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    Man City boss Pep Guardiola reveals his biggest fear ahead of huge Premier League title clash at Liverpool

    PEP GUARDIOLA warned his Manchester City stars: Don’t let any Anfield ref errors KO our title dream.Guardiola’s Premier League champs have won just twice at Liverpool since 1981 and have been on the wrong end of a string of questionable calls. Pep Guardiola does not want referee blunders to ruin the trip to LiverpoolCredit: GettyVictory against Liverpool this afternoon will send City back to the top of the table.And Etihad chief Guardiola said: “You can’t control what happens in the stadium with the refs. All we can do is perform better.“We have to overcome absolutely everything, otherwise it will be difficult to win there on Sunday.“All I can handle is our performance — who we are and what we are as a team. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”That’s all I can deal with. If it happens, it happens, so we will see.”Last season, a Phil Foden effort was ruled out when Erling Haaland was controversially pulled up for a foul in a game City lost 1-0.And in 2019, in Liverpool’s title-winning season, Fabinho scored seconds after Trent Alexander-Arnold escaped a handball in his own box.Referee Michael Oliver, who has Stuart Attwell on VAR duties today, took charge of that game, which ended with a furious Guardiola sarcastically saying “thank you very much” to him after the final whistle. Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Other controversies include a Mo Salah strike from a seemingly offside position.But it was Foden’s disallowed goal last term that was on Guardiola’s mind when he added: “It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers“All we have to do is perform better. “For big achievements, chasing four titles in a row — that no team has done ever — it’s the challenge we have to face.“I’m pretty sure we will perform well and, whatever happens, we have many games to play.”Guardiola has had previous at Anfield with today’s official Michael OliverCredit: Getty Images – GettyPhil Foden had a goal controversially ruled out in last season’s defeatCredit: The Times More

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    Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville give their Liverpool vs Man City predictions in vital Premier League title clash

    JAMIE CARRAGHER and Gary Neville have given their predictions ahead of today’s huge clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.The title rivals meet at Anfield this afternoon separated by just one point in the Premier League table.Liverpool and Man City are set to meet in a huge title showdownCredit: GettyGary Neville and Jamie Carragher have given their opinions on the huge matchCredit: YOUTUBE / THE OVERLAPLiverpool are ahead of City going into the match, although both teams will have the opportunity to leapfrog Arsenal, who went top yesterday courtesy of their late 2-1 win against Brentford.Former Kop hero Carragher, 46, believes that his old side must defeat City in order to firm up their title credentials.Appearing on The Overlap Fan Debate, he said: “I feel as if Liverpool have to beat City at the weekend for me to sit there and go ‘I think Liverpool are going to win the league’.”I think I will believe that if Liverpool go four points clear with 10 games to go.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNeville, meanwhile, believes that City will “do a job” on the Reds.The Manchester United legend said: “I think City are going to beat you [Liverpool] but I want Liverpool to win because I want the league to be opened up.”I think City are going to win on Sunday, I think he’s going to come and put a right job in.”City have struggled at Anfield down the years, with their only win there since 2003 coming behind closed doors during the 2020-21 season.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Countering Neville’s opinion, Carragher pointed to that record, replying: “There’s been different City teams, have there been any better City teams than this? I don’t know.”You go to David Silva, [Sergio] Aguero and they never came and won.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spot”The Anfield crowd, this Liverpool team as well you’re going to see who is available and who can play. I think missing the goalkeeper is a big miss although the young lad has been brilliant.”Pep does have a problem at Anfield. City’s record in general, forget about Pep and this team, [Roberto] Mancini, [Manuel] Pellegrini, the record at Anfield isn’t great.”Neville, 49, then gave an overview of how teams can win at Liverpool’s famous home.He added: “I think at Anfield, you’re going to win it in the first half, I always thought when we played in the first half, we had to damage them and make them realise that we were a real threat.”If you go through that first half, they grow and grow then you’ve got a problem but if you hit them, hurt them.”I think you’ll [City] win Sunday, I don’t know why, at the moment they’re reeling with injuries, scrambling through games like you wouldn’t believe – they’re literally scruffy as hell.”They’ve got momentum and I think Sunday will be too much for them.”I see excellence when I face it and Pep is definitely thatJurgen KloppAhead of what could be his final clash with Pep Guardiola, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was full of kind words for his great rival.He said: “I do the job myself so I see excellence when I face it and Pep is definitely that.”The way he has influenced football, winning the amount of trophies he was won in his career.”But if you see him on the touchline he behaves like he has never won before. The desire he has is absolutely outstanding.”In my lifetime he is the outstanding manager, definitely.”Guardiola, meanwhile, admitted that he’d love to meet up with the German.Asked if they’d spent any time together, he said: “Sometimes in the corridor before the press conference.READ MORE SUN STORIES”When we were honoured to get in the Hall of Fame we spent time with families, but in terms of lunch or dinners, it never happened. We have to decide who pays, that’s why we didn’t do it.”I think it’s going to happen sooner or later, I would love it.”Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola could clash for the final time this afternoonCredit: Reuters More

