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    Why is Ryan Giggs on the touchline for Salford City in their FA Cup clash at Man City?

    SALFORD CITY are taking on Premier League giants Manchester City in a thrilling FA Cup third-round derby.And you may notice a very familiar face on the touchline for the League Two Ammies.Ryan Giggs on the touchline alongside Salford head coach Karl RobinsonCredit: GettyWhy is Ryan Giggs on the touchline for Salford?Ryan Giggs is joint-owner of Salford alongside fellow Class of 92 Manchester United legends Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and David Beckham.And in his role as Director of Football of the club, former Wales manager Giggs is also a regular presence on the touchline alongside Ammies’ head coach Karl Robinson.The ex-winger hasn’t held a regular managerial position since leaving the Welsh national team in 2022.MAN CITY VS SALFORD LIVE – LATEST UPDATESThe 51-year-old became Wales boss in 2018, before being arrested on assault charges two years later.He has always denied any wrongdoing, and stepped down from the role in June 2022 ahead of his trial, where a jury failed to reach a verdict.Giggs has slowly returned to the touchline in recent months at Salford, as he eyes a return to football management.Speaking ahead of Salford’s crunch FA Cup tie with Man City, Giggs revealed he is determined to return to management “one day”.Most read in FA CupThe United legend – regarded as the most hands-on member of the Class of 92’s ownership group – told the BBC: “I had the stint as Wales manager and loved it.”At the moment I’m enjoying being at Salford as director of football and enjoy watching the team, happy where I am. More

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    Chelsea player ratings: Tyrique George thrives in rare run-out but Marc Guiu anonymous in FA Cup demolition job

    TYRIQUE GEORGE was involved in THREE of Chelsea’s five goals as the Blues cruised past Morecambe to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.League Two strugglers Morecambe’s low block had frustrated Enzo Maresca’s side, with Christopher Nkunku scuffing an early penalty.Christopher Nkunku saw his penalty saved in the 17th minuteCredit: PATosin Adarabioyo’s scored twice from distance to put Chelsea in controlCredit: RexTeenager Tyrique George assisted both of Joao Felix’s goalsCredit: AFPTosin’s deflected potshot strike broke Morecambe’s stubborn shape and lifted the mood among the anxious home fans in the 39th minute.A quick and slick Chelsea move doubled their lead shortly after half-time, before Tosin’s long range beauty finished Morecambe off.Two late goals from Joao Felix added to Chelsea’s tally to seal the Premier League side’s place in the next round.Here SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rates the Chelsea players at Stamford Bridge. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFilip Jorgensen – 5 Never really troubled in the Chelsea net but made a couple of shaky collections.Found time to showboat with some pretty flicks in the first-half, but dropped the ball in a dangerous position a few minutes later.Reece James – 7The injury prone England fullback lapped up the perfect chance to get his first start since November 3.Assisted Chelsea’s first after teeing up Tosin and was swapped out at half-time – to most lucky protect his fitness.Most read in FootballAxel Disasi – 6Turned inside out for a one rare Morecambe attack, but challenged very little throughout the game. Saw himself in prime position to nab a back post header, but missed a sitter to make it 3-0 just after leaning back on the hour mark.Tosin Adarabioyo – 8Many would have been shocked he was left out at Palace but the defender effectively secured Chelsea’s place in the next round.His fluke shot broke the deadlock from a wicked deflection off Morecamebe’s Callum Jones, who naively turned his back.But his second was nothing short of sensational after he curled the ball in from 20 yards. Pick that out your net.Tosin Adarabioyo’s deflected shot opened the scoring just before half-timeCredit: AlamyRenato Veiga – 5Veiga, who has been strongly linked with a move away from Chelsea in recent days, often wasn’t strong enough against Ben Tollitt.The left-back was unlucky to see his effort saved but his shot dropped back to Nknuku who scored.Romeo Lavia – 5The Belgian, who has been absence for Chelsea’s last five Prem fixtures, had quiet first 45 minutes.The former Southampton star was replaced by Marc Cucurella at half-time.Joao Felix – 7Involved in the early Chelsea pressure with a several shots just wide inside the first 30 minutes.Did well to keep the ball in play and win a penalty in the first half, before forcing Burgoyne into an outstanding save just before the half-hour mark.Kept working hard after the interval and was rewarded with two quickfire goals late on.Joao Felix scored two quickfire goals as Chelsea romped to victoryPedro Neto – 5Was the only player to keep his place from the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend. Was dangerous whenever he got the ball as he stretched his legs to showcase his pace, but lacked an end product.Christopher Nkunku – 6Perhaps dented his hopes of a Premier League start after his limp penalty was easily saved by keeper Harry Burgoyne’s full stretch. The League Two stopper looked to have been marginally off his line, but it was a weak shot nonetheless.The Frenchman made up for it after rifling the ball into the low corner to double Chelsea’s lead five minutes after the break.Nkunku avenged his penalty miss just after half-timeCredit: RexTyrique George – 8Grabbed his rare start by the scruff of the neck with some clever footwork and crosses inside the box, but lacked in end product early on.The youngster who has more than impressed in his time at Chelsea so far was probably their most eloquent attacker on the afternoon.The 18-year-old was involved in the second after quickly feeding the ball to Cucurella, who teed up Veiga’s blocked shot into the path of goalscorer Nknuku.And assisted both of Joao Felix’s goals after two fast breaks in the 70th and 75th minute.Tyrique George worked hard throughout his 90 minutesCredit: GettyMarc Guiu – 4Anonymous today. He only had three touches in the first-half but was starved of service.The Spaniard the opportunity to open the scoring midway through the first half but fired his effort into the side netting.SubsGusto (’46 James) – 6Struggled to get into the game as his team-mates ran rampant in the second half.Cucurella (‘ 46 Lavia) – 8The Premier League starter added some much needed impetus after half-time.The Spain star grabbed two assists, first for Nkunku and later for Felix’s second and Chelsea’s fifth.READ MORE SUN STORIESHad a couple of shots marginally go wide on several occasions. Sancho (’46 Neto) – 5Tried to get on the ball but didn’t excel against lower league defenders. More

