bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 20, 2023 20:40:35 GMT
Manchester City: Can anyone stop Pep Guardiola's Premier League winners ?..By Phil McNulty, Chief football writer.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/DAF0/production/_129784065_guardiola3.jpgManchester City's fifth Premier League title in six years and the manner in which it was achieved must send a sense of dread through those seeking ways to unseat Pep Guardiola's magnificent champions. City retained their crown as Nottingham Forest beat Arsenal on Saturday and it will be ominous for any rivals looking for signs of a reduction in their ravenous appetite for success. Indeed, City's desire to inflict and sustain their supremacy on those they have chased down and steamrollered appears to be sharpening, rather than offering any hints familiarity with silverware is breeding contempt. City are the first team to win the Premier League for three seasons in succession since Manchester United in 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09. They are also on course to emulate United's historic feat of 1999 and become only the second English side to secure the title then also win the FA Cup and Champions League. Guardiola's genius has built a dynasty that will only get stronger. This is a machine without an obvious weakness assembled by one of the greatest managerial figures the game has known. The club were charged earlier this year by the Premier League with more than 100 breaches of its financial rules between 2009-2018, but City, who have always denied financial wrongdoing, say they "look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all". They will already be strong favourites to win the title again next season - so other clubs with their eyes on the prize have a short summer window to come up with a plan to knock this seemingly unstoppable footballing juggernaut off course. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/15FF1/production/_129779009_mancity.png
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 20, 2023 20:44:35 GMT
Man City win Premier League title: Pep Guardiola's side 'two games away from immortality'..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/12001/production/_129792737_ilkay.jpgManchester City are "two games away from immortality" after securing a third successive Premier League title, according to former England captain Alan Shearer. Arsenal's 1-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest on Saturday means City are champions for a fifth time in six years and now have the chance to win an historic Treble. Pep Guardiola's side play Manchester United in the FA Cup final on 3rd June, before facing Inter Milan a week later in Istanbul, where they will seek their first Champions League triumph. "They will be talked about for years to come if they can get the Treble," Shearer said. "It's remarkable, what an opportunity for them. They are two games away from immortality." City's Premier League dominance of five titles in six seasons was last achieved by Manchester United between 1996 and 2001 - a period during which they also won the Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999. United also won seven titles in nine seasons between 1993-2001, as well as five titles in seven seasons between 2007-2013 - so City's current dominance is not unprecedented. Before that, Liverpool in the late 70s and early 80s enjoyed similar periods of consecutive league titles. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/83C1/production/_129792733_cityxii.jpgFormer City keeper Shay Given believes Guardiola's current side are stronger than ever. "They are incredible," Given said. "There are even unsung heroes like John Stones, be it at right-back, centre-back or in midfield. "At times against Real Madrid in midweek he was the spare man on the edge of the box. He was signed as a centre-half and he is playing a key role in this team. "I can't see a weakness. De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Mahrez. There are star men all over the pitch." Striker Erling Haaland's remarkable haul of 52 goals in 48 games in all competitions - including a record-breaking 36 goals in 33 league appearances - has added even more cutting edge to the side. Shearer believes the former Borussia Dortmund forward can unlock City's maiden Champions League win. "The reason Erling Haaland was bought was to put City in this position," Shearer said. "They've got one trophy in the bag, and they've got two other finals. He was brought in to win them the Champions League, he lives for goals, that is what his life is about. "I love his attitude, you can tell that he is so hungry, and how much a goal means to him, and I admire that so much." Best Premier League side ever?ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/D1E1/production/_129792735_treble.jpgCity could yet win the Premier League by 13 points after powering clear following a classic duel with Arsenal and will start as favourites in both remaining cup finals. Where they rank in history remains up for debate but former Premier League striker Glenn Murray believes they are a better team than Sir Alex Ferguson's 1999 Treble winners. "Yes they are better," Murray said. "And I say that reluctantly as I was United fan as a kid - I looked up to that generation and it seems that feat would never be repeated. "But this City team are deadly. They beat people and move on. They are an emotionless winning machine. Nothing bothers them. "Do we have them as one of the top club sides ever? If they add this Champions League and possibly this Treble then they are in the debate alongside the likes of Pep's Barcelona."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 20, 2023 23:11:11 GMT
