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How to avoid Netflix’ price rise and save up to £96 a year if you’re a Sky, EE or Virgin customer

MILLIONS of households have been hit by yet more news of streaming bill hikes, this time from Netflix.

The popular streaming platform, home to hits such as Squid Game and The Crown, has announced that subscription prices are rising by up to £2.

Hand holding a Netflix remote in front of a TV screen displaying the Netflix logo.
Getty
There is an easy trick for telly lovers to help cut costs drastically[/caption]

Standard plan subscribers face the steepest rise, with monthly fees jumping from £10.99 to £12.99.

Meanwhile, the premium plan, Netflix‘s most expensive offering, will see a £1 increase, bringing the total monthly cost to £18.99.

Even the cheapest ad-supported plan isn’t spared, rising by £1 from £4.99 to £5.99 per month.

Streamers increasing prices has become a routine occurrence much like traditional satellite or cable TV bills.

But there is an easy trick for telly lovers to help cut costs drastically – and you could save up to £95.88 a year if you ditch your separate Netflix plan and bundle it within your TV package.

Lyndsey Burton, managing director of Choose.co.uk, said: “Prices for Netflix are rising, but savvy consumers can save by opting for a TV and broadband bundle with Netflix included at no extra cost.

Sky, Virgin Media, and EE TV all offer packages with Netflix making this one of the cheapest way to add Netflix to a pay TV bundle.”

As an example, millions of Sky TV customers now get Netflix’s cheapest ad-supported plan included in their package.

This includes customers subscribed to Sky’s Essential TV package, which costs just £15 a month.

In addition to Netflix with ads, the package also includes a Discovery+ subscription and access to Sky Atlantic.

While Sky and other TV other cable TV providers don’t publicise how much of your contract charge goes towards your ad-free Netflix subscription there’s still ways you can save money on your streaming costs.

For instance, if you’re a Sky customer with the ad-supported version of Netflix but also maintain a separate Netflix account paying £12.99 a month for its standard plan, bundling your subscription with Sky could save you a significant amount.

Sky customers can upgrade their Netflix plan to the standard ad-free version for an additional £6 a month.

If you were to stick with Netflix directly, the standard plan would cost £155.88 per year.

However, by opting for Sky’s £6 a month add-on, you’d pay just £72 annually for the same service – saving £83.88 in total.

A customer choosing to bundle a Netflix Premium subscription with their Sky package would pay an additional £11 a month through their Sky bill.

This is £7.99 a month less than the £18.99 charged by Netflix for the same plan when purchased directly.

By bundling Netflix Premium with Sky, you could save an impressive £95.88 per year.

NETFLIX PRICE CHANGES IN FULL

Here's what you need to know...

Netflix Standard with Ads

Price: £5.99 (up £1 from £4.99)

  • Ad-supported, all but a few movies and TV shows available, unlimited mobile games
  • Watch on 2 supported devices at a time
  • Watch in 1080p (Full HD)
  • Download on 2 supported devices at a time

Netflix Standard

Price: £12.99 (Up £2 from £10.99)

  • Unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games
  • Watch on 2 supported devices at a time
  • Watch in 1080p (Full HD)
  • Download on 2 supported devices at a time
  • Option to add 1 extra member who doesn’t live with you

Netflix Premium

Price: £18.99 (Up £1 from £17.99)

  • Unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games
  • Watch on 4 supported devices at a time
  • Watch in 4K (Ultra HD) + HDR
  • Download on 6 supported devices at a time
  • Option to add up to 2 extra members who don’t live with you
  • Netflix spatial audio

Picture Credit: Netflix

Customers with a Virgin Media or EE TV package can also upgrade from Netflix’s ad-supported plan for an additional £6 a month or opt for the premium plan at £13 a month.

However, unlike Sky, Virgin Media does not automatically include the standard ad-free Netflix plan in all its packages.

So it’s important to review the small print to confirm whether it’s included in your specific deal.

Ernest Doku, broadband and streaming expert at Uswitch.com said: “Bundling your TV services with your broadband can be a good way to save money if you make full use of what’s being offered by your provider.”

“Of course, if you’re not interested in using other TV services, it will still be cheaper to purchase a Netflix subscription separately to your broadband.”

WATCH TV FOR FREE

Pluto TV

Pluto TV is another free streaming service with more than 100 channels.

Anyone can access Pluto TV for free on the web or on your iPhone and Android device.

