Right well this has been fun but I’m sure we will all meet again someday soon. Enjoy the action this weekend...
It’s been a busy old day for some clubs, Bolton especially. Let’s hope that can all be resolved as quickly as possible. Take care
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Previews! Previews! Not long to go now until the action begins with Everton against Burnley later on but here’s what you can expect from Cardiff’s game against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
More news from the Toon and it looks as if Rafael Benítez might be close to signing a new deal with Newcastle.
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But if you like real drama then the foot of League One is where it’s at this weekend.
Five teams could still technically be relegated, with Scunthorpe’s trip to Plymouth looking like the key fixture. Walsall go to Shrewsbury needing to win while Southend entertain Sunderland. AFC Wimbledon will be certain of safety if they can get a point at Bradford following a quite miraculous escape act under Wally Downes. Tune in at 5.30pm UK time on Saturday to find out what happens.
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There’s a whole heap going down on the final weekend of the regular season in the EFL and Frank Lampard’s Derby have a great chance to seal the final play-off spot if they can beat West Brom on Sunday.
Middlesbrough are one point behind and probably need to beat Rotherham to stand a chance, while Bristol City face Hull knowing they need both sides to lose if they are to snatch sixth place. But despite failing to seal the deal in midweek against Swansea, Lampard has been talking tough today.
“I loved big moments [as a player]. We have work to do and I know that the players will give everything. We have an opportunity,” he said.
“I liked to see the disappointment from the players [post-match at Swansea], because it shows that they are hungry to be successful.”
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It’s the opening day of the Under-17 Euro 2019 today over in Ireland and there are some interesting fixtures coming up.
Steve Cooper’s England face France later on but Belgium have just scored an equaliser against Czech Republic in the fifth minute of injury time. Scenes!
It’s Fiver time, which must mean it’s nearly time for the pub...
He was their hero yesterday against Valencia with two goals and it’s no surprise to see Alexandre Lacazette has been voted Arsenal’s player of the year.
Introducing our 2018/19 Player of the Season... Alex Lacazette! 🔥
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 3, 2019
Big congratulations, @LacazetteAlex 👏
Now there are plenty of people out there who would relish their failure but this epic from Donald McRae about Liverpool’s title challenge is well worth your time. Enjoy!
There’s some reports swirling around this afternoon that Manchester City are close to signing Bruno Fernandes from Sporting.
The Portugal midfielder has also been linked to Manchester United and is likely to cost around £30m. The race is also on for teenager João Félix of Benfica, with both Manchester clubs keen on the attacking midfielder.
Here’s the Neymar incident if you haven’t seen it by the way...
Neymar ainda teve tempo de dar um soco em um torcedor do Rennes pic.twitter.com/jQ83nPEEy0
— Marcelo Bechler (@marcelobechler) April 27, 2019
It’s fair to say he was provoked but you just can’t do that, son.
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PSG manager Thomas Tuchel has been speaking about Neymar’s possible ban for punching a fan after their Cup final defeat to Rennes last week.
A reminder that the Brazil forward could be banned for up to eight matches.
“It was not a reaction that we wanted,” he said. “It does not suit him, nor PSG. It was a big mistake. However, I would like that he shows who he really is more often. He is a fantastic guy with a big heart.”
Some good news for Fulham as Tom Cairney signs a new deal...
🤙😎@ThomasCairney has committed his long-term future to #FFC 🤝🖊️#AintNobody
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) May 3, 2019
An interesting email here from Michael, who asks what is going to happen to Bolton?
“Are their results going to be expunged, is there a points deduction coming for next season, or will they be kicked out of the EFL entirely? I follow Wanderers somewhat because I have relatives a ways back (early 19th century) who emigrated to America from Bolton, and I’m very curious as to what’s going to happen.”
Well Michael it looks as though they may be heading for administration if the Bassini deal falls through, which would most likely mean an automatic 10-point deduction that they will hope can be imposed this season rather than next. As it stands, their final fixture against Nottingham Forest on Sunday is expected to still take place despite everything going on behind the scenes, although what happens if that also has to be cancelled is anyone’s guess at the moment I’m afraid.