Harry Kane future: Will Tottenham striker remain at club next season ?..By Emma Sanders, BBC Sport at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/CEA2/production/_129789825_gettyimages-1491682425.jpgWhen Harry Kane led his side out at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the final time this season you could not help but wonder if that was the last time he would ever do it. Speculation over his future at the club has risen in recent weeks and it was rife before kick-off as supporters queued up to take a photo next to the new mural of their star striker painted opposite the stadium. "One of our own" are the words plastered next to Kane's face and those same words were chanted by Tottenham's faithful as he curled in a beautiful free-kick opener after just eight minutes. The celebratory mood was quickly forgotten though as the Bees came from behind to win 3-1. Kane's 28 league goals this season haven't been enough to mask a miserable campaign for Spurs, with defeat leaving even Europa League qualification unlikely, and chants of 'Levy out' ringing out from the furious home fans about their chairman Daniel Levy. With the club still without a full-time manager and seemingly in turmoil off the pitch, will Kane commit himself to his boyhood club or go in search of a first major trophy elsewhere? "If Kane did wave goodbye today, Spurs fans would be disappointed but I think he would go with their understanding because of what he has done for the club," former England striker Alan Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live. "It has been tough this season and he has just been unbelievable - we probably haven't spoken enough about how good he has been because of the achievements of Erling Haaland at Manchester City." 'If that is it, what a sad way to go out'ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/12B41/production/_129790667_gettyimages-1256375001.jpgKane's goalscoring achievements tell the story of his impact at Tottenham, with 278 in total in 434 appearances. He has scored in 25 different Premier League matches this season, the most by a player in a 38-game season. Even when his side have struggled he still pops up with a goal, netting in a league-high seven losses, including Saturday's crushing defeat by Brentford. But how long will Kane want to stay at Tottenham given they have missed out on Champions League qualification by some distance this season? "He is a Champions League player but this club hasn't won a trophy for so long," said former Spurs striker Peter Crouch. "If this is his last game, what a sad way to go out. He is an absolute legend and all we see is sad faces and empty spaces. That is what has become of Tottenham." Crouch believes if Kane chooses to stay "they will build a statue" to go with his mural. And former Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov thinks Kane will not want to tarnish his legacy. "I can understand and relate to his situation. I feel for him, but at the same time I think he is going to stay at Spurs," added Berbatov. "His legacy now is so great that he cannot force himself to tarnish it - when you say Spurs, it is Harry Kane and when you say Harry Kane, it is Spurs. They are connected forever." Kane remains 49 off Alan Shearer's all-time Premier League goalscoring record and the ex-England striker thinks he will break it at Tottenham. "I think because of the love he has for Tottenham and that he's been there for tough times, I just see him seeing his career out there," Shearer told Football Focus. "I get the accusation that he hasn't won a trophy but those goals and those records he has set are his trophies. That's why I see him staying at Tottenham."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 20, 2023 23:16:44 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 21, 2023 18:07:34 GMT
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bluetornados
Predictions League
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Posts: 15,747
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Post by bluetornados on May 21, 2023 18:10:27 GMT
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bluetornados
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Posts: 15,747
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Post by bluetornados on May 21, 2023 23:16:46 GMT
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Post by baselswh on May 22, 2023 7:14:26 GMT
I think this Man City team/squad is the best of 'English' since Don Revies Leeds United greats.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 22, 2023 8:42:28 GMT
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eppinggas
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Ian Alexander
