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The top stories and transfer rumours from Saturday's newspapers...
Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur players feel that Roberto De Zerbi has given them their best coaching in years. Players are in agreement that De Zerbi has already coached them more than Thomas Frank, Ange Postecoglou and Igor Tudor combined. - Independent
Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho has admitted his departure from Manchester United 'hurt' after a series of clashes with the club, which he seemingly now regrets, before his move. - Daily Mail
Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson was spotted at Aintree with a pair of his old Liverpool foes. - The Sun
Viktor Gyokeres insists any anxiety creeping in as Arsenal battle to win both the Premier League and Champions League is only a good thing. - Express
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Transfers
Alisson looks set to leave Liverpool and join Italian giants Juventus, as manager Luciano Spalletti aims to battle for the Scudetto next season. - The Sun
Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller is reportedly under consideration at Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window, with the club anticipated to pursue at least one new midfield acquisition. - Express
Manchester City are reportedly closing in on a deal for Sporting Lisbon star Morten Hjulmand as Pep Guardiola attempts to overhaul his midfield. - Mirror
European football
AC Milan are looking at signing Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski to strengthen their attack, with the futures of wingers Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic uncertain - Corriere dello Sport
The iconic Champions League star ball is set to be redesigned after adidas were ousted as the official match ball provider for the competition. - Daily Mail
MLS
FC Cincinnati are exploring options to bring Brazil forward Neymar, 34, from Santos to the Major League Soccer with preliminary discussions already under way - The Athletic
Boxing
Tyson Fury was forced to move his family out of his luxury Morecambe mansion after a man scaled his gate and demanded to be adopted. - The Sun
Jamie Redknapp has questioned whether Tottenham Hotspur have the matchwinners to stay in the Premier League after the club dropped into the relegation zone - and admits the decision to hire Roberto De Zerbi is a "big risk".
West Ham's crushing 4-0 win over bottom club Wolves has lifted them two points clear of Spurs, who are in the bottom three - outside of the opening three weeks of the season - for the first time since January 17, 2009.
Spurs have seven matches to save their season - starting with Sunday's trip to Sunderland, with only a win able to take them out of the relegation zone of the bottom three.
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But Redknapp has questioned whether Spurs have players like Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville - who have guided West Ham on a strong run of form in the Premier League - who can get them out of trouble.
"You need matchwinners in your team, who's going to win a game by the scruff of the neck?" said Redknapp on Sky Sports, speaking after the West Ham result.
"When I look at the Tottenham team: where's your matchwinner? Who's going to win you the game?
"When I look at Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, they have moments - that's the important thing. And that's now put an almighty pressure on Tottenham Hotspur, who have to go and beat Sunderland in their next game. That's not an easy fixture.
"Anything can happen. There will still be twists and turns. West Ham have only got to lose their next game at Crystal Palace next week and they're right back in it.
"It's very difficult to predict. But you need calm heads and what West Ham did today: look a threat from set pieces, a real threat from your best players - then you give yourself a real chance."
Redknapp even went as far to say that West Ham have a centre-back pairing in Axel Disasi and Konstantinos Mavropanos which is better than Spurs' best options in Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, when it comes to the relegation fight.
"Mavropanos and Disasi look a real partnership. They are the sort you want in a relegation fight," he added.
"And even though they are better players: I'm not sure those two centre-backs at Tottenham are. They think they're too good for a relegation fight. Romero's saying: I've won the World Cup and now we're in the bottom three.
"What they're going to be doing under De Zerbi is he'll be asking to play out from the back, take risks in your six-yard box. What West Ham know is their limitations, they don't take too many risks. Nottingham Forest and Leeds are like that as well.
"This is not the time to be thinking you're a better player than what you are. This is the time to play to your maximum, show your desire, head it and tackle.
"You need moments from top players, but this is a time for cool heads. That's what West Ham have shown here."
Hiring De Zerbi is a HUGE risk
Redknapp also believes hiring former Brighton manager De Zerbi - famed for his bold, possession-based football - is a huge risk for Spurs given their current predicament.
