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      Premier League star set for two-match ban if he’s booked but only one match if he’s sent off as ‘mad’ loophole revealed

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      BRUNO GUIMARAES must avoid a booking against top-four hopefuls Tottenham in order to dodge a two-match ban.However, a crazy loophole means that if Guimaraes is given TWO yellows on Saturday, he’ll only serve a one-match ban.Guimaraes must avoid a yellow in Newcastle’s game against SpursCredit: EPAHe is currently on nine yellow cardsCredit: GettyPremier League rules stipulate that a two-match suspension will be accrued if a player picks up 10 yellow cards in the first 32 games.Of course, the best bet is for the Brazilian to avoid caution altogether in Newcastle’s 32nd fixture of the season against Spurs.Something the midfielder can clearly do.Guimaraes picked up his ninth yellow card of the campaign during the 3-2 last-gasp defeat to Manchester City in mid-January.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut he has impressively gone ten games without a caution.If Guimaraes is booked against Ange Postecoglou’s men then he will serve a two-match ban.This means he will miss important games against Crystal Palace and Sheffield United, as Newcastle compete for a European place next season.However, if he were to be sent off following two yellows, he would remain on nine and only serve a one-match suspension.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERGuimaraes’ team-mate Anthony Gordon benefitted from the loophole just weeks ago and avoided a two-match ban. The England international received his ninth and 10th yellows during Newcastle’s 4-3 comeback win over West Ham, which resulted in him being sent off in stoppage time.However, because Gordon was shown a red card, he remained on eight bookings and served a one match ban for the visit of his former club Everton three days later.It has, in many ways, proven to be a crazy let-out in Premier League rules – and Guimaraes could also benefit this weekend.Newcastle’s £100m striker Alexander Isak’s mansion hit by gang of robbers in latest raid on Prem aces’ homesMeanwhile, Douglas Luiz picked up his 10th yellow card against Brentford, and is now suspended for Aston Villa’s next two matches.After Spurs, the threshold increases to 15 yellow cards in 38 games, which results in a three-match suspension. But no player in Premier League history has ever reached that number. More

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      How the data shows Amorim has just one true rival for Liverpool job as Sporting boss ‘verbally agrees to replace Klopp’

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      IF Ruben Amorim joins Liverpool, it will be pretty much the first time in his coaching career that he has done what is expected of him.The Reds have denied reports that they have a verbal agreement with the Sporting Lisbon boss for him to replace Jurgen Klopp in the summer.Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is a top candidate to take over at LiverpoolAmorim has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to replace Jurgen Klopp at LiverpoolLiverpool only have two realistic options, one is Amorim and the other is Brighton boss Roberto De ZerbiCredit: ReutersNonetheless, Amorim is now the clear favourite.Amorim ticks a lot of boxes for Liverpool – and indeed for other big clubs, like Barcelona and Bayern Munich, who are looking for a new boss.Analysts at sports data firm 21st Group have fed some key criteria into their coach database to assess potential candidates to replace Klopp at Anfield.The search narrows first of all to 63 men whose last or current job was at mid-Premier League level or better.44 of them have Champions League experience. Out of those, 30 have a record of improving underlying performance metrics. Of those 30, 18 have consistently achieved better results than you would expect from their budget. From those 18, 10 have consistently played attacking, high-press football.And of that top 10, four are aged 50 or under.Most read in FootballThey are: Xabi Alonso, who has committed to staying at Bayer Leverkusen; Mikel Arteta, a former Everton player who is presumably pretty happy at Arsenal right now; Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi, who has been on Liverpool’s radar; and Amorim.Which realistically makes it a choice between Amorim and De Zerbi.But Amorim is the favourite, and it could be a match made in heaven.Amorim is renowned as an excellent coach, with the emotional intelligence to understand and motivate players. He is charismatic and presents himself well in front of the media.But if Liverpool have done their due diligence they will know that the 39-year-old is perfectly capable of turning down what looks like a plum job.Amorim did just that after a knee injury brought his playing career to a premature halt at the age of 32.Liverpool ‘to meet top manager target’s agent TOMORROW as Reds look to finalise personal terms to replace Jurgen Klopp’As a midfielder good enough to win 14 international caps, he lifted three Portuguese titles and a number of domestic cups with Benfica.Yet when the Lisbon giants offered him the chance to manage their B team in 2019, he at first accepted but then turned it down after a meeting at the club. Instead he moved to a similar role at less fashionable Braga.It was not long before Amorim took charge of Braga’s first team. Less than three months later, after he had led the club to the Portuguese League Cup, Sporting came calling in March 2020.Most expected the former Benfica man to turn down their Lisbon rivals, who were in the doldrums and had not won the title for nearly two decades.But Amorim said yes, and ended the 19-year drought in his first season in charge, throwing in another League Cup for good measure.After breaking the Porto-Benfica domination, there did not seem to be any worlds left to conquer for Amorim in Portugal. His achievements had not gone unnoticed and Manchester United were among his admirers.Yet he stayed with Sporting. The club has sold some of its best players over the last few years – Joao Palhinha, Matheus Nunes, Nuno Mendes, Pedro Porro and Manuel Ugarte.Despite that, Amorim has led them to the brink of another championship, with another exciting team spearheaded by a striker signed from Coventry, Viktor Gyokeres.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut his stubbornness can be a blessing and a curse. It’s his way or no way.And as Benfica could tell Liverpool, if Amorim doesn’t get the right vibes, he is perfectly prepared to say no. More

