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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 19: Time for brave gaffers to bet against Mohamed Salah?

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      IF ever there was a time to think outside the box in terms of Dream Team captaincy, this might be it.Gameweek 19 features a full round of Premier League games in midweek but before that gaffers will have to negotiate the FA Cup third round.Mismatches such as Liverpool v Accrington Stanley, Newcastle v Bromley and Tottenham v Tamworth may seem ripe with points but heavy rotation is to be expected from the Premier League’s big boys.Going against Salah is risky but that might be the play this GameweekCredit: Dream TeamMohamed Salah (£8.1m) has been a fantastically reliable captain this season but it’s not unthinkable he will endure a rare low-scoring Gameweek this time around.The Egyptian superstar is unlikely to get many minutes (if any at all) against the side currently 19th in League Two – why would Arne Slot take such an unnecessary risk with his top goalscorer?On Tuesday night, the Reds travel to the City Ground to face third-placed Nottingham Forest, a difficult match-up on current form.Not only are Nuno Espirito Santo’s side superbly organised, they are the only team to beat Liverpool in the league this season.Betting against Salah is fraught with risk but it’s entirely feasible he doesn’t play at the weekend and is constricted against Forest for minimal returns.But if not Salah then who?Hear us out…Credit: RexThe same thinking applies to Cole Palmer (£6.1m), who might be rested against Morecambe before coming up against one of the top flight’s form teams in Bournemouth in midweek.Most read in Dream TeamOne way to circumnavigate this conundrum is to ignore the cup mismatches when selecting a captain.Instinctively, Arsenal v Manchester United appears like a match-up to avoid but a meeting of two heavyweights is likely to ensure relatively strong line-ups.Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) banked ten points at Anfield last weekend and will probably start at the Emirates having enjoyed a forced rest via suspension in Gameweek 17.To sweeten the deal, the Portugal international has the luxury of a league game against lowly Southampton on Thursday night – Saints have mustered just six points since promotion.The Red Devils’ skipper seems likely to start both fixtures in Gameweek 19 and while he doesn’t have a favourable cup game, Southampton’s visit to Old Trafford should provide suitable compensation.Southampton are easy pickings at presentCredit: RexMikel Arteta will probably name strong teams against Man United and Spurs this coming Gameweek but it’s not all that easy to identify a player worthy of the armband – hurry back, Bukayo Saka (£6.6m)!Elsewhere, Alexander Isak (£5.9m) will be a popular captain given his rampant form.The Newcastle striker has amassed 109 points in his last nine outings.It’s overly optimistic to expect the Swedish striker to start against Bromley on Sunday, especially with a minor hamstring niggle, but he could feast against Wolves in midweek.Dream Team bosses keen on a genuine wildcard this Gameweek should consider Eberechi Eze (£4.9m).Crystal Palace’s No10 is among the most in-form assets right now and, more broadly, he averages an impressive 7.3 points-per-game in 2024/25.A bold choice but not an illogical oneCredit: GettyThe Eagles are due to host Stockport on Sunday before welcoming a beleaguered Leicester to Selhurst Park in midweek.Oliver Glasner isn’t shy of playing his top stars against lower league opposition so Eze should get his fair share of minutes.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne way of removing this headache altogether is to activate the Max Captain Booster, for those with that option remaining.Whatever you decide, make sure you select your captain (and vice captain) before Friday’s 6:30pm deadline!Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Norwich star Borja Sainz slapped with six-match ban after SPITTING at Sunderland rival as he issues grovelling apology

