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      Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 25 – target midweek FA Cup games for bumper points

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      MIDWEEK FA Cup fifth round fixtures mean nine teams are set to pull double duty in Gameweek 25.As usual, you should try to ensure your Dream Team contains several players with two fixtures at their disposal in hope of banking plentiful points.
      However, while the short-term focus is on favourable double headers in Gameweek 25, you should probably be plotting to target the upcoming Europa League knockout fixtures – not to mention Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League round of 16 tie.

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      One of Dream Team’s most in-form players currently features in just 3.1% of teamsCredit: Dream Team
      Here we’ll propose some transfer suggestions specifically for Gameweek 25 as well as some with longer legs.
      Pascal Gross (£4.4m)
      First up, a man who ticks both boxes.
      No midfielder has earned more points than Brighton’s No13 across their last three outings and a home game against out-of-form Everton this Saturday looks ripe for further returns.
      The Seagulls will then face Wolves in the cup on Wednesday night.
      If the combination of good form, favourable league match-up and additional midweek fixture isn’t enough to convince you of Gross’ viability then it’s worth noting that Roberto De Zerbi’s men have four fixtures to fulfil across Gameweeks 26 and 27 once their Europa League opponents are determined.
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      In fact, Brighton and Liverpool are the only two teams facing three consecutive double Gameweeks.
      Gross has scored scored five goals and provided a whopping 12 assists in all competitions this season.
      He’s also seemingly on penalties while Joao Pedro (£4.3m) is injured.
      The Germany international is comfortably De Zerbi’s most-used player in 2023/24 too – he’s essentially rotation-proof.
      Pedro Neto (£3.4m)
      One of the Premier League’s most-exciting talentsCredit: Getty
      It doesn’t take a genius to see that backing Sheffield United’s opponents is often a fruitful endeavour.
      The Blades are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table having mustered just 13 points since promotion and this Sunday they travel to Molineux to face a Wolves side who beat Tottenham last time out.
      Gary O’Neil’s side have a certain swagger about them these days, mostly because of Neto’s incredible dribbling and counterattacking speed.
      The Portuguese winger has registered 16 goal involvements in just 19 appearances this season and will surely be licking his lips at the prospect of running at the top flight’s worst defence.
      As previously mentioned, Wolves will then host Brighton in midweek.
      Neto averages 6.2 points-per-game this campaign and is therefore on for a double-digit haul in Gameweek 25, he may even manage that against Chris Wilder’s beleaguered troops alone.
      Luis Diaz (£3.8m)
      A man in formCredit: EPA
      Like Gross, Liverpool’s Colombian winger has a lot of things going for him right now.
      Not only is he set to take his impressive form (47 points in five games) into a double header this coming Gameweek, the upcoming Europa League knockouts mean he’ll be extra busy.
      Plus, with Diogo Jota (£4.3m) sidelined for at least two months and both Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) and Darwin Nunez (£4.5m) minor doubts at the time of writing, Diaz is virtually guaranteed substantial minutes in the Reds’ productive front three for the foreseeable future.
      After Wednesday night’s win over Luton, the 27-year-old has now scored ten goals and provided six assists in 2023/24.
      Jurgen Klopp’s side take on Chelsea at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday before hosting Southampton on Wednesday night – one suspects Saints will be more focused on their quest for promotion in the Championship.
      Looking ahead, Gameweek 26 looks ripe for points for Diaz and company with an as yet undecided Europa League opponent to follow a game against 16th-placed Nottingham Forest.
      It’s probably spelling out the obvious here: if Salah is good to go this weekend then he’s clearly a fantastic option.
      The Egyptian superstar bagged ten points in just over 45 minutes upon his return to remind us all of his supreme pedigree.
      Rasmus Hojlund (£3.8m)
      Very much among the goalsCredit: AP
      You simply have to consider Manchester United’s in-form striker given he’s scored in each of his last six games in all competitions.
      This bounteous spell has yielded 59 points and so it’s understandable why he’s currently the second-most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 25.
      The Red Devils play Fulham in the league and Forest in the cup which constitutes a friendly double header on paper.
      However, it’s worth noting they have just one fixture in Gameweek 26 – a trip to the Etihad.
      Pep Guardiola’s side have struggled for clean sheets this season and Hojlund is capable of posing a threat to any opponent in current form but it’s fair to assert that Manchester City away is about as tough as it gets schedule-wise.
      If you’re happy to ride out the Manchester derby then United are also due to play Everton and Sheffield United before the international break.
      Diogo Dalot (£3.4m) also belongs in this conversation although the industrious full-back is certainly more of a short-term punt with that trip to the Etihad looming large.

