TOPSHOT-FBL-EUR-C1-LAZIO-BAYERN
Robert Lewandowski netted as Bayern motored to a 4-1 win over Lazio in the first leg of their last-16 tie (Picture: Getty Images)

Micah Richards has named Bayern Munich as his favourites to win the Champions League, followed by Manchester City and then Paris Saint-Germain.

Bayern, who beat PSG in last year’s final to lift the trophy, already have one foot in this season’s quarter-finals after their dominant 4-1 victory over Lazio in the away leg of their last-16 tie.

Meanwhile, City and PSG both won their away legs against Borussia Monchengladbach and Barcelona respectively, putting themselves in strong positions to progress to the next round.

Richards believes Guardiola's side are second favourites to win the competition
Richards believes Guardiola’s side are second favourites to win the competition (Picture: Getty Images)

And ex-City defender Richards feels his former side are second favourites behind Bayern to win the competition but isn’t getting too ahead of himself given their surprise exit in the quarter-finals last season at the hands of Lyon.

‘My top three would be PSG third, Man City second at this moment in time and then Bayern,’ Richards told CBS Sports’ ‘¡Qué Golazo Podcast!‘.

‘But I don’t want to get too excited because we’ve seen what happened in the Champions League with Lyon.

‘Everyone was expecting us to win that and it didn’t happen.

‘They’re still in all four competitions this season and as soon as you take your eye off the ball… as soon as your start looking at games down the road, you forget the challenge that’s in front of you.

‘I believe they’ve evolved from last season and they’ve got more confidence.

‘Will they win it? I’m not sure. Have they got a better chance? Definitely.’

Pep Guardiola, who managed Bayern before arriving at City, also named the German side as favourites to win the Champions League.

‘When I see Bayern Munich I don’t think we are favourites,’ the Spanish boss said after City’s win over Gladbach.

‘If people say we are favourites, we have to accept it, but a team who, in their whole history, has been to a semi-final once? OK, they say it, we have to accept it.’

MORE : Michael Owen’s predictions for Manchester derby, Chelsea v Everton and Liverpool v Fulham

MORE : Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes would ‘walk into’ Manchester City team, claims Chris Sutton

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Full Post Here - Micah Richards names top three Champions League contenders
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Micah Richards names top three Champions League contenders

Robert Lewandowski netted as Bayern motored to a 4-1 win over Lazio in the first leg of their last-16 tie (Picture: Getty Images) Mic...
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Granit Xhaka
Xhaka’s attempted clearance ended up in the back of the net (Picture: Getty)

Martin Keown believes Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno was at fault for the ‘calamity’ goal conceded against Burnley.

The Gunners took the lead through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang early on and looked to be in control of the contest as half-time approached.

Arsenal were guilty of over-playing at the back however with Leno passing to Granit Xhaka in his own box, with the midfielder’s attempted clearance closed down and diverted into the back of the net off the hip of Chris Wood.

While Keown admitted Xhaka was at fault, he pointed the finger at Leno too for failing to clear the danger.

It’s a calamity, the goal they concede trying to play out from the back,’ Keown told BT Sport.

FBL-ENG-PR-BURNLEY-ARSENAL
Burnley equalised just before half-time (Picture: Getty)

‘It’s about making the right decisions, the manager said he far from happy about the team’s performance and said stop giving silly goals away and this was another one.

‘This ball should be launched by the goalkeeper. Okay, Granit gives it away and he shouldn’t, it is his mistake. But don’t give it to him.

‘You have got to recognise when the opposition is right on top of you.

‘I think Leno should go long there. He doesn’t, and the worst nightmare happens, Xhaka gives away yet another goal.’

‘You cannot do that and expect to go up the table.’

