PREMIER LEAGUE bosses are making plans for an unprecedented end to the season amid a tense battle for the title.

But there’s one potential headache…

2

2

What will they do with the winners’ trophy when it comes down to the final day and there are three teams still in the race to finish on top?

Since 1992, two teams have battled it out for top spot on the final day nine times, with Liverpool and Manchester City doing so two years ago.

But if the table looks the same on Sunday, May 19 as it does today, City, Arsenal or Liverpool could all be crowned champions.

All three teams are at home: Arsenal play Everton, Liverpool play Wolves and City play West Ham.

There are two identical, solid silver trophies originally cast by Asprey London, the Crown Jewellers.

Trophy No. 1 will remain with the holders until they return it three weeks before the end of the campaign.

There is also a second trophy that the Premier League takes around the world for various sponsorship events.

Clearly the two trophies cannot be in three different places, but SunSport understands there is a solution.

Premier League Productions is a company that provides studio shows and commentators for viewers of the English game around the world.

It is based at Stockley Park in Uxbridge, which is also home to the VAR control room.

A Premier League trophy is on display at PLP and while it is not identical or solid silver, it is a convincing stainless steel version.

So this is likely the trophy that would be in the home of the third-placed team on the final day, in case they skip the other two teams.

BEST SIGN UP OFFERS FOR FREE BETTS FOR UK BOOKMAKER

Anyone who lifts the trophy on May 19 will initially have to return it after two weeks so that it can be cleaned by expert specialists.

The silverware is always dirty after title celebrations because of the sheer number of people who have handled it.

BRAZIL TO GLORY

TOTTENHAM star Richarlison and his Brazilian teammates are based at Arsenal’s training ground ahead of their sold-out friendly against England on Saturday.

It is the Samba Boys’ first match against a European country – outside a World Cup – since they defeated the Czech Republic in Prague in 2019.

Brazil have played regular friendlies in Europe and drew 0-0 at Wembley in 2017.

But the Nations League has had a big impact on all the South American countries coming here because the international calendar is busier.

SARNIE OF CHAMPIONS

Do you want to know the food of champions?

Erling Haaland loves a colossal sandwich with Parma ham, burrata cheese, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, truffle oil, arugula and pistachios.

Manchester City invited a Sardinian couple, who run Italian sandwich shop Ad Maiora in the city, to treat the team after beating Manchester United in the derby.

The players chose the ingredients and Haaland apparently loved his gut-buster.

And now, until the end of the month, you can buy the Haaland Sandwich, although it will cost you £13.90.

DREAM TEAM managers should be aware that Gameweek 28 only features four Premier League matches.

However, six top clubs will take part in the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend, with players scoring points as normal.

This means that six teams will not miss a single match in the coming Gameweek: Arsenal, Bournemouth, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Everton and Sheffield United.

With this in mind, let’s think about possible Booster strategies and captaincy options.

---

PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR FOR THIS WEEKEND’S PROMOTION – SOMEONE SHOULD WIN A £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

---

4

It’s probably wise to keep Park the Bus and Max Captain in the holster, as both Boosters are best deployed in a double Gameweek, like Gameweek 29 for example.

The same goes for 12th Man, although this Booster could also serve another function for blunders left wanting by this weekend’s blunders.

Some of Mikel Arteta’s favorites are among the most popular players in the game, so it is likely that many bosses will not be able to field a full XI in Gameweek 28, even after their transfers.

Players such as Pervis Estupinan (£2.7m), Lewis Dunk (£3.1m), Jordan Pickford (£2.7m), Dominic Solanke (£3.8m) and Eberechi Eze (£4m) will also twiddling their thumbs this weekend.

Most gaffers should be able to tolerate one or two inactive players, but those missing half their lineup may feel like they need to activate their 12th Man Booster to bolster their ranks.

Erling Haaland (£7.9m), Mohamed Salah (£6.5m), Darwin Nunez (£4.8m) and Son Heung-min (£4.6m) are all exceptional candidates.

4

And it is exactly the same names that lead the conversation about the captaincy.

It’s been months since the classic pitch between Haaland and Salah, but that’s exactly how many blunders it will see this week.

Manchester City host Newcastle, while Liverpool travel to Manchester United for their respective FA Cup quarter-finals.

