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      Alan Shearer predicts Premier League table in full with Chelsea to finish NINTH and Man City denied title

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      ALAN SHEARER has made a bold set of Premier League predictions as he names the table in FULL ahead of the new season starting on Friday.Manchester City are aiming for an historic fifth consecutive title with Arsenal the favourites to challenge their dominance.Alan Shearer has made his Prem predictionsCredit: GettyHe backs Arsenal to overcome their demons and lift the titleCredit: RexBut his projections are bad news for Chelsea and Todd BoehlyCredit: GettyAnd Shearer backed the Gunners to do just that – and overcome their 21-year title drought to be crowned Prem champions for the fourth time.He did press that Arsenal need to land themselves a “statement” striker before the window slams shut to give them a real chance.The Newcastle icon expects Chelsea’s misery to continue, predicting the Blues to finish NINTH after they climbed up to sixth last season.Shearer can hardly be blamed though – Chelsea did come 12th two years ago and are onto their fourth manager of the Todd Boehly era.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStamford Bridge chiefs have forked out £185m on ten new faces this summer to rank the American’s total bill up to £1.2billion.Shearer told Betfair: “I don’t see Chelsea getting into the top four at all. They’re not ready yet.”While the Match of the Day star also predicted Newcastle to pip Manchester United and Tottenham to a fourth place finish, while Liverpool will come third under new boss Arne Slot.The Red Devils finished eighth last season – their worst ever position- and have brought in some clever signings, but Erik ten Hag is forecasted to struggle to find a way for his side to gel again.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlan Shearer’s full Premier League tableShearer added: “It’s a big season for Ten Hag and Man United because they’re going to have to improve massively in the league.”He is projecting a tight relegation battle but thinks the three who got promoted, also including Ipswich and Leicester, will go straight back to the Championship.Fans can’t stop laughing at Roy Keane’s blunt response to bizarre Mikel Arteta Arsenal ‘pickpocket’ storyThe ex-Southampton man is predicting the Saints to be relegated and former Premier League winners Leicester to finish rock bottom.Shearer believes Aston Villa will follow in Newcastle’s footsteps and drop from fourth to seven amid the constraints of playing Champions League football this season.As for the golden boot race, Shearer, who knows a thing or two about putting the ball in the back of the net, thinks Man City’s Erling Haaland will claim his third successive award.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Former England star, 41, hints Arteta’s role for Kai Havertz ‘didn’t go to plan’ before Arsenal star’s transformation

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      MANCHESTER CITY legend Joleon Lescott claims Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had different plans for Kai Havertz after signing him last summer.The Gunners landed Havertz, 25, from rivals Chelsea in 2023 following a £65million deal.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had a different role for Kai Havertz before his transformation as a false nineCredit: RexLescott praised Havertz’s performances at Arsenal and slammed the criticsCredit: GettyThe versatile German often led the Blues’ attack during his three-year stint at Stamford Bridge and scored the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against City.Lescott, 41, expected the Germany international to play in a different position at Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta appeared to have the same idea as he hinted he would use him in midfield.However, plans changed and Havertz quickly returned up front as a false nine and often led the North Londoners’ attack amid another round of injury hell for striker Gabriel Jesus.Lescott praised Havertz’s ability to successfully adjust after Arteta’s original ideas “didn’t go to plan”.Read More on ArsenalHavertz received plenty of criticism for some early performances but went on to amass an impressive tally of 13 goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances.Lescott dismissed all the negativity and insists Havertz deserves more credit as he compared his style to Manchester United and Tottenham’s legendary striker Dimitar Berbatov.The ex-England international is adamant the former Chelsea star deserves more respect as he has also proven himself as a false nine in Germany’s national team.Lescott told SunSport: “Yeah, I think it [the criticism] was unfair. I believe when they signed him, I didn’t think he would have or play in the role that he played for them. Most read in Football”I believed he would be important to them. I think Arteta had a different role for him at the start. It didn’t go to plan. And then he and the player, Kai Havertz, was able to adjust. “And yeah, I think because we want a profile of a striker – a number nine – to have a certain look and image, I think we’re not giving him the credit as a number nine. Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ “But if you compare him to his style, like his attributes, are they much different to a Berbatov, really? He’s able to travel with the ball long distances, he is technically very, very good. He scores. He always looks comfortable in front of goal.”So yeah, I think because he’s played in the previous positions, that hinders the appeal of him looking like a number nine. “But you have to respect, you don’t play for Arsenal being a genuine title contender, playing in the Euros for one of the top nations as a number nine, and not be able to do it adequately.”Lescott is so impressed with Havertz’s “exceptional” performances that he even questions whether the striker’s position is the most important area in which Arsenal need to strengthen this summer.Havertz was ‘exceptional’ last seasonThe former centre-back doubts there are many options available and also insists Arteta’s side didn’t lose the title to his beloved City because of a lack of goals last season.Lescott added: “I think it’s easy to suggest that [Arsenal need a striker], but are there many that are available and that guarantee you the goals they would need? “I do believe strikers get you a different type of goal, whether it gets you more goals than Havertz, who I thought was exceptional last season. “I do think strikers have a different knack of taking an opportunity that’s not really there. I think forwards in general want to see the goal and want to see a perfect position where forwards or strikers just go, ‘I’m just going to shoot’, and sometimes get lucky with the deflection.”I think a striker would bring that different element to it. But again, I think just strengthening your squad, strengthening your team is important. READ MORE SUN STORIES”[But to ] Be specific to a position is slightly harsh, because they didn’t lose the title based on just not having a striker . They did enough to win the games and scored a goal. So it’s just finding an alternative to the little bits that Arteta thinks he needs.”Joleon Lescott was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. Play the new £1million Golden Goals game this season by predicting Premier League scores at https://www.betmgm.co.uk. BeGambleAware 18+Arsenal boss Arteta hinted he was going to use Havertz in midfieldCredit: The Times More

