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      When is the FA Cup semi-final draw? Start time, TV channel, live stream free and ball numbers

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      THE FA Cup is heading to its last four as teams dream of the final in May.Chelsea are all ready through after a 2-0 win at Middlesbrough in front of a small portion of away fans due to government sanctions on Roman Abramovich.
      Fans are eagerly awaiting the FA Cup semi-final drawCredit: Getty – Contributor
      And title challengers Liverpool and Man City will be looking to join them as they play their quarter-final ties.
      When is the FA Cup semi-final draw?

      The FA Cup semi-final draw takes place on Sunday, March 20.
      It commences before the match between Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool.

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      What TV channel is the FA Cup semi-final draw on and can I live stream it free?

      The FA Cup semi-final draw is live on ITV.
      Coverage of Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool commences at 5.15pm with kick-off at 6pm.
      To stream the draw live, head to the ITV Hub.
      You can also watch it on the FA’s social media accounts.
      Both of these methods are FREE for UK viewers.

      Ball numbers

      Crystal Palace or Everton
      Nottingham Forest or Liverpool
      Chelsea
      Southampton or Man City More

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      in Soccer

      Middlesbrough 0 Chelsea 2: Lukaku and Ziyech send Blues into FA Cup semi-finals in Riverside cruise

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      CHELSEA conjured an FA Cup fairytale with a heartwarming victory for sporting integrity.Romelu Lukaku, the last big signing of the Roman Abramovich era, gave the outgoing owner a perfect farewell gift by grabbing the opener.
      Goalscorers Hakim Ziyech and Romelu Lukaku settled the game for Chelsea in the first halfCredit: Reuters
      Mason Mount assisted both Chelsea goalsCredit: AFP
      Lukaku scored his first goal since the Club World Cup final last monthCredit: Getty
      And birthday boy Hakim Ziyech made it a double celebration by firing in the second goal that all but killed off the match with an hour to go.
      The away fans, cruelly limited in number by the effect of sanctions on Abramovich, had the last laugh as they warmed up for another trip to Wembley.
      Middlesbrough were punished on the pitch for making the Blues look bad in the build-up.
      Having beaten Manchester United and Tottenham in previous rounds, they were unable to exact revenge for defeats by the Blues in the finals of the 1997 FA Cup and 1998 League Cup.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Chelsea bidder Nick Candy EXCLUSIVE, Tuchel distances himself from FA Cup plea
      Boro failed to heed the warning that came after only two minutes, when Mason Mount escaped down the right and his cross only just eluded Christian Pulisic.
      In the 15th minute, Chelsea broke the press deftly, Mount was free again and this time Lukaku converted from close range, thanks to some dodgy defending by Dael Fry.
      Lukaku barely celebrated, but the few hundred visiting fans who had been allowed to attend were loving it, singing about 1997 FA Cup Final hero Roberto Di Matteo.
      They were cheering again on the half hour when Neil Taylor showed Ziyech the inside and the Morrocan hit a firm shot that, although swerving, seemed to beat Joe Lumley a bit too easily.
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      It would have been 3-0 at half-time if Anfernee Dijksteel had not cleared Lukaku’s shot off the line.
      Boro’s only real threat had come from Marcus Tavernier set pieces and they were well off the pace.
      The second half was pretty much a non-event. There were few chances at either end and the home side never really looked likely to find a way back into the game.
      Josh Coburn, the matchwinner against Spurs, at least forced a decent save from Edouard Mendy late on.
      But for all the chaos off the field, Chelsea remain an efficient machine on it. More

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      Boro wanted revenge but it was the 600 lucky Chelsea fans toasting Wembley – even if they may not be there themselves

