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      Transfer recommendations for Gameweek 19: FA Cup fixtures pose problems and possibilities

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      GAMEWEEK 19 marks a unique juncture in the Dream Team calendar as it features the bulk of the FA Cup third round.Everton and Fulham’s cup ties against Peterborough and Watford fall under the jurisdiction of Gameweek 18 and so the Toffees and the Cottagers will be the only clubs without two fixtures to fulfil this coming Gameweek.Gameweek 19 is a tricky one to negotiateCredit: Dream TeamThe FA Cup poses both possibilities and problems for Dream Team managers.Mismatches against lower league opponents can yield plentiful points but heavy rotation is to be expected among the top flight clubs.Thankfully, there’s a full round of Premier League games to follow in midweek so it’s not the end of the world if you’re lacking in active players this weekend.In hope of providing a helping hand, allow us to present some transfer recommendations for Gameweek 19.A quick note before we get into it to say that we won’t be repeating ourselves in regards to Alexander Isak (£5.9m) and Anthony Gordon (£5m) but the Newcastle pair are clearly still strong options having combined for 40 points in Gameweek 18.Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m)An acquired taste but a fantastic performerCredit: ReutersManchester United’s captain isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it’s simply a fact that he averages 6.7 points-per-game this season – a rate only bettered by five midfielders.The Portugal international produced a masterful performance against Liverpool last time out for a ten-point return and he’ll be licking his lips at the prospect of facing relegation-bound Southampton in midweek.Most read in FootballFirstly, there’s the small matter of an FA Cup meeting with Arsenal in North London.A trip to the Emirates is far from favourable but this high-profile match-up may work in the favour of Dream Team bosses as Mikel Arteta and Ruben Amorim will probably have to name relatively strong line-ups.All things considered, Fernandes seems to be among the most likely to start two fixtures in Gameweek 19 out of the assets hovering near the top of the rankings.Savinho (£4m)Bonus ballCredit: ReutersIt’s a case of no goals, no problems for Manchester City’s 20 year-old winger.The Brazil international has converted just one of his 49 shots in all competitions this season which is a big concern but, despite his wayward finishing, he’s currently the most in-form midfielder in Dream Team.Savinho has raced to ten assists for his new club having developed a strong understanding with Erling Haaland (£7.8m) in recent outings.Furthermore, he’s one of the game’s most passionate bonus point hoarders – only Morgan Rogers (£3.5m) has completed more dribbles in 2024/25.There’s no guarantee Savinho will get substantial minutes against Salford this weekend but with an injury-hit Brentford and Ipswich up next in the league plus the impending resumption of the Champions League, the 3.3%-owned midfielder might prove to be a smart difference-maker this month.Eberechi Eze (£4.9m) and/or Daniel Munoz (£4m)For those who like to think outside the boxCredit: GettyA couple of one-week punts for those targeting short-terms gains this week.Oliver Glasner tends to name relatively strong starting XIs in the domestic cups and so there’s every chance the Eagles’ top stars will be unleashed upon Stockport on Sunday.Even if that’s not the case, Palace will fancy their chances away to Leicester on Wednesday night given the Foxes have lost five consecutive league games – only Wolves have conceded more goals.Eze and Munoz average 7.3 and 5.7 points-per-game respectively this season.Only Noussair Mazraoui (£3.2m) has made more tackles than the Colombian wing-back this term.Antonin Kinsky (£2.5m)Strong startCredit: PAWe finish with the new kid on the block!The Czech goalkeeper impressed on his Tottenham debut with six saves to ensure a clean sheet against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup for a ten-point return.Spurs visit neighbours Arsenal in midweek for a highly-charged derby but that’s offset with a massively favourable cup tie against Non-League outfit Tamworth.If Kinsky is given the nod at the Lamb Ground his chances of keeping a second consecutive clean sheet will be sky high – though some Dream Team bosses will be wary of a Spursy slip-up.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 21-year-old is affordably priced and seems set for a run of starts while Guglielmo Vicario (£3.4m) recovers from surgery.Remember to confirm your transfers for Gameweek 19 before Friday’s 6:30pm deadline – don’t get caught out!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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      Newcastle vs Bromley: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

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      NEWCASTLE welcome League Two Bromley to St James’ Park on Sunday for a David vs Goliath FA Cup third round clash.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the cup showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsNewcastle vs Bromley: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Newcastle vs Bromley: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Arsenal vs Man Utd prediction: FA Cup free betting tips, odds and preview for huge tie

