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    Real Madrid ‘to go all out to sign Enzo Fernandez with Chelsea set to be offered sensational swap transfer’

    REAL MADRID are reportedly ready to offer an £86million first-team star in a sensational swap deal for Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernandez.The Argentine World Cup winner has emerged as a key man for the Blues this season, two years after a record £106million move from Benfica.Real Madrid are lining up a mega swap deal for Chelsea star Enzo FernandezCredit: ReutersFernandez already has three league goals this season, as many as he managed in his previous 18 months at Stamford Bridge.But reports suggest the midfield ace is unsettled at Chelsea.And DSports claims Fernandez has now emerged as a target for Real Madrid.The Spanish champs are said to be huge fans of Enzo Maresca’s vice-skipper.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal feel they are lacking in creative midfield areas this season following Toni Kroos’ surprise retirement.And with Luka Modric possibly exiting ahead of his 40th birthday in September, Fernandez would be an ideal signing.However, he is tied down to Chelsea until 2032 on a mega-contract worth £180,000-a-week.It means Real would need to pay a pretty penny for Fernandez’s signature.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Carlo Ancelotti is ready to soften the blow by offering a player in exchange, with Frenchman Aurelian Tchouameni set to be sacrificed.The versatile holding midfielder was an £86m purchase from Monaco in 2022.Jude Bellingham caught ‘humbling’ LaLiga rival who threatened to knock Real Madrid team-mate out ‘in 10 seconds’Real are ready to part ways with Aurelien TchouameniCredit: AFPHe’s since gone on to make 114 appearances while winning a LaLiga title and Champions League.But nearly half of Tchouameni’s games this season have come at centre-back.He is reportedly unhappy with his lack of chances further up the pitch and is looking for an exit before deadline day.Chelsea could apparently be tempted to accept Real’s offer, which would see them rake in some cash for a new winger while also bolstering their squad with a player of Tchouameni’s quality.Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.It’s thougt he could cost as much as £60m, although Napoli are also said to be in talks with the ace. More

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    Ruben Amorim ‘seals first Man Utd signing as club reach agreement for immediate transfer of Patrick Dorgu’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reached an agreement to sign Patrick Dorgu, according to reports.And the left-back will become Ruben Amorim’s first signing as Red Devils boss – unless Ayden Heaven arrives from Arsenal before the paperwork is completed.Patrick Dorgu looks set to join Manchester United from LecceCredit: SplashAmorim has been keen to bolster his faltering squad during the January transfer window.And the Portuguese chief identified the full-back area as a key place to strengthen.His 3-4-3 formation relies on wing-backs – and he hopes Dorgu can make an immediate impact on the left.As reported by news outlets in Italy including SoloLecce, the deal between United and Lecce is “done”. READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt is claimed Dorgu will make an immediate switch to Old Trafford for an initial £29million – with a further £4m in possible add-ons. Those add-ons are said to be certainly achievable and include Champions League qualification and a set number of Premier League appearances for the youngster. Dorgu, 20, joined Lecce in 2022 and made his senior debut at the beginning of last season.He has racked up 57 appearances for the Serie A club, chipping in with five goals, too.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 6ft 2ins star – who can play at left-back, wing-back or even as a winger – also has four caps and one goal for Denmark having come through all the youth teams from Under-18s. However, his former manager urged the rising star to SNUB a move to United. Man Utd’s Player Ratings vs FulhamJens Fonnskov Olsen managed Dorgu when he was part of Denmark’s U19s setup.He told Tipsbladet: “If I have to be a little cheeky, I hope he chooses something other than Manchester United right now.”I don’t know if it’s a bad fit, but they’re just in a period where… I don’t know if you can afford to say no to United, but maybe somewhere where there’s a little more structure and where things fit in with his pace.”Sometimes things have to go in the right order, if you can say it like that.”The thing is that there are many paths to the goal.”On what Red Devils fans can expect from Dorgu as a player, though, Olsen added: “Patrick is fast, he is forward-thinking, he can head both offensively and defensively, and he has a very, very good left foot.”He has been really well-educated [at Lecce], especially in the defensive part of the game, where he may have lacked something.”He is a creative player. I am incredibly happy that I brought him in and just believed in him.”I am really happy for him, in terms of how his career has developed.”Dorgu could make his debut in Sunday’s home clash with Crystal Palace – with Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui likely making way should he come into the starting XI.And the expected incoming could spell the end for both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia at the club.Heaven, meanwhile, is set to join in a shock swoop.The 18-year-old centre-back is ready to leave Arsenal after rejecting their latest contract offer.And despite interest from Eintracht Frankfurt, Fabrizio Romano reckons an agreement is all sorted for the teenager’s Old Trafford switch – with a medical already booked. Premier League teams have until Monday night to complete their transfer activity.So far, United’s only business has been to send various youth players and winger Antony out on loan.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford could both make significant exits from Old Trafford.Chelsea and Napoli are seemingly battling it out for £60m winger Garnacho while finding a club to take Rashford and his mammoth wages could prove tricky. Ayden Heaven is set to swap Arsenal for UnitedCredit: ReutersAlejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford could both be on their way out of Old Trafford by MondayCredit: Getty More