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      IT WAS a day Middlesbrough wanted revenge, but instead it was 600 lucky Chelsea fans left toasting Wembley – even if they may not be there themselves!The build-up to this one had been volatile.
      600 lucky Chelsea supporters celebrated an FA Cup quarter-final victory on TeessideCredit: Rex
      Boro’s FA Cup dreams were ended by a side who always seem to leave their fans feeling blueCredit: PA
      The Blues, restricted to just the small number that had already purchased tickets before the sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich, failed in an attempt to get it behind-closed-doors.
      That meant that the small army of backers from West London may be the final few to watch their side away from home this term.
      And just like their heroes on the pitch, they overcame an early sea of red and white noise to ensure they went out with a bang.
      But it’s not just the events of the last few days that makes the Blues so disliked around Teesside.
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SPORT.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Chelsea bidder Nick Candy EXCLUSIVE, Tuchel distances himself from FA Cup plea
      The bad blood began in 1988 when Boro relegated Chelsea in the play-offs on a day dubbed ‘The Battle of Stamford Bridge’.
      Hordes of thugs broke through fencing at the infamous Shed End at full time, charging past police to launch missiles at Boro supporters in disgusting scenes.
      Then the agony began for Boro with a hat-trick of Wembley cup final defeats to Chelsea during the 90s.
      And it just had to be the boys in blue who delivered the final nail in the coffin during Boro’s limp 2017 relegation campaign.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      It’s a new generation of fans cheering on Chris Wilder’s Boro now, but those agonies of yesteryear still live deep in the hearts of those longer in the tooth.
      And that is why Chelsea’s request midweek hit such a raw nerve – especially with chairman Steve Gibson.
      The Middlesbrough-born millionaire, involved for all of the above agonies, blasted the attempt as “pathetic” and claimed “sporting integrity and Chelsea do not belong in the same sentence”.
      And that was all before he blasted Blues chairman Bruce Buck as an “excuse of a man”.
      Things were just as hot outside of the boardroom.
      Thomas Tuchel took his boys for a lunchtime stroll in town beforehand in front of stunned onlookers as the tiny Chelsea faithful enjoyed some liquid refreshment in Doc Brown’s.
      But little did they know what a hotbed of noise awaited them a mile down the road.
      It was 3:45pm when the away team coach was met by loud boos and abuse outside the ground.
      And the home supporters were only too happy to dish out a second helping when the Champions League holders emerged for their warm-up.
      “I absolutely hate them,” Boro fan Andrew Harris told us. “They left me gutted twice at Wembley as a kid. Now they’ve tried to ruin today for my little lad. We owe them big time.” 
      The Red Faction unfurled a huge “We Are The Boro Boys” banner as a rendition of “One Stevie Gibson” met the opening whistle.
      Chelsea sealed their place in the FA Cup semi-finals next monthCredit: PA
      Whether it was the noise drowning them out or whether they had come to their senses after recent weeks, there was no repeat of the “Roman Abramovich” songs from the away end.
      But they did make themselves heard after quarter of an hour as the raucous Riverside fell silent thanks to Romelu Lukaku’s opener.
      And soon they were all you could hear after Hakim Ziyech doubled the advantage before the break.
      “Is there a fire drill” chanted the hardy away crew in the south east corner before a chorus of “You’re only here for the Chelsea” filled the air.
      “We all follow the Chelsea, over land and sea” was the song choice for the start of the second period – however true that may be.
      Another rendition for Gibson followed before Boro fans sang “Where’s your chairman gone” before a X-rated “F*** off Abramovich” echoed around the stands.
      Then it came. Undeterred by the backlash towards him, Chelsea retialited by singing the name of the Russian.
      “When Chelsea f***ing die, we’re all having a party” sang the home fans in one last blast at the death – but once again they were left feeling blue courtesy of their bogey club. More

