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      Why Jacob Murphy and Bruno Fernandes will decide Newcastle vs Manchester Utd | Experts’ best bets – Weekend Wager

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      SUNSPORT’s finest are back with another set of tips for this weekend’s Premier League action – and a wildcard punt on The Masters.There’s a bumper selection of fixtures to get our teeth into as the Prem run-in continues. Jacob Murphy is featured in this weekend’s best betsCredit: GettyArsenal take on Brentford in a London derby in the evening kick-off on Saturday. While Manchester United head north to Newcastle for a juicy Super Sunday clash.The Masters runs through the entire weekend – plus we have a very special tip for the Scottish Grand National. Here are the thoughts of host Kweku Afari, broadcaster Toni Afoke and Betfair’s James Mackie as they eye the best bets of the weekend.READ MORE ON SPORTArsenal vs Brentford – Saturday, 5.30pmToni – BTTS, Arsenal to win, Merino to score at 6/1.Arsenal will have one eye on the Champions League second leg against Real Madrid. Despite that, I still think the Gunners are going to win this one.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKI’m going for both teams to score, Arsenal to win, and for Mikel Merino to score. Most read in FootballMerino has got six in his last ten and I think Brentford are good enough to find the net at the Emirates. Ian Wright fears three Arsenal superstars could run down contract, including Saka Kweku – Saka to score or assist, Saka to be fouled 2+ times at 2/1This is a little cheeky bet builder. Saka’s a player who also needs to get minutes in his legs. He’s a player that is very, very durable. Anything good that comes from Arsenal comes from Bukayo Saka. He’s got 15 goal involvements this season. James – Leandro Trossard 3+ shots and Yoane Wissa 3+ shots at 4/1Leandro Trossard is being backed to bring his shooting boots against BrentfordCredit: GettyTrossard has had three or more shots in four of his last five Premier League outings for Arsenal, having 19 in total. That’s an average of 3.8 per 90 minutes, which is an absolutely cracking record.Wissa has had three-plus shots in 10 of his last 12 Premier League appearances.He had three shots and scored at the Emirates last season – he’s the man to follow. Newcastle vs Manchester United – Sunday, 4.30pmAlejandro Garnacho averages over 3 shots per game this seasonCredit: GettyToni – Under 2.5 goals, Manuel Ugarte to be booked, Alejandro Garnacho 2+ shots at 10/1 Anyone who watches Man United knows that Garnacho loves a shot.He’s averaging 3.51 per 90 in all competitions this season.Newcastle are not going to need a lot of goals to beat Man United.United have failed to score 16 times this season, which is the most since 1989. Kweku – Jacob Murphy to score or assist at 9/5Murphy has been so instrumental for Newcastle this season.In the absence of Anthony Gordon, who’s been injured for the last couple of weeks, Murphy’s definitely come to the fore. He’s been directly involved in 19 goals and 33 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring eight and assisting 11. And if you look at this Newcastle side, they’re very, very functional. What they do really well is use their wide men.James – Bruno Fernandes to score or assists at 9/5Bruno Fernandes is a superb price to either score or assistCredit: GettyUnited would be nowhere without Bruno Fernandes this season.He’s created 15 chances across his last three Premier League appearances and created three-plus chances in each game. He’s averaging 2.6 chances created per 90 minutes this season.And I think at 9/5, for him to score assist, I think that’s cracking value, I really do.The Masters – Round 3 bet James – Any Round 3 Par 3 hole-in-one at 12/1Overall, there’s been at least one ace at the 16th hole at Augusta in six of the last nine years. And you’re getting even money for one to happen. Doesn’t matter across day one, day two, day three, and day four. So I think that’s a cracking bet.Scottish Grand National Macdermott is among the favourites for the big race at AyrCredit: PAJames – Macdermott 8/1I can’t look away from a Willie Mullins run. He’s going to clean up again. Read More on The SunAnd I actually think the horse he’s going to do it with is the horse he won it with last year, called MacDermott. This is a win only bet, not each way. This horse will either win or will fall out the back of the TV because that’s the type of horse he is. More

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      Andre Onana could be DROPPED by Man Utd for Newcastle clash after Lyon disasterclass and war of words with Nemanja Matic

