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      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 EXACT fight time – when are the ring walks for tonight’s blockbuster Riyadh rematch?

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      BOXING fans are in for a treat TONIGHT as Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will finally settle their feud in a mouthwatering Riyadh rematch!Usyk stunned the world once again by pulling off a split-decision victory against Fury when the two juggernauts met earlier this year.Oleksandr Usyk handed Tyson Fury his first professional lossCredit: PAThe Gypsy King was on top for several of the middle rounds despite his Ukrainian opponent’s fast start.However, more notable ninth-round volley saw Usyk reclaim the momentum which ultimately led to him becoming the first heavyweight undisputed champion this century.But Fury is confident that he’ll successfully get revenge after claiming that he lost the first fight due to his own ‘mistakes’ as opposed to Usyk’s good work.And SunSport has the EXACT time both boxers will step foot in the Riyadh ring below.Read more on Fury vs Usyk 2What time does Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 start and how can I watch it?Ring-walk times for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 is scheduled for 10pm UK time/5pm ET.This means that Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s huge fight should get underway approximately 15 minutes later – 10.15pm UK time/5.15pm ET.However, timings could change depending on the length of the undercard bouts.Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is the allocated arena for this huge event and it can host around 26,000 spectators.The huge flight will be streamed on DAZN, Sky Sports and TNT.Alternatively, SunSport will LIVE blog the full card.Usyk found Tyson Fury was his toughest opponentWho is on the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 undercard?Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk; For Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titlesSerhii Bohachuk vs Israil MadrimovMoses Itauma vs Demsey McKeanJohnny Fisher vs Dave AllenIsaac Lowe vs Lee McGregorPeter McGrail vs Rhys EdwardsDaniel Lapin vs Dylan ColinAndrii Novytskyi vs Edgar RamirezFury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchWhat has been said?Fury insists he only lost the historic Saudi showdown because he was “playing around” with Usyk.And the Gypsy King has adopted a kill-or-be-killed mentality for his second straight Riyadh rumble with the slick southpaw.Most read in BoxingThe former unified heavyweight champion said: “I’ve always been a bad man my whole life, and I’m still one today at nearly 40 years old, a few years off 40.”I’m going to go in there with destroy mode. Last time I went to box him, I was being cautious.”Anybody can get caught as we have seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights.”But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock that motherf****r out.” More

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      ‘I can’t lie’: Tyson Fury’s wife Paris admits heartache at boxer cutting himself off from family for THREE MONTHS

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      PARIS FURY confessed her heartache at husband Tyson cutting himself away from the family for three months. The former heavyweight world champion, 36, is determined to get revenge on Oleksandr Usyk in their Riyadh rematch tonight.Paris Fury opened up on life without her husband for three monthsCredit: InstagramTyson Fury cut himself out of family life to focus on preparing to beat Oleksandr UsykCredit: ReutersAnd part of his plan to dedicate everything to making amends for May’s defeat was a drastic and difficult one for his wife of 16 years.The boxer decided to remove himself from the family home and claims he has gone THREE MONTHS without speaking to Paris.In the build-up to the blockbuster bout, Tyson said: “It’s been a long camp, been away from my wife and kids for three months.“I’ve not spoken to Paris at all for three months, not one word.READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK II“I’ve sacrificed a lot. It will be worth it (if I win), 100 per cent.”And now Paris has backed up those suggestions as she revealed how tough the time apart has been on her and their seven kids. Paris – who suffered a miscarriage on the eve of the first fight in May – flew out to Saudi Arabia in first class alongside eldest son Prince John James. Interviewed in the Middle East, she told IFL TV Boxing: “Yep it is true. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I think after the last fight, everything that went on previously personally in our lives and then Tyson obviously had the outcome last time, I just think he decided this on his own and I had to support him in it. “He didn’t want to be involved in family life so he’s cut himself off from us for the last few months and he has put himself in a serious, serious condition and he looks very, very determined. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk weigh in ahead of massive fight in Saudi Arabia “So if it’s what needed to be, then God willing tomorrow night it will all come out and it will all be good and all worthwhile.”Asked how she has found the time apart, Paris continued: “It’s been very difficult I can’t lie. “I supported him in the decision but it wasn’t the greatest thing to sit and not speak to your husband for a long time. “Yesterday was the first time I saw him, we still haven’t spoken, I literally was ten feet across from him and we’ve just barely made eye contact. “But I can see and I think in my heart it’s paid off. “I haven’t seen him like this since the Deontay Wilder rematch, this was the last time I’ve seen Tyson in this mood so I can’t give you much inside scoop because we haven’t spoken for weeks and weeks and weeks.”Fury suffered the first defeat of his pro career when the split decision went Usyk’s way earlier in the year.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: But he has turned every stone to find the winning formula in the eagerly-anticipated rematch.The Gypsy King weighed in at a whopping 20 stone – the heaviest of his career – although stood on the scales while wearing his clothing.Usyk, who hopes to defend the IBO, WBC, and WBO titles, plus the lesser WBA (Super) crown and The Ring belt, came in four stone lighter.The Brit looks set to earn approximately £68million of the £150m fight purse, with Usyk edging the split 55:45 due to his victory in their first encounter. However, there has been controversy in the final preparation for the first bell – over the replacement for an ill judge and Fury’s bushy beard.The Morecambe giant has grown out his facial hair but Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, fumed: “The beard rule is being grossly violated.“The WBC rules clearly say, ‘A boxer may espouse a trimmed beard as long as the hair thickness does not cushion or affect the impact or trajectory of punches, or cause cuts or abrasions to his rival.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”So, Tyson’s beard has to be trimmed. We will push it further.”Fury’s matchmaker, Frank Warren, refused to back down but when SunSport quizzed the British Boxing Board of Control, which has trained and supports the Middle East chiefs in charge of the WBC, WBA and WBO clash, they said Fury MUST trim his beard if Usyk complained at the rules meeting.Paris and eldest son Prince flew out to Saudi in first classCredit: instagram/parisfuryShe made brief eye contact with her husband after a long time apartCredit: PAFury is desperate to get revenge on Saturday nightCredit: Getty More

