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      Middlesbrough vs Chelsea – Carabao Cup semi-final preview: Blues face Boro with Wembley in sight – stream, TV, team news

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      CHELSEA hop from one cup competition to the next as they prepare to do battle with Championship side Middlesbrough in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.Goals from Armando Borja, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling and Enzo Fernandez saw the Blues comfortably cruise past Preston in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
      Chelsea ran riot at Stamford Bridge to send Preston crashing out of the FA CupCredit: Rex
      And Mauricio Pochettino’s men will be expected to pull off a similar result against a Middlesbrough side who were beaten at home by high-flying Aston Villa on the same night.
      However, its never a foregone conclusion in football, especially when it comes to a cup tie plus Chelsea’s inconsistency this season will give the Born a glimmer of hope.
      But the Championship have lost NINE consecutive matches against the Blues with the most recent encounter happening as recent as 2022.
      When is Middlesbrough vs Chelsea

      Chelsea’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Middlesbrough will take place on Tuesday, January 9.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm GMT.
      Riverside Stadium is the allocated arena for this exciting fixture and it can host approximately 34,742 fans.
      Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech sent Middlesbrough crashing out of the FA Cup when the sides last met in a quarter-final tie.

      Read more on Chelsea
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Middlesbrough vs Chelsea will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football in the UK
      Coverage is expected to commence from 7pm GMT on both channels – a whole hour before kick-off.
      Fans have the option to stream the entire action through NOW TV.
      Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the match.

      What is the team news?
      Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick would have been distraught with the Aston Villa result.
      But the Boro boss got to finally see the return of Hayden Hackney and Emmanuel Latte Lath in the FA Cup third round tie, while Matt Crooks was an unused substitute.
      Elsewhere, Mauricio Pochettino delivered some damning news that Christopher Nkunku has suffered a hip injury shortly after returning from his long-term knee issue.
      Most read in Football
      Christopher Nkunku has picked up another injuryCredit: Getty
      And the Frenchman is expected to be sidelined along with Wesley Fofana (knee), Trevor Chalobah (thigh), Reece James (hamstring), Robert Sanchez (knee), Marc Cucurella (ankle) and Romeo Lavia (thigh).
      However, the Chelsea boss was optimistic about Benoit Badiashile returning from his muscular injury for the first leg, while Ben Chilwell who has been out with a hamstring problem and Carney Chukwuemeka who has a knee issue have been training.
      But Nicolas Jackson will certainly not play as he is away on international duty with Senegal at AFCON.
      What are the latest odds?

      Middlesbrough to win 9/2
      Draw 16/5
      Chelsea to win 4/7

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      When are the FA Cup 2023/24 third round replays?

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      FA CUP replays make the iconic competition that little bit more intriguing – and it’s safe to say that there will be several of them in the third round.Premier League rivals Wolves and Brentford were the first pair to kick-start the need for a replay in this season’s competition.
      Bristol City have forced a replay against West HamCredit: AFP
      And since then, SIX more matches have ended in a draw and will have to be played again.
      But fans want to know when exactly these replays are taking place.
      When are the FA Cup replays?
      The FA Cup replays will commence on Monday, January 15.
      But matches could get played up until Thursday, January 18 depending on how many fixtures there are.
      Read more on FA Cup
      Are there FA Cup replays for every round?
      In 2020/21 and the 2021/22 season, all replays were scrapped due to a fixture congestion.
      But they were brought back in the 2022/23 campaign. for the third and fourth rounds.
      However, from the fifth round onwards, there will be NO replays which means that all matches have to be concluded on the night even if it takes extra time and penalties.
      What matches need to be replayed for 2023/24 third round?

      Wolves vs Brentford
      Eastleigh vs Newport County
      Bristol Rovers vs Norwich
      Birmingham vs Hull
      Bristol vs West Ham

      Most read in FA Cup More

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      Does the FA Cup have VAR this season?

