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      Why is Ryan Giggs on the touchline for Salford City in their FA Cup clash at Man City?

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      SALFORD CITY are taking on Premier League giants Manchester City in a thrilling FA Cup third-round derby.And you may notice a very familiar face on the touchline for the League Two Ammies.Ryan Giggs on the touchline alongside Salford head coach Karl RobinsonCredit: GettyWhy is Ryan Giggs on the touchline for Salford?Ryan Giggs is joint-owner of Salford alongside fellow Class of 92 Manchester United legends Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and David Beckham.And in his role as Director of Football of the club, former Wales manager Giggs is also a regular presence on the touchline alongside Ammies’ head coach Karl Robinson.The ex-winger hasn’t held a regular managerial position since leaving the Welsh national team in 2022.MAN CITY VS SALFORD LIVE – LATEST UPDATESThe 51-year-old became Wales boss in 2018, before being arrested on assault charges two years later.He has always denied any wrongdoing, and stepped down from the role in June 2022 ahead of his trial, where a jury failed to reach a verdict.Giggs has slowly returned to the touchline in recent months at Salford, as he eyes a return to football management.Speaking ahead of Salford’s crunch FA Cup tie with Man City, Giggs revealed he is determined to return to management “one day”.Most read in FA CupThe United legend – regarded as the most hands-on member of the Class of 92’s ownership group – told the BBC: “I had the stint as Wales manager and loved it.”At the moment I’m enjoying being at Salford as director of football and enjoy watching the team, happy where I am. More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Tyrique George thrives in rare run-out but Marc Guiu anonymous in FA Cup demolition job

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      TYRIQUE GEORGE was involved in THREE of Chelsea’s five goals as the Blues cruised past Morecambe to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.League Two strugglers Morecambe’s low block had frustrated Enzo Maresca’s side, with Christopher Nkunku scuffing an early penalty.Christopher Nkunku saw his penalty saved in the 17th minuteCredit: PATosin Adarabioyo’s scored twice from distance to put Chelsea in controlCredit: RexTeenager Tyrique George assisted both of Joao Felix’s goalsCredit: AFPTosin’s deflected potshot strike broke Morecambe’s stubborn shape and lifted the mood among the anxious home fans in the 39th minute.A quick and slick Chelsea move doubled their lead shortly after half-time, before Tosin’s long range beauty finished Morecambe off.Two late goals from Joao Felix added to Chelsea’s tally to seal the Premier League side’s place in the next round.Here SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rates the Chelsea players at Stamford Bridge. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFilip Jorgensen – 5 Never really troubled in the Chelsea net but made a couple of shaky collections.Found time to showboat with some pretty flicks in the first-half, but dropped the ball in a dangerous position a few minutes later.Reece James – 7The injury prone England fullback lapped up the perfect chance to get his first start since November 3.Assisted Chelsea’s first after teeing up Tosin and was swapped out at half-time – to most lucky protect his fitness.Most read in FootballAxel Disasi – 6Turned inside out for a one rare Morecambe attack, but challenged very little throughout the game. Saw himself in prime position to nab a back post header, but missed a sitter to make it 3-0 just after leaning back on the hour mark.Tosin Adarabioyo – 8Many would have been shocked he was left out at Palace but the defender effectively secured Chelsea’s place in the next round.His fluke shot broke the deadlock from a wicked deflection off Morecamebe’s Callum Jones, who naively turned his back.But his second was nothing short of sensational after he curled the ball in from 20 yards. Pick that out your net.Tosin Adarabioyo’s deflected shot opened the scoring just before half-timeCredit: AlamyRenato Veiga – 5Veiga, who has been strongly linked with a move away from Chelsea in recent days, often wasn’t strong enough against Ben Tollitt.The left-back was unlucky to see his effort saved but his shot dropped back to Nknuku who scored.Romeo Lavia – 5The Belgian, who has been absence for Chelsea’s last five Prem fixtures, had quiet first 45 minutes.The former Southampton star was replaced by Marc Cucurella at half-time.Joao Felix – 7Involved in the early Chelsea pressure with a several shots just wide inside the first 30 minutes.Did well to keep the ball in play and win a penalty in the first half, before forcing Burgoyne into an outstanding save just before the half-hour mark.Kept working hard after the interval and was rewarded with two quickfire goals late on.Joao Felix scored two quickfire goals as Chelsea romped to victoryPedro Neto – 5Was the only player to keep his place from the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend. Was dangerous whenever he got the ball as he stretched his legs to showcase his pace, but lacked an end product.Christopher Nkunku – 6Perhaps dented his hopes of a Premier League start after his limp penalty was easily saved by keeper Harry Burgoyne’s full stretch. The League Two stopper looked to have been marginally off his line, but it was a weak shot nonetheless.The Frenchman made up for it after rifling the ball into the low corner to double Chelsea’s lead five minutes after the break.Nkunku avenged his penalty miss just after half-timeCredit: RexTyrique George – 8Grabbed his rare start by the scruff of the neck with some clever footwork and crosses inside the box, but lacked in end product early on.The youngster who has more than impressed in his time at Chelsea so far was probably their most eloquent attacker on the afternoon.The 18-year-old was involved in the second after quickly feeding the ball to Cucurella, who teed up Veiga’s blocked shot into the path of goalscorer Nknuku.And assisted both of Joao Felix’s goals after two fast breaks in the 70th and 75th minute.Tyrique George worked hard throughout his 90 minutesCredit: GettyMarc Guiu – 4Anonymous today. He only had three touches in the first-half but was starved of service.The Spaniard the opportunity to open the scoring midway through the first half but fired his effort into the side netting.SubsGusto (’46 James) – 6Struggled to get into the game as his team-mates ran rampant in the second half.Cucurella (‘ 46 Lavia) – 8The Premier League starter added some much needed impetus after half-time.The Spain star grabbed two assists, first for Nkunku and later for Felix’s second and Chelsea’s fifth.READ MORE SUN STORIESHad a couple of shots marginally go wide on several occasions. Sancho (’46 Neto) – 5Tried to get on the ball but didn’t excel against lower league defenders. More

