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      Newcastle receive huge injury boost as leaked footage reveals star striker in squad for crucial Crystal Palace clash

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      CALLUM WILSON has returned to the Newcastle squad ahead of this evening’s match against Crystal Palace.The striker will start from the bench when his side take to Selhurst Park.Callum Wilson has returned to the Newcastle squadCredit: GettyWilson suffered a pectoral injury in FebruaryCredit: PAWilson hasn’t played since he suffered a pectoral injury against Nottingham Forest in February.He was spotted arriving with Eddie Howe’s side before the squad was announced.Speaking ahead of the match, Newcastle boss Howe said: “He’s trained very well this week.”It’s been very good to have him back with the energy he brings and the quality he brings.Read More on Football”He’s been able to focus on his legs and his running during the period he’s been out so he’s come back looking really good.”Hopefully, he’ll be able to hit the ground running and make an impact for us.”Wilson has been limited to 22 appearances so far this season due to a series of injury issues.The striker suffered two hamstring issues and a calf injury earlier in the season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has scored eight goals for Newcastle since the start of the campaign.Wilson is now in a race to make Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024.Football icons’ strange hobbiesBut he faces competition from the likes of Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke. More

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      Chelsea risk dressing room REVOLT if they sack Pochettino despite boss slamming his players after Arsenal thrashing

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      CHELSEA risk a dressing room revolt if they sack Mauricio Pochettino this summer.Despite accusing his players of “giving up” in Tuesday’s 5-0 thrashing at Arsenal, the players remain loyal to the manager as a turbulent season lurches towards the end.Chelsea risk a dressing room revolt from player if they sack Mauricio PochettinoThat is despite Pochettino slamming Chelsea stars after their loss to ArsenalChelsea’s £1billion squad believe Pochettino is steadily generating a sense of unity within the camp even though results have been wildly erratic.The young team assembled at huge cost also believe the Argentine head coach is doing the best he can in tough circumstances with a huge injury list in a squad that is massively inexperienced.A source told SunSport: “They are all buying into what Poch is trying to do. The problems at Chelsea are not all his fault. Some of the players think he is the best man-manager in the business. “If Poch gets sacked it won’t go down well at all. He is not the problem.”Read More on ChelseaChelsea insist it is ‘business as usual’ in the aftermath of their heaviest ever defeat to their London rivals and that there is still plenty to play for. But it is understood a review will take place at the end of the season. Chelsea end the campaign at home to Bournemouth on May 19 and are in an uphill battle to qualify for Europe next season.Former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss Pochettino, 52, will have 12 months left on his two-year contract come June.Axing him in the summer would make him the third managerial casualty in just two years since Chelsea were bought out by the American Clearlake Capital investment firm.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThomas Tuchel and Graham Potter both fell foul of the new ownership regime which has turned Chelsea’s traditional business model of buying expensive, established stars on its head.They have since embarked on a record-breaking spending spree buying up what they consider to be young, elite players with potential and placing them on lengthy contracts of up to eight years.7 times Arsenal vs Chelsea games EXPLODEDChelsea’s players were given the day off on Wednesday to let the dust settle on their heaviest Premier League loss since being smashed 6-0 by Manchester City in 2019.Some of the younger members of the team which was hopelessly overwhelmed by Arsenal, were said to be “distraught” in the immediate aftermath of the Emirates match.SunSport also understands the away dressing room was quiet after the game – with boss Pochettino preferring to send his downcast players head home and ponder the result instead of risking heated fallouts in the immediate aftermath of the humbling defeat.The players are expecting a full team meeting when they resume training on Thursday with just 48 hours to prepare for Saturday’s tough trip to Champions League-chasing Aston Villa. More

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      Ben White’s agent defends Arsenal star over England snub and says ‘people don’t know what’s going on in personal lives’