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      NORWICH star Borja Sainz has been banned for SIX matches and fined £12,000 for a spitting at a player. The incident took place in the Canaries’ 2-1 loss to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on December 21.Borja Sainz has been banned for six matches and fined for a spitting at a playerCredit: PASpaniard Sainz – the Championship top scorer with 15 league goals this season – admitted the charge at an FA independent disciplinary commission.Sainz said: “Following today’s announcement from the FA, I want to take this opportunity to issue a sincere and public apology for my actions during our game against Sunderland. “Spitting at an opponent is completely out of character for me, and my reaction in that moment was unacceptable. I deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility.”I want to apologise directly to the opposing player, Chris Mepham, for my behaviour. READ MORE IN football “Additionally, I extend my apologies to my team mates, our coaching staff and our fans. “I am deeply disappointed in myself and for letting all of you down through my conduct.”While I am saddened to miss the upcoming games, I will use this time to reflect, learn and refocus, so that I can return stronger and continue contributing to the team for the rest of the season. “Thank you for your understanding and support. Borja.”Most read in FootballSainz got away with the incident at the time after it was missed by the match officials and played in Norwich’s following four league matches. The FA had launched an investigation and confirmed the forward breached FA Rule E1.1 and determined he “committed the sending off offence”.Philippe Clement reacts after angry Rangers fans call for him to quit after Dundee clashA statement read: “Norwich City’s Borja Sainz has been suspended for six matches and fined £12,000 following a breach of FA Rule E1.1 that took place during their EFL Championship match against Sunderland on Saturday 21 December 2024.”It was alleged that the forward committed the sending off offence of spitting at an opponent, during the 74th minute of the fixture. “Borja Sainz admitted the charge and his sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission. “Full written reasons for this case will be published in due course.” More

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      I took non-league side on epic FA Cup run but I’m better known for keeping Classic FM-loving crocodile in my living room

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      CHRIS WELLER made a name for himself with a series of upsets during a spectacular FA Cup run.Now he has to make sure he keeps his pet crocodile very happy indeed by keeping the radio tuned in to Classic FM.Chris Weller was part-time manager of Gravesend & Northfleet in the 1990sCredit: PANow he owns a pet crocodile at his Kent home called CaesarCredit: Times Newspapers LtdWeller is unable to go out for long and leave the croc unattendedCredit: Caters News AgencyThe owner plays card games, watches TV and listens to the radio with his unlikely ‘closest companion’Credit: Caters News AgencyWeller, a former prison officer for 40 years at HMP Rochester, was part-time Gravesend & Northfleet manager during the 1990s.And in 1995-96, he took then-Southern League Premier Division outfit all the way to the third round of the FA Cup.Gravesend & Northfleet – who became Ebbsfleet United in 2007 – played a staggering TEN matches in the competition in that memorable season, culminating with a trip to Premier League Aston Villa.The non-league Kent club came through the first, second and third rounds of qualifying before needing not one but two replays to get past Marlow and book their spot in the first round proper.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere, they beat Colchester United before needing a replay to get past Cinderford Town to then draw Villa.Initially, the Fleet were given a home tie but conceded the advantage to play the match at Villa Park – and reap the financial rewards instead.Gravesend & Northfleet put up a valiant effort but ultimately lost 3-0 to a side that included Gareth Southgate, Dwight Yorke and Andy Townsend as Brian Little’s men reached the semi-finals. But for Little’s opposite number Weller, he took a very different path.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBecause he decided to spend more than £20,000 converting his Strood bungalow into a home for exotic pets – none more so than his 6ft spectacled caiman croc called Caesar.Weller, now in his late 70s, bought the South American native when he was just 1ft long in 2007 from a specialist shop in Kent after obtaining a council licence to keep dangerous animals.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersGravesend & Northfleet’s 1994-95 FA Cup run1st qualifying round: Gravesend & Northfleet 7-0 Godalming & Guilford2nd qualifying round: Molesey 0-6 Gravesend & Northfleet3rd qualifying round: Gravesend & Northfleet 2-1 Carshalton Athletic4th qualifying round: Gravesend & Northfleet 1-1 Marlow 4th qualifying round replay 1: Marlow 3-3 Gravesend & Northfleet4th qualifying round replay 2: Gravesend & Northfleet 4-0 Marlow1st round proper: Gravesend & Northfleet 2-0 Colchester United2nd round proper: Cinderford Town 1-1 Gravesend & Northfleet2nd round proper replay: Gravesend & Northfleet 3-0 Cinderford Town 3rd round proper: Aston Villa 3-0 Gravesend & NorthfleetHis conservatory is an 8ftx8ft pool while the dining room provides “land area” for Caesar and a stable door allows the reptile to make his way around the house, which has a secure three-lock system to ensure the crocodile won’t escape outside.While retired Weller does not have any human housemates, it is a very full house with three parrots, a cockatiel, a cockatoo, five ponds of fish and several terrapins – plus a monitor lizard who occupies the bedroom.That leaves the former prison worker to sleep in the relative safety of the tiny converted loft – while he cannot leave the house and the animals unattended except for essentials.But Weller would not have it any other way.The ex-football manager told The Times in 2016: “It’s not everyone’s cup of tea… it takes a lot of expertise.”I’ve raised him since he was a baby… as he’s got older he’s become happier to be around me and likes nothing more than watching TV and listening to the radioChris Weller on his pet croc Caesar“Caesar is really clever. If he wants to watch TV, he lays his head on a cushion in one spot. If he wants to listen to the radio [Caesar’s favourite station is Classic FM], he lays his head on another spot.“He’s relaxed. He never gets upset about anything. He’s nice company. He responds to his name and will come up to you with his mouth open like a dog. Sometimes you get a grunt.“Sometimes we pass each other in the hallway, he’s walking in one direction, I’m walking in the other. As long as you respect him, he respects you. We’re used to each other’s ways.“Sometimes he bellows, it’s like a roar underwater. I think he’s trying to attract a lady, but I have to tell him there are no ladies around here for him. We have quite a good laugh.”The pair hang out together, Caesar letting his owner stroke his head while they watch TV or play card games. But it took some time for the trusting bond to develop. Weller worked as a prison officer for 40 yearsCredit: Times Newspapers LtdCaesar has access to various parts of the house including the pool in the conservatoryCredit: Times Newspapers LtdWeller needed a special licence to buy the 6ft spectacled caiman crocCredit: Times Newspapers LtdWeller added to the Daily Mail: “When I first got him he was very difficult to look after and care for as he would often bite me – and it’s as painful as it sounds.“But now he’s very relaxed and placid. I don’t think there’s any chance of him escaping – he’s not even allowed outside.“He’s my closest companion and most of my day revolves around feeding, cleaning and entertaining him. Most people are terrified when they find out I live with a crocodile.“But I’ve raised him since he was a baby. Now he’s completely docile. As he’s got older he’s become happier to be around me and likes nothing more than watching TV and listening to the radio.”Weller openly admitted he “never wanted a cat or a dog” but instead wanted something far more exciting.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he was confident he had what it took to look after Caesar thanks to his long career in prisons. Weller concluded: “I spent four decades keeping dangerous animals behind locks and gates so it’s no different here.”A triple-lock system means Caesar is unable to escapeCredit: BBCWeller has a monitor lizard at his bungalowCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe former manager admitted he didn’t want a cat or a dogCredit: BBCThe dining room is Caesar’s ‘land area’Credit: BBCGravesend & Northfleet played ten matches in their 1994-95 FA Cup runCredit: PAAston Villa ran out 3-0 winners at Villa ParkCredit: PA More

