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    Birmingham vs Newcastle live stream FREE: How to watch FA Cup clash today

    NEWCASTLE and Birmingham face off in a HUGE clash for a place in the FA Cup fifth round.Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have already reached a final this season, beating Arsenal 4-0 on aggregate in the Carabao Cup semi-final.Newcastle reached a second Carabao Cup final in three yearsCredit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire.Birmingham are looking for an upset against NewcastleCredit: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesBirmingham are currently four points clear at the top of League One, with two games in hand over second placed Wycombe.The side are enjoying a good season in England’s third tier, and look poised to return to the Championship at the first time of asking.Newcastle will provide a tougher test than Stevenage away, though, so Chris Davies will need his side to give it everything against the Carabao Cup finalists. How to watch Birmingham vs Newcastle?Birmingham vs Newcastle will be free to watch in the UK.The game will be shown on BBC One.Coverage is also available to stream on BBC iPlayer.The game kicks off at 5.45pm GMT on Saturday, February 8.What other FA Cup games are happening this weekend?Chelsea will travel to Brighton in the final game on Saturday, February 8, at 8pm GMT, following the conclusion of Birmingham vs Newcastle. Sunday, February 9 will showcase three games, with Blackburn vs Wolves starting the day at 3pm GMT.Liverpool travel to Plymouth at 3pm GMT, before Sunday’s action finished at Villa Park as Aston Villa take on Tottenham at 5:35pm GMT.Most read in FA CupOn Monday night, Doncaster will host Crystal Palace at 7:45pm GMT.The fourth round actions concludes at St James Park, as Exeter take on Nottingham Forest at 8pm GMT. More

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    Who owns Birmingham City?

    IE has been 14 seasons since the blue side of Birmingham have been able to cherish the glories of Premier League football.Since relegation in the 2010-11 season, the club have meandered in the Championship and met face with higher-ups negligence last season as they were relegated to League One. Ex-owner Carson Yeung had a underwhelming stint as owner before relinquishing duties in 2014 following his arrest for money laundering chargesBirmingham Sports Holdings, formerly Trillion Trophy Asia Limited took over from Yeung as the neglect culminated in an inevitable relegation in 2024Credit: GettyChinese-owned group Birmingham Sports Holdings (BSH), formerly Trillion Trophy Asia Limited, were maligned throughout their tenure.They eventually ceded control to American investment firm Knighthead Capital Management, headed up by financier Tom Wagner, in July 2023.Though the US-based Shelby Companies Limited (SCL) company oversaw relegation to League 1 – the first time the club have been out of the top two divisions since 1995 – they’ve caused a rebirth in response. Blues are undoubtedly the most expensively formed, having spent between £20 million and £25 million ($24.7 million to $31 million) over the summer.READ MORE IN FA CUPThe record-breaking investment that sent shockwaves through the rest of the league, even amongst Hollywood rivals Wrexham – owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mcelhenney. The club is first in League 1 – fourth points and two games in hand ahead of closet rivals Wycombe and are in the fourth round of the FA Cup as they host Premier League Newcastle United. The revival of a once forsaken club is firmly underway so who’s behind the ownership?Tom Brady is occasionally spotted at the Blues’ gamesCredit: GettyMajority owner Tom Wagner and co have spearheaded the club’s rebuild with Premier League football amongst aimsCredit: GettyWho owns Birmingham City?As stated, SCL, fronted by the company’s co-founder Wagner acquired a majority share in the team and complete ownership of the stadium with a 45.96% stake. Most read in FA CupAlthough BSH retains 51% of the shares, Wagner said that Shelby will be “responsible for the operations of the club moving forward” and that “nothing about the way the transaction is structured will prevent us from achieving the long-term goals we have for the club.”Since takeover, swift changes have been ensued, particularly off the pitch. Garry Cook, former Manchester City CEO, was appointed to the same job at Birmingham before stepping down in January this year. Fellow Blues fan and former Microsoft executive Jeremy Dale, who helped broker the deal to bring American owners Knighthead to St Andrew’s, has assumed the role of interim CEO since. The blockbuster arrival of NFL great Tom Brady as minority owner has gained considerable publicity.The seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback may have the glitz and nosie, but he apparently has no voting rights and serves mostly as the club’s face, spreading the message and drumming up interest across the pond. More

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    FA Cup 4th round games on TV: Channel and stream details for this weekend’s clashes