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      Chelsea 5 Morecambe 0: Tosin and Joao Felix score two apiece as Blues go goal-mad to reach FA Cup fourth round

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      IF CHELSEA fans could make a song out of Tosin Adarabioyo’s name they should.The linguistically awkward defender ended his club’s run of four games without a win by scoring in each half.Tosin Adarabioyo scored twice as Chelsea smashed Morecambe 5-0Credit: ReutersJoao Felix also bagged a brace at Stamford BridgeCredit: ReutersChristopher Nkunku missed a penalty before hitting the target later onCredit: ReutersThe second was a peach of a 25 yarder that smashed into the top corner with 20 minutes to go that finally killed off fading hopes of a fightback by gutsy Morecambe.The ice-cool, deliberate finish was in stark contrast to his and Chelsea’s first in the 39th minute that took a hefty deflection off Shrimps’ defender Callum Jones as the Premier League side needed a slice of luck to get off the mark.Centre half Tosin was signed in the summer partly for his leadership qualities and led the way in important moments in what could easily have become a tricky afternoon for the Blues.Morecambe keeper Harry Bourgoyne saved a penalty in the 16th minute and moments later produced a cracking reaction dive to block Joao Felix as the League Two side put up a fight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea were also missing chances as usual until Tosin stepped up at key moments to ease the pressure and eventually watch his team ease into the fourth round of The FA Cup.His second goal was the third for boss Enzo Maresca’s rejigged team and settled the tie beyond any doubt.From there it became an exhibition with Joao Felix going onto help himself to two goals in five minutes. One was a fancy shimmy and curled effort into the corner of the net from outside the box for 4-0.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd unsettled Christopher Nkunku also got on the scoresheet, following up on a spilled save by Morecambe’s otherwise flawless keeper Burgoyne to blast home a shot in the 50th minute.Nkunku is a troubled player at the moment with his future far from certain.Gianfranco Zola reveals Cole Palmer pledge as Chelsea icons meet for first time after EA FC comment Tosin gave Chelsea the lead shortly before the breakCredit: ReutersNkunku made up for his missed penalty by doubling Chelsea’s leadCredit: GettyTosin put the game to bed with his second of the gameCredit: GettyThe fact only two of his 13 goals this season have come against Premier League teams tells a story.He has been relegated to target practice in the Conference League and has scored against Panathinaikos, Gent, Servette and Heidenheim, as well as Barrow in the Carabao Cup.Chelsea boss Maresca fielded a reshuffled team to give some of his B-listers a runout and put others like Nkunku in the shop window.There was also a half for club captain Reece James as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.There was also a 45 minute test run for recently-crocked midfielder Romeo Lavia.Felix lashed home his first strike soon afterCredit: ReutersHe added a second quickly after as Chelsea romped to victoryCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca will be hoping for a favourable tie in tomorrow’s fourth-round drawCredit: RexThis is Chelsea’s first win since beating Shamrock Rovers 5-1 in the Conference League on December 19. Since then they have drawn to Everton, lost to Fulham and Ipswich and drawn at Crystal Palace. More

