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      Man Utd will give Saka-less Arsenal hell in Cup clash if Arteta doesn’t learn from Amorim’s near masterclass v Liverpool

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      MANCHESTER UNITED travel down to North London to face Arsenal in what is, without a doubt, the most high profile match in the FA Cup third round.With United coming into this match on the back of a promising, and perhaps surprising, 2-2 draw away to league leaders Liverpool last weekend.Manchester United face Arsenal in the FA Cup this weekendCredit: APThe Red Devils will be encouraged by last week’s 2-2 draw with LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe absence of Bukayo Saka could hinder ArsenalCredit: GettyAnd with Arsenal having lost their Carabao Cup semi-final match 2-0 at home to Newcastle in midweek, both sides are in an interesting moment coming into this match.From a tactical perspective we know exactly what to expect from both of these teams.Arsenal will set up in a loose 4-3-3 system with their captain Martin Odegaard given the freedom to step forward into more advanced positions.The loss to injury of Bukayo Saka, however, has been a significant blow to Mikel Arteta’s side which makes their attack far less effective.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited, on the other hand, will play in their 3-4-3 (or more accurately 3-4-2-1) shape that we have seen since Amorim came into the club.United’s performance against Liverpool, which showed some tactical variation, gives some idea as to how they will play at the Emirates this coming weekend.Pressing high and oftenOne of the most striking features that we saw from United against Liverpool was their willingness to be aggressive out of possession.They pressed high and often as the Reds were looking to build their attacks.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis was actually a very smart choice from Amorim and his coaching staff as United wanted to force Liverpool to attack quickly down the wide areas.They achieved this by pressing from more narrow positions from inside to outside.Given the tactical systems that the two were playing, 4-3-3 vs 3-4-2-1, Liverpool would have had a natural advantage of 3v2 in the midfield with Ryan Gravenberch typically the deepest midfield player where he would have been the free man.By pressing Liverpool quickly and trying to force them to play to the outside, United looked to take that advantage away quickly as Liverpool attacked.Man Utd’s mentality praised by Amorim after draw with Liverpool Man Utd’s high press against Liverpool saw Manuel Ugarte step up to track Alexis Mac Allister, ready to pounce on any mistakesWe see the United press here. Manuel Ugarte steps up in the midfield to track Alexis MacAllister and the two attacking midfielders and striker for United are ready to press any attempt at a short pass out from Liverpool.While United pressed the build-up from Liverpool they also were able to jump out and press the ball whenever Liverpool had possession deep inside their own half.The front three of Rasmus Hojlund, Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo were consistently looking for ways to apply pressure and to either force a mistake or a long ball from Liverpool.This type of high press that forces the opposition into areas where you are more comfortable would also work well against Arsenal.While the likes of Gabriel and William Saliba are comfortable on the ball for Arsenal they are less effective when they are forced to play quickly.Against Arsenal we are likely to see United continue to force the opposition to attack down the outsides of the pitch early. This will be especially effective against this Arsenal side with the likes of Trossard playing from the right of the attack as opposed to Bukayo Saka.Bruno Fernandes takes the front foot to press and pin Liverpool into their full-back positionHere, we see Bruno Fernandes taking the front foot and looking to jump higher in order to press the ball when Liverpool are pinned into their full-back position.The freedom of the two attacking midfielders to jump high is underpinned by the fact they have two wing-backs and two deeper midfielders behind them to provide support.We believe that we are likely to see United play aggressively and from the front foot out of possession against Arsenal. They are going to look to force mistakes from Arsenal early and in their own half.Attacking with pace on the counterThe term transitions has been more and more commonly used in football in recent years and Ruben Amorim is very much a coach who wants his team to be effective in these moments of transition.This means that when his team loses possession, and transitions from attack to defence, he wants them to be aggressive in pressing to try to regain the ball.It also means, however, that when they regain possession they will be aggressive in their attacking transition as they look to attack quickly and with pace.We saw the speed and aggressive nature of United on the counter attack clearly in this game against Liverpool.United were happy to sit deeper and defend when they were in the more established defensive phase.But as soon as there was an opportunity to spring forward and to attack we saw United move quickly. They were especially effective when pinning the Liverpool fullbacks with the attacking midfielders and the wing-backs working together to overload the Liverpool fullbacks on either side.Trent Alexander-Arnold finds himself isolated and pulled inside and the pass can be played to release the runner ahead in the wide areaIn this example United have regained possession with Bruno Fernandes in possession on the near side. Trent Alexander-Arnold finds himself isolated and pulled inside and the pass can be played to release the runner ahead in the wide area. This results in United pushing players forward at speed to attack the Liverpool back line.Arsenal under Arteta will likely be more cautious in their approach to building the attack than we saw Liverpool in the match last weekend.Arteta likes Arsenal to be slower and more methodical as they build their attack but this does not mean that there will not be spaces that United can take advantage of on the counter attack.This does not mean though that United cannot be effective in transition and on the counter attack against Arsenal.The North London side have a tendency to look to control possession but when they do move the ball high and wide they will leave spaces that can be taken advantage of by United.This example is from late in the game vs Liverpool and Amad takes possession deep inside his own half. In this situation, Amad drives forward but it is also notable that he has support from the likes of Hojlund and Garnacho to move quickly and support the counter attack. Amad drives forward but it is also notable that he has support from the likes of Hojlund and Garnacho to move quicklyFocusing attacks down the left-sideAgainst Liverpool we saw United develop a clear preference for attacking down the left-side of the pitch and we believe that this is something that we will see again against Arsenal this coming weekend.With Lisandro Martinez progressing the ball from the left sided central defensive position and with Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes effectively receiving and linking play, this strategy had clear benefits for United during this match.While you could argue that United were trying to attack Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back for Liverpool but in our opinion this was a clear plan regardless of who Liverpool played on that side.This means that Amad Diallo, on the other side, had space to attack the area with far side runs off the ball to further stress the opposition defensive line.These far side runs when combined with the passing and progression on the left-side will be effective in putting pressure on Arsenal’s defensive system.United were effective when building down the leftUnited were effective when building down the left because of the movement and intelligence of Fernandes. Here, Dalot has received possession and he has space to move forward into.Alexander-Arnold cannot move higher to engage because Fernandes has moved across and pinned Liverpool in that position.When they are building the play down their left-side do not be surprised to see United choose to go longer from Dalot or Martinez in order to release the runs of Hojlund as the main striker.The Danish striker is naturally left-footed so he has a tendency to position himself in the channels on that side of the pitch. Any long balls in the channels here will force William Saliba to have to defend 1v1 against the powerful Hojlund.Arsenal are more defensively solid than Liverpool but the tendency of United to overload the left-side and mix their approach between short combinations and longer passes will stress the Arsenal defence and allow United to create chances.Here, we see a moment when Alexander-Arnold has been caught too deep but United are able to take advantage of the space.United were able to take advantage of the space left behind the Liverpool defenceWe see Dalot and Fernandes have moved high and Gravenberch has been pulled wide to follow Fernandes. This takes away central cover and the long ball into the channel releases Hojlund who has bent his run.It will be interesting to see whether Arteta adjusts his normal approach defensively to take into account the fact that United will focus on that side of the pitch. There is no doubt that the 2-2 draw away to Liverpool at Anfield will have given United confidence coming into this game against Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe think that they will continue to be aggressive both in and out of possession and they will look for ways to attack and unbalance the defensive line for Arsenal.A win in this match in the FA Cup could well be the start of a strong run for United. More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal in Matheus Cunha transfer battle with Wolves star ready to make summer move