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      THE biggest of the third round FA Cup ties comes from the Emirates on Sunday when Arsenal and Manchester United meet face off.SunSport betting experts have previewed the cup showdown and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesArsenal vs Man Utd previewIt’s undoubtedly the tie of the weekend as the FA Cup’s heavyweight sides meet on Sunday.Arsenal have won this competition more than anyone else – 14 times in total and one more than Manchester United who sit second in the standings.This game comes in the midst of a hectic winter schedule for the two sides, and they would absolutely rather have home ties against lower league opposition.Arsenal were comfortably beaten by Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi final on Tuesday, as they once again stuttered in the final third.The Gunners have scored four goals in their last four home games, which doesn’t sound too bad until you remember three of those came in the cup against Crystal Palace – after Palace had made changes which weakened their side.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 2-2 at 14/1 with talkSPORT BET – HEREFirst scorer: Gabriel Jesus at 11/2 with Betfred – HEREWith the North London derby a few days after this tie, Mikel Arteta has some selection dilemmas ahead, particularly with league business the priority.United have been really poor for a few weeks but were excellent in earning a 2-2 draw at Anfield last time out.That’s the blueprint for Ruben Amorim but they’ve been here before, when winning the Manchester derby at the Etihad and following it up with four defeats on the bounce.They host Southampton next Thursday so the selection isn’t as much of an issue for them and they’ll have watched how poor Arsenal were in midweek and know they have a chance.The sides last met in the league at the Emirates at the start of last month with the Gunners scoring twice in the second half via two set pieces to win 2-0.But that was with a Premier League ball…Arsenal vs Man Utd latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Arsenal vs Man Utd predictions and tipsAll set for set piecesIt’s no secret that Arsenal are at their most dangerous from set pieces. Though as Newcastle showed the other day, if you defend properly you can nullify they’re greatest strength.The set-piece coach is enjoying his time in the limelight and the Gunners are quite happy to continue facilitating that, almost looking like they’re playing for corners at the minute.They’ll want – and need – to start quickly here and they can secure an early corner with their wingers in play.Arsenal to take a corner between minutes 1 and 15 at 3/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HERENacho timeMight this tie provide Alejandro Garnacho with an opportunity from the start?He’s had to settle for coming off the bench in the last five matches but – despite their Anfield heroics last time out – Ruben Amorim will at some stage need to rotate the forward players.He got the assist for Amad’s late equaliser in Merseyside and can go one better here to reboot his United career.Alejandro Garnacho to score anytime at 4/1 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Decision made on Everton’s FA Cup clash with Peterborough after safety threat amid extreme weather

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      THE FA Cup third round clash between Everton and Peterborough WILL take place as planned amid weather and travel concerns.Officials met with relevant authorities at 1pm this afternoon to evaluate the conditions.Everton’s FA Cup match against Peterborough could be in doubtCredit: RexIt was eventually decided the match will go ahead as scheduled, with fans urged to take extra care and time when travelling to Goodison Park.A statement from Everton read: “Our third-round @EmiratesFACup tie with @theposh will go ahead as planned this evening (kick-off 7:45pm).”A safety meeting was held this afternoon to assess the weather and travel conditions for fans attending the tie, which confirmed the game can go ahead.”Everton Staff and a crew from @lpoolcouncil’s Streetscene Services team have been treating the roads and footpaths around the stadium since the morning to ensure they are as safe as possible for supporters accessing the stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Anyone attending Goodison Park is advised to prepare for the cold conditions, take care and to allow extra time that may be needed in travelling to the game, including being aware of any advice and weather warnings that may be in place in areas fans are travelling from.”No further snow is currently forecast for the Merseyside area, but temperatures will barely be above freezing around the scheduled kick-off time of 7:45pm at Goodison Park.Merseyside has been hit with a yellow weather warning for the sixth successive day amid freezing temperatures.The game between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday came close to being axed.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSnow and ice have caused traffic chaos, school closures and rail cancellations in the area.Manchester Airport’s runways were temporarily blocked off this morning and flights cancelled as five fresh warnings were issued across the UK.Gary Neville’s brutal Secret Santa present for Jamie Carragher ‘rejected’ by EvertonThree motorways, the M56, M60 and M62, were also hit with hefty delays causing mayhem for commuters on Thursday.A statement from Peterborough read: “Any supporters using the official coaches are advised to arrive as planned for a 1pm departure, all supporter coaches will departure as soon as we receive confirmation that the game will go ahead.”The FA Cup match between Everton and Peterborough could see Ashley Young face his teenage son, Tyler, on the pitch.Asked during an interview with talkSPORT which team the family will be supporting, Young Sr said: “Let’s put it this way… they’ve not got Everton shirts, so they’ve all gone and leaned towards Tyler’s side.”I even think my own parents are actually leaning towards Tyler’s side as well. So I’m just out here cheering on myself.”I’m just a lone wolf, that’s just me. But I get it.”I understand it, but after the game they’ll be back on my side once we’ve won. So it’s all right.” More