MORE : Martin Odegaard praises Mikel Arteta and backs Arsenal to return to the top ‘very soon’

MORE : Emiliano Martinez says Arsenal did not deserve to keep him

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Full Post Here - ‘It’s a calamity!’ – Martin Keown slams Bernd Leno and Granit Xhaka after error for Burnley goal
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‘It’s a calamity!’ – Martin Keown slams Bernd Leno and Granit Xhaka after error for Burnley goal

Xhaka’s attempted clearance ended up in the back of the net (Picture: Getty) Martin Keown believes Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno was...
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Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes issues rallying cry ahead of Sunday’s derby (Picture: Getty)

Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United must ‘play as a team’ to stand a chance of stopping Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side have opened up a 14-point lead at the summit of the Premier League ahead of the visit of second place United on Sunday.

City have won 21 games on the bounce while United are undefeated on the road in 21 games. But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have won just one of their last five in the league and head into the derby off the back of three consecutive goalless draws in all competitions.

United have won on two of their last three league visits to the Eithad however with Fernandes insisting his side will not be focusing on the gap between the two.

‘We have to win every game, we know that,’ he told Sky Sports. ‘We play for a big team and we know we have to win every game.

Manchester City
City take a huge points lead into Sunday’s derby (Picture: Getty)

‘Of course, everyone knows the derby is important for us to win. But honestly, we have to look to ourselves, and don’t think too much on the table.

‘We have to win our games. If we win our games at the end of the season and we make it count, this is the most important [thing] and this is what everyone has to think.’

Fernandes has been United’s most influential player this season with 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

The Portugal international has been kept quiet in games against United’s traditional top six rivals however but the midfielder insists the side have proven that collectively, they can take on the best.

‘We know it will be a difficult game, I think it is the team that’s most in-form in the league [City], they have been playing well for a while.

‘It is always difficult to play against them but we have our chances, we have already shown in the past we can do great things.

‘We have to act as a team, play as a team and win as a team.’

MORE : Manchester United teammates must raise their game to help Bruno Fernandes, says Carlos Carvalhal

MORE : Louis Saha urges Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not to sell struggling Manchester United forward Anthony Martial

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Full Post Here - Bruno Fernandes explains how Manchester United must play to stop Manchester City in derby
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Bruno Fernandes explains how Manchester United must play to stop Manchester City in derby

Fernandes issues rallying cry ahead of Sunday’s derby (Picture: Getty) Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United must ‘play as a team’ ...
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Odegaard has been impressed by the Gunners boss
Odegaard has been impressed by the Gunners boss (Picture: Getty Images)

Martin Odegaard has lavished praise on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and believes it won’t be too long until the north London club are back at the top.

The Norway international was finding playing time hard to come by at Real Madrid and made the January switch to the Emirates on loan until the end of the season.

Attacking midfielder Odegaard admitted Arteta played a vital role in informing his decision to join Gunners and labelled the Spaniard a ‘top coach’.

The midfielder joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid in January
The midfielder joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid in January (Picture: Getty Images)

‘It’s been amazing, he’s a top coach,’ Odegaard told BT Sport. 

‘He’s really intelligent, really smart and there are so many things I can learn from him so I’m just happy to be here and be able to learn and see how he works.’

When asked why he chose to move to the Emirates, the midfielder replied: ‘It was a lot of things really: first of all the manager and his ideas, the way he wants to play football. 

‘I think his style of play suits me really well. Also everything about the club, I always liked the club and how they played and I always followed the club. 

‘When I was younger I watched a lot of games and every time Arsenal played I wanted to watch. So they’ve always been a club I’ve been watching pretty closely and everything felt good to me.’

The Gunners go into their clash against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday in 10th place in the table after losing 11 of their 26 Premier League games this season.

But Odegaard is in no doubt about the quality of the players at the club and backed the side to make a rapid ascent in the near future.

‘The club is in a process now where things have changed a little bit, but what I’ve seen and experienced here makes me sure the club will be back at the top very soon,’ he added.

‘I think we have really good players at the club and some top talents. 

‘They’ve shown it in the Premier League and it’s the biggest league in the world, so I think they’re at the top in terms of talent and quality. When you see the way they’ve been playing, it’s amazing.’

