That’s it from me and today’s Clockwatch. That was hectic. But then it always is. Loved every minute of it. Hope you did too. See you at the next one. I’m off to catch some Six Nations action. Are Wales winning? Ciao.
Leeds 1-0 Southampton: All counts count the same but some have infinitely more value than others. This single strike from Junior Firpo might just be the most valuable goal Leeds score all season. Report from Louise Taylor at Elland road here:
West Ham 4-0 Nottingham Forest: That scoreline suggests it was one way traffic. And of course it was, but only after 70 minutes when the Hammers blitzed a quadruple (I k now that’s not a phrase). Here’s the report from the London Stadium from Sam Dalling:
Everton 0-2 Aston Villa: It was a sorry performance from Everton who must now seriously contemplate their standing in this league. Here’s the report from Goodison from Andy Hunter:
Updated
George Ronczy has chimed with in some VAR views:
“I think most of the people who moan about consistency in VAR really just want the calls to go their way. It’s not that Arsenal fans (for sake of example, not slagging them: everyone’s fans want this) want the penalty for Saka if the foul on their goal was called, they want the penalty for Saka *and* the first goal to be good.”
Admir Pajic also chips with, though I think he’s not as serious:
“Regarding VAR. As an Arsenal fan, I have to ask: if we get a hat-trick of apologies for VAR mistakes, will we get to keep a monitor?”
“As a Liverpool fan, I probably should keep my own counsel. But... If DCL is not in the lineup, Everton have very few avenues to scoring goals. Unless you count the Burnley connection: Tarkowski to McNeil on a set piece. Sorry, Mary”
That’s from Joe in Indianapolis. The DCL, for those not sure, refers to Dominic Calvert-Lewin. I wouldn’t suggest that Everton’s problems would be fixed by one player (nor is Joe to be fair) but I do wonder if DCL would actually fix anything. They just seem like a club in freefall. We’ve seen it before.
Leicester 0-1 Arsenal.
Here’s the first report on the site. It’s from the King Power Stadium courtesy of Nick Ames:
If you’re eager for a live MBM on the Bournemouth v Manchester City game, look no further:
Days after Pep Guardiola called Phil Foden his “diamond” he hands him a start.
🐝 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🐝
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 25, 2023
XI | Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Rodrigo, Gundogan (C), Foden, Grealish, Alvarez, Haaland
SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Carson, Walker, Phillips, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Gomez, Mahrez, Perrone#ManCity | @HaysWorldwide pic.twitter.com/CS5KaXVLNg
“Ross County 4 Dundee United 0. I’m sure I’d feel much worse if I wasn’t so heavily sedated, Daniel.”
Hope you’re good, Simon McMahon. Better, at least, than your boys on the pitch.
FULL-TIME: West Ham 4-0 Nottingham Forest
It seemed as if this one would meander to a dull conclusion but a four goal blitz inside 15 second half minutes meant it ended in a rout. Danny Ings, in his first start for the Hammers, notched a brace with Declan Rice and Michail Antonio also getting on the scoresheet. A fine win for West Ham puts them two points above Everton in the relegation zone.
“With 14 matches left to play after today, Everton has plenty of time to turn things around and avoid relegation. I think Dyche gets them through it.”
No question all your glasses are half full in your house, eh Mike MacKenzie?
FULL-TIME: Everton 0-2 Aston Villa
Sean Dyche is the latest Everton manager to know what a home defeat feels like. I bet it stings. It’s what they deserve though as two second half goals from Villa consign the Toffees to the relegation zone. Too big to go down? Don’t bank on it.
FULL TIME: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has his win. It was nevey, it was disjointed, it wasn’t always pretty, but they’ve conquered a bogey team away from home and now move five points clear at the top of the Premier League after 24 rounds. The last time they were in this position at this stage of the season they finished fourth. So Arsenal fans won’t be counting any unhatched chickens, but they’ll be singing all the way back to London after a resilient victory.
Updated
FULL TIME: Leeds 1-0 Southampton
Leeds are out of the relegation zone. Could this be a genuine new manager bounce we’re seeing? That will be determined at a later date. Massive win for the home team.
