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      Which teams have the most favourable fixtures throughout March? Dream Team gaffers take note…

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      MARCH brings a promise of spring and, more importantly, a fresh batch of Dream Team transfers.Gaffers will be able to make changes to their XIs from Friday morning if they so wish and, as always, it’s best to consider the month ahead as a whole when determining a strategy.
      With that in mind, let’s run through the fixtures for each of the top ten Premier League teams.
      The schedule is subject to change, of course, but this exercise should paint a relatively clear picture of the coming weeks.
      Please note we have not included fixtures taking place this evening (March 1st) as lock out currently applies to all players.
      Arsenal’s ‘Starboy’ has 128 points to his name
      ARSENAL

      Bournemouth (h)
      Sporting CP (a)
      Fulham (a)
      Sporting CP (h)
      Crystal Palace (h)

      The Gunners recommence their Europa League campaign this month and two legs against one of Portuguese football’s so-called ‘big three’ means they’re busier than most teams.
      Craven Cottage isn’t an easy place to go this season but home fixtures against the Cherries and the Eagles look very friendly on current form.
      Backers of Bukayo Saka (£4.8m), Martin Odegaard (£3.4m) and company will be hopeful of bountiful returns.
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      MANCHESTER CITY

      Newcastle (h)
      Crystal Palace (a)
      RB Leipzig (h)
      FA Cup quarter-final

      Pep Guardiola’s side are likely to be favourites in their FA Cup quarter-final no matter who they draw but at one end of the scale there’s Man United and at the other there’s Blackburn.
      Saturday’s early kick-off at the Etihad promises to be competitive but it’s worth noting that Newcastle’s otherwise sturdy defence conceded three to City at St James’ Park earlier in the season.
      A shock elimination from the Champions League would change the outlook considerably but the smart money is on Erling Haaland (£8.9m) and his merry men to progress to the last eight.
      MANCHESTER UNITED
      Erik ten Hag has dramatically improved Man UnitedCredit: GETTY

      Liverpool (a)
      Real Betis (h)
      Southampton (h)
      Real Betis (a)

      If the newly-crowned Carabao Cup champions get past West Ham in the FA Cup this evening then they’ll have five fixtures to fulfil before the end of March.
      The Red Devils boast more Dream Team centurions (seven) than any other team at present so there’s every reason to back Erik ten Hag’s side right now, both in attack and defence.
      Real Betis are currently fifth in La Liga but they’ve conceded a fair few goals of late so the in-form pair of Marcus Rashford (£6.5m) and Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) may cash in.
      TOTTENHAM

      Wolves (a)
      AC Milan (h)
      Nottingham Forest (h)
      Southampton (a)

      The north Londoners can book themselves into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a win over Sheffield United tonight.
      Elsewhere, their Premier League fixtures are relatively favourable – all three opponents have relegation concerns.
      Spurs are 1-0 down on aggregate against Milan and the Italian giants have enjoyed an upturn in form recently so the second leg could be a tense affair.
      NEWCASTLE
      Nick Pope has served his suspensionCredit: GETTY

      Man City (a)
      Wolves (h)
      Nottingham Forest (a)

      Just the three fixtures scheduled for the Magpies this month currently and given that one of those is a trip to the Etihad it could be a lean few weeks for their assets.
      Kieran Trippier’s (£6.5m) owners are unlikely to ditch a player averaging 6.2 points-per-game, rightly so, but it may be the case that replacements are needed elsewhere.
      Saying that, it wouldn’t be a massive surprise if Newcastle kept their sheets clean against Wolves and Forest.
      FULHAM

      Brentford (a)
      Arsenal (h)
      FA Cup quarter-final

      Marco Silva will be hoping for a favourable FA Cup draw to ease what could otherwise be a testing little run.
      The Cottagers have performed above expectations this season but a trip to their west London rivals followed by a meeting with the league leaders looks rough on paper.
      LIVERPOOL
      A daunting trip to Madrid awaits

      Man United (h)
      Bournemouth (a)
      Real Madrid (a)

