Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      How Arsenal can outsmart PSG in Champions League semi-final as Mikel Arteta faces Declan Rice dilemma

      by

      ARSENAL face Paris Saint-Germain in one of their most important games in recent history next week.The Gunners welcome PSG to the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.Arsenal beat Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: GettyThe Gunners face PSG in the semi-finalsCredit: AFPAnd should they win across two games, they will reach the final of Europe’s elite competition for the first time in 19 years.It is certainly doable, given the club’s performance against Real Madrid earlier this month.But PSG will prove another tough test.In the latest edition of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our expert Dean Scoggins takes a look at how Arsenal can beat the Ligue 1 champions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWILL PSG PLAY WITH A 4-3-3 FORMATION?Aston Villa showed in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals that you can get at PSG.On paper, they will play 4-3-3 with three midfielders in a triangle including Vitinha at the base.PSG usually start in a 4-3-3 formation but shift to a 3-2-5 on the attackAchraf Hakimi will be key for PSGCredit: AlamyHowever, that is rarely how a team ends up.PSG and Luis Enrique are massive disciples of the 3-2-5, so the 4-3-3 will convert very quickly into wide players going up, a centre forward going forward, midfielders joining in and a full back going in to make a 3-2-5 shape.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesManchester City and Arsenal both do it in the Premier League on a regular basis.The tactical flexibility of Achraf Hakimi in this situation is key, because what may happen is that whoever plays on the right – possibly Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue or Ousmane Dembele – may go inside.’I already mentioned that twice’ – Mikel Arteta takes issue with reporter’s question as Arsenal title hopes all but endHakimi would then be the wide high man and the midfield player would stay inside.They’re very flexible, but it’s a rigid structure.PSG have an attacking shape that they want to play within.They will commit wide men right up on the line and try to maintain their width all the way through.PSG are not afraid to be direct – they will switch play a lot and they will try and target those wingers in behind.For Arsenal, the gaps to attack will be high and wide.PSG are very brave in possession. They are more than happy to take the ball under pressure in a bid to create more space for the attackers.Should Myles Lewis-Skelly play as a left-back for Arsenal, it is unlikely he will invert to the middle like he usually does, because the Parisians will have a field day on the wing with the remaining space.Mikel Arteta could go with Riccardo Calafiori or Jurrien Timber on the left with Ben White on the right because they are out-and-out full-backs.WILL RICE BE THE HOLDING MIDFIELDER?Thomas Partey will not feature for the Gunners in the first leg due to a one-match suspension.It leaves Arteta with a few dilemmas – not just about personnel.Declan Rice will have to adjust his position due to the absence of Thomas ParteyCredit: GettyEnrique absolutely loves the diamond shapeThe Arsenal boss could decide to play Mikel Merino next to Declan Rice in midfield.Or, Rice could push up next to Martin Odegaard, leaving the dilemma of who will be the holding man.It could be White, Timber or potentially Calafiori.But Arteta is risk averse. It’s very unlikely that he is just going to switch up a player that he hasn’t used in that position that much.Therefore, Merino will likely stay in midfield with Leandro Trossard moving into the No9 position.How do PSG combat that?Enrique absolutely loves the diamond shape – that’s why he likes that 3-2-5 formation.It means they can overload when moving forward.They want to create an overload so that opposition players are dragged in, leaving space behind for the attack.Rice will therefore have the job of his life moving across the pitch so that Arsenal’s full-backs don’t get dragged inside.DO PSG HAVE MOST ATTACKING THREATS?PSG are breathtaking going forward.They are so comfortable in every position. We could see any of Bradley Barcola, Kvaratskhelia, Doue and Dembele on the left – and then all of those in different positions.And because they regularly switch play during a game, it causes major problems for the defenders.The changes of positions out wide and into the middle will also be key.Read More on The SunIt’s not just the attackers that are the big threats, it’s Hakimi as well.That is why PSG are the hardest team in Europe to defend against right now.PSG have some of the best attacking players in EuropeCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘make transfer approach for Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia’ as they look to replace Andre Onana

