelsea 2 – 0 SpursSpurs 0 – 1 ChelseaChelsea 2 – 0 SpursSpurs 0 – 3 ChelseaChelsea 2 – 2 SpursSpurs 0 – 1 ChelseaCopy linkCopiedRainy day in the capitalBoth sides will have to brave the wind and rain today if they want to come out on top and away from the game with three points. Credit: ReutersCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedBoss focussed on task at handPostecoglou was asked whether he felt he had the support he requires from the club:”I don’t need support. I don’t worry about contracts, I don’t worry about support,” he said. “I just want to make sure that what I set out to do, I accomplish and that is to bring success to this football club. “I will work my backside off to make sure that happens. I am not going to be deterred in my ambitions or endeavour to do that and that’s what I’ll keep doing.”Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedMaresca looking to evolve teamAs things stands, Chelsea seem to be in a race for a top four position this season.Getting back into the Champions League will have been one of the main aims for the club right now.Victory in North London today would cement their place in the top four as we head towards a busy Christmas fixture schedule.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTottenham subsMaddison on the bench. Austin, Spence, Dragusin, Reguilon, Gray, Bergvall, Maddison, Werner, LankshearCopy linkCopiedTottenham XIFull strength back four for Tottenham but Vicario still out for a lengthy period. Forster; Porro, Romero, Van De Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr, Kulusevski; Johnson, Solanke, Son.Copy linkCopiedChelsea subsJorgensen, Gusto, Disasi, Tosin, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Joao Felix, Madueke, NkunkuCopy linkCopiedChelsea XICaicedo looks like he’s at right-back for Chelsea. Sanchez, Caicedo, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella, Lavia, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho, JacksonCopy linkCopiedAnge frustrated by lack of consistencyAgainst Man City, Spurs put the defending champions to the sword in their own back garden.They are capable, on their day, of causing problems for any of the big teams in the Premier League.What frustrates the manager most is that they can go from these games to losing to teams in the bottom half of the table.If they want to achieve anything this season, that needs to be addressed.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedWelcome to Tottenham vs ChelseaIt is a big crunch clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as two bitter rivals face each other in a London derby with Spurs welcoming Chelsea.Ange Postecoglou suffered the loss of Ben Davies with a hamstring problem in their recent defeat against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.Micky van de Ven is still out with a thigh problem, while Cristian Romero is still working his way back from a toe injury which may mean Archie Gray filling in alongside Radu Dragusin at the back for this game.Rodrigo Bentancur, Guglielmo Vicario, Richarlison, Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert are also out of the first-team reckoning.Son Heung-min came on for a second-half cameo in midweek and is likely to immediately come back into the starting line-up.Chelsea’s primary selection concerns also come in defence as Wesley Fofana and Reece James are the only senior players missing for the visitors due to injury.Youngster Omari Kellyman is also absent, while Mykhaylo Mudryk is ill. Instead Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho and Nicolas Jackson could all come back in for a refreshed attacking setup at the expense of Madueke, Nkunku and Joao Felix.Levi Colwill and Robert Sanchez are also primed for a return in the Blues’ backline but Disasi’s performance in midweek should see him stay in the side replacing Fofana.Copy linkCopied More

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    Cole Palmer’s incredible off-field earnings revealed after Chelsea star sets up his own company to handle sponsor deals

    FOOTIE hotshot Cole Palmer made £1.6million in a year – ON TOP of his wages for playing.The England star, 22, who became the second-quickest Chelsea star to reach 30 Premier League goals this week, has seen cash in his image rights company Palmer Management Limited shoot up.Cole Palmer made £1.6million in a year – on top of his wages for playingCredit: AlamyPalmer netted lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of fashion brand BoohooCredit: BoohooHe also starred in a Burberry advertCredit: BurberryThe Chelsea and England attacking midfielder makes more than £30,000 a week from sponsorship deals.The windfall comes in addition to his Stamford Bridge salary.Accounts filed this week show he had assets of £2,149,409 at the end of October 2024 – compared to £563,475 a year earlier.Assets include £1,698,821 cash in the bank.READ MORE IN football They cover the period when Cole – who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer of 2023 – netted lucrative sponsorship deals with Nike and fashion brand Boohoo.Cole set up the company three years ago to handle his off the pitch earnings, with it described as a “media representation services” company.After paying bills, Cole was left with net assets of £1,271,616.The star paid £318,421 corporation tax and a further £189,643 in tax and social security.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCole, 22, banked a substantial pay rise over the summer, taking his salary from £80,000 to £130,000 a week, after penning a fresh nine-year deal with the Londoners.The former City man recently revealed he is dreaming of winning the Ballon d’Or and being crowned the world’s best player. He told the Men In Blazers podcast: “Ballon d’Or, that’s what everyone wants to win. I wish.” Cole Palmer reveals he failed PE in hilarious interview as fans tell Chelsea star to consider going into comedy More

