Home Saka getting closer & Mount to return? Recap Premier League team news & manager quotes

Saka getting closer & Mount to return? Recap Premier League team news & manager quotes

· March 15, 2025 · 0 Comment
  2. Image source, Getty Images
  3. This live page has finished updating. We have covered a lot of ground and heard from several managers this afternoon. Here are some of the best lines summed up for you:
  • Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim says “just five minutes of Mason Mount [playing] is perfect”
  • Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says Robert Sanchez will be in goal this weekend
  • Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta says he is “very proud” of Myles Lewis-Skelly for getting his first England call-up
  • Newcastle boss says this League Cup final feels “very different” to the one they lost to Manchester United two years ago
  • Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says the club “have to reach the highest possible level to qualify for Europe”
  • Everton manager David Moyes says it is a “difficult situation” coming up against former side West Ham
  1. We will be back on Monday with all the reaction from the men and women’s League Cup finals and the Premier League action from this weekend. Remember you can keep up to date on all the action on the BBC Sport website.
  2. BBC Radio 5 Live will also be bringing you live coverage of the games. You can click here for more information on that.
  3. See you soon and have a good weekend.
  6. Image source, Getty Images
  7. Brighton’sTariq Lamptey is back after suspension.
  8. Wolves’ Vitor Pereira has said Marshall Munetsi is “okay” for this weekend.
  9. Bournemouth’sIllia Zabarnyi has returned from suspension.
  10. West Ham boss David Moyes he hopes Armando Broja will be on the bench
  11. Tottenham’sRodrigo Bentancur is available for selection after being suspended.
  12. Fulham manager Marco Silva says Adama Traore will be available this weekend.
  15. Image source, Getty Images
  16. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler says Lewis Dunk, Matt O’Riley and Joel Veltman are unavailable.
  17. Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim says Kobbie Mainoo is out.
  18. Southampton boss Ivan Juric confirmed Jan Bednarek and Will Smallbone are unavailable.
  19. Kevin Danso, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison remain sidelined through injury for Tottenham.
  20. Fulham’s Sasa Lukic is suspended after picking up ten yellow cards.
  21. Chelsea’sNico Jackson and Noni Madueke remain out.
  22. Wolves’ Matheus Cunha is suspended.
  23. And away from the Premier League, for the League Cup final Liverpool boss Arne Slot confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold is unavailable.
  24. For Newcastle only Lewis Hall and Sven Botman are not up for selection.
  27. There is a huge League Cup final on Sunday but there are also plenty of Premier League matches taking place this weekend. Here are the games fans have coming up (all times in GMT):
  28. Saturday, 15 March
  29. Everton v West Ham, 15:00
  30. Southampton v Wolves, 15:00
  31. Ipswich Town v Nottingham Forest, 15:00
  32. Manchester City v Brighton, 15:00
  33. Bournemouth v Brentford, 17:30
  34. Sunday, 16 March
  35. Arsenal v Chelsea, 13:30
  36. Fulham v Tottenham, 13:30
  37. Leicester City v Manchester United, 19:00
  39. Fulham v Tottenham (Sun, 13:30 GMT)
  40. Tottenham Hotspur
  41. Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou said his squad is looking “pretty good” before the trip to Craven Cottage on Sunday.
  42. He said: “Nothing (to report) from last night. Everyone got through it well,” he said on Thursday’s Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar.”
  43. Rodrigo Bentancur is available for selection after being suspended on Thursday, while Fraser Forster, Antonin Kinsky, Sergio Reguilon and Timo Werner are also all back after being ineligible in Europe.
  44. Kevin Danso, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison remain sidelined through injury.
  46. Fulham v Tottenham (Sun, 13:30 GMT)
  47. Tottenham Hotspur
  48. Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou on whether Spurs are returning to playing in the style he wants: “I think so. That’s coincided with a couple of significant things.
  49. “One is getting some players back and also the ability to rotate the team and keep the team fresh.
  50. “I thought we saw evidence of that last night because our pressing was a lot better. That’s because players like Sonny [Son] and Madders [Maddison] didn’t play 90 at the weekend and we’ve got guys coming back into the team who help us with those kind of things.