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      BEN WHITE’S agent has urged people to “be kind” after a mentally challenging few weeks for the Arsenal star.The Gunners right-back has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career to date, playing a crucial role in the club’s Premier League title charge.Ben White’s agent Alex Levack defended the Arsenal starCredit: HandoutThe defender made himself unavailable for EnglandCredit: GettyTwo goals in a 5-0 thumping of Chelsea on Tuesday night took the 26-year-old’s tally for the Prem campaign up to four – his best ever return.However, White came under immense criticism for his decision NOT to be available for England selection last month ahead of their friendlies with Brazil and Belgium.In the weeks since, he has been victim to cruel chants from the stands during away matches, in particular at Brighton and Wolves this month.White left England’s camp at the Qatar World Cup in November 2022 due to personal reasons, with later reports alleging it was due to a disagreement with Three Lions assistant coach Steve Holland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut White’s agent Alexander Levack has now spoken out in support of his client, asking people not to judge or criticise decisions without full knowledge of the situation.Levack posted on LinkedIn: “I feel compelled to write this today after such a great performance last night [against Chelsea], and all season for that matter.“For the past 4 weeks Ben has been in the press and media a great deal in that time with a large percentage of that being negative.“Whilst I appreciate that Ben is in the public eye which brings its own connotations and leaves you open to criticism, I wanted to make the point that every elite performer, whichever field that may be, is a human being who has the same feeling we all have and experience good and bad.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“No one knows what is actually going on in one’s life so I really believe people should think before making a judgement or criticising these elite performers in public.“Ben has shown unbelievable robustness and strength throughout this adverse period off the pitch and has blocked out all the noise and has performed incredibly well on the pitch, in a situation where many others could have and would have wilted.Arsenal’s most glamorous supporters including World Cup super-fan and Kim Kardashian“Ben has an incredible temperament and attitude which allows him the ability to navigate through his working and personal life.“I suppose the main message is be kind to people as you do not have the full facts, which in Ben’s case neither Ben nor I wish to vocalise publicly, and do not know what is going on in people’s personal lives so again please be kind.”After White’s decision to stay away from the England set-up ahead of this summer’s Euros, boss Gareth Southgate explained: “He’s clearly playing very well and has been for a long time.“But he’s not the first player who, at certain times, hasn’t wanted to be available for selection.“I’ve always tried to protect those players because I always want the door to be left open, even though on lots of those occasions I’m the one who gets it in the neck for not picking them and people don’t know the reasons.“There’s no issue between us and there was never any issue with Steve Holland. That has been mentioned in articles and I don’t like that.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlexander Levack statementCredit: X@AlexLevackSM“People can talk about me and I have to accept that things get said that are false, about me. For whatever reason in this role, you have to stomach that.“But I’m not prepared for that to happen to a key member of my coaching team. That is not the reason Ben is not available for selection.”Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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      Vincent Kompany’s X-rated rant at referee revealed as Burnley boss raged with penalty awarded to Chelsea in 2-2 draw

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      VINCENT KOMPANY launched into a foul-mouthed tirade after Darren England gave Chelsea a penalty.The Burnley boss, 38, was seething at the referee after Cole Palmer opened the scoring from the spot.Vincent Kompany was sent off by Darren EnglandCredit: PALorenz Assignon also saw a red cardCredit: ReutersTempers flared after England awarded the spot kick for Lorenz Assignon’s foul on Mykhailo Mudryk.Assignon had already been booked, meaning the Clarets had to fight back from a goal down with 10 men.And it has been revealed that Kompany branded England “a f*****g cheat”.The furious Belgian, who was fined £10,000 and handed a two-game touchline ban, repeated the phrase “multiple times” after being sent off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs reported by the Daily Mail, assistant referee James Bell said: “Following the award of a penalty to Chelsea in the 40th minute the Burnley Manager (Vincent Kompany) reacted angrily by moving out of his technical area throwing his arms aggressively and shouting at the referee. “As the decision was being checked I attempted to use members of his own technical area staff to calm him down but Mr Kompany persisted to insult the referee by pointing towards him and calling him ‘a f*****g cheat’ numerous times. “Despite the attempts to calm him down Mr Kompany then entered the field of play, briefly, again gesturing towards the referee and shouting ‘you’re a f****** cheat.’ “I informed the referee (Darren England) that a Stage 2 (red card) sanction was required for the Burnley manager. As Darren came over to issue the red card Mr Kompany again said, ‘f*****g cheat.’ Most read in Football”After his sending off Mr Kompany remained in the technical area for some time causing a delay to the re-start of the game before he eventually made his way down the tunnel.”Kompany admitted the charge and attended the hearing to apologise for his actions.Burnley supported him in a statement, which claimed: “Retaining Premier League status is our highest priority at the moment in order to safeguard a more robust future for our players and staff at every level of the club.”Whilst we do not want to make excuses for the language used, it is certain that the intense pressure which Mr Kompany is under at this point in the season will have contributed to his outburst at Mr England after the decisions he made following Lorenz’s tackle.”Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseImmediately after the game, Kompany said: “I’ll keep saying what I think.”I’m not shying away from it and I’ve said it to the referees themselves, the officials, refereeing hasn’t been good enough this season.”And I have said that in, I think, a constructive way, understanding as well the fact it’s not easy for them. The scrutiny is massive, the pressure is bigger than it’s ever been on the officials.”I think the addition of VAR and more opinions and more officials doesn’t make it easy for them to do their jobs.”I haven’t got any issues with being fined. I just want it to be right.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      Incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot snubbed Tottenham, hates defending and has a PASS named after him