Updated
Leeds 1-0 Southampton: Should be 2-0 as Leeds make a mess of a chance as Summerville chooses to shoot instead of pass. Won’t matter though.
Leicester 0-1 Arsenal: Three minutes to go in added time. Zinchenko comes off. Fair play to him given what this day must have meant to him.
Sheffield United 1-0 Watford: A 78th minute own goal from Ryan Porteous is the only score in this one. Sheffield in firm control of second in the league.
GOAL! Peterborough 5-2 Plymouth Argyle (Taylor, 78)
What a game this is! Seven goals. Lucky you if you’re there.
Leicester 0-1 Arsenal: Leicester are pushing for an equaliser. Arsenal are hanging on. Not exactly cohesive. Then again, champion teams find a way to win even when they’re not at their best.
Everton 0-2 Aston Villa: As Dylan Kenny has asked, and in case anyone else also wants to know, Villa were awarded a penalty for a foul on McGinn.
GOAL! West Ham 4-0 Nottingham Forest (Antonio, 85)
It’s raining goals in east London. Fornals cuts back and shapes to shoot but instead he dinks a lovely ball to the far posts for Antonio to make it 4-0. Remember, it was goalless until 70 minutes.
Updated
Leicester 0-1 Arsenal: Arsenal are holding on here as Leicester, still with one shot at goal, have grown in the game and are now the better side. Seven minutes to go. Could well end 1-1 if the Gunners aren’t careful.
GOAL! Everton 0-2 Aston Villa (Buendia, 81)
That is brilliant. Buendia cuts back on to his left foot and consigns Everton, surely, to a home defeat that could be pinpointed as the reason they go down.
Updated
“Hi Daniel. In Leicester’s 2016 unlikely Premier League title win Arsenal were the only team the Foxes didn’t beat – in fact the Gunners beat them home and away. Looks like this is running true to form then. Any news from Mary Waltz and her beloved Everton?”
Hi Ricardia. Funny you should mention Mary:
"Sean has the boys playing as hard as they can, they have had multiple fine build ups approaching the box but a painful lack of clinical finishing has produced another scoreless half of football”
GOAL! Leeds 1-0 Southampton (Firpo, 77)
What an important goal! That is what Leeds so desperately needed. It’s a shot that could take Leeds out of the relegation zone as things stand with Everton losing. Not good news for the Saints who’ll be four points from safety unless they get a move on.
Updated
GOAL! West Ham 3-0 Nottingham Forest (Rice, 78)
What’s going on in east London? Declan Rice curls in a beauty as the game gets stretched. That is that. Brilliant from West Ham in an eight minute blitz.
Updated
GOAL! Burnley 4-0 Huddersfield (Obafemi, 74)
Champagne football from the Championship leaders. Manchester City-esque as it’s produced by a cut-back and first time finish.
GOAL! Reading 3-0 Blackpool (Carrol, 70 P)
Andy Carroll makes no mistake from the spot as the Royals canter ahead. Blackpool in real trouble now but with fellow relegation contenders Wigan, Huddersfield and Cardiff all losing, it might not be so costly.
GOAL! Grimsby 2-2 Leyton Orient (Moncur, 68)
Bit of a cracker taking shape there as Orient equalise. They lead 1-0, were pegged back to 2-1 and now it’s all square.
GOAL! West Ham 2-0 Nottingham Forest (Ings, 73)
Two in three minutes for Danny Ings. Benhrama with the running down the left and he tees up his striker.
Updated
GOAL! Peterborough 4-2 Plymouth Argyle (Clarke-Harris)
Is anyone defending at the ABAX Stadium?
GOAL! West Ham 1-0 Nottingham Forest (Ings, 70)
Danny Ings scores for the Hammers. He has to reach behind him to stab it home and, if it stays like this, West Ham will move out of the relegation zone.
Updated
GOAL! QPR 1-3 Blackburn Rovers (Gallagher, 60)
Gallagher’s second creates some breathing room for Rovers who haven’t lost since 14 January. With Middlesborough trailing 0-2, third place is within reach.
