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      Chelsea fans baffled as huge clash is moved to Friday night despite NOT being picked for TV

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      CHELSEA fans have been left baffled after their FA Cup clash against Aston Villa was moved to Friday January 26.The game has not been selected for TV coverage as Manchester City’s visit to Tottenham will take place that evening.
      Chelsea’s match against Aston Villa has been moved to a Friday nightCredit: Reuters
      ITV is set to air that clash, leaving Blues fans bemused as to why their game has been moved.
      The FA Cup rights are shared by ITV and the BBC this season, with the two broadcasters set to show a selection of matches across the weekend of January 27-28.
      Fans were up in arms after a potential Black Country Derby was pencilled in for 11.45am on the Sunday, with West Brom set to face Wolves or Brentford.
      But Chelsea supporters have also hit out and questioned why their match has been moved for seemingly no reason.
      One fan said: “What a farce.”
      Another added: “Why are we on the Friday there is absolutely no excuse…. we play Tuesday then Friday. Why???”
      A third wrote: “Ridiculous. Three days after the Carabao Cup tie!!🙈😡”
      And another commented: “That is embarrassing TV scheduling how are we playing Tuesday then we’re put on Friday and not even on TV.”
      Most read in FootballFA CUP FOURTH ROUND GAMES ON TV

      Tottenham vs Man City – 8pm, 26 Jan – ITV1
      Ipswich vs Maidstone – 12:30pm, 27 Jan – BBC One
      Fulham vs Newcastle – 7pm, 27 Jan – ITV4
      West Brom vs Brentford/Wolves – 11:45am, 28 Jan – ITV1
      Liverpool vs Norwich/Bristol Rovers – 2:30pm, 28 Jan – ITV1
      Newport County/Eastleigh vs Man Utd – 4:30pm, 28 Jan – BBC One

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      Four other games have been chosen for TV too with Newcastle’s trip to face Fulham and Ipswich’s clash with non-league outfit Maidstone being shown on Saturday January 27.
      Fulham’s clash with the Magpies could be the reason why Chelsea’s game has been moved as the two clubs never play at home on the same day.
      Liverpool’s bid to get in to the fifth round will also be shown on TV as they take on either Norwich City or Bristol Rovers.
      While Manchester United’s visit to one of Newport County or National League side Eastleigh will also be televised. More

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      FA Cup fourth round TV games confirmed as fans rage at unprecedented MORNING kick-off

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      FANS have been left fuming after it was announced there will be a MORNING FA Cup clash in the fourth round.Supporters were enraged to find out that the televised fixtures for the next round of the historic cup will see two teams battle it out at 11:45am.
      Fans are fuming to find out there will be a morning kick off in the fourth round of the FA Cup.Credit: Getty
      The match between West Brom and either Wolves or Brentford will be kicking off in the late morning on Sunday January 28.
      The game will be televised on ITV who will also show the heavyweight clash between Tottenham and Man City on Friday January 26.
      Fans took to social media to vent their frustrations at the early kick off with one writing: “11:45am for potentially West Brom v Wolves? What sort of kick off time is that?!”
      While another simply added: “Disgraceful”
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      A third supporter wrote : “11:45 kick off on a Sunday are you taking the mick?”
      And a fourth chimed in saying: “Wtf?! 11:45 is a joke!”
      The morning tie could see the first Black Country derby take place since 2021 should Wolves face West Brom by beating Brentford in their third round replay.
      And fans have suggested that the earlier kick off time has been chosen with the fierce rivalry in mind.
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      One wrote: “Shows what one of the fiercest derbys is Wolves vs Albion. KO time of 11:45. No other derby has these ridiculous kick off times. Best derby in country!”
      While a second added: “Absolutely ridiculous. Sunday morning KO. Is this a pub football match? This isn’t fair on Brentford supporters either, should they get through!”
      Spurs clash with City has also ruffled a few feathers with the match chosen for an 8pm kick off on a Friday night.
      Four other games have been chosen for TV too with Newcastle’s trip to face Fulham and Ipswich’s clash with non-league outfit Maidstone being shown on Saturday January 27.
      Liverpool’s bid to get into the fifth round will also be shown on TV as they take on either Norwich City or Bristol Rovers.
      While Manchester United’s visit to one of Newport County or National League side Eastleigh will also be televised.
      FA CUP FOURTH ROUND GAMES ON TV
      Tottenham vs Man City – 8pm, Friday 26 Jan – ITV1
      Ipswich vs Maidstone – 12:30pm, Saturday 27 Jan – BBC One
      Fulham vs Newcastle – 7pm, Saturday 27 Jan – ITV4
      West Brom vs Brentford/Wolves – 11:45am, Sunday 28 Jan – ITV1
      Liverpool vs Norwich/Bristol Rovers – 2:30pm, Sunday 28 Jan – ITV1
      Newport County/Eastleigh vs Man Utd – 4:30pm, Sunday 28 Jan – BBC One

