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Live Commentary - Man Utd vs Brighton

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Kick Off 2pm: Man Utd vs Brighton

Man Utd honouring all-time great Denis Law before kick-off View post

Teams: Maguire, Zirkzee and Dalot come in | Dunk, Welbeck return

Live PL table: Man Utd start day in 13th | Sky Bet

Latest: Everton 0-0 Tottenham | Nottm Forest 0-0 Saints

Club news, transfers & gossip: Man Utd | Brighton

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Live commentary by Sam Blitz, with Anton Toloui and Adam Bate at Old Trafford

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Old Trafford stands to applaud Law

A poetic reading dedicated to Denis Law is read out at Old Trafford, followed by a period of applause.

Ferguson part of the Law tributes

It is a very sombre Old Trafford ahead of kick-off.

Sir Alex Ferguson, who was singing'Take Me Home, United Road' to himself just a few minutes ago, emerges onto the pitch with a host of United legends.

The legendary United manager Ferguson lays a wreath on the pitch.

All the flags at Old Trafford are at half mast, including the Scotland flag above the Sir Alex Ferguson stand.

Bagpipes lead out the two sets of players

The tributes to Manchester United legend Denis Law are continuing on the pitch.

The two teams are led out by some bagpipes, playing 'Flower of Scotland'.

Law tributes continue...

Sky Sports' Adam Bate at Old Trafford:

"“They have just played Lily the Pink, the tune that formed the basis for one of the famous terrace anthems about Denis Law. All about the King today pre-match.”

Tired Man Utd vs energetic Brighton?

Sky Sports News' Anton Toloui at Old Trafford:

"Ruben Amorim admitted Manuel Ugarte came off against Southampton on Thursday because of fatigue and the Uruguayan is in for a big shift today against an energetic Brighton midfield.

"Not only is Amorim facing the tactical problem of figuring out football's version of playing square pegs in round holes across the pitch, he knows he has to make sure the players he does trust are physically cabable of enacting his plan every match.

"Brighton's starting XI is attacking, exciting and full of running - it's clear Fabian Hurtzeler smells blood."

Team news reminder!

Ten minutes until kick-off at Old Trafford, here's a reminder of the two teams:

Man Utd: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Amad, Fernandes, Zirkzee

Subs: Bayindir, Martinez, Malacia, Casemiro, Collyer, Eriksen, Antony, Garnacho, Hojlund

Brighton: Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari, Joao Pedro; Minteh, Welbeck, Mitoma

Subs: Steele, Lamptey, Webster, March, Enciso, Adingra, Rutter, Gomez, McConville

Robson and Kidd pay tribute to Denis Law

Bryan Robson and Brian Kidd pay tribute to former Manchester United and Scottish star Denis Law after his passing earlier in the week.

Maguire pays tribute to Law

Harry Maguire has paid tribute to Denis Law, who passed away this week at the age of 84...

Hurzeler: Brighton want to dominate

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler:

"Too many changes are not good for the structure so it's important to find the balance.

"It's important that we try to get our style of play on the pitch, that means controlling the game but also being intense without the ball. It's also key against a team like United that you try to press and not give them time. They have the individual quality to out play you, but we want to dominate the game.

On Welbeck returning to face United with a good goal record: "It's a personal one. If it's a good feeling then I don't want to stop this feeling. I think he's feeling sharp, and it's a special feeling. Everyone is looking forward to his performance today."

Amorim: I don't feel pressure at Man Utd

Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim spoke about the high demands at the club, saying he doesn't feel the pressure and that they 'just have to win games'.

Welbeck and Pedro partnership returns

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:

"For the first time since the end of November, Joao Pedro starts a game alongside Danny Welbeck.

"The Brazilian has largely held the line for Brighton due to Welbeck's injury but it is clear through the numbers that the Brazilian prefers playing as a No 8.

"Pedro has only scored one goal in seven matches as a centre forward - and that was his penalty against Arsenal. Meanwhile, he has four goals in eight games as an attacking midfielder, despite having more shots as a striker.

"Welbeck up front and Joao Pedro just in behind was the combination that got the latter four goals and two assists in his first six matches of the season.

"Now that combination returns - and United should be fearful of it."

Law tribute plans in detail

Sky Sports News' Anton Toloui at Old Trafford:

"Man Utd have planned a special tribute to Denis Law, one fitting for the man known as 'The King' by fans.

"The stadium will fall silent as a bagpiper will player Flower of Scotland on the pitch before a wreath is laid.

"There will then be a minute's applause and the Man Utd players and staff will all wear black armbands.