Everton 0-1 Aston Villa: That’s the first time the Toffees have been behind at home under Dyche. Let’s see if they can climb through the gears and save this.
GOAL! Everton 0-1 Aston Villa (Watkins, 63 P)
Watkins smashes his penalty straight down the middle for his ninth goal of the season. Everton the architects of their own doom.
Updated
GOAL! Forest Green 1-1 Lincoln City (Garrick, 58)
The vegans are back! How they need that as they’re six points adrift at the bottom of the table.
Leicester 0-1 Arsenal: Jamie Vardy enters the scene.
Updated
Everton 0-0 Aston Villa: Pickford pulls off a magic save from a Watkins header. Neither team deserve to win this stodgy affair. Both could easily do so.
GOAL! Peterborough 3-1 Plymouth Argyle (Burrows 54)
The Posh aren’t giving up on their playoff hopes. This is some statement performance from them.
Leicester 0-1 Arsenal: Danny Ward keeps his team in it (though that’s more of an expression really, they’re not in this at all) as he gets a strong hand to Zinchenko’s shot from outside the box.
GOAL! Grimsby 2-1 Leyton Orient (Lloyd, 52)
Grimsby have turned this around in seven second half minutes.
DISSALOWED GOAL! Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
Saka has the ball in the net but there’s an offside in the build up. It’s Martinelli who has strayed.
Updated
GOAL! Preston 1-1 Wigan (Johnson 53 P)
Preston are all square at home as Daniel Johnson, who has starred so far, sends the keeper the wrong way from the spot.
Leeds 0-0 Southampton: The home side must surely be losing patience. Leeds are all over Southampton and yet are kept at arm’s length. Not good enough. Something has to shift if they’re to score.
Leicester 0-1 Arsenal: The Foxes finally string an attack together. Barnes down the left plays a great low ball to the back post. Tete just, and only just, can’t reach it.
GOAL! Grimsby 1-1 Leyton Orient (McAtee)
Grimsby equalise straight after the break in this League Two tussle.
Updated
Everton 0-0 Aston Villa: Villa have sorted themselves out. They were second best in the first half but have started brighter this period.
GOAL! Leicester 0-1 Arsenal (Martinelli, 46)
Well, well, well. So much for chat about a lack of goals. Arsenal have roared out of the gates and taken the lead. Brilliant from Martinelli who bends one round the ‘keeper from the left. Think Henry rampaging in his pomp.
Updated
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal: As Arsenal struggle for goals (in this game at least), Rwik Chattopadhyay raises an interesting point:
“Wondering where Folarin Balogun fits into this equation? Will he back at the Emirates next season? Will Nketiah still be here? A nice headache to have for Mikel Arteta.”
Balagun is the joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 – alongside Kylian Mbappe – with 15 goals. Just btw.
Harriet Osborne is dreaming fancy dreams from across the pond:
“That West Brom-Boro situation is an interesting one for stateside fans- an American striker on a hot streak scores twice in quick succession on who was, until very recently, our undisputed #1. I don’t know to feel about it. Maybe someone else does. An American striker scoring a quick-fire double can never be a bad thing for us, can it? And what if he’d been fit in November?”
If only Harriet, if only.
Some half time reading for you on Marcus Rashford who is reminding me of early Cristiano Ronaldo. I know, that sounds ludicrous, but is it really?
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal: More VAR chat from a self confessed “unmeasured” fan:
“As an unmeasured Arsenal fan I’m sick and tired of all this VAR talk. I don’t think there’s a vast conspiracy against my team BUT I do think Saka was fouled in the box. The defender wrapped his arm around Saka and then fell on top of him.
“If Ben White fouled the goalie then Saka was also fouled. Why no consistency?
“If the referee thinks it wasn’t a foul then the ref should card Saka for diving.”
Sadly I don’t have the answers to these questions, Eagle Brosi.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal: It wouldn’t be a Premier League weekend without a VAR talking point, would it?
