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      Frank Lampard demands his Everton flops show ‘big balls’ to keep him in a job as he faces axe

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      FRANK LAMPARD demanded his flops start showing “big balls” to get Everton out of trouble — and keep him in a job.The Toffees boss is fighting for his future ahead of Friday’s FA Cup third-round clash at Manchester United but insists he will not seek assurances over his position.
      Frank Lampard is fighting for his future at EvertonCredit: Getty
      Lampard said: “Sometimes you have to show big balls to get a result.
      “As a player, I always took personal responsibility.
      “I’m not being a saint in saying that but you hope your players are always looking to get better.
      “I’m not silly, we need to get results —  and I’m not walking away from that.

      “I want to be a success at this club and whatever challenges that come, I’ll take them head on.
      “We’ve slipped into the bottom three, that’s not my major concern — and I’m not talking away from that.
      “I’m just saying we’re in and around this area, that’s the reality, and if we win our next game we’ll probably be out of the bottom three.
      “But, above all, we’ve got to be up for a fight.”
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      Defiant Lamps will not go cap in hand to majority owner Farhad Moshiri and plead for his Goodison job.
      He added: “I would never seek reassurances. Part of my job is to absolutely focus on the job at hand.
      “I try to improve a little bit every day — myself, the team,  squad, everything.”
      Yet Moshiri is putting together a hitlist of potential replacements following a woeful seven-game winless run.
      Players were booed off after Tuesday’s 4-1 home thrashing by Brighton.
      Lampard was also hit by news full-back Nathan Patterson is out for six weeks with a knee issue.
      And 17 Everton fan groups yesterday wrote an open letter to Moshiri demanding changes at boardroom level “to save our club from decline”. More

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      Talks over major shake-up to English football that could change FA and Carabao Cups & see Community Shield played ABROAD

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      A MEETING will take place on Friday over a major shake-up to the English game that could see changes to the FA and Carabao Cup and the Community Shield played abroad.The country’s leading footy figures from the FA, Premier League and EFL are set for talks to thrash out a number of proposals made from top-flight clubs.
      The Community Shield could be set to be switched abroadCredit: The Times
      As reported previously, these include Premier League clubs looking into SCRAPPING replays in the FA Cup.
      This idea forms part of a “New Deal for Football”, which could also see sides competing in Europe play U21 sides in the Carabao Cup.
      The Times is also now stating that Community Shield could be switched from its traditional place as the season’s curtain-raiser.
      The game, which is contested between the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners, raises money for charities and grassroots projects.
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      It usually occurs on the Sunday before the start of the top-flight campaign kicks-off – a time that big clubs are claiming disrupts their pre-season build-up and also affects the opportunities of lucrative overseas tours.
      Several alternatives have been offered regarding a date change – as well as playing it abroad in order to promote the Premier League globally.
      This fresh update says that “at least one club would like it to be an ‘All Stars’ game”.
      That would see “each Premier League team providing a maximum of two players and playing against the top stars from other European leagues” instead of its current format.
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      Discussions will take place over ideas to potentially deliver £300million in extra funds to the EFL while also reforming parachute payments.
      The ideas all come after the government warned the Premier League must provide a major cash injection for the EFL with a new deal – or else be forced to do so.
      However, top-flight clubs have only agreed to about £160m so far. More

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      Dream Team’s January Monthly competition gets underway with FA Cup action – winner takes home a PlayStation 5!

