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      Can Nick Pope play in the Carabao Cup final against Man Utd?

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      NEWCASTLE are just days away from participating in the biggest game of the clubs recent history – but they have a goalkeeping nightmare.The Magpies’ number one keeper Nick Pope saw red for a moment of madness against Liverpool.
      Nick Pope got sent off against LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
      And now fans fear that it could rule him out of their Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.
      Can Nick Pope play in the Carabao Cup final?
      Nick Pope will NOT play in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United on Sunday due to receiving a straight red against Liverpool.
      The English keeper handled the ball outside of his box to deny Mohamed Salah a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
      And in an unfortunate series of events, second in line, Martin Dubravka will also be unavailable for next Sunday’s huge final.
      Why can’t Martin Dubravka play?
      Martin Dubravka will be cup-tied having represented Manchester United in the Carabao Cup this season.
      And Karl Darlow looks set to be unavailable because he is out on loan at Hull City.
      Meaning that Newcastle have no option but to play forgotten man Loris Karius.
      Karius, 29, has not played a competitive match since a 1-1 draw for Union Berlin during a loan spell from Anfield on February 28, 2021 – almost exactly two years before the final.
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      Why is Thomas Partey not playing for Arsenal against Aston Villa today, and when could he return?

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      ARSENAL are again without the services of Thomas Partey this afternoon for the Aston Villa clash.The Ghana midfielder has been an integral part of the Gunners XI this season, and they have missed him when he’s been absent.
      Thomas Partey, right, misses out again for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Jorginho has kept his spot in midfield due to the absence of Partey for the Villa Park clash.
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      Why is Thomas Partey not playing for Arsenal?
      Thomas Partey has a back spasm and is out injured for Arsenal.
      This forced him to miss the 3-1 defeat by Manchester City last week.
      The result saw City leapfrog Arsenal to the top of the Premier League.
      Gunners manager Mikel Arteta said about Partey’s injury before the City loss: “It’s what happens in football, players pick up injuries.
      “Unfortunately Thomas felt something in his back muscle and he wasn’t available to play.”
      Thomas Partey has a back injuryCredit: Getty
      When is Thomas Partey set to return?
      Partey was assessed before the Villa game, so his injury is not thought to be long-term.
      Arteta said: “He probably needs another week.”
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      This would put him down as an expected return for the match at Leicester next Saturday, February 25. More

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      Who was Christian Atsu’s wife Marie-Claire Rupio?

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      CHRISTIAN ATSU has been tragically found dead 12 days after the Turkey earthquake, it has been confirmed.The former Newcastle and Chelsea player was caught up in the devastating 7.8-magnitude quake that rocked Turkey and Syria on February 6, killing more than 43,000 people.
      Christian Atsu previously played for Chelsea, Newcastle and EvertonCredit: AFP
      “Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble,” Murat Uzunmehmet told reporters in Hatay.
      “Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found.”
      There were initial reports the midfielder had been rescued a day after the quake, but these turned out to be false.
      Who is Christian Atsu’s wife?
      Atsu met his wife Marie-Claire Rupio in Portugal nearly a decade ago when he was playing for Porto.
      The pair got married in 2012 and welcomed three kids to their lives.
      Atsu said to Tv3 Sports: “I met my wife in Portugal and you can see we have a beautiful family. We’ve been together for nine to ten years and I just love her.”
      Christian Atsu married wife Marie-Claire in 2012
      Atsu previously played for Chelsea, Everton, Newcastle and Bournemouth in the Premier League.
      The 31-year-old has also had spells in Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Holland.
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      Has Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani put in a bid for Man Utd and what is his net worth?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are edging closer to the completion of a huge takeover – and Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has officially made his interest known.The Glazers put the club up for sale back in November after 17 years of ownership.
      Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has confirmed his interest in buying Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      But the United owners set a deadline of 10pm GMT on Friday, February 17 for potential buyers to submit their bids.
      It was reported that the Glazer family wanted £5billion to sell the English giants despite its current value of £2.9bn.
      And it seems as if Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani could be the man to give them what they want.
      Has Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani put in a bid for Man Utd?
      Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, a member of the Gulf state’s ruling Royal Family, is aiming for a full buy-out of the Old Trafford club.
      And his father Hamad is a former Prime Minister of Qatar, made his formal approach to United’s bid supervisors, the US-based Raine Group, ahead of the “soft” deadline.
      In a statement issued on his behalf by a senior London PR company, Sheikh Jassim said he planned to “return the Club to its former glories both on and off the pitch”.
      The statement added: “Above all, the bid will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.”
      What is Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s net worth?
      Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is part of the ruling royal family who have a collective net worth estimated to be at around $335billion (£275bn).
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      The head of the royal family – Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is estimated to be worth around $2bn (£1.6bn) alone. More