Don't care
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Post by eppinggas on May 22, 2023 8:50:04 GMT
The image of Manchester City lifting the Premier League trophy is understandably on every back page this morning, with the Mirror quoting manager Pep Guardiola, who says the "world is in awe" of his side following their third consecutive title. Pep Guardiola's side lifted the Premier League trophy for a third consecutive season and fifth time in six years. Now it is all systems go for the Treble. Are Man City simply the best ?It is an obvious question and one that potentially will be easier to answer at the end of this season - but where does this Manchester City side rank in the list of previous Premier League champions ? Are they the best ever, or does Pep Guardiola's 2023 vintage still have something to prove ? Treble talk dominates the majority of today's national newspapers, which we will look at next. Who will provide the sternest test for City as they bid to emulate Sir Alex Ferguson's '99 Treble winners ? Can rivals Manchester United stop them winning the FA Cup? Or will Inter Milan provide an upset in the Champions League final ? Can this all-conquering side add the FA Cup and Champions League to their trophy haul this season ? Are they the best ever, or does Pep Guardiola's 2023 vintage still have something to prove? Best I have seen. The 1st half vs Real was something else.Who will provide the sternest test for City as they bid to emulate Sir Alex Ferguson's '99 Treble winners? Manure.
Can rivals Manchester United stop them winning the FA Cup? Or will Inter Milan provide an upset in the Champions League final? Yes, No.Can this all-conquering side add the FA Cup and Champions League to their trophy haul this season ? No. |
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 22, 2023 9:02:28 GMT
Graeme Souness: Football legend to swim English Channel for charity..Graeme Souness fights back tears and struggles to speak on live TV as he reveals he's swimming the English Channel for a 'butterfly disease' charity, weeks after leaving his Sky Sports punditry job at 70. Souness is aiming to raise £1.1m to help the charity DEBRA with swim on June 18th. Funds will help those with Epidermolysis bullosa, which attacks the skin. 70-year-old counts the 21-mile swim as one of his toughest challenges ever. An emotional Graeme Souness has revealed he is swimming the English Channel to help people living with the rare skin disorder Epidermolysis bullosa. The former Liverpool and Scotland captain, who has just stepped away from his punditry role on Sky Sports after 15 years, fought back tears as he described the pain and misery the illness brings to children. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mail Sport columnist Souness, 70, said: 'It's the most horrendous disease. If you're inflicted by it you must wake up every morning and say "why me?" 'It's a desperate situation. And then the parents have to deal with that. And that's why we're doing this. 'I am involved in this because of how evil this disease is. 'If people haven't experienced it, or seen it, you have no idea how desperate this thing is.' He wants to raise at least £1.1million, because he wore the No 11 on the football field. Souness was filmed chatting to Isla Grist, a 14-year-old girl who required plastic surgery on her hands because of the degenerative disease. Isla described the agony of even having her bandages changed on her hands, with Souness almost lost for words at her bravery. Souness plus Isla's dad, Andy, and four others will be taking on the waters between Dover and Calais next month and a fundraising page has been set up on the DEBRA website. 'Isla is just the most courageous human being I've ever come across,' Souness added. 'When I'm in her company, I'm very tearful. 'She just inspires me, she is just unbelievably courageous and brave.' The crossing could take up to 16 hours to swim but Souness said: 'I wanted to do something that could make a difference to Isla's life and to the lives of so many others living with EB, and the slightly crazy idea of swimming the English Channel was suggested. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/05/22/08/71258893-12110157-Former_Liverpool_and_Scotland_footballer_Graeme_Souness_will_swi-a-13_1684740615353.jpgFormer Liverpool and Scotland footballer Graeme Souness will swim the English Channel to raise money for charities supporting those suffering from Epidermolysis bullosai.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/05/22/08/71258895-12110157-Souness_will_be_taking_on_the_21_mile_Channel_challenge_next_mon-a-14_1684740621802.jpgSouness will be taking on the 21-mile Channel challenge next month alongside Andy Grist, the father of a 14-year-old girl, Isla, who suffers from the conditioni.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/05/22/08/71259833-12110157-image-a-24_1684741777708.jpgThe legend has been a familiar sight on their Premier League coverage for over a decade
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 22, 2023 17:57:56 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 23, 2023 7:57:47 GMT
MONDAY 22nd MAY 2023 - PREMIER LEAGUE - RESULT...By Shamoon Hafez, BBC Sport at St James' Park.