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      Harry Kane responds to deadly Magdeburg Xmas market attack as Bayern Munich star says it ‘puts things in perspective’

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      HARRY Kane has responded to the deadly Magdeburg Christmas attack that has so far killed four people.At least 86 people were injured in the attack in Magdeburg, with at least 15 being seriously hurt after the car ploughed into unsuspecting revellers.Harry Kane of FC Bayern München during the Bundesliga matchCredit: GettyThe smashed-up car that drove into a large crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market in GermanyCredit: ReutersFootage caught the moment the car ploughed into the marketCredit: XStar English footballer Harry Kane, who is playing for Bayern Munich, shared a heartbreaking tribute in a post on X.He said: “Hearing news of the tragedy in Magdeburg puts things in perspective and on nights like this football isn’t what’s most important.”My thoughts and condolences are with all those affected by the horrific tragedy.”Kane, 30, lives with his family above the River Isar near Munich.read more sportThe area is dubbed the “Beverly Hills of Bavaria”.The German footballing giants in Munich decided to cancel a planned Christmas ceremony which was scheduled for after their clash with RB Leipzig yesterday.The crowd came together instead and sang an emotional rendition of Silent Night, Holy Night with a local choir.The suspect of the attack was travelling at up to 40mph when he first smashed into those at the festive celebrations, horrified witnesses said.Most read in FootballHe reportedly raced through the packed market for at least 400m (1,300ft) – leaving trails of devastation in his path.Officials fear the number of deaths could rise in the coming hours due to the severity of many of the victim’s injuries.Footage later captured the driver of a black BMW being arrested at the scene just after 7.04pm local time on Friday.The suspect is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006, the state’s prime minister Reiner Haseloff said.Saudi suspect arrested after driving through German Xmas marketThe man was not known to German authorities as an Islamic extremist, Germany’s DPA news agency reported.Mr Haseloff told reporters at the scene: “We have arrested the perpetrator.“From what we currently know he was a lone attacker so we don’t think there is any further danger for the city.”The man’s motive remains unclear.German newspaper Bild initially suggested that 11 people had been killed however just two deaths have been confirmed so far.There were also reports claiming there may have been a bomb in the passenger seat of the BMW after a suspicious piece of luggage was found.The city of Halle is now increasing security at its Christmas market as tensions remain high.The car was driven “across the Christmas market”, according to a police spokesman.Witnesses said the ground was covered in blood and tinsel as doctors scrambled to treat the injured.The two initial deaths were later confirmed by Mr Haseloff with city authorities confirming a total of 68 people were hurt.The car went “through people” and sent others “going over it”, a man standing just feet away from the crash added.Some of the injured are said to be in a critical condition with a huge number of emergency workers at the scene.Tents were immediately set up to treat victims while all hospitals in the area said they were preparing for a “mass casualty event”.Neighbouring cities, including Halle, around 50 miles from Magdeburg, also prepared their hospitals to take in victims.A special hotline was set up last night for family and friends fearing for their loved ones.Lars Frohmüller, a reporter for German public broadcaster MDR told the BBC: “It was a real chaotic situation.”We saw blood on the floor, we saw people sitting beside each other and having golden and silver foils around them.”And we saw many doctors trying to keep people warm and help them with their injuries.”Everywhere were ambulances, there were police, there were a lot of firefighters.”Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has condemned the attack and said it will stand in solidarity with Germany and the victim’s love ones.Dozens of injured revellers were being treated in tents at the sceneCredit: GettyFootage captured the moment the suspect was arrested by copsA black BMW drove through a crowded Christmas Market in MagdeburgCredit: APArmed cops were stationed all around the area – with pictures showing people led away on stretchers.One witness who gave her name as Nadine said her boyfriend Marco was ripped out of her arms when he was hit by the car.She told Bild: “He was hit and pulled away from my side. It was terrible.”Nobody even screamed. You couldn’t hear the car either.Marco had injuries to his leg and head: “We don’t know which hospital he went to. The uncertainty is unbearable.”The Christmas market posted to Instagram to ask people to stay away.German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said “reports from Magdeburg lead us to fear the worst”. He added: “My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.“We stand by their side and by the side of all Magdeburg residents. My thanks to all the emergency services in these difficult hours.”Mr Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will travel to the scene of the incident today.Robert Habeck, Germany’s vice-chancellor, said on X: “What terrible news from Magdeburg, where people wanted to spend the advent season in peace and community.“My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all the emergency services on site who are doing everything they can to help and to clarify the background.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X: “I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight.”My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany.”German special police forces attended the crime sceneCredit: APEmergency teams worked tirelessly to get those injured medical supportCredit: gETTY More

