Blasphemy! Seven clubs lock horns for the title after sir Alex Ferguson's retirement!

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Premier League predictions: Lawro v Liam Gallagher

BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson is pitting his wits against a different guest each week this season.

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This week he takes on Liam Gallagher, the frontman of the band Beady Eye, a Manchester City fan and formerly one of the two frontmen of one of the most prominent Britpop bands - Oasis. Gallagher's erratic behaviour, distinctive singing style, and abrasive attitude have been the subject of commentary in the press. He remains one of the most recognisable figures in modern British music.

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Lawro vs Man City fan Liam

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A correct result is worth ONE point. A correct score earns THREE points.

Manchester United - West Ham
Liam Gallagher: Why do you bring me in for a game they will win? 3-0.
Mark Lawrenson: The Hammers will find it hard to resist this Manchester United side. 4-1.

Hull - Newcastle
Liam Gallagher: Decent chance for an upset here, 1-1.
Mark Lawrenson: I think the Magpies might struggle with the big teams this season but this is the type of game that made them champions last season. 0-2.

Arsenal - Q.P.R.
Liam Gallagher: Easy-peasy, 4-0.
Mark Lawrenson: Shouldn't be that hard for the Gunners, 3-1.

Stoke - Tottenham
Liam Gallagher: Tough call here but I'll go for 1-2.
Mark Lawrenson: The Potters will be needing points at home and I can see them holding Spurs here, 1-1.

Sunderland - Chelsea
Liam Gallagher: Can't bet against Chelsea right now, right? 0-3.
Mark Lawrenson: Well I ain't betting against them either, 0-2.

Fulham - Manchester City
Liam Gallagher: Should be a good game to watch, with loads of goals flying around, most of them in Fulham's goal. 1-5.
Mark Lawrenson: The Cottagers were very impressive last season so I'll go for a close game here but City will edge it eventually - 1-2.

Last week, Lawro got two results right, with no perfect scores. His score of 2 was not enough to stop Arsenal fan Hugh Laurie waltzing off with a win, with the comedian scoring 4 thanks to his four correct results, no perfect scores.

Total scores after Week One
Lawro: 2
Guests: 4
 
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Premier League
Round 2

Saturday 23rd August 2014:

Hull - Newcastle 0-2
Yanga-Mbiwa (45), Ben Arfa (46)
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Arsenal - Q.P.R. 2-0
Ramsey (1), Isco (89); Barton sent off (42)
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Stoke - Tottenham 0-0​
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Manchester United - West Ham 4-1
Kagawa (12), Hamsik (25, 66), Rooney (46); Carroll (90+2)
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Sunderland - Chelsea 1-3
N'Diaye (41); Lukaku (7, 43), Cole sent off (56), Lampard (64)
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Sunday 24th August 2013:

Fulham - Manchester City 0-2
Hangeland o.g. (1), Negredo (86)
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League Table:

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Chelsea finally bring in natural goalscorer
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Tony Cascarino Commentary
Last updated at 10:11PM, August 25 2014

Fernando Torres, Demba Ba, Samuel Eto'o, Edin Dzeko - it is a long list of strikers who came to Stamford Bridge after Didier Drogba departed. Yet none of them have the natural ability to do what the Ivory Coast legend did for the team - score goals, bucketloads. Jose Mourinho has finally addressed that with the latest transfer Chelsea confirmed this summer - Radamel Falcao (28) comes to London after AS Monaco accepted a 52.0 million pounds offer for him.

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This man can bring titles to Chelsea
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Falcao shocked the football world when he chose tax heaven Monaco as his destination when the world was at his feet and his name was being mentioned in the same bracket as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. One year later he has become bored with life in the French championship and ready to make a move to a more popular league. The Blues can't talk up this signing enough - this man scores big wherever he is. 27 goals in 57 caps for Colombia. 34 in 90 for River Plate. 41 in 50 for FC Porto. 52 in 68 for Atletico Madrid. 22 in 30 for AS Monaco. Still not convinced? How about the fact Falcao already has five goals in four appearances THIS season - which has barely began!

Radamel Falcao transfer verdict: 20/10 - it's safe to say Chelsea have officially matched what the Manchester clubs did this summer by bringing in a world class superstar.
 
AOX leaves Arsenal
Young wide man seeks career at... Anfield​
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Sol Campbell
The Guardian, Wednesday 27 August 2014
The transfer rollercoaster never stops at Arsenal this summer - the deals come one after another before you have had time to take a breath, let alone make up your mind if you are disappointed, happy or relieved with the latest one. And the one today will leave Gunner fans hanging in the air with how they should feel about it. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (21) has opted to leave the Emirates and join Liverpool in a 7.0 million pounds deal. That's right, Liverpool - who got relegated and will be playing in the Championship this season!