      The fourth round could see the Black Country derby played at 11:45amCredit: AFP More

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      Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 20 – Matheus Cunha one of many tempting wildcards

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      GAMEWEEK 20 is a unique one in the Dream Team calendar.Due to the next round of Premier League fixtures being spread over two weekends to give the players a mini break, the following Gameweek will also last a fortnight – starting at 6:45pm this Friday (January 12th) and ending on January 25th.
      That time frame also encompasses FA Cup third round replays and Carabao Cup semi-final second legs.
      As it stands, Gameweek 20 will feature 17 relevant fixtures so gaffers need to get their strategy right if they are to bank plenty of points.

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      Go bold in Gameweek 20!Credit: Dream Team
      Allow us to propose some transfer recommendations…
      Matheus Cunha (£3.6m)
      Not the first wildcard suggestion this week, the Wolves forward features in just 1.3% of teams at the time of writing.
      Gary O’Neil’s side host an out-of-form Brentford in the FA Cup before travelling to Brighton (one domestic clean sheet all season) and Cunha seems most likely to benefit.
      He’s not a prolific goalscorer by any means – he’s bagged six goals this term – but he ranks highly among strikers for big chances created, assists, tackles and bonus points.
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      Most importantly, he’s in good touch having pocketed 29 points across the last three Gameweeks.
      The Brazilian averages 6.2 points-per-game this season, putting him above the likes of Joao Pedro (£3.6m), Ollie Watkins (£4.4m) and Darwin Nunez (£4.1m) in the same metric.
      Morgan Gibbs-White (£2.9m)
      Forest have improved since Steve Cooper’s departureCredit: Getty
      Another in-form differential who may not necessarily have long-term legs but could provide healthy returns across the next fortnight.
      Nottingham Forest’s talisman has posted 33 points since the start of Gameweek 17 via two goals and an assist.
      Nuno Espirito Santo has provided a New Manager Bounce at the City Ground and the draw against Blackpool in the FA Cup was actually a decent result for Gibbs-White’s backers as it has given him an extra fixture.
      Forest travel to Bloomfield Road in midweek before a visit to Brentford – a favourable league match-up on current form.
      Ross Barkley (£2.5m)
      Owned by just 0.2% of Dream Team bossesCredit: GETTY
      Yet another rogue punt but there’s logic behind it.
      First of all, Luton travel to Turf Moor on Friday night to face a Burnley side that have lost nine of their ten league games at home since promotion.
      The Hatters then face League One’s Bolton for an FA Cup replay.
      That’s an appealing double header on paper; it just depends whether Barkley and friends and capable of exploiting it?
      The 30-year-old has undoubtedly been rejuvenated by his switch to Kenilworth Road, as evidenced by his return of 47 points across his last seven outings – a run that includes two goals, two assists and nine bonus points.
      Following the theme of the week, Barkley may not be a set-and-forget asset for the next few months but his Gameweek 20 potential should not be overlooked.
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      If you’re after more mainstream transfer suggestions then the likes of Darwin Nunez (£4.1m), Cole Palmer (£3.6m), Raheem Sterling (£3.6m) and Joe Gomez (£3.3m) are all strong options again because of the Carabao Cup semi-final second legs.
      Remember to lock in your transfer before Friday’s 6:45pm deadline and don’t forget to look at Gameweek 20 as a whole!