  51. “I think Dom [Solanke] is a massive part of our press because of the way he works in that number nine position, we don’t have anyone else who is like him really.
  52. “Then, we’re getting our good ball players on the ball and looking shard in the final third. Great to get Wilson [Odebert] in there.
  53. “Those things help us play the football we want to play and hopefully we can do it more consistently now.”
  55. Everton v West Ham (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
  56. Everton
  57. Image source, Getty Images
  58. A final word from Everton manager David Moyes on facing his old club West Ham United: “I left a club that I really enjoyed and I had a great time at. After winning the European trophy and coming back – to see what the east end of London was like was fantastic.
  59. “To be fair, I haven’t brought all the players into West Ham but the bulk of them were probably on my watch so I have a lot of close bonds with the players there. It will be great to see them all but a really difficult situation to be coming up against them.”
  61. Everton v West Ham (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
  62. Everton
  63. Everton manager David Moyes on team news: “Armando [Broja] is in and around it. It’s a bit like Youssef Chermiti and Seamus Coleman. They’ve had another 5/6 days training whereas Broja is just back amongst it so he’s getting closer. Hopefully we will be able to get him on the bench for tomorrow’s game.”
  65. Everton v West Ham (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
  66. Everton
  67. Everton manager David Moyes on Jarrad Branthwaite not receiving an England call-up: “I don’t pick the England squad so I can only say that if you’re looking across the last six/seven weeks then Jarrad Branthwaite would be up there playing as well as any English centre-back in the country, that’s for sure.
  68. “But, the big thing he needs to do is go and play for England under-21s and be the best player again and get selected for the big team. That is the instructions that I will be giving him. Lee Carsley will pass good information back to the manager and hopefully that will get him back in the big squad.
  69. “He doesn’t need picking up because he’s a young centre-back in the early stages of his career. He has to learn his trade, keep improving and I’ve told him to go and play really well for the Under-21s and show Thomas [Tuchel] that he should have taken him into the squad.”
  72. The announcement of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad dominated the news earlier today.
  73. We may have moved away from that now but we had a big live on that earlier on which you can recap here.
  74. However, sticking with that theme for a moment, Everton manager David Moyes’ news conference today started with a question on the omission of Jarrad Branthwaite.
  76. Southampton v Wolves (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
  77. Wolverhampton Wanderers
  78. Wolves boss Vitor Pereira said midfielder Marshall Munetsi is “ok for the game.”
  79. He added: “He’s training with the team, it means that he is ready to help.”
  80. Pereira said there are no other injury concerns.
  81. On the importance of having a full squad, besides Matheus Cunha who is suspended: “Very important. We have more solutions and we can do something from the bench. This is important for us.”
  83. Southampton v Wolves (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
  84. Southampton
  85. Southampton boss Ivan Juric has updated fans with team news: “[Jan] Bednarek won’t be at the game because the protocol is very strict. “He hasn’t recovered as quick as I hoped, as you have to be good every day for protocol. It was Tuesday and he didn’t feel good. In England they are really strict.”
  86. Southampton will also be without Will Smallbone, who has a groin injury.
  88. Ipswich v Nottingham Forest
  89. Ipswich Town
  90. Ipswich Town boss Kieran Mckenna has given a fitness update ahead of Saturday’s game against Nottingham Forest.
  91. “All came through [Crystal Palace game] ok, so that’s a positive. Nothing new so it’s been a better week from that perspective.
  92. “Sammi Szmodics has had his surgery, but that’s already been published. Conor Chaplin isn’t training with the group yet as he’s had to take a slightly different course of treatment, but we are hopeful he will be back after the international break.”
  94. Fulham v Tottenham (Sun, 13:30 GMT)
  95. Fulham
  96. Fulham boss Marco Silva confirmed Adama Traore will be available for selection after missing the defeat to Brighton with a knock:
  97. “Adama is going to be back. [He has] not [had a] full week with the team but the past few days he has been slowly integrated into everything we have been doing.
  98. “We have have another session tomorrow so probably he will be in contention for the game.”