“I am done with VAR. If they are going to disallow a goal, then surely they would be giving a pk to Saka. Surely, VAR isn’t there to make sure there are less goals in the game. Give title to Man City or United already, and end this farce.”
Steady on, Adeem Sadiq. By most accounts it seems the goal was rightly ruled out. Besides, Arsenal should be out of sight after their dominance. Have faith. I reckon they’ll still come good.
Sheffield Wednesday looking good to achieve a club record of 20 games unbeaten as they’re 1-0 up ast Charlton. Liam Palmer’s ninth minute goal the difference there.
“Bit late to this, but one stands out for me, and it’s happening tomorrow, the Jimmy Greaves Derby between Spurs (321) and Chelsea (157). I saw him score for both”
Great addition here by ‘Rayge’ (no surname, or are you a Brazilian midfielder?)
Leicester didn’t record a single shot on goal in their home game against Arsenal. Not ideal.
GOAL! Barnsley 3-1 Derby (Cole 45+2)
Coles sweeps home just before the half-time break after a goalmouth scrap. Do we already have our game of the day?
Goalless in all four Premier League games after 45 minutes:
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
Everton 0-0 Aston Villa
Leeds 0-0 Southampton
West Ham 0-0 Nottingham Forest
GOAL! QPR 1-2 Blackburn Rovers (Szmodics 45+2)
Blackburn are back in front courtesy of a tidy finish under the onrushing ‘keeper.
Updated
Everton v Aston Villa: There’s a blocked free kick off the boot of McNeil and that’s half time.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal: An Arsenal free kick on the right is whipped in but is too long for anyone to get their head on it. Sums up Arsenal. Just missing something. Nketiah will definitely come on to provide some focus up top.
Everton 0-0 Aston Villa: Maupay’s curled effort from the centre of the box doesn’t have enough power on it so Martinez saves comfortably. Good game, but goalless just before half time.
Leeds 0-0 Southampton: A short corner creates the shooting chance for McKennie but he blazes over the bar. Leeds looking good but lacking the bite needed.
Updated
GOAL! Norwich City 2-0 Cardiff (Marquinhos, 37)
With his first goal in the country, the Brazilian on load from Arsenal doubles Norwich’s lead.
Leeds 0-0 Southampton: Leeds make a mess of a two on one. Harrison dillies and dallies and lets Southampton off the hook.
GOAL! Barnsley 2-1 Derby (McGoldrick, 35)
What a game this is. McGoldrick dinks the ‘keeper and halves the deficit. Don’t count them out yet.
A measured Arsenal fan? Whatever next?
“Even though I’m an Arsenal fan, I think these sorts of infractions that no referee could possibly see, is exactly what VAR should be for. I don’t care whether a player is an inch or two offside, but the game would be more fun without that kind of sneaky fouling.”
Well said, Kári Tulinius.
GOAL! Barnsley 2-0 Derby County (Phillips, 33)
Just after Derby hit the post they’re two behind. Phillips slots one on into the far corner.
GOAL! Norwich City 1-0 Cardiff City (Sara, 33)
The Canaries are singing as Gabriel Sara’s fourth goal of the season puts the home team ahead.
GOAL! Burnley 3-0 Huddersfield (Brownhill, 31)
Imperious yet again from Burnley who have had 82% possession. Is this the best team the Championship has ever seen? It’s a swift move that ends with a perfect cross for the skipper Josh Brownhill whose first time shot ripples the net.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal: Saka goes down in the box and there’s a penalty appeal. Nothing doing though. Still, it’s all Arsenal.
GOAL! Preston 0-1 Wigan (Cunningham OG, 27)
That’s not ideal for the home team. Greg Cunningham has shunted one in his own net.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal: Iheanacho puts the ball in the net. Too bad he’s about 30 yards offside.
Updated
GOAL! QPR 1-1 Blackburn Rovers (Iroegbunam, 24)
After Sam Gallagher put the visitors ahead on 14 minutes, Tim Iroegbunam makes it all square 10 minutes later.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
Trossard has curled on in the top corner but it won’t count. There’s a foul in the box following an Arsenal corner. The ball squirts to Trossard on the edge and he produces a moment of magic. But it’s been ruled out after a VAR referral.
