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Chelsea vs Liverpool: Confirmed team news, predicted lineups and injuries

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Chelsea host Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in a critical fixture that could shape the Blues’ Champions League qualification hopes.

Enzo Maresca’s side currently sit sixth in the league standings, aiming to close the gap on fourth-placed Manchester City and remain within striking distance of Arsenal. Chelsea’s attention now turns back to league matters after a strong European performance during the week.

The Blues took a commanding lead in their Europa Conference League semi-final tie with a 4-1 away win over Swedish side Djurgarden. That performance puts them in pole position for a place in the final.

However, they had to navigate that match without first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who missed the trip after sustaining a knock in the 1-0 league victory against Everton. Forward Christopher Nkunku was also absent, but there is hope that both players will be available for the clash with Liverpool.

Right-back Malo Gusto made his return to action on Thursday night, coming off the bench after being sidelined since the win over Fulham last month. Meanwhile, winger Pedro Neto was given a rest midweek, and Noni Madueke was substituted at halftime.

His replacement, Nicolas Jackson, made the most of the opportunity by netting a second-half brace. Those changes hint that Maresca could choose to start both Neto and Madueke in Sunday’s match, with Jadon Sancho possibly dropping out of the starting eleven.

Chelsea, now fifth in the table, know a win against Liverpool would further boost their chances of returning to Europe’s top competition next season.

While the stakes are high for the Blues, Liverpool head into this fixture with the title already wrapped up and the pressure firmly off their shoulders. Arne Slot’s side will be eager to close their campaign on a high note, possibly with some squad rotation.

With Liverpool’s domestic duties effectively complete, Slot has the flexibility to test out his depth. Fringe players like Harvey Elliot and Federico Chiesa are in contention for starts and will look to impress ahead of next season.

Conor Bradley is also back in the squad after missing the 5-1 demolition of Tottenham that secured the league crown due to a minor injury sustained in training.

The predicted starting eleven for Chelsea includes Sanchez in goal, a backline of Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández are likely to hold the midfield, with Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, and Noni Madueke operating behind Jackson up top.

Liverpool’s potential lineup features Alisson in goal, with a defense of Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Kostas Tsimikas. In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister could be joined by Elliot, while the attack might feature Chiesa, Mohamed Salah, and Luis Diaz.

The match kicks off at 4:30pm on Sunday, May 3, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. Fans can stream the game via Sky Go and NOW TV.

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here's why

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.

As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.

Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.

In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.

The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.

Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.

This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.

The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.

According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.

His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.

Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.

Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.

De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.

The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.

Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.

“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.

“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.

“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”

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