Virgin Media has just made it available via some of its boxes – but bear in mind you’d need to pay a TV licence and take out a contract with Virgin to take advantage of this.

Amazon Freevee

Amazon Prime Video may be the first thing you think of but the retail giant also has a growing free alternative.

Freevee is home to exclusives like Judy Justice.

It’s the new home of Neighbours too, which is set to return later this year.

But there’s some classic on-demand content too.

The L Word, Nashville and Parks and Recreation are among the shows available.

All4

All4 is the main source of on-demand programmes from Channel 4, E4, Film4 and More 4.

The service is free to use and funded by advertisements.

All4 offers a free and extensive library of both classic shows and more recent programmes, including complete box sets of some of our most popular series like Gogglebox.

UKTV Play

If you’re a fan of Dave, Drama, W and Yesterday then the UKTV Play is the place for you.

The latest featured shows include Meet The Richardsons, Annika and Great British Railway Journeys.

You’ll have to sign up to start watching – and there are ads.

ITVX

ITV now drops many new and exclusive shows online before they’re shown on ITV1.

There’s also a load of other shows, including more niche interest like anime.

Free trials

You should take advantage of free trials to keep more of your hard-earned cash.

Some trials are as short as seven days, while others last an entire month.

For example, Amazon Prime Video offers newbies 30 days streaming for free.

Now TV also offers weekly free trails for Sky Cinema and Entertainment packages.

But any savvy savers must remember to unsubscribe to any subscriptions before the end of the trial period or risk incurring further charges.

Customers can also nab a free trial of streaming services when buying new technology.

Some Apple technology purchases will include a free trial of Apple TV+.

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‘Stormy days’ – Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez shares emotional update from hospital bed after op on horror knee injury

LISANDRO Martinez has revealed he is on the road to recovery with the love of his stunning girlfriend and their unborn daughter in a moving post-op update from his hospital bed.

The Manchester United star opened up on the emotional rollercoaster he experienced following the season-ending knee injury against Crystal Palace earlier this month after undergoing surgery.

Man in hospital gown giving thumbs up.
instagram @lisandromartinezzz
Lisandro Martinez posted an update from the hospital following knee surgery[/caption]
Black and white photo of a couple embracing in a hospital bed.
instagram @lisandromartinezzz
Martinez showed he had the support of long-term partner Muri[/caption]

He admitted to initial feelings of “sadness and helplessness” after tearing his cruciate ligaments and said he would put his heart and soul into his rehabilitation process after the “perfect” operation.

In his first update after surgery, he gave the thumbs-up as he admitted: “Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance, I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective.”

Thanking his club and the Argentine national team, he added: “I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of @manchesterunited , @afaseleccion , my family, friends, team-mates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement.

“The surgery went perfectly!! Now it’s time to give it my all, with heart and soul, in the rehabilitation process.”

Fans responded by offering him more support.

One wrote: “We’ll see you back soon.” Another added: “You’ve got this warrior.”

The 27-year-old showed he had the support of childhood sweetheart Muri Lopez Benitez and their much-anticipated first child.

The couple went public with 26-year-old Muri’s pregnancy last October.

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Martinez and Muri posted a photo of them holding their baby scan, with the defender writing in a message alongside their snap: “We are so happy that you came into our lives. Thank you for choosing us.”

They later revealed they were expecting a daughter they have decided to name Aurora.

Overnight the footballer posted an adorable photo on his Instagram showing his girlfriend lying on his chest with her eyes closed as he embraced her in his hospital bed with his surgical gown still on.

The brunette had written on the snap which she also posted online: “Getting better with lots of love” followed by a heart emoji.

Martinez responded by referencing their unborn daughter and adding: “I love you both lots.”

They met in their early teens in their home city of Gualeguay, and Muri has been at his side during his meteoric rise from Newell’s Old Boys to Ajax and his subsequent July 2022 move to Manchester.

Muri was in Qatar to watch Martinez and his teammates secure World Cup glory against France in December 2022. She’s known for her love of carnivals and often shows her glam side on social media.

She showed off her baby belly a fortnight ago in a selfie photo with Martinez who had their French bulldog called Polo sat on his lap.

Illustration of Manchester United Premier League player statistics.

Since his £56.7million move from Ajax the defender has had two operations on his foot and damaged the medical ligament in his right knee, although that injury didn’t require surgery.

