RONALDO SOLD, TUCHEL FIRED AND… IT’S COMING HOME: CRAZY 2022 PREDICTIONS | The Eye Test

The Premier League enters a winter break so we asked our panel for their crazy predictions for 2022... and they really understood the assignment with World Cup triumphs, managerial departures, club turmoil and shock relegations, all discussed! If these any of these shock picks happen, it’s going to be a fascinating year...
 
Host and avid Chelsea supporter @Rory Jennings is joined by Man City follower Steven McInerney, @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel, and Man United fan Flex from @United View, discuss their hot takes for the year ahead.
 
2022 will be a unique year for football fans with the Qatar World Cup disrupting the usual calendar - expect your Christmas office party playlist to include Baddiel & Skinner - but will it be a triumphant World Cup for Southgate's England?
 
Thomas Tuchel has been under pressure recently, but surely Chelsea won't sack him after he delivered Champions League triumph last year... knowing Chelsea's ruthless streak with managers, our panel think it's not out the question.
 
Since joining Tottenham, Antonio Conte’s tactics and style of play has improved Spurs with Harry Kane looking more like himself and Rory Jennings believes that Spurs can make the top four... and he reckons they could finally bring a trophy back to White Hart Lane.
 
Elsewhere, they think Manchester City could finally break their Champions League curse while on the other side of Manchester United could implode under Ralf Rangnick. At the other end of the table, three massive clubs in Leeds, Everton, and Newcastle find themselves in a relegation fight, and Flex thinks there could be a shock relegation on the cards!
 
Can England bring it home? Will Tuchel get sacked this year? Who do you think will be relegated? Will City finally win the Champions League?

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IS AUBAMEYANG WORTH A TRANSFER WINDOW GAMBLE? | The Eye Test | 888sport

With only two weeks left in the January transfer window, fans are waiting in suspense to see what changes will be made to their club. With Aston Villa signing Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne and Newcastle United bringing Kieran Tripper back to the Premier League, squads are showing their ambition for the rest of the season. As the clock ticks, which teams will get rid of their underperforming players, and which underrated footballers will be making moves?
 
Host and Chelsea fan @Rory Jennings, Manchester United supporter Flex from @United View, and Man City follower Steven McInerney from @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel discuss transfer window rumours and speculation.
 
Rory and Flex both have their eyes on Brighton’s star players, such as Yves Bissouma who has blossomed this season. As United’s Fred and Donny van de Beek have been struggling, as have Chelsea’s Marcus Alonso, Hakim Ziyech, and Ross Barkley underperforming - is it time to spice things up?
 
At the other end of the table are the Toon who are struggling for survival. As the richest team in the world, Newcastle are rumoured to be after former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who could create magic alongside Allan Saint-Maximin, and Dele Alli is supposedly on the chopping board.
 
Who should your team take a punt at? Would Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Deli Alli thrive away from their clubs? Can a successful transfer window save Newcastle or is the damage done?

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NO INVINCIBLES?! RANKING THE BEST PREMIER LEAGUE TEAMS OF ALL TIME | The Eye Test | 888sport

The current Man City team under Pep Guardiola are being spoken about as one of the greatest Premier League teams of all time. But how do they rank up against some of the other great teams to play in the Premier League era. Since the early 90s, different teams have been making and breaking records - from points accumulated, to the fewest goals conceded. But who will claim the title of the greatest Premier League squad?
 
Debating the greatest Premier League squad is host and Chelsea supporter @Rory Jennings  Man Utd follower Flex from @United View,  and Manchester City supporter Steven McInerney from @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel.
 
Trophies, unbeaten records, or their football on the eye - every football fan has different criteria for assessing which team is the best ever - but few could argue the City Centurions, doing what many thought was almost impossible, racking up 100 points in a single season are in the frame. And Steven makes a strong case for their inclusion.
 
Chelsea fans have plenty to boast about with Jose Mourinho’s 04/05 team- conceding just 15 goals to in their first ever Premier League title, which also saw them win the League Cup and reach the Champions League semi-final in a historic season.
 
Sir Alex Ferguson produced many a team worthy of being in contention as the best teams ever, and Manchester United’s ’99 squad don’t just look to stats sheets on games won, goals conceded or unbeaten; they have the best haul of silverware ever seen in the Premier League era to back it up. Fergie's treble winning team of Peter Schmeichel, Gary Neville, David Beckham, Roy Keane, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and more all embodied the lethal combination of skill, determination, and belief of every successful team - and were fundamental to the sustained success under SAF. 
 
Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and the rest of Arsenal’s Invincibles gave weekly masterclasses on how to dominate a pitch. But, some argue that drawing 11 games in a league season and being knocked out in the League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League (to Chelsea) dampens their case as the best ever.
 
What do you think, who is the greatest Premier League team ever? Who makes your top 5? Do Klopp’s Liverpool deserve a place? What makes an era defining team?

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MAKE 2022 THE YEAR FANS STAND UP TO GREED | The Eye Test | 888sport

2021 was one of the most controversial and dramatic years in Premier League history. With the big six attempting to join a Super League to consistently contentious VAR rulings – the beautiful game is becoming a nightmare for fans. But as we enter a new year, our panel have suggested some footballing resolutions to reunite clubs with fans?
 
Discussing the future of football is host and Chelsea supporter @Rory Manchester City supporter Steven McInerney from @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel, Man United fan Flex from @United View, and Tottenham Hotspurs die-hard Abbi Summers.  
 
New Years is a time for change, and many believe there are lots the Premier League need to make. The U-turn of the Super League was a monumental moment in footballing history with fans standing together against greed. Owners such as Daniel Levy, Stan Kroenke and Man Utd’s Glazers as well among others have come under scrutiny, as supporters demand fairness and the return of honest football.
 
On the pitch, one resolution is to reform the rules. VAR is the most controversial addition to football in recent years, with rulings disputed nearly every weekend. The ‘clear and obvious’ VAR guidance has become laughable, with goals being chalked off because of armpits and major challenges being ignored. With footballers and fans unable to celebrate goals, the joy and passion is slowly being sucked away from football. Will VAR improve, or it is time to scrap it entirely?
 
What do you think could be done to save football? Do you think big clubs help small clubs facing bankruptcy? Could VAR ever work?

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DELE ALLI, WAN-BISSAKA... WHO SHOULD YOUR CLUB SELL IN JANUARY? | The Eye Test | 888sport

The New Year means one thing to football fans, the January transfer window is open! For four weeks, teams will have the opportunity to replace injured players, expand their squad, and, crucially, get rid of the deadwood cluttering up the dressing room - and weighing heavy on the wage bill...

With the relegation and title races being so sharply contested, and injuries and illnesses ravishing almost every team, this has all the makings of an intriguing transfer window, where the emphasis on selling players is as high on the agenda as signing them... so who are the players that need to go this January, and who replaces them?

Host and Chelsea supporter @Rory Jennings , Man United fan Flex from @United View , Man City’s Steven McInerney from @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel , and Tottenham Hotspurs die-hard Abi Summers discuss the January transfer window, who they want out their club and who they should bring in.
             
The December matches has exposed every team’s fatal flaw, from a lacking central midfield to a missing striker, but will the transfer window be the answer? With Chelsea and Man City battling it out for the title, and United and Spurs vying for fourth, the outcome could be determined by transfer window success.

Elsewhere the panel look at Newcastle United opportunity - richest club in the world, but bottom of the league and in desperate need of reinforcements - how will they navigate the transfer window to help claw them out of the relegation zone - and will any players want to join a struggling squad?

What is your dream transfer window? Do you think Dele Alli still has a place at Tottenham? Should Man United replace AWB this January? Will Newcastle spend big this January - and who would go there? 

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SPURS FAN: ALL I WANT FOR XMAS IS… A TROPHY | The Eye Test | 888sport

Christmas has arrived and with Santa primed to spread some Christmas cheer, he has gifted our panel one footballing wish: but who wants to bring power back to fans, who wants their team to taste glory and who’s interested in seeing a new team finish in the top four?
 
Today’s naughty and nice panellists are Chelsea supporter @rory jennings, Man City fan Steven Mcinerney from @esteemed kompany - a man city fan channel, Man Utd follower Flex of @united view and die-hard Spurs fan Abi Summers.
 
