Premier League

ARSENAL are set to host Britain’s most prestigious chess tournament.The 2024 XTX Markets London Chess Classic [LCC] will be hosted at the Emirates between November 29 and December 7.The Emirates will host a prestigious chess tournamentCredit: PAEight of the world’s top chess grandmasters will compete at the event including Women’s world champion Ju Wenjun.The round-robin event has a £50,000 jackpot but it will be put on hold on December 4.That is because Arsenal host Manchester United in the Premier League.But for the remainder of the tournament the Emirates will be converted into a venue suited to hosting world class chess.READ MORE ON ARSENALThere will be several high-profile players competing in the LCC including eight-time champion Michael Adams.He will feature in the tournament for the 14th time alongside current British champion Gawain Jones.While England No1 Nikita Vitiugov and England’s youngest-ever grandmaster Shreyas Royal have signed up.The Emirates has hosted multiple events and concerts in recent years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/AIt was one of the venues for the Rugby League World Cup in 2022, playing host to England’s semi-final defeat to Samoa.Episodes of X-Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and Big Brother have also been filmed at the stadium.The stadium will not, however, host Euro 2028 after the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley were chosen to be London’s venues for the UK and Ireland tournament.Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk More

ERIK TEN HAG has been slammed by a Manchester United legend for not improving the club’s performances.The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday night.Paul Scholes believes Manchester United have made ‘no improvement’ under Erik ten HagCredit: TNT SPORTSTen Hag’s side are without a European win in 12 months and sit 12th in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyIt leaves United winless from their opening three matches and 21st in the league phase standings.Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s side are also in the bottom half of the Premier League eight games into his third season as manager.Following their draw in Turkey, Paul Scholes was asked if he has seen any improvement in style or performances so far this term.The 11-time Premier League winner told TNT Sports: “No, not yet.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked okay. They have missed a lot of chances as well.”But I think league position tells you everything. And I’m talking about both leagues, 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League.”There’s been no improvement. I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.”You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it.”I do actually think on Saturday they got closer to having the best team out, which has been a while.Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)”I think Luke Shaw still needs to come into that. They’ve got the young lad Leny Yoro who will probably come into that.”Mainoo back into midfield and I thought there were signs, second half especially, that they scored two really good goals which excited you. So look fingers crossed they can go on and improve.”United were pegged back during the second half in Istanbul after Christian Eriksen’s early opener.They also had Andre Onana to thank after a pair of stunning saves to deny the hosts.Sitting in 21st, United are only in the play-off places on goal difference and could drop out of the Europa League altogether.They are next in European action at home to PAOK on November 7.Meanwhile, Ten Hag takes his side to London to face West Ham this Sunday, with the club 12th after three defeats already this term.United were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce in the Europa League on ThursdayCredit: APMan Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