"Fans arrived early at Old Trafford to pay their personal respects, laying flowers, scarves and penning messages to their departed hero.

"Club legends including Bryan Robson, Brian Kidd and Denis Irwin are all here chatting to media and fans to make sure everyone knows just how much Law meant to so many."

Littler: I don't want Rashford to leave Man Utd

Manchester United fan Luke Littler doesn't want Marcus Rashford to leave the club, saying it would feel weird.

Was Pedro lucky not to be sent off for this challenge?

Was Brighton's Joao Pedro lucky to only receive a yellow for this challenge on Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton?

A red card would have meant a suspension for this game this afternoon at Old Trafford...

Amorim: Teams find it too easy at Old Trafford

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim:

"We have to rotate some players because with this ind of schedule. Don't forget we played an hour with one less player for 120 minutes [against Arsenal last weekend]. I needed to make some changes, but everyone is ready.

"The best thing is to win, the feeling is so good. We needed that a lot but we need to continue to win games and improve our performance. We need to control better the possession of the ball. In that way, you can defend better. We need to create chance and control the game with the goals.

On Brighton's strengths: "The one v one speed Mitoma, Welbeck always scores here, Joao Pedro is someone who can really connect the ball.

"We have to change the environment here, because all the teams feel that it is comfortable to play here. We have to be tough on this pitch.

"Brighton have an history playing together and you can feel some things with this manager, some things with the last manager, you feel the connection between them - it's different from us.

"But we play with our fans, but we need a lot of things to improve to play a better game."

LAST TIME OUT: Brighton end winless run at Ipswich

FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Brighton’s win against Ipswich in the Premier League.

PL Predictions: United to start slow again?

Ruben Amorim's team are a bag of nerves in matches - the manager has even mentioned this and playing at home isn't helping them.

This lack of conviction and ability to put their stamp on games is leading to very slow starts made by United, who allowed the worst team in the league on Thursday in Southampton to have a nice time at Old Trafford in the first half.

It means United have now not scored in their last seven first halves of football and if you stretch it back further, they've not scored in 15 of their last 19 first halves. The 0-0 half-time correct score at 9/4 with Sky Bet has a chance.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-1

Premier League Predictions and best bets: Everton to pile pressure on Ange Postecoglou

Sky Sports

Maguire pays tribute to Denis Law

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire:

"He meant so much to everybody at the club, one of the greatest players to ever play for this club. I didn't really get the privilege to see him play but I heard so many good things about him, not just as a footballer but as a person.

"I'm sure the fans and the players will do tribute to him today. It's a sad time for us this week hearing of the passing of a great man and a legend for this club."

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Tamworth: Police liaising with Chris Wreh after striker subjected to racist abuse online after FA Cup defeat to Tottenham

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Staffordshire Police say they are liaising with Tamworth FC after striker Chris Wreh was subjected to racist abuse on social media after his side's FA Cup defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.

Wreh was a second-half substitute in the third-round tie, which Tottenham eventually won 3-0 after extra time.

The 28-year-old took to social media after the game to share a screenshot of the abuse he had received on Instagram.

His post on X, formerly Twitter, said: "After an amazing day today, this is the last thing I expected to see when I opened Instagram. Nevertheless, thank you for all the support today. Fans were unreal."

Police say they are aware of the abusive message and are in contact with the club.

A Staffordshire Police statement said: "We're aware of a social media message involving racist abuse that was sent online to a player following the FA Cup match between Tamworth and Tottenham Hotspur yesterday (Sunday 12 January).

"Officers are continuing to liaise with Tamworth Football Club and national policing partners as part of their initial enquiries and plans to support the victim moving forward.

"Racist abuse will never be tolerated and officers will thoroughly investigate any reports as robustly as possible to ensure those responsible are dealt with accordingly."

Sky Sports News has contacted Meta, which owns Instagram, and Tamworth FC for comment.

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Tamworth 0-3 Tottenham (AET): Nathan Tshikuna own goal sparks Spurs flourish in extra-time to scupper dreams of FA Cup upset

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Tottenham breathed a huge sigh of relief after needing extra-time to overcome non-League Tamworth 3-0 in the third round of the FA Cup.

The final scoreline flattered Spurs, who laboured throughout the opening 90 minutes and might well have conceded deep into stoppage time when Tom McGlinchey and Jordan Cullinane-Liburd both went close to scripting one of the competition's greatest fairytales.

In the end, the Lambs were undone in scrappy fashion as Nathan Tshikuna inadvertently directed his attempted clearance over his own goal line from Brennan Johnson's cross (101).

