More stories

  • in

    Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Blues aim to recover from London Derby defeat but face tough trip to Champions League hopefuls

    CHELSEA travel to Aston Villa for a huge Premier League clash on Saturday night.The Blues still have hopes of European football next season despite their 5-0 defeat to London rivals Arsenal last time out.Chelsea were beaten 5-0 at Arsenal in midweekCredit: REUTERSBut it doesn’t get much easier for Mauricio Pochettino’s men as they face Villa, Tottenham and West Ham in their next three Premier League games.Meanwhile, the Villans have been in fine form of late picking up seven points from their last three games.Unai Emery’s side are in the driving seat for fourth spot as they look to secure Champions League football for the very first time.When is Aston Villa vs Chelsea?
    Aston Villa vs Chelsea will take place on Saturday, April 27.
    Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
    Villa Park will host.
    READ MORE IN CHELSEAWhat TV channel is Aston Villa vs Chelsea on and can it be live streamed?
    Aston Villa vs Chelsea will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
    TNT Sport customers can live stream the match via the discovery+ app/website.
    Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.
    Team newsFor the hosts, Douglas Luiz will return from suspension after missing the last two Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Bournemouth.Left-back Alex Moreno is expected to remain out with a calf injury with Lucas Digne set to keep his place.Chelsea will be without midfielder Enzo Fernandes after his season was cut short due to a groin injury.Most read in FootballPoch will be hoping to welcome back starman Cole Palmer for this weekend’s clash.But the trip to the midlands could come too soon for full-backs Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell.What are the odds?Match result
    Aston Villa – 23/20
    Draw – 11/4
    Chelsea – 2/1
    *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More

  • in

    Chelsea legend John Terry wins over Man Utd fans with ‘spot on’ football take as footage of TNT Sports interview emerges

    CHELSEA legend John Terry won over Manchester United fans with his “spot on” football take.The former England captain and five-time Premier League winner hasn’t always been the most popular man at Old Trafford.Man Utd fans agreed with a hot football take from Chelsea legend John TerryCredit: GettyTerry famously slipped over while missing a penalty in Chelsea’s 2007 Champions League defeat to United.And Red Devils fans to this day still sing about the moment with their “Viva John Terry” chant.But many softened their stance on the Blues icon after he was asked a curious question on TNT Sports.Terry is widely considered to be one of the best center-backs in history, and arguably the greatest-ever in the Premier League.READ MORE ON CHELSEAIn front of a camera, Terry was asked to quickly choose between three other title winning centre-backs in a game of ‘Start, Bench, Sell’.JT was given the options of Man Utd favourite Nemanja Vidic, fellow ex-Red Devil Gary Pallister and current Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk.Terry laughed as he pondered the options before delivering a verdict that delighted United fans.Terry said: “I’m going to, I love Gary Pallister, but I’m going to have to sell Gary Pallister.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJT said he would start Nemanja VidicCredit: GettyVirgil van Dijk was on Terry’s benchCredit: ReutersGary Pallister was the player he soldCredit: Getty“I’m going to bench Virgil, and I’m going to start Nemanja Vidic.”This saw United fans hails Terry’s decision.John Terry’s prediction comes true as footage emerges of Chelsea legend calling Blues star ‘really, really good playerOne said: “Spot on.”Another declared: “He knows ball.”One noted: “Proper player talking common sense.”Another added: “Finally a football person.”Terry’s hot take comes after he revealed he BLOCKED a Chelsea flight from leaving after a heated row with ex-boss Andre Villas-Boas over first-class seats.Reflecting on the 2011 incident, JT said: “We get on the plane, we get on and I’m sitting in economy on a 13-hour flight and we’ve got Josh McEachran, Nathaniel Chalobah, couple of other young players in first class.”And this was part of AVB’s going, ‘No, no. No player’s bigger than me. Everyone’s the same.'”So I’m on the plane going, ‘No, no, we’re not going anywhere until these young players go back in economy and the first-team players that have built this club to where it is today go back in first’.”This was one of his first things in front of everyone, in the end it spins so all first-team players fly first, younger players go back in economy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s how it should be, these younger players are striving to be where we’ve got and he tried to make a statement on day one and he failed instantly because I promise you, the plane wasn’t going.”And, it would have gone without myself, Frank and Didier.”Was John Terry right?Let’s take a look at the trio’s Premier League stats:
    Nemanja Vidic (start)

    Games: 211

    Losses: 27

    Clean Sheets: 95

    Virgil van Dijk (bench)

    Games: 260

    Losses: 44

    Clean Sheets: 101

    Gary Pallister (sell)

    Games: 261

    Losses: 49

    Clean Sheets: 104 More

  • in

    Who is Ryan Giggs’ girlfriend Zara Charles?