  99. Silva added that “all the other long term injuries are going to be the same” and confirmed Sasa Lukic is still suspended after picking up ten yellow cards.
  101. Bournemouth v Brentford (Sat, 17:30 GMT)
  102. Bournemouth
  103. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola on the fact they are three Premier League games without a win: “I think we’re in a good moment, the worst game [Wolves] was different because we had 10 players.
  104. “Brighton and Spurs we played very good games against good opposition – we only got one point, but we kept the same level of performance. To win games we have to change things but I think we’re in a good moment.”
  105. On his own future: “I’m very happy – I’ve said it a lot of times.”
  107. Bournemouth v Brentford (Sat, 17:30 GMT)
  108. Bournemouth
  109. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has given an update on team news ahead of their game with Brentford on Saturday evening, Julian Araujo and Marcos Senesi both haven’t played since November.
  110. “Julian,and Marcos have been cleared to train with us.
  111. “They’ve been to Finland to see the surgeon, they are doing well and they have started training with us.
  112. “It’s now going to be a matter of the feelings, the shape and when we think they are ready to play with the team – both are on the right path.”
  113. On Illia Zabarnyi who has returned from his suspension: “It’s really nice for me to have the options.
  114. “The team has done well without him but it is always an extra to have a player like Zaba.
  115. “I hope for him, it’s been some rest that he normally never gets, and that it has been good for him.”
  118. Nick Mashiter
  119. BBC Sport football news reporter
  120. Despite Palace’s letter, the commission – which agreed the three-match ban was insufficient – questioned the FA’s reliance on it.
  121. The commission felt the letter did not help them and it needed to be treated with “considerable caution”.
  122. It wrote: “The hyperbole within CPFC letter does not assist the Commission in assessing the evidence in an unemotional, rational and impartial manner, as “the vast majority of the CPFC letter must be treated with considerable caution as an exaggerated and partial account of events.
  123. “The FA’s reliance of the CPFC letter is, therefore, somewhat troubling.”
  126. Nick Mashiter
  127. BBC Sport football news reporter
  128. Crystal Palace accused Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts of injuring Jean-Philippe Mateta with “the most extreme and violent force”, it has been revealed.
  129. The 30-year-old was banned for six games after he was sent off eight minutes into his side’s 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round defeat at Selhurst Park for kicking Mateta in the head as he rushed out of goal.
  130. In the written reasons in relation to the Football Association’s appeal to increase Roberts’ initial three-match ban, the Premier League club submitted an emotional letter to FA which was viewed by the regulatory commission overseeing the case.
  131. Part of it read: “LR [Roberts] was fully aware of JPM [Mateta]; had time to pull out of the challenge but proceeded “with the most extreme and violent force he could possibly have mustered.”
  132. Palace’s French striker was given oxygen before being taken to hospital and needed 25 stitches for a severe laceration to his left ear.
  134. Leicester v Man Utd (Sun, 19:00 GMT)
  135. Manchester United
  136. The Europa League, and winning it, now represents Manchester United’s best chance of securing Champions League football next season.
  137. But there will also be pressure on Ruben Amorim to improve the club’s league position, with United 14th with 10 games to go.
  138. “Everything is important. And we need to continue with this feeling that we can win games and then games after games. It doesn’t matter what rest or the times to prepare the next game, we can do it and showed it against Arsenal,” said Amorim.
  139. “We have to be humble and forget the table and face Leicester like we faced Real Sociedad. We just need to win to improve our position in the table and the most important thing is continuing with this feeling of winning and that we are improving as a team.”
  141. Leicester v Man Utd (Sun, 19:00 GMT)
  142. Manchester United
  143. Asked about how he will balance selection for the rest of the season, with Manchester United still competing for the Europa League, Ruben Amorim said: “With different competitions we have to rotate because are risking a little bit, for example Casemiro was so tired.
  144. “We didn’t want to risk [Manuel] Ugarte and that was a decision and he wanted to stay here. Mason Mount is going to return really slowly. Kobbie maybe will return in a few weeks, I am not sure. Harry Maguire we tried not to risk, we will see for Sunday. We need all the players.
