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WEST BROM are up against Southampton in a huge Championship play-off semi-final clash at the Hawthorns today. Saints were relegated from the Premier League last season and will be looking to make it back to the big time immediately, but the Baggies haven’t been in the top flight since the 2020/21 season.
Kick-off time: 2.15pm BST
Stream/TV: Sky Sports Football More
DANIEL FARKE will be the happier manager with Leeds taking his former club Norwich back to Elland Road honours even.This Championship play-off semi-final started at a frantic pace with the Canaries largely dominating but Leeds took the sting out of the game and comfortably held their opponents at arm’s length.Norwich and Leeds played out a goalless draw at Carrow Road in the play-offsCredit: PALeeds had a goal controversially disallowed against NorwichCredit: RexLeeds boss Daniel Farke returned to Norwich to face his former clubCredit: GettyNorwich and Leeds are set for a crunch second leg at Elland RoadAnd Leeds controversially had a Junior Firpo goal ruled out offside.Many thought this was Norwich’s best chance of getting a result against Leeds – going into the game unbeaten at home in 16 matches.But with one of the league’s worst away records, Leeds are now favourites to get the job done at Elland Road on Thursday night.Norwich came out like an express train.Marcelino Nunez almost nipped in ahead of Illan Meslier after a clever pass from Shane Duffy but the Leeds keeper won the foot race.Leeds were appealing for a penalty when Wilfried Gnonto went down under a challenge of Borja Sainz – but ref Josh Smith waved them away.Gnonto laid a great ball on a plate for Georginio Rutter but he took an air kick at it and the danger was cleared.Norwich went close when Jack Stacey sped away down the right and Josh Sargent failed to get decent contact on his inch-perfect cross.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNunez fired a speculative effort from the edge of the box that flashed wide.And when Gnonto charged forward at the Norwich defence, Nunez produced a superb last-ditch tackle.Leeds ‘make contact with Kalvin Phillips over emotional transfer return’ to end two-year nightmareLeeds thought they had moved into a 30th-minute lead when Duffy’s poor back pass was pounced upon by Firpo, who rolled the ball home.Yet the assistant had his flag up.TV replays clearly showed that Rutter, who was initially flagged offside in the lead up, was in fact onside.Stacey was having a fantastic game on the right for the Canaries. He was a constant threat going forward and also pressing Leeds to thwart them building attacks.But the visitors started to dominate possession as the sweltering conditions started to take its toll on the hosts who had come out all guns blazing.Gnonto was booked for sarcastically clapping the ref and, after the break, he had to walk a tightrope.Off to Elland RoadDuffy went into the book after going through the back of Crysencio Summerville.Kenny McLean laid a beautiful pull back for Gabriel Sara, who drove inches wide of the left post.Summerville managed to find space on the left edge of the Norwich box and he saw an angled effort kept out by Angus Gunn.Sam Byram then air-kicked from 16 yards when he was set up by Archie Gray.Gnonto needed lengthy treatment to dress a head wound after being caught by Sainz in a 50-50. There was nothing malicious in it so the Norwich ace avoided a yellow card.Christin Fassnacht missed a great chance for Norwich after Sargent glanced the ball into his path.The Canaries ace failed to make any contact as the ball bounced in front of him.David Wagner was dealt a blow with eight minutes left when Sargent hobbled off and on came Sydney Van Hooijdonk – son of ex-Nottingham Forest and Celtic star Pierre.Farke replaced Summerville for Dan James, who is back after an injury lay-off.And the game petered out and it is now off to Elland Road. More
SALT PAPI won on his return to the ring tonight against Amadeusz Ferrari. The Filipino sensation scored a knockdown and Ferrari had two points deducted before electing to not come out for the fourth round in a one-sided fight at the Troxy in London.
Start time: 7pm BST
Stream: DAZN
Salt Papi vs Amadeusz Ferrari
Unsurprisingly, Ferrari has refused to come out for the fourth round.
He didn’t need to get DQ’d, he quit himself!
That wraps up an entertaining night of Misfits-fuelled action with Salt Papi getting the TKO win to top the night off.