MORE : Ashley Cole identifies Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ main ‘problem’ at Arsenal

MORE : ‘It doesn’t bode well’ – Kevin Campbell delivers verdict on Folarin Balogun Arsenal exit hint

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Full Post Here - Martin Odegaard praises Mikel Arteta and backs Arsenal to return to the top ‘very soon’
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Martin Odegaard praises Mikel Arteta and backs Arsenal to return to the top ‘very soon’

Odegaard has been impressed by the Gunners boss (Picture: Getty Images) Martin Odegaard has lavished praise on Arsenal manager Mike...
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England legend Michael Vaughan 'fears' for Jonny Bairstow
England legend Michael Vaughan ‘fears’ for Jonny Bairstow (Picture: Getty)

Former captain Michael Vaughan ‘fears’ for Jonny Bairstow’s future in Test cricket following his struggles during England’s Test series defeat to India.

‘Jonny Bairstow will not be batting at three in the summer,’ Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special. ‘I fear for Bairstow in Test match cricket.

‘Normally he’d come back to the County Championship to score some hundreds to get a middle order spot in the Tests but it’s only fair for him to go off and play in the IPL.’

On England’s heavy defeat, Vaughan added: ‘Full credit to India. They have thoroughly outplayed England.

‘England haven’t found a method of improving with bat in hand. Every time the game has been in the balance, India have found a way of grabbing control of the match in an hour.

‘On these tough tours against the better teams this England side get drained – the pressure and the burden grows.’

More to follow…


Full Post Here - Michael Vaughan ‘fears’ for Jonny Bairstow’s Test future after England’s crushing defeat in India
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Michael Vaughan ‘fears’ for Jonny Bairstow’s Test future after England’s crushing defeat in India

England legend Michael Vaughan ‘fears’ for Jonny Bairstow (Picture: Getty) Former captain Michael Vaughan ‘fears’ for Jonny Bairstow...
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Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes has struggled in recent weeks for United (Picture: Getty)

Carlos Carvalhal says Bruno Fernandes’ Manchester United teammates must step up to help the Portuguese in big matches.

Fernandes, United’s top scorer this season with 22 goals in all competitions, has been accused of going missing in key fixtures this term with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s held to 0-0 draws against Arsenal, Manchester City and twice against Chelsea this term.

The 26-year-old cut a frustrated figure on Wednesday at Selhurst Park as United were held to another goalless draw by Crystal Palace – their third stalemate on the bounce.

While Fernandes has taken some criticism, Carvalhal insists others must raise their game to help up their talisman.

‘I think it’s not good in any team in the world if you depend too much on one player, so this is not good of course,’ he told talkSPORT.

Bruno Fernandes
United ‘need to work as a collective’ (Picture: Getty)

‘The best thing would be for the team to work together as a collective, because Manchester United have a lot of players who can be a threat, not just Fernandes.

‘When a team depends too much on one player it can be very difficult to achieve something, because opponents find a way to block that player, sometimes the player can get injured or suspended, so you can’t depend on one player.

‘Football is a collective game, it’s about 11 players, and while it’s important to have individual players to win a game, you need all the players.

‘If you don’t depend so much on one player, and every player makes a difference, you can beat any team.’

MORE : Manchester United eye Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane as potential Erling Haaland alternatives

MORE : Louis Saha urges Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not to sell struggling Manchester United forward Anthony Martial

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Full Post Here - Manchester United teammates must raise their game to help Bruno Fernandes, says Carlos Carvalhal
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Manchester United teammates must raise their game to help Bruno Fernandes, says Carlos Carvalhal

Fernandes has struggled in recent weeks for United (Picture: Getty) Carlos Carvalhal says Bruno Fernandes’ Manchester United teammat...
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Sachin Tendulkar hailed India's 'fantastic' Test series win over England
Sachin Tendulkar hailed India’s ‘fantastic’ Test series win over England (Picture: Getty)

Sachin Tendulkar hailed five India players after their ‘fantastic’ Test series win over England.

He tweeted: ‘Fantastic victory Team India! Many congratulations on reaching the World Test Championship final.

‘Absolutely enjoyed the way each player contributed in every department throughout the series, especially Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma.’

Ashwin, meanwhile, said: ‘The biggest thing is qualifying for the World Test Championship final. It was a good series win. In challenging passages of play someone put their hands up for us.

