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      ‘Old Trafford saw the best Casemiro’ – Man Utd’s £70m flop makes stunning claim and admits he wants to see out contract

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      CASEMIRO claims his first season at Manchester United was his best ever despite mixed fortunes in the Premier League.The midfielder joined United following a £70million deal with Real Madrid in 2022.Casemiro claims his first season at Manchester United was his best everCredit: GettyCasemiro has had mixed fortunes at Man Utd since joining in 2022Credit: AlamyThe Brazil international enjoyed tremendous success during his nine-year stint at Real where he won three LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey and five Champions League trophies.However, the 32-year-old hasn’t been able to replicate the same success at Man Utd, despite winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his first two years with the club.Some of Casemiro’s performances the last two seasons have been heavily criticised, especially from pundits such as Jamie Carragher who strongly advised him to move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS.However, the Brazilian is adamant that his debut season at Old Trafford featured the best ever version of himself as he amassed a total of seven goals and seven assists in 53 appearances.Read More on Man UtdCasemiro told AS: “It was the perfect time. I had won everything with Madrid and I had to take on other challenges. Looking at my career, individually, my best season as a professional footballer was the first with United. “I’m not saying collectively in terms of titles. Madrid’s Champions League is the ultimate, but as a player I think Old Trafford saw the best Casemiro in my first year.”Casemiro insists he still has a lot to offer to United despite a few sub par performances, which have seen him falling out of favour under new manager Ruben Amorim.So much so that the defensive midfielder, who started his first Premier League game of 2025 in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Spurs, wants to see out his £375,000-a-week contract, which runs out in 2026.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCasemiro said: “I have to keep doing what I’m doing, with a lot of respect and education. Of course I’d like to play more, of course. I don’t know any player who doesn’t want to play and help. “Also, I’d like to help the club at this time. I approach things with respect for my team-mates and the technical committee.Rio Ferdinand blasts ‘highly disrespectful’ Jamie Carragher for brutal eight-word assessment of Man Utd star Casemiro”And above all, I respect United, a club to which I’m very grateful. I have a year and a half left on my contract and I’d like to fulfil it here in Manchester. I’m comfortable here and so is my family. “They’ve adapted, we speak English. I’m very grateful to the Old Trafford fans and to the club. I’m happy at club level. Happy in the bench? Of course not. That’s another thing.”Casemiro is no stranger to winning over demanding managers throughout his 14-year career at the top level.The versatile midfielder has shone bright for the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane at Real as well as Tite in Brazil – the trio who he considers his “top three” coaches.Casemiro added: “Nobody wins so many titles just by being nice, although he is. I have a huge affection for Ancelotti.”For me he is in the top three of the coaches I have had, along with Zidane, of course, and Tite, who was the coach of Brazil. I have had others who have left their mark on me, like [Jose] Mourinho or [Julen] Lopetegui.Casemiro’s Man City warning”But Ancelotti is an old-school coach who didn’t stay stuck in the old school. Carlo modernised like football. Tactics, physical preparation… Ancelotti didn’t stay stuck in the old school.”He has the intelligence and calmness of an old coach, but with the intelligence of the new ones. An ideal mix. An incredible coach because of him and his staff.”Carlo is different from others and has known how to mark an era. In football there are several ways to win. [Pep] Guardiola’s tiki-taka, the intensity and living the passion of football like [Jurgen] Klopp, the defensive power of [Diego] Simeone, for whom I have a lot of respect…”Casemiro continues to follow Real’s matches and rooted for them during their most recent 3-2 victory over his current club’s rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.The Brazilian is confident his former club can make it to the Champions League’s last 16 thanks to the Santiago Bernabeu factor but warned them not to underestimate Man Utd’s noisy neighbours.Casemiro still backs RealCasemiro stated: “It wasn’t a surprise to me. Madrid almost always does it and everyone knows the history of this team and what it is capable of doing. “Madrid always grows until the end and never gives up. Even losing 2-1, I knew there was a lot to play for. And that’s City and a great coach like Guardiola. But they did it. “On top of that, the return leg will be at the Bernabeu with a great result after the 2-3. It won’t be easy, but the Bernabeu, on those Champions League nights, is very special. “I wish all the luck in the world to my former team-mates and not only because of my rivalry with City, but more so for Madrid. I hope they get through to the last 16. Even if it hadn’t been against City, I’ll always want Madrid to win. Unless we meet one day, of course…READ MORE SUN STORIES”Yes, this is the Bernabeu. But be careful, it’s going to be difficult. City aren’t at their best, but they’re City. They have [Erling] Haaland, [Kevin] De Bruyne, a great goalkeeper like Ederson.”Madrid, together with the Bernabeu, are going to make it very difficult for City. I hope Madrid makes it to the last 16.”Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More