Copy linkCopiedSalt Papi vs Amadeusz Ferrari
Ferrari is coming with the most outrageous attacks, swinging from the hip.
He’s running out of ideas and again tries to use his MMA skills to take Salt Papi down and gets another point off.
DQ could be incoming as we head into round four.
Copy linkCopiedSalt Papi vs Amadeusz Ferrari
Point off for Ferrari for diving in with his head, with Salt Papi already cut.
Counter left hand sends Ferrari through the ropes… but no knockdown scored?
Ferrari ends the round by rugby tackling Salt Papi to the ground because why not?
Copy linkCopiedSalt Papi vs Amadeusz Ferrari
Down goes Ferrari after a counter from Salt.
Ferrari has put everything into this first round swinging from the hip.
He got caught during an exchange on the inside but he was ruthless in that opener, can’t sustain that pace surely?
Copy linkCopiedMain event
Up next is the night’s headliner, Salt Papi against Amadeusz Ferrari.
Salt Papi is coming off a loss to Slim in October and looks to bounce back tonight.
Ferrari is a volatile MMA star who has tried to fight everyone and anyone this week so could get tasty.
Copy linkCopiedTaylor made
Misfits champ Anthony Taylor is in the ring calling to fight a real opponent.
Out comes Karate Combat star Samuel Ericsson, who comes into the ring and faces off to Taylor.
They’re going back and forth and appear to agree to a fight…
Copy linkCopiedJully Poca vs 6ar6ie6
Fight is scored 50-45, 50-46 and 50-45 and your winner by unanimous decision is Jully Poca.
Her sharper boxing sees her take the decision and retain her title.
Copy linkCopiedJully Poca vs 6ar6ie6
Late rally from 6ar6ie6 in the final two rounds as she uses her size to get to Poca.
But the champ does come back with some nice combinations and both swing for the fences to close the fight out.
Decent action over five rounds as it goes to the scorecards.
Copy linkCopiedJully Poca vs 6ar6ie6
Poca’s moutguard is punched out but she’s been the cleaner boxer of the two through three rounds.
The counter left hand is on the money for the Brazilian to head and body.
Copy linkCopiedJully Poca vs 6ar6ie6
6ar6ie6 comes forward in the opening round but Poca is looking to sit back and counter.
She lands a good few counter lead right hooks and looks to go to the body too.
Poca, the Brazilian champ, is the quicker of the two but 6ar6ie6 has the size and power.
Copy linkCopiedUp next
We have some women’s title action with 6ar6ie6 against Jully Poca.
Both have proven to carry power in their previous bouts and are considered among the best women’s Misfits fighters.
Copy linkCopiedFuture fight?
KSI was left impressed at ringside with Kenny’s performance.
He tweeted: “Showed the levels. Really good win.”
The two have sparred before and Kenny has called out KSI. One for the future?
Copy linkCopiedKing Kenny vs Adam Brooks
Big uppercut and Brooks is DOWN again.
That right uppercut has continued to land but Brooks bravely gets up and lands a big right of his own.
Brooks is up against the ropes as Kenny hammers home to the body and the ref steps in! It’s all over in round two.
Copy linkCopiedKing Kenny vs Adam Brooks
Brooks is down at the end of round one after an uppercut and right hand lands.
Kenny bossed most of the action with his jab and followed it up with some attacks.
Brooks swung and missed the odd right hand but he looks outmatched in the opener here.
Copy linkCopiedKing Kenny vs Adam Brooks
YouTube star King Kenny faces TV personality Brooks.
There’s been some bad blood going into this one so expect some fireworks.
Copy linkCopiedTaylor vs Mist
Mist has pulled off the upset and beaten Taylor in the first round.
He scored three knockdowns and proved too strong for his friend to rival.
The crowd erupted as Taylor got dropped and stopped.
Copy linkCopiedFriends to enemies
Up next is rapper Mist against YouTuber Ryan Taylor.
The two are said to have been friends until a bitter falling out and now they will settle it in the ring.
Or attempt to at least.
Copy linkCopiedArgentinian King vs Pully Arif
The fight goes the distance and Argentinian King should walk away with a fairly landslide victory.
