Carabao Cup

ENZO MARESCA has been urged to make room in his starting line-up for Joao Felix by Chelsea fans.The summer signing impressed in the Blues 5-0 hammering of Barrow in the Carabao Cup.Enzo Maresca has been urged to start Joao FelixCredit: PAThe attacker impressed against BarrowCredit: APFelix, 24, rejoined the club in the summer on a permanent transfer from Atletico Madrid.The attacker set up Christopher Nkunku’s first goal with a delightful chipped pass.He was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet as his 25-yard free-kick rattled off the post and went in via a deflection off Paul Farman’s back.The performance would have certainly put him in Maresca’s thoughts ahead of the Premier League clash against Brighton and Hove Albion.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFelix’s outing in the Carabao Cup was his first start for the club this season and fans believe he should be regular from the off.Many are convinced that Maresca should find a space for the Portuguese international ahead of “whoever”.One fan posted: “Bench whoever we have to to play Felix. Doesn’t matter who, he can’t be on the bench EVER.”A second wrote: “That’s exactly why I wanted Felix back. Special player.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third commented: “Felix is cooking.”A fourth said: “Joao my man feeling the vibe.”‘You have to accept the way he is,’ says Enzo Maresca about Mudryk’s potential as Chelsea flop struggles for minutes Another added: “I want a Joao Felix start against Brighton. I don’t care who goes to the bench as long as it’s not Cole or Jadon.”Nkunku also impressed in the match as he bagged himself a hat-trick.The result means that Chelsea have now won three on the bounce without conceding a goal.The first victory in the run was the 1-0 against Bournemouth before beating West Ham 3-0 on Saturday.Maresca and co will be hoping to continue the run as they take on the Seagulls in the Premier League.Chelsea player ratings vs BarrowJOAO FELIX and Christopher Nkunku stole the show as Chelsea thrashed Barrow in the Carabao Cup.A hat-trick from Nkunku along with goals from Felix and Pedro Neto secured a 5-0 third round win at Stamford Bridge.Here’s how the starting XI rated…Filip Jorgensen – 6Looked shaky as Barrow launched a string of early throw-ins into the box. Forced into a smart stop down to his right at the start of the second half but otherwise untroubled.Malo Gusto – 7Lack of threat from visitors allowed him freedom of the right flank and the full-back regularly posed a threat as he linked up with Neto.Axel Disasi – 6Unconvincing in possession despite little pressure but performed defensive duties throughout in solid partnership with Benoit Badiashile.Benoit Badiashile – 6Barely troubled by Barrow forward Emile Acquah. Assured in possession and showed his passing range by switching play to his wingers when available.Renato Veiga – 6Looked a class above when stepping into midfield when Chelsea were in possession but far from convincing in defence. Gave away several needless free-kicks in dangerous areas.Cesare Casadei – 7Shaky at first on his maiden Chelsea touch before growing into the game in the centre of the park.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Afforded plenty of time and space on the ball for much of the game and even came close to a goal of his own.Pedro Neto – 7Link-up play with Malo Gusto was a constant threat down the right. Finished off a flowing team move for his first Chelsea goal.Joao Felix – 8Unlocked the Barrow defence with a beautiful scooped pass to set up Nkunku’s opener. Followed it up with a perfectly placed free-kick off the post to put his side 3-0 up before half-time.Mykhailo Mudryk – 7Gave Chelsea an outlet with his pace down the left, showed to perfection as he raced away before squaring for Neto to score moments into the second half.Christopher Nkunku – 9Showed his clinical edge in front of goal by grabbing a hat-trick with three well-taken strikes inside the penalty area, including an exquisite back-heeled flick into the corner.SubsBen Chilwell (45’ for Gusto) – 6Given a rapturous reception on his return from the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’. Tightened up the left-hand side for the Blues, with Veiga moving to central defence.Tyrique George (63’ for Neto) – 6Dragged a brilliant chance to score his first Chelsea goal wide of the post. Later denied by Farman as he showed promise down the right.Josh Acheampong (63’ for Disasi) – 6Slotted into the back four with ease and executed his defensive duties on his second senior appearance.Marc Guiu (76′ for Nkunku) – 6Continued to provide a threat to the tiring Barrow defence late on.Carney Chukwuemeka (76′ for Felix) – 6Quickly imposed himself on the action with several powerful runs through midfield to drive the hosts forward.Click here to read more on Chelsea. More