    THE FA Cup fourth round gets underway at Manchester United, and you can watch the games for FREE!Manchester United will start off the weekend at home to Leicester, and Exeter host Nottingham Forest to conclude the action on Tuesday night.Manchester United host Leicester in the first live game this weekendCredit: AlamyNottingham Forest look to keep up their good form in this round’s last game at ExeterCredit: RexLower league sides like Doncaster and Exeter have already had to battle through three rounds to get here, and have been given big Premier League ties for their efforts.Last year’s winners Manchester United play at home to Leicester, and runners up Manchester City are away to Leyton Orient.How can I watch this weekend’s games?The FA Cup fourth round is free-to-air in the UK.The games will be shared across the BBC and ITV, with BBC iPlayer and ITVX also streaming the games.The FA Cup fourth round starts on Friday, February 7 and ends of Tuesday, February 11.Which games are being shown on TV?The FA released it’s list of live TV games in January, and a full list is available here:Read more FootballManchester United vs Leicester – Fri, Feb 7, 8pm GMT – ITV1 and ITVXLeyton Orient vs Manchester City – Sat, Feb 8, 12:15pm GMT – BBC One and BBC iPlayerBirmingham vs Newcastle – Sat, Feb 8, 5:45pm GMT- BBC One and BBC iPlayerBrighton vs Chelsea – Sat, Feb 8, 8pm GMT – ITV4 and ITVXBlackburn vs Wolves – Sun, Feb 9, 12:30pm GMT – BBC iPlayerPlymouth vs Liverpool – Sun, Feb 9, 3pm GMT – ITV1 and ITVXAston Villa vs Tottenham – Sun, Feb 9, 5:35pm GMT – BBC One and BBC iPlayerDoncaster vs Crystal Palace, Mon, Feb 10, 7:45pm GMT, BBC iPlayerExeter vs Nottingham Forest, Tue, Feb 11, 8pm GMT, ITV1 and ITVXWhich other games are on this weekend?Saturday, February 8:Leeds vs Millwall, 12:15pm GMTCoventry vs Ipswich, 3pm GMTPreston vs Wycombe, 3pm GMTStoke vs Cardiff, 3pm GMTSouthampton vs Burnley, 3pm GMTEverton vs Bournemouth, 3pm GMTWigan vs Fulham, 3pm GMT More

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    Paul Scholes delivers brutal eight-word verdict on Ruben Amorim’s tactics after Man Utd’s last-gasp win over Leicester

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has appeared to call out Ruben Amorim for playing new signing Patrick Dorgu out of position.The 20-year-old full-back made his Red Devils debut in the FA Cup comeback win over Leicester on Friday night. Paul Scholes has appeared to hit out at Ruben Amorim’s team selectionCredit: APThe Portuguese boss gave Patrick Dorgu a debut against Leicester on Friday nightCredit: GettyDorgu, 20, was employed as an inverted full-back on the right side, rather than his natural leftCredit: GettyUnited left it late to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory under the lights at Old Trafford.Harry Maguire was the unlikely hero, netting late on to send the Red Devils into the fifth round.Dorgu, a £25million capture, began the night in an unfamiliar role on the right side of defence.The ex-Lecce star normally operates on the left but slotted dutifully into Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system. READ MORE ON MAN UTDDorgu was subbed off at half-time following a tepid first half, with United trailing thanks to a goal from Bobby De Cordova-Reid.Following the game, an unimpressed Scholes wrote on Instagram: “Inverted wing-backs… you saw it at [Old Trafford] first.”Scholes’ former teammate Roy Keane was on punditry duty for ITV during the match.And he was similarly baffled by Amorim playing the youngster out of his natural position.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKeane said: “They’ve brought new players in, you’re thinking he’s [Dorgu] going to play in his position and he’s playing right wing-back.”You think, is that unfair on players? And you look at the urgency for the goal [Leicester opener], it’s given away cheaply, people not staying with their runners. Luke Littler and AngryGinge lose their heads on live stream after predicting Harry Maguire would score Man Utd winner”I just look at it from United’s point of view and think, my goodness, is this what it’s come to?”Amorim defended his decision following United’s dramatic comeback. Asked directly about Dorgu playing on the right, he said: “He played a lot of times in Lecce on the right.”That is one of the characteristics that we pay attention to a lot, to have a player like him.”He was a little bit anxious in the first touch with the ball. “It’s a different league for him, a different speed of the game, but he did well. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He has space, he has strength, and he’s going to improve a lot. “And we, as a team, we need to play better to help these new guys to perform at the right level.” More

