FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal vs Liverpool LIVE SCORE: Nelson replaces Jesus while Van Dijk misses out for Reds in FA Cup tie – latest

      by

      ARSENAL are hosting Liverpool in a mouthwatering FA Cup third round clash at the Emirates!The Gunners have headed into the match on the back of a horror run of back to back defeats in the Premier League.
      While Liverpool sit at the top of the league but do go into this one with star man Mo Salah who has joined up with Egypt at AFCON.

      Kick-off time: 4.30pm
      TV channel/ live stream: BBC One/ BBC iPlayer
      Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard; Saka, Nelson, Havertz
      Liverpool XI: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Quansah, Alexander-Arnold; Elliot, Jones, Mac Allister, Diaz, Nunez, Gakpo
      Explainer: When is the fourth round draw?

      PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder bets
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Liverpool match up to Arsenal’s 4-3-3
      Alexis Mac Allister returns to Liverpool, and slots straight into the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield, where the Argentine will be flanked by youngsters Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott.
      Meanwhile, Joe Gomez continues to fill in at left-back with Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas injured while 20-year-old Jarrell Quansah makes his first ever appearance in the FA Cup.

      Havertz up top of hosts
      Jorginho’s inclusion in the Arsenal midfield this afternoon means that Kai Havertz will move into a more advanced role, joining Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson in the front three.
      Meanwhile, it is expected that Declan Rice plays on the right of midfield with captain Martin Odegaard on the left.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko has still not shaken off his injury so Jakub Kiwior continues at left-back.

      Klopp selects strong Liverpool line-up
      Jurgen Klopp makes four changes for today’s cup tie at Arsenal, all of which are enforced.
      Mo Salah and Wataru Endo are away with their countries at their respective international tournaments while Virgil van Dijk is ill and Dominik Szoboszlai is injured.
      As a result, in come Jarell Quansah, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott and Cody Gakpo.

      Liverpool (4-3-3): 1 Alisson; 66 Alexander-Arnold. 78 Quansah, 5 Konate, 2 Gomez; 19 Elliott, 10 Mac Allister, 17 Jones; 18 Gakpo, 9 Nunez, 7 Diaz
      Subs: 62 Kelleher, 20 Jota, 38 Gravenberch, 42 Clark, 44 Chambers, 49 Gordon, 53 McConnell, 84 Bradley, 98 Nyoni
      Credit: @Liverpool Twitter
      Ramsdale returns for Arteta’s Arsenal
      Mikel Arteta makes three changes to the Arsenal side beaten by Fulham on New Year’s Eve.
      Aaron Ramsdale, as the Gunners’ designated domestic cup goalkeeper, comes back into the side in place of David Raya.
      There are also starting berths for Jorginho and Reiss Nelson, who replace Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah.

      Arsenal (4-3-3): 1 Ramsdale; 4 White, 2 Saliba, 6 Gabriel, 15 Kiwior; 41 Rice, 20 Jorginho, 8 Odegaard; 7 Saka, 29 Havertz, 24 Nelson
      Subs: 22 Raya, 10 Smith Rowe, 11 Martinelli, 14 Nketiah, 17 Cedric, 19 Trossard, 63 Nwaneri, 76 Walters, Sousa
      Credit: @Arsenal Twitter
      Arsenal relaunch No More Red campaign
      Arsenal will wear an all-white home kit this afternoon for the first time in their history to raise awareness of the club’s campaign against knife crime and youth violence.
      In association with Adidas, the Gunners’ No More Red initiative continues after its initial launch in January 2022.
      It has previously seen Arsenal wear white in away games such as the FA Cup third round tie at Oxford this time last year, but doing so at the Emirates breaks new ground.
      Today’s opponents Liverpool will support Arsenal’s campaign by wearing their changed strip of purple.

      Gunners evens to prevail
      It’s just 15 days since nothing could separate these sides at Anfield, but the bookmakers believe that home advantage is enough to give Arsenal the edge this afternoon.
      The Gunners are priced at evens to get the better of the team currently top of the Premier League with the draw that neither club wants chalked up at 13/5; Liverpool are a 12/5 shot.

      Arsenal win Evs
      Draw 13/5
      Liverpool win 12/5

      Mind you, if you do believe that the draw could be a factor, and it may take a replay for one of these giants to progress then maybe the tie’s outright betting is the way to go.

