Manchester City’s Premier League title equation is as simple as it gets – beat Aston Villa on the final day of the season and the crown is theirs for the fourth time in five years.

Pep Guardiola and his players know destiny lies totally in their own hands. Fulfil their side of the bargain and there will be another title party at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

And yet there is a mouth-watering subplot as City seek victory against Villa at the same time as their relentless pursuers Liverpool try to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield, before hoping the fates favour them.

In this case, the central character is one of the most significant figures in Liverpool’s history who, albeit at a distance as Aston Villa’s manager, has the opportunity to help take the one major trophy the eluded him in a magnificent career back to Anfield.

As on so many occasions before in his career, plenty of Liverpool fans will regard Steven Gerrard as their best hope of winning a Premier League title.

Gerrard’s sole professional focus on Sunday will be to get the result at City that will round off a topsy-turvy season of transition and early rebuilding at Villa Park.

The former Liverpool captain would not be human, however, if his thoughts did not occasionally stray to the potential impact of Villa getting a result, with his beloved boyhood club then beating Wolves to win the third part of a potentially historic quadruple.https://emp.bbc.com/emp/SMPj/2.44.15/iframe.htmlGerrard will take Manchester City game ‘100% serious’ – Klopp

The prospect is out there, hanging over what all logic says should be a routine City win against a team with only half their current points total of 90, lying in 14th place.

In among Gerrard’s glorious successes at Liverpool, which include winning the Champions League, Uefa Cup, FA Cup and League Cup, there exists the agonising moment when his famous Anfield slip against Chelsea in late April 2014 allowed Demba Ba to score leading to a 2 – 0 win for Mourinho’s side , It was the catalyst for Brendan Rodgers’ team blowing their lead at the last moment, leaving Manchester City as the beneficiaries.

Is this the moment for redemption, of sorts, for Gerrard’s biggest disappointment?

It is the stuff of nightmares for City. The stuff of romance for Liverpool.

This is real life, though, and all the form and common sense suggests City will be champions again when the final whistle goes on Sunday.

If, as the title race tightened in recent weeks with Liverpool eating into a lead that once stood at 14 points, you had offered Guardiola’s City the opportunity of winning their last game at home to seal the title, the suspicion is they would have signed up.

And one big point of difference is they are facing Gerrard the manager trying to build something at Villa. This is not Gerrard the world-class midfielder and inspirational leader with the ability to shape a game single-handedly.

It is still one of those little twists that seem to accompany every last-day title climax for Manchester City, but also one this experienced, high-quality group of players have proved strong enough to cope with.

In 2012, it was the last-minute Sergio Aguero goal that beat Queens Park Rangers to edge out Manchester United on goal difference and bring the title back to Manchester City for the first time in 44 years.

In 2014, it was a decisive final-day win against West Ham United that claimed it for Manuel Pellegrini’s team at the last gasp to inflict more title heartbreak on Gerrard and Liverpool.

In 2019, City had to win their concluding game at Brighton to keep Liverpool at bay in an epic title battle in which Jurgen Klopp’s side only lost one league game all season – at Etihad Stadium. They duly did, prevailing 4-1 after a Glenn Murray goal saw them fall behind early on.

City will have cautious confidence they can finish off the job to claim one major prize from a season where they have had to pull themselves together following another devastating Champions League demise, losing a semi-final to Real Madrid that they had in their hands in the 90th minute of the second leg at the Bernabeu.

This is a battle-hardened, richly talented team who have been over course and distance several times in recent seasons in exactly this scenario. It would be a major surprise if City slipped with the line in sight.

Villa, however, have a style that could trouble a City side with a makeshift defence, coping with injuries to the outstanding Ruben Dias, John Stones and Kyle Walker.

The 37-year-old Fernandinho was, understandably, exposed in an unfamiliar role in the 2-2 draw at West Ham and Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who has the dynamism and pace to inflict damage in behind, will be looking to the likes of Emiliano Buendia and Philippe Coutinho to provide the ammunition.

Coutinho’s status at Liverpool does not compare to Gerrard’s, but the Brazilian was also on the pitch against Chelsea that day in April 2014, and he too could play a role in helping his former club to the title.

City are firm favourites and rightly so – but there has been many a twist in title tales and Gerrard’s very presence has provided an intriguing narrative and potential headline grabber.

Former international Peterside Idah has given reasons why he is stepping into the ring in the forthcoming Nigeria football Federation Election.

The former Super Eagles goalie maintained that the time for change has come even as he called on both the old and the young to come out in the battle that will see a new team take charge at the Glass House.

Idah who pastors flourishing Christ Ambassadors Church in South Africa where he has lived for over 25 years, dished out his campaign video on twitter describing the new attempt to effect a change as a revolution.