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      Middlesbrough vs Chelsea LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for FA Cup quarter-final tie

      by

      CHELSEA will visit Middlesbrough in the quarter-final of the FA Cup TODAY, with Boro looking to upset another Premier League outfit.Middlesbrough have beaten Premier League opposition twice already in the FA Cup, after overcoming Manchester United and Tottenham so far.
      Romelu Lukaku was the hero as Chelsea won away at Luton Town in the last round.Credit: Getty
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Chelsea have been the topic of conversation for many lately, after the sale of the club and government sanctions have left many at the club wondering what is next.
      Thomas Tuchel is pleased that the team can fly to Middlesbrough rather than take a six-hour coach trip, after a deal was reached with the UK government.
      But the West Londoners will have only a few hundred away fans rather than their full allocation of over four thousand, as they have not been able to sell tickets since sanctions were imposed.
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on the FA Cup.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Chelsea bidder Nick Candy EXCLUSIVE, Tuchel distances himself from FA Cup plea
      What time does Middlesbrough vs Chelsea kick-off?

      Middlesbrough kick-off against Chelsea at 17:15pm UK time on Saturday, March 19.
      The game is at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough.
      Tickets to the game are sold out, and there are expected to be around 500 Chelsea fans.

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

      Middlesbrough vs Chelsea will be shown live on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 4:50pm.
      The game is available to live stream for FREE on the BBCiPlayer and BBC Sport website.

      Can I watch it for FREE?

      The game is FREE to watch on BBC One.
      It can be streamed for free on the BBCiPlayer app or BBC Sport website.

      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in FA Cup.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Team news
      Thomas Tuchel gave an update on the Chelsea team news in his press conference earlier today, he confirmed that Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Andreas Christensen are all doubts for The Blues.
      For Boro, there is no fresh concerns with regards to inujry, but James Lea Siliki is a doubt following a recent illness.
      Odds

      Middlesbrough – 11/2
      Draw – 16/5
      Chelsea – 1/2

      Odds are courtesy of Betfair, and correct at the time of publication.
      Wilder: No sympathy for Chelsea
      Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder stoked the FA Cup flames ahead of today’s quarter-final with Chelsea by saying he has no sympathy for the troubled club.
      The Boro boss was discussing the current restrictions imposed on the Premier League outfit yesterday, and reckons that the outcry over the decision is unwarranted considering the real difficulties that others have faced in recent years.
      He said: “I agree with the sanctions. I think everybody understands why they were put in place. For me, the noise that’s been coming out of it is misguided.
      “The club is not in jeopardy, is it? It’s not a situation like a Macclesfield or a Bury that we’ve seen in the football pyramid. Those things shouldn’t have happened.
      “This is an iconic football club, but if we all know our football, we know what position they were in 25 years ago or so. It’s the same with Manchester City. I remember playing those clubs in the late 80s, and they’ve been transformed.
      “Somebody comes into your football club, invests hundreds of millions of pounds, and turns it into the club that Chelsea is today – serial trophy-winning teams, world-class managers and players, world-class infrastructure, a women’s team that wins everything, a youth team and academy that is the best in the country and wins the Youth Cup.
      “In the football world, I don’t think there’s an incredible amount of sympathy over what’s happening really. I don’t think Chelsea supporters would expect that either. It’ll be a short period before the takeover, and Chelsea will go again, and go from strength to strength.”

      Leisurely stroll before banana skin tie
      Chelsea’s stars enjoyed a pre-match walk around Middlesbrough after being granted special permission to fly to the north-east.
      Sanctions slapped on the Blues mean they are limited to £20,000-per-game in travel expenses.
      Thomas Tuchel’s squad originally faced a gruelling ten-hour round trip to the Riverside, but club chiefs worked behind the scenes to have their license tweaked to allow a plane to be chartered for the clash.
      And after managing to do just that the Blues enjoyed their free time before the game with a leisurely stroll around the town.
      Credit: BACKGRID
      Boro 11/2 for third cup shock
      Middlesbrough have already dispatched Manchester United and Tottenham in this season’s FA Cup, and the bookies have priced them up at a generous 11/2 to add troubled Chelsea to that list inside 90 minutes.