Most fans can only dream of dominating the Premier League or being the Champions of Europe. But even clubs that have the best players in the world and have several accolades to their name in recent season still have plenty of wishes to ask Santa for, and other fans don’t take too kindly to the other panellist’s ‘ungrateful’ behaviour this festive season. 
 
Away from the pitch, our panel discuss the ultimate gift of bring power back to the fans, following the aftermath of the failed European Super League earlier this year.

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‘IF LUKAKU GETS IN OVER RONALDO, I RIOT!’ | The Eye Test | 888sport

Liverpool and Man City, the two most recent champions of the Premier League go head-to-head this weekend and while the panel were lined up to pick a combined XI, they thought better of it and went for a combined XI from last season's top four.

It's fair to say they didn't agree on much with Chelsea fan and host @Rory Jennings vehemently backing his contingent Champions of Europe with Mason Mount, N'Golo Kante and Romelu Lukaku all put forward.

Man City fan Steven McInerney of @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel wouldn't back down from Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias and Phil Foden. Flex of@United View had his say with Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo firmly in his team.

The trio gave Liverpool a fair representation, but it was in midfield and up front that they struggled to agree on who would make it in.

Would you pick Romelu Lukaku or Cristiano Ronaldo? How about Kevin De Bruyne or Bruno Fernandes? Or Mason Mount or Phil Foden? What would be your combined XI?

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DOES TUCHEL HAVE PEP’S NUMBER? | CHELSEA V MAN CITY PREVIEW | The Eye Test | 888sport

Two of the favourites for the Premier League will clash as Chelsea and Manchester City clash at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Flex of @United View  provides the neutral voice of reason as Chelsea fan @Rory Jennings  and Man City fan Steven McInerney, @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel discuss who is going to triumph in this one.

This match up pits two of the finest minds in modern football against each other, as Thomas Tuchel and Pep Guardiola lock horns again.

So far, Thomas Tuchel has dominated the match up, with his Chelsea side defeating Man City all three times they have faced off, including in the Champions League final.

Pep has a lock on the Premier League though, winning it in three of his five years in charge, and if he wants to win it again improving his record against Tuchel will go a long way to achieving that.

Since the last match up he has bolstered his squad with Jack Grealish being added to the ranks, some creative flair that he hopes will help him break down Chelsea’s stellar defence.

But Chelsea also added attacking strength, with Romelu Lukaku returning to Stamford Bridge. The striker was the only obvious hole in Chelsea’s Champions League winning side, and so far this signing looks to have taken the Blues to the next level.

Can Pep get revenge on Tuchel? Will Grealish or Lukaku be the difference? How pivotal will this match be for the title race?

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ARE SPURS AND ARSENAL FINISHED AS TOP SIX CLUBS? | The Eye Test | 888sport

An interesting start to the Premier League season, but as expected Man City, Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea are looking dominant once again. 

@Rory Jennings, @Esteemed Kompany and Flex from @United View discuss who they think is most likely to break into the top four - and who is at risk of dropping out of the Big Six. 

Last season the two surprising packages were Leicester City and West Ham. The Foxes have been terrific under Brendan Rodgers, and despite failing to clinch a Champions League spot, they lifted their first ever FA Cup.

West Ham qualified for the Europa League and David Moyes has helped reform the reputation he once built at his time with Everton. A long run in the Europa League could potentially stifle domestic campaigns, though they have started this season at a pace.

Another team in Europe are Tottenham, though with a mixed start of season and question marks over their squad, are they still contenders for a Champions League place this year? Or are they at risk of dropping out of the Big Six? Nuno Espirito Santos certainly has a job on his hands.

One final club that has the potential to do some damage is Everton, under the guidance of Rafa Benitez.

Despite the Toffees’ jury being out, Rafa is one of the finest tacticians of the modern era, and has Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and new recruit Demarai Gray flourishing already.

Which team can break into the top four? Who is at risk of dropping off? Are there any obvious candidates the panel missed? How much of a factor will European football play?

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DOES RONALDO BLOW THE TITLE RACE WIDE OPEN? | The Eye Test | 888sport

The summer transfer window has slammed shut with all eyes on the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford. But will CR7 be a success or a flop for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season?

And have United done the best business this summer, or has someone else? @Rory Jennings , @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel and Flex from @United View, discuss the craziest transfer window in history.

There have been marquee signings across the top teams in the Premier League, with Romelu Lukaku returning to Chelsea, Jack Grealish moving to Manchester City as well as the homecoming of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United, plus the additions of Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho at Old Trafford.

Do you think CR7's return to Old Trafford will propel Man United back to the summit of the Premier League table - or is either Jadon Sancho or Raphael Varane an even better signing for the Red Devils? And does this mount the pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to bring back the glory days to United?

What makes for a good transfer window? Most of the big clubs have splashed out on one or two big players, while Arsenal, this summer’s biggest spenders, have brought in six players for just shy of £150m with Ben White and Martin Odegaard being the most notable names.

The Eye Test panel are not convinced by Mikel Arteta’s dealings and fear he may not be the right man for the Gunners going forward.

What do you think - are Manchester United now favourites for the Premier League? Was Jack Grealish the right man to bring in, or should Man City have chased harder for Harry Kane? Who was signing of the summer?

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IS SOUTHGATE STILL THE ONE? | The Eye Test | 888sport

The last two major tournaments for England has been their most successful since winning the World Cup in 1966, all under the stewardship of Gareth Southgate. 

Despite a semi-final and final in the only two major tournaments he's taken charge of Southgate still has some detractors, and on the fourth episode of The Eye Test, our panel of @Rory Jennings, @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel  and @Stevo The Mad Man, discuss if Gareth Southgate should still be leading England going forward.

When appointed, if someone had said Southgate would guide England to a World Cup semi final and a European Championship final, a lot of people would have barely believed you.

However, ever-ambitious England fans spot have been left wanting more and feel a better manager would have guided England to glory in one or both tournaments.

Southgate has shored up the defence, adopting a system utilising multiple holding midfield players such as Declan Rice, Kalvin Philips and Jordan Henderson, or playing with five at the back, with the likes of Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier thriving in these systems. 

But with the attacking options available, a prime Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, as well as promising talents such as Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, Southgate has been criticised for being too defensive.

Do YOU think Southgate should stay as manager? Did England flop in the final against Italy and the semi final against Croatia? If Southgate was to leave the job, who would be the man to replace him?

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IS PEP A FAILURE IF MAN CITY DON'T WIN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE? | The Eye Test | 888sport

The Premier League has come back with a bang with last season's Champions and pre-season favourites Manchester City losing on the opening day to Spurs.

Meanwhile, the Champions League's return is just around the corner, with the draw for the group stages taking place this week, and Guardiola's men will have their eyes set on going one better in Europe after losing last season's final to rivals Chelsea. 

In the third episode of The Eye Test, our panel of @Rory Jennings, @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel and @Stevo The Mad Man discuss which Premier League teams have got the potential to win European football’s top continental competition, with current winners Chelsea, Man City, Man United and Liverpool all vying for Champions League glory.

Holders Chelsea have looked like a different beast since Thomas Tuchel took the helm, their victory last season emphasising how strong they have become, and they'll be contenders yet again.

Pep Guardiola's Man City have struggled in the competition, with last season being the first time he made the final and the trio discuss whether failing to win this season will be determined as a failure, and detrimental to his legacy in Manchester. 

Regardless of how well teams play domestically, some sides always seem capable of winning the Champions League because of how the format is set and none of the panel rule out the chances of Liverpool or Man United.

Outside the Premier League, Bayern Munich, Juventus and PSG seem like the squads most capable of taking the trophy away from English football, with Real Madrid and Barcelona now seen as underdogs.

What four teams in Europe do YOU predict to make the semi-finals? Is Guardiola a failure if he fails to bring the trophy to the Etihad? Can any teams outside of England claim the trophy?

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MAN CITY ARE NOT A 'BIG CLUB' | The Eye Test | 888sport

The Premier League returned to action with a bang last week as Manchester United and Chelsea secured comfortable wins, but champions Manchester City were defeated by a Tottenham side who were missing their top talisman and potential City target in Harry Kane.

Since coming into money, Manchester City have been a dominant force in the Premier League for over a decade now, breaking numerous records.

Before them, Chelsea did the same, becoming a frequent title challenger after a massive cash injection. But are Chelsea or Manchester City ‘big’ clubs, in all senses, not just financially?