      It’s hard to know where the Reds are at right now.
      In February they followed two solid wins against Everton and Newcastle with a spectacular capitulation at the hands of Real Madrid at Anfield – fans won’t be overly optimistic of getting anything from the Bernabeu having lost the first leg 5-2.
      On current form, Man United will fancy their chances of registering a comfortable victory over their rivals on enemy soil this weekend.
      BRIGHTON

      West Ham (h)
      Leeds (a)
      Crystal Palace (h)
      FA Cup quarter-final

      It’s three bottom-half opponents for the Seagulls before their FA Cup quarter-final which has to be considered a favourable set.
      It’s the midfielders who have generally bagged the points for Roberto De Zerbi’s side in recent months: Kaoru Mitoma (£3.5m), Solly March (£3.4m), Pascal Gross (£2.8m) and Alexis Mac Allister (£2.9m).
      BRENTFORD
      Ivan Toney’s availability is uncertainCredit: GETTY

      Fulham (h)
      Everton (a)
      Southampton (a)
      Leicester (h)

      The Bees are eleven games unbeaten in the Premier League and if they get past Fulham on Monday night they will fancy their chances of extending their streak until April.
      It remains to be seen what punishment will be handed down to Ivan Toney (£5.8m) after the striker submitted a guilty plea for multiple betting charges.
      The 26-year-old is by far and away Brentford’s top scorer this season both in terms of goals and Dream Team points.
      CHELSEA

      Leeds (h)
      Borussia Dortmund (h)
      Leicester (a)
      Everton (h)

      Graham Potter is under severe pressure having won just one of his last eleven fixtures.
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      And the English tactician will have to go without Thiago Silva (£6m), arguably the Blues’ best player this season, for approximately six weeks after an assessment of the Brazilian’s knee injury.
      Failure to attain positive results against bottom-half opponents this month would surely prompt the club’s hierarchy to evaluate Potter’s viability. More

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      David Moyes makes dancing promise after being inspired by Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd moves after Carabao Cup final win

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      DAVID MOYES has joked he would happily “dad-dance” with Samba-loving Lucas Paqueta if West Ham win the FA Cup.Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag had the mickey taken out of him by Roy Keane when he started boogying on the Wembley turf with his players after the Carabao Cup triumph.
      David Moyes says he will dance if West Ham win the FA CupCredit: Rex
      Erik ten Hag showed off his moves when Man Utd won the Carabao CupCredit: Rex
      Three-time FA Cup winners West Ham travel to Old Trafford tonight for the fifth-round clash, hoping to catch the Red Devils in a hangover mood.
      Paqueta, who is from Rio de Janeiro, was part of the Brazil side that marked the goals scored in their 4-1 World Cup win over South Korea with a dance move – including the touchline pigeon routine by coach Tite.
      Asked if he would consider busting a groove, Moyes, 59, laughed: “I certainly would, yeah!
      “I certainly would, don’t worry, if I win a trophy, I’ll be flipping dad dancing and everything.
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      “Have you see the Scottish Gay Gordons and the real dancing? You don’t know what I’m talking about here..!”
      For younger readers, the Gay Gordons is a popular Scottish country dance that is performed in a big circle of couples.
      And SunSport will endeavour to hold Glaswegian Moyes to that vow if West Ham lift the trophy for the first time since 1980 on Saturday June 3.
      On the form of club-record signing Paqueta, Moyes added: “He’s really beginning to settle in.
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      “The people who see West Ham regularly would say there are bits of him which show really good parts to his game.
      “It’s us getting used to him and him getting used to us.
      “He’s a very good technically-gifted footballer. We’re looking forward to that improvement continuing.”
      Czech defender Vladimir Coufal will miss the visit to Old Trafford with a heel injury.
      Striker Danny Ings – who scored twice in the 4-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest last Saturday – is cup-tied having played in the third round of the competition for Aston Villa.
      This will be the ninth meeting between West Ham and Manchester United since 2010 in either the FA Cup or League Cup.
      I’d love to get West Ham to the Cup FinalDavid Moyes
      The East Londoners’ last success in this fixture in the FA Cup was the famous 1-0 win in January 2001 when Paolo di Canio survived the offside trap to score past United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez.
      West Ham asked about moving their Prem fixture with Brighton from Saturday to Sunday – to give them more recovery time from tonight – but that request fell on deaf ears.
      Moyes, who guided Everton to the 2009 final where they lost to Chelsea, said: “One hundred per cent, I’d love to get West Ham to the Cup Final.
      “I’d love to win the Cup Final when we get there.
      “We had a great run at Everton. We got to the final one year, we got beaten in the semi-final one year as well. I’d love to take West Ham into a similar position.
      “Going to Old Trafford is a really difficult game. You’ve got to play the good teams in the journey.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We’ve already been away to Brentford and Derby, so our draws in this competition so far have been really difficult, they’ve all been away from home.
      “Let’s hope we can keep our run going. We’ve won the other two, so let’s see if we can try and win this one.” More