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      Sir Alex Ferguson brutally axed me for Man Utd FA Cup final – I haven’t spoken to him since and never will do again

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      EX-MANCHESTER UNITED hero Jim Leighton vowed to never speak to Sir Alex Ferguson again following his axing from the 1990 FA Cup final line up.Fergie decided to drop No1 goalkeeper Leighton following the memorable 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace in the first game.
      Jim Leighton lifted the lid on his fall-out with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Ferguson was well-known for his strict management styleCredit: PA:Press Association
      Palace took the lead twice and United once before a late equaliser from Mark Hughes kept his side in it.
      With the match going to a replay, Ferguson dropped Leighton in favour of Les Sealey, who had only played two times for United.
      The Red Devils went on to win the replay 1-0 which secured Fergie’s first piece of silverware.
      Leighton, who won 91 caps for Scotland, revealed their relationship was already damaged before then, but it became non-existent shortly after the high-profile snub.
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      Speaking to the BBC in 2018, he said: “It got pretty frosty over the period, sort of about the last six months I was in the team.
      “And then it went to zero about a couple of weeks after the final.
      “And we’ve never spoke since and never will do again.”
      Asked why, he said: “I didn’t like a lot of the things that he said and he done.”
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      Manchester United eventually won the FA Cup final beating Crystal Palace in the replayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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      Ferguson later explained: “Sealey was cocky and sometimes downright arrogant, so I did not foresee a failure of his nerve at Wembley.”
      Leighton only featured once more in a Manchester United shirt, despite remaining on the books until 1992.

      United’s victory was the start of the most successful reign of any manager in British football history, with Fergie going on to lift 37 more trophies.
      Leighton did add: “He was miles ahead of anybody in terms of knowledge of the game and tactics, but in terms of dealing with people, it wasn’t quite the same.”
      Ferguson’s brutal management style has been highly publicised, particularly his hairdryer related fall-out with David Beckham and banishment of captain Roy Keane. More

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      Marcus Rashford should be setting an example for Man Utd team-mates… instead he was just walking around, slams club icon

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      MANCHESTER UNITED icon Lee Sharpe criticised Marcus Rashford’s performance in the FA Cup against Wigan.Rashford helped United beat the Latics 2-0 at the DW Stadium to advance to the competition’s fourth round and ease pressure on under-fire manager Erik ten Hag.
      Man Utd hero Lee Sharpe criticised Marcus Rashford’s performance against WiganCredit: Getty
      The forward set up Diogo Dalot’s opener and played a big role in the the attack that led to a penalty-kick that Bruno Fernandes converted to seal an important win.
      However, Sharpe insists the England international is still far off last season’s stunning form that led to a staggering 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 appearances.
      The former midfielder can’t explain what led to that dip in form that has only seen the 26-year-old registering a mere three goals and six assists in 25 matches this term.
      However, the ex-England international wasn’t happy with Rashford’s lack of “intent” and “purpose” in the first few minutes of the match.
      Read More on Man Utd
      The 52-year-old also criticised the United star for “strolling” when he should have been playing quickly.
      Sharpe told SunSport on behalf of Fruityslots.com: “Last season, he was unbelievable.
      “He was sort of a shining light when the manager came in and this season he doesn’t quite seem to have got up to pace.
      “I don’t know whether it’s a confidence thing, whether he’s got something going on off the pitch that’s concerned him a little bit. But he doesn’t seem as focused as direct.
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      “I watched him last night and you know, after four or five minutes he touched the ball three or four times and not once did he sprint at the full-back or sprint in the game and [after] his first touch he stood someone up and tried to do a trick.
      “And the guy’s tackled him [to send the ball out for a] throw in and Marcus Rashford just turn around and just stroll to get the ball and you’re thinking you know, [it’s] an FA Cup tie away at Wigan.
      “The fans are going to be up there, the team will be up for it, Man United need to impose themselves, they need to play quick, they need to play with some authority. And just to walk towards the ball…
      “You want them to declare intent and tend to show purpose and just to walk off the pitch… I don’t think lazy is the right word….
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      But Sharpe believes Rashford can turn things around at Man UtdCredit: Alamy
      “I don’t know whether it was a bit of arrogance or whether he’s lacking in confidence or what it is, but he just doesn’t seem to be going past players.
      “He seems to be second-guessing himself at times when he’s squared up two players. He’s an unbelievable player with so much ability.”
      Nevertheless, Sharpe is confident Rashford will “turn it around” eventually.
      However, such an elite player needs to set an example for his team-mates every time he’s on the pitch.
      Sharpe added: “I’m sure he can turn it around. But we could do it internally and he’s one of the senior players now and you need to set an example for everyone else.
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      “And when the team’s light on experienced first-team players he needs to be setting the standard and last night I just thought he could have played with a little bit more.
      “A little bit more pace direct and a little bit more authority in himself.” More

