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    Jamie Carragher names three contenders for Premier League player of the season – and says winner will decide the title

    JAMIE CARRAGHER believes title glory could decide which of three stars becomes Premier League player of the year.Carra named Virgil van Dijk from leaders Liverpool, Declan Rice of second-placed Arsenal and Manchester City’s Phil Foden.Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Man City star Phil Foden are England colleagues but major rivals for the Prem crown this seasonCredit: The TimesLiverpool’s Virgil van Dijk is the third player singled out by Jamie CarragherCredit: RexBut the Anfield legend reckons there is one major difference between his trio of stand-out performers.The ex-England defender rates only Foden as replaceable – and that is purely because he also claims City have the strongest squad.Each of Carragher’s three picks has a special reason for relishing one of the tightest title fights in years.Van Dijk hopes to ensure Jurgen Klopp’s nine-year reign at Liverpool ends with his second English top-flight crown.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Rice is keen to underline his superb first season following a record-breaking summer move from West Ham with his first Prem title.And Foden is hungry to cap his emergence from out of Kevin De Bruyne’s shadow – while boosting his bid for a key role at Euro 2024 for England.Carragher wrote in his column for The Telegraph: “We rarely have this situation in the Premier League and it should be savoured, with all three clubs hopefully remaining in contention until the end”It is a tribute to the way in which Liverpool and Arsenal are run that for all City’s financial advantage, their title wins have been prevented from becoming an annual procession.”Most read in FootballBut he added: “The difference between City, Liverpool and Arsenal is this: take Van Dijk or Rice out of their side, and neither club would be contenders.”City would still be thriving without Foden. That is a reflection of the depth of their squad rather than intended to downplay his brilliance.”Carragher spots Man Utd tactic confusion 20 seconds after kick-offThe Etihad playmaker, 23, is still battling to cement a regular first-choice spot with the Three Lions.But Carra, 46, said: “I have long championed Foden. “In terms of pure talent, he is England’s best player, and a break from tradition in terms of what he brings to his club and country.”Nonetheless, Carragher reckons Rice could be “the final piece of the jigsaw for Arsenal” – after his “bargain” £105million arrival.He hailed the anchorman for adding “steeliness to the spine” of the Gunners.Carragher says the winner of the Prem and player of the year are closely linkedCredit: KEN MACPHERSON More

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    Jose Mourinho’s Netflix film to give never-before-seen look at Man Utd reign… but fans will think he’s an ‘idiot’

    JOSE MOURINHO’S upcoming Netflix documentary will look at his two-and-a-half-year stint at Manchester United.A four-part series on Mourinho’s 25-year-long management career is set to be released in January 2025.Jose Mourinho’s new Netflix documentary will be about his tenure at Manchester UnitedCredit: APMourinho, 60, is one of the most decorated managers in football.With two Champions League titles, three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two Serie A titles and a La Liga title among his accolades, Mourinho has become a household name.But Sir Alex Ferguson questioned Mourinho to succeed him in 2013 before “the Special One” became United manager in May 2016.The Portuguese led the Red Devils to League Cup glory and a Europa League double in his first season, assisting United back en route into the Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe following term United finished second and made it to the FA Cup final before the Glazer family failed to back Mourinho.Mourinho was sacked in December 2018 with United sixth and 11 points away from fourth in the Premier League table.And now fans will be given a look into his life beyond the dugout in a new Netflix documentary.But Mourinho admitted there will be one scene where viewers will think he is a “total idiot”.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL He said: “I’ll give you some news, a documentary about me starts on Netflix, it’s a documentary about my career.”There are things that will only be known there, they pay me well. I hadn’t signed with Roma yet, but I had given my word.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?”A club came along and wanted me to break my agreement with Roma, which hadn’t yet been signed, and I said no.”When the documentary comes out everyone will say I’m a total idiot.”When Portugal arrived I immediately told the president about it.”When Saudi Arabia arrived I immediately told the president about it.”This is why I don’t think they talk to other coaches behind my back, for me it’s not like that because there is reciprocity.”Mourinho who joined Roma in 2021 led them to their first piece of silverware in 11 years after winning the Europa Conference League was sacked earlier this year.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, he is still the most successful United manager in the post-Ferguson era. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and David Moyes had trophyless spells while Louis van Gaal won the FA Cup and Erik ten Hag secured the club’s sixth League Cup last term. More