      Arsenal to qualify 8/11
      Liverpool to qualify 11/10

      Odds from Paddy Power correct at the time of post publication.
      Hello and welcome to Arsenal vs Liverpool
      Arsenal are facing Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium today in a massive FA Cup third-round clash!
      The Gunners have completely capitulated from when they were top of the tree at Christmas with just one win in their last six games.
      Mikel Arteta’s men suffered two consecutive London derby defeats to West Ham and Fulham which has now seen them plummet down to fourth in the Premier League table.
      While their opponents Liverpool capitalised by beating Newcastle and replacing Arsenal at the summit.
      But this weekend’s match is all about the FA Cup – a competition that no other side has lifted more than the Gunners.
      Liverpool are a team in form who will be heading into the fixture full of confidence and present Arteta’s men with a tough challenge.
      The two sides put on a show when they met in the league last month and played out a high quality 1-1 draw at Anfield. More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Why Liverpool are not wearing their home shirt today in FA Cup tie against Arsenal

      by

      LIVERPOOL are not wearing their home shirt today in the FA Cup tie against Arsenal.But that is despite the Gunners NOT using their traditional red home kit.
      Liverpool will wear their purple third kit against ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      The Gunners are wearing a special all-white stripCredit: adidas
      The North London side are instead going to play in an all-white kit produced by kit suppliers adidas.
      The special edition – which sees the regular home kit but with every aspect in white including the Arsenal badge – is part of the No More Red campaign trying to end knife crime and youth violence.
      Arsenal wore a similar changed strip in the FA Cup third round against Nottingham Forest in 2022 and then Oxford 12 months ago.
      It means that, in theory, Liverpool could play away against Arsenal in their regular home strip as there would not be a kit clash between Arsenal’s plain white and Liverpool’s all red.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      However, the two clubs agreed Jurgen Klopp’s travelling Reds will wear an alternate kit – rather than taking advantage of being able to play away in red.
      But Liverpool’s away kit this season is white with green and therefore would clash with the No More Red campaign change shirt.
      And therefore the Premier League leaders will turn out in their purple third kit.
      Today’s game will again be a one-off outing for the strip this season while Arsenal’s women’s team will wear the kit for the first time when they play Watford in their FA Cup fourth-round meeting on January 14.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      The Gunners and adidas are not making it available for fans to buy, though.
      Instead, the club will award versions to individuals who are making a positive difference in the local community and has also used previously raised funds for investment in youth facilities in Islington.
      The FA Cup game comes just a week on from the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Spurs fan Harry Pitman in North London.
      Declan Rice, who appeared in a photo shoot for the kit alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, Eddie Nketiah and Leah Williamson, said: “Knife crime incidents are terrible to see.
      “I want to be able to help kids, to be able to talk and use my voice and be able to show I was a youngster once and have been in tough positions as well.
      “It’s about education, having the right support network – whether that’s at school or a safe space where you can go and speak to anyone.
      “And for me it’s about youngsters growing up and being happy, feeling comfortable in their environment and living a good life. That’s the main thing.”
      The campaign is aiming to tackle knife crime and youth violenceCredit: adidas
      Arsenal’s women’s team will also wear the kit this monthCredit: adidas
      The Reds’ away kit is white with greenCredit: Alamy More

    • 338 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I scored winner in FA Cup final and now I’m the agent of the man who set me up as he prepares to take on Man Utd 