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    Rio Ferdinand claims he would threaten to SUE Ruben Amorim if Man Utd boss made Rashford-style comments about him

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand said he would threaten to sue manager Ruben Amorim if he talked about him the same way he did with Marcus Rashford.Rashford, 27, has not played for United since December 12, with Amorim, 40, leaving him out of the squad for every game since apart from one, in which he was an unused substitute.Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand addressed Ruben Amorim’s comments about Marcus RashfordCredit: GettyAmorim would rather pick his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach ahead of RashfordCredit: AlamyFerdinand suggested he would sue Amorim if he spoke about him the same way he did with RashfordCredit: GettyThe star forward was once again omitted on Sunday when Man Utd won 1-0 at Fulham and the Portuguese tactician was then quizzed about the player’s situation at Old Trafford.The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss stated he would prefer to have 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital on his bench ahead of the out-of-favour England international.Amorim said: “The reason [why Rashford is not playing] is the training, what I think a footballer should do in training, in life and every day.”I will put [in] Vital before I put [in] a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day.”Read More on Man UtdFerdinand, 46, insists he would be furious if a manager ever spoke about him like that.The ex-England international is adamant he would hold a press conference to bash those claims, if they were indeed baseless.The popular pundit even suggested he would sue the head coach for questioning his “effort” if he was in Rashford’s shoes.Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the former United defender said: “If it isn’t true and it was me he said that about, I am coming out all guns blazing.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives“I’m holding a press conference, I’m coming out and saying, ‘I’m having no one chat about me like that in the media’. “But you only come out if you’re 100 per cent sure that nobody can say you take the shortcuts.Amorim fires extraordinary blast at Rashford and says he’d rather put 63-YEAR-OLD coach on Man Utd bench ahead of him“Sometimes I think in these situations, if you’re doing things right, communicate it.“Because the manager can question how well or bad I’m playing, or my form, but if he’s questioning my effort, I’m sorry, I’m coming back out, next time I’m around any press people – ‘the effort, he needs to take that back or I’m suing him’.“I would love to sit across the table from Marcus, look in his eyes and go, ‘Can you say that? Could you be confident enough to go out and do that? Because if you can’t, look at yourself’.” More

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    Chelsea star who cost £112m eyed for shock transfer to Premier League rivals

