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    ‘Have you even watched them?’ asks Jamie Carragher as he’s stunned by Gary Neville’s team of the year selection

    JAMIE CARRAGHER was left stunned after Gary Neville named a Manchester City defender in his Premier League team of the season so far.The Sky Sports pundits picked their sides on Monday Night Football and it was the selection of Josko Gvardiol which proved the most contentious.Gary Neville was asked to name his Premier League team of the season so farJosko Gvardiol was a surprise inclusion in Neville’s squadBoth Carragher and Neville were on the same page for a number of their picks.Carragher chose three Liverpool players but there was no room for any of Pep Guardiola’s strugglers in his team.Both agreed on seven picks: Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Moises Caicedo, Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer, Matheus Cunha and Chris Wood.The only point of contention between the former defenders was their choice in between the sticks and their back line.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNeville’s selection of Gvardiol as his left-back prompted laughter from Carragher – with the Liverpool legend asking if he’d “actually watched Man City?”Carra said: “How have you picked Gvardiol at left-back? He gives a goal away every game.”Have you actually watched Man City? Obviously not enough. What games have you watched? Are you serious?” In response, Neville admitted he had struggled to pick a left-back, but stood by his decision.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Man Utd legend said: “I am serious, yeah. To be honest with you, left-back I was struggling with badly. “But Josko Gvardiol has scored four goals, he’s always a threat. He’s been the one that’s consistently played.Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher revisit Premier League predictions with Champions League chasers tipped to go down”If I was picking a team right now and I was thinking about building a back four, he’d be the player that I’d put in at left-back. “He’s a goal threat, he does his job reasonably well at left-back. City are giving goals away left, right and centre, I get that at the moment.”It’s not usual for them, it’s not usual for him. But who are the other left-backs in the league?”Carragher, though, hit back: “We’re picking on the first half of the season and he’s given goals away, so why have you picked him?”Have you actually watched Man City? Obviously not enough. What games have you watched? Are you serious?Jamie CarragherNeville bluntly responded: “Because I think he’s the best left-back in the league.” City’s surprisingly poor form has left them sixth at the midway point, though they ended a dismal run of form by beating Leicester 2-0 on Sunday.Carragher chose Antonee Robinson as his left-back with the American’s impressive performances for Fulham earning him links with a move elsewhere.Neville completed his defence with Trent Alexander-Arnold, William Saliba and Van Dijk.On Alexander-Arnold, the former right back said: “His defending has improved. There’s more intensity to his defending, I’m not saying it’s perfect, I don’t think it will be.”He has a far better attitude to his defending right now than I’ve seen previously. These last 12 months he’s improved enormously.” Carragher instead opted for Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina on the right flank, arguing that he has been a vital piece in their drastic improvement since last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “Every time I watch him, I do look at him and think he could play for a team that expects to be in the Champions League every season.”Meanwhile Carragher selected Nikola Milenkovic to partner Van Dijk and David Raya as the best goalkeeper.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Kyle Walker tells Sky Sports ‘get this man on more often’ as he sits next to ex-Prem star at world Darts Championship

    KYLE WALKER told Sky Sports to “get this man on more often” as he sat next to an ex-Premier League star at the darts.England star Walker took time away from Man City’s dismal season to enjoy the action at the World Darts Championship last night.Kyle Walker had a message for Sky Sports as he enjoyed a night at the dartsCredit: RexWalker came off the bench as Man City beat Leicester on SundayCredit: GettyThe ace was all smiles at Ally Pally as he watched Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler seal their places in the quarters.But despite being a high-profile visitor, Walker still engaged in the popular fan banter that has made darts one of the most popular sports around.Many supporters love attending in fancy dress.While others choose to spend their time downing beer and singing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Walker instead opted to join in with another fun activity.Like many around him, he grabbed a blank piece of cardboard before writing a message on it.Holding it up to the camera, Walker revealed it read: “Sky, get this man on more often please.”The person in question turned out to be none other than former footballer Michael Brown.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ace played for numerous teams in the Premier League including Tottenham, Fulham, Wigan and Portsmouth.After retiring in 2018, Brown now works as a pundit.Kyle Walker and ex-lover Lauryn Goodman in fresh row over intercom security system at her £2.4m homeWalker was sat next to former Premier League star Michael BrownBrown played in the Premier League for numerous teams including PortsmouthCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe is often found on BBC Sport and even had Walker on his latest podcast.Man City’s right-back was in fine spirits after coming off the bench in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Leicester.The victory was just the second in City’s last 14 matches.Walker will now be hoping to start in Saturday’s home clash against West Ham.And City can perhaps get their season back on track with favourable fixtures against Salford City, Brentford and Ipswich afterwards.World Darts Championship – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the Ally Pally extravaganza…All the info: News, features and interviews: More