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      RUBEN AMORIM is considering taking Andre Onana out of the firing line for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle.The Manchester United No1 had a difficult week after initially being involved in a war of words with former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic.Ruben Amorim could take Andre Onana out of the firing line for Sunday’s trip to NewcastleCredit: RexThe goalie made several howlers against Lyon after his war of words with Nemanja Matic this weekAmorim refused to rule out replacing Onana in the Premier League this weekendCredit: GettyHe then had a nightmare game in the Groupama Stadium – as he blundered for both of Lyon’s goals in the 2-2 draw.Onana was understood to feel deflated after the match – although Amorim said he had not spoken to his keeper.His team-mates rallied round him afterwards and echoed the manager’s claims that nobody is blaming the keeper.Joshua Zirkzee – who scored United’s second goal in Lyon – was on the wrong end of a terrible ordeal at the hands of supporters against the Toon in January.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAsked about Onana, he said: “We’re one team – so we’re not going to take someone out for making mistakes. That’s ridiculous.”Amorim was planning to make changes for the game at St James’ Park – making the second leg against Lyon his priority.And one of those could be pulling Onana out and replacing him with understudy Altay Bayindir.Asked if he would make changes for the trip to Tyneside, Amorim said: “Sometimes winning games is the best way of preparing for the next one.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But of course, I am going to be careful with some players but again we need to be competitive.“We will make this evaluation with all the staff and all the data that we have.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spat“Then, because we know already the players, we will try to protect the ones that it will be hard to make a lot of games.”But several United stars gave Matic – who said Onana was “one of the worst keepers in United’s history” before kick -off – a slew of gifts on Thursday night.Meanwhile, United’s legendary former keeper Peter Schmeichel said: “There are so many issues for Ruben Amorim to sort out.“I would be very uncomfortable pointing to one player but it’s not great to watch.“You never feel safe because you always feel the other team are going to come back.”Man Utd ratings vs Lyon as two Onana blunders earn under-fire keeper a ONE out of 10MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte’s volley.And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France… More

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      ‘I preferred to wait to publish this’ – Edu releases lengthy statement as Arsenal gardening leave finally expires

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      EDU GASPAR has released an emotional tribute to Arsenal fans after his final day with the club.Having joined as technical director in 2019, Edu became the sporting director in 2022, working closely with Mikel Arteta to overhaul the culture at the Emirates.Edu Gaspar has paid an emotional tribute to Arsenal fans following his official exitCredit: GettyArsenal’s new sporting director is former Atletico Madrid chief Andrea BertaHe is widely credited with doing an excellent job and playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s rebuild into a title-chasing side.Edu, who was last month replaced by Andrea Berta, was on gardening leave until this week, and he has paid farewell to the Gunners. He posted on Instagram: “Thank you, Arsenal. Thank you, Gunners!”With a heart full of gratitude, today formally I close one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”After five and a half years, my journey officially as Sporting Director of Arsenal FC has come to the end.”I joined the club in July 2019 as Technical Director, with the challenge of bringing Arsenal with the mission of bringing Arsenal back where it belongs among football’s elite, driving a cultural shift, keep competing for trophies, and making Champions League qualification the minimum expectation for a club of Arsenal’s size. “Later, I had the honour of becoming the first-ever Sporting Director in the club’s history, a milestone I will always carry with great pride.”And throughout this process of rebuilding, you the fans were an essential part of everything! Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”To the supporters, my most sincere thank you! The support, the energy, and the connection we felt again in every match were simply special. “The Emirates became an amplified version of the old Highbury atmosphere! To have experienced this alongside you is something I will never forget.”Arsenal’s Kai Havertz hits the gym as he continues his recovery from injury The later added: “It was never easy, but our intense work, united by a true team spirit, made me feel fulfilled throughout all these years!”If I’m only now sharing this message, it’s because I’ve been on garden leave in recent months and, out of respect for the club and everyone involved, I preferred to wait until the final official day of my contract to publish this.”I wish Arsenal FC all the best and every success, and I also send my warmest wishes to the new Sporting Director Andrea, who now takes on this beautiful role.”I leave with a peaceful heart and immense pride in what we’ve built together!”Edu’s 35 signings rankedEDU oversaw the arrival of 35 players during his time at the club.Some worked out better than others.Here, SunSport ranks them from worst to best…35. Nicolas Pepe (£72m)34. Willian (Free)33. David Luiz (£8m)32. Runar Alex Runarsson (£2m)31. Mat Ryan (Loan)30. Fabio Vieira (£34m)29. Neto (Loan)28. Marquinhos (£3m)27. Nuno Tavares (£8m)26. Matt Turner (£5m)25. Cedric Soares (Free)24. Albert Sambi Lokonga (£17m)23. Pablo Mari (£5m)22. Dani Ceballos (Loan)21. Raheem Sterling (Loan)20. Jakub Kiwior (£17m)19. Jorginho (£12m)18. Riccardo Calafiori (£42m)17. Kieran Tierney (£25m)16. Takehiro Tomiyasu (£20m)15. Mikel Merino (£28m)14. Aaron Ramsdale (£24m)13. Oleksandr Zinchenko (£30m)12. Gabriel Jesus (£45m)11. Kai Havertz (£65m)10. Jurrien Timber (£38m)9. Gabriel Martinelli (£6m)8. David Raya (£27m)7. Leandro Trossard (£20m)6. Thomas Partey (£45m)5. Ben White (£50m)4. Gabriel Magalhaes (£27m)3. Declan Rice (£105m)2. William Saliba (£27m)1. Martin Odegaard (£30m)Click here to read more Arsenal stories.Edu is expected to front Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’s multi-club operation which includes the Premier League side, Olympiacos and Rio Ave. He won six trophies with Arsenal during his playing career, including two titles – in 2002 and the Invincible 2004 campaign.As a director, he witnessed one FA Cup triumph and two Community Shield triumphs.The Gunners have finished second in the Premier League in each of the past two seasons, having placed eighth, eighth and fifth in the three campaigns before that.Read More on The SunArteta’s men look set to miss out on the title once again this term as they sit second, 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. But Arsenal have on foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League after hammering 15-time Kings of Europe Real Madrid 3-0 on Tuesday.Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners… More