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After their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has been speaking to the BBC’s Gary Lineker and explaining his comments after the game that his players are “heroes” for the way they have performed this season.
“Normally the players are never happy - you know, we never were happy,” he said. “But the most important thing is that we are a family, we have this spirit. I feel so proud. They know me very well, they know that they can trust.
“That is why I said our players are heroes. Because they understand the circumstances of the club. The reality is that it’s difficult to compete with another club that are only focusing on improving the squad. Maybe I can wait [for a trophy] because, in my career, I am still young, but for the players it’s different.”
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has been speaking about the decision to award his side a 1-0 win over Bolton after the EFL ruled the game could not take place due to safety concerns.
“First and foremost, I feel sorry for the Bolton staff, fans and players because they are in a mess and it is not nice to be in a situation like that,” said Frank. “I hope, deep down, that they can turn it around and come out on the other side. Everyone is talking about our away form not being that good but we proved them wrong again! It is a good decision and I am pleased with the decision.”
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Meanwhile Rafael Benítez has given short shrift to any suggestion that he will be doing former side Liverpool any favours on Saturday evening.
Newcastle have been playing well of late and their manager is adamant they will be giving it everything, even it means depriving his old club of the chance to end their long wait for the title.
“I am very clear,” Benitez said. “We are professional. My relationship with Liverpool is there. But at the same time when I go to play against them with someone else, we have to do our job.
“Klopp would do the same in the same position. We have 52,000 fans and we want to do it. I have friends at Liverpool but also at Man City. I have a good relationship with both Guardiola and Klopp. I didn’t want to talk with anyone at any of those clubs this week in case you asked the question!”
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Some news from Arsenal now and the club has condemned the group of Valencia fans who appeared to make Nazi salutes and monkey gestures at Thursday’s Europa League semi-final at Emirates Stadium.
“It has no place in society or football,” said a spokesman. “We are working with Valencia on this and continue to encourage fans to report incidents and to provide witness statements so effective action can be taken.”
Thanks for stepping in Gregg, I’m back and it’s to Brighton we go next where Chris Hughton is holding court ahead of their match against Arsenal on Sunday.
Victory for the Seagulls would guarantee their Premier League status for next season but draw or defeat means it could go to the final day if Cardiff can overcome Crystal Palace tomorrow. And you can be sure Brighton won’t be expecting any favours from that.
“I certainly can’t tell you what will happen elsewhere,” said Hughton. “The only thing I can try to affect is our game at Arsenal. We will set ourselves up as normal to try to get a result.”
Asked if he would be watching the Cardff game tomorrow, he added: “Probably not, because all the focus has to be on us. We will be away in the hotel. Some might want to watch it. I prefer to focus on our game.”
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What are you going to do this summer when the season ends? I suspect I’ll be taking a stroll down to the flicks to watch this. I can’t wait:
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Some good news for Liverpool fans if their team beats Newcastle. Kevin De Bruyne has been ruled out of Manchester City’s game against Leicester on Monday, but Pep Guardiola says his side will approach it as though it is “a final” so don’t expect them to take their eye off the ball.
I am really impressed with [Leicester] in their last games. All we can do is focus on that. The players know it is an incredible task but it is a final for us. Brendan [Rodgers] has shown his incredible qualities as a manager. In two months they already play the way he wants them to play.
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Hello, Gregg Bakowski here while Ed grabs some food. You may think Xavi retired four years ago but he didn’t, you know. He’s been playing in Qatar but really does plan to hang up his playing boots for good at the end of this season. He says he plans to go into coaching too, so look out Pep! There may well be a new sheriff of possession football in town soon. Here’s what he had to say to AS:
What I have achieved in the last two decades has been a privilege. Therefore, I believe it is my duty to take the initiative of the field and return through football whenever possible. My philosophy as a coach reflects the style we developed for many years under the influence of Johan Cruyff and La Masia, and that has its greatest exponent in the way of playing football in Barcelona. I love seeing the teams take the initiative in the field, attack football and return to the essence of what we all love from our childhood days: possession football. During the next four weeks, I will tie my boots to play the last matches of an unforgettable race that has lasted for 21 years and has taken me all over the world.