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    Redknapp gives prediction for Liverpool vs Man City… and thinks it could be a GREAT result for one of their rivals

    IF ever there was a game to put a smile on your face, it’s the mouth-watering one at Anfield this afternoon.But trying to pick a winner between Liverpool and Manchester City keeps bringing me to the same conclusion . . . I’ll never have a go at the missus for changing her mind again!Either Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp or Man City manager Pep Guardiola might not be smiling like this come Sunday eveningCredit: ReutersPhil Foden has been this season’s best player, says Harry RedknappCredit: ReutersOr take the mickey when it comes to making a decision, either. Because I have to admit I’m guilty of both when it comes to this one.Try as I might, I really can’t split the two of them . . . so in the end I’ve decided it will be a point apiece for Liverpool and City.Which wouldn’t be a bad result for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, either, because I reckon his team will still be in the mix right to the end — whatever anyone else might think.The way City and Liverpool are playing right now, dropped points have become as rare as a weekend without a dodgy VAR decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth are picking up wins for fun, which leaves me scratching my head about who will be Premier League champions every time I watch them.One minute Liverpool are nicking another last-minute winner despite all their injuries — and I’m thinking nothing can stop them in this mood.The next day I see how City just carried on playing with no panic after going 1-0 down in the Manchester derby — and I’m going, ‘My God, they’re fantastic’.Then 24 hours later it was Arsenal’s turn to run riot, when they put six past Sheffield United.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Harry Redknapp admits it’s a tough match to callCredit: GettyConsidering everyone thought they’d blown it when they lost to West Ham and Fulham a few months back, no one’s going to make the same mistake and write them off again.This year we have a genuine three-horse race and, looking further ahead to the summer, England have surely GOT to win the Euros when you see that bunch of players.Unemployed Jose Mourinho reveals he would return to management ‘tomorrow’ as he is linked with Premier League returnI was in Spain last weekend and everyone was telling me, ‘Your team is fantastic’.Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, John Stones, Declan Rice, Kyle Walker . . . who can match that? For me, England are on another level to anyone else in the tournament.But all that is for another day. This afternoon it’s all about Anfield — and the chance for someone to make a massive statement.The bookies have City as slight favourites and it’s hard to argue. I think they’re the best team in the world and agree with boss Pep Guardiola that Foden is the star of the season.But Mo Salah is back for the Reds, Darwin Nunez is fit and flying and we all know what can happen with that crowd behind them.I don’t see it as a problem for City — they’ve been in Champions League finals — but a packed Anfield has lifted Jurgen Klopp’s team to great things before.It could come down to a flash of brilliance from Salah, Foden or Kevin De Bruyne, maybe a half chance for Nunez or Erling Haaland.A flash of brilliance from someone like Mo Salah could settle itCredit: AlamyTo think people were making a big thing of it when Haaland went four games without a goal recently. Seven in his last three wasn’t a bad way to answer that!I do think Jack Grealish is a big miss for Pep’s men because as fast as Jeremy Doku is, they don’t get half the end product from him.And although Conor Bradley is no Trent Alexander-Arnold, the kid is a very solid defender — and getting better all the time.For once, I really can’t pick a winner. Yes, Liverpool could turn them over, but if City are on it they can beat anyone in an instant.So if I had to put my life on it, I’d have to go for a draw. Nowhere near a boring, negative one with two teams tip-toeing around each other, though.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey’ll go for it and the football will be fantastic — it can’t be anything else with this pair.This race is going to the wire . . . and I’ll change my mind half a dozen times before we get there. More

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    Kai Havertz appears to snap at Jamie Redknapp after being left annoyed at question he’s ‘answered many times’

