birminghammail--2020-07-21--Beastie Boys craze is back as thieves steal car VW badges

Old skool vandals are heading back to the 1980s - by stealing name badges from cars in Birmingham .
And , in a move reminiscent of Beastie Boys copycats more than 30 years ago , Volkswagen nameplates are among those targeted .
The craze began when rapper Mike D wore a chain bearing the VW emblem in the video for ( You Got ta ) Fight for your Right ( To Party ! )
, a top 20 hit in 1987 .
They were so regularly stolen that the German carmarker ran an advert based on the phenomenon - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone who wrote in .
But now the thefts have returned , with high-end cars in Handsworth Wood being targeted .
One woman said four wheel caps were taken from her brother ’ s VW van and two from her father ’ s Audi .
We spoke to Tim Shallcross , head of technical policy at the Institute of Advanced Motorists ( IAM ) , to ask if wheel cap stealing was a trend or a nuisance .
Why do cars have wheel caps ?
Mr Shallcross said : “ All car wheels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the centre bore ) .
“ It is there so the wheel can be located accurately on the hub and in most cases , takes the weight of the car ; the wheel nuts or bolts are there to lock the wheel tightly to the hub .
“ In the days when all cars had steel wheels , the hole and the wheel nuts were kept protected from the road dirt , salt and water by a hub cap .
Then we decided to go for alloy wheels , which must be thicker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Wheel nuts are recessed into the thicker wheels and the centre bore is now filled by a cap , usually plastic or rubber and usually bearing the car makers badge .
“ The manufacturer ’ s badge seems to make the caps attractive to some thieves , not unlike the fad a couple of decades ago for pinching VW badges .
“ The caps are not much use for anything else and don ’ t usually have a massive value , so stealing them seems a pretty pointless thing to do.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said : “ Since the maker ’ s logo seems the only reason for stealing centre caps , I imagine the prestigious brands are the most at risk : BMW , Audi , Jaguar , Landrover , Mercedes , Porsche and so on .
But really , who knows ?
“ Lots of sets of used centre caps are advertised on local advertising web sites , but unless your car is a classic which has been out of production for some time , new caps are available from numerous sources for around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets .
So it 's important to know what 's going on and what is being done about it by police and the criminal justice system .
Large , highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings .
You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the box at the top of the article , which looks like this : It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts .
We also have a free app which you can download to get the most up-to-date news from across the region .
Find it on Google Play Store and App Store What car owners can do to to minimise the risk or cost “ On some cars the caps are fitted from the inside of the wheel and are very difficult to remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sadly , most can simply be prised off from the outside .
“ The cap does need to be removed by tyre fitters when balancing the wheel , so don ’ t glue them in place .
“ Although it is infuriating , stealing these caps is mischief making rather than a high value crime or vandalism that puts your safety at risk .
“ I think the best advice if yours are stolen is to find the cheapest replacement set you can .
“ The dealer will probably be the most expensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ auction sites .
“ A cheap set costing under £10 will look the same as the originals unless scrutinised closely and because they ’ re cheap , they ’ ll be less tempting to the people who go about stealing them .
”

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Old skool vandals are heading back to the 1980s - by stealing name badges from cars in Birmingham.
And, in a move reminiscent of Beastie Boys copycats more than 30 years ago, Volkswagen nameplates are among those targeted.
The craze began when rapper Mike D wore a chain bearing the VW emblem in the video for (You Gotta) Fight for your Right (To Party!), a top 20 hit in 1987.
They were so regularly stolen that the German carmarker ran an advert based on the phenomenon - and even offered a free VW badge to anyone who wrote in.
But now the thefts have returned, with high-end cars in Handsworth Wood being targeted.
One woman said four wheel caps were taken from her brother’s VW van and two from her father’s Audi.
We spoke to Tim Shallcross, head of technical policy at the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), to ask if wheel cap stealing was a trend or a nuisance.
Why do cars have wheel caps?
Mr Shallcross said: “All car wheels have holes in the middle (called the centre bore).
“It is there so the wheel can be located accurately on the hub and in most cases, takes the weight of the car; the wheel nuts or bolts are there to lock the wheel tightly to the hub.
“In the days when all cars had steel wheels, the hole and the wheel nuts were kept protected from the road dirt, salt and water by a hub cap. Then we decided to go for alloy wheels, which must be thicker than steel to give the same strength.
“Wheel nuts are recessed into the thicker wheels and the centre bore is now filled by a cap, usually plastic or rubber and usually bearing the car makers badge.
“The manufacturer’s badge seems to make the caps attractive to some thieves, not unlike the fad a couple of decades ago for pinching VW badges.
“The caps are not much use for anything else and don’t usually have a massive value, so stealing them seems a pretty pointless thing to do.”
Which cars are particularly vulnerable ?
He said: “Since the maker’s logo seems the only reason for stealing centre caps, I imagine the prestigious brands are the most at risk: BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Landrover, Mercedes, Porsche and so on. But really, who knows?
“Lots of sets of used centre caps are advertised on local advertising web sites, but unless your car is a classic which has been out of production for some time, new caps are available from numerous sources for around six or seven pounds upwards.
Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets. So it's important to know what's going on and what is being done about it by police and the criminal justice system. Large, highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings. You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter. Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article. It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts. We also have a free app which you can download to get the most up-to-date news from across the region. Find it on Google Play Store and App Store
What car owners can do to to minimise the risk or cost
“On some cars the caps are fitted from the inside of the wheel and are very difficult to remove without taking the wheel off, but sadly, most can simply be prised off from the outside.
“The cap does need to be removed by tyre fitters when balancing the wheel, so don’t glue them in place.
“Although it is infuriating, stealing these caps is mischief making rather than a high value crime or vandalism that puts your safety at risk.
“I think the best advice if yours are stolen is to find the cheapest replacement set you can.
“The dealer will probably be the most expensive, so look on the internet or auction sites.
“A cheap set costing under £10 will look the same as the originals unless scrutinised closely and because they’re cheap, they’ll be less tempting to the people who go about stealing them.”


birminghammail--2020-07-21--Fear as schools reopen in September that abuse cases will 'surge'

Domestic violence in Sandwell increased by more than 30 per cent during the coronavirus lockdown , social workers have revealed .
And child protection officers are now bracing themselves for more cases of abuse as schools fully reopen in September .
Councillors on the Children ’ s Services and Education Scrutiny Board heard during March and June domestic violence notifications to Sandwell Children Trust increased by 31 per cent .
The rise came while schools were closing and teachers not being able to report signs of abuse , and social workers carried out fewer face-to-face family visits .
Saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ when schools reopen in September the Trust ’ s chair , Jacqui Smith , said she was concerned about an increase in child protection cases .
She said : “ We are worried about an increase , for example , in the cases of domestic abuse we have seen .
“ We worry , I think , that despite our attempts to do visiting , either virtual or by other methods , this has been a period of time when children who are potentially at risk have been away from the eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in school or by our social workers.
” She continued : “ We have done everything we can to make sure we have been clear about what the risks are and we have been checking up and visiting children but I think that will have an impact.
” Pauline Turner , director of operations , said the number of families struggling to cope with the lockdown had seen an increase in calls for help .
She said : “ Some of the referees we have coming through show an increase in the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have come to our attention if it hadn ’ t of been for Covid .
“ Families we never knew before , things have gone very , very wrong for them and we won ’ t have had contact with them but for Covid .
“ Families who are under this type of stress just haven ’ t be able to manage .
”

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Domestic violence in Sandwell increased by more than 30 per cent during the coronavirus lockdown, social workers have revealed.
And child protection officers are now bracing themselves for more cases of abuse as schools fully reopen in September.
Councillors on the Children’s Services and Education Scrutiny Board heard during March and June domestic violence notifications to Sandwell Children Trust increased by 31 per cent.
The rise came while schools were closing and teachers not being able to report signs of abuse, and social workers carried out fewer face-to-face family visits.
Saying the trust is preparing for a ‘surge’ when schools reopen in September the Trust’s chair, Jacqui Smith, said she was concerned about an increase in child protection cases.
She said: “We are worried about an increase, for example, in the cases of domestic abuse we have seen.
“We worry, I think, that despite our attempts to do visiting, either virtual or by other methods, this has been a period of time when children who are potentially at risk have been away from the eyes of professionals whether or not that was in school or by our social workers.”
She continued: “We have done everything we can to make sure we have been clear about what the risks are and we have been checking up and visiting children but I think that will have an impact.”
Pauline Turner, director of operations, said the number of families struggling to cope with the lockdown had seen an increase in calls for help.
She said: “Some of the referees we have coming through show an increase in the number of families that probably won’t have come to our attention if it hadn’t of been for Covid.
“Families we never knew before, things have gone very, very wrong for them and we won’t have had contact with them but for Covid.
“Families who are under this type of stress just haven’t be able to manage.”


birminghammail--2020-07-21--Everything Dean Smith said ahead of Aston Villa's Arsenal clash