Substitute Dejan Kulusevski then doubled the eight-time winners' advantage as he collected Heung-Min Son's pass to fire low beyond Tamworth goalkeeper Jas Singh (107), whose partner was watching from hospital after giving birth to a baby boy on Saturday night.

As it happened: How Spurs needed extra-time to progress

FA Cup fixtures & results | FA Cup news

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With the hosts running on empty, Johnson blasted in a cruel third for the visitors with two minutes of extra-time remaining (118) as Ange Postecoglou's side avoided an unwanted upset.

Postecoglou told ITV: "It was a challenging game as we expected it to be. They made it hard for us, with the surface it was about us staying clam and being persistent in our football.

"In the end, we got the job done. We knew we would finish strong and you could see they were tiring a bit.

"It's a game of football you go into it with trepidation and knowing you can slip up with the challenges. In most parts the boys kept their heads.

"We are through to the next round and that was the objective. Tamworth did really well and should be proud of their efforts. For us, we move on."

Lambs to the Spurs slaughter? No chance...

Andy Peaks' men - some 96 places beneath their opponents in the English football pyramid, produced the game of their lives. The Lambs, who were down in the seventh-tier Southern Premier Central as recently as 2022/23, were a match for their illustrious opponents in normal time.

Tamworth, who knocked out League One Huddersfield to reach round three, had their chances to consign Spurs to the ignominy of a first FA Cup defeat to a non-League outfit since the 1914/15 season when they were dumped out by Norwich City.

Within 30 seconds, Beck-Ray Enoru tested Antonin Kinsky at his near post as the hosts signalled their intent. They were not here to let this opportunity pass them by.

Back-to-back league titles have taken Peaks' side to the summit of non-League football.

The team comprised of a jazz singer, building surveyor, bricklayer, sports-science teacher and zip salesman were good value for extra-time as Timo Werner continued to toil. The German was kept out by Singh during a one-vs-one, meaning it is still just one goal in 26 loan appearances this season.

Tom Tonks, who runs a sandwich business on the side, provided his usual threat from long throws. One of them beat Kinsky and hit the post, but referee Peter Bankes had already awarded a foul.

Contending with the artificial pitch where just under 4,000 were crammed into this compact ground next to the A51, Postecoglou often stood motionless in his attempts to retain a degree of calmness - but he did not hesitate to summon Son and Kulusevski in extra-time.

It was a move which ultimately proved the difference as, after Tshikuna's misfortune from Dominic Solanke's scuffed attempt, it was Son who set up Kulusevski for Spurs' second before Johnson rattled in from close range to add the gloss as Tottenham reached round four after an almighty scare.

Peaks 'immensely proud' of players

Tamworth boss Andy Peaks told ITV: "I've told my players to be disappointed because we were that close to causing a massive upset, but equally be massively proud.

"Everyone put a shift in and when you look at the team we were up against, it was unbelievable from our boys - I am so proud of them. We had chances, the 'keeper made saves but what was brilliant is we were in the game right till the end.

"We knew it was going to be tough. I wanted people to see what we were about, and I think we have done that. I wanted to come here and talk to you guys and be proud of what I have seen - I am immensely proud.

"To get a home draw was better. The chance we had to level it was them coming here. They have been so respectful and to bring a team like that says a lot. I cannot knock them."

Peaks, a Leeds fan, revealed he had asked Tottenham defender Archie Gray for his shirt as memorabilia to remember the occasion before he paid tribute to Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.

"I actually said to Ange before when he said 'how are you'? I said, 'I was all right until I saw your team sheet'! But, no he was respectful before and said what a great job we had done here," Peaks said.

"And at the end he was brilliant and said, 'you gave us a right good run for our money, be proud of your boys, they were fantastic'.

"He has done me a programme saying exactly that, so I'll take that.

"I'm getting Archie Gray's top. He has promised me one. He won't let me down. He knows I'm a Leeds fan and promised me."

Player of the match - Haydn Hollis

Tamworth defender Haydn Hollis accepted "it just wasn't to be" after being named player of the match.

"We've done ourselves proud, to take it to extra time is an unbelievable achievement," he told ITV. "The pitch, the fanbase, everything was a bit of a leveller for us. Maybe we just gave everything and fell a little bit short.

"We make it difficult to come here, it doesn't matter who comes here. It just wasn't to be, so be it."

Hollis earned praise for a silky piece of footwork in the second half, deftly spinning two opponents, and admitted he had caught the attention of Postecoglu.

