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      How Man Utd could line up vs Leicester in FA Cup with Rashford and Cavani injury doubts but Pogba in after Milan goal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED travel to Leicester for a FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has some tough selection decisions on his hands.Paul Pogba is likely to start after his immediate impact from the bench at AC Milan on Thursday while Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani could miss out through injury.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to field a strong Man Utd team for their FA Cup game at Leicester
      The Red Devils are in excellent form having not lost in their last 14 matches.
      Solskjaer’s men had another successful night on Thursday as Pogba’s goal off the bench fired them to a 1-0 win over AC Milan in the second-leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
      The win at the San Siro saw United progress to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 aggregate win and they play the Foxes in the same stage of England’s biggest domestic cup competition on Sunday.
      Pogba replaced Rashford at half-time in Italy and had an almost immediate impact as he scored the winner with a clever close range finish just minutes later.
      The Frenchman is freshly back from a thigh injury and is likely to get the nod at the King Power – potentially in the left-wing position he played so effectively in Milan.
      Solskjaer admitted after the game he took Rashford off as the England star ‘felt a twinge’.
      The 23-year-old has recently struggled with ankle and shoulder problems.
      And Solskjaer said: “Marcus had a twinge, we couldn’t take a risk with him. Hopefully he won’t be too bad.”
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      United have plenty of talented backups available if Solskjaer wants to rest some big names

      Further up the field, Cavani could also miss out again after he pulled out the trip to Italy at the last minute.
      The Uruguayan had a reaction to a muscle injury that kept him out for three games at the beginning of this month.
      And on Wednesday, Solskjaer said: “Unfortunately, it looks like Edinson has got a bit of a reaction to training today and didn’t feel ready to travel.”
      The United boss also has a big call to make over who to play between the sticks.
      Dean Henderson is in excellent form and David De Gea has returned from Spain where he was attending the birth of his new baby.
      After the Milan win, United legend Paul Scholes said Henderson has replaced the Spaniard as No 1.
      The Englishman has six clean sheets from seven appearances after making some crucial stops in Milan.
      Elsewhere on the pitch, Solskjaer is unlikely to change a winning team unless he has to so expect to see a similar 4-2-3-1 line up seen in his team’s last two games.
      But in Donny van de Beek, Amad Diallo, Alex Telles and several others, the Norwegian has plenty of talented backup stars to step in if called upon.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Paul Pogba’s return is a huge boost to the team after AC Milan victory More

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      How Chelsea could line up against Sheff Utd in FA Cup with Mount and Jorginho returning after sitting out Atletico win

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      MASON MOUNT and Jorginho could be restored to the Chelsea line-up in the FA Cup quarter-final clash against Sheffield United on Sunday.The pair both missed the 2-0 win against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday due to suspension, but are in contention to start against the Blades.
      This is how Chelsea could start in the FA Cup against Sheffield United on Sunday
      Thomas Tuchel is expected to shuffle his pack, but will still field a strong team in what is their last game before the international break.
      The German gaffer created club history earlier this week after the West Londoners breezed past Diego Simeone’s men.
      No other Chelsea manager has went 13 games unbeaten following their appointment, with Tuchel’s favoured 3-4-2-1 formation working wonders.
      And the ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss is likely to use the system yet again when the Blues host the Blades on the weekend.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga could replace Edouard Mendy between the sticks for the match, with the Spaniard starting all three FA Cup ties this term.
      Andreas Christensen is another player that could return to the starting XI after he missed the Atletico game due to illness.
      And he could play alongside Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rudiger, with the trio all impressing since Tuchel succeeded Frank Lampard.
      Reece James is likely to yet again start as a right full-back, with Ben Chilwell to be deployed on the opposite flank.
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      This is another way of how the Blues could line-up against the Blades at Stamford Bridge

      Returning Jorginho could replace Mateo Kovacic in the line-up, with the Italy international to feature alongside N’Golo Kante.
      Mount may start in advanced role just behind the striker with Hakim Ziyech, leaving Kai Havertz to drop to the bench.
      Timo Werner may also be given a rest, with Olivier Giroud to lead the line as Tammy Abraham is not fully match fit after his injury.
      SunSport understands that Abraham has not shaken off his ankle problem that he picked up against Burnley in January.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Fans WILL be allowed into Wembley for FA Cup final despite date being two days before planned opening of grounds

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      FANS will be allowed to attend the FA Cup Final – despite it coming two days before the planned opening up of grounds to 10,000 fans.
      The Wembley showpiece will be held on May 15, 48 hours before the relaxation of restrictions on crowds.

      Fans will be allowed to attend this year’s FA Cup final at Wembley StadiumCredit: PA:Press Association

      But the FA have lobbied to be one of the pilot events ahead of the official return.
      And the World Snooker Championships at The Crucible can also take place in front of spectators in another massive boost to sport.
      A final decision on how many will be allowed into events will come in the next few weeks after Government discussions with organisers and local authorities.
      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “These test events will be crucial in finding ways to get fans and audiences back in safely without social distancing.