But Arif deserves credit for getting in there so late and making it the full five rounds.
He just about got there after a shaky and knackering final round but can leave with his head held high.
Copy linkCopiedArgentinian King vs Pully Arif
Argentinian King landed a good succession of shorts there.
Lovely left hook and counter right uppercut lands but Arif takes it well and stays in there.
Copy linkCopiedArgentinian King vs Pully Arif
Arif is on his bike and avoiding what’s coming his way fairly well.
Argentinian King is the aggressor and doing the damage but he’s following Arif around and falling short.
He might just start to get frustrated with this.
Copy linkCopiedArgentinian King vs Pully Arif
Arif is the aggressor in the opening round but he’s leaving himself open when leading with the jab.
Argentinian King is a lot more composed behind his jab and looking to counter over the top but is biding his time.
Be interesting to see how much Arif has in the tank having taken the fight with such short notice.
Copy linkCopiedUp next
Lightweight pair ‘Argentinian King’ and Pully Arif are up next.
Argentinian King had a string of pullouts with Arif stepping in on the last minute to take the bout.
He even claims to been drinking when he got the call…
Copy linkCopiedTempo Arts vs Knights
Knights is dropped twice in the fifth and final round, with Tempo Arts taking the stoppage victory.
One-way traffic from the first bell, swarming Knights with body shots and hooks.
Four knockdowns scored and it’s all she wrote.
Copy linkCopiedTempo Arts vs Knights
Knockdown scored in round four for Tempo Arts after trapping Knights in the corner.
Another barrage of body shots and Knights goes down in the corner again.
He’s saved by the bell and will see the fifth and final round but needs a KO to avoid defeat.
Copy linkCopiedTempo Arts vs Knights
Tempo Arts beginning to come on top here, hammering body shots.
Knights looks to be tiring as Tempo Arts pours the pressure on.
Nothing too clean lands but Tempo Arts in control here.
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LAUREN PRICE takes on Jessica McCaskill tonight and is looking to win her first world title. On the undercard, brother of world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury Hughie knocked out Patrick Korte in the second round.
Start time: 7pm BST
Stream/TV: Sky Sports Arena/Main Event
Whales of a time
World champion No14 for the small British nation but No1 female.
“The atmosphere got me here tonight,” Price says.
“This is just the start, I want to keep coming back here for big nights and leave a legacy.
“Jessica loves a war and came at me from round one, it was a tough fight but I enjoyed myself and I’ll only get better.”
Copy linkCopiedPrice is right
All three judges called it 98-92!
Price wins a technical decision and is crowned WBA queen.
Copy linkCopiedFight over!
The ringside doc checks the grotesque lump on McCaskill’s eye and stops the contest.
Because it was a round five head clash we go to the cards where Price will easily win.
Waiting on the numbers to confirm Britain has a new world champion.
Copy linkCopiedPrice vs McCaskill R8
The doctor checks the nasty wound over McCaskill’s eye and says it’s safe for her to continue.
Price is coasting now, landing at will.
McCasklill is not big or bad enough to bully the Welsh wonder.
Copy linkCopiedPrice vs McCaskill R7
Referee Michael Alexander calls the ladies together after another rough clinch and rabbit punches.
But Price will win a technical match-up too easily so the rough stuff is all McCaskill can do.
The American champ is yet to win a round, it’s a one-sided spar so far, just a very scrappy one.
Copy linkCopiedPrice vs McCaskill R6
Price’s southpaw jabs are definitely targeting McCaskill’s painful growth.
A few check right hooks also clip the American on the bruised button.
McCaskill’s corner tell her to try to let Price walk in and counter.
But that’s dismal advice and Price would love that sort of opportunity.
Copy linkCopiedPrice vs McCaskill R5
Team McCaskill had to swab a cut on her left ear in the break, it won’t affect her foght but it’s another unwanted problem.
There’s a nasty welt growing out of McCaskill’s left eye now too.
It’s horrible.
A fleshy lump growing out of her eyebrow that the ref and doctor will monitor.
Copy linkCopiedPrice vs McCaskill R4
The American bundles in again, misses like a raging bull and gets a clip around the ear.