Asked before the West Ham result if De Zerbi's arrival will change the survival fight, Redknapp replied: "I don't know the answer to that. Is he a great coach? Absolutely.
"But the detail and everything he plays with, I remember the Brighton days and the way he played out from the back - if he starts asking Tottenham players to do that, who are devoid of any confidence whatsoever, I think that's a huge risk right now.
"He just needs to find a way to win, find his best XI, he has to find a way to show aggression and desire which has been sorely missing.
"They have to play with more energy, if they do, they have a chance of staying up. But if you ask too much of the players and put them into difficult decisions they can't handle, it's not going to go well.
"To implement that kind of football, you may need a pre-season or even six months. It doesn't normally work in one week.
"I know this window of the players being away on international break has worked quite well, but for me it doesn't change that much just yet. They have to go to a tough place at the Stadium of Light and get a result."
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Roberto De Zerbi said he is not a better coach than Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor but his "passion" can help restore Tottenham's DNA as he looks to steer the club clear of relegation.
Frank departed after less than eight months in charge at Spurs, while Tudor left 44 days into his reign with the club in 17th, one point above the relegation zone.
De Zerbi, the third head coach to take charge of the team this season, now has seven games to guide Spurs clear of the bottom three, with his first game arriving away at Sunderland on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
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Speaking ahead of that fixture, the former Brighton and Marseille head coach revealed his admiration for his predecessors before outlining that it is the passion and character he will bring to the role which could restore the DNA at the club and help them avoid the drop.
"I am not better than Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor, I consider them as very good coaches, but I try to bring my style, myself, my character, personality and passion to help the players show their quality," he said in his first press conference as Spurs boss.
"And then to achieve our target. The most important part is the target [avoid relegation]. My style is one part. One part the style of play and the other part is about the character and personality.
"I don't have time for principles or build-up, I want to give organisation with the ball and without the ball.
"What I want to do and what I want to achieve is the character. The right spirit, courage to play and attack. The DNA of this club and squad is to find the goal, to score.
"In this part, I can be able to transfer my principle."
De Zerbi well aware of time constraints
Referencing the short amount of time he has with the players to make changes was a common theme in De Zerbi's first pre-match press conference in the Spurs hotseat.
Questions were posed regarding why he had only chosen to bring two former coaches, Marcattilio Marcattilii and Marcello Quinto, with him to the club, to which he replied: "It is totally different this situation because we have no time to work like in Brighton.
"I don't want to put confusion in the players. They need a clear plan of the game with not too many instructions. They have to play with courage and personality; they have to fight. My demand is to show the right spirit."
When asked about why he chose Spurs despite the situation they find themselves in, the same answer but with a positive spin followed - time.
"There were 12 days before the first game. For me, it was important to have more than one week. I thought it could be important to understand the problems.
"I don't want to give too many instructions on the pitch if we are speaking about just football. But our organisation, with the ball and without the ball, I hope in 10 days to reach this target, for me."
Message for the fans? The message is to the players
Tottenham fans will once again be asked to rally behind their team ahead of the first of seven crucial games to avoid relegation on Sunday.
The last outing against Nottingham Forest saw fans flood into the streets to welcome the player bus into the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - only for a 3-0 defeat to their fellow relegation rivals to follow.
De Zerbi was asked if he had a message for the fanbase in preparation for his first game, which he turned down and instead directed at his players and staff, outlining they have to "deserve" the support with their performances on the pitch.
He continued: "I have no message because in the last game against Nottingham Forest, they were fantastic before the game. The message is for my staff and players.
"We have to deserve their support because the fans are suffering like us, like the players.
"For fans, there is just one team. The players can change [teams] but for fans it is unique; there is just one. We have to make the fans happy, playing well with the right spirit, attitude and behaviour on the pitch.
"Then it is easier to make points."
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Our football betting expert Jones Knows offers his insight across the weekend action and tips up a 50/1 best bet treble.
West Ham vs Wolves, Friday 8pm, live on Sky Sports
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Let's get straight to one of the best bets of the weekend: Yerson Mosquera to be carded at 9/4 with Sky Bet.