For more on Xavi’s footballing philosophy read this brilliant interview by Sid Lowe from 2011: “Think quickly, look for spaces. That’s what I do: look for spaces. All day. I’m always looking. All day, all day.”
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Right I’m off for some lunch but will leave you in the capable hands of my colleagues for now.
Let’s hope nothing major happens while I’m away! See you soon.
Huddersfield’s Jan Siewert knows he has a monumental task on his hands if his side are to bounce back from their awful season but he is seeing the positives ahead of their meeting with Manchester United on Sunday.
“We are working on creating a winning philosophy,” he said. “It’s been a really tough season; it hurts me and it hurt them. We are trying to change the mental mindset.
Siewert added: “Nearly all our season cards are sold out - a big credit to our supporters and the club. Nearly sold out is incredible to be fair. “I am really looking forward to next season.”
Here’s the full statement from the EFL confirming Bolton v Brentford will not go ahead on Tuesday.
“Following the decision taken by Bolton Wanderers’ Safety Advisory Group (SAG) to issue a Prohibition Notice preventing Tuesday’s rearranged Sky Bet Championship fixture with Brentford from taking place, the EFL will not be asking that the game is played at a future date.
“There is no provision under EFL Regulations to direct Clubs to play at a later date than four days past the conclusion of the season and, as a result, it has been determined that Brentford will be awarded the three points on the basis of a 1-0 victory.
“As a consequence, Bolton Wanderers is now deemed to be guilty of misconduct by the EFL which will result in disciplinary proceedings against the Club being taken at an appropriate time.
“The decision to award the victory to Brentford is taken under Regulation 33.2 and is independent of the proceedings referred to above.”
Lots of folk suggesting on social media that Bolton are lucky to escape with just a 1-0 defeat against a Brentford side that has plenty of goals in it.
The fact that the Londoners have nothing to play for other than a potential ninth-placed finish surely made the decision easier for the EFL to show Bolton some mercy I would expect...
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The EFL has released a statement explaining the reasons behind the cancellation of Bolton v Brentford.
Apparently they took such a radical step because safety couldn’t be guaranteed due to staff not being paid. That means Bolton are now guilty of misconduct. Just the latest in a devastating saga for one of the country’s oldest clubs.
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Bolton 0 Brentford 1
Brentford have announced that the EFL have cancelled Tuesday’s fixture against Bolton and awarded them a 1-0 victory. Sounds like very bad news for the Lancashire club
Bolton Wanderers postponed game with Brentford will not be played, recorded as 1-0 win to Brentford. EFL said they wouldn't insist on it being played if Bolton go into administration - so that must now be considered very likely. https://t.co/66hgy0TBnO
— David Conn (@david_conn) May 3, 2019
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Sounds like Guinea coach Paul put hasn’t given up on Naby Keïta making it to Egypt for Afcon. A reminder that the Liverpool midfielder is expected to be out for at least two months with a ruptured adductor muscle.
“Diagnosing an injury like that immediately is not 100% reliable,” said Put. “It is always necessary to wait five to six days to re-examine the injury. I am not a doctor but I speak with experience.”
Gulp! The Belgian also says Keïta will have more tests in Switzerland next week. As someone who has suffered a similar injury and been out for nine months, let’s hope they don’t rush him back too early.
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From Ajax’s KNVB Cup final to Istanbul Basaksehir’s attempt to win their maiden league title in Turkey, there’s plenty going on around Europe this weekend to whet the appetite.
Barry Glendenning takes you through all the permutations here:
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Some interesting comments from Ole Gunnar Solskjær about whether United can attract the best players if they don’t qualify for the Champions League next year.
“You’d be surprised how many players’ agents have been touting, telling us their players would love to be a part of Manchester United in the future,” he said. “That’s the lure, the potential and size of the club, that we will get back to the good days.”
It also helps that United pay the highest wages in the country, you’d have thought Ole...
Here’s more on the confirmation that David de Gea will keep his place for Manchester United’s game with Huddersfield.
Some news from France now and Kylian Mbappé has been banned for three matches after his red card in the Coupe de France final.
That means he will be back for the final two league matches having already served one game. Meanwhile, the investigation into Neymar’s punching of a supporter as he went to collect his losers’ medal has begun, with the Brazilian facing up to an eight-match ban.