Newcastle United 0 Leicester City 0ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/CC27/production/_129836225_newcastle-main.jpgNewcastle secured Champions League football for the first time in 20 years with a goalless draw against relegation-threatened Leicester, whose fate is now out of their hands. Eddie Howe's side failed to break the deadlock in a match they dominated, striking the post three times, but the result was sufficient for the Magpies to make a long-awaited return to Europe's elite competition next season. Newcastle are four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool heading into Sunday's final day of the season, while Leicester remain in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety. The hosts had 78% possession during the contest and initially found it difficult to make inroads, but Callum Wilson hooked an effort against the post and saw his follow-up effort headed off the line by Wilfred Ndidi. Three minutes before half-time the hosts rattled the post again through Miguel Almiron, while in the second half visiting goalkeeper Daniel Iversen acrobatically tipped over Alexander Isak's effort from distance. Bruno Guimaraes also hit the woodwork with a header from almost on the goalline in the second period, but Leicester almost won it in injury time when Nick Pope kept out Timothy Castagne's acrobatic effort. Foxes boss Dean Smith started England internationals James Maddison and Harvey Barnes on the bench but neither was able to inject any impetus into their dull performance after coming on. Match stats: Possession 78% - 22% - Shots 23-1 - On Target 4-1 - Corners 12-1 - Referee: Andre Marriner - Attendance: 52,152 ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/108B3/production/_129836776_star.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/705B/production/_129836782_express.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/223B/production/_129836780_isport.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/BE7B/production/_129836784_mail.png
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 23, 2023 8:27:09 GMT
Newcastle in Champions League: Magpies not aiming for top four at start of season, says Eddie Howe..By Joe Rindl, BBC Sport.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/51E3/production/_129836902_gettyimages-1492445033.jpgChampions League football was not even on the agenda for Eddie Howe's Newcastle United at the start of the season. But, after securing a top-four finish by drawing with Leicester on Monday night, next season the Magpies will be in Europe's premier competition for the first time since 2003. When Howe took the helm on 8th November 2021 Newcastle were 19th in the Premier League table. "[Our expectation this term] certainly wasn't top four," Howe told Sky Sports after his side's draw with Leicester. "I think you always hope, you always believe and you have to dream. "But we didn't feel that we were ready for that. After last season's battle with relegation it was whether we could consolidate and become a better team. "To not have that flirtation with relegation and try to give it a go, it's just been incredible." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/A003/production/_129836904_gettyimages-1492432245.jpgFormer Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports: "I am delighted they have got that position. It is a joy to watch Newcastle now. I think Newcastle are two to three years ahead of schedule. "They have spent money but that team on paper is not a top-four team. A lot of people felt Eddie Howe would be the guy to get them through a year, but he has done one of the best jobs in the Premier League." Ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville added: "Howe has played a blinder. The next step will be interesting. "I thought the owners would be lavish when they came in but it has been measured. It has been bold, but measured. You see many new owners come into clubs, appoint more fashionable managers, sign more fashionable players, but I like what they have done. "There is a humility about what they have done. They need to stick to these principles. There is a challenge about how they move forward. We have seen the likes of Neymar linked in recent months but that would scare the living daylights out of Eddie Howe. "The challenge is it would have been a three-four year plan for Howe and Newcastle and next year if they dip a little and finish sixth, it would still be a good season, but how would everyone assess that? We need to remember that they are well ahead of schedule." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/5/23/79880570-4c33-47f3-aaaa-e6e70f871a02.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/5/23/6d092a7f-4d3a-4891-87a7-5588e3677772.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 23, 2023 8:42:18 GMT