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      Arsenal step up efforts to seal Mikel Merino transfer as Edu flies to Spain… but ‘may need to sell to buy’

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      ARSENAL sporting director Edu has been in Spain hoping to wrap up a deal for Mikel Merino.Real Sociedad ace Merino, 28, wants to join the Gunners with the clubs locked in talks over the Spain midfielder.Arsenal are in talks over a move for Mikel MerinoCredit: GettyThe midfielder helped Spain win the Euros this summerCredit: GettyHe was missing from their pre-season friendly squad against Union Berlin on Friday amid rumours he is heading to the Emirates.Merino was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024 and he scored the winner against Germany in the quarter-final.Mikel Arteta is said to have wanted the midfielder for some time with Arsenal in talks over his signing.It is believed agreeing personal terms with Merino would be straightforward once a bid is accepted.READ MORE ON ARSENALReal Sociedad are keen to keep Merino and have offered him a new deal with his contract set to expire next year.However the player’s representatives have reportedly informed the club that Merino intends to sign for the Gunners.But Arsenal may not be able to complete a transfer until they sell players, with Eddie Nketiah tipped to leave.Marseille were in talks to sign the striker but refused to match Arsenal’s £27million asking price.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBournemouth are interested in Nketiah as a potential replacement for Dominic Solanke.Arsenal also had to let go Emile Smith Rowe this summer to fund a move for Riccardo Califiori.Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ More

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      Man City in huge injury blow with Oscar Bobb ruled out for months after suffering fractured leg

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      MANCHESTER CITY star Oscar Bobb is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after fracturing his leg.The winger has featured regularly in pre-season for the Premier League champions and was tipped to build on his breakthrough campaign last time out.Oscar Bobb suffered a fractured leg in trainingCredit: ReutersThe Norwegian worked his way into the team last seasonCredit: AlamyBobb was tipped for success this season after playing 90 minutes in the Community ShieldCredit: GettyPep Guardiola hinted at the youngster being given a bigger role this campaignCredit: PABut he suffered a fractured leg in City training with and could spend months on the treatment table.It is a big blow for the youngster who played 14 Premier League games last term, scoring once.Bobb also appeared in the Champions League and played 90 minutes as City beat rivals Manchester United on penalties in the Community Shield last weekend.The Norwegian produced the assist for Bernardo Silva’s late equaliser thanks to a magnificent bit of skill.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBobb was tipped for big success this season, with pundit Jill Scott suggesting he could win the Player of the Year award during an appearance on Stick to Football.He was reportedly set to be a big part of Pep Guardiola’s plans after the Spaniard gave the green light for Julian Alvarez to join Atletico Madrid in an £81.5million switch.Guardiola praised the youngster after the Community Shield and hinted he could take on a more senior role this season.He said: “We want more. Sometimes he had the chance to take the ball and go and he was a little bit passive.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“He has something unique; be stopped then go, first one or two steps, right or left are unbelievable. “The goal, how he turns and make the cross, huge quality. He has incredible values and work ethic. He has the ability to do it and he can do it more regularly.”Man City CAN be relegated next season | Here’s how and the latest on their 115 financial charges More