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    Police ramp up security outside Anfield in bid to stop another bus attack ahead of Liverpool’s title clash with Man City

    MANCHESTER CITY have been told the area outside Anfield will be filmed on Sunday in a bid to stop another attack on their bus.The treble winners have seen their vehicle targeted on several occasions in recent seasons – notably when the coach was written off in April 2018.Police are stepping up efforts to stop any potential trouble outside Anfield on SundayCredit: Getty – ContributorMan City’s boss was hit by bottles and cans as it arrived at Anfield in 2018Credit: EPABT Sport showed evidence that the bus door had been shattered in the attackCredit: BT SportCCTV will be used to film the route of the Man City team coach on MerseysideCredit: Action Images via ReutersCity sought assurances from Merseyside Police over whether Pep Guardiola and his squad can expect a safe journey to the stadium this time.And the force has vowed to install CCTV along the route to ensure there is no repeat ahead of the title showdown this weekend between the Reds and Cityzens.They also say they will deploy specially trained officers on the streets in the hope it will provide some protection for the visitors.Chief Inspector Ian Wyke of Merseyside Police said: “We are working to ensure this game can be enjoyed safely by all, whilst at the same time minimising any disruption to local residents and on the roads. “READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“As with all Premier League fixtures at Anfield, we will have officers on duty at the ground and the surrounding area, both uniformed and plain clothed.“They will be supported by CCTV, the Dog Section, mounted police and other specialist resources. We will also have a city centre policing plan in place throughout the day.”City’s bus was first targeted as they left the stadium following a similarly important game at Anfield 10 years ago.However the attack was much worse ahead of the Champions League quarter final first leg at Anfield six years ago – with City needing a replacement vehicle to get home.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA bad tempered clash between the sides last season also saw damage to the visitors bus.And rivals Manchester United also came under-fire when their squad made their way to a Prem game at Liverpool in December.Liverpool fans throw bottles at the Manchester City team coach as it arrives at Anfield ahead of the Champions League tieMerseyside police has also vowed to crack down on tragedy chanting after it was reported when the two teams met 18 months ago.City boss Pep Guardiola was also targeted with coins thrown from the stands in the same game – and a crackdown on the throwing of missiles has been launched.Wyke added: “Our policing style will be firm, fair and friendly.“But officers will not tolerate any tragedy chanting, which became an offence under legislation last year, the throwing of missiles or the use of pyrotechnics inside or outside of the stadium.”Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola’s will collide on SundayCredit: Reuters More

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    Ten Hag convinced he would have won 75 Man Utd games out of 100 if not for injuries ‘no team can deal with’

    ERIK TEN HAG is convinced he would have won 75 of his first 100 games in charge of Manchester United without injury problems.The Red Devils boss completed his century of matches in last week’s derby defeat.Erik ten Hag is convinced he would have won 75 of his first 100 games in charge of Man Utd without injury problemsCredit: PAOf those Ten Hag has won 60 which is a better record than both Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal from their first 100.But Ten Hag believes it could have been so much better and he has done the best he can with the players available.Ten Hag said: “Imagine if they were available, we could easily have won from 75 games from 100.“It tells that we are in the right direction.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“We could easily have 75 wins and that tells the bright future of this team.“When you compare it with other managers, other teams, or previous managers in this big club you can see there is a bright future.“It is a good balance in ages in this squad. Young players, middle-aged players.”Ten Hag has had to deal with 48 cases of injury or illness leading to players missing a game.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL There are 10 missing for tomorrow’s match with Everton.He said: “No team can deal with so many injuries, I think we played to maximum levels if you take in respect the availability of the players.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?“We have missed so many key players over the part of the season, the performances we have seen when the players are available in January and February are very good.”The good news for him is that both Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans are fit having been taken off with knocks in the derby.Also Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has been named player of the month for February, will be fit for next weekend’s home FA Cup game with Liverpool.Mason Mount, who has been out since November with a calf injury, could be back after the coming international break. More

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    Tom Lockyer destroys Micah Richards with brutal putdown leaving Shearer and Lineker in stitches