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      Man Utd fans being stranded again as supporters trust accuses Premier League of ‘TROLLING’ them over latest fixture swap

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans face being stranded again over their latest fixture swap.The club’s supporters trust has accused the Premier League of “trolling” them after United were given an 8pm kick-off at Crystal Palace on a bank holiday Monday.Man Utd fans face another late trip to London, this time on a bank holidayCredit: RexThe game on May 6 will be United’s FIFTH 8pm kick-off this season, more than any other club in the Premier League.The previous four all took place on a Saturday, and were all away from home.United fans were left stranded in London on Easter Saturday after their game at Brentford was selected for TV coverage.The last train back to Manchester Piccadilly from the capital departed two minutes after kick-off at the Community Stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd supporters face forking out for another hotel in London, with the last train to Manchester from Euston on May 6 leaving at 9.39pm.It means fans would have to leave the match at Crystal Palace in the first half, with Selhurst Park located 10 miles from Euston.The £36.50 is the only affordable option available which would get United fans back to Manchester on the same night.There is an 11.35pm service back north from St Pancras that costs £39.70.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut this does not arrive at Manchester Piccadilly until 7.36am the following morning.Likewise, there is an 11.07pm from London Marylebone that arrives at 7.29am.I won two Premier League titles as Man Utd captain… now I’m making my way in completely new field to help othersThe trains currently available from London to Manchester on the evening of May 6Only this service costs a mind-boggling £184.70.The next available train from Euston also costs that price and leaves at 12.39am on Tuesday May 7 — but again is another sleep service that doesn’t arrive in Manchester until 8am.The United supporters trust hit out at the Premier League’s decision to move to game at Palace to such an awkward time.A statement read via the Mail: “On the back of our fourth Saturday night 8pm away fixture of the season, it now feels like the football authorities and TV companies are trolling United fans with a bank holiday Monday evening kick-off time, away from home again.“Once again, the needs of match-going fans seem to be the last thing anyone cares about.“There needs to be a complete change of mindset from those who determine kick-off times, and fans need to be brought into the decision-making process.”Man Utd’s late kick-offsAll their 8pm starts in the Premier League this season:

      Burnley 0 Man Utd 1

      Sheff Utd 1 Man Utd 2

      Newcastle 1 Man Utd 0

      Brentford 1 Man Utd 1

      Crystal Palace vs Man Utd – Monday May 6 More

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      Premier League cult hero appears to wash BIRD POO off his jacket as he returns to old stomping ground as EFL manager