"Their manager just said to me, 'that's good enough to get you in the door here'. I said, 'believe it or not, I've never done it before'. That's not my game, you'll never see that again."

Heroic display from Tamworth falls short

Sky Sports' Ben Grounds:

"Tamworth's next game is a Birmingham Senior Cup match against Boldmere St Michael's, the day before Spurs face Arsenal in the Premier League. But for 100 minutes, these two sides were level pegging.

"What a heroic display from the part-timers. Tottenham limped into the fourth round. Peaks' outfit pushed them all the way at a buoyant Lamb Ground on an occasion for the whole town to be proud of - albeit with a tinge of disappointment after they missed out on a potentially lucrative replay.

"Spurs' extra-time goals failed to sour a memorable afternoon for the non-League club, who received a standing ovation.

"Tamworth had asked for volunteers to help clear the ground on Saturday morning to ensure the biggest match in the club's history could go ahead 24 hours later and Postecoglou showed plenty of respect with his starting line-up.

"From the moment kick-off was delayed due to an issue with the net in one of the goals, you felt you were witnessing a cup classic. Play eventually got under way five minutes later after Enoru got on the shoulders of goalkeeper Singh to help fix it.

"Tamworth dug into their energy reserves and were almost rewarded with a dramatic stoppage-time winner. A slip by Solanke presented a chance for McGlinchey but Yves Bissouma got across to block and Kinsky gratefully gathered the loose ball. It was a moment in time which would have entered FA Cup folklore, but it wasn't to be."

What's coming up?

Source

Tamworth 0-3 Tottenham (AET): Nathan Tshikuna own goal sparks Spurs flourish in extra-time to scupper dreams of FA Cup upset

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Tottenham breathed a huge sigh of relief after needing extra-time to overcome non-League Tamworth 3-0 in the third round of the FA Cup.

The final scoreline flattered Spurs, who laboured throughout the opening 90 minutes and might well have conceded deep into stoppage time when Tom McGlinchey and Jordan Cullinane-Liburd both went close to scripting one of the competition's greatest fairytales.

In the end, the Lambs were undone in scrappy fashion as Nathan Tshikuna inadvertently directed his attempted clearance over his own goal line from Brennan Johnson's cross (101).

Substitute Dejan Kulusevski then doubled the eight-time winners' advantage as he collected Heung-Min Son's pass to fire low beyond Tamworth goalkeeper Jas Singh (107), whose partner was watching from hospital after giving birth to a baby boy on Saturday night.

As it happened: How Spurs needed extra-time to progress

FA Cup fixtures & results | FA Cup news

Watch Premier League highlights for free

Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports App

With the hosts running on empty, Johnson blasted in a cruel third for the visitors with two minutes of extra-time remaining (118) as Ange Postecoglou's side avoided an unwanted upset.

Postecoglou told ITV: "It was a challenging game as we expected it to be. They made it hard for us, with the surface it was about us staying clam and being persistent in our football.

"In the end, we got the job done. We knew we would finish strong and you could see they were tiring a bit.

"It's a game of football you go into it with trepidation and knowing you can slip up with the challenges. In most parts the boys kept their heads.

"We are through to the next round and that was the objective. Tamworth did really well and should be proud of their efforts. For us, we move on."

Lambs to the Spurs slaughter? No chance...

Andy Peaks' men - some 96 places beneath their opponents in the English football pyramid, produced the game of their lives. The Lambs, who were down in the seventh-tier Southern Premier Central as recently as 2022/23, were a match for their illustrious opponents in normal time.

Tamworth, who knocked out League One Huddersfield to reach round three, had their chances to consign Spurs to the ignominy of a first FA Cup defeat to a non-League outfit since the 1914/15 season when they were dumped out by Norwich City.

Within 30 seconds, Beck-Ray Enoru tested Antonin Kinsky at his near post as the hosts signalled their intent. They were not here to let this opportunity pass them by.

Back-to-back league titles have taken Peaks' side to the summit of non-League football.

The team comprised of a jazz singer, building surveyor, bricklayer, sports-science teacher and zip salesman were good value for extra-time as Timo Werner continued to toil. The German was kept out by Singh during a one-vs-one, meaning it is still just one goal in 26 loan appearances this season.

Tom Tonks, who runs a sandwich business on the side, provided his usual threat from long throws. One of them beat Kinsky and hit the post, but referee Peter Bankes had already awarded a foul.

Contending with the artificial pitch where just under 4,000 were crammed into this compact ground next to the A51, Postecoglou often stood motionless in his attempts to retain a degree of calmness - but he did not hesitate to summon Son and Kulusevski in extra-time.

