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      Chelsea vs Arsenal LIVE SCORE: Cole Palmer starts as Declan Rice AND Martin Odegaard return for the Gunners – updates

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      ARSENAL are back to full strength as Mikel Arteta called on both Martin Odegaard AND Declan Rice for the trip to Chelsea.The Gunners pair had been doubts in the build up but have been passed fit enough to start a major London derby.For Chelsea, Cole Palmer is also in the starting XI despite fears he may miss the game.Kick off time: 4.30pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appChelsea team: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson.Arsenal team: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…An Ode to the skipperLook who’s back, Arsenal fans.After two months out with an ankle injury, Martin Odegaard returned as an injury time substitute at Inter Milan on Wednesday – and now starts in midfield today alongside Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.Copy linkCopiedResults from around the groundsThe final whistle has been blown in all three of the 2pm kick-offs in the Premier League – and one result in particular will have Arsenal fans buoyant as they take their seats at Stamford Bridge.Ipswich – without a win before today – have triumphed 2-1 at Tottenham to move out of the relegation zone. Oh, mate.Man Utd 3-0 LeicesterNott’m Forest 1-3 NewcastleTottenham 1-2 IpswichCopy linkCopiedBridge bringing best out of SakaArsenal fans will once again look towards Bukayo Saka to make things happen this afternoon.The England star has provided more assists than any other player in the Premier League this season, laying on seven goals for teammates.And the short trip to Chelsea often brings out the best in the Gunners star boy.Saka has either scored (1) or assisted (2) a goal in each of his last three away games at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.Only Sergio Agüero (2013-2017) and Javier Hernandez (2012-2018) have registered goal involvements as visiting players in four consecutive appearances at the home of the Blues.Copy linkCopiedFrom Andy Dillon at Stamford BridgeA boost for Chelsea and England with Cole Palmer declared fit to face Arsenal after battling a knee knock this week.And he looks like he will be teaming up with Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice who is also ok to play after breaking his toe.It means both teams today are pretty much at full strength so there are no excuses for any manager today.This is Chelsea’s best chance to take a top four scalp this season so far having lost to Liverpool and Manchester City.Copy linkCopiedCapital gains for ruthless GunnersArsenal are loving the London life right now.The Gunners prepare for another local rivalry this afternoon, having won their last six Premier League London derbies by an astonishing aggregate scoreline of 22-3.And incredibly, Mikel Arteta’s aces have won three of those six games by five or more goals, having won just one of their first 295 London derbies in the Premier League by such a margin.Copy linkCopiedOdegaard and Rice return for GunnersMikel Arteta makes two changes from the team he sent out at the San Siro to face Inter Milan on Wednesday.The Arsenal manager is able to bolster his midfield with the inclusion of two key men.Declan Rice returns after missing the midweek Champions League trip with a toe injury while captain Martin Odegaard is handed his first start in the Premier League since August.As a result, Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino drop to the bench while loanee Raheem Sterling is ineligible to face his parent club.Arsenal (4-3-3): 22 Raya; 4 White, 2 Saliba, 6 Gabriel, 12 Timber; 8 Odegaard, 5 Partey, 41 Rice; 7 Saka, 29 Havertz, 11 MartinelliSubs: 32 Neto, 9 Jesus, 15 Kiwior, 17 Zinchenko, 19 Trossard, 20 Jorginho, 23 Merino, 49 Lewis-Skelly, 53 NwaneriCredit: @Arsenal on XCopy linkCopiedPalmer fit to spearhead BluesThe news Chelsea fans have been keeper their fingers crossed for!Cole Palmer has been given the green light to play, and starts against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.It means Enzo Maresca makes just one change from the side that he selected for last Sunday’s Premier League draw at Old Trafford.Club captain Reece James drops to the bench so Marc Cucurella returns at left-back; Moises Caicedo takes the captain’s armband in his absence.Chelsea (4-2-3-1): 1 Sanchez; 27 Gusto, 29 Fofana, 6 Colwill, 3 Cucurella; 45 Lavia, 25 Caicedo; 11 Madueke, 20 Palmer, 7 Neto; 15 JacksonSubs: 12 Jorgensen, 4 Tosin, 5 Badiashile, 8 Fernandez, 10 Mudryk, 14 Joao Felix, 18 Nkunku, 24 James, 40 VeigaCredit: @ChelseaFC on XCopy linkCopiedSeven up since Chelsea made their markArsenal annihilated Chelsea at the Emirates back in March with a triumphant 5-0 win that could easily have been even bigger.And the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge earlier last season also felt like a Gunners success, given they were second-best and two goals behind until 13 minutes from time.The upshot is that Mikel Arteta’s team have scored the last seven goals in meetings between the two clubs without a Chelsea response.And the scorers, in case you were wondering:Ben White (2)Kai Havertz (2)Leandro Trossard (2)Declan RiceCopy linkCopiedBlues 2s for home winUnlike last week’s US election between blue and red, this contest really does seem as though it’s too close to call – and it’s left the bookies uncertain in chalking it up.Chelsea are unbeaten in four at Stamford Bridge but are a 2/1 shot to prevail today, while Arsenal are odds-against favourites despite just one win in the last six away games in all competitions.Chelsea win 2/1Draw 23/10Arsenal 13/10Odds from Paddy Power correct at time of post publication.Copy linkCopiedGood afternoon from Stamford BridgeWelcome to live SunSport coverage of the London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League.Always eagerly anticipated, this rivalry has been dominated by the Gunners in recent seasons.But the clubs meet today locked together on 18 points, and vying for the win that will take them back into the top four.For Mikel Arteta’s team, however, there is more at stake.Considered Manchester City’s main title challenger at the season’s start, another loss at the in-form Blues this afternoon will see them 10 points off pacesetters Liverpool at the top.Would that be too early to write them off in their quest to be champions? It’s debatable.Enzo Maresca’s hosts have been flying of late with the mercurial Cole Palmer in the pilot’s seat.The 22-year-old is a fitness doubt for today, but should he be included then expect the news to send shockwaves through both camps.It’s a 4.30pm kick-off in West London, and confirmation of the two teams is on the way.Copy linkCopied More