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      NEWCASTLE fans were left feeling aggrieved after Alexander Isak was hauled down by Daniel Ballard in the first half of the huge FA Cup derby with bitter rivals Sunderland.The striker, was racing towards goal with the Black Cats defender on his shoulder and hit the deck.
      Daniel Ballard’s challenge on Alexander Isak was NOT checked by VAR at the Stadium of LightCredit: PA
      The challenge was very 50/50 over whether or not it was a foul or within the laws of the game.
      Had it been in the Premier League the decision would have no doubt been reviewed by the VARs at Stockley Park.
      But at the Stadium of Light, the on-field decision – no foul – stood and the game continued.
      Does the FA Cup have VAR this season?
      The lack of a video replay saw confusion among those watching the game.
      READ MORE FA CUP
      This is further confused by the answer to the above question – as the technology IS being used in the FA Cup this season… but only in select grounds.
      The problem is Sunderland, and all other clubs that are not in the Premier League, are NOT licensed to use VAR.
      Only grounds that are in England’s top flight are licensed to use the technology, with infrastructure and staffing costs cited as the main issue for rolling it out in other grounds around the country.
      VAR intervened to see Dominic Calvert-Lewin sent off at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
      That means that while the huge derby between Sunderland and Newcastle did not have the technology, Sunday’s mega-clash between Arsenal and Liverpool WILL have the technology.
      Most read in Football
      Any FA Cup tie played at a Premier League home ground will use the technology, leading many to complain about its unfairness.
      Last year, the FA responded to such claims, stating: “Video assistant referees provide match officials with additional support and should be utilised wherever possible.
      “However, only Premier League stadiums are currently licensed to use VAR due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required.”
      The much-derided technology has already sent waves through the competition this season after Dominic Calvert-Lewin was controversially sent off against Crystal Palace in the first tie of round three.
      There is similar confusion in the Carabao Cup, where VAR is not used in early rounds but then introduced for the semi-finals and finals. More

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      Who is football pundit Eni Aluko?

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      ENI ALUKO has become a successful TV pundit since retiring from women’s professional football.The star hung up her boots in January 2020 after playing a whopping 102 times for England between 2004 and 2016.
      Eni Aluko is a TV pundit and former professional player

      Who is Eni Aluko?
      Eni Aluko MBE is a football broadcaster and former professional player.
      She was born on February 21, 1987, in Lagos, Nigeria and moved to Birmingham, England, with her family when she was six months old.
      Aluko played many sports as a child, including tennis, but found a love for football after playing with her brother, Sone Aluko, who also went on to become a professional footballer.
      As of 2024, Sone is signed by Ipswich Town but he has also played for Reading and Fulham in the past.
      Eni started her own football career with Leafield Athletic Ladies and went on to play for several big teams.
      Aluko has also had an impressive international career, representing England at three World Cups (2007, 2011, 2015) and two European Championships (2009 and 2013), as well as playing for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.
      In January 2020 Eni was named as the Sporting Director for Angel City FC, a team based in Los Angeles.
      She became the Director of Recruitment for the team in August 2022 but officially left the role in 2023.
      Who has Eni Aluko played for?
      Aluko had an illustrious career as a professional footballer before her retirement in 2020.
      The full list of teams that she represented can be seen below:

      2001-2004 – Birmingham City
      2004-2007 – Charlton Athletic
      2007-2009 – Chelsea
      2009-2010 – Saint Louis Athletica
      2010 – Atlanta Beat
      2011 – Sky Blue FC
      2012 – Birmingham City
      2012-2018 – Chelsea
      2018-2019 – Juventus

      Has she been a pundit before?

      Aluko is a successful and popular pundit, and made history when she became the first female pundit on Match of the Day in 2014.
      She continued punditry alongside her football career during the television coverage of the 2016 Euros, the women’s Euros in 2017, the 2018 World Cup and 2019 Women’s World Cup.
      Aluko was part of Amazon Prime’s pundit team for their coverage of the 2020/21 Premier League season.
      She also appeared on ITV’s coverage of the Euro 2020 tournament and is a regular face on the channel’s football coverage.
      What was the controversy surrounding her and Mark Sampson?
      In August 2017, Aluko accused the then-England manager Mark Sampson of “racist” comments
      Sampson was found by independent barrister Katherine Newton to have made “ill-judged attempts at humour, which, as a matter of law, were discriminatory on the grounds of race.”
      Newton added: “It was fundamentally important to emphasise that I have not concluded that MS is a racist.”
      It was alleged that Sampson had told Aluko to make sure her Nigerian relatives did not bring Ebola to Wembley and he also asked Drew Spence how many times she had been arrested.
      The FA was forced to issue an apology after it was found that they had known about the comments since 2016 and had cleared Sampson of any wrongdoing.
      Sampson later apologised, saying: “When players made complaints, they needed to be handled with the respect they deserved.”
      Most read in Euro 2024
      What did Joey Barton say about Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko?
      Joey Barton came under fire after he made comments about Aluko and another pundit, Lucy Ward, as part of a sexist tirade.
      The former Manchester City and Newcastle star called the stars “the Fred and Rose West of football”, referring to two of Britain’s worst serial killers.
      Over two decades, Fred and Rose West abducted, tortured, raped and murdered numerous young women.
      Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Barton posted in January 2024: “How is she even talking about Men’s football. She can’t even kick a ball properly.
      “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.
      “Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”
      Celebrities like Piers Morgan,  Laura Woods and Bianca Westwood were quick to call out the comments on social media.
      Read more on The Sun
      ITV Sport also addressed Barton, saying in a statement: “For Joey Barton, an ex-professional player with a significant social media presence, to target two of our pundits, Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, with such vindictive remarks based on gender and to involve the names of serial killers in doing so is clearly contemptible and shameful on his part.
      “Football is for everyone.” More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou: Date, TV channel, live stream and card info for huge Saudi crossover bout