Man Utd are hoping Martinez, who has appeared in 58 of 100 Premier League matches, will be back to fitness for the start of next season.

This week the club have been plunged into crisis after FOUR stars were injured in training ahead of their clash at Tottenham to take them to 11 first-team stars in the treatment room.

Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer represent a triple blow to the Red Devils’ centre midfield options, while Amad Diallo was also announced to have suffered a potentially season-ending injury.

Amad posted a heartfelt message on social media following the news of his injury.

The Ivorian said: “Extremely disappointed to be writing this message in such a crucial time of the season.

“Unfortunately, I will be out for some time with an injury. I will come back stronger than ever!! Time to support the boys from the outside. Still loads to play for.”

This crisis has prompted manager Ruben Amorim to turn to the club’s Carrington Academy to bolster the ranks, with five youngsters – Sekou Kone, Harry Amass, Jack Moorhouse, Elyh Harrison and Chido Obi – being called up to travel to London with the senior squad.

Manchester United potential starting XI vs Tottenham. Illustration of Man Utd 2024-25 wages.

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‘Small feast’ – Erling Haaland shares snap of crazy post-match meal amid fears Man City ace could miss Real Madrid clash

ERLING HAALAND tucked into a “small feast” after Manchester City’s victory over Newcastle.

The striker shared a snap of himself holding a half-eaten lump of on-the-bone meat.

Man holding a large steak after a game.
Erling Haaland helped himself to some meat after beating Newcastle
Instagram
Erling Haaland of Manchester City holding his injured knee.
Getty
The forward appeared to pick up an injury in the match[/caption]
Erling Haaland embracing Pep Guardiola.
Reuters
Pep Guardiola gave an update on Haaland’s fitness[/caption]

Haaland, 24, was subbed off in the later stages of the 4-0 win after appearing to pick up a knee injury.

The Cityzens were well ahead when the talisman went off after Omar Marmoush netted a hat-trick and James McAtee made it four.

Haaland’s injury would have been cause for concern with Manchester City’s vital Champions League clash against Real Madrid next week.

The reigning Premier League champions were beaten by the LaLiga giants in the first leg of their play-off match 3-2 at the Etihad.

They will now travel to Spain for the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola did give an update on the prolific forward’s condition after initially being “scared” for him..

He said: “When he was down, everyone was scared but he got up and walked smiling like always.

“I didn’t speak to him or the doctors but the doctors didn’t come with bad news so hopefully he is fine.”

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

The picture of Haaland has filled Man City fans with confidence that he will be ready to go in Spain.

One posted: “He’s always ready.”

Erling Haaland vs Newcastle match statistics: 87 mins played, 22 touches, 2 shots, 0 goals, 1 assist.

A second commented: “Having Haaland fit for the Real Madrid clash strengthens City’s lineup.”

A third wrote: “Haaland is the cornerstone of Man City.”

A fourth said: “This is great news.”

Another added: “A massive relief.”

Haaland was also entrusted with the club armband against the Magpies.

Guardiola has insisted that the striker will be a part of the leadership group for the foreseeable future.

He said: “I voted for Erling Haaland to be part of the captains group.

“He will be here for ten years and he will be part of the captains, it’s part of the process.”

Erling Haaland's 2024-25 Man City stats: games, chances created, goals, assists, shots on target, passes, and fouls.

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Kai Havertz shares hospital bed snap wearing knee brace as he releases statement on ‘physical and mentally tough’ injury

KAI HAVERTZ has shared an update from the hospital bed after suffering a season-ending injury.

The Arsenal forward tore his hamstring during the club’s training camp in Dubai last week.

Man in hospital bed with knee brace, giving thumbs up.
X/Kaihavertz29
Kai Havertz released an update on his injury after an operation[/caption]

The 25-year-old has now released an update from the hospital following a successful operation.

Taking to social media, he said: “The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally.

“But yesterday was a good day. A successful op and a win.

“Thanks for all the messages of support over the last few days, it’s really helped.

“I’m now focused on my journey to full fitness and giving all the support I can give to the team in the background.”

More to follow.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

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Alexa users fear first ever FEE is coming in days as Amazon prepares huge announcement on new devices

A HUGE upgrade to Alexa is expected to be announced in days – but it could come at a price.

Amazon has been working to infuse AI into the popular voice assistant used on devices including Echo speakers and more.

