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      Brighton 3 Chelsea 0: Enzo Maresca’s embarrassing Blues have ZERO shots on target as Seagulls run riot

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      FORGET fighting on four fronts? Chelsea can’t even do it on the seafront.A second trip to the South Coast in a week, another abject performance from Enzo Maresca’s team which is suddenly in danger of collapse.Kaoru Mitoma got the party started for a rampant Brighton at the AmexCredit: GettyThe Japanese star curled in an exquisite openerCredit: AFPYankuba Minteh slammed in Brighton’s second as Chelsea wilted on the South CoastCredit: AFPMinteh bagged his second after the break as Chelsea fell apartCredit: GettyAnd Kauro Mitoma torturing them yet again with his second goal in as many games – this time showing world class quality to make a £1 billion squad look two bob.Last Saturday, head coach Maresca was forced to look for silver linings after being dumped out of the FA Cup on this same patch of ground.They are also out of the Carabao Cup and after this result could be booted out of the Premier League top four this afternoon by either Manchester City or Newcastle. Maresca claims his injury-hit and youthful players are not ready to challenge in the three domestic and one European competition yet. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRight now it’s the third-rate Conference League or bust as the energy drains from the legs and hearts of his wobbling boys in blue.Last Saturday was bad enough, seeing how Chelsea got a lucky break through a Brighton own goal, only to wilt.Yet far from turning it on and responding in historic Stamford Bridge style, the bald Italian had his head in his hands again as a debut season which promised so much for him before Christmas is now in freefall.This was even worse than last week. Not even a glimmer of early hope like they were when gifted an early lead through a Brighton own goal. Instead just plain old surrender.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBrighton fans were singing ‘Can we play you every week?’ long before halftime – ignoring the fact they actually do.The Chelsea fans were long gone before the final whistle having reverted to type and called for former owner Roman Abramovich.Inside Chelsea’s new £1.6BILLION stadium plans with Stamford Bridge project set to rival Tottenham’sIf there is any consolation for them, they got to see a stunning goal scored right in front of them by a class act – just a shame it was against their team.Mitoma’s ice-cool control taking down a long punt upfield from keeper Bart Verbruggen redefines route one football.The weighty hoof landed on his outstretched right foot like a plunging meteorite, yet the Japanese winger cushioned it like a fragile, newborn baby.He then slammed on the air brakes and left Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah for dead before curling a classy finish into the corner of the net.Go Google Dennis Bergkamp’s immortal strike for Holland against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup finals and you’ll see what everybody is raving about.It would be nice to write how Brighton added to that with goals of similar quality but the two scruffy efforts from Yankuba Minteh were in stark contrast.Filip Jorgensen was named the new No. 1 for Chelsea before KO – but had a game to forgetCredit: AlamyMitoma showed off an outrageous first touch to bring the ball down for the opening goalCredit: PASeven minutes before half time he poked home a shot from inside the box through a ruck of legs after Chelsea failed to clear.He then wrapped it all up in the 63rd minute by bundling home a shot deflected off Chalobah.Where Chelsea are floundering, Brighton have their tails up and have done wonders to further their own outside push for European football next season.They move up to eighth on the back of this extraordinary victory in the Premier League’s newest grudge match.Enzo Fernandez thought he had equalised but saw his header ruled out for a foulCredit: AFPMaresca’s refusal to pass comment on Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler may just be a simple act of loyalty towards his old mate and the German’s predecessor Robert de Zerbi.But it’s made for simmering bad feelings regardless, even though the two coaches shook hands briefly before kick off and at the end.It doesn’t need words from either man to work out who has emerged the winner of this particular battle. Moises Caicedo had a night to forget on his return to the AmexCredit: GettyMaresca can point to the lack of a fit striker as much as he likes and it is a fair point.But none of Brighton’s goals was scored by a striker to underline that you can get goals from other positions if you get the mood right.And it certainly isn’t at Chelsea at the moment.READ MORE SUN STORIESStar player Cole Palmer looks desperately unhappy. Maresca’s best player wasted two good chances in the first half and then spent the rest of the game either out of sight or throwing his hands up in frustration at every wrong turn by a team-mate. More

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      Man City win landmark case leaving Premier League at risk of being plunged into crisis with financial rules ‘unlawful’

