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Daily news

Copa del Rey Final

The latest instalment of El Clasico will take place at Estadio de La Cartuja on Saturday evening, and there is silverware on the line, as Barcelona and Real Madrid lock horns in the Copa del Rey final.

Barcelona are bidding win the competition for the 32nd time in their history, while Real Madrid are looking to lift the trophy for the 21st time, and there is pressure on Los Blancos to triumph following their recent Champions League exit.

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Real Madrid to play Copa del Rey final despite protest over refs

Real Madrid denied they were considering boycotting Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, despite skipping Friday's pregame news conference and training session in protest over comments made by the refereeing team

The club were angered by Friday's remarks by referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea and video assistant referee Pablo González Fuertes, in which they spoke about Madrid's frequent criticism of officials in videos broadcast on Real Madrid TV.

Source: espn.com
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Liverpool will improve next season in search for perfection, warns Arne Slot

Arne Slot has warned Liverpool’s Premier League rivals that he expects the champions-elect to improve next season as they strive to fulfil his vision of the perfect team

Liverpool require one point at home to Tottenham on Sunday to secure a record-equalling 20th league title and for Slot to become the first Dutch coach to win the Premier League.

Source: theguardian.com
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Real Sociedad announce Imanol Alguacil replacement

Real Sociedad have wasted no time in replacing Imanol Alguacil, after it was announced that their long-term manager would be departing this summer upon the expiry of his contract

The 53-year-old will leave a long-lasting legacy at the club, following 6.5 years of consistent success.

Source: football-espana.net
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Maresca: "Palmer's goalless run a mental thing"

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer's recent struggles on the pitch are "a mental thing", says boss Enzo Maresca

The England international, 22, has not scored in 16 games - having netted 14 times in his first 23 games of the season.

Source: bbc.com
Men

PSG beaten as Nice ruin dream of unbeaten league season

Paris St-Germain's bid to complete the first ever unbeaten Ligue 1 season ended with four games left as they lost at home to Nice

Having wrapped up the title earlier this month and gone 30 games without defeat, the French champions were on course for history.

Source: bbc.com
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Cristiano Ronaldo is closing in on 1000 goals – but may be running out of games

On Saturday, Cristiano Ronaldo can take a big step towards a first major trophy since moving to Saudi Arabia but the quarter-final of the Asian Champions League against Yokohama F Marinos also offers a chance to take a smaller stride towards an unprecedented personal milestone: 1000 first-class goals

Pelé scored plenty but claims of 1,279, recognised by the Guinness World Records, included unofficial and exhibition games and perhaps, wondered Diego Maradona, backyard games against his nephews. The stats site RSSSF credits the Brazilian with a total of 778.

Source: theguardian.com
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Real Valladolid relegated from La Liga after Betis rout

Real Valladolid, the team owned by former Brazil striker Ronaldo, were relegated from LaLiga after a 5-1 loss at Real Betis on Thursday

It is the third relegation in seven years for Valladolid under Ronaldo, who is reportedly negotiating the sale of the club. The Brazil great has been loudly criticized by Valladolid's fans, who say he has been absent and doesn't give enough attention to the club.

Source: espn.com
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Bologna’s first Final in 51 years – Milan aim to win after 22 years

Bologna have reached their first Coppa Italia Final since 1974 and will face a Milan side trying to win the trophy after 22 years

It is going to be a one-off fixture, to be decided after 90 minutes, extra time or even a penalty shoot-out if required.

Source: football-italia.net
Men

Eddie Howe back at Newcastle after hospital stay with pneumonia

Eddie Howe is poised to be back in the technical area on Saturday after returning to Newcastle’s training ground following his recovery from pneumonia

Howe spent about a week in hospital, missing three Premier League matches, after falling ill this month and there were real fears that Newcastle’s manager might have been sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Source: theguardian.com
Men

Van Nistelrooy unsure if he will keep Leicester job

Ruud van Nistelrooy says he is still waiting to find out if he will keep his job as Leicester City manager following the club's relegation from the Premier League

The Foxes, whose 1-0 defeat by Liverpool at the King Power Stadium last weekend confirmed they would be returning to the Championship, have earned just eight points from 20 matches under the Dutchman.

Source: bbc.com
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Jamie Vardy to leave Leicester City at end of the season after 13 years

Jamie Vardy is to leave Leicester City at the end of the season, after 13 years with the club. The 38-year-old, regarded one of Leicester’s greatest players, was central to the club winning the Premier League against all odds in 2016 and the FA Cup in 2021

Vardy signed a 12-month extension last summer after promotion as champions from the Championship but this campaign has been a struggle. This week he apologised to the supporters after relegation was confirmed with five games to play and described his own season as a “total embarrassment”.

