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      Arsenal struggle against simple Man City tactic in FA Cup clash as Erling Haaland exploits Rob Holding

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      MANCHESTER CITY are making use of route-one football against Arsenal with Erling Haaland hoping to exploit the defensive fragility of Rob Holding.The two Premier League title contenders are colliding in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
      City want to isolate Arsenal’s defenders one-on-one with Erling Haaland using the simple tactic of route-one
      Erling Haaland is isolating Arsenal’s Rob Holding one-on-oneCredit: Getty
      And Pep Guardiola will be hoping he can unsettle his former prodigy by condemning the Gunners to an early cup exit.
      And City’s intentions were clear from the get-go.
      The first long-ball from Sky Blues keeper Stefan Ortega was directed towards Haaland, who was being marked by Holding.
      Holding has played just 707 minutes of football this term with 13 of those coming in the Prem.
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      City’s players are also moving centrally from goal-kicks to attract pressure so Ortega can hit a free player.
      This could be seen in the 8th minute when full-back Rico Lewis tucked in.
      Just moments later, Haaland got the better of Holding, dispossessing the Arsenal defender in a dangerous area inside his half.
      Luckily for Holding, keeper Matt Turner was on his toes and got out quickly to close Haaland down.
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      The ball flicked up into the air and the 22-year-old tried a Zlatan Ibrahimovic-like Sweden vs England overhead kick, but Takehiro Tomiyasu covered the goal well.
      Lewis and Rodri’s positioning is also helping isolate Gunners holding midfielder Thomas Partey.
      The City pair are attracting Granit Xhaka and Fabio Vieira, creating a 2 vs 1 between Ilkay Gundogan-Kevin de Bruyne and Partey.
      Haaland very nearly found himself in on goal against towards the end of the first half, but Gabriel managed to clear his lines before the striker to dispossess him.
      Arsenal appear to be set on continuing their high-pressing style of play.
      It is, however, leading to Mikel Arteta’s men being lured into City’s build-up phase, which allows Haaland to isolate his marker.
      He did so in the 41st minute with Holding ending up in the book.
      Holding also only manged to win one of six aerial duels in the opening 45.
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      The introduction of Julian Alvarez could give Haaland the player he needs to attack the space in behind his duels.
      Holding was subbed at half-time and City found a breakthrough with Nathan Ake scoring the winner. More

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      Roy Keane slams Arteta’s Arsenal team selection against Man City but Ian Wright leaps to boss’s defence in ITV studio

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      ROY KEANE has slammed Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta for making six changes to his team for their FA Cup fourth-round clash with Man City.The Premier League’s top two go head-to-head at the Etihad on Friday night for a place in the fifth round of football’s oldest competition.
      Roy Keane slammed Mikel Arteta’s team selection but Ian Wright defended the Arsenal managerCredit: ITV
      Arteta has done an incredible job with Arsenal so far this seasonCredit: Getty
      Yet despite the magnitude of the clash, Arteta has rotated several players following the 3-2 win over Man Utd on Sunday.
      Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, William Saliba, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli have all come out of the side.
      That has made space for Matt Turner, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Rob Holding, Kieran Tierney, Fabio Vieira and Leandro Trossard to all start.
      Man City have made just two changes from the 3-0 win over Wolves last weekend.
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      And Keane was not impressed with Arteta’s decision to swap a host of his key players out for the match.
      Alongside Arsenal legend Ian Wright in the ITV studio, the former Man Utd man said: “It’s a huge gamble to make so many changes, particularly in the defensive position, the goalkeepers.
      “We thought he’d make one or two, but that’s such a gamble to make so many changes at the back, especially with the attacking players Man City have got.”
      When pressed on whether he understands why Arteta decided to rotate, Keane then added: “Yes and no. The priority for Arsenal – because they’ve had such a great start – is of course the league.
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      “But I just think to make so many changes defensively, people talking about the priorities, but it’s still January. They’ve got no midweek game coming up.
      “Huge risk and I’m pretty sure it will backfire on him.”
      That was before Wright said: “He’s moving the team around, he wants to see what the players are capable of – the back-up players – against a real top side.
      “If this season is going to go how they want it to go and how we all want it to go then you’re going to need some players at certain stages.
      “Plus, I think these players need minutes. And you want minutes against good teams, top teams, so you can really see what you’re about.
      “I think that’s what he’s going to do today. He’s going to find out about a few more players.”
      Wright then later addressed Keane directly, saying: “You telling me they’re not looking forward to a game like this? This is a game that makes or breaks for some of them!”
      Arteta won the FA Cup with Arsenal back in 2020, less than six months after taking over as manager.
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      Arsenal currently sit five points clear of Man City in the Premier League table and also have a game in hand.
      The two sides meet in the league for the first time this season at the Emirates on February 15. More

