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      in Soccer

      Arsenal vs Man City: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for huge Carabao Cup quarter-final tie

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      ARSENAL come up against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals this week.
      The Gunners have been on a wretched run of form in the league, and it doesn’t get much easier against City, who will be looking to make it to yet another Carabao Cup final.

      Arsenal will be hoping to make it to the Carabao Cup semi-finalsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      What time does Arsenal vs Man City kick-off?
      Arsenal’s clash with Man City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final will get underway from 8pm on Tuesday, December 22.
      The game will take place at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.
      There will be no fans in attendance because London is in tier 4 of the government’s coronavirus restrictions.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      The game will be shown live on Sky Sports Football.
      The game will be available for live streaming from the Sky Go or NOW TV app.
      Both of those apps can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Team news

      Arsenal will be without their captain and star player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang because of a calf injury.
      Thomas Partey is also still on the doctor’s table while Granit Xhaka continues his suspension.
      Gabriel Magalhaes should be back in contention to play after finishing his own suspension.
      Raheem Sterling could start for City while Gabriel Jesus may miss out because of a dental problem.

      The likes of Sergio Aguero and Phil Foden will also be pushing to start.
      Odds
      Arsenal – 19/5
      Draw – 16/5
      Man City – 8/13

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

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      in Soccer

      Brentford vs Newcastle: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Carabao Cup quarter-final clash

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      CHAMPIONSHIP side Brentford take on Newcastle in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup.
      A place in this season’s last four is up for grabs, which will be just one step away from a Wembley Stadium showpiece at the end of February.

      Callum Wilson could play for Newcastle against BrentfordCredit: PA:Press Association
      What time does Brentford vs Newcastle kick-off?
      Brentford’s important clash with Newcastle will get underway at 5.30pm on Tuesday, December 22.
      The game will take place at the Brentford Community Stadium.
      There will be no fans in attendance as London is in tier 4 of the government’s coronavirus restriction guidelines.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      Brentford’s quarter-final game with Newcastle will be shown live on Sky Sports Football.
      The clash is available for live streaming on your Sky Go or NOW TV apps.
      Both apps can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Team news

      Brentford can welcome Ethan Pinnock back into their side after he served his one-game suspension.
      In goal for Brentford, Luke Daniels could be given the chance with Christian Norgaard also in the running to play after returning from injury.
      For Newcastle, they’re likely to make several changes to the side which drew with Fulham in the Premier League.
      Andy Carroll will be hoping for a start, as will Ryan Fraser, who hasn’t featured too regularly for the Magpies in the league.

      Odds
      Brentford – 23/20
      Draw – 29/10
      Newcastle – 9/5
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea 3-0 West Ham LIVE RESULT: Tammy Abraham double and Thiago Silva secure comfortable Blues win

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      CHELSEA secured an important win over West Ham at Stamford Bridge.
      A powerful Thiago Silva header put the Blues in front before two Tammy Abraham goals in two minutes made the game safe.

      However Ben Chilwell went off injured early on in a blow to the West Londoners.

      THAT’S A WRAP
      Thanks for joining us for the last Premier League game before Christmas.
      Here’s our match report, courtesy of Andy Dillon.

      MOYES SPEAKS
      West Ham boss David Moyes says: “I didn’t think we deserved that, but obviously we conceded three goals, so it’s the correct score.
      “I think we had chances as well, we had a lot of the ball.
      “It was a big test and I thought for long spells we did well. But the truth is we didn’t do enough in the box.
      “They’re a threat and have some power- we tried to prepare for it, but we got caught out early.
      “You’re playing against a good team and you know it’s a tough game. It was difficult to not get anything in our favour tonight, that was unlucky.
      “I thought there were a bundle of [decisions] that were wrong tonight.
      “I thought it was a big test, while we haven’t got the result, we’ve shown that we can give big sides a game.” 

      ON HIS STRIKER CHOICE
      When asked about why Abraham was chosen over Giroud, Lampard says: “The individual form would have been a tough call on Oli as he’s been playing well.
      “The pair have different attributes; I just felt with West Ham, where they’re solid and well organised, that Tammy’s natural ability to run behind them would suit us and it did tonight.
      “We judged it on the opposition to a degree and Tammy came up trumps, but it’s nothing on Oli as he always turns up and performs so well for us.”

      LAMPS SPEAKS
      Speaking on Sky, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says: “The game was hard.
      “We started really well, but the period in the second half, we didn’t get much of the ball, but Kovacic got us more on the ball when he came on.
      “It felt like West Ham could hurt us at any moment; it certainly wasn’t a vintage performance tonight, but it’s good to get a win after two defeats.
      “This season is different to every other season., It’s hard at a club with expectations like we have.
      “When you’re winning and unbeaten for a long time things move swimmingly and it’ smuch easier to manage- but I have to be the one that drives it.
      “There was a bit of tension going into the game today, in a good way, which I was happy about., They showed some real grit tonight.”