In a very fiery second episode of The Eye Test, returning panellists from last week @Rory Jennings , @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel  and @Stevo The Mad Man  discuss what makes a club ‘big’ and clash over their opinions. Rory and Esteemed Kompany don’t hold back!

Stevo doesn’t have a horse in this race and acknowledges that both Man City and Chelsea are both big clubs. However, he was shut down for suggesting West ham are in the same bracket!

Steven McInerney, of Esteemed Kompany channel, thinks that global reach, quality of player and current stature make a club 'big'. With over a decade competing at an elite level, Steven is confident that City are one of the biggest in world football.

Rory disagrees, noting there is a difference to being 'big' and being relevant. He reckons City shouldn't even be in the conversation until more time passes.

Only then could they be classed a big club like Chelsea - a club operating at the top level for over 20 years and winning the Champions League.

What do YOU think makes a club ‘big’? Are Man City and Chelsea ‘big’ clubs? Was Rory being childish?

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THE PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON PREVIEW | The Eye Test | 888sport

Manchester City fan Steven McInerney is backing his team to win the league after romping to the title last season.

He is confident that the Citizens can repeat that feat after Pep Guardiola has added attacking flair in Jack Grealish and he thinks City's chances of winning the league would go from a probability to an inevitability if they were to bring in a striker like Harry Kane, who's rumoured to be on the way.

The chasing pack looks like it could be more competitive than ever. Liverpool welcome defensive rock Virgil Van Dijk back to the squad but Blues fan Rory believes that Chelsea are Man City's main competitors this season.

Fired up and given heart due to their three consecutive wins when facing Man City, including a Champions League final triumph, Rory feels Thomas Tuchel is the man to outwit Pep Guardiola for the Premier League title.

West Ham fan Stevo the Mad Man feels that Leicester City are being underrated, after more shrewd transfer business this summer and believes it'd be naive to underestimate their capabilities under Brendan Rogers - but Rory disagrees and thinks the Leicester manager is the reason they WON'T make top four. 

Stevo is tipping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United to finally have an excellent season, depsite their Europa League final defeat in May.

Man for man, Rory thinks both Manchester clubs are on a level playing field but doesn’t believe Ole is the man to get United to challenge Man City for the Premier League title.

Neither Arsenal or Spurs get much of a look-in for the top four and all three panellists agree they won't be in the picture, and they agree the Champions League spots will go to the same four from last season. 
 
However, the panel are expecting a dogfight to avoid relegation and find it tough to pick who'll go down this season.

Three sides that were known for free-flowing football in the Championship last season gained promotion, but will they be able to replicate that style in the topflight? Or will strugglers from last season, like Brighton or Newcastle, take the plunge?

With fans back in stadiums, we're in for an exciting season and it could be the most competitive season for a long time - but how do you see it panning out?

Do you agree with our panellists - will Pep’s Manchester City retain the league? Can anyone break into last season’s top 4? Will any of the three promoted clubs survive?

• Twitter recalls ten Premier League aces who are unfairly forgotten 
• Combined, these stars have lit up the main stage thousands of times 
• Even Champions League winners can slip from our memories

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The players below have a staggering 1722 Premier League appearances and 434 international caps between them.

They have won the Champions League, Premier League and lifted the League Cup more times than you can shake a stick at. They are, to a man, elite practitioners of their craft.

Yet you won’t find them on any other top ten lists. They all-too-rarely come up in conversation. It’s as if they never existed.

Were they unremarkable? Were they ‘merely’ cult heroes, unappreciated outside their club’s fan-base? Or has history simply been unkind to them?

We asked Twitter to dip into its memory bank and nominate ten players who deserve to be recalled and celebrated from the Premier League era. The result was several blasts from the past.

10) Tomasz Radzinski

PL Clubs: Everton and Fulham

Suggested by @plymkrprss & others

Having made 193 Premier League appearances across six seasons the Canadian is included here for his durability because in truth his stats err towards the mediocre.

In 91 games for the Toffees, Radzinski scored 25 which admittedly is a decent return. At Fulham though that slowed right down to 10 in 102.

As for assists, it only gets worse, with one every 48 matches a pitiful figure for a second striker while his personal achievements are slight, peaking at topping the Belgium goal-scoring chart in 2001.

Balancing this out, the Polish-born forward notched some important goals to help fend off relegations and it’s notable that he played 37 more top-flight fixtures than Eric Cantona. He should at least be remembered.

9) Martin Laursen

PL Clubs: Aston Villa

Suggested by @Nakamba_19 & others

The committed centre-back represented his country at three major tournaments and won the Champions League with AC Milan but injuries sadly blighted his five years in England.

Just 84 appearances for the Villans is testimony to that but such was his quality it was still sufficient to see the great Dane inducted into a Villa ‘Hall of Legends’ on the club’s website.

If the Danish Footballer of the Year in 2008 remains revered by those who appreciated him on a weekly basis, beyond Villa Park he is a forgotten entity these days.

This is a shame because Laursen was a class act whose playing style perfectly suited the physicality of the Premier League.

8) Marians Pahars

PL Clubs: Southampton

Suggested by @BulletRobinson & others

What the Saints wouldn’t give for a player with Pahars’ ability right now because according to Premier League betting odds, the south coast side are among the favourites to fight the drop this term.

In 129 top-flight outings through the early 2000s the little Latvian schemer scored 42 goals and regularly lit up the newly erected St Marys with his direct foraging, all committed at full pace.

It’s no surprise Pahars was voted Latvian Footballer of the Year three times running. Indeed, it astonishes that he never won more because the current Siena coach in Italy’s fourth tier was undoubtedly one of his nation’s finest ever exports.

7) Paul Warhurst

PL Clubs: Sheffield Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers, Crystal Palace and Bolton Wanderers

Suggested by @Sach_PTL & others

One of the best feel-good stories during the Premier League’s early years was the dramatic reinvention of Warhurst from a centre-back to a free-scoring forward. It set the tone with the player admired from that point on for his versatility.

With Wednesday deprived of all their attacking talent to injury, manager Trevor Francis converted the youngster in desperation only for Warhurst to exceed all expectations, bagging 12 goals in 12 games. His prolificacy even led to an England call up.

On leaving Hillsborough, the player went on to win the title with Blackburn and all told the likeable Mancunian impressed in four different positions across 144 top-flight appearances.

6) Yossi Benayoun

PL Clubs: West Ham United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea

Suggested by @mattpreston11 & others 

The Israeli midfielder is a great quiz answer, with the question framed around a popular star who performed his magic for world famous clubs over eight years, making 194 Premier League appearances, only for whatever reason he has slipped into the abyss of time.

Perhaps it’s due to chronic bad timing why Benayoun is now largely unremembered while his fellow countryman Eyal Berkovic comes easily to mind.

Despite playing for three of the most successful English clubs in the 21st century, the skilful schemer only won a Europa League medal, finishing runner up too in the FA Cup. He shone during a time when Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea did not.

Our EPL predictions have his last employer pushing strongly for the title this season. Regrettably, it’s many years too late for Yossi.

5) Marcus Stewart

PL Clubs: Ipswich Town and Sunderland

Suggested by @seasoneddirtbag & others 

Stewart racked up the fewest Premier League starts of all his contemporaries here – just 81 in four and a bit seasons - but boy did he maximise his limited time on the main stage.

In 2000/01, after firing the Tractor Boys out of the Championship, the arch poacher scored 19 in his debut campaign among the elite, as Ipswich incredibly finished a lofty fifth.

Only Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink notched more that year and to put his achievement into perspective Thierry Henry and Michael Owen both found the net with less regularity.

Still, Stewart’s high-flying act pales to that of his club’s and the equivalent today would be Brentford challenging throughout for a Champions League spot. The sports betting odds on that happening is somewhere between large and colossal.

4) Gary Breen

PL Clubs: Coventry City, West Ham United and Sunderland

Suggested by @IglooRaver & others

In a career that spanned two full decades, Breen frustrated the greatest strikers around, shepherding them into areas they didn’t want to go, anticipating throughballs; always consummate, always calm.

It was such traits that attracted Barcelona and Inter Milan following a successful World Cup campaign with Ireland but alas a glittering move always eluded him, instead remaining at mid-level clubs for the duration of his long top-flight residence.

So it was that his forwards – from Darren Huckerby to Paolo Di Canio – got all the glory and plaudits while Breen is now largely forgotten. That doesn’t seem very fair.