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      I sell ZIPS for a living after being released from EFL club… now I want to help Tamworth knock Tottenham out of FA Cup

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      CALLUM COCKERILL-MOLLETT realised a footballer’s life is full of unexpected twists when he was released by Walsall as a 22-year-old.That’s when he decided to turn part-time with Tamworth and move into a business that has even more ups and downs… selling ZIPS for a living!Callum Cockerill-Mollett sells zips for a living alongside his playing careerCredit: GettyCockerill-Mollett decided against going full-time after leaving Walsall in 2021Credit: GettyNow, the football-playing businessman can’t wait to get his teeth into Tottenham Hotspur, when he faces Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs in the FA Cup on Sunday.The former Republic of Ireland Youth international told SunSport how he became the Lambs’ very own Lord of the Flies!The left-back revealed: “In my final season at Walsall there was a massive turnover of players and everyone who was out of contract was allowed to leave.”I had some interest from other full-time clubs but most of them would have involved relocating to the other side of the country.Read More in Football”When nothing concrete actually materialised I decided to turn part-time.”So that summer I went in with my dad, Neil and started working full-time in his zip business.”I’d spent time around the factory while I was playing so I had a rough idea of what the business was about.”Footballers retire early and I knew I wouldn’t go down the coaching route, so I always had the zip business in the back of my mind.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Now I help my dad run the company.”We have around 30 staff and we are a wholesale manufacturer of zips.FA Cup third round draw in full as Arsenal host holders Man Utd and Man City get another dream draw He runs the zip business alongside his dadCredit: Facebook”You can’t come in and buy one or two zips from us, we deal in hundreds or thousands at a time.”We buy the raw materials from abroad and we create all kinds of zips.”Jacket zips, pocket zips, shoe zips, zips for jeans – you name it, we can produce it.”But our biggest sellers are probably sofa zips which are used in sofa cushions.”We supply some of the biggest sofa brands in the UK.”Cockerill-Mollett admits it’s hard to convince people he’s not joking when he tells them what he does for a living.”When I was full-time with Walsall and people asked me what line of work I was in, you can’t really say anything other than: ‘I play football.'”People kind of look at you strangely when you say that.”But now when I say: ‘I sell zips,’ people still look at me even more strangely!”Their first reaction is: ‘What do you mean you sell zips?'”If they’re wearing a jacket I’ll point to the zip and say: ‘You know this thing here – someone’s got to make them!'”It’s only when friends and family see our big factory in Leicester that they realise it’s quite a serious business.”The company is called Zipex UK and we are one of the only manufacturers who still make zips in the UK.”Most people import them from China.”But we are one of the few firms you can call and say I need 116cm in this type of zip and we can make thousands of them.Tamworth face Tottenham in the FA Cup this weekendCredit: ReutersLeicester fan Cockerill-Mollett hopes to get James Maddison’s shirtCredit: Alamy”I suppose we’re flying the flag for Britain.”However, on Sunday Cockerill-Mollett will be flying the flag for Tamworth as they look to pull off an FA Cup giant-killing act against Premier League giants Tottenham.Tiny Tamworth are currently priced at 2,500/1 rank outsiders to win this year’s FA Cup.Yet Leicester-born Callum kicked off his pro career with Walsall in 2016 – the year Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City stunned the world by beating Spurs to famously romp to the title.That 5,000/1 shot was dubbed the Greatest Sporting Miracle of all time.Now Foxes fan Callum hopes to create another sensational shock on Sunday, with The Lambs priced at 15/1 to beat Spurs.”When you’re non-league you’re hoping to draw one of the Premier League big boys,” he said.”When Spurs name came out after ours I was a bit shocked and then my phone never stopped ringing.”It’s a bit surreal but it is what it is. When you’ve made it through three rounds, as we have we deserve a bit of glamour.”We’ve earned our Spurs, so to speak, beating Macclesfield, Huddersfield and Burton Albion.”As a Foxes fan I will never forget that famous title win. I celebrated with all the Leicester supporters at Victoria Park, when the team came on stage and Kasabian played.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I know miracles can happen and I wouldn’t mind getting James Maddison’s shirt on Sunday if he plays – but I think quite a few of the lads are thinking the same way.”  Whatever happens on Sunday, it will be business as usual for the only Cockerill in the Tamworth camp, when he makes a speedy return to the zip trade on Monday!Tottenham beat Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on WednesdayCredit: EPA More