      Elsewhere, Man City’s double header of Bournemouth and Luton looks appealing on paper but we’ve highlighted this strategy several times in recent weeks.
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      If you can negotiate Guardiola rotation policy then ample rewards await.
      Lock in your transfers before Saturday’s 2pm deadline!

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      About time he got his flowers’, say Man Utd fans after ‘underrated’ star is singled out by Newport player

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      FANS have praised Diogo Dalot after Newport forward Will Evans singled out the Manchester United’s stars performance in the FA Cup.The Red Devils’ most recent in the competition clash saw them beat League Two side Newport County 4-2.
      Newport striker Will Evans said Diogo Dalot impressed him the most in his 4-2 defeatCredit: YouTube / Goalposts TV
      Fans praised Dalot who finally ‘got his flowers’ after being recognised for his performanceCredit: Getty
      In a blockbuster win, United progressed to the fifth round thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund.
      But despite the United goalscorers striker Evans admitting it was Dalot who left him in awe during last month’s game.
      When asked who surprised him the most in terms of quality in the United team, Evans without a doubt said “Dalot.”
      On the Goalposts for Jumpers podcast, Evan said: “There was a ball that came over my head, it was probably like chest height.
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      “And I’ve watched it the whole way and I’ve seen Dalot in front of me and he just, in the air back-heeled it, back to the keeper and I just thought what… what chance have I got?
      “And he’s rapid like he is lightning quick, like I was not surprised, ’cause you’re not surprised by it but he was crazy to me.”
      Fans could only agree with Evans as they shared their thoughts on Dalot not getting the recognition he deserves.
      As one supporter said: “About time Dalot got his flowers🙌👏.”
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      While another added: “Dalot seems to be another Evra. So underrated.”
      A third put: “Dalot’s definitely the most improved player under EtH.”
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      Dalot has long been divided amongst United fans as half favour Aaron Wan-Bissaka instead.
      But with the season he is having so far it is clear the Portuguese centre-back is Erik ten Hag’s No2.
      The 24-year-old has made 32 appearances this term across all competitions playing over 2600 minutes.
      Compared to Bissaka who has featured in 17 games with only 1200 minutes of playing time. More

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      Chelsea dumped me by EMAIL after 8 years… I gave up on footie but now I’m back with FA Cup fairytale chasers Maidstone

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      RILEY COURT has revealed that he was dumped by Chelsea by email after eight years in the academy.The midfielder was left in tears after his heartbreaking release from the Blues.
      Riley Court was released by Chelsea when by emailCredit: PA
      He is now playing for Maidstone UnitedCredit: Getty
      Court, 17, joined the Cobham academy as a child and was one of the regulars as he progressed year on year.
      However, he was caught unaware when he was released by a blunt email telling him he would not be getting a new deal.
      He told Kent Online: “Chelsea was unreal, probably one of the best academies out there.
      “I was there for eight years, since I was a little kid.
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      “I gave up on football for a few months after they let me go. I didn’t want to play – my head was down.
      “I just started going out as a normal lad again.
      “I wasn’t expecting to be released, to be fair. I always got offered a contract every year.
      “It sort of became an expectation and then I got an email saying that’s it. There was no meeting. It was harsh.
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      “The email didn’t say much, literally we’re not going to offer you another contract. I didn’t speak to anyone after that. That was it.
      “I was 14/15 when I got released. I was in tears for days and days and I didn’t want to play football anymore.”
      Maidstone make FA Cup history with huge giant-killing win over Ipswich
      Following his exit from Chelsea he considered stopping playing but was offered a lifeline.
      The talented midfielder is now rebuilding his career in non-league with Maidstone United.
      He joined the club’s under-16 set-up and has since progressed into the first-team.
      Court has made three appearances in the National League South and played 16 minutes against Ipswich Town in the club’s famous 2-1 victory.
      The teenager admitted to being “left speechless” following the result against the Championship side.
      Court insisted that the win was a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience and that it felt “special” doing it for the area.
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      He is often watched by his dad Ian Court, who also used to play for Maidstone United.
      He will be hoping for another cup upset when Maidstone take on Coventry in the FA Cup fifth round on February 26. More