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      ‘Beautiful’ moment ‘gutted’ Ashley Young consoles son Tyler after they are denied historic father vs son FA Cup clash

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      ASHLEY and Tyler Young were denied the chance to make FA Cup history on Thursday.The duo could have become the first father and son to play against each other in the competition when Everton faced Peterborough United at Goodison Park.Ashley Young was seen consoling his son, Tyler, after Everton’s match against PeterboroughCredit: PAThe father and son shared a hug at full-timeCredit: PABut while Young Sr made a substitute appearance in the 73rd minute, Tyler was confined to the bench.Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson later insisted that putting the teenager on would not have been the right decision for his side.He said: “It was very difficult to leave Tyler on the bench but I’ve got to do what I think is best for the team.”As much as I wanted Tyler to get on, if the game had been 2-0 at that point I would’ve put him on, but at 1-0, I had to get a forward on.Read More in Football”I’ve got to try and get something out of the game and do what is best for my team.”One of their players had a pop at me which was bang out of order. We are not a charity case.”After the match, Young Sr was seen consoling his son before the pair applauded the fans together.Viewers took to social media to react to the heartwarming moment, with one person writing: “Amazing.”Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother commented: “This is beautiful.”While a third said: “Absolutely embarrassing from Darren Ferguson!”Darren Ferguson says Everton star ‘had a pop at me’ for not bringing on Ashley Young’s son TylerYoung took to X on Friday morning to break his silence on the match.Despite booking a spot in the fourth round, he wrote: “GUTTED…”Everton earned a 2-0 win over the Posh thanks to goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye.Club captain Seamus Coleman and ex-defender Leighton Baines were put in charge following the departure of Sean Dyche, which was announced just three hours prior to kick-off.A statement from the Toffees read: “Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as manager with immediate effect. Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer have also left the club.”The process to appoint a new manager is under way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDavid Moyes this week held talks with Everton over the vacant managerial position.It would see him return to the club after 12 years. More

