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      Why a Man City win over Newcastle in FA Cup could be Premier League title boost to Arsenal and Liverpool

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      MANCHESTER CITY are once again on the hunt for another historic Treble following their success last year. However, progression into the FA Cup and Champions League semi-finals could have a big impact on their Premier League title hopes.Man City’s match with Tottenham in April may be rearranged to the end of the seasonCredit: AFPIt hinges on Man City beating Newcastle in the FA CupCredit: GettyMan City’s clash against Real Madrid could also be pivotal to their title raceCredit: AFPMan City drew Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter finalThat is because Man City’s league clash with Tottenham may have to be rearranged to the final week of the season.The Athletic explained a Man City win over Newcastle later today will see the Spurs match pencilled in for April 20 rearranged.Then if Pep Guardiola’s outfit also progress past Real Madrid – who they drew in Friday’s Champions League draw – the only space left to play the Spurs away game will be in the final week of the season.This means it will likely be the second to last game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Champions League qualification possibly going down to the wire for Ange Postecoglou’s side – depending on how the chasing pack including Manchester United can fair – it will mean City will be in for a tough test.And this may hand Arsenal and Liverpool a significant title advantage.However, Spurs fans have seen the other side of the coin, and joked that they could hand City the title over bitter rivals Arsenal.One fan said: “Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when City go 5-0 up with 5 Spurs own goals to beat Arsenal to the title,” with a video of fans celebrating by locking arms and jumping up and down.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA second said: “A whole stadium celebration, WE WILL BE THEREEEEEE.”A third said: “Take one for the team and lose, can’t let Arsenal win it, COYS.”Will Pugh and Tom Barclay discuss Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes ahead of ‘biggest game in 20 years’ against Man CityAnother joked: “The only time I’ll be happy if they win against us.”Spurs are next in action against Fulham later today. You can follow all the action with SunSport’s live blog. More

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      Stunned fans ask ‘how is he still on the pitch?’ as Wolves star Semedo escapes red card after flying kick to face

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      FANS were in shock after Nelson Semedo escaped a red card against Coventry in their thrilling FA Cup quarter-final clash.The Wolves right-back led with a very high boot which connected with the face of Callum O’Hare.Semedo clearly caught the face of O’HareCredit: ITVThe reverse angle was damningCredit: ITVO’Hare required treatmentCredit: ITVThe Coventry midfielder required treatment on a cut nose and some swelling.Referee Sam Barrott called a foul but did not award a card to Semedo.And after O’Hare was patched up, he then continued on with the game.One fan said: “That has to be a straight red for Semedo?!”READ MORE ON CHELTENHAMAnother wrote: “HOW ON EARTH did the ref not call that a foul on Semedo’s high boot?”A third said: “How is Semedo on the pitch? That’s a blatant red card 🤯”The incident looked as though it would be the defining moment of the game, with Coventry dominating and having the better chances to that point.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut it looked like the effect of the non-red was going to ensure it would be an all Premier League semi-final lineup.Most read in FA CupRayan Ait-Nouri struck an equaliser to make it 1-1 just eight minutes after Semedo should have been sent off.I saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd job but have regret from FA Cup finalAnd Hugo Bueno made it two to make a Wolves victory look a near certainty.But Coventry then rallied to launch a stunning comeback and book a place at Wembley.Ellis Simms headed home to guarantee that the tie would at least go to a replay in the 97th minute.Haji Wright then curled in a delightful winner from the edge of the area to make it 3-2 and send the Coventry City fans into dreamland. More

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      Laura Woods awkwardly asks ‘did I get pied there?’ after moment she ‘thought about retracting’ live on ITV

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      LAURA WOODS joked she was “pied” by Wolves manager Gary O’Neil during a live ITV interview on Saturday morning.Presenter Woods, 36, was joined by the former Bournemouth boss at Molineux ahead of his side’s FA Cup quarter-final against Coventry.Gary O’Neil’s exit from his live TV interview left Laura Woods embarrassedWoods turned a handshake offer into a wave after realising O’Neil was walking awayShe then admitted she may well have been ‘pied’ by the Wolves head coachAnd he produced a swift exit at the end of the segment as he waved and walked off.But little did O’Neil realise Woods had begun to offer up a handshake, before she quickly turned it into a wave when she saw the Wolves boss was heading in the other direction.The ITV host then awkwardly flailed her hand around and laughed, before she added: “Did I get pied?”I thought about retracting it. It was too late, I’d already done it.”READ MORE ON LAURA WOODSReacting to the clip, one fan said: “Quick save to be fair!”Meanwhile, O’Neil was in no mood to give anything away about his tactics for the match during the televised interview.A graphic of Wolves’ starting line-up was shown on the screen as Woods opted to enquire about the formation.She asked: “Is that a back three or back four?”Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut O’Neil batted the question away, replying: “I’m not going to tell you,” as the panel laughed it off.It comes after Woods hilariously threatened to walk off air during TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage on Tuesday as they interviewed Bukayo Saka.Laura Woods threatens to walk out of live TV interview with Bukayo Saka after reaction to Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown Woods struggled to get a word in as pundits Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown bombarded the Arsenal star with questions, before the presenter eventually had enough and pretended to leave the set. More