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Oxlade-Chamberlain goes to Liverpool
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I'd like to offer an expert opinion but truth is sometimes a transfer is so peculiar you will only manage to stare at your computer perplexed rather than spill some well based professional opinion. Heck, I don't know how I feel about it yet! Arsenal are exceptionally well stocked in AOX's position and his departure is unlikely to affect the team. In the same time he was one of the bright young prospects Wenger counted on so much over the past decade or so. But if the lad is willing to drop down a level in order to get regular first team football - you can't really say anything.

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain transfer verdict: 4.5/10 - in order to rate this deal we'll ask ourselves the question "Can he walk in a title-challenger team?" - and to be fair the answer would be "No".
 

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Liam Gallagher @liamgallagher what a tool @ Marseilles can you--iiiiiiiiiiiiiii 1m

Latest news from #mcfc - FC Bayern star set to sign for us!!! LGx

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Lee Dixon: Citizens demonstrate pulling power by snapping up Alaba
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LEE DIXON Wednesday 27 August 2014
Manchester City new manager Jurgen Klopp has capitalized on his connections in the German market in the most spectacular way by raiding powerhouse FC Bayern to steal their prized asset David Alaba (22) in yet another breathtaking 32.5 million pounds move. Alaba is an incredible talent and represents everything Klopp values in a player - his phenomenal versatility and attacking potency will be much appreciated at the Etihad.

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Alaba a perfect fit for the EPL
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The Austria international has already earned 33 caps and scored 5 in those. He enjoyed a largely successful season with FC Bayern, achieving an impressive 7.90 average rating in 32 appearances. His physical play, explosive speed and willingness to work hard for the team make him perfectly fit for the Premier League.

David Alaba transfer verdict: 10.0/10 - if there were any doubts after the sale of Aleksandar Kolarov they have been put to rest now - Alaba is a definite upgrade and strong contender to nail down a guaranteed starting position in what is becoming a no weak link team at the Etihad.
 
English Title Contenders Cup Watch
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Third Round Draw

Leeds - Manchester City
Preston - Manchester United
Reading - Arsenal
Chelsea - Crystal Palace
Tottenham - Bournemouth
Newcastle - West Brom​
 
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English Club Groups

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[TABLE="width: 500, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Group A:[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Group D:[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Group F:[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Group G:[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Chelsea[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Real Madrid[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Atletico Madrid[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]PSG[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Celtic[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Newcastle[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Man United[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]FC Bayern[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Galatasaray[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Anderlecht[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Zenit[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Man City[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Lyon[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]A.C. Milan[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Viktoria Plzen[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Feyenoord
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
 

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Liam Gallagher @liamgallagher what a tool @ Marseilles can you--iiiiiiiiiiiiiii 1m

Yet another BIG transfer coming from Italy #mcfc soon LGx

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Lee Dixon: Citizens raid another powerhouse to snap up Arturo Vidal
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LEE DIXON Friday 29 August 2014
Manchester City continue their vast spending as the club announced the capture of Juventus star Arturo Vidal (27) for a 41.0 million pounds fee. The Chile international is yet another perfect fit of Klopp's vision as he can play in nearly all positions on the field. The tenacious midfielder is a gritty combative player who likes to channel play and works hard whenever the ball is lost. He's not shy of defensive duties and enjoys diving in tackles. We can expect him to be a genuine part of the Citizen's engine.

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Combative Chilean excellent addition
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Arturo has been capped 40 times by his country and scored 5 goals on international duty. He was comfortably the driving force behind Juventus' return to prominence after their exile from Serie A. He has four champion medals - two in Italy and two in Chile with hometown club Colo Colo.

Arturo Vidal transfer verdict: 10.0/10 - it is clear now why Klopp was so willing to let Gareth Barry and Jack Rodwell leave on a free - they couldn't scratch the Chilean's ability!
 
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Mark Lawrenson European Super Cup preview

29 August 2014
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Manchester-United-FC-logo-7a824.png


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Champions League holders Manchester United and shock Europa League holders Swansea meet in a classic all-British clash stamping up the Premier League's domination in Europe. Whoever wins this England will be proud (with the possibility of Wales a little happier though)!

Team news:
Swansea - none
Manchester United - none

Odds (Sky Bet) Swansea: 10-1 Draw: 7-4 Manchester United: Evens

Weather report:
Wet, 11C

We will be with you after a quick commercial break from Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff!