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      I’m a Man Utd fan and these are the competitions I’d sacrifice this season to bring back the glory days

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      ERIK TEN HAG may have to sacrifice the Europa League and FA Cup in order to win the Carabao Cup and secure Champions League football this season.If you had said to any Man Utd supporter in August, following back-to-back defeats to Brighton and then Brentford, that they would be in the top four and have one foot in the Carabao Cup Final, most would have laughed and bitten your hand off.  
      Man Utd are set to reach the Carabao Cup final and sit fourth in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP
      It’s crazy that a little over 10 days ago we were even discussing the possibility of a title challenge as well.  
      But a draw at Crystal Palace and defeat to high-flying Arsenal mean that is certainly not going to happen this season.  
      What is universally agreed amongst United supporters is just how well Ten Hag is doing given the numerous obstacles he has faced.  
      In this January window alone, he’s having to watch as most of his rivals for the top four are splashing the cash.
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      And although Wout Weghorst is a welcome addition up-front, there’s so much more required in other areas.
      United, traditionally, have done very little in the January window, but the gaps are significant.  
      On top of this, the manager has dealt with the Cristiano Ronaldo situation very well, along with the impending sale of the club and other disciplinary matters.  
      It’s the lack of squad depth that is the real issue, though. 
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      It makes you wonder, with United placed so nicely in the Premier League, if Ten Hag might be happy to sacrifice one of the FA Cup or Europa League.  
      It’s not something that he would ever publicly admit – and we’ve heard him say that “we must win every game” – but it’s simply not possible.
      There’s no doubt Ten Hag’s United will try and win every game, but will the XI he puts out be capable of doing so?  
      United play eight times in February alone, which works out as a match every three and a half days.  
      People have pointed to the run United had in 1999 but they only faced six matches in February that year, and had a far superior squad.  
      So it’ll come down to fixture management.
      Jurgen Klopp was a huge supporter of English football when he managed in Germany.
      But, after joining Liverpool, he was alarmed at how much football was played over here during the winter period.  
      We watched him tinker sufficiently in earlier years, in a way the great Sir Alex Ferguson once did.
      Hopefully Ten Hag doesn’t try to compete on too many levels – which could end with United missing out on a place in the Champions League and losing the Carabao Cup final. 
      Whatever happens, the signs are that United are on their way back.
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      Hopefully the fans are smiling come May and not rueing a squad that was simply pushed too far.
      Tom McDermott is the host of The Red Devils Podshow which you can subscribe or listen to here. More

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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta slams claims he’s a ‘mini Pep’ as mentor Guardiola calls comparison ‘bulls***’ in X-rated rant

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      ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has dismissed claims that he is a “mini Pep” with his mentor Guardiola also calling the comparison “bulls**t” in an X-rated rant.The Gunners are currently sat top of the Premier League after 19 games played, and five points above Guardiola’s Manchester City, while also holding a game in hand.
      Mikel Arteta worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Man CityCredit: Reuters
      The two Spanish coaches have had a close relationship for some time, even dating back to the 90s when Arteta was in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
      At that time, Guardiola was one of Barca’s star players.
      After his playing days, Arteta would cut his teeth in coaching, working as Guardiola’s assistant at Man City.
      During his time at the Etihad, City won the Prem twice, an FA Cup and two League Cups.

      But with Arteta now in charge of his own team in Arsenal, and directly going head-to-head with Guardiola’s City for supremacy in England’s top division, the Gunners boss has dismissed claims that he has based his managerial style on his mentor.
      Ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with the Citizens this weekend, Arteta said: “We are very different as a person and we are very different as a manager.
      “That’s probably why we understand each other so well and have the relationship that we have.
      “I had this when I was a player as well because we grew in the same position.
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      “‘I have never tried to copy paste anything because I feel this club deserves much better than that and it wouldn’t work that way.
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      “Every character and person dictates how they are as a manager and I think we are very different.
      “I feel gratitude because he inspired me as a player and he has inspired me and gave me the opportunity as a coach. 
      “I accept peoples views because I probably wouldn’t have had the career that I had as a player or the understanding of the game if I didn’t have that time with him at Barcelona, and I wouldn’t be sitting here with that love for the game if he hadn’t crossed into my life and given me the opportunities that he has given me.”
      Guardiola has also refused to take credit for Arteta’s meteoric rise in an X-rated rant.
      The serial winner says Arsenal’s success belongs to the North London club and Arteta.
      Guardiola said: “I’d like to say, ‘Yes. What they do is because I taught him’. Bulls**t.” More