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      Manchester United vs Bournemouth: Get £50 in free bets for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Betfred

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      MANCHESTER UNITED go into the weekend in THIRTEENTH and need to build on last week’s Manchester derby win when Bournemouth visit on Sunday.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a smashing £50 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the intriguing Premier League showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereMan Utd vs Bournemouth: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Man Utd vs Bournemouth: Get £50 free bets HERE*New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)FREE BET SIGN UP DEALS FOR FOOTBALLRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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      Man Utd vs Bournemouth prediction: Betting tips, odds and Premier League preview

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      AFTER Thursday’s disappointing cup exit, Manchester United continue their league recovery mission with a home game against Bournemouth.SunSport betting experts have previewed the Super Sunday contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesFirst scorer and correct score predictionsAmad Diallo to score first at 13/2 with talkSPORT BET – CLAIM HERECorrect score – 2-2 at 11/1 with Betfred – CLAIM HEREMan Utd vs Bournemouth previewOne step forward and one step backward at Manchester United at the minute.But supporters seem content that things are improving and can see what Ruben Amorim is trying to achieve.Things could’ve been a lot worse in midweek though, when Spurs raced into a 3-0 lead in the 54th minute.But Fraser Forster had other ideas, gifting two goals for United for a grandstand finish. Unfortunately for United, they still had a goalkeeper howler in them and eventually were dumped out 4-3.Eight games in charge now for Amorim and he’s won four of those, losing three and drawing one. They need a win to kick on from their 13th spot heading into the weekend.Bournemouth’s last visit to Old Trafford ended in a 3-0 victory towards the end of last season and they’re in a better place this year too.Three wins and a draw in their last four games, the Cherries are in sixth and three points outside the top four heading into the weekend.Man Utd vs Bournemouth latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Manchester United vs Bournemouth predictionsA Mad decision not toThe star of the moment, Amad Diallo looks to be single handedly dragging United through in recent weeks.Diallo came off the bench and swung the game in United’s favour on Thursday before his keeper’s weakness for Spurs’ fourth killed the game.You’d be (A)mad not to back him to carry on, particularly at the prices on offer!Amad Diallo to score first OR last at 7/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERECan’t split themIt’s been a strong first half of the season for Bournemouth and they’ll be in this game on Sunday, without question.They won strongly in their last visit here, and the time before that was a rollercoaster 2-2 draw earlier last season.That scoreline looks capable of going in again with the sides sharing the spoils.Draw and BTTS at 7/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      England World Cup winner George Eastham dies aged 88 as tributes flood in to Stoke City legend who changed game forever

