FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Fulham 1 Rotherham 0: De Cordova-Reid screamer settles it for the Cottagers but brave Millers push them all the way

      by

      BOBBY DE CORDOVA-REID survived a mass rotation to fire Fulham into the fourth round of the FA Cup.The winger was just one of three players to keep his place in the starting XI that beat Arsenal last Sunday.
      Bobby De Cordova-Reid fired the only goal in the first halfCredit: Reuters
      De Cordova-Reid celebrates his FA Cup winnerCredit: Getty

      And after scoring the winner to down the Gunners last weekend, De Cordova-Reid scored again to see off stubborn Rotherham.
      But where Fulham showed power and panache to see off last season’s Premier League runners up with a brilliant fightback, they struggled against the Championship’s bottom team.
      De Cordova-Reid’s classy first half strike was one of few highlights in a gritty performance that nonetheless opens up a second cup front for Marco Silva’s in-form team. 
      With a trip to Liverpool high in the manager’s mind for next Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi final first leg, Silva took the opportunity against such lowly opposition to rest most of his key men.
      In particular, the absence of midfield general Palhinha always leaves a hole and there is no doubt that the home team’s tempo was down a notch or two compared to recent games without him.
      Even so, you shouldn’t have to be on tip top form when hosting a side that hasn’t felt the thrill of victory on the road in any shape or form since November 2022.
      That is now 29 successive games for the long-suffering Yorkshire club’s fans who rallied around 500 hardy souls for a Friday night trip to South West London in faint hope of a rare away win.
      Silva made eight changes to the team which fought back from a goal down against Arsenal at the weekend to claim a spirited 2-1 victory.

      PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder bets

      He at least kept faith with De Cordova-Reid against the ailing Millers and it proved decisive.
      After 24 minutes of toying around, Fulham finally got the breakthrough but thanks to a defensive lapse.
      Left back Sebastian Revan, on loan at Rotherham from Aston Villa, cracked under pressure trying to play his way out of his goal area.
      His rash clearance only found its way as far as De Cordova-Reid on the edge of the box who hammered a right foot shot into the top corner with his second touch.
      Harrison Reed later hit the post and Wilson also went close but scuffed a shot from the edge of the area.
      Millers’ keeper Viktor Johansson then saved one-handed from a Tosin header and again stopped a powerful drive from Wilson as the struggling second tier side put up a surprisingly stubborn rearguard fight while failing to register a single shot on target.
      Despite their superiority, Silva still had to bring on fresh faces deep into the second half to inject some energy into the performance.
      Club captain Tom Cairney and Brazilian winger Willian came off the bench with 16 minutes left.
      With just thirty seconds of five minutes added time left, Fulham squandered a cracking chance to seal the game.
      They broke free from their own half with Willian on the ball and sub striker Carlos Vinicius in hot pursuit.
      But the two Brazilians failed to summon up any Samba soccer magic and Vinicius rolled a lame shot straight at the keeper when put clean through by his fellow countryman.
      Rotherham defender Sebastian Revan outleaps Fulham’s Rodrigo MunizCredit: AFP More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      My father-in-law won the FA Cup… now I’m plotting fairytale win vs Chelsea 8 years after making my debut with Man Utd