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    Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher revisit Premier League predictions with Champions League chasers tipped to go down

    GARY NEVILLE hilariously demanded that Jamie Carragher apologises as the pundits looked back at their Premier League predictions.At the halfway point of the season, the Sky Sports duo had the chance to revisit and change the calls they made before a ball was kicked.Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville tackled their pre-season predictionsCredit: GettyNeville and Carragher made these predictions at the start of the seasonThe pundits updated their estimates at the halfway stage of the seasonCredit: Sky Sports Neville made a wise guess that Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester would get relegated.Carragher also chose the Saints and the Foxes but made a horror prediction that Nottingham Forest would go down.Nuno Espirito Santo’s are instead second in the table on 37 points and are eyeing up Champions League qualification. Neville joked that Carragher should be giving Forest fans an “apology” for underestimating them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThough both agreed the high-flyers would finish this season in sixth.Before the first game of the campaign, Carragher thought that Manchester City would win the league. But with his former club Liverpool now eight points clear at the top of the table, he changed his prediction to Arne Slot’s clinching the title.However, Neville did not change his mind and stuck to his guns with Arsenal winning the Prem.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe explained: “Liverpool are massive favourites and are in great form but there is still a long way to go.”But I just think Arsenal have got a resilience to them and they have got a back four that can hold it together.Gary Neville’s brutal Secret Santa present for Jamie Carragher ‘rejected’ by Everton”I think they will hang in there and if it does get close towards the end, they could hunt Liverpool down. That is what I am hoping for.”Neville had boldly predicted his beloved Manchester United would come third.And he even had a bet with Carragher that they would finish above Liverpool.Neville conceded that he will be “paying out early”, with the Red Devils languishing in 14th and manager Ruben Amorim admitting a battle to avoid the drop is a “possibility”.As the former right-back was mocked, he hit back: “Where did Carragher have Manchester United at the start of the season in his predictions? Was it fifth?”Carragher responded: “Well it definitely wasn’t above Liverpool.” More

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    ‘Happening again in front of our eyes’ – Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher spot Ruben Amorim tactic that has NEVER worked

    GARY NEVILLE and Jamie Carragher have spotted a Ruben Amorim tactic that has NEVER worked at Manchester United.The Red Devils slumped to their ninth defeat of the Premier League season against Newcastle on Monday evening.Gar Neville and Jamie Carragher have hit out at a Man United tacticThe club has not scored from open play when Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui have been at right-wing-backMazraoui and Dalot are not as effective for the Red Devils going forwardCredit: PAThe Magpies claimed a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford but the scoreline could have been much worse for Amorim’s side.During the game, Man United had ten shots but did not hit the target once.The hosts were ineffective in their attack without talisman Bruno Fernandes, who was suspended.However, Neville and Carragher have revealed another issue that Amorim is facing.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCarragher showed that when Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui start at right wing back, the team has not scored in open play.However, when Amad Diallo or Antony have featured in the position, nine goals were created from open play.Carragher claimed that the two more defensive-minded full-backs lack the “urgency” to get up the pitch.Speaking on Sky Sports: “That’s the problem with these two playing at wing-back and the problem we’ll see.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, the Liverpool legend did insist that Amorim was right to keep his style of play.He added: “The manager has said he’s not for changing his system and I think he is right to do that, not to sort of adapt.Ruben Amorim hauls off Joshua Zirkzee after 32 minutes to huge cheers as Man Utd are embarrassed in first halfAmad Diallo and Antony have added more threat to the attack from the defensive positionCredit: Getty”He’s been brought in for a reason, to play that system and to provide at United what he provided in Lisbon with Sporting and the success they had.”I think it would be wrong to change, but that means I think he may have to go through a little bit more pain.”Neville also spoke about the information Carragher displayed while commenting on the match.He said: “There was a graphic shown before the game by Jamie Carragher that showed that when Manchester United have played Mazraoui and Dalot, the more defensive wing-backs, they haven’t scored a goal in open play.”Which is stark. And it is happening again in front of our eyes.”The stats that Carragher showed were from before the defeat to Newcastle.However, there was no improvement against the Magpies, and now, they appear even bleaker.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen Dalot and Mazraoui were right-wing-back, the team failed to score from open play in 359 minutes.While the impact of Amad or Antony in the role is now nine goals from 361 minutes.Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright sparkKOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…Andre Onana – 5Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.Noussair Mazraouri – 4The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.Matthijs de Ligt – 5Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.Harry Maguire – 4Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.Lisandro Martinez – 3A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.Diogo Dalot – 5Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.Casemiro – 3Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.Christian Eriksen – 4Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.Amad Diallo – 4A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.Joshua Zirkzee – 2Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.SubsKobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5Not enough time to influence the match. More