      “We will be guided by the science and medical experts, but will work flat out to make that happen.
      “We want to get the people back to enjoying what they love and ensure some of our most important growth industries get back on their feet.
      “These are important steps towards the safe and special summer we all crave and that I’m fully focused on delivering.”
      Fans will not be allowed in unless they have had a negative Covid test beforehand and must agree to be tested afterwards.

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      They must also sign up to a ‘code of behaviour’ confirming they will wear masks where required while nobody with Covid symptoms will be allowed through the turnstiles.
      PM Boris Johnson has already announced all restrictions on crowds are due to end from June 21, allowing 90,000 full houses at Wembley for the latter stages of Euro 2020.
      But while the FA Cup final pilot is a giant step forward for fans, so far there are no plans to bring them forward to allow supporters of Spurs or Manchester City to attend the Carabao Cup final on April 25.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      FA Cup quarter-final draw: Man Utd face Leicester in pick of games as City get Everton More

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      Leicester boss Morgan hopes Foxes avoid getting stung by London Bees and hails Women’s FA Cup return

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      JONATHAN MORGAN wants Leicester to be ruthless with struggling London City a week ahead of their promotion duel with Durham. 
      And the Foxes gaffer is targeting a win against Liverpool in the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup with the competition’s return in March and April.

      Jonathan Morgan wants Leicester City to ”dispatch” London BeesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Leicester hope to pick up their twelfth win in the Women’s Championship when they host the BeesCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Leicester, who are in pole position in the Women’s Championship, are looking to pick up their tenth win on the bounce since drawing with Durham in October. 
      And they face a Bees side who are second from bottom and battling to avoid the drop having collected just two points in seven games since December. 
      Morgan said: “I know they’re struggling at the other end of the table, but that’s probably more dangerous for us because they’ve got everything to fight for, they’re looking for survival. 
      “We’re not going to take them lightly. But at the same time, we also know that we have to be professional and efficient and dispatch them this weekend. 

      “I’m sure London Bees are going to be set up strong and ready to defend. 
      “I’ve made it no secret to the girls that I want us to be ruthless this weekend as  it could come down to goal difference this season. That’s the reality. 
      “At the minute we’re boasting eight more goals than Durham. 
      “But if there are more opportunities for us to score more goals, we want to take full advantage of that. 

      London Bees are hoping to pick up their first win in the Women’s Championship this yearCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Morgan was speaking a day after football chiefs announced the return of the Women’s FA Cup.
      The competition was halted in January due to the coronavirus lockdown with its first three rounds being classed as ‘non-elite’ sport. 
      Outstanding first round fixtures will be played on March 31 followed by second round games from April 4
      And the third round – which takes place on April 11 – will be followed seven days later by the fourth which will see Leicester take on former WSL giants Liverpool. 
      The Foxes, who were knocked out by Man City in the quarter-finals of last term’s contest, aim to defeat the Reds who have reached the finals three times. 
      Morgan added: “It’s been a very difficult year for everybody and it’s been a very difficult year, I guess for the FA to fit things in. 
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      The Women’s FA Cup will resume in March following the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictionsCredit: Reuters
      “It’s fantastic they found a way to get the FA Cup completed. 
      “We just hope we can make it three wins out of three against Liverpool this season and progress into the next round. 
      “It’s another opportunity for the players to get into the game under their belt and for us to progress in another tournament.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      FA Cup final could see at least 4,000 fans attend on May 15… two days BEFORE ban on supporters is lifted

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      THERE could be up to 4,000 fans in attendance for the FA Cup Final – even though it is TWO DAYS before supporter restrictions are lifted.
      Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday as part of the roadmap out of lockdown that 10,000 spectators could be allowed back into stadiums for sporting events from May 17.

      There could be at least 4,000 fans in attendance for the FA Cup Final in MayCredit: Getty

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      The Wembley showpiece takes place on May 15 – but football now has the green light to host expansive test events in April ahead of the planned reopening of grounds.
      Whitehall chiefs held talks yesterday regarding pilot events and hope to release a schedule in the coming weeks.
      Despite hopes of getting 10,000 in for the Cup Final, a figure the FA will apply for, the governing body feel that a figure between 2,000 and 4,000 is more likely.
      The FA are desperate for the showpiece to be played in front of fans.

      However, they are unable to switch the date of the spectacle because of the upcoming Euros.
      They are due to hand the Wembley keys over to Uefa shortly after the game ahead of the tournament, although the EFL play-offs are scheduled for the end of May.
      But the final will provide an opportunity to test the new facilities ahead of the Euros.
      A test event with 10,000 fans needs to take place to demonstrate the safety of the stadium following recent structural and landscaping changes around the famous stadium.