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      CHARLIE ADAM got more than he bargained for on his return to Blackpool after falling foul of a BIRD.The Fleetwood Town manager appeared to wash bird muck off his jacket in comical scenes during last night’s League One clash at Bloomfield Road.Charlie Adam appeared to wash bird poo off his coat on his return to BlackpoolCredit: RexA member of his staff chuckled at the scene as Adam’s Fleetwood Town lost 1-0Credit: RexAdam, 38, spent three seasons as a player with Blackpool, scoring 34 goals in 98 appearances.He was their star man as they won promotion to the Premier League in 2011.But Adam’s love affair with Blackpool came to an end in 2011 when he secured a switch to Liverpool.He is now manager of Fleetwood Town, having joined the struggling side in December.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAdam has won 3 of his 19 games at the helm so far.And he suffered another defeat as former side Blackpool bested Fleetwood 1-0 last night.However, Adam was momentarily distracted in the dugout as he reached for a bottle of water.It appeared that a bird had dropped a message from the skies straight onto the sleeve of his coat.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd a backroom member could be seen laughing as Adam chucked water over his arm in a bid to clean the muck away.But legend has it that being hit by bird mess can bring good luck.I was released by Ryan Reynolds and am fighting to stay in the EFL while my brother battles to win the Premier LeagueAdam is a cult hero at Blackpool after leading them to the Premier LeagueCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe also played for the likes of Liverpool and StokeCredit: Action Images – ReutersAnd Adam needs all the help he can get as Fleetwood battle against the League One drop.Town are six points off safety and face a final day showdown against fellow basement boys Burton — provided they have not already been relegated by that stage.Adam was previously Burnley’s loan manager but jumped at the chance to replace Lee Johnson at Christmas.Speaking at the time of his Fleetwood arrival, Adam said: “I’m delighted to join a club I know well and one which we feel we can make a real difference with.”I’m inheriting what I think is a strong squad which is more than capable of getting the results needed to climb the table.”Fleetwood is a hard-working, honest, and passionate town and the football club must reflect that – the players have to be proud to pull the shirt on and represent what the club and the town stands for.”It’s now important we see togetherness from the players, staff and crucially the supporters to help turn results around – we can’t wait to get started.”Charlie Adam’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Rangers, 2003-2009: 88 games, 18 goals

      Ross County (loan), 2004-2005: 15 games, 2 goals

      St Mirren (loan), 2005-2006: 37 games, 9 goals

      Blackpool, 2008-2011: 98 games, 34 goals

      Liverpool, 2011-2012: 37 games, 2 goals

      Stoke, 2012-2019: 179 games, 21 goals

      Readiing, 2019-2020: 27 games, 2 goals

      Dundee, 2020-2022: 65 games, 11 goals

      Scotland, 2007-2015: 26 games, 0 goals

      Trophies: Scottish First Division, Scottish Challenge Cup (St Mirren); Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup (Rangers); Carabao Cup (Liverpool) More

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      Liverpool face huge Luis Diaz transfer dilemma with winger yet to agree new contract amid interest from European giants

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      LIVERPOOL star Luis Diaz is attracting interest from two European giants, according to reports.The Colombian winger recently met with his agent Raul Costa to discuss his future.Luis Diaz could leave Liverpool at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyDiaz has three years left on his contract but is at a crossroads this summer.Liverpool supposedly view the end of the season as the right time to sell the player should he not agree a new and improved long-term deal.The club want to offload players when their value is high amid the threat of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.Diaz is rated at £75million by Liverpool, according to The Telegraph.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey also claim that Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are both keen on signing him.However, the Catalan giants could find it hard to raise enough cash amid financial troubles.Real Madrid have previously been touted as a possible destination for Diaz.The 27-year-old shares an agent with Ruben Amorim, who has been linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Sporting Lisbon boss has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to become the next Liverpool manager.Sky Sports Germany say Amorim is willing to put pen to paper on a deal that will run to 2027.Jurgen Klopp manages to savage both Man Utd and his own Liverpool team with astonishing comment about ArsenalThe Portuguese boss’ deal in Lisbon runs for another two years and is believed to contain a £25m release clause. More

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      Premier League matches could be played ABROAD in groundbreaking move after major legal development