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    Real Madrid ‘make William Saliba No1 transfer target’ but Arsenal convinced he would be world’s most expensive defender

    REAL MADRID are prioritising a transfer swoop for Arsenal star William Saliba.Saliba, 23, has been established as one of the best defenders in the Premier League where he has formed a rock-solid duo with Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back.Real Madrid see Arsenal star William Saliba as an ‘absolute priority’Credit: GettyArsenal wopuld only let Saliba leave for a record transfer feeCredit: RexAnd that has led to immense interest from some of the world’s elite clubs for the Gunners’ star.According to RMC Sport, Real have made the France international an “absolute priority” ahead of the summer transfer window.However, the North Londoners are demanding a massive fee for their star Frenchman.Arsenal see Saliba as the best centre-back in the world following two goals in 33 appearances across all competitions this season.Read More on ArsenalMikel Arteta’s side is not keen to sell the ex-Saint-Etienne star any time soon.However, if Arsenal have no option then they are planning to demand a hefty fee.The same source claims the Premier League giants are convinced Saliba will go down in history as the most expensive defender if he leaves the Emirates.That means Arsenal won’t consider any bid worth less than £80million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat is how much Manchester United splashed to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester in 2019 and made him the most expensive defender in football history.Saliba has a contract with Arsenal until 2027, which means the club is in no rush.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaThe Frenchman joined the Gunners in 2019 from Saint-Etienne but was immediately sent back on loan to the French outfit to gain more experience.That led to more loan stints to Nice and Marseille until he was finally established in Arsenal’s first team in 2022.Since then, Saliba has stood out for Arteta’s side with a total of seven goals and two assists in 116 appearances. More

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    Man Utd rejected two loan offers from clubs in Italy for struggling striker in closing days of transfer window

    MANCHESTER UNITED knocked back a couple of cheeky loan bids from Italy to land Rasmus Hojlund in the closing days of the transfer window.AC Milan made a tentative inquiry for the Danish striker, before they switched their sights to Chelsea’s Joao Felix after getting a firm no-go.Man Utd rejected several loan bids from Italian clubs for Rasmus HojlundCredit: GettyAnd former club Atalanta – who sold him to United 18 months ago – got the same answer when they asked about taking him back for the rest of the season.Hojlund, 22, has struggled to make an impact since his £64 million move, and has not scored a goal this calendar year.But with strikers in short supply at Old Trafford, United never entertained the idea of letting him leave.And sources insist Ruben Amorim still has faith that he will come good.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited did let two other forwards go during the January window though.Flop winger Antony was packed off on loan to Real Betis.While £325,000-a-week misfit Marcus Rashford joined Aston Villa for the remainder of the season.United opted against signing a replacement for either man, with target Mathys Tel ending up at Tottenham on deadline day.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Red Devils did manage to make one senior signing for Amorim.A cool £30million was dropped on Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu – who ended up making his debut on the RIGHT during yesterday’s controversial FA Cup win against Leicester.Fans spot Sir Alex Ferguson YAWNING as he watches woeful Man Utd – but get distracted by who he’s sitting next toHis arrival eventually saw Tyrell Malacia complete a return to Holland with PSV Eindhoven.And United are now fully focused on drawing up targets for this summer’s transfer window. More

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    FA Cup 4th round LIVE SCORES: Fulham and Bournemouth leading with SIX GAMES underway now