    OVER the years Ryan Giggs’ love life has dominated the headlines as much as his lucrative football career.The former Manchester United star has now settled down with girlfriend Zara Charles and they expecting their first baby together..Ryan Giggs with his girlfriend Zara CharlesCredit: BackGridWho is Ryan Giggs’ girlfriend Zara Charles?Born in 1998, Zara Charles is a lingerie model who hails from Manchester.She has been married before and also has a daughter.Zara’s boyfriend Ryan Giggs was born on November 29, 1973, and is known for his glittering football career at Manchester United.The Welshman joined the club in 1987 and went on to make 983 appearances for the Red Devils – a club record.READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGSHow long have Ryan Giggs and Zara Charles been dating?Ryan got together with Zara in April 2021.A source at the time told The Sun: “Zara has been supporting Ryan over the last few months.“She’s a great, upbeat girl. Ryan has been completely open with her about his situation. “They seem very strong together.”Most read in FootballThe couple live in a £2.1M seven-bedroom mansion which Giggs bought in 2023.In November 2023, the footy star celebrated his 50th birthday with a trip to Dubai with Zara.Ryan Giggs finds love with lingerie model as he faces court for assaulting two womenShe who surprised him by having red rose petals scattered across their hotel bed.She posted: “Yesterday was my best friend’s Big Birthday. Happy 50th, Ryan. “So grateful we got to spend it in one of our happy places. I will love you forever.”Zara is a lingerie model who hails from ManchesterCredit: ZenpixDo Ryan Giggs and Zara Charles have children together?This will be the couple’s first child together, but both of them have children from previous relationships.Giggs is already dad to Sheffield United footballer son Zach, 17, plus daughter Libby, 19, from his marriage to Stacey Giggs.Zara has a daughter from a previous marriage, which means when the baby is born they will have a combined brood of four kids.Friends of the couple told The Sun that the couple are excitedly planning for their baby’s arrival.The Manchester United legend with kids Zach and Libby after a Premier League title win in 2011Credit: ReutersAn exact due date is yet to be revealed, but it is understood the tot will arrive in winter 2024.The delighted couple have told close family, and their exes, about their happy news.A source told The Sun: “Ryan was nervous about what his kids would think but they’ve got to know Zara over the last few years and really like her.“They’re happy because they know he’s happy.“But they’ve joked that he might struggle with the early mornings and lack of sleep.“Ryan and Zara are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents again.“They have a very solid, loving relationship and are building a long-term future together.“Their life is very simple, they go for walks, they go for coffees and love keeping fit.”Stacey, who divorced Giggs in 2017, is said to have given the couple her blessingCredit: GettyA separate source said Giggs’ ex-wife Stacey Giggs has also given her blessing.The former couple divorced in 2017.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur insider said that Stacey previously spent Christmas with Giggs and Zara spent as a “blended family”.They added: “Stacey approves of Zara. Her and Ryan have been through a lot but they have moved on and she’s only interested in him being happy, because that makes him a good dad to their kids. There is no animosity.”Ryan Giggs’ Relationship TimelineThe footy star’s love life has dominated the headlines over the years.
    Here we take a look at who Giggsy has dated:
    The footy ace dated TV presenter Dani Behr for a year from 1994 to 1995. She also had a relationship with his mate Rio Ferdinand.
    After his romance with Ms Behr, the footballer moved onto another IT girl of the time, Davinia Taylor. They were together from 1995 to 1997.
    Ryan also had a short romance with Real Housewives of Dubai star Caroline Stanbury in the early noughties.
    Giggsy married Stacey Cooke in 2007 but they divorced in 2017.
    During his time with Stacey, footballer had an affair with Big Brother star Imogen Thomas in 2011.
    After splitting from Stacey, it was reported he was dating Gemma Atkinson – but she denied it.
    After this Giggsy was in a relationship with PR manager Kate Grevill for two years until 2019.
    In 2021, Ryan met Zara Charles, and in 2024 they announced they were having a baby. More