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    Chelsea 5 Morecambe 0: Tosin and Joao Felix score two apiece as Blues go goal-mad to reach FA Cup fourth round

    IF CHELSEA fans could make a song out of Tosin Adarabioyo’s name they should.The linguistically awkward defender ended his club’s run of four games without a win by scoring in each half.Tosin Adarabioyo scored twice as Chelsea smashed Morecambe 5-0Credit: ReutersJoao Felix also bagged a brace at Stamford BridgeCredit: ReutersChristopher Nkunku missed a penalty before hitting the target later onCredit: ReutersThe second was a peach of a 25 yarder that smashed into the top corner with 20 minutes to go that finally killed off fading hopes of a fightback by gutsy Morecambe.The ice-cool, deliberate finish was in stark contrast to his and Chelsea’s first in the 39th minute that took a hefty deflection off Shrimps’ defender Callum Jones as the Premier League side needed a slice of luck to get off the mark.Centre half Tosin was signed in the summer partly for his leadership qualities and led the way in important moments in what could easily have become a tricky afternoon for the Blues.Morecambe keeper Harry Bourgoyne saved a penalty in the 16th minute and moments later produced a cracking reaction dive to block Joao Felix as the League Two side put up a fight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea were also missing chances as usual until Tosin stepped up at key moments to ease the pressure and eventually watch his team ease into the fourth round of The FA Cup.His second goal was the third for boss Enzo Maresca’s rejigged team and settled the tie beyond any doubt.From there it became an exhibition with Joao Felix going onto help himself to two goals in five minutes. One was a fancy shimmy and curled effort into the corner of the net from outside the box for 4-0.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd unsettled Christopher Nkunku also got on the scoresheet, following up on a spilled save by Morecambe’s otherwise flawless keeper Burgoyne to blast home a shot in the 50th minute.Nkunku is a troubled player at the moment with his future far from certain.Gianfranco Zola reveals Cole Palmer pledge as Chelsea icons meet for first time after EA FC comment Tosin gave Chelsea the lead shortly before the breakCredit: ReutersNkunku made up for his missed penalty by doubling Chelsea’s leadCredit: GettyTosin put the game to bed with his second of the gameCredit: GettyThe fact only two of his 13 goals this season have come against Premier League teams tells a story.He has been relegated to target practice in the Conference League and has scored against Panathinaikos, Gent, Servette and Heidenheim, as well as Barrow in the Carabao Cup.Chelsea boss Maresca fielded a reshuffled team to give some of his B-listers a runout and put others like Nkunku in the shop window.There was also a half for club captain Reece James as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.There was also a 45 minute test run for recently-crocked midfielder Romeo Lavia.Felix lashed home his first strike soon afterCredit: ReutersHe added a second quickly after as Chelsea romped to victoryCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca will be hoping for a favourable tie in tomorrow’s fourth-round drawCredit: RexThis is Chelsea’s first win since beating Shamrock Rovers 5-1 in the Conference League on December 19. Since then they have drawn to Everton, lost to Fulham and Ipswich and drawn at Crystal Palace. More