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      Major broadcasting change to FA Cup with BBC or ITV set to lose coverage as fans rage about deal with new channel

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      FOOTBALL fans are going to be able to watch more FA Cup games than ever.But it won’t be entirely free with the FA agreeing a new four-year deal with paid broadcaster TNT Sports.
      TNT Sports will be the new home of the FA CupCredit: Reuters
      The new deal will begin from the 2025/26 season and will see every game from the third round onwards, outside of the 3pm kick offs, televised.
      TNT Sports, who currently show Champions League and Premier League coverage, charge a subscription fee to watch their coverage.
      But the FA have confirmed in a statement that the FA Cup will still be shown on free-to-air channels alongside TNT Sports.
      However it is not known what channel that will be with the statement adding that it will be “confirmed in due course”.
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      ITV and BBC currently share the rights to show the historic competition.
      Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Executive, said: “This new partnership will see selected matches shown live on TNT Sports, as well as free-to-air, from the first round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium.

      “TNT Sports are an outstanding broadcaster with an impressive record of showing some of the biggest and best sporting events around the world,
      “So we are delighted to be working with them on our shared commitment and long-term vision that will ensure the Emirates FA Cup continues to thrive over the coming year.”
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      The deal will also see TNT televise the Community Shield, and the FA Youth Cup semi-finals and final.
      Some fans have been left fuming by the news with frustration over having to pay to watch the 153-year-old competition.
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      One wrote on social media: “Grim. FA Cup behind a paywall. Totally grim.”
      While another added: “This is wrong. The world’s oldest and most prestigious national cup competition should always be free-to-air.”
      A third wrote: “Taking the FA Cup off terrestrial TV is absolutely sickening.” More

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      Sheffield Wednesday boss surprised he could field £40k-a-week Premier League star after snubbing him from squad

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      NEWCASTLE loanee Jeff Hendrick was left off Sheffield Wednesday’s 25-man EFL registered squad, but still played in an FA Cup game. Hendrick was back on the pitch in last week’s FA Cup match against Coventry, which Wednesday lost 4-1. 
      Danny Rohl left Newcastle loanee Jeff Hendrick off the registered squad listCredit: PA
      The former Newcastle star managed to actually get some minutesCredit: Getty
      Hendrick joined Wednesday at the start of the season after falling out of favour at St James’ Park.
      In January he reportedly asked to terminate his loan spell at Hillsborough but the request was refused.
      Manager Danny Rohl explained Hendrick’s latest appearance on the pitch, saying he was surprised to discover that players left off the EFL squad registration list can still play in cup games. 
      Speaking to The Star, Rohl said: “He played some minutes in the cup which was good.
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      “There is a learning also from my side that you have an FA Cup list and a league list.” 
      He went on to explain why Hendrick had originally been left out of the squad, saying: “We have seven loans and so we have to make decisions, this is part of the reason why.”
      As the rules stand, a club can only register five loanee players and Hendrick did not make the cut. 
      Rohl then said it wasn’t all over for the player, adding: “He is still involved and I think maybe when I look to the next 15 games it could be that he is helpful. 
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      “He has trained, he is professional. 
      “All of my players have taken the situation how it is. 
      Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers
      “This is not normal, when I compare this to my stations before, you have players who are disappointed and they show this. 
      “But my group is fantastic, it is outstanding what they are doing. 
      “It’s great to see.”
      Wednesday will play Championship leaders Leicester tomorrow in their bid to move out of the relegation zone. More