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    ‘Has Gary Neville been taken hostage?’ ask fans as they’re left baffled at Sky Sports coverage of Man Utd vs Newcastle

    FOOTBALL fans joked Gary Neville had been “taken hostage” as he made a bizarre appearance on Sky Sports.The Manchester United legend, 49, was at Old Trafford on Monday night to watch Ruben Amorim’s men host Newcastle.Fans were baffled by Gary Neville’s background for Monday Night FootballCredit: Sky SportsNeville was speaking in front of a white wallCredit: Sky SportsAhead of the Premier League clash, Neville was a part of Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football broadcast as presenter Dave Jones and Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher posed questions to him.But viewers were left somewhat baffled by Neville’s background – which was simply a white wall.Reacting to the coverage, one fan said: “It looks like Neville’s giving a hostage speech giving the kidnapper’s terms for release with him against this blank wall 😭.”While another added: “Gary Neville looks like he’s reporting while being held hostage.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd a third responded: “Sky – Gary Neville dialling in on Zoom for Manchester United Vs Newcastle.”Meanwhile, Neville criticised Man Utd’s new signings Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the Newcastle clash.He said: “What am l surprised about is that when in the summer Manchester United signed those three or four players, I didn’t hear anyone say ‘Manchester United have had a terrible transfer market.”I am shocked about how poor those players have been in their early months.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright sparkKOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…Andre Onana – 5Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.Noussair Mazraouri – 4The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.Matthijs de Ligt – 5Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.Harry Maguire – 4Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.Lisandro Martinez – 3A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.Diogo Dalot – 5Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.Casemiro – 3Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.Christian Eriksen – 4Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.Amad Diallo – 4A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.Joshua Zirkzee – 2Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.SubsKobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5Not enough time to influence the match.”I have said it before that this club has been a graveyard for players who have come with decent reputations.”And it is happening again.Ruben Amorim hauls off Joshua Zirkzee after 32 minutes to huge cheers as Man Utd are embarrassed in first half”I didn’t hear anyone say in the summer when Yoro, De Ligt, Ugarte, Zirkzee joined that United hadn’t signed half-decent players.”The problem is that when you have seen them out here in a red shirt that Manchester United look a worse team. That’s the odd thing.”Neville was back in the more familiar climes of the Old Trafford commentary box for the game.But he might have wished stayed by his whitewashed wall as Newcastle tore United apart in the first 20 minutes at Old Trafford.Alexander Isak and Joelinton netted for the Magpies who saw the game out comfortably to go fifth in the Premier League.It was United’s third consecutive loss and left them 14th, just seven points above the relegation zone.Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. 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    Erling Haaland swears in live TV interview after Man City win as Sky Sports reporter laughs nervously

    ERLING HAALAND swore live on Sky Sports following Manchester City’s win over Leicester.The Norwegian, 24, scored for the first time in four Premier League games as Pep Guardiola’s side ended a run of five games without a win.Erling Haaland swore during his post-match interview on Sky SportsThe result moves the champions up to fifth in the table despite a dismal couple of months.But Haaland surprised the Sky Sports reporter after the game with his shock remark.When asked about moving forward after a poor run, Haaland could be heard saying “s*** happens”.The interviewer then nervously laughs before the pair move on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd fans on social media were quick to highlight Haaland’s X-rated comment.One said: “Did Haaland just swear on live TV then.”Another added: “Swear Haaland just swore on live TV 😂.”A third replied: “FINE HIM😤.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile a fourth responded: “Did Haaland just say s*** happens on the interview 😭😭.”Haaland now has 19 goals in 26 games in all competitions this season.Ligue 1 in savage six-word response to Cristiano Ronaldo after his brutal comments about French leagueHe has 14 in the Premier League, although 10 of those came in the opening five matches.He has netted just four times in Man City’s last 14 league games. More

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    ‘I had some very dark times & my body has been through hell’ – ‘Voice of Boxing’ opens up on heartbreaking cancer battle