Dean Smith and Aston Villa head into a crucial clash against Arsenal later today .
While the Villa head coach wo n't be looking ahead to Sunday 's encounter with West Ham yet , Villa will need to pick up points today to ensure they have any chance of survival in that final game .
However , they face an Arsenal side that seems to be slowly turning around an identity crisis under rookie head coach Mikel Arteta , who has seemingly picked the Gunners back up off the canvas .
Despite Arsenal 's quality - evident against Manchester City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to aim for a win , without excuses .
The Villa gaffer , more than anyone else , knows just that .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Here 's everything Smith had to say ahead of the Arsenal clash ...
I thought we did the same against Crystal Palace !
I thought we played well .
It was always going to be tough when you 're playing against Liverpool and Manchester United game .
I thought we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision .
The second half then got away from us a little bit .
Our performance levels have been good , I just think defensively we 've been so much better since Project Restart .
We 've restricted everybody apart from United to under a goal a game in terms of expected goals ( xG ) .
That shows the work we have done since lockdown has been fruitful .
We 've not been as fluid in the top third of the pitch and I thought we were a lot more fluid on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players like Jack [ Grealish ] on the ball in better areas and made chances .
How do you become more clinical up front at this stage ?
It 's a theme throughout the league .
Defences are on top since the restart and games are a bit slower .
Whether that 's because it 's played in summer , or because there are so many games played .
It 's an area teams have struggled in , in the past few games we 've showed we are more fluid up front .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will bear fruit .
Because of the context of the pandemic , is it more important than it has ever been to stay in the top flight this season ?
I think each club will have it 's own reasons for staying up .
I mean we are very fortunate as a club to have two billionaire owners [ Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens ] who we are reliant on and who have been fantastic for the football club .
Each club will be different .
If we were to get relegated we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in terms of ownership .
We know what is at stake and our ambitions are what they are and why we want to stay in the Premier League .
What about the money at stake ?
I 've no idea about the figures in all honesty .
I do n't want to know .
That 's down to the executives to deal with that .
As I 've said , we have two billionaire owners who have got ambitions of improving this club as we go .
We do n't want to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we do n't want to get relegated , but if we did , we have to deal with that .
Have the owners said anything ?
They 've passed messages onto the players through me .
They 've asked the team to keep working hard .
They 've said 'there 's hope ' .
Without that , what is there ?
We 're passing on those messages .
They are behind the players and myself to maintain the Premier League status .
We want to do it for them as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he could 've .
Both of them have been as supportive as they could have been - if it were n't for the pandemic .
How big is this week for the future of the club ?
The short term future of the club is not in jeopardy at all .
We can get relegated and it is one of those things we have to deal with .
We 're in great hands with the owners , but we all want to keep our Premier League status .
This time next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at but this week we have to do the hard work .
Does Manchester City 's financial fair play decision encourage the club ?
It 's a questions for the executives .
We 've got two billionaire owners and the pandemic has hit an awful lot of people .
That probably helps us if we remain in the league .
Then we 've got the power to try and go and compete with the bigger clubs..
This Arsenal game must be one of the biggest of your career ?
I do n't know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest of your career , that is how I 've always looked at it .
I think it gets made a lot larger than it is .
There 's two games left - but Everton was a massive game , and now this one is , and hopefully West Ham will be .
When you 've been in football over thirty years , you get accustomed to it a little bit .
The character I am , I 'm consistent in my emotions - so I do n't let it try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ham 's the biggest .
We hope we go and get the result that keeps us in the league .
The last two results have been unbelieveble .
Mikel said himself against two of the top teams in Europe .
To come through them with two victories and and FA Cup final place - a big tip of the hat to them .
They 've been very good .
Defensively they are very strong and organised as you have to be against them teams .
We know the task ahead of us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they played on Saturday and we played Thursday so we 've had a couple of days more recovery that can hold us in good stead .
There 's been a lot of talk about David Luiz ...
The last two games he has been tremendous .
Every time the ball comes into the box it seems to be that his head is on it .
Players will have poor games and come through it .
That happens in life .
We have players here who have poor performances .
Luiz is at Arsenal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national team for a reason .
The reason is that he is a good player and good performances come from good players .
Are their weaknesses in Arsenal to exploit ?
We 're always looking at strengths and weaknesses of the opposition .
That 's our role , our job to highlight to the players and come up with plans .
Certainly , Project Restart has been totally about recovery .
There 's been plenty of games coming thick and fast and recovery has been key .
Arsenal will have concentrated on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Will pressing them cause issues ?
We have to weigh up what happens when we do n't press them .
Do we go in a low block ?
City went to press them and they played them out all the way through , back to the goalkeeper and around - then scored a goal .
The commentators at the time were talking about 'what a bad risk it was ! '
They 've got a certain way of playing , footballers who can control the ball and we 've got to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use to get the ball from them .
Will that Man City result have an effect ?
I hope so [ that it will be hard to replicate ] .
We got it earlier in the season .
We had great results and got through to the League Cup final then in the next game against Leicester in the league we did n't perform .
Let 's hope that happens to Arsenal .
Mikel will certainly know .
It 's his first role as a manager , he 's finding his feet as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players to perform .
Do you take heart from the first match against the Gunners ?
That was one of the most frustrating performances of the season .
We played well enough to win and we did n't .
There 's been too many of them this season .
At that stage though we had John McGinn , Tom Heaton and Wesley - key players for us who we have n't got anymore - although McGinn is back to fitness after months out .
Will you take any risks in these last two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've went gung-ho earlier in the season and got found out against quality opposition .
We 've had to be very mindful of what we worked on during the lockdown .
That was tightening up as a team .
We were giving the opposition far too many chances .
With the quality in this league , you get found out .
We look good defensively , we 've got McGinn back now , in terms of expected goals - it 's just a marker - but we 've kept teams at bay .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams we 've been up against .
We need to be hard to beat , but must supply our players in the final third .
We have Kortney Hause back , he trained yesterday and he will train again today , but Neil Taylor is still struggling with his hamstring .
Other than that , we ’ re okay .
I was surprised as anybody .
I 'm disappointed for Nigel who is a really good guy - and Craig Shakespeare who is a really good friend of mine .
I 'm not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're in a battle with them and I do n't want to give Watford too much ammunition of anything I 've said about it The players will know the result .
We 'll probably have the game on .
It 's part and parcel of where we are at .
We need to know what their result is , but it does n't change our approach .
We have to try and win to even catch Watford I can sympathise , of course I can .
We 've had decisions go against us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bigger now because of what is at stake and games are running out .
I feel for Eddie [ Howe ] .
I know Eddie and like Eddie and it 's hard for me to want Eddie to get beat - but I 'm sure he 'll be doing the same for me .

