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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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      Man Utd vs Liverpool: Erik ten Hag’s side host fierce rivals in huge FA Cup quarter-final clash – stream, TV, team news

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will host fierce rivals Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.One of England’s biggest rivalries will take place in the last 8 of this season’s FA Cup as Man Utd and Liverpool clash once again.Liverpool were left frustrated as they were held to a draw at Anfield the last time the two teams faced offCredit: AFPSunday will be 213rd meeting between the two sides and the second this season as they played to a 0-0 stalemate at Anfield back in December 2023.Virgil van Dijk voiced his frustrations at Erik ten Hag’s tactics to Sky after the match, as he stated: “There was only one team trying to win the game but unfortunately it did not happen.”Jurgen Klopp’s side go into the cup tie on good form, undefeated in their last 8 matches and claiming the Carabao Cup in the process.The importance of this cup tie has been stressed by midfielder star Dominik Szoboszlai, as he claimed he wants to win the quadruple with the Reds in his first season at the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “We won already one and we have three more left. Me, personally, I want to win all four, but we have to look game by game.”However, they face a Red Devils side who have been through a turbulent patch in the Premier League collecting nine points from the last 15 available.Man Utd legends, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand suggest that the noise level of the crowd will have an impact on the result of the cup clash.Ferdinand said “The fans have a huge role to play, It gives you energy, energy, energy. You feel that you can go the extra yard.”Most read in FA CupRooney added: “Sometimes it is not all about entertaining football, it is about the fans seeing that you are willing to run and work hard for the team.”Team newsSummer signing Mason Mount could return for the Red Devils as he is back in full training ahead of the FA Cup clash.Arron Wan-Bissaka hasn’t featured since Man Utd’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham in January but could also be back in the side after returning to training this week as well.Mason Mount was pictured next to Diogo Dalot (Left) and Antony (Right) as he returns to full trainingCredit: GettyIt remains unclear whether star striker, Rasmus Hojlund will be fit in time to return to the team after his good scoring form was halted by a muscle injury.Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are all still unavaible through injury.Liverpool continue to have a lengthy injury list as Joel Matip, Alisson, Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago are all unavailable.Ryan Gravenberch stretchered off after suffering ankle ligament damage from a challenge from Chelsea’s Moises CaicedoCredit: EPAHowever, legendary winger Mohamed Salah was welcomed back to to first team action against Manchester City last Sunday after missing the previous two games with a muscle problem.Klopp also confirmed Ibrahima Konate has a “good chance” of returning from injury and being involved in the fixture against their bitter rivals.When is Man Utd vs Liverpool?
      The match will take place on Sunday, March 17.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 3:30pm GMT.
      Old Trafford will play host to the derby.
      What TV channel is Man Utd vs Liverpool on and can it be live streamed FREE?
      Man Utd vs Liverpool will be broadcast on ITV1 for UK viewers.
      Coverage begins from 2:45pm GMT.
      You can live stream the match for FREE via the ITVX app/website.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.
      Who will be the star players?Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty last weekend for Ten Hag’s side as they brushed away Everton at Old Trafford.He has three goal contributions in three games so far for Manchester United in their current FA Cup campaign.The Portuguese has recently been offered praise by his midfield teammate, Casemiro, as he said: “One of the sharpest players towards goal I’ve played with in my career.”Liverpool fan favourite Darwin Nunez can be expected to have an impact for the Reds this Sunday.The Uruguayan forward has the second most goal contributions for his side this season with 28.He has also scored two goals in the two matches played against Man Utd.Klopp stressed the threat Nunez can pose to the opposition, even when he does not put the ball in the net himself.The German said: “Even when he’s not scoring, he for us is incredibly important as he is a constant threat and gives us spaces in areas and options.”What are the odds?Match resultREAD MORE SUN STORIES
      Man Utd – 14/5
      Draw – 14/5
      Liverpool – 17/20
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Under-pressure Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag stocks up on loo roll ahead of huge Liverpool clash

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      ERIK TEN HAG has been spotted stocking up on loo roll ahead of a huge clash against Liverpool.The under-pressure Manchester United manager will look to keep his hopes of winning a trophy this season alive.Erik ten Hag was spotted with toilet roll whilst out shoppingCredit: SplashThe Manchester United boss was seen ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup clash with LiverpoolCredit: SplashUnited welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday for an FA Cup quarter-final tie.The competition represents the Red Devils’ final chance of silverware this term.Ahead of the match, Ten Hag has been pictured out shopping this week.He was pictured holding toilet roll under arm whilst carrying a bag of shopping.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSIt comes after his players were seen heading for a team-bonding dinner ahead of the clash with Liverpool.Ten Hag goes into the match with his future at United still in doubt.His side are at risk of not qualifying for next season’s Champions League after their early exit this term.The Red Devils are currently eight points off the top four in sixth place.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Meanwhile, they are also six adrift of fifth place Tottenham and a potential additional Champions League berth.Despite his struggles this season, Ten Hag could still keep his place in the United dugout.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Due to fears surrounding FFP, the club may be forced not to sack him, which would cost around £10million. More

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      Score Predictor tips for Matchweek 31: £500 Amazon voucher up for grabs amid FA Cup and Premier League action