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      Ipswich’s pink kit divides fans as some blast ‘Ed Sheeran disasterclass’ after pop star helped design third shirt

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      IPSWICH fans have been left divided as the club debuted its Ed Sheeran collaboration third kit.Before the season began, Town announced they would have a special third kit for the season designed with musician and Tractor Boys superfan Sheeran.Ipswich debuted their pink third kit for their trip to TottenhamCredit: ReutersIt was designed in collaboration with Ed Sheeran, who was in attendance at the gameCredit: Sky SportsThe kit finally saw the light of day as Ipswich paid a visit to Tottenham in the Premier League, with Sheeran in attendance in North London.However, the pink colour scheme inspired by “Suffolk Pink” left fans divided.Taking to social media, one fan said: “Ed Sheeran disasterclass.”A second said: “[It] Hurts my eyes.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother said: “That Ipswich kit is so clean.”A fourth added: “That Ipswich kit is gorgeous.”A club statement when the kit was revealed in the summer said: “Inspired by ‘Suffolk Pink’, representing the iconic cottages scattered across the county, the new shirt features the silhouette of Framlingham Castle, made famous by Ed’s track ‘Castle on Hill’. “The Wolsey Gate, which inspired the turrets at the top of the Town crest, is also included in the design.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Ed Sheeran x Ipswich Town’ appears inside the neck whilst an Ipswich Town heart motif takes its place on the back of the shirt.”Soundwaves created from the cheer of the crowd as players run out of the tunnel also appear on the front of the shirt, along with a representation of the 60 miles of Suffolk coastline, running from Felixstowe to Lowestoft.”Inside the luxury hotel owned by Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna’s familyBefore the Spurs game, Kieran McKenna’s side were winless in the Premier League, having racked up five wins and five defeats from the opening ten games.Two of those draws had come away from home. More

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      Portsmouth star Colby Bishop scores just minutes into comeback following open heart surgery

