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      West Ham hero Knollsy makes fearless vow as he arrives in Prague for UECL final after holding off Alkmaar thugs

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      FEARLESS West Ham superfan Chris “Knollsy” Knoll vowed to go to war for his club again if needed – as he arrived in Prague for the UECL final tonight.The 58-year-old bruiser was hailed a hero after holding off AZ Alkmaar thugs when they charged Irons fans and WAGs last month.
      West Ham fan Chris Knoll pictured taking selfies with fansCredit: @WestHam_Central / twitter
      Chris was seen holding the line against the rioting fans last monthCredit: Getty
      West Ham supporters have flooded the city centre of PragueCredit: EPA
      Hundreds were also seen enjoying themselves in the fan area ahead of tonight’s finalCredit: PA
      Hammers fans are eyeing up their first European trophy in 58 yearsCredit: Reuters
      He joins thousands of others who headed to Czech Republic’s capital to soak up the match-day atmosphere before West Ham play Italian-side Fiorentina in the Europa Conference final.
      It was reported West Ham executives gave Knollsy tickets to the match after his latest heroic act.
      The man looked in good spirits as he took selfies with fans outside the Fortuna Arena last night.
      David Moyes’ side are eyeing up their first European trophy in 58 years – with emotions among the crowd expected to be electrifying.
      READ MORE ON WEST HAM
      Shocking footage appeared to show Fiorentina ultras already attacking West Ham fans at a pub this afternoon.
      Knollsy told the MailOnline that if tensions escalated, he was prepared to defend his fellow supporters again.
      He said: “I hope there’s no trouble here, because I might have to do it all again.
      “I have to say it again, but I only did what would’ve been expected.
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      “There were women and children and they could’ve been attacked.
      “I acted instinctively, although I had a feeling there was something bad in the air before.”
      The dad-of-four was lauded after his valiant brawl with the Dutch hoolies last month.
      AZ Alkmaar ultras broke down a 12ft gate as West Ham bested their side 1-0 to secure a place in the final.
      Wearing black hoods and masks, the firm known as the “Ben Side Ultras” stormed towards stands that included families of the players after the final whistle.
      But the horrifying scenes weren’t enough to stop Knollsy stepping in.
      Instead he stepped up and along with another fan stood at the top of the steps which led up the seats, battering the yobs as they tried to climb up.
      West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola branded Chris a “legend”, while his wife Marrion labelled him as the “biggest hero”.
      AZ Alkmaar has issued a grovelling apology – and the club is now being investigated by UEFA over the violence.
      AZ’s hooliganism is said to stem from the club’s early days with a group known as the “Ben Side” supporters.
      The name refers to where the group sits in the Jan van der Ben stand, which was named after a predecessor club’s chairman.
      The group claims they “made their mark for the first time” during an away match at Feyenoord in 1977, according to an AZ supporter website.
      There they clashed with opposition fans, throwing beer bottles and cans at players.
      In another notorious meeting, the group clashed with Haarlem in June 1977.
      Riots ensued over the game, with many supporters brining knives, and cops later made several arrests.
      A 16-year-old was stabbed and around 28 people arrested during a particularly horrific altercation in March 1986 between AZ and PSV fans.
      The teenager, a PSV fan who was not identified, was rushed to hospital.
      At the same game, confrontations between supporters also saw a home-made pipe bomb lobbed into the PSV stand, although luckily no one was injured, reported The New York Times.
      The “Ben Side” group has continued to show its support online in recent years.
      Its members appear dressed in black, raising flairs, letting off fireworks and causing havoc at both home and away games.
      The group though claims it is only interested in “improving the atmosphere in the stadium”.
      Dutch police say they are continuing to analyse the footage from yesterday’s attack.