Now, this is all about the potential duel with Adama Traore. If Traore starts and gets a run directly at Mosquera, the alarm bells should already be ringing for the defender. Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Traore has been an absolute magnet for drawing cards. He's drawn 45 bookings in 6,222 minutes of Premier League football under Nuno, that's elite-level output in this market of drawing a card every 122 minutes.
And there were signs in the FA Cup that he's getting back to that terrifying, direct best. Against Leeds, he drew two cards on his own and looked like a player defenders simply couldn't live with when isolated one-on-one. That's the key here.
Mosquera is exactly the type of defender Traore can rattle.
He's already sitting on nine yellow cards in the Premier League this season, which tells you everything about his approach - it's reckless. Add the fact that one more booking triggers a two-game ban, and you've got a player walking a disciplinary tightrope. That pressure can go one of two ways, but with Mosquera, history suggests he doesn't exactly play within himself.
He's combustible. He gets drawn into duels. At 9/4, it's a price that simply underrates how likely this specific match-up is to produce a booking.
SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1 | JONES KNOWS' BEST BET: Yerson Mosquera to be carded (9/4 with Sky Bet)
Arsenal vs Bournemouth, Saturday 12.30pm
Is this 'danger ahead' for Arsenal as they look to close out the Premier League title?
Bournemouth are supposedly a tough nut to crack right now as they are unbeaten in 12 across all competitions if you only look at 90-minute results. Impressive on the surface, sure. But dig a little deeper and it's not a pretty picture. The underlying data is screaming regression.
Across their last six matches vs Everton, West Ham, Sunderland, Brentford, Burnley and Manchester United, Bournemouth have allowed chances worth 11.54 expected goals. You're essentially looking at a team giving up chances at a rate of 1.9 expected goals against per 90.
Premier League secures fifth Champions League spot - and it could be seven
A team like Arsenal with their strong underlying process that is still +1.1 when it comes to xG supremacy should be creating some high probability chances at a regular rate against this opposition. Yes, the pressure could play a part but sometimes the numbers are just too loud to ignore. Arsenal to win and under 3.5 goals at 11/10 with Sky Bet is nice.
SCORE PREDICTION: 2-0
Burnley vs Brighton, Saturday 3pm
The long-term data does support a drop in first-half goal averages in games after the international break - across the last 10 seasons, it drops from 1.3 goals per first half across all games and then around 1.1 per first half after an international break.
There is logic behind these numbers too which is important when assessing a pattern of data as international breaks disrupt rhythm from a player and tactical point of view.
For an example, in this exact gameweek last season the goals averages were down and we only saw 0.8 first-half goals from the 10 matches when teams were returning from a prolonged break.
Throw in the fact that these two teams haven't played for three weeks and the 0-0 half-time score at 12/5 with Sky Bet rates as a juicy play.
SCORE PREDICTION: 0-1
Brentford vs Everton, Saturday 3pm - PLAY SUPER 6 HERE!
Don't just gloss over the prospects of draws across the Premier League, the stalemate is doing some serious heavy lifting right now. And the 9/4 on the draw with Sky Bet looks a runner here.
Draws have been landing at a rate of 35 per cent across the last 130 Premier League matches. That's well above the historical average and tells you plenty about the current state of the division - tight, tense and with very little separating teams from top to bottom. We're seeing fewer games decided by moments of quality and more cancelled out by structure and caution.
This fixture fits that pattern perfectly. A low margin contest awaits.
SCORE PREDICTION: 1-1
Liverpool vs Fulham, Saturday 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports - PLAY SUPER 6 HERE!
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Just one point from their last three Premier League games has left Liverpool drifting in terms of their chances of finishing in the top five. They are now 4/9 with Sky Bet to end the season with Champions League football. It's a price that makes no appeal whatsoever based on they arguably have the hardest schedule, with three games coming against current top six teams and six of seven vs current top-half clubs.
Since September 27, they've lost more Premier League games than they've won, with 11 clubs taking more points in that time. And, so far this season, they have lost five of 10 games to follow a midweek Champions League clash, taking 13 points from a possible 30.
Fulham are hard to resist at 4/1 with Sky Bet.