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal target Matheus Cunha is expected to STAY at Wolves this month.But a January transfer move away from Molineux is still “not impossible”.Wolves star Matheus Cunha is being targeted by Manchester United and ArsenalCredit: GettyCunha prefers to stay at Wolves in January but a summer move is possibleCredit: RexSunSport can confirm both United and the Gunners are keeping tabs on the versatile forward during the winter market.A move before transfer deadline day is not completely out of the question.Sources, though, tell us the Brazil international would prefer to stay at Wolves and sign a new deal tying him until 2029.The centre-forward’s January status will largely depend on ongoing contract talks with the club.Read More on FootballNevetheless, the summer transfer window will possibly be a different story as Cunha could be more open then to considering offers.The striker has stood out for Wanderers during their turbulent campaign in the top flight.The Brazilian has scored 10 goals and bagged four assists in 19 Premier League appearances.Wolves are currently 17th in the table and have the same points tally as 18th-placed Ipswich Town, who are in the drop zone.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNew manager Vitor Pereira has improved the team’s fortunes after replacing Gary O’Neil last month by winning two and losing only one of his four matches in charge, which includes a 2-2 draw at Tottenham.Reports have suggested Cunha’s new deal would also include a relegation clause in case Wolves drop to the Championship.Which football clubs could Marcus Rashford join?Man Utd and Arsenal both need additions to add some spark to their attack for the second half of the season.The North Londoners have been lacking a natural centre-forward with Kai Havertz mostly filling in as a false nine.And United are likely to lose out-of-favour star man Marcus Rashford as early as this month, while other expensive strikers like Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have yet to hit a high note.Cunha switched to the West Midlands from Atletico Madrid, initially on loan in January 2023 before a £44million permanent deal.He launched his career with Swiss side Sion before spells in Germany with Red Bull Leipzig and Hertha Berlin. More

