Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares

      in Soccer

      Chelsea vs Luton FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for FA Cup fourth round clash

      by

      CHELSEA welcome Championship side Luton as they look to book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
      The Blues last lifted this trophy in 2018 and cruised through to this stage after seeing off League Two Morecambe.

      Lampard is hoping to lead his side to silverware this seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Luton meanwhile are enjoying a brilliant season in the second tier and beat Reading in round three.
      When is Chelsea vs Luton?
      This FA Cup fourth round tie will be held on Sunday, January 24.
      Kick-off is at midday GMT.
      When these sides last met in 1991, Luton ran out 2-0 winners.
      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch this match live on BBC ONE in the UK.
      Coverage will begin at 11.30am GMT.
      If you want to stream or watch from the beginning, head to the BBC iPlayer.

      What is the team news?
      The Blues will be without N’Golo Kante, who is out injured with a thigh issue.
      Olivier Giroud is also a major doubt, while Callum Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz are all pushing for a start.
      Kepa could start between the sticks, while Bill Gilmour is also available for Lampard.
      Martin Cranie and Eunon O’Kane are out for the visitors, while Tom Lockyer is suspended.

      Match odds
      Chelsea to win – 1/5
      Draw – 11/2
      Luton shock victory – 16/1
      *All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

    • 263 Shares16 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa 2 Newcastle 0: Watkins and Traore pile pressure on Toon chief Bruce as Villans go 8th with comfortable win

      by

      STEVE BRUCE’S Magpies continued their alarming tailspin as they crashed and burned to their latest defeat.
      It is now ten games without a win for the under-fire Geordie boss who will now come under even greater pressure from a Toon Army who never really liked him to begin with.

      Ross Barkley helps Aston Villa team-mate Ollie Watkins hail his opener in the 2-0 victory over freefalling NewcastleCredit: AFP

      Manager Steve Bruce is under rising pressure as Newcastle’s slump goes onCredit: AFP

      Striker Ollie Watkins rises to nod Aston Villa in front on 13 minutesCredit: AFP

      To cap a really bad day at the office – Rafa Benitez has made it known he has quit Chinese Super League side Dalian Pro and is heading back to Blighty.
      The darling of the Gallowgate may not exactly be Bonnie Prince Charlie, returning from exile to lead his people – while Mike Ashley’s clammy grip continues to squeeze the life out of HIS club.
      But it’s another headache Bruce could do without in these troubled times as Bonny Lad Rafa is sure to stir passions in his loyal followers.
      Meanwhile, Villa continue to show what can be achieved with pro-active, ambitious owners with money to burn.

      Morgan Sanson arrives from Marseille for £15.5million this week to join a club eighth place in the Premier League, five points behind fourth-placed Liverpool with two games in hand on last year’s champs.
      The gulf in class was clear as Dean Smith sitting in an empty stand while below him his players swatted Newcastle aside.
      Bruce did his best with his limited squad and went with twin strikers as he paired Andy Carroll up with Callum Wilson.
      The plan was for Carroll to drop deep and win flick-ons, so Wilson could use his speed to pressurise Villa’s defence for second balls.

      Bertrand Traore celebrates making it 2-0 to Aston Villa just before the breakCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group

      Frontman Bertrand Traore lashes home, in off the bar with his right foot Credit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      It wasn’t the most sophisticated gameplan but Bruce hasn’t been blessed with £225million to spend upgrading his squad as his opposite number Dean Smith has.
      Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for Villa’s slicker, smarter players to start picking holes in Bruce’s A plan.
      Matt Targett, operating more as a left-winger than a left back was first to test the Toon’s twitchy defence.
      Isaac Hayden headed out Bertrand Traore’s cross and Targett chested the ball down before volleying a shot which had pace but lacked precision, allowing Darlow to comfortably gather.
      The left-back threatened again after 10 minutes with a teasing cross which he whipped in just over Jack Grealish’s head into the flight path of Ollie Watkins.
      But the Villa striker just failed to supply the finishing touch at full stretch as Newcastle survived another scare.
      However the Magpies were way too slow on the uptake and when they allowed Targett the freedom to roam for a third time they paid a heavy price as Villa took the lead three minutes later.
      Grealish rolled the ball into Targett’s path and when he centred Fabian Schar made a hash of his attempted clearance, stretching to knock the ball into the air.
      Karl Darlow was sluggish in the extreme and poorly positioned, allowing Watkins the simplest of headers from four yards to punish such slipshod defending.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Newcastle’s Spanish midfielder Javier Manquillo looks in as much pain as their fans after being injured in a challenge with Matt Targett Credit: AFP