 
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Mark Lawrenson European Super Cup watch

29 August 2014
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Manchester-United-FC-logo-7a824.png

16' Di Maria (Man United) Yellow Card
43' Goal!! 1-0 Michu
45' Goal!! 2-0 Shelvey
45+1' Half Time
48' Goal!! 3-0 Shelvey (penalty)
90+3' Full Time

FINAL SCORE:
Swansea 3-0 Man United

Even though the game was played at the venue of rivals Cardiff, the Swans were massively boosted by an enthusiastic crowd and the fans played a decisive role at the closing minutes of the first half. The Red Devils never knew what hit them and when they started the second half by conceding a penalty there was never a way back in it for them. You think Swansea winning the Europa League was a shock - what about this one? Let's take a look at match stats and individual performances:
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European Super Cup 2014/15 - holders Swansea!​
 
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Thiago Alcantara joins new Mourinho project
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By Ray Wilkins | Last Updated: August 31, 2014 7:51pm
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Thiago picks Chelsea over FC Bayern
Spaniard likely to be the last piece of Jose's jigsaw, says Ray Wilkins.

Chelsea have announced the signing of FC Bayern playmaker Thiago Alcantara (23) for a 41.5 million pounds fee. The Spain international is a player Stamford Bridge will appreciate because of his technical play and creative prowess. He is one to unlock defenses in tight games and it is little surprise Mourinho wanted him enough to pay as much as he did.

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Thiago ready to be unleashed in EPL
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Thiago had a very good season with FC Bayern, participating in a total of 16 goals in 30 outings for the Munich giants. It is safe to assume he will only become better with more experience - if he can be preserved in the physical environment of the Premier League. This signing is likely to be the last of a massive spending spree as I just can't see how Mourinho could improve this team further without outgoing transfers now.

Thiago Alcantara transfer verdict: 8.0/10 - fits in a Mourinho team well but will need a physically dominant partner shielding him to shine.
 
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Premier League predictions: Lawro v Phil Collins

BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson is pitting his wits against a different guest each week this season.

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This week he takes on Tottenham fan Phil Collins, English musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actor and writer, best known both as drummer and vocalist for English rock group Genesis and as a solo artist.

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Lawro vs Spurs fan Phil

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A correct result is worth ONE point. A correct score earns THREE points.

West Ham - Arsenal
Phil Collins: I would like to say Arsenal will lose here but it would be too much of a gamble. Still I'd love to see them drop some points and this is a tough place to go so let's settle with a draw - 1-1.
Mark Lawrenson: The Gunners started well but they have never been known for consistency, at least recently. This would be a comfortable place to look for an upset. 1-0.

Tottenham - Fulham
Phil Collins: Well I wouldn't be a Spurs supporter if I don't envisage a win in this game. 3-0.
Mark Lawrenson: I also think Spurs will win this. 3-1.

Manchester City - Newcastle
Phil Collins: Can't see how this will be any different than a home win, as impressive as Newcastle were last season. 2-1.
Mark Lawrenson: I will back up my earlier comments about the Magpies struggling in big games this season - 4-1.

Note: Chelsea - Manchester United game already played

Last week, Lawro got six results right, with two perfect scores. His score of 10 was too much for the predictions of Manchester City fan Liam Gallagher, who also managed four correct results with no perfect scores.

Total scores after Week Two
Lawro: 12
Guests: 8
 
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Premier League
Round 3

Saturday 30th August 2014:

West Ham - Arsenal 2-3
Jarvis (45+3), Walters (84); Wilshere (42), Ramsey (68), Vela (78)
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Sunday 31st August 2014:

Tottenham - Fulham 1-0
Dembele (6)
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Monday 1st September 2014:

Manchester City - Newcastle 2-2
Ronaldo (22), Aguero (43); Lamela (39), Donovan (pen 70)
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Chelsea - Manchester United game played

League Table:

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Gary Lineker: Good evening and welcome to Match of the Day for our thoughts on the 2014/15 Premier League season! It seems the race will be as tight as ever this time around and as we all know it is those direct 6-pointer clashes that play a decisive part in deciding who will fly and who will fall. For this reason we will be focusing solely on those giant games in Match of the Day. Stay with us as Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer aid me on analyzing the key aspects of what happened and why it happened for you!