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      Watch Thiago Silva’s son Iago, 13, drive PORSCHE as Chelsea youngster’s mum Belle says ‘b***ard did it right first time’

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      THIAGO SILVA’S 13-year-old son Iago was filmed driving a PORSCHE by his mum Belle as the Chelsea youngster showed off his skills behind the wheel.Both of Silva’s sons, Isago and Iago, who are thought to be 15 and 13, are in the Blues academy.Thiago Silva’s son Iago was filmed driving a PorscheCredit: Instagram / @bellesilvaIago’s mum Belle, who is Silva’s wife, filmed the footageCredit: Instagram / @bellesilvaHe drove the car in full Chelsea kit as a member of their academyCredit: Instagram / @bellesilvaThe former Brazil international’s wife Belle, 37, has become known as the Premier League’s most outspoken Wag after a number of controversial social media posts last season.And now she has taken to Instagram to share a video of son Iago driving one of their cars.He appeared to be behind the wheel of Silva’s £82,000 Porsche Panamera – which has a top speed of 168mph.And he seemed to be driving on a private road near Chelsea’s training ground.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThere are no licencing requirements or age limit if the driving is taking place on private property to which the public have no access.Chelsea youngster Iago was filmed smiling in the driver’s seat in full Chelsea kit.He appeared in control of the car as he took the vehicle down the road.At the end of the Instagram video, he then slowly makes a turn after looking both ways.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSilva’s two boys Isago (left) and Iago (right) are in the Chelsea academyCredit: Instagram/ @bellesilvaAlong with the clip, Belle added the caption: “The b*****d did it right. And it was the 1st time.”It comes after dad Silva left Chelsea at the end of last season following a successful four-year stint at Stamford Bridge.Thiago Silva breaks down in tears on Wembley pitch after Blues crumble against Man CityThe centre-back, 39, said an emotional farewell to Blues fans, but insisted he could be back in the future given his sons are now at the club.He said: “I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years. Not just for me but for my family, too.”My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers here at this victorious club that many players wish to be part of.”In everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end.”I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here.”Silva played 155 games for Chelsea, winning the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup. More

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      Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane reveals shock plan to QUIT as Man Utd legend blames ‘hassle of fans’ after headbutt row

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      ROY KEANE is planning to quit punditry.The Manchester United legend was headbutted by an Arsenal fan at the Emirates last year.Roy Keane has opened up on his futureCredit: GettyAn Arsenal fan was banned from football for three years over a confrontationCredit: Tristan Kirk/ Evening StandardAnd he says the “hassle” means he is planning to call it a day within the next 10 years.On his 53rd birthday, Keane was asked Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast: “Hopefully, I’ll be out of this rat race in about 12 months.”A nice house somewhere, a bit of land, a few animals.”Jamie Carragher asked if he would still be a pundit in a decade.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Absolutely f***ing not,” Keane responded.”You must be joking. I’ll struggle for the next 10 months doing this.”I don’t think I’ll be doing punditry in 10 years’ time.”I love football but the hassle of matches, getting to games and the hassle of fans – I was in court a few months ago with somebody headbutting me – do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The games are fine. Getting to the games, parking up, people shouting your name – good stuff, bad stuff – it’s a nuisance.”Sky Sports and ITV star Keane made his punditry debut in 2011 and has been a regular on screens since.Fans in hysterics as video from Community Shield shows the difference between greeting Roy Keane and Ian WrightThe Old Trafford icon revealed last month that new United chief Dan Ashworth once rejected him for a job.The former United captain has not worked as a manager since leaving Ipswich in 2011.He has been linked to several roles since including a return to Sunderland, who he guided to the Premier League before stepping down.Keane, 52, revealed he once interviewed for the West Brom job with Ashworth, who spent time at the Baggies when they were a Premier League team between 2007-12.Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry.However he was turned down by the man who became United’s sporting director earlier this month.Keane joked as he spoke about Ashworth’s arrival at Old Trafford on the Stick to Football podcast.He said: “I don’t know if he’s that clever because he interviewed me for a job a few years ago and didn’t give it to me. It was the West Brom job.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The interview was good, just a bit of chit chat about football and my plans. It’s always strange for any manager, what is a good or bad interview? It’s hard to gauge.“Sometimes you get a feeling for somebody, and you respect who they go with. I sat with him, and it wasn’t meant to be obviously.” More