Four places you should never put your Amazon Alexa device - and the first could result in a bank-raiding attack
Amazon is hosting a special event on February 26
Amazon

The online retail giant is in a race to catch up with rivals such as Google‘s Gemini who have already got a head start on enhanced voice assistants that can answer more complex questions.

But many charge for the privilege of using AI – and Amazon is widely expected to follow suit.

Alexa 2.0 could come with a subscription, allowing you to do things like giving the voice assistant a personality, recall conversations, order takeaways or call a taxi, a report claims.

A special Alexa event is being held by the company on February 26 where new products are set to be revealed.

But the public release of the new Alexa may not come until more than a month later, sources told the Washington Post.

Amazon revealed in September 2023 that it was working on new models for the voice assistant, little after ChatGPT burst onto the scene and shocked the world.

But users have been nervous about the prospect of paying for Alexa.

“I use my Alexa everyday for “weather, flash briefing (I enjoy speaking up in the most depressing way possible), and timers” other than that music randomly and maybe occasionally a random piece of trivia or information,” one person wrote on Reddit.

“I don’t want to pay for that.”

Another wrote: “I’m sure it’ll be subscription based. So, no thanks anyway.”

A third accused the company of making “alexa dumber on purpose over time to encorage people to switch tp an AI based subscription service”.

Much like Google’s Gemini voice assistant, it’s likely Amazon will have different tiers for Alexa including a free one with all the existing tools at no cost.

Apple‘s recently updated Siri, which also uses ChatGPT for certain queries, is free to use.

NEW FREE ALEXA FEATURE

Amazon recently announced a new free feature for all Alexa users - bedtime stories for kids.

The new science-backed bedtime story, iswritten by TV personality and children’s author Vogue Williams.

Tumbles and Stripes follows two young tigers going through their own bedtime routine with their mother.

To listen, users simply need to ask “Alexa, help my child fall asleep” and Vogue’s will begin to narrate the sleep story.

Amazon has also launched a supporting bedtime Alexa Routine.

When activated and paired with a customers’ smart home, the routine can automatically play Vogue’s sleep story, turn on brown noise and dim the lights, which also help to nod off.

Image credit: Amazon

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Rihanna shares very raunchy Valentine’s Day video with rapper beau A$AP Rocky

POP beauty Rihanna has got pulses racing and shared a spicy video of her and A$AP Rocky.

The superstar singer shared the throwback footage from a trip to Paris with her rapper boyfriend. 

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky in a raunchy Valentine's Day video.
X/Rihanna
The Valentine’s Day video has shocked fans[/caption]
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky in a raunchy Valentine's Day video.
X/Rihanna
The pair can be seen in some athletic poses[/caption]

“Get u a valentine that still writes love letters,” she wrote alongside the post on social media.

Work singer Rihanna, 36, can be seen getting down and dirty as she bends over, wearing a jacket labelled Be Dumb, while Rocky smacks her behind.

The musicians bump and grind in a range of suggestive poses on the floor of a hotel.

The loved-up couple put on a more romantic show as they hold hands while walking round the French capital and posing in front of the Eiffel Tower.

A$AP Rocky, who has been charged with shooting a friend several times in a standoff, has started his trial and is facing up to 24 years behind bars.

The rapper has pleaded not guilty and claimed he was spotted with a prop weapon.

Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayer, has been charged with two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm for a 2021 incident in Hollywood.

Rocky, 36, allegedly shot his former school friend A$AP Relli in a car park near the W hotel in Hollywood in November 2021.

Rocky turned down a plea offer of a six-month jail term, with a seven-year suspended sentence, and three years of probation.

Meanwhile, Rihanna has showcased her brand’s new Valentine’s collection.

Riri can be seen in recent new snaps in a photoshoot wearing striking red lingerie.

The Barbadian beauty – who has been in a relationship with the father of her two children, A$AP Rocky since 2020 – is no stranger to posing in items from her intimate collection.

Rihanna launched Savage X Fenty in 2018 – just one of the arms to her Fenty Corps business.

As well as her undies collections, the beauty and skincare brands alone she’s set up are now valued at an estimated £2.2billion, to which Ri owns a 50 per cent stake.

