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    Ipswich ‘chasing former Man Utd and Chelsea star Nemanja Matic’ in shock transfer to boost Premier League survival hopes

    NEMANJA MATIC is reportedly a shock January transfer target for Ipswich Town.The former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder is currently plying his trade with French club Lyon. Nemanja Matic has been linked with a surprise return to the Premier LeagueCredit: RexThe Serbian won two Premier League titles with ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – GettyMatic won two Premier League titles over two stints at Stamford Bridge, with his most successful between 2014 and 2017. The Serbian enforcer later moved north to Old Trafford and has since played for Roma and Rennes.Ipswich are desperate to avoid an immediate return to the Championship and are targeting experienced heads for the run-in.According to Sky Sports Germany, the Tractor Boys are “exploring a deal” for the defensive midfielder. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLItalian trio Como, Napoli, and Fiorentina are also said to be interested in the veteran’s services. Matic joined Lyon last January after a horror spell with fellow Ligue 1 side Rennes. The 36-year-old was reportedly considering retiring from football altogether after off-field issues dominated his time in Brittany. He struggled to adapt after leaving Italy and had issues with his children’s schooling.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMatic also denied going on strike at the club and insisted he was dealing with a personal matter.The two-time Prem winner is contracted at Lyon until June 2026.Chelsea Player Ratings: Ipswich DefeatHe has played 13 times this season without getting on the scoresheet. Ipswich currently sit 17th in the Premier League, occupying the third and final relegation spot.They have won just three of their 20 top-flight games this season.But have already made early moves in the January market. Btalanta defender Ben Godfrey has arrived on loan, while the club have agreed a £20million deal to sign Aston Villa winger Jaden Philogene. More

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    ‘He plans to leave immediately’ – Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target Kvaratskhelia ‘has asked to go’, confirms Conte

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia “has asked to leave” Napoli, according to boss Antonio Conte.The Georgian winger, 23, is one of the most sought-after forwards in football after a fine spell in southern Italy.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has asked to leave Napoli this monthCredit: RexAntonio Conte confirmed the forward wants to go amid links with Man Utd and ChelseaCredit: GettyKvaratskhelia has 30 goals in 107 games following an £8million switch from Dinamo Batumi in 2022.The playmaker fired Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years during his debut season.But Khvaratskhelia is now eyeing a move abroad for a new challenge.Man United and Chelsea are both thought to be interested.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Liverpool are also looking at him as a potential replacement for contract misfit Mo Salah.Fabrizio Romano claims French champs Paris Saint-Germain have agreed a five-year deal after offering to QUADRUPLE his wages to nearly £140,00 a week.And a January exit now looks inevitable after Napoli boss Conte confirmed Khvaratskhelia has now formally requested an exit.Former Chelsea and Spurs gaffer Conte said: “Kvaratskhelia has asked to leave the club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I spoke to him and he confirmed his plan to leave the club immediately.”Khavaratskhelia’s last appearance for Napoli came in the 1-0 win over Venezia in late December.The one player Chelsea must sign this seasonHe failed to even make the squad for last weekend’s 3-0 victory at Fiorentina.And he is set to miss out again when Napoli host Verona tomorrow evening.The Italians are eager to reclaim their Serie A crown after losing it to Inter Milan last term.Napoli are currently top of the table on 44 points, two ahead of Atalanta and four ahead of Inter — who still have two games in hand. More

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    Meet Abdukodir Khusanov, the £33m ‘Tank’ Uzbek defender who sprints like an Olympian and is joining Man City from Lens