    ASTON VILLA could move for Chelsea’s Joao Felix as Emi Buendia looks to be leaving the club.Villa winger Buendia is close to agreeing a loan to Bayer Leverkusen, which includes an option to make the deal permanent for £17million.Aston Villa could move for Chelsea’s Joao FelixCredit: RexBuendia, 28, signed a one-year contract extension until 2027 on Sunday.But his future appears to be away from Villa Park with boss Unai Emery looking for his replacement.And the Spaniard could move for 25-year-old Blues forward Joao Felix.Felix was Emery’s top summer target before the Portugal star’s £38.4m move from Atletico Madrid to Stamford Bridge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd, with Felix starting just three times in the Premier League so far this season, Villa could reignite their interest before the January transfer window closes.Whether a move would be permanent or on loan may depend on another piece of business.Villa are also keen on Chelsea defender Axel Disasi and are battling with Wolves to seal a temporary switch.Emery wants defensive reinforcements after selling Diego Carlos to Fenerbahce and seeing Tyrone Mings hit by a fresh injury during Sunday’s 1-1 draw against West Ham.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Prem rules ban clubs from taking more than one player on loan from any club, meaning a deal for Felix – who cost Atletico Madrid £112m in 2019 – would have to be permanent if Disasi also heads to Villa.Villa and Wolves meet at Molineux on Saturday with both in desperate need of central defensive reinforcements.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers everMings, who returned in October after 445 days out injured, fell to the turf in tears after injuring a knee again at the weekend.But Mings eased fears of another long lay-off by posting on Instagram: “I’ve had some serious knee injuries, this isn’t one of them.”Emery has also moved for Villarreal’s Juan Foyth, 27, who he worked with previously as boss of the Spanish club. Argentine Foyth plays centre-back and right-back which appeals to Emery.Villa could push to land Foyth AND 26-year-old Disasi given that Ezri Konsa is the club’s only available senior centre-back — with Pau Torres facing another month out with a broken foot.France international Disasi has started just three Premier League games all season.Even with fellow centre-backs Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile sidelined by injuries, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has largely restricted the £39m signing from Monaco to Conference League and cup games. More

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    Why Ange Postecoglou hasn’t been sacked by Tottenham – from player power to trophy boast and Daniel Levy relationship