The last time Newcastle were in the Champions LeagueNewcastle's guaranteed top-four finish means the Magpies will be playing Champions League football next season for the first time since the 2002-03 campaign. The man in charge at the time? Sir Bobby Robson. The captain? Alan Shearer. Eddie Howe has brought the good times back to St. James' Park and the jubilation inside the stadium last night said everything about how much it means to their players, fans and the region as a whole. Back in 2002, Newcastle had to progress past the qualifying round to get into the group stage. After beating Bosnian side Zeljeznicar 5-0 on aggregate in the third qualifying round, including a 4-0 win at St. James' Park, Sir Bobby Robson's side went into a group with Dynamo Kyiv, Juventus and Feyenoord. It initially looked like a nightmare campaign for the Magpies, as they lost all three of their opening matches, but they weren't done there. A 1-0 win over Juventus at St James' Park, courtesy of a goal from an unlikely source - defender Andy Griffin - turned the tide. They won their next two games, against Dynamo Kyiv and Feyenoord to finish second to Juventus in the group and progress to the second round... ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/5/23/1384adee-7936-4c83-a5b6-a72f4521613f.jpgThe second group stage beckoned, and Newcastle joined the 'group of death'. Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan lay in wait for Bobby Robson's men. Consecutive defeats against Inter and Barcelona put a significant dent in the Magpies' hopes of progressing further, but back-to-back 3-1 wins over Bayer Leverkusen restored the optimism that they could reach the knockout rounds. A memorable 2-2 draw at Inter followed - which saw an incredible 12,000 away supporters travel to the San Siro - with Alan Shearer's brace bagging a point for his boyhood club. Barcelona defeated Newcastle 2-0 at St James' Park one week later, eliminating Robson's team from the competition, and few would have thought they would then have to wait 20 years to return to Europe's biggest stage. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/5/23/ca384650-2c8c-4ff9-a062-627f1285ebcd.jpgNewcastle's 2002-03 campaign: The key playersAlan ShearerYou simply cannot discuss Newcastle's most important players without Alan Shearer's name cropping up. The club's record goalscorer, Shearer was expectedly pivotal to Newcastle's 2002-03 campaign. He scored in the qualifying round, and then notched in the first group stage against Dynamo Kyiv too. It was in the second group stage that Shearer came into his own, though, netting five goals in six games, with that double away at Inter in the San Siro coming just two weeks after the Newcastle captain hit a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen at St. James' Park. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/5/23/6d19cae0-7a31-4df5-8cec-d5702cc3982f.jpgShola Ameobiichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/5/23/5d933b8f-a716-4fff-9fc0-ab9e9ae41c23.jpgAndy Griffinichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/5/23/348f251a-56e4-410f-8351-bdcda7954fb3.jpgCraig Bellamyichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/5/23/ddbfdfb6-7653-4e30-b0ec-05970dd7da55.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 26, 2023 7:44:39 GMT
Champions League: Which Premier League teams can secure European football ?..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/DF8B/production/_129872275_gettyimages-1468319143.jpgLiverpool missed out on Champions League qualification as Manchester United booked their place with a thumping win over Chelsea on Thursday. With Manchester City winning the Premier League title and Arsenal assured of second, fourth-placed Newcastle also secured their spot among Europe's elite with a goalless draw at Leicester City on Monday. Three-time European champions United had required just a point from their final two home games and took three in relatively comfortable fashion at Old Trafford against the Blues to avoid any final-day tension. It means Jurgen Klopp's side will now have Thursday-evening football to look forward to for the first time since 2015-16, when they lost 3-1 in the Europa League final to Sevilla. The teams finishing in the top seven will secure some form of European football next season and BBC Sport takes a look at how things are shaping up. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1406B/production/_129872028_-82a23e2f-aaff-4c69-8895-b1a64a39c9f7.pngWho can finish in the Champions League places ?Manchester City, who could also win the Champions League this season, have been crowned Premier League champions, while Arsenal are guaranteed to finish second. Third-placed Manchester United will also be in the competition next season along with Newcastle, who are two points further back in fourth. Liverpool are four points adrift in fifth but even if Manchester City go on to win the Champions League, whoever finishes fifth in the Premier League will not qualify for next year's competition. The only way five English teams could have qualified for the Champions League was if a Premier League club won the competition, but had failed to finish inside the top four. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/69F7/production/_129872172_-d68faa2b-a0a7-4966-9f9b-3c52d9263312.pngThe teams that finish fifth and sixth in the Premier League are guaranteed a place in the Europa League, because FA Cup finalists Manchester City and Manchester United will both finish in the top six. Liverpool and Brighton are guaranteed to play in the Europa League, with Aston Villa four points behind the Seagulls in seventh and Tottenham a further point back. What about the Europa Conference League ?The team that finishes seventh will go into the Europa Conference League play-offs, because Carabao Cup winners Manchester United are guaranteed a place in the Champions League. That place appears to be a three-way fight between Villa who host Brighton, Tottenham who travel to relegation-threatened Leeds, or Brentford, who host Manchester City on Sunday. How could eight English teams compete in Europe next season ?West Ham are well out of the picture for a top-half finish, but have reached the Europa Conference League final. The Hammers will face Italian side Fiorentina in the final in Prague on 7 June and are slight favourites, with a 58% chance of winning the competition, according to Nielsen's Gracenote. If they win the trophy they will earn a place in the group stage of next season's Europa League.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 27, 2023 9:05:31 GMT
Premier League relegation: Everton, Leicester and Leeds fans issue rallying cry..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/112CB/production/_129874307_bbc-sport-index-imagery-3-split-images-gradient-4face924-9130-4a11-b93a-573054a1d327.pngIf Everton beat Bournemouth, Leicester and Leeds will be relegated, regardless of their results against West Ham and Tottenham respectively
17th - Everton, two points clear of drop zoneichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/768B/production/_129874303_d7eda7472a766d018aace0bc352d18b3f83da4d0.jpgMike Richards, Unholy TrinityI've started writing this piece countless times before eventually accepting the words that truly express our feelings heading into Sunday. Overwhelming anxiety and apprehension are the only way to describe our current psychological state. Asking fellow Evertonians what the club means to them, feelings range from unrelenting affection to relentless misery. The love for our club is what makes the misery of our current plight so heightened. The golden years of the 1980s were quite simply, the pinnacle of our club's existence. Since those glittering days there has been a fairly steady decline, including numerous flirtations with relegation. That decline has rapidly accelerated over the past two seasons, as our current boardroom custodians are responsible for what can only be described as complete mismanagement. Relegation battles are becoming a habit. You can only go so long before the inevitable happens. The ramifications would be vast and, without meaning to sound arrogant, outweigh the impact on both Leeds and Leicester. It was said this week that if Everton go down, it would be the biggest relegation of the Premier League era. It's hard to disagree. Players and staff know by now what this club means to us. They know what we have done for them over the past two seasons as well. We are loyal, proud and have constantly shown we have the stomach for the fight. We will be here, whatever the weather, whoever is wearing the shirt and whoever is sitting in the dugout. However, it is time to cash in some of our adoration. We need some payback. Quite simply, it's do or die. It's fight or flight. It's win at all costs. .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18th - Leicester, in the relegation zoneichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/160EB/production/_129874309_gettyimages-1255109713.jpgChris Forryan, Leicester Till I DieIf we get relegated this weekend, I will be sad, but let's remember what this club has gone through over the past 10 years. Things some clubs can only dream of. My son is too young to remember the dark days of Frank McLintock, Peter Taylor, La Manga scandals, going bust and dropping to the third tier. But what we have shared is the 2013-14 record-breaking promotion season, eight-hour return journeys to home matches and then the 'Great Escape' - accidentally winning the Premier League when you are trying to avoid relegation. Plus, Andrea Bocelli singing Nessun Dorma, big Wes lifting the trophy, the Champions League theme as your team walk out for a quarter-final, finally lifting the FA Cup at the fifth attempt and crying in each other's arms, and then seeing your team lift a trophy live at Wembley as we won the Community Shield. Whatever happens on Sunday, I will wake up Monday morning and thank Vichai (RIP) and Top for those memories. We have been blessed and will be back next season, wherever that is, to do it all over again. .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19th - Leeds, beneath Leicester on goal differenceichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/13E8B/production/_129874518_8fe8cd5fcc3e6a742af23f82b8882d75435d1e6a.jpgAdonis Storr, The Roaring Peacock