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      Football fans say ‘what a Saturday’ after finding out who is presenting ITV’s coverage of FA Cup

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      FOOTBALL fans were delighted to find out that Laura Woods was presenting today’s FA Cup coverage.The ITV and TNT Sport presenter will be talking viewers through Saturday’s early kick off from the FA Cup quarter-finals.Laura Woods is presenting the action form Molineux todayCredit: GettyShe is presenting alongside Eni Aluko and Joleon LescottCredit: ITVThat sees Wolves hosting Coventry at Molineux for the 12.15pm kick off.Coventry are the last Championship team left in the competition and will be desperate to make it to Wembley.Laura was joined in the Midlands by pundits Eni Aluko and Joleon Lescott.Upon realising that Woods was on commentary duty, one Wolves fan wrote on X: “Laura Woods presenting. What a Saturday.”READ MORE ON LAURA WOODSThere was a slightly awkward moment for Laura as she interviewed Gary O’Neil before the game.The presenter was flustered after offering her hand to O’Neil for a handshake.The Wolves manager then walked away, leaving her hanging.She then said: “Did I get pied there? Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I thought about retracting it! But it was too late.”One fan wrote in response to the pieing: “Quick save to be fair!”Another dropped a GIF that joked that Woods would be going back to have words with O’Neil after the game. More

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      Wolves 2 Coventry 3: Visitors score two injury-time goals in three minutes to seal incredible FA Cup semi-final spot

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      COVENTRY stunned Premier League Wolves with two goals in injury time to seal an amazing 3-2 win and book a first FA Cup semi-final appearance since 1987.The Sky Blues went on to win the competition that year in one of the most famous finals ever – and they kept their hopes of another unlikely triumph this season alive after a remarkable climax at Molineux.Ellis Simms scored twice to inspire Coventry at MolineuxCredit: GettySimms now has five goals in the FA Cup this seasonCredit: ReutersHaji Wright, right, scored a dramatic late winner for Coventry to send them to WembleyCredit: ReutersThe Coventry players and fans went wild as they celebrated a breathtaking victoryCredit: GettyCoventry deserved the victory as they took the game to Wolves at MolineuxIt looked like they would be leaving with broken hearts after two goals in the final 10 minutes from Rayan Ait-Nouri and Hugo Bueno overturned Ellis Simms’ opener and seemed to set a Wembley date for Wolves.But the Championship side were not done and in nine minutes of time added on they turned the quarter-final tie around again, with Simms grabbing a second and then Haji Wright earning himself folklore by grabbing the winner.It was a dramatic ending to a breathless derby, which the Championship side probably deserved to win.Coventry survived a couple of early scares as Mario Lemina and Nelson Semedo missed chances, but having absorbed the pressure, the visitors missed a golden chance of their own to go ahead and Simms will not want reminding of it.After Jose Sa had palmed Kasey Palmer’s shot into the path of Jake Bidwell, the wing-back set up a simple tap-in from close range after rolling the ball across goal, but Simms got his feet in a mess and somehow put his shot straight at Sa.The momentum had suddenly switched and two more glorious chance came for Coventry before half-time as Simms played in Milan van Ewijk, who looked prime to score until Sa made a fine block and the Wolves keeper was grateful to an unmarked Palmer for cushioning the ball straight at him.The Sky Blues finally made the breakthrough eight minutes after the restart as Simms made amends for his earlier howler.Liam Kitching headed a free-kick back across goal to the far post where Simms appeared to bundle the ball in with his arm.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSimms produced a superb display for CoventryCoventry pressed high against the Premier League sideBut it survived a lengthy four-minute VAR check to give the travelling supporters a second chance to celebrate.They should have been celebrating another goal soon after as their side bombarded Wolves’ goal.Laura Woods asks ‘did I get pied there?’ in awkward moment during interview with Wolves boss Gary O’NeilSa had to make a double save, first keeping out Wright’s effort with his feet and then parrying away Josh Eccles’ effort from the rebound.After Sa then rolled the ball to Matt Doherty, the Republic of Ireland wing-back was dispossessed in a dangerous area and Palmer put a shot agonisingly wide.They could have done with one of those chances going in as the inevitable Wolves onslaught came in the final 20 minutes.Joao Gomes saw a vicious effort tipped onto the post by Bradley Collins and then Ait-Nouri hit the other post with a header soon after.But Wolves remained ragged at the other end and only a one-man show from Sa stopped Coventry from killing the tie.The Portugal keeper pulled off three big saves to keep the score at 1-0, palming away efforts from Simms and Callum O’Hare and then denying Kitching at close range.And he was rewarded as Wolves levelled in the 83rd minute when Joel Latibeaudiere could not clear a cross and Ait-Nouri slammed home the loose ball.The writing appeared on the wall for Coventry as Ait-Nouri surged forward, playing in Bueno, who made no mistake.But in the sixth minute of time added on Simms headed home at the far post after Bobby Thomas had flicked on Bidwell’s cross.There was time for more drama as in the 10th minute Simms teed up Wright to steer Coventry to a famous victory.Check out how the action unfolded through our live blog below… More