    MANCHESTER CITY are closing in on signing Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens.The Premier League champions have reportedly agreed a £33.6million deal to land the youngster this month.Abdukodir Khusanov is the ‘Tank’ set to join Manchester CityCredit: GettyThe young centre-back has developed into one of the best defenders in Ligue 1Credit: GettyHis 37km/h top speed rivals the pace Usain Bolt set in the 100mCredit: AFPBut who is the rising star set to make his switch to the Etihad – and what kind of a player are City signing?First of all, Pep Guardiola is getting a proper defender.Khusanov, 20, is no creative player who has been shoehorned into playing at the back.He is a defender’s defender – and seemingly relishes preventing strikers scoring, coming out in the 94th percentile for his defensive stats in Ligue 1 this term. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he is a physical specimen of a man: 6ft 1in tall, powerful, strong, athletic and quick. Very quick.Khusanov clocked a staggering top speed of 37km/h – 22.9mph – earlier this season.To put that into context, Usain Bolt averaged 37.58km/h to set the 100m world record of 9.58 seconds, albeit reaching 43.99km/h during the 2009 race.In the 2023-24 Premier League season, the 37km/h barrier was broken just twice – both by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven who managed 37.38km/h and 37.23km/h. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSo it’s safe to say that Khusanov would add a whole new dynamic to City’s back line with his lightning pace.He capitalises on his physical attributes to be strong in the air and even stronger in the challenge.Meet Man City’s Nico O’Reilly: Rodri’s heir?His aggressive pressing style and love of a battle with a striker means he is perfectly comfortable stepping out to squeeze opponents or intercept as well as in one-v-one situations, drawing comparisons to Ruben Dias.He is not dirty, only picking up two yellow cards this season, but does love a last-ditch slide tackle and did see red for a studs-up challenge on PSG’s Achraf Hakimi in November. His Lens manager Will Still summed it up succinctly: “Kodir is a tank.” Interestingly, though, Khusanov is not your typical Guardiola centre-back because he is not the best with the ball at his feet. He averages fewer touches, passes and forward carries than his centre-back partners Kevin Danso and Facundo Medina – albeit playing in the middle of a back three – and certainly has room to grow in his range of passing.This will be particularly important when lining up in a Guardiola team that dominates possession. It has been a staggering and rapid rise for Khusanov as he finds himself on the brink of his transfer to England. The Uzbekistan international and Olympian – who would become the first Uzbek to play in the Premier League – left his homeland aged 18 to join Belarusian club Energetik-BGU in 2022.Less than 18 months later, he signed for Lens in July 2023 for £84,000 – and is now set to move on for 400 TIMES that figure, having only established himself as a first-team regular starter this season.But City fans’ excitement will be curbed by two important factors. Khusanov is not very experienced.The youngster – who ironically has only celebrated five birthdays as he was born on February 29, 2004 – went into 2025 with still only 24 Ligue 1 appearances to his name.He has two in the Champions League from last season’s group stages, including a 6-0 thrashing by Arsenal.The other slight area for concern is verbally.READ MORE SUN STORIESKhusanov has been described as a very quiet person and add in the further complications of the language barrier upon arriving in England and that could mean he takes time to settle.But if struggling Guardiola is so keen to spend big cash and waste no time in bringing him in, he must be confident he can get the best out of Abdukodir Khusanov as City’s next defensive stalwart. Khusanov would become the first Uzbek to play in the Premier LeagueCredit: Instagram @abdukodir_khusanov_He is not afraid to stand up for himself and show aggressionCredit: AFPThe 18-cap international left his homeland aged 18 to move to BelarusCredit: Instagram @abdukodir_khusanov_The youngster signed for Lens from Energetik-BGU in 2023Credit: Instagram @abdukodir_khusanov_Pep Guardiola will know there is room for improvement with the ball at his feetCredit: GettyKhusanov was on the end of a 6-0 stuffing by Arsenal in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyHe could rival Micky van de Ven as the Prem’s fastest footballerCredit: Getty More

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    Liverpool 4 Accrington Stanley 0: Alexander-Arnold puts Man Utd nightmare behind him with rocket in simple FA Cup win