      ABRAHAM SPEAKS
      Tammy Abrahm speaks on SKy Sport, he says: “[The win] is much more like it, the boys said before that we need a performance and we did that today.
      “My job is to help the team as much as possible to score goals and get in the right area0 that’s what I did with my two goals.
      “Scoring goals gives you confidence as a striker and credit to my team-mates as a three nil win against West Ham is massive.
      “They’re a great side, credit to them they’ve been great this year.
      “We had to be patient for the second goal.
      “Hopefully we can kick on now.”

      A BRIDGE TOO FAR
      David Moyes still can’t get a win at Stamford Bridge.

      16 – David Moyes is without a win in any of his 16 Premier League visits to Stamford Bridge (D7 L9), the joint-highest tally of any manager never to win at a stadium in the competition, equalling his own record (16 games at Anfield). Unwelcome. pic.twitter.com/i32lLTlmsC
      — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 21, 2020

      ALL IS CALM, BLUE AND BRIGHT
      Abraham secured Chelsea’s victory with a double which takes them into the top five this Christmas.
      It’s a welcome result for Frank Lampard after his side’s back-to-back league defeats.

      FT: CHELSEA 3-0 WEST HAM

      CHELSEA 3-0 WEST HAM

      2 – Tammy Abraham has scored his first brace for Chelsea across all competitions since September 2019 (hat-trick v Wolves), with just 101 seconds separating Abraham’s two finishes. Sealed. pic.twitter.com/4AGC4XXbV2
      — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 21, 2020

      CHELSEA 3-0 WEST HAM
      Double trouble! Here’s Abraham’s second of the evening.

      CHELSEA 3-0 WEST HAM
      90. Three additional minutes at Stamford Bridge.

      CHELSEA 3-0 WEST HAM
      89. Substitution for West Ham as Bowen is replaced by Fredericks.

      CHELSEA 3-0 WEST HAM
      87. Werner’s luck is just not helping him!
      Kante dispossesses Coufal in the centre of the park and makes excellent strides towards the box.
      He picks out Werner, unmarked, on the right of the box.
      But he leans back too far as he pulls the trigger and sends it flying over the bar.

      CHELSEA 3-0 WEST HAM
      Here’s Abraham’s first goal of the evening (and Chelsea’s second)

      CHELSEA 3-0 WEST HAM
      84. Two in a matter of minutes from Abraham.
      With Giroud in such good form, the youngster had to prove his worth this evening and he’s done just that.

      CHELSEA 3-0 WEST HAM
      83. Substitution for Chelsea, as Pulisic is replaced by Havertz.
      Lampard freely admittedbefore the game that Havertz is still finding his feet, so ten minutes should help the German international.

      CHELSEA 3-0 WEST HAM
      82. West Ham will be kicking themselves, as it really did look like they’d pull themselves back into the game.

      CHELSEA 3-0 WEST HAM
      79. Mount picks up the pace on the left and sends a lovely ball to the six-yard area to pick out Pulisic.
      Pulisic wipes out Fabianski on the line, leaving Abraham free to slot the ball in from the right-hand side.
      Questionable foul on the keeper there, but VAR doesn’t agree.

      GOOOAL
      HOW A GAME CAN CHANGE IN A MATTER OF MINUTES!

      CHELSEA 2-0 WEST HAM
      78. Werner miskicks the ball from the top left of the area as he picks out poacher Abraham in the six-yard area.
      Abraham taps the ball in with the inside of his foot, leaving Fabianski helpless.

      GOOOAL
      FROM NOWHERE, ABRAHAM GETS CHELSEA THEIR SECOND

      CHELSEA 1-0 WEST HAM
      76. It’s started to rain at Stamford Bridge and the weather seems to reflect Lampard’s mood.

      CHELSEA 1-0 WEST HAM
      75. Coufal stands his ground as Mount hurtles towards him, the Chelsea man falls to the ground and appeals for a pen, but the ref dismisses it and VAR confirms his decision was correct.

      CHELSEA 1-0 WEST HAM
      Here was Haller’s missed opportunity at the start of the second half.

      CHELSEA 1-0 WEST HAM
      72. Rice picks out Coufal with a beautiful ball from the left touchline to the top right-hand corner of the box, but Coufal takes too long and Kante blocks his effort.