Price is in matador mode now, tagging her rival when she can and staying well clear of danger.
McCaskill needs a Plan B ASAP.
Copy linkCopiedPrice vs McCaskill R3
Everytime Price lands, McCaskill launches a rugby tackle.
Price gets pinned up against the ropes but always has the champ in a headlock.
McCaskill is always getting tagged but she celebrates the end of the third like a win.
Copy linkCopiedPrice vs McCaskill R2
McCaskill tries to roughhouse the former Cardiff cabbie but she is not afraid of a row.
Price keeps finding a home for her long backhand.
McCaskill is already looking short on ideas after two.
Copy linkCopiedPrice vs McCaskill R1
The Brit is taller and looks more imposing, the leftie will not be bullied.
We are only getting two minute rounds but Price’s rapid white gloves nick the opener.
McCaskill was supposed to be the more physical fighter but Price stood firm and deflected a couple of wild shows.
Copy linkCopiedPrice vs McCaskill R1
The anthems for Wales and USA done.
Lauren Price is in the ring to challenge WBA welterweight Jessica McCaskill for her belt.
Can the 2020 Olympic queen add another title to her record?
Or will she turned back in her first big leap but the experienced American?
Copy linkCopiedEdwards wins UD
After 12 intruiging rounds that swung at times, Welsh Edwards gets the nod from the judges.
It was scored 98-92, 99-92 and 99-11.
A long back for Ward but a springboard for the winner.
Copy linkCopiedEdwards vs TPW 10
All over!
Edwards fizzes out a few straight shot.
Neither man wants to risk a stoppage,
Looks like Edwards win is imminent.
Copy linkCopiedEdwards vs TPW R9
Edwards lands to level-shifting jabs but Wards eat them without problem.
Ward slashes and jabs but he lackes a decent amount of power so is always banking on points.
Edwards now doing the exact suff that should impress the judges.
Copy linkCopiedEdwards vs TPW R8
Tight fight now, featherwright legend Steve Robinson reckons Ward is edging it now.
The former world champ tells Lauren Price to use her home advatange later get to a two-round headstart.
Robinson looks in immaculate nicj.
Copy linkCopiedEdwards vs TPW R7
Left-hook-right-hand from Ward lands but does not buzz Edwards.
The Welshman is flagging while the County Durham man looks happy in hell.
The fight is beginning to even up in the second half.
Copy linkCopiedEdwards vs TPW R6
Wards engine and pressure style could still save his skin as Edwards looks like wilting.
But then Edwards nods his head with approval and slugs back
Edwards’ team get him back to the corner and tell their man to “breath, breath, breath.”
Copy linkCopiedEdwards vs TPW R5
Left-hook-right-hand combinatiom makes TPW stagger back as Edwards makes a perfect start.
Ward will not stop marching foward but he’s always meeting an Edwards dig.
It’s been a very one-sided start, the Welshman is cruising.
Copy linkCopiedEdwards vs TPW R4
Good one-two from Ward, a looping right hand lands but Edwards is solid.
And the Welshman lands two right hands that gets his corner roaring.
Wards starts well but Edwards punches his way back into the contest and might have nicked another round.
Copy linkCopiedEdwards vs TPW R3
Ward is trying all the right technical things, switching levels and counter punching.
But he is a nanosecond too slow for Edwards.
Ward is good, but Edwards just looks far better and could be 3-0 up.
Copy linkCopiedEdwards vs TPW R2
Ward not afraid of the front foot and throwing his hands.
But Edwards is younger and quicker and even has a more tasty tan.
A more even round – after Edwards’ smart opener – but the Edwards jab remains the difference after two.
Copy linkCopiedEdwards vs TPW R1
Stiff eye-catching jabs from Edwards but nothing that hurts TPW.
Ward wants to trade closer up, in the pocket.
But tanned Edwards has the longer limbs to keep scoring while out of range.
Copy linkCopiedRys Edwards vs Thomas Patick Ward R1
Fatherweight action now with two low-key lads looking to land a title shot.
Edwards is at home in Cardiff but TPW is more seasoned with a record of 34-1-1.