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Dean Smith and Aston Villa head into a crucial clash against Arsenal later today.
While the Villa head coach won't be looking ahead to Sunday's encounter with West Ham yet, Villa will need to pick up points today to ensure they have any chance of survival in that final game.
However, they face an Arsenal side that seems to be slowly turning around an identity crisis under rookie head coach Mikel Arteta, who has seemingly picked the Gunners back up off the canvas.
Despite Arsenal's quality - evident against Manchester City on the weekend - Villa will need to aim for a win, without excuses.
The Villa gaffer, more than anyone else, knows just that.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Here's everything Smith had to say ahead of the Arsenal clash...
Reflections on Everton?
I thought we did the same against Crystal Palace! I thought we played well. It was always going to be tough when you're playing against Liverpool and Manchester United game. I thought we were in that until the contentious penalty decision. The second half then got away from us a little bit.
Our performance levels have been good, I just think defensively we've been so much better since Project Restart. We've restricted everybody apart from United to under a goal a game in terms of expected goals (xG).
That shows the work we have done since lockdown has been fruitful. We've not been as fluid in the top third of the pitch and I thought we were a lot more fluid on the ball against Everton.
We got players like Jack [Grealish] on the ball in better areas and made chances.
How do you become more clinical up front at this stage?
It's a theme throughout the league. Defences are on top since the restart and games are a bit slower. Whether that's because it's played in summer, or because there are so many games played.
It's an area teams have struggled in, in the past few games we've showed we are more fluid up front. With our work in training hopefully that will bear fruit.
Because of the context of the pandemic, is it more important than it has ever been to stay in the top flight this season?
I think each club will have it's own reasons for staying up. I mean we are very fortunate as a club to have two billionaire owners [Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens] who we are reliant on and who have been fantastic for the football club.
Each club will be different. If we were to get relegated we would still be in a good position in terms of ownership.
We know what is at stake and our ambitions are what they are and why we want to stay in the Premier League.
What about the money at stake?
I've no idea about the figures in all honesty. I don't want to know. That's down to the executives to deal with that.
As I've said, we have two billionaire owners who have got ambitions of improving this club as we go. We don't want to be in the position we are in now, we don't want to get relegated, but if we did, we have to deal with that.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Have the owners said anything?
They've passed messages onto the players through me. They've asked the team to keep working hard.
They've said 'there's hope'. Without that, what is there?
We're passing on those messages. They are behind the players and myself to maintain the Premier League status. We want to do it for them as much as anyone.
Wes would've been over if he could've. Both of them have been as supportive as they could have been - if it weren't for the pandemic.
How big is this week for the future of the club?
The short term future of the club is not in jeopardy at all. We can get relegated and it is one of those things we have to deal with. We're in great hands with the owners, but we all want to keep our Premier League status. This time next week I'll know exactly where we're at but this week we have to do the hard work.
Does Manchester City's financial fair play decision encourage the club?
It's a questions for the executives. We've got two billionaire owners and the pandemic has hit an awful lot of people. That probably helps us if we remain in the league. Then we've got the power to try and go and compete with the bigger clubs..
This Arsenal game must be one of the biggest of your career?
I don't know. Every game you go into is the biggest of your career, that is how I've always looked at it. I think it gets made a lot larger than it is. There's two games left - but Everton was a massive game, and now this one is, and hopefully West Ham will be.
When you've been in football over thirty years, you get accustomed to it a little bit. The character I am, I'm consistent in my emotions - so I don't let it try to damage those emotions at all.
West Ham's the biggest. We hope we go and get the result that keeps us in the league.
Arsenal resurgence
The last two results have been unbelieveble. Mikel said himself against two of the top teams in Europe. To come through them with two victories and and FA Cup final place - a big tip of the hat to them.
They've been very good. Defensively they are very strong and organised as you have to be against them teams.
We know the task ahead of us. It's a resurgent Arsenal, but they played on Saturday and we played Thursday so we've had a couple of days more recovery that can hold us in good stead.
There's been a lot of talk about David Luiz...
The last two games he has been tremendous. Every time the ball comes into the box it seems to be that his head is on it.
Players will have poor games and come through it. That happens in life.
We have players here who have poor performances.
Luiz is at Arsenal, he's played in Brazil's national team for a reason. The reason is that he is a good player and good performances come from good players.
(Image: Laurence Griffiths/PA Wire/NMC Pool)
Are their weaknesses in Arsenal to exploit?
We're always looking at strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. That's our role, our job to highlight to the players and come up with plans.
Certainly, Project Restart has been totally about recovery. There's been plenty of games coming thick and fast and recovery has been key. Arsenal will have concentrated on that since Saturday.
What about their style? Will pressing them cause issues?
We have to weigh up what happens when we don't press them. Do we go in a low block? City went to press them and they played them out all the way through, back to the goalkeeper and around - then scored a goal. The commentators at the time were talking about 'what a bad risk it was!'
They've got a certain way of playing, footballers who can control the ball and we've got to come up with a plan that we can use to get the ball from them.
(Image: Stuart MacFarlane)
Will that Man City result have an effect?
I hope so [that it will be hard to replicate]. We got it earlier in the season. We had great results and got through to the League Cup final then in the next game against Leicester in the league we didn't perform.
Let's hope that happens to Arsenal. Mikel will certainly know. It's his first role as a manager, he's finding his feet as a manager and he'll want his players to perform.
Do you take heart from the first match against the Gunners?
That was one of the most frustrating performances of the season. We played well enough to win and we didn't. There's been too many of them this season.
At that stage though we had John McGinn, Tom Heaton and Wesley - key players for us who we haven't got anymore - although McGinn is back to fitness after months out.
Will you take any risks in these last two games in terms of tactics?
We've went gung-ho earlier in the season and got found out against quality opposition. We've had to be very mindful of what we worked on during the lockdown.
That was tightening up as a team.
We were giving the opposition far too many chances. With the quality in this league, you get found out.
We look good defensively, we've got McGinn back now, in terms of expected goals - it's just a marker - but we've kept teams at bay. That's a great achievement with the teams we've been up against.
We need to be hard to beat, but must supply our players in the final third.
Injury update
We have Kortney Hause back, he trained yesterday and he will train again today, but Neil Taylor is still struggling with his hamstring.
Other than that, we’re okay.
Surprised at the Nigel Pearson decision?
I was surprised as anybody. I'm disappointed for Nigel who is a really good guy - and Craig Shakespeare who is a really good friend of mine.
I'm not going to comment too much as we're in a battle with them and I don't want to give Watford too much ammunition of anything I've said about it
Watching Watford's game?
The players will know the result. We'll probably have the game on. It's part and parcel of where we are at. We need to know what their result is, but it doesn't change our approach. We have to try and win to even catch Watford
What about Bournemouth?
I can sympathise, of course I can. We've had decisions go against us during the season. It's just bigger now because of what is at stake and games are running out.
I feel for Eddie [Howe]. I know Eddie and like Eddie and it's hard for me to want Eddie to get beat - but I'm sure he'll be doing the same for me.


birminghammail--2020-07-21--'Car-nage' - vandals attack 42 cars in wrecking spree in one city area

Dozens of cars were vandalised in a shocking early morning wrecking spree on roads in the Attwood Green area of Birmingham .
Residents living on roads including Bell Barn Road , Windrush Grove and Mosedale Way awoke to the carnage this morning ( Tuesday ) .
West Midlands Police has confirmed 42 cars were vandalised in a mindless attack which took place around 4.20am .
Watch the video showing the extent of the damage above .
Cars were left with footwear impressions on the bonnets , had wing mirrors broken off and other damage caused to paintwork .
A resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police when she woke early this morning to take her husband to the train station .
The woman , who did n't want to be named , said : `` Our car is behind a gate so we were n't targeted but I could n't believe the carnage .
`` I walked along the road and many cars had been vandalised .
Other streets like Windrush Grove were also targeted .
`` It was just appalling to see .
I rang police to tell them what had happened and think they already received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Midlands Police spokeswoman confirmed a 17-year-old boy had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage .
She said : `` A teenager has been arrested after up to 42 cars were vandalised in and around Bell Barn Road , Birmingham , this morning ( Tuesday 21 July ) .
`` We were alerted at around 4.20am that several cars were left with footwear impressions on the bonnets , had wing mirrors broken off and other damage caused to paintwork .
`` A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Enquiries continue and we are urging anyone with information or who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage of the vandalism taking place to contact us as soon as possible .
`` Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight or call 101 anytime .
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Quote log 464 of 21 July . ''

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Dozens of cars were vandalised in a shocking early morning wrecking spree on roads in the Attwood Green area of Birmingham.
Residents living on roads including Bell Barn Road, Windrush Grove and Mosedale Way awoke to the carnage this morning (Tuesday).
West Midlands Police has confirmed 42 cars were vandalised in a mindless attack which took place around 4.20am. Watch the video showing the extent of the damage above.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Cars were left with footwear impressions on the bonnets, had wing mirrors broken off and other damage caused to paintwork.
A resident living in Bell Barn Road had called police when she woke early this morning to take her husband to the train station.
The woman, who didn't want to be named, said: "Our car is behind a gate so we weren't targeted but I couldn't believe the carnage.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
"I walked along the road and many cars had been vandalised. Other streets like Windrush Grove were also targeted.
"It was just appalling to see. I rang police to tell them what had happened and think they already received a number of calls."
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman confirmed a 17-year-old boy had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
She said: "A teenager has been arrested after up to 42 cars were vandalised in and around Bell Barn Road, Birmingham, this morning (Tuesday 21 July).
"We were alerted at around 4.20am that several cars were left with footwear impressions on the bonnets, had wing mirrors broken off and other damage caused to paintwork.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
"A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and he remains in police custody today.
"Enquiries continue and we are urging anyone with information or who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage of the vandalism taking place to contact us as soon as possible.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight or call 101 anytime. Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote log 464 of 21 July."


birminghammail--2020-07-21--Aston Villa transfer news LIVE: Arsenal build-up, Terry latest

Hello and welcome to Tuesday 's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from BirminghamLive .
There 's a lot going on @ @ @ @ @ get through as Villa prepare for the visit of FA Cup finalists Arsenal tonight .
@ @ @ @ @ manager Nigel Pearson and placed Hayden Mullins in charge of the club for the final @ @ @ @ @ as they face Manchester City and Arsenal , while Bournemouth fell to Southampton , and @ @ @ @ @ 34 points .
As usual we will be keeping you up to date with all @ @ @ @ @ as Dean Smith 's men continue their battle to avoid relegation .
Villa drew 1-1 @ @ @ @ @ , Theo Walcott capitalising on a glaring miss from Anwar El Ghazi to steal a @ @ @ @ @ claret and blue are 19th , three points adrift of Watford who lost 3-1 to @ @ @ @ @ out .
And we will bring you all the latest build-up to that one plus @ @ @ @ @ B6 throughout the day .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Tom Leach, James Rushton)

Hello and welcome to Tuesday's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from BirminghamLive.
There's a lot going on in the relegation battle to get through as Villa prepare for the visit of FA Cup finalists Arsenal tonight.
Watford have parted ways with manager Nigel Pearson and placed Hayden Mullins in charge of the club for the final two games of the season as they face Manchester City and Arsenal, while Bournemouth fell to Southampton, and can only match Watford's 34 points.
Advantage Villa, then.
As usual we will be keeping you up to date with all the latest from Villa Park as Dean Smith's men continue their battle to avoid relegation.
Villa drew 1-1 with Everton last time out, Theo Walcott capitalising on a glaring miss from Anwar El Ghazi to steal a point late on.
The claret and blue are 19th, three points adrift of Watford who lost 3-1 to West Ham United last time out.
And we will bring you all the latest build-up to that one plus the top transfer rumours from B6 throughout the day.


birminghammail--2020-07-21--Gobsmacked fisherman catches UK's biggest ever trout in river

A fisherman has caught the biggest ever wild brown trout to be pulled out of a British river - an 11lb beast FIVE times the average size .
Barry Mcguigan , 35 , was night fishing at a regular spot with friends Rory White , 20 , and Neilson Wilson , 28 , when he pulled the monstrous specimen trout from the water .
The fish weighed at 11lb and was 31in - an unbelievably rare size and weight for a fish of its kind in its natural habitat .
In fresh water rivers , these species of trout are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and weigh an average of 2.2lb .
Barber Barry made the catch in Six Mile Water , in Antrim , Northern Ireland , and put the fish back into the river after posing for a photo .
Pal Neilson also achieved his personal best on the same night , catching a 9lb Dollaghon Trout .
The group have put their success down to a new fly created by Barry and his friend Derek Bell Jr , 40 , which they 've nicknamed The Batman .
Barry , who has been fishing for 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all night and cast our rods thousands of times , but often we wo n't even get a touch .
`` These type of fish are extremely tricky to catch as they are very easily spooked .
`` I could n't believe it when I pulled it out , the weight on my fishing rod was almost too much to bear .
`` To catch such a massive a fish of this species is unbelievably rare in this type of habitat , and there has n't been a bigger fresh water brownie caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't take all the credit though because my fellow angler Derek was the man who tied the fly which is bringing us so much success lately .
`` I named it 'The Batman ' because when Derek showed it to me in the moonlight its dark colours are similar to that of those from the batman show in the 80 's .
`` There are only a handful of flies that work in the river and catch fish , and they are all really old .
`` This was created just last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the water ever since . ''
Barry , from from Antrim , Northern Ireland , made the catch at 2am on July 12 .