If this current Leeds United squad have been waiting for a sign, then here it is. One final 90 minutes - the May sun shining on them like a spotlight - Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road. A game that to players and owners is worth millions, but to supporters is worth far more. This is Rocky in the final round, Churchill on the beaches. Who will answer the call to be a hero? Leeds' fate might have already been sealed but there is still some hope, no matter how small - unbelievably, and against form and reason - that these players can finally find the fight to rescue their club and salvage some pride. Leeds fans are not unforgiving if you fight. This is the city of 'Tubthumping', we all get knocked down. But it's time for these players to get back up and fight. Even if they cannot be motivated by the city, the manager, the fans, or their own bank accounts, they must have some pride to cling to. Because even after the season we have had, show a little passion and the Elland Road crowd will respond with an almighty deafening roar. If the players make the crowd believe, this Leeds crowd can carry this team to stay in this league.
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bluetornados
Predictions League
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Post by bluetornados on May 28, 2023 0:24:11 GMT
Premier League: What should you look out for on the final day ?..By Gary Rose, BBC Sport.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/D527/production/_129876545_managers1.jpgSunday will be a huge day for Leicester boss Dean Smith, Leeds manager Sam Allardyce and Everton boss Sean DycheThe 2022-23 Premier League season comes to an end on Sunday with the battle to stay in the English top flight set to provide the main drama. Two of Leeds, Leicester or Everton will join Southampton in dropping to the Championship and, while the top four has been settled, there are still some European places to be decided. There will also be some fond, and perhaps some not-so-fond, farewells to the managers who are set to depart at the end of the season. BBC Sport looks at what to keep an eye on for what promises to be a gripping final day. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1466F/production/_129876538_table.pngThis will have felt a long and nervous week for fans of Leicester, Leeds and Everton as they wait to find out which division their side will be playing in next season. Bottom of the table Southampton already know that it will be Championship football for them in 2023-24, and Leeds are looking the most likely to join them as they sit 19th, two points from safety. Nothing less than a victory and three vital points will do for Sam Allardyce's side, who entertain Tottenham. The ex-Bolton boss recently brought in Leeds legends Gary McAllister, Eddie Gray and Gordon Strachan to help try and inspire his players. "It's about how important Leeds is and what it meant to them - the history of the football club and the fact they had very successful times here," Sam Allardyce said."It's about improving our mentality to deliver. A different voice speaking about what they did at this football club and how much they love the club is really important." "We have to win the game and not look at the Everton result until after the game," Leicester boss Dean Smith said."We have to do our job and see where it takes us. If we do our part we are looking at other people to help us, but we have to make sure we concentrate on what we do." "The fact is we should be under pressure because that is what we want from this group, that's the demand of being at Everton Football Club and I've learned that very quickly," Toffees boss Sean Dyche said."Every game should be a pressurised occasion and it is because that is being a professional footballer, not just the final game of the season." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/177D0/production/_129880269_bbc-sport-index-imagery-3-split-images-gradient-52b97066-2d2b-4fae-9f4f-3a432e5580b6.png
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bluetornados
Predictions League
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Post by bluetornados on May 28, 2023 18:29:24 GMT
SUNDAY 28th MAY 2023 - FA PREMIER LEAGUE - FINAL DAY RESULTS.