3) Steve Potts

PL Clubs: West Ham United

Suggested by @Den_WHU & others 

Potts epitomised several aspects of football that should be treasured far more than others. He was a one-club man, bar a short stint at Dagenham and Redbridge to see out his esteemed career.

He went about his business with the minimum of fuss, putting in 7/10 performances week in, week out, anywhere across the Hammers’ back-line. And not once did he make the back pages over a contract dispute or for bad-mouthing his manager.

Instead, he quietly and efficiently made 202 top-flight appearances, captaining his boyhood club for several years, and always doing them proud. Only eight players have worn the shirt more.

Every club has a Steve Potts and there should be a statue of them outside each ground.

2) Steed Malbranque

PL Clubs: Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland

Suggested by @itstonyt10 & others

Only 84 players have made more Premier League outings than the French creative talent yet for all of his exquisite touches and imagination; for all of the times he delighted Craven Cottage, White Hart Lane and the Stadium of Light with his rare ability, Malbranque’s name still elicits the same response as when a long-forgotten childhood curio appears on television.

He is a footballing Furby. Steed deserves better than that. He was one of the best midfielders in Premier League history.

1) Dan Petrescu

PL Clubs: Sheffield Wednesday, Chelsea, Bradford City and Southampton

Suggested by @buybeckford & others

As his nominee on social media states, the Romanian was ‘one of the very best full-backs ever in the Premier League’ and though he is perhaps the most familiar of all the players remembered here, that pertinent fact is too often over-looked.

Instead, Gary Neville and Lee Dixon will routinely be praised when the role and its finest exponents are debated. Alternatively, its modern specialists are trumpeted.

But Petrescu was brilliant, and consistently so, excelling at the Bridge throughout a transformative era for Chelsea.

Not for nothing did the Bucharest-born star score 23 goals in the top-flight while it mattered too that, by virtue of his career path, he adorned some great retro football shirts.

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 30th September 2021

Following Man Utd’s shock defeat in game week one of the 21/22 Champions League campaign against Switzerland’s Young Boys, in a survey of 2,000 Manchester United fans, more than half don’t think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be the man to deliver a fourth Champions League trophy for the club. 

The defeat by Young Boys highlighted deficiencies all over the pitch and it could get worse in Group F with United now facing a notoriously tough side in Villarreal – penalty shoot-out victors over Solskjaer's stars in last season's Europa league Final.

A poor display against the Spaniards will only harden the belief that Ole's run out of gas in his quest to make United winners.

However, despite the opening game loss to Young Boys and lack of belief in their manager, 93% of Man Utd fans still remain confident that the reds will still qualify from Group F.

Five time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo was brought in to help United take a significant step towards European – and domestic – glory.

A whopping 78% of Manchester United fans believe their new signing will finish as the Champions League top goal scorer for a record eighth time.

KINGS OF EUROPE – OR PRINCES OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE?

When it comes to winning a fourth Champions League trophy or fourteenth Premier League title Manchester United fans are divided.

Most younger fans (U35) believe it’s the Champions League that should be the priority (60% vs 20%), while older fans (55+) who saw United dominate domestically during Sir Alex Ferguson's tumultuous reign would rather Ole and his men focus on the domestic league title (38% v 27%) after a recent home defeat at the hands of Aston Villa.

POGBA THE PUZZLE – WILL HE STAY OR GO? 

Few players in the modern game divide opinion more than midfielder Paul Pogba. 

Love him or loathe him Pogba brings a swagger to United's game that just isn't there when he's missing.

Yes, he sometimes frustrates. And, in his defence, he's not always played in the position to get the best from him.

But his ability to conjure magic means he has few peers in the Premier League.

Pogba is said to be enjoying life at United and has been impressed by the arrival of Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho.

Yet the French World Cup winner has yet to commit to a new contract with Juventus reportedly ready to lure him back to Italy in the new year.

A resounding 70% of Man Utd fans hope he turns his back on the struggling Italian giants and think United have a better chance of winning silverware if Pogba renews his deal and stays at Old Trafford.

Bet on football with 888sport throughout the 2021/22 season and follow the latest developments on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's position at Manchester United.

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

• No matter who you support, we’ve got you covered with the best fantasy football team names
• Secure bragging rights over your mates by choosing the funniest FPL team name
• Read on for the best Fantasy Premier League team names for 2021/22 – with new players, club legends & more

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Fantasy football is played by millions of fans around the world and coming up with the best FPL team name is a fresh challenge ahead of every season.

Some players go with a name based on a club legend while others prefer to show support for a new signing – there is no right or wrong view when it comes to FPL team names.

If you’re making your fantasy Premier League team selection for an upcoming gameweek, consider switching your FPL team name to one of the options mentioned below.

FPL experts can spend weeks thinking of their fantasy team name for the season but there’s no need for that. Check out our list of the top FPL names and you’re good to go.

Big into sports betting and fantasy sports? Well, you’re in the right place – our FPL experts can keep you updated on the latest transfer tips, news and picks throughout 2021/22.

Without further ado, it’s time to get stuck into the best fantasy Premier League team names for this season. So, what are you waiting for? Get involved now…

Best FPL Team Names

• 50 Shades of Gray
• A Kiss From A Danny Rose
• AbraDubravka
• Absolutely Fabregas
• Afternoon De Ligt
• Ajer Sure Mate
• Ake Breaky Heart
• AlbrightonTheNight
• Alisson Wonderland
• All the Smallings
• Amartey McFly
• Angus Gunns & Roses
• Ayew Being Served?
• Back of the Neto
• Baked Baines
• Balotelli-Tubbies
• Bangers and Rashford
• BashamTheBishop
• Batshuayi Crazy
• Bellerin Than Out
• Benteke Fried Chicken
• Berge King
• Best Ings In Life Are Free
• Blazinchenko Squad
• Boly Pocket
• Boom Saka Laka
• Boom Xhakalaka
• Bowen Arrow
• Buendia Like Beckham
• Cahills Have Eyes
• Cahills Have eyes
• Castagne Me Now
• Cech Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
• Cesc and the City
• Cesc On The Beach
• Chicken Tikka Mo Salah
• Chiellini Con Carne
• Childish Fabinho
• Citizen Kane
• Clyne of Duty
• Come Digne With Me
• Come Dine With Mee
• CommethTheAouar
• Count on Mee
• Crouch Potato
• Crystal Phallus
• Curl Up and Dier
• Death On The Maitland Niles
• Deletubbies
• Delph and Safety
• Dias Nother Day
• Dirty Sancho
• Dolce and Lallana
• Dukes of Hazard
• Earth Wind & Maguire
• Egg Fried Reus
• Emery Little Helps
• Enter Shaqiri
• Expected Toulouse
• Finding Timo
• Flying Without Ings
• For Fuchs Sake
• Fornals Attire
• Fun Lovren Criminals
• Game of Stones
• Gangsters Allardyce
• Gayle Force Win
• Gilmour Girls
• Giroud Awakening
• Giroud Let The Dogs Out?
• Glory, Glory Salah-lujah
• Gross Misconduct
• Guns ‘n’ Moses
• Gylfi Pleasures
• Hakuna Mitoma
• Hanging By A Fred
• Havertz Your Way
• Hit Me Bebe One More Time
• HoldingBackTheYears
• Hotel? Thiago
• How I Met Your Mata
• Huth the Ball!
• If Tomori Never Comes
• InSané in the Membrane
• Inglorious Bas Dost
• Ings When Ur Winning
• Iron Jadon
• It's Heaton Up
• The Martial Mata LP
• Itsy Bitsy Chielini
• It’s Britney, Klich
• JesusIsComingLookEze
• Jota Than Hell
• Keita The Door
• Khedira Pin Drop
• Klopps and Robbers
• Knockaert Blow
• Knowing Me, Knowing You Zaha
• Koch Au Van
• Kodja and Maja
• Konaté Be Serious
• Kroos Control
• Krul Intentions
• Krul and the Gang
• Lads on Toure
• Leave My Arcelona
• Let’s Go Fosu-Mensah
• Lingardium Leviosa
• Lord of the Ings
• Lovren An Elevator
• Luke KyleWalker
• Löw Island
• Making Emile of It
• Me, My Delph and I
• Men Behaving Chadli
• Michu at De Gea Ba
• Mint Bailly’s
• Moves Like Xhaka
• Muller Reus Corner
• Murder On Zidane’s Floor
• Murder When Varane Scores
• Netflix and Chilwell
• Neuer Gonna Give You Up
• Neville Wears Prada
• No Kane, No Gain
• Obi One Kenobi Nil
• Obi Wan-Bissaka
• Obi-Wan Iwobi
• Old Havertz Kai Hard
• On Me Gedson
• On the Mendy
• One Flew Over Lukaku's Nest
• Ospina Colada
• Pepe Pig
• Pique Blinders
• Pique Boo
• Pjanic at the Disco
• Quarantine Tolisso
• Raya Sunshine
• Rice Rice Bebe
• Rubber Digne Rapids
• Run The Kewells
• Saka Khan
• Sarri Not Sarri
• Saved by the Bellerin
• Schick’s Creek
• She Sells Lascelles
• Show Me Da Mané
• Silence Of The Lahms
• Silva lining
• Sissoko Ono
• Slumdog Mignolet
• Smack My Bilic Up
• Sonny and Schar
• Sound of the Lloris
• Stay Together For De Ligt
• Stranger Mings
• Targett Practice
• Tea & Busquets
• The Cesc Pistols
• The Kouyate Kid
• The Martial Mata LP
• The Passion of the Cruyff
• The Vardy Boys
• The Wizard of Ozil
• Things Are Heaton Up
• Things Can Only Get Becker
• Tierney Henry
• Tiger (Josh) King
• Tinchy Sneijder
• Tomori Never Dies
• Tuanzebe1MoreTime
• Tuchel For School
• Turn the other Loftus-Cheek
• Two’s Kompany
• Werner Bros
• Wet Ass Pukki
• What Samatta With U
• Whats Love Gotze Do?
• When Harry Met Alli
• Who Ate All Depays?
• Why So Serie A?
• Willian Dollar Baby
• You Petr Cech Yourself