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      Man Utd’s FA Cup fourth round clash at risk of being moved to neutral stadium amid safety concerns

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S FA Cup fourth round match could be played at a neutral stadium amid concerns over fan safety.The Red Devils will face either Eastleigh or Newport County at the end of the month.
      Eastleigh’s Silverlake Stadium has a capacity of just under 5,200Credit: Getty
      Should Eastleigh progress to the fourth round, their match against Man Utd may have to be played at a neutral venueCredit: Getty
      Should Eastleigh win next week’s third round replay, they will play host to Erik ten Hag’s side.
      However, it is “extremely unlikely” that the match will take place at the Hampshire club’s 5,200-capacity Silverlake Stadium.
      The Spitfires announced earlier this week that they are exploring the “logistical issues” surrounding the potential fixture with a local Safety Advisory Group.
      An official statement read: “We are unable to confirm potential ticket allocations or prices however we can confirm that the fixture would be played at our home stadium unless our Safety Advisory Group feels the club cannot stage the match safely, which we feel is extremely unlikely.
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      “We are exploring the possibility of extending our temporary seating to increase capacity to enable more fans to attend should we be successful.
      “The information below should hopefully answer a number of questions which we have been faced with today. 
      “The club can confirm that home tickets would be sold in a three phased sale policy.”
      National League side Eastleigh held League Two outfit Newport County to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
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      The two teams will meet again next Tuesday, with the winner lined up to face Man Utd.
      United booked their spot in the fourth round with a 2-0 win over Wigan on Monday. More

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      Man Utd ‘could recall forgotten man from LaLiga loan to bolster defence’ amid injury crisis

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could recall left-back Alvaro Fernadez from his loan spell at Granada as they try to cope with their latest injury crisis. The Reds were missing 11 first team players for Monday’s FA Cup third round win against Wigan Athletic.
      Fernandez could be on his way back to Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      The youngster has made 14 appearances for the LaLiga sideCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag is hopeful that a few stars will be back on Sunday for their game against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur.
      The Dutch manager said: “I think it’s hopeful that they can be back at the weekend.
      “I’m talking about Christian Eriksen, potentially Luke Shaw. Harry (Maguire) maybe, Mason (Mount) I think he needs some days or a week more.”
      But according to the Daily Mail “there are growing concerns at Granada that United defender Fernandez will be recalled from his loan spell at the Spanish club”.
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      It remains to be seen where Fernandez’s future lies, with the 20-year-old out of contract in the summer.
      He was sent out on loan for Granada after his successful loan spell last season at Championship side Preston North End.
      The former Real Madrid youth star, who has play a first-team game for United, has made 14 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish side this season.
      He is yet to register a goal or assist.
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      United’s emergency left-back Sergio Reguilon’s brief loan move from Spurs ended last week, with a club statement claiming Shaw and Tyrell Malacia were on their way back.
      It read: “Sergio fulfilled the role he was brought in for: to provide cover for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia while both were out with long-term injuries. 
      “While Luke has missed the past two games with a minor injury, the England international is expected back soon. Tyrell, meanwhile, is getting closer to a return from his knee injury.
      “The versatile Diogo Dalot can also provide further cover at left-back. 
      “With fewer games in the second half of the season and injured players returning, there will be less opportunity for Sergio to play.
      “It was decided it was in the best interests of all parties for Reguilon to return to Spurs.”
      The majority of Manchester United’s injuries have involved defenders this season.
      World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez has been out since September with an aggravation of the foot injury he suffered in April.
      England international Maguire has missed 12 games through hamstring and groin injuries after his resurgence in form that saw the 30-year-old win Premier League player of the month for November.
      Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are both outCredit: Getty
      Malacia has been out all season but it is hoped he will return soon.
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      United have just extended the contracts of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof until 2025 as they look to reinforce their backline.
      Anthony Martial, meanwhile, could be on his way out, with Fenerbahce reportedly interested in making a £6.8m offer for the 28-year-old forward. More