Manchester City - Newcastle
2-2
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Gary Lineker: The Citizens marched through the transfer market attracting a plethora of household names and were expected to put on a show facing the reigning champions at home. They started with style and the Magpies had to dig in and endure a number of clear cut chances in front of their goal. Krul was helpless midway through the first half though when Ronaldo scored a brilliant goal to give the home side a well deserved lead. It was only then Newcastle finally began to get into the game and create chances of their own. Even then it was against the flow of play when Erik Lamela grabbed an equalizer with the half time whistle approaching. Threatened to go at the break without capitalizing their dominance, City responded brilliantly with another great strike from Sergio Aguero. This spurred on a true spectacle in the second half and the Citizens were on top until about the hour mark with plenty of chances to seal the game with a third goal. Their wastefulness cost them dearly as Newcastle began to threaten again and got a penalty which Landon Donovan calmly slotted home. Surprisingly after the goal the Magpies were the better side and in turn had a number of great opportunities to take all three points. It wasn't to be in the end and both sides had to settle for a draw in a largely entertaining encounter at the Etihad.
Alan Hansen: You didn't leave much ground uncovered there, Gary. I'd like to add the tremendous battle both teams pulled on the pitch with tackles flying all over the place. It wasn't too rude to spoil the game but comes to underline how much they wanted it! Yet the tactical awareness was top notch and after no less than eight yellow cards no player got sent off.
Alan Shearer: I think Negredo will regret his poor performance in front of goal as he had four good chances but failed to direct any of them on target. Vidal appeared to be still blending in and getting used to the tempo of the league but I won't judge him too harshly as this was a tough game to debut in. David Alaba was incredible though creating both goals for City and picking up the PoM award. Erik Lamela was the only Newcastle player to truly stand out as he gave the necessary impulse for his teammates by creating a goal out of the blue.
Gary Lineker: City will be a little disappointed with failing to win a home game against a contender here but at the end of the day both clubs picked up a valuable point and can build on from it.
 
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August Watch

View attachment 419269
Premier League Table

The Contenders:

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Arsenal (1st; 9pts; +5) - the Gunners enjoy a great start of the campaign with three consecutive wins to end the month top of the table.
Player of the month: Thomas Vermaelen (DLC) 7.54
7 Current first team injuries:
Lukasz Fabianski (GK) - 3-10 days (broken finger)
Per Mertesacker (DC) - 3-5 days (damaged heel)
Ezequiel Garay (DC) - 11-14 days (damaged foot)
Santi Cazorla (AMRLC) - 6 weeks - 3 months (damaged cruciate ligaments)
Mesut Ozil (AMRLC) - 2-3 weeks (sprained ankle)
Juan Cuadrado (AMR) - 2-3 months (torn hamstring)
Adel Taarabt (AMLC) - 2-3 weeks (dislocated jaw)

Newcastle (2nd; 7pts; +5) - the Magpies shrug off the disappointment of the Community Shield loss to start well in the league with two good wins and a well-fought strategic draw away to Manchester City.
Player of the month: Eder Alvarez Balanta (DLC) 7.30
1 Current first team injury:
Eduardo Salvio (AMRL) - 7-8 weeks (dislocated shoulder)

Chelsea (3rd; 7pts; +5) - the Blues dropped points in a goalless stalemate away to Stoke on the opening day of the season but recover well and record a memorable classic win over Manchester United.
Player of the month: Hector Moreno (DC) 7.55
2 Current first team injuries:
Sergio Ramos (DRC/WBR) - 3-4 weeks (hernia)
John Obi Mikel (DM/MC) - 4-5 weeks (strained knee ligaments)

Manchester City (4th; 7pts; +4) - the Citizens will be slightly disappointed to miss a good opportunity to beat champions Newcastle at home but can be satisfied with a solid steady start of the season with no other points dropped.
Player of the month: David Alaba (D/WBL/MLC) 8.30
1 Current first team injury:
Adil Rami (DC) - 3-7 days (groin strain)

Tottenham (5th; 7pts; +2) - Spurs had a disappointing draw with Stoke but also started in a great fashion and sit close to the top and unbeaten in the first three games.
Player of the month: Hugo Lloris (GK) 7.32
5 Current first team injuries:
Younes Kaboul (DC) - 7-10 days (groin strain)
Christian Eriksen (M/AMC) - 3 weeks (pulled hamstring)
Antoine Griezmann (AMLC) - 4-5 weeks (sprained ankle)
Andre Ayew (MLC/AML) - 4-9 days (broken ribs)
Andros Townsend (AMRL) - 2-3 weeks (groin strain)

Manchester United (6th; 6pts; +1) - the Red Devils derailed at Stamford Bridge to a heavy 0-3 loss but avoided further waste of points and are just three shy of league leaders Arsenal.
Player of the month: Marek Hamsik (M/AMC) 7.53
2 Current first team injuries:
Rio Ferdinand (DC) - 4-6 days (strained wrist)
Robin van Persie (ST) - 2-4 weeks (torn calf muscle)

Other teams to watch:​

Southampton (7th) - the Saints seem like the most solid team outside the challengers and defend this stature by remaining unbeaten this month.

Swansea (17th) - the Swans continued their proud European tradition by claiming the European Super Cup but that has scuppered their league form and they are surprisingly close to the bottom.

Nottingham Forest, Hull and Fulham occupy the bottom three and are the only clubs joint with Swansea on failing to book a win this opening month.

August Player of the Month:
Gaston Ramirez (Southampton)
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August Young Player of the Month:
Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)
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August Manager of the Month:
Jurgen Klopp (Manchester City)
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Leading Goalscorers:
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