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have made a move to sign goalkeeper Joan Garcia, according to reports.The Red Devils could decide to cash-in on Andre Onana this summer amid interest from Saudi Arabian sides.Joan Garcia is wanted by Man UtdCredit: RexThe club are looking at replacements for Andre OnanaCredit: RexUnited’s No1 has had another season blighted by errors, but he is keen to stay and fight for his place under Ruben Amorim.However, Espanyol keeper Garcia has emerged as Onana’s possible replacement.Reports in Spain claim United have “made an approach” to “tempt” the 23-year-old into moving to Old Trafford before making an official offer.Garcia is said to have a £21million release clause that rises to £25m towards the end of the summer transfer window.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThough that figure is set to increase by £4.25m should he win his first senior cap for Spain.Garcia, who an Olympic gold medal with his nation at the Paris Games last year, is one of LaLiga’s top young talents.He became Espanyol’s main man during the second half of last term, helping them win promotion to the top-flight and taking home their player of the season award.Garcia has continued to impress this campaign, keeping seven clean sheets in 32 games.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe has won two LaLiga save of the month awards and he produced a man of the match performance as they shocked Real Madrid 1-0 in February.Arsenal and the Champions League holders are also keeping an eye on the stopper, but reports about interest from Bayern Munich are supposedly false.Nemanja Matic brands Andre Onana ‘one of worst keepers in Man Utd HISTORY’ in savage response to goalieEspanyol chief Fran Garagarza has not ruled out Garcia’s departure and said earlier this year: “There’s a lot of noise but nothing is happening. “There’s no firm movement like there was in the previous window.”There may be movements because he’s a top-level goalkeeper, but we’re calm, and most importantly, the kid is very calm.”Meanwhile, United have also been linked with Porto No1 Diogo Costa.But bitter rivals Manchester City are set to swoop after Ineos chiefs were put off by his £64m release clause.Ederson has just a year remaining on his contract and is tempted by a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia. More

    • 288 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      My mum’s a famous actress and my dad won the Champions League with Mourinho, now I’m making my own way at Real Madrid

      by

      THE son of a former Champions League winner and famous actress is joining Real Madrid.Cesar Peixoto was a midfielder in the Porto squad that clinched European glory under Jose Mourinho in 2004.Rodrigo is set to join Real MadridCredit: InstagramCesar Peixoto won the Champions League in his playing daysCredit: GettyRodrigo’s mum Isabel Figueira is an actress and TV presenterCredit: InstagramOff the pitch, the one-time capped Portugal international married actress and TV presenter Isabel Figueira.The couple, who have since divorced, had one child together named Rodrigo.And the 18-year-old is now making his own way at Real Madrid.But unlike his father, Rodrigo will not be swinging in crosses from the left flank.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is instead studying Sports Management at a top university in Europe.Rodrigo has used his sporting connections and is set to finish his course with a four-month internship at Real Madrid as he hopes to land a full-time job behind-the-scenes.Despite not being a footballer, his move into management does see him follow in his dad’s footsteps.Peixoto, 44, is currently the manager of Portuguese Primeira Liga club Gil Vincente.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDuring his playing days, he spent five years at Porto before moving on to Espanyol, Braga and Benfica.He is now married to another actress in Diana Chaves and they have a 13-year-old daughter named Pilar.Jose Mourinho ruins Mauro Icardi with sarcastic comments and fans love it Jose Mourinho guided Porto to Champions League glory in 2004Credit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Amad Diallo has ‘recovered in record time’ and could return for Europa League semi in huge boost for Amorim

      by

      AMAD DIALLO is reportedly set to hand Manchester United a huge boost before the end of the campaign.The Red Devils have woefully underperformed this season and are set for a bottom-half finish.Amad Diallo impressed at Manchester United before his injury in FebruaryCredit: AlamyAn ankle ligament was thought to have ruled him out for the seasonCredit: GettyHe is reportedly set to return to training next weekCredit: GettyThere is one glimmer of hope for manager Ruben Amorim and that is in the Europa League.Man United have reached the semi-final and face Athletic Bilbao over two legs.Amad, 22, was expected to miss the season when he picked up his ankle ligament injury back in February.Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that the forward will be back training with the squad “next week”.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe reporter has suggested that the Ivorian has recovered from his injury in “record time”.Amad has been one of the shining lights at Old Trafford this season with his impressive performances.The winger has provided six assists and scored six goals in the Premier League.He also chipped in with two goals in the Europa League league phase earlier this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAmad’s return to the squad will add a much-needed attacking boost to Amorim’s squad.The team has struggled in front of goal in recent weeks as they went scoreless in defeats to Wolves and Nottingham Forest.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd Amad did hint that he could be back earlier than expected with a cryptic snapchat post in March.He showed a picture of himself on Snapchat along with two emojis – an egg timer and a smiley face.Meanwhile, the club have taken steps to secure the long-term future of the former Atalanta star.He put pen to paper on a new contract in January that tripled his wages.Amad is now tied to the Red Devils until June 2030 and will earn £100,000-per-week.His new deal bumps him much higher in Man Utd’s wage list and above the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Diogo Dalot. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Jamie Vardy tipped to make ‘most obvious transfer of all time’ after confirming he will leave Leicester