      by

      SHAUN MALONEY delivered the corner which led to Ben Watson becoming an FA Cup legend for Wigan.Now, in an unusual change of circumstances, Watson, who scored the winner in the 2013 FA Cup final against Manchester City, has returned the favour by dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s – as he is Maloney’s agent.
      Ben Watson (right) is now Shaun Maloney’s (left) agentCredit: AFP
      Cup fever will once again return to Wigan on Monday when the League One side take on Manchester United at the DW Stadium.
      Maloney, 40, who spent four years as a Latics player, is now the club’s boss and is hoping to pile more pressure on United manager Erik ten Hag.
      And watching from the directors’ box will be Watson who, after quitting the game, now works as a registered football intermediary for CAA Base in tandem with experienced agent Anthony McFarlane.
      Watson, who retired after leaving Charlton in 2022, said: “Shaun has been a friend for a long time and that is the reason we work together.  I still go up and watch Wigan’s games quite a lot as he is a client.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “I am learning every day. I started working for Base as they represented me for 20 years. It was a thing which always interested me and I got into it this summer.
      “I was represented by Anthony, who also looked after Shaun. Now, me and Anthony work together and I am learning off him every day.
      “Agents get a bad name because there are a handful of them who have caused some problems. But agents can be very important and a lot of good things come from those who work hard and are honest.
      “I think if you have been a player, it is a great selling point if you want to represent someone. 
      Most read in Football
      Watson negotiated Maloney’s deal to become Wigan manager
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “I am looking out for the best up and coming talent. My son, Reggie, plays for Crystal Palace under-14s and if I also wanted someone to represent my son, I would want someone who had been in the game.”
      Against United, Watson is hoping Maloney can help deliver yet another huge shock against a Manchester club.
      It was Maloney’s injury-time corner which fell perfectly for Watson to score with a glancing header against City at Wembley in a result which stunned the world of football.
      Watson, 38, said: “It is a game that comes up every year. It always gets mentioned, every time you see a few FA Cup goals from the past. Certainly nine times out of 10.
      “It was a special day. A day any player dreams about. You dream about being in a final but to score the winner was surreal. It was an incredible achievement for myself and the club.
      “Once you score a goal like that, you know you will be part of history forever. It was one of the great shocks in sporting history.
      “You ask anyone to name five players from that Wigan team and they might struggle but look back at that City team and you had Tevez, Aguero, Silva, Toure and Kompany, all legends of the Premier League. In their eyes, they just had to turn up and roll us over.
      “For the goal, I should not have been in the area to start with and was supposed to be on the edge of the box.
      “But because they were down to 10 men, I drifted in and because they were zonal marking, I got a free run. I did not score many headers and it was a good job Aguero was on the post as anyone taller might have had a sniff. It was like it was meant to be.
      “It had been a difficult season for me due to injury and I did not play a single second in any of the previous rounds.
      Ben Watson scored the winner as Wigan won the FA Cup in 2013Credit: PA
      “We got relegated 72 hours later but Wigan winning the FA Cup was something that can never be taken away.
      “The real success at Wigan was down to Dave Whelan, a fantastic guy who only cared about the football club of Wigan and the town of Wigan. 
      “The club has been in the hands of different owners who may not have had the same love but now Mike Danson has come in and steadied the ship.”
      So, could Wigan deliver a huge shock against United?
      Read more on The Sun
      Watson said: “It will be the first time since the Premier League era that the stadium will have been a sell-out. United are going through a sticky patch and Wigan have got to make it tough. 
      “The fans will know they have to create a good atmosphere for Shaun and the players.” More

    • 288 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I scored winner in classic FA Cup final in a pair of old boots because superstitious boss wouldn’t let me wear new ones

      by

      LIVERPOOL legend Michael Owen has revealed that he was BANNED from wearing new boots during the 2001 FA Cup final.Owen, now 44, was named in Gerard Houllier’s starting line-up ahead of the crunch clash with Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium.
      Michael Owen scored twice for Liverpool during the 2001 FA Cup finalCredit: PA:Press Association
      The striker was banned from wearing a specific pair of bootsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      However, the French manager instructed him to wear a specific pair of boots – for luck.
      Recalling the build-up to the final in an interview with Danny Murphy for the Daily Mail, Owen said: “I had a contract with Umbro and they were about to launch a new boot for the following season, which they wanted me to wear for the final.
      “So in training during the week, I started wearing these different boots.
      “The only problem was Gerard Houllier was mad on superstition.
      Read More on Football
      “Basically he didn’t allow me to wear the new boots because I was on fire with the old ones!”
      Arsenal dominated the final and eventually took the lead through Freddie Ljungberg in the 72nd minute.
      However, momentum quickly shifted when Owen equalised in the 83rd minute.
      The striker then capitalised on tired legs to score the winner with just seconds to play.
      Most read in FA Cup
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      He added: “Arsenal had great players – Seaman, Adams, Vieira, Robert Pires, Thierry Henry. They were probably considered slightly better than us, but at that age I didn’t have any fear about the opposition.
      “In Cardiff, I’d hardly had a kick going into the final few minutes, but clung onto the mindset that I’d never played a game and not had a single chance. Finally, Gary McAllister’s free-kick was nodded down by Markus Babbel and the opportunity presented itself.
      “I’ve never known a game in which the momentum swung so completely in one moment, from all looking lost to ‘we’re going to win now’. Even though it was still only 1-1, there was total certainty.
      “As I jogged back after scoring I looked up at the clock and thought, ‘have I got time to finish it now or wait for extra-time!’. I saw Vieira and Henry and they were shot. They’d thrown everything at us.”
      The FA Cup was one of three trophies won by Liverpool in 2001.
      They also clinched the League Cup and the UEFA Cup. More