  • in

    EFL club could be relegated out of Football League in bizarre never-before-seen final-day scenario

    A UNIQUE situation could lead to a side being relegated to non-league by a little-known rule this weekend.The League One and League Two campaigns are both set for a dramatic conclusion on Saturday with a host of promotion and relegation battles to be decided.Sutton and Colchester are battling to survive in the Football LeagueCredit: AlamyWith regards to the fourth tier, Stockport, Mansfield and Wrexham have already clinched the automatic promotion spots.And there are six clubs still fighting it out to try and join MK Dons in the play-offs.However, down at the other end of the table, it is still all to play for regarding survival.Forest Green have already been relegated to the National League.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSutton and Colchester are the two sides fighting to try and avoid joining them in dropping out of the Football League.Sutton have it all to do as they go into their final day trip to MK Dons.They sit 23rd in the table and three points behind Colchester, who host top seven hopefuls Crewe AlexandraSutton must win and hope their rivals lose to have any chance of survival.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, one set of results could lead to them being relegated in unusual fashion.There is a prospect that both teams may finish on the exact same number of points, goal difference and goals scored.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonA 1-0 defeat for Colchester and a 3-0 triumph for Sutton would see that happen, as would 2-0 loss and a 3-1 victory.Head-to-head results between the sides would ordinarily be the next deciding factor.But both clashes between Sutton and Colchester have ended 1-1 this term, meaning that won’t work either.This would lead to the teams being separated by the little-known FIFTH statistic – total games won.That would result in Sutton being relegated with just 10 wins – one fewer than Colchester.And if that does occur, then it would definitely go down as one of the strangest and one of a kind relegation that we will have ever seen. More

  • in

    Gareth Bale, 34, lands first job in sport since retiring from football

    GARETH BALE has landed his first new job since retiring from football and it sees him link up with basketball icon Steph Curry.The Welsh icon, 34, hung up his boots in January 2023 after a sensational 17-year professional career.Basketball legend Steph Curry, left, posed with Gareth BaleThey made the announcement regarding their link-up after Bale sat courtside for an NBA gameCredit: GettyIt was widely known during his time as a footballer that he was a keen golfer – and he even competed in a pro-am tournament in California last year.Now he has taken that love of golf into a new venture as he has become an ambassador for NBA legend Curry’s “Underrated Golf”.The golf tour is expanding from the US into Europe in May as they put on their first event in the UK at the Walton Health Golf Course.Bale announced the link-up after sitting courtside for Curry’s Golden State Warriors game earlier this month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlongside photos of the pair, he added: “What a night watching these guys play up close.”Great to see you [Stephen Curry]. Excited for what’s to come!”Bale then spoke in more detail about the tour in a press release.As reported by The Mirror, he said: “It’s an honour to join Stephen Curry and his Underrated Golf European Tour as ambassador as they expand their presence internationally this year.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhat is Gareth Bale’s golfing background?Gareth Bale is becoming an ambassador for the Underrated Golf European Tour.
    The tour is the brainchild of NBA legend Steph Curry and has, up until now, only been putting on events in the US.
    But Bale has come on board as they prepare to expand into Europe as the Welshman becomes the latest ambassador ahead of their launch in May.
    He joins Ladies European Tour player Henni Koyack before Underrated Golf’s first UK event at the Walton Heath Golf Course in Surrey.
    Bale is an accomplished golfer who played off a handicap of just 0.5 at the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am last year.
    In 2019, he celebrated Wales’ qualification for Euro 2020 by holding up a banner which read “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that Order”.
    Such is Bale’s golfing pedigree, he was included as a playable character in the PGA Tour 2K23 video game.

