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NEWCASTLE travel to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this weekend – and they’ll be out for revenge. The Magpies were beaten 3-1 last time out thanks to former player Chris Wood’s stunning hat-trick at St James’ Park.
Kick-off time: 5.30 GMT
Stream/TV: Sky Sports Premier League
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LUTON take on Sheffield United in a massive clash at the bottom of the Premier League this weekend. The Hatters are in brilliant form, thrashing Brighton 4-0 before putting four past Newcastle in a draw at St James’ Park. The Blades need a big win here though after being pummelled 5-0 by Aston Villa.
Kick-off time: 3pm GMT
Stream/TV: Not televised
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TOTTENHAM host Brighton in a tasty Premier League clash this afternoon.Spurs can move into the Champions League places with a win against the Seagulls today.
Kick off time: 3pm GMT
TV/stream: Not available due to the 3pm blackout
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WOLVES are up against Brentford this weekend in a tasty Premier League clash. Gary O’Neil’s side are coming off the back of a huge 4-2 win over Chelsea while the Bees are hoping they can bounce back from defeat to Manchester City.
Kick-off time: 3pm, Feb 10
TV: Not televised in UK
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CHRISTIAN Horner will face his hearing today over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female member of staff at Red Bull.The crunch talks will determine whether the F1 chief, 50, will keep his job as the team’s head.
Horner is said to be preparing to fight to save his future at Red Bull after he vowed to pals to “clear his name.”
An independent lawyer who has been appointed to examine the woman’s claims is set to quiz him at the meeting today.
Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates…
When does the F1 season start?
The 2024 Formula One season begins in just a few short weeks.
The action kicks off in Sakhir on March 2 with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Red Bull is reportedly hoping to have its internal investigation completed by then, although that has not been confirmed.
Copy linkCopiedChristian Horner pictured ahead of talks
Christian Horner was pictured ahead of his hearing today over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female member of staff.
The meeting – which will determine whether the F1 chief, 50, will keep his job as the team’s head – was moved last minute to a secret location.
Copy linkCopiedThe ‘Kardashian-style’ scandals that plagued Christian Horner’s Red Bull
The Red Bull F1 team has been plagued with controversy in recent years.
So we looked back on seven of the scandals that hit Christian Horner’s team prior to this week’s allegations.
From the team’s drivers clashing to accusations of “xenophobia” it hasn’t always been an easy ride for the Austrian team.
Copy linkCopiedHorner continued in role amid allegations
Neither Horner nor his accuser have been suspended and continue to work among 1,600 employees at Red Bull’s HQ.
Horner was seen on Thursday leaving his Highgate home for the first time since news broke of the bombshell allegations.
And today the F1 boss is reportedly attending a hearing to determine his future at the company.
Copy linkCopiedWhere is the meeting taking place?
Originally set to take place in Red Bull’s Milton Keynes HQ, it is believed the meeting’s location was moved amid high media interest.
Now, it has been reported the hearing will take place in London.
No outcome is expected today.
Copy linkCopiedExternal lawyer hired to probe claims
The world of Formula One was left in shock on Monday after it emerged that Horner had been placed under investigation by Red Bull Austria.
The parent company said that after being informed of “certain recent allegations” it had hired an “external, specialist lawyer” to probe the claims.
It has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female staffer.
Copy linkCopiedWho could replace Christian Horner?
Perhaps the first name that comes to mind is Oliver Oakes.
Oakes, 35, would be a ready-made replacement, owing to the similar career path he shares with Horner.
The Brit is a former racing driver turned team-owner in the lower formulas.
However, Oakes is also a former Red Bull junior driver so has strong links with the race team and the company’s HQ in Austria.
Copy linkCopiedWhat is Christian Horner’s net worth?
Christian has amassed considerable wealth thanks to his career in motorsport racing.
He is the highest-paid team boss in F1 and has an estimated salary of around £8million ($10m) a year after joining Red Bull in 2005.
With that in mind, he has collected a reported £440million fortune.
Copy linkCopiedWhat has Christian Horner been accused of?