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      Arsenal files: Gunners linked with £40million transfer for ‘next Martin Odegaard’ who’s eerily similar to Ethan Nwaneri

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      AMID the chaos and brilliance of Arsenal’s stunning Champions League quarter final first leg 3-0 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday night, two young stars watched on from the bench.With the return of Bukayo Saka from injury, Ethan Nwaneri was an unused sub against the Los Blancos after his incredible breakthrough season.Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win over Real Madrid this weekCredit: GettyArda Guler, who did not play, has been linked with a move to the EmiratesCredit: GettyOn the opposite bench, another young starlet – 20-year-old Arda Guler – enjoyed the spectacle in a watching capacity having also shone brightly out in Spain, and is now being linked to Arsenal, as well as other big clubs in Europe.Having joined Madrid from boyhood club Fenerbahce in July 2023 for an initial £17.2m, the Turk’s debut campaign was hampered by injuries, making only 12 appearances in all competitions.Yet he still managed six goals in 10 La Liga appearances and 330 minutes of playing time, becoming the fastest player in Madrid history to hit that tally.More game time has followed this term with 34 appearances in all competitions so far, but just 10 of these have been starts, including 56 minutes of a 2-0 Champions League defeat away at Liverpool in November.There is the feeling in Spain that Guler – way down the pecking order behind the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and 39-year-old Luka Modric – may need to leave the Bernabeu to reach his full potential, similar to the Martin Odegaard situation before his £30m switch to Arsenal in the summer of 2021.Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti struggled to integrate Odegaard into his Galactico squad upon his January 2015 arrival as a 16-year-old, and is having similar issues with Guler.Paul Clement – Ancelotti’s former assistant who remains in contact with the Italian – confirmed this to SunSport last week: Guler needs more game time than he is currently getting, something the Madrid coaching staff recognise.The question is: do Arsenal actually need Guler with 18-year-old Nwaneri now an established first-team player with 14 starts in all competitions this season?Guler has featured mostly as an attacking midfielder, but also pops up on the right, just like Nwaneri. But how do the two compare?Guler has 1,171 minutes under his belt this year, averaging 34 minutes per game. Nwaneri is similar with 1,199 minutes and averaging 39 minutes.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsIn terms of touches per 90 minutes, Guler has 77 and Nwaneri has 58. The Turkish international has 14 shots on target from 39 attempts. England U21 star Nwaneri has 18 shots on target from 38 attempts.There is nothing between them for goal involvements too – Guler has nine [three goals and six assists] and Nwaneri has 10 [eight goals and two assists].Guler would cost between £30m and £40m at least should anyone come calling, but it appears not to make too much sense with a younger Nwaneri living up to his potential and capturing the hearts of Arsenal fans as a Hale End product.Mikel Arteta will be prioritising an elite striker this summer, with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi already lined up and the defence needing bolstering too.Guler is a massive talent ready to explode, in the Odegaard mould, but Arteta will be wary of stifling what he already has on the books.How the two compare – domestic league matches onlyNWANERI CONTRACT TALKS?Speaking of Nwaneri, he is one of several players Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are desperate to tie down to long-term contracts in the coming months.Talks will begin soon, with Nwaneri’s current deal – his first professional contract