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      Man City vs Man Utd: Haaland and Co looking to heap pressure on Ten Hag in huge Manchester derby – kick-off, team news

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      MANCHESTER UNITED make the short trip to rivals City this Sunday desperate to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.Erik ten Hag’s side have been something of a punching bag for their noisy neighbours in recent years, losing five of their last six Manchester derbies.Erik ten Hag will be desperate to get one over on Pep GuardiolaCredit: The TimesMan City won 3-0 at Old Trafford earlier in the seasonCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAfter a mini-revival of late, the Red Devils’ troubles were placed back under a microscope last weekend, when they meekly lost 2-1 to Fulham at Old Trafford.Following Alex Iwobi’s 97th minute, Jamie Carragher prepared a segment on Man Utd’s baffling tactics for Monday Night Football.The former Liverpool star highlighted the mixed messages that appear to have spread through United’s team – with attacking players trying to press but defenders sitting deep – leaving a chasm of space in the middle.Under-fire Ten Hag subsequently hit back, trying to claim that Carragher’s analysis of his side is seldom objective.But should he oversee another hiding at the hands of City, fans will not be impressed by the Dutchman’s excuses.Man Utd will likely try to play through Bruno Fernandes, as they often do, this weekend.Following last night’s 1-0 FA Cup win at Nottingham Forest Ten Hag launched a defence of his playmaker’s frequent play-acting.United insiders were even upset by a video posted by Fulham last weekend, which appeared to mock the Portuguese’s penchant for rolling around.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLThe Old Trafford faithful largely back their attacking midfield talisman in the same impassioned way that Ten Hag did.And if he can somehow bag a winner at the Etihad this weekend, surely Fernandes will feel every right to shush his detractors.’How is he our captain’ moan Man Utd fans as Bruno Fernandes spotted furiously arguing with referee after Fulham lossWhat is their form like?Prior to last weekend, Man Utd had strung four wins together on the trot in the Premier League.The mini-revival had fans dreaming of making what had seemed an unlikely push to towards the top four.But they were sent crashing back down to earth last weekend, by losing 2-1 at home to Fulham.They quickly bounced back by grabbing a late 1-0 FA Cup win against Nottingham Forest in mid-week.Man City, meanwhile trounced Luton 6-2 at Kenilworth Road to book their cup quarter-final place, with Erling Haaland grabbing a stunning five-goal haul.They have won 14 of their last 15 games in all competitions, with the sole exception being last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Etihad.Man Utd pinched a last-gasp win at Nottingham ForetsCredit: GettyMan City routed Luton in mid-weekCredit: RexWhat is the team news?Erik ten Hag will remain without a number of long-term absentees.Mason Mount, Anthony Martial, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez are all sidelined.Rasmus Hojlund is recovering from a recent muscular injury, while Luke Shaw will miss out due to a thigh strain.Aaron Wan-Bissaka suffered an injury in training earlier this month, but Harry Maguire could return after missing the clash with Forest.As for City, Jack Grealish is set to miss out after sustaining a further injury set-back against Luton.After the game, Guardiola said: “I didn’t speak to the doctor yet but I think he complained about the groin, so maybe quite similar.”Man City may be boosted by a return for Josko Gvardiol, who has been out in recent weeks with an ankle injury.Rasmus Hojlund watched last weekend’s match alongside Mason Mount in the standsCredit: AFPGutted Jack Grealish suffered a fresh injury set-back against LutonCredit: RexWho will be the star men?Man Utd are likely to be dominated by their rivals, and will need to defend resolutely.If they are to nick a win, however, they need a spark going forward.With Marcus Rashford still misfiring and Hojlund out, Fernandes will be the man that Ten Hag will hope can conjure up a piece of match-winning magic.As for City, it’s hard to look past Haaland.The Norwegian scored five times against helpless Luton in mid-week, and would love nothing more than to take that form into Sunday’s derby.What have the managers said?Ten Hag was delighted with his side’s last-gasp win at Forest in mid-week.After the game, the Dutchman said: “It’s the best time to score at the end. On Saturday, we felt defeat in stoppage time.”Today, we scored just before the end of the time, so we scored at the right moment.”Guardiola, meanwhile, has been thrilled with the link-up between Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.He said: “I think Erling needs a guy with the vision, the quality and generosity. Kevin is a less selfish player in front of the goal, and if he could have helped him score another one, he would do it.“And Kevin needs the movement from Erling but of course we know how aggressive they are.”Erik ten Hag was relieved to get back to winning ways against ForestCredit: GettyPep Guardiola saw his side rattle six past LutonCredit: RexSunSport predictionIt’s very difficult to look beyond a comfortable Man City win on Sunday, as they begin their march towards their Treble defence.SunSport predicts: Man City 4 Man Utd 1When is Man City vs Man Utd?
      Man City’s big derby clash with Man Utd will take place on Sunday, March 3.
      The game kicks off at 3.30pm GMT and will be held at the Etihad Stadium.
      The last time City played United, they won 3-0 at Old Trafford.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?Man City vs Man Utd will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. You can live stream the action on the Sky Go or NOW TV app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device. READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
      Man City – 1/4
      Draw – 5/1
      Man Utd – 17/2
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and correct at time of publication. More