    KAI Havertz appeared to be annoyed when he was asked what his best position is.The German international has been in fine form for Arsenal in recent weeks.Kai Havertz appeared annoyed by Jamie Redknapp’s questionSky Sports pundit Redknapp asked Havertz what position he felt was his bestEx-Chelsea star Havertz netted the late winner that downed Brentford on Saturday evening.While he has also been on the scoresheet in recent games against Sheffield United, Newcastle and Burnley.The midfielder, who has been playing as a false nine under Mikel Arteta, has seemingly found a new lease of life at the Emirates.And his eight Premier League goals is more than he mustered last season for the Blues.Read more Arsenal newsHowever, Havertz had his critics at the beginning of the season.Some questioned why Mikel Arteta paid £65million to sign him, while others wondered what position was his best.It was the latter that was posed to Havertz in his post-match interview on Sky Sports by pundit Jamie Redknapp.And, he seemed miffed to having to answer it AGAIN.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “I don’t know how many times I answered this question already,” he said.”I’m just happy to be on the pitch. I’m not a player who only plays in one position.’Can you deal with that’ asks Thierry Henry as he pinpoints six fixtures that could derail Arsenal’s title hopes”Sometimes it’s good, sometimes its bad, but it suits me quite well.”I just love it in this team. I love to play as the false nine, the eight, as the No10, wherever you want me to go.”In Germany. I played as a left-back as well, so it’s all good.”Havertz’s 86th minute winner against Brentford lifted his side above Liverpool and Man City.Their title rivals play each other in a mouth-watering clash at Anfield on Sunday. More

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    Aaron Ramsdale concedes after horror error in first Arsenal appearance in over two months against Brentford

    FANS blasted recalled Arsenal’s recalled keeper Aaron Ramsdale over a dreadful gaffe for Brentford’s goal – but he at least had the final say with AWAY supporters.The England ace dented his hopes of regaining the regular Gunners’ No1 spot from David Raya by gifting Yoanne Wissa an equaliser in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Emirates.Aaron Ramsdale makes his point to Brentford fans after Arsenal fought back to win but he still came under fire for his earlier clangerCredit: ReutersAaron Ramsdale was too casual in taking a backpassThe Arsenal keeper suddenly realises Yoane Wissa is on the sceneCredit: Sky SportsRamsdale looks back in horror at his mistakeCredit: Sky SportsBut after Kai Havertz headed Arsenal to the top of the Prem with a late winner, Ramsdale responded to the flak he had received from Brentford followers by cupping his ears to them.Mikel Arteta’s title hopefuls had been cruising – totally dominant after Declan Rice nodded an opener on 19 minutes – until Ramsdale made his horrendous misjudgement.The keeper looked too casual as he controlled a backpass across his goal.But as he went to clear it with his second kick, the onrushing Yoane Wissa lunged out a leg to intercept in the six-yard box.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe ball ricocheted off the Brentford attacker in the six-yard box and into the net. Ramsdale tried to scramble back – in vain – and his despairing face as he slumped to his knees said it all.Team-mates consoled him – but many fans reckon the mistake has confirmed the stopper’s exit this summer.One wrote: “Thanks for the memories Aaron Ramsdale.”Most read in FootballBrentford celebrate as Ramsdale watches the ball cross the lineCredit: Sky SportsA second posted: “My doubt had been cleared. He needs to go.”And a third viewer is worried Ramsdale might struggle to get over the painful moment.The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsHe said: “I feel for his career and reputation. I seriously hope this won’t affect his performance.”Gunners’ boss Arteta also received some fire – for picking Ramsdale.One observer claimed: “It is absolutely on Arteta. This is what you get when you milk out a player’s confidence by choosing your favourite player.”But in the end Ramsdale appeared to focus on Arsenal’s joy rather than his own situation – as he gestured to Bees’ fans after victory.This is the moment of no return for poor RamsdaleCredit: Sky SportsRamsdale couldn’t believe his errorCredit: ReutersRamsdale was roaring with delight by the endCredit: Reuters More

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    Ashley Young walks out of live TNT Sports interview after Joleon Lescott quip following Everton’s defeat to Man Utd