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    Next Man Utd sporting director odds revealed with TWO ex-bosses and Prem icon among frontrunners to replace Dan Ashworth

    THE odds on who will replace Dan Ashworth at Manchester United have been revealed – and two familiar faces are in the market.Ashworth, 53, has quit as sporting director just five months after arriving at Old Trafford.Dan Ashworth has left Man Utd following showdown talksCredit: ReutersDougie Freedman is the bookies’ favourite to replace himCredit: ReutersHe held crunch talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last night and left by mutual consent, a United statement said.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly been pivotal in Ashworth’s exit and is now on the lookout for a new chief.The bookies have Crystal Palace director of football Dougie Freedman (2/1) as the frontrunner.Freedman, who came close to getting the job instead of Ashworth, has been credited for several successful Palace signings such as Marc Guehi and Michael Olise.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBonusCodeBets have Atletico Madrid’s Andrea Berta (4/1) and Juventus’ Cristiano Giuntoli (6/1) next on their list.United could get Lee Congerton (16/1) out of the former Leicester and Atalanta supremo’s contract at Al-Ahli.While AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini is priced the same following his four years as the Italian giants’ technical director.If Ratcliffe wants to poach another Newcastle chief like he did with Ashworth, his successor Paul Mitchell (20/1) could be an option.Most read in FootballHe was linked to the Man Utd job before Ineos’ takeover was completed last Christmas.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOdds on Ashworth’s replacement Dougie Freedman – 2/1Andrea Berta – 4/1Cristiano Giuntoli – 6/1 Lee Congerton – 12/1Paolo Maldini – 16/1Paul Mitchell – 20/1Julian Ward – 25/1Ralf Rangnick – 33/1Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – 50/1via BonusCodeBets.Ex-Liverpool chief Julian Ward (25/1) is another alternative, but he is currently working for Reds owner FSG.Perhaps United will perform a shock U-turn and bring Ralf Rangnick (33/1) back after he never got to fill his planned role consultancy role due to him stepping in as interim boss.Man Utd’s Player Ratings Against Nottingham Forest The German claimed he needed to perform “open-heart surgery” to fix things at the club.But he is unlikely to put his scrubs on as he is currently Austria’s manager.But another ex-United boss who is out of work is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (50/1).His return is highly unlikely given he has never been a sporting director before.Ralf Rangnick is an outsider to seal a shock return to Old TraffordCredit: GettyOle Gunnar Solskjaer is unlikely to get the jobCredit: AFP More

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    Leicester vs Brighton LIVE SCORE: Foxes score two late goals in four minutes to complete INCREDIBLE comeback – updates

    RUUD VAN NISTERLOOY is chasing a second successive win as Leicester boss TODAY – but Brighton are looking to bounce back from their midweek loss.The Seagulls had their wings clipped by Fulham who hand them a 3-1 defeat at Craven Cottage.While Manchester United legend Van Nistelrooy led the Foxes to a 3-1 win against West Ham during their last outing.Kick-off time: 2pm GMTLive stream/TV: Not televised in the UKFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the King Power with our live blog below… More

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    Ipswich vs Bournemouth LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest updates as Cherries look to build on dominant Spurs win

    BOURNEMOUTH will be determined to build on their dominant Tottenham win TODAY against Premier League new boys Ipswich.Teenage sensation Dean Huijsen became the Cherries’ youngest-ever goal scorer and fired Bournemouth to a crucial win over Spurs in their last outing with a tidy back-post header.While the Tractor Boys sunk further into the relegation zone thanks to a strike from Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.Kick-off time: 2pm GMTLive stream/TV: Not televised in the UKFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Portman Road with our live blog below… More

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    Ruben Amorim breaks silence on Bruno Fernandes substitution in 3-2 Forest loss after fans slam ‘diabolical’ decision