Much has been written about the pre-eminence of south London’s young footballers of late and here’s a nice example of how close the bonds are between players and the clubs that made them.
Junior Elite in Croydon helped produce Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emile Smith-Rowe of Arsenal, who is currently on loan at RB Leipzig, and have now enlisted one of their former stars to help promote them on social media. Not a bad idea at all...
Former player Aaron Wan-Bissaka representing his old Club!! Full video is on our website: https://t.co/viLxxSLv3A & on YouTube: Junior Elite TV#JEFC #AWB
— Junior Elite FC (@JuniorEliteFC) May 3, 2019
@a_bissaka #WeAreElite
⚽️ pic.twitter.com/OUgB71vv6d
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More on the Bolton story from our man David...
EFL on Bolton Wanderers after Laurence Bassini said he has shown them proof of funds: "EFL’s role is to ensure any individual looking to acquire control meets requirements of League Regulations, including providing information to demonstrate the source & sufficiency of funding."
— David Conn (@david_conn) May 3, 2019
It looks like the Bolton takeover mess is no closer to being resolved unfortunately.
The EFL have issued a statement on Laurence Bassini's claims to be in control of Bolton Wanderers Football Club. Bottom line, he hasn't provided the right info to them for that to be the case. Story to follow... #bwfc
— Marc Iles (@MarcIles) May 3, 2019
Here’s David Conn on the sorry state of affairs...
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Now to tonight’s game and everyone may have written off Everton v Burnley but the fight for Europe is still on...
If Manchester City win the FA Cup then seventh place claims the last English spot in the Europa League. Everton are still in contention alongside Wolves, Leicester and Watford, although of course if Watford overcome City’s hopes of a domestic treble then it will be theirs.
Everton must beat Burnley tonight to stand a chance but then need both Wolves and Leicester to slip up, although Wolves are facing a Fulham side who have won three on the bounce, keeping three clean sheets, and Leicester are hoping to thwart champions City’s hopes of confirming the title. Could be very interesting.
Cardiff’s Neil Warnock has been discussing the FA’s £20,000 fine for his comments after the defeat to Chelsea. He’s not a happy bunny...
“I don’t think there’s any point in taking things any further,” said Warnock. “When you get an institution as big as the FA, I find it disappointing that they have to bring in an outside barrister. But we live to fight another day.”
More from Klopp, who says that Liverpool have dusted themselves down and are ready for Newcastle...
“We didn’t need to pick players up in Barcelona and give them a hug. It’s in us. If you want to win in football you have to accept that you can lose. I had more positive thoughts about the game than negative because of what we did on the pitch.”
“The boys are completely on fire. When you’re in the race, you don’t get tired. We are ambitious like hell. All we can do is beat Newcastle and that’s unbelievably difficult. What other teams do on Monday night isn’t our problem.”
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Keïta to miss African Nations Cup
Jürgen Klopp has confirmed that midfielder Naby Keïta is out for at least two months after his injury in the game against Barcelona. That means the Guinea international will miss the African Nations Cup, which starts in Egypt on 21 June.
“It was really unlucky,” said Klopp. “Bad news. High grade adductor injury. The tendon is ruptured. It will keep him out for at least two months. Bad news for us and for Guinea with the Africa Cup of Nations coming up. Not nice.”
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Matthijs de Ligt has big decision to make this summer. Or has he already made it?
The smart money seems to be on the Ajax skipper joining Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona but apparently Bayern Munich are also hot on his heels. That and the rest of today’s transfer tittle-tattle is here...
More from Ole, who admits that De Gea has had a tough week...
“The goalkeeping department are a fantastic, tight-knit group with Emilio, Sergio, Lee and David. They’ve obviously experienced better times than just now, but he’s ready for Sunday.”
Solskjær also says that Romelu Lukaku is unlikely to play again this season after aggravating a hamstring injury but Jesse Lingard (knee inflammation), Chris Smalling and Marcus Rashford (shoulder) will be assessed closer to the game.