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      Phil Foden admits he is suffering ‘one of the lowest parts of my career’ in ‘telling’ post-match interview

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      PHIL FODEN has admitted he is suffering “one of the lowest parts of my career”.The England ace, 22, is rated as one of Europe’s top playmakers.
      Phil Foden admits he’s in ‘one of the lowest of my career’Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      And Foden put in a top performance with two goals in last night’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Bristol City.
      However, he has started just four of the last 11 league matches under Pep Guardiola.
      Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish are both in good form.
      And an injury setback in late January also pushed Foden down the City rankings.
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      But after a goal and assist in the 4-1 weekend win at Bournemouth, plus his brace last night, Foden could find himself thrust into the starting XI against Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime.
      It would certainly bring an end to a period Foden now calls the toughest moment of his career.
      The World Cup star said: “I feel much better with my feet. I feel 100 per cent fit now and comfortable.
      “It’s been one of the worst parts of my career but everyone goes through them and it is how you react.
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      “Discomfort in my feet and not playing as much. I love to play football and when I don’t I am a bit frustrated.”
      Fans found Foden’s comments interesting, with one saying: “Telling post-match interview. Nature of criticism for a player out injured was always misplaced.”
      Another declared: “He barely played and people talked about him as if his career was over.”
      One noted: “He’s so clear.”
      Another added: “Not back to his best but is getting more and more in form again.”
      Boss Guardiola has certainly been delighted with Foden’s recent resurgence.
      He beamed: “Dynamic, rhythm, work rate, his quality. His career was always up, up, up. This season he struggled a bit and was a bit down. 
      “But now he’s back for the best bit of the season. His impact has been amazing. Football pays off when you work like he does.” More

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      Man Utd legend Roy Keane surprises Laura Woods live on ITV with saucy comment during Man City’s FA Cup win

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      ROY KEANE surprised Laura Woods on live TV after Man City’s FA Cup win over Bristol City.That’s by hailing Kevin De Bruyne’s strike in the 3-0 victory as “sexy.”
      Fans were loving the conversation between Roy Keane and Laura Woods
      Woods was left surprised by Keane’s remarks over Man CityCredit: Getty
      Keane said Kevin De Bruyne’s goal against Bristol City was ‘sexy’
      Pep Guardiola’s side made light work of their Championship opponents yesterday, with De Bruyne’s late rocket adding to two strikes from Phil Foden.
      The match was the Belgian’s first since the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.
      He missed the Champions League stalemate with RB Leipzig due to illness.
      And De Bruyne was an unused sub as City smashed Bournemouth 4-1 in the league last weekend.
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      But the Belgian was back to his silky best against Rovers, with his goal capping off an excellent performance.
      And Keane could not help himself from getting carried away while describing the Belgian’s impact on the game.
      When Woods asked Keane for his take on De Bruyne’s goal, the Irishman responded: “I love watch him, love watching him live again.
      “I think it’s the little details. He does right in terms of his decision making, weight of pass.
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      “He’s obviously got a goal in him. He is world class, world class, and some of the stuff we’ve seen tonight…
      “Again this goal, even Jack does really well here, just the weight of pass is perfect. And this is just pure quality.
      “I said it when we’re watching, it’s sexy football, just the weight of pass from Jack. There was no doubt in my mind when he got in that position he was going to score.