Only five KOs in all of those wins though, so 15-0 Edwards knows he’s not in danger of a stoppage.
Copy linkCopiedFurry form
Hughie says: “I just wanted to get the rounds in. I wanted to turn into my shots and get more practice in under the lights.
“Three years out is a long time so, if I could fight every week, I would do.
“I am never afraid to fight anyone but I just need activity. I love to fight and I will fight any one, any place, any where.”
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MICKY VAN DE VEN’S late strike sent Vincent Kompany’s Burnley hurtling back to the Championship.The Clarets needed to win at Spurs to stand a chance of staying up and had looked in good shape when Jacob Bruun Larsen gave them an early lead.Micky van de Ven sealed a late winner for SpursCredit: AFPIt sealed Vincent Kompany’s Burnley’s relegationCredit: ReutersYet Tottenham did what they have done against so many average opposition at home this season as they turned it around thanks to goals from Porro and Van de Ven.It kept their own slim chances of reaching the top four alive.But for Burnley, their Premier League survival dream is now dead, having taken just 24 points from their 37 games played so far.Spurs were horribly out of form after four straight defeats and their lack of confidence was obvious throughout.Burnley should have been ahead after just five minutes but Guglielmo Vicario was on hand to deny Vitinho’s goal-bound header.Ange Postecoglou’s men looked a shadow of the side that had dismantled the Clarets 5-2 on their own patch back in September.Captain Son Heung-min hit a hat-trick that day in his first game playing through the middle, but he was next to no threat here.The home fans applauded the life of late Spurs supporter Morgan Smith in the 23rd minute – in reference to the tragically young age at which he died.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSeconds later, Burnley took the lead as they become the latest side to expose Spurs’ brittle backline.Sander Berge beat Porro to a 50-50 and rolled the ball in behind makeshift left-back Oliver Skipp, for Bruun Larsen to slot past Vicario.It was no shock given Spurs’ poor run of form – and the seventh time in their last eight home league games they had fallen behind.The goal was a huge boost to the visitors’ survival hopes, although Muric’s decision to waste time over a goal-kick with only half an hour played seemed a little premature.It did no good either as minutes later the scores were level as Porro raced forward, was not closed down and blasted in at the near post.The Spaniard was the difference-maker in Spurs’ 1-0 win over the Clarets here in the FA Cup back in January.Jacob Bruun Larsen opened the scoring for BurnleyCredit: PABruun Larsen celebrates the openerCredit: ReutersAnd thought this strike did not quite match that particular howitzer in quality, it was still lethal.Burnley continued to play risky passes out from the back – as they have all season – and it should have cost them here.Muric’s awful pass-out went straight to Johnson who should have either buried it or squared for Son to do the same, but instead the Welshman fired into the side netting.Burnley have had plenty of ‘what if’ moments this season, many involving Muric whose horrendous errors against Brighton and Everton in April cost them four points.It was the same here as a flurry of chances were not taken in the second half here, from Wilson Odobert’s blast to unconverted headers from Dara O’Shea and Maxime Esteve.It was a game low on quality, summed up by the out-of-form James Maddison doing the hard bit to give himself a free shot at goal with a neat drop of the shoulder, but then firing weakly at Muric.Pedro Porro levelled the game for SpursCredit: PAPorro made it all to play forCredit: GettyAnge Postecoglou had few attacking options on the bench due to injuries to Timo Werner and Richarlison – who, after some confusion on Friday, WAS out with a calf problem.So the Aussie got creative, bringing on youngster Dane Scarlett to play up top, pushed Son out wide and Van de Ven moved to left-back with the lesser-spotted Radu Dragusin coming on.It made a difference, with Johnson coming within a whisker of turning home Son’s delivery to send a warning sign to Kompany’s men.It was not heeded and with eight minutes to go, Van de Ven found himself in Burnley’s box, composed himself and fired into the bottom corner.That did for Burnley, who then suffered the ignominy of players arguing with each other in the dying minutes.Lorenz Assignon wanted a penalty when he went down under Son’s challenge, but then stayed down even neither ref Jarred Gillet nor his VAR gave it.Centre-back Dara O’Shea then marched up the pitch and told his team-mate to get up and get on with it.It left Assignon seething with nigh-on everyone, earning him a yellow card which only enraged him further as his side faced up to life back in the second tier next season.Micky van de Ven riffled home a winner for SpursCredit: GettyThe race for Champions League football is still onCredit: Reuters More
CHELSEA take on Nottingham Forest tonight in the Premier League – and both sides are after a crucial win. The Blues are still in the hunt for the crucial European places while a win for Forest would put them on the brink of Premier League survival for another season.
