birminghammail--2020-02-04--Birmingham City 2 Coventry City 2 Reaction LIVE: Blues win penalty shoot-out 4-1 to progress in the

Birmingham City 2 Coventry City 2 Reaction LIVE: Blues win penalty shoot-out 4-1 to progress in the FA Cup

Birmingham City booked an FA Cup fifth round tie with Leicester City after winning a dramatic penalty shoot out against Coventry City .
Max Biamou looked like he had given Mark Robins ’ men passage to the King Power when he put the visitors 2-1 up with only five minutes of extra time remaining .
But Jeremie Bela struck a fortuitous equaliser in the 120th minute and the game went to penalties .
Lee Camp saved from Liam Walsh and Jamie Allen and Harlee Dean struck the decisive spot kick for a 4-1 victory .
Both teams made six changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handing a debut to Jack Concannon , who played on the right flank in a 4-3-3 formation .
Coventry made the better start and opened Blues up in the fifth minute when Fankaty Dabo ’ s ball down the inside right channel found Biamou in behind .
The striker controlled , spun and poked a weak shot past Lee Camp , which was easily stopped by Kristian Pedersen near the line .
Blues first chance came midway through the period when Jefferson Montero lifted an overhead kick from the angle of the six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marosi but it was hooked by Dominic Hyam off the line .
A minute later Concannon shot over bar after ball dropped to him on the edge of the area .
And just before the break Jacques Maghoma worked himself a yard in the centre circle and found Montero galloping away .
The Ecuadorian cut into the box on the left and clattered a low shot but Marosi beat it away .
Unfortunately the first half was perhaps more notable for an injury to Josh McEachran which saw the midfielder stretchered off after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out for the host of presentable chances which the Sky Blues manufactured .
They accepted the first that came along , when Dabo and Zain Westbrooke combined to free Bakayoko in the box .
Camp rushed out but the striker ’ s attempt ballooned off the goalkeeper and rolled into the empty net .
Biamou should have made the game safe just before the hour when Dabo ’ s cross found him unmarked eight yards out .
The Frenchman snatched at his effort and skied into the away fans .
He found space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the left of the area he rifled low and hard into the side netting .
Blues ’ first real chance came with a quarter of an hour to go when Ivan Sunjic split the Sky Blue defence asunder with a pass that put Jeremie Bela clean through .
The winger ’ s first touch was sure but Marosi raced out to smother .
However , the Coventry goalkeeper was powerless to prevent Dean ’ s stoppage time equaliser .
The industrious Harding combined with Maghoma down the right and the veteran picked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Incredibly Blues could have won it with the last action of normal time .
Montero picked out Lukas Jutkiewicz at the back and the 30-year-old ’ s header was tipped on to the bar by Marosi .
The first chance of extra time went to the League One outfit as a surging run from Allen took him 50 yards and through the heart of the home rearguard .
Thankfully for Blues Marc Roberts appeared on the spot to deflect wide .
Montero burst into life in the 101st minute when Maghoma found him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only to hammer over .
The game looked as though it was decided with only five minutes remaining when Pedersen gave possession away on half way .
Callum O ’ Hare raced into the space behind and squared for Biamou who had all the time he needed to pick his spot .
Then with virtually the last kick of extra time Bela lasered a deep cross at the back post and watched as it struck the upright and rebounded into the net .

Birmingham City booked an FA Cup fifth round tie with Leicester City after winning a dramatic penalty shoot out against Coventry City.
Max Biamou looked like he had given Mark Robins’ men passage to the King Power when he put the visitors 2-1 up with only five minutes of extra time remaining.
But Jeremie Bela struck a fortuitous equaliser in the 120th minute and the game went to penalties.
Lee Camp saved from Liam Walsh and Jamie Allen and Harlee Dean struck the decisive spot kick for a 4-1 victory.
Both teams made six changes to their weekend teams, with Blues handing a debut to Jack Concannon, who played on the right flank in a 4-3-3 formation.
Coventry made the better start and opened Blues up in the fifth minute when Fankaty Dabo’s ball down the inside right channel found Biamou in behind.
The striker controlled, spun and poked a weak shot past Lee Camp, which was easily stopped by Kristian Pedersen near the line.
Blues first chance came midway through the period when Jefferson Montero lifted an overhead kick from the angle of the six yard box,
The ball beat Marko Marosi but it was hooked by Dominic Hyam off the line.
A minute later Concannon shot over bar after ball dropped to him on the edge of the area.
And just before the break Jacques Maghoma worked himself a yard in the centre circle and found Montero galloping away.
The Ecuadorian cut into the box on the left and clattered a low shot but Marosi beat it away.
Unfortunately the first half was perhaps more notable for an injury to Josh McEachran which saw the midfielder stretchered off after just 18 minutes.
The second stood out for the host of presentable chances which the Sky Blues manufactured.
They accepted the first that came along, when Dabo and Zain Westbrooke combined to free Bakayoko in the box.
Camp rushed out but the striker’s attempt ballooned off the goalkeeper and rolled into the empty net.
Biamou should have made the game safe just before the hour when Dabo’s cross found him unmarked eight yards out.
The Frenchman snatched at his effort and skied into the away fans.
He found space in the 72nd minute too when, on the left of the area he rifled low and hard into the side netting.
Blues’ first real chance came with a quarter of an hour to go when Ivan Sunjic split the Sky Blue defence asunder with a pass that put Jeremie Bela clean through.
The winger’s first touch was sure but Marosi raced out to smother.
However, the Coventry goalkeeper was powerless to prevent Dean’s stoppage time equaliser.
The industrious Harding combined with Maghoma down the right and the veteran picked out his captain ten yards out.
Incredibly Blues could have won it with the last action of normal time.
Montero picked out Lukas Jutkiewicz at the back and the 30-year-old’s header was tipped on to the bar by Marosi.
The first chance of extra time went to the League One outfit as a surging run from Allen took him 50 yards and through the heart of the home rearguard.
Thankfully for Blues Marc Roberts appeared on the spot to deflect wide.
Montero burst into life in the 101st minute when Maghoma found him and scorched his way into the box only to hammer over.
The game looked as though it was decided with only five minutes remaining when Pedersen gave possession away on half way.
Callum O’Hare raced into the space behind and squared for Biamou who had all the time he needed to pick his spot.
Then with virtually the last kick of extra time Bela lasered a deep cross at the back post and watched as it struck the upright and rebounded into the net.


birminghammail--2020-02-04--Aston Villa youngster enjoys stunning two-goal debut

Aston Villa youngster Jacob Ramsey enjoyed an unforgettable night on his loan debut for Doncaster Rovers , scoring two goals to ensure Darren Moore 's side left Tranmere with a victory .
Ramsey struck twice for Rovers after joining on loan for the remainder of the League One season .
He could 've easily had more as well .
The youngster threatened in the first half , with a chance cleared from the line .
Shortly after he had a second attempt in similar circumstances saved in the face of the goal .
It was n't too long until he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kieran Sadlier blasted down the right flank with a tricky piece of footwork before trickling a tantalising ball through the Tranmere defence .
They were slow to react while Ramsey crept into the box to track the path of the ball .
He hit it from close range to give Doncaster a second-half league , burying Tranmere at the third attempt from the same position .
Ramsey was n't settling for just one goal , either .
A neat passage of play on the flank pushed Niall Ennis to the corner flag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the box .
He rushed alongside his marker and casually diverted the ball 's path beyond the goalkeeper with a neat header to double Doncaster 's lead .
The youngster reacted quickly in a crowded box to steal the chance away from the defence .
He was taken off to applause in the 86th minute , with Rovers in a comfortable lead thanks to Ramsey 's fantastic play .
Here 's what some fans had to say about Ramsey 's debut : SI : Get in Jacob Ramsey you beauty !
Tee : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ON .
Lennox : He is too good !
Daniel : Ramsey you absolute beautiful beast ... Heres to many more lad .
If this is the first impression , this could turn out to be an excellent loan period for Ramsey , who is at a crucial stage of his development .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Aston Villa youngster Jacob Ramsey enjoyed an unforgettable night on his loan debut for Doncaster Rovers, scoring two goals to ensure Darren Moore's side left Tranmere with a victory.
Ramsey struck twice for Rovers after joining on loan for the remainder of the League One season. He could've easily had more as well.
The youngster threatened in the first half, with a chance cleared from the line. Shortly after he had a second attempt in similar circumstances saved in the face of the goal.
It wasn't too long until he got his chance to score again though.
Kieran Sadlier blasted down the right flank with a tricky piece of footwork before trickling a tantalising ball through the Tranmere defence.
They were slow to react while Ramsey crept into the box to track the path of the ball. He hit it from close range to give Doncaster a second-half league, burying Tranmere at the third attempt from the same position.
Ramsey wasn't settling for just one goal, either. A neat passage of play on the flank pushed Niall Ennis to the corner flag, and his whipped cross fell into the box.
He rushed alongside his marker and casually diverted the ball's path beyond the goalkeeper with a neat header to double Doncaster's lead. The youngster reacted quickly in a crowded box to steal the chance away from the defence.
He was taken off to applause in the 86th minute, with Rovers in a comfortable lead thanks to Ramsey's fantastic play.
Here's what some fans had to say about Ramsey's debut:
SI: Get in Jacob Ramsey you beauty!
Brian: He’s scored again!!
(Image: Getty Images)
Tee: RAMSEY IS A BALLER, PASS IT ON.
Lennox: He is too good!
Daniel: Ramsey you absolute beautiful beast... Heres to many more lad.
If this is the first impression, this could turn out to be an excellent loan period for Ramsey, who is at a crucial stage of his development.


