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    F1 calendar 2024: Hamilton looks to stop Verstappen winning a fourth straight championship as season starts in Bahrain

    FASTEN your seatbelts F1 fans as the 2024 season is round the corner – and this season’s blockbuster calendar starts in Bahrain THIS WEEKEND!Max Verstappen broke all types of records last campaign on his way to winning a third consecutive championship.Max Verstappen won his third consecutive title in 2023Credit: PAAnd the Red Bull racer did it in style by topping the podium in 19 out of the 23 races. The wait for Lewis Hamilton’s first win since December 5, 2021 continues due to Verstappen’s dominance.However, the British mogul finished the season in 3rd which was a big improvement from 2022, and he’ll be itching to remind everyone why he has lifted the championship a record-equalling SEVEN times.F1 calendar 2024🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 All session and race timings are in UK time.Read more on F1Bahrain Grand PrixTrack: Bahrain International CircuitSaturday, March 2: Bahrain Grand Prix – 3pmSaudi Arabian Grand PrixTrack: Jeddah Corniche CircuitSaturday, March 9: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – 5pmLewis Hamilton’s last win came in Saudi ArabiaCredit: ReutersAustralian Grand PrixTrack: Melbourne Grand Prix CircuitSunday, March 24: Melbourne Grand Prix – 4amJapanese Grand PrixTrack: Suzuka International Racing CourseSunday, April 7: Japanese Grand Prix – 6amMost read in MotorsportChinese Grand PrixTrack: Shanghai International CircuitTBC: Sprint raceSunday, April 21: Chinese Grand Prix – 8amUnited States Grand PrixTrack: Miami International AutodromeTBC: Sprint raceSunday, May 5: United States Grand Prix – 9pmEmilia Romagna Grand PrixTrack: Autodromo Enzo e Dino FerrariSunday, May 19: Italian Grand Prix – 2pmMonaco Grand Prix Track: Circuit de MonacoSunday, May 26: Monaco Grand Prix – 2pmCanadian Grand Prix Track: Circuit Gilles-VilleneuveSunday, June 9: Canadian Grand Prix – 7pmSpanish Grand PrixTrack: Circuit de Barcelona-CatalunyaSunday, June 23: Spanish Grand Prix – 2pmAustrian Grand PrixTrack: Red Bull RingTBC: Sprint raceSunday, June 30: Austrian Grand Prix – 2pmBritish Grand PrixTrack: Silverstone CircuitSunday, July 7: British Grand Prix – 3pmHungarian Grand Prix Track: HungaroringSunday, July 21: Hungarian Grand Prix – 2pmBelgian Grand PrixTrack: Circuit de Spa-FrancorchampsSunday, July 28: Belgian Grand Prix – 2pmDutch Grand PrixTrack: Circuit ZandvoortSunday, August 25: Dutch Grand Prix – 2pmItalian Grand PrixTrack: Autodromo Nazionale MonzaSunday, September 1: Italian Grand Prix – 2pmAzerbaijan Grand PrixTrack: Baku City CircuitSunday, September 15: Azerbaijan Grand Prix – 12pmSingapore Grand PrixTrack: Marina Bay Street CircuitSunday, September 22: Singapore Grand Prix – 1pmUnited States Grand PrixTrack: Circuit of the AmericasTBC: Sprint raceSunday, October 20: United States Grand Prix – 8pmMexican Grand PrixTrack: Autodromo Hermanos RodriguezSunday, October 27: Mexican City Grand Prix – 8pmBrazilian Grand PrixTrack: Autodromo Jose Carlos PaceTBC: Sprint raceSunday, November 3: Sao Paulo Grand Prix – 5pmUnited States Grand PrixTrack: Las Vegas Strip CircuitTBC: Sprint raceSunday, November 23: Las Vegas Grand Prix – 6amQatar Grand PrixTrack: Lusali International CircuitTBC: Sprint raceSunday, December 1: Qatar Grand Prix – 5pmREAD MORE SUN STORIESMax Verstappen won the 2023 title after a Sprint race in QatarCredit: EPAAbu Dhabi Grand PrixTrack: Yas Marina CircuitSunday, December 8: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – 1pm More

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    Why is Man City vs Man Utd kicking off at 3:30pm instead of 4:30pm?