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      DREAM TEAM’S January monthly competition gets underway in the coming days, kicking off with the FA Cup third round action.With the winner set to take home a brand new PlayStation 5, gaffers may feel it’s worth targeting a couple of favourable fixtures this weekend but team selections will be difficult to predict – this month’s winner may need a slick or two of luck as well as their knowledge!
      The gaffer who racks up the most points between January 6th and February 2nd will take home the widely-desired games console worth £449 RRP.
      Remember, you can check the monthly leaderboard anytime HERE.
      January’s winner will land a late Christmas presentCredit: DREAM TEAM
      If your XI is struggling in the classic Season game, fear not, a fruitful few weeks could land you a PS5 as only points gained during the given period are taken into account for our monthly competitions.
      With that in mind, you could tailor your team specifically to January’s remaining fixtures once transfers are refreshed, ignoring long-term viability, with a view to scooping the monthly prize.
      Alternatively, you can create a new team and fill it full of players with favourable fixtures for the month in question – each Dream Team gaffer is allowed a maximum of ten teams per season.
      And of course, if you’re happy with your progress in the classic Season game and believe your best XI is also likely to rack up plentiful points in the coming weeks then you don’t need to alter your strategy at all.
      You can even get involved if you didn’t sign-up for Dream Team at the start of the season.
      Simply create an XI ahead of this weekend’s fixtures and if your team achieves the most points between January 6th and February 2nd then the PS5 will be yours.
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      Previous Dream Team Monthly winner David Bradbury and his grandsons
      West Brom supporter David Bradbury won August’s Monthly competition and was ‘over the moon’ when his victory was confirmed.
      “My grandsons will be even more pleased when I pass the PS5 onto them!” he told us.
      “I always try to pick players that do not get rotated and manage to stay injury free. I have been doing Dream Team since it started and this shows that perseverance pays off in the end.
      “I am very grateful for your generosity. I will be trying my hardest to stay in contention for the rest of the season.”
      A reminder that Dream Team assets score points in all competitions so gaffers hoping to replicate David’s success would do well to consider packing their XI full of players with the most fixtures to fulfil – Game Week 17 features FA Cup games and Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
      Good luck! More

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      Antony hands Man Utd injury boost as he returns to training ahead of FA Cup clash against Everton

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have received a major boost as Antony is back in training ahead of the FA Cup tie versus Everton.The Brazilian winger missed the 3-0 victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday with a minor injury.
      Antony has resumed training after missing the Bournemouth gameCredit: Getty
      He missed the last game with a small injuryCredit: Getty
      Harry Maguire will be hoping for another startCredit: Getty
      Lisandro Martinez could make his first start as a World Cup winnerCredit: Getty
      Raphael Varane and Diogo Dalot were at Carrington after being benched in the previous fixtureCredit: Getty
      However, it appears it will be the only game he will miss as he was pictured in training alongside his team-mates ahead of tomorrow’s third round clash with the Toffees.
      The ex-Ajax star began life at Old Trafford well, scoring in the first three Premier League games he played in.
      But since then his goals have dried up, failing to net in his last five league matches and he has also missed another five fixtures in total due to multiple injuries.
      His return will be music to the ears of manager Erik ten Hag, as with Jadon Sancho out, Bruno Fernandes played on the right-wing versus Bournemouth.
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      Donny van de Beek started in the win although the Dutch midfielder is set to be unavailable for some time after sustaining a potential ACL injury.
      Elsewhere, Anthony Martial picked up a knock in the previous game but he is expected to be fit to face Everton as he trained.
      Most first-team stars practised and youngsters such as Zidane Iqbal, Sam Murray, Kobiee Mainoo, Nathan Bishop and Radek Vitek joined in too.
      Diogo Dalot trained as he is back from injury, as did Lisandro Martinez, who has returned to Carrington after winning the World Cup with Argentina.
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      Man Utd are in incredible form, having lost just one of their last 16 games in all competitions, with the one blemish coming in a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
      Marcus Rashford has been one of the standout performers for the club lately, continuing his goalscoring run from the World Cup.
      He has found the back of the net in all four games since his return from Qatar, scoring in victories over Burnley, Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Bournemouth.
      After their game tomorrow, attention will turn to the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Charlton next Tuesday.
      Marcus Rashford wrapped up warmCredit: Getty
      Victor Lindelof and Casemiro got warmed upCredit: Getty
      Tom Heaton, Nathan Bishop and Radek Vitek trainedCredit: Getty More

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      Cody Gakpo’s £37m move to Liverpool is finalised with Dutch star available to face Wolves in FA Cup

