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    Four Man City stars including Haaland and Grealish ‘miss penalties against NO KEEPER’ in bizarre training live stream

    MANCHESTER CITY stars including Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish missed penalties in training… despite NO GOALKEEPER being between the sticks.The Cityzens have struggled for form in recent weeks and now fans have another reason to mock the team.Erling Haaland clipped the post with his effortCredit: Manchester City FCC via X formerly TwitterJack Grealish was also wayward with his effortCredit: Manchester City FCC via X formerly TwitterCity are back in Champions League action on Wednesday as they travel to Juventus, and they decided to live stream a training session.Plenty of fans tuned in to see the stars put though their paces – but the eagle-eyed among them noticed FOUR players completely miss the target with practice penalties.Phil Foden stepped up first and blazed over from 12 yards, before Ilkay Gundogan clipped the post.Grealish then emulated Foden with his attempt before Haaland also appeared to hit the post.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is possible the City stars were attempting to hit the woodwork with their efforts, but that did not prevent fans from poking fun.One reacted saying: “That team is cursed 😂 Enjoy the Championship.”Another added: “They actually might be cursed 😂😂😂”A third wrote: “I’m crying man 🤣”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another commented: “Nooo wayyyy!!! 😂”City have won just one of their previous nine matches and face two more huge games this week in Juventus and Manchester United.’Who the f*** do you think you are?’ Man City told after ‘making outrageous bid for Lionel Messi by accident’ More

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    Ange Postecoglou set for fiercest reception yet after boos against Bournemouth and Chelsea – and NOT from Tottenham fans

