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    Luis Enrique flies to London TODAY for talks over Chelsea job with Frank Lampard still being considered

    LUIS ENRIQUE has reportedly jetted into London amid links to Chelsea.The Blues are searching for a new manager following the sacking of Graham Potter on Sunday.
    Luis Enrique has flown to LondonCredit: Getty
    Enrique is one of the favourites to take over after Chelsea made initial contact earlier this week.
    Now he is in London for more talks with Chelsea today, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
    Chelsea are hopeful the former Spain boss will take over immediately with caretaker boss Bruno Saltor potentially unwilling to stay until the end of the season due to his connection to Graham Potter.
    If Enrique is unwilling to take charge now Todd Boehly could appoint Frnak Lampard on an interim basis until the end of the season, SunSport understands.
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    Former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann is another option and is believed to still be high on the Blues’ wishlist.
    The club has also contacted the German over the role, with Fabrizio Romano reporting talks are set to continue with the 35-year-old.

    Chelsea are believed to have a shortlist of seven names, including Fulham boss Marco Silva and Mauricio Pochettino.
    But Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is not being considered despite Chelsea admiring the work he has done since arriving in the Premier League.
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    Nagelsmann is also wanted by Tottenham and Real Madrid as a potential successor for Carlo Ancelotti.
    Spurs sacked Conte last week and have been tipped to re-appoint Pochettino. More

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    Liverpool vs Arsenal: Gunners travel to Anfield as Premier League title race ramps up – stream, TV

    ARSENAL are currently eight points clear of Manchester City in second as they go to face an out-of-form Liverpool at Anfield.The Gunners are eyeing up their first Premier League title since their 2003/04 unbeaten season.
    Granit Xhaka celebrates scoring Arsenal’s fourth goal during their Premier League match against Leeds.Credit: GETTY
    Last time out, Arsenal beat Leeds 4-1 at the Emirates, with Gabriel Jesus scoring a brace.
    Liverpool drew 0-0 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in midweek, with the likes of Mohammed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold not starting from the off.
    The Reds are currently six points off Tottenham in fourth with a game in hand.
    When is Liverpool vs Arsenal?

    Liverpool vs Arsenal will take place on Sunday, April 9.
    Kick off is at 4:30pm UK time.
    Anfield will play host.

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    What channel is Liverpool vs Arsenal on?

    Liverpool vs Arsenal will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
    Coverage will be from 4pm UK time.
    Alternatively, you can keep up with all the action from Anfield by following SunSport’s live blog.

    Can Liverpool vs Arsenal be live streamed?

    Sky Sports subscribers can live stream Liverpool vs Arsenal on NOW.
    You can purchase a sports NOW pass for £21 per month for six months and at the end of the six months the price will increase to £34.99
    A sports NOW pass will give you access to all eleven Sky Sports channels.

    Team News
    For Liverpool, they could be without Virgil van Dijk who missed their midweek fixture against Chelsea with illness.
    Regulars Mohammed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson and Cody Gakpo all started on the bench in midweek and will be pushing for starts.
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    Arsenal are set to be without centre-back William Saliba as he continues to struggle with a back injury.
    Eddie Nketiah is currently going through his rehab process as he recovers from an ankle injury.
    While Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu are out long-term for the Gunners.
    Odds

    Liverpool – 17/10
    Draw – 12/5
    Arsenal – 6/4

    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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    Man Utd flop Donny van de Beek wanted by old club Ajax in summer transfer return after disastrous £35m switch

    AJAX are keen on bringing Donny van de Beek back to the club this summer according to reports. The Dutch midfielder is currently sidelined for the remainder of the season with a knee injury picked up in January.
    Donny van de Beek could be heading for the Old Trafford exit door this summerCredit: Rex
    United paid a reported £35million for the 25 year old in the summer of 2020.
    Football Insider have reported that Van de Beek is set to be one of the names to leave Old Trafford this summer as the Red Devils look to sell as many as eight players.
    The report adds that former club Ajax would be interested in bringing him back to Holland.
    United would be prepared to accept a bid of £25m to end his disappointing three-year spell at the club.
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    The former Ajax man has a contract until 2025 and is reportedly on £120,000 a week.
    Van de Beek has made 10 appearances for United this season but has only started four of those games despite being re-united with his former boss Erik ten Hag.
    Following limited game time in the first half of the 2021-2022 season the Dutchman went on loan to Everton but injury limited him to just seven appearances for the Toffees.
    Van de Beek has played 34 times for United and scored twice for the club so far.
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    During his spell at Ajax, Van de Beek made 175 appearances, scoring 41 goals adding 34 assists and lifted the Eredivisie.
    United are looking to strengthen their midfield options ahead of next season and a potential title charge and have continuously been linked with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong. More

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    How Chelsea could line up under Frank Lampard with club legend being considered for sensational Stamford Bridge return

    FRANK LAMPARD is being considered for a sensational return to Stamford Bridge.The former Chelsea hero is among the club’s greatest ever players but was axed as manager in January 2021.

