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    Carabao Cup fixtures revealed with huge TV clash as Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all play on same night

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S mouthwatering clash with Newcastle headlines the Carabao Cup fourth-round TV fixtures.The repeat of last season’s final kicks off at 8.15pm on Wednesday November 1 in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
    Soccer Football – Carabao Cup – Third Round – Manchester United v Crystal Palace – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – September 26, 2023 Manchester United’s Casemiro celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Peter Powell NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR ‘LIVE’ SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO […]Credit: Reuters
    And the London derby between West Ham and Arsenal is also on Sky on the same night, starting 45 minutes earlier at 7.30pm.
    Incredibly, it means that the two selections will overlap – so fans will be forced to choose between them.
    And there will not be a live match on TV on Tuesday October 31.
    The EFL confirmed the reason for both the United and Arsenal matches being on the Wednesday due to European .
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    A statement said: “As a result of both Manchester United and West Ham United being scheduled for Premier League action on Sunday 29 October and Saturday 4 November, their respective Carabao Cup Round Four will both take place on Wednesday 1 November to allow for the appropriate recovery and preparation time for the fixture.
    “Due to a number of Premier League games taking place on Sunday 29 October, options for live selections on Tuesday 31 October were impacted, meaning both fixtures will be broadcast on the Wednesday, in staggered kick-offs.”
    Strangely, Chelsea are also in action on the Wednesday when they host Blackburn.
    That is despite the Blues not being in European action and therefore not playing on the Sunday before.
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    In fact, Mauricio Pochettino’s side take on Brentford in the lunchtime game on Saturday September 28 while Rovers host Swansea at 3pm.
    Liverpool’s Carabao Cup trip to Bournemouth is also on November 1.
    Ipswich vs Fulham takes place that night, too.
    That leaves Everton vs Burnley and Exeter’s home tie with Middlesbrough on the Tuesday night.
    Mansfield and Port Vale are yet to confirm their fixture date but it is expected to be October 31 as well.
    Manchester United beat Newcastle 2-0 at Wembley in February to end their six-year trophy drought, thanks to goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.
    Casemiro was on target again on Tuesday as the Red Devils saw off Crystal Palace 3-0 in round three – with Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Martial finding the net.
    Newcastle, meanwhile, dumped out Manchester City thanks to a solo strike from Alexander Isak.
    THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Amazon Prime hold talks over shock new Premier League documentary

    THE Premier League’s main UK broadcasters have held talks over a new documentary on the lives of top-flight referees.A fresh report has claimed that an “independent production company are understood to have pitched the programme” to the three domestic rights holders.
    A new documentary on the life of Premier League referees could be in the pipelineCredit: Getty
    And Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Amazon Prime have already discussed the prospect, says the Daily Mail.
    However, they also add that the Professional Game Match Officials Limited [PGMOL] are yet to sign it off.
    Ex-Premier League referee Howard Webb was appointed as the PGMOL’s first chief refereeing officer last year.
    And he has attempted to make the body more open and “may be receptive to the idea” of the doc. 
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    Webb recently linked up with Michael Owen in the newly launched Match Officials Mic’d Up programme, explaining controversial VAR and refereeing decisions using audio from in-game conversations between officials.
    The premise of the documentary pitch is believed to be “an attempt to humanise referees”.
    It is also hoping to give football fans a better understanding of how officials carry out their duties and the pressures they face.
    The would-be producers want to film referee training sessions as well as pre and post-game meetings.
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    But the Premier League would also need to give their approval as producer want to use unseen footage from games.
    The Mail says that a source close to the referees said: “It’s a great idea.
    “It would show a different side to them. How hard it is. The pressure they’re under.
    “To officiate a Premier League is not easy. One error and you’re vilified. So something such as this might help people see a different side to officials.” More

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    Shocked Sky Sports commentator asks ‘what’s going on?’ at Ten Hag’s unusual antics during Man Utd vs Crystal Palace