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      ‘This isn’t restarting is it…’ moan fans as EFL clash SUSPENDED for an hour as heavy fogs smothers pitch

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      DENSE fog has caused havoc during the EFL clash between Swindon Town and Crewe Alexandra. The League Two game was suspended after just four minutes due to poor visibility at the County Ground.Ian Holloway’s Swindon had to leave the field during Saturday’s clash with CreweCredit: RexDense mist accumulated at the County Ground, resulting in a lengthy stoppageCredit: RexPlay was halted for almost an hourCredit: RexPlayers from both sides were taken to the dressing rooms as thick fog rolled in.The game had initially been under threat of postponement after temperatures plunged to -8 degrees Celsius overnight. Despite several FA Cup and EFL games falling victim to the weather, referee Lee Swabey declared the pitch playable in a midday inspection.But just minutes into the contest, Swabey was forced to remove both teams as the fog worsened. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne fan gasped on X: “The fog is intense—safety comes first. Hopefully, conditions improve soon for a restart!”Another joked: “The best way to view Swindon Town v Crewe is through a blanket of thick fog. Why else would you bother?”While a third added: “Can someone playing in the Swindon v Crewe match tweet and let people know you’re still out there?”And a fourth predicted: “This isn’t restarting is it..”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe players remained in the dressing rooms for almost an hour, but conditions began to ease.Referee Swabey gave the green light to carry on following a 3.30pm inspection. Bizarre moment SEAGULL helps EFL club with ‘great flick on’ after being hit by ball in League Two clashPlay restarted at 4pm, with the scores level at 0-0. Holloway joined the Robins in October, his first managerial role in four years.The ex-Blackpool boss said: “I’m delighted to be back working in football after a period out of the game.”I wanted to get back into it if the right opportunity arose which, with this opportunity, I feel is the perfect fit for me.”Conversations happened very quickly and both sides were very keen to get the deal done and of course, I was delighted to engage with a club like Swindon Town.”They are a club of whom I know a lot about due to my location and knowledge of the local area.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSince taking over, Holloway has helped Swindon climb out of the League Two relegation zone. They currently sit 20th, five points clear of second-bottom Morecambe. More

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      Alex Scott and Jess Glynne beam during sun-kissed Costa Rica holiday as couple playfully bicker over ‘Dora the Explorer’

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      FANS adore a romantic shot of Alex Scott and Jess Glynne.But they never thought the couple would argue over who was a Dora!Alex Scott and Jess Glynne enjoyed ‘nature and adventure’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/Could this pic be any more romantic?Credit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/Scott said they created ‘amazing memoriesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/She popped to Costa Rica while the Prem took a breakCredit: instagramEx-England ace Scott wore a blissful smileCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/Scott, 40, and 35-year-old Glynne playfully joked on Instagram as they posed in bikinis during an exotic getaway to Costa Rica.The ex-Lioness became queen of the jungle as they mixed leafy treks with golden beaches and exciting exchanges with wildlife.And when Scott shared an array of shots on social media, she got caught up in a fun row over the world’s most famous animated adventurer, Dora the Explorer.In one artful photo, they sat kissing on a fallen tree trunk on the sand in front of a calm sea.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd in another snap, they showed their toned bodies in bikinis as they walked under a waterfall with their arms around each other and smiling blissfully.Football Focus presenter Scott posted: “Nature, love, laughter, adventure and a whole lot of amazing memories to see in and begin the new year!!”Two little Dora the explorers who loved the Costa Rican life.”Singer Glynne responded: “I’m Dora and you’re the explorer.”Most read in FootballHere’s one reason Alex was labelled ‘Daredevil Scotty’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/But even daredevils deserve downtimeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe couple clearly enjoyed a joyous tripCredit: instagramBut Scott immediately stepped in with a diplomatic solution.The BBC star told her partner of two years: “I think after this trip you can now be both. x.”Alex Scott gives glimpse into loved-up Mexico holiday with Jess Glynne as fans say ‘you’re literally glowing’Ex-Arsenal defender Scott’s 2.1million Instagram followers were awestruck by how “perfect” it all looked 5,415 miles away from London.Fans were also impressed by her inclusion of animal snaps, such as a toucan and a clip of a sloth foraging sedately in the trees.In contrast to that leisurely loper, admirers weren’t slow to dish out their verdicts on how “fantastic” it all was.One wrote: “Beautiful! The best place on earth to start a new year! Have a good one.”Another said: “Happiness looks great on both of you.”A third added: “Looks amazing and some a bit scary.”And a fourth told them: “You both look in a great place . Keep enjoying life.”A fifth fan even decided to upgrade the ex-footballer from Dora to “Daredevil Scotty”.And while the scenery took equal billing to the celebrity couple, some admirers still focused more on the two long-distance travellers.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Wow xxxxxxxxxxxxxx” and “Stunners” were among those assessments.What a shock it might be for Scott and Glynne when they get back to chilly Britain.Scott’s Instagram followers reckon the couple have never looked happierCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/This sloth stole the limelight in one clipCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/The 140-cap ex-Lioness was grinning not just because her glass was so bigCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/The couple showed that toucan play at having funCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/ More