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      Tamworth manager quits support worker job to become full-time boss days before Tottenham FA Cup clash

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      TAMWORTH have invested a chunk of their FA Cup cash windfall to secure Andy Peaks as their full-time boss.The 54-year-old has been rewarded for steering part-time Tamworth to a money-spinning FA Cup showdown with Spurs, after beating Macclesfield, Huddersfield Town and Burton Albion, to reach the third round.Andy Peaks has been made full-time Tamworth managerCredit: PAPeaks previously split his time as a support worker at Tresham College in Kettering, with his role as Tamworth’s part-time boss.But SunSport can reveal the club have moved swiftly to persuade Peaks to turn full-time after ploughing some of the profits raised by Sunday’s glamour tie to secure his long term future.Peaks has been a sensation since he took charge of Tamworth in February 2022, after quitting Rushden and Diamonds to take over from Gary Smith.He saved the club from the drop in his first season in charge after leading the relegation-threatened Lambs to a 13-game unbeaten run.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPeaks followed that achievement up with sensational back-to-back promotions – first from the Southern League Premier Division – and then as shock winners of the National League North.Tamworth’s part-timers started this season as favourites for relegation against their full-time opponents in the National League.But Peaks has successfully steered the Staffordshire minnows to 16th in the 24-team league, seven points above the drop zone with a game in hand.Just as importantly he has earned Tamworth a £250,000 windfall by reaching the third round of the FA Cup where Spurs lie in wait on Sunday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Lambs were widely criticised for their pricing policy for the Spurs game and accused of fleecing loyal fans, by charging £38 for a terracing ticket.However, the club have shown they intend to use that cash to invest in a bright future under Peaks, who has never hidden his desire to manage full-time.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeHe was linked with the Northampton Town job recently, before Kevin Nolan took charge.Now SunSport can reveal Tamworth have tied Peaks down with a new two-and-a-half year full-time contract and have vowed to spend their FA Cup cash on improving the infrastructure of the club.Peaks has led Tamworth on a sensational run into the FA Cup third roundCredit: PA More

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      When is the FA Cup third round? What’s the prize money and what third round games are on TV?