      Load more entries… More

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      in Soccer

      Who is Marcus Rashford’s girlfriend Lucia Loi, what does she do and how long has she been dating Man Utd ace?

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has won in his campaign to provide free school meals for children during the holidays.
      But who is the Man Utd ace’s girlfriend Lucia Loi and how long has he been dating the PR executive? Here’s what we know…

      Lucia Loi and Marcus Rashford are rumoured to be boyfriend and girlfriend
      Who is Marcus Rashford’s girlfriend Lucia Loi?

      Lucia Loi has worked as a PR account executive for Manchester-based PR company, Sugar.
      As her job involves networking and events organising, it seems she’s a good fit for Rashford and will know how to negotiate the fame that comes with dating an England footballer.
      The stunning brunette was spotted in the stands during the England vs Colombia match at the 2018 World Cup, as she showed her support for the Man Utd star.
      She says in her work bio that she loves “fitness, art and cooking” and “enjoys travelling”.

      How long have they been dating?
      The pair have kept their relationship away from the public eye.
      Lucia did, however, share a sweet snap of the two on her Instagram account to wish him happy birthday back in 2016.
      Her account has since been made private.
      It is thought that the pair have been dating for at least two years, if not longer.

      Lucia Loi supporting boyfriend Marcus Rashford at the 2018 World CupCredit: Instagram
      Who else has Rashford been linked to?
      Rashford has previously been linked to social media influencer, Lauryn Goodman.
      With nearly 60k Instagram followers and being the sister of reality TV star Chloe, the model is no stranger to the spotlight.
      However, Goodman has slammed claims that she was ever dating the England player.
      A representative said: “Lauryn is disgraced by rumours she is dating Marcus Rashford and denies romance. She is currently in a happy long term relationship.” More

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      in Soccer

      Who are Marcus Rashford’s parents? Where did Man Utd ace go to school?

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has forced the Government into providing free school meals during holidays.
      England striker Rashford rose through the ranks at Man Utd, earning a first-team spot while still supporting his family.

      Who are Rashford’s parents?

      Robert and Melanie Rashford are the parents of 22-year-old Rashford.
      He’s previously opened up about how his mum helped his career by pushing for him to be signed up to Manchester United’s academy before he was 12.
      “It basically gives you accommodation closer to the training facilities and a new school and she worked that hard to push it forward because she knew that was a step I needed to take,” he said.
      “I needed to be eating the right food as I was growing, I needed to be close to my team-mates, my new school and my new school friends.”

      Rashford has also described how his mum would do their weekly food shop at Pound World, in order to ration food supplies over seven days.
      “That was the reason I ended up going [to Man Utd] at a younger age to the others, it was to help my mum with her situation and also get me out of the situation we were in,” he added.

      The youngster’s plea with MP’s was rejected my the Department of EducationCredit: PA
      Where did he go to school?
      Rashford grew up in Wythenshawe, Manchester.
      He attended Button Lane Primary School, where the number of children who receive free school meals is twice the national average.

      Before he joined the United academy he played for Fletcher Moss Rangers.
      Although, his initial plea was rejected, the campaign is picked up speed and was  supported by MPs and other footballers alike.
      The Department of Education reversed their decision and have now decided to continue giving families the school dinner allowance money they have been receiving during lockdown.
      Rashford thanked the people who supported him and the cause via Twitter saying: ”I don’t even know what to say. Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020”. More

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      in Soccer

      What work has Marcus Rashford done for charity? Full list of Man Utd ace’s generous acts including school meals victory

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has inspired the entire nation by convincing the government to provide free school meals to poorer students during holidays.
      And the Manchester United star has always been keen to get involved with charitable causes.

      Rashford with shoeboxes full of essential items for the homelessCredit: Marcus Rashfords Instagram

      The United striker’s initiative encouraged people to wrap festive boxes full of household items

      Rashford is known for his regular acts of charity

      These are some of the charitable and kind acts the star has done in previous years.
      Helping the homeless
      In October 2019, Rashford set up a Christmas campaign in order to support the biggest front-line services for young people experiencing homelessness.
      He linked up with Selfridges to launch the campaign – teaming up to help some of the city’s biggest homeless shelters – Barnabus, Centrepoint and Lifeshare.
      The idea was for members of the public to prepare shoeboxes filled with essential items including gloves, sanitary products, hats, deodorant, thermals, toothpaste and torches. People could then drop them to various Selfridges branches to be passed on.

      He personally delivered 300 boxes to Centrepoint, and the homeless organisation took to Instagram to write of his generosity saying: “We believe that sport has the power to positively transform young lives.”
      Visiting Manchester bombing victims
      After the horrific terrorist attack in 2017, Rashford joined Man Unied teammates in visiting the wounded, most of whom were children.
      A total of 22 people were killed with a further 120 injured after suicide bomber blew himself up at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena in May 2017.
      He also attended the One Love Manchester concert that raised £2million for those affected by the devastating circumstances.

      Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard visit victims of the Manchester terror attack in hospitalCredit: Instagram @jesselingard
      Players Together Initiative
      Back when the UK was in the beginning of lockdown, Rashford took to Instgram to show his support for the Players Together initiative supporting NHS staff during one of their toughest periods dealing with COVID-19.
      He was among a myriad of Premier League footballers who donated in total of £4million to help the coronavirus efforts.
      The cause supported NHS Charities Together (NHSCT), an umbrella organisation that supports 250 separate NHS charities across the UK.
      The campaign was spearheaded by Rashford, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson included Harry Kane, Harry Maguire, Virgil van Dijk, Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne.

      Teaming up with FareShare

      The rising star has always supported various causesCredit: Getty Images
      FareShare are a charity that aim at relieving food poverty and reducing food waste.
      Rashford teamed up with them in order to raise over £20million to provide children across Manchester with food if they got free school meals whilst they were still in school.
      The initiative began in Greater Manchester but later expanded as part of a national initiative.

      Helping vulnerable school children get free meals 

      Marcus Rashford has spent Monday passionately fighting the Government to help feed hungry kids in needCredit: BBC
      Rashford wrote an open letter to MPs, urging the government to reverse its decision to not give free school meal vouchers to 1.3 million children who are eligible for it.
      The government initially refused to U-turn but Rashford’s persistence as well the support of MPs and other celebrities alike forced a change in policy.
      The likes of Sir Keir Starmer, Piers Morgan and Gary Lineker were vocal in their support for the Man Utd and England star. More

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      in Boxing

      Boxing world champions: List of EVERY world champ in the sport, including Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Canelo

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      BOXING can often be confusing for new fans to follow when there are so many world title belts up for grabs.
      From all the different sanctioning bodies, including the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO, to the Ring Magazine and Lineal titles – the sport’s leading figures can often be found making head-scratching decisions.

      Anthony Joshua holds three of the four major belts in the heavyweight divisionCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      It would hopeful for us to dream of a time in the future where each division had just ONE champion. But for now reins confusion.
      So SunSport have put together a comprehensive list of ALL of boxing’s current world titleholders. Strap yourselves in – it’s a long old list.
      Heavyweight
      WBC
      Tyson Fury
      WBA

      Anthony Joshua (Super)
      Mahmoud Charr (Regular)
      WBO
      Anthony Joshua
      IBF
      Anthony Joshua
      Ring Magazine
      Tyson Fury

      Tyson Fury knocked out Deontay Wilder back in February Credit: Reuters
      Cruiserweight
      WBC

      Ilunga Makabu
      WBA
      Arsen Goulamirian (Super)
      Beibut Shumenov (Regular)
      WBO
      IBF
      Mairis Briedis
      Ring Magazine
      Mairis Briedis

      Mairis Briedis won the WBSS Cruiserweight tournament at the second time of askingCredit: EPA
      Light-heavyweight
      WBC
      Artur Beterbiev
      WBA
      Dimitry Bivol
      WBO
      IBF
      Artur Beterbiev
      Ring Magazine

      Artur Beterbiev hasn’t fought since October 2019 but is a two-belt holderCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Super-middleweight
      WBC
      WBA
      Canelo Alvarez (Super)
      David Morrell (interim)
      WBO
      Billy Joe Saunders
      IBF
      Caleb Plant
      Ring Magazine
      Canelo Alvarez

      Canelo Alvarez took apart Callum Smith in their epic boutCredit: Instagram / @canelo
      Middleweight
      WBC
      Jermell Charlo
      WBA
      Canelo Alvarez (Super)
      Ryota Murata (Regular)
      WBO
      Demetrius Andrade
      IBF
      Gennady Golovkin
      Ring Magazine
      Canelo Alvarez

      Gennady Golovkin will defend his IBF title on December 18Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Super-welterweight
      WBC
      Jermell Charlo
      WBA
      Jermell Charlo
      WBO
      Patrick Teixeira
      IBF
      Jermell Charlo
      Ring Magazine
      Jermell Charlo

      Jermell Charlo holds three of the four belts in the 154lb divisionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Welterweight
      WBC
      Errol Spence Jr
      WBA
      Manny Pacquiao (Super)
      Yordenis Ugas (Regular)
      WBO
      Terence Crawford
      IBF
      Errol Spence Jr
      Ring Magazine