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      Is VAR used in the FA Cup 3rd round? Video Assistant Referee ruling for the cup

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      THE FA Cup third round is here as the Premier League’s giants join in from this stage.But how does the video assistant referee system work with the lower league clubs, and when is it being used from?VAR in use in the FA Cup last seasonCredit: The TimesLast season, Manchester United won the FA Cup by defeating local rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley.However, manager Erik ten Hag was sacked later in the year in October after earning a reprieve by winning the cup.On the way to reaching the final, United received an almighty VAR call in their favour in their semi-final victory over Coventry City.This time round, United are opening up with a blockbuster all-Premier League clash at Arsenal.But will the video assistant referee (VAR) be used in the match?Coventry had VAR heartbreak against Man Utd last seasonCredit: GettyIs VAR used in the FA Cup 3rd round?No. VAR will not be used in the FA Cup until the fifth round stage.Previously VAR was used in the FA Cup in the third and fourth rounds, but only at Premier League stadiums due to “due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”The FA said in a statement: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards. Most read in FA Cup”It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds. “VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation. “This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”What FA Cup third round games are on TV?Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton vs Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham vs 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 137.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

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      FA Cup LIVE SCORES: Nkunku MISSES pen before Tosin opener as Chelsea lead Morecambe ahead of Man City vs Salford later