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      MANCHESTER CITY have won their war with the Premier League over “unlawful” financial rules.An independent tribunal today ruled in favour of the four-in-a-row champions — insisting the regulations are “void and unenforceable”.Man City won their court battle with the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersThe bombshell verdict could now trigger a series of multi-million-pound compensation claims from clubs and plunge the competition into crisis.And it means City have landed a blow in their ongoing legal battle with the Prem and their chief Richard Masters, despite the ruling being separate to the charges of 130 financial rule breaches levelled at the club.An 18-page tribunal verdict has ruled the Prem’s sponsorship regulations on Associated Party Transactions — which ran from December 2021 to November 2024 — were unlawful in their entirety.Today’s landmark ruling from a panel of three eminent former judges means the League now face coughing up £20million to pay their legal bills — and City’s.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThe APT rules were implemented following the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle and covered sponsorship deals with companies related to a club’s owners.But the verdict opens the door to the Toon, Abu Dhabi-owned City and other clubs making massive compensation claims.City — whose legal team was led by Lord Pannick — took the Prem to court after proposed deals with Etihad Airways and First Abu Dhabi Bank were blocked in 2023.They also accused Prem chiefs of attempting to mislead clubs ahead of November’s vote on ATP rule amendments, which were passed following a  majority 16-4 vote.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMasters wrote to all 20 clubs today, conceding the “previous rules as a while are void and unenforceable,” but insisting “new rules were voted into force” and that clubs must comply with them.Today’s panel, including former Master of the Rolls Lord Dyson, judged the ATP rules could not be amended by a series of “discrete” tweaks.Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid But a Prem statement read: “This decision does not impact the valid operation of the new rules.“The new APT rules are in full force and  clubs remain required to comply with all aspects of the system.”Richard Masters has written to all 20 Premier League clubsCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea fans can’t decide which goalkeeper is worse as Jorgensen ‘makes TWO mistakes’ after Robert Sanchez axe

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      CHELSEA goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen had a first half to forget against Brighton – prompting calls for him to be replaced.The Swede stopper, 22, took over from axed Robert Sanchez as the new No. 1 for the Blues’ Friday night trip to the South Coast.Filip Jorgensen conceded two soft goals as he took over as Chelsea’s No. 1Credit: AlamyKaoru Mitoma curled a long-range effort past the stricken 22-year-oldCredit: AFPJorgensen’s positioning was in question as Yankuba Minteh smashed in a secondCredit: AFPRobert Sanchez will now be Jorgensen’s backup at the BridgeCredit: GettySanchez, 27, has been responsible for multiple clangers this season.In a recent stats deep-dive by SunSport, only one Premier League keeper was found to have committed more errors than the Spaniard this season. Enzo Maresca confirmed before the clash Jorgensen would be between the sticks to face the Seagulls.The Chelsea boss said on Friday: “The idea is not game by game to change the ‘keeper.”READ MORE ON CHELSEABut some Blues fans were begging him to reconsider after Jorgensen put up a stinker of an opening 45 minutes. The 22-year-old was easily beaten by a curling shot from Kaoru Mitoma, despite the Japanese star being well out of the box.He later conceded again, looking well out of position as Yankuba Minteh smashed home after some dismal defending. One Chelsea fan raged on X: “Starting Jorgensen ahead of Robert Sanchez is like replacing a basket with a sieve. No difference.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “As much as I hate to admit, Sanchez would have saved that [Minteh goal]. Jorgensen is better with his feet.While a third added: “Jorgensen comfortable with the ball and doesn’t make foolish mistakes, but can’t stop a shot for his life. Sanchez very good shot stopping but makes the most foolish decisions with the ball. 2 problems one club.”Inside Chelsea’s new £1.6BILLION stadium plans with Stamford Bridge project set to rival Tottenham’sAnd a fourth said: “I still prefer Sanchez with all his errors to this Jorgensen guy. Jorgensen is not good enough.”He went on to concede one more, as Minteh made it 3-0 which is how the game ended.Jorgensen arrived at Stamford Bridge last July from LaLiga club Villareal.The Blues shelled out £20.7million for his services, with the 22-year-old penning a seven-year deal.Prior to Friday’s game in Brighton, Jorgensen had played 14 times for Chelsea this season, conceding 13 goals. More

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      I’m one-cap England star who ALWAYS had good games against Liverpool – they were just one of those teams I loved playing