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      Thomas Partey to return to Arsenal squad for Sheffield Utd clash after playing just 15 minutes since August

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      MIKEL ARTETA is ready to finally unleash Thomas Partey at Bramall Lane.The Arsenal midfielder has been out for four months having suffered a thigh injury back in October – and was due to return earlier this year but for a slight setback.Thomas Partey is back in full trainingCredit: GettyAs a result, Partey has played just 15 minutes of football for the club since August.However, he has now trained on successive days with the first-team and will travel to Sheffield United for the Gunners’ Premier League clash on Monday night.On Partey’s inclusion against the Blades, Arteta said: “He should be part of the squad. He had a session before the last game and now he’s done two or three consecutive sessions.”Partey is just one of several players returning to full fitness as Arsenal’s medical room begins to empty at a crucial stage of the campaign.READ MORE ON ARSENALOleksandr Zinchenko [calf], Gabriel Jesus [knee] and Takehiro Tomiyasu [calf] could also make Monday’s squad.The return of four key faces would then just leave long-term absentee Jurrien Timber on the comeback trail as he begins light training with the team after ACL surgery in August.Jesus returned to the bench last weekend against Newcastle but was an unused substitute. Arteta is confident the Brazilian will NOT need another surgery this summer, despite struggling with fluid in the knee.Most read in FootballOn his availability to start from the off, Arteta added: “He’s fit enough. How long he will last that’s something different.“We didn’t want to take any risks after the result we had against Newcastle. Mikel Arteta ‘would QUIT Arsenal for Man Utd’ if Erik ten Hag leaves, claims club legend”We need him fit, he’s a massive player for us and now we want to make sure we load him in the right way.”With title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool struggling with injury issues, Arsenal’s recovery rate could tip the scales in the final weeks of the season.Asked what a fully fit squad will bring to the table, Arteta explained: “Unpredictability is one thing. Then depth because we don’t know what’s going to happen.“We’re going to have a lot of games. Freshness, more competition in the squad, the capacity to change games when the scenario is on our side and when we’re chasing games.“That’s something that is going to be critical.” More

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      Jurgen Klopp begs Liverpool fans to stop screaming for Joe Gomez to shoot as he still awaits first goal after 233 games

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      JURGEN KLOPP has urged Liverpool fans to stop screaming for Joe Gomez to shoot as he still awaits his first goal. The versatile star has played 233 first-team games for Liverpool and Charlton without finding the net for either. Liverpool boss Klopp with Joe GomezCredit: RexBut Gomez has proven himself to be capable in just about any position Klopp plays him.The defender had to help out in midfield in Liverpool’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Southampton. But Klopp joked it only encouraged fans to urge Gomez into shooting more. He said: “Now he plays the six and the way he played absolutely crazy. Can I ask the people, funny as it is, ‘SHOOT’ – leave the boy alone.READ MORE IN football”One day he will shoot, let him find the moment himself.”If one more time he shoots from 40 yards just because the people are calling then I really will get a bit angry but as I said, what a boy, what a game.”Gomez is naturally a centre-half but he has filled in at full-back to cover for Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas and Trent Alexander-Arnold. But he could be required back in midfield due to injuries for Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones, Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGomez came off the bench for Liverpool’s League Cup final win over Chelsea and afterwards talked down Klopp making a U-turn over his summer exit. He said: “Of course, but understanding how long he’s been here I think he knows he has done everything he can. Jurgen Klopp compares Liverpool youngster Jayden Danns to darts sensation and Man Utd fan Luke Littler”He has won it all. Everyone respects his decision and we understand it.“He is one of the wisest men we know and when he says he’s ready, he’s ready. It is what it is, we can’t dwell on that, we just have to do him justice. He definitely won’t [change his mind].” More