    RUBEN AMORIM has explained his decision to take off Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United’s defeat to Nottingham Forest.The Red Devils – who have sensationally parted ways with sporting director Dan Ashworth – were beaten 3-2 at Old Trafford last night to leave them 13th in the Premier League table.Bruno Fernandes was subbed off for Mason MountCredit: AlamyRuben Amorim claimed his skipper was tiredCredit: GettyUnited were trailing 3-1 with an hour left to play when Fernandes halved the deficit with a brilliant strike.But just 15 minutes later, the skipper was hauled off and replaced by Mason Mount.Amorim, who used all five of his changes, explained: “I understand that Bruno is a danger near the box and he scored one goal.”But he was tired in transition.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”We had one stop with two substitutions [remaining]. “We could have left Bruno Fernandes there, but I felt with Mason Mount, he is also good in set-pieces and he can score because he is very technical.”We needed fresh legs and if you see the game – transitions.”We can lose the ball and if you suffer another goal it was over.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So I used all the substitutions with a lot of games, I felt that Bruno was a little bit tired.”I tried to put Mount and Joshua Zirkzee nearer to Rasmus Hojlund to try something in the end.”Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago Some supporters were still unhappy with the change, with one commenting: “For the record, Bruno is never tired. That guy can play another additional 90 mins.”Another wrote: “The subs were a mistake. You got this wrong.”More said: “That sub was diabolical.”United are back in action on Thursday against Vikroria Plzen and they then face Manchester City in the derby next Sunday. More

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    ‘We wish him well’ – Man Utd issue brutal 41-word statement after Dan Ashworth leaves club after just five months

    MANCHESTER UNITED have released a brutal statement to confirm the departure of Dan Ashworth.The sporting director has surprisingly left the club after just five months.Dan Ashworth has left the club by mutual consentCredit: ReutersSir Jim Ratcliffe was a driving force behind his exit, with Ashworth’s time over following a meeting with Omar Berrada, seen here between Sir Dave Brailsford and AshworthCredit: GettyUnited confirmed the news in a short statement, which read: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement.”We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.”Ashworth held showdown talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last night and decided to end his time at Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe was pivotal in pushing for a shock boardroom shake-up.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAshworth’s move from Newcastle has “not worked out” and SunSport exclusively revealed last month the United hierarchy were involved in a blame game over the transfer business in the summer.It comes after the Red Devils had difficulty getting him out of a gardening leave period he took after he departed St James’ Park.The two sides agreed on a £3million compensation deal.Ashworth then went on to spend £183m on Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui in the first transfer window under Ineos leadership.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, the chief was involved in the decision to eventually keep then manager Erik ten Hag and offer him a new contract.But just 14 matches later, they made a U-turn and sacked him. Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Before his arrival in Manchester, Ratcliffe hailed Ashworth as “clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world”.But the owner claimed yesterday that United are still far behind where they need to be in terms of a recruitment structure.Ratcliffe said: “We must have the best recruitment in the world. Data analysis comes alongside recruitment. “It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here.“There’s an immense amount of useful data that we can get from data analysis and we’re in the ‘very poor’ bracket with data analysis here.”These things don’t happen overnight. You can’t just flick a light switch and sort out recruitment. “It’s all about people and we need to find the right people.”Who is Dan Ashworth?DAN ASHWORTH is a true footballing man who has progressed through the game’s ranks all the way from player to club director.He never made it to the top as a player, instead featuring for a number of non-league sides and in the US.After hanging up his boots he quickly moved into the backroom, landing his first job at Peterborough.His big break came at West Brom, before he moved on to the Three Lions job where he was instrumental in creating ‘England’s DNA’.Two roles with Premier League clubs followed before Man Utd swooped in the summer.So what’s next for Ashworth?READ HIS FULL STORY HERE: More

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    Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-up