Source: theguardian.com
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Rashford wants Champions League football but will not rush move decision

Marcus Rashford will decide his future no earlier than mid‑June, with his preference being to leave Manchester United for a Champions League club, though the forward does not wish to join a London team

His camp has also ruled out an exchange with any player who may be of interest to United, such as Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, owing to the complexities of those deals.

Source: theguardian.com
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Arsenal held by Crystal Palace to leave Liverpool point from title

Crystal Palace twice came from behind to draw at second-placed Arsenal and leave Liverpool one point from being crowned Premier League champions for the second time in five seasons

A draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday would now be enough for Arne Slot's side, who lead Arsenal by 12 points, to clinch their 20th league title - equalling Manchester United's record.

Source: bbc.com
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Real Madrid keep pace with Barcelona in La Liga with victory over Getafe

Real Madrid have kept themselves in the La Liga title race after picking up an important 1-0 victory over Getafe at the Coliseum

Carlo Ancelotti opted to make several changes to his side ahead of this weekend’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. The likes of Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo Goes were afforded rests, and that allows players such as Arda Guler and Endrick Felipe to be given a rare opportunity in La Liga.

Source: football-espana.net
Men

Milan dash Inter's treble dreams in Coppa semifinal rout

AC Milan haven't achieved much this season – except when playing city rivals Inter Milan.

Milan ruined Inter's bid for a treble and advanced to the Coppa Italia final with a 3-0 derby win on Wednesday courtesy of two goals from Luka Jovic.

Source: espn.com
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Lazio catch Juventus as Fiorentina keep European hopes alive

Lazio beat Genoa 2-0 at Marassi in a rescheduled Serie A fixture, reaching Juventus in fifth, while Fiorentina came back from behind, claiming a 2-1 away win at Cagliari

Serie A Week 33 was completed on Wednesday, with four rearranged fixtures that had been postponed on Monday following the death of Pope Francis.

Source: football-italia.net
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Coppa Derby

All square following a tense first leg, old foes Inter Milan and AC Milan meet for the fifth and final time this season when they conclude their Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday.

Both beaten at the weekend, the city rivals reconvene at San Siro for another Derby della Madonnina, with the winner set for a place in next month's final.

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Palace can make Liverpool Champions

As Liverpool players and fans watch on with bated breath, Arsenal can prolong the Premier League title 'fight' for a little while longer by beating Crystal Palace in Wednesday's London derby at the Emirates.

The Gunners kept the Reds waiting by hitting Ipswich Town for four over the Easter weekend, while the Eagles and Bournemouth shook hands on a 0-0 draw following yet another dose of refereeing controversy.

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Milan to maintain new system against Inter as Walker decision made

Milan coach Sergio Conceiçao is expected to make minimal changes to his most recent starting line-up for the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal against city rivals Inter

The Rossoneri face their last chance to stay in contention for silverware in what has been a disappointing season, having only lifted the Supercoppa Italiana. They take on the Nerazzurri away, following a 1-1 draw at home in the first leg earlier this month.

Source: football-italia.net
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Serie A postpones Saturday games due to Pope Francis' funeral

Italian top flight Serie A has postponed Saturday's three fixtures until Sunday due to Pope Francis' funeral being held that day in Rome, the league said on Tuesday

Earlier media reports had suggested that Serie A might make an exception for Inter Milan's clash with visitors AS Roma to allow Simone Inzaghi's side additional rest time ahead of their midweek Champions League semifinal at Barcelona.

Source: espn.com
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Arteta will not rest players against Palace despite looming PSG tie

Mikel Arteta will not shy away from selecting key Arsenal personnel to face Crystal Palace on Wednesday in their final game before next week’s Champions League semi-final first leg even though his team are playing for little beyond pride

The meagre prize on offer is delaying Liverpool’s title celebrations but the manager denied he could wrap members of his squad in cotton wool. “We cannot think in those terms,” Arteta said.

Source: theguardian.com
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Nunes sends Man City third with late winner against Villa

Matheus Nunes scored in the 94th minute to give Manchester City a priceless victory over fellow top-five contenders Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium and move third in the battle for a Champions League place

What could be a preview of next month's FA Cup final looked set to end level as City struggled to find a way through the Villa defence after Marcus Rashford cancelled out Bernardo Silva's early opener from the penalty spot.

