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      FA Cup third round TV fixtures: How to watch and live stream FREE with matches on BT Sport, FA Player and BBC

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      THE world’s greatest cup competition is back as clubs up and down the pyramid prepare for third round weekend.
      With the UK back in lockdown the magic of the FA Cup will hopefully be a tonic for supporters facing months under new coronavirus regulations.

      Arsenal are the defending FA Cup winners and face Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: PA:Press Association

      And in a boost for fans, you’ll be able to watch every single clash on TV – with a number of matches on free-to-air.
      FA Cup third round TV matches
      There are 32 matches this weekend, spread across four days of action.
      Liverpool and Aston Villa get us started on Friday, with Jurgen Klopp’s side looking to avenge their 7-2 humiliation from earlier in the season.
      Matches are being shown on BT Sport, BBC and for the first time, on the FA Player.

      Games on BBC ONE, BBC iPlayer and the FA Player are FREE to watch for everyone – there is no iFollow service running for the FA Cup.
      BT Sport games will be available to anyone who has a subscription to the service, with the BT Sport Extra channel available by pressing the red button.

      BT Sport will be showing the majority of matchesCredit: Paul Marriott – The Sun
      If you have an EE phone contract, you can grab a three-month BT Sport trial by texting SPORT to 150.
      To get the FA Player, head to their official website or download the app from the App or Play Store on your mobile.

      Friday, January 8
      Aston Villa vs Liverpool – 7.45pm (BT Sport 1)
      Wolves vs Crystal Palace – 7.45pm (BT Sport Extra 2)
      Saturday, January 9
      Boreham Woods vs Millwall – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 3)
      Everton vs Rotherham – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 2)
      Luton Town vs Reading – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 6)
      Norwich vs Coventry – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 5)
      Nottingham Forest vs Cardiff – 12pm (BT Sport Extra 4)
      Chorley vs Derby County – 12.15pm (BT Sport 1)
      Blackburn vs Doncaster – 3pm (FA Player)
      Blackpool vs West Brom – 3pm (BT Sport Extra 3)
      Bristol Rovers vs Sheffield United – 3pm (BT Sport Extra 4)
      Burnley vs MK Dons – 3pm (FA Player)
      Exeter City vs Sheffield Wednesday – 3pm (BT Sport Extra 5)
      Oldham vs Bournemouth – 3pm (BT Sport Extra 6)
      QPR vs Fulham – 3pm (BBC iPlayer)
      Stevenage vs Swansea City – 3pm (BBC iPlayer)
      Stoke vs Leicester – 3pm (BBC Red Button/iPlayer)
      Wycombe Wanderers vs Preston – 3pm (FA Player)
      Arsenal vs Newcastle – 5.30pm (BBC ONE)
      Brentford vs Middlesbrough – 6pm (FA Player)
      Huddersfield vs Plymouth – 6pm (FA Player)
      Man Utd vs Watford – 8pm (BT Sport 1)
      Southampton vs Shrewsbury – POSTPONED (COVID)

      Sunday, January 10
      Barnsley vs Tranmere – 1.30pm (FA Player)
      Bristol City vs Portsmouth – 1.30pm (FA Player)
      Chelsea vs Morecambe – 1.30pm (BBC Red Button/iPlayer)
      Cheltenham vs Mansfield Town – 1.30pm (FA Player)
      Crawley Town vs Leeds – 1.30pm (BBC ONE/iPlayer)
      Man City vs Birmingham – 1.30pm (BBC iPlayer)
      Marine vs Tottenham – 5pm (BBC ONE/iPlayer)
      Newport County vs Brighton – 7.45pm (BT Sport 1)
      Monday, January 11
      Stockport County vs West Ham – 8pm (BT Sport 1) More

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      Could FA Cup matches be postponed this weekend due to Covid-19 outbreaks, and will unaffected teams receive a bye?

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      THE FA Cup third round is about to begin but there are concerns over the futures of teams in the competition if they’re stuck down by Covid.
      Derby announced earlier this week that they’ve had to close their training ground because of an outbreak, thus putting their clash with Chorley at risk.