Formula One was rocked on Monday by the news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull Austria.
The company has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding inappropriate and controlling behaviour towards one female staffer, The Telegraph reports.
Horner issued an immediate denial on Monday, stating: “I reject these claims entirely.”
Copy linkCopiedGeri Halliwell supporting husband with ‘every fibre of her being’
Geri Halliwell is standing by her husband Christian Horner, a source has said.
The source revealed: “She is committed to him with every fibre of her being.”
However, the scandal engulfing her husband has blown a “Grand Canyon-sized crack” right in the middle of her “super-perfect, super-posh life,” they claimed.
Another source close the singer told The Sun on Monday: “Geri has been in floods of tears all weekend while looking after her kids.
“She is insisting Christian has done nothing wrong.”
Copy linkCopiedGeri Halliwell ‘too upset to talk’ amid Christian Horner allegations
A friend revealed that Geri Halliwell is “not talking to anyone at the moment,” following the emergence of allegations against husband Christian Horner.
They told the Daily Mail: “Geri seems to be simply too upset to engage with anyone. Just lots of tears.
“She will stand by him and be at his side just as much as she always has been. She never misses a race and that will not change.”
Copy linkCopiedRed Bull hopes for resolution before season begins
Red Bull is said to want the issue sorted out before the first race meeting of the new F1 season, which starts in Bahrain at the end of the month.
Neither Horner nor his accuser have been suspended and continue to work among 1,600 employees at the Austrian team’s HQ.
Horner was seen on Thursday leaving his Highgate home for the first time since news broke of the bombshell allegations.
Copy linkCopiedHearing location moved amid high media interest
The hearing was initially meant to be held at the Red Bull team headquarters in Milton Keynes, Bucks, but the high media interest forced officials to move it to a different location, the Times reports.
Horner is said to be preparing to fight to save his future at Red Bull after he vowed to pals to “clear his name.”
An independent lawyer who has been appointed to examine the allegations is set to quiz him at the meeting today.
Copy linkCopiedWho is Red Bull’s chief executive?
Since the death of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 there have been rumours of internal issues within Red Bull.
After the billionaire’s death, Red Bull drafted a new board of directors to oversee the business.
Former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.
Despite Red Bull enjoying its most successful season in F1 history in 2023, there was speculation of a rift between Horner and Helmut Marko – Red Bull GmBH’s motorsport advisor.
Copy linkCopiedWhat has Christian Horner said about the claims?
Horner issued an immediate denial on Monday, stating: “I reject these claims entirely.”
His defenders have claimed the accusations are part of a plot to oust him within the team amid an internal power struggle.
Copy linkCopiedGeri will standby her husband
Horner’s Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell, 51, is said to be devastated by the bombshell allegations – but will firmly stand by her husband, who she married in 2015.
A source said: “[She is] not talking to anyone at the moment. Geri seems to be simply too upset to engage with anyone. Just lots of tears.
“She will stand by him and be at his side just as much as she always has been. She never misses a race and that will not change.”
Copy linkCopiedExternal lawyer hired to probe claims
The world of Formula One was left in shock on Monday after it emerged that Horner had been placed under investigation by Red Bull Austria.
The parent company said that after being informed of “certain recent allegations” it had hired an “external, specialist lawyer” to probe the claims.
It has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female staffer.
Copy linkCopiedRed Bull want the issue resolved before first race meeting
Red Bull is said to want the issue sorted out before the first race meeting of the new F1 season, which starts in Bahrain at the end of the month.
Neither Horner nor his accuser have been suspended and continue to work among 1,600 employees at the Austrian team’s HQ.
Copy linkCopiedChristian Horner pictured ahead of talks
Christian Horner was pictured ahead of his hearing today over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female member of staff.
The meeting – which will determine whether the F1 chief, 50, will keep his job as the team’s head – was moved last-minute to a secret location.
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ENGLAND are back in Nations League action later this year – and today they’ll find out their League B opponents. The Three Lions were relegated from League A last time out and won’t be able to win this year’s tournament.