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      COLBY BISHOP was given a hero’s welcome at Portsmouth as he scored just minutes into his return after major surgery.Bishop, 28, was diagnosed with a heart problem in June before undergoing open heart surgery in August.Colby Bishop was given a ‘special’ welcome back by Portsmouth as he scored in a 3-1 win over PrestonCredit: RexBishop came off the bench to score a penalty in his first match since undergoing open heart surgeryCredit: RexAfter months on the sideline as he recovered, the forward was finally able to make his return in Portsmouth’s Championship clash with Preston on Saturday.Bishop was a shock inclusion on the bench for John Mousinho’s side.He was able to get his first minutes of the season when he was brought on in the 78th minute for Kusini Yengi with Pompey 2-1 ahead.And when Portsmouth won a penalty in the 89th minute, Bishop was then able to mark his emotional comeback with a goal as he netted the home side’s third goal of the afternoon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe penalty sealed a 3-1 win that lifted Portsmouth off the bottom of the table.Bishop paid tribute to the fans after the game for their warm welcome, declaring that they made him feel “so special”.He told The News: “I am so grateful to the fans, they make you feel so special.”I have thought about these moments for the whole 3-4 months, getting that reception. I’m hoping there are quite a few videos, because I would like to watch it back.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Even when I was scoring in the warm-up, they were standing up singing.”I have a very special connection with the fans here and through the whole three months when people have seen me, they’ve been so nice to me.Watch jubilant Portsmouth’s captain’s speech get interrupted by very rude act as fans hail ‘simply incredible’ moment”They’ve not once asked ‘When are you back?’ or anything like that. “It has always been ‘Are you okay? Is your family okay?’. That shows how much the people of Portsmouth care.”I know football is obviously the main thing, but they also care about you. I have a special connection with them and again I am grateful for that.”Bishop signed for the South Coast club from Accrington in 2022.He scored 24 goals in his debut season before adding another 21 to his tally in his second year.On the reaction the fans gave him as they applauded him on to the pitch, Bishop added: “It gave me shivers down my back, it was loud, very loud.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I had asked my partner to video it, I cannot wait to watch it. “It’s one of those you would like to look back on in the future.” More

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      Virgil van Dijk caught trolling Aston Villa rival Pau Torres with 3-word jibe after commentator lipreads Liverpool star

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      LIVERPOOL captain Virgil van Dijk brutally mocked Aston Villa star Pau Torres after his attempt to win a penalty.The Reds extended their lead at the top of the table with a 2-0 win over Villa last night.Pau Torres went down in the box wanting a penaltyVirgil van Dijk was fuming over the way the Villa star went downCredit: TNT Sports The duo exchanged heated wordsCredit: APDarwin Nunez opened the scoring in the first-half before Mo Salah wrapped up the three points just six minutes from time.Soon after Liverpool’s second goal, there was a coming together between Ryan Gravenberch and Torres in the penalty area.The Villa centre-back was knocked over by the Dutchman as they jostled for a loose ball.Torres went down and required treatment after the penalty shout was waved away by the referee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Van Dijk was left fuming over what he felt was a theatrical fall from his opponent.As Torres slowly climbed back to his feet, the Liverpool skipper went over to him and seemingly made a gesture about his height.TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher admitted he wasn’t the best lipreader in the world but thought Van Dijk appeared to say: “You’re 6ft’4 mate.”Liverpool’s win took them five points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOn being in the title race, Alexis Mac Allister said: “If you’d asked me before the season started, I wouldn’t say that we were candidates, but now it looks like it.”As for Villa, they have gone five games without a win in all competitions and have slipped to eighth in the Prem.Arne Slot punished for X-rated blast about Arsenal because fourth official thought he was talking to him More

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      Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as hosts look to continue stunning run

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST host Newcastle in a huge Premier League clash to kick off Super Sunday.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been a surprise package this season, sitting in the top-4 ahead today’s clash.Newcastle will be looking to build on their superb 1-0 win over title-chasing Arsenal last time out as Eddie Howe’s men look to find some consistency.Kick off time: 2pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More

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      Tottenham vs Ipswich LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Spurs look to move into top-4 with win over Tractor Boys

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      TOTTENHAM host Ipswich in a huge Premier League clash TODAY.Spurs are looking to move into the top-4 places with back-to-back wins in the top-flight.Ipswich will be hoping to secure their first win of the season by pulling off a huge shock in the capital.Kick off time: 2pm GMTTV/Stream: Not available in the UKFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More

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      Borussia Dortmund line up stunning bid for Jude Belligham’s brother Jobe but scouting mission hits stumbling block