signed in March 2024 – expiring at the end of next season, along with fellow academy star Myles Lewis-Skelly, who put pen to paper in October 2023.SunSport understands Nwaneri is in line for a competitive salary raise, in line with a regular squad player and first-team option.However, with Arsenal’s wage bill increasing by nearly £100m in their 2023/24 financial accounts – from £234.8m to £327.8m – the club will be wary over giving an astronomical wage packet to a teenager, regardless of his talent and potential.Arsenal will also need to fork out for extensions on major first-team stars like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel this summer.Ethan Nwaneri is in talks to sign a new dealCredit: GettyHowever, boss Mikel Arteta often asks for wage negotiations or announcements to be delayed until after big months of the season, especially if they progress into the semi-finals of the Champions League.It is why Arteta has been tight-lipped over the futures of midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho, whose deals run out in a few months.ARSENAL’S SURPRISE FAN CLUBThe quality of action on show in the Premier League has been a hot topic, with Gary Neville pouring oil over the fire this week in a passionate rant.On the Stick To Football podcast, he raged: “If we’re constantly served up this crap where we are watching centre-backs, full-backs and goalkeepers touch the ball hundreds of times more than the most talented players on the pitch.“That isn’t right – the game can’t be evolving in the right way.”SunSport understands that directors from Arsenal’s Prem rivals are hoping the Gunners can change this perception with a strong run in the Champions League.Should Mikel Arteta’s men see off Real Madrid next week in a similarly stunning and entertaining fashion, before beating Paris Saint-Germain in the semis and Barcelona in the final, there is a feeling that this would reinvigorate the Prem and show what English clubs are capable of.RICE’S FREE-KICKS WERE COMING…Declan Rice’s free-kick double act against Madrid sent the Emirates – and social media – into meltdown.They were his first in senior football in over 400 matches, with many asking the same question: Why has he not been taking free-kicks before?After all, set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has had him on corner-taking duties because of his incredible delivery and the amount of whip he can get on a ball ever since he honed Rice’s talent on a mid-season trip to Dubai.The answer is: He has, but has not found the top corner until now.This season in the Prem, he had one poor effort deflected by the wall behind for a corner in the 1-0 win over Chelsea last month before smacking one straight at Jordan Pickford in their 1-1 draw away at Everton last weekend.Last season, in April 2024, he had another tame approach blocked at Wolves, with another in the March comfortably saved in the 6-0 win at Sheffield United and another hitting the wall in a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in December 2023.Even at West Ham he was getting his eye in – blasting one well over the bar in the 2021/22 season away at Tottenham and another low drive saved at Aston Villa.His last attempt in Europe appears to be in the 21/22 Europa League, seeing a long-range flier blocked in a 2-0 win away at Dinamo Zagreb.In total, Rice had taken 12 free-kicks before scoring twice past Thibaut Courtois, none of which came close.This is not just a Rice problem however, more an Arsenal problem, scoring just ONE of their last 64 dead-ball attempts before facing Madrid, one of the worst records in the Prem.In that time, Manchester City have scored 10, Chelsea have scored seven, Newcastle United have scored five and five other Premier League teams have scored four.Declan Rice scored two stunning free kicks against Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      Ange Postecoglou fumes at mole within Tottenham camp and reveals he’s ‘narrowed it down’ to a few names

