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Some words from Ben Fisher on Jamie Vardy…
Peter Lansley
Who would deny Jamie Vardy a fairytale ending to his fairytale career today? Ipswich Town, their opponents this afternoon, might have something to say about that. But as the veteran striker has decided to call it a day with Leicester City in their final home match of the season today, with the numbers so neatly aligned, another question looms.
Vardy has contributed so much to Leicester – scoring in a record 11 successive Premier League games on their way to the title and the FA Cup triumph obviously stand out – that he deserves to script his own final scene.
It is 13 years to the day since he signed from Fleetwood Town. This will be (if selected!) his 500th appearance for the club. And he needs to score once to make it 200 goals for the club. The neutral’s favourite former non-league striker evidently has a sense of a narrative neatly tied with its own numerical bow.
So what happens if he scores in the opening moments of the match between today’s two relegated sides? Does he ask to be substituted? Wouldn’t that affect Leicester’s momentum, in this fight for 18th place? If he gets the ball in front of goal, does he pass? Or does he risk muddying the rounded-off stats and, to hell with it, go on beyond 200?
I hope it’s the latter personally. I’ve captained him in my Fantasy League team.
Jamie Vardy will be having a goodbye party when he bids farewell to Leicester this afternoon. The 39-year-old wanted to end his Foxes career on 500 appearances and at the King Power Stadium, meaning he will not feature on the final day of the Premier League season next weekend. Today also happens to be the 13th anniversary of Vardy’s move to Leicester, marking what is set to be a full-circle occasion.
Be sure to also message me with any thoughts, feelings or score predictions for any of today’s games. I want to know what you’re up to, where you’re off to and what you’ll be watching this afternoon. Also, let me know if you have any stand-out memories of Goodison or any favourite Jamie Vardy moments. I want to hear from you!
Tom Garry also travelled over to Guernsey to speak to Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier and those who know her best.
Ahead of today’s Women’s FA Cup final, our very own Tom Garry sat down with Manchester United manager Marc Skinner to discuss the club’s season and today’s match at Wembley.
Today’s Women’s FA Cup final is SOLD OUT meaning we could see a competition record crowd at Wembley Stadium. Chelsea and Manchester United last met in the final two years ago, when the Blues clinched a 1-0 win thanks to Sam Kerr, who will not be available this time around. However, Marc Skinner and his team have more experience behind them now and will feel they can go toe-to-toe with the WSL invincibles.
As I mentioned before, Andy Hunter will be free to answer your questions about Everton or Goodison Park from 11am this morning. Feel free to send a message to our matchday live email address ready for Andy’s takeover.
Our photographer Tom Jenkins was at Wembley yesterday and managed to capture some incredible moments. Be sure to take a look at his picture gallery…
Yesterday was one for the history books. Crystal Palace beat Manchester City 1-0 to win their first-ever major trophy. Club hero Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal to fire Palace to FA Cup victory at Wembley. Here’s a recap of what happened…
Today’s key games. All times BST.
Women’s FA Cup final:
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Chelsea v Manchester United (1:30pm)
Premier League:
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Everton v Southampton (12pm)
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West Ham v Nottingham Forest (2:15pm)
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Brentford v Fulham (3pm)
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Leicester v Ipswich (3pm)
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Arsenal v Newcastle (4:30pm)
La Liga (all 6pm):
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Barcelona v Villarreal
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Sevilla v Real Madrid
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Atlético Madrid v Real Betis
Preamble
Hello and welcome to matchday live! I’ll be doing my best to get you warmed up and excited for today’s football action - although I don’t think it’ll take much considering what’s in store. First thing’s first we’ve got the Women’s FA Cup final which sees Manchester United face Chelsea, with the Blues aiming to complete a domestic treble.
It’s also set to be a historic day in the Premier League, with one iconic stadium closing its doors to its men’s first team - more on that later - and one player bowing out after 500 appearances for his club.
Today marks the final Premier League matchday at Goodison Park before Everton move to the newly-named Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. Our very own Andy Hunter will be at Goodison for the occasion and he’ll be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the stadium or Everton.
Jamie Vardy will also bid farewell to Leicester City this afternoon on his 500th appearance. The striker wanted to end his time with the club at the King Power Stadium as opposed to the Vitality Stadium on the final day of the Premier League season, so he is set to receive a fitting send-off later on.
Elsewhere, West Ham host Nottingham Forest, Brentford take on Fulham and Newcastle travel south to face Arsenal.