      Newcastle waited hopefully for VAR to rescue them but Watkins had just managed to stay onside so there was no reprieve and the goal stood.
      It was the former Brentford man’s ninth goal in all competitions and it ended his nine goal drought, which was the last thing Newcastle needed – a confident Watkins!
      He may not have the physique of Carroll but only Dominic Calvert-Lewin with four goals has scored more than Watkin’s three headed goals in the Prem.
      Newcastle were grafting but couldn’t lay a glove on Villa. Lascelles leaped to win a Shelvey corner but his header was blocked by Mings.
      Then Carroll threw himself at a Manquillo cross but his diving header flew wide before Mings blocked another headed attempt from his lanky adversary.
      Moments earlier Schar picked up the first yellow card of the night for chopping down Watkins as the Mags attempted to flex their muscle.
      But Villa were far too nimble for the visitors and Watkins had the ball in the net again, running on to a Grealish pass and drilling a superb low shot beyond Darlow.

      This time the officials did rescue Newcastle as Watkins had strayed offside but the menace was real and Villa swiftly doubled their advantage three minutes before half-time with a stunning second.
      Grealish’s searching corner was punched clear under intense pressure by Darlow but Traore recycled the ball back to his skipper before continuing his run.
      Grealish shaped to cross before brilliantly disguising a cutback to Traore, who stretched to fire the ball in off the underside of the crossbar!

      Dean Smith slams ‘pathetic’ offside rule as Aston Villa boss is sent off for calling refs clowns in Man City loss More

    • 225 Shares18 Views

      in Soccer

      Phil Neville has left a young, talented Lionesses squad… now England have to go and win a trophy

      by

      THERE has been a mixed reaction to Phil Neville’s England reign after he quit early for Inter Miami.
      But there ARE positives to take from his time in charge, having taken the Lionesses to the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup.

      Phil Neville had clear ups and downs during his three years in charge of the England women’s teamCredit: PA:Press Association

      David Beckham has now recruited Phil Neville to boss Inter MiamiCredit: Instagram

      I have criticised the women’s performances since and England have dropped from second to sixth in the world rankings during his time in charge.
      But you only have to look at the outpouring of tributes from the players to know he had an incredibly close bond with them.
      Neville gave debuts to Georgia Stanway, 22, Leah Williamson, 23, and Keira Walsh, 23, who are now among the senior superstars.
      These youngsters have got to tap into their full potential now and go on to win a major tournament.

      When you look at the development of women’s football in this country, momentum has always come off the back of the Lionesses doing well.
      The next generation want  winners, so anything other than getting our hands on a Euros or a World Cup is now deemed a failure, which shows how far the team has come.
      We need the younger players to now make their mark.
      Sports scientist Dawn Scott will be our secret weapon, having helped the USA win two World Cups.

      Collectively, it would be great to see an improvement in our fitness  and physicality.