      by

      PRESTON striker Will Keane says FA Cup magic is in the family – and hopes to create a little bit of it himself on Saturday.The former Wigan man is married to Megan – who is the daughter of Everton legend Adrian Heath.
      Will Keane believes Preston are capable of beating ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Everton legend Adrian Heath is Keane’s father-in-lawCredit: Reuters
      ‘Inchy’, 62, – who was manager of MLS club Minnesota United until October – famously helped the Toffees win the competition by beating Watford in the 1984 final.
      He even scored the extra-time winner in the semi-final to edge out Southampton at Highbury and book a place at Wembley for his team.
      Keane, 30, has heard all the stories and would love to make a few headlines himself in the famous old competition.
      And North End’s trip to Chelsea – where they will be roared on by over 6000 travelling fans – looks a perfect opportunity to do that.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Former Wigan forward Keane said: “People talk of the magic of the cup and it’s something we are all aware of as players. We know the history of it.
      “My father-in-law has won it – so it’s always been around and it’s something I know all about.
      “I’m really excited to come up against Premier League opposition. It’s a fantastic occasion, the travelling fans will be in great voice.
      “It’s great for the fans to have the day out and we want to put in a performance to be proud of.
      Most read in FA Cup
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “Keane played for Hull against Chelsea in this competition in 2018 but ended up on the wrong end of a thumping.”
      Being part of a big cup upset is something he would love to have on his CV so the trip to West London represents another opportunity.
      He added: “It’s something I think we are capable of, if we go out there and everyone sticks to the game plan and we put in a performance.
      “I am sure we’ll have to ride our luck at times but hopefully we can stay in the game and there’s no reason why we can’t go there and get a result – if we show our form from the start of the season.
      “But we are aware that, whoever they decide to play, they have so much quality.”
      Keane played his part in an impressive start to the season for Preston and remains their top scorer with six goals.
      In recent weeks, their form has tailed off and the pressure is mounting on boss Ryan Lowe – but the forward hopes both he and the team can turn things around.
      He said: “It was a good start for myself and the team as a whole. I then had a little injury setback, coming back from internationals early on.
      “That was frustrating and I missed two or three weeks. It took a couple of games to get my fitness back and I’ve been maybe in and out a bit more since then.
      Read more on The Sun
      “But I obviously just want to keep my head down and keep working hard to get back in the team.
      “If I can do that and get back into the team, I am confident I can get on another good goal scoring run. That is what I aim to do: keep adding to the tally I’ve got so far.” More

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Captaincy options for Gameweek 19: Liverpool & Chelsea assets top the bill

      by

      TRUTH be told, the captaincy conversation has often been a simple and short one for plenty of Dream Team managers.Erling Haaland (£7.9m) and Mohamed Salah (£6.5m) have been worthy default options but the landscape has changed with Manchester City’s No9 sidelined and Liverpool’s top scorer off to the Africa Cup of Nations.
      Gameweek 19 is also a unique one as it features the FA Cup third round, a set of fixtures that usually prompts extensive rotation.
      Granted, Haaland may return against Huddersfield but, at this stage, his minutes are not certain by any stretch of the imagination.
      Deciding who to captain could be a real head-scratcher but gaffers have potentially been gifted a helping hand by the Carabao Cup semi-finals in midweek.

      PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THE FA CUP WEEKEND – SOMEBODY MUST WIN A £500 AMAZON VOUCHER!

      Gameweek 19’s superhero-in-waiting?Credit: AP
      With that in mind, let’s run through the most prominent candidates.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6m)
      Instinctively, Arsenal v Liverpool looks like a fixture to swerve as it’s among the most-competitive FA Cup match-ups and one that may well be contested between two second-string outfits.
      That being said, it would be a surprise if the Reds’ No66 didn’t feature in some capacity, especially as Jurgen Klopp has a few absentees in defence right now.
      Most read in Football
      Not that Alexander-Arnold spends much time at right-back these days, he’s essentially a midfielder in his current role.
      Liverpool are then set to host Fulham in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
      Alexander-Arnold will surely start at least one of his Gameweek 19 fixtures while playing some role in the other – it wouldn’t be a surprise if he started both.
      With Salah on international duty, the England international is arguably Liverpool’s most-important player and the simple fact is he averages 6.7 points-per-game this season.
      The 25-year-old has registered ten assists in all competitions and no defender has created more big chances.
      Many Dream Team bosses will be reluctant to captain a defender but Alexander-Arnold is a different breed.
      Alternatively, look up top at Darwin Nunez (£4.1m), who is second behind Salah among Liverpool’s squad in terms of goal involvements.
      Cole Palmer (£3.4m)
      A popular man this weekCredit: Dream Team
      Chelsea’s in-form youngster is the most-popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 19 and there’s argument to be made that his new backers should immediately strap the armband on him.
      The Blues’ fixtures look favourable on paper in the form of Preston at home (FA Cup) followed by Middlesbrough away (Carabao Cup) – two mid-table Championship teams.
      Palmer may spend some time on the bench but he should get his fair share of minutes across the two games.
      The 21-year-old took Luton for 17 points last time out and now has eight goals and seven assists to his name.
      Only four midfielders have registered more shots on target in all competitions this campaign.
      Granted, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have blown hot and cold but Palmer averages 6.2 points-per-game in 2023/24 so the prospect of a double header against second-tier opposition has substantial potential.
      Pedro Porro (£3.5m)
      Rising up the rankingsCredit: Getty
      The midweek fixtures really do suggest Gameweek 19’s best captain plays for either Liverpool or Chelsea but some gaffers may prefer to target a single FA Cup match-up.
      Tottenham were eliminated from the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle and they don’t have European commitments – surely they should give it a good go in the FA Cup?
      Their campaign starts with a home game against Burnley on Friday night with the Clarets very much prioritising top-flight safety above everything else at present.
      Son Heung-min (£4.7m) would normally be the primary candidate among Spurs assets but he’s already joined up with South Korea ahead of the Asian Cup.
      Porro is statistically the next-best option among Ange Postecoglou’s troops having amassed 116 points – a total that puts him fourth among defenders.
      The Spanish right-back is only behind Kieran Trippier (£4.9m) and the aforementioned Alexander-Arnold in terms of assists and big chances created among players in his position and he ranks highly for bonus points as well.
      If selected to start, it’s certainly not unthinkable he could combine a clean sheet with an attacking return for a double-digit haul.