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    Is VAR used in the FA Cup 3rd round? Video Assistant Referee ruling for the cup

    THE FA Cup third round is here as the Premier League’s giants join in from this stage.But how does the video assistant referee system work with the lower league clubs, and when is it being used from?VAR in use in the FA Cup last seasonCredit: The TimesLast season, Manchester United won the FA Cup by defeating local rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley.However, manager Erik ten Hag was sacked later in the year in October after earning a reprieve by winning the cup.On the way to reaching the final, United received an almighty VAR call in their favour in their semi-final victory over Coventry City.This time round, United are opening up with a blockbuster all-Premier League clash at Arsenal.But will the video assistant referee (VAR) be used in the match?Coventry had VAR heartbreak against Man Utd last seasonCredit: GettyIs VAR used in the FA Cup 3rd round?No. VAR will not be used in the FA Cup until the fifth round stage.Previously VAR was used in the FA Cup in the third and fourth rounds, but only at Premier League stadiums due to “due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”The FA said in a statement: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards. Most read in FA Cup”It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds. “VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation. “This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”What FA Cup third round games are on TV?Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton vs Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham vs WatfordFriday, January 107.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday, January 1112pmBristol City vs Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City vs Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers12.15pmLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmExeter City vs Oxford UnitedPreston North End vs Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich AlbionReading vs BurnleySunderland vs Stoke CityNottingham Forest vs Luton TownBrentford vs Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City vs Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)5.45pmMan City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)6pmLeyton Orient vs Derby CountyCoventry City vs Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town vs Wigan AthleticSunday, January 1212pmHull City vs Doncaster Rovers12.30pmTamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmArsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town vs Bristol RoversCrystal Palace vs Stockport County4.30pmSouthampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)READ MORE SUN STORIESMonday, January 137.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

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    FA Cup LIVE SCORES: Nkunku MISSES pen before Tosin opener as Chelsea lead Morecambe ahead of Man City vs Salford later

    CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU missed an early penalty before Tosin Adarabioyo scored via a massive deflection to put Chelsea in the lead against Morecambe.Earlier, Liverpool cruised to a 4-0 win against Accrington Stanley as a bumper weekend of FA Cup action got underway.Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jayden Danns and Federico Chiesa were on target as the Reds were comfortable winners against League Two opposition.Later, Manchester City host neighbours Salford City, who are owned by the Class of 92 – three FA Cup matches have also been postponed because of the weather.Kick off times: 2pm/3pm/5.45pm/6pmFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Goal – Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)Copy linkCopiedFT: Leicester 6-2 QPRIt was a real goal-fest at the King Power Stadium.Leicester dominated the second-half after Vardy’s penalty and continued to put QPR on the back foot.The Foxes get a big win which should give them some confidence as they turn attentions back to the league campaign.Copy linkCopiedHT: Chelsea 1-0 MorecambeThe hosts have dominated the game but struggled to break the deadlock.When Nkunku’s penalty was saved, heads seemed to drop.However, a wild deflection from a Tosin strike saw the ball end up in the back of the net to open the scoring in West London.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at the King PowerIt was comfortable in the end for Leicester as they put their Premier League struggles to one side to go goal crazy.Jamie Vardy celebrated his 38th birthday with a strike from the penalty spot to ease the Foxes’ nerves after a first half that produced five goals.QPR impressed before the break and gave Leicester a few scares.But Ruud van Nistelrooy’s cut loose after the break with James Justin scoring twice.Leicester saved the best until last as defender Wout Faes unleashed a spectacular 30 yard drive for the Foxes’ sixth of the day in the King Power Stadium fog.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Pete Thompson at the City GroundA downward header from Ryan Yates five minutes before the break has put Forest on course for a place in round four – and a seventh consecutive win.Yates also rattled the crossbar for a second-string Reds side – with Nuno making 11 changes ahead of a huge Premier League clash against Liverpool on Tuesday.Isaiah Jones had a great chance to score a debut goal for managerless Luton, with Carlos Miguel denying him from close range.Copy linkCopiedLeicester 6-2 QPR90+3. It is a real drubbing at the King Power Stadium.The Foxes have really turned the knife in this second-half.Faes adds an injury-time sixth goal to put the icing on the cake.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Wout Faes (Leicester)Copy linkCopiedHT: Bournemouth 3-1 West BromA dominant turnaround from Iraola’s side.They trailed by a goal before Kluivert and a brace from Ouattara turns the game on its head.Bournemouth look dangerous whenever they get into the visitors’ half at the moment.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Stamford BridgeCHELSEA are winning but Morecambe are carrying the fight.And keeper Harry Burgoyne embodies their spirit with a penalty save and great reactions to keep out another ferocious shot.Sad for the romantics that he has been breached by a hugely deflected shit from Tosin which has put the Premier League aide ahead.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at Vitality StadiumDango Ouattara scored twice before the break to give Bournemouth a 3-1 advantage. Kluivert slipped a neat 34th minute pass through to Ouattara to fired through goalkeeper Wildsmith’s legs. And ten minutes later captain Brooks finished off a swift counter attack by setting up Ouattara for his secondCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ian McCullough in West LondonNew Plymouth boss Miron Muslic will be impressed with what he has seen from his new side who have more than held their own against Brentford in the first 45 minutes.Muslic, who is sitting in the stands at the GTech Stadium. will officially take control of the team on Monday following his appointment yesterday.Despite sitting bottom of the Championship and with the leakiest defence in the second tier, the Pilgrims have looked comfortable against the Bees and a threat going forward with Morgan Whittaker and Callum Wright impressing for the visitors.Plymouth keeper Conor Hazard has made two routine saves to deny Fabio Carvalho but the Bees, without top scorers Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, who are on the bench, look rather toothless in attack.Thomas Frank will not want this match going to a replay with Manchester CIty the visitors here in midweek, but he may need to turn to his top scorers in the second half.Copy linkCopiedHT: Norwich City 0-2 Brighton Two goals from Rutter send Hurzeler’s side in at the break in a position of strength.They have looked like scoring every time they come forward.It looks like they have too much attacking threat to not win this game from the position they find themselves in.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Georginio Rutter (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedExeter City 2-1 Oxford United40. Mitchell gets his second goal of the game as he strikes a shot from the centre of the box into the bottom corner of the goal.This is end-to-end stuff and you could still not call a winner.The ground is bouncing now the hosts lead.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Demetri Mitchell (Exeter City)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at Vitality StadiumGiant defender Caleb Taylor gave the Baggies a shock but deserved lead against their Premier League hosts. Grady Diangana headed John Swift’s 14th minute free-kick onto the bar and Taylor nodded home. This livened up the Cherries and Max Aaron and Kustin Kluivert shot just wide. But top scorer Kluivert equalised on 27 minutes when he smashed David Brooks’ cross high onto the Baggies net.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 3-1 West Brom44. This may well be game over for the visitors.Even when they try to get forward themselves, Bournemouth pick them off on the break with their pace.As they steam forward, is it played to Ouattara who passes into the back of the net to give The Cherries a two-nil lead.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Dango Ouattara (Bournemouth)Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Morecambe39. It is a lucky goal to give the hosts the lead.Tosin looks to get a shot off but it takes a massive deflection and wrong-foots the Morecambe keeper.Not that Chelsea will be concerned, they felt they should have got to take that penalty again.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGoal – Tosin (Chelsea)Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 1-0 Luton Town40. Finally Forest break the deadlock at the City Ground.They have been dominating this game but a header from Yates into the bottom corner to open the scoring.Up until that point Luton had done well to hold the hosts at bay.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Ryan Yates (Nott’m Forest)Copy linkCopiedNorwich City 0-1 Brighton37. Brighton take the lead as Minteh lays it back for Veltman to cross into the box.Rutter is there to take advantage with a neat finish.Great start for The Seagulls in this tricky fixture.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Georginio Rutter (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at the King PowerAnd there it is, Jamie Vardy marks his 38th birthday with a goal as Leicester take control of the tie.The Foxes skipper scores from the penalty spot to make it 4-2 after handball from Harrison Ashby;Vardy’s goal gives Leicester some breathing space and who’s to say he won’t sign another deal next summer?He might have won a second penalty after going down under a Kenneth Paal challenge, but ref David Webb waved play on.Leicester are tightening their grip after an impressive first half, and James Justin has fired a second goal of the day into the far corner.We still have thick fog here, but Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side can see a clear path to the fourth round.Copy linkCopied More