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      Alex Scott nervously laughs and delivers ‘cutest commentary ever’ as BBC cameras spot girlfriend Jess Glynne at FA Cup

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      ALEX SCOTT produced the “cutest commentary ever” after BBC cameras spotted her girlfriend Jess Glynne in the crowd.The former England international presented coverage of Arsenal vs Manchester City in the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday.
      Jess Glynne was spotted by the BBC cameras at Arsenal vs Manchester CityCredit: BBC Sport
      Alex Scott produced the ‘cutest commentary ever’ after her girlfriend was spottedCredit: BBC Sport
      City progressed 1-0 thanks to Laia Aleixandri’s goal but it was a celebrity fan who caught the eye during the match.
      Cameras picked out Scott’s girlfriend and singer Glynne in the stands at Meadow Park.
      As she was shown on screen, Scott could be heard laughing nervously as she explained the match could go to penalties if it remained level.
      She continued by referencing one of Glynne’s songs, saying: “Jess Glynne right there, there’s no place she’d rather be.”
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      The pun, which was a nod to Glynne and Clean Bandit’s 2013 single Rather Be, was met with more laughter from Scott and the pundits.
      Her commentary was later shared to Instagram by a fan, who wrote: “Cutest commentary ever.”
      Scott reposted the video, adding: “You lot are killing me with these, going to go crawl under a rock now.”
      She had earlier shared a snap of Glynne at the ground as she took her place in the presenting booth and holding a microphone.
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      Glynne showed her support for Scott as she presented the BBC’s coverage of the matchCredit: PA
      The pair were seen together before the match at Meadow ParkCredit: GettyInside Alex Scott and Jess Glynne’s RomanceBy Jon Boon

      Alex Scott and Jess Glynne reportedly began dating in the summer.
      Initially, they kept their romance private – enjoying secret dates, away from scrutiny.
      However, they have since confirmed their romance in public.
      It is understood they began a courtship before and after the Women’s World Cup which ran from July to August.
      Right before Scott took on her presenting duties at the Women’s World Cup, the pair enjoyed a pub lunch together in North West London.
      That same month, in August, the famous two both attended a Coco Der Mer party.
      Work commitments meant Alex and Jess were a ‘slow burn’. Their romance was formed organically over time.
      Just a month after they were pictured sitting next to each other at the 2023 Attitude Awards at the Roundhouse in Camden we had confirmation.
      Photographers pictured them walking arm-in-arm with each other in London.

      Alongside the snap, Scott joked: “A new presenter for today’s FA Cup game.”
      The couple, who enjoyed a loved-up holiday in Mexico last month, are understood to have been dating since last summer.
      Alex Scott braves wind and torrential rain as she stuns in tartan jacket on BBC
      Their relationship, which was described as a “slow-burn”, began around the time of the Women’s World Cup between July and August
      Scott and Glynne were later spotted at multiple events and parties, having previously sat side-by-side at Wimbledon.
      After keeping their relationship private and out of the public eye, their romance was confirmed in November after they were snapped walking arm-in-arm and sharing a kiss.
      Scott and Glynne are understood to have started dating last summerCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal cult hero Nicklas Bendtner in hulking body transformation after piling on three STONE of muscle since retirement

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      ARSENAL cult hero Nicklas Bendtner has undergone an incredible body transformation after he put on more than THREE stone of muscle.The striker scored 47 goals in 171 appearances for the Gunners, but retired from football in 2021.
      Nicklas Bendtner looked a lot more slender during his nine year spell at ArsenalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Bendtner showed off his hulking physique on his InstagramCredit: Instagram

      Bendtner, 36, featured 136 times in the Premier League and notched 32 top-flight goals.
      He won an FA Cup in 2014, and still clearly loves the Gunners, showing up for a clash against Brighton last season in a retro kit.
      The Dane explained in his book that he gained 10kg in muscle mass during his time at Juventus through explosive work outs.
      He unveiled his ripped body, showing off his six pack and huge biceps to his 434k followers.