      “It was like a tap-in to him. Pure quality, love watching him.”
      And after Wright also praised De Bruyne, Woods joked: “What I enjoy as well is that De Bruyne will go home, he’ll turn on the telly, watch the highlights and wonder how Roy Keane described it.
      “And I don’t think he would have expected you to say sexy, but here we are.”
      Keane and Woods were assessing the Man City game More

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      I’m still gutted about my FA Cup final penalty miss, but West Ham can beat Man Utd at Old Trafford… here’s how

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      PAUL KONCHESKY is still haunted by West Ham’s 2006 FA Cup final heartbreak.The former left-back put his beloved Hammers 3-2 up against Liverpool in Cardiff, before Steven Gerrard’s iconic 35-yard stoppage time equaliser.
      Paul Konchesky gave West Ham the lead in the 2006 FA Cup finalCredit: PA
      But having seen his team twice blow a lead before he missed a decisive spot-kick in the shootout, Konchesky has found it impossible to watch a full re-run in the 17 years since.
      The 41-year-old told SunSport: “Losing and missing a penalty in the FA Cup final is something I don’t really want to talk about.
      “I still feel gutted. We were so close.
      “I have never watched the whole game back.
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      “When I scored it felt like it was the 85th or 86th minute.
      “But I quickly realised it was only the 64th and we had more than 25 minutes to go against that Liverpool team.
      “Then he [Gerrard] goes and does what he does.
      “To play in a Cup final for my football club was a dream come true but it’s the result that counts.”
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      Konchesky, 41, was able to raise a smile while chatting to SunSportCredit: © Jim Bennett
      West Ham, who haven’t reached an FA Cup final since, were in wonderland just 28 minutes into their first one for 26 years.
      Jamie Carragher scored a comical own-goal before Dean Ashton pounced on Pepe Reina’s spill to put them 2-0 up.
      But Gerrard’s wonder-pass set up Djibril Cisse’s volley before the Reds legend smashed in an equaliser nine minutes after half-time.
      Konchesky had his fellow cockneys dreaming again when his skewed cross looped over Reina and dropped in at the back post.
      But one minute into stoppage time, just seconds after Lionel Scaloni spooned a naff clearance into midfield rather than let Liverpool’s sporting throw-in go out for a goal-kick, Gerrard made it 3-3 with one of the most famous Cup final goals ever.
      A shattered West Ham eventually lost 3-1 on penalties. Konchesky took their third which Reina saved with his legs.
      His normal-time strike was the twice-capped England defender’s only goal in 37 FA Cup matches across his 20-year career.
      The Dagenham boy, who went on to play for Liverpool from 2010-11, still finds it difficult to look back at that day.
      ‘IT WAS A CROSS’
      But the former Charlton and Leicester star managed a laugh when asked whether he meant to lob hapless Spaniard Reina.
      Speaking to SunSport at his Brentwood pie ‘n’ mash shop “Konch’s Kafe”, the now-West Ham Women boss said: “It was a cross but it ended up in the back of the net and no one can ever take that away from me.
      “I’ll never forget the day, journey and fantastic football team we had. It’s just a shame about the result.”
      Konchesky played every minute of West Ham’s magical Cup run. They dispatched Norwich, Blackburn and Bolton in the early rounds.
      A 2-1 quarter-final triumph at Manchester City followed before Marlon Harewood sealed a 1-0 semi win over Middlesbrough at Villa Park.
      David Moyes’ side sit 16th in the Premier League, after Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest, but have been much better in the cups.
      They won all six of their Europa Conference League group games and beat Brentford then Derby away to reach the FA Cup fifth round.
      Tonight’s Old Trafford clash marks the FIFTH time in SEVEN years West Ham have been drawn away against United in the domestic cups.
      ‘WEST HAM CAN CAUSE THEM PROBLEMS’
      From those, the east Londoners only progressed to the next round once with last season’s 1-0 League Cup win.
      That was the Hammers’ first Old Trafford victory since 2007 – on the last day of Konchesky’s final campaign with the club.
      But with 6,000 away tickets sold, he backed the Irons to win in Manchester – just like his team did at City in ’06 courtesy of Ashton’s double.
      He added: “Man United have got some fantastic attacking players but teams can hurt them on the break.
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      “West Ham counter-attack quickly and are dangerous with Jarrod Bowen, Gianluca Scamacca and Michail Antonio – whoever they play.
      “You have to defend and soak up pressure at Man United but West Ham can cause them problems.”
      Konchesky chats at ‘Konch’s Cafe’Credit: © Jim Bennett More