‘For me, the last four months have been quite a ride. I haven’t been in the best of form with the bat and I didn’t think I would make a hundred in Chennai but I went with the flow and things just happened.’

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Full Post Here - Sachin Tendulkar hails five India players after ‘fantastic’ England Test series win
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Sachin Tendulkar hails five India players after ‘fantastic’ England Test series win

Sachin Tendulkar hailed India’s ‘fantastic’ Test series win over England (Picture: Getty) Sachin Tendulkar hailed five India players ...
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Virat Kohli paid tribute to his India team after they beat England
Virat Kohli paid tribute to his India team after they beat England (Picture: BCCI)

Virat Kohli paid tribute to his India team after they won the final Test against England by an innings and 25 runs to wrap up an emphatic series victory.

He said: ‘Our bench strength is as strong as it has ever been and that is a great sign for Indian cricket.

‘That was the plan – to have people come in and take situations on so when the transition happens the standards don’t fall.

‘It was a bit of an aberration in the way we play as a team [the first Test defeat]. It was a hiccup and England outplayed us.

‘We then bowled and fielded with a lot more intensity [after that] and I was pleased with how we batted in the second Test in Chennai.’

More to follow…

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Full Post Here - Virat Kohli reacts to India’s emphatic Test series victory over England
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Virat Kohli reacts to India’s emphatic Test series victory over England

Virat Kohli paid tribute to his India team after they beat England (Picture: BCCI) Virat Kohli paid tribute to his India team after t...
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Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe’s current contract at PSG expires in 2022 (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United have made Erling Haaland their prime target this summer but the club could also explore the possibility of signing Kylian Mbappe or Harry Kane.

Haaland, 20, is already one of the most feared strikers in Europe with Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool also said to be in the race to sign him this summer.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer handed the Norway international his senior debut at Molde in 2017 but failed in his first attempt to bring him to Old Trafford two years later.

Haaland reportedly has a release clause in his contract of around £62m that becomes active in the summer of 2022 but Borussia Dortmund could cash in for a better price this year with no shortage of suitors.

United appear to be in need of a long-term solution up front with Mason Greenwood still developing, Anthony Martial struggling and Edinson Cavani approaching the final years of his career at 34.

Erling Haaland
Haaland remains United’s prime target (Picture: Getty)

The Athletic report Haaland remains their first target – but also claim there is interest in PSG star Mbappe.

The France international is approaching the final year of his contract in the French capital and United ‘could be in the conversation’ should Mauricio Pochettino’s side fail to win the Champions League.

Kane is another ‘admired’ option closer to home. Last year, the striker refused to rule out a move away from Tottenham if he felt the team were no longer progressing.

Spurs hope to end their 13-year wait for silverware this season and face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final in April.

MORE : Louis Saha urges Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not to sell struggling Manchester United forward Anthony Martial

MORE : Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes would ‘walk into’ Manchester City team, claims Chris Sutton

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Full Post Here - Manchester United eye Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane as potential Erling Haaland alternatives
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Manchester United eye Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane as potential Erling Haaland alternatives

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Louis Saha wants Anthony Martial to stay at Manchester United
Louis Saha wants Anthony Martial to stay at Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Louis Saha has urged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not to sell Anthony Martial and says the struggling Manchester United forward is a ‘top player’.

Much was expected of France international Martial following his record-breaking move from Monaco in 2015.

But since becoming the most expensive teenager in history, Martial has blown hot and cold at Old Trafford, despite making more than 250 appearances for the club.

The 25-year-old enjoyed his best season to date in 2019-20 – scoring 23 goals in all competitions – but this campaign has been struggle for Martial, who has netted just four goals in the Premier League, often playing back-up to the likes of Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani.

Martial’s recent struggles have led to speculation over his future at Manchester United but Saha hopes his former club keep the faith and resist the temptation to cash in on the Frenchman this summer.

‘I really don’t think he’s a player Man United should let go because he can be that player who completes the striking force as he’s unique in the way he plays,’ Martial told talkSPORT.

‘When you’re not scoring you need to be obsessed with scoring goals and I think sometimes he doesn’t show that.