SCORE PREDICTION: 1-2
Crystal Palace vs Newcastle, Sunday 2pm, live on Sky Sports
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Newcastle to win and under 3.5 goals at 7/2 with Sky Bet immediately stands out as a play dripping in value.
On the face of it, you can make a solid case for Crystal Palace at home. They're well organised, carry a threat in transition and have built a reputation for being awkward to play against. But when you dig a little deeper into the scheduling and historical trends around Oliver Glasner, the picture shifts quite dramatically.
Glasner's record following a midweek European knockout game is a major red flag. His teams have won just once in their last 10 matches in that scenario, scoring just five goals across those fixtures. That's a huge drop-off in attacking output and suggests fatigue, a lack of sharpness and a more cautious approach.
Newcastle, fresh from some time off, can take full advantage in a low scoring win.
SCORE PREDICTION: 0-1 | JONES KNOWS' BEST BET: Newcastle to win & under 2.5 goals (7/2 with Sky Bet)
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa, Sunday 2pm, live on Sky Sports - PLAY SUPER 6 HERE!
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Nottingham Forest have had more managers than home wins (3) in the Premier League this season.
It's not for the want of trying based on their shots volume. Forest have scored just 13 Premier League goals at the City Ground this season, despite having the eighth most shots at home (228) and they've scored only one goal from 100 shots taken in their last six Premier League home games.
Concentrating on the Forest player shots markets is the way to approach this one. Elliott Anderson has been the man to follow when it comes to shots for Forest of late having hit 24 in his last nine games, resulting in 2.65 shots per 90 average. He's a play with Sky Bet to hit two or more shots at 9/4.
SCORE PREDICTION: 1-1
Sunderland vs Tottenham, Sunday 2pm, live on Sky Sports - PLAY SUPER 6 HERE!
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Appointing Roberto De Zerbi in a relegation scrap is like switching to a high-wire act without a safety net. Thrilling if it works, disastrous if it doesn't.
Is De Zerbi really what Spurs need right now?
Zerbi offers philosophy, risk and a high ceiling of performance level. His teams can look like they're playing a different sport to everyone else, but that uniqueness comes with volatility.
And volatility, in a relegation scrap, is a dangerous currency. De Zerbi has a history of clashing with those around him too - not ideal when calm decision-making is required in a crisis. There's a reason some of Europe's elite clubs have admired him from afar rather than taking the plunge.
This will be fascinating to see how Spurs react to his methods with such pressure in the background. It makes this a really tricky betting heat in isolation but there is a bet that does offer some potential as if this appointment goes wrong, it's not going to quietly fizzle out. It's going to unravel, meaning Spurs not to win another game this season at 15/2 with Sky Bet is worth a nibble to small stakes.
SCORE PREDICTION: 1-1
Chelsea vs Manchester City, Sunday 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports - PLAY SUPER 6 HERE!
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Over the last three seasons, Man City have taken 78 points from a possible 87 from April 1 onwards whilst Arsenal have taken 55 from a possible 84. That relentlessness up the run-in is a real thing masterminded by Pep Guardiola where his teams can stay focused yet produce elite performances to win in high pressure environments.
Nico O'Reilly is thriving in this type of environment with his runs into the box proving very difficult for opposition players to stop. He's had 10 shots on target in his last eight games for City yet the algorithms are a little behind on this extra output meaning the 11/8 with Sky Bet for one or more O'Reilly shots on target is a value play.
SCORE PREDICTION: 1-2
Manchester United vs Leeds, Monday 8pm, live on Sky Sports
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Manchester United have lost just once in their last 14 Premier League games since Christmas. Playing at Old Trafford is once again one of the toughest fixtures to face in the Premier League and the market is replicating that with Michael Carrick's side 1/2 with Sky Bet to take maximum points.
Leeds are always a tough nut to crack though, losing just twice across their last 10 matches. They will be very aggressive in the duels and Jayden Bogle will have a busy evening up against the dangerous ball carrying of Matheus Cunha, who has been responsible for drawing 24 cards off the opposition since the start of last season. Bogle has picked up a card in his last two appearances and is 5/2 with Sky Bet for the hat-trick.
SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1 | JONES KNOWS' BEST BET: Jayden Bogle to be carded (5/2 with Sky Bet)
Jones Knows' best bet...
It's a bumper weekend of Premier League football on Sky Sports with SEVEN games live as the run-in begins.
The Premier League title race is on, with Man City revving up and injury-hit Arsenal seemingly stuttering. The chase for Champions League football - with qualification for five teams through the Premier League now confirmed - is tight and tense. And there's all to play for down at the bottom, as Tottenham hope Roberto De Zerbi can lead them away from a shock drop.
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Here, we explain how this weekend will shape the narrative through the Premier League as we reach the business end of the season...
West Ham must show character again vs Wolves
"One lesson we've learned is we don't give up." That was Nuno's positive takeaway from West Ham's ultimately crushing penalty shootout FA Cup exit to Leeds on Sunday. There was no trip to Wembley, despite those dramatic two goals in injury time, but perhaps the fight Nuno's team showed when they looked down and out can galvanise his group as they try to salvage their Premier League status.
The possible returns of Crysencio Summerville, Callum Wilson and Jean-Clair Todibo could also add to optimism. But West Ham supporters with a glass-half-empty approach may also question the psychological damage of that Cup loss and how a Wolves side which has already beaten them this term appear to be in their best moment of the season.
It has been three-and-a-half weeks since Wolves last played, their 2-2 draw at Brentford. While their relegation to the Championship looks inevitable, boss Rob Edwards has set about raising standards, fitness levels and expectations - and has had plenty of time on the training ground over these past weeks to do just that in preparation for their Friday night trip to the London Stadium.
A win for the Hammers would pull them out of that drop zone and above Tottenham ahead of Roberto De Zerbi's first game in charge. It's a massive opportunity to pile the pressure on their rivals. Just like in those final minutes against Leeds, West Ham have to show they are ready to fight again.
Peter Smith
Will Arsenal feel Man City PL pressure?
How much does Kai Havertz's stoppage-time winner at Sporting shift the mood in the Arsenal camp? Surely there would have been uncertainty after the Carabao Cup final defeat was followed by a FA Cup exit at Southampton on the same day Man City romped to victory over Liverpool. But it appears they can now go into a crunch weekend with confidence.
A tricky test at home to Bournemouth on Saturday is not ideal. The Cherries won at the Emirates Stadium last season amid two Arsenal Champions League knockout legs. But after Arsenal showed their quality at both ends in Portugal and with injured players returning to action - including potentially key man Bukayo Saka on Saturday - Mikel Arteta will be preaching positivity as the Premier League run-in ramps up.
A convincing win over Bournemouth would indicate his side have grown and have the mentality to shake off their recent blip and push on for major honours at the end of this season.
But they dare not open the door for Man City to close the gap at the top. With Arsenal playing first, it is up to them to set the tone - and Pep Guardiola's side need no invitation to go through the gears and enhance their aura as fast finishers.
They will target a statement result at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, regardless of what the Gunners do. City look to be coming to the boil at the right time once again and any Arsenal slip-up will increase talk of another title-race overhaul.
Ahead of Arsenal and City's upcoming showdown at the Etihad, the narrative leading into that blockbuster clash will be set this weekend.
Peter Smith
Rosenior and Chelsea need statement result against City
The 7-0 thrashing of League One bottom club Port Vale in the FA Cup was a timely boost for Chelsea and Liam Rosenior, given the four-game losing streak they'd been on before the tie and the tumultuous international break which saw the club post a record loss and Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella make unwanted headlines.
But the pressure and intensity comes right back on the Blues and their head coach this Sunday when a rejuvenated Man City come to the Bridge. Rosenior reckons his team have "come back stronger" after he figured out what needed fixing after their bad run before the international break. He will need to show he has the solutions this weekend.
If not, City - eager to build on their hammering of Liverpool in the Cup - have the capability to deal a big blow to Chelsea's top-five ambitions in the Premier League.