      The force said: “Together with AZ, the municipality of Alkmaar and the public prosecution service we will evaluate last night’s incidents, which we regret having happened. This kind of behaviour has no place in football.”
      Are you in Prague? Email james.liveris@the-sun.co.uk and worldnews@the-sun.co.uk or WhatsApp 07741005808 for free if you have any information.
      The Dutch ultras tried to break into the stand containing players’ familiesCredit: Getty
      Chris ‘Knollsy’ Knoll has insisted he is no hero despite his actionsCredit: Enterprise
      Fans of Fiorentina gather in the Old Town Square prior to the UEFA Europa Conference League finalCredit: EPA
      British fans getting among the match-day actionCredit: PA
      The match is expected to be a blockbusterCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd . More

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      Arsenal in huge Declan Rice transfer boost as Man Utd boss Ten Hag ‘turns to other priorities’

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      ARSENAL have allegedly received a huge Declan Rice transfer boost.The West Ham captain, 24, looks set to depart the London Stadium this summer.
      Arsenal appear to be in pole position to sign Declan Rice from West HamCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The Hammers are demanding at least £100million for their academy graduate, despite his current contract expiring in 2024.
      And manager David Moyes recently admitted that there is a good chance” his influential skipper could leave the club at the end of this season – with James Ward-Prowse lined up as a possible replacement.
      Arsenal and Manchester United have been long-term admirers of Rice, with the Emirates side once the favourites to land him in a club-record transfer.
      Bayern were also weighing up a move for the Hammers ace and we reported last week how the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions were preparing to step-up their pursuit of the England midfielder.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      However, it then emerged that Rice had snubbed a move to Germany and now The Athletic have claimed that Arsenal are leading the chase.
      United have been tracking the midfielder long-term and are still “keeping abreast of Rice’s situation going into the summer”.
      But they also claim that “the fee being quoted and manager Erik ten Hag’s priorities lying elsewhere mean a turnaround is required for a formal approach from Old Trafford” to West Ham.
      Rice is currently preparing for what is expected to be his last match for the Hammers in Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.
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      Meanwhile, Ten Hag looks to be closing in on landing Mason Mount to bolster his midfield.
      The academy graduate looks set to depart Stamford Bridge this summer after reportedly agreeing terms with Man United
      The Red Devils will have to pay £70million plus add-ons if they want to sign Mount.
      Chelsea are prepared to let the England star run down the final year of his contract rather than sell him for a price below their current valuation.
      There have been talks between the two clubs after United agreed personal terms with Mount.
      But Chelsea are digging in amid interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and other clubs. More

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      David Moyes breaks silence on Celtic speculation after becoming favourite to replace Ange Postecoglou

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      BOOKIES favourite David Moyes says he’s ignoring speculation linking him with the Celtic job – because he has a European final to prepare for.Moyes has been backed down from 16/1 to be front-runner for the Parkhead post if Ange Postecoglou moves to Spurs.
      West Ham boss David Moyes during his Europa Conference League Final presserCredit: PA
      But Moyes’ West Ham side face Serie A Fiorentina in their first European Final in 47 years next week – and he insists he’s blanking out everything else as his side prepare for that Prague crunch.
      Quizzed about the Celts links, he replied: “I’ve never even considered it. 
      “I’m West Ham manager and I’m really enjoying my period here. 
      “I’m hopefully trying to continue growing a really good football club so I’ve not given it any consideration. 

      “Through my years I’ve been linked with lots of jobs at different times but I have to say I’m really happy at the moment and I’m settled where I am. 
      “The club have been so good to me and we’re enjoying the journey we’re on.”
      Despite having the best win percentage of any Hammers boss, there’s a section of the support Moyes has never won over and there has been speculation he could call time on his three-and-a-half year spell at the club after next week’s final. 
      Asked about the possibility of leaving West Ham after the final, he replied: “I’m not thinking any further ahead than the game.
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      “That’s the only focus I have at the moment – trying to win the game and performing as well as we can.
      “We still have a few days until the game so we’re just preparing and getting the players ready.”
      The 60-year-old, who started his playing career at Celtic, featured in our eight-man list of early runners and riders for the potential vacancy in Glasgow’s east end.
      SunSport revealed earlier this week that Postecoglou is set to be named Spurs boss next week.
      And we understand Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is set to meet him on Monday for formal talks, once the Scottish Cup Final is over and done with.
      Like Moyes, Postecoglou has remained focused on the final his team has coming up, with Celtic on the cusp of a Treble.
      He said yesterday: “I understand the question. It’s of interest to people and that’s understandable, but it’s not in my world.
      “It’s not the first time it has happened this year, and I’ve been pretty consistent in making people understand what I’m about and what I’m like.
      “I’ve got too big a game on Saturday for this club to be contemplating or addressing any matter other than us being ready for the final.
      Read More on The Sun
      “In here we are talking about Saturday, and talking about being ready and training, and making sure we have an opportunity to do something special in terms of our season.”
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      3 Dream Team players capable of a prosperous Game Week 34 – including 0.7%-owned midfielder