Gareth Southgate’s side, however, did win promotion back to the top league, and may even face a match-up against Erling Haaland’s Norway.
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Nations League draw
Welcome to SunSport’s live blog coverage of the Nations League draw.
Tonight we find out who England will face in the upcoming competition ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Three Lions were relegated to League B after a hapless campaign in the latest edition of the competition.
Gareth Southgate’s side will be hoping to put together a stronger performance to guarantee at least a play-off space ahead of the next World Cup.
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CHELSEA have sailed through to the FA Cup fifth round after beating Aston Villa 3-1 at Villa Park.The Blues took an early lead through Conor Gallagher’s thumping effort after just 11 minutes on the clock.
Nicolas Jackson made it 2-0 Chelsea midway through the first half following a rampant start from Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
Early in the second half, Enzo Fernandez scored a stunning free-kick to make it 3-0 as the Blues continued to run riot at Villa Park.
Moussa Diaby bagged a cancellation goal in the 91st minute as Chelsea sailed through to the FA Cup fifth round 3-1 winners.
Match result: Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
Aston Villa team: Martinez, Cash, Diego Carlos, Lenglet, Alex Moreno, Bailey, Kamara, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Tielemans, Watkins
Chelsea team: Petrovic, Gusto, Diasi, Badiashile, Chilwell, Gallagher, Caicedo, Enzo, Madueke, Palmer, Jackson
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Full fifth round draw
And we’ll sign off the evening with the full 5th round draw after tonight’s two games.
Nottingham Forest scraped by Bristol City on penalties at the City Ground after a 1-1 draw.
Blackburn Rovers v Newcastle United
Chelsea v Leeds United
AFC Bournemouth v Leicester City
Liverpool v Southampton
Nottingham Forest v Manchester United
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Brighton & Hove Albion
Coventry City v Maidstone United
Luton Town v Manchester City
Copy linkCopiedEmery reacts
Unai Emery reckons his side competed this evening.
He also believes his side played at a good pace with the right mentality, despite the gulf in class.
He told Match of the Day: “We competed. We started the first 15 minutes creating chances but we didn’t score. Maybe it was the key moment. And then they created chances, were clinical, and they scored.
“In the second half we started trying to score one more, to push and create some chances. We did not do this very clear and they scored the third goal. After that our speed was very good and the mentality as well. Even when we were losing 3-0 we created chances. We have to accept it.
“Chelsea is a very good team, they can play like tonight and get these performances. Of course we are going to try again and focus on the Premier League. We are being consistent there. It is a new challenge, and going for the league as well, it is important to be a contender at the end of the season.
“It’s not a surprise because Chelsea can perform like this. We competed, but not over 90 minutes, in some periods. We have to accept it and of course we have to try to analyse and improve things.”
Copy linkCopiedCalm before the rout
Mauricio Pochettino admitted feeling CALM before tonight’s game – despite mounting pressure on his own job.
The Chelsea boss was asked if he thought this was the best performance of the season.
He told ITV: “I think so. It was one of the best, maybe the best performance of the season. I am so happy with the performance and the way the players enjoyed playing football. That pleased me the most.
“We are a young team and being consistent is the most difficult thing in a young team. With a young team to find the balance is the most difficult thing.”
Copy linkCopiedChelsea ratings from inside Villa Park
DJORDJE PETROVIC – 6
MALO GUSTO – 8
AXEL DISASI – 8
BENOIT BADIASHILE – 7
BEN CHILWELL – 7
MOISES CAICEDO – 9
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 9
NONI MADUEKE – 7
NICOLAS JACKSON – 7
COLE PALMER – 6
CONOR GALLAGHER – 8
SUBSTITUTES
RAHEEM STERLING (for Madueke, 75mins) – 6
THIAGO SILVA (for Palmer, 81) – 6
ALFIE GILCHRIST (for Badiashile, 88) – 5
CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Jackson, 88) – 5
Read more on each rating
Copy linkCopiedUp next…
In this competition, Chelsea will welcome Leeds United to Stamford Bridge in the fifth round.