Fantasy Football Team Names:

Millions of Premier League fans play fantasy football each season and you can find the latest FPL captain picks and weekly tips on the 888sport blog.

There are plenty of other FPL team names out there and some of you may even get creative with your own fantasy football squad names. Get thinking and use your imagination!

Fantasy Premier League tips for each gameweek can help you to decide on whether to stick with your current squad or make a transfer – though you should always trust your own judgment.

Some of the best fantasy Premier League team names are based on films, television and music. Whether you’re into Pique Blinders or Murder On Varane’s Floor is your favourite song, you can find plenty of FPL team names to suit.

If you’re an amateur to fantasy football and have just selected your first FPL team name from this list, check out our Fantasy Premier League guide for expert advice.

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 28th September 2021

• Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman is under pressure at Camp Nou

• Koeman spent six years at the club as a player in the 1990s but his relationship with the fans is in turmoil

• Roberto Martinez and club legend Xavi Hernandez have been linked with the Barcelona manager position

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Barcelona are one of European football’s most successful clubs but the situation at Camp Nou is now more precarious than ever before.

Regularly sitting pretty at the top of Champions League odds, Barca find themselves under immense pressure to maintain their status as a driving force in world football.

La Blaugrana slipped down to third in La Liga last season – the first time Barcelona have been out of the top two since 2008.

A last-16 exit in the Champions League didn’t help his case but Koeman’s side managed to secure silverware with a 4-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey final.

Is Koeman the right man for the Barcelona job? That is the million pound question. It seems like the tide is turning against the Dutchman – but who is his likely replacement?

Here, we look at the next Barcelona manager odds as we enter a pivotal stage of the season. If you’re into football betting online, now might be the time to act…

Current Barcelona Manager:

Ronald Koeman was confirmed as Barcelona manager on a two-year deal in August 2020 but the Dutchman has had to fight to win supporters over during his first year in charge.

One thing Koeman has is experience. He took his first managerial role in 2000, working his way up the Eredivisie ladder before testing his dugout skills abroad.

Koeman’s managerial resume is impressive – he led the likes of Ajax, Benfica and Feyenoord before earning a move to Premier League club Southampton.

A short stint at Everton followed but things didn’t really work out at Goodison Park. Despite his struggles on Merseyside, Koeman then became Netherlands manager in 2018.

The Dutch job was Koeman’s final appointment before taking over at Barcelona and he will be hoping to justify La Liga betting odds and get his career back on track with a successful tenure at Camp Nou.

Koeman’s relationship with Barcelona is closely related to the late Johan Cruyff – the man who brought his compatriot to Camp Nou as a player in 1989.

He was a pivotal figure for Barca during his spell at the club, helping La Blaugrana to four La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey crown and European Cup glory.

While the current Barca side is nowhere near the level of the ‘Dream Team’ that Koeman played in, fans will hope that the Dutchman can take inspiration from his playing days.

Barcelona Manager History:

Some of the greatest managers in the history of football have sat at the helm of the Camp Nou dugout, including the likes of Louis van Gaal, Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola.

A few Barcelona managers have broken La Liga transfers records while others have focused on promoting the best youth players to the first team.

One of the most sought-after positions in the sport, there have been plenty of managerial changes in the modern era. We’ve provided every Barcelona manager since 1969…

• Vic Buckingham – December 1969 to July 1971

• Rinus Michels – July 1971 to May 1975

• Hennes Weisweiler – May 1975 to April 1976

• Laureano Ruiz – April 1976 to May 1976

• Rinus Michels – May 1976 to May 1978

• Lucien Muller – May 1978 to April 1979

• Joaquim Rifé – April 1979 to March 1980

• Helenio Herrera – March 1980 to May 1980

• Ladislao Kubala – May 1980 to November 1980

• Helenio Herrera – November 1980 to June 1981

• Udo Lattek – June 1981 to March 1983

• José Luis Romero – March 1983 to March 1983

• César Luis Menotti – March 1983 to June 1984

• Terry Venables – June 1984 to September 1987

• Luis Aragonés – September 1987 to May 1988

• Johan Cruyff – May 1988 to May 1996

• Sir Bobby Robson – May 1996 to June 1997

• Louis van Gaal – June 1997 to May 2000

• Llorenç Serra Ferrer – May 2000 to April 2001

• Carles Rexach – April 2001 to May 2002

• Louis van Gaal – May 2002 to January 2003

• Radomir Antić – January 2003 to June 2003

• Frank Rijkaard – June 2003 to June 2008

• Pep Guardiola – June 2008 to June 2012

• Tito Vilanova – June 2012 to July 2013

• Gerardo Martino – July 2013 to May 2014

• Luis Enrique – May 2014 to May 2017

• Ernesto Valverde – May 2017 to January 2020

• Quique Setién – January 2020 to August 2020

• Ronald Koeman – August 2020 to present

Barcelona Club Honours:

One of the biggest clubs in the world, Barcelona regularly feature in La Liga predictions and that will be no different this campaign.

La Blaugrana have a trophy cabinet to rival that of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and the Camp Nou faithful will hope that Barca can clinch major honours in 2021/22.

You can see a full list of Barcelona major trophies here – Koeman will do his position at the helm no harm whatsoever if he can make it back-to-back seasons with a trophy…

• La Liga (26): 1929, 1944/15, 1947/48, 1948/49, 1951/52, 1952/53, 1958/59, 1959/60, 1973/74, 1984/85, 1990/91, 1991/92, 1992/93, 1993/94, 1997/98, 1998,99, 2004/05, 2006/06, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2012/13, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19

• Copa Del Rey (31): 1910, 1912, 1913, 1920, 1922, 1925, 1926, 1928, 1942, 1951, 1952, 1952/53, 1957, 1958/59, 1962/63, 1967/68, 1970/71, 1977/78, 1980/81, 1982/1983, 1987/88, 1989/90, 1996/97, 1997/98, 2008/09, 2011/12, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2020/21.

• Supercopa de Espana (13): 1983, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018

• European Cup (5): 1991/92, 2005/06, 2008/09, 2010/11, 2014/15

• UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (4): 1978/79, 1981/82, 1998/89, 1996/97

• UEFA Super Cup (5): 1992, 1997, 2009, 2011, 2015

• FIFA Club World Cup (3): 2009, 2011, 2015

Next Barcelona Manager Odds:

As of September 2021, Roberto Martinez is one of the leading contenders in most next Barcelona manager betting markets.

The former Everton manager has impressed since taking over as the Belgium national team boss and reports claim that the Camp Nou hierarchy are targeting the Spaniard.

In terms of style, Martinez’s teams often play an attacking brand of football that will appeal to Barcelona supporters but his lack of experience at the highest level is a concern.