Arsenal 5 Wolves 0
Aston Villa 2 Brighton 1
Brentford 1 Manchester City 0
Chelsea 1 Newcastle 1
Crystal Palace 1 Nottm Forest 1
Manchester United 2 Fulham 1
Southampton 4 Liverpool 4
Relegation Game Deciders.
Everton 1 Bournemouth 0
Leeds 1 Tottenham 4
Leicester 2 West Ham 1
Relegated from Premier League are:
Leicester City
Leeds United
Southampton.
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
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Post by bluetornados on May 30, 2023 0:33:33 GMT
Man City: Pep Guardiola wants Premier League financial charges dealt with 'as soon as possible'..By Simon Stone, BBC Sport.ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/BC9C/production/_129848284_gettyimages-1255214057.jpgManchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he wants the 115 Premier League financial charges against the club to be dealt with "as soon as possible". In February, City were charged with breaches of the league's financial rules from 2009 to 2018. They were also accused of not cooperating since the investigation began in December 2018. City have denied financial wrongdoing and say their innocence is supported by a "body of irrefutable evidence" and they "look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all". A two-year ban from European competitions for breaching Uefa's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) in 2020, but City were fined 10m euros (£8.67m) for obstructing the investigation. Having initially suggested they were happy to abide by the Premier League process, they have remained silent on recent media reports they have lodged legal challenges against the charges and objected to the appointment of Murray Rosen KC as the person who will appoint the chair of the independent commission that will hear the case on the grounds he is an Arsenal season-ticket holder. Speaking before Wednesday's game at Brighton, Guardiola, who has led the club to their fifth Premier League title in six seasons and their third in a row, said: "What I would like is if the Premier League and judges could make something as soon as possible. "Then, if we have done something wrong, everybody will know it and, if we are like we believe as a club for many years, [done things] in the right way, then the people will stop talking about it. "We would love it tomorrow. This afternoon better than tomorrow. "Hopefully they are not so busy and the judges can see both sides and decide what is the best, because in the end I know fairly what we won we won on the pitch and we don't have any doubts. "Let's go. Don't wait two years. Why don't we do it quicker? In 24 hours, sit down with lawyers present. Let's have it as soon as possible for the benefit of everyone." City officials were not expecting Guardiola to speak on the issue in his media conference on Tuesday and the timescales are evidently impossible given it is such a complex case. Guardiola's side have a chance to claim the Treble, with the FA Cup and Champions League finals to come next month. In English football, only Manchester United in 1998-99 have achieved that feat. The Catalan, who has a contract until 2025, said he would not quit the club while the charges remain unresolved. "I will stay next season while there are 110 breaches against us," he said. "Don't worry, we will be there." However, a couple of minutes before that, Guardiola did say he was not sure how he would react to winning the Champions League against Inter Milan on 10 June in what, for him, would be a third success in the competition. "Right now I am not thinking about leaving, but who knows?" he said. "I would like to continue here next season independent of the result. I don't know what it's going to feel like winning or losing, but my feeling is I have a contract and I want to respect the club." City have won their seventh Premier League title since the 2008 takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group. They have been accused of effectively falsifying their accounts and artificially inflating sponsorship and commercial deals over a number of years to allow them to spend more but stay within Uefa and Premier League rules. The club has been referred to an independent commission, which can impose punishments ranging from a fine and points deduction to expulsion from the Premier League. It is not known how long the process will take. ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/416f/live/14d74be0-f94f-11ed-92cc-b3a9bf1f67e9.jpg
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