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      FOUR teams are set to pull double duty in Game Week 34 and so gaffers with transfers in reserve (as we advised) may feel now is the time to target some specific fixtures.We’ve identified three players (outside of the blindingly obvious candidates) capable of bagging plentiful points this coming week for your consideration.
      Manuel Akanji (£4.6m)
      Rarely misses a game
      Dream Team bosses may have a tough time second-guessing Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up against Everton this coming Sunday.
      If Manchester City were to drop points against Everton then that would leave the door open for Arsenal to ramp up the pressure by reclaiming top spot in the Premier League but the decorated tactician will also have one eye on Real Madrid’s visit to the Etihad in midweek.
      This dynamic makes it hard to predict which players will feature in both fixtures, therefore maximising their point-scoring potential.
      Akanji has played a part in 18 consecutive games and has only missed one in the last 33 so he’s as good a shout as any to match-up both the Toffees and the La Liga giants.
      Naturally, the threat of Vincius Junior, Karim Benzema and Rodrygo means the Swiss defender will do well to contribute to a clean sheet on Wednesday night but City will feel confident of repelling Sean Dyche’s men at the Etihad.
      Ilkay Gundogan (£3.4m) is another strong contender to double up in Game Week 34 as City’s skipper seems to be the only one capable of playing the No8 role in the exact manner Guardiola prefers – he banked 16 points this Game Week and features in just 4.3% of teams.
      Callum Wilson (£4.4m)/Alexander Isak (£4.4m)
      Most read in Football
      Averages a goal every 116.9 minutes in the Premier League
      We couldn’t split the difference in terms of personnel but it appears to be a great week to back a Newcastle striker.
      The Magpies take on Leeds at Elland Road in the early Saturday kick-off which means a meeting with the Premier League’s worst defence (69 goals conceded).
      Eddie Howe’s men may have blanked against Arsenal last weekend but they scored lorry-loads of goals in April, 22 in seven games to be precise.
      Both Wilson and Isak benefited hugely from that prosperous run with the former scoring eight goals in the space of just 309 minutes on the pitch!
      Whether the 31-year-old plays alongside the Sweden international or the pair are forced to share minutes, recent returns suggest both are immensely viable options.
      As if a match-up with Leeds’ leaky defence isn’t reason enough to take a punt on Wilson/Isak, Newcastle are also due to host Brighton on Thursday night with the Seagulls coming fresh off a shock 5-1 defeat to Everton.
      Roberto De Zerbi’s men will pull double duty in Game Week 34 but back-to-back away days at Arsenal and Newcastle represents a stiff challenge.
      Said Benrahma (£3.5m)
      Recency bias? Perhaps…Credit: GETTY
      A massive differential option here (0.7% ownership) for those in need of a wildcard.
      The Algerian winger has spent a fair amount of time on the bench this season but he starts more often than not for West Ham and given he’s coming off the back of a goal (and Star Man award) against Man United, David Moyes is likely to back him at Brentford this weekend.
      The Hammers will then travel to the Netherlands on Thursday night for the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final tie with AZ Alkmaar – Benrahma has earned over a quarter of his 129 Dream Team points in the continental arena in 2022/23.
      This suggestion hinges on how West Ham get on against the Eredivisie outfit in the first leg this evening, so keep an eye on that encounter.
      Read More on The Sun
      Benrahma has scored ten goals, provided five assists, and claimed three Star Man awards this season and only ten midfielders have produced more points at this stage.
      It’s worth noting that one of those men above him in the rankings is team-mate Jarrod Bowen (£4m), who has also taken full advantage of the Europa Conference League match-ups to enhance his points total. More