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      LIVERPOOL have finalised the signing of Cody Gakpo and the forward could face Wolves in the FA Cup this weekend.The Reds confirmed on Tuesday that they had completed all of the formalities regarding the initial £37million transfer.
      Cody Gakpo’s move to Liverpool has been finalisedCredit: PA
      Liverpool announced last Wednesday that they had agreed a deal with PSV Eindhoven to sign the 23-year-old.
      He underwent a medical and was in the stands at Anfield for the 2-1 win over Leicester on Friday.
      Gakpo was not available for the 3-1 defeat to Brentford on Monday.
      But he is able to play at the weekend after being officially registered as a Liverpool player.
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      Jurgen Klopp’s side host Wolves on Saturday evening in the FA Cup third round.
      And the German boss will be hoping his side perform better than last night’s woeful display against the Bees.
      Liverpool swooped to sign Holland international Gakpo ahead of Manchester United.
      The Reds could end up paying £44m in total for Gakpo after add-ons.
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      He scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in just 14 Eredivisie games for PSV before the World Cup break.
      He then netted three goals in Qatar during Holland’s run to the quarter-finals.
      The forward, who can play out wide or through the middle, has taken the No18 shirt at Anfield.
      United boss Erik ten Hag was left frustrated at missing out on Gakpo to the Reds, according to ESPN. More

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      Emile Smith Rowe set to make eagerly awaited Arsenal return at Oxford after six months out with groin injury

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      EMILE SMITH ROWE is in line to make his long-awaited Arsenal return in next Monday’s FA Cup third round tie at Oxford.The 22-year-old England international has endured a frustrating six months watching from the sidelines as his Arsenal team-mates have roared to the top of the Premier League.
      Emile Smith Rowe could make his Arsenal injury return in the FA CupCredit: Getty
      But now Smith Rowe believes his injury worries are behind him after returning to full training before Christmas.
      And he is hoping to be involved in some capacity next week when manager Mikel Arteta makes wholesale changes to his starting line-up for the trip to League One Oxford.
      Smith Rowe has not started a game for the Gunners since the 2-0 defeat at Newcastle last May.
      And he has managed just four brief substitute appearances totalling 46 minutes this season.
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      He underwent surgery in September to correct a persistent groin problem which had prevented him from participating fully in pre-season training.
      That operation ended any outside hopes of breaking into Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad after winning three senior England caps last season.
      But now he is ready to get his career back on track.
      And his availability could not come at a better time for Arteta.
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      The Arsenal boss is keen to reduce the workload on his young team.
      But he has been forced to rely on a core of just 13 players in the League so far this season.
      However, the return of the versatile Smith Rowe gives Arteta the opportunity to rest playmaker Martin Odegaard, or wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
      A number of other senior players are expected to be given the night off at the Kassam Stadium next Monday.
      And the likes of Rob Holding, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Mohamed Elneny, Sambi Lokonga, Matt Turner and Marquinhos are all lined up to step in.
      But Arsenal are determined not to rush Smith Rowe’s comeback.
      And it has not yet been decided whether he will start the FA Cup tie or come on from the bench as the medical team continue to monitor his progress. More

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      Man Utd blasted by Everton fan groups after raising away ticket prices for FA Cup tie to £45