    WHEN the anti-Daniel Levy noise cranks up, it usually leads to change at Tottenham.The change that fans are demanding right now is in the boardroom — but usually that ends up coming in the dugout.Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou with boss Daniel LevyCredit: GettySpurs fans have voiced their angerCredit: RexAnd, yet, the chairman with one of the itchiest trigger-fingers in football appears to be bucking the trend of a lifetime by sticking by manager Ange Postecoglou.That is despite Spurs slumping to 15th and being in danger of getting sucked into a relegation battle.Although the Aussie reacted snappily to a fan accusing him of just that as he walked down the tunnel after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester.And this despite the ‘Levy Out’ chants during, and after, that miserable home defeat to the Foxes — who had lost their previous seven on the spin — reaching new decibel levels.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAs well as the chants, banners were unfurled in the stands which included one saying: “24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy . . . TIME FOR CHANGE.”The question is, why is Levy sticking by Postecoglou right now?It is baffling the football world and is multi-faceted in its answer.First of all, the dismissals Levy has presided over — and there have been 12 permanent ones during his near-quarter of a century at the helm — have normally been preceded by a relationship breakdown between himself and the manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat was the case with Harry Redknapp and later with Mauricio Pochettino, whose comments to the media towards the end of his reign irked Levy.­But that fracturing does not appear to have happened with Postecoglou, who has resisted every opportunity to criticise the Spurs higher-ups publicly.Ange Postecoglou gives Tottenham fan death stare in tense tunnel confrontation after Leicester defeatIn this painfully quiet transfer window, staggeringly, Spurs have recruited no outfield players despite their injury crisis.Yet the nearest that Postecoglou has come to a pointed comment has been to say the club would be “playing with fire” by not signing anyone.Player power has had an influence, too. Nuno Espirito Santo — now flying high with Nottingham Forest — was sacked after just ten Prem games in part after losing the dressing room.Italian firecracker Antonio Conte castigated his players to the point of no return in that amazing press-conference meltdown at Southampton in March 2023… and was gone soon after.The chairman with one of the itchiest trigger-fingers in football appears to be bucking the trend of a lifetime by sticking by manager Ange Postecoglou.Yet Postecoglou’s crocked squad, by all accounts, are just about still behind him.Then there is the fact Levy has tried chopping and changing managers before — the average tenure of a boss during his reign has been 23 months — to little effect.And Pochettino’s five-plus years in charge heavily skews that figure.So the supremo, who celebrates his 63rd birthday next month, has tried a different tack in recent years.Mauricio Pochettino left with no silverware won at SpursCredit: AFP or licensorsAntonio Conte castigated his players to the point of no returnCredit: RexNuno Espirito Santo was sacked after just ten Prem gamesCredit: PAIt used to be that he was involved in just about everything.Harry Kane would go on to become the greatest player in the club’s history but back when he was a teenager, you would not expect the chairman to be as heavily involved in an academy player’s contract negotiations as Levy was back then.Yet that has eased off of late, to a certain extent, with the likes of Rebecca Caplehorn — director of football administration and governance — technical director Johan Lange and Scott Munn, chief football officer and de facto No 2 to Levy, taking more prominent responsibilities.These are among the individuals Levy is understood to consult when weighing up big calls.Along with external individuals like Leon Angel, head of leading sports agency CAA Base, former managing director of football Fabio Paratici and, in years gone by, David Pleat.The new approach does not mean patience with Postecoglou will last forever at Spurs.But there is considerable sympathy for his crock crisis, with ten senior players out injured against Leicester.While there is also cause for hope from the cup competitions and Europe.Postecoglou has been hit with injury problemsCredit: AlamyVictory over Elfsborg on Thursday night will secure a last-16 spot in the Europa League.And winning the competition outright would not only end the club’s 17-year trophy drought but also get them back into the Champions League.Spurs are joint-favourites to win that competition and should have some senior players back for the knockout stages.And how easy would it be to hire a replacement for Postecoglou right now anyway?Consider the months-long pursuits of successors to Jose Mourinho and Conte, when Kane was still at the club and Tottenham’s position in the league was relatively strong (seventh and fourth respectively).Even if they managed to prise someone like Andoni Iraola away from high-flying Bournemouth, he would still have the same injury problems and the same inexperienced squad.But the other factor is, this time, changing the manager would not quell the anger from supporters towards Levy. If anything, it would increase it.It is questionable whether that deflection strategy even worked in the past but were Levy to do it now, all the heat would be on him and him alone.’The trust looks to have gone’That may be the case already, and certainly seemed to be on Sunday as enraged supporters called for his head.The trust looks to have gone with a number of fed-up fans, whose gripes include controversial change to season-ticket concessions and a reduction in wage-bill spending.Former Tottenham goalkeeper Michel Vorm, 41, reckons there could be a way to start fixing this seemingly-broken relationship between Levy and the fanbase.The Dutchman told SunSport: “He’s quite open. His office is always open to have a chat.“I know that his love for Tottenham is massive. He won’t approach players that quick — but he is far more approachable than people know.“Maybe if he would be a bit more open in public, people would then understand more what’s going on behind the scenes at the club.”A protest against Levy and the ownership is planned ahead of next month’s home game against Manchester United by activists Change for Tottenham.These calls-to-arms have not had the desired effect in the past.Michel Vorm reckons there could be a way to start fixing this seemingly-broken relationship between Levy and the fanbaseCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe ENIC Group even marginally increased their majority shareholding to 86.91 per cent in December, which does not hint at an imminent exit.Yet Jamie Coughlan, of Change for Tottenham, said: “The pressure the fans are cranking up will have an effect.“Whilst ultimately he is the chairman, the club is still owned by ENIC.“The bad press that we are creating may affect future sponsorship deals or partnerships, which could lead to the real ownership looking to sell.“What I think has changed is the fact it won’t be long before he has severe pressure placed on him elsewhere.”Those who have worked with Levy talk about his extraordinarily thick skin.But that last point could have some validity. Levy is on record as saying the club are looking for fresh investment.Should potential investors be put off by a toxic atmosphere in the ground, maybe that could affect Levy’s thought process. READ MORE SUN STORIESLikely it would far more than how he is perceived by supporters.But Levy does not appear to be going anywhere and, for now at least, the same can be said for his manager.Levy could stick with manager PostecoglouCredit: PA More

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    Michael Oliver to make immediate return in huge clash despite sick death threats after controversial Arsenal red card