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      ARNE SLOT was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Arne Slot has thrived at Feyenoord after landing his big chanceCredit: EPAAs he player, Slot had a pass named after himCredit: GettyLike another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBram van Polen was Slot’s team-mate when he ended his playing career with a three-year spell back at first pro club PEC Zwolle.Van Polen, now Zwolle captain, saw Slot the coach emerging in their spell together and said: “You sometimes still see things in the game at Feyenoord.“The Arne Slot ball still exists with us at PEC and Kokcu [Feyenoord’s Turkish playmaker] also wants to play those type of passes.“We also did a lot of pressing and played exactly the same as Feyenoord now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“It doesn’t surprise me that he plays like that.”It is also no surprise that Slot is high on Liverpool’s shortlist to succeed Jurgen Klopp, just as Ten Hag was an attractive candidate for United.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersIn fact, but for the pandemic, Slot might have put himself in a position to be considered by United as well or at least raised questions about Ten Hag’s credentials.After cutting his teeth at Cambuur, Slot moved to AZ Alkmaar in 2017 as assistant before becoming head coach for the 2019/20 season.In March 2020, AZ won 2-0 at Ajax to put themselves level on points with Ten Hag’s defending champions with nine games to go.But when Covid-19 took hold, the Dutch season was abandoned, denying Slot the chance to win his first title. In contrast, the Premier League campaign resumed later in the year and Klopp was able to guide Liverpool to their first championship for three decadesSlot had another bump in the road when AZ found out in December 2020 that he had been talking to Feyenoord about replacing outgoing boss Dick Advocaat.He was sacked and spent six months playing golf before taking up the post in Rotterdam.Who are these famous footballers?
      Slot showed he could mix it with the best even before his first season began.After a bad-tempered friendly against Atletico Madrid, he and Diego Simeone got physical.Slot later explained: “At that moment, at the end of the match, I turned to Simeone to tell him how passionate he was even in a friendly match.”Then, he misinterpreted the smile I had at that moment and pushed me.”Feyenoord reached the Europa Conference League final in Slot’s debut campaign, losing to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.Although Ten Hag led Ajax to a third title in a row, it was Slot who won the Netherlands’ Manager of the Year award.Slot has plenty of what Liverpool look for in a managerCredit: RexDutch tacticians have struggled in the Premier LeagueCredit: RexTen Hag left for Old Trafford that summer of 2022 but key Feyenoord players Luis Sinisterra and Marcos Senesi also moved to the Premier League, to Leeds and Bournemouth, and other sales left the Rotterdam club looking short of quality and depth.Yet Slot took Feyenoord to their first Dutch title for six years, playing an exciting brand of football with a team mostly aged 24 or under.His simple approach saw his players to press for the full 90 minutes in order to defend from the front before looking to control possession.Slot believes that Jose Mourinho-style defensive football is more tiring and also less stimulating for players – and his results speak for themselves.Like Klopp, he is said to be an expert man-manager who communicates clearly to his players what he expects from them.Slot turned down the chance to join Tottenham last year and signed a new deal with Feyenoord.Feyenoord did not get out of their Champions League group, despite beating both Celtic and Lazio, and lost their title to a PSV side having an incredible season.But Slot led the club to Dutch Cup triumph recently and his star remains in the ascendent.It’s fair to say coaches from the Netherlands have had mixed fortunes in England.No Dutchman has won a Premier League title and former Eredivisie champions like Louis van Gaal, Frank de Boer and now Ten Hag have all found life tough, for various reasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESSlot ticks a lot of boxes for Liverpool. His teams have consistently played attractive football and competed with rivals with even bigger budgets. He improves players and gives youngsters a chance. He is funny, likeable and charismatic.But to match Klopp’s achievements, Slot will have to do better than any of his compatriots, including Ten Hag. More

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      Everton vs Liverpool LIVE SCORE: Toffees look to derail their rivals’ Premier League title hunt in huge clash – latest

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      LIVERPOOL hope to keep up the pressure on title-chasing rivals Arsenal and Manchester City with a win over local rivals Everton.The Reds fought hard to beat London outfit Fulham in their most recent outing.While goals from Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil saw the Toffees pick up three controversial points against Nottingham Forest.
      Kick-off time: 8pm BST
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Premier League
      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER More

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      Next Manchester United manager odds: Gareth Southgate leads betting as Ten Hag set to be replaced, Graham Potter trails

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is the favourite in the betting to be the next Manchester United manager.The England boss has overtaken a list of huge names to be the frontrunner to replace Erik ten Hag, who looks set to be replaced in the summer.Southgate fave for Man Utd job ahead of Potter as club poised to replace Ten HagCredit: GettyTen Hag watched on as his United side threw away a 3-0 lead against Coventry to eventually scrape through on penalties after a cruel offside call denied Coventry a famous win.It’s the second successive FA Cup final for United but even a win there doesn’t look like being enough for Ten Hag to save his job.Southgate is reportedly the number one choice of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with new technical director Jason Wilcox set to have his input. He leads the betting with Paddy Power at 7/2.Southgate’s appointment is said to be universally welcome by those in the club, including the United players.His contract with the FA runs out in December of this year, meaning this summer’s Euros could be his last in charge – after shelving talks on his future until after the tournament.Regardless of the outcome, he could look to leave on a high should England finally get over the line, or admit defeat and hand the reins to someone else having disappointed on the continental stage yet again.Next Man Utd manager oddsPaddy Power prices