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      Sam Matterface in ‘voice crack of the decade’ as ITV commentator awkwardly reacts to Aston Villa goal against West Ham

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      SAM MATTERFACE suffered the “voice crack of the decade” during Friday night’s FA Cup tie.The commentator was covering Aston Villa’s third-round victory over West Ham at Villa Park for ITV.Amadou Onana scored Aston Villa’s controversial equaliser against West HamCredit: GettyThe goal prompted a hilarious voice crack from commentator Sam MatterfaceCredit: GettyAnd the way he called Amadou Onana’s equalising goal left viewers in hysterics.Villa midfielder Onana, 23, levelled in controversial scenes.His original shot flew well wide but the referee bizarrely thought it took a deflection and awarded a corner.From the resulting set-piece, Ezri Konsa and Lucas Paqueta tussled off the ball before Lukasz Fabianski spilt the ball for Onana to prod home.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWith no VAR in the FA Cup third round to intervene, the goal was allowed to stand.And that meant it was time for Matterface’s hilarious microphone moment. He said: “I’m not entirely sure it was a corner, let’s see what happens, West Ham won’t be happy if anything comes of it.”Into the near post, flicked on by Mings, Ezri Konsa sets it back…Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”And it’s spilt, and smuggled home, Onana is there. It did come to something.”The equaliser by Amadou Onana!Aston Villa to build Premier League’s largest beer hall as they announce stunning redevelopment plans next to stadium “It’s his first GOAL in a while and it’s a really important one for Aston Villa.”On the word “goal”, though, Matterface’s voice broke completely, prompting a high-pitched squeal. When ITV posted the clip of the goal on X and the highlights on YouTube, they cut off the video before the verbal mishap.But the unfortunate moment was not missed by fans and it sparked plenty of witty comments on social media.Roman Kemp tweeted: “Voice crack of the decade from Sam Matterface.”Another wrote: “That is an atrocious voice crack – happens to the best of us.”A third added to the Football Cliches pod: “You might need to do a full episode on that noise Sam Matterface just made.”A fourth quipped: “It’s a first what in how long?”A fifth replied: “‘It’s his first gOAl’ – lovely voice break by Sam Matterface there hahahahaha!”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a final user joked: “Lee Dixon became so excited by that first Villa goal that he appears to have grabbed Sam Matterface by a certain part of his anatomy.”Morgan Rogers completed the turnaround for Villa five minutes later to send the seven-time winners into round four as Graham Potter suffered defeat in his opening game as the new Hammers boss.Onana pounced to prod into the back of the net from a corner that should not have been givenCredit: PA More

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      Konstantinos Mavropanos injured attempting baffling ‘Phil Jones-style’ head tackle as three West Ham stars forced off

