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    Chelsea vs Arsenal LIVE SCORE: Cole Palmer starts as Declan Rice AND Martin Odegaard return for the Gunners – updates

    ARSENAL are back to full strength as Mikel Arteta called on both Martin Odegaard AND Declan Rice for the trip to Chelsea.The Gunners pair had been doubts in the build up but have been passed fit enough to start a major London derby.For Chelsea, Cole Palmer is also in the starting XI despite fears he may miss the game.Kick off time: 4.30pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appChelsea team: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson.Arsenal team: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…An Ode to the skipperLook who’s back, Arsenal fans.After two months out with an ankle injury, Martin Odegaard returned as an injury time substitute at Inter Milan on Wednesday – and now starts in midfield today alongside Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.Copy linkCopiedResults from around the groundsThe final whistle has been blown in all three of the 2pm kick-offs in the Premier League – and one result in particular will have Arsenal fans buoyant as they take their seats at Stamford Bridge.Ipswich – without a win before today – have triumphed 2-1 at Tottenham to move out of the relegation zone. Oh, mate.Man Utd 3-0 LeicesterNott’m Forest 1-3 NewcastleTottenham 1-2 IpswichCopy linkCopiedBridge bringing best out of SakaArsenal fans will once again look towards Bukayo Saka to make things happen this afternoon.The England star has provided more assists than any other player in the Premier League this season, laying on seven goals for teammates.And the short trip to Chelsea often brings out the best in the Gunners star boy.Saka has either scored (1) or assisted (2) a goal in each of his last three away games at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.Only Sergio Agüero (2013-2017) and Javier Hernandez (2012-2018) have registered goal involvements as visiting players in four consecutive appearances at the home of the Blues.Copy linkCopiedFrom Andy Dillon at Stamford BridgeA boost for Chelsea and England with Cole Palmer declared fit to face Arsenal after battling a knee knock this week.And he looks like he will be teaming up with Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice who is also ok to play after breaking his toe.It means both teams today are pretty much at full strength so there are no excuses for any manager today.This is Chelsea’s best chance to take a top four scalp this season so far having lost to Liverpool and Manchester City.Copy linkCopiedCapital gains for ruthless GunnersArsenal are loving the London life right now.The Gunners prepare for another local rivalry this afternoon, having won their last six Premier League London derbies by an astonishing aggregate scoreline of 22-3.And incredibly, Mikel Arteta’s aces have won three of those six games by five or more goals, having won just one of their first 295 London derbies in the Premier League by such a margin.Copy linkCopiedOdegaard and Rice return for GunnersMikel Arteta makes two changes from the team he sent out at the San Siro to face Inter Milan on Wednesday.The Arsenal manager is able to bolster his midfield with the inclusion of two key men.Declan Rice returns after missing the midweek Champions League trip with a toe injury while captain Martin Odegaard is handed his first start in the Premier League since August.As a result, Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino drop to the bench while loanee Raheem Sterling is ineligible to face his parent club.Arsenal (4-3-3): 22 Raya; 4 White, 2 Saliba, 6 Gabriel, 12 Timber; 8 Odegaard, 5 Partey, 41 Rice; 7 Saka, 29 Havertz, 11 MartinelliSubs: 32 Neto, 9 Jesus, 15 Kiwior, 17 Zinchenko, 19 Trossard, 20 Jorginho, 23 Merino, 49 Lewis-Skelly, 53 NwaneriCredit: @Arsenal on XCopy linkCopiedPalmer fit to spearhead BluesThe news Chelsea fans have been keeper their fingers crossed for!Cole Palmer has been given the green light to play, and starts against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.It means Enzo Maresca makes just one change from the side that he selected for last Sunday’s Premier League draw at Old Trafford.Club captain Reece James drops to the bench so Marc Cucurella returns at left-back; Moises Caicedo takes the captain’s armband in his absence.Chelsea (4-2-3-1): 1 Sanchez; 27 Gusto, 29 Fofana, 6 Colwill, 3 Cucurella; 45 Lavia, 25 Caicedo; 11 Madueke, 20 Palmer, 7 Neto; 15 JacksonSubs: 12 Jorgensen, 4 Tosin, 5 Badiashile, 8 Fernandez, 10 Mudryk, 14 Joao Felix, 18 Nkunku, 24 James, 40 VeigaCredit: @ChelseaFC on XCopy linkCopiedSeven up since Chelsea made their markArsenal annihilated Chelsea at the Emirates back in March with a triumphant 5-0 win that could easily have been even bigger.And the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge earlier last season also felt like a Gunners success, given they were second-best and two goals behind until 13 minutes from time.The upshot is that Mikel Arteta’s team have scored the last seven goals in meetings between the two clubs without a Chelsea response.And the scorers, in case you were wondering:Ben White (2)Kai Havertz (2)Leandro Trossard (2)Declan RiceCopy linkCopiedBlues 2s for home winUnlike last week’s US election between blue and red, this contest really does seem as though it’s too close to call – and it’s left the bookies uncertain in chalking it up.Chelsea are unbeaten in four at Stamford Bridge but are a 2/1 shot to prevail today, while Arsenal are odds-against favourites despite just one win in the last six away games in all competitions.Chelsea win 2/1Draw 23/10Arsenal 13/10Odds from Paddy Power correct at time of post publication.Copy linkCopiedGood afternoon from Stamford BridgeWelcome to live SunSport coverage of the London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League.Always eagerly anticipated, this rivalry has been dominated by the Gunners in recent seasons.But the clubs meet today locked together on 18 points, and vying for the win that will take them back into the top four.For Mikel Arteta’s team, however, there is more at stake.Considered Manchester City’s main title challenger at the season’s start, another loss at the in-form Blues this afternoon will see them 10 points off pacesetters Liverpool at the top.Would that be too early to write them off in their quest to be champions? It’s debatable.Enzo Maresca’s hosts have been flying of late with the mercurial Cole Palmer in the pilot’s seat.The 22-year-old is a fitness doubt for today, but should he be included then expect the news to send shockwaves through both camps.It’s a 4.30pm kick-off in West London, and confirmation of the two teams is on the way.Copy linkCopied More