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      Everton handed huge boost in Premier League relegation battle as Calvert-Lewin’s ‘disgraceful’ red card is overturned

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      EVERTON have been handed a major boost in their Premier League survival bid with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s “disgraceful” red card being overturned.The Toffees striker, 26, was controversially sent off in Thursday’s drab 0-0 FA Cup third-round tie away at Crystal Palace.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin has seen his red card rescindedCredit: Getty
      The Toffees striker was sent off in the FA Cup clash at Crystal PalaceCredit: PA

      Calvert-Lewin slid in and claimed the ball before catching Nathaniel Clyne with minimal contact on the shin.
      And after play was initially waved on with no foul given, referee Chris Kavanagh was sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR Craig Pawson and subsequently brandished the red – to the shock of the Everton players, manager Sean Dyche and virtually everyone watching.
      The sending off warranted a three-match ban, another big blow for 17th-placed Toffees who have already been docked ten points this season for breaching FFP rules and are now one point above the drop zone having played a game more than Luton.
      However, Everton launched an appeal to the FA to get the first red card of Calvert-Lewin’s career wiped.
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      They were particularly keen to know how Kavanagh’s original decision was deemed a ‘clear and obvious error’.
      But now the FA have confirmed common sense prevailed as the red card was rescinded.
      And that means Calvert-Lewin will be available for selection for Everton’s Premier League games against Aston Villa at home on Sunday and away at Fulham on January 30, as well as the Palace replay next Wednesday.
      The FA said: “Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be available for Everton’s next three games following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal.
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      “The striker was sent off for serious foul play in the Emirates FA Cup game against Crystal Palace on Thursday, January 4 2024.”
      Calvert-Lewin looked genuinely bemused to be given his marching orders after Kavanagh was shown slow-mo replays on the screen.
      And even opposition defender Joachim Andersen appeared to tell him “it’s not a red” as he shook hands with the England international.
      Dyche – whose ten men held on for the goalless stalemate to force a replay – insisted he remained a “fan” of VAR but it was “beginning to test my patience”.
      Toffees hero Peter Reid tweeted: “I’ve lost the will to live, game’s gone.”
      And fans watching the drama unfold from home also raged at the decision.
      ‘ABSOLUTE JOKE’
      One said: “No physical contact at all. Goodness, what is going on.”
      A second wrote: “Disgraceful decision by a terrible ref.”
      And a third added: “An absolute joke. The beautiful game is finished RIP FOOTBALL.”
      And ex-Premier League ref Mark Halsey told SunSport: “None of the players on either side reacted to the challenge.
      “I do not understand why VAR Craig Pawson recommended a pitchside review and I’m surprised Kavanagh did not stick with his original decision.
      “You can argue it was ‘reckless’ and worthy of a caution but it did not meet the criteria for ‘serious foul play’.
      “It did not ‘endanger the safety of an opponent with excessive force or brutality’.
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      “Those challenges happen all the time and the slo-mo replays always make them appear worse than they are.”
      The winners of the replay at Goodison Park next week will play Luton or Bolton at home in the FA Cup fourth round on the last weekend of January.
      Ref Chris Kavanagh waved play on but was sent to the pitchside monitorCredit: Getty
      The red card would have seen the forward miss three matchesCredit: PA More