Neither initially looks like a particularly favorable match, but the Magpies have conceded 16 goals in their last seven games as they drop to 10th in the Premier League.

Current form suggests Eddie Howe’s side are not adequately prepared to withstand an Etihad attack.

Likewise, Erik ten Hag will privately fear a grenade on Sunday, given the nature of his injury-affected defense.

The Red Devils beat Everton last weekend but they gave away plenty of chances and with Liverpool having scored 25 goals in their last eight games, things could get messy for the hosts at Old Trafford.

4

Of course, there’s always a chance that the key players will be rested in the FA Cup, but with a place in the semi-finals at stake and an international break to follow, it would be a surprise to see Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp field a weakened line . upwards.

Salah was on his worst form against Sparta Prague on Thursday evening, ending Gameweek 27 with 22 points to his total, but Haaland has the best points per game this season (9.5).

Both are fantastic options, but perhaps the home advantage goes to the Norwegian poacher after all?

4

Elsewhere, Son is probably the most attractive alternative.

The Tottenham captain played superbly against Aston Villa last weekend for his 16 points in what was a statement win in a difficult stadium to attend.

The South Korean superstar has averaged a goal or an assist every 90.8 minutes this season and will be keen to improve his numbers against Fulham on Saturday.

Those unsure about the FA Cup line-up should note that Spurs’ visit to Craven Cottage is a Premier League match.

The deadline for Gameweek 28 is Saturday 11:15am – good luck!

---

IF there was ever a match to put a smile on your face, it’s the mouth-watering one at Anfield this afternoon.

But when I try to pick a winner between Liverpool and Manchester City, I always come to the same conclusion. . . I will never speak to the woman again because she changed her mind!

4

4

Or take the mickey when it comes to making a decision.

Because I have to admit, I’m guilty of both when it comes to this one.
Try as I might, I really can’t split them. . . So in the end I decided it will be a point for both Liverpool and City.

That wouldn’t be a bad outcome for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta either, as I think his team will remain in the mix until the end – whatever anyone else may think.

The way City and Liverpool are playing at the moment has made dropped points as rare as a weekend without a dodgy VAR decision.

Both rack up wins for fun, which leaves me scratching my head every time I watch them as to who will be the Premier League champions.

One minute, despite all their injuries, Liverpool are picking up a last-minute winner – and I don’t think anything can stop them in this mood.

The next day I see City just playing on without panic after a 1-0 defeat in the Manchester derby – and I say: ‘My God, they are fantastic’.

24 hours later it was Arsenal’s turn to run riot as they put six past Sheffield United.

CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BETTS FOR THE FESTIVAL

4

Considering everyone thought they had blown it when they lost to West Ham and Fulham a few months ago, no one will make the same mistake and write them off again.

This year we have a real three-horse race and looking further ahead into the summer, England definitely MUST win the European Championship when you see that bunch of players.

I was in Spain last weekend and everyone said to me: ‘Your team is fantastic’.

Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, John Stones, Declan Rice, Kyle Walker. . . who can match that? For me, England are at a different level than anyone else in the tournament.

But that’s all for another day. This afternoon it’s all about Anfield – and the chance for someone to make a big statement.

The bookmakers have City as the slight favorite and it is difficult to argue with that. I think they are the best team in the world and agree with boss Pep Guardiola that Foden is the star of the season.

But Mo Salah is back for the Reds, Darwin Nunez is fit and flying and we all know what can happen with that crowd behind them.

I don’t see it as a problem for City – they’ve played the Champions League final – but a packed Anfield has brought Jurgen Klopp’s team to great things before.

It could come down to a flash of brilliance from Salah, Foden or Kevin De Bruyne, perhaps half a chance for Nunez or Erling Haaland.

4

To think people made a big deal out of it when Haaland recently went four games without a goal. Seven from his last three wasn’t a bad way to answer that!

I do think Jack Grealish is a big miss for Pep’s men because as fast as Jeremy Doku is, they don’t get half of the end product from him.

And while Conor Bradley is no Trent Alexander-Arnold, the kid is a very solid defender and is getting better all the time.

For once I really can’t pick a winner. Yes, Liverpool could hand them over, but if City are on it, they could beat anyone in the blink of an eye.

So if I had to bet my life on it, I’d have to go for a draw. But never a boring, negative one, with two teams tiptoeing around each other.