      Terence Crawford defeated Kell Brook in his last outingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Super-lightweight
      WBC
      Jose Ramirez
      WBA
      Josh Taylor (Super)
      Mario Barrios (Regular)
      WBO
      Jose Ramirez
      IBF
      Josh Taylor
      Ring Magazine

      Josh Taylor is a unified world champion after just 17 fightsCredit: Reuters
      Lightweight
      WBC
      Devin Haney
      Teofimo Lopez (Franchise)
      WBA
      Teofimo Lopez (Super)
      Gervonta Davis (Regular)
      WBO
      Teofimo Lopez
      IBF
      Teofimo Lopez
      Ring Magazine
      Teofimo Lopez

      Teofimo Lopez became the undisputed champion with a win over Vasyl LomachenkoCredit: Handout – Getty
      Super-featherweight
      WBC
      Miguel Berchelt
      WBA
      Gervonta Davis (Super)
      Rene Alvarado (Regular)
      WBO
      Jamel Herring
      IBF
      Joseph Diaz
      Ring Magazine

      Jamel Herring will face Carl Frampton in January 2021Credit: Sportsfile
      Featherweight
      WBC
      Gary Russell Jr
      WBA
      Leo Santa Cruz (Super)
      Xu Can (Regular)
      WBO
      Emanuel Navarrete
      IBF
      Josh Warrington
      Ring Magazine

      Josh Warrington won his title from Lee Selby two years ago Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Super-bantamweight
      WBC
      WBA
      Murodjon Akhmadaliev (Super)
      WBO
      Angelo Leo
      IBF
      Murodjon Akhmadaliev
      Ring Magazine

      Guillermo Rigondeaux is one of the best bantamweight fighters in the worldCredit: Reuters
      Bantamweight
      WBC
      Nordine Oubaali
      WBA
      Naoya Inoue (Super)
      Guillermo Rigondeaux (Regular)
      WBO
      Johnriel Casimero
      IBF
      Naoya Inoue
      Ring Magazine
      Naoya Inoue

      Naoya Inoue is one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world Credit: AFP or licensors
      Super-flyweight
      WBC
      Juan Estrada
      WBA
      Roman Gonzalez (Super)
      Joshua Franco (Regular)
      WBO
      Kazuto Ioka
      IBF
      Jerwin Ancajas
      Ring Magazine
      Juan Estrada

      Roman Gonzalez is one of the legends of the sport still fighting todayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Flyweight
      WBC
      Julio Cesar Martinez
      WBA
      Artem Dalakian
      WBO
      Junto Nakatani
      IBF
      Moruti Mthalane
      Ring Magazine

      Moruti Mthalane is the IBF flyweight world champion Credit: AFP
      Light-flyweight
      WBC
      Kenshiro Teraji
      WBA
      Hiroto Kyoguchi (Super)
      Carlos Canizales (Regular)
      WBO
      Elwin Soto
      IBF
      Felix Alvarado
      Ring Magazine
      Hiroto Kyoguchi

      Waheng Menayothin is undefeated as a professional fighter Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Mini-flyweight
      WBC
      Waheng Menayothin
      WBA
      Thammanoon Niyomtrong
      WBO
      Wilfredo Mendez
      IBF
      Pedro Taduran
      Ring Magazine More

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      in Soccer

      Carabao Cup semi-final draw: Start time, live stream, TV channel and ball numbers as final four teams learn their fate

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      WE’RE approaching the business end of the Carabao Cup as the competition heads into the quarter-final stage.
      Eight teams remain in the hunt for the trophy, with the final itself set for Wembley on February 28.

      Man City won the trophy last season after defeating Aston VillaCredit: PA:Press Association

      Manchester City are the current holders and face Arsenal at the Emirates for a place in the last-four.
      When is the Carabao Cup semi-final draw?
      The draw for the semi-final of this year’s competition is set for Wednesday, December 23.
      It will follow the conclusion of Everton vs Man Utd.
      The match kick-offs at 8pm, so expect the draw sometime after 9.45pm.
      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch the draw live on Sky Sports Main Event, Football and Ultra HD.
      Coverage will follow after the conclusion of the last quarter-final at Goodison Park.
      You can also stream the draw by heading to Carabao’s official social media on Twitter and Facebook.

      Who is in the draw?
      Four teams will go into the hat on Wednesday, with ties to be played in week beginning January 4, 2021.
      The quarter final ties are:
      Tuesday, December 22 – Brentford vs Newcastle (5.30pm)
      Tuesday, December 22 – Arsenal vs Man City (8pm)
      Wednesday, December 23 – Stoke vs Tottenham (5.30pm)
      Wednesday, December 23 – Everton vs Man Utd (8pm) More