      Ex-England and Man Utd defender took the Lionesses to the 2019 World Cup semis but they dropped from second to sixth in the rankings under himCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Players will dominate if they look to the likes of Lucy Bronze, who sets the standard for work rate.
      If the Tokyo Olympics go ahead this year, women’s football has to take advantage.
      But with Neville gone, Team GB need a new leader — it’s a big hole to fill and they must move fast.
      It worries me that we don’t know who will be leading that team yet.
      I would love to see Manchester United manager Casey Stoney lead the side.
      She has built United from scratch and turned them into a title-chasing side in just four years. She  has also played at the Olympics.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      I know  she’s very happy at the Red Devils but she could take over Team GB on a short-term contract.
      Even my name was put into the hat! I’d never say never, but at the moment I have things I want to focus on in my media career.
      We’ve got to come to a decision soon, for the sake of the players and the growth of women’s football.

      Wayne Rooney is greatest Man Utd centre forward I’ve seen at club, insists ex-team-mate Gary Neville More

    • 200 Shares

      in Soccer

      Crystal Palace want for out-of-favour Leicester winger Demarai Gray with Christian Benteke nearing free transfer exit

      by

      CRYSTAL PALACE are in the race for Leicester’s out-of-favour winger Demarai Gray.
      The Eagles will swoop for Gray as a replacement for Andros Townsend if he leaves this month — or at the end of his deal in the summer.

      Demarai Gray, 24, is wanted by Crystal Palace as part of the Eagles’ shake-upCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Christian Benteke, 30, looks set to leave Selhurst Park ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the seasonCredit: Reuters

      Gray seems sure to seek a fresh start after Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers sidelined him.
      He has only played one Premier League game in a season that has seen Leicester storm into third, two points off the top.
      Roy Hodgson’s Eagles are looking to sign a handful of players, as many of his squad are set to leave this summer.
      Gray, 24, would have a better chance of playing with them as they reshape their group.

      Leicester’s wide man has other interest at home and abroad but Palace are emerging as serious contenders.
      Christian Benteke, 30, may be the next to leave Selhurst Park after the arrival of Jean-Philippe Mateta from Mainz.
      The 6ft 3in Belgian striker Benteke is hoping to be released and given a pay off to explore possibilities AFTER the window shuts as a free agent.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      He is in his fifth season as a Palace player and is out of contract at the end of the season.
      Benteke has managed just three goals in 13 league appearances this term – including a brace in last month’s 5-1 thrashing of West Brom.
      The Baggies have been linked with an interest in the former Liverpool and Aston Villa man.

      Leicester winger Demarai Gray scores with ‘unsavable’ shot for England U21 vs Latvia U21 More

    • 238 Shares12 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City’s FA Cup clash win over Cheltenham paused by five-minute FIREWORK display as referee fears for players’ safety

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY’S FA Cup game win over Cheltenham was paused for five minutes due to a FIREWORK display.
      Rockets exploded directly over the Jonny-Rocks Stadium in colourful scenes that called a halt to play.

      Saturday’s FA Cup tie was momentarily halted amid fears for players’ safetyCredit: PA:Press Association

      Referee Stuart Attwell was forced to stop the fourth-round tie for fear of debris landing on the pitch.
      Players from either side received tactical refreshers as the fireworks took off.
      But the display continued for a full five minutes and Cheltenham boss Michael Duff was seen sharing a joke with Attwell about the delay.
      Commentators on BBC Sport’s live coverage of the match reported on police officers being sent to deal with the display.

      Cheltenham’s stadium is located in a residential area of the Gloucestershire town, with the display taking place right over the Colin Farmer Stand on one side of the ground.
      The fireworks interrupted a hugely promising first-half for the League Two side, who entered the break goalless versus the Premier League giants.
      The scenes were similar to the third-round tie between West Ham and Stockport.
      Fireworks exploded over Edgeley Park, causing play to be halted like it was on Saturday evening.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Cheltenham and Manchester City players milled around during the delayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Play was halted for five minutes because of the displayCredit: AFP
      And fans were left crediting the display with being the liveliest thing to happen in the goalless first-half as City laboured against Cheltenham.
      Twitter user Ryan joked: “The fireworks going off has been the most entertaining thing in the entire game so far.”
      One City fan commented: “Highlights of the half has been those fireworks.”
      While Charlie tweeted: “Fireworks were the most entertaining part of that half.”
      But Jordy rued: “Played really well and let down by idiot fans.”