    MANCHESTER giants United and City are ready to battle once again in a Premier League blockbuster – but there has been a bizarre change in the kick-off time.The Red Devils will be determined to bounce back from their crushing stoppage-time defeat against Fulham last weekend.
    Manchester United lost to Fulham in their last Premier League matchCredit: PA
    While United’s noisy neighbours City are hoping to keep up the pressure on league leaders Liverpool by keeping their 11-game undefeated streak alive.
    However, the players have been forced to prepare for a slightly changed kick-off time of 3:30pm instead of 4:30pm.
    And SunSport can explain the reason for this.
    Why is Man City vs Man Utd kicking off at 3:30pm?
    The mouthwatering Manchester derby has been moved from 4:30pm to 3:30pm following a reported agreement between broadcasters and police.
    Read more on Man Utd
    It also means that the earlier clash which sees Bournemouth travel to Burnley will now get underway at 1pm instead of 2pm.
    Both games will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
    When is Man City vs Man Utd?

    Manchester City vs Manchester United will take place on Sunday, March 3.
    Etihad is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host around 53,400 passionate fans.
    Pep Guardiola’s men thrashed United 3-0 when the sides met earlier this season.
    Fans can follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage.

    Have any matches been played at 3:30pm before?
    The reverse fixture which saw Manchester City travel to Manchester United on October 28, 2023, was also contested with a kick-off time at 3:30pm.
    Most read in Football
    A statement on United’s official website previously read:
    The derby with Manchester City will be staged towards the end of the month, with the Old Trafford encounter being moved to 29 October, kicking off at 15:30 GMT.
    “The fixture, which we won 2-1 last season with Marcus Rashford netting a memorable winner, is to be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK.
    “The unusual start time was agreed following consultation between the clubs, the broadcaster and local authorities.”
    Televised Premier League matches in March
    Luton Town vs Aston Villa – March 2 (5:30pm) SKY SPORTS
    Burnley vs Bournemouth – March 3 (1pm) SKY SPORTS
    Man City vs Man Utd – March 3 (3:30pm) SKY SPORTS
    Sheffield Utd vs Arsenal – March 4 8pm) SKY SPORTS More

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    Sergio Aguero to RETURN to football with ex-Man Utd and City star Carlos Tevez’s Independiente after heart scare

    SERGIO AGUERO is set to make a shock return to football less than three years after being forced to retire with a heart condition.Aguero, 35, has been given the go ahead to resume his career after his cardiologist told him: ”You won’t have any problem playing at some point… You are doing very well.”
    Football fans are set to see Sergio Aguero on the pitch againCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The Premier League cult hero is eyeing an emotional return to Independiente.
    The Argentine forward is mainly known for his iconic time at Manchester City and how he became their all-time top scorer after a nine-year period at the club.
    In his spell at the Etihad, Aguero scored 260 goals and won 18 trophies including five Premier League titles and became one of the best strikers in the world.
    Aguero announced his departure from City in 2021 and joined Barcelona on a free transfer.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    After suffering from a heart arrhythmia during his first start for the Catalans in December 2021 against Alaves, Aguero was forced to retire early.
    Aguero admitted that he had suffered a heart problem in training ten days before the shocking incident.
    Aguero started his club career at Independiente in 2003, and he has stated in the past that he has hinted he would finish his career at the team where it all began 21 years ago.
    He said: ”The idea was to be able to come [to Independiente] for six months or a year.”
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Journalist Nelson Lafit confirmed that Aguero will train with Independiente to rebuild his fitness.
    Then manager and former team-mate Carlos Tevez will decide whether Aguero has a future with the club.
    BREAKING: Scary moment Sergio Aguero suffers heart scare during live stream and suddenly stops talking leaving celeb pal stunned
    Tevez and Aguero were members of the squad that won Manchester City their first Premier League title during the 2011-2012 season.
    And now with Tevez managing Independiente, football fans could see the duo reunite.
    Aguero has started training under ex-team-mate Carlos Tevez More

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    Is VAR in use for FA Cup fifth round ties?