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      FA Cup fifth round LIVE RESULTS: Man City overcome Bristol City while Leicester shocked by Blackburn Rovers – latest

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      MANCHESTER CITY downed Bristol City 3-0 as the FA Cup fifth round kicked off.The midweek round also saw Fulham knock out Leeds after winning 2-0 at Craven Cottage.
      Though Leicester were shocked by Championship Blackburn Rovers, losing 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.
      And Brighton picked up a 1-0 victory at Stoke City.
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      Catch the draw
      You can catch the details of when the draw is, and how it will work here.
      You won’t want to miss the chance to find out who plays who as the competition nears it’s final stages.
      The FA Cup quarter-final draw will include Brighton, Blackburn, Manchester City and Fulham among others.Credit: Getty
      Still to come…
      There is much more action still to come in the FA Cup fifth round, and these are the games we are still yet to see:

      Southampton vs Grimsby
      Burnley vs Fleetwood
      Manchester United vs West Ham
      Sheffield United vs Tottenham

      The best game of the round is expected to be Manchester United against West Ham, as David Moyes looks to provide a glimpse of hope for The Hammers otherwise gloomy season.
      He will have to get the better of his old club if he is to do that…
      Game of the night?
      We were treated to a brilliant night of FA Cup football tonight, with nine goals, and no bore-draws.
      We are going to go with Leicester vs Blackburn, because who doesn’t love an underdog?
      Which of the games was your favourite?

      Fulham win the PL clash
      The only all Premier League match-up of the night involved Fulham and Leeds, and it was the hosts that came out victorious at Craven Cottage.
      A Joao Palhinha rocket on the 21st minute meant that Fulham took the lead relatively early on, and that settled them into the game nicely.
      Sometimes in football, things just don’t go your way, and that’s how Fulham would have felt, when Georginio Rutter’s header caressed the inside of the post just before half-time.
      Half-time came and went, and before they knew it Fulham had a 2-0 lead, with Israeli winger Manor Soloman continuing his impressive goal scoring form, which made it four in as many games for him.
      Another win for Fulham this season, and they find themselves in the hat for the FA Cup quarter-finals, dark horses – perhaps?
      Manor Soloman made it four in four for himself this seasonCredit: Getty
      Blackburn shock Leicester
      The upset of the round definitely came at the King Power Stadium…
      It was a goal either side of half-time that secured the victory for the Championship side.
      They got the win and qualification to the next round, but it didn’t come easy, as Leicester were attacking hard in the second half.
      They thought they had a way back into the game when Kelechi Iheanacho scored from the bench, and then thought they had an equaliser when Amartey hit the post after the 90th minute.
      Ultimately, it wasn’t meant to be for The Foxes…
      Manchester City strut their stuff
      While Bristol City put on a great showing at Ashton Gate for the home fans, it was the visitors who were strutting their stuff by the end of the game.
      Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden were the treacherous twins tonight, with the ginger magician scoring a bending effort from outside the box to capitalise on the Englishman’s brace.
      Having both spent a bit of time away from the starting XI recently, the duo were brilliant tonight, and proved why they are world-class players.
      Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne – Treacherous TwinsCredit: Reuters
      Into the hat
      This is a round-up of tonight’s results, with all winning teams progressing into the quarter-finals of this season’s FA Cup…

      Stoke City 0-1 Brighton
      Leicester 1-2 Blackburn
      Fulham 2-0 Leeds
      Bristol City 0-3 Manchester City