Source: bbc.com
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Barcelona edge past Mallorca to extend La Liga advantage

Barcelona have made it yet another victory in La Liga after they defeated Mallorca 1-0 at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic

Hansi Flick opted to make significant changes ahead of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, with the likes of Hector Fort, Eric Garcia and even Ansu Fati getting a start to allow regular starters a well-earned rest.

Source: football-espana.net
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PSG set new Europe’s Top 5 Leagues record following away draw to Nantes

Further honours may await PSG. However, they have already rewritten the history books. Indeed, thanks to their away draw to Nantes, Les Parisiens have set a new record across Europe’s Top 5 leagues

Monday's result was their 39th consecutive unbeaten league game away from Parc des Princes, beating Fabio Capello’s Milan’s 38-game unbeaten streak in 1993. AS Monaco are the last team to beat PSG in Ligue 1 away from Paris. It was more than two years ago.

Source: getfootballnewsfrance.com
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Tuesday's top action

Manchester City will host Aston Villa at the Etihad on Tuesday, looking to continue their impressive run of form.

Barcelona will aim to restore their seven-point cushion over Real Madrid when they take on RCD Mallorca on Tuesday.

Paris Saint-Germain will continue in their pursuit of an unbeaten Ligue 1 season when they travel to the Stade de la Beaujoire to face Nantes on Tuesday night.

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Pep: "Villa game like a final for Man City"

Manchester City's Premier League game against Aston Villa has been billed as "a final" by Pep Guardiola because Champions League qualification is on the line

The Premier League's top five will qualify for Europe's elite club competition next season and with Arsenal in a strong position to seal their spot alongside Liverpool, a fascinating race is developing with the next five clubs separated by only two points.

Source: bbc.com
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Tottenham's Ange Postecoglou rues 'unacceptable' Forest loss

The rare smile Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou wore four days ago in Frankfurt was replaced by the more familiar frown as a 2-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest made it 18 Premier League losses for the London club this season

Tottenham found themselves 2-0 down after 16 minutes and although they dominated the game thereafter and got a late lifeline through Richarlison, it proved another tale of woe in a season that could become Tottenham's worst in terms of points gained since they managed only 44 in 1997-98.

Source: espn.com
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Real Betis slice open Girona as wounds grow ever more concerning for Catalan side

Relegation concerns were further deepened in the North of Catalonia on Monday night, as Real Betis sliced through Girona to take all three points from Montilivi

The small section of traveling fans did not have to wait long for their breakthrough, despite an injury to the face of Aitor Ruibal. Early pressure resulted in a corner from Isco being converted by Johnny Cardoso inside eight minutes.

Source: football-espana.net
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Lazio demand Lega Serie A move Genoa game after death of Pope Francis

Lazio President Claudio Lotito has requested an urgent meeting with the FIGC, as he is refusing to play the rescheduled Serie A match against Genoa on Wednesday

There were four games set to be played on Monday, but they were called off when news broke that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88.

Source: football-italia.net
Men

Leeds promoted to Premier League after Piroe’s four-goal salvo in Stoke rout

Leeds United’s long march out of the wilderness is over. The last lap of an often gruelling and sometimes downright painful journey into the Premier League proved joyous and unexpectedly straightforward, the only frustration being a slight delay to the start of the formal celebrations

It was occasioned by the need to wait for the final score from Turf Moor, where Burnley beat Sheffield United to join Leeds in the top tier while consigning Chris Wilder’s side to the playoffs.

Source: theguardian.com
Men

Brownhill’s double sinks Sheffield United and earns promotion for Burnley

When Burnley last escaped the Championship for the promised land of the Premier League, they blew a hole in the wall under Vincent ­Kompany

Scott Parker decided it was more sensible to chisel their way out, inch by inch, completing their route to freedom with a tense victory against Sheffield United.

Source: theguardian.com
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Serie A matches postponed after death of Pope Francis

All Serie A, Serie B, Serie C and Primavera matches scheduled to take place on Easter Monday have been officially postponed for a period of mourning following the death of Pope Francis on Monday morning, the league have confirmed in a statement

Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday. As a result, the remaining matches scheduled for the 33rd round of Serie A fixtures have been postponed.

Source: football-italia.net
Men

Arteta plays down Bukayo Saka injury fears

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said Bukayo Saka was left in pain after suffering a knock in the 4-0 away win at Ipswich Town on Sunday, although he ruled out any chance of a "serious" injury

Saka spent three months out with a hamstring injury this season, only just returning in time to help Arsenal past Real Madrid and into the Champions League semifinals.