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU is braced for a red-hot reception in the Europa League on Thursday – and NOT from Tottenham fans.After enduring personal abuse at Bournemouth last Thursday and more jeers after the Chelsea capitulation on Sunday, the big Aussie now returns to Glasgow.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is facing a hostile environment by Rangers fansCredit: RexPostecoglou was booed by Tottenham fans after the games with Bournemouth and ChelseaCredit: GettyPostecoglou remains beloved by Celtic fans after winning FIVE trophies in two years – and catching the eye of Daniel Levy.But after snatching the Premiership title from Rangers in two glory-laden years in Scotland, he’ll know exactly what to expect when Spurs arrive at Ibrox for the Battle of Britain.Celtic legend Frank McAvennie told SunSport: “The Rangers fans will give him pelters.“He’ll know that and he’ll know there will be a little bit of humour in there, too.Read More on Football“He’ll be getting the old ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ chants.Ange will take it and he’ll understand why he’s getting it.“Spurs have been magnificent in 20-minute spells – then lost the games.“The players have let him down. They have been guilty of not concentrating for 90 minutes and leaking goals.“But Ange will relish going back to Ibrox for a big game – and one he’ll need to win. I can’t see the Tottenham fans having it if they don’t beat Rangers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter the 4-3 home loss to Chelsea – when they led 2-0 – Postecoglou was cut to 4/1 to be the next Premier League manager to be axed.It’s all a far cry from his two-year spell at Celtic, when we won the Double in his first season and the Treble in 2022/23.Ange Postecoglou reacts to Tottenham’s 4-3 loss to Chelsea Those triumphs – and previous title wins in Australia and Japan – convinced Levy he was the right fit for North London.But his journey to the East End of Glasgow was a far more complicated route filled with plenty of twists and turns.With Neil Lennon gone and Steven Gerrard having ended Hoops’ hopes of a tenth straight title, the Celtic hierarchy wanted a big-name boss in the summer of 2021.They doggedly pursued Eddie Howe, who had left Bournemouth and was yet to join the Saudi revolution at Newcastle United.A deal for Howe appeared close, only to collapse at the last minute and leave Celtic looking elsewhere for a saviour.Postecoglou was in the J-League with Yokohama F Marinos, one of the City Group’s network of clubs.Ange’s Celtic successHe had worked closely with City Group recruitment guru Mark Lawwell, son of Peter – then Celts’ chief executive and now chairman.And Postecoglou’s dynamic style of play ticked several boxes for the Celtic board and their fans.McAvennie recalled: “I was delighted with everything Ange did at Celtic.“Yes, we’ve now got Brendan Rodgers but I still think of Ange from time to time.“And I’m sure Ange thinks of his time at Celtic, too. It did him the world of good.“The pressure of having to win every game at Celtic probably prepared him for the pressure he’s now under at Tottenham.Rough start“People talk about him being in trouble if he loses this game but the same could be said for Rangers manager Philippe Clement.“If he loses to Tottenham then loses to Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final at Hampden on Sunday, the heat will be on him.”Postecoglou faced three Rangers bosses in two years in Glasgow, with Gerrard quitting for Aston Villa, Giovanni van Bronckhorst axed despite winning a Scottish Cup and reaching a Europa League final then Michael Beale appointed.Ironically, he didn’t enjoy the same swashbuckling start as at Spurs 16 months ago.He was knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by a mediocre Midtjylland team before losing his league opener at Hearts.He lost his first trip to Ibrox, albeit he won there later in the season as Celts edged closer to the title – his only victory in four trips across Glasgow.’We Never Stop’By then, he’d returned to the J-League to inject pace and purpose into the side with Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda all signing.Cameron Carter-Vickers had arrived from Spurs, initially on loan, to stiffen the defence in front of Joe Hart.Portuguese winger Jota and Denmark midfielder Matt O’Riley were bought for £8million and later sold to Al-Ittihad and Brighton for £50m.Postecoglou’s ‘We Never Stop’ mantra was adopted by the Hoops’ faithful and became a slogan which underlined every success.McAvennie added: “Ange changed the team completely. He signed players who stepped up to the mark.“He got together with Peter Lawwell at the start and everything just clicked.“We’d never have known about Kyogo, Hatate or Maeda without Ange.“The same could probably be said about Jota, who was in Benfica’s B team. He changed everything about Celtic for the better.”Alas, things have now gone from bad to worse for the big Aussie at Spurs.READ MORE SUN STORIESDefeat in Glasgow would be tougher to take than the rocky reception he’s guaranteed from Rangers fans.But as McAvennie says: “Being a West Ham man myself, I couldn’t care less about Tottenham…”Rangers fans remember Postecoglou’s success with rivals CelticCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Time to see if he was serious’ – Fans call for Jose Mourinho to stick to his word with Millwall hunting for new manager

    MILLWALL fans are calling on Jose Mourinho to keep his word after he jokingly suggested he would be keen to take over at the Den.The Lions are looking for a new manager after Neil Harris quit for the second time, after doing the same thing back in 2019.Jose Mourinho recently named Millwall as a surprise club he’d consider managingCredit: GettyMillwall fans haven’t forgotten Mourinho’s statement and are calling for him to keep his wordCredit: GettyHarris will roll credits on his second stint, which lasted 10 months, after Saturday’s clash at Middlesbrough, which means he will also be in charge of Millwall on Wednesday against Sheffield United.Mourinho suggested in October that he would love a return to English football after stints with Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.And the Special One named Millwall as a surprise club he would consider as they are are close to his London home.The Fenerbahce boss said when asked if he’d manage teams fighting relegation: “Millwall. Millwall. I just cross the bridge from my house! Millwall.”Read More on FootballMillwall fans haven’t forgotten the ex-Real Madrid manager’s statement and took to social media urging him to take up this opportunity and follow through with what he said.One fan tweeted: “Jose we await your arrival.”Another commented: “Guess it’s time to see if Mourinho was serious after all.”A third wrote: “Mourinho called it on. He’ll have to step up now or look silly.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “Jose Mourinho, a man can dream.”And that one stated: “Jose Mourinho is taking over from Neil Harris at Millwall… You heard it here first.”Jose Mourinho wildly drags his own Fenerbahce assistant by his hood and shoves him away during bizarre goal celebrationHowever, Mourinho admitted that his statement was just in good humour as he confirmed he is not interested in taking over clubs that are fighting relegation.Millwall are currently 11th in the Championship table and quite safe from the drop, but did risk relegation last season.Mourinho added: “I’m never going to a team fighting relegation. It’s too hard.“It’s more difficult than playing for titles. It has to be very hard emotionally because it’s something that changes lives.“I think it’s brave guys that do it. I had three clubs in England, four different periods and I love it.“My family lives in London. London is home so one day I have to be back unless no one wants me.“But don’t get me wrong, for the next two years no one will take me from Fenerbahce.” More