    Frank Lampard was in attendance at Stamford Bridge last nightCredit: Alamy
    Following Graham Potter’s sacking, however, Lampard could return to his old club as caretaker boss until the end of the season.
    The 44-year-old, axed by Everton earlier this season, was in the stands last night as Chelsea drew 0-0 with Liverpool.
    Should he get the interim gig, Lamps could make sweeping changes to how the Blues play.
    Current caretaker Bruno Saltor stuck with the three at the back formation largely favoured by predecessors Potter and Thomas Tuchel.
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    But Lampard would likely favour a return to a back four.
    During his first stint, the former midfielder largely deployed a 4-3-3 formation, although did also dabble with a 4-2-3-1.
    His first change would surely to be to restore Edouard Mendy to the No1 position.
    Kepa Arrizabalaga was a disaster during Lampard’s first stint, making blunder after blunder between the sticks.
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    Lampard would surely love the opportunity to reunite with N’Golo KanteCredit: AP
    While not quite as error-prone as he used to be, Kepa would almost certainly be dropped for fit-again Mendy, who was signed by Lampard nearly three years ago.
    Another Lampard acquisition Ben Chilwell would likely be selected ahead of Marc Cucurella at left-back, while Reece James was given his start in the first team at Stamford Bridge by the Englishman.
    Lampard would likely favour the youth and mobility of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile at centre-back, rather than Kalidou Koulibaly, while Thiago Silva is out injured.
    N’Golo Kante’s return to the starting XI for the first time since August 14 last night was most welcome for Chelsea fans, and the Frenchman will be a key man regardless of who is in charge.
    In Lampard’s attacking 4-3-3 formation, he could rely on the former Leicester star’s ball-winning prowess behind Mason Mount and Enzo Fernandez.
    Kepa Arrizabalaga’s form was disastrous under LampardCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Lampard was hugely influential in Mason Mount’s breakthroughCredit: Getty
    Mount’s restoration to the starting XI would be paramount, the midfielder having captained Chelsea in Lampard’s final game in charge last time around.
    While Havertz, now thought of largely as a misfiring makeshift forward, was also tried in midfield during his early months at the club.
    In games where a bit more steel is required, Mateo Kovacic could come in.
    Lampard could call upon his former England team-mate Raheem Sterling on the left-flank, although he will want to get a good look at Mykhailo Mudryk too.
    While Noni Madueke is the sort of electric young talent that he could favour on the right flank.
    Joao Felix could get a run in the team as a central forward, although perhaps Lampard will turn to little-used Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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    He may be intrigued by the likes of Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and Carney Chukwuemeka.
    But his return would likely be bad news for the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Denis Zakaria and skipper Cesar Azpilicueta.
    Noni Madueke is an exciting young talent for Chelsea to unlockCredit: Getty
    The Blues are yet to see the best of Mykhailo MudrykCredit: Getty More

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    Jack Wilshere takes huge dig at Man Utd after Arsenal boss guides Under-18s to historic Youth Cup Final

    JACK WILSHERE has taken a swipe at Manchester United fans ahead of the FA Youth Cup final. The ex-Arsenal star and current Gunners Under-18s boss saw his side progress into the final after Myles Lewis-Skelly scored in the final seconds to beat ten-man Manchester City 2-1 after extra time.
    Jack Wilshere celebrates Arsenal getting to the FA Youth Cup final with Reuell WaltersCredit: Getty
    With Wilshere then taking a dig at Manchester United fansCredit: Getty
    Looking ahead to the April 29 final, Wilshere revealed his hope for a full-capacity crowd.
    However, Wilshere referred to last year’s final between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest as he took a dig at United fans.
    He said: “I watched the Youth Cup final last year and there was 60,000 there.
    “And I know that our fans are better than Man United fans.”
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    United and Forest fans attended last year’s final at Old Trafford en masse and brought in a record attendance of 67,492.
    Wilshere won the competition with Arsenal in 2009 in front of 33,662 fans at the Emirates, and urged the Gunners fans for a large turnout.
    “I hope we can [get a big crowd]. I don’t see why not. I think we had like 25,000 in 2009, it was nice.
    “So listen, let’s build it. I watch the women’s games and that energy and that feeling they create.
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    “What the fans can create, is special. I want the players to experience that. Let’s get the fans down and get their support.”
    The young Gunners will find out their opponent on Thursday when the other semi-final between West Ham and Southampton commences.
    On getting to the final, Wilshere added: “It hasn’t sunk in.
    “Honestly, and right now it’s obviously fresh, but that feeling… I can’t even explain what it felt like, that moment.
    “It’s relief, joy, love for the players, emotions – everything.
    “Right now, it feels like one of the top moments of my career.
    “Obviously as a coach as I am young coach, but as a player as well it feels like it’s up there.” More

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    Chelsea considering Frank Lampard as caretaker boss for rest of season with club legend in crowd for Liverpool clash