The Valentine’s collection comes ahead of the Umbrella singer’s hotly anticipated ninth album in 2025, after her a nine-year hiatus and having two baby boys.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky wearing matching camouflage jackets.
X/Rihanna
The loved-up duo can be seen wearing matching jackets[/caption]
Rihanna piggybacking A$AP Rocky.
X/Rihanna
Rocky carries Rihanna on his back in one of the shots[/caption]
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky kissing in Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
X/Rihanna
The retro video shows them kissing in front of the Eiffel Tower[/caption]
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky in an embrace.
X/Rihanna
The singer posted the video for Valentine’s Day[/caption]

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Moment ‘cash-for-crash’ idiot runs up to car & shamelessly rolls himself over bonnet – as driver taunts ‘it’s on camera’

DASHCAM footage has captured the moment a teenager ran up to a slow-moving car and threw himself over the bonnet.

A group of friends appear to stroll pass the driver until one of them gestures in the direction of the car.

Dashcam footage of a teenager faking injury after jumping on a car's hood.
SWNS
The driver makes a slow-moving manoeuvre as the three friends approach[/caption]
Dashcam footage of a teenager throwing himself onto a car hood and feigning injury.
SWNS
One of them can then be seen rolling over the bonnet[/caption]
Dashcam footage of a teenager staging an injury after jumping on a car's hood.
SWNS
He limps off, holding himself as if he has been injured and claims to have been struck by the car[/caption]
Dashcam footage of a teenager staging an injury after jumping on a car's hood.
SWNS
The driver has spoken out about the relief he felt from having the moment captured on camera[/caption]

The video shows three boys and one girl – believed to be teenagers – targeting Alan Watling, 77, while he was visiting a flat he owns in Maidstone, Kent.

The retired engineer can be seen driving past the group before parking his Ford Focus at the forecourt of the three-storey property near Maidstone Barracks railway station.

It is at this point the girl appears to point at Mr Watling’s stationary car before one of her friends runs up to it and rolls over the bonnet.

He then limps off holding his buttocks in an apparent attempt to appear injured.

Mr Watling, who lives in the nearby village of Allington, says he did nothing to provoke the group prior to the incident.

He said: “I went past them and there was nothing untoward to start with until I stopped.

“I was just carrying out a routine check at the flat, but as I pulled into the forecourt and was stationary this young man made a beeline for me at some speed.

“He jumped on the bonnet and was directed by the young lady with the red coat who gestured with her hand to get him to come towards me.

“When I got out, I said ‘what’s the matter?’ and then the young lad said ‘you hit me, you hit me’ and repeated that.

“I told them it was all on camera and then he said ‘paedo, paedo, paedo’.

“They stayed around for a bit longer before going off about three minutes later.”

Mr Watling admits the strange encounter, which happened at 2.30pm on Wednesday, has left him feeling “annoyed”.

But he says he is relieved the dashcam footage paints the true picture of what occurred.

He added: “It wasn’t nice and one can only speculate what could have happened.

“I was quite philosophical about it at the time, but afterwards now I’m a bit annoyed.

“I think about what the repercussions could have been without the footage – perhaps something quite serious as I would have been out on a limb.

“Did he want compensation? If so that would have been fraudulent.”

The Sun has approached Kent Police for comment.

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Massive snowstorm causes major ‘dystopian’ pile-up involving 95 vehicles in Sweden

An aerial view shows cars and trucks involved ina mass crash on the motorway between Enkoping and Balsta on February 15, 2025. An intense snowstorm in eastern Sweden on Saturday sparked two massive road accidents involving dozens of vehicles and leaving more than 100 people needing hospital treatment, officials said. (Photo by Handout / various sources / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / SWEDISH POLICE / HANDOUT / " - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo by HANDOUT/TT News Agency/SWEDISH POLICE/AFP via Getty Images)
More than 100 people needed hospital treatment after the devastating pile up in Sweden
(Picture: AFP)

This was the devastating aftermath of a pile-up caused by intense snowstorms in Sweden in what has been described as a like a ‘dystopian film scene’.

More than 100 people were left needing hospital treatment after dozens of cars and lorries crashed into each other in the Upsalla region on Saturday.

Two people are currently in intensive care, according to authorities.

Images from the scene show destroyed cars and lorries piled into each other on a road called the E18 between Enkoping and Balsta.

According to regional health official Mikael Kohler, around 95 vehicles were involved in two major collisions.

A police spokesperson told SVT, the Swedish broadcaster, the aftermath was like out of a ‘dystopian film scene’.