    DAN ASHWORTH has left Manchester United following showdown talks last night.The sporting director’s shock exit comes after just five months at Old Trafford. Dan Ashworth has left Man Utd after just five monthsCredit: PASir Jim Ratcliffe has played a huge role in the boardroom shake-upCredit: AlamyAshworth was involved in the club’s summer transfer business and the decision to keep – and then sack – Erik ten HagCredit: GettySunSport exclusively revealed three weeks ago how United’s new hierarchy were locked in a blame game over their summer business.Ashworth joined the club in July following a lengthy gardening leave period after he quit Newcastle.The 53-year-old was appointed by Man Utd to oversee “performance, recruitment and operations”, with the Red Devils agreeing to pay £3million in compensation to the Toon.But following showdown talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last night, Ashworth quit by mutual consent.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA club statement read: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement.”We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.”The Athletic claims Sir Jim Ratcliffe was pivotal in the call to part ways.Ashworth played a huge role in United’s £183million summer spending spree during the first transfer window under Ineos leadership.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe club signed Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui. Ashworth was also involved in the decision to initially keep Erik ten Hag and hand him a new contract, only to for him to be sacked just 14 games later.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’The former FA chief, who was credited with creating the “England DNA”, was quoted in the statements confirming every signing.But we did not hear from him on Ten Hag’s axing or on the appointment of Ruben Amorim. Ashworth’s departure comes as a huge shock to many, with one fan saying: “Man Utd waited longer to get Ashworth out of Newcastle than he has lasted in the job. Mad.”Another added: “Utterly embarrassing and the amount of time and money to secure him. The direction of the club is meant to be based on the structure and at this moment that feels insecure. Shambles.”But others defended the decision, commenting: “If someone isn’t working, then get rid. No point keeping someone if its not working.”Ratcliffe previously hailed Ashworth as “clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world”.But he was apparently not a good “fit”, according to the Mail. But yesterday he suggested United are still miles behind where they need to be when it comes to transfers.United chiefs have been at war over their summer spending spreeCredit: GettyRatcliffe said: “We’ve not been good enough at recruitment, you probably agree with that. Everybody would agree with that.”And until we’re as good as anyone in the world, then it’s not good enough for Manchester United.”We must have the best recruitment in the world. Data analysis comes alongside recruitment. It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here.“There’s an immense amount of useful data that we can get from data analysis and we’re in the ‘very poor’ bracket with data analysis here.”These things don’t happen overnight. You can’t just flick a light switch and sort out recruitment. It’s all about people and we need to find the right people.”Who is Dan Ashworth?DAN ASHWORTH is a true footballing man who has progressed through the game’s ranks all the way from player to club director.He never made it to the top as a player, instead featuring for a number of non-league sides and in the US.After hanging up his boots he quickly moved into the backroom, landing his first job at Peterborough.His big break came at West Brom, before he moved on to the Three Lions job where he was instrumental in creating ‘England’s DNA’.Two roles with Premier League clubs followed before Man Utd swooped in the summer.So what’s next for Ashworth?READ HIS FULL STORY HERE:As for Amorim, he said in his first press conference after joining last month that he wants the final say on transfers.He explained: “Everybody has to work together and for that we have to improve the process of recruitment, the data, the profile of players we want.”But I have to have a strong position on that because I am the coach. I know how to play, so I think it’s all together but the final word should be the manager.”Not just because it’s your right but your responsibility. Because, in the end, the result is to me, so I think it’s all together to improve the process of recruitment.”I have a great responsibility when we choose players because this is something that should be done this way. I’m the manager, the head coach, so I have to choose the players.”When Ashworth’s Newcastle exit and United arrival was finally secured, he said: “This remains one of the biggest football clubs in the world, but that is not our measure of success; the focus is on getting back to being among the best on the pitch. “It won’t happen overnight, but, together with Omar and his new leadership team, we will not rest until we have achieved it.“Although I grew up in Norfolk, I’ve always had a strong attachment with Manchester because my mum and dad were born in Middleton and my grandparents lived their whole lives there.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When I visited as a boy, my dad would take me to games across Greater Manchester and I remember the thrill of my first visit to Old Trafford in the late 1970s, watching the likes of Lou Macari, Jimmy Nicholl and Arthur Albiston.“I can’t claim to have been a partisan United fan – my dad enjoyed watching all the local teams – but I remember the special buzz that always seemed to surround games at Old Trafford, and it’s something I have experienced many times since during my career in football.”United’s summer transfer signingsArrivals:Leny Yoro (Lille) – £52mManuel Ugarte (PSG) – £50mMatthijs De Ligt (Bayern) – £43mJoshua Zirkzee (Bologna) – £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui (Bayern) – £16mSekou Kone (Guidars) – £1m More