Kick-off time: 5.30pm BST
Stream/TV: Sky Sports Premier League
Forest XI: Sels; Boly, Murillo, Niakhate; Montiel, Yates, Danilo, Aina; Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella; Gallagher, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Around the grounds:
The games that kicked off at 3pm are all over at last, following a lengthy stoppage time as Brentford got the better of Bournemouth at the death, winning 1-2.
This is how the scores look heading into this evening’s kick-off.
Bournemouth 1-2 Brentford
Everton 1-0 Sheffield United
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton
Tottenham 2-1 Burnley
West Ham 3-1 Luton
Wolves 1-3 Crystal Palace
Copy linkCopiedI’m sorry Nic Jackson!
Nicolas Jackson has been in great form of late up front for Chelsea, and seems to be proving the doubters wrong.
Can he keep up his good run this evening against a Forest side that has struggled defensively?
Nicolas Jackson has shone for Chelsea in recent weeksCredit: Getty
Copy linkCopiedGuess who’s back?
There is a very familiar face in the Nottingham Forest team for Chelsea fans, and it would be the ultimate source of pain if he performs well against his old club this evening.
Callum Hudson-Odoi was involved in debates with Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden a few years back, as to who was going to be the star that lead their team and England to glory for the next decade.
As it happened, CHO ended up with a serious injury, and despite creating plenty of chances for the Blues, he lacked that clinical nature that would see him produce the numbers that the other two went on to achieve.
Nonetheless, lots of Chelsea fans look back at Callum’s time at Stamford Bridge fondly, as he won the Champions League with the Blues in 2021.
These days, he is starting consistently for Nottingham Forest, and re-finding his feet as a Premier League winger, and performing well of late in particular.
The 23-year-old has scored 7 goals in the PL this season, and has an assist too, which has left the question in many fans mind – why did Chelsea sell him to buy Mykhailo Mudryk?
He has a point to prove today, let’s see if he can do it.
Copy linkCopiedReece James makes the bench
On his return to the squad Reece James is starting on the bench for Chelsea at the City Ground.
Trevoh Chalobah is deputising at right-back, where he has been more than capable in the last few games, but he generally lacks the threat that RJ and Gusto do in the offensive phase.
He will undoubtedly receive a huge ovation from the away support.
Reece James returns to the Chelsea squadCredit: Getty
Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest starting XI
This is how Forest line up as they are fighting to stay in the Premier League:
The Trees’ line up to take on Chelsea at homeCredit: @NFFC via X
Copy linkCopiedChelsea starting XI
This is how Chelsea line up at the City Ground!
Chelsea’s starting XI vs ForestCredit: @ChelseaFC via X
Copy linkCopiedReece James returns
There is a HUGE bit of news for Chelsea fans ahead of this game.
Captain Reece James has returned from injury following his surgery.
He is one of the best full-backs in the world when he is fit, but injuries have been a huge concern for the England international this season.
If he can stay fit though, he could really be huge for Chelsea in their European push.
Let’s hope he makes it through today unscathed.
Copy linkCopiedLots on the line
The magnitude of this game cannot be underestimated.
With a win at home, Nottingham Forest will secure Premier League football for next season, which will be a huge achievement given their points deduction earlier on this year.
However, Chelsea cannot afford to lose. The Blues are desperate for European football next season, and with the way Man Utd have been playing of late, they are in with a real shot of playing in the Europa League, should they win today.
But if they lose they will be in danger of missing out, as Newcastle play Man Utd next week.
Copy linkCopiedWelcome to Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea!
Good afternoon and welcome to Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea, the first instalment of today’s Premier League football!
This is a fixture that has been dominated by Chelsea in recent seasons, and they will be the favourites today.