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      PREMIER LEAGUE matches could be played abroad in the future after a major legal development.The groundbreaking move could see competitive domestic football take place overseas in the future.Premier League matches could be played abroad after a major legal developmentCredit: GettyIt comes after Fifa reached a lawsuit agreement for matches to be played overseas, according to The Athletic.Event promoter Relevant Sports had field an antitrust suit against football’s governing body and the US Soccer Federation.The lawsuit came after the Fifa Council objected to a LaLiga match between Barcelona and Girona taking place in Miami back in 2018.At the time, the council concluded: “Official league matches must be played within the territory of the respective member association.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the report states that Fifa have now been removed as a defendant in what is seen as a major climb down from the governing body.Fifa had firmly opposed the idea of domestic matches being played overseas.Despite being removed as a defendant, Fifa will be bound to the final decision of the ongoing case, provided it applies to “any rules, policies, or practices concerning official season games held outside of the participating league’s and teams’ home territory”.Meanwhile, Relevant Sports have also indicate that Fifa are set to consider changing their current stance.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn a statement to The Athletic, they added: “Relevent Sports looks forward to supporting FIFA as both sides work to grow the game.”The latest development comes after both Spain and Italy have held their Super Cups in Saudi Arabia in recent years.What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer windowIt could also see Premier League matches take place abroad in the future.Clubs have seen success in the past with pre-season friendlies held in the USA, including last year’s Summer Series involving six clubs.Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are all set to play each other stateside this summer. More

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      De Gea and Fernandes pose in ‘Dumb and Dumber’ pic – then joke they’re missing ex-Man Utd star who is ‘Dumbest’

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      DAVID DE GEA met up with Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes and trolled their former team-mate.The unemployed goalkeeper has been clubless since his contract at Old Trafford expired last summer after 12 years at the club. David de Gea met up with Bruno FernandesCredit: X formerly Twitter / @D_DeGeaDe Gea captioned the post ‘Dumb and Dumber’Credit: X formerly Twitter / @D_DeGeaBruno Fernandes revealed which old team-mate is the ‘dumbest’Credit: X formerly Twitter / @D_DeGeaWhile back in Manchester, De Gea hung out with his old pal Fernandes.The duo posed for snaps as they sat with their arms crossed before the Spaniard put his hand around the Red Devils captain.De Gea uploaded the photos to social media and captioned the post: “Dumb and Dumber.”Fernandes then hilariously commented: “Is missing the biggest dumbest Juan Mata.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDHaving been called out, the ex-Chelsea and Man Utd midfielder joined in with the fun by replying with a GIF from the Dumb and Dumber movie.De Gea has been linked with a return to football, with reports suggesting Barcelona, Nottingham Forest and Saudi Arabian clubs have all approached him with offers.However, none of these moves have materialised and the 33-year-old remains a free agent.De Gea has been enjoying his time away from the game – going on holidays with his wife and singer Edurne, 38, and daughter Yanay, 3.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd he has occasionally hung out with his old Man Utd team-mates.Back in October, De Gea went to dinner with Fernandes, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane and Tom Heaton.Unemployed David de Gea smiles on family bike ride with wife Edurne after ex-Man Utd star makes huge transfer decisionAs for Mata, 35, he is also a free agent after leaving Japanese side Vissel Kobe at the beginning of the year.Juan Mata joined in the banter with De Gea and FernandesCredit: Getty More

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      Anthony Martial ‘wanted by Inter Milan in shock transfer but Man Utd outcast second choice to little-known Iceland star’

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      INTER MILAN are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United star Anthony Martial.The 28-year-old will leave the Red Devils this summer when his contract expires.Anthony Martial is wanted by Inter Milan as he will leave Manchester United this summerCredit: GettyInter view Genoa’s Albert Gudmundsson as another optionCredit: GettyMartial is already on the lookout for a new club and Inter Milan are keen on the soon to be free agent.The Frenchman has been on the Italian giants’ radar for some time and there was talks about him moving to San Siro back in January.Rumours even suggested he could be used in a player plus cash swap deal as Man Utd had an interest in left-back Federico Dimarco.According Calciomercato, the potential signing of Martial is being discussed again by Inter chiefs.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, they are supposedly concerned over his poor form and injury record.Martial has played 19 times this season, scoring just twice in all competitions.Therefore, Inter view Genoa star Albert Gudmundsson as an alternative.The Icelandic striker has caught the eye in Serie A this term, finding the back of the net 12 times.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHowever, the 26-year-old is the more pricey option as it could take an offer worth £22million to force him out of Genoa.Gudmundsson has also been linked with West Ham and Tottenham.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowInter reportedly have no interest in signing both strikers, with a deal already agreed for Porto’s Mehdi Taremi. Should the club opt for Gudmundsson, Martial could reportedly find himself at Fenerbahce.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More