Adding to the difficulty of the challenge is that Chelsea will be without Fernandez once again as he serves the second of his two-game ban imposed by Rosenior and the club after seemingly discussing a potential move to Real Madrid this summer. In a midfield battle which will be key, his absence will be felt. But Rosenior - yet to have a big statement win on Chelsea's home patch - needs to find a way to a big result without him.
Peter Smith
Tight top-five race to open up?
Liverpool have the opportunity to ramp up the pressure on Chelsea in the race for a top-five finish when they host Fulham at Anfield on Saturday Night Football. With Manchester City set to visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the timing could work perfectly for the Reds to make ground on their rivals.
Premier League secures fifth Champions League spot - and it could be seven
It feels like a defining weekend for Liverpool. A victory would strengthen their push for Champions League qualification and help quieten growing uncertainty around head coach Arne Slot. His side currently sits five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa and just one point ahead of Chelsea, leaving little margin for error.
Their recent form has only intensified the scrutiny. Liverpool are winless in their last three league outings, losing to Wolves and Brighton, along with a draw against Tottenham and they were heavily beaten by Manchester City in the FA Cup. The inconsistency of performances has tested patience among supporters, particularly with Xabi Alonso currently out of work and seen by some as a potential alternative.
Elsewhere, Manchester United will have a clearer understanding of the Champions League picture when they host rivals Leeds on Monday Night Football. By then, Aston Villa could have strengthened their position further if they secure a result away to Nottingham Forest.
David Richardson
Brentford and Everton looking to shift the odds in their favour
Ten per cent for a first time at Brentford. Seven per cent to end Everton's 20-year wait to return to Europe's elite.
Those are the chances Opta are currently giving to both teams to secure Champions League football ahead of their match-up on Saturday.
They are two outsiders in the race but could sink Chelsea as low as seventh should a winner emerge from their meeting at the Gtech Community Stadium. A situation which would shift dreams of European football into an achievable reality.
Brentford and Everton have exceeded all expectations under Keith Andrews and David Moyes in the current campaign, but both will be hoping to go one step further by breaking into the top five. A spot which now secures Champions League football after English clubs were handed an extra spot in the competition once again.
They have seven games remaining to do exactly that but with the race currently neck and neck between the two and Chelsea and Liverpool faltering ahead of them, it could all come down to who walks away with three points this weekend.
Patrick Rowe
De Zerbi and Spurs in the spotlight
And elsewhere in the relegation battle... It begins. With the spotlight beaming like never before on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Roberto De Zerbi has seven games to keep Spurs in the Premier League, and it begins with a test of mettle.
All eyes will be on his approach. How instant will his impact be? The training videos released by the club have shown promise but that's what those clips are designed to do.
The quick play, De Zerbi's presence on the training pitch and seemingly growing relationship with his players are all good but unfortunately for a club the size of Spurs, smiles, fun and games are not the points that they now so desperately need.
There is every chance that Spurs find themselves in the bottom three before they even kick a ball on Sunday. West Ham host bottom-side Wolves on Friday night and can establish a mental advantage.
Whichever way that goes, De Zerbi's ability to galvanise a side will be tested. He's notorious for his perhaps incendiary approach at times; however, the troublesome side of De Zerbi's Maverick will need taming for seven games.
It's a fresh slate for De Zerbi, against a Sunderland side that have lost three on the bounce at the Stadium of Light after previously going unbeaten at home. Will Spurs be able to handle the upcoming spotlight that begins in the North East?
William Bitibiri
Pressure back on Howe and Newcastle
Couple that with the 7-2 thrashing by Barcelona prior, the pressure on Eddie Howe is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The ball is very much in his court this weekend.
The Magpies take on a Crystal Palace side who have had their own issues at times and will surely be more focused on trying to bring home silverware in the Conference League. For Howe, there are no more distractions. In seasons gone by, that is when his side have performed their best. That has to be the case in this run-in.
A win could be enough to see them climb into the top 10 if Spurs beat Sunderland and Burnley pick up vital points for their slim survival hopes against Brighton. That’s not what fans would’ve hoped to fight for at this point in the campaign, but that’s the reality.