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND want Jobe  Bellingham to follow in brother Jude’s footsteps by moving to Germany.The Bundesliga giants have stepped up interest after the 19-year-old’s displays for Championship high-fliers Sunderland.Borussia Dortmund are keeping tabs on Jude Bellingham’s brother JobeCredit: RexReal Madrid superstar Jude enjoyed a stunning career after leaving DortmundCredit: RexJude joined the Bundesliga club as a 17-year-old from Birmingham for £30million in 2020 and moved to Real Madrid in a deal worth up to £115m three years later.Dortmund were due to have scouts watching Jobe at Preston on Wednesday — but changed plans after he got a three-game ban.Sunderland would want around £20m for the midfielder and Dortmund will back their judgment with cash.This comes as Nottingham Forest are chasing Sunderland duo Chris Rigg AND new star Tommy Watson.Read More on FootballForest have tracked left-winger Watson for a while and watched him  at Preston but the 18-year-old played on the right, making it hard to judge his display.Therefore, Sunderland may be careful about letting Jobe go if they lose two key players.The playmaker would love to follow in Jude’s footsteps after his glittering three-year stint at Dortmund.The England international stood out for Real last season with a staggering 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, Jude has struggled this term and only just scored his first goal after a six-month drought with the reigning Spanish and European champions.The 21-year-old netted during Los Blancos’ 4-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu.How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheJude then issued a passionate post on Twitter: “Even in s**t times, giving up is not an option.”Madridistas, thank you for your incredible support in the good moments and the bad ones.” More

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      Arne Slot makes best start of any manager in Premier League era with surprise name among legends in top ten

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      ARNE SLOT has overseen a remarkable start to life at Liverpool.There were doubts over how he would fare when taking over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.Arne Slot tops the list for most wins from his first 17 competitive games in the Premier League era with 15 winsCredit: AFPJose Mourinho previously headed the list with 14 winsCredit: GettyThis feat was later matched by Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea – a club with eight managers in the top 12Credit: Getty Images – GettyJohn Gregory earned 13 wins from his first 17 games when he took over at Aston Villa in 1998Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut the former Feyenoord manager has certainly placated those concerns after a stunning start to life in England that sees Liverpool top of the table going into the final international break of the year.Goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah sealed a 2-0 win for the Reds over Aston Villa, extending their lead at the top of the table to five points after Manchester City fell to defeat at Brighton.They are also the only team with a 100 per cent winning record in the Champions League, with four from four.Slot’s team is also still in the hunt for the first trophy available in the form of the Carabao Cup, and will face Southampton in the quarter-finals next month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd this strong start has also seen Slot make history as the manager to make the best start of any manager in the Premier League era.With the latest win over Villa, Slot has now won 15 of his first 17 games in charge in all competitions, the most of any manager in the Premier League era.This saw him eclipse former Chelsea managers Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho, who both racked up 14 wins from their first 17 games. Ex-Blues bosses Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri were next on the list with 13 each, while John Gregory also earned 13 wins after being parachuted into Aston Villa in early 1998.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSix managers then achieved 12 wins from their first 17 games, four of whom were Chelsea managers. Those four are Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink, Avram Grant and new England manager Thomas Tuchel.Liverpool have put Jurgen Klopp’s sprawling £4million home for sale – after Anfield successor Arne Slot turned it down.Meanwhile, the late Sven Goran Eriksson got to this number as Man City boss, while Unai Emery achieved the feat at Arsenal.Fans might be surprised to see the aforementioned Guardiola not on the list.But his first 17 games at Man City yielded 11 wins in all comps, with a start of ten wins on the bounce giving way to a run of six without a win before picking up the 11th.Meanwhile, legendary Gunners boss Arsene Wenger won just seven of his first 17 games in charge of the North London side when he took over in 1996.The Premier League’s most successful manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, also won only seven of his first 17 games with Man Utd.That record was remarkably even worse when the Premier League era kicked off in 1992, with United registering just six wins from the first 17 games of that season.READ MORE SUN STORIESLooking back at Liverpool, Klopp’s first 17 games in charge of the club saw him win nine games, which goes to show how far they have come and the amazing job done in building a capable squad.While it may be early in the season, Slot will doubtless be aware of what winning the title this season would mean – given that it would see Liverpool match Man Utd’s record tally of 20 English league titles. Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan KingLIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More