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      Damning Premier League table for 2023 shows Liverpool are rock-bottom… with shock side topping the standings

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      LIVERPOOL are rock-bottom of the Premier League table… for results gained in 2023.And quite incredibly, it’s former strugglers Nottingham Forest who lead the way after a stunning turnaround under Steve Cooper.
      Liverpool are bottom of the 2023 Premier League tableCredit: Alamy
      The Premier League table in 2023 so far
      Liverpool have picked up just one point in four games this year.
      Despite signing Cody Gakpo, the Reds have been unable to strike up a winning formula on the field.
      And following their 3-0 hammering at Wolves, Jurgen Klopp’s men boast an awful goal difference of minus eight.
      But up the other end of the table, Forest are flying high thanks to their brilliant January.
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      Last year’s play-off winners started the season poorly and were tipped by many for an immediate relegation.
      However, no side has picked up more points in 2023 than Forest, who also boast several clean sheets in the process.
      Next up are Brighton and Brentford, who have each gained an impressive 10 points after flying starts to the new year.
      Man Utd and Aston Villa have also reached that strong tally, albeit by playing an extra game.
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      Man City and Spurs then fellow closely just one point behind.
      But Tottenham’s total of nine seems less impressive considering they have played six times since the turn of the year – the joint-most of any side.
      Interestingly, league leaders Arsenal are next with just seven points after dropping points to Newcastle and Everton.
      They have the same amount as Wolves and Fulham, who are both picking up pace after some good results.
      The bottom half of the 2023 Premier League table starts with Newcastle in 11th, with the Magpies picking up a number of draws.
      Chelsea are level on six points, a below-par effort for six games played.
      West Ham and Leicester are next on five and four points respectively.
      Southampton and Everton each have three points so far in 2023.
      And finally, Crystal Palace have just two points, while Bournemouth and Liverpool each have one
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      There is still plenty to play for as the league continues to heat up post-World Cup.
      But those sides struggling after a bad start to the year will know they can’t afford many more slip-ups between now and the end of the season. More

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      Chelsea could land Denzel Dumfries in swap transfer with Inter Milan as they target Trevoh Chalobah

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      CHELSEA could land Denzel Dumfries as part of a swap transfer with Trevoh Chalobah, according to reports.Inter Milan are desperate to bring in a new centre-back at the end of the season.
      Denzel Dumfries could be on his way to Chelsea as part of a swap transferCredit: Getty
      Trevoh Chalobah is on the list of Inter Milan centre-back targetsCredit: Getty
      Milan Skriniar, who has been stripped of the captaincy, has agreed a pre-contract arrangement to join Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
      And so Simone Inzaghi is scouting for a defender to replace the departing Slovakian.
      According to Juve News’ Niccolo Ceccarini, Chalobah is on their list of possible options.
      The Blues ace, 23, has progressed through the academy to become a first-team regular.
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      He has made 18 appearances this term, starting 11 Premier League matches.
      However, the arrivals of Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana this season may have hindered Chalobah’s long-term opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
      So Inter may try and scoop to bring in the former England Under-21 international, whose pal Fikayo Tomori made a similar switch from Chelsea to Milan.
      And to sweeten the deal, the Nerazzurri could use Dumfries in the exchange.
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      Holland ace Dumfries, 26, has been linked with Chelsea in the last two transfer windows.
      But the Blues may be less keen for the wing-back after securing Malo Gusto in January for £35million before sending him straight back to Lyon on loan.
      Another player being considered by Inter is Chris Smalling.
      The former Manchester United man’s contract at Roma expires this summer and he is stalling over accepting the two-year offer on the table.
      So Inter, who missed out on Harry Maguire on loan last month, would be keen to pounce and land him on a free transfer should he decide against extending his stay at the Stadio Olimpico.
      It is understood Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini and Merih Demiral remain Inter’s preferred targets.
      The San Siro giants are also interested in Rodrigo Becao, whose Udinese deal runs out in 2024, and Fiorentina ace Nikola Milenkovic. More

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      Man City’s last Championship team and where they are now including Premier League winner amid relegation threat