It was a move which ultimately proved the difference as, after Tshikuna's misfortune from Dominic Solanke's scuffed attempt, it was Son who set up Kulusevski for Spurs' second before Johnson rattled in from close range to add the gloss as Tottenham reached round four after an almighty scare.

Peaks 'immensely proud' of players

Tamworth boss Andy Peaks told ITV: "I've told my players to be disappointed because we were that close to causing a massive upset, but equally be massively proud.

"Everyone put a shift in and when you look at the team we were up against, it was unbelievable from our boys - I am so proud of them. We had chances, the 'keeper made saves but what was brilliant is we were in the game right till the end.

"We knew it was going to be tough. I wanted people to see what we were about, and I think we have done that. I wanted to come here and talk to you guys and be proud of what I have seen - I am immensely proud.

"To get a home draw was better. The chance we had to level it was them coming here. They have been so respectful and to bring a team like that says a lot. I cannot knock them."

Peaks, a Leeds fan, revealed he had asked Tottenham defender Archie Gray for his shirt as memorabilia to remember the occasion before he paid tribute to Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.

"I actually said to Ange before when he said 'how are you'? I said, 'I was all right until I saw your team sheet'! But, no he was respectful before and said what a great job we had done here," Peaks said.

"And at the end he was brilliant and said, 'you gave us a right good run for our money, be proud of your boys, they were fantastic'.

"He has done me a programme saying exactly that, so I'll take that.

"I'm getting Archie Gray's top. He has promised me one. He won't let me down. He knows I'm a Leeds fan and promised me."

Player of the match - Haydn Hollis

Tamworth defender Haydn Hollis accepted "it just wasn't to be" after being named player of the match.

"We've done ourselves proud, to take it to extra time is an unbelievable achievement," he told ITV. "The pitch, the fanbase, everything was a bit of a leveller for us. Maybe we just gave everything and fell a little bit short.

"We make it difficult to come here, it doesn't matter who comes here. It just wasn't to be, so be it."

Hollis earned praise for a silky piece of footwork in the second half, deftly spinning two opponents, and admitted he had caught the attention of Postecoglu.

"Their manager just said to me, 'that's good enough to get you in the door here'. I said, 'believe it or not, I've never done it before'. That's not my game, you'll never see that again."

Heroic display from Tamworth falls short

Sky Sports' Ben Grounds:

"Tamworth's next game is a Birmingham Senior Cup match against Boldmere St Michael's, the day before Spurs face Arsenal in the Premier League. But for 100 minutes, these two sides were level pegging.

"What a heroic display from the part-timers. Tottenham limped into the fourth round. Peaks' outfit pushed them all the way at a buoyant Lamb Ground on an occasion for the whole town to be proud of - albeit with a tinge of disappointment after they missed out on a potentially lucrative replay.

"Spurs' extra-time goals failed to sour a memorable afternoon for the non-League club, who received a standing ovation.

"Tamworth had asked for volunteers to help clear the ground on Saturday morning to ensure the biggest match in the club's history could go ahead 24 hours later and Postecoglou showed plenty of respect with his starting line-up.

"From the moment kick-off was delayed due to an issue with the net in one of the goals, you felt you were witnessing a cup classic. Play eventually got under way five minutes later after Enoru got on the shoulders of goalkeeper Singh to help fix it.

"Tamworth dug into their energy reserves and were almost rewarded with a dramatic stoppage-time winner. A slip by Solanke presented a chance for McGlinchey but Yves Bissouma got across to block and Kinsky gratefully gathered the loose ball. It was a moment in time which would have entered FA Cup folklore, but it wasn't to be."

What's coming up?

Source

Live Commentary - Tamworth vs Tottenham

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Goal! Tamworth 0, Tottenham Hotspur 3. Brennan Johnson (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner.

Attempt saved. Kai Williams (Tamworth) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.

Attempt blocked. Chris Wreh (Tamworth) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Kai Williams.

Goal! Tamworth 0, Tottenham Hotspur 2. Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Son Heung-Min.

Attempt missed. Thomas McGlinchey (Tamworth) right footed shot from more than 40 yards on the right wing is too high.

Attempt blocked. Brennan Johnson (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Son Heung-Min with a cross.

Attempt blocked. Brennan Johnson (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Pedro Porro.

Attempt missed. Nathan Tshikuna (Tamworth) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right.

Attempt saved. Jordan Cullinane-Liburd (Tamworth) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.

Attempt blocked. Jordan Cullinane-Liburd (Tamworth) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Alex Fletcher with a cross.