“We want to change Nigeria football. I have a dream let’s make it work. Let the young come out and let the old come out it is a revolution. Our teams need to play at the world cup. I have a dream let’s make it work” enthused the former BCC Lions of Gboko,Enyimba and Moroka Swallows ace.

Idah who was a former Media Officer of the Super Eagles projected the team in the course of regular Supersports Soccer Africa show where he locks horns with other pundits sometimes in a banter that attempts to bring to the fore the strong and weak points of top teams in Africa on one hand and their endless rivalry on the other.

Although Idah who retired from football in 2002 earned invitation to the national team he did not feature in competitive game.

Tenure of the Amaju Pinnick led board is on the verge of expiring and the Delta born administrator has hinted he will not be seeking a third term.

Like Idah Head of CAF Security Christian Emeruwa has equally declared his intension to run while incumbent first vice Seyi Akinwunmi and LMC Chairman Shehu Dikko are yet to confirm their rumored interest in the September election.

Should Idah’s dream come to pass he would be following the footsteps of former Cameroon international Samuel Eto who recently emerged as Fecafoot President.

If the dream hits the rocks however, he will equally be joining the boat of Chelsea great Didier Drogba who did not get the nod of voters to become President of Ivorian Football Federation.

Sports management expert, Christian Emeruwa, has stated his vision for Nigeria Football as he gears up for the upcoming Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) elections later in the year.

Emeruwa, who is currently the head of the Safety and Security Department in CAF and a FIFA Senior Safety and Security Officer, is seeking to replace the incumbent NFF Amaju Pinnick when the latter’s second term tenure ends in September.

“This decision of mine is borne out of the belief that our football, your football needs a breath of fresh air,” Emeruwa said in a video shared across social media platforms.

“I have studied the situation in Nigeria, from all angles, I have seen what has been going on from the outside as a youngster growing up; what has been happening as an insider working as a member of staff of the NFF and I have also seen what has transpired in Nigeria football from the outside when I started working with CAF and FIFA.”

He added: “My vision is for a new Nigerian football that is reflective of the playing talents we have, and the academic and professional competence and potential we also possess.

The security expert also voiced the need for a robust and comprehensive coaching education for coaches at all levels and the need to see the local league thrive, adding the need for adequate support for state associations to carry out their primary functions of developing football at the grassroots.

Paris Saint-Germain forward, Kylian Mbappe, has become the highest-paid footballer in the world.

Mbappe has reached an agreement with the Ligue 1 side over a bumper three-year contract to remain at the club.

His current contract was due to expire on June 30 and he was widely expected to leave for Real Madrid this summer.

PSG offered Mbappe a pay package worth £4 million a month. This is double his current salary and makes him the highest earner in the game.

An extension would also secure a mammoth signing-on figure in the region of £100m. This includes concessions over image rights as well as bonuses for goals, Ballon d’Or honours and Champions League success.

Paris Saint-Germain has officially confirmed that Kylian Mbappe will remain with the club.

Mbappe was linked with a move to Real Madrid, as his deal with PSG was to expire in June.

However, the 23-year-old has agreed on fresh terms of a three-year current with the Ligue 1 champions.

According to Mbappe, Paris is his city and he always wanted to stay.

He said: “I’m really happy to continue the adventure here at Paris Saint-Germain. To stay in Paris, my city.

“I hope that I will continue to do what I prefer to with you all… and win titles together! Thanks a lot.”

igerian trio; Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey were in action as Rangers won the Scottish Cup for the first time since 2009 courtesy of a 2-0 win against Hearts at the Hampden Park on Saturday.

The Gers put their disappointing defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the final of the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday behind them to end the season on a positive note.

The trio were in the starting line-up, with only Balogun and Bassey playing the full 120 minutes.

Aribo, who was denied from a wonder save from Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon in the second half was replaced by Zambia forward Fashion Sakala on 105 minutes.

Substitute Ryan Jack netted the opening goal for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men in the fourth minute of extra-time.

Another substitute, Scott Wright scored the second goal in 97 minutes.

The forward received a pass from Ryan Kent, burst into the box and fired a shot past Gordon.

Daniil Medvedev will not sue Wimbledon over the tournament’s ban on Russian and Belarusian players but admitted “there are a lot of mistakes” behind the controversial decision.

Players from the two nations have been banned from taking part in the season’s third Grand Slam event which starts next month following the invasion of Ukraine.

However, they are allowed to keep playing at other tournaments including the French Open which gets underway in Paris on Sunday.

“If I can’t play, I’m not going to go to court for this one,” 26-year-old world number two Medvedev said on Friday.

“I don’t know what ATP is going to do, I’m waiting for their decision. But yeah, me personally, I won’t go to court.”

He added, “Maybe it’s the government pushing them (Wimbledon), maybe it’s their decision. There are a lot of mistakes behind this.”