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      ‘I broke down in tears in the en-suite’ reveals Steve Sidwell as ex-Chelsea star opens up on way football career ended

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      STEVE SIDWELL broke down in tears when he found out his career was over due to a horror injury.The 41-year-old played for Brentford, Reading, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke and Brighton.Steve Sidwell has opened up on finding out he would have to retire from footballCredit: That Peter Crouch PodcastSteve Sidwell played 25 times for ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics SportHe hung up his boots in 2018 due to a severe back injury that left him unable to do basic tasks around the house.Sidwell opened up on his struggles on That Peter Crouch Podcast, saying: “In the last year of my contract I was injured at Brighton.”I had spinal surgery in September, I rushed rehab and the injury reoccurred.”My family life was really difficult. My back was that bad I couldn’t get my little girl out of her cot and I couldn’t play football in the garden.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I was waking up in the morning and I was shuffling to the toilet, squatting in front of the sink because I couldn’t bend over.”I remember the missus looked at me and said: ‘You can’t keep doing this, look at the state of you.'”I decided to have a second spinal surgery and the surgeon said to me: ‘I can get you back playing but for the next ten to twenty years of your life you need to look at your health.'”I remember breaking down and crying to the missus in our en suite.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL”That’s it, that’s me done. I said that and I felt a big weight off my shoulders.”I then had to let the medical team know, see that season out, then I was preparing for retirement.”Former Premier League star and TNT Sports pundit Steve Sidwell is doing ‘really well’ in lucrative side hustle after football Sidwell was desperate to keep busy after quitting football as he was so used to the strict routine of being a Premier League star.He went on to coach in Brighton’s academy and take up a role as a club ambassador.The ex-midfielder now works as a pundit on TNT Sports.Sidwell also has a lucrative side hustle as a company director of a business that kits out office spaces. More

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      Roy Keane hits out at Gary Neville for ‘bottling it’ as Man Utd legend’s brutal Mauricio Pochettino jibe backfires

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane has teased Gary Neville over his “blue billion pound bottle jobs” comment.Neville left fans stunned during the Carabao Cup final when he described Chelsea as “blue billion pound bottle jobs” in extra-time.Gary Neville branded Chelsea ‘blue billion pound bottle jobs’ at the weekendCredit: GettyRoy Keane teased his former team-mate about itCredit: YouTube / The OverlapMauricio Pochettino’s side had just conceded a Virgil van Dijk header with two minutes to play.The Blues had £105million man Enzo Fernadez on the pitch at the time as well as Moises Caicedo – the most expensive player in British football – and £88.5m winger Mykhailo Mudryk.Meanwhile, due to various injury issues Liverpool were forced to play youngsters Jayden Danns, 18, Bobby Clark, 19, and James McConnell, also 19, until the final whistle.Chelsea went on to lose 1-0 but Pochettino branded Neville’s comment as “unfair”.Read More on FootballDuring his post-match press conference, he said: “We are a young team and (it is) nothing to compare with Liverpool (just) because they finished with also a few young players. I think it’s impossible (to compare the two sides).”He (Neville) knows, he knows the dynamics are completely different.”I think it’s not fair to talk in this way, if he said that.”Neville’s comment was a topic of conversation during this week’s episode of Sky Bet’s Stick to Football Podcast.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the full-back’s former team-mate Keane was quick to tease him about it.When discussing score predictions from the weekend, Neville was told that he got three out of six correct, meaning he picked up six points.’Gary, what have you done?’ – Pochettino hits out at Neville AGAIN after Chelsea ‘billion-pound bottle jobs’ jibeHowever, Keane was quick to joke: “You bottled it,” before the room erupted into laughter.Earlier in the episode, Neville admitted that he was “not proud” of the comment.He revealed: “I got progressively angrier during extra time with Chelsea, and I thought to myself, initially I was going to use Boehly’s name, but I didn’t want to personalise it, then I thought, should I say it, is it too strong?”I was thinking that as I said it and sometimes when you think that you might think that it’s a reason not to say it, but I felt as though it needed to be said, it’s a harsh line.”After the game I went to the producer and asked whether it was harsh, he said it might be a touch harsh, but he said, ‘We’re on television, in entertainment and its one of the biggest moments this season, last minute goal,’ and secondly, ‘Did you think they bottled it?'”I said that they froze in extra time, there is no doubt that they were playing with fear and froze.”I was actually going to do a roll back on my podcast, the day after, and say that I shouldn’t have probably used that word ‘bottle,’ but when I heard that Mauricio thought the team were playing for penalties, I thought that it was the epitome of freezing.”When I think of it today, people say it’s a great line, but I don’t think of it as a great line, I don’t feel proud about it.”I remember my David Luiz comment ten years ago, and I regret that because it was personal. I don’t personalise a line anymore.”Bottle doesn’t mean cowardness, they just froze on the day, we froze in games sometimes, in Champions League Semi-Finals.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sometimes you do freeze – Manchester United, the year before they won the Premier League title against Leeds, they bottled the run in.”We bottled the run-in, when we were without Roy in 1998, against Arsenal – we’ve all bottled run-ins.” More