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      EDDIE HEARN has confirmed that Anthony Joshua will take on MMA legend Francis Ngannou in his next fight.The bout is expected to be a ten-round boxing match between the two-time former heavyweight champion and the ex-UFC title holder and is another coup for Saudi dealmaker Turki Al-Sheikh.

      Anthony Joshua beat Otto Wallin last time outCredit: REUTERS
      AJ recently overcame tricky southpaw Otto Wallin on the blockbuster bill in Saudi Arabia on December 23rd.
      Before last month’s epic card, Joshua was expected to fight long-term rival Deontay Wilder after his meeting with the Swede.
      But any hopes of a deal went up in smoke after the Bronze Bomber was on the end of a shock defeat to Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia.
      Ngannou raised many eyebrows in the world of boxing following his stunning debut against Tyson Fury in October 2023.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      Many thought the UFC legend got the better of the Gypsy King on the night, but the heavyweight champion was victorious by way of split decision.
      When is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou?

      Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou is expected to take place in March 2024.
      An official date is yet to be revealed but check back soon, as SunSport will have all the information you need ahead of the huge bout.
      The crossover clash will take place in Saudi Arabia.

      What TV channel is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou on and can it be live streamed?

      TV details for Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou have not been announced, but it’s likely that the fight will be broadcast on DAZN.
      Eddie Hearn has revealed a press conference will take place on January 15th in London which will reveal further information.

      Undercard
      No other fights on the Joshua vs Ngannou card have been announced yet, but check back soon as SunSport will have all the details.
      Most read in Boxing

      MAIN EVENT: Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou More

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      Artur Beterbiev vs Callum Smith: UK start time, live stream, TV channel for huge light-heavyweight world title clash

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      BRIT Callum Smith will look to do with no other man has when he takes on Artur Beterbiev next weekend.Beterbiev defends his WBC, IBF and WBO light-heavyweight titles in what should be a cracker of a match-up.
      Artur Beterbiev beat Anthony Yarde last year by TKO8Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Callum Smith hasn’t been in the ring for 18 monthsCredit: PA
      Smith was a world champion at 168lbs but has since moved up in weight and looked impressive.
      Beterbiev, 38, has won all of his 19 fights by knockout but looked vulnerable in his win over Anthony Yarde a year ago.
      Smith and his Russian opponent were supposed to fight back in August, but an injury to Beterbiev set the fight back a few months.
      Smith dispatched of Lenin Castillo with a brutal knockout before folding Mathieu Bauderlique in half last year.
      He hasn’t faced anyone like Beterbiev, however, and he has to do so on away soil in Canada.
      When is Beterbiev vs Smith?

      Beterbiev’s big clash with Smith will take place on Saturday, January 13.
      Ring-walks for the main event will likely get going from 4am UK time on Sunday, January 14.
      The fight will be held at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Smith vs Beterbiev will be shown live on Sky Sports Arena and Main Event in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Smith vs Beterbiev undercard

      Artur Beterbiev vs Callum Smith – for IBF, WBC and WBO light-heavyweight titles
      Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez – for WBO bantamweight title
      Christian Mbilli vs Rohan Murdock
      Imam Khataev vs Rodolfo Gomez Jr
      Christopher Guerrero vs Sergio Garcia Herrera
      Mehmet Unal vs Dragan Lepei
      Leila Beaudoin vs Elizabeth Chavez Espinoza
      Moreno Fendero vs Victor Hugo Flores
      Wilkens Mathieu vs TBA