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      My entire family are beach volleyball stars but I’m making my own way in football in the EFL and dreaming of Wembley

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      COVENTRY CITY’S Ben Sheaf is dreaming of a Wembley final in May.However the all-action midfielder could just as easily have been preparing to appear in the Paris Olympics at BEACH VOLLEYBALL – if he’d followed family tradition!Ben Sheaf comes from a family of beach volleyball starsCredit: Getty”My mum Mandy represented Great Britain and England at beach volleyball and I went to a few European events, watching my brothers Jake and Luke represent GB when I was younger,” he said.”Jake represented Great Britain at beach volleyball in the Commonwealth Games in Australia but is unlikely to make this year’s Olympics because he spends more time running the business side of volleyball now.”I chose football quite early in my career because that was the sport I had the most love for and it turned out to be a good choice.”Likewise my younger brother Max is a pro at Ross County in Scotland, while my dad is a PE teacher, so we’re a very sporty family.”But I’d like to think I’d have had a good go at becoming a pro at a few other sports.”I played volleyball as a kid and was decent and I was actually quite good at ping-pong and tennis, as well as being the Kent cross-country champion four years in succession.”I played all sports and I’d back myself to go well at any sport. Darts is my latest and I scored my first 180 the other day.”But what I want more than anything is to establish myself as a Premier League player because I started off at Arsenal and I’m striving to get back to that level.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Playing Wolves is a challenge we are all looking forward to because it gives us the chance to return to Wembley.”We lost there in the Play-Off final last season and the memory drives us on because we want to taste what it feels like to win at Wembley.EFL fans demand ‘automatic relegation’ after goalkeeper and defender combine for ‘Sunday league’ own-goal”Choosing between playing in an FA Cup final there or a Play-Off final is a tough one but I’d go for the Play-Offs because our ultimate ambition is to play in the Premier League.”The midfielder is eyeing a return to Wembley with Coventry this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Everton tried to sign me but I was already on their books – now I’m making my way in the EFL in a different position

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      MARK ROBINS will have to choose between two excellent goalkeepers when he selects his team to face Wolves in the FA Cup.Bradley Collins has been handed the gloves for the Sky Blues’ last two Championship victories over Watford and Rotherham.Jake Bidwell offers Coventry options in more than one positionCredit: RexHowever, Ben Wilson has been boss Robins’ go-to goalie in the FA Cup so far this season, starring in Coventry’s victories over Oxford, Sheffield Wednesday and Maidstone.Yet there is one other option Robins could turn to in an emergency.His experienced left-back Jake Bidwell was more than useful between the sticks as a kid.In fact, it was touch-and-go whether he would pursue a career as a No 1 or as a No 3 — after Everton offered him a contract in BOTH positions!The 30-year-old Sky Blues defender said: “I was an Everton goalkeeper from the age of 11 to 13.“It’s a bit of a strange story to be honest. I had always played outfield as a kid. But my Sunday League goalkeeper had family in Australia and he went to visit them for six weeks.“That left us without a goalkeeper so I volunteered and took over in goal for six weeks.“I must have done all right because during that time I was scouted by Everton — then fluked the trial!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I ended up being at Goodison Park for two years but I wasn’t enjoying it after a while.“I suppose I never really felt goalkeeper was my position.”Former EFL club slapped with 10 points deduction and hit whole new low as iconic club face dropping into seventh tierEverton told Southport-born Bidwell to take a break from goalkeeping to revive his interest in the position.He added: “They told me to go away for six months and see how I felt.“They wanted me to take a break and then come back.“So, in those six months I went back to playing outfield and I got picked for my regional team and then an Everton scout saw me play.“He didn’t know who I was so he invited me in for a trial match at Anfield and the rest is history.“Everton liked what they saw of me as a left-back and the scout asked me if I’d like to sign for the Toffees.“I told them he didn’t need to bother with the forms — because I was already on their books as their Academy goalie!”It is a well known football quirk that most goalkeepers love to play outfield whenever they get the chance in training. So does the former Brentford, QPR and Swansea full-back ever pester Robins and ask to go between the sticks in training?He confessed: “Definitely not! I was a big kid to be fair but I haven’t grown since I was about 13 — my goalkeeping days are long gone!“To be fair we’ve got three top  keepers at the club so I won’t be making a comeback anytime soon.”That means Bidwell will be in his usual left-back berth at Molineux as Coventry try to make it to Wembley for the semi-finals.He says he cannot believe some  people see the Midlands side’s FA Cup run as a distraction from their main goal of qualifying for the Championship play-offs.He said: “To get to Wembley would be massive. Personally, I love the FA Cup and the chance to play against different sides.“We’ve played Oxford and Maidstone who were below us in the pyramid — now we face Wolves.“It’s great to experience something different and this run has been great for the fans.“When you’re successful the fixtures can pile up but we’re all relishing the challenge. It’s a big game, a Midlands derby, and it will be live on TV — it’s going to be a great occasion.READ MORE SUN STORIES“This is the furthest I’ve been in 13 years of trying.“I love playing in the FA Cup and I can’t understand why anyone else wouldn’t.”Bidwell was a promising goalkeeper as a youngsterCredit: GettyBidwell was already on Everton’s books as a goalkeeper when they tried to sign him as a full-backCredit: Rex More