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    Liverpool 4 Accrington Stanley 0: Alexander-Arnold puts Man Utd nightmare behind him with rocket in simple FA Cup win

    TRENT Alexander-Arnold milked Anfield’s applause after scoring the brilliant second goal that all but decided this tie.Accrington Stanley showed exactly who they were for almost half an hour before Diogo Jota put Liverpool ahead from a lightning break.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rocket doubled Liverpool’s lead on the brink of half-timeCredit: AlamyThe Liverpool right-back’s strike flew past Everton keeper Billy Crellin, who is on loan at Accrington StanleyCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold made up for his Man Utd defensive nightmareCredit: ReutersDiogo Jota put the Reds 1-0 up inside 30 minutesCredit: ReutersAcademy star Jayden Danns, 18, sealed things off with a sharp finish just five minutes after coming onCredit: APFederico Chiesa scored his first Liverpool goal in the 90th minuteCredit: GettyBut the League Two side paid the price for dropping their levels for a few minutes when Alexander-Arnold curled in a superb shot just before half time.Only six days before, the England star had been the target of abuse from some home fans after a poor performance in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United followed more speculation about him moving to Real Madrid.But TAA received a decent ovation as he left the pitch just before the hour.What he saw from the bench was not very comfortable, as his side allowed Stanley back into the game.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJosh Burns hit the bar and defender Don Love missed a great chance to pull one back.But Liverpool substitute Jayden Danns ended any debate with the third goal, then Federico Chiesa’s first strike for the club put the bookend on Accrington’s fairytale.It was also an historic day for the Reds’ Rio Ngumoha, who became the youngest player ever to start a game for the club, at the age of 16 years and 135 days.The left winger looked impressive from the start, but Accrington held their own for some time, although Liverpool should have taken the lead in the 12th minute.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDominik Szoboszlai dummied Kostas Tsimikas’ cross and Alexander-Arnold should probably have put his shot beyond the reach of Billy Crellin, the Accrington goalkeeper on loan from Everton.But after Crellin kept it out with his right leg and the ball ricocheted to Nunez, the Uruguayan fired horribly over the crossbar.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe visitors were having some joy at the other end, too, with Josh Whalley in particular getting in down the left, but the final ball was lacking.And it was from their own free kick that the League Two side conceded.Ben Woods’ initial delivery was poor and when Szoboszlai controlled a lofted ball to no-one by Nelson Khumbeni, trouble soon followed.The Hungarian found Alexander-Arnold released Nunez with a cute pass and the Liverpool No 9 crossed perfectly to where Jota was ready with a routine finish.More good work from the Portugal forward led to a half-chance for Harvey Elliott. Crellin saved easily and then watched a Tyler Morton shot comfortably clear his goal.Rio Ngumoha became the youngest player ever to start a game for LiverpoolBut there was nothing Crellin could do when Alexander-Arnold found space just outside the box and whipped a wonderful finish across and into the net off the post.Stanley made a double change at half time, with former Liverpool trainee Liam Coyle coming on to try to restore some life to his team’s hopes.Inside a minute of the restart, Nunez saw a shot stopped by Crellin and then teed up Chiesa, on for Szoboszlai, for an effort that was deflected wide.Liverpool lost a bit of momentum and were grateful to see Ben Woods’ low shot blocked by his own player.The Reds were certainly not out of the Woods yet.Accrington’s Josh met a corner at the back post only for Jota to get in the way of the header.But no-one got near his shot moments later when he cut inside and smashed an effort off the crossbar.Slot made more changes just before the hour and Alexander-Arnold returned the crowd’s applause as he was replaced by Conor Bradley.He will have been less happy with what happened next as his side lost balance and control.Goalkeeper Billy Crellin is on loan with the League Two side from EvertonCredit: ReutersStanley, who are 19th in League Two, should have made things interesting with 25 minutes to go.A well-worked move saw Whalley cross into the six-yard box and centre back Don Love had timed his run perfectly. But he could only send his free header off target with the whole of Caoimhin Kelleher’s goal gaping.At the other end, Crellin kept out another Chiesa shot from a narrow angle.But soon it was game over.Jayden Danns won the ball in his own half and kept running after playing in Chiesa.The Italian’s shot was saved well by Crellin but Danns was there to smash the ball in and end any debate.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was still time for Chiesa to hit one post and then, not long afterwards, to break his Liverpool duck with a shot that went in off the other.It was a pleasing way to end the afternoon for Alexander-Arnold and his club after a tough week. More