  145. “Against Lyon it is going to be a different type of game, the physicality is more demanding in that aspect and we have a lot of difficult games in the Premier League.”

Page 2

  1. Leicester v Man Utd (Sun, 19:00 GMT)
  2. Manchester United
  3. Image source, Getty Images
  4. Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says Mason Mount could make the bench on Sunday as he recovers from his latest injury setback.
  5. “I really love Mason Mount. I see him and know how he suffered. I know how he does everything right – he eats right, his physical aspect is perfect. He’s trying too much. Maybe he is thinking too much about everything,” said Amorim.
  6. “He was European champion, he is a talent. When a player does everything like he does, he will always have the support of everybody here at the club. We will try to manage the load. You saw players who had a lot of problems in time but they can then stay fit and I believe a lot in Mason Mount.
  7. “We need players like Mason Mount. I think he will be on the bench, we will see. We need him and every player. If he is fit I will take him. He cannot play too many minutes but just five minutes of Mason Mount is perfect. “
  10. Down at the other end of the table…
  11. Time is beginning to run out for Ipswich Town and Leicester City to bridge the gap to Wolves in their fight for survival.
  12. Ipswich host high-flying Nottingham Forest on Saturday, at the same time that Wolves travel to bottom side Southampton. Leicester host Manchester United on Sunday.
  13. Manchester United and Tottenham will both be looking to edge closer to the top half, while Everton and West Ham go head-to-head.
  16. Chelsea v Arsenal (Sun, 13:30 GMT)
  17. Chelsea
  18. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca started Filip Jorgensen in goal in the Europa League on Thursday but confirmed Robert Sanchez will return to the starting line-up for the trip to Arsenal.
  19. “Yes, it will be Robert [Sanchez] playing against Arsenal. Since we started, the idea was not to change the keeper but we have had to be flexible with our game plan since arriving.
  20. “We do this with the way we want to attack and defend – but we must also do this with players.
  21. “I think Robert needs some days off, or at least a rest mentally, now he is back we hope not to change until the end but I also am happy with both keepers.”
  23. Arsenal v Chelsea (Sun, 13:30 GMT)
  24. Chelsea
  25. And in the blue corner… Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been discussing his team news and, first, how much his side have missed Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia.
  26. “Absolutely [we have missed them. Yes, absolutely. It is not an excuse, it is a reality. It is the same for all the clubs when you lose some important players. In one moment of the season, we lost three players who scored the most goals,” Maresca said.
  27. “Nico [Jackson], Noni [Madueke] [are lost] to injuries and Cole [Palmer] at the moment struggles to score goals.
  28. “At the moment, we are in the last four or five weeks and the three guys who score goals for us – two are not available – and one is available and a bit unlucky and missing goals but there are other players that are doing well.”
  29. On when Jackson and Madueke might return, Marseca said: “We hope after the international break”.
  31. Arsenal v Chelsea (Sun, 13:30 GMT)
  32. Arsenal
  33. And good news, Arsenal fans. Bukayo Saka is “getting closer” to returning from injury.
  34. “He is getting closer. He is making very good progress I would say. So let’s see how he reacts when we throw him in with the team and how fit he can get,” Arteta said.
  35. On Ben White’s progress following his injury return, Arteta added: “He has been involved for the last two weeks almost and his knee is not reacting so that is very positive.
  36. “Ben is a really important players for us, he brings something very different to the team dynamic and I am thrilled to have him.”
  38. Arsenal v Chelsea (Sun, 13:30 GMT)
  39. Arsenal
  40. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke on a wide range of topics, including:
  • He said he is “proud” of Myles Lewis-Skelly for first England call-up. “It is a huge moment for him and the club as well. Our graduates getting the call for England is a massive thing so I am very happy,” Arteta said
  • Arteta also confirmed England and Ben White have had “positive conversations” as the defender eyes a future return to the Three lions squad
  • He called the Champions League draw “fascinating” and he is “very excited” to play Real Madrid in the quarter-finals
  • Arteta also said it is “very important” for Arsenal to have a strong contingent of England players
  2. Arsenal v Chelsea (Sunday, 13:30 GMT)
  3. The big fixture of the weekend sees second and fourth meet at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon, when Arsenal host Chelsea.