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      Real Madrid ‘want to QUIT LaLiga’ and seek ‘asylum’ in foreign league amid furious row over refereeing in Spain

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      REAL MADRID are considering QUITTING LaLiga, according to sensational reports.The Spanish giants are currently top of the table and on course for the title.Real Madrid are considering quitting LaLigaCredit: GettyFlorentino Perez would need approval from FifaCredit: GettyReal Madrid believe Javier Tebas is leading a ‘crusade’ against themCredit: ReutersBut Real Madrid are at loggerheads with LaLiga president Javier Tebas and the referee body.The club’s disgruntlement comes after a spate of apparent injustices on the pitch in recent games.These include the lack of a red card for opponent Carlos Romero for a challenge on Kylian Mbappe in the 1-0 defeat to Espanyol. Romero ended up going on to score the the match winning goal. The club responded to that incident with a strongly worded statement, which led Tebas to claim they had “lost their minds”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThere were also complaints over Jude Bellingham’s red card against Osasuna on the weekend.Carlo Ancelotti jibed that “VAR must have been turned off” as the midfielder now faces a 12-MATCH BAN.Real went on to draw the game 1-1 which has given Barcelona the chance to overtake them in the table if they beat Rayo Vallecano tonight.Referees in LaLiga have signalled they are willing to go on strike after claims by Real Madrid that their decisions were being “manipulated”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn the latest twist, Spanish publication SPORT have claimed that the club is now seeking “asylum” from LaLiga and move into a foreign league.To make the transition a reality club president Florentino Perez would need to gain approval from Fifa.Real Madrid being sued for millions over VIP Bernabeu SkyBar that costs fans £2,500 a game Real Madrid were incensed over this challenge on Kylian MbappeCredit: ReutersJude Bellingham was sent off after a row with a referee on the weekendCredit: GettyHe would have to request a change of competition which would also need a green light from LaLiga.This would then be followed by asking for permission from Uefa – the organisation Real Madrid wanted to leave to form the European Super League.The report has also claimed that Real Madrid believes that Tebas has convinced the other clubs in the league against them on an anti-Madrid “crusade”.Forbes have suggested that potential destinations for Real Madrid would be the French, German and Italian leagues.It would be unlikely that the Premier League would be considered after the club sounded out a move to England in previous years. More

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      Pep Guardiola warns Man City stars they have just ‘1 per cent’ chance of coming back to knock out Real Madrid

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      PEP GUARDIOLA says Manchester City will give everything to be part of the one per cent club when they travel to the Bernabeu on Wednesday.Their Champions League hopes are hanging by a thread after the dramatic 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid at the Etihad in the first leg last week.Pep Guardiola has given his side a one per cent chance of going throughCredit: RexJude Bellingham scored the winner in the first leg last weekCredit: GettyHowever, City will travel to Spain and face their old rivals in good heart after their best performance of the season saw them thrash Newcastle 4-0 on Saturday.Although they won against the kings of Europe on their own patch five years ago, Pep knows the odds are stacked against them repeating it.But he says that no matter how “minimal” the chance is they have to try to grab it against Carlo Ancelotti’s holders.Guardiola said: “It’s better to travel to Madrid with this result [4-0 against Newcastle], than with a last-minute defeat, or any defeat.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“So of course, the victory helps us, but the margin to win in Bernabeu in that position, everybody knows what it is.“If we’d kept the 2-1 lead we had with five minutes to go, it would be different but with 2-3 we know what the chance is. The result was not good.“If you ask before the game what the percentage to go through is, we’d arrive at about one per cent or I don’t know what.“It will be minimal, but as much as you have a chance, we will try, that’s for sure.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Like we always do — so let’s see what happens.”City fans took great heart from their dominant performance against the Toon –— who are rivalling them for a top four spot this season.Pep Guardiola says Akanji’s season all-but over as Man City star suffers injury while playing ‘in emergency’ But the manager is refusing to get carried away by one result and feels the issues that have held them back in recent months still need to be resolved.He said: “This season, the reality is we have been miles, miles away.“If we’d performed like we did on Saturday, would we have finished 22nd in the Champions League table?“Of course not, we would have finished higher, but the reality is we have been really, really poor in performance in the results this season.“Just for one game, on Saturday, we played really good but it’s not going to change the opinion, the reality, the team.“We are still not good in terms of day by day.“There are many, many games that we were playing the level we wanted to play and at the end, we lost it.“It was not just the three points, it’s how [it was] affecting our minds for the next game. It happened a lot of times.”Guardiola decided against playing defensive pair Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake against Newcastle in the hope they may be ready to face Real Madrid on Wednesday.He brought in Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis in January — meaning he was able to give his regulars the afternoon off.Asked if they could play in the Bernabeu, Guardiola said: “I hope so.READ MORE SUN STORIES”On Saturday they were not good, Ruben said, ‘I’m not ready to play 90 minutes, maybe 15-20’. Nathan was sick and had some problems after the game against Madrid so both were not ready to play.“But having Vitor Reis on the bench as well, I wouldn’t risk them.” More