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      KONTASTINOS Mavropanos was forced off with an injury after attempting a tackle with his head during West Ham’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa.New West Ham boss Graham Potter lost three players to injury as his first game in charge of the Hammers ended in defeat.Konstantinos Mavropanos was forced off with an injury against Aston VillaCredit: GettyMavropanos tried to tackle using his headCredit: GettyMavropanos threw himself at the ballCredit: itvHis head hit straight into Rogers’ kneeCredit: itvThe defender was left on the floor after the collisionCredit: itvMavropanos, 27, threw everything he had at Morgan Rogers in an effort to try and stop the Villa man extending the home side’s lead in the second half.But while throwing himself at the ball, Mavropanos smashed his head into the side of Rogers’ knee, leaving him in agony on the pitch.The Greek centre-back couldn’t continue after the nasty knock and was subsequently substituted and replaced by 18-year-old Luis Guilherme.Fans thought that Mavropanos’ efforts were remarkably similar to former Manchester United star Phil Jones, who had been known to put his body on the line in the past.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOn social media, one wrote: “Mavropanos thinking he’s Phil Jones for a brief moment, but lacking the master skillset”.While another added: “Mavropanos has gone full ‘Phil Jones’ there. Not surprisingly he’s injured.”Mavropanos wasn’t the only West Ham man to leave the pitch with injury either.Graham Potter confirmed that both Crysensio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug also picked up injuries during the game.Most read in FootballPhil Jones famously made a tackle with his head in the pastCredit: Getty Images – GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe new Hammers boss explained how losing the pair had an impact on their ability to play their game.He said: “Obviously losing Summerville and losing Fullkrug had an influence on the attacking part of our game.Where it went wrong for Julen Lopetegui at West Ham”And then there was more pressure than anything, rather than big chances.”Adding: “We had to adjust without them. So that affected out attacking play a little bit.”And then Aston Villa just pushed us back a bit and we ended up a little bit too deep, deeper than we wanted.”And then with the ball, we couldn’t sustain enough attacks to be able to relieve some pressure”.Aston Villa turned round a 1-0 deficit to advance to the FA Cup fourth round thanks to goals from Amadou Onana and Morgan Rogers.Graham Potter explained that injuries hampered his side’s chances of winning the tieCredit: Rex More

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      Everton ANNOUNCE David Moyes as new manager as club rehire legendary boss, 61, after brutally axing Sean Dyche

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      EVERTON have announced David Moyes as their new manager.The Scot, 61, returns to Goodison Park on a two-and-a-half-year contract more than 11 years after leaving for Manchester United.David Moyes has returned to Everton after over 11 years awayCredit: SplashMoyes was originally appointed by the Toffees in 2012Credit: PA:Press AssociationMoyes replaces former Toffees boss Sean Dyche, who was brutally sacked just hours before his side’s FA Cup clash with Peterborough on Thursday night.Everton went on to beat Posh 2-0 to advance to round four under the caretaker charge of club legends Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman.But Moyes has returned to the Goodison Park dugout on a £12.5million deal until 2027 and will take charge of his first game at home to Aston Villa on Wednesday.Upon confirmation of his comeback on Saturday morning, he said: “It’s great to be back! READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I enjoyed 11 wonderful and successful years at Everton and didn’t hesitate when I was offered the opportunity to rejoin this great club.“I’m excited to be working with The Friedkin Group and I am looking forward to helping them rebuild the club.“Now we need Goodison and all Evertonians to play their part in getting behind the players in this important season so we can move into our fabulous new stadium as a Premier League team.”Executive Chairman Marc Watts added: “We are pleased that David is joining us at this pivotal time in Everton’s history. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”With over a decade of experience at the club, he is the right leader to propel us through our final season at Goodison Park and into our new stadium. “We look forward to working with David to build the foundation of a new era for Everton.”Sean Dyche SACKED by Everton just hours before FA Cup game as two club icons take charge and David Moyes in line for jobMoyes previously managed the Toffees between 2002 and 2013.He won 218 of his 518 games in charge – leading Everton to a top-four finish during the 2004-05 season.The Toffees achieved eight top-seven finished during Moyes’ 11 full seasons in charge.They also reached the 2009 FA Cup final, in which they were defeated by Chelsea.Moyes left Goodison Park to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.He lasted just seven months at United before being axed in April 2013.Moyes subsequently spent a year in Spain with Real Sociedad, before taking Sunderland down to the Championship during the 2016-17 campaign.The experienced boss resurrected his reputation across two spells at West Ham.He kept the Hammers up during the 2017-18 campaign, before being replaced by Manuel Pellegrini.Moyes returned to the London Stadium for a second stint in December 2019, staying for nearly five years.Arguably his career highlight came during the 2022-23 campaign, when he masterminded the Hammers’ Europa Conference League triumph.During Moyes’ time in East London, West Ham also reached the Europa League semi-finals.David Moyes’ managerial career by numbers1998-2002 – Preston P 234 W 112 D 50 L 622002-2013 – Everton P 518 W 218 D 139 L 1612013-14 – Man Utd P 51 W 27 D 9 L 152014-15 – Real Sociedad P 42 W 12 D 12 L 152016-17 – Sunderland P 43 W 8 D 7 L 282017-18 – West Ham P 31 W 9 D 10 L 122019-2024 – West Ham P 231 W 103 D 45 L 83Moyes left the Hammers at the end of last season when his contract was not renewed.His replacement Julen Lopetegui was sacked earlier this week, with Graham Potter brought in.Moyes arrives back at Everton with the Toffees sitting 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.READ MORE SUN STORIESDyche won only one of his final 11 games in charge but in December he did achieve creditable draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.Following Wednesday’s home clash with Villa, Everton take on Tottenham and Brighton before crunch relegation six-pointers against Leicester and Crystal Palace. Moyes managed Everton for 11 yearsCredit: Getty Images – GettySean Dyche was sacked earlier this weekCredit: GettyMoyes won the Europa Conference League with the HammersCredit: Alamy More