      Julian Alvarez (£4.1m)
      Worth a punt?Credit: PA
      One last suggestion as Manchester City v Huddersfield is a huge mismatch on paper.
      The Terriers are threatened by relegation in the Championship this term and so a visit to the treble-winners’ lair could be a humbling experience.
      Predicting Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up is not an easy task but only Kyle Walker (£3.1m) has played more minutes than the Argentine forward among City’s outfield assets – although that could suggest he’s due a rest.
      Read more on The Sun
      Alvarez has enjoyed himself at centre-forward lately, collecting 26 points from his last three outings.
      If he does start at home to Huddersfield then he should feast but this captaincy options comes with the risk that the World Cup winner will be on the bench watching Oscar Bobb (£1.7m) and/or Haaland have all the fun.

      talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
      Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
      18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
      Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Sean Dyche loses it during press conference and breaks down what is wrong with VAR after shocking Calvert-Lewin red card

      by

      SEAN DYCHE admitted VAR is beginning to “test his patience” as he raged at referees consulting the pitchside monitor before making decisions.Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin was controversially sent off during the Toffees’ goalless draw with Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third round on Thursday night.
      Sean Dyche raged at VAR during his post-match press conference on ThursdayCredit: BBC SPORT
      He does not understand decisions being made by officialsCredit: BBC SPORT
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin was sent off for this tackle during Everton’s draw with Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
      The attacker, 26, appeared to beat Nathaniel Clyne to the ball and cleanly bring it away with a sliding challenge.
      But referee Chris Kavanagh was instructed to go to the monitor on the touchline, before he then dismissed Calvert-Lewin after watching several replays.
      And Dyche was critical of referees having to go to the monitor as it almost always leads to the official changing their original decision.
      Speaking in his post-match press conference, the Everton boss said: “I have no clue what that’s there for.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “I hope I’m not just speaking for myself but every fan must go, ‘what is the point?’, because we all know the outcome which is that they agree with everything that they’re told, unless someone can tell me 10 incidents that aren’t.
      “I don’t know what the stats are but the chances of something getting turned over are minuscule, so don’t bother.
      “Let’s just get on with it, afterwards we might debate it but what’s the point in doing it there and then unless you change it?
      “We’ve had all sorts already by the way. VAR moments where you go, ‘how is that?’ You explain it afterwards but where does it live?
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “(Anthony) Martial at home to us, a penalty, you can clearly see his legs collapsing before there is any contact but then they go ‘yeah, but there was a contact’. If you slow down everything, you’re going to find what you’re looking for.
      “I’m a fan of VAR but I just don’t get all this delaying and looking at the screen for a minuscule chance they’ll turn it over.”
      Dyche also went on to question who is in charge of any single game given both the on-field referee and the VAR are consulting one another about various calls.
      He added: “VAR seems a bit confused at the moment.
      “We’re unsure, we’ve had a number this season where I don’t know who is refereeing and while I am a fan, I think it needs tidying up and for whatever reason I thought it was getting tidied up but it seems to have stepped back a little bit.
      “I remain a fan at this stage but it is beginning to test my patience. Apart from the offsides that are obvious, what’s got a chance now of being let play and what’s got a chance of getting called back? We don’t actually know.
      “We just keep our fingers crossed and hope that we get on the right side of it and we generally haven’t.”
      Dyche refused to confirm one way or another whether Everton will appeal the Calvert-Lewin sending off.
      If the decision is upheld, he will miss the replay with Palace at Goodison Park, along with Premier League games against Aston Villa and Fulham.
      Dyche said: “We’ll wait and see. I’ll double-check the process but in the end it’s one of those risk and reward things, is it worth it or not worth it?
      Read more on The Sun
      “I don’t think anyone even knows what’s going to happen with these decisions now. Certainly tonight it was one where I didn’t know and then after seeing it I went, ‘where does that live?’
      “We’ll see, we’ll analyse it and get an outside view and then we’ll decide.” More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Do TONIGHT’S FA Cup games have replays or are extra-time and penalties used if it is a draw?

      by

      FA CUP action has returned – and the third round has thrown up some blockbuster ties.But fans are still confused about whether extra time and penalties are used if required or if there are replays for the teams who cannot be separated after 90 minutes.