Attempt blocked. Thomas McGlinchey (Tamworth) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is blocked.

Attempt missed. Brennan Johnson (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Sergio Reguilón with a cross.

Attempt blocked. Munashe Sundire (Tamworth) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

Attempt blocked. Timo Werner (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Sergio Reguilón.

Attempt saved. Timo Werner (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Brennan Johnson with a through ball.

Attempt blocked. Mikey Moore (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by James Maddison.

Attempt blocked. Callum Cockerill-Mollett (Tamworth) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.

Attempt blocked. Beck-Ray Enoru (Tamworth) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.

Attempt missed. Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by James Maddison.

Attempt blocked. Timo Werner (Tottenham Hotspur) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Mikey Moore with a cross.

Attempt saved. James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Pedro Porro.

Attempt saved. James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Timo Werner.

Attempt blocked. Pape Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked.

Attempt saved. James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Yves Bissouma.

Attempt blocked. Timo Werner (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

Attempt blocked. Thomas McGlinchey (Tamworth) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Tom Tonks.

Attempt missed. James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Timo Werner.

Attempt blocked. Beck-Ray Enoru (Tamworth) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Callum Cockerill-Mollett.

Attempt blocked. James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Mikey Moore.

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Arsenal under pressure, Man Utd thrive as underdogs, 'cup hell' for Spurs - FA Cup third-round talking points

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Arsenal face Man Utd in FA Cup third round as Tamworth host Tottenham

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FA Cup hell awaits Spurs at Tamworth

Tamworth vs Tottenham, Sunday, 12.30pm

Forget Galatasaray away, Tottenham will enter FA Cup hell when they visit National League side Tamworth.

A Portakabin dressing room, an artificial pitch, Tom Tonks' long throw and an unbreakable winning spirit await Ange Postecoglou's injury-hit squad.

Andy Peaks, the Tamworth boss since February 2022 who has led the club to back-to-back promotions, promises his side will also be "horrible and nasty and in their faces".

Tamworth have already dumped out League One's Huddersfield and Burton Albion with goalkeeper Jas Singh continuing his inspired form, that saw him concede just 27 goals in 44 games last season, by saving two penalties in a second-round shoot-out.

Singh said he had 65 ticket requests within 48 hours of the draw being made and a place inside the 4,963-capacity Lamb Ground has since become a controversial topic.

Tamworth came under fire for their ticket prices with a seated adult ticket costing £42, twice the usual matchday rate, as the club look to cash in on the biggest game in their 92-year history and without the chance of a replay.

David Richardson

Arsenal's Carabao Cup loss adds FA Cup pressure

Arsenal vs Man Utd, Sunday, 3pm

The Carabao Cup looked like Arsenal's most likely route to silverware this season. That is until the semi-final first-leg defeat to Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium. The two-goal deficit for next month's second leg at St James' Park puts them up against it to make the final.

Mikel Arteta accepts his Arsenal project has reached a point where trophies are necessary. Six points behind Liverpool in the Premier League and with the Champions League knockouts still to navigate, the FA Cup has now taken on added significance.

Arteta stressed after Tuesday's game that he has not given up on the Carabao Cup. "I have full belief," he said of the second leg. But he knows the size of the task they face at St James' Park. An early FA Cup exit to Manchester United would take another trophy off the table.

Such an outcome would test the patience of Arsenal supporters too.

Their dissatisfaction was clear at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, where many could be seen heading for the exits long before the final whistle sounded. Victory is needed on Sunday to revitalise their hunt for trophies. It is also needed to stave off apathy and angst.

Nick Wright

Underdog tag allows Man Utd to thrive

If the Liverpool game taught us anything, it is that this Manchester United side can compete. A trip to the Emirates is one of the toughest away days any side will have this season but so was Anfield and United rose to the occasion with a convincing display in a 2-2 draw that left many feeling Ruben Amorim's side merited more.

Amorim was disappointed after the game, left befuddled by what he had witnessed across 90 minutes considering the dismal displays he had seen prior.

Whether it was a quickness across the ground, composure in the final third or defensive organisation, United proved Amorim's teachings come to the fray when there is nothing to lose. Once again, United will travel to the Emirates as the underdogs and it is a role the United players seem to thrive in.

Whether they can rise to the task against some of the so-called minnows remains the question but, luckily for the playing squad, it is another 'mismatch' in the offing for United.

William Bitibiri

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Newcastle's squad depth tested against Bromley

Newcastle vs Bromley, Sunday, 3pm

Newcastle should be confident heading into Sunday's game. Not only because they face League Two side Bromley and will be favourites, but the Magpies have also won their last seven games.