birminghammail--2020-02-04--How an act of kindness can win you Wembley tickets to Aston Villa's Carabao Cup Final

A caring Aston Villa fan and his brother are donating their Carabao Cup Final tickets in memory of their father .
Jas Bhullar owes his support of the club to his father and is giving away two Wembley tickets to the final in honour of his Villa mad dad .
For a five pound donation to Acorns via a GoFundMe page , Villa fans stand a chance of winning the pair of limited final tickets for the match at Wembley against Manchester City .
The winner of the draw will be announced on 23/02/2020 .
Jas 's tickets are guaranteed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a season ticket holder at the Villa and he has his father to thank for all the highs and lows he has experienced at Villa Park over the years .
`` As a season ticket holder I 'll be guaranteed a ticket for the final , '' he said .
`` But I have to thank my Dad for making me fall in love with this great club .
He heartbreakingly lost his life 2 years ago , but as a family we 've carried on flying the Villa flag high for him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do anything else .
`` This final is especially poignant as in 1995 , we moved to Manchester from the West Midlands and the games against Manchester United and Manchester City became our biggest .
`` I 've been back in the West Midlands for around seven years , but spent the best part of fifteen years growing up in the North-West .
`` My Dad despised United , but had a soft sport for City .
`` He became an adopted Mancunian , but everyone knew him for his love for Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twenty years .
This will be bittersweet for us without him .
`` That 's why myself and my brother have decided to give away our final tickets .
All contributors will be put into a hat and one winner will be selected at random .
Please donate £5 and you will be entered for a chance to win two final tickets .
We will purchase the tickets with our own money and all proceeds will go to Acorns Children 's Hospice .
`` Once the GoFundMe has concluded , I will announce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JSB_AV1 & arrange delivery/collection of the tickets .
Please only donate £5 .
Up the Villa . ''
Previously , Jas donated his late father 's season ticket to a Villa fan in a profound and charitable gesture .
As for the Carabao Cup final tickets , you can enter here with a £5 donation .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
A caring Aston Villa fan and his brother are donating their Carabao Cup Final tickets in memory of their father.
Jas Bhullar owes his support of the club to his father and is giving away two Wembley tickets to the final in honour of his Villa mad dad.
For a five pound donation to Acorns via a GoFundMe page, Villa fans stand a chance of winning the pair of limited final tickets for the match at Wembley against Manchester City. The winner of the draw will be announced on 23/02/2020.
Jas's tickets are guaranteed to him via criteria. He's a season ticket holder at the Villa and he has his father to thank for all the highs and lows he has experienced at Villa Park over the years.
"As a season ticket holder I'll be guaranteed a ticket for the final," he said.
"But I have to thank my Dad for making me fall in love with this great club. He heartbreakingly lost his life 2 years ago, but as a family we've carried on flying the Villa flag high for him. He wouldn't want us to do anything else.
"This final is especially poignant as in 1995, we moved to Manchester from the West Midlands and the games against Manchester United and Manchester City became our biggest.
"I've been back in the West Midlands for around seven years, but spent the best part of fifteen years growing up in the North-West.
"My Dad despised United, but had a soft sport for City.
"He became an adopted Mancunian, but everyone knew him for his love for Villa. He represented AVFC in Manchester for twenty years. This will be bittersweet for us without him.
"This is Dad's final.
"That's why myself and my brother have decided to give away our final tickets. All contributors will be put into a hat and one winner will be selected at random. Please donate £5 and you will be entered for a chance to win two final tickets. We will purchase the tickets with our own money and all proceeds will go to Acorns Children's Hospice.
"Once the GoFundMe has concluded, I will announce the winner on my Twitter page @JSB_AV1& arrange delivery/collection of the tickets. Please only donate £5. Up the Villa."
Previously, Jas donated his late father's season ticket to a Villa fan in a profound and charitable gesture.
As for the Carabao Cup final tickets, you can enter here with a £5 donation.


birminghammail--2020-02-04--Belgian with coronavirus 'on board same flight from Wuhan as Brits'

A Belgian woman who has tested positive for coronavirus was on board the same French flight that brought back UK citizens from China on Sunday .
Belgium 's health agency said the woman was one of nine Belgians on board the flight back to France , which carried passengers from 30 other countries .
Some 11 UK citizens and family members on the flight were then flown on to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire .
Of these , 10 continued to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral for a 14-day period of isolation , while Anthony May-Smith was taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential coronavirus .
Nick Phin , National Infection Service deputy director at Public Health England , said : `` Public Health England has been notified that a Belgian national who shared a flight with repatriated British Nationals has tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
`` All of the individuals who were on this flight are currently in supervised isolation and are being monitored for symptoms . ''
The Association of British Insurers ( ABI ) is advising travellers to keep up to date with Government advice .
On Tuesday , Foreign Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` leave the country if they can '' .
ABI manager Charlie Campbell said : `` Travel insurance policies may cover some out-of-pocket losses if you are advised to leave the area and return to the UK , and if unable to get assistance from any other source . ''
Wendy Wu , founder of travel firm Wendy Wu Tours , said they do not have any UK customers in China at the moment due to February traditionally being a quiet period for inbound tourism .
She told the PA news agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to travel out of the UK at the end of the month , but they have delayed their trips until later in the year .
She said : `` We are always communicating clearly with our customers .
`` We say , right now , all the attractions are closed so therefore you should n't travel to China .
`` But the situation will be reviewed around February 8 , when we expect the spread ( of the virus ) to come down , and then a new policy will be issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is under control then the Chinese government will make a decision to reopen tourist attractions . ''
She added : `` ( Customers ' ) health and enjoyment is our priority .
If anything will affect that then we will move them to a later date . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A Belgian woman who has tested positive for coronavirus was on board the same French flight that brought back UK citizens from China on Sunday.
Belgium's health agency said the woman was one of nine Belgians on board the flight back to France, which carried passengers from 30 other countries.
Some 11 UK citizens and family members on the flight were then flown on to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
Of these, 10 continued to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral for a 14-day period of isolation, while Anthony May-Smith was taken to hospital in Oxford to be tested for potential coronavirus.
Nick Phin, National Infection Service deputy director at Public Health England, said: "Public Health England has been notified that a Belgian national who shared a flight with repatriated British Nationals has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
"All of the individuals who were on this flight are currently in supervised isolation and are being monitored for symptoms."
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is advising travellers to keep up to date with Government advice.
On Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged British nationals in China to "leave the country if they can".
ABI manager Charlie Campbell said: "Travel insurance policies may cover some out-of-pocket losses if you are advised to leave the area and return to the UK, and if unable to get assistance from any other source."
Wendy Wu, founder of travel firm Wendy Wu Tours, said they do not have any UK customers in China at the moment due to February traditionally being a quiet period for inbound tourism.
(Image: AP)
She told the PA news agency that the next groups of customers were due to travel out of the UK at the end of the month, but they have delayed their trips until later in the year.
She said: "We are always communicating clearly with our customers.
"We say, right now, all the attractions are closed so therefore you shouldn't travel to China.
"But the situation will be reviewed around February 8, when we expect the spread (of the virus) to come down, and then a new policy will be issued around that time.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"If everything is under control then the Chinese government will make a decision to reopen tourist attractions."
She added: "(Customers') health and enjoyment is our priority. If anything will affect that then we will move them to a later date."


birminghammail--2020-02-04--20 winning Euromillions ticket codes confirmed with £1million up for grabs

But if you do n't match the five numbers - do n't fear .
You 're still in with a shout of landing a life-changing sum of money .
On Tuesday , February 4 , the winning numbers were confirmed .
After the draw at 8pm , they are : 35 , 21 , 33 , 23 , 47 .
Tuesday 's jackpot is already an impressive £34m but in addition to that , 20 UK millionaires are guaranteed as apposed to the usual one in the Millionaire Maker draw .
So even if you do n't win the main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance of bagging £1million .
Camelot 's Andy Carter , The National Lottery 's Senior Winners ' Adviser said : `` It 's going to be a massive week of winning on EuroMillions for UK players .
`` We 'll be creating 20 new UK millionaires on Tuesday night and then ramping up the jackpot on Friday night with the possibility of UK players getting their hands on the estimated £105M Super Jackpot .
`` We 're urging all EuroMillions players to get their tickets as soon as possible - do n't miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winning . ''

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Tonight's National Lottery EuroMillions winning numbers have been revealed.
But if you don't match the five numbers - don't fear. You're still in with a shout of landing a life-changing sum of money.
On Tuesday, February 4, the winning numbers were confirmed.
After the draw at 8pm, they are: 35, 21, 33, 23, 47.
The Lucky Stars are: 06, 07.
Tonight's estimated jackpot is £34 million.
Tuesday's jackpot is already an impressive £34m but in addition to that, 20 UK millionaires are guaranteed as apposed to the usual one in the Millionaire Maker draw.
So even if you don't win the main prize tonight, you have a bigger chance of bagging £1million.
Millionaire Maker Selection: - 20 UK millionaires have been created
MPFC63496
MPDT85862
ZPDW33782
MPFC80908
ZPDX85630
TPDT73586
MPDR43197
VPFB90952
TPDX71964
XPDX02384
XPDR64156
TPDT54602
TPDV90511
MPDT37387
MPFC88452
XPDW57558
VPFD28571
TPDT30118
JPFD32045
VPDR76493
Tonight's National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are: 16, 21, 26, 29, 33.
The Thunderball is 07.
Camelot's Andy Carter, The National Lottery's Senior Winners' Adviser said: "It's going to be a massive week of winning on EuroMillions for UK players.
"We'll be creating 20 new UK millionaires on Tuesday night and then ramping up the jackpot on Friday night with the possibility of UK players getting their hands on the estimated £105M Super Jackpot.
"We're urging all EuroMillions players to get their tickets as soon as possible - don't miss out on a huge EuroMillions week of winning."