    • 325 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I met Sir Alex Ferguson after bumping into his son on a train and now I’m trying to knock Man Utd out FA Cup with Wigan

      by

      SHAUN MALONEY got two hours of Fergie time that could leave Erik ten Hag up the junction.He was granted an audience with Manchester United’s legendary boss Sir Alex after bumping into the great man’s son Jason on a train.
      Shaun Maloney hopes his time spent with Sir Alex Ferguson will help Wigan in the cupCredit: PA
      The “precious” conversation that followed that chance meeting helped him on his journey into management.
      Now the Wigan gaffer  is planning to derail the Red Devils for the  second time in his career.
      The ex-winger scored a brilliant curler that gave Latics a 1–0 win over visiting United and sent Fergie’s Prem title bid into the buffers.
      Now a giant-killing by his League One strugglers would put current Old Trafford gaffer Ten Hag under even more pressure.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Maloney said: “I began supporting United when Sir Alex left my home town Aberdeen for Old Trafford.
      “I got to meet him for the first time when I was at Aston Villa.
      “We took a beating that night but I remember him speaking after and wishing me good luck for a national team game that was coming up.”
      Once Maloney retired from playing, his ex-Wigan boss Roberto Martinez hired him as a coach in 2018 while in charge of Belgium.
      Most read in Football
      Maloney helped derail United’s title hopes in 2013Credit: EPA
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Then came his meeting with Sir Alex and he explained: “I got lucky,  I was on a train heading down to London and his son walked by.
      “We got speaking and I said that I would love to meet his dad.
      “We swapped emails and the very next day he sent me an email, I got in touch, his secretary arranged for me to meet him.
      “It was just by chance. So really, really fortunate then, and I just sat and listened to him for two hours.
      “I think as I was such a big fan I got to ask him questions. Managerial questions but also  about the history of the club — everything really.”
      Maloney, who worked as assistant manager at Belgium under Roberto Martinez: “Belgium still had some really  elite players, massive players like De Bruyne, Kompany, Courtois and  Hazard. He had lots at that level at United and I  wanted to hear how he handled players like that.
      “It was incredibly precious of him to give me those two hours.”
      One subject not mentioned was THAT goal in what is Wigan’s only ever win over United in 19 attempts.
      It allowed Manchester City to have the last–day Sergio Aguero moment that ignited their Prem domination.
      Maloney said with a smile: “He didn’t speak about it, no, and funnily enough I didn’t bring it up! But you don’t forget it though, do you?”
      Maloney was also part of the team managed by Martinez which produced a Wembley miracle to win the FA Cup against City in 2013.
      The Scot remains  close with his former Latics boss and Maloney admitted: “I owe Roberto a lot.
      “His influence has been huge,  particularly the playing side.
      “He had  a certain style of play I hadn’t been coached on before for really big moments like this one.
      “Some of the best times I had when I was a player and with Belgium came under him and in the biggest moments there was just a stable mood.
      “The way he acted, how you trained, was exactly the same whether you were playing against Manchester United or a lower division team in the cup.
      Read more on The Sun
      “That was a real big attribute that he had and it’s one I follow.
      “Monday night’s game is a huge challenge but I am  determined to say calm, stable and not change our style just because we are playing against United.”
      Maloney worked as Roberto Martinez’s assistant at BelgiumCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle fans ‘in love’ with Amanda Staveley as she’s recorded making X-rated blast after Isak goal vs Sunderland