    ADAM SMITH has bravely opened up on his battle with cancer, which at times left him in a “dark” place.The beloved boxing commentator was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of bladder cancer in 2023.Former Sky Sports boxing commentator Adam Smith was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of bladder cancer last yearCredit: GettySmith was days away from dying before having 19 lymph nodes, his bladder and prostate removedCredit: GETTYSmith went through some “dark times” during his recoveryCredit: GETTYA massive tumour situated next to Smith’s bladder wall left him “about four days” away from death.A six-hour operation, in which 19 lymph nodes were removed as well as his bladder and prostrate, saved ‘The Voice of Boxing’.Smith would then undergo three-and-a-half months of gruelling chemotherapy.And the gruelling toe-to-toe battle with the disease took its toll mentally and physically.READ MORE BOXING NEWSHe told DAZN ahead of Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk: “I am very lucky and honoured to be doing this job and watching these fine boxers.”Whether it is calling a four-round fight between two debutants or a world title fight, I love it all and am grateful to be doing such a job, if you can really call it a job.”The cancer was brutal, it has been very difficult to fight this disease.”I had some very dark times and my body has been through hell.”Most read in BoxingAdam Smith credits his family for getting him through his battle as much as the doctors who saved himCredit: REUTERSSmith credits the support of his family for getting him through the fight of his life.”My doctors saved me, my family brought me back,” he said. “I had three-and-a-half lonely months in hospital undergoing treatment. Tyson Fury gives cryptic update on his future after Oleksandr Usyk defeat as retirement rumours circle”I was very lucky to make it through. I am very lucky to be alive and I have a different perspective on life after what happened to me.”I wake up in the morning and I am happy, I am not stressed. I am just delighted to have another day.”Reflecting on his health back in September, Smith told The Independent: “I look healthy, but underneath is a wrecked body.“I’ve lost major parts of it. A lot of people are in much worse situations, but it’s a tough new life.”You have tubes at night, it’s not easy. And after the operation, last spring, I got an ileus: my entire body was blocked, food wouldn’t go through for 10 days.Adam Smith thought he wouldn’t win his cancer battleCredit: GETTY”I lost four stone in weight, then I had a twisted bowel. It all went wrong. I was a mess, I was in agony, I couldn’t move.“The hardest thing was learning to walk again; I had to sit on a chair in the shower for a couple of months, because I couldn’t stand.”But my family were unbelievable, Sky were amazing. I still had many, many lonely nights, but I owe everything to my doctors.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I saw my bladder consultant at the end of last year and I said: ‘I have to be honest, I didn’t think I’d make it.’ He said: ‘I’ve got to be honest, I didn’t think you would either.’” More

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    ‘Such a pity’ – Major broadcaster ENDS Premier League coverage as fans are left heartbroken

    AMAZON PRIME VIDEO signed off on their six years of Premier League coverage last night.The streaming platform have broadcast two complete rounds of matches during the last half-dozen Prem seasons.Gabby Logan signed off on Amazon Prime Video’s Prem coverageCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportBut with the next TV deal kicking in next season, Prime Video have been squeezed out.Prime’s package, which included all Boxing Day fixtures and another mid-week round of games, was removed from the latest round of bidding.The streamer had been paying around £30million per season, but would have found themselves potentially having to shell out around 10 times that figure to compete with Sky Sports and TNT Sports for any of the other packages.Gabby Logan presented coverage of their final match, last night’s clash between Arsenal and Ipswich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe popular presenter signed off from the Emirates, saying: “We’ve had six fantastic years of Premier League football on Prime – 128 games, 335 goals, some singing from John Legend and countless epic moments.”We hope you’ve enjoyed those as much as we have loved making them. Don’t worry, we will continue to bring you exclusive coverage of Tuesday’s top Champions League games all season long.”So on behalf of everyone at Prime, we wish you a very happy new year and we’ll see you again soon.”Prime Video posted Logan’s farewell to their social media channels, as well as a montage featuring the best bits of their coverage.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe streaming service offered live Prem football to plenty of British households that do not have Sky Sports or TNT Sports.With the next TV deal running to the end of the 2028-29 season, those fans will now miss out on seeing any live games.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly Following Logan’s sign-off, plenty of fans took to social media to vent their frustration.One wrote: “Such a shame, Amazon coverage is on another level.”While a second echoed: “Great coverage, will be missed!”A third asked: “Best coverage out there. Come back.”And a fourth claimed: “What a pity.”Another added: “You guys should do the prem full time.”THE NEW DEAL EXPLAINEDTNT Sports will retain their usual Saturday 12:30pm kick-off slot, while they will also show two mid-week rounds of games.The broadcaster will show 52 Premier League matches in total per season.Sky Sports, meanwhile, are set to show 215 Prem games per season, starting next year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey will continue to broadcast matches on Friday and Monday evenings, Saturdays at 5:30pm and Sundays at 2pm and 4:30pm.Sky will now also be able to show matches moved to 2pm on Sunday due to clubs’ participation in the Europa League or Europa Conference League. More