    TRENT Alexander-Arnold milked Anfield’s applause after scoring the brilliant second goal that all but decided this tie.Accrington Stanley showed exactly who they were for almost half an hour before Diogo Jota put Liverpool ahead from a lightning break.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rocket doubled Liverpool’s lead on the brink of half-timeCredit: AlamyThe Liverpool right-back’s strike flew past Everton keeper Billy Crellin, who is on loan at Accrington StanleyCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold made up for his Man Utd defensive nightmareCredit: ReutersDiogo Jota put the Reds 1-0 up inside 30 minutesCredit: ReutersAcademy star Jayden Danns, 18, sealed things off with a sharp finish just five minutes after coming onCredit: APFederico Chiesa scored his first Liverpool goal in the 90th minuteCredit: GettyBut the League Two side paid the price for dropping their levels for a few minutes when Alexander-Arnold curled in a superb shot just before half time.Only six days before, the England star had been the target of abuse from some home fans after a poor performance in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United followed more speculation about him moving to Real Madrid.But TAA received a decent ovation as he left the pitch just before the hour.What he saw from the bench was not very comfortable, as his side allowed Stanley back into the game.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJosh Burns hit the bar and defender Don Love missed a great chance to pull one back.But Liverpool substitute Jayden Danns ended any debate with the third goal, then Federico Chiesa’s first strike for the club put the bookend on Accrington’s fairytale.It was also an historic day for the Reds’ Rio Ngumoha, who became the youngest player ever to start a game for the club, at the age of 16 years and 135 days.The left winger looked impressive from the start, but Accrington held their own for some time, although Liverpool should have taken the lead in the 12th minute.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDominik Szoboszlai dummied Kostas Tsimikas’ cross and Alexander-Arnold should probably have put his shot beyond the reach of Billy Crellin, the Accrington goalkeeper on loan from Everton.But after Crellin kept it out with his right leg and the ball ricocheted to Nunez, the Uruguayan fired horribly over the crossbar.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe visitors were having some joy at the other end, too, with Josh Whalley in particular getting in down the left, but the final ball was lacking.And it was from their own free kick that the League Two side conceded.Ben Woods’ initial delivery was poor and when Szoboszlai controlled a lofted ball to no-one by Nelson Khumbeni, trouble soon followed.The Hungarian found Alexander-Arnold released Nunez with a cute pass and the Liverpool No 9 crossed perfectly to where Jota was ready with a routine finish.More good work from the Portugal forward led to a half-chance for Harvey Elliott. Crellin saved easily and then watched a Tyler Morton shot comfortably clear his goal.Rio Ngumoha became the youngest player ever to start a game for LiverpoolBut there was nothing Crellin could do when Alexander-Arnold found space just outside the box and whipped a wonderful finish across and into the net off the post.Stanley made a double change at half time, with former Liverpool trainee Liam Coyle coming on to try to restore some life to his team’s hopes.Inside a minute of the restart, Nunez saw a shot stopped by Crellin and then teed up Chiesa, on for Szoboszlai, for an effort that was deflected wide.Liverpool lost a bit of momentum and were grateful to see Ben Woods’ low shot blocked by his own player.The Reds were certainly not out of the Woods yet.Accrington’s Josh met a corner at the back post only for Jota to get in the way of the header.But no-one got near his shot moments later when he cut inside and smashed an effort off the crossbar.Slot made more changes just before the hour and Alexander-Arnold returned the crowd’s applause as he was replaced by Conor Bradley.He will have been less happy with what happened next as his side lost balance and control.Goalkeeper Billy Crellin is on loan with the League Two side from EvertonCredit: ReutersStanley, who are 19th in League Two, should have made things interesting with 25 minutes to go.A well-worked move saw Whalley cross into the six-yard box and centre back Don Love had timed his run perfectly. But he could only send his free header off target with the whole of Caoimhin Kelleher’s goal gaping.At the other end, Crellin kept out another Chiesa shot from a narrow angle.But soon it was game over.Jayden Danns won the ball in his own half and kept running after playing in Chiesa.The Italian’s shot was saved well by Crellin but Danns was there to smash the ball in and end any debate.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was still time for Chiesa to hit one post and then, not long afterwards, to break his Liverpool duck with a shot that went in off the other.It was a pleasing way to end the afternoon for Alexander-Arnold and his club after a tough week. More

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    Wayne Rooney lands new role following Plymouth axe with Man Utd legend to run coaching camp in Dubai

