Here’s a look at some key FA Cup fourth round games this weekend:
THE HOLDERS: The next step in Arsenal’s defence of the cup is a trip to Brighton on Sunday, with confidence high after a 2-0 victory at Manchester City last weekend.
While preparing for the game, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is also trying to complete the signing of centre back Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal. But securing a British work permit for a Brazilian who has never played for his country could be a challenge.
"We are talking at the moment, can we find an agreement or not? I don’t know," Wenger said. "We are slowly progressing, but there is a chance. (It’s) 50-50 at this moment."
Wenger did sign promising 17-year-old midfielder Krystian Bielik from Legia Warsaw on Wednesday, a deal which did not require a work permit because Poland is in the European Union.
Sunday programming alert: Watch Bristol City vs West Ham United on Sportsnet World at 9:00 am ET and Brighton vs Arsenal on Sportsnet World at 11:00 am ET. || Also, watch Aston Villa vs Bournemouth at 10:00 am ET online at Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
ELSEWHERE: The Premier League’s top two both play second-tier teams. Leader Chelsea hosts Reading and Manchester City takes on Middlesbrough.
There’s a tricky home game for Aston Villa, which hasn’t scored in almost nine hours and hosts second-tier leader Bournemouth on Sunday. Villa was fined 60,000 pounds ($90,000) by the English Football Association on Thursday for failing to control their players at Leicester at a Premier League game earlier this month.
Monday programming alert: Watch Rochdale vs Stoke City on Sportsnet World at 3:00 pm ET. || Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
HESKEY RETURNS: Liverpool fans will also come up against a familiar face when Bolton travels to Anfield on Saturday. Emile Heskey won the FA Cup once while playing for Liverpool between 2000 and 2004.
The striker made a surprise return to English football in December when he joined Bolton after a spell in Australia with Newcastle.
"I’m 37, I’m not a young lad, to go back and play at Anfield is a great thing," he said. "The fans were wonderful to me while I was there. I’ll hopefully get a good reception and play my heart out."
Saturday programming alert: Watch Manchester City vs Middlesbrough on Sportsnet World at 10:00 am ET and Liverpool vs Bolton on Sportsnet World at 12:30 pm ET. || Also, watch Birmingham vs West Bromwich Albion at 10:00 am ET online at Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
