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      My non-league heroes are one match away from dream FA Cup clash with Man Utd… my secret is a nap right before kick-off

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      EASTLEIGH’S sleepy little secret has been revealed as they eye a money-spinning FA Cup clash with Manchester United.The Spitfires host Erik ten Hag’s giants if they shoot down League Two Newport in a third-round replay.
      Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag could face a manager that sleeps before kick-offCredit: Getty
      Eastleigh will face Man Utd in the FA Cup if they eliminate NewportCredit: Rex
      And the National League side’s boss Richard Hill revealed how he keeps so calm… by taking a ten-minute nap just before kick-off.
      Hill told SunSport: “I don’t get any nerves before a game and don’t have any jittery feelings.
      “I just do what I normally do when the lads go out for a warm-up — I have a lie-down on the fitness table and see if I can get my head down for ten minutes.
      “That’s what I did at Newport. I put a chair next to the kit skip, put a coat over me and I had ten minutes.”
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      Maybe Hill should send pre-match tips to United chief Ten Hag, who cannot afford any embarrassing slip-ups in the Cup.
      Hill, who knows victory is worth close to £400,000, added: “This is a massive, massive game for both clubs.”
      Eastleigh have already beaten League One side Reading before drawing at Newport.
      United still have the chance of winning silverware in the FA Cup this season despite a turbulent campaign.
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      The Red Devils are already out of the Champions League as they were eliminated in the group stage.
      The Manchester giants have also plunged to seventh place in the Premier League table.
      And Ten Hag’s men are eight points away from fourth-placed Arsenal. More

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      The FA Cup doesn’t need changing and scrapping replays would be ridiculous, says Premier League vice-chairman

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      THE FA Cup is a sports institution that should be left alone to warm our winters — as it has for well over 150 years.This may appear an obvious statement, except that there are continuing whispers it should be trimmed further to make room for competitions without particular history or prestige.
      The FA Cup is an institution and should be left alone, says Karren BradyCredit: Getty
      It took a foreigner, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, to sum up the affection that most of us have for it.
      After beating third-tier Wigan, he said: “It is a massive competition and everyone wants to win the FA Cup. We take it seriously.”So we should. United have won the  Cup 12 times — bettered only by Arsenal’s 14.
      But the essence is that any club from tiers one  to eight has a chance to play in a Wembley final.
      Without replays, it would be stunted and, for the underprivileged, a loss of revenue.

      Maidstone United were the non-league tiddlers to survive the third round.
      Let George Elokobi, Maidstone’s boss, explain the true meaning of the Cup: “It is magic. This is what it does.
      “It just brings our  community and binds  us together. It makes us even stronger — inspiring the younger generation.”
      Perhaps it takes an aspiring boss from Cameroon, albeit with plenty of Premier League experience, to capture the dimension of our annual knockout wonder.
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      Yet the ex-Wolves star’s view is not necessarily shared by owners whose sentiments are often, “Who cares about a silly old competition”.
      Well, I do and so do millions of English and Welsh men and women.I also care that it helps spread down money to lower leagues as all gate revenue is shared.
      There is too much talk of following the Scottish FA this season in cutting out replays and deciding ties with penalties.
      This is both unfair on the away team and ridiculous, almost akin to Parliament scotching by-elections and reintroducing rotten boroughs.
      Penalties provide a quick fix of excitement — but they hardly add up to justice for all.
      As for deciding the World Cup on penalties, that gets more absurd the longer that the contest goes on.
      There has to be a better method, although time is limited to a month and rules out full replays.
      It’s true that replays do not aid long-term programming. We have one at Bristol City next week and, of course, we want to go through.
      West Ham vs Bristol City will be decided by a replayCredit: Getty
      We’d love to win the FA Cup, we know that would brighten the lives of Hammers fans.
      It is something to brag about for the rest of your life, just as winning the European trophy did last season.
      The Robins will make an extra sum, an important factor the further down the eight qualifying divisions you go.
      Until the 90s there were as many replays as necessary. Heaven help us from a repeat of the record.
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      One is fun but let’s have no more interference in our world’s oldest football competition.
      Watch this week’s brilliant episode of the Tap In – SunSport’s exclusive new football show. More

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      Eddie Howe rants ‘we’re all at mercy of TV companies’ with Newcastle fans set to be STRANDED after Fulham FA Cup clash

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      EDDIE HOWE has slammed ITV for not caring about supporters after moving Newcastle’s FA Cup fourth round clash at Fulham to a Saturday night.The Magpies will take on the Cottagers in west London at 7pm in a fortnight, but the last train back to Tyneside departs at 9pm.
      Eddie Howe has slammed the decision to move Newcastle’s FA Cup trip to FulhamCredit: Getty
      The Toon Army expressed their anger on social media yesterday when the change was made.
      And Howe is fully on their side, blasting: “We’re all at the mercy of the TV companies and when they want to schedule games.
      “Not enough consideration is given to supporters and what they have to do to get to and from games.
      “To get back from London at that time is incredibly difficult and my sympathies are with our supporters on that.
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      “When I look at the support we have had away from home, with some very difficult places to find and to navigate to and from, it has just been incredible.
      “I’d love things to be easier for them in a game like this but we are at the mercy of the scheduling.”
      Ninth-placed Newcastle host Manchester City in the Prem on Saturday as they look to close the gap to fourth from 11 points.
      But they have been rocked by an injury to midfield enforcer Joelinton, who is set to miss six weeks with a quad injury suffered during last week’s 3-0 FA Cup win over rivals Sunderland.
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      The Mags are without 11 players for the City clash, and Howe added: “Joe’s injury is a real blow for us, he’s such an important player.
      “We don’t have anyone like him, he’s our midfield driving force physically so it’s a big blow.
      “He’s very  disappointed and we’ve had to do a job of trying to pick him up.” More

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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.
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      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