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      ‘Flat out insulting’ – Fuming Crystal Palace fans accuse club of ‘SABOTAGE’ as they plan change to stadium

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      CRYSTAL PALACE have sparked a feud with a supporters group by removing a long-standing banner from the Selhurst Park stands.The banner, which represents Palace’s Holmesdale Fanatics, has been taken down to make space for a new LED advertising board.The club have removed the group’s banner from the Holmesdale Road StandCredit: 2021 Sebastian Frej/MB MediaCrystal Palace fan group Holmesdale Fanatics has accused the club of ‘sabotage’Credit: 2021 Sebastian Frej/MB MediaThe change has infuriated fans, with some accusing the club of “sabotage”.A statement from the Holmesdale Fanatics read: “After a strong start on Saturday, it’s time to push on together for what we all hope will be a proud unified era.”Our top flight status has been built upon that very unity and galvanised by a unique fanbase and style of support which brings untold positives.”So for the club to be sabotaging that very support is beyond comprehension.Read More on Football”Removing the long standing banner for more soulless LED advertising goes against every principle that the Palace identity has been built on and is flat out insulting to years of hard work and loyalty.”This banner is symbolic and represents the unique Holmesdale support from all in the stand. Even corporate teams such as Chelsea and Manchester United have chosen to offer multiple upper tier spaces for banners.”Fans also suggested the move will have a negative impact on new manager Oliver Glasner, who took over from Roy Hodgson earlier this month.The statement continued: “Glasner has come from a league which puts supporters front and centre but currently he, the players and Palace fans are being denied the true level of support we are capable of by these poor club decisions, choosing corporations over their own fans.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”All attempts to discuss this with the club get nowhere – as they continue to prioritise forced entertainment such as tacky light and flame shows. Everything our supports stands against.”Until our banner is returned and and displays are again permitted from the upper tier, the group will be withdrawining flags and tifos.Crystal Palace star Joachim Anderson has to be pulled away from fans after fierce confrontation following Brighton loss”Urgent action is needed from them before the next home game. Let supporters support. Restore the Holmesdale.”Crystal Palace have responded to the statement, insisting the new LED advertising board will bring in revenue for the club.The Eagles also revealed that meetings have been held with the Holmesdale Fanatics in a bid to find a solution, although a suitable agreement is yet to be made.A club spokesperson told the Evening Standard: “The club supports fan-led displays, they bring vibrancy to Selhurst Park and we will always assist any group who wants to create them.”We have installed a wraparound LED system that helps greatly with the spectacle and also drives revenue for the club.”We are working on various alternative positions for the banner to avoid blocking an LED screen, but so far those we have suggested, such as placing it on the roof of the Holmesdale, have not been deemed acceptable.”We will continue to work to find a solution as we believe both elements can be in place. We believe both fan-led displays and club light shows have a place and create the great atmosphere that makes Selhurst Park unique.”The Holmesdale Fanatics supporters group was established in 2005.READ MORE SUN STORIESMembers sit in Block E of the Holmesdale Road Stand.Crystal Palace have been approached for further comment. More

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      ‘What criteria did they use?’ – Fans baffled to discover Premier League flops already qualified for Fifa Club World Cup