      PA:Press Association

      Some rounds of the FA Cup continue to use replays to decide ties Will there be replays for the FA Cup fifth round?
      FA Cup replays have become a huge part of English football’s most famous cup competition.
      And there have been extensive changes in recent years regarding whether they are included.
      In the 2020-21 and the 2021-22 season, all replays were scrapped due to fixture congestion.
      But they were brought back for the  third and fourth rounds of the 2022-23 campaign.
      However, there will be NO replays in the fifth round which means that all encounters will be concluded on the night More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Wigan vs Man Utd FA Cup preview: Erik ten Hag’s men make the short trip to League One side for third round tie

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED make the short trip to Wigan Athletic to cap off the FA Cup third round fixtures.The Red Devils will be hoping they can go one better in the competition this year and lift the prestigious trophy for the first time since 2016.
      Manchester United last lifted the FA Cup in 2016Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      Wigan beat Manchester City 1-0 to become 2013 FA Cup winnersCredit: EPA
      Erik ten Hag’s men were narrowly beaten in the FA Cup final last campaign by bitter rivals Manchester City.
      This season has been a nightmare for Man Utd as they have struggled to find any consistency in their performance.
      The Red Devils currently sit 8th in the Premier League table and are out of the Carabao Cup and Champions League, meaning the FA Cup is their only hope of silverware.
      Meanwhile, Wigan sit 17th in League One but would be much higher if they weren’t on the receiving end of an eight-point deduction at the start of the season.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      In 2013, the Latics stunned Man City to lift the FA Cup trophy for the first time in their history.
      When is Wigan vs Man Utd?

      Wigan vs Man Utd will take place on Monday, January 8th.
      Kick off will be at 8.15pm GMT.
      The DW Stadium will host.

      What TV channel is Wigan vs Man Utd on and can it be live streamed FREE?

      Wigan vs Man Utd will be broadcast live on ITV1.
      You can live stream the match for FREE via the ITVX app/website.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team news
      Wigan are expected to be without the defensive duo of Tom Pearce and Jason Kerr for their FA Cup clash with Man Utd.
      Most read in FA Cup
      Forward Stephen Humphrys missed the Latics’ 1-1 draw with Barnsley on New Year’s Day but will be pushing to return for Monday night.
      For Man Utd, Rasmus Hojlund was absent for the defeat to Nottingham Forest due to illness.
      Luke Shaw also didn’t feature at the City Ground after sitting out with a minor issue.
      Andre Onana has delayed linking up with Cameroon for Afcon so he can play between the sticks against Wigan on Monday night and Tottenham on January 14.
      Sofyan Amrabat has already flown off to join the Morroco squad, meaning he will be unavailable for the trip to the DW.
      Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro returned to training this week, but the Wigan clash may come too soon.
      Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Anthony Martial are expected to remain out.
      What are the odds?
      Match result
      Read more on The Sun

      Wigan – 14/1
      Draw – 5/1
      Man Utd – 2/9

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

    • 313 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a Sunderland star and lifelong fan but all my pals are Newcastle, I can’t wait to knock bitter rivals out of FA Cup