    MICHAEL OLIVER will make an immediate return to action despite receiving death threats following his decision to send off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.The 39-year-old official has been appointed to referee Barcelona’s Champions League group game against Atalanta on Wednesday, and is expected to resume Premier League duty this weekend. Michael Oliver will make an immediate return to action despite receiving death threatsCredit: GettyOliver’s family have been targets of sick abuse that are being investigated by the police, which led former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett to suggest he should be taken out of the firing line.Oliver has told Uefa and PGMOL bosses that he wants to carry on however, with both backing his judgement.PGMOL will announce the refereeing appointments for this weekend’s Premier League matches on Tuesday.Oliver held talks with current PGMOL boss Howard Webb on Monday, with the refs’ chief reaffirming their support.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe police investigation into the death threats made against Oliver was stepped up yesterday with the case handed to specialist officers at the UK Football Policing Unit.UKFPU officers are working with social media companies to track down the individuals who sent vile abuse, with the police determined to prosecute.“If people think they can hide behind their keyboards, they are mistaken,” said UKFPU chief, Mark Roberts. “And we will pursue offenders abroad too, with the assistance of overseas forces.”Oliver was targeted after his decision to send off Lewis-Skelly in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Wolves on Saturday.Most read in Football“Officers from the UKFPU have launched an investigation after a number of abusive messages were directed toward a referee following a Premier League match,” UKFPU said in a statement yesterday.“On Sunday January 26 police were contacted by the UK Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in relation to social media messages directed towards referee Michael Oliver.“Enquiries are in the early stages and officers are working closely with social media providers, including Facebook and X, to identify those responsible for the messages.”Fans spot Arsenal star Leandro Trossard’s 6-word comment about Michael Oliver to Wolves ace More

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    Pep Guardiola ditches tiki-taka for LONG BALLS as new signing Omar Marmoush sees Man City boss make THREE huge changes

    OMAR MARMOUSH’S dazzling debut got Manchester City fans off their seats again.The £59million buy from Frankfurt ran Chelsea ragged for 74 minutes in their 3-1 win on Saturday — and was unlucky not to score.Pep Guardiola changed his tactics to accommodate new signing Omar MarmoushCredit: GettyMarmoush looked sharp on his Man City debutCredit: The SunAnd in SunSport’s Tactics Exposed show, DEAN SCOGGINS looks at how Marmoush is central to Pep Guardiola’s new ‘direct’ tactical plan as he tries to reignite their push for trophies this season.Here are three tactical nuggets from City’s Etihad triumph…1)  NOT TIKI-TAKA, BUT QUICK ATTACKERMarmoush was electric, playing off the left as more of an ‘inside forward’ rather than a winger or No 10.It was noticeable how direct City were — it was not the short, quick passes between the lines we are so used to from Guardiola teams.Read more football newsBut, instead, there were balls over the top and around Chelsea to the likes of Marmoush, Josko Gvardiol and Matheus Nunes bursting through the defence.Marmoush set the tone — pointing to where he wanted the ball played, coming short, off striker Erling Haaland, before spinning and darting into spaces behind Chelsea’s high line.Norwegian striker Haaland had cut a lonely and isolated figure during City’s horror run in November and December but he was back smiling again on Saturday.Marmoush was a constant threat, telling his new team-mates where he wanted the ball and running in behindCredit: Sun SportMan City played 53 long passes in the game as Guardiola evolved his tiki taka styleCredit: Sun SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe scored a wonderful goal and had some mates to play with. Marmoush complemented Phil Foden on the other side in playing off and around the frontman.Most read in FootballCity keeper Ederson was direct and played it straight up to Haaland when he was left one-v-one against a defender.Pep Guardiola ‘SPLITS from wife after 30 years and three children together’ according to reports in SpainMarmoush and Phil Foden gave Chelsea’s defenders nightmares by running beyond Erling HaalandCredit: Sun SportBut it wasn’t just ‘hoof it’, this was a tactical plan with Marmoush and Foden completing a triangle of attackers that gave Chelsea’s backline nightmares.As Haaland pinned the defenders, Foden and Marmoush supported him. And when Haaland came short, his partners in attack burst into the space behind.It gave City a new dimension and, as Pep admitted last week, was more akin to the ‘modern’ style of Liverpool, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Brighton.2) NEW SHAPE, NEW CITYSpaniard Guardiola’s switch-up was not just in their direct style, it was also the shape he got his players to take up.Lots of Premier League teams move into a 3-2-5 attacking shape from whatever their ‘on-paper’ line up is.City would usually do this from a 4-3-3 set-up by inverting a full-back into midfield, leaving three defenders, a holding midfielder alongside that full-back in midfield and five attackers to roam ahead.Guardiola traditionally inverts a full-back into midfield while in possession allowing two attacking midfielders to join the attack in a 3-2-5 formationCredit: Sun SportHowever against Chelsea that all changed as his full-backs bombed on to leave just two defenders backCredit: Sun SportBut against Chelsea, Pep’s new shape saw it become a 2-3-5 in attack with Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan playing as the three in front of the centre-backs and full-backs Gvardiol and Nunes pushing right up into the attacking line.It was bold — Chelsea almost punished City losing possession early on but Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer wasted chances — though City grew into the game and were a constant threat to Chelsea.Enzo Maresca’s side pack midfield, so City went around and over it.3) FULL-BACKS A THROWBACKGvardiol is now the top-scoring defender in the Prem, so it’s no surprise to see him bursting forward into the box.It was more of a shock to see Nunes play at right-back in previous games — but in this shape, he wasn’t really a defender for most of the match.Matheus Nunes was a right-back only in name in this formationCredit: Sun SportPep got his full-backs to play like Nineties and Noughties attacking full-backsCredit: Sun SportPep got his full-backs to play like Nineties and Noughties attacking full-backs, overlapping, hugging the line and pushing their opposition wingers back.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir heat maps show they barely ventured infield and Gvardiol’s goal came from Nunes’ shot and run being parried by Robert Sanchez as BOTH made runs beyond Haaland and in behind Chelsea.Gvardiol pinning back Noni Madueke also saw the Blues winger play Nunes onside for City’s opening goal. More