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      Man Utd vs Leicester: Red Devils look to build on Barcelona thriller against rejuvenated Foxes – stream, TV, odds

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Leicester kick off Sunday’s Premier League action with a tasty affair at Old Trafford.The Red Devils return to English top-flight football fresh from a scintillating 2-2 Europa League draw with Barcelona.
      Marcus Rashford played a pivotal part in holding Barcelona to a drawCredit: Getty
      James Maddison and Kelechi Iheanacho both got on the scoresheet in the Spurs rompCredit: Getty
      And the man of the moment, Marcus Rashford got on the scoresheet once again as well as playing a key role in Jules Kounde’s own goal.
      Erik Ten Hag will be hoping that the England international can deliver against a Leicester side who are beginning to put a nice winning run together.
      Furthermore, the Foxes certainly have an eye for goal having scored EIGHT goal in their last two league fixtures – including firing four past Tottenham Hotspur.
      When is Man Utd vs Leicester?

      Manchester United entertain Leicester on Sunday, February 19.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 2pm GMT.
      Old Trafford is the allocated arena for this tasty Premier League encounter and it can host around 74,310 fans.
      Jadon Sancho’s goal was enough to see United snatch all three points when the sides last met in September.

      Read more on Man Utd
      What TV channel is Man Utd vs Leicester on and can it be live streamed?

      Manchester United vs Leicester will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 1pm GMT on Sky Sports Premier League – one hour before kick-off.
      Fans can head to NOW TV to stream the entire action.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the match.

      What is the team news?
      Erik Ten Hag will be forced to continue without long-term absentees Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek.
      The quartet of Anthony Martial, Anthony, Phil Jones and Scott McTominay are also likely to miss the Leicester clash.
      Casemiro remain suspended for the red card he picked up against Crystal Palace.
      Most read in Football
      But Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are expected to return to the fold having missed out on the Barcelona draw through suspension.
      Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers will be sweating over the fitness of James Maddison who picked up a slight knock against Spurs.
      Boubakary Soumare, Jonny Evans, Ryan Bertrand and Youri Tielemans look set to miss out.
      And James Justin is out for the season with an Achilles tendon injury.
      What is the odds?

      Man Utd to win 8/13
      Draw 16/5
      Leicester to win 4/1

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

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      Newcastle vs Liverpool: Reds look to build on Merseyside win against Champions League chasing Magpies – stream, TV, odds

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      LIVERPOOL and Newcastle round off Saturday’s Premier League action with a mouth-watering contest at St. James’ Park.The Reds finally recorded their first league win of 2023 against Merseyside rivals Everton last weekend.
      Cody Gakpo inspired Liverpool to a 2-0 win against local rivals EvertonCredit: PA
      And Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that the Toffees triumph can be the turning point in Liverpool’s torrid campaign.
      However, the Reds come up against a top-four dreaming Newcastle side who have only lost one league game all season.
      But Eddie Howe’s men will be cautious as that defeat came against Liverpool.
      When is Newcastle vs Liverpool?

      Newcastle host Liverpool on Saturday, February 18.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm GMT.
      St. James’ Park is the allocated arena for this huge Premier League clash and it can hold 52,000 supporters.
      Fabio Carvalho’s last-gasp strike saw Liverpool snatch all three points in August.

      Read more on Premier League
      What TV channel Newcastle vs Liverpool on and can it be live streamed?

      Newcastle vs Liverpool will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 5pm GMT on both channels – 30 minutes before kick-off.
      Fans can also head to NOW TV to stream the entire action.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the match.

      What is the team news?
      Joe Willock, Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett are all expected to miss the Liverpool clash while Bruno Guimaraes remains suspended.
      Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin will need to be assessed after being forced off in the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
      However, Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles should be fit and raring to go.
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      Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp will have to continue without Diogo Ibrahima Konate, Luis Diaz and Thiago Alcantara.
      But the Liverpool boss has received a triple injury boost in the form of Virgil Van Dijk, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.
      Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Virgil Van Dijk is available to startCredit: AFP
      What is the odds?