Saha believes there is more to come from struggling Martial
Saha believes there is more to come from struggling Martial (Picture: YouTube)

‘I think he’s a top player, that’s for sure. I think when you’re a No. 9 and you’re not scoring, it’s difficult as people are only asking you to score goals. That’s it.

‘When you’re not doing it you’re going to be criticised. You need to be strong and really believe. You also need to be selfish and adopt a style of play that you really fancy.

‘This is why he’s getting the criticism. It’s not about his talent or desire because he has that I’m sure.

‘It his expression sometimes. Having that obsession with scoring goals makes it easier because people say he’s been unlucky but you can see when he’s in his comfort zone people get on his back.’

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Full Post Here - Louis Saha urges Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not to sell struggling Manchester United forward Anthony Martial
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Louis Saha urges Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not to sell struggling Manchester United forward Anthony Martial

Louis Saha wants Anthony Martial to stay at Manchester United (Picture: Getty) Louis Saha has urged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not to sell...
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Michael Owen has delivered his prediction for the Manchester derby
Michael Owen has delivered his prediction for the Manchester derby (Picture: Getty)

Michael Owen expects Manchester City to prove too strong for Manchester United in this weekend’s local derby and has also predicted wins for Thomas Tuchel’s in-form Chelsea and struggling Liverpool.

City welcome United to the Etihad on Sunday knowing a victory could see them move 17 points clear at the top of the Premier League with ten matches remaining.

Pep Guardiola’s side have been in brilliant form, winning 21 matches in a row in all competitions, while Man United have won just one of their last five games in the league.

Owen, who is backing City to win the Manchester derby 3-1, told BetVictor: ‘Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come in for a bit of criticism in recent weeks due to his side’s under-par record against the top six.

‘However, when you look at how United set up, it’s no real surprise. They simply don’t get to dictate the territory against these sides and ultimately that can lead to a stalemate.

‘One side that will happily dominate possession is City, however. They can’t play any other way, so I expect United to be pinned back from the outset.

‘Ole will hope his side can utilise their excellent counter-attack and I believe it’s likely they’ll score. But I just can’t see them keeping City out and think this will be the end of Manchester United’s magnificent away run.’

Chelsea and Liverpool face Everton and Fulham respectively this weekend and Owen is predicting narrow home wins for both clubs.

Tuchel’s Blues clinched an impressive win at Anfield during the week and look on course for a top-four finish, while Liverpool face an uphill battle to secure a Champions League spot after a dismal run of form.

Chelsea vs Everton

Chelsea fans really couldn’t have asked for a better start to the Thomas Tuchel era. With UEFA Champions League qualification well within their grasp, along with a win at Anfield, the players confidence must be sky-high going into this.

However, Everton will pose just as difficult a challenge as anyone. The Toffees have been great this season, and if they were just slightly more consistent, who knows where they’d be.

This should be a great game. Tuchel v Ancelotti is a fascinating battle, and I think it’s bound to be tight. With that in mind, I think Chelsea will just edge it by the slenderest of margins.

Chelsea 1-0 Everton

Liverpool vs Fulham

Thursday night ended up being another evening to forget for the Reds as they were defeated 1-0 by a very solid and well-disciplined Chelsea side.

It proved to be a frustrating match, and the Reds now leave themselves a lot of work to do if they are to achieve a Champions League spot.

I’ve been impressed with Fulham over recent weeks. They’ve shown great character, and I think they could take their fight against the drop straight to the wire.

That said, I think Liverpool will be desperate to get back to winning ways. Mo Salah was substituted against Chelsea, and I think he’ll be hungry to bounce back. For me, it could be tight, but I think Liverpool will just edge it.

Liverpool 1-0 Fulham

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Full Post Here - Michael Owen’s predictions for Manchester derby, Chelsea v Everton and Liverpool v Fulham
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Michael Owen’s predictions for Manchester derby, Chelsea v Everton and Liverpool v Fulham

Michael Owen has delivered his prediction for the Manchester derby (Picture: Getty) Michael Owen expects Manchester City to prove to...
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