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    The Sun’s new betting show Weekend Wager hits the target thanks to Fulham star who delivered against Man Utd

    SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager got off to a flying start – with a 17/2 tip that came in after just 18 minutes.In the first of our weekly shows digging out the best value bets from the sporting world, our betting experts racked their brains to preview the sporting weekend.Alex Iwobi delivered a 17/2 tip from SunSport’s Weekend WagerCredit: GettyOur new weekly betting show provides the perfect preview to the weekend’s sporting actionCredit: SunSportAnd that included a superb tip from Betfair’s guru James Mackie.Mackie’s suggestion for Fulham’s home clash with Manchester United on Sunday night was all about Alex Iwobi.On the show, he said: “I’ve just gone for a single selection here. And I think it’s actually a bit of hidden value here. It’s 17/2 for Alex Iwobi to have two shots on target.“If you look at some of the stats around Iwobi, he’s had two first shots in each of his last five matches. Including three shots on target in his last three.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“He has been absolutely superb under Silva. That front four have been absolutely brilliant and Iwobi’s been a big part of that.“If you look on the side, he’s going to play against Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui.“They give up opportunities, left, right and centre. I think it’s a cracking bet.”And so it proved.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesBecause after just 18 MINUTES at Craven Cottage, Iwobi had already registered two shots on target and the 17/2 tip had come in.That was not the only success Mackie enjoyed this weekend, either.Man Utd’s Player Ratings vs FulhamHe also had East India Dock to win the 1.15 at Cheltenham on Saturday.He caught the value as he tipped James Owen’s hurdler at evens – with the 4-year-old winning by a massive TEN LENGTHS after being backed in to 1/2.Mackie added: “The last Cheltenham meeting before the Cheltenham Festival in March. Seven unbelievable trials for that four days in March.“I’ve gone for at Cheltenham, look, it’s not going to blow anyone away. It’s even money.“It’s one to start you off for your day before the football begins at three o’clock. It’s the East India Dock to win the 1.15 at Cheltenham.“This horse, he won last time out at Cheltenham in a Grade 2 Triumph Trial in November and I personally think this should be shorter. He’s only run twice over hurdles. He’s improved from run to run.“He was a brilliant flat horse and I think he’s going places for trainer James Owen this season.”“The angle to take with him, though, if you don’t want to take the short price of even money, he’s 6/1 for the Triumph Hurdle at the Festival. I think he’ll be about three or two to one after winning.“So maybe the angle is to play the anti-post market at a bigger price and watch and have a really nice ticket when it comes to the Cheltenham Festival.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEast India Dock is indeed now 11/4 for the Triumph Hurdle, the first race on the final day of the festival.Our next episode of Weekend Wager will drop on Friday – giving you plenty of time to place your bets before another blockbuster set of sporting fixtures.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind 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.ukEast India Dock won the 1.15 at Cheltenham – as tipped on Weekend WagerCredit: PA More