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      Man Utd flops get two days OFF after dismal West Ham loss as Ten Hag relaxes strict approach

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      ERIK TEN HAG has reportedly given his Manchester United flops two days OFF following the dismal 1-0 defeat against West Ham. David de Gea’s error proved pivotal as the Red Devils were unable to force a comeback at the London Stadium.
      Erik ten Hag has given his Man Utd stars two days offCredit: Rex
      United players fell to a second defeat in a weekCredit: AFP
      The result has left Man Utd clinging onto the top four with just one point now separating them from fifth-place Liverpool, albeit with a game in hand.
      But in an effort to curb their recent sticky patch, Ten Hag has opted to use the carrot rather than the stick method.
      The Dutchman is known for his strict demands of the squad, famously making them run almost 14km following the 4-0 drubbing against Brentford at the start of the season.
      However, the Athletic have reported that Ten Hag has given his side two days off from training to help players recharge their batteries.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      United have played 57 games so far this season and will go north of 60 by the time the campaign finishes.
      Indeed, their hectic schedule has seen them average one game every 3.8 days since the Qatar World Cup.
      This workload seems to finally be taking its toll on the squad, with a lack of quality depth and injuries not affording Ten Hag the luxury to rotate as he would like.
      And it has seen a dip in form for a number of key stars, notably Casemiro and Marcus Rashford, with the latter managing just four goals and two assists in all competitions since the start of March.
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      They will have a full week of rest ahead of their next game against Wolves.
      On this resting period, Ten Hag said: “It’s the first time since Christmas that those players have a full week.
      “We have to reset, reload, get the energy back and keep going.
      “But tiredness is in your head. If you want, if you have the willingness, you can take it.
      “It’s now up to the players, me and the coaching staff to be together, get the willingness in and the belief that we can take it and this team has it.
      “You can’t feel sorry for yourself, as a team stick together, as an individual take responsibility, make sure you have the energy, you have the focus.
      “Then play as a team and you get a result because we have proof of that all season.”
      Here are United’s final five games of the season More

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      Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer sends brutal message to Man Utd striker following West Ham defeat

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      NEWCASTLE legend Alan Shearer believes Anthony Martial is “not good enough” to play for Manchester United.The Red Devils suffered a 1-0 defeat to West Ham on Sunday, just three days after losing to Brighton.
      Martial made an appearance off the bench as United suffered a 1-0 defeat to West HamCredit: Getty
      Shearer believes the Frenchman is “not good enough” to play for UnitedCredit: Alamy
      Martial made an appearance in both games, but he struggled to make an impact.
      And fans have grown increasingly frustrated with him as a result.
      The Frenchman has received heavy criticism from supporters and pundits in recent weeks.
      And Shearer, who is the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer, took a swipe at him following Sunday’s game.
      Read More on Man Utd
      When appearing on Premier League Productions, he said: “Anthony Martial has had enough time at Manchester United.
      “You don’t need to make any big decision on him because I think the decision has already been made or it should already have been made.
      “He’s been there long enough, he’s had enough chances. He’s not good enough to take Man United to where they want to be.
      “If he was good enough he would be starting on a regular basis and he would be scoring goals.
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      “He’s had his time and it hasn’t worked for him, that’s my opinion.”
      Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright shared a similar view.
      He added: “With all due respect to Martial, if you’ve got Wout Weghorst starting in front of you, you’ve got a problem.”
      Martial is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer as Erik ten Hag looks to overhaul his squad.
      The United boss has reportedly prioritised signing a new striker this summer, with Harry Kane being heavily linked with a move.
      Kane is unlikely to sign a new contract with Tottenham and United are said to be willing to offer him a lucrative deal in an attempt to lure him to the club. More

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      Man Utd fans SLAM Erik ten Hag’s tactical switch for West Ham clash as Weghorst’s role leaves them baffled