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      Chelsea vs Man City: Enzo Maresca’s bloated Blues squad face Pep’s champions in huge Prem match – stream, TV, team news

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      CHELSEA and Man City go head to head in the Premier League’s first real heavyweight clash this Sunday.It doesn’t get much tougher than this as far as first games go, with new Blues boss Enzo Maresca having to navigate a bout with four-in-a-row champions Man City at Stamford Bridge.Enzo Maresca is ready to take charge of his first competitive game as Chelsea managerCredit: GettyManchester City beat Manchester United to lift the Community Shield last weekendCredit: RexMaresca, having never taken charge of a Premier League game before, will be hoping his bloated squad can turn it on against former colleague Pep Guardiola.The Italian worked alongside Pep at Man City, learning his craft and earning his stripes before venturing out to be a manager himself.Now a Hollywood script-like welcome to Premier League management awaits him for his first competitive game in charge of the Blues since taking over from Mauricio Pochettino.But it wouldn’t be Hollywood without a star-studded cast, so naturally Chelsea have splashed the cash this summer brining in big names such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Pedro Neto.Read more on ChelseaHowever, their pre-season preparations have felt a little low-budget rather than box-office smash, with the London club winning only one of their six warm up friendlies.For Manchester City it’s a start as you mean to go on kind of situation.The Cityzens’ trophy cabinet is looking almost as jam-packed as the Chelsea dressing room, after they added even more silverware last weekend with their penalty shootout heroics in the Community Shield.There’s no doubt that City will go into the game as favourites, as they do in every match they play, but there could still be reason for optimism for the Stamford Bridge faithful.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat’s because no team has earned more points from their opening matches of the Premier League season than Chelsea (67).While both league clashes between these two sides ended in a share of the spoils last term.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesHowever, it’s important to note that these two teams faced each other earlier this month as part of their pre-season tours of the United States.A game which saw Erling Haaland net a hat-trick and City walk away 4-2 victors.Erling Haaland’s hat-trick inspired a 4-2 win for Man City when the two sides met in pre-seasonCredit: GettyWhat’s their form like?Chelsea’s pre-season tour left a lot to be desired with a 3-0 victory over Club America their only win during the preparations.A 2-2 draw with League One outfit Wrexham and a 4-1 battering at the hands of Celtic were particularly concerning for Enzo Maresca’s side.City will be buoyed, not only by Chelsea’s shocking pre-season efforts, but also by their Community Shield success at Wembley last weekend.Guardiola’s side didn’t look their strongest against neighbours Man Utd, relying on a late equaliser from Bernardo Silva to force an ultimately fruitful penalty shootout.However, City started a stripped-backed side with four academy graduates in the starting XI.Expect Pep to strengthen for the start of the Premier League campaign.What is the team news and any injuries to worry about? Cole Palmer is expected to slot straight into the attack despite having minimal pre-season minutes courtesy of his Euro 2024 adventure with England.And Chelsea’s talisman could be joined by in-form Christopher Nkunku and summer signing Pedro Neto.However, captain Reece James is suspended for three matches having picked up a red card in last season’s Premier League finale – the full-back is also injured so he would have missed out regardless.Reece James will miss Chelsea’s first three fixturesCredit: ReutersElsewhere, Oscar Bobb, James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly could all be handed starts following their impressive cameos in the Community Shield win against Manchester United.Summer signing Savinho could also be handed some minutes with Julian Alvarez now out of the picture.Kevin de Buryne has been tipped to reappear in the starting eleven, but Phil Foden, Rodri and Jack Grealish all look set to miss out once again.Who will be the star men?How do you look past Cole Palmer when it comes to Chelsea?The England hero was their stand-out performer last season scoring 25 goals and registering 15 assists in all competitions, expect him to kick on once again this term.A new contract extension tying him down to the Bridge until 2033, could also give him extra motivation to put a show on for the home fans. As for Man City it would be easy to point at Erling Haaland or Kevin de Bruyne to be the star man.While Jack Grealish had looked sharp in pre-season before an injury made him a major doubt for Sunday’s game.Instead it’s Jeremy Doku who could cause Chelsea some problems.Maresca is keen on playing with an inverted full-back, giving Doku plenty of space on the flanks to make something happen.What have the managers said?Enzo Maresca is convinced his side is growing game-by-game under his stewardship and will be hoping that they are ready to take on the champions on Sunday.Speaking after a 1-1 pre-season draw with Inter Milan, Maresca said: “I’m very happy because I can see that the team is improving, on the ball and off the ball.”Adding: “Absolutely we can see clear results from our work. Today we could see that we tried to keep the ball. “Inter are special at defending, but for sure the team is already doing well. It’s the most important thing, for sure. “With time this team is going to get better and better. We started just one month ago so I can see clearly that the team is improving.”While Pep Guardiola has challenged youngster Oscar Bobb to show more and earn a spot in the first team.Speaking after the Community Shield, he said: “We want more. Sometimes he had the chance to take the ball and go and he was a little bit passive.“He has something unique; be stopped then go, first one or two steps, right or left are unbelievable.“The goal, how he turns and make the cross, huge quality. He has incredible values and work ethic. He has the ability to do it and he can do it more regularly.”Guardiola has called for more from Oscar BobbCredit: PASunSport predictionIt’s going to be a baptism of fire for Enzo Maresca as he takes charge of his first ever Premier League match as a manager.And although he’s got a home advantage and a squad full of mega-money superstars, it feels like it could be too early to topple a giant like this Man City side.Pep Guardiola’s team are a well-oiled machine and that will kick back into the routine of winning as soon as the first ball is kicked.Chelsea 1-3 Man CityWhen is Chelsea vs Man City?Chelsea vs Man City will take place on Sunday, August 18.It is scheduled to kick off at 4:30pm BST.Stamford Bridge in West London is the allocated arena for this blockbuster match and it can host approximately 40,341 fans.Erling Haaland’s hat-trick fired City to a 4-2 win when the sides last met earlier this month for a pre-season friendly.What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?Chelsea vs Man City will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.Coverage is expected to commence from 4pm BST – 30 minutes before kick-off on both channels.NOW TV subscription holders can stream the entire action through the app.Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the game through our live blog.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat are the odds?Chelsea to win 29/10Draw 3/1Man City to win 5/6*Odds courtesy of William Hill are correct at time of publication More