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    Former Chelsea wonderkid who was ‘poached from Leeds’ that resulted in £5m out-of-court settlement wakes up unemployed

    FORMER Chelsea ace Michael Woods has become a free agent at the age of 34 after leaving a non-league outfit.Woods burst onto the scene in 2006 when the Blues signed him from Leeds along with fellow prospect Tom Taiwo.Former Chelsea prospect Michael Woods is now a free agent at the age of 34Credit: GettyWoods spent the last few years at non-league clubsCredit: Getty – ContributorThat led to a clash between the West Londoners’ hierarchy and their former owner Ken Bates, who was the Whites’ chairman at the time.Bates accused Chelsea of making illegal approaches and even branded then owner Roman Abramovich and Co as “a bunch of shysters from Siberia”.The businessman then labelled an initial offer of £200,000 as “insulting” and called for the Premier League giants to face a points deduction, transfer ban or suspension from European competitions.Eventually, Bates accepted £5million compensation in an out-of-court settlement with Abramovich’s side.Read More on FootballHowever, neither Leeds academy graduate managed to stand out at Stamford Bridge.Taiwo retired at 29 due to injury, while Woods only managed two senior appearances during his five-year spell at Chelsea.The midfielder, though, also dealt with injury setbacks as two years into his stay he was told he may never play football again after a serious knee injury in a reserve fixture. And just ten minutes into his comeback appearance, the ex-England youth international dislocated his ankle.Most read in FootballOngoing struggles to break into the first team, with Frank Lampard and Michael Essien ahead of him in the pecking order, led to a loan stint at Notts County in 2010 and his eventual departure a year later.Woods didn’t return to action for another year when he signed with Yeovil Town in 2012.Premier League club to make history by wearing AI-generated kit designed by fans However, the central midfielder struggled to settle and went on to play for the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Harrogate Town, Hartlepool United, Dover Athletic, York City and South Shields.Eventually, Woods spent six months at Blyth Spartans in the seventh division.However, the club confirmed the player is no longer on their books with a short statement that read: “Blyth Spartans can confirm that midfielder Michael Woods has departed the club.” More

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    Why is Chelsea vs Brentford kicking off at 7pm instead of 4.30pm this Sunday?

    CHELSEA’S West London derby clash with Brentford will kick off at 7pm this Sunday.The unique kick-off time was confirmed by the Premier League in October.Chelsea enjoyed a 4-3 win over Tottenham last weekendCredit: AlamyThomas Frank will take his Brentford side to Chelsea this SundayCredit: RexThe match was originally scheduled to take place at 3pm on Saturday.It has not been selected for live television coverage in the UK.But due to Chelsea’s participation in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, the date of their Brentford clash was forced to be moved.The Blues face a long trip to Kazakhstan to face Astana on Thursday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea’s match against the Kazakh side will kick off at 3:30pm UK time.Enzo Maresca’s side will have to undergo a more than 7,000-mile round trip to play in the game.Ordinarily, Sundays are dominated by Sky Sports’ two Super Sunday selections.This week Brighton’s derby clash with Crystal Palace will air on Sky Sports Main Event at 2pm, before the Manchester derby kicks off at 4:30pm.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTNT Sports’ slot is usually on Saturday at 12:30pm.This weekend they have chosen Tottenham’s trip to Southampton for live coverage.Watch Thomas Frank’s incredible Brentford speech after beating Newcastle Due to Spurs’ participation in the Europa League, however, the match has had to be moved to Sunday.The Saints-Tottenham game could not be scheduled to directly clash with either of Sky Sports’ Sunday matches.And it could not have been given the 12pm slot in consideration of Spurs’ tight European turnaround.Ange Postecoglou’s men travel to Glasgow to face Rangers on Thursday night.So with these factors in mind, the game was moved to the unusual 7pm slot on Sunday.And for similar reasons, Chelsea vs Brentford has taken the same kick-off time.Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham will travel to Southampton this SundayCredit: Rex More