      The FA Cup gets underway on Friday, January 8Credit: PA:Press Association
      Could matches be postponed because of Covid?

      At present, it’s unclear on what the FA will decide to do if a team cannot compete because of a Covid outbreak.
      The FA are likely to deal with any cases individually, and decide the best course of action.
      Team personnel will and have been tested 72 hours before their ties.

      At present, Derby’s clash with Chorley is at risk.

      “Staff members and players were tested on Monday and have subsequently returned a number of positive results,” a Derby statement read.
      “The names of those individuals will not be made public for medical confidentiality reasons, but they and their close contacts must now serve a period of isolation at home in line with UK Government guidelines.

      Arsenal won last season’s FA Cup with a win over ChelseaCredit: EPA
      “In accordance with Derby County and EFL COVID-19 protocol, the club’s Moor Farm training ground has been closed with immediate effect.
      “In addition, the club is in dialogue with the EFL and Football Association in relation to upcoming fixtures.”

      If any teams feels they’re unable to field a team, they can apply for an FA review.

      Derby County have been struck down with a Covid outbreak in the squadCredit: PA:Press Association
      It’s customary, though, that a side who has 14 fit and available players, go ahead with the game.
      The FA will make their decision based off of a number of factors, including whether that particular team followed guidelines correctly, and just how badly affected the squad is.
      The FA have yet to make any announcements on the appropriate course of action.
      Will unaffected teams receive a bye?
      Earlier this season, the EFL decided that Tottenham would receive a bye into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after positive test results in their opponents Leyton Orient’s squad.

      Marine take on Tottenham in their third round clash on Sunday Credit: PA
      But it’s still unclear on what the FA will do.
      Any decision made will depend on the particular circumstances surrounding any potential outbreaks within a squad.
      FA Cup games CALLED OFF
      Southampton vs Shrewsbury (outbreak in Shrewsbury squad) More

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      When is EFL Carabao Cup final 2020/21, and will VAR be used in the final?

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      THE first chance for silverware this season is next up.
      Wembley Stadium plays host for the EFL Cup final, though the date is later than usual in this campaign.

      The EFL Carabao Cup final is the first of the season
      When is the EFL Cup final?

      The EFL Cup final has been moved from February 28 to the date of Sunday April 25, 2021.
      This decision was made in a bid to have as many fans as possible attend the Wembley showdown which will kick off at 4pm.
      In a statement, the EFL said: “This season’s Carabao Cup final has been rescheduled and will now take place on Sunday 25 April 2021, with a 4pm kick-off.
      “It is the objective of the League to stage the final with as many supporters in attendance as possible.

      “And the decision has therefore been taken to move the final from its original date of Sunday February 28, 2021 to later in the year.
      “The number of fans permitted will be dependent on Government guidance in place at the time.
      “And it is hoped that moving the date to later in the year will give clubs and their fans the best opportunity to attend in person.”
      Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham are in the final after they beat Brentford 2-0 in their semi-final.

      They will face either Manchester United or Manchester City in the final.
      Will VAR be used?
      VAR WILL be used in the final.
      The EFL Cup have used the Video Assistant Referee this season, but only from the semi-final stage.
      What have they said?
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on his Man Utd squad before their semi-final: “We have developed a lot in the last 12 months from last season’s EFL Cup semi-final.
      “It is not just a case of learning how to win them, it is earning the right to go all the way. But we are confident and we are in good form. There are no excuses.” More

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      Do EFL Cup semi-finals have extra-time or penalties after 90 minutes if they finish in a draw?

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      THE Carabao Cup is back this week with two massive final-four clashes. 
      This season’s tournament is nearing it’s conclusion with just the semi finals to go, but what happens if games are all square after 90 minutes?

      Man City have won the last THREE League Cups in a rowCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Do EFL Cup ties go to extra time or straight to penalties?

      So far this season, every EFL Cup tie has gone straight to penalties after 90 minutes if a draw.
      That WON’T be the case at the semi final stage.
      If either of the final four matches end in a stalemate, 30 minutes of extra-time will be played before a penalty shootout if the match stays level.
      Replays have been scrapped for the entire tournament – and the FA Cup has even followed suit. 