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    Is Chelsea vs Morecambe on TV? FA Cup third round fixtures on BBC and ITV

    CHELSEA will be hoping to forget their recent run of Premier League form when they face League Two Morecambe on Saturday.Ezno Maresca’s team had threatened Liverpool at the top of the table after five consecutive league wins in November and early December.Enzo Maresca will be desperate to end Chelsea’s poor run of formCredit: GettyMorecambe sit 23rd in League Two – but have won two of their last threeBut Chelsea have now picked up just two points in their last four matches – against Everton, Fulham, Ipswich and Crystal Palace. They now sit eight points off of Liverpool having played a game more.Chelsea will be hoping a match against a team EIGHTY-SEVEN places below them in the English football pyramid can reignite their season.The Blues will likely rotate several of their stars but will still be expecting to score a comfortable victory.Morecambe – who beat Worthing and Bradford to reach the third round – have enjoyed a recent turnaround.Having gone winless in five consecutive games, they have now won two in three.They still sit second second bottom, though, and remain four points off of Swindon Town outside the relegation spots.Is Chelsea vs Morecombe on TV today?The short answer is no, Chelsea match against Morecombe has not been selected to go on UK TV this weekend.Most read in FA CupThe match is also kicking off at 3pm, which means it falls under the UK TV broadcasting blackout and is not allowed to be shown on British television in that time slot.However, BBC have revealed that there will be extended highlights available for the match on the BBC Sport website and app.’Beautiful’ moment ‘gutted’ Ashley Young consoles son Tyler after they are denied historic father vs son FA Cup clashIt is unclear exactly when those highlights will be available, although it seems as if they will be ready before Match of the Day at 10.30pm.Leicester City’s game against Queens Park Rangers is also getting extended highlights, but the other eight 3pm kick-offs are not.What FA Cup matches are on BBC and ITV this weekend?FA Cup third round action has already started and a total of 11 matches have been made available to British viewers across various BBC and ITV platforms.On Saturday the day is headlined by Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley – on ITV at 12.15pm – and Man City vs Salford City on BBC at 5.45pm.The biggest game of the weekend takes place on Sunday, with Arsenal hosting Manchester United at 3pm on BBC.That game is preceded by Tamworth vs Tottenham at 12.30pm (ITV).The final FA Cup third round match takes place on Monday night, with Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge on ITV4.Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United 0-1 Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton 2-0 Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham 4-1 WatfordFriday, January 107.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday, January 1112pmBristol City vs Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City vs Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers12.15pmLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmExeter City vs Oxford UnitedPreston North End vs Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich AlbionReading vs BurnleySunderland vs Stoke CityNottingham Forest vs Luton TownBrentford vs Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City vs Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)5.45pmMan City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)6pmLeyton Orient vs Derby CountyCoventry City vs Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town vs Wigan AthleticSunday, January 1212pmHull City vs Doncaster Rovers12.30pmTamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmArsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town vs Bristol RoversCrystal Palace vs Stockport County4.30pmSouthampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)READ MORE SUN STORIESMonday, January 13 7.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

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    Inside Tamworth dressing room where Spurs will get ready for FA Cup clash with six showers, portable heater and 16 seats

    TAMWORTH have rolled out the red carpet for Tottenham’s millionaire superstars — by painting the away dressing room navy and white.But that is where the similarities between Spurs’ £1billion stadium and the National League minnows’ home ground end.Tamworth aim to put the squeeze on TottenhamCredit: Roland LeonSpace is at a premium for fifth-tier TamworthCredit: SunSportThe Lambs hope to rip it up with a huge piece of FA Cup historyCredit: SunSportSpurs’ stars won’t find themselves with tons of spaceCredit: SunSportThe door into the dressing room had no handle when SunSport visitedCredit: SunSportSpurs boss Ange Postecoglou might feel banana skins don’t come much bigger, unlike the size of Tamworth’s facilitiesCredit: GettyFor Son Heung-min and Co will walk into a tiny Portakabin housing one L-shaped bench, a battered and torn massage table, one rickety tactics board, a plastic bin and a portable electric heater.Their cramped dressing room for Sunday’s David v Goliath FA Cup third-round-tie in Staffordshire also contains two small sinks, a dinky mirror, two toilets and six showers.But Tamworth’s Lamb Ground stadium manager Andy Jones warned: “The only problem they’ll have is if they try to use all six at the same time.“Then the pressure drops and the water becomes a trickle!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport was given a VIP tour around the Lambs’ home on Thursday.The dressing room’s leaky corrugated roof has been fixed to prevent Ange Postecoglou’s players getting soggy as they put their kit on.But there is no underfloor heating beneath the ancient lino.And only one portable heater as a second would trip the electric circuit and plunge the players into darkness.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpurs’ crumbling dressing-room door also comes with its own letter box, but it does have a brand new door handle and lock after freezing temperatures caused the key to snap.Tamworth striker Dan Creaney, 30, said: “Spurs won’t like our changing rooms — even we don’t like them.Ange Postecoglou proud of patched-up Tottenham’s win over Liverpool Pie’s now the limit for LevyEXCLUSIVE By Will PughDANIEL LEVY has been invited for a pie and chips in Tamworth’s Portakabin boardroom.Spurs’ millionaire chairman will watch Sunday’s David v Goliath FA Cup tie from one of the National League minnows’ 518 cramped plastic stadium seats.It is a far cry from Levy’s luxurious, cushioned heated seat at Tottenham’s £1billion state-of-the-art ground.And Lambs owner Bob Andrews insisted Levy will be brought “back down to earth” by the experience. Andrews said: “Tottenham’s facilities are out of this world, especially compared to us.“We are a local club, this tie will bring them back down to earth. But we have brought in caterers, so pie and chips are on the menu.“We’ve had other big games but nothing of this nature before. Tottenham are simply a massive club.”Premier League outfit Spurs have requested an extra 14 seats adjacent to the cramped away dugout to accommodate manager Ange Postecoglou’s army of coaching staff.But Tamworth can only fit in 12 — commandeered from their SOCIAL CLUB.And Andrews, 78, added: “Tottenham’s players and their bench will get some stick.“Their dugout is next to our shed, where our passionate supporters are, so there will be some verbals going on.”Bookies make fifth-tier Tamworth 16-1 underdogs to cause one of the biggest FA Cup shocks in history.But ex-Lamb Mark Phillips, now head of their academy goalkeeping department, said: “Everybody expects us to lose, but there might be an upset — 1-0 to us.“It’s going to be tough for them, that is where we might have an edge on them.“If we press them high they will probably get around us. We will have to sit back, soak up some pressure and get them on the break.“Our set-pieces will cause them some trouble, especially with their goalkeeping problems.”“We also have six showers — but only three of them work!“Perhaps some of the Spurs lads will enjoy the experience because it will make them feel grateful for what they’ve got . . . but they won’t like our place.”Tamworth have already KO’d League One Huddersfield in the first round.And Creaney added: “Huddersfield certainly didn’t like coming here and there aren’t many National League teams who do.“The fans are really good at the Lamb and they get on the oppositions’ backs. Spurs are in for a difficult day. The stick they’ll get from our 12th man might just help us get a result.”The club painted the away dressing room navy and whiteCredit: SunSportTamworth are on a roll as they chase their best victory everCredit: SunSportTamworth hope their chances of a shock don’t drain away too quicklyCredit: SunSportIt could be sink or win for Spurs when they get a culture shockCredit: SunSportTottenham fans will not be sitting comfortably when the game kicks offCredit: SunSportTamworth hope the numbers add up to a massive giant killingCredit: SunSportIn the away dugout there are just four plastic back-less seats for Postecoglou and his coaching staff with a wooden bench for the subs.But the fifth-tier hosts plan to place an additional 12 social-club seats to accommodate the Aussie’s team.Lambs boss Andy Peaks hopes Spurs hate every minute of their stay in Staffordshire.He said: “Spurs’ players and manager deserve our respect, but when the game starts we’ll be what we need to be — horrible and nasty and in their faces.“I’m sure they will know what to expect because it’s been talked about so much.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve got to make it as difficult as we can and, hopefully, they have a few players who don’t fancy it and we have 11 players who play out of their skin.“Spurs will find it really intense because our supporters will be really close to the pitch and right behind the away dug-out.”Behind the scene is a far cry from the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: Roland LeonThe Lambs will dream of cramping Tottenham’s styleCredit: SunSport More