    FANS and pundits alike were left stunned by Erik ten Hag’s late emergence from the tunnel during Manchester United’s Carabao Cup clash against Crystal Palace.The Red Devils squad scurried onto the pitch from their half-time breather leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Casemiro.
    Erik ten Hag left Sky Sports’ commentary team shocked and fans in stitches after appearing late for the second halfCredit: Getty
    The discipline-keen Man Utd boss arrived to ironic cheers after his late arrivalCredit: Getty
    Ten Hag even made a change at the break, bringing on Victor Lindelof for the impressive Mason Mount.
    But while the players appeared and the substitution went ahead, the United boss was nowhere to be seen.
    In fact, the second half had been going on for nearly two minutes before a sheepish Ten Hag appeared from the tunnel and dashed along the touchline.
    With a knowing smile on his face, the Dutchman faced a few ironic cheers from the crowd.
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    Sky Sports’ commentary team were left shocked at the mystery absence.
    The famously strict boss is a stickler for promptness – even famously dropping Marcus Rashford amid the striker’s purple patch after arriving late to a meeting.
    Commentators were left asking “what’s happening here?”, sounding utterly baffled.
    But fans reckon they knew what the Old Trafford chief was up to – suggesting he may have been suffering from some digestive problems.
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    Dozens of supporters flocked to X, formerly called Twitter, to discuss the Dutchman’s ablutions just days after hosting a BBQ for players and their Wags.
    One joked: “Never thought I’d see Erik be late for something in my life!”
    Another wrote: “Erik Ten Hag arriving late? S***housery at its finest.”
    A third posted: “How’s Erik Ten Hag going to punish himself for tardiness then?”
    The entertaining moment reminded fans of ex-Palace star Jason Puncheon’s infamous incident of 2013 – when he had to rush off mid-game in a match between Southampton and Everton.
    Duty called as Puncheon took an urgent toilet break, much to the amusement of the crowd who sang: “Jason Puncheon, he went for a s***”.
    Weeks later Puncheon joked about the incident as he celebrated a goal by pretending to take a poo, leading to chants of: “He s***s when he wants, Jason Puncheon, he s***s when he wants.”
    Man Utd went on to score a third just ten minutes into the second half, as Anthony Martial swept home to kill off the game.
    Despite creating a host of chances, United were unable to add to their tally, but still comfortably booked their place in the pot for the fourth round draw with a 3-0 victory. More

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    Fans realise Sky Sports will broadcast not-so Super Sunday this week with NO 4.30pm game due to clash with huge event

    PREMIER LEAGUE fans have been left scratching their heads over the ‘Super Sunday’ being served up by Sky Sports this week.Viewers used to sitting down to watch the game of the weekend on Sunday will be surprised to see the 4.30pm slot EMPTY.
    Prem fans have been left scratching their heads with the Super Sunday scheduleCredit: Getty
    Sky Sports’ Super Sunday only includes one Premier League game this weekCredit: Sky Sports
    There is just one game taking place on Sunday and that is the 2pm kick-off between mid-table pair Nottingham Forest and Brentford.
    Eight games take place on Saturday and two teams – Manchester United and Arsenal – must play on that day because they are back in Champions League action on the following Tuesday.
    However, there are plenty of other sides playing on Wednesday or Thursday – or who are not even in Europe – that could feature on Sunday.
    That includes the stand-out Saturday match between Tottenham and Liverpool, which would normally be a prime contender for the 4.30pm slot.
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    Fulham host struggling Chelsea in another intriguing Prem tie but that has been placed in the Monday Night Football slot.
    So, why have Sky decided to roll out such a sparse Sunday?
    It all comes down to a clash with another big sporting event away from the Prem.
    The TV giant is also showing golf’s Ryder Cup with the action running from Friday morning all the way through to Sunday evening.
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    Sky, who also hold the rights to every big golf tournament, want as many punters glued to the Ryder Cup as possible this weekend.
    So it is perhaps no suprise that they have picked Forest v Brentford – 12th v 13th in the top flight – for their sole Sunday match.
    But some fans are not too pleased with the upcoming line-up and took to social media.
    One fan tweeted: “This must be the worst super Sunday offering ever.”
    “Absolute drivel this from sky given the money they charge.”
    Normal service resumes the week after with a proper Super Sunday headlined by Arsenal v Manchester City as well as Brighton v Liverpool, West Ham v Newcastle and Wolves v Aston Villa. More

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    Gary Neville wins over Arsenal fans live on Sky Sports in interview ahead of North London derby against Tottenham

    GARY NEVILLE has tipped Arsenal to win the Premier League this season.The Gunners have made an unbeaten start to the campaign, winning four of their first five matches.
    Gary Neville has tipped Arsenal to win the Premier League this seasonCredit: Twitter @SkySportsPL
    Their performances have impressed the former Manchester United defender, who has predicted Mikel Arteta’s side will lift the trophy in May.
    Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s North London derby, Neville explained: “Arsenal, I think, I’ve got them down as title winners this season, which is ambitious.
    “An ambitious prediction but I just feel there’s something here.”
    Neville also went on to add: “Mikel Arteta knows he’s got a very strong squad.”
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    His backing of Arsenal has gone down well with their fans on social media.
    One supporter reacted by tweeting: “Gary Neville is now making sense.”
    Another added: “Wow Gary is saving himself early on this one.”
    A third fan also wrote: “Blud realised Man U are bums.”
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    Meanwhile, one more commented: “He used to be a hater Gary, it’s good you finally fell in love with Arsenal, best club in the world.”
    Neville had angered Arsenal fans last season for doubting their title chances.
    The Gunners topped the table for large parts of the campaign as they challenged Manchester City for the title.
    However, City ultimately went on to clinch the league by five points on their way to an historic treble.
    Neville has won over Arsenal fans with his prediction
    Arsenal have made a strong start to the new season, though, avoiding defeat in their first five league matches.
    They also took the lead against Tottenham on Sunday thanks to Cristian Romero’s own goal.
    Spurs pegged their rivals back before half-time, however, with Son Heung-min getting on the scoresheet. More

