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    FA Cup semi-final draw: Date, UK time, TV channel and live stream as Man Utd and Chelsea set to learn fates

    THE FA Cup is back in action this weekend, with four quarter-final ties taking place over two days.Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are all in action this weekend, along with Southampton and Leicester City.
    The FA Cup semi-final draw takes place during half time of Leicester’s clash with Manchester United
    When does the FA Cup semi-final draw take place?
    The FA Cup semi-final draw will happen during half time of Leicester City’s tie against Manchester United on Sunday evening.
    The final tie of the FA Cup quarter-finals kicks off at 5pm, so the draw will happen shortly after 5.45pm.
    What TV channel is the FA Cup semi-final draw on?
    The draw will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
    What are the FA Cup semi-final draw numbers?

    Everton or Manchester City.
    Southampton
    Leicester or Manchester United
    Chelsea or Sheffield United

    When are the FA Cup semi-finals taking place?
    The two matches will take place on Saturday April 17 and Sunday April 18.
    The FA Cup quarter-final matches are being broadcast live on BBC Sport and BT Sport, expect the semi-finals to be the same. More

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    Bournemouth 0 Southampton 3: Redmond rips Cherries apart as Saints march into FA Cup semi-final

    NATHAN REDMOND’S killer goal was so good that Glenn Hoddle likened it to Michael Owen’s wonder-strike against Argentina!In fairness, there was a similarity to Owen’s unforgettable solo effort for Hoddle’s England at World Cup ‘98, albeit at a much lower level.
    Nathan Redmond was too hot for Bournemouth to handleCredit: Getty
    Glenn Hoddle likened Redmond’s movement and finish to that of Michael OwenCredit: AFP
    Michael Owen announced himself on the world stage with THIS goal against ArgentinaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Redmond picked up the ball midway into the Bournemouth half and flew past Cherries skipper Steve Cook, who played the Roberto Ayala role in this scenario.
    The Southampton forward then unleashed a devastating strike into the far top corner with all the accuracy that Owen showed in Saint Etienne 23 years ago.
    Hoddle, on co-comms for BT Sport, marvelled: “What a finish, Michael Owen-ish against Argentina!”
    The majestic goal came right on half-time and doubled Saints’ lead to kill off their Championship neighbours.
    Jonathan Woodgate’s Cherries had already fallen behind to Moussa Djenepo’s gorgeous opener, set up by Redmond’s brilliance.
    Redmond then piled on the misery with his second, firing in a delightfully-controlled rebound after Stuart Armstrong had crashed the post.
    The 27-year-old’s man-of-the-match display came just before the international break and served as a reminder that Redmond actually does have an England cap to his name.
    That sole appearance for his country came four years ago as a second-half sub for Adam Lallana against Germany.
    Moussa Djenepo got the ball rolling for SouthamptonCredit: The Sun
    The Saints scorer showed his love for the FA CupCredit: Getty
    Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League

    He did make another of Gareth Southgate’s squad two years later but no further caps came.
    And given his largely underwhelming form for a largely struggling Saints side, Redmond could have no complaints.
    But this performance showed just how good the Birmingham-born ace can be on his day, even if those days do not come along very often.
    They certainly have not in the second-half of Southampton’s league campaign, which has seen Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men go from league-leaders to having mild worries about survival after ten defeats in 12.
    The FA Cup has been their saving grace though and now, predominantly thanks to Redmond, they can look forward to a second semi-final appearance in four years.
    Redmond rounded off the scoring on a good day on the south coastCredit: The Sun
    Southampton march on into the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: The Sun
    Saints have actually had a fair few Wembley appearances in the last decade, including the League Cup final defeat to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Manchester United in 2017.
    Although the last time they won a competition came 11 years ago when Alan Pardew’s side – which included Michail Antonio, Rickie Lambert and Lallana – lifted the JPT.
    Bournemouth will be bitterly disappointed with their offering here as they made it easy for their Premier League guests.
    Woodgate’s side had comfortably beaten play-off rivals Swanea 3-0 in midweek so presumably would have been in confident mood – but that did not last long.
    And it could have been far more embarrassing had VAR not intervened.
    Southampton showed they are all in it together in an impressive victoryCredit: Reuters
    With 11 minutes on the clock, Saints thought they had broken the deadlock when Cherries loanee Cameron Carter-Vicker steered Kyle Walker-Peters’ cross into his own net.
    But Stockley Park, who would not have been utilised had this fixture been played in the previous round, adjudged Walker-Peters to have been marginally offside.
    Arnaut Danjuma offered Bournemouth’s only real threat and drew a smart stop from Fraser Forster at his near post.
    But in the 37th minute, Southampton showed their superior quality with a picture-perfect opener.
    Jack Wilshere was poweless to prevent his Bournemouth side being easily defeatedCredit: Reuters
    Redmond glided across the pitch and stroked the ball through for Djenepo dispatch coolly into the far corner.
    The Mali winger has suffered with form and fitness since arriving from Belgium two summers ago but this was a reminder of his capabilities.
    Bournemouth knew the game was up when Redmond’s Owen impression made it 2-0 seconds before the interval.
    It was a marvellous goal but Woodgate, a top England centre-back in his day, will have been devastated by his side’s poor defending.
    His side allowed Stuart Armstrong to chest down a throw-in and feed Redmond who did the rest with his mazy run and blistering finish.
    Che Adams thought he had made it 3-0 early in the second half with a lethal blast, but once again VAR chalked it off for offside against Armstrong in the build-up.
    It was harsh on the would-be goal-scorer, who had been celebrating what he believed to be his fourth goal in as many games.
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    Saints did not have to wait long for their third though and it perhaps best summed up their confidence in this one-sided affair.
    Redmond laid back to Armstrong who cracked the post from just outside the area with his weaker left foot just before the hour.
    The ball bounced back to Redmond who showed remarkable control to fire it into the far corner.
    Ex-Norwich man Redmond was inches away from a hat-trick when he curled the wrong side of the post with 15 minutes to play.
    But it did not wipe the smile off his face as he rolled back the years to send Southampton to Wembley for the third time in five seasons.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    FA Cup on TV: Which quarter-final fixtures are on BBC iPlayer and BT Sport and how to live stream FREE