ARSENAL are set to play a 16-year-old in goal in their Carabao Cup clash against Bolton.First choice David Raya is sidelined with injury and second-choice Neto is cup-tied.Jack Porter is set to make his Arsenal debut against BoltonCredit: GettyDavid Raya suffered a knock against Man City and is unavailableCredit: ReutersSo academy goalkeeper Jack Porter is set to make his debut for the Gunners aged just 16.The youngster has just featured in one matchday squad for the first-team – sitting on the bench for the Champions League visit to Atalanta.He only turned 16 in July and has made just six appearances for Arsenal Under-18s, and played once for the Under-21s.But Porter will not be the youngest player to feature for the Gunners – Ethan Nwaneri holds that honour after making his debut at 15-years-old against Brentford two years ago.Porter has had a touch of fortune given the injuries to Raya and third-choice goalie Tommy Setford, who arrived at Arsenal this summer.Raya went down injured against Manchester City on Sunday and was seen limping with a bandage around his knee after the match.His problem is believed to be minor however and he should be fit to face Leicester at the weekend.Setford also has a fitness issue and has not been named in the squad since the international break.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal ratings vs Man CityTEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.GABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.DECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.SUBSWHITE – 7(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.KIWIOR – 6(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutesLEWIS SKELLY – 6(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.Click here to read more on Arsenal.While second-choice keeper Neto is cup-tied and cannot play in the competition having started for Bournemouth in their second-round defeat to West Ham before he completed his transfer to North London.That hands a chance to Porter, who has reportedly trained intermittently with the Arsenal squad since the 2022-23 season.Mikel Arteta says ‘I would be very thick’ if he repeated previous mistake as Arsenal boss defends tactics vs Man City More

MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a horror draw against their huge rivals in our simulated Carabao Cup round four draw.The Red Devils smashed Barnsley 7-0 in their first game in this season’s competition.Manchester United were handed a nightmare draw in the simulated Carabao Cup fourth-round drawCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen all got doubles while Anthony converted a penalty. That put the 2023 winners into the last 16.The final third-round ties are scheduled for this evening – including Bolton vs Arsenal and Liverpool vs West Ham. And then the draw for the fourth round will take place immediately after the clash at Anfield. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt will be live on Sky Sports at approximately 10pm with Mark Chapman hosting and Jamie Redknapp and Kevin Nolan pulling out the teams. However, ball No16 will be AFC Wimbledon or Newcastle after their match was postponed due to the flooding in South-West London that wreaked havoc at Plough Lane and caused a sinkhole to open up in the pitch.The Magpies generously donated £15,000 to help with the repairs while the match has been moved to St James’ Park next Tuesday. The fixtures for the fourth round will take place in the week beginning October 28 – and in our simulated draw, there is one standout fixture.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat is because United’s reward for thrashing Barnsley is a home clash with Chelsea.The two giants of English football have won the League Cup 11 times between them.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelBut the SunSport simulator pitted Erik ten Hag up against Enzo Maresca in a mouth-watering battle in the week before they take each other on in the Premier League.Like United, Chelsea smashed lower-league opposition to reach round four.The Blues – runners-up last season – crushed Barrow 5-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, with Christopher Nkunku helping himself to a hat-trick. The other top ties include Aston Villa hosting holders Liverpool or West Ham and Brighton taking on either Newcastle or AFC Wimbledon.Should Arsenal make it past Bolton – with a 16-year-old possibly making his Gunners debut in goal – then they would face Preston at the Emirates.Tottenham needed two late goals to scrape past Coventry and face another Championship outfit in Sheffield Wednesday. READ MORE SUN STORIESManchester City, six-time winners including in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, get an away trip to Stoke.Leicester City vs Brentford and Southampton vs Crystal Palace complete the supercomputer’s fixtures with two all-Premier League ties. Simulated Carabao Cup fourth-round draw in fullBrighton vs Newcastle/AFC WimbledonAston Villa vs Liverpool/West HamArsenal/Bolton vs PrestonSheff Wed vs TottenhamMan Utd vs ChelseaStoke City vs Man CityLeicester City vs BrentfordSouthampton vs Crystal PalaceChristopher Nkunku scored a hat-trick as Chelsea breezed past BarrowCredit: APLiverpool beat Chelsea in last season’s finalCredit: GettyAFC Wimbledon vs Newcastle was postponed and moved to St James’ Park after flooding at Plough LaneCredit: Getty More