    WAYNE ROONEY is heading to sunnier surroundings as he looks to get over his latest managerial axe. The former England ace was let go by Championship club Plymouth on New Year’s Eve. Wayne Rooney is set for a new career venture in Dubai after leaving PlymouthCredit: PAThe former Man Utd striker left the Pilgrims with the club rooted to the bottom of the ChampionshipCredit: RexRooney took over at Home Park last summer but won just five of his 25 matches in charge. The 39-year-old could now be set for a TV punditry career after his fourth managerial failure.But before following some of his former Man Utd teammates into punditry, Rooney is teaming up with holiday company Football Escapes. The ex-England ace has been named as an ambassador for the business, which runs half-term coaching sessions in Dubai. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFor his new role, Rooney will jet to the UAE next month for a special “Train with Wayne” workshop.In a statement, Football Escapes wrote on Instagram: “We’re thrilled to announce that Wayne Rooney is our newest ambassador!”Wayne will make his debut at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, this February Half Term (17th–21st February 2025). “This is your chance to give your kids the opportunity to train with one of football’s greatest icons.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPer the company’s website, the trip features “exciting football sessions within the luxurious yet family-friendly atmosphere of one of Dubai’s most iconic resorts.”The price for a family of four is listed between £7500 and £8650.Inside Wayne Rooney’s woeful spell at Plymouth as Manchester United legend AXEDEarlier this month, SunOnline exclusively revealed Rooney is being targeted for a new role in punditry.Roo is likely to be offered a mega-bucks deal to work as a football pundit, having impressed during screen stints on ITV and Sky.A TV insider said: “Wayne is regarded as one of the best pundits in the business.”He’s very, very knowledgeable about the game.Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.”And even though he’s actually quite a shy person, he really feels at home in a TV studio.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe insider added: “It’s been a rubbish end to 2024 for Wayne, but he’s not going to be out of work for long.”He’ll be offered punditry work straight away and there’s interest from Sky in a potential long-term deal to tie him down as a pundit.” More

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    Is Chelsea vs Morecambe on TV? FA Cup third round fixtures on BBC and ITV

    CHELSEA will be hoping to forget their recent run of Premier League form when they face League Two Morecambe on Saturday.Ezno Maresca’s team had threatened Liverpool at the top of the table after five consecutive league wins in November and early December.Enzo Maresca will be desperate to end Chelsea’s poor run of formCredit: GettyMorecambe sit 23rd in League Two – but have won two of their last threeBut Chelsea have now picked up just two points in their last four matches – against Everton, Fulham, Ipswich and Crystal Palace. They now sit eight points off of Liverpool having played a game more.Chelsea will be hoping a match against a team EIGHTY-SEVEN places below them in the English football pyramid can reignite their season.The Blues will likely rotate several of their stars but will still be expecting to score a comfortable victory.Morecambe – who beat Worthing and Bradford to reach the third round – have enjoyed a recent turnaround.Having gone winless in five consecutive games, they have now won two in three.They still sit second second bottom, though, and remain four points off of Swindon Town outside the relegation spots.Is Chelsea vs Morecombe on TV today?The short answer is no, Chelsea match against Morecombe has not been selected to go on UK TV this weekend.Most read in FA CupThe match is also kicking off at 3pm, which means it falls under the UK TV broadcasting blackout and is not allowed to be shown on British television in that time slot.However, BBC have revealed that there will be extended highlights available for the match on the BBC Sport website and app.’Beautiful’ moment ‘gutted’ Ashley Young consoles son Tyler after they are denied historic father vs son FA Cup clashIt is unclear exactly when those highlights will be available, although it seems as if they will be ready before Match of the Day at 10.30pm.Leicester City’s game against Queens Park Rangers is also getting extended highlights, but the other eight 3pm kick-offs are not.What FA Cup matches are on BBC and ITV this weekend?FA Cup third round action has already started and a total of 11 matches have been made available to British viewers across various BBC and ITV platforms.On Saturday the day is headlined by Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley – on ITV at 12.15pm – and Man City vs Salford City on BBC at 5.45pm.The biggest game of the weekend takes place on Sunday, with Arsenal hosting Manchester United at 3pm on BBC.That game is preceded by Tamworth vs Tottenham at 12.30pm (ITV).The final FA Cup third round match takes place on Monday night, with Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge on ITV4.Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United 0-1 Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton 2-0 Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham 4-1 WatfordFriday, January 107.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday, January 1112pmBristol City vs Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City vs Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers12.15pmLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmExeter City vs Oxford UnitedPreston North End vs Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich AlbionReading vs BurnleySunderland vs Stoke CityNottingham Forest vs Luton TownBrentford vs Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City vs Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)5.45pmMan City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)6pmLeyton Orient vs Derby CountyCoventry City vs Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town vs Wigan AthleticSunday, January 1212pmHull City vs Doncaster Rovers12.30pmTamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmArsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town vs Bristol RoversCrystal Palace vs Stockport County4.30pmSouthampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)READ MORE SUN STORIESMonday, January 13 7.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