      What are the EFL Cup semi fixtures?
      Tuesday, January 5

      Tottenham vs Brentford (7.45pm)
      Wednesday, January 6
      Man Utd vs Man City (7.45pm)
      When is the EFL Cup final?
      The EFL Cup final has been moved from February 28 to Sunday April 25, 2021.
      This decision has been made in a bid to have as many fans as possible attend the Wembley showdown which will kick off at 4pm.
      In a statement, the EFL said: “This season’s Carabao Cup final has been rescheduled and will now take place on Sunday 25 April 2021, with a 4pm kick-off.
      “It is the objective of the League to stage the final with as many supporters in attendance as possible.
      “And the decision has therefore been taken to move the final from its original date of Sunday February 28, 2021 to later in the year.
      “The number of fans permitted will be dependent on Government guidance in place at the time.
      “And it is hoped that moving the date to later in the year will give clubs and their fans the best opportunity to attend in person.
      “The competition is set to continue this week, with the quarter-finals to be played across Tuesday December 22 and Wednesday December 23, with all four games live on Sky Sports.” More

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      What was Colin Bell’s cause of death and how many games did ‘King of the Kippax’ play for Man City?

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      MANCHESTER CITY players will wear club legend Colin Bell’s No 8 shirt out onto the pitch tonight ahead of their clash with Manchester United.
      The former England international passed away on Tuesday and the tributes have since been flooding in.

      Colin Bell made 492 appearances for Man City during his football careerCredit: PA
      What was Colin Bell’s cause of death?

      Bell died at the age of 74 after a short non-Covid related illness.
      “It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of Manchester City legend Colin Bell,” a City statement read.

      “Colin passed away peacefully this afternoon after a short, non-Covid related illness, aged 74.
      “He leaves behind wife Marie, children Jon and Dawn and grandchildren, Luke, Mark, Isla and Jack.”

      How many did games did he play for Man City
      The City icon played a whopping 492 times for City across 13 years between 1966 and 1979.
      Bell scored 152 goals during his time as a City player.
      He also played earned himself 48 caps playing for England.

      Colin Bell died after a short non Covid-related illness Credit: PA:Press Association
      City named one of their stands at the Etihad after Bell following a fan vote in 2004.

      Bell first moved to City for a fee of around £47,500.
      He went on to win a an FA Cup, League Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup with the Citizens.

      And tonight, City players will honour Bell by wearing his No 8 shirt out onto the pitch to face Man Utd.
      A win for City would see them through to their third successive Carabao Cup final. More

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      Who are James Trafford and Zack Steffen? The Man City goalkeepers set to feature in EFL Cup semi-final against Man Utd

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      MANCHESTER CITY had no choice but to start Zack Steffen in goal against Chelsea at the weekend after Ederson’s positive coronavirus test.
      He made a shaky start to life in the first team, picking up a back pass but was fortunate as his side picked up a 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

      Zack Steffen started in City’s 3-1 win over Man Utd at the weekendCredit: AFP

      And tonight, it doesn’t get easier for Steffen, who will play in goal in City’s Carabao Cup semi-final against rivals Manchester United.
      But James Trafford could also feature, as he will be on the bench for City.
      Who is Zack Steffen?
      Zack Steffen moved to City from Columbus Crew in July 2019 for a reported fee of around £7million.
      Steffen, 25, began his professional career ing Germany with SC Freiburg after spending his college years playing in NCAA Division 1 tournaments.

      After Freiburg, Steffen was signed by Columbus in 2016 and he spent some time on loan with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds soon after.

      Steffen collected a back pass in City’s win over Chelsea Credit: Reuters
      It was because of his impressive performances, after returning to Columbus, that City’s interest ignited.
      Bristol City reportedly inquired about his signature but City ultimately won the battle.
      City sent Steffen out on loan to Fortuna Dusseldorf before returning to Manchester as the club’s second-choice goalkeeper.