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      ‘Bang out of order’ – Darren Ferguson says Everton star ‘had a pop at me’ for not bringing on Ashley Young’s son Tyler

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      DARREN FERGUSON has hit out after an Everton star had a pop at him for not playing Tyler Young.The son of Sir Alex Ferguson watched his side get knocked out of the FA Cup on Thursday evening at Goodison Park.Darren Ferguson left Tyler Young on the bench against EvertonCredit: GettyHe was unable to play against his father Ashley YoungCredit: RexBeto gave the Toffees the lead in the first half before Iliman Ndiaye killed off the tie in the dying moments from the spot.However, many fans were hoping to see Young, 18, make an appearance for the Posh against his dad and Everton defender Ashley Young, 39.Tyler did not make it on the pitch which meant history could not be made.A father and son have never played against each other in the FA Cup’s entire 154 history.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter the game, Ferguson insisted that putting Tyler on would not have been the right decision for his side.He also revealed at an Everton star “had a pop” at him for leaving the teenager on the bench.He said: “It was very difficult to leave Tyler on the bench but I’ve got to do what I think is best for the team.”As much as I wanted Tyler to get on, if the game had been 2-0 at that point I would’ve put him on, but at 1-0, I had to get a forward on.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’ve got to try and get something out of the game and do what is best for my team.”One of their players had a pop at me which was bang out of order.Sean Dyche SACKED by Everton just hours before FA Cup game as two club icons take charge and David Moyes in line for jobLeighton Baines (L) and Seamus Coleman were in charge of the Toffees for the matchCredit: GettyBeto netted the opener for EvertonCredit: GettyIliman Ndiaye scored the second from the spotCredit: Reuters”We are not a charity case.”The omission should not have come as a surprise as Tyler has only made one professional appearance before the game.He was a substitute in the EFL Trophy clash against Stevenage back in October.Meanwhile, Sean Dyche was not in the dugout for the Toffees following his sacking earlier in the day.Instead, Seamus Coleman and club legend Leighton Baines took charge of the side.The pair had to deal with a nasty injury to Armando Broja during the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe striker was stretchered off after landing awkwardly and appearing to be in immediate discomfort.The club’s hunt for Dyche’s replacement has already seen the names of former manager David Moyes and ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho be linked.Next Permanent Everton Manager – OutrighttalkSPORT BET oddsDavid Moyes – 4/7Jose Mourinho – 9/4Lee Carsley – 5/1Leighton Baines – 5/1Thomas Frank – 8/1Paulo Fonseca – 10/1Rob Edwards – 16/1Steve Cooper – 25/1Edin Terzic – 25/1David Wagner – 25/1Think YOU know who could replace Sean Dyche as Everton manager? New talkSPORT BET customers who sign-up and bet on this market will be rewarded with up to £40 in free bets!talkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets – claim yours here* More

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      Armando Broja given oxygen and carried off on stretcher in final moments of Everton clash vs Peterborough

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      EVERTON star Armando Broja was stretchered off late on in his side’s FA Cup clash with Peterborough after suffering a worrying-looking injury.The striker, 23, appeared to awkwardly twist his leg after being tackled by Posh defender Emmanuel Fernandez.Armando Broja was given medical attention on the pitchCredit: BBCThe Everton star required medical attentionCredit: RexThe striker was stretchered off the pitchCredit: AFPBroja had replaced goalscorer Beto in the 65th minute of the contest, with the Toffees leading 1-0.In the 86th minute he rounded Peterborough goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic, only for the covering Fernandez to tackle him.The luckless forward seemed to land awkwardly and immediately appeared to be in huge discomfort.He subsequently received lengthy medical treatment on the pitch, banging the turf in frustration.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBroja, who was given oxygen as he was treated, was eventually stretchered off the Goodison Park pitch.The Albania international had been making just his sixth appearance for Everton following his summer loan move from Chelsea.Broja had been ruled out until December with an Achilles injury suffered in pre-season, which had scuppered a transfer to Ipswich.He was previously sidelined between December 2022 and September 2023 after suffering a devastating cruciate ligament injury.Most read in FootballIn January 2024 Broja moved on loan to Fulham in a bid for more regular first team football.But he was limited to just eight sub appearances for the Cottagers, not starting a single match during his loan stint there.Sean Dyche SACKED by Everton just hours before FA Cup game as two club icons take charge and David Moyes in line for jobBroja has played 38 times for parent club Chelsea, scoring three goals.He is yet to get off the mark for Everton.After Broja was stretchered off, the Toffees added a second late on.In the 97th minute, referee Thomas Bramall pointed to the spot after Jarrad Branthwaite was brought down.Iliman Ndiaye calmly slotted home the resulting penalty to seal a 2-0 victory for the hosts, on the day that boss Sean Dyche was sacked.Iliman Ndiaye converted a late penaltyCredit: Rex More