      by

      AMANDA STAVELEY could not contain her excitement – or her language – while celebrating Newcastle’s 3-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.The Magpies cruised to victory at the Stadium of Light, subsequently booking a spot in the FA Cup fourth round.
      Amanda Staveley was thrilled with Newcastle’s 3-0 win over rivals SunderlandCredit: Getty
      Alexander Isak scored twice for the MagpiesCredit: Getty
      Dan Ballard’s own goal handed Eddie Howe’s side an advantage in the 35th minute before a brace from Alexander Isak sealed the win and local bragging rights.
      Newcastle chief Staveley was watching the action unfold from the stands alongside co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi and sporting director Dan Ashworth.
      And in a video posted on her Instagram page, she could be heard celebrating the third goal.
      Reacting to Isak’s 90th-minute penalty, Staveley said: “F***ing get in!
      Read More on Football
      “Yes, well done Alex! Well done! 3-0. Well deserved.”
      Meanwhile, she captioned the post with: “An unbelievable game today. Outstanding performance from the whole team. I am beyond proud. #howaythelads.”
      Newcastle fans took to the comments to react, with many loving Staveley’s passionate celebration.
      One person wrote: “‘F***ing get in……yes!’ 😂 I love this!”
      Most read in FA Cup
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Another said: “She’s one of our own.”
      While a third commented: “Thanks again Amanda. You’ve given us a club to be proud of again, and that really is all we wanted.”
      Newcastle stars spent time celebrating with the 6,000 travelling fans after the final whistle.
      They infuriated Sunderland supporters by taking a celebratory photo on the pitch.
      Assistant manager Jason Tindall was hailed by fans for his “next level s***housery” after instigating the picture. More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Huge Arsenal injury blow ahead of Liverpool FA Cup clash as star struck down with old issue and big doubt for game

      by

      GABRIEL JESUS is a major doubt for Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool this afternoon due to a knee injury.According to the Daily Mail, the severity of the issue is unclear but there is hope that it will not be a long-term problem.
      Gabriel Jesus is a doubt for Arsenal’s match against LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta’s side face Liverpool in the FA Cup third round today.
      The Gunners approach the match following successive defeats to West Ham and Fulham respectively.
      Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber and Fabio Vieira all remain absent due to injury, while Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu have been selected for international duty.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko is also a doubt due to a calf problem.
      Read More on Arsenal
      Arteta did not mention Jesus’ injury during his pre-match press conference on Friday, meaning the issue could have come to light during Saturday’s training session.
      The striker has a history of knee concerns, with some proving to be long-term problems.
      He was sidelined for three months last season after suffering a knee injury during the World Cup.
      Jesus also missed the start of this season due to a similar issue.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Should the Brazilian miss today’s game, Eddie Nketiah will likely start as Arsenal’s No9.
      Arteta admitted on Friday that he is hoping for another special FA Cup run.
      He said: “It’s a great competition, as I said before, especially for the club. We have won it more times than anyone so we expect a great game and a good run.” More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Levi Colwill reveals Chelsea boss Pochettino gave team ‘hairdryer treatment’ after shocking first half against Preston

      by

      CHELSEA star Levi Colwill has revealed that boss Mauricio Pochettino gave his side the famous “hairdryer treatment” at half-time of their clash with Preston.The Blues went in at the break drawing 0-0 with their Championship opposition.
      Levi Colwill was in action for Chelsea against PrestonCredit: Getty
      Mauricio Pochettino was unhappy with side’s first half performanceCredit: PA
      Chelsea failed to adequately threaten Preston during the first half, with Pochettino letting them know that their performance wasn’t good enough.
      Asked if he and his team-mates received the hairdryer treatment at half-time, Colwill told ESPN: “Something like that!
      “I think we needed it though, we weren’t good enough, as everyone saw.
      “The second half was much better.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Chelsea finally went ahead on 58 minutes when Armando Broja headed in Malo Gusto’s cross.
      Thiago Silva nodded Cole Palmer’s corner beyond goalkeeper Freddie Woodman in the 66th minute, with Raheem Sterling scoring a free-kick shortly after.
      Enzo Fernandez rounded off the scoring from close range late on to seal a comfortable 4-0 win for the Blues.
      On his team-mates’ contributions, Colwill added: “Raheem normally practises free-kicks the day before a game and he always scores.
      Most read in FA Cup
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “I think he’s scored two now — Newcastle and then today — so from that position, he’s a specialist at free-kicks.
      “I love playing with Armando, he’s a great striker and a good mate of mine.
      “I always encourage him because I know how good he can be. Today he showed it with his goal.”
      Pochettino appeared to be frustrated by Palmer in particular, with the Argentine seen having an animated discussion with the former Manchester City starlet at the end of the match.
      Colwill played the full 90 minutes alongside Silva at centre-back, with youngster Alfie Gilchrist on the right of the defence and Malo Gusto on the left.
      The Blues will be back in action on Tuesday when they travel to Middlesbrough for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
      They then return to Premier League action next Saturday with a home assignment against neighbours Fulham.
      Pochettino had an animated discussion with Cole Palmer after the gameCredit: Rex More