An aerial view shows cars and trucks involved ina mass crash on the motorway between Enkoping and Balsta on February 15, 2025. An intense snowstorm in eastern Sweden on Saturday sparked two massive road accidents involving dozens of vehicles and leaving more than 100 people needing hospital treatment, officials said. (Photo by Handout / various sources / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / SWEDISH POLICE / HANDOUT / " - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo by HANDOUT/TT News Agency/SWEDISH POLICE/AFP via Getty Images)
(Picture: AFP) A police spokesman described the pile-ups as like something out of a ‘dystopian filml’
Damaged cars involved in a mass crash on the motorway between Enkoping and Balsta stand on a field on February 16, 2025. An intense snowstorm in eastern Sweden on Saturday sparked two massive road accidents involving dozens of vehicles and leaving more than 100 people needing hospital treatment, officials said. (Photo by Anders WIKLUND / TT News Agency / AFP) / Sweden OUT (Photo by ANDERS WIKLUND/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images)
Two people are in intensive care after the crashes (Picture: AFP)

Sweden’s transport authority has warned people not to travel country routes in the Uppsala region.

Temperatures in Sweden are currently -4°C.

Closer to home, UK temperatures could rise into the double figures next week after spells of freezing and snowy conditions.

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Burnley may be the clean-sheet kings but free-scoring Leeds can regain top spot in the Championship by downing Sunderland

Leeds United FC v Oxford United FC - Sky Bet Championship
Illan Meslier stand between Sunderland and the Leeds goal (Picture: Getty Images)

Leeds United may have some way to go to match Burnley’s new Championship record of 11 consecutive clean sheets but their defence is still pretty watertight after six successive league games without conceding.

And if they extend their current purple patch in defence by keeping promotion rivals Sunderland at bay in their big Monday night showdown at Elland Road it will send them back to the top of the table by vaulting over Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United.

It won’t be an easy task as the visiting Wearsiders are still on the coattails of the automatic promotion race and will be desperate to win as they will be eight points off the pace if they lose this fixture with a play-off place looking more likely than a straight ticket to the Premier League.

The Black Cats have won five and drawn three of their last eight games in English football’s second tier, but Leeds have fared even better with ten wins and four draws since their last defeat at the end of November.

They have also won 13 and drawn two of 16 games on home soil where their rearguard has only been breached on seven occasions while Sunderland have been patchy away from the Stadium of Light, where they are unbeaten, with seven wins and five draws alongside four defeats on their travels.

They have become reliant on Wilson Isidor, who has scored six in his last ten outings, while Daniel Farke’s team spread the goals around with Joel Piroe bagging 14 league goals alongside valuable contributions from Daniel James, Brendan Aaronson and Manor Solomon.

Their 66 league goals is 15 more than any other team in the Championship with United chalking up 13 in their last three league games.

Sunderland AFC v Leeds United FC - Sky Bet Championship
Chris Rigg opened the scoring when Sunderland drew 2-2 with Leeds in October but the Black Cats won’t be so lucky this time around (Picture: Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)

Leeds, are heavy odds-on favourites to win the title and just 4/7 with William Hill and Betway to return to the top of the table with a victory against Sunderland but a 2-0 scoreline looks good at 6/1 with bet365, Betfred, BoyleSports and Sky Bet.

Under.25 goals is 10/11 with bet365 and Betfred and Leeds are 6/4 with bet365, Sky Bet and StarSports to win without conceding. Pirloe, meanwhile, is 22/5 with Unibet and BETMGM to put the hosts on the road to victory and 43/20 with the same firms to score at any time.

• Ireland, our ante-post selection, can move another step closer to winning the Six Nations for a third year on the spin by beating Wales by between 16 and 20 points in Cardiff on Saturday at 6/1 with William Hill and bet365.

Not many saw England’s win against France coming at Twickenham last time out but they can build on that spirited success by leading HT/FT at 8/11 with Ladbrokes and Coral when Scotland travel south of the border for the Calcutta Cup at the weekend. England are the same price with FedEx to win by more than 7.5 points.

Jannik Sinner has been banned for three months after the World Anti-Doping Agency reached agreement with the world No.1 and accepted he was inadvertently contaminated by a banned substance and ‘did not intend to cheat’.

The decision has sparked controversy with many regarding the punishment as too lenient and conveniently ending in time to leave the Italian free to play at the French Open in May. He is 11/4 with bet365 and Bet Victor to add the Roland Garros title to last month’s Australian Open crown.

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