That includes a 2-0 win against Arsenal in Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with a team that has found its feet having at times been criticised for underperforming.

You would expect Eddie Howe to heavily rotate for the visit of the Ravens, who themselves were unbeaten in 10 games before a 4-1 defeat to Crawley last weekend. The test for Newcastle will be to maintain their performance levels while utilising their squad and safely seeing themselves into the fourth round.

It will give us an indication on Newcastle's squad depth heading into the second half of the season, and whether they have what it takes to finally win the domestic cup silverware that has eluded them since 1955.

It will also be a very personal trip for Bromley manager Andy Woodman.

Even before the draw, he was keen on a return to St James' Park, where he was goalkeeping coach under Alan Pardew. His son, Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, also came through the club's academy and made four first-team appearances.

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Arsenal under pressure, Man Utd thrive as underdogs, 'cup hell' for Spurs - FA Cup third-round talking points

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Arsenal face Man Utd in FA Cup third round as Tamworth host Tottenham

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Slot has luxury of injury-free squad - should Liverpool rotate?

Liverpool vs Accrington, Saturday, 12.15pm

Saturday marks the first meeting between Liverpool and Accrington Stanley (in their current guise) in any competition. Accrington travel to Anfield 19th in League Two - with a whopping 86 places between them and the Premier League leaders in the football pyramid.

That should matter not to the fourth-tier team, because this is a rare free hit. Arne Slot has shown in recent days how reluctant he is to completely rotate his team selection - most of the usual suspects lined up to face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup in midweek - and so Accrington should relish the opportunity to play a strong Liverpool XI with zero pressure.

Slot has spoken many times about favouring consistency to maintain momentum.

A particularly busy January might necessitate a few more changes than were seen on Wednesday, though, and the expectation is for Harvey Elliott (the subject of transfer debate), Darwin Nunez and maybe even Federico Chiesa to get a full run out. Diogo Jota was quiet against Spurs and may well get another chance to build up his match sharpness. Mohamed Salah was slightly muted too.

Slot is blessed with a full complement of players at this crucial stage of the season - something he calls "quite special" - and keeping all in peak condition will be of fundamental importance if Liverpool are going to continue to fight effectively on all fronts.

Laura Hunter

Are Chelsea's kids up for the cup?

Chelsea vs Morecambe, Saturday, 3pm

If there is one thing Chelsea are not short of, it is a football player. With a squad of 33 first-team players to chose from, Enzo Maresca is likely to use this vast expanse to face Morecambe.

He is likely to follow the same pattern as Chelsea's Conference League campaign, but that does not mean there will not be goals and entertainment - quite the opposite.

Exciting teenager Marc Guiu scored six goals in six league-phase games in Europe, topping the goalscoring charts for the competition.

Academy product Josh Acheampong has also been attracting attention recently. Against Crystal Palace, Maresca called him Chelsea's 'best player' - timely given the injury issues affecting the Blues' defence.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - a transfer target for West Ham - may also get some much-needed minutes. He has played just over an hour's worth of Premier League football so far this season, though he has made eight appearances in the Conference League, including qualifiers.

Given Chelsea's dip in form recently, some may even do enough to earn themselves a starting place in the Premier League. But beating Morecambe and making it to the fourth round will be the starting point.

Charlotte Marsh

Class of '92 return to haunt rivals

Manchester City vs Salford City, Saturday, 5.45pm

When the Class of '92 took over Salford City in March 2014, they probably did not expect to be playing their rivals and champions of England little more than 10 years later.

Four promotions in five seasons powered them into League Two in 2019 but their progress has stalled.

Manchester United legends and Salford co-owners Gary Neville, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes have sacked four managers in the five seasons since.

But their latest appointment, scouser Karl Robinson, has reignited their promotion hopes. The 44-year-old, former MK Dons, Charlton and Oxford manager, has Salford sat inside the automatic promotion places with seven wins in their last eight.

Manchester City have not been eliminated at this stage of the competition since 2012, when they lost 3-2 at home to Manchester United, who started Giggs and named Scholes on the bench after he came out of retirement. Their old foes are back again.

David Richardson

Can Harrogate take their chance at Leeds?

Leeds vs Harrogate, Saturday, 5.45pm

Harrogate actually train in Leeds, using the facilities of Rothwell Juniors in the south east of the city. With Leeds United's training ground at Thorp Arch in Wetherby, it means that Elland Road is actually closer to Harrogate's training base than the home club.