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      Are there FA Cup replays in the third round? Extra-time and penalties rules explained

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      THE FA Cup third round is finally underway as the Premier League big boys join the party.However, football’s oldest competition is taking a slightly different look this season.All eyes are on the iconic FA Cup as the third round beginsLast season, Manchester United stunned neighbours Manchester City to win the trophy with a 2-1 victory at Wembley in May.Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored the goals as the red half of Manchester went wild in the capital.The win kept Erik ten Hag in a job for a few more months before he was sacked in October.Though in this season’s FA Cup, there is a major change which was already kicked off from the first round proper.Manchester United are the current holdersCredit: RexAre there replays in the FA Cup third round?From this season, there will not be replays in the FA Cup third round.Instead, the games that are level after 90 minutes will straight head into extra-time and then potentially penalties.This has been the case from the first round proper this season.FA chiefs agreed extra payments to compensate clubs for the abolition of all replays.Most read in FA CupAll 32 teams eliminated at the last 64 stage will be paid £25,000 from Wembley funds, with the winners each receiving £115,000.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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      Wycombe and Portsmouth fans can watch their moved FA Cup clash in Kyrgyzstan or Papua New Guinea… but NOT in UK

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      THIRD ROUND weekend is upon us, with a seemingly endless list of FA Cup ties kicking off at different times over a five-day spell.Starting with Thursday’s tie between Sheffield United and Cardiff City at Bramall Lane, there are some FOURTEEN different kick-off times.The FA Cup has been on display at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyWhile the BBC and ITV have a host of games between them, including glamour ties like Liverpool vs Accrington and Tamworth vs Tottenham, other matches were moved after being picked for overseas TV.Among the slightly less glamorous ties moved are Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth on Friday night and Birmingham vs Lincoln on Saturday lunchtime.Yet, despite being moved, many of these ties are NOT available to watch in the UK.When League One Wycombe host Championship rivals Pompey on Friday, overseas fans in SEVENTY FOUR countries will be able to tune in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSupporters in Kyrgyzstan can tune in for the 7:45pm kick off at nearly 2am local time time should they so wish – nothing screams finishing your Friday night out with an afterparty watching the FA Cup.Likewise, any avid Pompey fans in Papua New Guinea can sit down and watch the game if they like – though it would mean a very early 5:45am start.The decision to move many of these fixtures has been controversial with home and away fans alike, particularly ahead of Everton vs Peterborough on Thursday night.The final third round tie at Goodison Park is available on BBC iPlayer and the Red Button, but the decision went down like a lead balloon with much of the Posh fanbase, who face a 300-mile round trip in icy conditions on a school night.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhen TV selections were confirmed, the League One club urged the FA to rethink the decision, saying: “There are no viable trains from Liverpool to Peterborough scheduled on the evening of the match meaning supporters must travel by car or coach.”Supporters will be required to take two days off work to attend this incredibly important fixture and our younger fans will not be able to attend due to school commitments.Gary Neville tells Salford captain ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ after comment live on BBC during FA Cup draw”We have never played a competitive game at Goodison Park and interest in the game is very high.”An expected reduced home attendance would reduce the potential revenue for both Peterborough United and Everton.”Ultimately, the match is a sell out, with both home and away fans coming out in their thousands for what looks set to be a strange night on Merseyside.The Toffees sacked Sean Dyche earlier today, with Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman set to take charge, and David Moyes among the contenders to land the vacant job. More