Xavi Hernandez is another name that has been mentioned regarding the Camp Nou position and it wouldn’t be a huge shock to see the club legend appointed as the next Barca boss.

A huge hit with supporters, Xavi spent most of his playing career at the club and the next Barcelona manager odds suggests that he may be favourite to replace Koeman.

Those two candidates are clear of the other next Barcelona manager betting contenders, with Ajax boss Erik ten Hag earning a token mention.

If the La Blaugrana bosses wanted to go left field, Ten Hag offers a viable alternative given his experience and credentials. Is this too much of a step up though? Possibly…

Follow the latest developments here at 888sport. Koeman may be able to save his bacon for now but with a new contract unlikely, next Barcelona manager betting odds are worth monitoring…

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• A total of 22 referees are registered to officiate in the Premier League this season

• Mike Dean, Martin Atkinson & Michael Oliver are among the biggest refereeing names

• Jarred Gillett is the first Australian referee in Premier League history

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The job of a referee is a thankless, often impossible, task. While the best referees often manage to keep control while staying out of the limelight, that isn’t always possible.

With so much riding on every EPL fixture, the referee appointments are eagerly anticipated by supporters and online football betting punters around the world.

According to the official Premier League website, 22 referees have been selected by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited for the 2021/22 season.

From the charismatic Mike Dean to the composed Paul Tierney, every official has a slightly different way of refereeing the game – though this can cause controversy from time to time.

For those betting on the Premier League online, the referee appointed for any given match is crucial. Some officials are stricter than others and this brings cards betting into play…

Here, you can find Premier League referee appointments for EVERY top flight fixture. So if you want to know ‘who is the ref’ for your team, visit this designated 888sport page…

Premier League Refs This Weekend:

As previously mentioned, the Premier League referee appointments are usually announced a few days prior to each fixture – fans can find the latest information here at 888sport.

Some of the greatest refs in Premier League history are still officiating in England’s top flight week in, week out. Here, you can see which games those refs are taking charge of this weekend…

Saturday 2nd October

• Man United vs Everton - Michael Oliver

• Burnley vs Norwich - Kevin Friend

• Chelsea vs Southampton - Martin Atkinson

• Leeds vs Watford - Simon Hooper

• Wolves vs Newcastle - Graham Scott

• Brighton vs Arsenal - Jonathan Moss

Sunday 3rd October

• Crystal Palace vs Leicester - Anthony Taylor

• Spurs vs Aston Villa - Chris Kavanagh

• West Ham vs Brentford - Peter Bankes

• Liverpool vs Man City - Paul Tierney

Who Are The PL Referees?

It takes years of hard work and dedication to work up the referee ladder to the promised land of the Premier League.

While a number of officials have been around for years, some of the referees selected for this season are new to England’s top flight.

22 referees will officiate in the Premier League this season but who are they? Well, look no further – we’ve got the full Premier League referees 2021/22 list right here:

• Martin Atkinson

• Stuart Attwell

• Peter Bankes

• John Brooks

• David Coote

• Mike Dean

• Darren England

• Kevin Friend

• Jarred Gillett

• Tony Harrington

• Simon Hooper

• Robert Jones

• Chris Kavanagh

• Andy Madley

• Andre Marriner

• Jon Moss

• Michael Oliver

• Craig Pawson

• Michael Salisbury

• Graham Scott

• Anthony Taylor

• Paul Tierney

Premier League Referee Statistics:

While the Premier League is widely regarded as the best league in world football, the standard of refereeing often leaves a lot to be desired.

The best referees are the ones who manage to keep control without influencing the game, with many picking Michael Oliver and Martin Atkinson as the top active Premier League officials.

Interestingly, Oliver finished the 2020/21 campaign as the referee most likely to award a penalty kick – his ratio of 0.68 penalties per game was higher than his peers.

Meanwhile, fans won’t be surprised to hear that Mike Dean ended the season as the PL ref most likely to show a red card. His 0.32 sending offs per game led the top flight…

You can find PL ref stats here ahead of upcoming fixtures – and these numbers may help when it comes to looking at betting odds for cards throughout 2021/22.

*Please note: all statistics relate to the 2020/21 Premier League season*

Michael Oliver Ref Stats:

• Matches refereed - 28

• Yellow cards per game - 2.96

• Red cards per game - 0.11

• Penalties per game - 0.68

• Fouls per game - 22.36

Mike Dean Ref Stats:

• Matches refereed - 25

• Yellow cards per game - 3.64

• Red cards per game - 0.32

• Penalties per game - 0.36

• Fouls per game - 22.72

David Coote Ref Stats:

• Matches refereed - 21

• Yellow cards per game - 3.10

• Red cards per game - 0.14

• Penalties per game - 0.43

• Fouls per game - 23.95

Kevin Friend Ref Stats:

• Matches refereed - 25

• Yellow cards per game - 2.32

• Red cards per game - 0.12

• Penalties per game - 0.28

• Fouls per game - 20.24

Chris Kavanagh Ref Stats:

• Matches refereed - 22

• Yellow cards per game - 2.82

• Red cards per game - 0.09

• Penalties per game - 0.27

• Fouls per game - 23.14

Stuart Attwell Ref Stats:

• Matches refereed - 23

• Yellow cards per game - 3.87

• Red cards per game - 0.17

• Penalties per game - 0.35

• Fouls per game - 22.22

Andy Madley Ref Stats:

• Matches refereed - 16

• Yellow cards per game - 2.56

• Red cards per game - 0.06

• Penalties per game - 0.31

• Fouls per game - 24.94

Craig Pawson Ref Stats:

• Matches refereed - 23

• Yellow cards per game - 3.43

• Red cards per game - 0.13

• Penalties per game - 0.30

• Fouls per game - 24.04

Andre Marriner Ref Stats:

• Matches refereed - 23

• Yellow cards per game - 3.87

• Red cards per game - 0.17

• Penalties per game - 0.35

• Fouls per game - 22.22

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FIRST PUBLISHED: 27th September 2021

• Anthony Joshua is a household name in the world of boxing

• British boxing fans are hoping to see Joshua fight Tyson Fury next year

• Joshua suffered his second professional career defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021

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One of the biggest names in boxing, Anthony Joshua is a massive draw when it comes to pay-per-view fighting.

If you were building the perfect line-up for a boxing show, Joshua would be one of the top names on the bill.

Heavyweight boxing is always at the centre of conversation amongst fight night fans and those who enjoy betting on boxing will have seen Joshua fighting on the big stage.

Facing the undefeated Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021, Joshua slumped to the second defeat of his professional boxing career – and Anthony Joshua next fight news is likely to be regarding a rematch.

So if you’re looking to place a sport bet on AJ’s next fight, be sure to follow the latest boxing news and predictions here at 888sport.

Without further ado, it is time to look at the latest Anthony Joshua fight rumours for 2022 and beyond. Scroll down for AJ next fight date information and more…

Who Is Anthony Joshua Fighting Next?

It looks like Joshua will prepare for a rematch with Usyk – the British fighter was already discussing a potential second bout in his post-fight interview.

Even the most ardent Anthony Joshua fan will admit that Usyk dominated the bout, with the Ukrainian winning by unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards.

Should AJ get back in the ring with Usyk, you would imagine Joshua will change his strategy in a bid to combat Usyk’s speed and southpaw style.

Joshua may choose to come in at a higher weight next time. With Usyk making the step up from cruiserweight, it makes sense to try and take advantage of that heavyweight power in the next AJ fight.

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury

Billed as the biggest fight in British boxing history, Joshua vs Fury was over before it had even begun. Joshua’s defeat to Usyk ends any chance of a bout in the near future.

The ‘Gypsy King’ is never going to be one to move around the boxing weight classes like many other fighters – Fury was born to be a heavyweight champion.

His story is legendary and he is now widely recognised as the People’s Champion – with his commitment to mental health attracting plaudits from boxing fans around the world.

Whether you like him or not, you simply have to admire Tyson Fury’s qualities in the boxing ring. Without a doubt, he is the closest thing to a modern day Muhammad Ali.

While Anthony Joshua’s next fight is now unlikely to be against Fury, we should never say never when it comes to these two titans of British boxing.

Next Anthony Joshua Fight Date

Rumours surrounding the next AJ fight date will be circulating the internet until we receive official confirmation from either boxing promoter.