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    Chelsea add 11 academy stars to Conference League squad with kids set to face -21C temperatures and 7,000-mile trip

    CHELSEA could take 11 academy stars on the 7,000-mile round trip to Kazakhstan as they prepare to face Astana in temperatures of -21C.The Blues have enjoyed a perfect run in the Conference League after winning all four of their fixtures to sit in first place in the League Phase.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca may have up to 11 youngsters at AstanaCredit: GettyChelsea youngster Shumaira Mheuka and Co face subzero temperatures at AstanaCredit: GettyRichard Olise – the brother of Bayern Munich star Michael – is on Chelsea’s listCredit: GettyChelsea youngster Tyrique George will make the 7,000-mile trip to KazakhstanCredit: AlamyAnd the West Londoners have done so without some big names such as Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana and star man Cole Palmer, who were left out in manager Enzo Maresca’s bid to manage a busy fixtures list.Palmer and Co can still play in the competition during the knockout stages, but Maresca wishes to rest players who will also have to compete in the summer’s controversial Club World Cup.Cesare Casadei was also sent off with two yellow cards at Heidenheim two weeks ago, which has led to fewer senior choices.The Italian tactician has placed faith in youth during the European campaign and will do the same against Astana, in a match that kicks off at 3.30pm UK time.Read More on ChelseaThere is no official confirmation as to how many academy players will be flying, but 11 of them are currently listed in Chelsea’s updated squad.Those are Harrison Murray-Campbell, Kaiden Wilson, Tyrique George, Kiano Dyer, Harrison McMahon, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Ato Ampah, Max Merrick, Josh Acheampong, Shumaira Mheuka and Richard Olise.One of the names may sound familiar as Olise is the brother of ex-Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, who now plays for Bayern Munich.Astana could mark senior debuts for Murray-Campbell, Wilson, Dyer, Ampah, Mheuka, Olise and Merrick.Most read in FootballAnd fans will be hoping the don’t freeze in the spotlight as temperatures in Astana are expected to drop to -21C on Thursday when the two teams face off at the Pavlodar Central Stadium.When Chelsea started in the competition, only five were named in the squad – Acheampong, Dyer, George, McMahon and Merrick.Jadon Sancho throws corner flag during Chelsea’s celebration at Tottenham The Premier League giants are allowed to add an unlimited number of youngsters from their esteemed Cobham academy to their squad’s B list whenever they wish.Chelsea ratings vs TottenhamCHELSEA came from two goals behind to beat Spurs 4-3 in a chaotic game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium,Here’s how the Blues players rated…Robert Sanchez – 4The home fans were on to him for the entirety of the first half after he lumped the ball out of play early on.Not an awful lot he could’ve done about the goals, and he did recover well in the second half.Moises Caicedo – 6Chelsea’s best defender on the day, he put in some strong challenges inverting into midfield and put in a solid performance once again.Fortunate to escape a card for a late challenge on Pape Matar Sarr, before a brilliant second half.Benoit Badiashile – 4Looked uncomfortable playing as a left-footed centre-back on the right-hand side.Often didn’t help Robert Sanchez by playing him into trouble, and looked awkward when trying to progress from the back.Levi Colwill – 6Allowed Solanke to get in front of him and finish brilliantly at the near post for the opening goal.Didn’t have an awful lot to do in the second half, which was perhaps a good sign, as the whole defence was improved.Marc Cucurella – 4Slipped at the vital moment to practically set Spurs through and open the scoring within five minutes, before slipping AGAIN which saw Kulusevski double the lead.Recovered really well after swapping his ice skates for football boots, nabbing the assist for Sancho’s goal and giving a solid showing for the whole second half.That said, he has to be marked down for the two goals.Romeo Lavia – 8Energetic, strong and smooth on the turn in midfield, with some brilliant line-breaking passes too.Much the same as Caicedo, he is becoming a dependable, impressive body in the Chelsea midfield.Came off at half-time for Malo Gusto, which must have been a tactical switch.Enzo Fernandez (c) – 9Didn’t misplace a single one of his 28 passes in the first half, the same as Lavia – before adding a stunning, game-winning, left-footed volley to his myriad of impressive actions.His best game in a Chelsea shirt came in one of their biggest matches of the season, as he continues his remarkable run of goal contributions.Pedro Neto – 7A threat on the right wing in the first half for Chelsea, he pressed well and came close to scoring Palmer’s deflected effort.A constant danger, he was creative but slightly lacked in end product if you’re being critical.Cole Palmer – 9Mis-kicked a chance in the first twenty minutes you would usually bet your house on him scoring, before coming close again with a shot from range moments later.Calmly dispatched his equalising penalty into the bottom corner, before setting up Enzo Fernandez to put his side in the lead.Added the cherry on the Chelsea cake with an ice-cold panenka from the penalty spot.Jadon Sancho – 8Excellent finish to pull one back for the Blues and spark hope among supporters.Generally sharp in build-up, and tricky feet as always, with a great slide-rule pass to see Caicedo win the penalty for Chelsea’s equaliser.Nicolas Jackson – 6Looked a threat going forward for Chelsea in spells, but failed to get himself on the scoresheet on this occasion.Seemed troubled as he departed the pitch for the oncoming Christopher Nkunku.SUBS…Malo Gusto (Romeo Lavia, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.Christopher Nkunku (Nicolas Jackson, 76)Got in some good positions and pressed well, remaining an outlet for the Chelsea attack when they countered.Ultimately not enough time to have the impact he would’ve liked.Noni Madueke (Pedro Neto, 86)Not enough time to impact the game in any way.Renato Veiga (Marc Cucurella, 90)Not enough time to give a solid review, hardly touched the ball.Joao Felix (Cole Palmer, 90)Came on with seven minutes to go, in which Chelsea were defending for the most part. 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    ‘That is how you manage a team’: Watch Thomas Frank’s incredible Brentford speech after beating Newcastle