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      FORMER Premier League star Matt Jarvis has lifted the lid on playing at Anfield and his love of coming up against Liverpool.The one-cap England winger was part of the Wolves side that beat the Reds 1-0 back in 2010.Matt Jarvis was Wolves’ main man in the season they beat Liverpool at Anfield 1-0Credit: Action ImagesJarvis was capped once by EnglandCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe shock three points helped the club narrowly avoid relegation that season, with Jarvis the star man.He recalled to SunSport: “I always had great games against Liverpool — they were just one of those opponents I really enjoyed playing.”I also couldn’t wait for matches at Anfield. It remains one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world.”When people talk about being intimidated playing at Liverpool because of the ‘This Is Anfield’ sign in the tunnel, or hearing the Never Walk Alone anthem before the start, I never quite get it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”For me it was the greatest incentive and sent my competitive and energy levels through the roof.”We went into this game at the bottom of the table, four points adrift from safety, so this was a completely free hit for us. We had absolutely nothing to lose.”I was lucky enough to play with a squad of players that season who had great character and who never knew when they were beaten.”We also had a manager in Mick McCarthy who each and every player would run through brick walls for.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”The greatest compliment I can pay Mick is that he was the best manager I played under.”He was honest, would tell it to you straight, was always on the training field with his coaches and would give you every tool ­possible to make you better and win games of football.New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card “It’s also great to know that I was part of Mick’s one win at Anfield.”The frustration leading up to this game was we had lost matches where we should have picked up points.”But we finally got our rewards by picking up three points here.”As soon as Stephen Ward had given us the lead just before the hour mark it was then a case of digging in and holding out.”The stats show we had two shots on target in the match. But it doesn’t matter how few you have as long as you make them count more than the opposition.”Ultimately this victory at Anfield was one of the key moments in us staying up.”We spent something like 33 days on the bottom of the table that season — and 206 days in the ­bottom three. But the most important fact is we survived that season and were 17th when it mattered most on the last day of the 2010-11 campaign.”I had spent most of that December out with an injury but came back on Boxing Day at home against Wigan, then played three days later at Liverpool followed by a match at West Ham 72 hours later.”I came off with about a minute to go at Anfield knowing I would be at Upton Park on New Year’s Day.”It’s wonderful in reflection to have won both the Supporters’ Player of the Year and the Players’ Player of the Year at Wolves in 2010-11.”There is no greater honour than the fans and your peers voting for you. But was this the best season in my career?”I never reflect on my best or worst seasons because I always gave as much as I could every time I played so I could never have regrets about whether I could have played better.”Wolves’ trip to Anfield”Looking ahead to Sunday’s game at Anfield you could almost mirror our build-up to the game 14 years ago to this Wolves side.”For them, it’s a free hit just like it was for us. No one is expecting anything other than a home win.”But I have been saying for the last few weeks  this Wolves side is more than capable and in Matheus Cunha they possess arguably the best player in the ­Premier League outside the ‘big six’ teams. When he is on the pitch his inspiration to the rest is a huge weapon.READ MORE SUN STORIES”On the back of two successive 2-0 wins against Villa and Blackburn, who knows?”If they can hold out at Liverpool and nick a goal like we did back then — and have the little bit of luck along the way that you always need — this is a Wolves team more than capable of surprising the league leaders.”Jarvis has hailed Matheus Cunha as the best player outside the top sixCredit: Rex More

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      Kim Jong-Un bans Spurs and two other Premier League clubs from being shown in North Korea for bizarre reason

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      TYRANT Kim Jong-un has banned Tottenham Hotspur matches from being shown in North Korea.His madcap regime insists no games involving teams with players from his hated neighbours are broadcast there — and Spurs are captained by South Korean icon Son Heung-min.Dictator Kim Jong-un has banned three Premier League clubs from being shown in North Korea.Tottenham Hotspur star player Heung-Min Son is South Korea’s most famous footballerCredit: PAIt means impoverished citizens allowed to watch Premier League games before the 5pm news do not get to see the erratic North London club on their screens.But Jong-un may come to regret his ban on 32-year-old Son and his Spurs side as they take on the tubby despot’s favourite team Manchester United tomorrow.A report also revealed coverage in North Korea of last year’s Premier League did not include Wolverhampton Wanderers because of their South Korean forward Hwang Hee-chan, or Brentford, who have his countryman, defender Kim Ji-soo.Match coverage in the secretive state is shortened from 90 minutes to 60 and games are shown before news bulletins — and about four months after they are played.READ MORE ON TOTTENHAMWith his team languishing 14th in the league, Tottenham fan Tom Bell said: “The way this season has gone for Spurs, North Koreans can count themselves lucky not being subjected to their games.”The findings come in a report by the independent US think tank Stimson Center’s probe into North Korea. State TV is rife with propaganda but sport is “one of the few moments each day when state TV is not trying to send an overt or underlying message to its viewers,” analysis found.The Center’s Martyn Williams said: “We thought it was interesting.Most read in Football”We just saw a lot of football on KCTV. It’s the main international sport they broadcast.”Awkward moment King Charles asks Son Heung-min if Tottenham are ‘in good order’ in front of Daniel Levy The report says that in 2022, North Korean telly carried coverage of England’s top flight plus Germany’s Bundesliga, Spain’s La Liga, France’s Ligue 1 and Italy’s Serie A.But the following year, KCTV settled the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup.English football has also found fans among other dictators. Late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro was an Arsenal fan and Zimbabwe tyrant Robert Mugabe, who died in 2019, supported Chelsea.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.fCredit: Reuters More