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    Virgil van Dijk caught trolling Aston Villa rival Pau Torres with 3-word jibe after commentator lipreads Liverpool star

    LIVERPOOL captain Virgil van Dijk brutally mocked Aston Villa star Pau Torres after his attempt to win a penalty.The Reds extended their lead at the top of the table with a 2-0 win over Villa last night.Pau Torres went down in the box wanting a penaltyVirgil van Dijk was fuming over the way the Villa star went downCredit: TNT Sports The duo exchanged heated wordsCredit: APDarwin Nunez opened the scoring in the first-half before Mo Salah wrapped up the three points just six minutes from time.Soon after Liverpool’s second goal, there was a coming together between Ryan Gravenberch and Torres in the penalty area.The Villa centre-back was knocked over by the Dutchman as they jostled for a loose ball.Torres went down and required treatment after the penalty shout was waved away by the referee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Van Dijk was left fuming over what he felt was a theatrical fall from his opponent.As Torres slowly climbed back to his feet, the Liverpool skipper went over to him and seemingly made a gesture about his height.TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher admitted he wasn’t the best lipreader in the world but thought Van Dijk appeared to say: “You’re 6ft’4 mate.”Liverpool’s win took them five points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOn being in the title race, Alexis Mac Allister said: “If you’d asked me before the season started, I wouldn’t say that we were candidates, but now it looks like it.”As for Villa, they have gone five games without a win in all competitions and have slipped to eighth in the Prem.Arne Slot punished for X-rated blast about Arsenal because fourth official thought he was talking to him More

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    Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as hosts look to continue stunning run

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST host Newcastle in a huge Premier League clash to kick off Super Sunday.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been a surprise package this season, sitting in the top-4 ahead today’s clash.Newcastle will be looking to build on their superb 1-0 win over title-chasing Arsenal last time out as Eddie Howe’s men look to find some consistency.Kick off time: 2pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More

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    Tottenham vs Ipswich LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Spurs look to move into top-4 with win over Tractor Boys

    TOTTENHAM host Ipswich in a huge Premier League clash TODAY.Spurs are looking to move into the top-4 places with back-to-back wins in the top-flight.Ipswich will be hoping to secure their first win of the season by pulling off a huge shock in the capital.Kick off time: 2pm GMTTV/Stream: Not available in the UKFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More

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    Man Utd 3-0 Leicester LIVE SCORE: Stream and TV channel info as Bruno Fernandes scoring run continues

