LiveScore Daily: Neville fears fans 'will not like' City hearing date

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

Nev's City fear

Gary Neville is concerned the date of Manchester City's hearing for 115 alleged financial breaches is still not public knowledge because supporters are "not going to like it".

The English champions' ongoing case is back in the spotlight after Everton and Nottingham Forest received fresh charges in relation to Profit and Sustainability rules earlier this week.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Overlap podcast, the ex-Manchester United full-back speculated that City's day of reckoning could still be some time away.

Neville said: "That's the big elephant in the room, that City's charges haven't been brought forward. 

"Accepting that it's a lot more complex, I was uncomfortable that [Premier League chief executive] Richard Masters said there has been a date set [for a hearing], but he couldn't reveal when it was. 

"This told me that — and I might be wrong — we're not going to like the date, it's maybe going to be in the summer, beyond this season.

"It's in the interest of Manchester City, and everybody, to bring that case forward, accelerate the process and do it quicker. 

"It can't go on and it's damaging to the Premier League."

Trust the process

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is confident the Blues will be back challenging for top honours in the coming seasons.

Argentine international Fernandez, 23, has been one of the shining lights of Mauricio Pochettino's side, who have struggled for consistency this term.

But the midfielder is certain brighter days lie ahead once a raft of recent arrivals fully settle at Stamford Bridge — just like he has now managed to do.

Speaking to ESPN, World Cup winner Fernandez said: "We need time, it's a process with a lot of new players.

"The group came together this year, so it isn't easy to quickly find a good way of playing. But we are doing all we can to find that style as quickly as possible.

"Personally, the first few months were difficult for me with the language, the culture, the weather. But now, as 2024 starts, it's better and I'm very happy."

Cup romance

Nuno Espirito Santo gushed over the magic of the FA Cup after seeing Nottingham Forest edge past League One Blackpool 3-2 at Bloomfield Road.

The Premier League outfit had already fought back from 2-0 down at home to earn a replay and there was no let-up from Neil Critchley's underdogs in the second encounter.

This time, it was the third-tier side who wiped out a two-goal deficit to force extra-time before New Zealand international Chris Wood's strike finally settled a dramatic tie.

A delighted Nuno said: "This is the FA Cup and that's why it is so special. It allows every team to show, play and fight. 

"We had our problems but all credit to Blackpool. This is why I love the FA Cup. It is very special and we have to go for it. 

"At the beginning of the second half I thought the game was over, we made mistakes and that allowed Blackpool to get back into the game — but in extra-time we showed we deserved to win."

Forest will face lower-league opposition again in round four when travelling to Bristol City, who knocked out Premier League side West Ham.

Showing their steel

Sean Dyche hailed Everton's character after Andre Gomes' sublime free-kick helped the Toffees to a narrow FA Cup win over Crystal Palace.

The result lifted spirits at Goodison Park following another challenging week which has seen more charges levelled at the Merseysiders by the Premier League for alleged financial breaches.

Dyche confessed: "These bits of news coming out are tough. Tough for the Evertonians, tough for the club and tough for myself and the team. 

"The mentality has been resolute all season I think, the way the players are going about it. 

"Without finding true fluid play tonight, we still looked solid, energised and found a way to win the game, which is important. 

"In the second half, there was more purpose to our play which was pleasing."