birminghammail--2020-02-04--Kylie Jenner breaks silence over Travis Scott split with three brilliant words

Kylie Jenner and ex-boyfriend Travis Scott are `` like best friends '' following their split last year , the cosmetics entrepreneur has said .
Jenner told Harper 's Bazaar that she and Scott are focused on the welfare of their daughter Stormi .
She said : `` We have such a great relationship .
`` We 're like best friends .
We both love Stormi and want what 's best for her .
Keeping Up With The Kardashians star Jenner and chart-topping rapper Scott , 28 , began dating after meeting at the Coachella music festival in April 2017 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ February 2018 .
Jenner said that she looks to her parents Kris and Caitlyn , who are separated , for inspiration about how to look after her own child .
She said : `` I think about [ my parents ] in situations with Stormi , what they would do .
`` They were very hands-on with me , and I want the same for Stormi . ''
Jenner said she thinks regularly about the public exposure her daughter gets and `` all of the negativity that comes with the internet '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Every day , BirminghamLive 's award-winning journalists write a variety of articles - on everything from HS2 and city schools , to Aston Villa and Birmingham City FC , breaking crime incidents and live traffic and travel updates .
But over the course of each of these days , BirminghamLive also writes stories on showbiz and television , well-known personalities , celebrities and popular figures .
These stories - `` trending '' stories - are often the sorts of articles which get social media talking , eliciting reaction across social media platforms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uses analytics to decide which stories we produce - and , while these articles are among the most popular among our most loyal readers , they can often receive negative feedback from social media .
Among the most common negative responses we receive are `` this is not real news '' or `` this is not real journalism '' .
Another complaint might be `` this is nothing to do with Birmingham '' or , `` nobody cares . ''
In response to this , it is worth re-iterating BirminghamLive uses analytics to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and where to place our resources .
Trending stories are not just popular among social media users , but also massively popular in terms of our most regular visitors .
Trending news is different to other subjects we cover - be it crime , education , health , sport - but no less important to some readers , whose passions may lie in anything from Love Island and money-saving , to the latest Netflix true crime series or The Masked Singer ( seriously , give it a chance , it may change your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not have geographically taken place in Birmingham , that absolutely does not mean the story does not resonate with our readers .
Our stories are written by trained and experienced journalists , responding quickly to events .
Since the very first edition of the Birmingham Mail , UK and World News has been a prominent feature .
We will never stop doing so - and we 'll never apologise for serving our readers .
We ’ ve got lots of local content in Midlands News , local food and drink in What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Brummie Mummies and information tailored to your postcode through In Your Area .
If you want to ask us any more questions about BirminghamLive 's trending stories , please email james.rodger @ reachplc.com .
`` I 'm just trying my best , even though she 's still little , to remind her how blessed we are and that this is n't normal , the way we live .
`` It 's just our life .
People want to take pictures .
`` I think she would feel differently if I was always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look ! ''
' She told the magazine that her friends all `` pressure '' her about having more children in the future .
`` They love Stormi , '' she said .
`` I definitely feel pressure to give her a sibling , but there 's no plan . ''

Trending stories and why we write them
Every day, BirminghamLive's award-winning journalists write a variety of articles - on everything from HS2 and city schools, to Aston Villa and Birmingham City FC, breaking crime incidents and live traffic and travel updates.
But over the course of each of these days, BirminghamLive also writes stories on showbiz and television, well-known personalities, celebrities and popular figures.
These stories - "trending" stories - are often the sorts of articles which get social media talking, eliciting reaction across social media platforms, sparking debate and drawing response.
BirminghamLive uses analytics to decide which stories we produce - and, while these articles are among the most popular among our most loyal readers, they can often receive negative feedback from social media.
Among the most common negative responses we receive are "this is not real news" or "this is not real journalism". Another complaint might be "this is nothing to do with Birmingham" or, "nobody cares."
In response to this, it is worth re-iterating BirminghamLive uses analytics to help us decide what we write about and where to place our resources. Trending stories are not just popular among social media users, but also massively popular in terms of our most regular visitors.
Trending news is different to other subjects we cover - be it crime, education, health, sport - but no less important to some readers, whose passions may lie in anything from Love Island and money-saving, to the latest Netflix true crime series or The Masked Singer (seriously, give it a chance, it may change your life).
And while a story may not have geographically taken place in Birmingham, that absolutely does not mean the story does not resonate with our readers. Our stories are written by trained and experienced journalists, responding quickly to events. Since the very first edition of the Birmingham Mail, UK and World News has been a prominent feature. We will never stop doing so - and we'll never apologise for serving our readers.
We’ve got lots of local content in Midlands News, local food and drink in What’s On, news for families in Brummie Mummies and information tailored to your postcode through In Your Area.
If you want to ask us any more questions about BirminghamLive's trending stories, please email james.rodger@reachplc.com.


birminghammail--2020-02-04--Euromillions results: Winning National Lottery numbers for Tuesday February 4

It ’ s an exciting night for Euromillions players as Camelot plans to dish out multiple prizes to players across the UK .
A special ‘ Super Jackpot Draw ’ will see an estimated £105million up for grabs this Friday .
But tonight , 20 new UK millionaires will be made in a special bumper edition of the Millionaire Maker game alongside the EuroMillions draw .
Tonight 's EuroMillions draw is for an incredible prize of around £32m !
The huge sum of money could buy you a new home , nice car , several world trips and you could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of .
The EuroMillions draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday at approximately 8pm .
The two special draws are being held to celebrate changes to the EuroMillions game which Camelot says will give players the chance of winning bigger jackpot prizes more often .
A spokesman for Camelot said : “ More prize money will go into the jackpot - plus there will be a prize cap increase to 200M Euros ( up from 190M Euros ) - meaning an increased chance of bigger jackpots more often .
“ The changes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draws in the year , came into effect from 1 February , with the first draw on Tuesday 4 February 2020 .
“ EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker guarantees to create a millionaire in every draw , but in the EuroMillions draw on Tuesday , February 4 , an additional 19 lucky winners will be able to look forward to becoming an overnight millionaire .
For every EuroMillions line played , UK players automatically receive a EuroMillions Millionaire Maker code printed on their ticket.
” The EuroMillions results are in - get them here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 47 and the Lucky Stars are 6 and 7 The Thunderball results are in - get the winning numbers here 16 , 21 , 26 , 29 , 33 and the Thunderball is 7

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
It’s an exciting night for Euromillions players as Camelot plans to dish out multiple prizes to players across the UK.
A special ‘Super Jackpot Draw’ will see an estimated £105million up for grabs this Friday.
But tonight, 20 new UK millionaires will be made in a special bumper edition of the Millionaire Maker game alongside the EuroMillions draw.
Tonight's EuroMillions draw is for an incredible prize of around £32m!
The huge sum of money could buy you a new home, nice car, several world trips and you could live the life you've always dreamed of.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The EuroMillions draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday at approximately 8pm.
The two special draws are being held to celebrate changes to the EuroMillions game which Camelot says will give players the chance of winning bigger jackpot prizes more often.
A spokesman for Camelot said: “More prize money will go into the jackpot - plus there will be a prize cap increase to 200M Euros (up from 190M Euros) - meaning an increased chance of bigger jackpots more often.
“The changes, which will also see more special promotional draws in the year, came into effect from 1 February, with the first draw on Tuesday 4 February 2020.
“EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker guarantees to create a millionaire in every draw, but in the EuroMillions draw on Tuesday, February 4, an additional 19 lucky winners will be able to look forward to becoming an overnight millionaire. For every EuroMillions line played, UK players automatically receive a EuroMillions Millionaire Maker code printed on their ticket.”
The EuroMillions results are in - get them here
They are -
21, 23, 33, 35, 47 and the Lucky Stars are 6 and 7
The Thunderball results are in - get the winning numbers here
The numbers are -
16, 21, 26, 29, 33 and the Thunderball is 7


birminghammail--2020-02-04--Josh McEachran stretchered off as Birmingham City suffer injury blow

Birmingham City suffered an injury set-back just as their fixture schedule reaches its busiest period for months .
Just 12 @ @ @ @ @ replay with Coventry City Josh McEachran went down after a collision with a Sky Blues @ @ @ @ @ attention from the sideline .
After five minutes of treatment the midfielder was stretchered off @ @ @ @ @ compression splint – to be replaced by Caolan Boyd-Munce , for the youngster ’ s @ @ @ @ @ his seventh start for Blues , since signing as a free agent earlier this season @ @ @ @ @ the field by both sets of fans .
That will be a set-back for the @ @ @ @ @ stood to get plenty of opportunities with Blues playing Bristol City , Barnsley and the @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
David Davis has been allowed to go on loan to Charlton , although @ @ @ @ @ back from a long-term injury .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Birmingham City suffered an injury set-back just as their fixture schedule reaches its busiest period for months.
Just 12 minutes into their FA Cup replay with Coventry City Josh McEachran went down after a collision with a Sky Blues player and immediately waved for attention from the sideline.
After five minutes of treatment the midfielder was stretchered off with his leg in a compression splint – to be replaced by Caolan Boyd-Munce, for the youngster’s debut.
McEachran was making his seventh start for Blues, since signing as a free agent earlier this season – and was applauded from the field by both sets of fans.
That will be a set-back for the ex-Chelsea and Brentford player who stood to get plenty of opportunities with Blues playing Bristol City, Barnsley and the Bees in the next two weeks.
David Davis has been allowed to go on loan to Charlton, although Maikel Kieftenbeld is just coming back from a long-term injury.