NOTTINGHAM FOREST have grand plans to renovate the City Ground.The stadium has been their home since 1898 and owner Evangelos Marinakis is desperate for the club to stay “where it belongs”.Nottingham Forest are set to renovate the City GroundCredit: RexIn 2019, Nottingham Forest produced a computer-generated image of their potential new Peter Taylor StandBut Forest want to keep their classic ground in touch with the modern day and make it “one of England’s best”.Marinakis has made it no secret that he wants to increase the capacity of the stadium to match demand.Forest claim that they could have sold 50,000 tickets to games last season given their huge season ticket waiting list.Back in February, details emerged via The Athletic about the club’s plans to redevelop their 29,550-seater into one fit for 40,000 supporters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey want to extend the Bridgford Stand and replace the Peter Taylor Stand with a new two-tiered 10,000-seater structure.The club shop and offices sit adjacent to the ground, and are set to be knocked down and replaced by a stunning 19-storey apartment block.This means the club shop will be moved and a museum showcasing the club’s two European Cup triumphs will be added.The Reds also want to install solar panels on the Brian Clough Stand to generate their own power for matchdays.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere will also be a “pedestrianised plaza” around the new City Ground.Forest have long wanted to get going with the building works but a standoff with the council has delayed the modernisation.Premier League club unveil ‘beautiful’ new-look training ground with games room, ice baths and state-of-the-art kitchen Nottingham City Council owned the land the it is on, which the club lease.Talks over a new lease collapsed before Forest eventually struck a deal to buy the land from the local authority in the summer.They are now ready to push ahead of with their stunning design.Computer generated images show what the main stand might look like in the future, with the stadium set to keep it’s square shape to ensure fans remain close to the pitch.The modernised ground built on the bank of the River Trent will initially hold 42,000 fans.But Marinakis has his eye on eventually increasing the capacity to 50,000 should it prove a success.AI’s impression of what a new 50,000-seater City Ground could look likeForest claim their are thousands on the waiting list for season ticketsCredit: AFPOwner Evangelos Marinakis wants to building works to start as soon as possibleCredit: AlamyHe said: “We have a lot of supporters and a huge waiting list for season tickets and I’m sure a 50,000-seat stadium will be full watching our team and our passion.”The Greek businessman hopes his ideas get the green light this year.Chief Tom Cartledge: “If you add up our 20,000 season-ticket holders, plus the 21,500 or more who were waiting in a queue for tickets, the city of Nottingham should be able to sustain a 45,000 to 50,000-seat stadium. “We can get ourselves to 40,000 and, if there was no obstruction, he [Marinakis] would get on it next season. He just wants to get going with it and that’s very exciting.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSuch is his desperation to get going, Forest are working on erecting 20 hospitality pods made out of shipping containers that can house up to 180 people over five storeys.The new feature, which sits in the corner between the Trent End and the Brian Clough Stand, has taken inspiration from the Qatar World Cup 974 Stadium.A CGI of the club’s new hospitality podsCredit: https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/The pods, made of shipping containers, have now been added to the stadiumCredit: Alamy More

IPSWICH TOWN’s stunning redevelopment plans for Portman Road have taken a huge leap forward.The Premier League club are planning to modernise the iconic Cobbold Stand.The Cobbold Stand is set to be redevelopedCredit: RexIpswich have bought land behind the ground ahead of plans to transform the areaCredit: BBCA stunning new hotel and aquatics centre will be builtCredit: BBCThe project has been dubbed a ‘masterplan’Credit: BBCAnd the improvements are now set to be given the green light after the Tractor Boys struck an “in-principle agreement” to buy land adjacent to their ground.Ipswich Borough Council said specific terms are “yet to be finalised” but the club is set to buy part of the New Portman Road car park that backs onto the Cobbold Stand.Back in March, the local authority unveiled a “masterplan” to regenerate the area.In a statement they said: “It features plans for an aquatics centre, a multi-storey car park, a hotel and designated space for Ipswich Town Football Club’s development and expansion.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe current Crown Pools will be replaced by a state-of-the-art facility and gym, while a seven-story car park comes in for the current 500 spaces.Incredible computer generated images show what the area might look like in the future.The council labelled it an “exciting project and partnership”.But they have admitted the plans for a new and improved aquatics centre are “ambitious”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Cobbold Stand, which was constructed in 1971, is the oldest at the stadium and is where away fans are positioned.Ipswich chief Mark Ashton previously said they will lose 4,000 of the 30,000 capacity for 18 months during the rebuild.Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venueKieran McKenna’s side currently sit 17th in the Premier League are still waiting for their first win.Portman Road will be at a reduced capacity during the building worksCredit: RexWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