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      ENGLAND World Cup winner George Eastham has died at the age of 88, as tributes flood in.His former club Stoke City paid tribute to the footballing legend, who was part of England’s 1966 winning squad.George Eastham has passed away at the age of 88Credit: PAHe was part of England’s 1966 World Cup winning squadCredit: PAGeorge also played for Newcastle UnitedCredit: PAGeorge later went on to manage Stoke CityCredit: PAMidfielder and inside forward George played for Newcastle United, Arsenal and Stoke City in the English top-flight league in a professional career spanning two decades, and earned 19 international caps.He is also remembered for a three-week trial at High Court which changed football’s old “retain and transfer” system forever.The club’s message read: “The Stoke City Football Club family is immensely saddened by the passing of club legend George Eastham OBE at the age of 88.”George was signed by the Potters for a £35,000 fee shortly after being part of England’s 1966 World Cup winning squad.Read more Football News”He went on to represent the club for eight seasons in the top division of the English game and was a two-time FA Cup semi-finalist in red and white.”He is perhaps best remembered as the man whose goal secured the 1972 League Cup in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Wembley.”The Potters will wear black armbands for the fixture against Sheffield Wednesday (on Saturday) as a mark of respect.”Our thoughts are with George’s family and friends at this difficult time.”Most read in FootballGeorge made 194 league appearances for Stoke over eight seasons, and went on to manage the club between 1977-78.After his contract at Newcastle expired in 1959, he went on strike for eight months to force the club to let him join Arsenal – as the system at that time allowed clubs to keep a player’s registration as a means to force them to stay.He later sat in the High Court for a three-week trial against Newcastle and the Football Association.The judge found the old transfer system to be unreasonable, leading to major reforms in the British transfer market and the establishment of a tribunal to deal with disputes.The Blackpool-born legend told the Mail last year: “You were a slave to the club.”Going to court needed to be done. It needed to come out from the shadows. “Players needed to be getting the money they were supposed to get. Everybody’s getting the just rewards now.”George received the award of an “Officer of the Order of the British Empire” (OBE) in 1973 for his services to football.George Eastham has passed away at the age of 88Credit: PAGeorge played alongside Les Cocker and George Cohen for EnglandCredit: PAGeorge next to Everton’s Ray WilsonCredit: PAGeorge before a World Cup qualifying match in 2009Credit: Reuters More

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      Enzo Maresca braced for wave of unsettled Chelsea stars seeking January transfer escape including ex-England ace

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      ENZO MARESCA is braced for a wave of unsettled Chelsea stars knocking on his door next month.Finishing top of the Conference League table means European football can be parked until March.Enzo Maresca knows some Chelsea players may ask for a January transferCredit: GettyBen Chilwell could be on the move after being frozen out by the new bossCredit: PABut it brings with it a dilemma over what to do with his second-string squad struggling for game time.There are also deep-frozen players like Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka for whom the January transfer window offers a chance of escape.Boss Maresca said: “There are players that unfortunately they didn’t play a lot with us in all the competitions, like Chilwell, like Carney.“Probably they are the first that want to leave, because they work every day, they train every day, they want to play games and if they don’t play games they are thinking of leaving.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“For each player it’s a different situation.“So we’re going to see if some of them are coming to knock on the door and say I want to leave.“I’m not worried about the next three months. The only thing I can say is that we have many games.“If they do the right things, if they work properly, for sure they’re all going to have a chance to play games. We will try to find a solution.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Next week we have three games. Then in January the FA Cup will start.“Game by game we’re going to try to pick the best 11. The ones that we think are the right ones for that game. And then we’ll see.”Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test and gives update on his Chelsea futureMaresca has trimmed a squad which totalled 43 at one stage. But while the numbers are down he still has players like £56million Christopher Nkunku — who was pelted with toilet roll by Shamrock fans in Thursday’s European clash — confined to Conference League starts with Premier League appearances limited.To a lesser extent, it is the same with £38.4m forward Joao Felix.They are expensive and ambitious players to have kicking their heels for three months.Chelsea have won eight games in a row — their best run for eight years.They can go top if they win at Everton tomorrow, even if it is just for a few hours until leaders Liverpool face Tottenham.Whatever happens, they are guaranteed to be in the top two at Christmas for the first time since 2016 — when they went on to become champions.They have won the title on all five occasions they have been No 1 at Christmas — and never done it the four times they were second on December 25.Maresca has Felix fit again but is still without midfielder Romeo Lavia and defender Wesley Fofana with injuries.Crocked skipper Reece James was due to join training for the first time since his latest hamstring setback.Maresca added: “We try to focus on the game, not on the consequence that we can be leaders for a few hours.“The target is always the same; prepare the game to win the game. And then we’ll see.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I think Everton’s stadium is not only tough for Chelsea. I’ve been there many times, it’s tough for any club. But we’re going to see.“If we win, Liverpool have that pressure. It’s more a question for them.”Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix have largely been limited to starts in the cupsCredit: GettyChelsea will not play in the Conference League again until MarchCredit: Getty More