birminghammail--2020-02-04--Man to appear in court charged with murder of Handsworth woman

A man has been charged with the murder of a Birmingham woman in Handsworth last year .
Julie Webb , @ @ @ @ @ with serious head injuries at an address in Albert Road on January 23 , 2019 @ @ @ @ @ in hospital .
Darren Constantine was arrested on suspicion of assault at the address .
@ @ @ @ @ 37-year-old has now been charged with murder and is due to appear before Birmingham Magistrates @ @ @ @ @ February ) .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A man has been charged with the murder of a Birmingham woman in Handsworth last year.
Julie Webb, aged 44, was found with serious head injuries at an address in Albert Road on January 23, 2019 and died the following night in hospital.
Darren Constantine was arrested on suspicion of assault at the address.
West Midlands Police said the 37-year-old has now been charged with murder and is due to appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Thursday (6 February).


birminghammail--2020-02-04--MP Tracy Brabin denies being a 'tart' after House of Commons outfit sparks backlash

A Labour frontbencher has denied having been `` banged over a wheelie bin '' after she was criticised for wearing an off-the-shoulder dress in the Commons .
Tracy Brabin 's remarks came after a Twitter user shared a photograph of her wearing the outfit and asked : `` Is this really appropriate attire for parliament ? ''
The shadow culture secretary replied to the tweet : `` Sorry I do n't have time to reply to all of you commenting on this but I can confirm I 'm not ... . ''
A slag , Hungover , A tart , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drunk , Just been banged over a wheelie bin .
`` Who knew people could get so emotional over a shoulder ... '' Ms Brabin was raising a point of order in the Commons on Downing Street 's decision to order senior journalists from some of the UK 's major news organisations to leave before a briefing on Boris Johnson 's Brexit plans when she spoke at the despatch box wearing the outfit .
Many of her followers praised the MP for hitting back at the critics .
`` Wear what you like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' one replied .
Another said : `` Some folks will moan at you for anything !
I 'm much more bothered by what my MP says than what she wears ! ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
A Labour frontbencher has denied having been "banged over a wheelie bin" after she was criticised for wearing an off-the-shoulder dress in the Commons.
Tracy Brabin's remarks came after a Twitter user shared a photograph of her wearing the outfit and asked: "Is this really appropriate attire for parliament?"
The shadow culture secretary replied to the tweet: "Sorry I don't have time to reply to all of you commenting on this but I can confirm I'm not....
"A slag, Hungover, A tart, About to breastfeed, A slapper, Drunk, Just been banged over a wheelie bin.
"Who knew people could get so emotional over a shoulder..."
Ms Brabin was raising a point of order in the Commons on Downing Street's decision to order senior journalists from some of the UK's major news organisations to leave before a briefing on Boris Johnson's Brexit plans when she spoke at the despatch box wearing the outfit.
Many of her followers praised the MP for hitting back at the critics.
"Wear what you like and continue being an excellent MP," one replied.
Another said: "Some folks will moan at you for anything! I'm much more bothered by what my MP says than what she wears!"


birminghammail--2020-02-04--Aldi launches amazing range of Valentine's Day treats - here's what you can get

Valentine 's Day is just around the corner and it 's time to get yourself organised .
Whether it 's supermarket meal deals , winning a date in a Man Auction or enjoying a Passion Potion at the Mailbox , there 's plenty of options in and around Birmingham for Valentine 's Day .
Budget supermarket Aldi not only has a fantastic meal deal to feast on for the day of romance , it has now announced a host of extra goodies for yourself and your partner .
From sweet treats to sumptuous sharing desserts , the German shopping chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need .
The items on offer include pretty-as-a-picture Valentine ’ s Cupcakes ( 99p , pack of 2 ) - choose from red velvet or moreish chocolate .
In addition , Aldi ’ s Moser Roth Truffles ( £2.99 , 140g ) are a decadent delight available in two indulgent flavours .
Choose from Pink Marc De Champagne , luxurious truffles with strawberry and a splash of marc de champagne or Pink Himalayan Salted Caramel – smooth caramel with a touch of pink Himalayan salt .
These look perfect for sharing or fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swizzels Love Hearts ( £1.99 , 100g ) , a whole tin of fruity sweet nothings for your sweetheart .
Aldi ’ s charming and cute Mini Heart Shaped Pancakes ( £1.49 , 300g ) could well be the only dessert to let them know you love them this February 14 .
These mini fluffy pancakes are delicious hot or cold and perfect for dipping .
On sale from Tuesday February 11 .
Or , for a truly indulgent pudding – try Aldi ’ s Profiteroles ( £1.99 , 8 pack ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with British cream , and topped with luscious Belgian chocolate fondant – this dessert looks like it won ’ t disappoint .
On sale from Tuesday February 11 .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and it's time to get yourself organised.
Whether it's supermarket meal deals, winning a date in a Man Auction or enjoying a Passion Potion at the Mailbox, there's plenty of options in and around Birmingham for Valentine's Day.
Budget supermarket Aldi not only has a fantastic meal deal to feast on for the day of romance, it has now announced a host of extra goodies for yourself and your partner.
(Image: Aldi)
From sweet treats to sumptuous sharing desserts, the German shopping chain says it has everything the loved-up could need.
The items on offer include pretty-as-a-picture Valentine’s Cupcakes (99p, pack of 2) - choose from red velvet or moreish chocolate.
(Image: Aldi)
In addition, Aldi’s Moser Roth Truffles (£2.99, 140g) are a decadent delight available in two indulgent flavours.
Choose from Pink Marc De Champagne, luxurious truffles with strawberry and a splash of marc de champagne or Pink Himalayan Salted Caramel – smooth caramel with a touch of pink Himalayan salt. These look perfect for sharing or fighting over!
Go back in time with Swizzels Love Hearts (£1.99, 100g), a whole tin of fruity sweet nothings for your sweetheart.
(Image: Aldi)
Aldi’s charming and cute Mini Heart Shaped Pancakes (£1.49, 300g) could well be the only dessert to let them know you love them this February 14.
These mini fluffy pancakes are delicious hot or cold and perfect for dipping. On sale from Tuesday February 11.
Or, for a truly indulgent pudding – try Aldi’s Profiteroles (£1.99, 8 pack).
Delicately made from choux pastry, filled with British cream, and topped with luscious Belgian chocolate fondant – this dessert looks like it won’t disappoint. On sale from Tuesday February 11.


birminghammail--2020-02-04--John Bercow speaks out over claims he 'brutalised' parliamentary staff

Ex-Commons Speaker John Bercow has dismissed as `` total and utter rubbish '' claims he `` brutalised '' parliamentary staff .
The former MP said David Leakey , who served as Black Rod until 2018 , did not know what his relations were like with his clerks , amid allegations of bullying .
Lieutenant General Leakey said last month that he would submit a dossier to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards outlining the `` intolerable rudeness and explosive behaviour '' of the ex-Commons speaker .
He told Sky News that Mr Bercow `` brutalised staff in the House of Commons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that '' .
Responding to the comments , Mr Bercow told the broadcaster : `` Total and utter rubbish - from start to finish ... '' First point is that David Leakey did n't work for me , he was n't employed by me , he was n't an employee of the House of Commons .
`` He worked in and was the protocol officer of the House of Lords .
He is in absolutely no position whatsoever to comment on my relations with my parliamentary colleagues , of which he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't know what my relations were with my clerks .
He has absolutely no intelligence on those matters whatsoever .
`` What we have got here is somebody who left the House , who is thrashing about , desperate to remain relevant , popping up at every turn , trying to make himself seem very important , very centre stage , very at the heart of things in the way that I went about my work . ''
Allegations surfaced in 2018 of Mr Bercow bullying two former private secretaries , Angus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused the speaker of `` over-the-top anger '' , shouting , swearing and intimidation .
Lt Gen Leakey was among those who made allegations at the time and called for Mr Bercow to consider his position .
Mr Bercow left the Speaker 's chair on October 31 and has been replaced by Sir Lindsay Hoyle .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Ex-Commons Speaker John Bercow has dismissed as "total and utter rubbish" claims he "brutalised" parliamentary staff.
The former MP said David Leakey, who served as Black Rod until 2018, did not know what his relations were like with his clerks, amid allegations of bullying.
Lieutenant General Leakey said last month that he would submit a dossier to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards outlining the "intolerable rudeness and explosive behaviour" of the ex-Commons speaker.
He told Sky News that Mr Bercow "brutalised staff in the House of Commons and elsewhere, and I include myself in that".
Responding to the comments, Mr Bercow told the broadcaster: "Total and utter rubbish - from start to finish...
"First point is that David Leakey didn't work for me, he wasn't employed by me, he wasn't an employee of the House of Commons.
"He worked in and was the protocol officer of the House of Lords. He is in absolutely no position whatsoever to comment on my relations with my parliamentary colleagues, of which he is completely and utterly ignorant.
"He doesn't know what my relations were with my clerks. He has absolutely no intelligence on those matters whatsoever.
"What we have got here is somebody who left the House, who is thrashing about, desperate to remain relevant, popping up at every turn, trying to make himself seem very important, very centre stage, very at the heart of things in the way that I went about my work."
Allegations surfaced in 2018 of Mr Bercow bullying two former private secretaries, Angus Sinclair and Kate Emms. Mr Sinclair accused the speaker of "over-the-top anger", shouting, swearing and intimidation.
Lt Gen Leakey was among those who made allegations at the time and called for Mr Bercow to consider his position.
Mr Bercow left the Speaker's chair on October 31 and has been replaced by Sir Lindsay Hoyle.


birminghammail--2020-02-04--'Really clever' - Who is Birmingham City's FA Cup debutant Jack Concannon?