Source: espn.com
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Leicester relegated as Alexander-Arnold moves Liverpool closer to title

Trent Alexander-Arnold came off the bench to claim a late winner and move Liverpool within three points of the Premier League title and relegate Leicester City

The full-back, who has yet to sign a new contract and been heavily linked with a free transfer move to Real Madrid at the end of the season, struck 14 minutes from time at King Power Stadium after the leaders had been frustrated by the doomed Foxes.

Source: bbc.com
Men

Chelsea break Fulham hearts as Pedro Neto completes stunning turnaround

It began with a subtle flick from Moisés Caicedo, the midfielder’s touch just deceptive enough to unbalance Fulham. Into added time at Craven Cottage and Chelsea, who had finally thrown off the shackles after equalising through Tyrique George, seemed to have remembered they can play football

Inhibited no more, their quality took over as they moved down the right, Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer swapping passes before the ball came to Pedro Neto to round things off with a finish that left no room for any debate.

Source: theguardian.com
Men

Stunning Orsolini blows title race wide open

Inter capitulated to a spectacular last-gasp Riccardo Orsolini scissor-kick volley to give Bologna victory, but above all sees Napoli catch them at the top of the Serie A table

The Nerazzurri knocked Bayern Munich out of the Champions League quarter-final and were preparing for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Milan, but the pressure was on after Napoli beat Monza yesterday to go joint top. Marcus Thuram, Denzel Dumfries and Piotr Zielinski were injured, with Marko Arnautovic not fully fit, so Tucu Correa partnered Lautaro Martinez.

Source: football-italia.net
Men

Lewandowski suffers hamstring injury, club confirms

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is a major doubt for the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League semifinal, sources told ESPN after the team confirmed he has a hamstring injury

Lewandowski, 36, was taken off in the second half of Saturday's 4-3 comeback win against Celta Vigo and underwent tests at the training ground Sunday.

Source: espn.com
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Valverde 'the key' as Real Madrid 'react' to UCL exit

Carlo Ancelotti praised Federico Valverde as "the key" after the midfielder's 93rd-minute goal gave Real Madrid a dramatic 1-0 win over Athletic Club on Sunday to react to their Champions League exit in midweek

After an underwhelming first half, Madrid improved in the second period at the Santiago Bernabéu, and Vinícius Júnior – the game's outstanding player – had a goal disallowed for offside before Valverde's sensational strike in added time.

Source: espn.com
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Reds can clinch title at King Power depending on Arsenal result

Liverpool know they can win the Premier League on Sunday afternoon if they beat Leicester City and Arsenal lose to Ipswich Town earlier in the day.

With the Reds needing just six points to clinch their second Premier League crown, defeat for the Gunners at Portman Road followed by victory for themselves at the King Power Stadium ensures they can't be usurped in top spot. Even if Arsenal win, Liverpool will move within one victory of glory if they triumph in the East Midlands. (Source: 90min.com)

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Leicester City vs. Liverpool: Preview

The Reds will secure the Premier League title with a win, if Arsenal lose to Ipswich Town earlier on Sunday

The inevitable outcome of Leicester City heading back to the Championship could soon be upon us. The Foxes need to win to avoid being relegated on Matchday 33, so it is not the ideal time to have to face runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool at the King Power Stadium.

Source: theanalyst.com
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Blues continue push for Champions League qualification

Chelsea continue their push towards Champions League qualification when they visit west London adversaries Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues enter the fixture in underwhelming form and significant pressure is mounting on Enzo Maresca. Successive draws with Brentford and Ipswich Town in the Premier League has seen their bid to finish in the top five - fifth place being enough to reach the Champions League this season - dented enormously. They must respond with victory at Fulham. (Source: 90min.com)

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Fulham vs. Chelsea: Preview

Chelsea will hope to resurrect their faltering quest to qualify for the Champions League when they travel to play ninth-placed Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday in their 33rd Premier League game of the season

The Cottagers lost 1-0 against Bournemouth on Monday, and their tally of 48 points is six fewer than Chelsea, who are in sixth place following their disappointing 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town last Sunday.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk
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Gunners are playing for little domestically with full focus on Champions League

Arsenal will carry a swagger when they visit Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners enter the contest off the back of completing their Champions League masterpiece in Madrid. A 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu saw Mikel Arteta's side ease into the semi-finals of the competition, where a scintillating Paris Saint-Germain await. (Source: 90min.com)

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Ipswich Town v Arsenal: Preview

After the high of beating Real Madrid on Wednesday night in the Bernabeu, Arsenal are on the road again on Easter Sunday heading to relegation-threatened Ipswich Town

Finding himself 14 points from safety with six games left, Kieran McKenna will be ruing his side’s inability to hold onto leads. Of the three promoted clubs the Suffolk side have impressed most, but they’ve squandered a massive 27 points from winning positions, with just four victories obtained in their first season back at this level since 2001/02.