      He looked almost unrecognisable with his lion chest tattoo and long locks.
      During his playing days, things were not always so straightforward.
      First, he admitted nearly becoming bankrupt after gambling away almost £5.4million in poker, including blowing £400,000 in 90 minutes at a London casino.
      Then, he was placed under house-arrest in 2020 and had to wear an electronic tag for assaulting a taxi driver.
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      Since he said farewell to the game though, ‘Lord Bendtner’ is enjoying a gym-packed lifestyle.
      During his up-and-down spell at Arsenal, he left on loan to Birmingham City, Sunderland and Juventus.
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      He eventually permanently joined Wolfsburg on a three-year deal in 2014.
      After having his contract terminated, he spent one year at Nottingham Forest in the Championship and Rosenborg.
      He then joined boyhood club Copenhagen in 2019, scoring his only goal in a cup game.
      Bendtner did bag the Premier League record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in 2006.
      He came off the bench to head in Cesc Fabregas’ corner six seconds later in a winter north London derby.  
      He now hosts Danish TV’s equivalent of the MTV classic Punk’D, playing pranks on celebrities and members of the public.
      His documentary ‘Nicklas Bendtner – The Portait’, will be released as a series in three episodes on Viaplay with a premiere on February 12. More

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      I played against Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham in the FA Cup… what he asked from me after the game left me shocked

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      TOTTENHAM loanee Djed Spence has opened up about a shock interaction he had with Jose Mourinho while playing for Middlesbrough.The incident occurred when Mourinho’s Spurs played Middlesbrough in the third round of the FA Cup in 2020.
      Djed Spence has spoken of an incredible interaction he had with Jose Mourinho while playing for MiddlesbroughCredit: EPA
      The former Spurs boss had a special request for the right-backCredit: PA
      Spence, currently on loan at Serie A side Genoa, was speaking to Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport about his interactions with ‘The Special One’, who was recently sacked by Roma.
      He said the gaffer had a surprise for him after Spurs beat Middlesbrough 2-1 in a third round replay, saying: “Mourinho came in [To the dressing room]. He came to me and asked for my shirt to take to his son, who was a fan of mine.
      “I was quite surprised, I’ll admit. I gave him my shirt. We’re talking about one of the greatest coaches in the world.”
      Spence was 20-years-old at the time and seen as one of English football’s most exciting full-back prospects.
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      After a successful loan at Nottingham Forest the following year, he was signed by Tottenham to play as a right wing back under Antonio Conte.
      But things turned sour for Spence virtually the day he signed for Spurs, with Conte dismissing the transfer as a “club signing” rather than one he had hand picked.
      He featured irregularly for Spurs under Conte before being loaned to Rennes in January 2023.
      Speaking on his difficult time at Tottenham, where he has made just six appearance, Spence said: “This is football, I can’t explain the reasons. What is certain is that when you don’t play, it’s difficult to demonstrate your value. There is no point in asking too many questions.
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      Jose was impressed with Spence’s performanceCredit: The Sun
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      “But I believe that even in difficulties there’s always something to learn. Whoever the coach, it makes you richer inside.”
      Conte’s successor, Ange Postecoglou similarly could not find a use for Spence and he was loaned to Championship side Leeds at the beginning of this season.
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      Despite starting regularly for Leeds after returning from injury in December, his loan there was cut short in January after Daniel Farke became unimpressed with the player’s attitude.
      The player spoke of how he hopes his loan to Genoa will revitalise career and might even lead to an England call-up, saying: “I knew Genoa had already been looking for me in the summer, now there were evidently the right conditions to close the deal. I’m satisfied, it’s an important opportunity.
      “I hope that this can be the beginning of a long journey at a club that are growing. I found a nice company and a pleasant city. I settled in quickly, they supported me in everything.
      “Of course, it’s a dream and an ambition for anyone [To get an England call-up], I hope that Genoa will give me a hand.” More