      Full-time: Bristol City 0-3 Manchester City
      It’s all over in Bristol, with Manchester City progressing to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
      It wasn’t as easy as the scoreline may suggest, with the visitors getting two goals in the second half.
      Bristol City gave a very good account of themselves, but it wasn’t enough to stop the force that is Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
      Bust up in Bristol
      88.
      Plenty of commotion kicking off at Ashton Gate, with a clash between Williams and Bernardo Silva leading to tempers boiling over.
      All the players come running over to back their boys, before being separated by the referee and we get on with the game.
      Goal! Bristol City 0-3 Manchester City
      81.
      Kevin De Bruyne gets his goal!
      It is a curling effort from outside the box, and that wraps up the game for Manchester City.
      Great finish from a fantastic player.
      Full-time: Fulham 2-0 Leeds
      Fulham are the third team to be welcomed into the FA Cup quarter-finals, as they have defeated Leeds at home.
      Two screamers, one from Joao Palhinha, and one from Manor Soloman were enough to see the Londoners into the next round.
      They join Blackburn Rovers and Brighton in the hat so far.
      Fulham, Blackburn and Brighton are into the FA Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Alamy
      Goal! Bristol City 0-2 Manchester City
      74.
      Phil Foden doubles his tally, and doubles Manchester City’s lead in the process!It looks as though it is going to be plain sailing for the visitors from here on out.
      It was during Bristol City’s best spell in the game too, but like we said, that is what City are capable of.
      Full-time: Leicester City 1-2 Blackburn Rovers
      Blackburn Rovers have beaten Premier League opposition in Leicester City to progress to the FA Cup quarter-finals.
      Despite a late onslaught from The Foxes, they could not get the ball in the back of the net, and were beaten by goals from Tyrhys Dolan and Sammie Szmodics either side of half-time.
      Congratulations Blackburn, into the hat!
      Leicester hit the post! (Leicester 1-2 Blackburn)
      90+3.
      Leicester have hit the post in the dying moments of the game!
      Castagne gets down the right hand side, and crosses to win his side a corner.
      Amartey wins the header from the set-piece, but it is onto the post!
      Blackburn clinging on (Leicester 1-2 Blackburn)
      88.
      Just like an annoying ex-girlfriend, Blackburn Rovers are clinging on to what they have got in this game.
      Just a few minutes to go in this one, and Leicester are going for the equaliser with a number of changes on the pitch.
      Can Blackburn see this one out?
      Back underway in Bristol
      54.
      We are back in the game at Ashton Gate, as these two teams continue to chase a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
      It has been a cagey opening to the second half, but it must be said the visitors have looked fairly comfortable thus far.
      Full-time: Stoke City 0-1 Brighton
      Brighton are the first team to get through the FA Cup fifth round unscathed, and it is Evan Ferguson who is the hero sending them into the quarter-finals.
      It was no easy game for The Seagulls, but they have passed the old ‘cold night in Stoke’ test.
      Goal! Fulham 2-0 Leeds United
      56.
      Another magnificent strike! This time it’s Manor Soloman!
      That’s four goals in four games for the Israeli winger!
      A one-two with Mitrovic inside the box, and he bends a strike into the far right hand corner.
      Goal! Leicester City 1-2 Blackburn Rovers
      67.
      Foxes never quit!
      And it is that man again, Kelechi Iheanacho!
      The Nigerian international baller has been sensational this season, and has found the net once again for Leicester.
      Only subbed on in the 58th minute, it took him nine minutes to get his side back in the game.
      Assisted by Harvey Barnes.
      Game on.
      Kelechi Iheanacho is a man in form for Leicester CityCredit: Reuters
      As it stands
      Stoke City 0-1 Brighton (82′)
      Leicester City 0-2 Blackburn Rovers (65′)
      Fulham 1-0 Leeds United (50′)
      Bristol City 0-1 Manchester City (HT)
      Back underway in London
      46.
      We are back underway at Craven Cottage, as Leeds go hunting an equaliser.
      They came agonisingly close at the end of the first half with a header from Georginio Rutter, who hit the inside of the post with a header.
      They do have some quality from the bench, should they need that.
      Half-time: Bristol City 0-1 Manchester City
      Half-time at Ashton Gate, and while the scoreline may give you the impression that this game has been quiet, it has been anything but.
      Alex Scott looks fantastic in the middle for the home side, but his side are yet to find that finishing touch.
      Don’t be surprised to see Bristol get a goal in the second half, but we know what Manchester City are like.
      We wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up 0-5, despite the hosts deserving so much more…
      Goal! Leicester 0-2 Blackburn Rovers
      52.
      Blackburn have doubled their lead at the King Power!
      It seems we have our first cup-set!Sammie Szmodics doubles their lead!
      Brighton still in front at Stoke
      66.
      No more goals at the Bet365 stadium just yet, as we approach the final 20 minutes.
      Stoke haven’t come close enough to really suggest they are going to turn this one round, but one chance is all it takes.
      Half-time: Fulham 1-0 Leeds
      It is the hosts who go into half-time with the lead.
      Leeds have had chances in the first half, and thought that they had opened the scoring before it was ruled out by the referee.
      It is the visitors finishing that has let them down so far, and with Patrick Bamford on the bench, you would imagine we will see him in the second half.
      Just before half-time Rutter hit the post with a brilliant header that just bounced out.
      Fulham have been somewhat fortunate.
      Load more entries… More

