Super Bowl 2018 LIVE
This match promises to be everything neutral fans will be hoping for. There are many storylines attached to this game but none more so than it being a re-match from the Super Bowl XXXIX.
The Eagles were left broken-hearted back then by a young Tom Brady-led Patriots side and the 2017 NFL MVP winner is aiming to lift his sixth Vince Lombardi trophy this evening.
For the Eagles, they will be looking for revenge from the defeat in 2005 and their first ever title.
Nick Foles has stepped up admirably in the absence of Carson Wentz at quarterback and Philadelphia have embraced their ‘underdogs’ tag in the postseason.
New England are the heavy favourites heading into the match but as Super Bowls in years gone by have proven, not everything goes according to the script.
Express Sport takes you through the evening to bring you live scores and updates from tonight’s game
Almost there
23:15: We’re just minutes away from kick-off here and the teams have been officially introduced to the crowd.
And it’s clear who the majority of the crowd want to win.
Philadelphia get a rousing reception as they make their way to the field and the Patriots are roundly booed. If the Eagles get the first touchdown that place could be rocking.
Tom Brady throwing hand?
23:10: Tom Brady was not sure last week what condition his throwing hand would be in for today’s Super Bowl but, from first glance, he looks in good nick.
He wore a strip of tape throughout the AFC Championship Game after cutting his hand prior to the game against the Jaguars.
He required 12 stitches in his hand, but in the pre-game warm-ups tonight he wasn’t wearing any protective tape on his right hand.
23:00: We have Michael Ham out in Minneapolis for tonight’s match and by the sounds of it lets hope he is wrapped up!
MICHAEL HAM in Minneapolis
Well, it’s a beautiful but FREEZING cold day here in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The temperature outside is -16C with not a cloud in the sky.
I’ve battled my way through the seemingly endless security checks, am inside the US Bank Stadium and in my seat with what will be a great view of the game from the press box.
Although there are no clouds in the sky, there is some snow, with huge blocks of it still on top of the reinforced but see-through parts of the roof from yesterday’s blizzard.
There are far more Philadelphia Eagles fans in the stadium so far and they are in GREAT voice too, with chants of ‘E, A, G, L, E, S, EAGLES!’ echoing around the stadium here every couple of minutes or so.
And despite this being an indoor stadium, we’ve been informed there will still by a flyover from the US military before kick-off.
Donald Trump has spoken
22:45: US president Donald Trump has issued a statement reinstating the White House’s stance against NFL players protesting against police brutality and racial injustice.
Trump caused uproar up and down the league earlier in the regular season, suggesting players should be “fired” for kneeling during the national anthem.
“Though many of our nation’s service members are unable to be home with family and friends to enjoy this evening’s American tradition, they are always in our thoughts and prayers,” Trump’s statement read.
“We owe these heroes the greatest respect for defending our liberty and our American way of life. Their sacrifice is stitched into each star and every stripe of our Star-Spangled Banner. We hold them in our hearts and thank them for our freedom as we proudly stand for the national anthem.”
How to watch Super Bowl LII
22:30: You’ve got the food, got the drinks ready; now you just need to know what channel to watch the Super Bowl on.
For NFL fans staying up late in the UK you have a choice of three channels to catch the action.
BBC One will be airing the game live from 11.15pm with commentary from Mark Chapman, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Bell.
But for those wanting to get started early, you can turn to Sky Sports Action with the coverage starting from 10pm and will also be available on Sky Sports Main Event from 11pm.
IT’S HERE
22:15: After a pulsating postseason which saw some historic moments including the ‘Miracle in Minneapolis’ and the Titans’ comeback against Kansas City among others, we finally have our final two teams fighting it out for the Vince Lombardi trophy.
New England against Philadelphia immediately draws NFL fans back to Super Bowl XXXIX which proved to be a thrilling encounter. Terrell Owens returned from a broken leg to put in an inspired performance for the Eagles, catching nine passes for 122 yards.
But the Eagles were unable to fight back from 24-14 down, eventually losing 24-21.
The Patriots were strong favourites heading into that match and led by Tom Brady, swiftly after being named the 2017 NFL MVP, they are odds-on to win a record-equalling sixth Super Bowl.
Find out everything you need to know on how to watch the action live here