They will go for it and the football will be fantastic; with this pair it couldn’t be otherwise.

This race goes to the wire. . . and I’ll change my mind half a dozen times before we get there.

MANCHESTER CITY may have gotten a helping hand from the man in the mask.

But their superiority could not be disguised as they won their tenth consecutive Champions League title.

4

4

Former Liverpool keeper Kamil Grabara was left red-faced as he fumbled Julian Alvarez’s cross into his net early on.

But fortunately for the Pole, his face was covered, so his blush was spared.

What would Pep Guardiola give for such a sound from one of the current Reds squad in Sunday’s title clash at Anfield?

In any case, his team will make the short journey along the M62 to their bogey site confident – ​​and in many cases fully rested.

Because many of his stars who put Manchester United to the sword on Sunday were given the evening off to prepare.

Erling Haaland was not one of them. He is still feeling fresh after a two-month injury break in his season and played 88 minutes.

Needless to say, the Norwegian got the goal you almost expect from him in this competition, taking his total for the season to 29.

If the first leg in Denmark three weeks ago was a walk in The Parks, this was more of a meander.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

Phil Foden’s injury-time goal in Denmark had put this last-16 tie all but beyond doubt.

It made this second leg a formality, but that wasn’t a bad thing for Pep Guardiola as it fell between important Prem games against Manchester United and Liverpool.

He was able to make seven changes and thus played the second youngest team ever in this competition.

Still, the students were clearly looking forward to it, as they blew away any lingering doubts within the first ten minutes.

Less than five had passed when Alvarez – back on set pieces with Kevin De Bruyne on the bench – curled a corner from the right.

Defender Manuel Akanji swung at it with his right boot and his effort fizzled into the top corner.

The Swiss was Haaland’s teammate at Borussia Dortmund and here at City and it was a finish the Norwegian would have been proud of.

Grabara never saw it – but he had no excuses for the nightmare he endured shortly afterwards.

Rodri headed his header against the crossbar, but the rebound fell to Alvarez on the left flank.

The Argentinian fluttered over a cross that should have gone straight down the Polish keeper’s throat, but somehow let it squirm through his hands.

4

Alvarez almost looked embarrassed as he walked away celebrating with no hiding place for Grabara.

Scotland international Scott McKenna from Copenhagen must have feared the worst at that moment.

On his last trip here – with Nottingham Forest in 2022 – he was on the wrong end of a 6-0 hiding.

But with their passage to the quarter-finals secured for the seventh season in a row, City took their foot off the accelerator.

It was always going to be a huge ask for the Danes, who faced the holders straight from their winter break last month.

But their fans were determined to enjoy themselves and just before the half-hour mark they got the goal they craved.

Former Southampton striker Mohammed Elyounoussi met a smart move from Orri Oskarsson and finished clinically past Ederson.

That was their first ever goal in the knockout stages of this competition – so at least they had made a bit of history.

Elyounoussi is an international team-mate of Haaland and perhaps the City striker felt a little left out.

Because he plucked a Rodri pass out of the night air during stoppage time in the first half, drifted past McKenna before wrong-footing Grabara from the edge of the penalty area.

That made it season 29 for the £51.4million forward – and don’t forget he missed two months of that due to a foot injury.

It was also his 41st goal in a competition he loves so much – equaling the tally of a certain Sergio Aguero, who didn’t do too badly in these areas.

Guardiola’s men have now scored three or more goals in nine consecutive Champions League home games – no one will be looking forward to reaching the last eight here.

Rodri had done enough to extend his personal unbeaten run to 60 and at half-time he was given a well-deserved breather by Guardiola.

In fairness, the Spaniard didn’t miss much – Ederson made a flying save to deny substitute Magnus Mattson – while Oscar Bobb’s deflected shot hit the crossbar.

Meanwhile, City’s summer signing Matheus Nunes was forced off with what appeared to be an extremely painful dislocated finger

But otherwise it was as comfortable as you could have wished for City: in preparation for their biggest game of the season.

4

PEP GUARDIOLA named Phil Foden the “best player in the Premier League” after his Manchester derby heroics.

And one incredible statistic from the Man City hero with two goals put United to shame.

2

Marcus Rashford’s thirty-yard strike stunned Etihad after eight minutes, but the Red Devils barely threatened Guardiola’s team after that.