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      BAFFLED Manchester United fans slammed Erik ten Hag’s tactical tweaks at West Ham.The Red Devils boss opted to start Wout Weghorst for the trip to the London Stadium.
      Wout Weghorst started in the No10 for Man Utd at West Ham
      That forced Bruno Fernandes out wide to little effect
      But rather than playing the giant forward up front as a traditional No9, Ten Hag deployed him in the hole as a No10.
      That saw Marcus Rashford lead the line with Bruno Fernandes pushed out wide on the left and Antony on the other side.
      Quizzed on whether the peculiar selection was down to West Ham’s physical approach, Ten Hag said: “You understand what management is, but yes absolutely.
      “His height, good header, he wants to run, and especially it’s about the long balls, second balls, and Wout is good in such moments.”
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      However, the decision left United supporters watching on at home furious – especially with Weghorst’s difficulty winning aerial duels throughout his time on loan at the club from Burnley.
      And plenty piled in on social media lamenting their manager’s call.
      One said: “Ten Hag started Weghorst ‘because of height’ and that brother hasn’t won any aerial balls since.”
      Another wrote: “I really will never understand why Ten Hag sticks Bruno out on the wing to accommodate Weghorst.”
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      A third added: “I love Ten Hag but I don’t get the man’s obsession with playing Weghorst as the No10.”
      A fourth typed: “Weghorst on my life is the worst player I’ve ever seen. Get Ten Hag out now.”
      And a final user commented: “Well done Ten Hag. We’re playing with ten men, take Weghorst off he’s useless in this role.”
      Eventually, the moaning Red Devils supporters got their wishes when Ten Hag hauled the ineffective Weghorst off on 57 minutes and sent Anthony Martial on.

      But the mood among United fans had already been worsened even further by a David De Gea shocker in the first half.
      The blundering goalkeeper inexplicably let a tame Said Benrahma shot from the edge of the area somehow slip through his fingers and trundled agonisingly over the line to put the Hammers ahead.
      That proved to be the only goal of the game and could deal United a major blow in their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
      It could have been a heavier defeat – but West Ham were denied a penalty despite the ball striking the arm of Victor Lindelof in the area.
      Fans slammed the tactical decision by Erik ten HagCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Weghorst was subbed off on 57 minutes for Anthony MartialCredit: Reuters More

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      West Ham vs Man Utd: Ten Hag’s side looking to bounce back from Brighton defeat against troubled Hammers – Stream, TV

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      MANCHESTER UNITED visit West Ham TODAY as they look to seal a place in next season’s Champions League.The Red Devils were dealt late heartbreak at Brighton on Thursday night as they lost 1-0 courtesy of Alexis Mac Allister’s 99th-minute penalty.
      Alexis Mac Allister won the game against Man Utd with a late penaltyCredit: Getty
      West Ham were beaten 3-0 by Man City in midweekCredit: PA
      Liverpool cranked up the pressure on Erik ten Hag’s side last night after beating Brentford 1-0 to put them within just one point of United in fourth.
      The Red Devils are still in a good position to finish in the top-4, as Jurgen Klopp’s side have played two games more.
      West Ham meanwhile, are in a relegation battle and they will be fighting to keep their Premier League futures intact.
      The Hammers are 15th, four points clear of the drop, but with four games left, anything can happen.

      When is West Ham vs Man Utd?

      Man Utd’s clash with West Ham will take place TODAY, Sunday, May 7.
      The clash will kick off at a later than usual start time: 7pm BST.
      The game will be held at the London Stadium.
      United beat West Ham 1-0 earlier this season thanks to Marcus Rashford’s header.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      West Ham vs Man Utd will be shown live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport 1 HD.
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Team news
      Kurt Zouma is still out of action for the hosts as he continues to nurse an ankle injury.
      Vladimir Coufal pulled up in the Man City defeat with a hamstring issue and is a doubt for the game but his status has yet to be confirmed.
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      Declan Rice missed the City game with illness but could be back to play United.
      The Red Devils don’t have any fresh injury concerns following their defeat to Brighton.
      But Jadon Sancho may get a start ahead of Antony and Tyrell Malacia may slot into the XI once again.
      Odds

      West Ham – 13/5
      Draw – 13/5
      Man Utd – 20/21

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More