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      MATCHWEEK 31 challenges Score Predictor users to guesstimate a mixture of Premier League and FA Cup fixtures.This slight tweak makes things interesting but the format remains the same.Whomever gets closest to correctly predicting the five outcomes will win a £500 Amazon gift card by Sunday night – the top prize must be won be somebody.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!Spurs swaggered to an impressive win last weekendCredit: GettyScore Predictor is completely free to play and it takes just seconds to enter five predictions.Fulham v TottenhamSpurs produced a statement performance at Villa Park last weekend and if Son Heung-min and company are able to replicate the same free-flowing attacking football at Craven Cottage then the hosts will find their opponents difficult to resist.Arsenal are the only team to have scored more league goals away from home than Ange Postecoglou’s outfit this season.The Cottagers are a well-coached side sitting comfortably in mid-table but defeat to Wolves last time out makes them underdogs for Saturday’s London derby.Spurs have won eight of the last nine league meetings with Fulham.Our Prediction: 2-1 to TottenhamManchester City v NewcastleAnother FA Cup for the collection?Credit: GettyWith an international break to follow, both sides are expected to name strong starting line-ups in this FA Cup quarter-final.Newcastle have slipped to tenth in the league and the fact they’ve conceded 16 goals in their last seven games suggests their defence is not suitably prepared for an Etihad onslaught.Pep Guardiola’s side are undefeated on home soil in 2023/24 and with the league far from a certainty, the decorated tactician will surely be keen to retain the FA Cup.The Magpies have had their moments against City in recent meetings but this one feels like an ill-timed match-up for them.Our Prediction: 3-1 to Manchester CityChelsea v LeicesterA man in formCredit: PALeicester are about as strong as second-tier teams comes but they’ve wobbled in the last month and suddenly their return to the top flight no longer seems a forgone conclusion.The King Power faithful probably wouldn’t be all that heartbroken if their side were eliminated from the FA Cup, allowing sole focus on their quest for promotion.Conversely, Chelsea should prioritise the competition as their league ambitions are severely limited at this stage.The hosts’ only defeat in their last seven games came against Liverpool (in extra time) in the Carabao Cup final.The Blues’ defence remains vulnerable but they have looked more potent in attack lately, led by the excellent Cole Palmer.Our Prediction: 2-1 to ChelseaWest Ham v Aston VillaThe Hammers only mustered a draw at home to BurnleyCredit: GettyTwo teams coming off the back of disappointing results last time out – the Hammers only drew at home to Burnley while the Villains were thoroughly outplayed by Spurs.Both sides will also have played in Europe on Thursday night so it’s not all that easy to get a read on this match-up at the time of writing.That being said, Villa’s away form has improved steadily as the season has progressed – only the three title contenders have earned more points on the road – while West Ham’s home record is merely average.David Moyes’ side have looked much better since Lucas Paqueta was reunited with Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen in the front three but it’s hard to ignore the cracks in their midfield and defence.Both teams to score feels like a good starting point.Our Prediction: 3-2 to Aston VillaManchester United v LiverpoolWill Mohamed Salah be unleashed from the get-go at Old Trafford?Credit: AlamyA classic fixture to complete the weekend.Jurgen Klopp may choose to rest key players against Sparta Prague this evening having won the first leg 5-1 and so the Red Devils should expect a strong line-up from their rivals at Old Trafford.Erik ten Hag’s side beat Everton last time out but they conceded plenty of shots once again; a similarly porous defensive display this weekend would surely be punished by Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and friends.Man United held firm at Anfield for a 0-0 back in October but the previous meeting between these two sides ended 7-0 to the Merseysiders.The hosts are missing important players in defence and it’s hard to envisage them resisting Liverpool’s relentless “heavy metal football” if the visitors are able to build momentum.Our Prediction: 3-1 to LiverpoolShow us how it’s done by submitting your own predictions before Saturday’s deadline!talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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      Major shake-up to FA Cup coming NEXT SEASON in almighty blow to lower-league clubs

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      FA CUP replays will be scrapped from the third round onwards in new plans drawn up by the FA, according to reports.It is a big blow for lower league clubs and the move will likely be met with opposition from the EFL.FA Cup replays could be scrapped from the third round onwardsCredit: PAReplays from the fifth round onwards were scrapped in the 2018-19 season, meaning lower league clubs only have a chance to profit in rounds three and four.Televised third and fourth-round replays are worth £40,000 and £55,000 respectively, with clubs splitting gate receipts equally.It comes after ten top-flight clubs rejected the Premier League’s proposal to introduce a £900million package to be filtered down the leagues with the aim of easing financial pressures.The EFL are expected to respond to the knock-backs by withdrawing their offer to scrap two-legged Carabao Cup semi-finals from next season.Negotiations have broken down with the Premier League keen to address concerns about fixture scheduling.The FA also need to consider when replays would be held as there will be fewer mid-week slot available following the expansion of the Champions League.Uefa’s Premier competition will be extended to 36 teams from 32 for the 2024-25 season.But instead of eight groups of four clubs in the initial phase, there will be a new “league” format.Most read in FA CupCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Each club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The format will be mirrored across all three European competitions, except for six matches instead of eight in the Conference League.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersThe top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots. More