Speaking in the aftermath of Joshua’s defeat to Usyk, Hearn confirmed that inactivity may have contributed to his performance – referencing a lack of boxing over the past 20 months.

While Joshua himself is committed to a rematch sooner rather than later, Usyk has hinted at spending some time with his family after immersing himself fully in training camp.

However, Hearn confirmed that he will take a short holiday to switch off before getting back in the gym and discussing the official Anthony Joshua rematch date.

Anthony Joshua Next Fight Location

In an interview with IFLTV, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that the location for a potential rematch has yet to be agreed.

However, Usyk – as the new champion – may wish for the bout to take place in his native Ukraine rather than in London, though he has plenty of experience fighting abroad.

As of September 2021, Anthony Joshua has fought in England, Wales, Scotland, the United States and Saudi Arabia. Could we see AJ’s next fight in eastern Europe? Only time will tell…

His jet-setting career has contributed to the total Anthony Joshua net worth figure though his share of the purse as challenger is likely to decrease for the rematch.

Next Anthony Joshua Fight Odds

Once confirmed, 888sport will offer betting odds on Anthony Joshua’s next fight. If it is indeed a rematch with Usyk, you can expect AJ to be priced as the underdog.

Joshua was the red hot favourite to beat the Ukrainian in September 2021 but the British fighter was comprehensively outboxed and that will be reflected ahead of the rematch.

It is important to remember though that Joshua boasts one of the most powerful punches in heavyweight boxing and he is more than capable of avenging that defeat.

Punters wishing to hold off and place an in play bet on the fight can do just that – whoever is confirmed as the opponent in the next AJ fight, it is sure to be a popular bout with boxing fans around the world.

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• Some of the best football chants can be heard at Premier League stadiums across the country
• Versions of ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Freed From Desire’ are now synonymous with major international tournaments
• The most creative football fan songs often take inspiration from popular music

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Football chants are part and parcel of the matchday experience. Some songs don’t make it past YouTube while others become fan favourites that ring around the ground.

Whether you’re singing in the pub pre-game or belting the latest chant on the terraces, the best football chants get stuck in your head for weeks.

For those who like to bet on football and attend matches, chants and fan songs are crucial in creating atmosphere and supporters create catchy anthems ahead of the new season.

The most passionate fans sing their heart out win, lose or draw – though the best football chants are always more raucous on the coach home after an away victory.

Here, we look at some of the greatest football fan songs around. From club legend chants to songs about the latest signings, here are a few of our favourite football chants.

Premier League Chants:

• Leeds United fans: "Marching On Together! We're gonna see you win, na na na na na na, We are so proud, We shout it out loud we love you Leeds! Leeds! Leeds!"
• Everton fans: "I've never felt more like singin' the Blues, When Everton win and Liverpool lose, Oh, Everton, you've got me singin' the Blues"
• Newcastle United fans: "Sunderland's going down and the Mags are staying up, the Mags are staying up, the Mags are staying up, Sunderland's going down and the Mags are staying up, the Mags are staying up, the Mags are staying up. Going down, staying up, going down, staying up, going down, staying up, going down, staying up!"
• Tottenham fans: "He's one of our own, He's one of our own, Harry Kane, he's one of our own."
• West Ham fans: "I'm forever blowing bubbles, Pretty bubbles in the air, They fly so high, nearly reach the sky, Then like my dreams they fade and die. Fortune's always hiding, I've looked everywhere, I'm forever blowing bubbles, Pretty bubbles in the air."
• Fulham fans: "When you're sat in row Z, and the ball hits your head, that's Zamora, that's Zamora Brighton fans: When the ball hits the goal, It's not Shearer or Cole, It's Zamora!"

England Football Chants:

• To the tune of God Save the Queen (national anthem): “God save our gracious Queen, long live our noble Queen, God save our Queen. Send her victorious, happy and glorious, long to reign over us, God save our Queen.”
• “Don’t take me home, please don’t take me home, I just don’t wanna go to work, I wanna stay in here and drink all your beer, please don’t, please don’t take me home!”
• “England ‘til I die, I’m England ‘til I die, I know I am, I’m sure I am, I’m England ‘til I die!”

• “We love you England, we do, we love you England, we do, we love you England, we do, oh England we love you!”
• To the tune of Three Lions by Baddiel, Skinner & The Lightning Seeds: “It’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s coming, football’s coming home!”
• To the tune of Whole Again by Atomic Kitten: “Looking back on when we first met, I cannot escape and I cannot forget, Southgate you’re the one, you still turn me on, football’s coming home again!”

Liverpool Chants:

• To the tune of Dirty Old Town by The Pogues: “He’s our centre half, he’s our number four, watch him defend and watch him score, he’ll pass the ball, calm as you like, he’s Virgil van Dijk, he’s Virgil van Dijk!”
• To the tune of Summer is Ending by Righeira: “We’ve conquered all of Europe, we’re never gonna stop, From Paris down to Turkey, we’ve won the f**king lot! Bob Paisley and Bill Shankly, the Fields of Anfield Road, we are loyal supporters, and we come from Liverpool! Allez allez allez, allez allez allez…”
• “There’s something that the Kop want you to know, the best in the world is Bobby Firmino, our number nine, Give him the ball and he’ll score every time, Si senor! Give the ball to Bobby and he will score!”
• To the tune of Sit Down by James: “Mo Salah! Mo Salah! Mo Salah! Running down the wing, Salah, la la la la la la, The Egyptian King!”
• To the tune of Sugar, Honey, Honey by The Archies: “We’ve got Salah! Oooh, Mane, Mane! And Bobby Firmino! But we sold Coutinho…”
• “We are Liverpool! Tra la la la la. We are Liverpool! Tra la la la la la! We are Liverpool, Tra la la la la, We’re the best football team in the land – Yes we are!”
• To the tune of Fields of Athenry by Pete St. John: “All round the fields of Anfield Road, Where once we watched the King Kenny play (and could he play!), Steve Heighway on the wing, we had dreams and songs to sing, Of the glory round the Fields of Anfield Road.”
• To the tune of You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and The Pacemakers: “When you walk through a storm, Hold your head up high, And don’t be afraid of the dark, At the end of a storm, There’s a golden sky, And the sweet silver song of a lark. Walk on through the wind, Walk on through the rain, Though your dreams be tossed and blown, Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart, And you’ll never walk alone, You’ll never walk alone."

Man United Chants:

• To the tune of Waterfall by The Stone Roses: "Ole’s at the wheel, Tell me how good does it feel, We’ve got Sancho, Paul Pogba and Fred, Marcus Rashford’s a Manc born and bred, Du du du du du du du du du. The greatest of English football, We’ve won it all, M U F C!"
• To the tune of La Bamba by Ritchie Valens: "Harry Maguire! Harry Maguire! He f**ked off Leicester, For Manchester, His head's f**king massive!"
• "Tony Martial, he came from France, the English press said he had no chance, fifty million down the drain, Tony Martial scores again!"

• To the tune of Spirit In The Sky by Norman Greenbaum: "Going on up to the spirit in the sky, That's where I'm gonna go when I die, When I die and they lay me to rest, I'm gonna go on the p**s with Georgie Best!"
• To the tune of You Are My Sunshine by Charles Mitchell and Jimmie Davis: "You are my Solskjaer, My Ole Solskjaer, You make me happy, when skies are grey, Oh Alan Shearer, was f**king dearer, So please don't take, My Solskjaer away!"
• "Twenty times, twenty times, Man United, Twenty times, twenty times, I say, Twenty times, twenty times, Man United, Playing football the Matt Busby Way"
• "Hello, hello, We are the Busby Boys, Hello, hello, We are the Busby Boys, And if you are a City fan surrender or you'll die, We all follow United..."
• "Glory, glory Man United. Glory, glory Man United. Glory, glory Man United, As the Reds go marching on, on, on!"

Arsenal Chants:

• "And it's Arsenal, Arsenal FC! We're by far the greatest team, the world has ever seen. And it's Arsenal, Arsenal FC! We're by far the greatest team, the world has ever seen."
• "49, 49 undefeated, 49, 49 I say, 49, 49 undefeated, Playing football the Arsenal way!"
• "We all follow the Arsenal, Over land and sea (and Leicester!), We all follow the Arsenal, Onto victory."
• "We've got Ozil, Mesut Ozil, I just don't think you understand. He's Arsene Wenger's man, He's better than Zidane, We've got Mesut Ozil!"

