Chelsea into FA Cup quarters
Chelsea will play Everton in the last eight of the FA Cup after they thrashed an inexperienced Manchester City 5-1 side at Stamford Bridge yesterday.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini picked six teenagers in his starting line-up, five of whom were making their full debuts, as he effectively sacrificed his side’s place in the competition to ensure his first team regulars were rested before Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Dynamo Kyiv.
West Ham Unitedare also through after they beat Blackburn Rovers 5-1 at Ewood Park, Dimitri Payet delivering another brilliant individual performance for Slaven Bilic's side. They will play the winners of tonight's game between Shrewsbury Town and Manchester United in the next round.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace will face Reading after beating Spurs 1-0 at White Hart Lane, while Arsenal or Hull will play Watford.
Allianz League hurling
Kilkenny struck twice late at the death to deny Tipperary a memorable victory in their Allianz League Division 1A tie at Nowlan Park yesterday, Kevin Kelly's goals in the 67th and 72nd minute sealing the points for Brian Cody's men.
Meanwhile in Division 1B Clare beat Wexford 1-11 to 0-18, Limerick saw off Kerry 1-19 to 1-15 and Offaly beat Laois 1-17 to 0-15.
McIlroy’s challenge fades at Riviera
Bubba Watson was victorious in the Northern Trust Open as Rory McIlroy saw his challenge unravel in the final round at Riviera. The world number three made a strong start with an eagle on his opening hole, before seven bogeys saw him post a 75and finish tied for 20th place.
Tipping Point
Victoria Pendleton fell on her racecourse debut over fences last Friday, and in today's Tipping Point column Brian O'Connor has looked at her 'Switching Saddles' attempt.
He writes: “Right now, though, there’s a fair chance that a good chunk of the Cheltenham 2016 narrative won’t revolve around Ruby Walsh or Barry Geraghty, Vautour or Cue Card, but the will-she-won’t-she tale of a former cyclist with a history of falling off and who the public kind of know.
Investigating ‘3G’ pitches
The rubber infill used on artificial ‘3G’ pitches has come under scrutiny following claims the surfaces are carcinogenic, and is being considered b y the EU as a product that should fall under restrictive legislation.
Johnny Watterson has investigated the issue and whether or not the fears over synthetic pitches are grounded or not.
What to watch out for:
Football
Manchester Uniyed travel to play Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup with a home fixture against West Ham awaiting the winners. (BT Sport 2, 7.45pm ko)