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      Chelsea fans fume at ‘amateur ownership’ as key man goes off with hamstring injury 19 minutes into Brighton clash

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      NONI MADUEKE has been substituted after pulling up with an injury just 19 minutes into Chelsea’s clash with Brighton.The England international, 22, signalled that he wanted to go off with what looked like a hamstring issue.Noni Madueke had to be substituted early on at BrightonCredit: ReutersMadueke, 22, was substituted barely 20 minutes into the contestCredit: RexThe winger sat on the turf in clear discomfort before receiving medical attention.He was then replaced by substitute Jadon Sancho.Madueke has been a regular for Chelsea this season, starting 18 of their 25 Premier League games.Fans watching on at home fumed at the Blues’ lack of other available options – blaming their board.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSOne wrote: “Madueke injured. That’s what you get for not signing anyone and letting players leave for peanuts. Amateur ownership.”While a second blasted: “Noni Madueke hamstring… Thanks Chelsea sporting directors!”Another moaned: “Just end the season.”After the match, Chelsea manager EnzoMaresca confirmed: “Unfortunately, Noni has a hamstring problem. He will be out for a while.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSChelsea were already without forwards Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu.While Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended.’They know the situation’ – Enzo Maresca confirms Robert Sanchez axed as Chelsea No1 after series of howlersAnd the Blues recently allowed Joao Felix to join AC Milan on loan.Maresca’s side have won just two of their last eight Premier League matches.While last time out they were dumped out of the FA Cup by the Seagulls.Shortly after losing Madueke to injury, they fell behind – with Kaoru Mitoma firing Brighton into the lead.Yankuba Minteh then made it 2-0 before half-time.Minteh then added a third in the second period as Brighton won 3-0.READ MORE SUN STORIESMadueke had been being watched by England boss Thomas Tuchel.The German is set to take charge of his first games as Three Lions manager next month. More

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      The ‘middle-ground’ that could save VAR, as FA Cup proved football can do just fine without it