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      Fulham 2 Leeds 0: Palhinha and Solomon wondergoals prove too much for Whites as Cottagers reach FA Cup quarter-finals

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      TAKE a bow Fulham’s recruitment team. Two of the club’s summer arrivals, Joao Palhinha and Manor Solomon, produced the sauciest of goals to fire the Cottagers into the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 13-years. 
      Fulham celebrate Joao Palhinha’s openerCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Manor Solomon adds a saucy secondCredit: Getty
      Both have played a key role in the club going against the grain in the Prem with an unlikely charge towards Europe – but now they are within just 90 minutes of Wembley. 
      The club have reached the FA Cup Final only once, losing 2-0 to West Ham in 1975, and never gone beyond the quarter-finals of the League Cup.
      Last night was yet another reminder that Fulham outfoxed the likes of Manchester United to pay just £17.2million for tackle king Palhinha from Sporting Lisbon. 
      It was fitting that Palhinha actually assisted HIMSELF for the 21st minute opener by tackling Roca before curling in a mouth-watering 30-yard strike. 
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      In the Premier League, Palhinha has made at least 17 more tackles (101) than any other player in the division this season.
      Meanwhile red-hot Solomon has now scored in Fulham’s last four games across all competitions. 
      It was only Solomon’s first start since arriving on loan from Shakhtar after he suspended his contract with the club when war broke out in Ukraine. 
      He has overcome injury hell since arriving in West London and a warzone with his previous club Shakhtar. 
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      It was a shame that a third of Craven Cottage weren’t there to see the glittering night due to the club hiking the cost of tickets up to a minimum of £40 per adult to punters who have already shelled out for season tickets. 
      Leeds fans made up for it though with a bustling away end serenading their side throughout the agonising first half which saw two disallowed goals for them.
      The first began with Marc Roca curling a corner onto McKennie’s noggin which Rodak pushed out – but only as far as Georginio Rutter who lashed home from close range. 
      Cue mayhem in the away end, before party pooper referee Christopher Kavanagh ruled it out for a McKennie foul on Harry Wilson. 
      It looked soft and was a kick in the guts for Leeds, while only igniting the fire in Fulham’s belly. 
      Portuguese midfielder Palhinha smelt blood and pounced on a pass meant for Roca, took one touch and lashed the dreamiest of strikes into the corner. 
      Joao Palhinha opens the scoringCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Solomon celebrates his super strikeCredit: Alamy
      Rivals Brentford will be thanking their lucky stars that Palhinha is serving a two match suspension for their meeting with Fulham on Monday after picking up ten yellow cards in the league. 
      Leeds hit back strongly though and had the ball in the net AGAIN before it was chalked off. 
      But there was not a whiff of any controversy in this one. 
      Rasmus Kristensen’s shot was pushed straight to Wilfred Gnonto and he tapped in the rebound, but was absolutely miles offside during Kristensen’s attempt.
      There was then a cacophony of boos from home fans when Kavanagh and VAR were having none of Aleksandar Mitrovic’s furious shouts for a penalty after a tussle with Robin Koch.  
      Koch looked as though he had his arm round the Serb’s neck, who was giving it back by grabbing the German defender’s shirt. 
      But Leeds once again were a whisker away from an equaliser. 
      Wilfred Gnonto chipped a ball from the left side of the penalty area and Georginio Rutter arched a header at goal. 
      It looped over Marek Rodak but bounced back off the inside of the post before Tim Ream desperately cleared.
      After the break Solomon did what Solomon does best with another rocket strike to steal the show. 
      The Israeli midfielder linked up with Mitro before curling a delicious shot beyond Illan Meslier from 20-yards on 56 minutes. 
      It seems Fulham don’t do s*** goals this season. 
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      And it was almost the perfect night for Fulham as talisman Mitro found the net with a vintage header only to be ruled off for offside. 
      There was a late flurry from Leeds, with Brenden Aaronson, McKennie and Tyler Adams all having a go.  More