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      MANCHESTER CITY are at risk of being relegated from the Premier League if found guilty of alleged financial breaches.The club has been accused of more than one hundred breaches between 2009-2018.
      Manchester City won the Championship in 2001-02 with 99 points
      They face possible punishments including a points deduction, transfer bans, spending limits and and stripping of previous titles.
      Another potential punishment is expulsion from the league, meaning relegation and a drop into the Championship.
      City have been in the top flight since the 2002-03 season, having won the Championship in 2002 with an impressive 99 points.
      That team included Erling Haaland’s dad Alfe-Inge, though he was a bit-part player with the likes of Stuart Pearce, Shaun Goater, and Shaun Wright-Phillips firing the Citizens to the Prem.
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      With Man City at real threat of a return to the second tier, SunSport takes a look at that Championship winning side of 2001-02 and where they are now.
      Nicky Weaver
      The former No1, 43, hung up his gloves in 2014 and has since worked at Sheffield Wednesday in various coaching capacities.
      He is now Head of Academy Goalkeeping at the Owls having once been a first-team coach at the club.
      Nicky Weaver works with Sheffield Wednesday’s academyCredit: PA:Press Association
      Richard Dunne
      The former Republic of Ireland international made 352 appearances for City before leaving in 2009.
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      Since retiring Dunne, 43, has worked as a pundit for ITV, BT Sport and TV3 and set-up his own football academy in Monaco, FMC Elite, where he also works as a coach.
      Richard Dunne runs his own academy in MonacoCredit: Getty
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      Steve Howey
      Howey, 51, moved into broadcasting at the end of his career and has worked as a presenter for Total Sport and BBC Radio Newcastle.
      He now works for the Premier League and Sky Sports and can be booked for after-dinner speaking.
      The ex-defender works as a presenter and a punditCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Gerard Wiekens
      The Dutchman, 49, moved back to the Netherlands after leaving Eastlands and had coaching spells at Veendam, FC Groningen and VV Noordsten.
      He is now assistant manager at FC Emmen.
      Gerard Wiekens is FC Emmen assistant managerCredit: EPA
      Stuart Pearce
      The former England international, 60, has had a lengthy coaching career and left his role as West Ham assistant last summer.
      He now features regularly on talkSPORT and amongst his other media work he also gives motivational talks on leadership.
      Stuart Pearce is a regular on talkSPORT after leaving West Ham last summerCredit: Getty
      Kevin Horlock
      Horlock, 50, also moved into coaching at the end of his playing career and is manager of Needham Market.
      He has also managed Maldon & Tiptree and Colchester Under-23s.
      Kevin Horlock is manager of Needham MarketCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Eyal Berkovic
      The former midfielder, 50, is now manager of Israeli second-division side Hapoel Petah Tikva.
      In 2015 Berkovic purchased another Israeli club, Hapoel Rishon, for £320,000.
      Ali Benarbia
      The “Algerian Magician”, 54, works as a pundit for Al Jazeera but is remembered fondly for his time at The Etihad.
      Ali Benarbia made 78 appearances for CityCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Shaun Wright-Phillips
      The former Premier League winner with Chelsea often appears as a pundit and is a director of Mayfair-based jewellery manufacturer Maison d’IF.
      The 41-year-old’s son D’Margio plays for Northampton, on loan from Stoke City.
      Shaun Wright-Phillips has kept busy with different jobs since retiringCredit: Getty
      Darren Huckerby
      Huckerby, 46, works as an ambassador for Norwich and hosts the corporate entertainment on matchday.
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      Darren Huckerby works as an ambassador for NorwichCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Shaun Goater
      Goater, 52, is back at City working with the academy, a position he has held since October 2021.
      He also appears as a pundit on the Sky Sports News show Premier League Daily and works as an analyst for BBC Radio Manchester on City games.
      Shaun Goater works with Manchester City’s academyCredit: Getty More

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      ‘There was nothing on the back side’ – Yaya Toure’s agent denies accepting secret Man City payments

