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One of Irish-born artist Francis Bacon's (RIGHT) finest paintings will go up for auction next Thursday (8 Feb) in Christie's of London.

The 1956 painting, Study for Portrait II is one of his series of pictures influenced by Diego Velázquez's portrait of Pope Innocent X and is estimated to sell for £12m.

This will easily surpass the previous £7.8m record for a Bacon, whose work has been steadily increasing in value over the last decade.

» WHAT ARE THEY SAYING?

The Telegraph newspaper is claiming that the painting is being sold on behalf of film star Sophia Loren. "Sadly for Christie's, Loren had declined to be named, but my research unearthed her identity, " claimed reporter Colin Gleadell.

Loren's husband Carlo Ponti is thought to have owned the painting and he died just days after Christie's announced the sale last month.

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Some experts are predicting that Study for Portrait III (LEFT) could actually go for £15 million and if it does, it will be the most expensive work of art produced since World War Two to sell at auction. Not bad for a guy born on Dublin's Baggot Street.

Naturally, the Brits have claimed him, but we beg to differ. Hopefully, a museum will get it - the last time this painting was shown in public was in 1963.

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Superbowl fever hits the US for the 41st time Americans think it's the 'biggest, most important sporting event in the world'. They're wrong. But they could maybe be forgiven this time. After all, on TV screens all across the US this evening, it will be all about the Superbowl. between the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts. It's the 41st year for the American Football "nal, and it just keeps getting bigger.

This time round, it's being held in Miami's Dolphin Stadium, and anyone who knows anything about the game says it's bound to be a good one.

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There are, quite literally, lists being made out as to why this is going to be one of the best Superbowls ever.

Both teams have an AfricanAmerican coach, which means the event is guaranteed its "rst ever African-American-led winning team. Also, Peyton Manning (LEFT) - the man being billed as the best quarterback of all time - will be playing his "rst ever Superbowl. And the Dolphin Stadium has an 8:1 record of hosting fantastic football "nals.

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Prince (LEFT) is playing at half time. People are saying it's "not going to be so hot." The last time the half-time act was expected to be unexciting, Janet Jackson had her bustier ripped off by Justin Timberlake, exposed herself to the entire world, and took a serious body blow to her career. It made international headlines for weeks afterwards. So let's see what Prince's "not so hot" performance really has in store.