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      How Man Utd could line up with Marcos Alonso and Ivan Toney as target shock new transfers

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could bring in two more signings before the transfer window closes later this month.Erik ten Hag has already splashed out nearly £140million on Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui.Manchester United are understood to be interested in Marcos AlonsoCredit: GettyIvan Toney has also been linked with a switch to Old TraffordCredit: RexBut they could yet welcome more arrivals in the next fortnight, with the deadline of August 30 looming large.Former Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso, 33, who is now a free agent, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford after leaving Barcelona at the end of last season.Man Utd remain short on left-back options with Luke Shaw out until the international break and Tyrell Malacia still absent after knee surgery.Brentford striker Ivan Toney, 28, has also been mooted as a potential target for Man Utd.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA £60m price tag and a possible fight with Chelsea could put the Red Devils off, but they may feel they need extra firepower up top to go with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.If Alonso and Toney are to come in, Man Utd could line up against Liverpool on August 31 with nearly half their team as new signings.Andre Onana will remain the keeper, but three of the back four may be fresh faces.Alonso, De Ligt and Mazraoui could all slot in alongside Lisandro Martinez.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow Man Utd could line up with Alonso and ToneyCasemiro and Kobbie Mainoo will likely remain at the base of the midfield.But the shake-up in the forward line could see Marcus Rashford drop to the bench.Man Utd fans gush ‘Adidas are absolutely killing it’ as ‘genius’ video showing off 2024-25 third kit is releasedThe most likely option off the left is Alejandro Garnacho, with Zirkzee on the other flank and Bruno Fernandes behind Toney.Man Utd kick off the Premier League season on Friday night when they host Fulham.They then travel to Brighton on August 24, before taking on Liverpool at Old Trafford in the final match before the international break. More