      by

      JAMIE VARDY has been tipped to make the most “obvious” transfer of all time by fans.The Premier League hero announced that he would be leaving Leicester City at the end of the season yesterday.Jamie Vardy is leaving Leicester City at the end of the seasonCredit: PAHe became a legend at the East Midlands sideCredit: GettyVardy, 38, has established himself as a legend in the East Midlands for his role in the club’s fairytale Prem title win in 2016. Despite not playing in England’s top-flight until he was 27, the striker has become one of the most prolific in the competition’s history.He has been tipped to make a move to the MLS during the summer transfer window.However, fans believe he will make the switch to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne posted: “Jamie Vardy going to Wrexham seems the most obvious transfer of all time.”A second commented: “Imagine if Vardy moves to Wrexham.”A third wrote: “Jamie Vardy to Wrexham is the most predictable summer move imaginable.”A fourth said: “Vardy to Wrexham is the most obvious transfer move ever.”Most read in FootballA fifth predicted: “I’m calling it now, if Wrexham get promoted I can see vardy going there if he’s not going abroad.”Another added: “Vardy is definitely going to Wrexham, isn’t he?”Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrationsJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could make a move to VardyCredit: GettyThe League One outfit are on the cusp of promotion to the ChampionshipCredit: AlamyWrexham have enjoyed a rise up the football league since the arrival of the Hollywood owners.The club looks set to seal back-to-back-to-back promotions and into the Championship all the way from the National League.Bookies have placed the Welsh outfit as one of the favourites to sign the striker.The Deadpool and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia stars have shown ambition in the transfer market before.McElhenney was desperate to sign former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale before his retirement in 2023 but was turned down.Meanwhile after announcing his exit Vardy revealed his all-time Leicester team-mate XI.Read More on The SunThe side came with some interesting snubs such as Harry Kane, Harry Maguire and James Maddison. He also refused to include a single member of the current side in the team.  More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Viddal Riley vs Cheavon Clarke: Start time, live stream, TV channel for massive British cruiserweight title fight

      by

      VIDDAL RILEY and Cheavon Clarke meet in a massive British cruiserweight title fight this weekend!The opening fight of a spectacular card – that includes Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn as the main event – will be a fascinating meeting between two top British cruisers.Viddal Riley will put his unbeaten record on the line against Cheavon ClarkeCredit: PAClarke and Riley will fight for the coveted British cruiserweight crownCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunViddal Riley makes his way into the ring with a perfect record of 12-0 (7 KOs) whereas Clarke comes in at an also impressive 10-1 (7 KOs).Tottenham fan Riley, who arrived for the press conference in Spurs merch, was first known as KSI’s boxing trainer.He helped the YouTube sensation gain his first amateur and professional boxing victories against Joe Weller and Logan Paul.EUBANK JR VS BENN – BETTING TIPS AND LATEST ODDSSince then Riley has made a meteoric rise training under the likes of Floyd Mayweather’s team and has become a top prospect at cruiserweight.MORE FROM EUBANK VS BENNRiley will be looking to add the coveted British cruiserweight title to his trophy cabinet in a massive fight.Arsenal-mad Clarke appeared to be heading for a world title shot before he was dropped and suffered a shock split decision defeat to Leonardo Mosquea in December. Clarke, 34, will have to win this fight if he is to be considered a contender at world level.Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the infoWhen is Viddal Riley vs Cheavon Clarke?Viddal Riley vs Cheavon Clarke is the first fight on the undercard of the huge bill for Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn.The event takes place on Saturday, April 26 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Coverage of the event is set to start at 5pm BST.Exact times have not yet been announced, but ring walks for Riley vs Clark are expected at around 5.45pm BST.Most read in BoxingIs Viddal Riley vs Cheavon Clarke on TV and will there be a live stream?The full card is available to purchase via pay-per-view on both Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN PPV.The event can also be streamed on SkyGO and DAZN’s website to PPV customers.The show will cost £19.95 to purchase.SunSport will also live blog the whole card – with every fight and all the fallout – as it happens.Full card More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Former world boxing champion was eating curry and chips in polystyrene tray one week before winning on Eubank-Benn card