Pep Clotet has handed Jack Concannon his Birmingham City debut in tonight ’ s FA Cup replay with Coventry City .
The 20-year-old , who was named on the bench in Saturday ’ s Championship win over Nottingham Forest , makes it on to the pitch for what is the re-run of the St Andrew ’ s derby .
The call-up completes a positive few weeks for the youngster who hails from Hagley .
Here ’ s what you need to know about him .
Who is he ?
A gifted No .
10 style play-maker who has been at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has just celebrated his 20th birthday .
He ’ s had a loan spell at Tamworth in his embryonic career and signed a one-year pro contract last summer.How has he done He scored four goals in 19 games for Blues Under-18s during his first year as a scholar in 2016/17 .
He started to feature regularly for the 23s last season –and also had a spell at The Lamb where he really impressed with a fruitful second half of the campaign in the Evo-Stik South Premier Central .
At the time joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jack ’ s dad came up to me at the last game of the season and thanked Andrew ( Danylyszyn ) and I for the way we have got him playing .
“ He ’ s loved playing for us and we wish him all the best in the future .
The door would always be open for him to come back .
“ He ’ s been a fantastic player for us , someone with a great attitude and appetite for the game .
“ He ’ s still learning and growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fantastic – a really clever player with great feet .
“ He will go on now and play higher – he has earned the right to do that .
I think he will only get better from this point.
” This season he ’ s continued to impress in Steve Spooner ’ s squad , playing in an advanced midfield role at the top of a diamond .
He was one of five young players involved in first team training last week and really impressed Pep Clotet .
Concannon was an unused sub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his chance tonight .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
Pep Clotet has handed Jack Concannon his Birmingham City debut in tonight’s FA Cup replay with Coventry City.
The 20-year-old, who was named on the bench in Saturday’s Championship win over Nottingham Forest, makes it on to the pitch for what is the re-run of the St Andrew’s derby.
The call-up completes a positive few weeks for the youngster who hails from Hagley.
Here’s what you need to know about him.
Who is he?
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
A gifted No. 10 style play-maker who has been at Blues since the age of 17. He has just celebrated his 20th birthday. He’s had a loan spell at Tamworth in his embryonic career and signed a one-year pro contract last summer.How has he done
He scored four goals in 19 games for Blues Under-18s during his first year as a scholar in 2016/17.
(Image: Paul Barber)
He started to feature regularly for the 23s last season –and also had a spell at The Lamb where he really impressed with a fruitful second half of the campaign in the Evo-Stik South Premier Central.
At the time joint Lambs boss Gary Smith said: “Jack’s dad came up to me at the last game of the season and thanked Andrew (Danylyszyn) and I for the way we have got him playing.
“He’s loved playing for us and we wish him all the best in the future. The door would always be open for him to come back.
(Image: Roy Smiljanic)
“He’s been a fantastic player for us, someone with a great attitude and appetite for the game.
“He’s still learning and growing in stature but he has been absolutely fantastic – a really clever player with great feet.
“He will go on now and play higher – he has earned the right to do that. I think he will only get better from this point.”
This season he’s continued to impress in Steve Spooner’s squad, playing in an advanced midfield role at the top of a diamond.
He was one of five young players involved in first team training last week and really impressed Pep Clotet.
Concannon was an unused sub against Forest on Saturday – and gets his chance tonight.


birminghammail--2020-02-04--Birmingham City v Coventry City FA Cup replay rules: Your questions answered

The teams played out a 0-0 draw at St Andrew 's in a now legendary fixture - with Coventry hosting the occasion at Blues ' home patch .
Today , the return fixture will take place , with Blues hosting the Sky Blues .
One team must progress to the next round .
So what are the rules ?
What 's the context ?
Who will Birmingham City face in the next round ?
What happens if the tie is still level after 90 minutes ?
Coventry and Blues are replaying the fixture as a winner could not be found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the teams must succeed today , though .
If the scorelines are level after the 90 minutes of regular time , there will be extra-time for half an hour split into two halves of 15 minutes each .
If there is no winner at the conclusion of extra-time , the match will go to a penalty shoot-out .
The FA Cup rules state : `` When a replayed match is drawn after 90 minutes , an extra 30 minutes shall be played , and 15 minutes shall be played in each half .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of extra time , the winner shall be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the procedure adopted by the International Football Association Board . ''
Extra-time has been scrapped in the Carabao Cup ( apart from the final ) but remains at this stage of the FA Cup .
In extra-time , Blues and Coventry will both be able to field an extra substitute player .
The rules state : `` In the event that extra time is played in any match a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional substitute player , ( a fourth in total ) from the nominated seven substitutes , during such period of extra time . ''
Who awaits in the fifth round ?
The winners out of Coventry and Birmingham will be rewarded with an away tie at Premier League side Leicester City .
That game is due to be played at the King Power Stadium during the week commencing Monday , March 2 ( played in midweek ) .
Unlike this stage , however , there will be no replay if the scores are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue with half an hour of extra time and if needed , penalties .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Birmingham City face Coventry City in tonight's FA Cup replay.
The teams played out a 0-0 draw at St Andrew's in a now legendary fixture - with Coventry hosting the occasion at Blues' home patch.
Today, the return fixture will take place, with Blues hosting the Sky Blues. One team must progress to the next round.
So what are the rules? What's the context? Who will Birmingham City face in the next round?
Here's your questions, answered.
What happens if the tie is still level after 90 minutes?
Coventry and Blues are replaying the fixture as a winner could not be found on the first attempt.
One of the teams must succeed today, though.
If the scorelines are level after the 90 minutes of regular time, there will be extra-time for half an hour split into two halves of 15 minutes each.
If there is no winner at the conclusion of extra-time, the match will go to a penalty shoot-out.
The FA Cup rules state: "When a replayed match is drawn after 90 minutes, an extra 30 minutes shall be played, and 15 minutes shall be played in each half.
"If the score is still level at the end of extra time, the winner shall be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the procedure adopted by the International Football Association Board."
Extra-time has been scrapped in the Carabao Cup (apart from the final) but remains at this stage of the FA Cup.
The substitute rule
In extra-time, Blues and Coventry will both be able to field an extra substitute player.
The rules state: "In the event that extra time is played in any match a club may at its discretion use one additional substitute player, (a fourth in total) from the nominated seven substitutes, during such period of extra time."
Who awaits in the fifth round?
The winners out of Coventry and Birmingham will be rewarded with an away tie at Premier League side Leicester City.
That game is due to be played at the King Power Stadium during the week commencing Monday, March 2 (played in midweek).
Unlike this stage, however, there will be no replay if the scores are level at 90 minutes. The game will continue with half an hour of extra time and if needed, penalties.
Fifth Round in full
Sheffield Wednesday vs Manchester City
Reading or Cardiff City vs Sheffield United
Chelsea vs Shrewsbury Town or Liverpool
West Bromwich Albion vs Newcastle United or Oxford United
Leicester City vs Coventry City or Birmingham
Northampton Town or Derby County vs Manchester United
Southampton or Tottenham Hostpur vs Norwich City
Portsmouth vs Arsenal


birminghammail--2020-02-04--Schoolboy in hospital after collision with car opposite Sparkhill Park

A schoolboy has been taken to hospital following a collision with a car opposite Sparkhill Park .
The emergency services @ @ @ @ @ of Thornhill Road and Stratford Road , just before 4pm on Tuesday ( Feb 4 @ @ @ @ @ boy for minor injuries at the scene and he was taken to Heartlands Hospital as @ @ @ @ @ from West Midlands Ambulance Service said : “ We were called to reports of a @ @ @ @ @ a patient .
“ We sent one ambulance to the scene and treated one patient @ @ @ @ @ minor injurers and he was taken to Heartlands Hospital as a precaution.
” Officers from @ @ @ @ @ directed the traffic .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A schoolboy has been taken to hospital following a collision with a car opposite Sparkhill Park.
The emergency services were called to the junction of Thornhill Road and Stratford Road, just before 4pm on Tuesday (Feb 4).
Paramedics treated a boy for minor injuries at the scene and he was taken to Heartlands Hospital as a precaution.
A spokesman from West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called to reports of a collision between a car and a patient.
“We sent one ambulance to the scene and treated one patient, a boy, for minor injurers and he was taken to Heartlands Hospital as a precaution.”
Officers from West Midlands Police attended and directed the traffic.
A force spokeswoman said enquiries are on-going.


birminghammail--2020-02-04--Masked raiders crowbar their way in to Sutton Coldfield home to steal Mercedes and BMW