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      THE FA Cup is the oldest and most renowned annual knockout competition in world football.It gives lower League teams a chance to fight Premier League giants for a hallowed trophy and a large cash prize.The prize money for the FA Cup has been revealed after a major change to the rulesHowever, unlike in years gone by, this year’s FA Cup will see one massive rule change.A surprising new six-year agreement between the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League, means that Cup replays will be SCRAPPED.That does mean that for the first time third round losers will earn prize money.Last season, the competition was won by Manchester United, as the Red Devils unexpectedly defeated rivals Manchester City 2-1.When is the FA Cup third round?The FA Cup third round takes place this weekend, with a hectic 32 matches across four intense days of football.Starting with the clash between Sheffield United and Cardiff City on Thursday, the first of three matches that night.There will be 19 matches on Saturday with non-stop football from 12pm until 8pm.Sunday has a further seven matches including the biggest clash of the weekend, when Arsenal host Premier League rivals Manchester United.The action concludes on Monday night with the tasty London derby between Millwall and Dagenham & Redbridge.What is the prize money in the FA Cup third round?As mentioned above, for the first time ever, third round winners are entitled to prize money as potentially lucrative replays have been scrapped.Third round losers will get now earn £25,000 while winners see £115,000 added to their coffers.As the competition progresses, the financial stakes climb which encourages the teams to perform at their best ability in every round.For winning the competition, one team will receive a whopping £2MILLION.The runners up get £1m, with no change to the money available for winning games from the fourth round onwards.For lower league clubs that go on a good run, the prize money can make or break their finances for the season.Arsenal v Man Utd FA Cup historyAFTER drawing each other in the third round of the FA Cup, it will be the 17th time Arsenal and Manchester United have faced off in the competition.They previously met in the 1997 and 2005 finals, both won by Arsenal.The last match came in 2019, which was won by United.Overall Arsenal have six wins while United have eight, while they share two draws.United’s tally of 22 goals is also superior to Arsenal’s 20 in these games.Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture, with three of his goals against the North London side coming in the FA Cup.Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal’s tally at the moment with six goals, though these have all been in the Premier League.The full breakdown is below:Extra Preliminary Round winners (221) – £1,125Extra Preliminary Round losers (221) – £375Preliminary Round winners (136) – £1,444Preliminary Round losers (136) – £481First Round Qualifying winners (112) – £2,250First Round Qualifying losers (112) – £750Second Round Qualifying winners (80) – £3,375Second Round Qualifying losers (80) – £1,125Third Round Qualifying winners (40) – £5,625Third Round Qualifying losers (40) – £1,875Fourth Round Qualifying winners (32) – £9,375Fourth Round Qualifying losers (32) – £3,125First Round Proper winners (40) – £45,000First Round Proper losers (40) – £15,000Second Round Proper winners (20) – £75,000Second Round Proper losers (20) – £20,000Third Round Proper winners (32) – £115,000Third Round Proper losers (32) – £25,000Fourth Round Proper winners (16) – £120,000Fifth Round Proper winners (8) – £225,000Quarter Final winners (4) – £450,000Semi Final winners (2) – £1,000,000Semi Final losers (2) – £500,000What 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)Monday, January 13 7.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

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      Mikel Arteta is in the doghouse with Arsenal fans and running out of time to show he has pedigree to end trophy drought