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      Bristol City 0 Man City 3: Phil Foden brace sees Pep Guardiola’s men keep treble dream alive with FA Cup cruise

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA brought his champagne squad to ciderland. But it was Phil Foden, who still doesn’t look old enough to drink, who made sure Manchester City will get another round.
      Phil Foden opened the scoring in the seventh minuteCredit: Reuters
      Foden also scored Man City’s secondCredit: AP
      Kevin de Bruyne killed the tie with a thirdCredit: Reuters
      A goal in each half, one a clinical finish and the other heavily diverted beyond the Bristol City keeper by one of his own players, was enough to get them through a difficult night.
      And while boss Pep Guardiola can breathe a sigh of relief, Foden will look back in assurance that he is once again becoming the heartbeat of a team chasing three trophies at the business end of the season.
      Sure, captain Kevin de Bruyne added a spectacular third in the 81st minute. 
      However, the Belgian had missed several good chances prior to that and only once Foden had provided the two goal cushion did he feel confident enough to bend one in in such style from 25 yards.
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      Rejuvenated Foden was subbed as soon as the ball hit the back of the net but the travelling fans paused celebrations to toast the impact of their little Englishman.
      City made things a lot tougher for themselves than anything Championship Bristol City could conjure up.
      With a matchday squad packed full of star-studded internationals it should have been a romp but only Foden consistently drove his team on from his first moment to last with nine minutes to go.
      And his frustrations came to the boil when he briefly lost his rag to pick a fight and find himself booked.
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      It’s his first since mid-September so even that could be taken as a symbol that he is back in business and making a nuisance of himself.
      Foden has started only seven out of 17 games since club football resumed after the World Cup.
      But this was his third in a row and arguably his best despite the lowly opposition.
      With a packed and pumped up stadium the 26,000 sell out crowd at Ashton Gate and those watching at home were primed for a blistering start by the Championship club.
      After all, this was arguably the biggest occasion at revamped Ashton Gate since its redevelopment.
      To his credit, Guardiola rocked up with a full A-list team and star studded bench.
      So when Foden fired the visitors ahead after only seven minutes, it killed the party atmosphere a little and ruined the script.
      Although the goal is worth watching again for its clinical execution and display of mastery on the ball that the punters down these parts don’t witness too often.
      Lurking on the edge of the Bristol City box, Kevin de Bruyne threaded a pass along the right channel for Mahrez to chase.
      The winger’s low probing cross seared across the six yard box and Foden was hanging around just waiting to thump the ball home from close range.
      It gave City the perfect opening to quieten the home fans and players although it did pour a little cold water on the night.
      With the second tier hosts chasing the game and the artistes from the Premier League relaxed with a one goal cushion it got considerably harder for red City while blue City strutted around in full control of the game.
      But what won’t have gone unnoticed by Guardiola is that his team should have been well out of sight by half time but were still only one goal in front.
      What he will also have clocked is the continued upward curve of Foden. 
      The last two performances have shone for City and it’s hard to see the England winger being left out now.
      His goal was calmly executed and was much needed while City made things much harder for themselves than last weekend in a 4-1 romp  against loftier opposition at Premier League Bournemouth on Saturday.
      And Foden’s irritation was best underlined in the 65th minute when tired of taking a battering as reward for his skills, lost it.
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      Scythed down on the touchline by Bristol skipper Matty James, a rush of blood saw him go looking for swift justice – only to pick the wrong man and charge into Sam Bell.
      That was borne out of his sheer determination to carry his team through and he got just reward with the clincher in the 74th minute, rounding off a move involving de Bruyne, Nathan Ake and Julian Alvarez with a low, diagonal shot which crashed off the body of City defender Zak Vyner and over the line.
      Tuesday’s match stats More