      He made his debut against Bournemouth earlier in the League Cup, before marking his Champions League appearance with a 3-0 win over Marseille.
      And against Chelsea, despite a shaky start where he collected a back pass, Steffen looked calm throughout.
      Overall, Steffen has made 185 appearances as a player throughout his career, keeping 35 clean sheets.
      Who is James Trafford?
      James Trafford has been at City since he was a 12-year-old, having signed from Carlisle.
      He has yet to make a first-team appearance for City, but he could get a chance tonight.
      He’ll be on the bench while Steffen starts in goal for the Citizens.
      But should Steffen need to come off the pitch for any reason, Trafford will get a huge chance to impress.

      Why is Steffen playing vs Man Utd?
      The American will play against United this evening because Ederson is still out of action thanks to his positive coronavirus test.
      Fellow reserve keeper Scott Carson also contracted the virus and won’t be available to play.

      Steffen will start against Man Utd tonight Credit: AP:Associated Press
      “Manchester City FC can confirm that Scott Carson, Cole Palmer and one member of staff have tested positive for Covid-19,” a statement read.
      “Both personnel will now observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine.
      “Everyone at the Club wishes Scott, Cole and all of our other colleagues a speedy recovery ahead of their return to work, training and competition.” More

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      Man Utd vs Man City: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for tonight’s big EFL Cup semi-final clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED face cross-town rivals Manchester City for a place in the EFL Cup final against Tottenham.
      The Red Devils overcame Everton in the quarter-finals while City thrashed Arsenal 4-1 at the Emirates.

      Man Utd drew with Man City 0-0 when they played each other on Dec 12Credit: EPA
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      Check out today’s best football bets and odds boosts for Man Utd vs Man City
      United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for his first major trophy as a manager, while Guardiola is aiming to capture a third successive Carabao Cup.
      What time does Man Utd vs Man City kick-off?
      The derby clash is set for TONIGHT, with kick-off at 7.45pm GMT.
      The game will be played at Old Trafford.
      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      City’s visit to Old Trafford will be shown live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
      The game will be available for live streaming from the Sky Go and NOW TV apps, both of which can be downloaded onto a mobile or tablet device.
      You can also catch the action on a Smart TV, so long as it carries NOW TV.

      Team news
      City remained ravaged by a Covid-19 outbreak and look set to be without Ederson, Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker, Ferran Torres and Eric Garcia.

      Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake missed the trip to Chelsea and are both likely to be out.
      And between the sticks, City have a huge problem with Edison and Scott Carson out due to Covid.
      That leaves American stopper Zack Steffen as their only fit goalkeeper.
      For United, they have a fresh squad to choose from with only Victor Lindelof a major doubt due to a back injury.

      Dean Henderson is expected to start over David De Gea, while Donny van de Beek could also feature.

      Odds
      Man Utd – 5/2
      Draw – 5/2
      Man City – 1/1
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      EFL Carabao Cup VAR rules: Does League Cup use the Video Assistant Referee this season?

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      The Carabao Cup has reached the semi-finals, but will VAR be making an appearance?
      The video referee system has proved controversial in the Premier League.

      VAR has become a regular feature in English footballCredit: PA:Press Association
      Does the Carabao Cup have VAR?

      From the semi-final stage up to the final, VAR WILL be used in the Carabao Cup.
      It has not been used in rounds up to the semi-finals this season.
      VAR was used in the Carabao Cup in 2018/19 but the EFL opted to get rid of the system last season on the grounds that it was only being used at Premier League venues.
      This caused particular controversy in the FA Cup when Man City were given a controversial penalty at Swansea and no VAR was allowed to be used even though the Liberty Stadium had the system installed.

      What decisions is VAR used for?
      THE video assistant referee can be called upon for four key on-field incidents. 
      These are:
      Awarding goals
      Penalty decisions
      Red card decisions
      Cases of mistaken identity
      How does VAR work?
      THE video assistant referee will liaise with the on-pitch referee to relay information on calls.
      The video assistant referee – a top official who will be based at Stockley Park for the matches – has access to every camera angle and goal-line technology cameras.

      The VAR also has an assistant watching the game with them. More