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      Preston North End vs Tottenham: Spurs’ mission to end their 15-year trophy drought continues with a tricky FA Cup clash

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      TOTTENHAM continue their hunt to end a 15-year trophy drought when they take on Preston North End in the FA Cup.Harry Kane’s superb strike recently inspired Spurs to a gruelling victory over Fulham following their damming North London derby defeat to Arsenal.
      Harry Kane led Tottenham to a 1-0 win against FulhamCredit: Rex
      Preston convincingly dispatched of Huddersfield in the third roundCredit: Getty
      And it was also captain Kane who helped Spurs get to the fourth round of English football’s oldest cup competition during their home encounter against Portsmouth.
      But now, the North London outfit travel to Championship side Preston who recovered from a one-goal deficit to beat Huddersfield in the previous round.
      However, the visitors will be oozing with confidence as Preston’s last victory over Spurs came way back in 1966.
      When is Preston vs Tottenham?

      Preston’s intriguing FA Cup tie against Tottenham will take place TOMORROW – Saturday, January 28.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 6pm UK time.
      Deepdale in Preston is the allocated arena for this fourth-round fixture and it can host approximately 23,408 supporters.
      Spurs humiliated Preston 5-1 when the side’s last met in a 2008 League Cup encounter.

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

      Preston vs Tottenham will be broadcast LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 5:40pm UK time – 20 minutes before kick-off.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action on the BBC Sport website or BBC iPlayer app.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes! Prston’s FA Cup fixture against Tottenham can be watched for FREE in the UK as long as you hold a valid TV license.
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      What is the team news?
      Manchester City starlet Liam Delap will sit this one out as he is cup-tied having already featured for Stoke.
      And the forward is set to be joined by Troy Parrott who cannot face his parent club.
      Emil Riis Jakobsen and Sean Maguire are also likely to miss out due to injuries, but Preston boss Ryan Lowe will be delighted to welcome Ben Whiteman and Brad Potts back into the fold.
      Elsewhere, Lucas Moura continues his recovery period for Tottenham while Bryan Gil is a doubt.
      But Antonio Conte will be tempted to throw his latest recruit Arnaut Danjuma in from the start.
      Latest odds
      90 min only

      Preston 7/1
      Draw 4/1
      Tottenham 1/3

      To qualify (incl ET and Pen)

      Preston 4/1
      Tottenham 1/6

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

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      Jadon Sancho is ‘improving’ and could make Man Utd return in FA Cup vs Reading hints Ten Hag as he’s pictured training

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could make several changes to the side as they welcome Reading to Old Trafford on Saturday.The FA Cup fourth-round clash provides Erik ten Hag with an opportunity to hand game time to squad players.
      Jadon Sancho could make his first appearance since October
      Manchester United could make several changes to the side that beat Nottingham Forest
      Sancho could be ready for selection after returning to full training last weekCredit: Getty
      Ten Hag has hinted at Facundo Pellistri being given his full debutCredit: AFP
      Harry Maguire could be recalled to the sideCredit: Reuters
      United have a busy schedule coming up and played a strong team on Wednesday in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
      Victor Lindelof was handed a rare start in that clash with Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane unavailable, and the Swede could retain his place in the side.
      Captain Maguire could also be recalled to partner Lindelof in defence – he was absent against Forest due to suspension.
      The rest of United’s makeshift backline could be made up of Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back and Brandon Williams at left-back, who has been linked with a loan move this month.
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      Ten Hag could also had a first United start to another youngster, Facundo Pellistri.
      The Red Devils boss was impressed with the Uruguayan’s performance in his substitute appearance against Forest, with the winger creating a goalscoring opportunity for Wout Weghorst.
      He said of the 21-year-old’s chances of playing against Reading: “After today, I have something in my head.
      “But I have to settle this game down and look into my plans and I have to look into Reading and then we have to make a good plan to beat Reading.”
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      That means Pellistri could take Antony’s place at right-wing but only if Ten Hag decides not to start Jadon Sancho after revealing he could be ready for selection.
      Ten Hag said: “He is training with the team and he’s improving and making steps and we will make a decision after training.
      “We have to see when he’s ready to go back into games.”
      In form Marcus Rashford will likely start on the left with Wout Weghorst up-front following their goalscoring exploits at the City Ground.
      Ten Hag also has several options to choose from in midfield with Fred likely to be given a chance after his recent appearances from the bench.
      Casemiro could be rested with Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes retaining their spots to offer a creative spark.
      Ten Hag has spoken of the need to win trophies and although the Red Devils have one foot in the Carabao Cup final, he will not allow for complacency against the Royals. More