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU claims there is a LEAK in the Tottenham camp giving out team secrets.The Spurs boss says the club have narrowed down who the mole is after noticing key private information getting into the public domain in the last year.Ange Postecoglou has revealed there is a mole at TottenhamCredit: ReutersInformation relating to Spurs’ team news has been leaked throughout the seasonCredit: AlamyHis startling revelation came after Postecoglou was asked about the fitness of winger Wilson Odobert following claims on social media ahead of Thursday’s Europa League fixture with Eintracht Frankfurt that the Frenchman had been sent for scans due to a hamstring issue.Odobert, who missed a large chunk of the campaign with a hamstring problem, was left as an unused substitute as Spurs drew 1-1 in their quarter-final first leg.The Aussie revealed: “Look, there is no doubt we have got a leak inside the club.”Somebody who continues to leak out information. They have all year. I don’t know why.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”It doesn’t help us. It just makes our job more difficult.“We try really hard to keep things in-house like all clubs because we don’t want on game-day opposition being aware of any sort of team selection.”But we’ve got somebody within our camp who continually gives out information.”We’ve narrowed it down, we’ve been looking at it for quite a while and kind of have a fair idea of where it is coming from.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We’ll deal with it but it’s not helpful for us and half of it is mis-information, half of it is half of the information.”But irrespectively, it certainly doesn’t help our cause because on game-day what you want to try and do is keep as much information in-house.Tottenham fan brings along his puppet to watch the match “We try really hard to find out information about the opposition and very hard to, but with us, someone has an open line to what we do.”It’s disappointing because you’d like to think everyone who is in our camp is working with us, not against us.”New signingTottenham have hired former Arsenal bigwig Vinai Venkatesham as their new chief executive.The British-Indian supremo, 44, will take over in the summer and be responsible for all operations on and off the pitch in his new role after crossing the North London divide.Venkatesham, who is currently a non-executive director of the British Olympic Association, stepped down as CEO of the Gunners last summer and has rejected other jobs in the meantime.He said: “I’m excited to be joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer. “After taking some time to recharge and evaluate my options, I believe this is an exceptional opportunity to work with Daniel [Levy], the Board and all of the staff, to take the club forward.”It remains to be seen if this will impact the role of chief football officer Scott Munn.The Aussie, 51, has been in his role in charge of all footballing departments – de facto No2 to chairman Daniel Levy – since September 2023.Levy said: “The club has experienced significant growth in recent years, making it crucial to expand our executive management. Read More on The Sun”I have known Vinai for many years, having worked together in the Premier League and the ECA (European Club Association). “I am personally delighted that he has agreed to join our board as we build for success.”Former Arsenal chief exec Vinai Venkatesham has joined SpursCredit: Getty More

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      ‘He doesn’t feel good’ – Pep Guardiola gives Jack Grealish update as Man City star ‘slapped’ after Manchester derby

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      PEP GUARDIOLA says Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are just two of his stars living in a crazy world.The pair are still recovering from the abuse they suffered in the Manchester derby.Jack Grealish was slapped by a fan after the Manchester derbyCredit: ReutersFoden’s mum Claire was repeatedly targeted by sections of the United supportCredit: GettyMidfielder Foden’s mum Claire was repeatedly targeted by sections of the United support who chanted that she was “a s***g.After the final whistle winger Grealish was slapped around the face by a supporter near the entrance to the tunnel – an assault that produced a charge of assault on the elleged perpetrator.Guardiola described the insults hurled as Foden mother as having “no class” while City officials were understood to have been disgusted.But the City boss who will lead his team against Crystal Palace on Saturday fears there will only be more similar incidents in the future.READ MORE IN football Asked how Grealish and Foden have been, Guardiola declared: “He doesn’t feel good but move forward. It happens everywhere.” The City boss added: “It’s a crazy world, not just in sport. Nobody is away from that. it’s not about united.“It’s not a problem about a specific club or department in world football, it happens everywhere.”Guardiola faces the Eagles with a raft of injuries including Erling Haaland but is hopeful he can still steer City into a top five place – and the Champions League for next season.Most read in FootballHe stressed: “The injuries have been all season. So we adapt.“You can see it as a problem or a challenge or a disaster. it could be worse.  I’m really satisfied for the way we handle it.”New footage shows Phil Foden’s reaction to Man Utd fans’ sick chant aimed at his mum City lie a point behind fifth – placed Newcastle United with a game more played but he says: “We have a chance to qualify for the Champions League next season. “This is what we have to do, especially at home and tomorrow is a team who has been in incredible form in the last two months and they have always been difficult here. “I admire the manager, the talent they have. But at the same time, I’m optimistic to finish well this season.” More