    MANCHESTER UNITED are taking on Leicester in a huge Premier League clash RIGHT NOW!And the big team news is that in-form Amad Diallo has started in place of Alejandro Garnacho after his Europa League heroics in the week.This afternoon’s match will mark the end of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim reign, with Ruben Amorim officially taking the hot seat on Monday.Kick off time: 2pm GMTTV/Stream: Not available to watch in the UK.Man Utd team: Onana, Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Fernandes, Amad, Hojlund, Rashford.Leicester team: Hermansen; Justin, Vestergaard, Faes, Kristiansen; Winks, Soumaré, Ndidi; Fatawu, Ayew, BuonanotteFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…FT: Man Utd 3-0 LeicesterRuud van Nistelrooy ends his interim charge undefeated.Three wins and a draw for the Dutchman.He certainly has done the job asked of him by the board.Copy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 3-0 LeicesterThe referee brings the game to a close.It has been a comfortable win for the Red Devils.Fernandes gets a goal on his 250th appearance for the club.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester90+6. It will be a little more positive at Old Trafford when Ruben Amorim arrives for his first day in the job tomorrow.A lot is expected of the Sporting manager.He will be expected to hit the ground running no doubt, such are the demands of being at a club like Man Utd.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester90+4. Amad is continuing to cause problems down the right.On this occasion he cannot find a teammate in the box.Leicester look like they are already on the bus home mentally.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester90+2. Man Utd come forward once again, looking to add some icing to the cake.Amad tries his luck from distance but it sails over the goal.Confidence is high with the youngster at the moment so you can understand him going for goal.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester90. What a disappointing trip this has been for those Leicester fans.Their team has offered nothing for them to get exicted about today.The biggest threat to Onana today has been catching a cold stood in this rain doing nothing.We are going to have six added minutes.Painful.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester88. This is a game to forget for The Foxes today.It has been a very bad day at the office.Nothing they planned for this game has worked at all.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester86. Van Nistelrooy will be happy with the performance today.He can sign off from his interim stint unbeaten.The Dutch manager has steadied the ship since the sacking of Erik ten Hag.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester84. If the game wasn’t over before that goal, it is now.Martinez seems to be struggling with a back injury.Garnacho almost gets away again but it is adjudged that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-0 Leicester82. A sublime ball from Eriksen sets up the attack.Fernandes then threads it to Garnacho, who cuts inside onto his right foot and bends one in the top corner.Great move.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGoal – Alejandro Garnacho (Man Utd)Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester80. Leicester force yet another corner.This time they actually look to cross it into the box in a normal fashion.Another poor delivery as it is headed clear at the near post by Amad.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester78. Man Utd have brought Zirkzee and Eriksen on.They replace Casemiro and Hojlund.Everyone is looking forward to the full-time whistle now.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester76. This second half has been a tough watch.Neither side seems to have much attacking intent.Leicester have huffed and puffed but it all goes pear-shaped when they get to the final third of the pitch where they look clueless.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester74. Garnacho stays down for some time but eventually gets to his feet.The replay shows Faes may have accidentally stepped on his wrist while he was on the floor as he tried to jump over him.It looks as though he is actually crying on the pitch, wow, we have seen it all now.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester72. Steve Cooper must be tearing his hair out on the touchline.As another attack breaks down, Man Utd hit them on the counter.Fortunately for the visitors, it is Garnacho.He gets towards goal, feigns a shot and tries to cut back inside.Instead he plays it from one foot against his opposite heel and it goes out for a goal kick.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester70. Leicester force a corner and try another bizarre effort that you can only assume worked this week on the training ground.Instead, it is easily cleared by Man Utd.The visitors look like they have no idea of how to break a side down to create goalscoring opportunities here.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester68. Man Utd are happy to just pass the ball around now.They are trying to frustrate Leicester by keeping the ball and forcing them to throw caution to the wind more.Steve Cooper needs to come up with some sort of tactical miracle to change this game for the visitors now.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester66. Martinez is able to continue, much to the delight of the home fans.Amad is brought down as he truns Vestergaard.This game has gone the way of the Chelsea match last week now, the biggest cheer will be for the full time whistle.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester64. Buonanotte is shown a yellow card for a clumsy foul.It means the Leicester midfielder wiill miss their next game.He slid in on Martinez and just caught him on the back of the leg.The Argentine defender is receiving some treatment as a result.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester62. The away fans are trying to raise their team.They have not asked enough questions of Onana this afternoon.On such a wet pitch, they should be trying some shots from distance to see if they can get lucky.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester60. Hojlund would make a great signing for Leicester in January.He would fit in well in a team that rarely looks like they are going to score.It will be interesting to see Amorim’s first Man Utd side, whether Zirkzee gets the nod instead of the Dane.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester68. Fernandes is receiving some treatment after a head collision.The fans will be pleased to see him able to continue.He is integral to all they do in an attacking sense.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester56. Leicester have a free kick in a dangerous position.Winks and Buonanotte are stood over it.The former Tottenham man plays it to a Foxes’ player in the wall, looking for it back.It all goes hopelessly wrong and is a waste of a good opportunity.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 Leicester54. You kind of feel with Man Utd’s current plight results are more important than performances.That said, while the fans are eager for the Amorim era, you cannot underestimate the size of the task he has.Even ex-players like Paul Scholes have said it will take a lot longer than the three year contract he has signed to sort things out.Copy linkCopied More