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      David Moyes set to earn £12.5m after agreeing Everton return with EFL manager eyed for coaching role

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      David Moyes will earn £12.5 million AND bonuses after he was announced as the new Everton manager in an emotional return to his former club.Moyes goes back to the Toffees after whirlwind talks in which he demanded he was given the post for the long term and not as an emergency appointment.David Moyes will earn £12.5m as Everton bossCredit: ReutersMoyes left the Toffees in 2013Credit: ReutersThe Scot was identified by the club’s new owners, The Friedkin Group (TFG), as their primary target to succeed Sean Dyche, who was sacked just hours before kick off on Thursday.Moyes spent a decade in charge at Goodison before leaving for Manchester United but thinks he can save them this season and then go on to success.He will quickly assemble a coaching staff and is expected to bring in Billy McKinlay and possibly veteran Alan Irvine from previous backroom teams.Kevin Nolan, now boss at Northampton, may also come into his plans after they worked together during a successful time at West Ham.READ MORE EVERTON NEWSA statement from the club says that announcements will be made regarding his coaching staff in “due course”.Moyes’s return has split the fan base but his record at Everton the first time was excellent.While he showed Toffees fans what could be achieved under his stewardship when he delivered the Conference League trophy at West Ham.Moyes spent 11 years in charge at Goodison Park before leaving for Manchester United in 2013, leading them to the 2009 FA Cup final and to a 4th placed finish in 2005.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe will have his work cut out for him on his return to Merseyside with Everton currently 16th in the Premier League and one point outside of the relegation zone with a game in hand.And he’ll be in for a baptism of fire if he is hired before Everton’s next Premier League game with a tough run of fixtures ahead.The Toffees face Aston Villa on Wednesday before hosting Tottenham on the Sunday afterwards.Speaking his return to Everton, Moyes said: “It’s great to be back! I enjoyed 11 wonderful and successful years at Everton and didn’t hesitate when I was offered the opportunity to rejoin this great club.“I’m excited to be working with The Friedkin Group and I am looking forward to helping them rebuild the club.“Now we need Goodison and all Evertonians to play their part in getting behind the players in this important season so we can move into our fabulous new stadium as a Premier League team.”Sean Dyche SACKED by Everton just hours before FA Cup game as two club icons take charge and David Moyes in line for jobMoyes is keen to bring Kevin Nolan to Goodison Park with him despite Nolan currently managing NorthamptonCredit: Getty More

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      Accrington Stanley star Connor O’Brien reveals adorable childhood photo with Liverpool legends ahead of FA Cup clash