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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

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      ERLING HAALAND tucked into a “small feast” after Manchester City’s victory over Newcastle.The striker shared a snap of himself holding a bone and half-eaten lump of meat.Erling Haaland helped himself to some meat after beating NewcastleCredit: InstagramThe forward appeared to pick up an injury in the matchCredit: GettyPep Guardiola gave an update on Haaland’s fitnessCredit: ReutersHaaland, 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.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey 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.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 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.”Pep Guardiola says Akanji’s season all-but over as Man City star suffers injury while playing ‘in emergency’ A second commented: “Having Haaland fit for the Real Madrid clash strengthens City’s line-up.”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 armband against the Magpies.Guardiola has insisted that the striker will be a part of the leadership group for the foreseeable future.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe 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.” More

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      Champions League winning Porto legend Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa dies aged 87 as Jose Mourinho leads tributes

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      PORTO legend Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa has passed away aged 87.The former club president led the club to 69 titles during his tenure, including the Champions League in 2004.Porto’s former president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa has passed awayCredit: AFPPorto won 69 titles under Da CostaCredit: AFPJose Mourinho has led tributes on social mediaCredit: GettyDa Costa left his role at Porto in May 2024 and was succeeded by former Chelsea manager Andre Villas Boas.But it was another former Blues boss who led tributes on social media.Jose Mourinho took to Instagram to post a touching statement about his old employer.He wrote: “‘Mourinho, you were the coach who brought me the greatest joys’.READ MORE ON SPORT”Those were your words, Mr. President.”My words are: ‘I feel a tremendous honor to be part of your history and I will always be grateful for your trust and the influence you had on my career.'”This is how we said our goodbyes last summer in your beloved city.”The smile from the first day and the joy of the last time we were together.”Most read in FootballFormer Porto manager Sergio Conceicao took the news very hard after AC Milan’s win over Hellas Verona.He was due to face the media after the victory at the San Siro but was to “shaken” to do so.Watch Jose Mourinho slap Fenerbahce translator after comical ‘toilet’ mistake during press conference Sergio Conceicao was too sad to speak to the mediaCredit: GettyHe worked with Da Costa during his time as Porto managerCredit: GettyThis was confirmed by club adviser Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who spoke to the press instead.He said: “I am here because the coach is in the locker room.”He is very shaken at the death of the Porto president, who was like a father to him. So I am here.”Porto fans also paid tribute to the club legend by gathering outside the Estadio do Dragao Stadium.They could be heard chanting songs after the news of the former president’s death.A huge tifo with Da Costa’s picture was hung from a nearby bridge and surrounded by flairs.Former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba also shared a tribute for Da Costa on his X account.He joined the Portuguese giants back in 2018 after three years on Tyneside.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe wrote: “Rest in peace President Pinto Da Costa, I am grateful for the chance you gave me to join the great club of FC Porto.”My sincere condolences to the relatives and to the whole great family of the Portistas.”Porto statement on Jorge Nuno Pinto da CostaPorto released a statement after the death of former club president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa…It read: “The departure of the President of Presidents leaves Futebol Clube do Porto orphaned of its greatest figure, the main organiser of great victories and the person most responsible for building an unmistakable identity and legacy.”Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa will live on forever in the memory and hearts of all Porto fans.”Between 23 April 1982 and 7 May 2024, the biggest club in the North became the best club in Portugal and grew from local and regional to European and world level.”Without ever forgetting its roots, FC Porto grew with the city and the city grew with FC Porto.”The club has more than 131 years of history, but there is a before and after Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa.”Since then everything has changed.”Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa transformed FC Porto the Portuguese club with the most official titles by lifting 23 championships, 22 Super Cups, 15 Portuguese Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, a European Champion Clubs’ Cup, Champions League, a UEFA Cup and a Europa League, a European Super Cup and a League Cup.” More

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      Kyle Walker hauled off at HALF-TIME for AC Milan then watches replacement set up winner vs Verona