    ASHLEY YOUNG left the TNT Sports team hanging after walking out of an interview following a quip from Joleon Lescott.The defender featured off the bench at Old Trafford as his Everton side lost to former team Manchester United.Ashley Young said hello to some familiar faces after the matchBut he seemed to take exception to something Joleon LescottYoung quickly took after after hitting back at the punditYoung left the Red Devils in 2022 but he is still going strong almost four years later at the age of 38.TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand questioned the veteran on his longevity and asked how he was able to keep going.Lescott quickly interjected and claimed it was because of all the running Young does after games.The former England international had just completed his warm down after the game, hence Lescott’s comment, but Young dismissed his suggestion.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe hit back saying: “Running after games? No it’s not that.”Young then strutted off before either pundit, and Wayne Rooney, could ask another question.The three pundits all chuckled to themselves as Young appeared to head down the dressing room.Prior to kick-off the full-back said hello to each of the three pundits and embraced them with a hug.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Rooney also bumped into another former team-mate, Seamus Coleman, who at first did not recognise the United legend.A shocked Coleman leant back with a beaming smile and exclaimed: “Wazza what’s happening, you alright?”The pair then enjoyed a warm embrace – with Rooney confirming that he was “good, good” – before Coleman headed off.Man Utd fan Gary Oldman reveals that he texts Sir Alex Ferguson More

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    Awkward 12-second silence live on TNT Sports after commentator asks Wayne Rooney question during Man Utd vs Everton

    TNT SPORTS viewers were left watching an awkward interaction with Wayne Rooney after a technical blunder.The 38-year-old was on punditry duty as Manchester United beat Everton 2-0.There was a 12 seconds of silence as TNT Sports struggled to connect to Wayne RooneyCredit: GettyAshley Young played 15 minutes of the game and is older than Wayne RooneyCredit: AFPHis former team-mate Ashley Young came off the bench for the final 15 minutes for the Toffees.Young, 38, is actually three months older than Rooney, who hung up his boots back in 2021.Commentator Darren Fletcher wanted to get the ex-DC United and Birmingham manager’s thoughts on his longevity in the Premier League.But as they attempted to connect Rooney to the conversation, a technical hitch meant nobody could hear him.READ MORE ON MAN UTDInstead, there was a whole 12 seconds of silence. Fletcher then awkwardly tried to add Rooney to the chat again as he repeated his stat about Young’s age.Fortunately, he could be heard at the second time of asking.There was another bizarre moment regarding Young after the final whistle as the veteran stormed out of a live interview following a quip from Joleon Lescott.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRooney enjoyed his first punditry role with TNT Sports but was left red faced after discussing his old tweets.He also spoke to Hollywood star Gary Oldman and was seemingly not recognised by Everton skipper Seamus Coleman.Seamus Coleman doesn’t realise he’s shaking hands with Wayne Rooney in Old Trafford tunnel More

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    Mike Dean slams new Premier League referee as ‘bang out of order’ after spotting what he did at half-time

    LEADING referee Mike Dean blasted whistler Sunny Singh Gill as “bang out of order” – for signing AUTOGRAPHS at half-time on his historic Premier League debut.Gill, 39, became the top-flight’s first-ever British South Asian ref in Crystal Palace’s 1-1 home draw with Luton on Saturday.Referee Sunny Singh Gill sparked controversy by signing autographsGill made history at Selhurst Park in the Prem over the weekendCredit: GettyTop ref Mike Dean was staggered by what he saw as a pundit for Sky SportsBut he raised eyebrows with his actions during the break as he stopped to scribble his name for admirers.Many fans reacted with shock – as did former long-serving Prem ref and current VAR Dean.Asked on Sky Sports News if he had ever done such a thing himself, the 59-year-old replied: “I did after about 300 games!”He added: “I don’t see the point. You’re on a hiding to nothing now.. if kids ask, maybe, but not at half-time, it’s bang out or order.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMany viewers agreed, with one posting: “Just seen… Absolute disgrace, does he think he’s some kind of star? His conduct really needs to be investigated.”But another viewer defended Gill – and looked at the bigger pictureHe wrote: “Sunny Singh Gill makes history, a rare inspiring story about a ref, and Mike Dean slags him off for signing an autograph… You should be ashamed of yourself Mike.”Gill saw Jean-Philippe Mateta put the Eagles in front after 11 minutes.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Sunny Singh Gill surprised some observers with his half-time decisionCredit: RexThat deepened Luton’s woes in the drop zone and left Palace scenting a rise into mid-table.But Cauley Woodrow snatched a point-saver deep into stoppage time.Sunny Singh Gill is a Premier League referee but by night I live a very different life as a prison officer Ahead of his momentous day, ex-prison officer Gill had told EFL.com: “Football has always run in the family. “Me and my brother grew up loving the game and like most young kids, we just wanted to play.”But in our household it was a bit different because when we were going to primary school, we knew our dad was going out to referee on a weekend.”There were times he was a fourth official in the Premier League and our friends would say they saw him on Match of the Day!” More