Updated
Still goalless across the four Premier League games, though Arsenal and West Ham dominating their games.
GOAL! Barnsley 1-0 Derby
After a VAR check Barnsley are ahead. Devante Cole slides the ball after an error from the Rams at the back.
West Ham 0-0 Nottingham Forest: Ings makes a mess of a header. How’s he put that wide? Should be 1-0 up.
West Ham 0-0 Nottingham Forest: Fabianski has to tip over Felipe’s header, but that’s as close as the visitors have come. The Hammers in charge otherwise.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal: For all their dominance, Arsenal are missing a focal point. Trossard continues to come short but that means there’s no one to provide the thrust. Nketiah, surely, will be introduced at half-time. 20 minutes gone.
Updated
GOAL! Burnley 2-0 Huddersfield (Roberts, 18)
Beautiful. Vincent Kompany has this team purring. Roberts is found with a delicious through ball and he rounds the ‘keeper to double the lead. Sensational stuff.
GOAL! Ross County 2-0 Dundee United (Dhanda, 14)
It’s not going well for the bottom of the table Dundee United. They’re two down in no time.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal: Same as before. Arsenal doing all the running and passing. Leicester are holding firm though.
GOAL! Reading 1-0 Blackpool (Ince, 12)
No celebration for Tom Ince as his deflected shot puts Reading ahead. Ince, like his father, represented Blackpool so he keeps a lid on things.
Leeds 0-0 Southampton: Just a shot apiece as Leeds boss the ball with more than 70% of it. Will need to be decisive to break Southampton down, though.
GOAL! West Brom 2-0 Middlesbrough (Dike 8, 10)
It’s two goals in two minutes as West Brom canter ahead. Daryl Dike at the double. Two breaks after ‘Brough have dominated possession.
Updated
Everton 0-0 Aston Villa: Pickford is called into action and makes a good save. Keeps his team level after 10 minutes, shortly after Watkins did likewise at the other end.
GOAL! Burnley 1-0 Huddersfield (Ashley Barnes, 7)
The runaway league leaders are ahead early in their game.
Leicester v Arsenal: It really is one way traffic after five minutes. Arsenal loading the left and then switching it right. Saka cuts in off his wing and has a shot blocked. Arsenal recycle and get going again.
Updated
We’ve got a goal. Lincoln City 1-0 up away to Forest Green in League One.
Leeds v Southampton 0-0: Bamford headers over the bar. Good start from the home side.
Leicester v Arsenal 0-0: Odegaard has a volley fly blocked. It’s all Arsenal. Attack v defence after three minutes.
Updated
Standing ovation at the London Stadium for Bobby Moore on the anniversary of his death. His grandkids walk out with the famous No 6 on their backs. Nice touch.
Updated
Have I dropped the ball on Scottish football updates. Yes. Yes I have.
Thankfully, one of our readers, Simon McMahon has me covered:
“No doubt about Scotland’s game of the day, Daniel. Rock bottom Dundee United travel to Dingwall to face Ross County, one place and one point above them (in the Michael Gardyne derby). A must win, a six-pointer, a basement battle, last chance saloon for United manager Liam Fox - call it what you like, it’s gonna be huge. United started the season in Europe and with genuine ambitions to finish third, yet have sat at the foot of the table for most of the season as the club has lurched from one embarrassment to another, 7-0 and 9-0 defeats to AZ Alkmaar and Celtic being two particular lowlights. Despite this, a healthy travelling support will make the three hour journey up the A9, and I wouldn’t want to be a player / manager / director at full time should United lose…”
Cheers mate.
Alrighty folks. Here we go…
I like this from Redmond Grimes:
“Toronto FC vs Spurs, The Jermaine Defoe classic”.
Make this an annual event!
Three minutes to go before we kick off with four Premier League games. Just a reminder what we’ve got:
Leicester v Arsenal
Everton v Aston Villa
Leeds v Southampton
West Ham v Nottingham Forest
If Sheffield Wednesday, currently top on of League One thanks to their superior goal difference, avoid defeat today, they’ll set a club record with 20 games without a loss. They’re away to Charlton.