    THE FA Cup fourth round is well underway – with SIX games on now!Seven-time winners Manchester City avoided a cupset at Brisbane Road to Leyton Orient as Kevin De Bruyne provided the winning spark off the bench.Elsewhere, Millwall came out on top in their lunchtime clash with fellow Championship side Leeds United, with a brace from Femi Azeez. There are six 3pm games on today before blockbuster ties in the evening with Birmingham’s huge clash with Newcastle and Brighton vs Chelsea.Kick off times: 12.15pm/3pm/5.45pm/8pmCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…50 – GOAL! WIGAN 1-1 FulhamWhat a goal and what a moment for JONNY SMITH as the League One side level it up!Copy linkCopied46 – GOAL! STOKE 2-2 CardiffWhat a turnaround, Stoke are level a minute into the second half and it’s LEWIS KOUMAS once again!Copy linkCopiedSecond halfJust about getting underway across the majority of the 3pm kick-offs.Most of the ties still very much in the balance, while Everton will be hoping for an early goal to change the mood and stop Bournemouth continuing to cruise.Twists and turns expected!Copy linkCopiedHT! Coventry 1-3 IpswichIt is now half time at the CBS Arena after a 10 minute delay to kick-off.Lively start with the score 1-1 after eight minutes but a Jack Clarke double has since put the visitors into a commanding position.Copy linkCopiedFrom Phil Thomas at Goodison ParkWhen Everton last won a trophy – the 1985 FA Cup – Joe Royle’s Wembley warriors were memorably dubbed the Dogs of War.The ones seemingly intent on making this their last ever Goodison Cup fixture will have a nickname too…the Suicide Squad.A rash James Tarkowski tackle gives a penalty away, but then a comedy of errors as Daniel Jebbison bundled in a second. Uphill and then some for Moyes and Co now.Copy linkCopiedFA Cup – HALF TIMESThe latest scores from the 3pm gamesCoventry City 1-3 Ipswich Town – latestEverton 0-2 BournemouthPreston 0-0 WycombeSouthampton 0-0 BurnleyStoke City 1-2 Cardiff CityWigan Athletic 0-1 FulhamCopy linkCopied37 – GOAL! Coventry 1-3 IPSWICHJACK CLARKE with his second of the tie and the Premier League side are motoring!It comes from a good Ipswich press as the clearance is poor and they’re straight onto the attack.Ipswich punish the big space left as two passes later it’s given to Clarke all alone on the penalty spot and he sits the keeper down and taps into an empty net.Copy linkCopied43 – GOAL! Everton 0-2 BOURNEMOUTHThe Cherries cruising and DANIEL JEBBISON doubles their lead!What on earth was Tarkowski doing again!?A stupid, floaty pass towards left back is straight to Tavernier who has a shot from 20 yards blocked.It’s into Jebbison’s path and when Pickford denies him the first time, it’s back to Jebbison who just nudges it into an empty net.All too easy for the visitors so far.Copy linkCopied42 – GOAL! STOKE 1-2 CardiffStoke get themselves back into this cup tie through LEWIS KOUMAS!A clever through ball from the middle of the park in the inside left channel takes out five Cardiff players and picks Koumas out.He takes a touch into his path before drilling a shot across goal and into the far corner.Copy linkCopied28 – GOAL! Coventry 1-2 IPSWICHThe Premier League side restore their lead and it’s JACK CLARKE with an excellent finish!He collects a pass on the left corner of the area and isn’t closed down immediately.That allows a quick shift of the ball to evade two players nearby and he bends it into the far bottom corner beyond the keeper from just inside the box.Copy linkCopiedFrom Phil Thomas at Goodison ParkGoodison can be a real bearpit at times, but Antoine Semenyo has certainly silenced the fans with the most uncompromising penalty you will see.Perhaps it’s as well Jordan Pickford, who went the right way, didn’t get his fingers to it – he may well have lost a couple, it was moving that fast. Cherries heading into the fifth round for the first time ever?Copy linkCopiedFA Cup latest scoresCoventry City 1-1 Ipswich TownEverton 0-1 BournemouthPreston 0-0 WycombeSouthampton 0-0 BurnleyStoke City 0-2 Cardiff CityWigan Athletic 0-1 FulhamCopy linkCopiedFrom Jack Rosser at the CBS ArenaAfter a delay to kick off here due to some congestion outside, the two teams are making up for lost time.Coventry are making a big deal of their fourth round tie with a one-off dark blue kit, but were up against it after just 20 seconds when Luis Binks conceded a penalty which was converted by George Hirst.They have responded superbly though and have been much the better team since the opener, grabbing an equaliser from a corner and creating a couple of chances besides. A great atmosphere from the sellout home crowd too.Copy linkCopied23 – GOAL! Everton 0-1 BOURNEMOUTHAnd it’s from the penalty spot as ANTOINE SEMENYO puts the Cherries in front!Tarkowski it was who gave the penalty away and it’s a peach from Semenyo.He waits at the ball until the the whistle goes before turning to walk away from it, spinning rapidly to try and catch Pickford out and absolutely smashing it to Pickford’s right.Laces right through that one and the away side rightly lead!Copy linkCopied23 – GOAL! Wigan 0-1 FULHAMThe Premier League hit the front through RODRIGO MUNIZ!Delicious cross from Sessegnon wide on the left finds Muniz on the edge of the six-yard box and he nods back across goal and into the back of the net.It might well have gone in via Luke Robinson.Copy linkCopied19 – GOAL! Stoke 0-2 CARDIFFAnd the lead for the Bluebirds has been doubled by YOUSEF SALECH!But it’s a huge error for Stoke at the back that has cost it.A long, direct ball from left back over the top of the Stoke defence looks set to be dealt with by keeper or centre back.They almost leave it to one another and Salech nips in, gets his foot to it and lifts it over the keeper and into the net. Calamity.Copy linkCopied8 – GOAL! COVENTRY 1-1 IpswichAlready an equaliser in the delayed kick-off and it’s JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE who scores it!A good left-footed delivery from the right and Latibeaudiere is the man on the move, darting across his man to flick the header on and into the far corner.Copy linkCopiedLovelyI’m a huge fan of the Ipswich strip too.Don’t get many pinks strips these days.Copy linkCopied2 – GOAL! Coventry 0-1 IPSWICHPenalty converted!Sammie Szmodics wins the penalty inside the opening minute and GEORGE HIRST steps up to take it.The keeper goes the right way but Hirst’s penalty is passed right into the corner and Ipswich lead inside 90 seconds!Copy linkCopiedPENALTY IPSWICH!That game is only seconds old but already the visitors have a chance from the spot at Coventry!Copy linkCopied8 – GOAL! Stoke 0-1 CARDIFFThe first goal of the FA Cup 3pm games and it’s RUBIN COLWILL who has it!A terrific solo effort when he collects the ball out wide on the right.He drives inside, alongside the edge of the 18-yard box unchallenged.He then shoots low and hard on his left foot, back towards the keeper’s left and it sneaks into the bottom corner!Copy linkCopiedQuiet startBournemouth started with a clever kick-off routine and almost score inside six seconds but the final shot is blocked.No goals across the competition seven minutes in.Although it’s absolutely freezing today, so it might well take a moment or two to get going.Copy linkCopiedKICK-OFF!The other five games are underway in the FA Cup!Coventry City vs Ipswich Town – 10 minute delayEverton vs BournemouthPreston vs WycombeSouthampton vs BurnleyStoke City vs Cardiff CityWigan Athletic vs FulhamCopy linkCopiedDelayCrowd congestion means Coventry City vs Ipswich Town has been delayed by 10 minutes.Copy linkCopiedPredictionsWhat do we think then?Six games, cup action, drama aplenty.I’ll go for 22 goals in total….Copy linkCopied More