    THE world’s greatest cup domestic competition continues with a bumper weekend of FA Cup football.Despite the continued lockdown, you will be able to watch every single clash on TV – with a number of matches on free-to-air.
    Scott McTominay has been Manchester United’s FA Cup hero so farCredit: Getty
    Who broadcasts FA Cup quarter-final TV matches
    There are four matches in the quarter-finals.
    Matches are being shown on BT Sport and the BBC, although none are on the FA Player as they were in the third round.
    Games on BBC One and BBC iPlayer are FREE to watch for everyone.
    BT Sport games will be available to anyone who has a subscription to the service, with the BT Sport Extra channel available by pressing the red button.
    BT Sport and BBC Sport have a split of matchesCredit: Paul Marriott – The Sun
    If you have an EE phone contract, you can grab a three-month BT Sport trial by texting SPORT to 150.
    To get the FA Player, head to their official website or download the app from the App or Play Store on your mobile.
    FA Cup quarter-final fixtures
    Saturday, March 20

    Bournemouth vs Southampton – 12.15pm

    TV channel: BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate
    Stream: BT Sport website and app

    Everton vs Manchester City – 5.30pm – BT Sport 1

    TV channel: BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate
    Stream: BT Sport website and app

    Sunday, March 21

    Chelsea vs Sheffield United – 1.30pm

    TV channel: BBC One
    Stream: BBC iPlayer

    Leicester vs Manchester United – 5pm

    TV channel: BBC One
    Stream: BBC iPlayer

    How can I watch BT Sport for free?

     EE customers can get BT Sport INCLUDED to their plan at no extra cost if they are on a plan with Smart Benefits – simply log in to EE and choose BT Sport app.
    And then get it on the big screen by texting SPORT to 150 to get a FREE three-month trial of large screen so you can cast all the action on your TV.
    At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription unless cancelled. More

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    Jermaine Jenas rules out ‘inconsistent’ Man Utd winning FA Cup but tips in-form Chelsea to go all the way

    FORMER Tottenham and England star Jermaine Jenas has tipped Chelsea to go all the way in the FA Cup on the eve of quarter-final weekend.Eight teams will battle it out over the coming days to secure a day out at Wembley in the semis and edge a step closer to glory.
    Jermaine Jenas believes it could be Chelsea enjoying FA Cup glory in MayCredit: Getty
    Manchester City, who travel to Everton, are the big favourites to lift the cup in May.
    Championship side Bournemouth host out-of-form Southampton while Leicester host Manchester United, with Jenas feeling the Red Devils are ‘too inconsistent’ to go all the way.
    And he fancies Thomas Tuchel’s Blues to be one the ones to stop City.
    Jenas, who is working with sponsor of BT Sport’s coverage of the Emirates FA Cup heycar, said: “Leicester struggled towards the end of last season and I see that happening a bit again this season.
    “Whereas Manchester United are just too inconsistent, week to week.”
    Moving on to assess Chelsea, he admitted he has a feeling the West London club could be the ones set to end the season with Wembley joy.
    They face the Premier League’s bottom club Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
    And with Tuchel still unbeaten since taking charge, Jenas has a feeling it may be their name on the cup.
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    The 38-year-old said: “Chelsea might win it.
    “They have found some form under Thomas Tuchel and I like what is going down there.
    “With the form they’re in, they could be a side bet to Manchester City as winners this season.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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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

    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

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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

    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

    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

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

    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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