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been blasted by Everton fan groups after raising away ticket prices for their FA Cup tie to £45.The Red Devils will host the Toffees at Old Trafford in the third round on January 6.
      Everton fans are outraged by the price of FA Cup tickets to see them at Man UtdCredit: Getty
      The Old Trafford clash will cost away fans £45 to attendCredit: PA
      The game has also been chosen to be broadcast live on ITV.
      Everton have been given an away allocation of 9,000 tickets for the bumper showdown.
      However, the cost of them has left them fuming.
      And they have now called on both the Football Association and English Football League to follow the Premier League’s example by introducing a price cap for their cup competitions.
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      Everton’s supporters groups have come together to release a statement this morning.
      It read: “Whilst we appreciate the generous allocation that will allow more than 9,000 Evertonians to support our team at the FA Cup third round tie at Old Trafford in January, we were shocked that Manchester United chose to raise the ticket price for away ticket 150 per cent (£30 to £45) of what the equivalent Premier League fixture would cost.
      “The fixture will take place almost a year to the day one of their most prominent footballers was instrumental in raising £200,000 through the ‘Full Time Meals’ campaign (enough to fund 750,000 meals for FareShare) and against the backdrop of a national cost of living crisis.
      “Such a pricing policy is a slap in the face to everyone who has campaigned for sensible and affordable ticketing pricing for visiting supporters, a campaign that resulted in the price of away tickets being capped at £30 for Premier League fixtures since the 2016-17 season.
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      “Earlier this year, all 20 Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to maintain this cap for the next three seasons, so it will not be revisited until 2025.
      “For many years, prices for visiting supporters for FA Cup fixtures had to be agreed by both clubs, but an FA rule change in 2017 has allowed home clubs to charge more or less what they like.
      “We’re now calling on the Football Association and English Football League to introduce a similar cap for FA Cup and League Cup fixtures and put the interests of supporters first.” More

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      Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni is on the cusp of World Cup glory… but he once cost West Ham the FA Cup final

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      ARGENTINA manager Lionel Scaloni is on the cusp of winning the World Cup… but his experience in finals isn’t positive having once cost West Ham FA Cup glory.Scaloni has guided Argentina to the World Cup final where they will face France on Sunday afternoon.
      Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni will be hoping he can get his hands on the World CupCredit: Getty
      In his playing days, Lionel Scaloni made a costly error West Ham fans will never forgetCredit: Getty
      His mistake allowed Steven Gerrard to equalise in the 2006 FA Cup finalCredit: PA
      The 44-year-old can write his name into the history books but Hammers fans will always remember his costly mistake against Liverpool when they were on the verge of winning the FA Cup in 2006.
      West Ham were leading 3-2 in stoppage time when Djibril Cisse went down injured and Scaloni put the ball out of play for a throw-in near his own goal.
      Liverpool, in sporting spirit, resumed the game by giving possession back to the Argentine but the right-back panicked and launched the ball into the middle of the pitch for Gerrard to pick it up.
      Liverpool managed to work a cross and the clearance was volleyed into the net by Reds captain Gerrard from 35-yards to send it to extra-time, followed by penalties.
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      West Ham lost the penalty shoot-out 3-1 and the match was dubbed the ‘Gerrard final’ after his heroics that saw him score a brace in the match as Liverpool fought back from behind twice.
      The East London side were managed by Alan Pardew at the time who has spoken to The Telegraph about his memories of the day at the Millennium Stadium.
      Pardew recalled Scaloni’s mistake jokingly saying: “He cost me a Cup final winners’ medal and I can never forgive him.”
      But to this day Pardew still speaks in despair saying: “It’s a moment of madness because there was a minute left and all we had to do is run the clock down.
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      “You don’t want the ball to end up centrally in the pitch at that time.
      “It was at complete odds with a player who was ordinarily one of the most savvy in the team – he’d have been bottom of my list to do that.
      “With some I’d have gone, ‘Well, what do you expect, you know?’ but here’s our most intelligent, sensible player.
      “So many West Ham fans have come up to me over the years and said, ‘Oh my god, that throw in. What was he thinking?’
      “All this time later and they still bring it up. If only he’d just done something different.”
      Pardew, who is now managing Greek side Aris Thessaloniki, admitted he has not spoken about the moment with Scaloni since the day it happened.
      But the ex-Newcastle boss does believe that he must tell his players about what he did to teach them a lesson on how not to defend a lead in a final.
      Pardew went on to say that Scaloni was a likeable and calming influence in the West Ham dressing room who was always looking to absorb everything and learn.

      Scaloni was on loan at the Irons for half a season after arriving in January 2006 and he played just 17 games before returning to Deportivo La Coruna, where he spent eight years of his career.
      Argentina will be hoping Lionel Messi can inspire them to glory at the weekend and no defender makes an error like their manager once did 16 years ago.
      Alan Pardew was minutes away from winning the FA Cup with West HamCredit: PA More