Source: arsenal.com
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Red Devils still catching their breath after Thursday's manic European tie

Manchester United are aiming to build on their chaotic European victory over Lyon when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Red Devils produced an astonishing turnaround during their topsy-turvy Europa League quarter-final second leg with the French side, scoring three quick-fire goals at the end of extra-time to avoid embarrassment against their ten-man visitors. Their late comeback has booked them a clash with Athletic Club in the semi-finals as they chase continental salvation at the end of a miserable season. (Source: 90min.com)

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Man United vs. Wolves: Preview

On the back of one of the most iconic comebacks in the club's history, Manchester United will aim to maintain their momentum when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League

The hosts' stunning three-goal burst in six extra-time minutes secured their midweek comeback, while the visitors arrive brimming with confidence after four consecutive victories.

Source: sportsmole.co.uk
Men

Man City leave it late to beat Everton

City host in-form Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday and the result there may well go a long way to ensuring their status in the top echelon of the European club game next season

Manchester City remain on track to qualify for next season's Champions League after winning at Everton with two late goals.

Source: bbc.com
Men

Saints match Derby points tally with West Ham draw

A point means Southampton are up to 11 for the season in total

Lesley Ugochukwu scored a stoppage-time equaliser as bottom side Southampton claimed a thoroughly deserved point at West Ham.

Source: bbc.com
Men

Raphinha's 98th-minute penalty wins thriller for Barca

The win extends Barcelona's lead over second-placed Real Madrid to seven points

Raphinha scored a penalty in the eighth minute of injury time as La Liga leaders Barcelona completed a remarkable comeback to beat Celta Vigo 4-3.

Source: bbc.com
Men

Saturday's European top picks

Bayern Munich will aim to inch closer to the Bundesliga title when they face FC Heidenheim at Voith Arena on Saturday.

Barcelona will be aiming to open up a seven-point lead at the top of the La Liga table when they welcome European-chasing Celta Vigo to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday afternoon.

Relegation contenders AC Monza take on a title-chasing Napoli side, with the latter eager to keep their foothold in the title race with Inter Milan.

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Premier League: Race for UCL

Everton will host Manchester City at Goodison Park on Saturday, with both sides eager to grind out a positive result this weekend.

Aston Villa and Newcastle United will aim to continue their excellent runs of form in the Premier League when they face off at Villa Park on Saturday.

Men

Slot denies Liverpool dropped Darwin Núñez due to row at training ground

Arne Slot has denied Darwin Núñez was dropped from Liverpool’s win against West Ham because of a training-ground row with a member of his coaching staff

The Liverpool head coach said on Sunday that Núñez was absent from the 2-1 victory at Anfield having felt unwell during training the day before, although the striker sat behind the substitutes throughout the game.

Source: theguardian.com
Men

Napoli confirm injury blow to key attacker for Serie A run-in

Napoli have confirmed that winger David Neres was forced to stop during training on Friday as a result of a muscular injury, and now the Brazilian looks set to miss out on the team’s upcoming test against Monza on Saturday

The Partenopei issued a short statement informing supporters of the injury, which read: “David Neres suffered a muscular strain at the end of today’s training. His condition will be evaluated soon.”

Source: football-italia.net
Men

Guardiola: UCL absence could hurt transfer plans

Pep Guardiola has warned that Manchester City could miss out on their top transfer targets if they fail to qualify for the Champions League

City are fifth in the table with six games to go ahead of their trip to Everton on Saturday.

Source: espn.com
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Diego Simeone makes frank admission over Antoine Griezmann’s Atletico Madrid future role

Diego Simeone has opened up on his plans for Atletico Madrid’s ageing stars including key forward Antoine Griezmann

Griezmann is set to stay in Madrid over the summer, despite previous speculation on his future in the Spanish capital, with both sides consistently expressing their desire to continue the bond.

Source: football-espana.net
Men

Leeds reclaim top spot with win at Oxford

Leeds United returned to the top of the Championship with a win at Oxford United as they matched victories earlier on Friday for both Burnley and Sheffield United

A first-half goal from Manor Solomon saw them regain first place on goal difference from the Clarets with just three games left to play, and Sheffield United five points behind in third.

Source: bbc.com
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