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      England’s first group game is against Croatia on June 13, which means it still falls under the 10k capacity limit on the roadmap timeline.
      That means that match could be used as the test event.
      Although FA chiefs would prefer to test out the facility prior to that.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wants ‘quality’ Christian Pulisic to stay at Stamford Bridge despite injury problems

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      CHRISTIAN PULISIC is still wanted by Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea – despite his injury problems.
      The USA international has managed just 40 Premier League appearances for the Blues since the start of last season.

      Pulisic, 22, has struggled with injuries since joining Chelsea in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The USA international flourished under Tuchel at Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Speaking ahead of today’s trip to Southampton, Tuchel said: “Chelsea bought Christian for a reason – for his quality, for his potential and it’s our job to bring out the best in him.
      “He proved in many weeks that he has the level to be a Chelsea regular player, to have a big impact at this club and it’s a challenge now to maintain the level and to keep improving.”
      Pulisic has suffered with muscular injuries throughout his time at Stamford Bridge and is yet to start in the Premier League under Tuchel.
      He missed the recent 2-1 win against Sheffield United due to personal issues.

      The 22-year-old did start against Barnsley in the FA Cup, however, playing 80 minutes in the 1-0 win.
      Tuchel wants him to stay upbeat as he believes he can play a crucial role in the second half of the season.
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      He continued: “It’s sometimes like this and the main thing for Christian is to stay positive, keep his head up and be ready because he can have a big impact when he starts and he can have a big impact when he comes from the bench with his intensity.”

      If anyone can get the best out of Pulisic, it’s Tuchel.
      The German coach gave him his Borussia Dortmund debut as a 17-year-old in January 2016.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      The American flourished under Tuchel’s management and was instrumental in helping him win his first major trophy in management.
      He won a penalty in the 2017 German Cup final against Eintracht Frankfurt, allowing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score the winner.
      Pulisic isn’t the only young American to play for a top European side, with Sergino Dest (20) at Barcelona and Weston McKennie (23) at Juventus.

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      Fans could attend FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals at Wembley with FA hoping to have 27k supporters at Euro 2020 games

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      FANS could be allowed in to watch the two domestic cup finals – in a trial to help ensure supporters for Euro 2020.
      The FA is determined to open up some of the Wembley turnstiles for the seven games due to be played in the stadium during the tournament in June and July.

      Scenes of fans spaced out across Wembley Stadium may be welcomed back in the springCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times

      And that could see up to 10,000 supporters in for the April 29 Carabao Cup final between Manchester City and Spurs and the FA Cup final the following month.
      Both events would be staging posts towards the summer, with the FA hoping to be able to fill 30 per cent of Wembley’s 90,000 capacity by the Euros.
      FA chiefs are part of the Government’s Sports Technology Innovation Group, headed by Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross.
      Discussions over the past year have included concepts such as digital Covid passports for spectators, with football bosses signalling their willingness to act as “guinea pigs” for the safe re-opening of the country.

      And even getting reduced numbers in to Wembley in the spring would be a huge staging post in the right direction.
      Expectations of a lifting of Covid restrictions in the coming weeks will make the possibility of reopening turnstiles more realistic, although there is no expectation of fans being back in Prem grounds before next season.
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      The FA is understood to have told Uefa it hopes to be able to allow in around 27,000 – representing 30 per cent of capacity – for the Euros, although Wembley will still be used to hold matches if no supporters are allowed in.

      That would be part of a gradual easing of crowd restrictions at other sporting events, including Test cricket, Wimbledon and summer horse racing events like the Derby.
      Government approval would be required for all such measures but trials for the two finals would also allow sports governing bodies to judge the ease and efficiency of entry regulations which could be rolled out across other events.

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      FA Cup quarter-final TV details revealed with Leicester vs Man Utd and Chelsea vs Sheff Utd live on BBC

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea will both have their FA Cup quarter-final matches broadcast live by the BBC next month.
      Knockout football returns in March with just eight clubs left in the oldest cup competition in England.

      Man Utd’s FA Cup game with Leicester will be shown live on the BBCCredit: EPA

      And the BBC will show the two biggest ties live on Sunday March 21.
      Man Utd travel to Leicester in arguably the pick of the quarter-final ties.
      Chelsea host Sheff Utd in the other game due to be shown on the BBC.
      The Blues’ clash will be the first in a Sunday double-header, with kick-off 1.30pm.

      United’s game at the King Power Stadium follows, with kick-off at 5pm.
      The BBC have revealed both games will be shown live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
      They will also show highlights of the other two quarter-final clashes.
      Everton host Manchester City in a potentially enthralling game, while Southampton make the short trip along the south coast to face Bournemouth.

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      Chelsea’s clash with Sheff Utd will be shown on BBC after they beat Barnsley in the last roundCredit: Reuters

      Both of those games will be played on Saturday March 20 and broadcast live on BT Sport.
      Meanwhile, a supercomputer has predicted the final Premier League table for the 2020-21 season, with Man Utd having just a ONE PER CENT chance of winning the league.
      Manchester City are expected to clinch the title, with Chelsea finishing OUTSIDE of the top-four, behind Liverpool and Leicester.

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