Chelsea Chants:

• "Blue is the colour, football is the game, We're all together, and winning is our aim. So cheer us on through the sun and rain, 'cause Chelsea, Chelsea is our name!"
• "Flying high, Up in the sky, We'll keep the blue flag flying high. From Stamford Bridge to Wembley, We'll keep the blue flag flying high!"

• "We'll just call you Dave! We'll just call you Dave! Azpilicueta, we'll just call you Dave!"
• To the tune of Gold by Spandau Ballet: "N'Golo, Oh! Always believe in your soul, You've got the power to know, You're indestructible... Always believe in, N'Golo, Oh!"
• "And it's Super Chelsea, Super Chelsea FC. We're by far the greatest team, The world has ever seen."

Man City Chants:

• "I never felt more like singing the Blues, City win, United lose, Oh City, You've got me singing the Blues!"
• "We are City, Super City, from Maine Road, "We are City, Super City!"
• "Blue Moon, You saw me standing alone, Without a dream in my heart, Without a love of my own. Blue Moon, You saw me standing alone, Without a dream in my heart, Without a love of my own."
• "And here's to you, Vincent Kompany, City loves you more than you will know, woah, woah, woah! God bless you please, Vincent Kompany, City loves you more than you will know, woah, woah, woah!"
• To the tune of No Limit by 2 Unlimited: "Yaya, Yaya-Yaya, Yaya-Yaya, Yaya, Yaya Toure! Kolo, Kolo-Kolo, Kolo-Kolo, Kolo, Kolo Toure!"
• "This is how it feels to be City, This is how it feels to be small, You sign Phil Jones we sign Kun Aguero, Kun Aguero, Kun Aguero!"

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 22nd September 2021

• PFA Player of the Year has been awarded every season since 1973/74

• Six players have won the award more than once, the most recent of which being Kevin De Bruyne

• Read below for more on English football’s most prestigious individual award

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A popular outright market when it comes to betting on football, PFA Player of the Year is the pinnacle of individual hardware in the English game.

It has been handed out every season since 1973/74, and its winners’ list reads like a who’s who of English football’s greatest ever players. Let’s dive into the history of PFA Player of the Year…

PFA Player of the Year Award

The PFA Player of the Year award was first introduced in 1973/74. Members of the Professional Footballer’s Association vote for the player they deem to have had the best season in English football.

Votes are taken in spring each year, and a shortlist for the award is announced in April.

Whether including the best Premier League strikers or talismanic defenders, the shortlist is often a point of debate among fans and media, though by that stage of the year, the discussion has usually narrowed down to two or three players.

John Terry, the 2004/05 winner, described it as the "the ultimate accolade to be voted for by your fellow professionals whom you play against week-in and week-out".

Terry is one of just three defenders to win the award in the Premier League era.

Only six players have been named PFA Player of the Year more than once, and just three players from outside Europe have won the award (Luis Suarez, Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah).

The winner is announced at a high-profile event in London towards the end of the Premier League season.

Men’s Player of the Year, Women’s Player of the Year, Men’s Young Player of the Year, Women’s Young Player of the Year and the PFA Merit Award are all handed out on the evening.

PFA Player of the Year Winners List

Featuring several members of the Premier League 100 club, here’s the complete list of PFA Player of the Year winners.

• 1973/74 – Norman Hunter

• 1974/75 – Colin Todd

• 1975/76 – Pat Jennings

• 1976/77 – Andy Gray

• 1977/78 – Peter Shilton

• 1978/79 – Liam Brady

• 1979/80 – Terry McDermott

• 1980/81 – John Wark

• 1981/82 – Kevin Keegan

• 1982/83 – Kenny Dalglish

• 1983/84 – Ian Rush

• 1984/85 – Peter Reid

• 1986/86 – Gary Lineker

• 1986/87 – Clive Allen

• 1987/88 – John Barnes

• 1988/89 – Mark Hughes

• 1989/90 – David Platt

• 1990/91 – Mark Hughes

• 1991/92 – Gary Pallister

• 1992/93 – Paul McGrath

• 1993/94 – Eric Cantona

• 1994/95 – Alan Shearer

• 1995/96 – Les Ferdinand

• 1996/97 – Alan Shearer

• 1997/98 – Dennis Bergkamp

• 1998/99 – David Ginola

• 1999/2000 – Roy Keane

• 2000/01 – Teddy Sheringham

• 2001/02 – Ruud van Nistelrooy

• 2002/03 – Thierry Henry

• 2003/04 – Thierry Henry

• 2004/05 – John Terry

• 2005/06 – Steven Gerrard

• 2006/07 – Cristiano Ronaldo

• 2007/08 – Cristiano Ronaldo

• 2008/09 – Ryan Giggs

• 2009/10 – Wayne Rooney

• 2010/11 – Gareth Bale

• 2011/12 – Robin van Persie

• 2012/13 – Gareth Bale 

• 2013/14 – Luis Suarez

• 2014/15 – Eden Hazard

• 2015/16 – Riyad Mahrez

• 2016/17 – N’Golo Kante

• 2017/18 – Mo Salah

• 2018/19 – Virgil van Dijk

• 2019/20 – Kevin De Bruyne

• 2020/21 – Kevin De Bruyne

Multiple PFA Player of the Year Winners

Mark Hughes, Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Kevin De Bruyne are the multiple PFA Player of the Year winners.

Of those six, Henry, Ronaldo and De Bruyne are the only players to defend their Player of the Year crown.

Shearer has his own record, however, as no other player has won PFA Player of the Year while playing for two different teams.

The Premier League’s all-time leading scorer won his first award with Blackburn and won it again two years later after his big-money move to his hometown club, Newcastle.

By Country:

Wayne Rooney was the last Englishman to win PFA Player of the Year back in 2010. Only four English players have picked up the hardware since the turn of the century.

Still, the breakdown of PFA Player of the Year winners by country is led comfortably by England. Wales and France are the only other countries to have won it more than four times – here’s the full list.

• England – 18

• Wales – 6

• France – 5

• Netherlands – 4 

• Scotland – 3

• Republic of Ireland – 3 

• Belgium – 3 

• Portugal – 2 

• Northern Ireland – 1 

• Uruguay – 1 

• Algeria – 1 

• Egypt – 1

By Club:

Winning trophies has often helped a player when it comes to PFA Player of the Year voting. The most successful clubs have had their fair share of individual award success, as is the case across most sports.

With a period of dominance in the Alex Ferguson years, Manchester United are top of the pile in PFA Player of the Year wins with 11. Seven of those came between 2000 and 2010.

Along the same lines, Liverpool’s team success has corresponded with individual accolades. Players from the red half of Merseyside won PFA Player of the Year four times in the 1980s.

More recently, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk topped the voting in back-to-back years as Liverpool began competing for major honours once again.

Tottenham and Arsenal are tied on five wins apiece. Manchester City and Chelsea might have collected trophies at a prolific rate over the last few years, but that hasn’t always resulted in PFA Player of the Year success.

The two clubs combine for just five, with Kevin De Bruyne being Manchester City’s only winner. Here’s the full list of PFA Player of the Year wins by club.

• Manchester United – 11

• Liverpool – 8 

• Tottenham – 5 

• Arsenal – 5 

• Chelsea – 3 

• Aston Villa – 3 

• Everton – 2 

• Newcastle – 2 

• Manchester City – 2 

• Leeds – 1 

• Derby – 1 

• Nottingham Forest – 1 

• Ipswich – 1 

• Southampton – 1 

• Blackburn – 1 

• Leicester – 1

PFA Player of the Year 2021

Kevin De Bruyne made it back-to-back PFA Player of the Year awards in 2021. The Belgian midfielder joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry as the only players to win it in consecutive seasons.

Manchester City were favourites in the Premier League odds all season long. De Bruyne was an integral piece in yet another title for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Despite missing the start of 2021/22, the former Chelsea man is set to be in contention once again.

PFA Player of the Year Odds

With a few weeks of Premier League predictions behind us in 2021/22, the PFA Player of the Year odds have Cristiano Ronaldo as the favourite for the award ahead of Romelu Lukaku, Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne.

Mo Salah, Jack Grealish and Harry Kane follow close behind the four leading candidates.

Ronaldo and De Bruyne are looking to make yet more history this season. Either player winning PFA Player of the Year would make them the first ever to lift the trophy three times.

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