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      FOOTBALL life without VAR is bearable.More than that – by all the evidence from the FA Cup so far, it is a reasonable proposition.VAR continues to cause controversy week after week in the Premier LeagueCredit: AlamyNewcastle’s FA Cup win at League One Birmingham showed we don’t need total VARCredit: GettyOne incident in particular provides support for this view. It occurred when Birmingham goalkeeper Bailey Peacock- Farrell beat away a shot from Newcastle’s Joe Willock on or beyond the goal-line.Blues supporters thought the man with the fanciest name in football had just kept out the shot until the linesman flagged and referee Matt Donohue waved play to the centre spot.Willock had equalised and his side went on to win the fourth-round tie 3-2.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWith no goal-line technology in play because the match was held at a League One ground, imagine VAR trying to pick that apart.Referee Donahue would have asked for a ruling on a very tight decision. Cue a delay while set-squares and microscopes were (imaginatively) brought into play and a verdict finally reached.Not exactly the magic of technology.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSI prefer the speed of the ref’s reaction, his assistant’s verdict here was swift and almost certainly correct. No VAR no cry. What a shame that we’ll now see VAR used for the rest of the competition.Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viralIt used to be carry-on regardless in the Premier League, too, but in the endless squabble between perfectionists and realists, the seekers of absolute truth won.It may be less than an invention to suggest a referee be able to press a button and an AI verdict will come back instantly with an answer.Until that slightly worrying day, let us be pleased that necessity led the FA for a while to abide by the whistle and leave VAR to gather dust.People fortunate enough to support a Premier League club are less lucky and have total VAR complete with constant interruptions. EFL have it in play-off finals and promise it elsewhere very soon.There are, it is true, several plusses to technology, such as quick and correct answers on whether a goal-line has been crossed.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.The major success of VAR, however, is the speed and precision of offside verdicts.Linesmen are good judges but inevitably do not always find it possible to decide on the basis of the length of a foot or elbow. On VAR it is a doddle and quick.Not so with free-kicks or yellow or red cards. These decisions are sometimes a good deal longer and often dubious.VAR itself does not make corrections, it is a helpmate for refs to make theirs.The methodology is sound but perfection is no easier to find than the holy grail. Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs LiverpoolStill, because VAR gives referees a second look, it soon became the Japanese knotweed of our game – once present, nothing short of a bomb will stop it.Various methods are being tried to speed up the process and waiting times have been cut to average 64 seconds. Yet the solution is easy to see. Bin total VAR. Trust the ref.Football was successful for well over a century before VAR. Referees in those days might have protested at being held responsible for United or City losing but the truth is they still are.They are the focus of the blame game and although do-gooders thought VAR would rectify all errors and cut down offensive and obscene shouting among fans, it hasn’t.READ MORE SUN STORIESOverall, I would compromise. Tech works on line decisions but is very slow and almost as faulty for fouls given by refs who take only a fraction of the time.And it’s easier to forgive a wrong decision made by genuine human error, than one made by a machine. More

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      Brighton vs Chelsea live stream: How to watch huge Premier League clash TONIGHT

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      BRIGHTON and Chelsea rematch last week’s FA Cup tie in HUGE Friday night Premier League clash.The Seagulls knocked out Enzo Maresca’s side from the FA Cup last weekend after a controversial Kaoru Mitoma winner was enough to see the south coast side through.Marc Cucurella will be hoping for a better result on his second return to Brighton this seasonCredit: Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty ImagesKaoru Mitoma was the difference when Brighton beat Chelsea in the FA CupCredit: David Horton / SPPThe Blues have endured a mixed start to 2025 but still sit inside the top four, heading back to the Amex for the second time in six days weeks.Fabian Hurzeler will be pleased to have made the next round of the FA Cup, but this fixture is their first in the league since a resounding 7-0 thrashing at the City Ground by the hands of high-flying Nottingham Forest.How to watch Brighton vs ChelseaThe game will be live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.Chelsea’s trip to Brighton will also be available on Sky Go and the Sky Sports app.Coverage will also be available via SunSport’s live blog.Kick off will be at 8pm GMT from the Amex in Brighton.Read more FootballBrighton vs Chelsea team newsBrighton:Injury crisis at Brighton means they are without a handful of regular first team players.Pervis Estupinan remains out, while Lewis Dunk is a doubt, after suffering an injury last weekend.Mats Wieffer could return on the bench for the Seagulls.Solly March, James Milner, Igor, Ferdi Kadioglu and Jason Steele are all likely to miss out with injury. Chelsea: Nicolas Jackson is expected to miss up to six weeks with a hamstring injury he picked up against West Ham.Marc Guiu is also out for at least the whole of February, meaning Christopher Nkunku may have to play as a makeshift striker.Enzo Maresca also confirmed that Robert Sanchez is no longer his number one, with Filip Jorgensen expected to start in goal. Reece James is available, while Wesley Fofana is expected to return in two or three weeks.Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badisahille remain out. Most read in FootballWhat other Premier League games are there this weekend?Brighton and Chelsea will be the first of ten Premier League games on offer this weekend:Leicester vs Arsenal – Sat, Feb 15 – 12:30pm GMT – TNT SportsAston Villa vs Ipswich – Sat, Feb 15 – 3pm GMTFulham vs Nottingham Forest – Sat, Feb 15 – 3pm GMTManchester City vs Newcastle – Sat, Feb 15 – 3pm GMTSouthampton vs Bournemouth – Sat, Feb 15 – 3pm GMTWest Ham vs Brentford – Sat, Feb 15 – 3pm GMTCrystal Palace vs Everton – Sat, Feb 15 – 5:30pm GMT – Sky SportsLiverpool vs Wolves – Sun, Feb 16 – 2pm GMT – Sky SportsTottenham vs Manchester United, Sun, Feb 16 – 4:30pm GMT – Sky Sports More