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      How Arsenal could line up in crunch FA Cup clash vs Man City with Jakub Kiwior in line for debut but three players OUT

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      MIKEL ARTETA faces the dilemma of whether to prioritise the league or Arsenal’s favourite trophy. The Gunners are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League ahead of Manchester City, but Arteta must decide whether to prioritise his squad in the league or play strong in the cup.
      Mikel Arteta’s squad will be tested heavily tonightCredit: Getty
      And he may call on Jakub Kiwior to make his debutCredit: Getty
      One way Arsenal may line up with Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko rested
      Pep Guardiola, Arteta’s tutor, has a far deeper squad than his counterpart for tonight’s clash.
      And changes are likely to occur to the lineups of both sides in a pseudo-dress rehearsal for when the pair clash for a major title battle in the league at the Emirates on February 15.
      Arteta has already realised the psychological advantage a win here might have on the clash in a few weeks time.
      He said: “Big match, big test for us against in my opinion the best team in the world. Looking forward to it because it’s going to tell us a lot about where we are.”
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      Consequently, Arteta may line up his Arsenal side similarly to his league team.
      However, Thomas Partey’s integral part in the team could see him rested along with the injury-prone Oleksandr Zinchenko, while there are generally a lack of high-quality options in the attack.
      Arteta confirmed Gabriel Jesus, Mo Elneny and Reiss Nelson were all out of the tie, but hinted new boys Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior may feature.
      Trossard has already seen involvement for Arsenal after impressing fans with a short cameo against Manchester United.
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      His quality and versatility can give the attack some much-needed respite, though his preference for the left means he is more likely to replace Gabriel Martinelli than Bukayo Saka.
      Kiwior may feature in place of Gabriel, with Arteta wanting a left-footed CB on the left side.
      But if Kiwior comes into the fold Arteta may wish to play it safe by preserving his strong spine by playing both Partey and Zinchenko.
      A number of fringe players are also pushing for starts, which could prompt calls for the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu, though cup keeper Matt Turner will all but certainly play.
      Emile Smith Rowe is slowly returning to fitness and will likely feature in some capacity, but it would be a surprise to see him from the start due to having just 16 minutes under his belt since Christmas.
      Arsenal’s next game after the FA Cup clash will be in a week’s time against struggling Everton – who could enjoy a new manager bounce with Sean Dyche set to be appointed.
      A more rotated XI with Kiwior and Leandro Trossard in for full debuts alongside a strong midfield spine More

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      ‘He is unplayable’ – Reading boss Ince reveals the one player he is praying doesn’t feature for Man Utd in FA Cup clash

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      READING manager Paul Ince is hoping “unplayable” Marcus Rashford doesn’t play for Manchester United in their FA Cup clash this weekend.Ince takes his side to Old Trafford to face his former side in the fourth round on Saturday in search of a major cup shock.
      Marcus Rashford has scored 10 goals in 10 games since the World CupCredit: Getty
      Paul Ince is hoping Rashford doesn’t play against Reading on SaturdayCredit: Rex
      It’s the Royals’ third trip to United in this competition in the space of seven years.
      On the two previous occasions they’ve lost comfortably and if this game goes to form, a third defeat is on the cards.
      Ince recognised United’s array of “top” talent across the pitch, but is particularly wary of Rashford, who made it 10 goals in as many games with the opener against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
      The ex-United midfielder joked: “Hopefully he’s not going to play!
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      “I was a bit disappointed they won 3-0 the other night because he might play against us now because it looks like that tie is more or less over.
      “Like any player, it’s all about confidence and the right manager coming in and noticing how to build confidence.
      “It is never easy because we saw in the past two years he had lost some of it.
      “To see him doing what he does best is great for Manchester United and their fans.
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      “He is unplayable at the moment, unstoppable.
      “The goal he scored against Forest showed what type of form he is in. We can;t be thinking about stopping Rashford though.
      “They have so many top players – Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Wout Weghorst who got his first goal against Forest.
      “It’s not about us stopping players, it’s about us going there and putting in a performance.”
      Ahead of the game, Rashford is hoping to score in his TENTH Old Trafford appearance on the bounce, while United are searching for their eleventh consecutive home victory. More