Despite this, they were still leading at the break – thanks in large part to Erling Haaland’s “worst miss ever” – but then Foden took center stage.

The 23-year-old England striker curled a stunning shot past André Onana to level the score in the 56th minute.

United remained ready to suppress City, remaining at 1–1 when two of their key players were forced to leave, which their manager Erik ten Hag said cost them.

He shot them ahead with just ten minutes to go when he stormed clear of Casemiro after a one-two with Julian Alvarez.

Haaland then rounded off the scoring in stoppage time to secure Manchester derby bragging rights and the 3-1 victory.

United managed just three shots all match, one of which was on target, while Foden had done that alone THREE TIMES as much as.

After taking his tally to 18 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions this season, it was Foden who deservedly took home the Player of the Match award.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

And his boss Guardiola praised the academy’s abilities as he named him the best player in the Premier League this season.

He said: “Right now he is the best (in the league). To be world class you have to win matches. He wins games.

2

“He used to score goals, but now he’s winning games. When you do this, you reach another level as a player.

“He will already be a legendary player because at his age, the games played, the minutes, the goals scored, the titles won and he comes from here and therefore the connection with the fans is incredible.

“He is the player of the season. With all due respect to the great players, no one has been as decisive for us this season as he has been.”

Teammate Kyle Walker added: “We call him ‘The Sniper’ because he loves to shoot. So when he comes in with his left foot you know he has the quality and composure to pick his spot.

“Phil has taken on more responsibility this season.

“We need important players like him who can win games for you.”

The modest match winner promised to simply “keep working hard” after his latest heroics.

Foden said: “My aim is to appear in the big games.

“That’s what I want to do and this season I think I’ve done that. I just have to keep working hard.”

RODRI helped Manchester City claim bragging rights over rivals United – and break a Premier League record in the process.

The midfielder played all 90 minutes of the derby, with Phil Foden’s double and Erling Haaland’s late strike canceling out Marcus Rashford’s opener.

1

Rodri has yet to lose a club match since City’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in February 2023.

Since then he has made 58 appearances for City without being defeated.

After the Spaniard was sent off against Nottingham Forest in September, City lost all three home games he missed.

But when he’s on the field, it’s a different story.

City’s 1-0 win against Bournemouth last weekend moved Rodri level with ex-Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho after 58 games without defeat.

The former Portugal central defender set that record between November 2006 and February 2008, more than sixteen years ago.

But now it has been broken by Rodri, who extended his unbeaten streak to 59 after winning the Manchester derby.

Despite Rodri’s record-breaking performance, praise rightly went to teammate Foden.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

United legend Gary Neville said: “Sometimes derby matches can be emotional and passionate affairs, especially for local players who have come through the academy and it means a lot.

“He’s as cool as ice, Phil Foden. He’s such a special talent. He’s here to stay. He’s such a great player.”

Britain’s oldest striker scored five goals on his 90th birthday last week.

Mike Fisher, nicknamed Ninja because of his pace in the penalty area, plays walking football for Old Corinthians in Walsall.

2

2

Mike from Bloxwich said: “They all call me Ninja.

‘Because they say I’ll be gone in the blink of an eye, just like that.

“One minute you think you’ve collared me and the next minute I’m gone and the ball is in the back of the net.

“If you ask someone if they play with Mike Fisher, they have no idea who you’re talking about, but if you say ‘you play with Ninja,’ they’ll know who you mean.

“I still love football and I will continue as long as I can, or at least as long as I still score regularly.

“That feeling of scoring goals never gets old, even if I do.

“I’ve lost count of how many I’ve scored, but I normally get four or five a game and I’ve been playing regular walking football three times a week for eight years.

“A few times I’ve scored ten in a match.”

“That feeling of scoring never gets old.”

The Luton Town fan’s goals came just days before Man City’s Erling Haaland scored five against, er, Luton.

ROY KEANE didn’t mince words with Laura Woods live on ITV as some tunnel antics between Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley were pointed out.

The Manchester United legend featured in ITV’s FA Cup coverage of Manchester City’s 6-2 thrashing of Luton, in which Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick.

3

3

3

He appeared on the broadcaster alongside Woods and Ian Wright, which had left fans in a dilemma as the BBC also had a heavy trio on their own show.