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A fisherman has caught the biggest ever wild brown trout to be pulled out of a British river - an 11lb beast FIVE times the average size.
Barry Mcguigan, 35, was night fishing at a regular spot with friends Rory White, 20, and Neilson Wilson, 28, when he pulled the monstrous specimen trout from the water.
The fish weighed at 11lb and was 31in - an unbelievably rare size and weight for a fish of its kind in its natural habitat.
In fresh water rivers, these species of trout are usually between 7 - 14 inches long and weigh an average of 2.2lb.
Barber Barry made the catch in Six Mile Water, in Antrim, Northern Ireland, and put the fish back into the river after posing for a photo.
Pal Neilson also achieved his personal best on the same night, catching a 9lb Dollaghon Trout.
The group have put their success down to a new fly created by Barry and his friend Derek Bell Jr, 40, which they've nicknamed The Batman.
Barry, who has been fishing for 15 years, said: "We fish all night and cast our rods thousands of times, but often we won't even get a touch.
"These type of fish are extremely tricky to catch as they are very easily spooked.
"I couldn't believe it when I pulled it out, the weight on my fishing rod was almost too much to bear.
(Image: Barry Mcguigan / SWNS.COM)
"To catch such a massive a fish of this species is unbelievably rare in this type of habitat, and there hasn't been a bigger fresh water brownie caught in over 30 years.
"I can't take all the credit though because my fellow angler Derek was the man who tied the fly which is bringing us so much success lately.
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"I named it 'The Batman' because when Derek showed it to me in the moonlight its dark colours are similar to that of those from the batman show in the 80's.
"There are only a handful of flies that work in the river and catch fish, and they are all really old.
"This was created just last year and has been lifting fish flat out the water ever since."
Barry, from from Antrim, Northern Ireland, made the catch at 2am on July 12.


birminghammail--2020-07-21--Seagulls trapped in elastic face mask bands as RSPCA issue warning

The RSPCA have warned people to dispose of face masks and PPE responsibly - after a gull got its legs caught in the elastic band of a face mask and was stuck for a WEEK .
The poor bird was left unable to even walk , let alone to fly , after the disposable mask became tightly tangled around its legs , causing them to swell and stiffen .
The gull was spotted over the weekend by staff at a car showroom in Chelmsford , Essex , who became `` increasingly concerned '' when the bird remained in one spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be moving .
The showroom staff eventually called the RSPCA on Saturday , by which point the gull could only `` stumble and fall '' due to the disposable Covid-19 face mask caught on its legs .
RSPCA Inspector Adam Jones attended the scene , where the gull tried to get away from him as he approached to free it .
But Mr Jones said : `` It 's clear the mask was there for some time and the elastic straps had tightened around his legs as his joints were swollen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the RSPCA 's South Essex Wildlife hospital where staff cut the mask off .
And now , the animal rescue charity has urged members of the public to dispose properly and responsibly of PPE , to avoid similar incidents with other animals .
Mr Jones said : `` Thankfully , he 's been doing well and is being monitored closely .
`` They 've now released him out into an aviary with other gulls and , when the group is ready , they 'll all be released together . ''
The RSPCA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only animal incident related to disposable PPE .
Mr Jones added : `` I 'm concerned that this gull could be the first of many victims now that face masks are the norm .
`` Now face masks are compulsory for many situations , there will be more and more being irresponsibly discarded and wild animals and birds will become tangled in the elastic straps . ''

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The RSPCA have warned people to dispose of face masks and PPE responsibly - after a gull got its legs caught in the elastic band of a face mask and was stuck for a WEEK.
The poor bird was left unable to even walk, let alone to fly, after the disposable mask became tightly tangled around its legs, causing them to swell and stiffen.
The gull was spotted over the weekend by staff at a car showroom in Chelmsford, Essex, who became "increasingly concerned" when the bird remained in one spot for hours, and didn't appear to be moving.
The showroom staff eventually called the RSPCA on Saturday, by which point the gull could only "stumble and fall" due to the disposable Covid-19 face mask caught on its legs.
RSPCA Inspector Adam Jones attended the scene, where the gull tried to get away from him as he approached to free it.
But Mr Jones said: "It's clear the mask was there for some time and the elastic straps had tightened around his legs as his joints were swollen and sore."
The bird was taken to the RSPCA's South Essex Wildlife hospital where staff cut the mask off.
And now, the animal rescue charity has urged members of the public to dispose properly and responsibly of PPE, to avoid similar incidents with other animals.
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Mr Jones said: "Thankfully, he's been doing well and is being monitored closely.
"They've now released him out into an aviary with other gulls and, when the group is ready, they'll all be released together."
The RSPCA belives that this will not be the only animal incident related to disposable PPE.
Mr Jones added: "I'm concerned that this gull could be the first of many victims now that face masks are the norm.
"Now face masks are compulsory for many situations, there will be more and more being irresponsibly discarded and wild animals and birds will become tangled in the elastic straps."


birminghammail--2020-07-21--Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta linked with surprise summer transfer exit

Latest reports state that Aston Villa forward Mbwana Samatta could be granted a quick exit route from the club at the end of the season .
Samatta has struggled for form since the return of football - after impressing in his early stints with goals against Bournemouth and Manchester City .
It 's clear that the Tanzanian icon was brought into the club to convert crosses into the box - something that has n't happened at all since Villa kicked off their run-in back in June .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here Samatta has n't managed a shot on target since - something of a symptom of Villa 's new-look stability which has sacrificed some forward fluidity for balance at the back .
However , Turkish newspaper Takvim believe Samatta wo n't have long to turn things around at Villa Park - with Fenerbahce watching on with interest .
Galatasary are also watching on , interested to see if they can convince the player to move .
Samatta was signed in January following a summer pursuit - and came into the side for Wesley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the year .
Takvim report ( via Sport Witness ) that a loan offer will be made by Fenerbahce should Villa fall to relegation - with a verbal agreement reportedly in-place between the player and the club .
Villa have two games left to save their season and Samatta could be crucial in helping them survive in the Premier League - clearly the preferred option for all parties involved except the Turkish giants .

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Latest reports state that Aston Villa forward Mbwana Samatta could be granted a quick exit route from the club at the end of the season.
Samatta has struggled for form since the return of football - after impressing in his early stints with goals against Bournemouth and Manchester City.
It's clear that the Tanzanian icon was brought into the club to convert crosses into the box - something that hasn't happened at all since Villa kicked off their run-in back in June.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Samatta hasn't managed a shot on target since - something of a symptom of Villa's new-look stability which has sacrificed some forward fluidity for balance at the back.
However, Turkish newspaper Takvim believe Samatta won't have long to turn things around at Villa Park - with Fenerbahce watching on with interest. Galatasary are also watching on, interested to see if they can convince the player to move.
Samatta was signed in January following a summer pursuit - and came into the side for Wesley who fell to injury at the start of the year.
Takvim report ( via Sport Witness ) that a loan offer will be made by Fenerbahce should Villa fall to relegation - with a verbal agreement reportedly in-place between the player and the club.
Villa have two games left to save their season and Samatta could be crucial in helping them survive in the Premier League - clearly the preferred option for all parties involved except the Turkish giants.


birminghammail--2020-07-21--Sky down across UK with customers hit by broadband and TV outages

Sky broadband has gone down this morning , with angry subscribers flocking to social media to bombard the supplier with queries .
Sky went down across the UK on Tuesday July 21 , according to Down Detector , a usage website which tracks outages .
91 % reported problems with internet , 6 % with TV , and 1 % said they were experiencing a total blackout .
Sky was inundated with queries from angry customers demanding to know a reason for the outage today ( July 21 ) .
The company is yet comment on the outage in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subscriber to the service took to Twitter to blast the firm .
`` Sky broadband down in Sheffield right now .
Working from home is ( not ) fun !
Got my appraisal in 10 mins on video call ! ''
one wrote .
`` Is it a normal working day unless Sky Broadband goes down ? ''
asked a second .
The problems have emerged as millions of Brits remain working from home amid the coronavirus crisis .
Last Friday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson ditched his 'work from home ' advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers back into offices if it is safe to do so .
Another took to Twitter to write : `` Last time Sky Internet was down in Sheffield and Chesterfield it took around 3 hours to fix , my work are gon na love me . ''