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    Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard linked with return to former club as pressure piles on struggling Al-Ettifaq manager

    LIVERPOOL legend Steven Gerrard has been tipped for a stunning return to one of his former clubs amid his struggles in Saudi Arabia.Al-Ettifaq boss Gerrard, 44, has come under fire amid a disastrous start to the Saudi Pro League campaign that has seen his team tumble to 12th place after three wins and five losses in 10 games.Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has been tipped to return to RangersCredit: GettyGerrard’s ex-Liverpool team-mate Danny Murphy believes there is a path back to RangersCredit: The SunAccording to Al-Youm, club chiefs are considering sacking the ex-Rangers and Aston Villa boss amid the team’s poor form, which led to fans booing the England legend after Tuesday’s loss at Al-Qadsiah.But Gerrard’s former Liverpool team-mate Danny Murphy claims there is still a path for him to return to the Ibrox where he enjoyed the most success as manager after hanging up his boots in 2016.The former midfielder led Rangers to the Scottish Premiership during the 2020-21 campaign, which saw him finishing undefeated and beating arch-rivals Celtic twice in the league.The Gers have endured a rough start in the league under manager Philippe Clement this season as they are third in the table after six wins and three losses in 10 matches.Read More on FootballMurphy told Boylesports: “I think it would be hard to replicate what Steven Gerrard did at Rangers before because they’re struggling.”Their squad is inferior to Celtic and the gap has got much bigger since he left.”But he’s a determined man who wants to work hard and if he was to go back there and then win the league again and overcome Celtic again then it would be a huge achievement.”It’s hard to see him being back there but never say never.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGerrard also worked as a coach for the Under-18 and Under-19s of his beloved Liverpool soon after retiring at LA Galaxy.The Reds are now enjoying immense success under Arne Slot, despite losing legendary manager Jurgen Klopp after a glittering nine-year reign.Steven Gerrard mercilessly BOOED by Al-Ettifaq fans after losing local derby with Liverpool legend on brink of sackVilla, where Gerrard also worked and struggled immensely, are now thriving under Unai Emery.The Al-Ettifaq boss’ troubles piled up on Friday as his team suffered a 3-1 loss at Al-Hilal, which puts his lucrative £15.2million-a-year contract at risk.Steven Gerrard managerial recordHere’s how Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has fared since switching to management:RANGERS: 192 matches – 124 wins, 27 lossesASTON VILLA: 40 matches – 13 wins, 19 lossesAL-ETTIFAQ: 48 matches – 17 wins, 17 losses More

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    Why can’t Raheem Sterling play for Arsenal against Chelsea?

    ARSENAL make the short trip to Stamford Bridge to take on London rivals Chelsea in a blockbuster Super Sunday clash.The Gunners are in need of a huge win after claiming just one point from their last three games in the Premier League.Arsenal were beaten 1-0 away at Newcastle last SaturdayCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s men dropped out of the top-4 after last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park.The Spaniard would have hoped for a more favourable fixture this weekend as only Manchester City have beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this season.Arteta will also have fewer attacking options to choose from, with Raheem Sterling unable to feature for the Gunners in West London.Why can’t Raheem Sterling play for Arsenal against Chelsea?Raheem Sterling will be unable to feature for Arsenal against Chelsea this weekend due to the terms of his Deadline Day move to the Emirates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe winger joined the Gunners on a season-long loan after falling out-of-favour with new Blues boss Enzo Maresca.Due to the move being a temporary one, Sterling will not be eligible to face his parent side, according to Premier League rules.This also rules the 29-year-old out of the return fixture between the two rivals at the Emirates on March 15, 2025.Since his arrival, Sterling has struggled for a consistent run in the Arsenal side, having played just 123 minutes in the Premier League this season.Most read in FootballHowever, the winger is off the mark for his new club, scoring in the 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Bolton in September.How to watch Chelsea vs ArsenalChelsea vs Arsenal will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League.You can live stream the match via the NOW/Sky Sports app.Alternatively, SunSport will provide minute-by-minute coverage of the huge clash at Stamford Bridge. More