BRIGHTON great Bobby Zamora has returned to the club as a coach.Zamora, 43, scored 90 goals in 162 appearances for the Seagulls over two spells as a player.Bobby Zamora has taken up a striker consultant role at BrightonCredit: GettyHe will take up the role of ‘striker consultant’ on Fabian Hurzeler’s staff.The two-cap England man is set to work with Albion’s forwards twice a week to try to sharpen their work in the box.Zamora said: “I’m pleased to be back to help the strikers to achieve their goals, working on all elements of football on and off the pitch.“Hopefully I can play a part in helping the club achieve further success.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTechnical director David Weir added: “Brighton fans need no introduction to Bobby.“They know just how clinical he was as a player and about his ability in the penalty box. We feel he can help our attacking players in that regard.”Brighton have made a great start to season under Hurzeler and sit fifth with 15 points from eight games.Danny Welbeck has looked revitalised under the new boss with five goals in eight games and could benefit from Zamora’s arrival.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever he may have to wait to work with Zamora after suffering an injury against Newcastle last weekend.The striker was given oxygen and carried off on a stretcher after being hurt in a challenge with Fabian Schar.Chelsea Player vs Brighton Ratings More

ARSENAL could put their ‘musical chairs’ tactic to good use when they face Liverpool in a huge Premier League clash this weekend.The Gunners will be determined to bounce back from last weekend’s shock defeat to Bournemouth.Mikel Arteta will be busy on the training pitch this weekCredit: AlamyThe Gunners could replicate their ‘musical chairs’ tactic – and Declan Rice will play a pivotal roleCredit: GettyHowever, it will not be an easy task – especially given Mikel Arteta’s growing injury list.Despite being at risk of missing some key players – including Martin Odegaard and potentially Bukayo Saka – Arsenal can go into the match with some confidence thanks to the Spaniard’s tactical prowess.Arteta insisted his team will be “flying” at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.And he could utilise an effective ‘musical chairs’ trick to get the better of Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right side of Liverpool’s defence.Read More in FootballArteta’s ‘musical chairs’ tacticThe Gunners have been using a new system which uses an inverted left-back.New boy Riccardo Calafiori has taken up that role in recent weeks, but he could be replaced with Jurrien Timber or Oleksandr Zinchenko at the weekend due to injury.Arsenal left-back Riccardo Calafiori has been playing an inverted roleGabriel Martinelli has enjoyed a boost in confidence over the last few weeksDeclan Rice plays inside the left channel as a central midfielder, with left winger Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz completing a diamond.Those four players then rotate throughout the match and change positions, moving into the areas where space has been left.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIf Calafiori moves inside, Rice will shift out to the left and make the side of the diamond.The Italian then moves to the base, leaving plenty of space for Martinelli in attack.’If Arsenal lose to Liverpool, they are out of the Premier League title race… the gulf is massive’That would then give Alexander-Arnold a headache in terms of who he should mark.Liverpool will have to find a solution to keep tabs on the four moving players.And the Reds have got to be aware of who’s running and  who’s  staying in their position – which could also confuse midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.Whoever lines up at left-back could cause Liverpool troubleWho marks Salah?From a defensive point of view, Arsenal have to figure out who will be responsible for covering Liverpool’s star man, Mohamed Salah.With Calafiori likely to miss Sunday’s match due to a knee injury, Zinchenko may be in line to start.The Ukrainian has struggled up against Salah in the past which could be a cause for concern.It will be a game of stick or twist for Arsenal, with Gabriel Magalhaes potentially forced to step out onto the left – adding to the diamond.But £105million man Rice will likely cover the position.The midfielder is pivotal when it comes to Arsenal’s in-game formation switch from attack to defence.Arteta usually encourages his team to be brave by attacking with five.But with Salah and Luis Diaz going the other way, they can’t afford to be naive.Mohamed Salah will pose a huge threat to the Arsenal defenceCredit: APLONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal reacts as he encourages the fans prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Credit: GettyDirect David RayaOne of David Raya’s key strengths is his ability to play direct and diagonal passes from the back.Some opposition teams have attempted to catch him out in the pass by pressing high.But the Gunners have been able to play over that press thanks to Raya’s distribution.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat gives the wingers plenty of space to make a run in behind the opposition defence.It also gives Havertz, who is 6ft 4in tall, the chance to act as a target man, causing problems for the centre-backs.David Raya has the ability to skip the press and play direct to the attack More