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      CONNOR O’BRIEN fondly remembers the day he was a starry-eyed little kid who met his Liverpool idols outside a hotel in Accrington.And pride of place at his Lancashire home is a framed photo of himself as a small boy, wearing the team’s away strip and tracksuit top, flanked by club legends Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.Accrington star Connor O’Brien is set to take on Liverpool this SaturdayO’Brien had his picture taken with Anfield legends Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard as a kidCredit: SuppliedYou wonder if they advised him: “If you don’t drink milk, you’ll only be good enough to play for Accrington Stanley!” just like Ian Rush was said to have advised two young Liverpool fans in a famous 1980s TV ad.Fast forward to 2025 and not only is O’Brien very  happy to play for his home-town club but on Saturday the right-back is set to turn out against his Kop heroes at Anfield.And the 20-year-old said: “Dad put me in a Liverpool kit before I could stand, so this is a dream come true.“I was excited when I got the chance to meet all the players as a kid when they were staying at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel here in Accrington ahead of a game against Burnley.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Dad found out they were staying, so we drove up and the entire squad were having their pre-match walk around the  grounds.“Rafa Benitez was manager and dad asked him if we could get some photos with the players. His assistant, Sammy Lee, put his arm around me and took me to meet the team.“We got pictures with half the squad — and the one we have framed at home is me with Gerrard and Carragher.“I sadly wasn’t able to get one with  Fernando Torres because he was injured. But it was a day I’ll never forget.”Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSO’Brien is a boyhood Liverpool and Stanley fanCredit: RexSaturday, whatever the outcome, will surely trump that memorable childhood moment.O’Brien — born and bred in Accrington — has always yearned to tread the Anfield turf and since his first visit to the iconic stadium, there has been one scenario playing through his head.Mo Salah calls out Jamie Carragher after Liverpool legend urged him to ‘take a leaf out of Virgil van Dijk’s book’He said: “The main thing is the fans singing You’ll Never Walk Alone.”Everybody dreams about walking out and listening to it.“So knowing I’m going to be there as a player and hear it, that’s what I’m so excited about.“That song makes you dream. I’ve always felt it gives you extra motivation. You go home thinking about that song and how you want to be playing at Anfield.”O’BRIEN’S SUSPENSION SCAREBut O’Brien has been sweating over Christmas and New Year because his ambition of facing his idols was almost dashed by a three-match ban.He picked that up for an incident in a League Two game against Salford last month.The defender was caught on camera kicking out at opponent Kelly N’Mai off the ball — an incident missed by the officials — and he was retrospectively suspended by the FA for violent conduct.Then Stanley’s Boxing Day game at Tranmere was postponed because of fog and last Saturday’s trip to Colchester was also in doubt owing to freezing temperatures before the referee gave the match the go-ahead — much to O’Brien’s relief.He said: “There were four games to go before the Liverpool match, so when Tranmere was called off it only needed one more postponement for my suspension to carry into the FA Cup match.“I was praying Colchester would go ahead but was sweating because there was a strong rumour it was going to be called off.“It’s a huge lesson learnt. It was a silly mistake to do what I did and not something I want to repeat.”BREAKING THROUGHO’Brien has been with Accrington since the age of eight and captained the club’s Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup.Last season he broke into Stanley’s first team as well as being capped by Republic of Ireland Under-21s.The defender is also a childhood supporter of  Stanley as a local boy and used to watch from the terraces — listing his two favourite moments as Matty Pearson’s extra-time winner to knock then-Premier League Burnley out of the League Cup in 2016 and the promotion to League One in 2018.He said: “I was there all in my all-blue Accrington tracksuit and ran on to the pitch to celebrate.”Regarding his ‘other’ team, O’Brien rates Liverpool’s Champions League triumph in 2019, when they beat Tottenham in the final, and their Premier League success in 2020 as his two standout moments.His all-time idol is Gerrard because he was a leader who would either “smash one in from 20 yards” when the team was losing or “would smash someone in the tackle before going on a powerful run”.Now, Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk are his two favourite players in the current line-up.If either of those two feature, he will be trying everything to nab one of their shirts at the end — although he knows he will have to be quick with the whole Stanley team keen, too.’WE WANT TO SEE VAN DIJK, SALAH AND ALL THEIR STARS’Asked who he would most like to face, he laughed:  “Whoever is their worst player!“Please don’t give me Luis Diaz, though.“Seriously, we want them to play their strongest team. We want to see Van Dijk, Salah and all their stars.“This was the tie we wanted when the draw was made. To be involved in a match at Anfield between the two clubs I love is unreal.”ARN-BELIEVABLEO’Brien has been bowled over by the job Arne Slot has done since replacing Jurgen Klopp as boss in the summer.He said: “I was one of the rare ones in our fanbase. I felt we needed that fresh start — a rebuild.“I didn’t know too much about Slot but, wow, he’s impressive.”The League Two minnows are a whopping 86 places below the Premier League leaders in the English football pecking order.But O’Brien has a prediction.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I reckon Liverpool will win the treble — not the Quad, obviously, because Accrington can knock them out of the FA Cup!“We’re not going there to roll over, we’re aiming to win. Why not dream?”O’Brien is hoping to make an impact at Anfield More