    THE FA Cup is heading towards the business end – and there are some huge names eyeing glory.Premier League giants Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Manchester City and Chelsea are all taking part in the fifth round.
    The use of VAR has been a controversial topic in the FA Cup this seasonCredit: Times Media Ltd
    Non-league Maidstone had their fairytale FA Cup run ended by Championship high flyers Coventry after Mark Robin’s men booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 5-0 win.
    Fellow second-tier sides Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City are both in action in the fifth round as they test themselves against Premier League opposition.
    But fans are confused if VAR will be in use for FA Cup fifth round ties.
    Is VAR in use for FA Cup fifth round ties?
    VAR will only be in use at Premier League grounds for FA Cup fifth round ties due to licencing rules.
    READ MORE IN FA CUP
    The prestigious competition has used VAR since 2018, when it was used in a trial format.
    However, it has only been used at Premier League grounds as the FA has never applied to the International Football Association Board (Ifab) for full use across all fixtures.
    It would be complicated and expensive to install VAR at some EFL and non-league league grounds, meaning it wouldn’t be a worthy investment for a one off tie.
    The FA has been criticised for creating an imbalance in sporting standards in the competition.
    Most read in FA Cup
    Responding to criticism last year, the FA said: “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.”
    Which FA Cup fifth round ties will have VAR in use?
    With just Premier League grounds allowed to use VAR, Bournemouth, Luton, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Wolves and Liverpool will all have it in use for their FA Cup fifth round ties.
    But the two games hosted by Championship sides – Coventry 5-0 Maidstone and Blackburn vs Newcastle will not have the technology enabled.
    Will there be replays for the FA Cup fifth round?
    FA Cup replays have become a huge part of English football’s most famous cup competition.
    And there have been extensive changes in recent years regarding whether they are included.
    In the 2020-21 and the 2021-22 seasons, all replays were scrapped due to fixture congestion.
    But they were brought back for the third and fourth rounds of the 2022-23 campaign.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    In the 2023-24 season, there were also replays for the third and fourth rounds.
    However, from the fifth round onwards, there will be no replays and matches that end in a draw will be settled on the night. More

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    Sheffield United vs Arsenal: Gunners look to build on superb six-game winning run against Prem strugglers – stream, TV

    ARSENAL travel to Bramall Lane in phenomenal form – but wouldn’t that just be football for bottom place Sheffield United to do the unthinkable?The Gunners finally got revenge on Newcastle for their controversial VAR loss earlier this season with a 4-1 thrashing at the Emirates last Saturday.
    Bukayo Saka got his customary goal for the Gunners in their Newcastle winCredit: Getty
    Sheffield United are in troubleCredit: Reuters
    And it was a result that meant Mikel Arteta’s men have now recorded SIX consecutive Premier League wins since the start of the calendar year.
    Furthermore, Jakub Kiwior’s header on the weekend was Arsenal’s 25th strike since returning from their Dubai training camp in January, while the Blades have only scored 22 times all season.
    But the Gunners showed signs that they can be got at in Europe and with the support of the home crowd, Sheffield United always stand a chance.
    When is Sheffield United vs Arsenal?

    Sheffield United host Arsenal in a tasty Premier League clash on Monday, March 4.
    It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm GMT.
    Bramall Lane is the allocated arena for this fixture and it can host approximately 32,050 fans.
    Eddie Nketiah’s hattrick humiliated Sheffield United with a 5-0 scoreline when the sides last met earlier this season.

    Read more on Arsenal
    Is Sheffield United vs Arsenal on TV and can it be streamed live?

    Sheffield United vs Arsenal will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
    Coverage is expected to commence from 6:30pm GMT on both channels – one hour 30 minutes before kick-off.
    Fans can stream the live action through NOW TV.
    Alternatively, head to SunSport’s live blog for complete coverage of the game including pre-match and post-match reaction.