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      YAYA TOURE’S former agent Dimitri Seluk has DENIED receiving secret payments from Manchester City amid a number of charges levelled at the club.City are facing more than 100 allegations of breaches of financial rules following a four-year investigation.
      Yaya Toure pictured with his former agent Dimitri Seluk
      Yaya Toure’s old agent denies receiving any secrey payments from Man CityCredit: Getty
      Boss Pep Guardiola has previously claimed that he would quit the Cityzens if club chiefs ever lied to him regarding rule breaches.
      Now the club could be EXPELLED from the Premier League.
      Other possible punishments include a points deduction for the reigning champions, transfer bans, spending limits and even the stripping of previous titles.
      Among the reported charges are allegations that Seluk received secret payments from Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group during his ex-client’s time at the club.
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      However, Seluk told the Daily Mail: “No, everything was transparent, there was nothing on the back side.
      “I am interested to see what happens as this was a surprise.
      “Yaya, of course, paid everything – tax and everything. It was all transparent.”
      Seluk, whose agreement with Toure ended in 2019, also stated he is happy to speak to the independent commission that is overseeing the case.
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      The now 39-year-old Toure moved to the Etihad in 2010 from Barcelona and achieved legendary status in his eight-years at City.
      He scored 79 goals in 316 appearances and won three Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups.
      Toure is now an academy coach at Tottenham. 
      City have claimed that they have “irrefutable evidence” that they have done nothing wrong and that they are eagerly-awaiting the matter “being put to rest once and for all”.
      An independent commission of three will sit in a private hearing to rule on it, although no timeframe for a decision has been set. More

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      Supercomputer predicts Wednesday’s football scores including Man Utd vs Leeds, Real Madrid and Sunderland vs Fulham

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      THREE big games are set to take place on Wednesday evening as fans are given a choice between Premier League, FA Cup and Club World Cup action.Man Utd prepare to face off against Leeds twice in four days – the first of which comes at Old Trafford.
      Marcus Rashford is enjoying a remarkable run of formCredit: PA
      Sunderland’s Chris Rigg thought he had scored the winner against Fulham at Craven Cottage before the goal was ruled outCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag’s men are seeking a 14th successive home win in all competitions and could move level on points with second-place Man City with a victory.
      Meanwhile, Sunderland and Fulham will meet once more for a place in the FA Cup fifth round.
      The Black Cats earned a replay after drawing 1-1 at Craven Cottage, but they will need to go one step further if they are to reach the last-16 for the first time in eight years.
      And if that wasn’t enough, European champions Real Madrid are also playing as they take on Egyptian side Al Ahly in the Club World Cup.
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      Here is how the supercomputer – which analyses the latest odds and statistical data – sees all three matches going on Wednesday night…
      Man Utd vs Leeds
      Man Utd look unbeatable at home at this moment in time as they set their sights on rivals Man City – who are struggling to put together a solid run of form in the Premier League.
      By contrast, Leeds have not won a league match since the beginning of November.
      And while the departure of Jesse Marsch could spell the start of a new era, do not expect that to start at Old Trafford.
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      Supercomputer winner: Man Utd
      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Man Utd 2-0 Leeds
      Most likely goalscorer: Marcus Rashford

      Sunderland vs Fulham
      Sunderland showed they are more than capable of competing with Premier League sides when they earned a draw in West London 10 days ago.
      But getting over the line and actually knocking out Marco Silva’s men could be a step too far for the second-tier outfit.
      Supercomputer winner: Draw (Fulham on penalties)
      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: 1-1
      Most likely goalscorer: Aleksandar Mitrovic
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      Al Ahly vs Real Madrid
      Real Madrid may have fallen eight points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title race, but they will undoubtedly see the Club World Cup as a huge opportunity for silverware.
      Carlo Ancelotti’s men take on Egypt’s Al Ahly in the semi-finals of the tournament, with Flamengo or Al-Hilal awaiting them in Saturday’s final.
      Supercomputer winner: Real Madrid
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      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Al Ahly 0-2 Real Madrid
      Most likely goalscorer: Karim Benzema
      Karim Benzema has scored 13 goals so far this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd ‘ready to launch £107m Victor Osimhen transfer bid with Napoli striker seen as Harry Kane alternative’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ready to launch a £107million bid for Victor Osimhen.That’s as they look for striker alternatives to Harry Kane this summer.
      Man Utd are chasing a £107m deal for Victor OsimhenCredit: Reuters
      The Napoli striker is seen as an alternative to Spurs star Harry KaneCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag is keen on boosting his attacking options once he has money to spend.
      And the Mail claims Osimhen has emerged as a top target following a barnstorming season with Napoli.
      The Nigeria international has 16 goals in 17 league games, sending his side 13 points clear at the top of the table.
      Osimhen, who is also wanted by Chelsea, is believed to have a £107m release clause in his contract.
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      And United are apparently willing to meet it as Ten Hag looks to build a squad capable of challenging on all fronts.
      Should a deal go through, it would match the Premier League record fee set by Chelsea on deadline day for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
      But, despite their interest in Osimhen, United still remain keen on Tottenham star and England captain Kane.
      The striker refused to commit his future to the Londoners after breaking Jimmy Greaves’ scoring record against Man City.
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      And United would love to bring Kane to the Theatre of Dreams as his contract dwindles down.
      But Spurs are reportedly unwilling to sell their key player, especially to a rival.
      Yet that could open the door for a free transfer switch in 2024 when Kane’s Tottenham deal finally comes to an end. More