  4. The Gunners’ title hopes appear all but over, with Liverpool 15 points clear at the summit and just 10 games remaining for Mikel Arteta’s side to make that up.
  5. Chelsea begin the weekend two points behind third-placed Nottingham Forest – who face Ipswich – and two points above Manchester City.
  7. Manchester City v Brighton (Saturday, 15:00 GMT)
  8. Brighton & Hove Albion
  9. Brighton will have the opportunity to replace Manchester City in the Premier League’s top five with victory over Pep Guardiola’s side on Saturday.
  10. Manager Fabian Hurzeler says he is embracing the pressure as his side chase the Champions League places.
  11. “Honestly, I love pressure. So, I always find a way to deal with it. I never feel pressure from the owner or from outside [influences] because I put it on myself. In the end, but the biggest pressure I put on myself because I’m the most demanding person,” Hurzeler said.
  12. “I want the best for the club, which is success. We do this by our daily behaviour, pushing our limits every day and getting the best out of the group. And then we will see where we end in our season.”
  14. Manchester City v Brighton (Saturday, 15:00 GMT)
  15. Brighton & Hove Albion
  16. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has offered a team news update before his side take on Manchester City on Saturday.
  17. He says that Lewis Dunk is out but is “getting closer”, with hopes he will be able to play against Nottingham Forest after the international break.
  18. Other good news for the Seagulls is Tariq Lamptey is available after suspension.
  19. However, Matt O’Riley and Joel Veltman are both out.
  21. Man City v Brighton (Saturday, 15:00 GMT)
  22. Manchester City
  23. Finally from Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City boss was asked about Jack Grealish, who was benched last week and has been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
  24. “I don’t know. I want the best for him. I cannot judge the reasons why he was left out by the England manager,” said Guardiola.
  25. On whether Grealish is proving himself in training to get more game time: “Yeah.”
  27. Man City v Brighton (Saturday, 15:00 GMT)
  28. Manchester City
  29. One positive of Manchester City’s early Champions League exit – if there can be one – is that pep Guardiola’s side have had the luxury of a full week to focus on training.
  30. But Guardiola doesn’t think that makes much difference, based on last weekend’s result.
  31. “We had it last week against Nottingham Forest and we didn’t win,” Guardiola said.
  32. “We have to prove we can do it without playing every couple of days.”
  34. Man City v Brighton (Saturday, 15:00 GMT)
  35. Manchester City
  36. It is another significant game for Manchester City this weekend as Pep Guardiola’s side look to keep hold of a Champions League place.
  37. But that won’t be easy against a Brighton side with six consecutive wins in their last six games in all competitions to climb into contention.
  38. “Brighton are one of the best clubs in terms of work on and off the pitch. Exceptional young manager, who is doing incredible things,” Guardiola said of Brighton.
  39. “It’s not a surprise because they are doing really well in the market and in the way they play.
  40. “It’s not a secret. In the table, they deserve to be there.”
  42. Man City v Brighton (Saturday, 15:00 GMT)
  43. Manchester City
  44. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been discussing his side’s situation, after they appeared to show signs of improvement before losing to Nottingham Forest last time out.
  45. “We have to reach the highest possible level to qualify for Europe next season. We have to be consistent as possible,” Guardiola said.
  46. “There are 10 games left, six at home and four away. They are tough games at home and we have to do better because there are many teams with the same target as us.
  47. “We are not like we were. When we don’t win it’s fine because I like to deserve to win and for success and last week [against Nottingham Forest] we didn’t deserve it.”
  49. Man City v Brighton (Saturday, 15:00 GMT)
  50. Let’s get stuck into the weekend’s Premier League action, shall we?
  51. Manchester City have a fight on their hands to secure Champions League football next season after losing to Nottingham Forest last weekend.
  52. Pep Guardiola’s side begin the weekend in fifth – which is expected to provide the final Champions league spot in the Premier League this campaign – before facing seventh-place Brighton, who are just a point behind them.