      by

      A FORMER boxing world champion ate curry and chips in a sulk just one week before fighting on the Eubank-Benn undercard.Back in October 1993, the two boxing legends were ready to meet at Old Trafford for their highly-anticipated rematch.Barry Jones ate curry and chips in a sulk just one week before his big breakCredit: GettyFormer champion got a last minute call to be on the Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank undercardCredit: GettyIn a blockbuster month for boxing, Lennox Lewis was fighting Frank Bruno in Cardiff the week before.Future world champion Barry Jones watched the clash with his feet up after being brutally snubbed of a spot on the undercard.The young Welshman had won the first five professional fights of his career and believed he should have got his big break that night, only for Joe Calzaghe’s debut to be chosen instead.But Jones would get his opportunity sooner than expected, telling DAZN: “I remember it so well, I was having curry and chips from in a rugby club from a polystyrene tray.READ MORE IN BOXING”I was watching Bruno vs Lewis on the screen and I was sulking because I wasn’t on the show because I was undefeated and a big ticket seller. “On the Sunday morning, I got a call from my trainer, not asking me but telling me, I was fighting on the undercard at Old Trafford. “I boxed out my skin and I remember the atmosphere being fantastic.” Jones beat John White on points that evening before Eubank and Benn was judged a draw.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt turned out to be just his first huge win and he went on to claim the WBO super featherweight title in 1997.But Jones was stripped of his belt after a routine brain scan flagged an anomaly.Chris Eubank Jr silences press conference with moving speech on brother’s death and dad thinking he’s a ‘disgrace’There was a gap in his membrane and doctors were concerned over an increased likelihood of him suffering brain damage as a boxer.The British Boxing Board of Control suspended him and stripped him of his title before he was cleared to fight again a year later.Since retiring, Jones has become a top commentator for the likes of Sky Sports and BoxNation.Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the info More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Chris Eubank Jr vows to erase ‘cheat’ Conor Benn from boxing ahead of mouthwatering grudge fight

      by

      CHRIS EUBANK JR plans to erase “cheating” Conor Benn from the sport of boxing.The British rivals went face to face ahead of Saturday’s grudge match — two-and-a-half years after the original bout was called off when Benn failed two drugs tests.Chris Eubank Jr plans to erase ‘cheating’ Conor Benn from boxingEubank Jr taunted Benn ahead of their grudge matchBenn and Promoter Eddie Hearn heard heavy words from Eubank JrEubank taunted his opponent on Thursday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, saying he was out to rid boxing of cheats who cut corners.And Eubank, 35, said: “I know what’s coming. I have prepared my whole life for these moments. “I’ve put the time in and dedicated decades to the sport and did it all without cheating or cutting corners.“I am proud of that. The mentality, experience, fortitude and will that I have are what I’ll use to take him out. Read More on Boxing”We are not doing percentages any more. That was for the first time around before Conor got caught cheating.“Now it’s  about preparing to get this kid out of boxing — we are not taking him lightly.“He should have taken the chance he had in that first fight when I underestimated him. That was his best shot. Now it’s gone.“Now I have a duty to boxing, to the public and to fans who he and Eddie Hearn have lied to for the last two or three years.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I have a duty to erase these guys from the picture.”The WBC claimed contaminated eggs were to blame for testosterone-boosting clomifene being in Benn’s system.Chris Eubank Sr astonishingly says his son’s boxing licence should be ‘REVOKED’ after slapping Conor Benn with an eggAnd both the World Anti-Doping Agency and the British Boxing  Board of Control opted not to appeal when the National Anti-Doping Panel lifted Benn’s ban.Eubank smuggled half a dozen eggs in his jacket on to the stage and smashed one into Benn’s face at February’s first press conference.And Eubank  accused Benn of “fleeing” the UK for a training camp in   Majorca.Eubank claimed: “Conor speaks about dealing with  pressure but there is a reason he did his camp in Spain.“The kid had to flee his own country. He couldn’t handle the pressure of  having people calling him a cheat and shouting egg jokes at him.“I have been in the streets and been to gyms all over London. I’ve felt the energy in the UK.”Benn, 28, who has always  maintained his innocence, said: “I’m coming to take his head off.”Read More on The SunEubank also  insulted Benn’s promoter Hearn and tried to force the businessman to take a £1million bet on the result.Eubank said: “I am confident. I want the million-pound bet with Eddie Hearn. His excuse is he will be fined by the Board. He always finds a way to weasel out and not stay to his word.” More