But their form away from home is quite different to their Stamford Bridge form, and we will have to see if things have really turned around for Mauricio Pochettino today.
It has been far from a great season for Nottingham Forest, but a win today will guarentee that they are playing Premier League football next season, so there is more than enough on the line.
Stay tuned as coming right up SunSport will have any breaking news, team updates and the starting sides all before kick off at 5:30pm.
Nottingham Forest play host to Chelsea this eveningCredit: Getty
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MANCHESTER CITY kicked Arsenal’s hopes for a shock slip-up into the long grass.City boss Pep Guardiola started a turf war before the game by claiming he was worried the Craven Cottage surface would be too dry and not cut short enough.Josko Gvardiol scored again as Man City took top spot in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyThe Croatian’s brace took his tally to five goals in seven gamesCredit: APPhil Foden added his name to the scoresheet in the second halfCredit: EPAJulian Alvarez added the fourth from the penalty spot in the final secondsCredit: ReutersBut his side despatched a Fulham side featuring three ex-Gunners with ease in a sunshine stroll by the Thames.Noel Gallagher was in the away end to see his team tick off another win on the way to the title with the same kind of predictability he has shown in every album since What’s The Story, Morning Glory?Left back Josko Gvardiol scored his fourth goal in seven games to give them an early lead and Footballer of the Year Phil Foden poached a second just before the hour.Gvardiol grabbed the third, too, as his remarkable scoring streak continued. And in stoppage time Issa Diop was shown a second yellow card for fouling Julian Alvarez in the box and the Argentinian World Cup winner picked himself up to make it four.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter some gentle sparring, Gvardiol gave City the lead from their first meaningful attack.The Croat played a simple one-two with Kevin De Bruyne, wrong-footed Issa Diop with a deft first touch, and then stroked the ball into the net with the greatest of ease.Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno made comfortable saves from Bernardo Silva and Foden, while Diop made a decent block on Silva.But City were not showing any great urgency to get a second goal, probably because they did not think they would need one.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFulham had started well but could not lay a glove on the visitors. The most discomfort they caused was when captain Bobby De Cordova-Reid caught Foden with an arm off the ball.Marco Silva signalled his displeasure with a double half-time change, sending on Tom Cairney for De Cordova-Reid and Adama Traore for Willian.Ex-Manchester City & Everton star hauled off team bus & arrested after ‘refusing to pay child support to model ex’Within a few minutes of the break, Leno made his best save so far, again from Silva.But City were looking a little sloppy, and goalkeeper Ederson was finally called into action when Rodri got the last touch on a Traore cross.Leno saved from De Bruyne, but then Foden pounced on a loose ball after Joao Palhinha had taken Silva out on the edge of the box.Guardiola held his head in his hands when Erling Haaland missed a good chance but there was no real jeopardy.And then Gvardiol snuck in at the back post to turn in Silva’s cross.There was time for Leno to make another stop, this time from Jeremy Doku, as Guardiola rested key men for Tuesday’s trip to Tottenham, before Alvarez earned and scored the penalty.Arsenal will have to hope their hated rivals do more to worry City’s champions-in-waiting than Fulham could.Fulham’s Issa Diop, pictured challenging Julian Alvarez, received a red card in stoppage timeCredit: AP More
CELTIC Park in the sun, Celtic scored two, Brendan Rodgers got his fun.The Parkhead boss may have talked down his pre-match comments ahead of this Old Firm crunch.Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers acknowledges the fans at the endWillie Collum shows John Lunstram the red card after a VAR reviewBut crucially his team turned up.The title race is all but over now after this derby victory against Rangers that was pulsating and bursting with drama.Matt O’Riley scored first before John Lundstram turned the ball into his own net.Cyriel Dessers then pulled one back for Philippe Clement’s side before Lundstram was sent off for a wild and crazy tackle just before half-time.Rodgers side missed a second-half penalty and ended up clinging on for the win in a nervy finish.But there could be no doubting they deserved the crucial three points that puts them within touching distance off three-in-a-row.You always felt Rangers had to take the lead here to stand any chance of getting the win they needed.That they had to silence the 60,000 home support. Turn