After consecutive 3-1 drubbings at home, Aston Villa have the chance to put it right when Manchester United visit on Sunday.
Chelsea go to Crystal Palace in Monday Night Football.
Copy linkCopiedChilling Well
Chelsea skipper Ben Chilwell says tonight’s result and performance was ‘needed’ and said the changing room were confident before the game that they’d get through.
He told ITV’s coverage: “It was exactly the reaction we wanted and needed. It wasn’t about wanting a reaction. We needed it. Fair play to all of the boys.”
“We wanted that pressure. We thrived off it. The confidence before the game in the changing room was the best I have seen it – the togetherness.
“We delivered on the pitch today.
“As a club, the players, manager, the staff, the fans everyone involved in the club. It wasn’t just the manager. Everyone associated with the club needed that today.”
Copy linkCopiedNumbers from Villa Park
Aston Villa fought back in that second half, according to the stats.
But the game was done by Chelsea’s third goal and they let Villa enjoy more of the ball at that stage.
Petrovic didn’t have too much to do in the Blues goal, for the amount of attempts Villa had.
Copy linkCopiedMatch report from inside Villa Park
Thiago Silva’s missus had demanded that it was ‘time to change’ at Chelsea – and Mauricio Pochettino agreed.
He dropped Thiago, fielded even more inexperienced kids than usual, and watched his youthful side tear Aston Villa to shreds to reach the FA Cup fifth round.
The Blues had lost all of their last six matches north of the Watford Gap, with everybody telling Poch that his side lacked experience and nous.
But in the FA Cup, you often have to forget everything you thought you knew.
This certainly wasn’t a classic David-versus-Goliath Cup upset, given that Pochettino’s squad has had £1billion spent on it.
Yet it was a genuine shock, given Villa’s outstanding campaign and Chelsea’s calamitous recent form.
Read the full report
Copy linkCopiedCruise control
A fantastic win for Chelsea tonight – who saw that coming!
Their 7,000 fans didn’t have long to wait to celebrate when Conor Gallagher scored the opener on 11 minutes.
Jackson’s header made it two before the break when it could’ve been more.
It was more when Enzo fired a sensational free kick into the top corner from 25 yards.
Villa got a late consolation through Diaby, which was more than they deserved on the night.
Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME!!
Dominant display from Chelsea who cruise past Aston Villa to book their fifth round spot!
Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
90+4. Almost number four!
Great play in the Villa box which sees Caicedo break the defensive lead and he’s 1v1 with Martinez.
The big keeper stretches an arm out to keep out the delicate chip.
Corner Chelsea.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
90+3. No.
They win the second ball and Moreno clips a cross to the back post but the header from eight yards is weak and straight at the keeper.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
90+2. Another Villa corner late in the day.
They couldn’t, could they?
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
90+2. Gallagher picks the ball up as Chelsea push forward for a fourth.
He cuts back on his right foot and strikes from 25 yards but Martinez saves comfortably.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
90. Clean sheet gone for Chelsea and Petrovic will be gutted.
The corner was taken short to Cash on the edge of the box and his shot was blocked.
It’s eventually cut back for Diaby who scuffs his shot from just inside the box and it drifts across goal and in off the post.
Copy linkCopiedGOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!
Aston Villa do score and it’s Diaby!
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-3 Chelsea
Four minutes added
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-3 Chelsea
89. Moreno tries to get by Gusto on the left but the Chelsea right back wins the battle once more.
He does have to concede the corner, however.
Late chance to get on the board for the home side.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-3 Chelsea
88. Villa creating even less since the Blues switch to a back five.
Douglas Luiz goes for the World Cup pass which is too high for Cash and drifts away for a throw in.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-3 Chelsea
86. Double change for Chelsea:
OFF: Badiashile & Jackson
ON: Gilchrist & Nkunku
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-3 Chelsea
84. Bailey drives at Gallagher down the right and his cross is blocked.
Claims for handball but they’re desperate claims at this stage.
Gallagher gets the ball cleared for a throw in as the Villa fans head for the exits.