Masked raiders crowbarred their way in to a Sutton Coldfield home to steal keys to two luxury cars - before driving off in minutes .
The car key burglars struck in Clarence Road , Four Oaks , after forcing open the back door and then kicking it down on Saturday night ( February 1 ) .
The thieves - including one carrying a man bag - then searched the house , stealing keys to a white BMW 530e and a blue Mercedes SLK convertible , along with a wallet .
The couple living at the home had been out for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and returned just minutes after their cars had been stolen shortly after 8pm .
A woman living at the home , who asked not to be named said : “ We had been out since about 1pm and must have been walking back from the station when it happened .
“ We have Ring video footage it shows them taking my husband ’ s BMW at 8.11pm and then taking my Mercedes at 8.15pm .
We got back at 8.20pm .
“ They had crowbarred the bottom of the back door out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the keys in a drawer .
“ They appeared to be quite professional .
It ’ s on the increase .
“ The scary thing for me is they can get in the house so easily .
We will definitely be looking at more security .
We have got a high security door at the front .
“ I posted the incident on Facebook and a girl said the same guy took her Mercedes in December .
They had got in the same way crowbarring the back door in Four Oaks .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with nice cars .
We don ’ t want to attract people to the house . ''
She added : “ My husband runs a business in Sutton and has worked a lot of years to get in his position to have a nice car .
“ But it ’ s also about being secure in your own home .
At the end of the day cars are cars .
“ But the thought of somebody being in your house .
It ’ s very unnerving.
” The thieves also disabled a tracker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had only been left at home as there had been a fear of being pick-pocketed in the city centre .
The couple had also been burgled before when they lived in Streetly in 2017 .
The burglary victim added : “ We moved to Four Oaks as we liked the area and wanted to be within walking distance of Mere Green .
“ In fact we sold our house in Streetly and then got burgled and the sale fell through and we had to find another buyer .
“ I do feel uneasy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how vulnerable you are .
“ I do blame it [ the burglary ] on a lack of police .
“ The police didn ’ t come here on Saturday night .
They said , ‘ we have got three cars out looking for the stolen cars .
They mentioned Kingstanding specifically .
“ They said they thought it was a better use of resources than coming here .
“ Forensics then came on Sunday morning but we had already changed the locks to secure the house.
” A spokesman for West Midlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 999 call on February 1 from a resident in Clarence Road , Four Oaks , reporting a break-in at their home at around 8.10pm .
“ Keys to a white 5-Series BMW and a blue Mercedes convertible were taken and the cars stolen .
“ Enquiries are progressing .
Anyone with information is asked to call us on 101 or message via Live Chat at our website quoting log 2636 from 1 Feb .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Masked raiders crowbarred their way in to a Sutton Coldfield home to steal keys to two luxury cars - before driving off in minutes.
The car key burglars struck in Clarence Road, Four Oaks, after forcing open the back door and then kicking it down on Saturday night (February 1).
The thieves - including one carrying a man bag - then searched the house, stealing keys to a white BMW 530e and a blue Mercedes SLK convertible, along with a wallet.
The couple living at the home had been out for the afternoon at the theatre in Birmingham and returned just minutes after their cars had been stolen shortly after 8pm.
A woman living at the home, who asked not to be named said: “We had been out since about 1pm and must have been walking back from the station when it happened.
“We have Ring video footage it shows them taking my husband’s BMW at 8.11pm and then taking my Mercedes at 8.15pm. We got back at 8.20pm.
“They had crowbarred the bottom of the back door out and then kicked it down. They found the keys in a drawer.
“They appeared to be quite professional. It’s on the increase.
“The scary thing for me is they can get in the house so easily. We will definitely be looking at more security. We have got a high security door at the front.
“I posted the incident on Facebook and a girl said the same guy took her Mercedes in December. They had got in the same way crowbarring the back door in Four Oaks.
“We won’t replace these cars with nice cars. We don’t want to attract people to the house."
She added: “My husband runs a business in Sutton and has worked a lot of years to get in his position to have a nice car.
“But it’s also about being secure in your own home. At the end of the day cars are cars.
“But the thought of somebody being in your house. It’s very unnerving.”
The thieves also disabled a tracker on the BMW. Ironically the wallet had only been left at home as there had been a fear of being pick-pocketed in the city centre.
The couple had also been burgled before when they lived in Streetly in 2017.
(Image: Google)
The burglary victim added: “We moved to Four Oaks as we liked the area and wanted to be within walking distance of Mere Green.
“In fact we sold our house in Streetly and then got burgled and the sale fell through and we had to find another buyer.
“I do feel uneasy about it. It makes you realise how vulnerable you are.
“I do blame it [the burglary] on a lack of police.
“The police didn’t come here on Saturday night. They said, ‘we have got three cars out looking for the stolen cars. They mentioned Kingstanding specifically.
“They said they thought it was a better use of resources than coming here.
“Forensics then came on Sunday morning but we had already changed the locks to secure the house.”
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “We received a 999 call on February 1 from a resident in Clarence Road, Four Oaks, reporting a break-in at their home at around 8.10pm.
“Keys to a white 5-Series BMW and a blue Mercedes convertible were taken and the cars stolen.
“Enquiries are progressing. Anyone with information is asked to call us on 101 or message via Live Chat at our website quoting log 2636 from 1 Feb.”


birminghammail--2020-02-04--Euromillions announce huge changes in huge shake-up with 20 lucky players set to win £1m tonight

Euromillions is set to create a staggering 20 millionaires in the UK tonight .
20 lucky Brits are guaranteed to land life-changing sums as part of a special Millionaire Maker .
A bumper 'Winning Week ' was confirmed by Euromillions operator Camelot this week .
There will be 20 tickets winning the seven-figure sum this evening ( Tuesday , February 4 ) .
And on Friday , those buying tickets can expect a special 'Super Jackpot Draw ' - with £105million set to be won .
Camelot ’ s Andy Carter , The National Lottery ’ s Senior Winners ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be a massive week of winning on EuroMillions for UK players .
`` We ’ ll be creating 20 new UK millionaires on Tuesday night and then ramping up the jackpot on Friday night with the possibility of UK players getting their hands on the estimated £105M Super Jackpot .
“ We ’ re urging all EuroMillions players to get their tickets as soon as possible - don ’ t miss out on a huge EuroMillions week of winning.
” A spokesman for Camelot said : `` More prize money will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be a prize cap increase to 200M Euros ( up from 190M Euros ) - meaning an increased chance of bigger jackpots more often .
`` The changes , which will also see more special promotional draws in the year , came into effect from 1 February , with the first draw on Tuesday 4 February 2020 .
`` EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker guarantees to create a millionaire in every draw , but in the EuroMillions draw on Tuesday , February 4 , an additional 19 lucky winners will be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For every EuroMillions line played , UK players automatically receive a EuroMillions Millionaire Maker code printed on their ticket . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year
Euromillions is set to create a staggering 20 millionaires in the UK tonight.
20 lucky Brits are guaranteed to land life-changing sums as part of a special Millionaire Maker.
A bumper 'Winning Week' was confirmed by Euromillions operator Camelot this week.
There will be 20 tickets winning the seven-figure sum this evening (Tuesday, February 4).
And on Friday, those buying tickets can expect a special 'Super Jackpot Draw' - with £105million set to be won.
Camelot’s Andy Carter, The National Lottery’s Senior Winners’ Adviser said: “It’s going to be a massive week of winning on EuroMillions for UK players.
"We’ll be creating 20 new UK millionaires on Tuesday night and then ramping up the jackpot on Friday night with the possibility of UK players getting their hands on the estimated £105M Super Jackpot.
“We’re urging all EuroMillions players to get their tickets as soon as possible - don’t miss out on a huge EuroMillions week of winning.”
A spokesman for Camelot said: "More prize money will go into the jackpot - plus there will be a prize cap increase to 200M Euros (up from 190M Euros) - meaning an increased chance of bigger jackpots more often.
"The changes, which will also see more special promotional draws in the year, came into effect from 1 February, with the first draw on Tuesday 4 February 2020.
"EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker guarantees to create a millionaire in every draw, but in the EuroMillions draw on Tuesday, February 4, an additional 19 lucky winners will be able to look forward to becoming an overnight millionaire. For every EuroMillions line played, UK players automatically receive a EuroMillions Millionaire Maker code printed on their ticket."


birminghammail--2020-02-04--Birmingham City vs Coventry City: These are the teams Pep Clotet and Mark Robins have picked

Pep Clotet has handed Jack Concannon his Birmingham City debut in tonight ’ s FA Cup replay with Coventry City .
The 20-year-old , who was named on the bench in Saturday ’ s Championship win over Nottingham Forest , makes it on to the pitch for what is the re-run of the St Andrew ’ s derby .
Concannon has been at Blues since the age of seven and has come through the age groups to the point where he is one of the brightest lights with the development team .
He has recently trained with the first team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also spent an impressive spell on loan with Tamworth last season .
Concannon ’ s inclusion is one of several changes to Saturday ’ s side .
Wes Harding comes in for Maxime Colin at right back and Marc Roberts partners Harlee Dean in central defence .
Kristian Pedersen continues at left back .
Concannon plays in the attacking three with Jefferson Montero and Jude Bellingham .
Concannon 's Under 23 team-mate Caolan Boyd-Munce starts on the bench - as does Cheick Keita , for his first involvement with Blues in @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Pep Clotet has handed Jack Concannon his Birmingham City debut in tonight’s FA Cup replay with Coventry City.
The 20-year-old, who was named on the bench in Saturday’s Championship win over Nottingham Forest, makes it on to the pitch for what is the re-run of the St Andrew’s derby.
Concannon has been at Blues since the age of seven and has come through the age groups to the point where he is one of the brightest lights with the development team.
He has recently trained with the first team and has impressed the Blues head coach. He also spent an impressive spell on loan with Tamworth last season.
Concannon’s inclusion is one of several changes to Saturday’s side.
Wes Harding comes in for Maxime Colin at right back and Marc Roberts partners Harlee Dean in central defence. Kristian Pedersen continues at left back.
(Image: Paul Barber)
Josh McEachran, Ivan Sunjic and Jacques Maghoma comprise a midfield three.
Concannon plays in the attacking three with Jefferson Montero and Jude Bellingham.
Concannon's Under 23 team-mate Caolan Boyd-Munce starts on the bench - as does Cheick Keita, for his first involvement with Blues in two-and-a-half years.
BLUES (4-3-3): Camp; Harding, Dean, Roberts, Pedersen; Sunjic, McEachran, Maghoma; Concannon, Bellingham, Montero. Subs: Trueman, Clarke-Salter, Gardner, Boyd-Munce, Keita, Bela, Jutkiewicz


birminghammail--2020-02-04--Rated - the Aston Villa team tasked with beating relegation