LEICESTER boss Steve Cooper escaped a confrontation with a pitch-invader thanks to a player stepping in to floor the intruder.A seething fan emerged from the away end, ran across the pitch and appeared to be heading for Cooper when he was knocked to the deck.A fan ran onto the pitch and made a gestureCredit: ReutersHe was then tackled by Walsall’s Dave OkagbueCredit: PAHe was then taken away by securityCredit: RexSteve Cooper is under pressure at Leicester after just seven gamesCredit: GettyWalsall star David Okagbue tackled the man before stewards intervened and escorted him out of the ground.The incident took place 16 minutes from full-time as the Foxes were locked in a goalless stalemate with League Two Walsall.The minnows forced a penalty shootout but lost 3-0 on spot-kicks.Cooper insisted afterwards: “I didn’t really see it. But I obviously heard the chanting in the crowd and I’ll own that. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You’ll never hear me showing any disrespect towards the fans’ opinion of you. That’s what a supporter is, he needs to support his club in how he sees fit.”I’ve obviously got to build some credit here with the supporters and earn the right to do the job. But I knew that anyway.”It’s things like that will make me even more determined to do well because I’m desperate to do that. I’ve absolutely no problem with it.”Earlier, furious Leicester fans chanted: “Cooper, Cooper sort it out,” as the Premier League side struggled to make any impact against Mat Sadler’s Saddlers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalsall had already knocked out League One pair Exeter City and Huddersfield Town to reach the Carabao Cup third round for the first time in nine years.And the high-flying League Two outfit made it clear they weren’t about to sit back and admire their Prem opponents.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowStrapping Saddlers defender Okagbue set the tone, sending Bobby Decordova-Reid crashing into the advertising boards within two minutes, much to Hamza Choudhury’s annoyance.Leicester’s mood certainly didn’t improve during a frustrating first-half in which they enjoyed 73.9 per cent possession, yet they didn’t manage a shot on target until four minutes before half-time.Even then it was a tame attempt as Facundo Buonanotte’s diving header from Boubacar Soumare’s cross deflected off Odsonne Edouard and landed tamely in Tommy Simkin’s gloves.In contrast it took a fine reflex save from Danny Ward to keep Leicester on level terms after 17 minutes.Nathan Lowe’s dangerous cross from the right just evaded Albert Adomah but dropped perfectly for Charlie Lakin whose volley was brilliantly beaten out by the Wales international.And the Foxes survived another major scare within two minutes of the restart.Abdul Fatawu gifted the ball to Lowe who set up Albert Adomah in front of goal but the former Aston Villa ace screwed his shot hopelessly wide with Ward’s goal at his mercy.Leicester fans’ patience had worn thin and they chanted: “Cooper, Cooper, sort it out.”The Welshman sent on Jordan Ayew for the ineffective Edouard and Fatawu fired into the side net then slashed a shot wide.Danny Ward was Leicester’s spot-kick king again as they side scraped through against Walsall on penalties.The Wales international saved all three Saddlers penalties, diving to his right to deny Taylor Allen, Okagbue and Liam Gordon.Meanwhile, Ricardo Pereira, Conor Coady and Oliver Skipp all kept their nerve to show their opponents how it should be done as they converted their efforts.Cooper tried to turn unease from the crowd into a positive in one sense as he said: “It’s maybe nights like this that you can look back on a form a strong relationship – that’s my objective. ” really want to do well for this club. I’ve bought into what it stands for and the people who work here on the football and non-football side are so well-natured I really want to do well. “I take that responsibility seriously. That extends to the supporters as well.”And of the vocal criticism he added: “It just makes me more determined.”I see the guys working so hard. No one said it was going to be easy. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’s not that often you see a newly-promoted team come into this league and hit the ground running and sail away in the Premier League. “It’s going to be a challenging season. It always is when you get promoted from the Championship. No one is up for it more than me.” More