      Credit: AFP

      Credit: EPA

      After the drab first 45 there were certainly fireworks on the pitch after the break.
      Cheltenham took a shock lead against Pep Guardiola’s side when Alfie May scored on the hour.
      City laboured and the Robins looked like they would go on to score one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history.
      But Man City rallied late, scoring three goals in the final ten minutes to break Cheltenham hearts.
      Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres were on target to set up a meeting with Swansea City.

      Chelsea vs Luton – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

    • 213 Shares12 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘rejects £5.3million-a-year to be face of Saudi Arabian tourism’ with fears over human rights record

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO has reportedly turned down a £5.3million-a-year offer to be the face of Saudi Arabia tourism.
      But the Middle East country have not given up hope of attracting a world class footballer to help them out, with Lionel Messi in their sights.

      Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly turned down the chance to become the face of Saudi Arabia tourismCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      According to The Telegraph ‘the deal on offer is understood to include the player making visits to Saudi and his image being used in all promotional material’.
      But Juventus striker Ronaldo, 35, decided to ‘pass’ on the offer.
      Concerns have been raised over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record as the country tries to attract world-class sport to its shores.
      Formula One bosses have been condemned by human rights groups for scheduling next year’s penultimate race of the season in Saudi Arabia.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      And Amnesty International slammed the decision to host the Anthony Joshua versus Andy Ruiz Jr rematch in the country.
      They urged AJ to speak out against the country’s human rights history, but the 31-year-old insisted it was ‘trying to do a good job politically’.
      Newcastle’s takeover by Saudi Public Investment Fund collapsed in the summer.

      Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr was held in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Reuters
      Many fans raised serious concerns, with Amnesty International accusing the group of ‘Sportswashing’ – where the cover of sport is used to cover up grievances.
      And the fiancee of murdered Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi urged Premier League chiefs to block the takeover.
      Khashoggi’s fiancee Hatice Cengiz warned the deal would ‘greatly stain’ the Premier League’s image and Britain’s reputation.

      US-based Khashoggi — a critic of the Saudi government — was murdered inside the country’s consulate in Turkey in 2018.
      Cengiz accused Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — who chaired the wealth fund trying to buy the Toon — of ‘strategically using international sports to repair his badly-damaged reputation’.
      There have been over 800 executions performed since 2015, and Saudi has been heavily criticised over its involvement in a brutal war in Yemen.

      Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates 760th career goal helping Juventus to Supercoppa win over Napoli More

    • 225 Shares28 Views

      in Soccer

      Cheltenham 1 Man City 3: Foden and Jesus complete Prem giants’ comeback after May strike teased mega cupset

      by

      PHIL FODEN spared Manchester City’s blushes – just as Pep Guardiola was facing a May day emergency.
      League Two minnows Cheltenham looked set to claim one of the biggest scalps in FA Cup history when Alfie May gave them a second-half lead.

      Phil Foden popped up with a late leveller as Man City’s blushes were spared in the FA CupCredit: AFP

      Alfie May had given Cheltenham a famous lead on Saturday eveningCredit: EPA

      But England starlet Foden dragged his stuttering side forward and then grabbed an 81st minute leveller for the Premier League title favourites.
      Gabriel Jesus completed the turnaround and broke Robins hearts before Ferran Torres added a stoppage-time third.
      But what a scare they were given.
      City arrived at Jonny-Rocks Stadium as the Premier League’s in-form team – and were 72 places above their opponents in the football pyramid.

      Cheltenham were playing in the fourth round for only the third time in their history and this was by far their biggest game.

      Yet they caused Pep Guardiola’s much changed side a real headache.
      City could have been ahead inside the first minute as Riyad Mahrez played through Gabriel Jesus but keeper Josh Griffiths got a hand on his attempted lob.
      Then Benjamin Mendy ran onto a Taylor Harwood Bellis cross and unleashed a fierce shot that was superbly cleared off the line by Robins skipper Ben Tozer.