      by

      DAN NEIL has dreamt of wearing Sunderland’s red and white stripes in a Tyne-Wear derby since he could kick a ball.And he reckons the Championship promotion chasers could pull off an FA Cup shock against Saudi-backed neighbours Newcastle on Saturday.
      Sunderland fan Dan Neil hopes he will be celebrating against Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      A season-ticket holder with his dad and grandad from the age of six — around the same time he joined the club’s academy — talented midfielder Neil was brought up in Jarrow where Mackems are a rare breed.
      Most of his mates at school were Toon fans and they have been texting him and asking for tickets since the clubs were drawn together last month — for their first meeting since March 2016.
      Neil saw his first derby in October 2008 as Kieran Richardson’s stunning free-kick secured a 2-1 win — the Black Cats’ first home derby win for 28 years.
      And in the Stadium of Light’s   press  room,   surrounded by images of the side who beat Leeds 1-0 in the 1973 FA Cup final — legendary boss Bob Stokoe, keeper Jim Montgomery and match- winner Ian Porterfield — Neil, 22, said: “When I heard the draw, I was delighted.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “You never know whether you’re going to ever play in one of these games.
      “Being a fan growing up, it’s a game I have always dreamed of. I’ve seen a lot of derbies, gone to most of the home ones from 2008 and watched highlights of ones from before I was even born and it’s just a massive game.
      “The rivalry is fierce and I’m sure the atmosphere is going to be unbelievable.
      “These are the type of games you want to play in.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “It’s a massive chance as a team and as an individual to really make a name for yourself and put yourself down in   history around this area.
      “If you can get on the scoresheet, you’re written down in history.”
      A lot has changed since the sides’ 1-1 Premier League draw at St James’ Park on March 20, 2016.
      Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund bought the Magpies in October 2021 and have spent £374.6million on players so far.
      Sunderland’s current squad has cost about £10m.
      Neil, who is being monitored by Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham, added: “It’s a derby so it gets magnified but as a Championship squad, we’re just relishing  the chance to play against a Premier League team.
      “We go into every game believing we can damage an opponent and if we keep them out, we’ve got a good chance of scoring.

      “The derby is a different type of game and we need to just rest and recover, get ourselves right mentally, work in training and stick together.
      Read more on The Sun
      “I’m under no illusion, it’s going to be a tough game.
      “But it’s a magical Cup and anything can happen.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Six lower-league FA Cup stars to watch including England hero’s brother, goal ace and forgotten Premier League cult hero

      by

      THE FA CUP third-round is always one of the biggest weekends in the football calendar as Premier League, EFL and non-league sides mix it up.SunSport’s JUSTIN ALLEN takes a look at six players below the top-flight to look out for this weekend in the world’s oldest domestic cup competition.
      Jobe Bellingham (left) will relish facing Premier League Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: Rex
      Paul Appiah (right) stars for Maidstone, the lowest-ranked team left in the CupCredit: Gary Stone
      Eastleigh’s 6ft 4in defender Ludwig Francillette is ready to face NewportCredit: Rex
      JOBE BELLINGHAM (Sunderland)
      REAL MADRID and England star Jude Bellingham’s younger brother is enjoying his breakthrough season with the Black Cats.
      And what a game for the 18-year-old midfielder to show his talents this weekend as the Black Cats face their bitter rivals Newcastle in Saturday’s big North East derby at the Stadium of Light.
      PAUL APPIAH (Maidstone United)
      ROOKIE defender will be turning out for the National League South club against Stevenage on Saturday on loan from Leicester.
      The 21-year-old is highly rated and already appeared four times in the EFL Trophy for the Foxes Under-21s side but been sent to the Kent team to get more week-to-week action against senior players. Was superb for the Stones in their second-round win over Barrow.

      LUDWIG FRANCILLETTE (Eastleigh)
      The 6ft 4in ace, 24, is from Guadeloupe and came through the youth system at Newcastle and has two seasons under his belt at League Two club Crawley. Will be hoping to snub out Newport and 17-goal Will Evans this weekend.

      JONNY WILLIAMS (Gillingham)
      VASTLY-experienced midfield playmaker who until last year was a Wales international.
      The 30-year-old former Crystal Palace, Charlton, Cardiff and Swindon ace has featured at two Euros (2016 and 2020) plus was selected for the World Cup squad in Qatar last winter despite being a League Two player!
      DION CHARLES (Bolton)
      STRIKER is on fire as the Trotters aim to win promotion this season from League One.
      Most read in Football
      The 28-year-old has an impressive 17 goals already and will be hoping to add to that this weekend and take the scalp of Premier League strugglers Luton.
      JOSH COBURN (Middlesbrough)
      THE lively striker has just turned 21 and highly rated at the Riverside.
      Coburn, back from a season on loan at Bristol Rovers, has scored twice in his last two games and should get a chance against Premier League Aston Villa — although both teams do have bigger fish to fry in their respective divisions.
      Jonny Williams will use all his experience for Gillingham against Sheffield UnitedCredit: Rex
      Dion Charles will be Bolton’s main goal threat at Premier League LutonCredit: Rex
      Josh Coburn has scored two in his last two for MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty More