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      in Soccer

      Is EFL Carabao Cup semi-final one leg or two? Full rules for 2020/21 competition

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      THE CARABAO CUP is now down to the final four.
      Man Utd take on Man City in a huge Manchester derby while Brentford face Tottenham, but what are EFL Cup semi-final rules?

      Man Utd take on Man City in the EFL Cup semi-finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Is the Carabao Cup semi-final one leg or two?

      The Carabao Cup semi-final has traditionally been two legs, although the rules have been changed in recent years.
      Away goals were previously used after extra time to separate two sides if they happened to be level after two legs.
      But that was done away with when the EFL scrapped extra time, meaning any ties that were level were decided on penalties.
      And this year’s Carabao Cup semi-final will consist of just one leg in order to ease fixture congestion caused by the delayed start to the season and the Covid pandemic.

      Whichever team is drawn first in each tie will play at home.

      Does the Carabao Cup have VAR?
      The Carabao Cup does not have VAR – the only competition Premier League sides participate in in which this is the case.
      The tournament is organised by the EFL who have chosen not to introduce it at any level.
      Which teams are in the Carabao Cup semi-final?
      Manchester United vs Manchester City
      Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur
      Matches to be played the week of January 4, 2021 More

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      in Soccer

      Tottenham vs Brentford: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for big EFL semi-final

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      TOTTENHAM take on Brentford in their EFL Cup semi-finals as Jose Mourinho hunts the club’s first trophy since 2008.
      Spurs beat Stoke while Brentford overcame Newcastle in their respective quarter-final match-ups.

      Brentford beat Newcastle in their quarter-final to set up a game with SpursCredit: AP:Associated Press
      What time does Tottenham vs Brentford kick-off?
      Tottenham’s semi-final clash with Brentford will kick-off at 7.45pm UK time on January 5 2021.
      The game will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      There will be no supporters in attendance because London is in tier 4 of the government’s coronavirus restrictions.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      The game will be shown live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
      Both games are available for live streaming from the Sky Go or NOW TV apps, which can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.
      You can also catch all the action from a Smart TV, so long as it carries NOW TV.

      Team news

      Deli Alli could feature for Spurs as Jose Mourinho looks to ensure their safe passage to the final.
      Giovani Lo Celso and Gareth Bale are out with injury, while Matt Doherty is suspended.
      Brentford have no new injury concerns ahead of the game, with Sergi Canos set to start.
      Odds
      Tottenham – 4/9

      Draw – 17/5
      Brentford – 6/1
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      in Soccer

      Southampton vs Liverpool: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for TODAY’s Premier League clash

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      LIVERPOOL face Southampton tonight in their first Premier League fixture of 2021.
      The Reds are flying high at the top of the league and will take another step closer to a potential title retention with a win over the Saints on the south coast.

      Jurgen Klopp has been critical of Liverpool’s fixture schedule this seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
      What time does Southampton vs Liverpool kick-off?
      Kick-off is at 8pm GMT on Monday January 4 – TODAY.
      The game will take place at St Mary’s Stadium.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Southampton’s clash with Liverpool will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.
      All of the action will be available for live streaming on the Sky Go and NOW TV apps, both of which can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.
      You can also catch the game on a Smart TV, so long as it carries NOW TV.

      Team news

      Liverpool have more injury concerns to worry about ahead of a clash they simply need to win to maintain a grip on the top of the league.
      Joel Matip is out of action after suffering an adductor injury in the 1-1 draw with West Brom last weekend.
      Naby Keita is still out of action with a muscle problem, which he also picked up in the draw with the Baggies.
      Both Diogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas are not going to be ready for the game because oe knee injuries.

      Both Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk are still sidelined with long-term knee injuries as well.
      Odds
      Southampton – 4/1
      Draw – 3/1
      Liverpool – 4/6

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

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Southampton vs Liverpool: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for big Premier League game

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      LIVERPOOL take on Southampton in their first Premier League fixture of 2021 at St Mary’s.
      The Reds are flying high at the top of the league and will take another step closer to a potential title retention with a win over the Saints on the south coast.

      Jurgen Klopp has been critical of Liverpool’s fixture schedule this seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
      What time does Southampton vs Liverpool kick-off?
      Liverpool’s trip down to Southampton will get underway from 8pm UK time on Monday, January 4 2021.
      The game will take place at St Mary’s Stadium.
      There will be no fans in attendance for the clash as Southampton is in tier 2 of the government’s coronavirus restrictions.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Southampton’s clash with Liverpool will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.
      All of the action will be available for live streaming on the Sky Go and NOW TV apps, both of which can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.
      You can also catch the game on a Smart TV, so long as it carries NOW TV.

      Team news

      Liverpool have more injury concerns to worry about ahead of a clash they simply need to win to maintain a grip on the top of the league.
      Joel Matip is out of action after suffering an adductor injury in the 1-1 draw with West Brom last weekend.
      Naby Keita is still out of action with a muscle problem, which he also picked up in the draw with the Baggies.
      Both Diogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas are not going to be ready for the game because oe knee injuries.

      Both Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk are still sidelined with long-term knee injuries as well.
      Odds
      Southampton – 4/1
      Draw – 3/1
      Liverpool – 4/6

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

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea vs Man City: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for massive Premier League clash

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      CHELSEA get their 2021 underway with a blockbuster Premier League clash at home to Manchester City.
      Both sides are looking to maintain their places in and around the top four in the table and victory for either side at Stamford Bridge would put them in good stead to do so.

      Thiago Silva has been brilliant this season for ChelseaCredit: Alamy Live News
      What time does Chelsea vs Man City kick-off?
      Chelsea’s big clash with Man City will get underway from 4.30pm UK time on Sunday, January 3.
      The game will be played in London at Stamford Bridge,
      There will be no supporters in attendance as the capital is currently in tier 4 of the government’s coronavirus restrictions.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      City’s visit to Chelsea will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.
      The action is available for live streaming from the Sky Go or NOW TV apps, both of which can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.
      You can also watch the game from a Smart TV, so long as it carries NOW TV.

      Team news

      City will be without striker Gabriel Jesus for the game because he tested positive for coronavirus.
      Kyle Walker also tested positive for the virus as City’s last fixture with Everton had to be postponed because of an outbreak.
      Eric Garcia is also out off the game with a muscle injury but City don’t have any further absentees to deal with ahead of the clash.
      Chelsea boss Lampard has said that Hakim Ziyech could return against City but it’s still doubtful.

      Reece James may also miss out as he has a hamstring strain, though Lampard is hopeful he can take part.
      Odds
      Chelsea – 2/1
      Draw – 5/2
      Man City – 6/5
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      West Brom vs Arsenal FREE: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for TONIGHT’S big Premier League match

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      ARSENAL face West Brom at the Hawthorns tonight looking to make it three Premier League wins on the bounce.
      The Gunners ended 2020 on a high after back-to-back defeats, while Sam Allardyce will be keen for the Baggies to hit back from their embarrassing 5-0 loss to Leeds.

      Arsenal have been all over the place in the Premier League this seasonCredit: Reuters
      What time does West Brom vs Arsenal kick off?
      Kick-off tonight is at 8pm GMT.
      It takes place at The Hawthorns.
      What TV channel is West Brom vs Arsenal on and can I live stream it?
      West Brom vs Arsenal is live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate.
      To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.
      How do I watch West Brom vs Arsenal for free?
      EE customers can get a free three-month trial of BT Sport by texting SPORT to 150.
      At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription.
      Or you can cancel the trial at any time during the three months by texting STOP SPORT to 150.

      Team news

      Arsenal are still without Gabriel Magalhaes after he tested positive for coronavirus earlier in the month.
      Willian is also doubtful as he has an illness himself, too.
      And their Brazilian compatriot David Luiz is also suffering with an illness, though both he and Willian tested negative for coronavirus.

      How Arsenal could line up against the Baggies
      Thomas Partey is still sidelined with a thigh problem but he could return to action for the Gunners’ clash with Newcastle on January 9.

      Odds
      West Brom – 9/2
      Draw – 3/1
      Arsenal – 3/5
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      How old is Paul Merson, how many children does he have, and who is ex-Arsenal star’s wife?

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      PAUL MERSON is on our screens each weekend as part of Sky’s Soccer Saturday.
      The former Arsenal midfielder – who battled alcohol and gambling addictions as a player – also made 21 appearances for England during his career.

      Paul Merson will be among a number of former England stars taking part in TV show Harry’s Heroes
      How old is Paul Merson?

      The Londoner was born March 20, 1968 – meaning he is aged 52.
      Merson had a distinguished career as a player, winning the First Division – now Premier League – twice with Arsenal.
      The attacking midfielder also played for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Walsall – becoming player-manager at the latter.
      Merson also turned out 21 times for England, taking part in the 1998 World Cup where they lost to Argentina in the infamous penalty shootout.

      Nowadays, he is most notably seen as one of the panellists on Gillette Soccer Saturday, covering one of the headline matches for Sky Sports.
      Merson also co-hosts their Fantasy Football Club programme alongside Max Rushden.

      Paul Merson is now most known for reporting on matches on Gillette Soccer Saturday for Sky SportsCredit: Rex Features
      Who is his wife?
      He is currently married to Kate Merson, his third wife – the ex-Arsenal star previously wed Lorraine Costin and Louise.
      The Sky Sports pundit has seven children –  including twin girls.

      His eighth child is due in January 2021.
      Meanwhile, his son Sam from his first marriage with Lorraine, is a footballer, currently turning out for St Albans City in National League South.

      Paul Merson struggled with alcoholism, drugs and gambling addiction during his football careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Did he have a drinking and gambling addiction?
      Merson’s career was often blighted by his addiction to alcohol and betting, along with drugs.
      In October 2011, he was involved in a car crash with a lorry, where he was later arrested for drink-driving.
      His first wife Lorraine has recalled how she was unaware that he had gambled away £7million worth – but was never in any financial trouble.
      Merson’s childhood sweetheart also claims that he is still afflicted by his addiction and has not yet got a handle on it.
      In March 2019, he thanked fans for their support after admitting that his gambling addiction left him feeling “like a crack addict”.

      Is he part of Harry’s Heroes?
      Merson took part in the ITV show Harry’s Heroes: The Full English, which aired in 2019.
      Viewers praised him for candidly revealing he wanted to kill himself over gambling and drugs addiction.
      The show pitted a team of England legends from the 1990s against their German counterparts.
      The veteran Three Lions side was coached by former West Ham and Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp.
      Redknapp was tasked with getting the team of unfit England footie heroes back in shape and back into the Three Lions shirts they wore with pride in their heyday.
      And the second season Harry’s Heroes: Euro Having a Laugh is coming back to our screens with three episodes in total.
      The first episode is on Monday 18 May at 9pm, the second on Tuesday 19 May and the big finale all the same time on Wednesday 20 May.
      The series will also be available on ITV Player. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Ryan Garcia vs Luke Campbell: UK start time, live stream on DAZN, TV channel, how to watch TONIGHT’S fight, undercard

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      BOXING kicks off 2021 with a bang as Ryan Garcia readies himself for a fight with Luke Campbell.
      Garcia, who’s relatively untested as a fighter in the lightweight division, will take on two-time world title challenger and Olympic gold-medallist Campbell in a WBC lightweight title eliminator.

      Ryan Garcia will fight Luke Campbell on December 2 Credit: Instagram
      (Ad) Watch the fight HERE exclusively live on DAZN for just £1.99.
      Fans of the sport are in eagerly anticipating the match-up, which puts the winner right into a world title picture next year.
      Garcia and Campbell signed the deal to fight earlier this year, with Golden Boy Promotions to promote the event in the U.S.
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      When is Ryan Garcia vs Luke Campbell?
      Garcia’s huge clash with Campbell was supposed to take place on December 5 in California.
      However, Campbell tested positive for coronavirus, putting the fight back until Saturday, January 2, 2021.
      What channel is Garcia vs Campbell and can it be live streamed?
      Garcia vs Campbell will be shown live on DAZN UK, which launched on December 18 with Gennady Golovkin vs Kamil Szeremeta.
      Garcia’s promoters Golden Boy, and Campbell’s Matchroom, are both tied into deals with DAZN in the U.S. and will likely now see shows from across the pond broadcast on the streaming platform in the UK.
      The fight will take place in the Texas at the American Airlines Center.
      Garcia vs Campbell will be available for streaming on the DAZN app, which you can subscribe to for just £1.99 per month, by clicking HERE.
      The DAZN app can be downloaded onto a mobile, tablet device or onto a smart TV.
      What time does Garcia vs Campbell start?
      We can expect an earlier start time for fans hoping to watch in the UK.
      Garcia’s huge clash with Campbell will likely get underway from 11pm GMT time on January 2, which is 5pm local time.
      The card is timed to accommodate both US and global viewers to DAZN.

      Luke Campbell lost his last fight with Vasyl Lomachenko in LondonCredit: Reuters

      Ryan Garcia is one of the highest-rated prospects in boxingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Garcia vs Campbell undercard
      Rene Alvarado defends his title against Roger Gutierrez as chief support on the bill.
      Ryan Garcia vs Luke Campbell (interim WBA world light title)
      Rene Alvarado vs Roger Gutierrez (WBA world super-featherweight title)
      Felix Alvarado vs DeeJay Krie (IBF world light-flyweight title)
      Franchon Crews Dezurn vs Ashleigh Curry (super-middleweight)
      Sean Garcia vs Rene Marquez (lightweight)
      Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in payment to The Sun. More