The ATP, which runs the men’s tennis tour, is understood to be close to making a ruling on the Wimbledon controversy.

Both the ATP and WTA could decide to strip the high-profile tournament of ranking points in response to the ban.

“I love Wimbledon as a tournament. I honestly tend to think I like playing on grass, though I didn’t have amazing results so far, but I managed to win one tournament,” added Medvedev.

“But if I cannot play, I’m going try to play next year’s and try to play good there.”

Despite the ban, Medvedev, who lost in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2021, still plans to play grass court events this summer at s-Hertogenbosch, Halle, and Mallorca where he is the defending champion.

His first priority, however, is the French Open where he made the quarter-finals last year after four successive first-round exits.

Being placed in the bottom half of the draw means he has avoided defending champion Novak Djokovic, 13-time winner Rafael Nadal and new teenage star Carlos Alcaraz who are all in the top half.

“Novak, Rafa, Roland Garros, it’s crazy how they play here. Carlos has been playing amazing lately. Miami, Madrid, Barcelona. Let’s see how he copes up with the pressure,” said Medvedev.

Despite the ban, Medvedev, who lost in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2021, still plans to play grass court events this summer at s-Hertogenbosch, Halle, and Mallorca where he is the defending champion.

His first priority, however, is the French Open where he made the quarter-finals last year after four successive first-round exits.

Being placed in the bottom half of the draw means he has avoided defending champion Novak Djokovic, 13-time winner Rafael Nadal and new teenage star Carlos Alcaraz who are all in the top half.

“Novak, Rafa, Roland Garros, it’s crazy how they play here. Carlos has been playing amazing lately. Miami, Madrid, Barcelona. Let’s see how he copes up with the pressure,” said Medvedev.

English striker Tammy Abraham scored twice as Roma defeated Torino 3-0 in their final Serie A game of the season in a perfect morale boost ahead of next week’s UEFA Conference League final.

The victory also allowed Jose Mourinho’s team to claim sixth place in the table and make sure of a spot in next season’s Europa League.

Abraham found the net in the 33rd minute and with a 42nd-minute penalty.

The other goal came 12 minutes from time through Lorenzo Pellegrini with another penalty.

Next Wednesday, Roma tackle Dutch side Feyenoord at Tirana in the Conference League final.

On Sunday, AC Milan, who have a two-point lead over Inter Milan, can be crowned Italian champions.

They visit 10th-placed Sassuolo while Inter host Sampdoria in 14th.

Nigeria international left-back Jamilu Collins has said he is pleased to make a permanent transfer to English Championship outfit Cardiff City on a two-year deal

The 27-year-old joined the Bluebirds on a free transfer as his contract with German second-tier side SC Paderborn expires this summer says his dream is to help Steve Morison’s side gain promotion to the Premier League.

“I’m really excited to be in Cardiff, and I can’t wait to get started,” he told the club website.

“The club has great history, and when I got the call to come to Cardiff, I was so excited, I couldn’t resist. I’m looking forward to the challenge of the new season. “The goal is to fight for the Premier League.”

Collins becomes Cardiff manager Steve Morison’s fourth signing of the close season. Cardiff also signed Jak Alnwick, Ebou Adams and Ollie Tanner.

Speaking on his arrival, Morison said, “We’ve been monitoring him for a long period, and we’re really pleased to get him signed.

“He’s a great athlete, a really good left-back, and can play in that left wing-back position as well. I’m really pleased that we’ve got competition for places.

“I want to get as many bodies in for the start of pre-season, because the first 10 days of pre-season are going to be huge.”

Collins will provide Joel Bagan with competition for the left-back spot in Morison’s side, while he can also operate in midfield or central defence.

The Nigerian defender helped Paderborn reach the Bundesliga thanks to successive promotions in 2017-18 and 2018-19, although they were relegated after one season in the top flight.

He made 137 appearances during five years at Paderborn.

uper Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has been named the Best Young Player of the 2021/22 outgoing Serie A season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Napoli striker beat Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, Leao of AC Milan and Sassuolo’s duo Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori to the prestigious award despite scoring fewer goals than the trio.

The Nigeria international scored 14 goals and made five assists in just 26 Serie A appearances this season.

Vlahovic scored 24 goals in 35 games for both Fiorentina and Juventus, while Scamacca has scored 16 times in 35 games for Sassuolo.

hat ruled the hitman out until January and he still wears a protective mask.

Osimhen is only in his second year in Italy, joining Napoli in 2020.

He joined Napoli from Lille for a club and African record fee of €81.3m still has three years left on his contract in Naples, but he has been linked with a move away from the club.

Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle are reportedly leading the race to sign the Nigerian.

The 23-year-old will be aiming to add to his tally when the Partenopei takes on Spezia in their final league game of the season on Sunday.