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    Inside Tamworth dressing room where Spurs will get ready for FA Cup clash with six showers, portable heater and 16 seats

    TAMWORTH have rolled out the red carpet for Tottenham’s millionaire superstars — by painting the away dressing room navy and white.But that is where the similarities between Spurs’ £1billion stadium and the National League minnows’ home ground end.Tamworth aim to put the squeeze on TottenhamCredit: Roland LeonSpace is at a premium for fifth-tier TamworthCredit: SunSportThe Lambs hope to rip it up with a huge piece of FA Cup historyCredit: SunSportSpurs’ stars won’t find themselves with tons of spaceCredit: SunSportThe door into the dressing room had no handle when SunSport visitedCredit: SunSportSpurs boss Ange Postecoglou might feel banana skins don’t come much bigger, unlike the size of Tamworth’s facilitiesCredit: GettyFor Son Heung-min and Co will walk into a tiny Portakabin housing one L-shaped bench, a battered and torn massage table, one rickety tactics board, a plastic bin and a portable electric heater.Their cramped dressing room for Sunday’s David v Goliath FA Cup third-round-tie in Staffordshire also contains two small sinks, a dinky mirror, two toilets and six showers.But Tamworth’s Lamb Ground stadium manager Andy Jones warned: “The only problem they’ll have is if they try to use all six at the same time.“Then the pressure drops and the water becomes a trickle!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport was given a VIP tour around the Lambs’ home on Thursday.The dressing room’s leaky corrugated roof has been fixed to prevent Ange Postecoglou’s players getting soggy as they put their kit on.But there is no underfloor heating beneath the ancient lino.And only one portable heater as a second would trip the electric circuit and plunge the players into darkness.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpurs’ crumbling dressing-room door also comes with its own letter box, but it does have a brand new door handle and lock after freezing temperatures caused the key to snap.Tamworth striker Dan Creaney, 30, said: “Spurs won’t like our changing rooms — even we don’t like them.Ange Postecoglou proud of patched-up Tottenham’s win over Liverpool Pie’s now the limit for LevyEXCLUSIVE By Will PughDANIEL LEVY has been invited for a pie and chips in Tamworth’s Portakabin boardroom.Spurs’ millionaire chairman will watch Sunday’s David v Goliath FA Cup tie from one of the National League minnows’ 518 cramped plastic stadium seats.It is a far cry from Levy’s luxurious, cushioned heated seat at Tottenham’s £1billion state-of-the-art ground.And Lambs owner Bob Andrews insisted Levy will be brought “back down to earth” by the experience. Andrews said: “Tottenham’s facilities are out of this world, especially compared to us.“We are a local club, this tie will bring them back down to earth. But we have brought in caterers, so pie and chips are on the menu.“We’ve had other big games but nothing of this nature before. Tottenham are simply a massive club.”Premier League outfit Spurs have requested an extra 14 seats adjacent to the cramped away dugout to accommodate manager Ange Postecoglou’s army of coaching staff.But Tamworth can only fit in 12 — commandeered from their SOCIAL CLUB.And Andrews, 78, added: “Tottenham’s players and their bench will get some stick.“Their dugout is next to our shed, where our passionate supporters are, so there will be some verbals going on.”Bookies make fifth-tier Tamworth 16-1 underdogs to cause one of the biggest FA Cup shocks in history.But ex-Lamb Mark Phillips, now head of their academy goalkeeping department, said: “Everybody expects us to lose, but there might be an upset — 1-0 to us.“It’s going to be tough for them, that is where we might have an edge on them.“If we press them high they will probably get around us. We will have to sit back, soak up some pressure and get them on the break.“Our set-pieces will cause them some trouble, especially with their goalkeeping problems.”“We also have six showers — but only three of them work!“Perhaps some of the Spurs lads will enjoy the experience because it will make them feel grateful for what they’ve got . . . but they won’t like our place.”Tamworth have already KO’d League One Huddersfield in the first round.And Creaney added: “Huddersfield certainly didn’t like coming here and there aren’t many National League teams who do.“The fans are really good at the Lamb and they get on the oppositions’ backs. Spurs are in for a difficult day. The stick they’ll get from our 12th man might just help us get a result.”The club painted the away dressing room navy and whiteCredit: SunSportTamworth are on a roll as they chase their best victory everCredit: SunSportTamworth hope their chances of a shock don’t drain away too quicklyCredit: SunSportIt could be sink or win for Spurs when they get a culture shockCredit: SunSportTottenham fans will not be sitting comfortably when the game kicks offCredit: SunSportTamworth hope the numbers add up to a massive giant killingCredit: SunSportIn the away dugout there are just four plastic back-less seats for Postecoglou and his coaching staff with a wooden bench for the subs.But the fifth-tier hosts plan to place an additional 12 social-club seats to accommodate the Aussie’s team.Lambs boss Andy Peaks hopes Spurs hate every minute of their stay in Staffordshire.He said: “Spurs’ players and manager deserve our respect, but when the game starts we’ll be what we need to be — horrible and nasty and in their faces.“I’m sure they will know what to expect because it’s been talked about so much.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve got to make it as difficult as we can and, hopefully, they have a few players who don’t fancy it and we have 11 players who play out of their skin.“Spurs will find it really intense because our supporters will be really close to the pitch and right behind the away dug-out.”Behind the scene is a far cry from the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: Roland LeonThe Lambs will dream of cramping Tottenham’s styleCredit: SunSport More