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Sky broadband has gone down this morning, with angry subscribers flocking to social media to bombard the supplier with queries.
Sky went down across the UK on Tuesday July 21, according to Down Detector, a usage website which tracks outages.
91% reported problems with internet, 6% with TV, and 1% said they were experiencing a total blackout.
Sky was inundated with queries from angry customers demanding to know a reason for the outage today (July 21).
But one subscriber to the service took to Twitter to blast the firm.
(Image: Chris Radburn/PA Wire)
"Sky broadband down in Sheffield right now. Working from home is (not) fun! Got my appraisal in 10 mins on video call!" one wrote.
"Is it a normal working day unless Sky Broadband goes down?" asked a second.
The problems have emerged as millions of Brits remain working from home amid the coronavirus crisis.
Last Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson ditched his 'work from home' advice, telling companies they could start getting workers back into offices if it is safe to do so.
Another took to Twitter to write: "Last time Sky Internet was down in Sheffield and Chesterfield it took around 3 hours to fix, my work are gonna love me."
A Sky spokesperson said: “We are aware there was an issue with some of our broadband services in the Yorkshire and Humber area earlier today. This issue has now been resolved and we’re sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused.”


birminghammail--2020-07-21--Two more flee Covid-hit farm as 120 cases confirmed

Two more people have left a coronavirus-hit farm at the centre of an outbreak involving 120 cases .
It brings to five the number of workers who walked out of AS Green and Co , based at Rook Row Farm in Mathon , near Malvern .
The 200-strong workforce was told to self-isolate after an outbreak earlier this month , .
A total of 73 positive cases were confirmed and some of the workers visited stores in Worcester and Malvern before the outbreak was discovered .
The following day – July 13 – three workers left the farm ‘ without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for coronavirus .
West Mercia Police were involved in the search and all three were tracked by the agency that employed them and `` confirmed they were self-isolating '' .
This week two more workers – both of whom tested negative for Covid-19 – left the farm , despite being told to self-isolate .
The outbreak has risen to 120 positive Covid-19 cases .
But a number of workers at the farm have completed their period of self-isolation and resumed work .
Herefordshire Council said it continued to work with the farm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread .
The council said it was aware of residents ’ concerns but maintained the risk to the general public ‘ remains low ’ .
A spokesperson for the council said : “ Herefordshire Council and Public Health England ( PHE ) Midlands continue to work with AS Green and Co to contain an outbreak of COVID-19 at their farm .
“ The total number of positive cases linked to the outbreak is 120 , and testing continues with further cases possible .
“ Workers have been asked to remain on site and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the workforce and into the wider community .
“ We continue to arrange food and essential supplies to the farm and its workers during the ongoing period of isolation .
“ Two further workers who tested negative have left the farm and are being contacted by their employment agency to ensure they are self-isolating .
“ This is in addition to three people who left the farm previously , who have all confirmed with their employment agency that they are self-isolating .
“ A number of workers have completed their period of self-isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily activities .
These workers will be able to return to work or leave the farm .
“ We are aware that local residents are concerned , but the risk to the general public remains low .
“ We would like to remind people to wash your hands regularly , keep your distance , and use a face covering to help protect yourself and others .
“ If you develop a fever , persistent dry cough , or have a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell , please call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council said wherever a Covid-19 case is confirmed , close contacts of the case were identified and followed up through Test and Trace .
This includes anyone who may have come into contact with confirmed cases within the local community .
A group of agricultural workers who travelled into the UK by private coach , including some of the workers who went on to work at AS Green and Co , were being followed up .
Another group of workers travelled to the site on a flight bringing agricultural workers to the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precaution , those travellers are also being followed up .
Seventy-six workers on the flight who travelled onwards to other farms in England have already been offered testing and no further cases have been identified to date .
Public health partners in Scotland have been notified of a further group of 63 workers on the same flight who travelled onwards to Scottish farms in order that they too can be followed-up appropriately .
Last week , Katie Spence , PHE Midlands Health Protection Director , said : “ Information gathered from both the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested that those workers who tested positive were not showing any symptoms of COVID-19 at the time they travelled to the UK .
“ We know however , that there is a risk that people can transmit the infection before - or without ever - developing symptoms , and this is why we ’ ve taken a precautionary approach to follow-up workers who were on the same flight as the confirmed cases .
“ It ’ s encouraging that testing of this wider group has not identified any linked cases at other farms @ @ @ @

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Two more people have left a coronavirus-hit farm at the centre of an outbreak involving 120 cases.
It brings to five the number of workers who walked out of AS Green and Co, based at Rook Row Farm in Mathon, near Malvern.
The 200-strong workforce was told to self-isolate after an outbreak earlier this month,.
A total of 73 positive cases were confirmed and some of the workers visited stores in Worcester and Malvern before the outbreak was discovered.
(Image: Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
The following day – July 13 – three workers left the farm ‘without permission' – one of whom tested positive for coronavirus. West Mercia Police were involved in the search and all three were tracked by the agency that employed them and "confirmed they were self-isolating".
This week two more workers – both of whom tested negative for Covid-19 – left the farm, despite being told to self-isolate.
The outbreak has risen to 120 positive Covid-19 cases.
But a number of workers at the farm have completed their period of self-isolation and resumed work.
Herefordshire Council said it continued to work with the farm to contain the outbreak and limit the spread. The council said it was aware of residents’ concerns but maintained the risk to the general public ‘remains low’.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Herefordshire Council and Public Health England (PHE) Midlands continue to work with AS Green and Co to contain an outbreak of COVID-19 at their farm.
“The total number of positive cases linked to the outbreak is 120, and testing continues with further cases possible.
“Workers have been asked to remain on site and self-isolate to reduce risk of spread within the workforce and into the wider community.
“We continue to arrange food and essential supplies to the farm and its workers during the ongoing period of isolation.
“Two further workers who tested negative have left the farm and are being contacted by their employment agency to ensure they are self-isolating.
“This is in addition to three people who left the farm previously, who have all confirmed with their employment agency that they are self-isolating.
“A number of workers have completed their period of self-isolation and will be able to resume their daily activities. These workers will be able to return to work or leave the farm.
“We are aware that local residents are concerned, but the risk to the general public remains low.
“We would like to remind people to wash your hands regularly, keep your distance, and use a face covering to help protect yourself and others.
“If you develop a fever, persistent dry cough, or have a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell, please call 119 to arrange a test.”
Herefordshire Council said wherever a Covid-19 case is confirmed, close contacts of the case were identified and followed up through Test and Trace. This includes anyone who may have come into contact with confirmed cases within the local community.
(Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)
A group of agricultural workers who travelled into the UK by private coach, including some of the workers who went on to work at AS Green and Co, were being followed up.
Another group of workers travelled to the site on a flight bringing agricultural workers to the UK. The council said as an additional precaution, those travellers are also being followed up.
Seventy-six workers on the flight who travelled onwards to other farms in England have already been offered testing and no further cases have been identified to date.
Public health partners in Scotland have been notified of a further group of 63 workers on the same flight who travelled onwards to Scottish farms in order that they too can be followed-up appropriately.
Last week, Katie Spence, PHE Midlands Health Protection Director, said: “Information gathered from both the recruitment company and from the workers themselves suggested that those workers who tested positive were not showing any symptoms of COVID-19 at the time they travelled to the UK.
“We know however, that there is a risk that people can transmit the infection before - or without ever - developing symptoms, and this is why we’ve taken a precautionary approach to follow-up workers who were on the same flight as the confirmed cases.
“It’s encouraging that testing of this wider group has not identified any linked cases at other farms so far.”


birminghammail--2020-07-21--'God bless that traffic' - Steve McManaman disaster sent Wolves fans nuts

BT Sport 's Steve McManaman managed to miss out on the first portion of Wolves vs Crystal Palace - to the delight of Wolves fans .
Darren Fletcher - announcing the match - had to cover the full duties himself for the first ten minutes as the ex-Liverpool man was held up in traffic on the M6 .
However , McManaman - not a favourite of Wolves fans - was able to get back into the booth and straight into the match after arriving at Molineux .
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here Still , Wanderers fans were left wishing for further delays !
Steph : No McManaman commentating for the wolves game !
What a result .
God bless that traffic .
Andy : Let 's hope Steve McManaman makes it after the final whistle .
No friend of Daniel : Steve McManaman running late stuck in traffic ...
I didn ’ t believe in god before this moment .
@ MrsGriffMusic : Oh wow , first comment from Steve McManaman is a negative one about Wolves Matt : Mcmanaman stuck in traffic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start to the evening !
Keep it going Wolves !
@ CodsallWolves : “ And Steve McManaman has now arrived in the gantry ” ... .. You could almost hear the collective “ Booooooooooooooooooooooooo ” of everyone watching !
Sam Turner : McManaman stuck in traffic so not around to ruin @ Wolves game - all credit to fans for setting up that blockade