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      FANS have been left baffled after Chelsea were announced as qualifiers for the expanded 2025 Fifa Club World Cup.The tournament is set to undergo a big shake-up next year with 32 teams involved. Chelsea have qualified for the expanded 2025 Fifa Club World CupCredit: GettyAnd surprisingly, Chelsea will be one of them, joining the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG. One fan reacted to the news, saying: “Why are Chelsea there.”Another said: “Chelsea finished 10th but still going to the Club World Cup.”One added: “What is the criteria for qualification?”READ MORE IN football Another agreed: “How did Chelsea qualify? What qualification criteria did FIFA use?”Despite mass fan confusion, Fifa confirmed that Champions League winners from 2021-2024 qualify for the tournament. And Chelsea lifted the European cup under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel only three years ago. Winners of “each confederation’s premier club competition” also qualify, explaining Bayern Munich and PSG’s presence. Most read in Football2025 Fifa Club World Cup teams so far

      𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀
      Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)Al Ahly SC (Egypt)
      𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐀
      Al Hilal SFC (Saudi Arabia)Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
      𝐄𝐔𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄
      Chelsea (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Manchester City (England)Bayern Munich (Germany)PSG (France)Inter Milan (Italy)Porto (Portugal)Benfica (Portugal)
      𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇/𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀
      CF Monterrey (Mexico)Seattle Sounders FC (United States)Club Leon (Mexico)
      𝐎𝐂𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐀
      Auckland City FC (New Zealand)
      𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀
      SE Palmeiras (Brazil)CR Flamengo (Brazil)Fluminense FC (Brazil)

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMore info will be announced throughout 2024 — including the trophy, host cities, and the draw.But for now, the first 19 sides have been announced, with a further 13 to be added.Astrid Wett boycotting Chelsea matches after she is ‘spat at’ despite ‘being one of club’s biggest fans’ The new 32-team tournament format will take place every four years with an extended international break merging the current September and October slots to facilitate the changes.City – last season’s Champions League winners – are the current holders. More

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      ‘Gary, what have you done?’ – Pochettino hits out at Neville AGAIN after Chelsea ‘billion-pound bottle jobs’ jibe

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      MAURICO POCHETTINO has hit out at Gary Neville AGAIN as Chelsea delivered a response to his “billion pound bottle jobs” jibe.Conor Gallagher fired the Blues in the FA Cup quarter-final by the skin of their teeth with eight seconds of normal time remaining.Mauricio Pochettino hit out at Gary Neville againCredit: RexChelsea fell behind early on when a defensive error led to Mateo Joseph scoring his first senior goal as Leeds went ahead after only nine minutes.Nicolas Jackson made it 1-1 then Mykhailo Mudryk gave Chelsea a 37th-minute lead before Joseph was on target again to level the scores.Pochettino said: “It’s like Gary, my friend, what have you done? His opinion now is a run and a run and a run. I cannot be upbeat about that.”With all my love to Gary, it is not fair to use this type of word for a team that is so brave and a club that always shows it fights for big things.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”What can we do? Now only with this type of performance, show that we are brave, can win games, and of course, nothing to say, we keep moving.”It is not important for the team, it is not important for us, because we know who we are and how we behave and why we lost the game against Liverpool is nothing to do with this.”It is because of all different things. You need to accept opinions. But that is not for us. “We know we are brave, working hard, and if people want to be run and run and run this comment… look, nothing to say. It is opinion and that’s it. We won.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNeville’s blast came after Chelsea’s League Cup loss to Jurgen Klop’s Liverpool. He said: “Klopp’s kids against the blue billion-pound bottlejobs”.Chelsea 3 Leeds 2: Gallagher nets last-gasp winner ease pressure on Pochettino as Blues edge out brave Whites in FA CupExplaining his dig, Neville later clarified: “I feel bad now! No, look, I’m not going to sit here and say it was an instinctive commentary moment… I mean, it was instinctive because I didn’t know what was going to happen in extra-time.”But Peter [Drury] did about 35 seconds after the goal and Carra did about 25 seconds and I was getting angrier. Grab this opportunity, don’t have regrets! “Just from a playing point of view, the idea of a team not seizing the day, seizing the moment, grabbing the opportunity, all those things we say to each other in lives as young people, that we want a team to grab this moment. Chelsea shrunk.”I used the word “shrunk” and maybe “bottle” is a very strong word, but playing with absolute fear, froze, whatever you want to call it, that’s what we saw in extra-time.”Ultimately, I don’t want that tag to stick with them because the reality is that there are a lot of talented young players there who may go on.” Neville blasted Chelsea as ‘billion pound bottle jobs’Credit: Rex More