    What is the team news?
    Chris Wilder could have as many as NINE key players out for their huge encounter against Arsenal.
    Max Lowe (ankle), Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh) and Chris Basham (ankle) are all certainly ruled out.
    John Egan (ankle), Ben Bereton Diaz (thigh), Cameron Archer (calf), George Baldock (muscle) and Daniel Jebbison (illness) will need to be assessed.
    Most read in Football
    While Mason Holgate is still suspended after picking up a red card for a reckless challenge on Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma.
    Elsewhere, Mikel Arteta will be without Jurrien Timber (knee) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (muscle).
    But the Gunners gaffer hinted that the trio of Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus could all be handed a run out at Bramall Lane.
    Thomas Partey has only played a handful of games for Arsenal this seasonCredit: Getty
    What are the latest odds?

    Sheffield United to win 16/1
    Draw 6/1
    Arsenal to win 2/11

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

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    Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd – FA Cup fifth round: Erik ten Hag’s side hoping to bounce back from awful Fulham defeat

    MANCHESTER UNITED travel away to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday night.The Red Devils lost at the expense of a last-gasp goal in the dying minutes of injury time against Fulham at the weekend.
    Man Utd were beaten in the Premier League by Fulham on Saturday and next face Nottingham Forest in the FA CupCredit: Getty
    Both Manchester United and Nottingham Forest will be looking to advance in the FA Cup fifth round with both enduring difficult campaigns.
    Erik ten Hag’s men were left deflated as they saw themselves beaten right at the death thanks to Alex Iwobi’s injury-time winner.
    United missed the impact of Rasmus Hojlund, 21, as he and his team have been in fantastic form recently.
    Hojlund made history last week against Luton Town to become the youngest Premier League player to have netted in six consecutive league games – but United will need to get inspiration from elsewhere on Wednesday night.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Nottingham Forest beat United when they met in the League in DecemberCredit: Getty
    Defeat for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side at Aston Villa meant Forest have only picked up two wins in their last eight games – with one being a penalties win against Bristol City in the previous round of the FA Cup.
    The clash at the City Ground is the perfect chance for Nuno’s side to make a statement as they have already taken down Ten Hag’s men this season.
    It will be interesting to see how Nuno sets up for this match with Forest heading into a tricky run of games in the Premier League.
    They host Liverpool at the weekend, then travel to Brighton and relegation rivals Luton Town – which will be a massive game at the bottom of the table.
    Most read in FA Cup
    Team News
    Erik ten Hag’s injury list is piling up as Luke Shaw remains out for the majority of the rest of the season, while Rasmus Hojlund, Lisandro Martinez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Mason Mount are also expected to miss out.
    Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, and Antony are all likely to try and push for a starting place in the team.
    United are set to be without star striker Rasmus Hojlund againCredit: Alamy
    Forest’s absentee list is shrinking and they come into this game with Ola Aina, Chris Wood, Ibrahim Sangare, and Willy Boly missing.
    Nuno is likely to make a change or two after Forest’s defeat at Villa with Andrew Omobamidele, Harry Toffolo, and Divock Origi all knocking on the door for a place in the starting XI.
    Players to Watch
    Bruno Fernandes has struggled for form during this campaign, especially in comparison to previous seasons.
    However, the Portuguese could still prove to be a game-changer as he has 14 goal involvements in all competitions.
    Fernandes has scored in United’s previous two FA Cup ties – against Wigan and Notts County – and will hope to continue this run.
    Taiwo Awoniyi and Morgan Gibbs-White could prove to be the difference makers for Forest as both have managed to bag against United earlier this season.
    Awoniyi scored in the 3-2 loss to United at the start of the season, while Morgan Gibbs-White scored a lovely match-winning goal vs United last December in their 2-1 win at the City Ground.
    When is Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd?

    The game between Nottingham Forest and Man Utd will take place on Wednesday, February 28.
    The kick-off time for the game is 7.45 pm GMT.
    Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United will be held at the City Ground.