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BT Sport's Steve McManaman managed to miss out on the first portion of Wolves vs Crystal Palace - to the delight of Wolves fans.
Darren Fletcher - announcing the match - had to cover the full duties himself for the first ten minutes as the ex-Liverpool man was held up in traffic on the M6.
However, McManaman - not a favourite of Wolves fans - was able to get back into the booth and straight into the match after arriving at Molineux.
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Still, Wanderers fans were left wishing for further delays!
Here's how Wolves fans reacted...
Steph: No McManaman commentating for the wolves game! What a result. God bless that traffic.
Andy: Let's hope Steve McManaman makes it after the final whistle. No friend of
@Wolves. I'm afraid.
Daniel: Steve McManaman running late stuck in traffic... I didn’t believe in god before this moment.
@MrsGriffMusic: Oh wow, first comment from Steve McManaman is a negative one about Wolves
Matt: Mcmanaman stuck in traffic and not there yet. What a great start to the evening! Keep it going Wolves!
@CodsallWolves: “And Steve McManaman has now arrived in the gantry”..... You could almost hear the collective “Booooooooooooooooooooooooo” of everyone watching!
Sam Turner: McManaman stuck in traffic so not around to ruin @Wolves game - all credit to fans for setting up that blockade


birminghammail--2020-07-21--Taylor, Hause, Drinkwater - Aston Villa's injury update for Arsenal

Dean Smith will be applying the final touches to his gameplan for the visit of Arsenal tonight .
The Villa head coach had tuned into the FA Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Man City looking to spot a weakness in Mikel Arteta 's side - and came away impressed after a resounding victory for the North London side .
Aston Villa host the Gunners tonight in a game that will go a long way to deciding Villa 's fate .
Villa are coming off the back of conceding a gut-wrenching equaliser at Everton with Theo Walcott striking late to snatch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The men in claret and blue notched one point and have taken four from their last two games but remain three points adrift of managerless Watford in 17th .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Villa 's goal difference is four goals worse off than Watford 's , too , but the Hornets do have Man City up next before finishing at The Emirates .
As for Smith 's squad ahead of Tuesday 's fixture , he 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` devastated dressing room '' after their latest setback .
Regarding injury news , Bjorn Engels ( Achilles ) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season as he wo n't be match-ready in time .
Elsewhere , on-loan midfielder Danny Drinkwater - who 's yet to feature since restart - is ready to be called upon after shaking off a niggle last week .
Villa have a bit of good news when it comes to injuries .
Smith is boosted by the return of Kortney Hause , above , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to last week 's encounter at Villa Park .
The central defender pulled an abdomen near to his hip but , according to Smith , will be back in contention and will likely be among the subs vs Arsenal .
“ We have Kortney Hause back , he trained yesterday and he will train again today , but Neil Taylor is still struggling with his hamstring , ” revealed Smith .
Left-back Neil Taylor ( hamstring ) has been ruled out of facing Arsenal after he went off in the early stages against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the match-day squad cold mean 17-year-old Kaine Kesler could drop out after he tasted a first-team match-day for the first time up at Everton .
The young full-back signed his first pro contract a little over two weeks ago and was among the subs but did n't manage to get on .
`` Unfortunate with the result , but a great experience for myself hopefully many more to come , '' he posted afterwards .
As for other injury news , Villa will be thankful of what will be a five-day rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gunners , of course , have a 72-hour turnaround in comparison .
Long-term casualties Tom Heaton and Wesley ( both knee ligament ) are ruled out until the new season .
Our likely Aston Villa XI for Arsenal , 4-3-3 : Reina ; Elmohamady , Konsa , Mings , Targett ; Douglas Luiz , McGinn , Hourihane ; Trezeguet , Davis , Grealish .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ashley Preece, James Rushton)

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Dean Smith will be applying the final touches to his gameplan for the visit of Arsenal tonight.
The Villa head coach had tuned into the FA Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Man City looking to spot a weakness in Mikel Arteta's side - and came away impressed after a resounding victory for the North London side.
Aston Villa host the Gunners tonight in a game that will go a long way to deciding Villa's fate.
Villa are coming off the back of conceding a gut-wrenching equaliser at Everton with Theo Walcott striking late to snatch two off Villa's points total.
The men in claret and blue notched one point and have taken four from their last two games but remain three points adrift of managerless Watford in 17th.
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Villa's goal difference is four goals worse off than Watford's, too, but the Hornets do have Man City up next before finishing at The Emirates.
As for Smith's squad ahead of Tuesday's fixture, he'd have had to pick up what was a "devastated dressing room" after their latest setback.
Regarding injury news, Bjorn Engels (Achilles) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season as he won't be match-ready in time.
Elsewhere, on-loan midfielder Danny Drinkwater - who's yet to feature since restart - is ready to be called upon after shaking off a niggle last week.
Villa have a bit of good news when it comes to injuries.
Smith is boosted by the return of Kortney Hause, above , who pulled up in the warm-up prior to last week's encounter at Villa Park.
The central defender pulled an abdomen near to his hip but, according to Smith, will be back in contention and will likely be among the subs vs Arsenal.
“We have Kortney Hause back, he trained yesterday and he will train again today, but Neil Taylor is still struggling with his hamstring,” revealed Smith.
Left-back Neil Taylor (hamstring) has been ruled out of facing Arsenal after he went off in the early stages against Palace last week.
Hause's introduction to the match-day squad cold mean 17-year-old Kaine Kesler could drop out after he tasted a first-team match-day for the first time up at Everton.
The young full-back signed his first pro contract a little over two weeks ago and was among the subs but didn't manage to get on.
"Unfortunate with the result, but a great experience for myself hopefully many more to come," he posted afterwards.
As for other injury news, Villa will be thankful of what will be a five-day rest before facing off against Arsenal. The Gunners, of course, have a 72-hour turnaround in comparison.
Long-term casualties Tom Heaton and Wesley (both knee ligament) are ruled out until the new season.
Our likely Aston Villa XI for Arsenal, 4-3-3 : Reina; Elmohamady, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Hourihane; Trezeguet, Davis, Grealish.
Subs : Nyland, Hause, Guilbert, Lansbury, Nakamba, Samatta, Vassilev, Jota, El Ghazi.


birminghammail--2020-07-21--10 jobs getting a pay rise under public sector boost for 900k workers

The public sector will see a huge boost from today , as 10 professions across the country are granted a pay rise .
Workers under 10 professions will be getting extra cash in their pay packets under the government 's proposals .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled the new measures , which come for public sector workers after a gruelling few months amid the coronavirus crisis .
The Covid-19 pandemic has seen life as we know it change , probably forever .
Many have been left home working and bound to the house as they shield - but some professions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going .
As part of their reward , 10 professions will be eligible for a pay rise , which have been negotiated with certain groups as the lockdown is gradually eased .
Among the professions set to take advantage are doctors and dentists , school teachers , and police officers .
Armed forces are also included , as are prison officers , National Crime Agency staff , civil servants , senior military workers , and judiciary staff .
Each award is recommended by independent pay review bodies , and this year the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workforce .
This is who is eligible for the rise and how much they 'll get : But nurses wo n't be included in the pay award this time around .
They successfully negotiated a new pay deal in 2018 - with a three-year increase worth 6.5 % - though many say it 's a paltry amount compared to the work they do .

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The public sector will see a huge boost from today, as 10 professions across the country are granted a pay rise.
Workers under 10 professions will be getting extra cash in their pay packets under the government's proposals.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled the new measures, which come for public sector workers after a gruelling few months amid the coronavirus crisis.
The Covid-19 pandemic has seen life as we know it change, probably forever.
Many have been left home working and bound to the house as they shield - but some professions have been carrying on, keeping the country going.
As part of their reward, 10 professions will be eligible for a pay rise, which have been negotiated with certain groups as the lockdown is gradually eased.
(Image: Shared Content Unit)
Among the professions set to take advantage are doctors and dentists, school teachers, and police officers.
Armed forces are also included, as are prison officers, National Crime Agency staff, civil servants, senior military workers, and judiciary staff.
Each award is recommended by independent pay review bodies, and this year the Government has accepted the suggested rise for each workforce.
This is who is eligible for the rise and how much they'll get:
School teachers - 3.1%
Doctors
Dentists -2.8%
Police Officers - 2.5%
Armed Forces - 2%
National Crime Agency - 2.5%
Prison Officers - 2.5%
Judiciary - 2%
Senior civil servants - 2%
Senior military - 2%
But nurses won't be included in the pay award this time around.
They successfully negotiated a new pay deal in 2018 - with a three-year increase worth 6.5% - though many say it's a paltry amount compared to the work they do.


birminghammail--2020-07-21--McDonald's reopening 700 dine-in restaurants tomorrow

McDonald 's will re-open hundreds of restaurants for dine-in services from TOMORROW as the lockdown is eased .
The fast food giant will start operating dine-in restaurants across the country from Wednesday , July 22 .
It follows a successful pilot of certain dine-in eateries and drive-thru outlets , which opened across Birmingham last month .
Wales is excluded from the exciting new announcement from the fast food giant .
Around 700 restaurants will reopen for dine-in with customers able to enjoy their McDonald ’ s favourites inside the restaurant .
Social distancing measures will be in place and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carefully manage the number of customers inside .
When arriving , customers will be asked to use the hand sanitiser provided and follow the safety measures laid out in restaurants to help keep them , other customers and restaurant teams safe .
Food will be served by table-service only with customers able to order directly to their table via the My McDonald ’ s App , at the till or kiosk .
McDonald ’ s will be asking customers that choose to eat-in to leave their contact details by using their smart phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to a dedicated webpage or visiting that webpage directly with the URL details provided on each table .
Customers will be asked to leave the name of the lead member and the number of people within their group , a phone number , the date and time of visit and the restaurant number ( identified on each table sticker ) .
Customers can check if their local restaurant is open for dine-in tomorrow by visiting the McDonald ’ s restaurant locator .
Reopening the dine-in area will enable some restaurants to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Out to Help Out scheme , offering 50 % off dine-in bills , up to £10 on Mondays , Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August .
Customer toilets will be open for use by customers with safety measures in place .