Badiashile goes down and needs treatment.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-3 Chelsea
82. Chelsea move to a back five after that substitution with Caicedo back on the field.
They’re letting Villa have the ball on halfway and the hosts look out of ideas.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-3 Chelsea
80. Caicedo gets back to his feet and trudges to the touchline.
Chelsea make a change for the final 10 minutes – but it isn’t Caicedo that’s off!
OFF: Palmer
ON: Thiago Silva
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-3 Chelsea
77. Jackson is allowed to drive into the box after another flowing Chelsea counter.
He’s stopped in his tracks and the play is stopped as Caicedo is down and needs treatment.
Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-3 Chelsea
74. Chelsea change:
OFF – Madueke
ON – Sterling
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NIGERIA will face South Africa this evening in the first Afcon semi-final of the day.The Super Eagles are eying their first Nations Cup triumph since 2013 when they beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.
Later tonight, Ivory Coast will take on DR Congo after Oumar Diakite’s 122nd-minute match-winner against Mali booked the host’s spot in the final four.
Nigeria vs South Africa kick off time: 5pm GMT
Ivory Coast vs DR Congo kick off time: 8pm GMT
TV channel: BBC Two/Three
FREE live stream: BBC iPlayer
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Team news
Starting with Nigeria, who will be thrilled to have Victor Osimhen fit for this one.
He gets the nod in a stellar attacking line-up filled with Premier League stars, past and present.
Fulham’s Calvin Bassey also takes his place in defence.
NIGERIA XI: Nwabali, Aina, Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey, Osay-Samuel, Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Simon, Osimhen
Copy linkCopiedTop hosts
Ivory Coast and DR Congo meet in the other semi final later tonight.
The host nation are just favourites in the betting to reach the final – after a hugely dramatic campaign to date.
They sacked head coach Jean-Louis Gasset after a hugely disappointing group stage campaign – which they ended up QUALIFYING from to reach the last 16.
A penalty shoot out win over Senegal followed, with them needing extra time to beat Mali in the quarter finals.
Who could begrudge them a final on home turf?
Copy linkCopiedNigeria record at this stage…
Incredibly, this is Nigeria’s record 15th appearance in the semi finals of this competition.
But it’s been a stage they’ve stuttered at recently.
In fact, they’ve only reached the final once from their last six games in the AFCON semis.
Though the one time they did progress to the final in that time – in 2013 – they went on to claim the trophy.
The hosts that year? South Africa.
Copy linkCopiedNeed to create
Nigeria boss Jose Peseiro has lauded his side’s defensive displays after four consecutive clean sheets to reach the final four.
But he’s pleaded with his side to create more scoring chances tonight.
He reckons a more prolific display in the final third will be necessary to reach the final.
He said: “The team could have created more opportunities.
“We are a quality team Angola was very good, but we had more luck. I remain satisfied with my players but want us to be more efficient.
“We’re missing key creators like Iheanacho and Aribo, so it’s been hard. But others must now step up.”
Copy linkCopiedFears over
Victor Osimhen’s participation tonight looked in serious jeopardy when Jose Peseiro refused to give an update on his fitness.
The Napoli superstar’s abdominal discomfort forced him not to travel to Bouake.
But the Super Eagles’ X account calmed fears yesterday, revealing he will be fit this evening.
The statement read: “Victor Osimhen has been declared fit and available for selection in the semi-final clash against South Africa on Wednesday,’ the statement read.
“He has joined the team in Bouaké and has trained with the squad today.”
Copy linkCopiedWelcome!
A very good evening and welcome to tonight’s first African Cup of Nations semi final between Nigeria and South Africa.
Nigeria secured their passage to this stage with a 1-0 win over Angola in the quarters.
Former Everton and Fulham winger Ademola Lookman with the only goal in the game in the first half.
That was their third 1-0 victory of the competition.
South Africa’s quarter final was an even tenser affair, relying on a penalty shoot out to prevail beyond Cape Verde.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the hero on the night saving FOUR penalties in that shoot out.
That’s led both sides to tonight….
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