      Middlesbrough win 11/2
      Draw 29/10
      Chelsea win 1/2

      The tie will be settled today, even if it takes extra-time and penalties, and these are the prices for either side to reach the semi-final.

      Middlesbrough to qualify 31/10
      Chelsea to qualify 2/9

      Odds from Betfair correct at the time of post publication.
      Good afternoon from The Riverside
      Welcome to the north-east for live Sun Sport coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final clash between Middlesbrough and Chelsea.
      Having already knocked out Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, the fans of Middlesbrough are turning up in their thousands to see if their team can shock another of the Premier League’s so-called Big Six by sending Chelsea the same way.
      And there will be no Blues supporters in attendance to cheer on the eight-time winners after sanctions blocked the West London club from selling any tickets.
      Kick-off is set for 5.15pm, and we’ll soon have confirmation of the two teams as part of our pre-match build-up.

      Load more entries… More

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      Chelsea walk around Middlesbrough as financial sanctions hit club on travel to FA Cup clash while takeover nears

      by

      CHELSEA’S stars enjoyed a pre-match stroll around Middlesbrough after being granted special permission to fly to the North East.Sanctions slapped on the Blues mean they are limited to £20,000-per-game in travel expenses.
      Azpilicueta lead the Chelsea squad on a walk around MiddlesbroughCredit: BackGrid
      Flying to the North East afforded the Blues time to walk around town on Saturday morningCredit: BackGrid
      Mount gave a thumbs up to the camera as he enjoyed the stroll around townCredit: BackGrid
      Mount took time to have a photo taken with a young Middlesbrough fanCredit: BackGrid
      Thomas Tuchel’s squad originally faced a gruelling ten-hour round trip to the Riverside, but club chiefs worked behind the scenes to have their license tweaked to allow a plane to be chartered for the clash.
      And after managing to do just that the Blues enjoyed their free time before the game with a leisurely stroll around the town.
      Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta led the players around next to a smiling N’Golo Kante.
      Mason Mount kindly stopped and posed for selfies with fans and gave a big thumbs up to the camera.
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More 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      Local residents seemed more than happy to welcome the Champions League holders to town despite a row about tickets for the match.
      After Chelsea were banned from selling tickets for the game, the club had asked for the match to be played behind closed doors to uphold ‘sporting integrity’.
      Mount smiled for the camera as a fan asked for a selfieCredit: BackGrid
      They later withdrew their request after Boro furiously insisted they will resist that suggestion “in the strongest terms” 
      And all seemed to be forgotten as they engaged with the friendly people of Middlesbrough.
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      Instead the Blues returned around 3,200 tickets to Boro, which were later put on sale to home fans.
      Chelsea’s stars killed the time afforded to them by flying to Middlesbrough with a gentle morning walk ahead of the 5.15pm FA Cup quarter-final.
      After managing to secure a plane to travel, Tuchel said: “Everybody worked hard to make it happen and it has gone through.
      “So it’s organised that we can travel by plane, which is very, very good because as you know, we had the last match with only two days in between to rest, and it’s very important to minimise the time of travel and maximise the time for recovery to reduce the risk of injury.
      Trevoh Chalobah spotted walking around Middlesbrough town centreCredit: BackGrid
      “So yeah, we’re very happy. Everything is organised as usual and we can prepare in a normal way.”
      Boro have already dumped Manchester United and Tottenham out of the Cup this season and will be confident of repeating the feat this evening against last year’s finalists.
      Especially with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the for-sale club, and just 600 travelling Chelsea fans expected in the stands.
      Only supporters with an an away season ticket or a hospitality season ticket purchased prior to the government sanctions are able to attend.
      Prospective buyers had until 9pm on Friday night to lodge their bids.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}UNI HORROR .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Neighbours heard ‘loud bang’ before student died from her injuries in uni halls
      One candidate is Chelsea fan Nick Candy, with SunSport exclusively revealing the London property developer plans to continue Chelsea’s current spending model.
      Other potential purchasers include the likes of London-based equity firm Aethel Partners, as well as American billionaire Todd Boehly with Swiss business partner Hansjorg Wyss. More