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McDonald's will re-open hundreds of restaurants for dine-in services from TOMORROW as the lockdown is eased.
The fast food giant will start operating dine-in restaurants across the country from Wednesday, July 22.
It follows a successful pilot of certain dine-in eateries and drive-thru outlets, which opened across Birmingham last month.
Wales is excluded from the exciting new announcement from the fast food giant.
Around 700 restaurants will reopen for dine-in with customers able to enjoy their McDonald’s favourites inside the restaurant.
Social distancing measures will be in place and, to prevent congestion, the restaurant will carefully manage the number of customers inside.
When arriving, customers will be asked to use the hand sanitiser provided and follow the safety measures laid out in restaurants to help keep them, other customers and restaurant teams safe.
Food will be served by table-service only with customers able to order directly to their table via the My McDonald’s App, at the till or kiosk.
McDonald’s will be asking customers that choose to eat-in to leave their contact details by using their smart phone to either scan a QR code taking them to a dedicated webpage or visiting that webpage directly with the URL details provided on each table.
Customers will be asked to leave the name of the lead member and the number of people within their group, a phone number, the date and time of visit and the restaurant number (identified on each table sticker).
Customers can check if their local restaurant is open for dine-in tomorrow by visiting the McDonald’s restaurant locator.
Reopening the dine-in area will enable some restaurants to take part in the Chancellor’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme, offering 50% off dine-in bills, up to £10 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August.
Customer toilets will be open for use by customers with safety measures in place.


birminghammail--2020-07-21--Seven lucky neighbours bag £1k in People's Postcode Lottery win

Seven lucky people in Dudley are celebrating winning £1,000 each on the People 's Postcode Lottery .
The neighbours , living in Scotts Green Close , netted the prize after it was announced as winning postcode for Monday , July 20 .
People ’ s Postcode Lottery ambassador Danyl Johnson sent his well-wishes to the winners .
He said : “ What a way to start the week .
Congratulations to our winners , I hope they enjoy their winnings.
” A minimum of 32 per cent of ticket sales are handed directly to charities .
Players of People ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £500 million to date for thousands of good causes in Britain and beyond .
This draw was promoted by Save the Children , which has received more than £10.1 million in funding from the players of People ’ s Postcode Lottery .
The charity connects parents , teachers , and childcare experts to improve the lives of children across the UK to give youngsters the support they need from the very start of life .
Many good causes close to winners ' hearts have also benefitted from players ' support .
Black Country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August .

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Seven lucky people in Dudley are celebrating winning £1,000 each on the People's Postcode Lottery.
The neighbours, living in Scotts Green Close, netted the prize after it was announced as winning postcode for Monday, July 20.
People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Danyl Johnson sent his well-wishes to the winners.
He said: “What a way to start the week. Congratulations to our winners, I hope they enjoy their winnings.”
(Image: Google Street)
A minimum of 32 per cent of ticket sales are handed directly to charities.
Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised more than £500 million to date for thousands of good causes in Britain and beyond.
This draw was promoted by Save the Children, which has received more than £10.1 million in funding from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
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The charity connects parents, teachers, and childcare experts to improve the lives of children across the UK to give youngsters the support they need from the very start of life.
Many good causes close to winners' hearts have also benefitted from players' support.
Black Country charities can next apply for funding in August.


birminghammail--2020-07-21--Ukraine bus hostage situation as armed man takes 20 passengers captive

An armed man is holding around 20 people hostage after seizing control of a bus in north-western Ukraine , police have said .
Police have sealed off the centre of Lutsk , a city 250 miles west of Kyiv .
The assailant is armed and carrying explosives , officers said in a Facebook statement .
Officers are trying to get in touch with the man .
He called the police after taking control of the bus and introduced himself as Maksim Plokhoy , deputy interior minister Anton Gerashchenko said on Facebook .
Mr Gerashchenko said there is a book online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Philosophy of a criminal '' , describing a man 's experience in prison .
`` For 15 years they 've been correcting me , but I have n't been corrected , on the contrary - I 've become even more who I am , '' one extract from the book said , according to Mr Gerashchenko .
Ukrainian media reported that gunshots could be heard at the scene .
It was not clear whether anyone has been injured .
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he was personally monitoring the situation .
`` Gunshots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damaged , '' he said in a Facebook statement , adding that measures are being taken to resolve the situation without casualties .

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An armed man is holding around 20 people hostage after seizing control of a bus in north-western Ukraine, police have said.
Police have sealed off the centre of Lutsk, a city 250 miles west of Kyiv.
The assailant is armed and carrying explosives, officers said in a Facebook statement.
Officers are trying to get in touch with the man. He called the police after taking control of the bus and introduced himself as Maksim Plokhoy, deputy interior minister Anton Gerashchenko said on Facebook.
Mr Gerashchenko said there is a book online, signed by Maksim Plokhoy and titled "Philosophy of a criminal", describing a man's experience in prison.
"For 15 years they've been correcting me, but I haven't been corrected, on the contrary - I've become even more who I am," one extract from the book said, according to Mr Gerashchenko.
Interior minister Arsen Avakov is flying to Lutsk.
Ukrainian media reported that gunshots could be heard at the scene. It was not clear whether anyone has been injured.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he was personally monitoring the situation. "Gunshots have been heard, the bus is damaged," he said in a Facebook statement, adding that measures are being taken to resolve the situation without casualties.


birminghammail--2020-07-21--The £3 Aldi product shoppers are saying is identical to a £600 item

Aldi has brought back its iconic Wagyu burgers for shoppers to get their hands on - and customers are clamouring to try them .
Dubbed the finest tasting in the world , Wagyu is famed for its melt in the mouth flavour and luxury price tag .
This week , Aldi announced it was stocking its Specially Selected British Wagyu Beef Burgers ( £2.99 , pack of 2 ) one more - and they are on sale now .
One of the most expensive burgers in the world is thought to be Le Burger Brasserie ’ s 777 Burger , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Made with a surf and turf combo of Kobe Beef and fresh Maine Lobster , topped with caramelised onions , Brie cheese , prosciutto , and balsamic vinegar , and served with a bottle of Dom Perignon Rose Champagne ... it ’ s fair to say this burger isn ’ t your usual weekend fast food go to .
Inspired by the 777 Burger , Aldi ’ s version can be recreated in your home kitchen for under £3 - an extraordinary burger for an exceptional price .
Speaking about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Buying at Aldi UK , commented : `` Here at Aldi , we champion British quality , which is why we ’ re delighted to be welcoming British Wagyu into our stores .
“ We want customers to be able to enjoy the very best , high quality foods , at our everyday amazing prices and will be working closely with our supplier to ensure more British Wagyu lines hit stores throughout the year.
” Aldi ’ s Wagyu beef supplier and Chairman of the British Wagyu Society , Jim Bloom , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excited about the launch of British Wagyu burgers into Aldi .
The cows are reared on our farm in Yorkshire and thanks to its high marbling score , it is comparable to Kobe Wagyu .
“ British Wagyu is set to be the next big thing in the meat industry and it ’ s very exciting that customers will be able to try our high-calibre Wagyu beef at such an affordable price.
” Aldi first launched Wagyu burgers back in 2015 , and has brought back the popular item for limited periods over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wagyu burgers from the chain were sourced from grass-fed New Zealand cattle .

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Aldi has brought back its iconic Wagyu burgers for shoppers to get their hands on - and customers are clamouring to try them.
Dubbed the finest tasting in the world, Wagyu is famed for its melt in the mouth flavour and luxury price tag.
This week, Aldi announced it was stocking its Specially Selected British Wagyu Beef Burgers (£2.99, pack of 2) one more - and they are on sale now.
One of the most expensive burgers in the world is thought to be Le Burger Brasserie’s 777 Burger, costing a whopping $777 (£612).
Made with a surf and turf combo of Kobe Beef and fresh Maine Lobster, topped with caramelised onions, Brie cheese, prosciutto, and balsamic vinegar, and served with a bottle of Dom Perignon Rose Champagne... it’s fair to say this burger isn’t your usual weekend fast food go to.
Inspired by the 777 Burger, Aldi’s version can be recreated in your home kitchen for under £3 - an extraordinary burger for an exceptional price.
Speaking about the new launch Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, commented: "Here at Aldi, we champion British quality, which is why we’re delighted to be welcoming British Wagyu into our stores.
“We want customers to be able to enjoy the very best, high quality foods, at our everyday amazing prices and will be working closely with our supplier to ensure more British Wagyu lines hit stores throughout the year.”
Aldi’s Wagyu beef supplier and Chairman of the British Wagyu Society, Jim Bloom, added: “I’m very excited about the launch of British Wagyu burgers into Aldi. The cows are reared on our farm in Yorkshire and thanks to its high marbling score, it is comparable to Kobe Wagyu.
“British Wagyu is set to be the next big thing in the meat industry and it’s very exciting that customers will be able to try our high-calibre Wagyu beef at such an affordable price.”
Aldi first launched Wagyu burgers back in 2015, and has brought back the popular item for limited periods over the last few years, however previous Wagyu burgers from the chain were sourced from grass-fed New Zealand cattle.


birminghammail--2020-07-21--Troy Deeney denies talk of spectacular Watford dressing room fight

In the wake of Nigel Pearson 's Watford sacking , there has been plenty of speculation as to why the Hornets decided to part with the manager with just two games left of a heated relegation run-in .
Watford currently block Aston Villa 's path to Premier League safety , with the two sides separated by just three points ahead of clashes with Manchester City and Arsenal later today , with the Hornets now being led by caretaker manager Hayden Mullins .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came as a surprise , but current Watford player/coach Troy Deeney has moved to shut down talk of a physical fight between Watford players and Pearson .
`` I just want to put out there , there was no fight at half-time , '' the Watford captain told beIN SPORTS ( via Sky Sports News ) .
`` It 's 2020 .
We do n't do that anymore .
You know , certainly with all the cameras and everything , you 'd certainly see a lot more if that was the case .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands on anybody .
He was just frustrated and had a firm talking to , so no one was fighting , no one was punched , no one was even tickled .
I do n't know , whatever way there was : no hands thrown , let 's just put it that way . ''
Elsewhere , Dean Smith spoke out on Pearson 's departure .
`` I was surprised as anybody , '' Smith said .
`` I 'm disappointed for Nigel who is a really good guy - and Craig Shakespeare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mine .
`` I 'm not going to comment too much as we 're in a battle with them and I do n't want to give Watford too much ammunition of anything I 've said about it . ''

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In the wake of Nigel Pearson's Watford sacking, there has been plenty of speculation as to why the Hornets decided to part with the manager with just two games left of a heated relegation run-in.
Watford currently block Aston Villa's path to Premier League safety, with the two sides separated by just three points ahead of clashes with Manchester City and Arsenal later today, with the Hornets now being led by caretaker manager Hayden Mullins.
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The sacking of Pearson came as a surprise, but current Watford player/coach Troy Deeney has moved to shut down talk of a physical fight between Watford players and Pearson.
"I just want to put out there, there was no fight at half-time," the Watford captain told beIN SPORTS ( via Sky Sports News ).
"It's 2020. We don't do that anymore. You know, certainly with all the cameras and everything, you'd certainly see a lot more if that was the case.
"The gaffer didn't put his hands on anybody. He was just frustrated and had a firm talking to, so no one was fighting, no one was punched, no one was even tickled. I don't know, whatever way there was: no hands thrown, let's just put it that way."
Elsewhere, Dean Smith spoke out on Pearson's departure.
"I was surprised as anybody," Smith said.
"I'm disappointed for Nigel who is a really good guy - and Craig Shakespeare who is a really good friend of mine.
"I'm not going to comment too much as we're in a battle with them and I don't want to give Watford too much ammunition of anything I've said about it."


birminghammail--2020-07-21--We simulated Aston Villa vs Arsenal to get a score prediction

Aston Villa face Arsenal in the Premier League this evening , in what could be a crucial game in Villa 's fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League , but the Gunners are also in need of a win to retain their Europa League hopes .
With fellow relegation contenders Watford in action against Manchester City earlier in the evening , Villa know that a win against Mikel Arteta 's side could see them go level on points with the Hornets , going into the final game of the season on Sunday .
So , what lineup with Dean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will the final score be at Villa Park ?
We used FIFA 20 to have a bit of fun and get a score prediction ahead of the game between Aston Villa and Arsenal on Tuesday night , in what could be a crucial game for both teams .
To set up this simulation , we used kick-off mode within FIFA 20 but did n't select a team to control ; we then selected the teams and watched the match play out by itself .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the page or click here The AI difficulty was set to legendary , with the line-up updated with the latest transfers , injuries and suspensions .
We predict that Aston Villa could set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation , with the lineup as follows : Reina ; El Mohamady , Konsa , Mings , Targett ; Douglas Luiz ; Trezeguet , McGinn , Hourihane , Grealish ; Davis .
We predict that Arsenal could set up in a 3-4-3/5-3-2 formation , with their lineup as follows : Martinez ; Holding , Luiz , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Saka ; Pepe , Nketiah , Aubameyang .
Arsenal started the game well in our simulation with the Gunners dominating possession and creating chances .
In fact , Mikel Arteta 's side took just 13 minutes to open the scoring , with Lucas Torreira scoring for the away side .
After some great footwork from Nicolas Pepe on the right , the Ivory Coast international cut into the box on his left foot and pulled the ball back to Torreira , who smashed his shot past Reina first time .
But Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not in terms of possession , but were certainly playing with more intensity and intent , with the home side in desperate need of a goal .
The Gunners were still in the lead at half-time , but nine minutes into the second-half , Villa scored a vital equaliser .
After an Arsenal attack broke down on the half-way line , Trezeguet was sent free on the right and played a one-two with Jack Grealish , with the Egyptian getting the ball back and advancing into the area , before firing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emiliano Martinez .
Dean Smith was delighted with the goal on the touchline , but could they hold on ?
This goal completely changed the completion of the game , with Villa now retreating towards their own goal and getting deeper and deeper with every passing minute , as Arsenal tried to find a way through for a winning goal .
The closest Arteta 's side came to late winner was through a sublime free-kick from Nicolas Pepe , whose effort flew just wide of Pepe Reina 's post .
Despite dominating possession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't find a winning goal , as Villa secured an important point in their battle to avoid relegation .
Here are the full-time match stats .
Villa did n't have as much possession as Arsenal in this game , as you probably would expect , but Smith 's side managed to limit them to very few chances , also creating a few of their own too .
FIFA 20 predicts that Villa will earn a well-deserved point against Arsenal on Tuesday , with Trezeguet again on the scoresheet .
What do you think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you take this result ?
As always , this is just a bit of fun ahead of what is a must not lose game at Villa Park on Tuesday evening , so lets see what happens .

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Aston Villa face Arsenal in the Premier League this evening, in what could be a crucial game in Villa's fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League, but the Gunners are also in need of a win to retain their Europa League hopes.
With fellow relegation contenders Watford in action against Manchester City earlier in the evening, Villa know that a win against Mikel Arteta's side could see them go level on points with the Hornets, going into the final game of the season on Sunday.
So, what lineup with Dean Smith go with? And, what will the final score be at Villa Park?
We used FIFA 20 to have a bit of fun and get a score prediction ahead of the game between Aston Villa and Arsenal on Tuesday night, in what could be a crucial game for both teams.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal score predicted using FIFA 20
To set up this simulation, we used kick-off mode within FIFA 20 but didn't select a team to control; we then selected the teams and watched the match play out by itself.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
The AI difficulty was set to legendary, with the line-up updated with the latest transfers, injuries and suspensions.
We predict that Aston Villa could set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with the lineup as follows: Reina; El Mohamady, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Douglas Luiz; Trezeguet, McGinn, Hourihane, Grealish; Davis.
We predict that Arsenal could set up in a 3-4-3/5-3-2 formation, with their lineup as follows: Martinez; Holding, Luiz, Tierney; Cedric, Torreira, Xhaka, Saka; Pepe, Nketiah, Aubameyang.
Arsenal started the game well in our simulation with the Gunners dominating possession and creating chances. In fact, Mikel Arteta's side took just 13 minutes to open the scoring, with Lucas Torreira scoring for the away side.
After some great footwork from Nicolas Pepe on the right, the Ivory Coast international cut into the box on his left foot and pulled the ball back to Torreira, who smashed his shot past Reina first time.
A real blow for Villa early on.
But Villa were much improved after conceding the goal, not in terms of possession, but were certainly playing with more intensity and intent, with the home side in desperate need of a goal.
The Gunners were still in the lead at half-time, but nine minutes into the second-half, Villa scored a vital equaliser.
After an Arsenal attack broke down on the half-way line, Trezeguet was sent free on the right and played a one-two with Jack Grealish, with the Egyptian getting the ball back and advancing into the area, before firing a powerful shot into the near post past Emiliano Martinez.
Dean Smith was delighted with the goal on the touchline, but could they hold on?
This goal completely changed the completion of the game, with Villa now retreating towards their own goal and getting deeper and deeper with every passing minute, as Arsenal tried to find a way through for a winning goal.
The closest Arteta's side came to late winner was through a sublime free-kick from Nicolas Pepe, whose effort flew just wide of Pepe Reina's post.
Despite dominating possession in the closing stages, Arsenal couldn't find a winning goal, as Villa secured an important point in their battle to avoid relegation.
Full-time score: Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
Here are the full-time match stats.
Villa didn't have as much possession as Arsenal in this game, as you probably would expect, but Smith's side managed to limit them to very few chances, also creating a few of their own too.
FIFA 20 predicts that Villa will earn a well-deserved point against Arsenal on Tuesday, with Trezeguet again on the scoresheet.
What do you think the score will be? And would you take this result?
As always, this is just a bit of fun ahead of what is a must not lose game at Villa Park on Tuesday evening, so lets see what happens.