      Gareth Southgate 7/2
      Graham Potter 5/1
      Thomas Tuchel 6/1
      Julian Nagelsmann 9/1
      Ruben Amorim 10/1
      Roberto De Zerbi 11/1
      Zinedine Zidane 12/1

      Either way, he could be looking for a fresh challenge after the summer and Old Trafford could present itself nicely.He’s also worked with incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth at the FA, which also sways things in his favour.Although the same could also be said for Graham Potter, who worked with Ashworth at Brighton, and is the current second favourite at 5/1.Potter has remained out of work since his sacking from Chelsea at the beginning of last year though has been linked with several top flight roles – including topping the betting for the United job for much of the season until now.Thomas Tuchel is still set to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season despite steering them to the Champions League last four and he’s next at 6/1.Julian Nagelsmann is 9/1 with Ruben Amorim – linked with West Ham and Liverpool this week – a 10/1 chance.Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi (11/1) and Zinedine Zidane (12/1) will both be linked with Europe’s top jobs coming this summer.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:
      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
      Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Premier League legend-turned-manager, 45, in awkward TV interview as he repeatedly slams his OWN player

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      PREMIER LEAGUE legend Damien Duff slammed his own player in an awkward interview on live TV.Duff, 45, lit up England’s top flight during an incredible spell lasting almost 20 years.Damien Duff slammed his own player in an awkward interview on live TVCredit: SportsfileShane Farrell lasted just 12 minutes off the bench before being sent offCredit: SportsfileThe former Republic of Ireland hero played for Blackburn, Chelsea, Newcastle and Fulham.And he ended his career in 2015 with Shamrock Rovers.Duff has since moved into the world of management.Having started as a youth coach at Shamrock, he now leads rivals Shelbourne.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuff welcomed back his old side in Monday night’s Premier Division clash, with the two sides playing out a 0-0 draw.But Shelbourne were forced to play the final 15 minutes with just 10 men after substitute Shane Farrell received two yellow cards for bad tackles.The 23-year-old lasted just 12 minutes after crunching into his opponents.And Duff had zero sympathy for Farrell, instead blasting the fan favourite for failing to deliver both on and off the pitch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIn an astonishing rant, Duff criticised Farrell’s diet and dismissed his popularity among supporters.To rub it in, Duff even claimed that nearly a decade after retiring, he could play as well as Farrell on any given day.Watch Chelsea legend whip crowd of fans into a frenzy with Premier League icon now managing minnows with tiny stadiumThe two-time Premier League title winner with Chelsea said: “Regarding Shane, here, I am always honest privately and in public. He knows he has let everyone down.“I used to laugh about his diet, in year one, the chicken fillet rolls, whatever.”That time has passed now. How you live your life off the pitch, how you train usually gets shown up on a match night and it did.“I get he’s a fan’s favourite and what have you, but he hasn’t deserved to play.”Not one bit. Flashes. I could go on and give you a flash. I’m 45 and I can’t walk.“It’s a 100-minute game nowadays, so flashes aren’t good enough for me.“Shane doesn’t erupt. I wouldn’t call that an eruption. I’ve looked back at them, they are two awful tackles.“You don’t live right you don’t train right, you’re a yard off and you’re late in a tackle.”It’s not rocket science to me. As I told him up there he won’t ruin the players’ night.”In a second TV interview, Duff added: “He’s let the whole football club down, simple as that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“(Did I ever get sent off?) No. He’s got two ridiculous yellow cards, I don’t see it any other way.“I believe he’s a crowd favourite here, he’s let everyone down.”Damien Duff’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Blackburn, 1996-2003: 223 games, 35 goals

      Chelsea, 2003-2006: 125 games, 19 goals

      Newcastle, 2006-2009: 86 games, 6 goals

      Fulham, 2009-2014: 173 games, 22 goals

      Melbourne City, 2014-2015: 16 games, 1 goal

      Shamrock Rovers, 2015: 9 games, 0 goals

      Republic of Ireland, 1998-2012: 100 games, 8 goals

      Trophies: Carabao Cup (Blackburn); Premier League x2, Carabao Cup, Community Shield (Chelsea); Intertoto Cup (Newcastle); Nations Cup (Republic of Ireland)

      Duff knows all about performing at the top after two title wins with ChelseaCredit: Getty More