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      ‘They can ring me up anytime’ – Former England boss Sam Allardyce ready to make stunning return to football

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      FORMER England boss Sam Allardyce is ready to make a return to football at any time.Big Sam, 70, was last called upon to try to save Leeds from Premier League relegation in the 2022-2023 season. Sam Allardyce has refused to rule out a return to the dugoutCredit: ReutersAllardyce wasn’t able to rescue those at Elland Road from the drop and hasn’t step foot in the dugout since that desperate SOS call.But he quizzed about returning to football this week after raising awareness for a cause that is close to his heart.The legendary gaffer told BBC Sounds: “I would help anybody. Whether as a manager, or in another role, I don’t know.”But it would have to be a great project. Where we’re all pulling in the same direction.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”You may think that always happens at a football club, but believe me it does not!”The former gaffer – with more than 1,000 games under his belt – was then asked if he could see himself return to the Bolton Wanderers dugout.Big Sam said: “I don’t think I do. If they wanted my help they can ring me up anytime they want. I live in the town.”Bolton are pushing for promotion to the Championship after four straight seasons in League One.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Trotters are bidding for a playoff place and currently sit two points behind Reading from seventh in the table.Allardyce managed England for one game, as well as stints at West Brom, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Blackburn, West Ham, Everton and Sunderland to name a few. ‘I dropped him straight away’ – Sam Allardyce reveals he never gave struggling Leeds star a game as it was ‘harming him’But his most-successful spell came during his seven-and-a-half year stay at Bolton.Where he guided them to their first-ever European campaign as they finished in the top eight in the Prem for four consecutive seasons.Allardyce is taking part in Sky Bet and British Heart Foundation’s Every Minute Matters Relay, an epic nationwide relay to inspire supporters to learn CPR. The event, which started on March 25, will cover 4000km over 28 days, stopping off at each and every EFL club before finishing at Wembley on April 21. It sees club legends partner up with fans to walk, cycle or run each leg. Big Sam is taking on the Bolton to Wigan leg, walking 13km alongside Wanderers staff. Allardyce has had three stents fitted and said he’s been fortunate to avoid cardiac arrest. More

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      Huge Arsenal boost as Mikel Arteta hints crocked Kai Havertz could return before end of Premier League season

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      ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that Kai Havertz could return before the end of the season.Havertz suffered a hamstring injury during the club’s mid-season Dubai training camp in February and was expected to miss the remainder of the campaign.Kai Havertz could return from injury before the end of the seasonCredit: GettyHowever, Arteta has offered a positive update on the striker.During a press conference on Friday, he said: “Hopefully we can have him back. But let’s wait, I think.”Havertz shared a video montage of his recovery on social media earlier this week, leading many fans to believe that he was closer to a return.The 25-year-old underwent surgery on his injury in February.Sharing a picture from his hospital bed at the time, Havertz wrote: “The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally.”But yesterday was a good day. A successful op and a win.”Thanks for all the messages of support over the last few days, it’s really helped.”I’m now focused on my journey to full fitness and giving all the support I can give to the team in the background.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe potential return of Havertz could be a huge boost for the Gunners if they progress in the Champions League.Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the quarter-finals on Tuesday thanks to a composed strike from Mikel Merino and two world-class free kicks from Declan Rice at the Emirates.Arteta reveals Havertz tore hamstring during set-piece routine and admits Arsenal could sign free agentShould they ease through the second leg, the Gunners will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa in the semi-finals which are due to be played on April 29 and May 6.Ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Brentford this weekend, Arteta also gave a positive injury update on Rice and Bukayo Saka after they were both withdrawn in the second half against Real Madrid.He said: “Declan Rice and Saka are fit, no issues or injuries. It’s all good.” More