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    Sir Alex Ferguson sacrificed values to sign deadly Van Persie and Chelsea will win nothing until they make similar move

    IT was a signing that went against his entire transfer ethos — yet was arguably  the biggest no-brainer of the 105 he made at Old Trafford.Sir Alex Ferguson was never scared to splash cash as he built, strengthened or restructured his all-conquering, title-winning teams.Chelsea and boss Enzo Maresca must abandon their principles if they want to win proper trophiesCredit: PASir Alex Ferguson sacrificed his values to sign Robin van Persie but instantly won the titleCredit: GettyYet as a shrewd old Scot, value for money was also a prime factor.Very rarely did a new face arrive at Manchester United without a potential sell-on fee and the chance to recoup losses if it didn’t work out.This one, though, was different. If it went wrong, there would be no move-him-on safety net.Only Sir Alex knew it wouldn’t go wrong — and Sir Alex wasn’t usually wrong.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo when, in the summer of 2012, Arsenal agreed to sell Robin van Persie, he didn’t pause for breath, even with a £24million price tag.That fee may be a drop in the ocean now but back then it was huge for a player nearing 30. Yet to Fergie it was a bargain.Three months earlier, when THAT Aguerooooo goal meant Manchester City were champions by the  narrowest of margins, Sir Alex had vowed never to lose the title on goal difference again.And with Van Persie as the new attacking spearhead, there was never a chance of it. United were champions by 11 points.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe crown was back at Old Trafford, their Dutch striker topped the scoring charts and Fergie headed into retirement with a 13th Premier League title in the bag,Van Persie’s goals sealed no fewer than 11 United wins that season. But the manager always did know the difference a proven big-game goalscorer can make.How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyStars like Cole Palmer are great but should not be relied upon to score like a proper strikerCredit: GettyAn assassin-eyed striker who — even if they didn’t end the season as the Prem’s top marksman — would get you over the line when the stakes were highest, the competition fiercest.Most champion teams over the years have had that one man they can rely on. Didier Drogba at Chelsea, Alan Shearer at Blackburn, Jamie Vardy in that astonishing Leicester triumph.Liverpool had Mo Salah AND Sadio Mane when they won the Prem. For two years Erling Haaland has banged them in for fun at City.Just like Aguero back in 2012 — only third highest over the season, but the saviour when it mattered most. Never more than on the most dramatic final day ever.Very rarely do you lift silver without a striker of pure gold.It’s why they cost so much. It’s why the best teams always have at least one.And also why it’s so remarkable that, despite splashing out more than £1billion, there is still a glaring gap in the Chelsea ranks.Of course, there are those who will point to Thursday’s 8-0 Europa Conference League rampage and wonder what all the fuss is about. And they will be showing their ignorance.It wasn’t Real Madrid or Barcelona who were put to the sword. Not a Manchester City or Liverpool. It was Noah. The Armenian equivalent of the Red Lion.For a relevant reference point, look to the 1-1 draw with United four days earlier. A game Chelsea dominated but could not kill off.Don’t buy that bull about a point at Old Trafford always being a decent result. It’s not when there’s such a chasm between the two sides as last weekend.Chelsea, as they have so often this season, played some marvellous stuff. But once again there was no one to put the ball in the net. United weren’t praying for the whistle.With a Drogba or Diego Costa in a blue shirt, they were breathing-space winners. Like City or Liverpool would have been. Like Spurs were with Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson.Match winners who can make the difference in any season. Yet this time, when it’s shaping up to be the most open in the Prem era, potential title winners as well.Yes, I know Chelsea have Cole Palmer, but he’s no attacking spearhead. He should be a great addition alongside your top dog.And who in the current squad would that be? Not Nicolas Jackson, who misses too many chances. Not Christopher Nkunku, who’s never fit for long enough.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn a season of so many contenders, the title could be won by one flash of goalscoring genius. Yet until Chelsea find that man, it won’t be them.Running riot against Noah is one thing but without a top   finisher, they’ll be sunk when it really matters. More