    FRANK LAMPARD made a shock return to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.And the Chelsea legend could even end up staying there as caretaker boss.
    Frank Lampard was in the stands at Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea on TuesdayCredit: Alamy
    Lampard was sacked by Chelsea in January 2021 after 17 months in chargeCredit: PA
    Ex-Blues chief Lampard was in the stands to watch the goalless draw with Liverpool, just 48 hours after Graham Potter was sacked.
    Now owner Todd Boehly could turn to Lampard to take the reins until the end of the season.
    Lampard, who was Chelsea boss for 17 months as well as being the club’s record goalscorer, has been out of work since he was axed by Everton in January.
    Potter’s assistant Bruno Saltor took charge of the Blues on Tuesday night but admitted he had never even picked a team before.
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    Speaking after game, the 42-year-old Brighton legend said: “It’s been a really difficult 48 hours for everyone because it’s not the first time the players have been in this situation this season and they have suffered..
    “As a player you invest a lot in the manager. They had a  great relationship with Graham and he has been really supportive with them after leaving. 
    “It was truly difficult for me to enjoy tonight. It’s been a really sad time but I’ve just been trying to focus on being the best version of myself  to help the boys.”
    Chelsea, who sit 11th in the Premier League table but face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League next week, have reportedly made contact with both Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique.
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    Asked if he expected to still be in charge for Saturday’s trip to Wolves, Bruno added:  “As it stands I just expect to go home to rest and focus on hour by hour, day by day.
    “The owner know the staff are going to be as professional as we can. We try to represent this club the best we can. We know the standards here and what is demanded.”
    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp made six changes against Chelsea, leaving Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo on the bench as well as Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
    Virgil van Dijk also missed out through illness.
    The goalless draw leaves Liverpool eighth in the table, seven points behind fourth placed Spurs but with a game in hand.
    Klopp admitted: “I don’t know if there’s any chance of the top four. For that to happen we must win pretty much all our games and other teams above us must lose a lot.
    “It’s not in our hands but it’s not important. At the moment I don’t even know where we are and I’m not interested.
    “We have another ten games and the next one is Arsenal. If we are difficult to beat against them we can win this game. If not, Arsenal will just roll over us.
    “Today’s match was not the most spectacular and no-one is going to be writing a book about it. But it’s a little step in the right direction.” More

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    Chelsea stars’ two nicknames for Graham Potter revealed as it emerges dressing-room was ‘confused’ by team selections

    CHELSEA players came up with a pair of nicknames for beleaguered boss Graham Potter after they were confused by his tactics.That’s according to The Athletic, who say the sacked Blues boss was mocked behind his back by disgruntled stars.
    Graham Potter lost more league games as Chelsea boss than he managed to win
    It is reported a number of Chelsea players were calling the former Brighton manager “Harry” and “Hogwarts”, after his wizarding namesake.
    The 47-year-old manager was said to have left out Trevoh Chalonah for Saturday’s defeat against Aston Villa, despite having lengthy discussions with the defender about his role in the game.
    There was also reportedly bemusement around the handling of Hakim Ziyech.
    The Moroccan international wanted to leave Stamford Bridge in January due to a lack of game time, but was then back in the starting XI after the World Cup.
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    Potter was sacked after just seven months in charge of the Blues despite massive backing from the owner Todd Boehly in the January transfer window.
    The London club spent £330million after the World Cup giving them a hugely inflated squad.
    It has even been claimed that the increased squad size even forced a number of players to have to change in the corridor as there was not enough space in the dressing room.
    Chelsea remain in the bottom half of the Premier League table as they search for a new manager for the remainder of the season.
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    They played out a soulless 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Tuesday night and will face Wolves away on Saturday.
    Despite their terrible league form they are still in with a chance of silverware with a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on the horizon. More

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    Chelsea fans say the Graham Potter curse ‘lives on’ after stat from Liverpool clash emerges

    CHELSEA fans bemoaned the Graham Potter “curse” after seeing a damning stat following their goalless draw with Liverpool.The Blues missed a host of chances again at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night as the likes of Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic failed to convert.
    Chelsea missed a host of chances against LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
    Graham Potter struggled to convert xG into goals while at Stamford BridgeCredit: Rex
    It was Chelsea’s first game since Potter was sacked by Blues bosses on Sunday evening.
    But the performance from his side reflected many of the criticisms the ex-Brighton coached face during his time in West London.
    Potter’s Chelsea were slammed for creating opportunities which they failed to finish off.
    And their expected goals (xG) was often far higher than their actual goal tally.
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    Chelsea supporters were hoping Potter’s departure would bring an end to this trend.
    But xG Philosophy revealed on social media following the 0-0 draw with Liverpool that they registered 2.43xG compared to their opponent’s 0.29.
    And fans came out in their droves to vent their frustration.
    One said: “Potter xG curse is still lingering.”
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    Another added: “It seems the curse of Chelsea’s No9s has infected the whole team. Kovacic missed a big one, Felix was also missing. 2.43xG and 12 shots on goal to Liverpool’s 0.29xG. It’s exhaustingly true.”
    And a third responded: “xGraham Potter lives on 🔥.”
    Chelsea have scored just 29 goals in 29 Premier League games this season, fewer than the likes of Leeds and Leicester below them. More