    TOM LOCKYER destroyed Micah Richards during his appearance on The Rest Is Football with a cheeky put-down.Lockyer appeared as a guest on the podcast which is hosted by Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Richards.Lockyer was all too happy to rib Micah RichardsCredit: YouTube/ The Rest Is FootballIt had the panel in stitchesCredit: YouTube/ The Rest Is FootballThe Luton captain was talking about the cardiac arrest he suffered against Bournemouth last December and his ongoing recovery from the incident.He told the pundits how he had “technically died” for two minutes and 40 seconds before being revived by a defibrillator.He also revealed that he became a father for the first time during the recovery process, which has changed his perspective on returning to football – although admitted he still plans to.He admitted that many of the Luton players, including himself, took a while to adjust to the fact that they were in the Premier League – saying: “A lot of us came from the lower leagues, the non-league and you just think ‘I’m playing at Old Trafford [now]’ It’s surreal man! It’s so good.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter talking about his Premier League experience, Shearer asked: “Who was your footballing icon growing up?”Richards then chimed in to say: “And don’t say Alan! Or Gaz”Lockyer cheekily replied: “I didn’t want to be horrible but it ain’t you Micah either.” Which drew laughter from the rest of the panel.He then expanded on his answer to say: “John Terry and Frank Lampard. I always had a bit of a Chelsea pull growing up. My old man was Spurs though.”Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Lineker assumed he would be a Cardiff fan given he grew up there and came through their academy but Lockyer said he “cut ties with them” after the club released him when he was 16.Lockyer and Luton Town will return to Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium where he suffered the cardiac arrest on Wednesday.Tom Lockyer hugs team-mates as he returns to Luton’s training ground five weeks after shock cardiac arrest on the pitchIt is the same fixture that Lockyer played in December when he suffered the cardiac arrest – with the game being abandoned following the incident.Lockyer confirmed during the podcast that he will attend the game and meet the Bouremouth staff that saved his life to say thank you. More

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    Chelsea vs Newcastle: Blues host Magpies in tasty Premier League clash on Monday Night Football – stream, TV, team news

    CHELSEA return to Stamford Bridge on Monday to host Newcastle in a huge Premier League clash.The Blues will be pushing for a win following last weekend’s disappointing 2-2 draw with Brentford.Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw at Brentford last weekCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Newcastle cruised to a 3-0 win over WolvesCredit: AlamyMaurico Pochettino has found himself under increasing pressure in recent weeks, with many fans calling for him to be sacked.However, a win over the Magpies could get some supporters back on side.Meanwhile, Newcastle approach this game on a high following a 3-0 win over Wolves.Eddie Howe’s side currently sit eighth in the Premier League table, just four points above Chelsea.READ MORE ON CHELSEASo a win for either team will be crucial in the race for a spot in Europe.With just 11 games left to play, the stakes are getting higher.When is Chelsea vs Newcastle?
    Chelsea vs Newcastle will take place on Monday, March 11.
    Kick off will be at 8pm GMT.
    Stamford Bridge will host.
    What TV channel is Chelsea vs Newcastle on and can it be live streamed?
    Chelsea vs Newcastle will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League.
    Sky Sports customers can live stream the match via the NOW app.
    Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.
    Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Team NewsChristopher Nkunku, Romeo Lavia and Reece James will remain unavailable for the match.Levi Colwill and Ben Chilwell will also be absent due to injury issues suffered recently.Levi Colwill has suffered an injury setbackCredit: GettyConor Gallagher could miss out due to illness.But Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella are now available for selection.As for Newcastle, Nick Pope (shoulder), Sandro Tonali (ban), Callum Wilson (pectoral), Matt Targett (hamstring), Joelinton (thigh) and Kieran Trippier (calf) will be missing.Who will be the star players?Cole Palmer has been a bright spark for Chelsea since he joined at the start of the season.In 32 appearances for the Blues the 21-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists.Cole Palmer is one to watch for ChelseaIsak is back firing for NewcastleMeanwhile, Alexander Isak could be one to watch for Newcastle.Despite his injury issues this season the striker has stepped up when fit, scoring 11 goals in 19 Premier League games.Isak could cause some serious problems for Chelsea’s defence on Monday.What has been said?Discussing Newcastle’s last meeting with Chelsea, Eddie Howe said: “It was a difficult night.”We did a lot right but it was in the middle of our injuries. The players that did play gave everything.”We were so close and the shootout was difficult. But I think we learned from that and controlled our emotions better in the Blackburn game.”He continued: “We have got a bit of form behind us; we are looking to recapture our very best performance levels. We have really high expectations of ourselves.”I am determined to try and achieve the maximum that we can and get back into Europe.”Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino said: “The most important thing for us is to work on us. We need to find different solutions again to deal with these injuries and see if Marc Cucurella arrives in good condition, to see if we are changing the way we play.”What are the odds?Match resultREAD MORE SUN STORIES
    Chelsea – 19/20
    Draw – 14/5
    Newcastle – 5/2
    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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    Thomas Tuchel ‘targets three dream clubs’ after Bayern Munich exit with Chelsea return on the agenda