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      CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU missed an early penalty before Tosin Adarabioyo scored via a massive deflection to put Chelsea in the lead against Morecambe.Earlier, Liverpool cruised to a 4-0 win against Accrington Stanley as a bumper weekend of FA Cup action got underway.Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jayden Danns and Federico Chiesa were on target as the Reds were comfortable winners against League Two opposition.Later, Manchester City host neighbours Salford City, who are owned by the Class of 92 – three FA Cup matches have also been postponed because of the weather.Kick off times: 2pm/3pm/5.45pm/6pmFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Goal – Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)Copy linkCopiedFT: Leicester 6-2 QPRIt was a real goal-fest at the King Power Stadium.Leicester dominated the second-half after Vardy’s penalty and continued to put QPR on the back foot.The Foxes get a big win which should give them some confidence as they turn attentions back to the league campaign.Copy linkCopiedHT: Chelsea 1-0 MorecambeThe hosts have dominated the game but struggled to break the deadlock.When Nkunku’s penalty was saved, heads seemed to drop.However, a wild deflection from a Tosin strike saw the ball end up in the back of the net to open the scoring in West London.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at the King PowerIt was comfortable in the end for Leicester as they put their Premier League struggles to one side to go goal crazy.Jamie Vardy celebrated his 38th birthday with a strike from the penalty spot to ease the Foxes’ nerves after a first half that produced five goals.QPR impressed before the break and gave Leicester a few scares.But Ruud van Nistelrooy’s cut loose after the break with James Justin scoring twice.Leicester saved the best until last as defender Wout Faes unleashed a spectacular 30 yard drive for the Foxes’ sixth of the day in the King Power Stadium fog.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Pete Thompson at the City GroundA downward header from Ryan Yates five minutes before the break has put Forest on course for a place in round four – and a seventh consecutive win.Yates also rattled the crossbar for a second-string Reds side – with Nuno making 11 changes ahead of a huge Premier League clash against Liverpool on Tuesday.Isaiah Jones had a great chance to score a debut goal for managerless Luton, with Carlos Miguel denying him from close range.Copy linkCopiedLeicester 6-2 QPR90+3. It is a real drubbing at the King Power Stadium.The Foxes have really turned the knife in this second-half.Faes adds an injury-time sixth goal to put the icing on the cake.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Wout Faes (Leicester)Copy linkCopiedHT: Bournemouth 3-1 West BromA dominant turnaround from Iraola’s side.They trailed by a goal before Kluivert and a brace from Ouattara turns the game on its head.Bournemouth look dangerous whenever they get into the visitors’ half at the moment.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Stamford BridgeCHELSEA are winning but Morecambe are carrying the fight.And keeper Harry Burgoyne embodies their spirit with a penalty save and great reactions to keep out another ferocious shot.Sad for the romantics that he has been breached by a hugely deflected shit from Tosin which has put the Premier League aide ahead.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at Vitality StadiumDango Ouattara scored twice before the break to give Bournemouth a 3-1 advantage. Kluivert slipped a neat 34th minute pass through to Ouattara to fired through goalkeeper Wildsmith’s legs. And ten minutes later captain Brooks finished off a swift counter attack by setting up Ouattara for his secondCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ian McCullough in West LondonNew Plymouth boss Miron Muslic will be impressed with what he has seen from his new side who have more than held their own against Brentford in the first 45 minutes.Muslic, who is sitting in the stands at the GTech Stadium. will officially take control of the team on Monday following his appointment yesterday.Despite sitting bottom of the Championship and with the leakiest defence in the second tier, the Pilgrims have looked comfortable against the Bees and a threat going forward with Morgan Whittaker and Callum Wright impressing for the visitors.Plymouth keeper Conor Hazard has made two routine saves to deny Fabio Carvalho but the Bees, without top scorers Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, who are on the bench, look rather toothless in attack.Thomas Frank will not want this match going to a replay with Manchester CIty the visitors here in midweek, but he may need to turn to his top scorers in the second half.Copy linkCopiedHT: Norwich City 0-2 Brighton Two goals from Rutter send Hurzeler’s side in at the break in a position of strength.They have looked like scoring every time they come forward.It looks like they have too much attacking threat to not win this game from the position they find themselves in.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Georginio Rutter (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedExeter City 2-1 Oxford United40. Mitchell gets his second goal of the game as he strikes a shot from the centre of the box into the bottom corner of the goal.This is end-to-end stuff and you could still not call a winner.The ground is bouncing now the hosts lead.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Demetri Mitchell (Exeter City)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at Vitality StadiumGiant defender Caleb Taylor gave the Baggies a shock but deserved lead against their Premier League hosts. Grady Diangana headed John Swift’s 14th minute free-kick onto the bar and Taylor nodded home. This livened up the Cherries and Max Aaron and Kustin Kluivert shot just wide. But top scorer Kluivert equalised on 27 minutes when he smashed David Brooks’ cross high onto the Baggies net.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 3-1 West Brom44. This may well be game over for the visitors.Even when they try to get forward themselves, Bournemouth pick them off on the break with their pace.As they steam forward, is it played to Ouattara who passes into the back of the net to give The Cherries a two-nil lead.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Dango Ouattara (Bournemouth)Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-0 Morecambe39. It is a lucky goal to give the hosts the lead.Tosin looks to get a shot off but it takes a massive deflection and wrong-foots the Morecambe keeper.Not that Chelsea will be concerned, they felt they should have got to take that penalty again.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGoal – Tosin (Chelsea)Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 1-0 Luton Town40. Finally Forest break the deadlock at the City Ground.They have been dominating this game but a header from Yates into the bottom corner to open the scoring.Up until that point Luton had done well to hold the hosts at bay.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Ryan Yates (Nott’m Forest)Copy linkCopiedNorwich City 0-1 Brighton37. Brighton take the lead as Minteh lays it back for Veltman to cross into the box.Rutter is there to take advantage with a neat finish.Great start for The Seagulls in this tricky fixture.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Georginio Rutter (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at the King PowerAnd there it is, Jamie Vardy marks his 38th birthday with a goal as Leicester take control of the tie.The Foxes skipper scores from the penalty spot to make it 4-2 after handball from Harrison Ashby;Vardy’s goal gives Leicester some breathing space and who’s to say he won’t sign another deal next summer?He might have won a second penalty after going down under a Kenneth Paal challenge, but ref David Webb waved play on.Leicester are tightening their grip after an impressive first half, and James Justin has fired a second goal of the day into the far corner.We still have thick fog here, but Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side can see a clear path to the fourth round.Copy linkCopied More

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

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      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