  53. That really is a big one in the battle for European football, as is Sunday’s showdown between Arsenal and Chelsea.
  56. Chelsea v Man City (Sat, 12:15 GMT)
  57. Image source, Getty Images
  58. When Chelsea face Manchester City in the Women’s League Cup final on Saturday, it will be the start of a 12-day battle, with the sides playing each other four times in a row.
  59. They will go head-to-head in three competitions.
  60. The season’s first piece of silverware will be won at Derby’s Pride Park (12:15 GMT kick-off), before a two-legged quarter-final showdown in the Women’s Champions League, with a league meeting sandwiched in between.
  61. Chelsea are used to playing against City for silverware, having faced them in both domestic cup finals in 2022. They have been rivals in the Women’s Super League too with Chelsea pipping City to the title last season on goal difference.
  63. Chelsea v Man City (Saturday, 12:15 GMT)
  64. Image source, Getty Images
  65. The Women’s League Cup final will take place on Saturday and it will see two of English football’s greatest rivals battle it out.
  66. Chelsea and Manchester City have been in some incredible matches against one another in recent seasons and tomorrow promises to be no different.
  67. City will be hoping the new manager bounce aids them. Boss Gareth Taylor was sacked earlier this week with former manager Nick Cushing taking interim charge.
  68. And Chelsea have added motivation as they still remain unbeaten across all competitions so far this season. They have won all but two games and those two draws came against Leicester and Brighton in the Women’s Super League.
  70. Liverpool v Newcastle United (Sunday, 16:30 GMT)
  71. Newcastle United
  72. Image source, Getty Images
  73. Also speaking to the media this morning, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes was asked what his message to the fans was before the final: “It is a good opportunity. We feel the same as them, we just want to make the fans happy.
  74. “We know football sometimes can affect you in every way but my message is to stay positive. We are going to do our best to get this trophy back to the city.”
  75. And on how the team has changed from two years ago when they were last in the League Cup final: “I feel we have more confidence. When we have made a final before, we knew have more experience. We have changed some players but the base is still there. We are in our best moment.
  76. “Hopefully we can go there and play our best football because on our best day I think we are really a great team.”
  78. Liverpool v Newcastle United (Sunday, 16:30 GMT)
  79. Newcastle United and Liverpool have had contrasting fortunes at Wembley. One side has been immensely successful, and the other not so much.
  80. The Magpies have lost five major domestic cup finals (2x league cup and 3x FA Cup) since they last won a major domestic trophy in 1955 against Manchester City.
  81. Conversely, the Red have enjoyed a lot of success at Wembley as they are participating in their 15th League Cup final, winning 10 and losing on four occasions.
  82. Image source, Getty Images
  84. Liverpool v Newcastle (Sunday, 16:30 GMT)
  85. Newcastle United
  86. Image source, Getty Images
  87. Two years ago, Newcastle fell agonisingly short in their bid to end the club’s wait for a trophy, losing 2-0 to Manchester United at Wembley.
  88. On how he is feeling before this final, Eddie Howe said: “I am feeling very good thanks. I think it does feel different [from two years ago].
  89. “I think the whole thing this season has felt different in the sense that I think we have gone about our business in a really calm, controlled way.
  90. “We have had a really tough run of fixtures in the Carabao Cup. I think to attack those games in the way that we did and in the midst of a busy campaign with Premier League, FA Cup, we have gone from round to round. Now we have ended up in the final.
  91. “There has been a lot less emotion, a lot less noise outside of in here. Hopefully that helps us in the performance of the game.”
  93. Liverpool v Newcastle United (Sunday, 16:30 GMT)
  94. Newcastle United
  95. Image source, Getty Images
  96. There had been some concern over Alexander Isak’s availability in recent weeks, but the Newcastle striker has dismissed any fears surrounding his fitness.
  97. “I feel good. It’s probably been put out a bit more dramatic than it has been. I haven’t been injured, I’ve just had a little bit of tightness which can be normal when you play a lot of games. But I feel good and I am really excited for the game,” Isak told the media.