      Newcastle to win 31/20
      Draw 12/5
      Liverpool to win 7/4

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

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      Is Chelsea vs Southampton on TV? Blues desperate to bounce back from Dortmund loss against struggling Saints – stream

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      CHELSEA return to Premier League action desperate for a win against relegation-battling Southampton.The Blues smashed the British transfer record in January with the signing of World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez.
      Enzo Fernandez couldn’t stop Karim Adeyemi’s winning goal for DortmundCredit: Getty
      But they can’t buy a win at the moment having gone four consecutive matches without victory – including a 1-0 Champions League loss to Borussia Dortmund.
      However, Southampton is a good opportunity for Graham Potter’s men to return to winning ways as the Saints currently sit rock-bottom of the table.
      Furthermore, Chelsea will be determined to capitalise on a managerless Southampton side after the sacking of Nathan Jones.
      When is Chelsea vs Southampton?

      Chelsea entertain Southampton on Saturday, February 18.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 3pm GMT.
      Stamford Bridge is the allocated arena for this Premier League match and it can host approximately 40,341 fans.
      Southampton ran out 2-1 winners when the sides last met in August 2022.

      Read more on Chelsea
      Is Chelsea vs Southampton on TV and can it be live streamed?

      Unfortunately, Chelsea vs Southampton will NOT be broadcast live on TV in the UK.
      This is due to the Saturday 3pm football blackout law in the UK.
      However, US viewers can stream the entire action live on Peacock.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the match.

      What is the team news?
      Graham Potter will have to continue without the injured quartet of Edouard Mendy, N’Golo Kante, Christian Pulisic and Armando Broja.
      English duo Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell remain doubtful.
      However, David Datro Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang are all available for selection having been left of the Champions League squad.
      Most read in Football
      Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is one of four not chosen for the Champions League squadCredit: Getty
      Elsewhere, Valentino Livramento, Alex McCarthy and Juan Larios all remain side-lined for the Saints.
      But interim boss Ruben Selles will be delighted to see Kyle Walker-Peters fit and raring to go.
      What are the odds?

      Chelsea to win 4/11
      Draw 15/4
      Southampton to win 9/1

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

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      Aston Villa vs Arsenal- Arteta’s men desperate to return to winning ways against former manager – TV channel and stream

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      ARSENAL head to Villa park desperate to return to winning ways, having relinquished top spot to Manchester City on Wednesday night. Mikel Arteta’s men haven’t won in their last three Premier League games following defeat’s to Everton and Manchester City and a draw to Brentford.
      Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins celebrating a goal against Manchester City.Credit: Getty
      Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring against Manchester City.Credit: Getty
      The Gunners remain in a great position level on points with Pep Guardiola’s side with a game in hand.
      Standing in their way on Saturday lunchtime is former boss Unai Emery and his Aston Villa side.
      Emery guided Arsenal to a Europa League final during his time at the club.
      Villa have been in good form under the former Gunners boss and sit 11th in the table.
      Read more in Sport
      The Villains will be looking to turn their form around after last weekend’s 3-1 loss to Manchester City.
      When is Aston Villa vs Arsenal?

      Aston Villa’s clash with Arsenal is on Saturday, February 18th.
      Kick off is scheduled for 12:30pm UK time.
      Villa Park will play host.

      Is it on TV and can it be live streamed?

      Aston Villa vs Arsenal will be shown live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate.
      It can be streamed on the BT Sport app which you can download to your mobile device or tablet but you must have an active BT Sport subscription.

      Can I watch it for FREE?

      No, Aston Villa vs Arsenal can’t be watched for free.

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      Team news
      Thomas Partey remains a doubt for Arsenal after missing Wednesday night’s defeat to Manchester City.
      Gabriel Jesus, Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith Rowe are all out.
      Aston Villa are without Diego Carlos and have doubts over Tyrone Mings who missed last weeks defeat to Manchester City.
      What are the odds?
      Aston Villa win 7/2
      Draw 27/10
      Arsenal victory 4/5
      Odds courtesy of Betfair More