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      Meet Tamworth captain Ben Milnes, 33, as he looks to down Tottenham with brutal ice bin routine

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      TAMWORTH captain Ben Milnes will have ice in his veins when he leads the National League minnows out against mighty Tottenham tomorrow.Which is hardly surprising for anyone who witnessed his chilling post-training ritual on Thursday night.Lambs skipper Ben Milnes will be dreaming it’s freeze and easy for Tamworth against Premier League giants TottenhamMilnes says his icy encounter makes him feel warmer on the pitchCredit: Roland LeonAs temperatures plunged to -4C, Milnes finished training on the frost-covered pitch at Tamworth’s ground The Lamb — then plunged straight into a wheely-bin full of icy water to chill out for five minutes!And Milnes, 33, reckons it is a brrrrrilliant way to warm-up for the biggest game of his career as it helps his body’s recovery process.While Premier League Spurs have state-of-the-art cryotherapy chambers at their plush Hotspur Way training ground, Milnes had to make do with a more humble container and several bags of ice.As  the temperatures plunged after part-time Tamworth’s only training session of the week, Milnes told SunSport: “It makes it feel warmer when it’s this cold outside.READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWS“I do it after every Thursday night training session before games.”Most people reckon that tiny Tamworth, who are 2,500-1 shots to win this year’s FA Cup, have snow chance of creating one of the biggest upsets of all time tomorrow.But the part-time Lambs will be going flat out to put on a show in the hope of making Spurs chairman Daniel Levy’s blood run cold.Milnes goes into bat for Tamworth looking to hit their visitors for six and turn Aussie Ange Postecoglou’s FA Cup dream to “Ashes”.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBecause the midfielder could just as easily have been playing professional cricket instead of trying to make Spurs stumble on a sticky wicket. In fact, his cricket-playing brother will be at The Lamb roaring him on.Non-league clash suspended with players taken off pitch as advertising board sparks safety fearsThe Tamworth skipper said: “My younger brother Matt Milnes plays cricket for Yorkshire.“He played for England Lions a few years ago when they toured Australia.“He could have gone on to represent England but he’s had a few bad injuries over the last couple of years including a stress fracture of the back and hasn’t played much recently.”Milnes was also a big hit at cricket as a youngster and for a while it was touch and go which career path he would choose.He added: “My dad Mark played football and cricket and I played both when I was  younger too.“I played for Notts Academy and the Midlands age groups, so I was at a decent level.“But when I was around 14 or 15 I had to choose which route I wanted to go down and I chose football, while Matt chose cricket. Cricket is too slow for me. “Matt will be here for the game. He also came for our Boxing Day match against Forest Green. I go to watch him whenever I can, too.“One of the biggest games he’s played in was when they won the Twenty20 final with Kent a few years ago — but I was playing for Buxton at the time and missed it.Tamworth boss Andy Peaks hopes it’s all pointing to an upsetCredit: Roland Leon“I haven’t managed to get  to too many of his biggest games but the really big games are always on TV  so I am able to watch him most of the time.”Milnes — who runs a financial planning business with his wife — admits he is living the dream right now after bagging a hat-trick of footballing titles on the spin in the last 2½ years.He added: “I’ve won three in three which is not bad. “I won the Northern League Premier Division with Buxton, then joined Tamworth and won the Southern League Premier Division, then followed that up by winning the National League North.“I don’t think I’m going to keep that record going in the National League this year.“But it was always going to be pretty hard to beat three titles in three years.“If we stay up this year it will definitely feel like winning another title.“When you consider the teams we are coming  up against and their  facilities, budgets and players with league experience then it would feel very special.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But beating Spurs would feel like winning a hat-trick of titles all over again in 90 minutes!“Occasion-wise this is definitely the biggest game I’ve ever played — even though realistically it’s not the most important because the league really is our bread and butter.” More