Keane’s brand of analysis is known and loved by many fans for being quite blunt in its delivery.

The football hardman is also not known for being particularly sympathetic towards players who are friendly to each other before the match.

Woods may have hoped to catch Keane as she highlighted Luton and Man City stars sharing a handshake in the Kenilworth Road tunnel.

Just before kick-off, Woods points to Keane: “Ross Barkley and Jack Grealish hug before the match.”

Keane responded in good form by saying: “Not for me. But we’re all different.”

The IrishmanWoods’ response caused Woods to chuckle before the audio switched to the commentary team for the match.

Barkley, 30, and Grealish, 28, spent a year together at Aston Villa in the 2020/21 season.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

Erling Haaland put on a scoring clinic in the match as he put five goals past the hapless Tim Krul – who had a nightmare return to the Hatters’ starting line-up for the cup tie.

Elsewhere, Leicester triumphed at Bournemouth after a 105th-minute winner from super sub Abdul Fatawu.

Meanwhile, Blackburn’s clash with Newcastle went all the way to penalties, which the Magpies won 3-4 thanks to Martin Dubravka’s shootout heroics.

ERLING HAALAND posted a photo in memory of his late grandmother on Instragam after her death earlier this month.

Alfie Haaland’s mother Tone Rasdal died on February 10 at the age of 80 in a nursing home in Norway.

2

2

On the same day he heard the devastating news, Haaland scored twice in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Everton.

And two weeks later, the grieving striker took to social media this weekend to share a photo of himself alongside Rasdal.

Alongside the photo, he posted two emojis – a heart and a dove – on his Instagram story.

Her goal machine of a grandson has been crushing it in the Premier League for the past 18 months.

Despite being injured, the Norway international has scored 22 goals from 29 games this season.

And the 23-year-old reappeared three days later after his grandmother’s death in a 3-1 Champions League win against Copenhagen.

Haaland may have missed many chances against Chelsea in City’s 1-1 draw last weekend.

But he returned in full force in Pep Guardiola’s 1-0 win over Brentford.

While the Spaniard backed his superstar in the face of critics, he revealed that the striker is struggling off the pitch.

Guardiola said: “Top strikers score a lot of goals. Don’t criticize because he will shut your mouth.”

‘Sooner or later he’ll be there. He was out for two months. He has had an incredibly tough week, losing his grandmother.

“It’s not easy for a man and he’s not in his best form. In these kinds of games like Brentford you need Erling.”

FANS all said the same thing after Neal Maupay gifted Manchester City a goal against Brentford.

The reigning Premier League champions won the match at the Etihad thanks to Erling Haaland's solo goal.

2

2

The visitors looked set to frustrate the hosts as they got through the first hour without conceding.

But their hard work was undone when Haaland punished a few mistakes.

Maupay's first loose pass handed the ball cheaply to Manchester City in midfield.

The ball soon found its way into the hands of Haaland, who took advantage of Kristoffer Ajer's precious slip to run clean through on goal and pass Mark Fleken.

Maupay has built a reputation as one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League in recent weeks.

He first upset Tottenham star James Maddison by mimicking his darts celebration.

Then, in the reverse fixture against Man City just 15 days ago, Maupay, 27, was involved in a confrontation with Kyle Walker.

But after his precious strike, fans have all suggested that this is the only thing the striker is good at.

HOW TO GET FREE BETTS ON FOOTBALL

One posted: “This Maupay boy is only good at homework. No football.”

A second commented: “Maupay is an absolute pudding who makes laws due to his lack of ability.”

A third wrote: “Maupay hasn't done anything since he arrived, he's even helped City.”

A fourth said: “Maupay came on and ruined the game after everyone gassed him.”

Another added: “Receipt for Maupay.”

Maupay and Walker clashed again during the match when the defender was shown a yellow card for a rash challenge on the forward.

The match marked the first time Maupay and Walker had met since their furious clash a fortnight ago.

On that occasion, a visibly irate Walker, 33, complained to referee Jarred Gillett and fourth official Stuart Attwell late in the match.

A lip reader claimed the England star had threatened to “knock out” the Brentford striker after he “spoke about my children”.

Maupay is said to have denied the referee having done so, saying: “I didn't do that, it's okay.”

The incident was subsequently not included in Gillett's match report, resulting in no further action being taken by the FA.