      A low cross from Phil Foden found Torres but Griffiths again got down to save well before Jesus planted another header wide.
      Michael Duff’s men had hung in and created a great chance of their own when Finn Azaz played through May but his shot was saved at the near post by Zack Steffen.
      Guardiola must have had some words with his team at the break as they had more intent early in the second-half.

      City pulled through with three goals in the last ten minutesCredit: AFP

      A local firework display led to a five-minute pause in the first-halfCredit: EPA
      Foden slipped a pass through to Jesus who rolled his shot past Griffiths but against the outside of the post.
      The Brazilian has scored just one in his last 12 games and it showed.
      And it looked a big miss just before the hour when Tozer’s long throw caused havoc in the box and Charlie Raglan’s header on was rattled into the top corner by May.
      Aymeric Laporte felt he was pushed in the back in the build up but there was no VAR and the Frenchman was booked for protesting.

      City needed a response and they had another big chance when Foden slipped Mahrez through but Griffiths spread himself to deny him.
      The clock ticked into the last ten minutes and the upset looked on, but sub Joao Cancelo lofted a ball into the box and Foden sprang the offside trap to volley home.
      And with the home side still reeling, a chip forward from Fernandinho found Jesus who had got behind the defence and turned sharply before firing home.
      In stoppage time, sub Ilkay Gundogan got away down the right and squared for Torres to tap home.

      Gabriel Jesus struck the winner after 86 minutesCredit: AFP

      Cheltenham boss Michael Duff came close to a stunning cupsetCredit: AFP

      Chelsea vs Luton – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

    • 200 Shares24 Views

      in Soccer

      Hope Powell happy to see women in England top jobs after Phil Neville’s Inter Miami move

      by

      HOPE POWELL says she is excited to see two female coaches take charge of the Lionesses following Phil Neville’s departure. 
      And Neville opting to quit as national manager for Inter Miami came as no surprise to the former England Women’s boss. 

      Hope Powell believes Hege Riise and Rhian Wilkinson will be ‘energisers’ for the LionessesCredit: Rex Features

      Hege Riise will lead the Lionesses training camp in February Credit: AP:Associated Press

      Powell, who led the Lionesses to the final of Euro 2009, was reacting to news of Hege Riise’s and Rhian Wilkinson’s appointments on a temporary basis. 
      Riise, 51, will take charge of the Lionesses training camp in February with Wilkinson, 38, serving as her No2. 
      And Seagulls gaffer Powell, whose Brighton aces will play Manchester City, on Sunday believes the duo will bring new energy to the national team. 
      Powell, 54, said: “Am I surprised [by Phil Neville leaving]? Absolutely not. 

      “I think the job in the American league has been mooted for a while. 
      “They [Riise and Wilkinson] are two new coaches, both very good players and experienced internationally. 
      “I know Rhian Wilkinson very well. I mentored her while she was on a programme with Fifa. 
      “I think I’m more pleased that it’s two females deserving of the opportunity who are being given the chance. 

      “That’s really pleasing to see and it bodes well hopefully for the future. 
      “To see the next generation of English female coaches coming through would be great. 
      “I recognise that it is in the interim, I have no idea how that looks going forward for international games, but credit to them both. They’re energisers. 
      “I briefly had an exchange of text messages with Rhian. She is absolutely delighted. And I’m just really pleased with both of them.”

      Hege Riise has been hired by the FA following Phil Neville’s appointment ast head coach of David Beckham’s Inter Miami

      Wilkinson was part of a Canada side that defeated Team GB in the football quarter-finals of the London 2012 Olympics. 
      The retired full-back – capped 181 times – helped the Canadians win back-to-back bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 games before taking up coaching in 2017. 
      And Riise, who served as head coach of Norwegian giants LSK Kvinner from 2017, is a World Cup and European championship winner and an Olympic gold medallist. 

      Lionesses in training More