    “I’ve admired the work the tour has done in the U.S. to grow the game of golf, a sport I love and believe in the vast opportunities it provides.”My role as an ambassador allows me to fuse my enthusiasm for the sport with my passion for creating multi-faced sports opportunities for youth within Wales, and I look forward to seeing the young athletes’ skills when they step out on the greens at Walton Heath this May.”Watch as recently-retired football icon tees off with Padraig Harrington before being critiqued by Rory McIlroyThe inaugural Underrated Golf competition in Europe will be a 36-hole stroke play event pitting 96 players between 12 and 18 years of age against one another across two days in Surrey.The winners of both the boys and girls events will secure a place in September’s Curry Cup Tour Championship. More

  • in

    ‘Angel’ Newcastle star Joelinton rescued his manager in Subway after he fainted buying a sandwich

    JOELINTON’S former coach Pellegrino Matarazzo has revealed that the Brazilian once helped him after he fainted in Subway.Hoffenheim boss Matarazzo, 46, was assistant manager at the club during Joelinton’s stay in Germany.Pellegrino Matarazzo has recounted the time Joelinton helped him in SubwayCredit: GettyJoelinton played for Hoffenheim before joining Newcastle in 2019Credit: Reuters
    The American was recently asked which former Hoffenheim star he’d bring back to the club, if he could choose any.
    When relaying his answer, Matarazzo opened up on how Joelinton, 27, once helped him out of a spot of bother.He said: “Good question… probably Joelinton.”Once I was very unwell, and I was alone here in Hoffenheim, back when I was assistant coach.”I knew I needed to eat something and I didn’t have any food at home.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I quickly went to Subway, because I knew I needed to eat something, I didn’t feel well.”I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well, I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJoelinton’s Newcastle revival
    BRAZILIAN ace Joelinton arrived at Newcastle in 2019 as their then-club record £40million signing.
    He was initially handed the No9 shirt and was expected to fire Steve Bruce’s side up the table.
    The 27-year-old initially struggled with the Toon, as he appeared to lack goalscoring nous.
    Bruce decided to move his No9 into midfield, with promising results.
    When Eddie Howe took over in 2021, the former Bournemouth boss continued to use Joelinton at the heart of the team.
    Now wearing No7, Joelinton has flourished under Howe, playing a key role in last season’s top four finish.
    His 2023-24 campaign was abruptly ended in January when he was forced to undergo groin surgery.
    But he did give fans something to savour prior to his injury, by helping his team to a thumping 3-0 FA Cup win over Sunderland on Wearside.

    “I fell over, and when I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?’Most read in Bundesliga”He lifted me up and I had a quick visit to the hospital. He’s an incredibly good person, and a good footballer.Watch as Newcastle fans wrestle in stands over Joelinton’s shirt after 3-0 win at Leicester”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Joelinton scored 11 goals in 36 appearances for Hoffenheim before joining Newcastle in a then-club record £40million deal in 2019.The Brazilian signed under former boss Steve Bruce, and initially struggled as he was played as a striker.When Bruce moved him into midfield, Joelinton’s performances took an uptick.Following his arrival Eddie Howe continued to utilise the former No9 in the middle of the park, with Joelinton continuing to flourish.He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?Pellegrino MatarazzoNewcastle’s No7 has been out since January after having to undergo groin surgery.A fortnight ago, Joelinton penned a new four-year contract at St James’ Park.Upon signing, he said: “I feel great. I feel very happy and my family is happy.READ MORE SUN STORIES“A lot of things have happened in my years here. I’ve learnt a lot and grown a lot, and for me to come here to Newcastle was the best decision of my career.“I love playing for the club. I love the club, I love the fans. We had a lot of discussions and I always wanted to be here. I’m glad to continue and I hope to have success in the years to come.”Joelinton recently penned a new four-year contractCredit: Getty More

  • in

    David De Gea trains at English club as unemployed former Man Utd star hints at comeback