    THOMAS TUCHEL is already targeting his next managerial role as the Bayern Munich boss is set to leave the German club in the summer.With the former Chelsea boss set to be out of work, he is said to be targeting a return to the Premier League and potentially Stamford Bridge.Thomas Tuchel has revealed his three dream clubs to manage after Bayern Munich exitCredit: GettyTuchel took over at Bayern Munich last March, but it has already been confirmed that he will be leaving at the end of this season.And the German boss has revealed his three dream clubs for when he leaves the Bundesliga giants this term.According to Sky Sports Germany, “Thomas Tuchel has never ruled out a return to FC Chelsea. He still has the club in his sights.”His greatest short-term desire is to return to the Premier League. He doesn’t see his project there as complete yet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He is also interested in the project at Manchester United. In Spain, he wants to coach FC Barcelona someday.”Tuchel became manager of Chelsea in 2021 and won the Champions League in his debut season, being named The Best FIFA Football Coach. The German was then sacked by new American owner Todd Boehly in September 2022 just a few months after his takeover.He then signed with Bayern Munich in 2023 and won the Bundesliga title.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL According to the German outlet Bild, Tuchel would be open to returning to Stamford Bridge, should he and Boehly be able to settle their previous differences.Prior to Tuchel’s departure, he and his boss endured a strained relationship.Thomas Tuchel fumes at Bundesliga rule after Bayern Munich’s defeat to Bayer Leverkusen Boehly, 50, even frustrated the ex-Chelsea manager by trying to show a group of guests the home dressing room… while Tuchel was attempting to deliver a half-time team talk.At the end of last season, reports claimed that Blues chiefs privately acknowledged that sacking Tuchel may have been a mistake.Meanwhile, since Ineos’ arrival as a partial owner at Manchester United, doubts have lingered over whether Erik ten Hag will remain at Old Trafford next season.While Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has announced that he will step down as coach of Barcelona at the end of term.Tuchel joined Chelsea in 2021 but left shortly after owner Todd Boehly took overCredit: Getty More

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    Jose Mourinho’s sad response when asked by Chelsea fans to return for incredible third manager spell

    JOSE MOURINHO gave a sad response when asked by Chelsea fans to return for an incredible third spell.A Blues fan posted a picture on social media showing him alongside the Special One.Jose Mourinho gave a sad response to a fan when asked about a return to ChelseaCredit: https://twitter.com/SirshargiHe flashed a thumbs-up for the camera as Mourinho struck a more sombre pose.And the supporter claims to have then asked Jose about a potential third run in the Stamford Bridge dugout.Mourinho’s first Chelsea spell lasted over three years and saw him deliver two Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006.He was sacked in 2007, but made an incredible return to west London in 2013.READ MORE ON CHELSEAMourinho added another league title to Chelsea’s cabinet in 2015 before receiving the axe for a second time later that year.Fans have pined for the Special One in recent times following the Blues’ problems under Mauricio Pochettino.And, according to the fan, Mourinho gave a sad response when questioned about taking over this summer.The fan said: “Hello Jose, Chelsea fans love you very much from all over the world hope you return to Chelsea.”Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACINGMourinho apparently replied: “Thank you my friend, but Chelsea is not the Chelsea we know.”The fan continued: “Yes Jose, so we want you to return to the team so that the glories can return.What next for Jose Mourinho? Dave Kidd takes a look at The Special One’s options“What if an offer was made to you in the summer, would you come?”The fan then posted Mourinho’s reaction as several emojis of a man shrugging.And after getting Jose’s signature, he ended the conversation by saying: “We love you very much and hope you come back.“Thank you very much for the gift you gave me. I wish you a beautiful day.”It’s unclear where Mourinho and the fan posed for their photo together.The Portuguese boss is currently unemployed after being fired by Roma in January.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has since been linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.But there could still be options in Europe, with Napoli, Newcastle and Bayern Munich all linked as well. More