Three out and five in was Aston Villa 's January transfer window in a nutshell - but will it be enough to rubber-stamp Premier League survival come May ?
A patch-up job was the way we described Villa 's transfer policy in January as Dean Smith , sporting director Suso and chief executive Christian Purslow went about filling the gaps left by injured trio John McGinn , Tom Heaton and Wesley .
Dean Smith currently has 22 fit players to choose from , with the likes of McGinn and Jed Steer hopeful of returning before the season 's out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Club Writer Ashley Preece takes a look at the strength in depth at Villa Park , Smith 's options personally and tactically and what is Villa 's actual strongest XI now the window is closed .
Smith was rocked by the New Year 's Day , season-ending injury to his brilliant No.1 Tom Heaton and , almost a fortnight later , signed Pepe Reina on loan from AC Milan to plug that gap .
Orjan Nyland played cup games against Fulham and Leicester before Reina arrived , with the Spaniard in the stands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outing against Man City .
With Reina in and Nyland promoted , Smith 's first-ever signing Lovre Kalinic was finally allowed to depart after a disastrous 12 months at Villa Park .
The Croatian stopper moved to Ligue 1 with Toulouse citing Euro 2020 ambitions .
With Jed Steer still sidelined , it meant Smith recalled Matija Sarkic from his loan spell at Livingston .
The full Montenegro international , 22 , is currently Villa 's third-choice keeper , replacing Kalinic as the man who travels to each and every game but does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Heaton was always going to be irreplaceable given his super start to life at Aston Villa .
Reina 's experience has already proved priceless , though , while Nyland 's proven himself admirably in the Carabao Cup and should , on merit , start in the final on March 1 .
Sarkic is a decent-enough reserve , too .
Villa were well-stocked at centre-back prior to January but , on deadline day , Smith sanctioned James Chester 's loan move to Stoke City .
It means Villa are now down to four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Engels , Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause - to play Smith 's preferred formation of a three-man back line .
Villa are , in essence , just two injuries away from a mini-crisis at centre-half .
Prior to Burnley away on January 1 , Villa played a flat back four all season but , given a stark improvement in performances , it seems three at the back will be the way to go .
However , with Chester gone , injuries or suspensions could yet force Smith into reverting back to two centre-backs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the match-day 18 for Chester but , all of a sudden , the Belgian 's back in the fold and could start his first Premier League game since Southampton on December 21 .
Squad rating : 3/5 - Mings is firmly Villa 's top dog at the back while Smith 's other three of Konsa , Engels and Hause all need to rediscover levels of consistency .
Villa 's preferred system of three centre-backs means there 's just one in reserve now .
As mentioned , injuries or suspensions are likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith 's men , meanwhile , have conceded the joint-most goals in the Premier League alongside Norwich , 47 from 23 games at a rate of 1.88 every match .
Villa , on average , concede two goals away from home per 90 minutes too and , if Villa are to survive , that drastically needs to change .
Left-sider Matt Targett and right-sider Frederic Guilbert are backed up by Neil Taylor and Ahmed Elmohamady respectively in terms of Smith 's wing-back options .
Targett , meanwhile , has really stepped it up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and looks much more like the £14m player Smith signed back in the summer .
Taylor , though , who was courted by Championship clubs in the January window , has struggled for form while deputising for Targett .
The Welshman does have experience and know-how but does n't have the legs or attacking nous to play in Smith 's current 3-4-3 system .
Over on the other flank and Guilbert looks a real bargain buy .
The Frenchman scored in the semi-final first-leg and is a real burst of energy from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct competition with Elmohamady but he 'll always be ahead of the Egyptian because of his sheer pace and athleticism - two traits very much needed for a wing-back role .
Squad rating : 4/5 - You ca n't ask for much more really in terms of wing-back options Smith has at his disposal .
Targett has struck up a splendid relationship with Jack Grealish ahead of him while Freddie Guilbert has been a rock-steady performer .
Elmo 's a solid reserve , too , as he proved to help Villa into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only real weak link .
The alarm bells were ringing loud and clear at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday prior to Jefferson Lerma 's 50th-minute sending off .
The way Lerma , Philip Billing and Dan Gosling bossed Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas Luiz was a general concern .
Nakamba and Douglas have , though , been back ton their best in recent weeks but , in their last outing , looked flustered .
The summer recruits are currently battling with Danny Drinkwater , Conor Hourihane and Henri Lansbury - and that appears to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of who Smith fancies in the middle .
The crocked John McGinn has been missed like a hell ever since he hobbled off on December 21 .
Drinkwater 's a poor man 's McGinn , to put it bluntly while the likes of Hourihane and Lansbury seem to be nowhere near starting a game anytime soon .
Smith could yet shake things up by bringing Grealish back in as a No.8 - but that seems highly unlikely given the skipper 's devastating form higher up the pitch .
Squad rating : 2.5/5 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his engine room while , of late , he 's preferred a flat , two-man central midfield .
The quicker McGinn 's back , though , the better .
There will be a question mark over McGinn being disciplined enough to play in a two , though , given his all-out assaults at charging down opposition full-backs .
As soon as McGinn 's fit again , Villa could revert to three central midfielders to accompany the Scot .
The reason we 're putting Villa 's right-wingers in one category is simply because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as showcased all season long .
We 'll come to El Capitano shortly .
ASs for the right-siders , it 's a head-to-head battle between Anwar El Ghazi and Trezeguet .
Smith , it seems , favours Ghazi given his all-round attacking output .
The Dutchman has five goals and six assists compared to Trez 's four goals and two assists .
Both players , though , have been guilty of lacking a real cutting edge on a week by week basis with form constantly dipping up and down .
In reserve there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spaniard really is n't cutting the mustard in the Premier League and has n't featured since being dragged off at half-time at Watford just after Christmas .
Andre Green was immediately loaned back out to Charlton in January which tells you all you need to know about the 21-year-old 's future .
His deal expires in January , with Villa yet to activate an option to extend that further .
Squad rating : 2/5 - Villa seriously need Trezeguet and Ghazi to step up to the plate from now until the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay up , the pair need to come to the fore to ease the burden currently placed on Grealish who 's been operating from the left .
Jota 's clearly not trusted .
There will be improvements made to this position in the summer - that much you can guarentee .
Villa need more from the right .
The skip is playing on his own out there at the minute , it 's a one-man show .
The 24-year-old is arguably the best player in the Premier League on form , looking devilishly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an inside forward way back at the end of September .
He 's top of the shop for Villa in terms of his nine goals and seven assists in all comps .
He 's truly out of this world and God forbid the thought if Villa did n't have him .
Grealish , though , faces arguably his toughest task of all - and that will be to save Villa once more by keeping them in the Premier League .
He loves a challenge laid out in front of him , does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return for 2020/21 , meaning it 's now down to his replacement , Mbwana Ally Samatta , to grab the all-important goals .
The Tanzanian , a £8.5m January buy from Genk , has started well notching one from his first two games while banking 150 much-needed minutes after arriving during the Belgian league 's winter break .
Samatta , unlike Wesley , is a striker with a nose for a goal .
He does n't get as involved as big Wes but will come alive in the box should a chance present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League pedigree , too .
Elsewhere , just when is Keinan Davis going to catch a break ?
The young striker was out for three months and , on his two appearances since returning , looked good .
Davis tweaked his hamstring again playing for the under-23s on February 3 and it remains to be seen just how bad an injury it is .
Villa , meanwhile , let Jonathan Kodjia depart for £2m in January with Smith citing how the Ivorian was n't up to the Premier League standard .
His shock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a striker labelled by those at Swansea as the `` worst pound-for-pound signing in the club 's history '' .
The Spaniard , 27 , will see out the remainder of his Swansea contract at Villa Park .
Given Davis ' injury , though , Borja is , as it stands , second choice behind Samatta .
Villa have three strikers to choose from after going four games without one .
All three , though , are very much unproven in the Premier League and that should be a concern .
Squad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began to show promise , he suffered an injury at Turf Moor .
All hopes now rest on Samatta who 's already started with a bang - and that 's without him being 100 per cent fit .
Davis needs to stay fit now , too .
The signing of Borja was a curve ball witjh the Spaniard seemingly only a reserve option .