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      Gary Lineker is being replaced by two women and a man on Match of the Day – BBC should be proud to lead the charge

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      THE BBC inclination to employ ever more women in jobs that were once male  territory has evoked not even a hum of male irritation.Gary Lineker is to be replaced by two women and a man on Match of the Day . . .Gary Lineker will step down as Match of the Day host at the end of this seasonCredit: PAGabby Logan will form one third of a new presenting trio replacing the former England strikerCredit: RexReaction: So what!Whether or not three-for-one presenter ratio will work is to become clear after the trio start next season, even if the company’s accountants approve the division of Lineker’s £1.3million salary.Money well earnt and deserved in my opinion.The fact I like this increasing number of women commentators should be no surprise, for when I moved into football 32 years ago women were rarer than a hen’s dentist.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSuch a short time later women are acknowledged as players both on the pitch and in the offices. Only with the whistle or in men’s football management are they rare. But in press boxes, behind microphones and contributing knowledgeably on television, they are as commonplace as they are in boardrooms, politics and executive positions.In several aspects BBC can be very proud to have led the charge away from attitudes that once were summed up in the insult “monstrous regiment of women”. Most read in FootballKelly Cates and Gabby Logan are both outstanding broadcasters.They will work on the show in rotation with Mark Chapman, already a BBC stalwart.Gary Lineker reveals he turned DOWN huge ITV show as he reveals salary demand for reality showsThey are a capable front line to follow the former England striker who will have fronted the show for 25 years. He has been witty and fearless. Criticisms only began seriously after he was revealed to be the corporation’s highest earner.Both Cates and Logan are daughters of league and international footballers, Kenny Dalglish, one of Scotland’s greatest, and Terry Yorath of Wales.Critics will approve their background and wait upon their merits.Kelly Cates has established a formidable reputation as one of Sky’s finest presentersCredit: GettyLogan is probably best known. She ousted male presenters at several Olympic Games and remains a brisk and skilled regular at big events, and deservedly so.Cates has worked on BBC radio and TV, mainly on Sky, for many years and is as slick and personable as you would expect in a skilled presenter.If theirs is a semi-takeover then even more striking was the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year, which on Tuesday featured three women, Clare Balding, Alex Scott and (of course) Gabby Logan.Can you name the famous fathers?As Olympic 800 metres gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson became the fourth consecutive female winner of the top prize and, on the night, beat any competition for the most daring dress.Men could only hope their duties did not include the washing up afterwards.The battle for equality is not won yet but the tide is sweeping us forward.It won’t be too long, I suspect, before the US has a female president.After all, even the Garrick Club which defined itself as a club for “men of refinement” has just opened the door to women. It may take some while for one of us to become Pope, Russia’s leader, or to chuck away forced hijabs in Iran but most of the West is now wide open to the new order.And what a shocking waste of human resources the past has been.As long ago as the Second World War, women showed they could shoulder martial discipline as well as intellectual pursuits.The days when us women were nurses but not doctors, are over.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe might not have as much muscle but we have proved that we carry so much else . . . the ability to organise, to lead, to plan and to have children and give birth to every tax payer on the planet.Quite some contribution. More