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    West Brom’s Kyle Bartley sparks mass brawl at final whistle v Sheff Weds for shoving his arm into rival’s face

    KYLE BARTLEY saw red as tempers flared following West Brom’s dramatic win over Sheffield Wednesday.The Baggies netted in the 97th minute to gain three vital points in the race for the Championship playoffs. Kyle Bartley (No. 5) was seen pushing his arm into an opponent’s face after West Brom’s win over Sheffield WednesdayCredit: PAThe West Brom captain was dragged away by teammates following the meleeCredit: PAWednesday’s Svante Ingelsson (No. 8) had been unhappy with Jayson Mulumby’s celebrationsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @SkyFootballMolumby had won the game in the seventh minute of stoppage timeCredit: GettyBartley was given a straight red card for raising his handsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @SkyFootballJayson Molumby turned in a corner seconds from the end as West Brom cemented their place in the top six.But following the final whistle at the Hawthorns, home skipper Bartley was sent off during an ugly brawl. Players from both sides were embroiled in a shoving match, with Bartley and Wednesday’s Svante Ingelsson at the centre. West Brom’s goal hero Molumby was perceived by some Wednesday players as goading them after his dramatic late winner.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs Ingelsson raced to confront the Irishman, Bartley was seen pushing an arm into the midfielder’s face.The incident was spotted by referee Tom Nield, who dished out a straight red to the Baggies captain. Bartley has only just returned following a calf injury which kept him out for much of January. He will now miss three games after the straight red card for violent conduct. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN-UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 33-year-old joined West Brom in 2018 and is one of their longest-serving players. It was a day of high drama at the Hawthorns, with the early Championship kick-off firing into life in the closing stages.Hibs and Rangers stars involved in heated full time clash as teammates forced to intervene as tempers frayCallum Paterson thought he had snatched a point for Danny Rohl’s seventh-placed Wednesday with a 93rd-minute leveller.But Molumby netted his fourth goal of the season to keep Tony Mowbray’s side fifth and spark jubilant scenes. More