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      Who is former Chelsea star Christian Atsu’s wife?

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      CHRISTIAN ATSU has been through a horrific ordeal after being trapped in rubble following the earthquakes in Turkey. The former Chelsea forward, who now plays for Hatayspor, had been unaccounted for for hours after huge tremors shook Turkey and Syria.
      Christian Atsu has previously played for Chelsea, Newcastle and EvertonCredit: AFP
      But now Atsu has been found safe, although has injuries due to the damage caused.
      “Christian Atsu was removed from the wreckage with injuries,” Hatayspor president Mustafa Ozat told Radyo Gol.
      “Unfortunately, our sporting director Taner Savut is still under the rubble.
      “Hatay was deeply affected. We are coming towards the end of the most dangerous hours.”
      Who is Christian Atsu’s wife?
      Atsu met his wife Marie-Claire Rupio in Portugal nearly a decade ago when he was playing for Porto.
      The pair got married in 2012 and have since welcomed three kids to their lives.
      Atsu has previously said to Tv3 Sports: “I met my wife in Portugal and you can see we have a beautiful family. We’ve been together for nine to ten years and I just love her.”
      Christian Atsu has been married to his wife Marie-Claire since 2012
      Atsu has previously played for Chelsea, Everton, Newcastle and Bournemouth in the Premier League.
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      The 31-year-old has also had spells in Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Holland. More

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      Man City cult hero Sun Jihai is now business mogul and talk show host worth £20million

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      FORMER Man City defender Sun Jihai is now a businessman and talk show host worth £20MILLION.The ex-China international, 45, spent six years in the blue half of Manchester between 2002 and 2008.
      Sun Jihai was a cult hero during his time at Man CityCredit: PA:Press Association
      Jihai has gone on to make a name for himself in businessCredit: AFP
      He played 130 times for City, helping them return to the top flight during his first six months at the club.
      He also made history at Man City by becoming the first Chinese player to score in the Premier League.
      Jihai went on to spend a season with Sheffield United in the Championship as City sold him following their 2008 takeover.
      He enjoyed seven more years playing back in China, accumulating 80 caps for his country, before eventually hanging up his boots in 2016.
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      But he has arguably had more success since retiring from football.
      Jihai co-founded a sports data company, HaiQui Sports [HQ], in the year he retired from the game.
      The organisation, which he formed with Beijing Renhe, set out to offer sports media, technology and “datatainment”.
      This manifested itself in Jihai hosting a talk show in which he promoted sports social media app MiaoHi – which connects celebrities to fans – and “match prediction tool” Jihai App.
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      It saw him attract a “multi-million dollar” investments from China Media Capital – who had already purchased a 13 per cent stake in City Football Group – along with Tencent and the Yuan Xu Fund.
      MiaoHi was Jihai’s main product which brought in the investment, with the app boasting 2,000 celebrities on the platform at the time.
      Since then it has become incredibly popular and is now used by 400 million people.
      The expansion was helped by the Chinese national football team using the app to stream content during their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign.
      The business ventures have seen Jihai accumulate a wealth of £20m, according to PeopleWorthWiki.
      He remains in football as a vice chairman of the FA in the Xinjiang region.
      And Jihai recently spoke out against the increased number of foreign managers in the Chinese Super League.
      Following Slaven Bilic’s appointment at Beijing Guoan in 2021, he said: “Foreign coaches come to China for a very simple purpose: a pay check.
      “Otherwise what are they coming for? Do they want to improve the level of Chinese soccer? Then what have they done?” More