      Most read in Boxing
      What has been said?
      Smith said: “I’m no stranger to fighting on away soil, having boxed in Saudi Arabia twice, across America, and now heading to Canada on August 19.
      “There was no hesitation from me going to Canada to fight Artur Beterbiev, and I will be returning to Liverpool as a world champion once more.
      “I’m excited to finally get my opportunity to become a two-weight world champion.”
      Beterbiev added: “He’s good opponent. He’s good challenge for me.
      “If we talk about my past opponents, I never say someone’s going to be easy for me, if it’s going to be easy for me or not.
      “Like him too, I’m preparing for Callum Smith for 100 per cent like he prepare for me too.
      “I have boxing coach and condition coach for power training, cardio.
      “Every camp I ask them after sparrings or after my toughest trainings with my condition coach, ‘how is it? Is it better than five years ago or not good? How do you think?’ And they tell me it’s better than five years ago but I don’t know.
      “I feel good too, but I think they lie to me. I feel good, I’m good. I feel everything good.” More

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      Africa Cup of Nations 2023: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off times, all the details you need for huge tournament

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      THE 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations returns this month as 24 teams look to battle it out for the prestigious trophy.Defending champions Senegal are looking to complete back-to-back wins at next year’s tournament.
      Senegal star man Sadio Mane led Senegal to AFCON glory in 2022Credit: AFP
      Ivory Coast will host the AFCON for the second time, previously hosting in 1984.
      The competition was meant to be played in 2023, but due to weather concerns the president of CAF, Patrice Motsepe, postponed it to 2024.
      Some of football’s biggest stars are competing such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and many more.
      The final is on February 11th and is due to be played in the Stade National de la Cote d’Ivoire stadium.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      When is the Africa Cup of Nations?

      The tournament takes place in January 2024 through to the following month, February. The hosts are Ivory Coast.
      The final will be on Sunday, February 11.
      Clashing with the Premier League and other European / Continental competitions will mean clubs will lose some of their top players.

      What channel is AFCON 2023 and can it be live streamed?

      Every game at the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 will be live on Sky Sports in the UK.
      You can live stream the action on the Sky Go and NOW TV apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The tournament takes place from January 13 – February 11.

      Who is playing in the Africa Cup of Nations?

      Ivory Coast, Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Mali, Tunisia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt and Equatorial Guinea have already qualified for the competition.
      Several other teams still have to qualify, to name a few there is DR Congo, Mauritania, Cameroon, Namibia, Ghana, Angola, Tanzania, Gambia, Mozambique and more.

      What is the format of the Africa Cup of Nations?

      The 24 qualified teams were drawn into six groups of 4 teams in a single round-robin.
      The two top teams of each group and the four best third-placed teams advance to the round of 16.
      The winners of the round of 16 matches will advance to the quarter-finals. Winners of the quarter-finals advance to the semi-finals. The losers of the semi-finals play in a third-place play-off match. Then the winners of the semi-finals play in the final game of the tournament to decide who will win the trophy.

      Most read in Football More

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      Why is Thomas Partey not playing at AFCON 2023?

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      GHANA will be hoping to go all the way at the Africa Cup of Nations when it gets underway later this month. But they’ll have to do so without one of their star players Thomas Partey.
      Thomas Partey played for Ghana at the World Cup 2022Credit: Reuters
      Partey was influential for Arsenal in the Premier League last season as the Gunners ran Manchester City close in the title race.
      But this term the midfielder has barely played for Mikel Arteta’s side and Arsenal have struggled to maintain last season’s form.
      Partey also won’t be in action for Ghana at AFCON 2023 in the Ivory Coast.
      Why is Thomas Partey not at AFCON 2023?
      Partey has been out of action since October with a thigh injury but is back in training at Arsenal.
      AFCON 2023
      The former Atletico Madrid man is hoping to make his return to the pitch in the next few weeks.
      But AFCON 2023 comes too soon for Partey, according to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Ghana manager Chris Hughton.
      Arteta said on January 5: “It was about common sense. He had a long-term injury.
      “He was trying to push his rehab because he really wanted to be with his national team, but he’s still far from training with the team and it didn’t make sense for him to be involved.
      Most read in Football
      “Hopefully it is weeks. When and how many weeks is going to depend a little bit on how [long] the next step, training with the team, will take him. But he is progressing well.”
      Ex-Brighton boss Hughton added: “Thomas Partey for sure, and I say this not in a detrimental way to the squad that we have, but he is one of our most important players.
      “This we know and, withstanding his injury, he certainly would be in the squad.
      “We know the quality of player that he is. This is a player that has a substantial injury.
      “I’ve spent a lot over this period of time with Thomas and also engaging with the medical staff at Arsenal Football Club.
      “They will treat this injury with caution, and so will the player. This is a big injury for him and the biggest injury that he’s had.
      “The most important thing for me as head coach and our association is to give him the support that he needs through this period of time.
      “From all the information that we’ve been given, the timelines of his recovery and the caution that will be taken, will not meet our timelines for the AFCON.” More