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      IT IS A WELL KNOWN fact that dogs learn through repetition.Especially their names. Call it over and over again and soon your clever pooch will be your loyal pal performing tricks for treats.Mikel Arteta is under pressure to win another trophy with ArsenalCredit: AFPArteta won the FA Cup with Arsenal just months after taking over but is yet to secure any other titlesCredit: APSo spare a thought for Arsenal’s poor pet chocolate labrador.Boss Mikel Arteta came up with the idea of having man’s best friend live at the club’s training ground to give the place a family feel. And she was named ‘Win’.That is not a word being heard quite as often as it should at London Colney today. At least not when it comes to getting over the line and winning a trophy.A crushing home defeat to Newcastle in last night’s Carabao Cup semi final first leg leaves Arteta licking his wounds after blowing a great chance of silverware.Read More in FootballWin will be licking other bodily parts as per usual.The concept of having a dog at a Premier League training ground is a positive one even if the choice of name is so North London and cringey.And there is no doubt that Arteta has re-energised Arsenal in the five years since he took over as manager in December 2019.But Tuesday’s inglorious stuffing feels like a barometer moment in the Spaniard’s time at the club. And the pressure is increasing.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArteta introduced a dog named Win to the training ground two years agoCredit: GettyAs if to ram the message home in terms that Win would understand – Arsenal have let the lead slip five times this season – twice against Brighton but more importantly against their main rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Boom boom.All of those games ended in draws, dropping vital points in the title race in the process.Arsenal player vs Newcastle in the Carabao Cup first leg tie at the Emirates (1)Arteta won the FA Cup at the end of his first half season in charge – breathing life into a flatlining football giant in December 2019 when taking over from the uninspiring Unai Emery.Victory in the 2020 FA Cup final over Chelsea should have been the trigger for more trophies to follow.But since then there has been nothing tangible to celebrate. No open top bus parade through the London Borough of Islington where skipper Martin Odegaard can show off a shiny cup.Since the FA Cup win four and a half years ago, even car-crash Manchester United have won something. And they are considered a laughing stock, now taking a punt on their third manager since Arteta took over the reins at the Emirates with a mission to make Arsenal great again.Ironically, Manchester United beat Newcastle in the 2023 Carabao Cup Final.The Geordies are renowned as serial chokers. Seven times losers in the FA Cup Final, twice in the League Cup, even throwing it away five times in the old Charity Shield. Without a major domestic trophy in 70 years.Succumbing to the Toon at home in such a feeble way does not mean Arteta’s time is up. Far from it, even if social media tells a different story with the notoriously fickle Gooners jumping on their keyboards over their chai lattes to ensure ‘Arteta Out’ has been trending.His 59.2 percent win rate is superior to that of his immediate predecessor Unai Emery and surprisingly better than that of Arsene Wenger – the man who laid the foundations for modern Arsenal.The French legend won 57.3% of his 1235 games. But Arteta has had only 262 so far which makes it slightly easier to maintain a higher ratio of victories.Wenger also had the Premier League in the bag in his second season – ripping the trophy from the best Manchester United team of all time led by the most successful British manager in history in Alex Ferguson.Arteta has enjoyed three full seasons of goodwill as he attempts a similar assault on football’s Mount Everest, overhauling Manchester City’s imperious four-in-a-row champions.The Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final on TuesdayCredit: EPAAlexander Isak was a thorn in Arsenal’s side againCredit: GettyThat’s a big ask and the club and the fans have been patient up to now. It’s still too early to panic but there is a growing fear Arsenal have reached a ceiling unless bold moves are made.Their arch-tormentor Alexander Isak, opening scorer against them last night, is a £150 million transfer target.Former players like Paul Merson are demanding swift action by the board to sign the Swede and provide Arteta with the dedicated number nine they appear to crave so badly.Kai Havertz is only three goals behind Isak this season but will never be the consistent out-and-out centre forward they so painfully lack. Neither is Gabriel Jesus.It’s curious that in more than five years Arteta has overseen a net spend of £483.79 million but he is yet to find a player like Isak to lead the forward line with such venom.Wenger got away without one too for donkey’s years but then he had Thierry Henry and few players compare favourably to the masterful Frenchman.It is no shame to have finished second in the Premier League twice in succession to imperious Man City.But the dominant force in English football suddenly looks fallible so there’s a big excuse for failure gone.Champions League quarter finals last season, the last 16 of the Europa League the year before that. Gallant defeats but defeats nonetheless.The title race looks beyond them this season. Third time in a row.Arteta is a bright, young, energetic coach with a lengthy managerial career ahead of him at only 42.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd if he takes Arsenal up to St.James’ Park next month and turns Newcastle over in a stunning second leg comeback to get to Wembley, ignore all of the above.But for now time is not on his side as the clock keeps ticking and Arsenal’s near-misses mount up.Arsenal ratings vs Newcastle as Havertz fluffs golden chance with academy statlet the only bright light for GunnersARSENAL have a mountain to climb to reach the Carabao Cup final after a shock 2-0 first-leg defeat to Newcastle.Here SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates every Arsenal player on a disappointing night at the Emirates…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Looked nervy with ball at feet at times but could do nothing to stop Alexander Isak’s brilliant close-range finish.Unlucky to see his palmed save tapped in by Anthony Gordon.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8The academy product was very impressive again. Turned out of danger well at both ends of the pitch. So calm under pressure.GABRIEL – 6Gave Isak far too much space to manoeuvre a shot in the box before the Toon’s second. Wasteful and ineffective from corners.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Had an early effort blocked near the line by Dan Burn. Was dealing with Isak well until losing a header to Sven Botman that saw the Toon striker score.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Missed an absolute sitter from a yard out from a corner.Was then caught sleeping just after the break to allow Gordon to double Newcastle’s lead.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Linked defence and attack fairly well without ever really doing anything spectacular.DECLAN RICE – 6Plays Jacob Murphy onside from a flicked on free-kick that leads to Newcastle taking the lead.Took more responsibility in the second half on the ball.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Heavily man-marked by Joelinton but looked back to his very best after a spate of illness.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Much more direct in his running. Unlucky not to open the scoring with his driven shot hitting the post after a half-way line sprint.Continued to be positive in his play – just lacked the finishing touch.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Sneakily got away with dragging Isak down to stop the Swede joining a Newcastle counter in the first half and a good first-time pass to set Martinelli away. Those were his only highlights.KAI HAVERTZ – 5May just be back from a sickness bug, but the big German did very little, apart from somehow fluffing a header wide unmarked from six yards.SUBS:JORGINHO (PARTEY, 59) – 7Some nice passes into dangerous areas and sprayed the ball about with conviction.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 59) – 6Lively and sharp without every really testing Newcastle’s back four or goal.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (LEWIS-SKELLY, 77) – 5Booked within a minute of coming on for a rash challenge on Joelinton. More