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    Sky Sports pundit called out for outfit live on TV and told ‘get your own dress sense’ by ex-Premier League star

    KRIS BOYD was mocked for his fashion sense by Lee Hendrie during a recent appearance on Sky Sports.The duo were both appearing to round up Thursday’s matches.

    Lee Hendrie gave Kris Boyd a bit of stickCredit: Twitter / @SkyFootball
    The former Rangers striker took the banter wellCredit: Twitter / @SkyFootball
    Boyd, 40, was watching beloved former side Rangers in Europa League action against Real Betis.
    With the Scot – dressed in a turtle-neck and blazer jacket – watching intently, Hendrie interrupted by accusing him of copying his fashion sense.
    The former Aston Villa and England star cheekily jibed: “See how Boydy’s getting on.
    “I’ve got to say, he has modelled himself on my fashion.
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    “So can we throw to the best dressed man in Scotland? Look at him, honestly he’s just messaged me asking what shoes I’ve got on.
    “Get your own dress sense mate!”
    As their fellow panelists laughed, Boyd chimed in: “I’m going to the hairdressers after this to get some highlights as well mate.”
    The former Scotland striker then burst out laughing.
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    Boyd then continued the banter, firing back at Hendrie’s bleached blond hair: “Let it go mate. You get to an age where you just need to quit.”
    If Boyd was pleased with his comeback, he was even more thrilled with Rangers’ result.
    Michael Beale’s side went on to grab an impressive 1-0 win courtesy of Abdallah Sima’s 67th minute goal.
    Boyd enjoyed incredible success north of the border with Rangers and Kilmarnock during his playing days.
    He had a less happy time of it down south, however, struggling to replicate his form for Middlesbrough.
    Hendrie, meanwhile, starred for Villa for 13 years between 1994 and 2007, before moving to Sheffield United.
    Boyd, 40, got his own backCredit: Twitter / @SkyFootball More

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    Brentford vs Everton LIVE SCORE: Latest updates, team news as Bees take on Toffees in Premier League match-up

    EVERTON travel to Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday and they’re desperate for a first win of the season. The Toffees have just one point to their name so far while Brentford have performed brilliantly thanks to Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa’s goals.

    Kick-off time: 5.30pm BST
    Stream: NOW TV/Sky Sports PL

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    Fans get massive boost as huge change to Premier League TV schedule revealed but one revolutionary plan ditched

    UP to 270 Prem games will be screened live from 2025-26 — with clubs on the verge of agreeing the new TV packages.League bosses outlined the proposed new schedule in yesterday’s meeting of the 20 top flight CEOs.
    More Premier League games will be shown from the 2025-26 seasonCredit: Getty
    The new deal — expected to be confirmed next week — will bring a significant increase on the 200 matches shown in the current TV contracts with Sky, TNT Sports and Amazon.
    It is understood there will be an increase in Saturday clashes at 7.45pm — although Prem bosses insist the idea of Sunday evening matches has been dismissed.
    Club and League chiefs both hope that offering more games will see the value of the domestic deal increase when the packages go out to tender over the coming weeks.
    The overseas deals for the 2025-28 cycle are already higher than for the domestic packages, taking the overall value of overseas deals above the existing £5.5bn tally.
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    Recent reports have suggested that officials are also open to discussions surrounding the 3pm blackout.
    The blackout law was introduced before the establishment of the Premier League back in 1992.
    It is a rule that prohibits any football match from being broadcast on live television in the UK on Saturdays between 2:45pm and 5:15pm.
    However, officials are allegedly considering adjusting the rules to support the women’s game.
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    Dawn Airey, chair of the Women’s Super League, believes the women’s top tier will become a billion-pound enity.
    She said: “That isn’t the figure we just plucked from the air, it is based on a pretty decent and detailed business plan for over the course of the next 10 years.
    “We look at the growth of attendances, we look at the growth of engagement and broadcast, we look at the increased interest in sponsorship and marketing opportunities, and then we start being more imaginative about what attending a women’s game means.
    “Not just watching the game, but everything that goes on around it, is there potential for clubs to think differently about their revenues?” More