    What channel is it on and can it be live streamed FREE?

    Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd will be shown on BBC One in the UK.
    You can live stream the action FREE from the BBC iPlayer app, which is available to download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    Alternatively, you can keep up to date with the match by following SunSport’s live blog.

    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    What are the odds?

    Man Utd – 11/10
    Draw – 5/2
    Nottingham Forest – 9/4

    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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    Jake Paul vs Ryan Bourland: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, full card as Problem Child gets back into the ring

    JAKE PAUL takes on another challenge as he faces Ryan Bourland next in the boxing ring. Paul is still dead set on his goal of becoming a world champion and wants to start building up a respectable record of wins.
    Jake Paul will take on Ryan Bourland in Puerto RicoCredit: DAZN
    The Problem Child’s only loss came at the hands of Tommy Fury in February 2023.
    Since then, Paul has beaten Nate Diaz and Andre August, with his next match-up to be against Bourland, who has a record of 17-2.
    The fight won’t be the main event, however, as the night will be headlined by Amanda Serrano’s clash against Nina Meinke.
    If Paul wins, he will extend his own record to 9-1.

    When is Paul vs Bourland?
    Paul’s clash with Bourland will take place on Saturday, March 2.
    Paul vs Bourland will be held at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
    The fight will likely get underway from around 2am UK time on Sunday, March 3, with the main card to get going from midnight.
    The main event between Serrano and Meinke can be expected from around 3am.
    Most read in Football
    What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

    Paul vs Bourland will be shown live on DAZN in the UK as part of your subscription.
    You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £9.99-a-month, which commits you to an entire year of action.
    A flexible pass, worth £19.99-a-month, is also available, and you can cancel anytime.
    You can also pay £99.99 for the year up front, and this is the lowest cost option.
    The fight is available for live streaming on your mobile or tablet device from the DAZN app.
    You can also watch DAZN 1 HD on Sky channel 429.

    Full card

    Amanda Serrano vs Nina Meinke – for IBF, WBO, WBA, and IBO Women’s Featherweight titles
    Jake Paul vs Ryan Bourland
    Jonathan Gonzalez vs Rene Santiago – for WBO light flyweight title
    Christopher Diaz vs Headley Scott
    Pedro Marquez Medina vs Brandon Valdes
    Elijah Flores vs Alejandro Munera
    Krystal Rosado-Ortiz vs Gloria Munguilla
    Javon Walton vs Joshua Torres More

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    Sam Eggington vs Abass Baraou: UK start time, live stream FREE, TV channel and undercard for European title fight

    SAM Eggington is back in action this week as he takes on Abass Baraou in a big European title fight. Eggington has been in his fair share of wars over the years, and his clash with Baraou should be no different.
    Sam Eggington beat Joe Pigford nine months agoCredit: Reuters
    Baraou has been a fringe-level world contender over the years but has yet to register a marquee win on his record.
    Beating Eggington could provide him the springboard to push on for a world title shot one day.
    But Eggington won’t go away easy, as his fights with Ted Cheeseman, Carlos Molina and Joe Pigford prove.
    When is Eggington vs Baraou?

    Eggington’s clash with Baraou will take place this week on Friday, March 1.
    The fight will be held at the International Centre in Telford, England.
    The main event is set to get underway from 10.30pm UK time.

    What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
    Eggington vs Baraou will be shown live on Channel 5 in the UK.
    You can live stream the action from the My5 app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    The fight is available to watch for FREE, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
    Full card

    Abass Baraou vs. Sam Eggington
    Andrei Dascalu vs. Joe Jackson-Brown
    Dan Toward vs. Frank Madsen
    Gully Powar vs. Angelo Turco
    Ryan Kelly vs. Ioan Alexandru Lutic
    Elliot Whale vs. Fernando Mosquera
    Kaisee Benjamin vs. TBA
    Matty Harris vs. Amine Boucetta
    Tom Welland vs. Esteban Troetsch
    Nick Leahy vs. Jake Osgood

    Most read in Boxing More