Solskjær says De Gea will face Huddersfield
What is up with David de Gea? Well he will have a chance to prove that old cliche form is temporary and class is permanent when he retains his place for Manchester United’s against Huddersfield on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær has been speaking this morning and he has confirmed an injury to reserve keeper Sergio Romero means the Spain No1 continues.
“Sergio was injured yesterday so didn’t train, tweaked his knee, so David’s been training well this week,” said Solskjær.
Asked if Romero would have been in line to start had he been fit, the manager added cryptically: “Ifs and buts and hypothetical questions. Sergio knows how much I rate him.”
It’s a massive weekend for West Ham Women as they face Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley in front of what is expected to be a record attendance.
The excellent Suzanne Wrack has been to meet Swiss star Alisha Lehmann to discuss adpating to life in the East End, Britain’s Youngest Football Boss and how to scupper City.
Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe likes an early start and he is already done and dusted with his press conference ahead of their game against Spurs tomorrow.
He’s confirmed that Dan Gosling (calf), Adam Smith (knee) and Dominic Solanke (hamstring) are struggling to make it but a decision on their fitness will be made tomorrow. As for Tottenham, Howe says they have a “fantastic manager” but has challenged his players to end the season on a high.
“We know there has been games this season where we have fallen short of our levels. During some games we haven’t had that force and drive to get to the very top. That has been one of our challenges this season.”
Talking of Barcelona, apparently some bloke called Lionel scored his 600th goal for them on Wednesday. Anyway, according to president Josep Maria Bartomeu, he might have a future in the game if he keeps this up...
So it’s squeaky bum time for Liverpool after Wednesday’s disappointing result against Barcelona but they have no time to feel sorry for themselves because it’s win or bust again when they face Newcastle tomorrow evening at St James’ Park. Can Jürgen Klopp’s side pile the pressure on Manchester City once more or will their exertions at the Camp Nou take their toll?
That and nine other things to look out for this weekend is here:
Good morning!
How is everyone? It’s the first week of May so that means we’re into the business end of the season, with the penultimate round of Premier League fixtures starting this evening before the last matches of the Football League.
There’s still plenty to play for so let’s take a look at what can potentially be settled over the weekend...
Premier League
A tense title race could be settled this weekend, but only if Liverpool suffer a shock defeat at Newcastle on Saturday. Manchester City would then have the chance to seal the deal by beating Leicester on Monday. Cardiff need a win over Crystal Palace on Saturday to stand any chance of avoiding relegation. They would be relegated regardless of their result were Brighton to beat Arsenal.
Championship
With Norwich and Sheffield United promoted and Ipswich, Bolton and Rotherham relegated, only the play-offs remain to be sorted. Leeds, West Brom and Aston Villa are confirmed in the top six, with Leeds needing a point to secure third place ahead of the Baggies while Villa will definitely finish fifth. Derby are in pole position for the final place as they go into their game against West Brom ahead of Middlesbrough by a point. Boro face Rotherham on Sunday, while Bristol City are still in with an outside chance but will need to win at Hull and for results elsewhere to go their way.
League One
Defeats for Portsmouth and Sunderland on Tuesday saw Luton and Barnsley promoted. They will battle for the title on Saturday, with the Tykes at Bristol Rovers while Luton host Oxford. Charlton are secure in the play-offs while Doncaster lie sixth. Should Rovers drop points against Coventry, Peterborough can take advantage by beating Burton. Bradford are down but Scunthorpe, Walsall, Plymouth and Southend are separated by only a point - Argyle and the Iron meet in a key fixture. AFC Wimbledon are still not mathematically safe if three of those four teams win.
League Two
With Lincoln and Bury promoted, attention shifts to the winner-takes-all clash between MK Dons and Mansfield. The winners will be promoted, while the draw benefits Mansfield due to their superior goal difference. The unsuccessful team will join Forest Green and Tranmere in the play-offs, with Newport occupying the final spot after Tuesday’s win over Oldham. They must still win at Morecambe to avoid opening the door for Exeter, a point behind ahead of their clash with Forest Green. Colchester, Carlisle and Stevenage retain an outside chance should both slip up. Yeovil are relegated and Notts County will join them unless they beat Swindon and Macclesfield lose to Cambridge - a draw for Sol Campbell’s men would leave County needing at least an eight-goal win.
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