their backing into anxiety.Most read in FootballAnd the Ibrox side had some big moments at 0-0.Fabio Silva twice had opportunities to score before Celtic did.I’m a world famous pop star but playing at Celtic Park was one of best moments of my life until I was sick on the pitch Dujon Sterling also had a big chance early on when he should have done better with a header after jumping above Greg Taylor.Clement will point to those misses and wonder what might have been.But in the cold light of day, they don’t matter.Not against a Celtic side that did everything asked of them in the definite fixture of the season.It may have ended with only one goal between these sides but Celtic produced a disciplined and controlled performance when they needed one most.And no-one was more influential than Callum McGregor who was the team’s beating heart.He said in the build-up how he adored this fixture and relished its challenge. His performance only underlined that.Scotland boss Steve Clarke must have loved seeing this all-action, non-stop running shift from the midfielder with the Euros so close now.McGregor played a part in the Celtic goal that saw them go 1-0 ahead after 35 minutes.James Forrest, another player so influential in this team lately, slid a neat pass to his captain down the right channel.McGregor then lifted his head to find O’Riley, who did the rest with a near-post finish Jack Butland couldn’t get near.It was the goal the home supporters had been waiting for, one they maybe feared wouldn’t come after a number of close calls. O’Riley could actually have scored twice before he eventually did. Forrest, Kyogo, McGregor all firing off shots too which failed to hit the net.Going ahead gave Celtic a shot of adrenaline that only increased their intensity and within three minutes it was 2-0.This time Daizen Maeda burst down the left to latch onto a long ball forward before playing it across goal.Lundstram stuck out a leg only to score a cruel OG.Celtic fans celebrate at the end of the cinch Premiership match at Celtic ParkCeltic looked good to go on and win comfortably from that moment.But inside a minute of conceding, Rangers managed to pull a goal back.Dessers hadn’t scored an Old Firm goal before and he can be pleased with how he got himself into the right place at the right time to head past Joe Hart.It was a moment that showed Clement’s side at least had a fighting spirit to get back into it.But then came Lundstram’s moment of madness. There is just no other word for it.Sure, the ball was there to be won as he slid into a challenge on Johnston.But players just cannot expect to get away with the type of tackle he made.Referee Willie Collum initially gave Lundstram the benefit of the doubt by flashing a yellow card.But it was a red all day long and a quick quick of the VAR monitor confirmed it.Celtic’s Callum McGregor following the cinch Premiership match at Celtic ParkWith an extra man for second-half, the chances of Rangers getting anything from the game went from slim to none.It would have been difficult enough for Clement’s team to turn it around with a full complement of players out on the park.Rodgers’ side should have made things far easier on themselves in 52 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after O’Riley was tripped inside the box by Mohamed Diomande Collum had a good view of it and pointed to the spot and even after he was invited to take another look by VAR, Steven McLean, he stuck by his original decision.🟥 “That’s never a red card!”🗣️ “He’s out of control there.”John Lundstram was sent off after a VAR check. Your thoughts? Watch Celtic vs Rangers LIVE on @SkyFootball 📺 pic.twitter.com/WBUOi3KUXA— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 11, 2024
O’Riley stepped up, looking for his second goal of the game, but it was a tame effort saved by Butland.It was backs to the wall for Rangers.Celtic had wave after wave of attack which saw a VAR check for a handball inside the box turned away as well as a Maeda finish which was disallowed for off-side.There as a half-chance for Clement’s side to make it 2-2 but substitute Ross McCausland opted to control a ball inside the box when he should have tried a first-time volley.That would have been encouraging to the Rangers fans watching at home.Matt O’Riley of Celtic reacts after missing a penaltyWhat wouldn’t have been was the sight of Silva giving assistance to Johnston as he lay on the pitch struggling with cramp.Clement’s side really went for in in the final ten minutes and there were signs of nervousness at the back for Celtic.McGregor had to race back and block a shot from sub Scott Wright. Butland even going up for a last gasp corner.While Adam Idah shot side as he missed a chance to seal it with a third.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the end, though, the final whistle signalled wild celebrations with the title race all but done. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More