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    Leyton Orient vs Derby POSTPONED after London hit with icy blast overnight with FA Cup third round hit by weather chaos

    LEYTON ORIENT’s FA Cup third-round clash with Derby County has been postponed just hours before kick-off. The League One side announced the pitch at Brisbane Road was unplayable ahead of this evening’s tie. Leyton Orient’s FA Cup game with Derby County has been called offCredit: RexA frozen pitch at Brisbane Road was deemed in unplayableCredit: GettyOrient updated fans throughout the morning as ground staff worked hard to make the pitch playable. Freezing temperatures overnight in the capital plunged to around -7c.The third-round tie had been due to kick-off in East London at 6pm. But a pitch inspection just after midday confirmed the playing surface was frozen. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA statement from the club read: “Today’s Emirates FA Cup third-round tie against Derby County at Gaughan Group Stadium has been postponed, following a pitch inspection.”The match will now be contested in E10 on Tuesday 14thJanuary – KO 7.45pm. “The O’s Vertu Trophy match against Stevenage has been moved.”The game is the third FA Cup fixture of the weekend to fall foul of the weather.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPreston’s meeting with Charlton and Mansfield vs Wigan have both been called off due to a frozen pitch.Seven League One matches have already been canned, with only Rotherham’s home game with Bolton left standing. Accrington defender Connor O’Brien can’t wait to face boyhood club Liverpool in FA Cup In League Two, Tranmere’s visit to Walsall, Wimbledon vs Cheltenham, and Swindon vs Crewe are the only matches to survive the big freeze.Orient are currently enjoying a superb season in League One.Richie Wellens has guided his team to the cusp of a playoff spot, with the team enjoying five straight wins over the festive period.The O’s are hoping to progress past the third round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2011.Derby meanwhile are currently sitting 18th in the Championship.The Rams – winners of the FA Cup in 1946 – have battled past the third round in three of the last six seasons. More