Leeds United versus Harrogate Town does not have a storied history. The clubs have never met before prior to this FA Cup third-round tie but it is certainly a derby of sorts, as shown by the reaction of Simon Weaver and his team when the draw was made.

Any chance of an upset? Well, Daniel Farke is set to rest many of his players following a hectic festive period, with Leeds' priority very obviously winning promotion back to the Premier League. It presents a slither of an opportunity but can Harrogate take it?

The form has not been good, a run of five defeats in December even putting Weaver, who has been in charge for over 15 years, under some pressure from supporters. But they did beat Barrow at the weekend. A win over Leeds would be another matter entirely.

Adam Bate

FA Cup hell awaits Spurs at Tamworth

Tamworth vs Tottenham, Sunday, 12.30pm

Forget Galatasaray away, Tottenham will enter FA Cup hell when they visit National League side Tamworth.

A Portakabin dressing room, an artificial pitch, Tom Tonks' long throw and an unbreakable winning spirit await Ange Postecoglou's injury-hit squad.

Andy Peaks, the Tamworth boss since February 2022 who has led the club to back-to-back promotions, promises his side will also be "horrible and nasty and in their faces".

Tamworth have already dumped out League One's Huddersfield and Burton Albion with goalkeeper Jas Singh continuing his inspired form, that saw him concede just 27 goals in 44 games last season, by saving two penalties in a second-round shoot-out.

Singh said he had 65 ticket requests within 48 hours of the draw being made and a place inside the 4,963-capacity Lamb Ground has since become a controversial topic.

Tamworth came under fire for their ticket prices with a seated adult ticket costing £42, twice the usual matchday rate, as the club look to cash in on the biggest game in their 92-year history and without the chance of a replay.

David Richardson

Arsenal's Carabao Cup loss adds FA Cup pressure

Arsenal vs Man Utd, Sunday, 3pm

The Carabao Cup looked like Arsenal's most likely route to silverware this season. That is until the semi-final first-leg defeat to Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium. The two-goal deficit for next month's second leg at St James' Park puts them up against it to make the final.

Mikel Arteta accepts his Arsenal project has reached a point where trophies are necessary. Six points behind Liverpool in the Premier League and with the Champions League knockouts still to navigate, the FA Cup has now taken on added significance.

Arteta stressed after Tuesday's game that he has not given up on the Carabao Cup. "I have full belief," he said of the second leg. But he knows the size of the task they face at St James' Park. An early FA Cup exit to Manchester United would take another trophy off the table.

Such an outcome would test the patience of Arsenal supporters too.

Their dissatisfaction was clear at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, where many could be seen heading for the exits long before the final whistle sounded. Victory is needed on Sunday to revitalise their hunt for trophies. It is also needed to stave off apathy and angst.

Nick Wright

Underdog tag allows Man Utd to thrive

If the Liverpool game taught us anything, it is that this Manchester United side can compete. A trip to the Emirates is one of the toughest away days any side will have this season but so was Anfield and United rose to the occasion with a convincing display in a 2-2 draw that left many feeling Ruben Amorim's side merited more.

Amorim was disappointed after the game, left befuddled by what he had witnessed across 90 minutes considering the dismal displays he had seen prior.

Whether it was a quickness across the ground, composure in the final third or defensive organisation, United proved Amorim's teachings come to the fray when there is nothing to lose. Once again, United will travel to the Emirates as the underdogs and it is a role the United players seem to thrive in.

Whether they can rise to the task against some of the so-called minnows remains the question but, luckily for the playing squad, it is another 'mismatch' in the offing for United.

William Bitibiri

Newcastle's squad depth tested against Bromley

Newcastle vs Bromley, Sunday, 3pm

Newcastle should be confident heading into Sunday's game. Not only because they face League Two side Bromley and will be favourites, but the Magpies have also won their last seven games.

That includes a 2-0 win against Arsenal in Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with a team that has found its feet having at times been criticised for underperforming.

You would expect Eddie Howe to heavily rotate for the visit of the Ravens, who themselves were unbeaten in 10 games before a 4-1 defeat to Crawley last weekend. The test for Newcastle will be to maintain their performance levels while utilising their squad and safely seeing themselves into the fourth round.

It will give us an indication on Newcastle's squad depth heading into the second half of the season, and whether they have what it takes to finally win the domestic cup silverware that has eluded them since 1955.

It will also be a very personal trip for Bromley manager Andy Woodman.

Even before the draw, he was keen on a return to St James' Park, where he was goalkeeping coach under Alan Pardew. His son, Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, also came through the club's academy and made four first-team appearances.

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