Three out and five in was Aston Villa's winter transfer window in a nutshell - but will it be enough to rubber-stamp Premier League survival?
A patch-up job was the way we described Villa's transfer policy in January as Dean Smith, sporting director Suso and chief executive Christian Purslow went about filling gaps left by injured trio John McGinn, Tom Heaton and Wesley.
And with Villa's business all done until the summer, club writer Ashley Preece takes a look at strength in depth at Villa Park, Smith's options personally and tactically, and what is Villa's actual strongest XI from now until the end of the season.
Goalkeepers
Dean Smith was rocked by the New Year's Day, season-ending injury to his brilliant No.1 Tom Heaton and, almost a fortnight later, signed Pepe Reina on loan from AC Milan to plug that gap. Orjan Nyland played cup games against Fulham and Leicester before Reina arrived, with the Spaniard in the stands to watch Nyland's last Premier League outing against Man City.
With Reina in and Nyland promoted, Smith's first-ever signing Lovre Kalinic was finally allowed to depart after a disastrous 12 months at Villa Park. The Croatian stopper moved to Ligue 1 with Toulouse citing Euro 2020 ambitions. With Jed Steer still sidelined, it meant Smith recalled Matija Sarkic from his loan spell at Livingston. The full Montenegro international, 22, is currently Villa's third-choice keeper, replacing Kalinic as the man who travels to each and every game but doesn't play.
Squad rating: 4/5 - Heaton was always going to be irreplaceable given his super start to life at Aston Villa. Reina's experience has already proved priceless, though, while Nyland's proven himself admirably in the Carabao Cup and should, on merit, start in the final on March 1. Sarkic is a decent-enough reserve, too.
Central defence
Villa were well-stocked at centre-back prior to January but, on deadline day, Smith sanctioned James Chester's loan move to Stoke City. It means Villa are now down to four central defenders - Ezri Konsa, Bjorn Engels, Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause - to play Smith's preferred formation of a three-man back line. Villa are, in essence, just two injuries away from a mini-crisis at centre-half.
(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Prior to Burnley away on January 1, Villa played a flat back four all season but, given a stark improvement in performances, it seems three at the back will be the way to go. However, with Chester gone, injuries or suspensions could yet force Smith into reverting back to two centre-backs. Forgotten man Engels was previously bombed out of the match-day 18 for Chester but, all of a sudden, the Belgian's back in the fold and could start his first Premier League game since Southampton on December 21.
Squad rating: 3/5 - Mings is firmly Villa's top dog at the back while Smith's other three of Konsa, Engels and Hause all need to rediscover levels of consistency. Villa's preferred system of three centre-backs means there's just one in reserve now. As mentioned, injuries or suspensions are likely to disrupt the side's shape. Smith's men, meanwhile, have conceded the joint-most goals in the Premier League alongside Norwich, 47 from 23 games at a rate of 1.88 every match. Villa, on average, concede two goals away from home per 90 minutes too and, if Villa are to survive, that drastically needs to change.
Wing-backs
Left-sider Matt Targett and right-sider Frederic Guilbert are backed up by Neil Taylor and Ahmed Elmohamady respectively in terms of Smith's wing-back options. Targett, meanwhile, has really stepped it up a notch since the turn of the year and looks much more like the £14m player Smith signed in the summer. Taylor, though, who was courted by Championship clubs in the January window, has struggled for form while deputising for Targett. The Welshman does have experience and know-how but doesn't have the legs or attacking nous to play in Smith's current 3-4-3 system.
Over on the other flank and Guilbert looks a real bargain buy. The Frenchman scored in the semi-final first-leg and is a real burst of energy from the right. The 25-year-old is in direct competition with Elmohamady but he'll always be ahead of the Egyptian because of his sheer pace and athleticism - two traits very much needed for a wing-back role.
Squad rating: 4/5 - You can't ask for much more really in terms of wing-back options Smith has at his disposal. Targett has struck up a splendid relationship with Jack Grealish ahead of him while Freddie Guilbert has been a rock-steady performer. Elmo's a solid reserve, too, as he proved to help Villa into the Carabao Cup final. Taylor is the only real weak link.
The engine room
The alarm bells were ringing loud and clear at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday prior to Jefferson Lerma's 50th-minute sending off. The way Lerma, Philip Billing and Dan Gosling bossed Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas Luiz was a general concern. Nakamba and Douglas have, though, been back ton their best in recent weeks but, in their last outing, looked flustered.
The summer recruits are currently battling with Danny Drinkwater, Conor Hourihane and Henri Lansbury - and that appears to be the current pecking order in terms of who Smith fancies in the middle. The crocked John McGinn has been missed like a hell ever since he hobbled off on December 21. Drinkwater's a poor man's McGinn, to put it bluntly while the likes of Hourihane and Lansbury seem to be nowhere near starting a game anytime soon. Smith could yet shake things up by bringing Grealish back in as a No.8 - but that seems highly unlikely given the skipper's devastating form higher up the pitch.
Squad rating: 2.5/5 - As it stands Smith has five options for his engine room while, of late, he's preferred a flat, two-man central midfield. The quicker McGinn's back, though, the better. There will be a question mark over McGinn being disciplined enough to play in a two, though, given his all-out assaults at charging down opposition full-backs. As soon as McGinn's fit again, Villa could revert to three central midfielders to accompany the Scot.
Right-wing
The reason we're putting Villa's right-wingers in one category is simply because Grealish is completely on another planet, as showcased all season long. We'll come to El Capitano shortly. As for the right-siders, it's a head-to-head battle between Anwar El Ghazi and Trezeguet. Smith, it seems, favours Ghazi given his all-round attacking output. The Dutchman has five goals and six assists compared to Trez's four goals and two assists. Both players, though, have been guilty of lacking a real cutting edge on a week by week basis with form constantly dipping up and down.
In reserve there's Jota, remember him? The Spaniard really isn't cutting the mustard in the Premier League and hasn't featured since being dragged off at half-time at Watford just after Christmas. Andre Green was immediately loaned back out to Charlton in January which tells you all you need to know about the 21-year-old's future. His deal expires in January, with Villa yet to activate an option to extend that further.
Squad rating: 2/5 - Villa seriously need Trezeguet and Ghazi to step up to the plate from now until the end of the season. If Villa are to stay up, the pair need to come to the fore to ease the burden currently placed on Grealish who's been operating from the left. Jota's clearly not trusted. There will be improvements made to this position in the summer - that much you can guarentee. Villa need more from the right.
The Jack Grealish
The skip is playing on his own out there at the minute, it's a one-man show. The 24-year-old is arguably the best player in the Premier League on form, looking devilishly good ever since Smith pushed him up as an inside forward way back at the end of September. He's top of the shop for Villa in terms of his nine goals and seven assists in all comps. He's truly out of this world and God forbid the thought if Villa didn't have him. Grealish, though, faces arguably his toughest task of all - and that will be to save Villa once more by keeping them in the Premier League. He loves a challenge laid out in front of him, does Jack.
Squad rating: 5/5
Pick your strongest Aston Villa XI...
Strikers
Record summer signing Wesley will return for 2020/21, meaning it's now down to his replacement, Mbwana Ally Samatta, to grab the all-important goals. The Tanzanian, a £8.5m January buy from Genk, has started well notching one from his first two games while banking 150 much-needed minutes after arriving during the Belgian league's winter break. Samatta, unlike Wesley, is a striker with a nose for a goal. He doesn't get as involved as big Wes but will come alive in the box should a chance present itself to him. He has Champions League pedigree, too.
Elsewhere, just when is Keinan Davis going to catch a break? The young striker was out for three months and, on his two appearances since returning, looked good. Davis tweaked his hamstring again playing for the under-23s on February 3 and it remains to be seen just how bad an injury it is.
(Image: PA)
Villa, meanwhile, let Jonathan Kodjia depart for £2m in January with Smith citing how the Ivorian wasn't up to the Premier League standard. His shock replacement was Borja Baston on deadline day, a striker labelled by those at Swansea as the "worst pound-for-pound signing in the club's history". The Spaniard, 27, will see out the remainder of his Swansea contract at Villa Park. Given Davis' injury, though, Borja is, as it stands, second choice behind Samatta. Villa have three strikers to choose from after going four games without one. All three, though, are very much unproven in the Premier League and that should be a concern.
Squad rating : 2/5 - Just as Wesley began to show promise, he suffered an injury at Turf Moor. All hopes now rest on Samatta who's already started with a bang - and that's without him being 100 per cent fit. Davis needs to stay fit now, too. The signing of Borja was a curve ball witjh the Spaniard seemingly only a reserve option.
Aston Villa's strongest XI, 3-4-1-2 : Reina; Konsa, Engels, Mings; Guilbert, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Targett; Grealish; Samatta, Davis.


birminghammail--2020-02-04--The nightmare scenario Aston Villa could face when Manchester United target signs new deal

Manchester United will reportedly swoop for either Leicester City 's James Maddison or Aston Villa 's Jack Grealish in the summer to bolster their playmaking efforts .
However , it seems that Grealish may be the more likely signing .
A report in The Mirror links Grealish to Man United once again , and states that the Red Devils will focus their efforts on a deal for Grealish .
This is because James Maddison is closing in on a bumper new deal at Leicester , and will attract a higher fee because of that .
Grealish could be set for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that , if the club is relegated this season there is a very high chance that he will leave the club .
If Maddison 's new contract does force Manchester United away , that will likely leave Grealish as the summer focus for the Red Devils - and Villa wo n't be able to rely on United gunning for Maddison .
If they are able to avoid relegation , United will not be deterred in making an offer for the Villa captain .
Grealish has helped Villa 's cause a great deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soul and heartbeat of the time during tough times .
He has taken the team to a cup final , scored nine goals and created a further more .
He also leads the way in chances created when it comes to English players in the top division .
There was no chance he was leaving in last month 's transfer window as he is committed on ensuring that Villa stay up .
However , that has n't put Manchester United off .
Not yet .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Manchester United will reportedly swoop for either Leicester City's James Maddison or Aston Villa's Jack Grealish in the summer to bolster their playmaking efforts.
However, it seems that Grealish may be the more likely signing.
A report in The Mirror links Grealish to Man United once again, and states that the Red Devils will focus their efforts on a deal for Grealish.
(Image: Getty Images)
This is because James Maddison is closing in on a bumper new deal at Leicester, and will attract a higher fee because of that. Grealish could be set for the same at Villa - but regardless of that, if the club is relegated this season there is a very high chance that he will leave the club.
If Maddison's new contract does force Manchester United away, that will likely leave Grealish as the summer focus for the Red Devils - and Villa won't be able to rely on United gunning for Maddison.
If they are able to avoid relegation, United will not be deterred in making an offer for the Villa captain.
Grealish has helped Villa's cause a great deal this season, and has been the soul and heartbeat of the time during tough times. He has taken the team to a cup final, scored nine goals and created a further more.
He also leads the way in chances created when it comes to English players in the top division.
There was no chance he was leaving in last month's transfer window as he is committed on ensuring that Villa stay up.
However, that hasn't put Manchester United off. Not yet.