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      Chelsea face Middlesbrough in FA Cup knowing the entire country is rooting against them after demanding Boro fan ban

      by

      WHEN it comes to football, rival fans never really need an excuse to root for an underdog against one of the big boys.But Chelsea will travel to Teesside today with just about everyone outside SW6 wanting to see them become the latest Goliath to be felled by Middlesbrough’s David.
      Chelsea face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup this eveningCredit: GETTY
      The European champions are heading into the game off the back of a win against LilleCredit: REUTERS
      The ostracising of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, banned from being a director because of his links with Vladimir Putin’s war machine, would have been enough in itself to make Boro the nation’s preferred choice.
      Yet the events of the past few days, with Chelsea asking the FA to prevent home fans from coming to the game, has accentuated that attitude – making it even more likely that the Stamford  Bridge outfit will encounter genuine hostility.
      Not that Boro need any more of a carrot than a possible FA Cup semi-final place.
      There was glee when first Manchester United and then Spurs were felled by Chris Wilder’s team.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Gold Cup build-up on final day of racing after thrilling St Paddy’s Day
      That, though, will be nothing in comparison to the nationwide reaction if Thomas Tuchel’s team also go tumbling.
      It is not Tuchel’s fault. Indeed, amid a situation that would have been beyond many, the German has held things together with a calm, reasoned and sensible approach that few could have matched.
      Tuchel even opted to criticise his own paymasters for what was seen by the vast majority as a complete mis-read of the situation when Chelsea requested the last eight clash be behind closed doors because Blues fans have been prevented from buying tickets.
      In reality, Chelsea were trying to open up the Government’s eyes to the unfairness of the situation when the sanctions against Roman Abramovich have led to Blues supporters becoming the victims.
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      CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK
      Chelsea never expected the FA to acquiesce to the request – which was withdrawn within a few hours – but did feel they needed to make a point.
      Yet it came across as misguided and maladroit, rather than as it was intended, although Boro chairman Steve Gibson’s incendiary and personal assault on some members of the Blues hierarchy was unnecessary.
      Nevertheless, it has added to that latent store of anti-Chelsea sentiment, and also reminded older Boro fans of their remarkable 3-0 win over Jose Mourinho’s seemingly unstoppable champions at the Riverside in 2006.
      Chelsea remain favourites, and rightly so.
      After all, they are the current world and European champions, comfortably third in the Prem and into the last eight of the Champions League, with a squad worth getting on for £1bn in the open market.
      Boro’s annual wage-bill might, just, pay for Romelu Lukaku to spend the next six months not getting a game for Tuchel’s team.
      But against both United and Tottenham they showed real courage and commitment, riding their luck at times but also demonstrating a desire to take advantage of their good fortunes.
      Completing a hat-trick of Big Six victims really would be the biggest of the lot.
      The Riverside, though, has waited a long time for a night like this, and a chance like this. More

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      in Soccer

      Middlesbrough ace Sol Bamba targets Chelsea after beating cancer having been diagnosed on Christmas Eve 15 months ago