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      Captaincy & Booster options for Gameweek 28: 12th Man could cover absentees

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      DREAM TEAM managers should be aware that Gameweek 28 features just four Premier League fixtures.Six top-flight sides are set to participate in the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend, however, during which players will score points as normal.That leaves six teams without a single fixture this coming Gameweek: Arsenal, Bournemouth, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Everton and Sheffield United.With this in mind, let’s mull over potential Booster strategies and captaincy options.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!Saka and his team-mates will BLANK in Gameweek 28Credit: REUTERSIt’s probably wise to keep Park the Bus and Max Captain holstered as both Boosters are best deployed in a double Gameweek – like Gameweek 29 for example.The same is true of 12th Man although this Booster could serve another function for gaffers caught short by this weekend’s blanks.Several of Mikel Arteta’s favourites are among the most-popular players in the game and so it’s likely that many bosses will not be able to field a full XI in Gameweek 28, even after their transfers.The likes of Pervis Estupinan (£2.7m), Lewis Dunk (£3.1m), Jordan Pickford (£2.7m), Dominic Solanke (£3.8m) and Eberechi Eze (£4m) will also be twiddling their thumbs this weekend.Most gaffers should be able to stomach one or two inactive players but those missing half their line-up may feel they need to activate their 12th Man Booster to bolster their ranks.Most read in FootballErling Haaland (£7.9m), Mohamed Salah (£6.5m), Darwin Nunez (£4.8m) and Son Heung-min (£4.6m) are all exceptional candidates.Both excellent captains this weekendCredit: Dream TeamAnd it’s the very same names leading the captaincy conversation.It’s been months since a classic toss-up between Haaland and Salah but that’s exactly how many gaffers will see it this week.Manchester City host Newcastle while Liverpool travel to Manchester United for their respective FA Cup quarter-finals.Neither seem like especially favourable match-ups initially but the Magpies have conceded 16 goals in their last seven outings amid their slump to tenth in the Premier League table.Current form suggests Eddie Howe’s side are not adequately prepared to withstand an Etihad onslaught.Similarly, Erik ten Hag will be privately fearful of a shellacking on Sunday given the nature of his injury-hit defence.The Red Devils beat Everton last weekend but they gave up plenty of chances and with Liverpool having scored 25 goals in their last eight outings, it could get messy for the hosts at Old Trafford.Only Mohammed Kudus earned more points than Salah in Gameweek 27Credit: GettyOf course, there’s always a chance key players will be rested in the FA Cup but with a place in the semi-finals at stake and an international break to follow, it would be a surprise if Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp fielded a weakened line-up.Salah had his wicked way with Sparta Prague on Thursday night to finish Gameweek 27 having added 22 points to his tally but Haaland boasts the best points-per-game average (9.5) among all assets this season.Both are fantastic options but perhaps home advantage edges it to the Norwegian poacher?Son’s Premier League record is immense this seasonCredit: APElsewhere, Son is probably the most-appealing alternative.Tottenham’s captain played superbly against Aston Villa for his 16 points last weekend in what was a statement victory at a difficult stadium to visit.The South Korean superstar averages a goal or assist every 90.8 minutes in the league this term and he’ll fancy his chances of improving his figures away to Fulham on Saturday.READ MORE SUN STORIESThose uncertain about FA Cup line-ups should note that Spurs’ trip to Craven Cottage is a Premier League fixture.The deadline for Gameweek 28 is 11:15am on Saturday – good luck!talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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