    THOMAS FRANK amazed fans with his brilliant speech following Brentford’s win over Newcastle last weekend.The Bees boss was thrilled with his side after they beat the Toon 4-2 at the Gtech Community Stadium.Thomas Frank made an impassioned post-match speechCredit: @BrentfordFCHis words were caught on camera and posted on social mediaCredit: @BrentfordFCBryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, Nathan Collins and Kevin Schade were on the scoresheet for the home side, who climbed to the ninth in the table.In brilliant dressing room footage posted by Brentford’s social media team, Frank heaped praise upon his team.The passionate boss, 51, began: “Just wow. Honestly, wow. It’s a good team. They are a good team with good players.”And you, totally fair, honestly completely well deserved win. Well done.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFrank then picked out some of his players for specific praise, and didn’t just refer to his star men.He continued: “A couple of things… 100 Premier League games for (Christian) Norgaard.”Two hundred games for Brentford, Ethan Pinnock.”As you know, it’s a full squad. We need everyone to be available, everyone ready.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But Fabio (Carvalho) and Igor (Thiago), doing very well just coming in.”Dams (Mikkel Damsgaard) and Kevin had to be some of our best finishers. Help finish making the 4-2 goals so it’s done, very good.”Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo shows his skills on the training pitch Frank then singled out Ben Mee, who has made just three brief cameos in the Premier League this season.He said: “Thank you again, Ben. I know you want to play and I know it’s all that, top professional.”And I see the way on the pitch you speak to all the centre-backs. That means the world, just to let you know.”It’s not easy, so thank you very much for that.”‘WHAT A PLAYER’Frank subsequently moved on to one of his youngsters, adding: “Yehor Yarmoliuk, what a player guys.”After huge applause for the Ukrainian midfielder, Frank concluded: “Let’s get that music going boys!”Fans adored Frank’s brilliant post-match speech.’BRENTFORD’S BEST EVER’One gushed on social media: “That is how you manage a team! Love that he picked out Yarmoliuk, thought he had his best game yet.”While a second wrote: “Absolute class manager! Love this.”A third gushed: “This is why Thomas is one of the very best managers in the Prem, and possibly Brentford’s best ever.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd another added: “Love Frank. What an amazing feeling for the players when manager has their back and acknowledges all. Fantastic atmosphere in that locker room.”Brentford will return to action this Sunday, as they make the short trip to Chelsea for a tricky West London derby.Frank was thrilled with his side’s win over NewcastleCredit: Getty More