    DAVID DE GEA has hinted he may be about to return to football after taking part in a training session at an English non-league club.The Spanish goalkeeper was part of the last title-winning Manchester United squad.David De Gea has dropped another tease over his futureCredit: The TimesThe goalkeeper has shared footage of himself back in trainingCredit: INSTAGRAM @d_degeaofficialDe Gea was released by Man Utd after 12 years in June last year and remains unemployedCredit: PAHe has been keeping in shape at a local National League sideCredit: INSTAGRAM @d_degeaofficialHe left Old Trafford as a free agent last summer following a 12-year spell there despite winning the Golden Glove last term.United infamously released De Gea on his wedding day in June and he is still yet to find a new club.The 33-year-old was linked with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Shabab and Newcastle following an injury to their No.1 Nick Pope but neither move materialised.More recent reports have emerged that he could be heading back to his homeland to join Real Betis.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDe Gea has remained living in Manchester throughout his time out, and even watched United’s women play, while he struggled to land a new job.The 45-capped Spain international has continued to stay in shape by training alone.Earlier this week he teased a return by issuing a three-word update on his future as he shared a video of himself training.That clip was filmed at his local non-league side Altrincham, who are battling for promotion via the National League play-offs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDe Gea has now dropped another hint that a move could be on the cards by sharing another video along with a “loading” graphic of himself training on the pitch at their J Davidson Stadium.Meanwhile, United’s legendary former goalie Edwin van der Sar recently offered the ex-Atletico Madrid ace his support.Unemployed David De Gea relaxes on beach on holiday but is trolled by former Man Utd team-mate over sunburn The Dutchman recalled how he was in a similar scenario after leaving Juventus in 2001 but eventually joined Fulham before heading to Old Trafford and winning the Champions League.Commenting on another training clip posted by De Gea, Van der Sar wrote: “David, keep the faith and believe as I had something similar in 2001 and look what that brought me in the end!”David de Gea’s trophy haulHere’s every honour that the Spanish star has on his CV:
    Club:
    Atletico Madrid
    Europa League (2010)
    Uefa Super Cup (2010)
    Man Utd
    Premier League (2013)
    FA Cup (2016)
    League Cup (2017, 2023)
    Europa League (2017)
    International:
    Spain
    U21 European Championship (2011, 2013)

    Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Graeme Souness recently suggested that United boss Erik ten Hag made a mistake in letting the stopper leave on a free and bringing in Andre Onana.He said: “You need to prioritise. You have to try and strengthen where you really need players.“Did they really, really need to spend that money on a goalkeeper when they had De Gea who was still a very good goalkeeper for Man United?“De Gea was still a top goalkeeper. Every goalkeeper will make a mistake.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They’ve spent £70m [£47.2m] on a new goalkeeper but are they really playing any differently now, just because Onana is better on the ball?“That money should have been spent elsewhere and been more productive. The recruitment has been pretty average.”Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

  • in

    Sky axe popular football show as ‘gutted’ producer posts emotional statement

    SKY have cancelled Fantasy Football League after less than two years on the air.The programme, which returned to screens in September 2022, was a reboot of the 1990s original hosted by Frank Skinner and David Baddiel.The reboot was hosted by Elis James, left, and Matt Lucas, rightDavid Baddiel and Frank Skinner hosted the original in the 1990sCredit: ITVThe new-look show was presented by comedians Matt Lucas and Elis James.But now producer Spencer Millman has confirmed it has been axed.Speaking on X, he said: “Gutted to say that Fantasy Football League won’t be returning for another run.”Big thanks to my brilliant production team, crew, writers, spotters, you were an absolute joy to work with.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”A massive thanks to all the sofa & phoenix guests we had over the 24 shows, we loved having you.”Huge love to Matt, Elis, Mense and of course Lee Trundle but most importantly thanks to the people who watched it.”I’m eternally grateful you accepted the changes to the original and sorry we won’t be making more. Much love and gratitude.”Special guests across the show’s 20-month stint included Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Jack Wilshere, Gabby Agbonlahor, Wes Morgan, Pedro Mendes and Shaun Wright-Phillips.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPresenter Andrew Mensah was also a weekly contributor alongside hosts Lucas and James.SunSport exclusively revealed back in April 2022 that the programme was returning 18 years after its last TV special.Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas ‘likes’ cheeky Matt Lucas’ cheeky Instagram post poking fun at Arteta and OdegaardIt was claimed it would “delight fans old and new as it honours the format of the cult original series, with Matt and Elis combing over the week’s football news sharing hilarious clips and anecdotes”.Who are these famous footballers?
    Tactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
    KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
    But has now well and truly found his feet.
    The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
    But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
    In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
    That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
    Click here to read all about it.
    Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube. More