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      KYLE WALKER was hauled off at HALF-TIME during AC Milan’s clash with Hellas Verona.The defender joined the Italian giants on loan during the January transfer window.Kyle Walker was subbed off after 45 minutes against VeronaCredit: GettyHe joined AC Milan on loan in JanuaryCredit: ReutersHis replacement Alex Jimenez (left) helped set up the winning goalCredit: GettyWalker, 34, would have been hoping that a switch to Italy would help him find his form after early season struggles in the Premier League.He has thus far made five appearances for AC Milan, with his latest coming in Serie A.Milan faced 15th-placed Verona at the San Siro on Saturday night, but Walker did not make it past the break.The Englishman was hauled off at half-time by manager Sergio Conceicao.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Porto boss replaced Walker with Alex Jimenez, who went on to help set up the winning goal for the hosts.The Spanish full-back played in a delicate chipped pass into the Verona box, which was cleverly flicked on by Rafael Leao and finished off by Santiago Gimenez.Conceicao did not explain his decision to replace Walker after the game, as he did not attend any media duties.The manager instead sent club advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic in his place.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe reason behind this was due to the death of Porto president Pinto da Costa on Saturday.The Swede said: “I am here because the coach is in the locker room.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner set to get £750k to star in Celeb Big Brother – but only if bosses agree to strict ruleSergio Conceicao has won eight of his 13 matches at MilanCredit: AP”He is very shaken at the death of the Porto president, who was like a father to him. So I am here.”Meanwhile, Walker’s substitution appeared to be more tactical as Milan were pressing for the win.The defender saw plenty of the ball and won all five of his duels, and even helped in the attack with four crosses.He did not concede a single foul and only misplaced two passes during the first half.Conceicao’s decision could have also come with an eye on the club’s Champions League clash against Feyenoord on Tuesday.The seven-time winners must come back from a first-leg 1-0 defeat to progress past the Dutch team.Walker was run ragged in the first game as he struggled to contain Brazilian winger Igor Paixao. More

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      ‘Body said enough is enough’ – Akanji’s season all-but over as Man City star suffers injury while playing ‘in emergency’

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      MANUEL AKANJI will have surgery on a groin injury on Saturday and faces a fight to return before the end of the season.Manchester City’s Swiss defender limped out of the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday and has been assessed this week.Manuel Akanji’s season is all but over after he suffered groin injury against Real MadridCredit: PAThe Swiss defender will go under the knife this weekendCredit: REXAnd medics have decided he will go under the knife – which could see him sidelined for up to 10 weeks.That means he will miss a large chunk of the games remaining and may not be back until early May.Boss Pep Guardiola has had to deal with injuries to most of his defenders this season and believes the extra workload has caught up with Akanji.He said: “He’ll have surgery on his adductor on Saturday and it will be eight to 10 weeks.READ MORE FOOTI NEWS“We wish the best recovery for Manu because of the effort he has done for us this season.”It’s been unbelievable.“Him and Nathan Ake have played in difficult conditions to help the team in an emergency due to lack of players in those positions.“In the end, the body said enough is enough.”Most read in SportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJack Grealish is unlikely to face Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: REXGuardiola said the news was better on England midfielder Jack Grealish – who was also subbed in the defeat to Madrid.He is unlikely to face Newcastle on Saturday but is not expecting another long absence for his £100 million signing.Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid He said: “With Jack, it’s not as bad as Manu has done but I don’t think he will be ready for Saturday.”We will assess it in the next hours.” More

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      Premier League block Aston Villa request to move Liverpool clash – leaving Emery’s side with 5 brutal games in 14 days

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      ASTON VILLA are facing a punishing fixture congestion consisted of five games in just 14 days.That is after the Premier League rejected Villa’s request to move next week’s clash with Liverpool.The Premier League rejected Aston Villa’s request to move next week’s clash with LiverpoolCredit: RexUnai Emery’s side face a brutal fixture congestion consisted of five games in just 14 daysCredit: RexThe frustrated Villans are scheduled to host the Prem leaders on Wednesday at Villa Park.That game was originally pencilled down for March 15 but it now clashes with the Carabao Cup final weekend with the Reds facing Newcastle on the 16th at Wembley.With the Champions League Last 16 starting in the first week of March, Unai Emery’s side wanted to push the Liverpool game back to later next month or later in the season.Villa’s argument was based on them having only one Premier League game next month at Brentford on March 8.Read More on FootballHowever, Prem chiefs blocked that request to leave Emery and co facing a brutal fixture pile-up over the next two weeks.Villa are now set to play Ipswich on Saturday, Liverpool on Wednesday, Chelsea on February 22 and Crystal Palace on the 25th.Emery’s men will then host Cardiff in the fifth round of the FA Cup on February 28.Villa are competing on three fronts this season after an impressive campaign last term.Most read in FootballThe Midland giants are favourites to qualify to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.They also finished in the Champions League’s top eight and made it straight to the Last 16.Emi Martinez reveals Unai Emery’s genius pre-match preparation that inspired Aston Villa to win over Bayern MunichAnd Villa are targeting another top-four finish in the Premier League as they are currently eighth with six points separating them from fourth-placed Chelsea. More