      by

      SOL BAMBA never thought he would play football again – let alone be one game away from an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.Diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020, the Middlesbrough defender’s life was on the line.
      Sol Bamba has set his sights on Chelsea after beating cancer having been diagnosed just 15 months agoCredit: PA
      Sol Bamba has recalled the horror of telling his family about his cancer diagnosisCredit: Instagram @cebamba
      Ahead of facing Chelsea in the quarters, Bamba recalled: “Me and the missus told the kids I had cancer and that I would be going through chemotherapy.
      “My youngest daughter, she was nine at the time, straight away asked, ‘Are you going to die?’.
      “That hit me. That was the first time I realised, ‘It could happen’. I did not know what to say.
      “I told my daughter there was a small possibility.
      “As soon as they heard the ‘C’ word, they feared the worst. I was very sad.
      “But once I started the chemo, I never thought like that. I was focused on being as strong as I could possibly be.”
      Football fans were united when Bamba, 37, announced he was cancer free in May 2021, the same month when he made his playing return.
      Then at Cardiff, he was shocked to find out via Twitter the following month that the Bluebirds had released him.
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      Former Cardiff boss Neil Warnock soon took the veteran to Boro as a player-coach, where he has had a new lease of life.
      His two daughters, son, partner and mum will all be at the Riverside this evening cheering their hero on.
      His eldest girl, aged 15, is a Chelsea fan.
      Asked if that allegiance will be put to one side, Bamba laughed: “It better be because if it isn’t, she’ll be in trouble!
      “I used to play with Didier Drogba for the Ivory Coast so she met him and has been a Chelsea fan ever since.
      “Kids always support the big teams with the superstars – my son supports Arsenal – but I’m looking forward to proving them wrong. I’ve got a good feeling.”
      Bamba’s children have been asking about the chaos at Chelsea, who provoked fury on Tuesday when they requested for the quarter-final to be played behind closed doors.
      If the Blues got their way, Bamba’s family would have been forced to watch on from afar like everyone else.
      The veteran defender added: “It would have been devastating. Their request was cheeky. We laughed about it but I’m glad it was withdrawn.
      “It’s sad for the club because they’ve done nothing wrong but when you’ve got an owner close to someone like Putin, and he decides to go to war, it’s only right to get punished.”
      The football world united to support Sol Bamba following his shock diagnosisCredit: Rex
      Chris Wilder’s Teessiders are out for the hat-trick having already seen off Premier League giants Manchester United and Tottenham.
      Bamba will be on the bench for the Championship play-off-chasing side – but do not bet against him making an impact.
      Brought on for the final two minutes of extra-time at Old Trafford, he then nervelessly dispatched a penalty in their shock shootout win.
      Afterwards, the senior statesman tweeted: “I’m too old for this s***”.
      Bamba also came on for the final moments against Spurs, and he said: “I knew the good days would come again – but I never thought about scoring penalties at Old Trafford!
      “People said, ‘You were very relaxed’. Don’t get me wrong, I did not want to miss, but there are worse things in life.
      “When I was going through chemo, I never thought for one minute I would come back and play – let alone at this level.
      “This is now a bonus, and I’m going to enjoy it as much as I can.”
      Savouring these final moments of his 18-year career with his family is what it is all about now for Bamba.
      Sol Bamba is now enjoying every minute of being back on the football pitch following his health scareCredit: Getty
      He said: “Kids are weird, you know. My boy is 17 and my girls are 15 and 10.
      “They don’t like to come out and express themselves too much, they like to keep themselves to themselves.
      “But since I’ve been sick and come out the other side, they are different, they tell me how they feel.
      “They have come to away games, whereas before they never did.
      “They always wanted to stay with their friends but now they realise and appreciate how things can change in a heartbeat.
      “They want to make the most of it, and I’m glad!”
      Beat Chelsea and Bamba will head to Wembley for just the second time. The first was for Cardiff, against Tottenham, in 2018.
      Whether this is his last season remains to be seen, but what a way to go – after everything he has been through – with a fairytale ending.
      A future in management is the plan and Bamba said: “We’ve got a young group and the lads have been talking about this, that there is one more hurdle and then we’ll be playing at Wembley.
      “I said I would like to do one more season so I could finish on my terms and I am glad the board gave me the opportunity to do this.
      “I still enjoy it, my body feels OK, so I will see.
      “The things after, the party, the buzz in the dressing room, I stay out of it because I’m a certain age and it’s not for me anymore.”
      And with one final laugh, Bamba added: “I’ve got to say, if we get to the final or the semi, I’ve got to finish there!” More