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    Pep Guardiola set to throw ‘new Lionel Messi’ straight into Man City squad in desperate bid to reignite failing season

    PEP GUARDIOLA will throw the ‘new Lionel Messi’ straight into Manchester City’s creaking squad next month.Argentine starlet Claudio Echeverri, 18, arrives from River Plate — a year after a £12million deal was completed.Pep Guardiola is taking drastic action to tackle Man City’s plightCredit: GettyClaudio Echeverri is arriving from Argentinians River Plate to help CityCredit: GettyCity agreed to let him stay in his homeland for another season while  the South American giants hoped to keep him even longer.But boss Guardiola has decided he wants to be able to call upon the attacking midfielder during the second half of the campaign.So Echeverri is moving to England in the new year to spend the rest of the season training with the first team.He will be available to step in straight away but is likely to need time to find his feet in his new surroundings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity had previously considered sending the teenager to one of their sister clubs to gain some European experience.That remains a possibility for the summer if the feeling is he is still not ready to challenge for a spot in Pep’s team.But the Etihad boss admitted at the weekend he is desperately short of options after a pile-up of injuries.And Echeverri will be given every chance to show he can play a part in the set-up.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe reigning Premier League champions beat off competition from around the world as they clinched the signing of the Argentina Under-17s captain last winter.His position and style have seen him compared to his country’s World Cup-winning skipper and Barcelona legend Messi — who Guardiola helped mould into a superstar at the helm of the Spanish giants.’Who the f*** do you think you are?’ Man City told after ‘making outrageous bid for Lionel Messi by accident’Echeverri broke into River’s first team 18 months ago and has been playing regularly for them since.His arrival comes in the wake of the news that the  hearing into the 130 breaches of Financial Fair Play rules levelled at City by the Premier League is now over.A three-man panel, who have heard both sides over the last three months, will now consider the evidence before writing up the report.While the earliest an outcome is expected to be known is spring, there are fears it could run into next season.The hearing began on September 16 at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London and was originally scheduled to take ten weeks.It has overrun by around a fortnight but it is understood closing statements were heard at the end of last week.Abu Dhabi-owned City are also  accused of failing to co-operate with the investigation — which began in 2018 — of their alleged breaches of FFP.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf they are found guilty, they could face a huge points deduction which may condemn them to relegation.But both sides would have the option to appeal against the decision if they are not satisfied — meaning it could be several more months before any such   penalties are imposed.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More