  98. On what his training has been like: “I think the best way to prepare is to train as normal, be a part of the team and just train every day like you are fully fit which I am.”
  99. And on if Liverpool being knocked out of the Champions League will affect the Reds: “I think every game will affect you in some way but we can’t know or speculate too much about whether it is going to be positive or negative. I think it will come down to what we do as a team, that is what we have to focus on and that is what will be the difference.”

Page 3

  1. Liverpool v Newcastle United (Sunday, 16:30 GMT)
  2. Newcastle United
  3. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe gave an update on his team news, with Lewis Hall and Sven Botman already ruled out with injuries.
  4. “Lewis Hall and Sven Botman are recovering after their operations, Anthony [Gordon] is suspended, but apart from that we hope to have the full squad.”
  5. On Dan Burn not being able to celebrate as he usually would if Newcatle do win on Sunday, given he is now heading to the England camp, How added: “This is separate from a cup final, this is just a great moment for Dan and for Newcastle.
  6. “The cup final is of course all we are thinking about right now.”
  8. Liverpool v Newcastle United (Sunday, 16:30 GMT)
  9. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are hoping to go one better than their Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester United two years ago.
  10. It has been 56 years since Newcastle won a major trophy – and they could hardly be facing tougher opposition as they seek to end that wait on Sunday, against runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool.
  12. Liverpool v Newcastle United (Sunday, 16:30 GMT)
  13. Liverpool
  14. Liverpool boss Arne Slot was also asked about the reaction to the defeat to the midweek Champions League defeat to Paris St-Germain and, in particular, about Darwin Nunez’s saved penalty.
  15. “He missed and that’s not what you want but I don’t want to make anything more out of it than just missing a penalty,” said Slot.
  16. Curtis Jones was the other Liverpool player whose penalty was saved as PSG progressed through to the quarterfinals of Europe’s premier club competition.
  18. Liverpool v Newcastle United (Sunday, 16:30 GMT)
  19. Liverpool boss Arne Slot was also asked about Virgil Van Dijk’s contact situation.
  20. Unsurprisingly, the Reds boss is keen to keep the Dutch centre-back.
  21. “The only thing I know is that I want Virgil to be here next season and all the rest is talks about contract – that’s not what I do over here,” Slot said.
  22. It’s not just Van Dijk’s contract that expires this summer, of course, with the future of both Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold also uncertain despite time running out to strike a deal.
  23. Image source, Getty Images
  25. Liverpool v Newcastle United (Sunday, 16:30 GMT)
  26. Liverpool
  27. The headline team news from Liverpool’s perspective is that Trent Alexander-Arnold will definitely miss the cup final because of injury.
  28. “Trent is indeed not available but he is still to be assessed for how long its going to take. But we do expect him back before the end of the season,” Slot said.
  29. The Reds manager also spoke about the availability of Ibrahim Konate for the showpiece event in Wembley. Slot said: “I expect him to train with us today but let’s see how he is.”
  31. Liverpool v Newcastle United (Sunday, 16:30 GMT)
  32. Also on Sunday, the first piece of domestic silverware is on the line when Liverpool meet Newcastle United at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final.
  33. And that is where we will begin, with both Arne Slot and Eddie Howe speaking to the media this morning.
  34. Image source, Getty Images
  37. Here’s what’s coming up in the Premier League this weekend (all times GMT unless stated):
  38. Saturday
  • Everton v West Ham
  • Ipswich v Nottingham Forest
  • Man City v Brighton
  • Southampton v Wolves
  • Bournemouth v Brentford (17:30)
  1. Sunday
  • Arsenal v Chelsea (13:30)
  • Fulham v Tottenham (13:30)
  • Leicester City v Man Utd (19:00)
  3. Yes, over here!
  4. You know what they say. When one live text closes, another one opens.
  5. After a busy, England-focused start to Friday following Thomas Tuchel’s first squad announcement, we’re starting afresh with a dedicated page hoovering up all today’s Premier League manager news conferences.
  6. We will be hearing from several managers before their games this weekend – including the Carabao Cup final.
  7. Some bosses have already been speaking, so let’s get stuck in.

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