Updated
On Nketiah, that enigma of a striker, Dave Konopka in Cleveland, Ohio says this:
“I think that the not-so-vocal majority view him as a useful player. Is he a first-choice striker for a title-winning team? Probably not. Is he someone who can come in and start the odd match for such a team? I think so. Unfortunately for him, in Arteta’s system the striker really needs to press and link play, and the latter is not his strength, but he has certainly improved.”
Good point re the press. Trossard is down on the sheet as the No. 9 but that front three will be fluid. Saka and Martinelli could find himself through the middle at times. Try marking that, Leicester defence.
Getting a flood of suggested ‘Player X Derby’ entries. Soz if I don’t get to them all.
Joe Pearson porposes we rename the Classico the “Figo Derby”. Not if you want an avalanche of pig heads, Joe.
Lenny Peters in Valencia puts forward Pay Jennings for the North London derby.
And Michael Birke says that macthes between Manchester United and Tottenham should be branded as the “Teddy Derby” in honour of Mr Sheringham.
While you’re waiting, take a squiz a this from Barney who is in typically excellent form. We’ll all miss John Motson, a man described as ‘the voice of football’.
“Just guessing, but I reckon Kevin Phillips would have a few and surely Peter Beardsley is in there?”
That’s from Shane O’Leary. Beardlsey is a great shout with Newcastle and Liverpool.
Jonathan Saunders suggests that the Marlon Harewood derby is taking place at the London Stadium. 142 games for West Ham and 185 for Nottingham. Yup, I reckon that just about meets the threshold.
Unai Emery says his objective is win. Well, of course it is. And Villa need a win. They’re lost three in a row – to Arsenal, Man City and Leicester. They’re scored goals in each of them – 2, 1 and 2 – but shipped plenty – 4, 3 and 4. So fine going forward but leaky at the back.
Gary Stover has been in touch via mail and suggested Frank Lampard’s contributions for both Chelsea and Manchester City deserves a rebranding of that ‘derby’. Not sure. He played 429 games for the Blues and just 32 for the Sky Blues. Compare that to Smith – 200 for Leicester and 264 for Arsenal – and there’s a disparity there.
I’m curious what Arsenal fans feel about Nketiah. He seems to be one of those players that divides opinion. Arteta says that he’s been dropped because of a “not serious” knock but I know that many Gunners faithful will argue that’s where he belongs even when fully fit.
It’s not injury, but illness that has kept James Maddison from the Leicester squad. Could be a big hole for the Foxes in their own den.
Alan Smith is on Sky’s feed, pitch side on what has been dubbed the “Alan Smith Derby” as he bagged 199 goals combined for both Leicester and Arsenal.
So, here’s one for you. Is there another “Player X Derby” that deserves mention? No points if that player scored 198 goals for one club and just one for another. Any suggestions?
“Bravo Arsenal” says Charles Antaki. He’s doffing his cap to the Gunners for selecting Zinchenko asd skipper. What must be going through his mind today, a year and one day on from Russia’s invasion of his homeland?
Getting loads of comments re abuse from fans directed at players and managers. Heartening to see all are on the same page.
This is from Mary Waltz captures the spirit of it: “I am a passionate sports fan. It is sometimes embarrassing how involved I am with my teams, and the number of times I have screamed “you idiot” at the screen when one of my favorites has committed a howler.(as a Everton fan my voice has been ruined this year). But the notion that anyone would sit down and pen a death threat to any athlete is beyond insane. Twitter has turned some into psychopaths.”
West Ham v Nottingham Forest team news
Danny Ings starts for the Hammers for the fist time as David Moyes switches to a back four, allowing for the extra body in midfield. He’s after three points here.
West Ham: Fabianski, Johnson, Coufal, Ogbonna, Aguerd, Paquetá, Bowen, Benhrama, Soucek, Rice (cap), Ings.
Subs: Aréola, Cresswell, Kehrer, Emerson, Fornals, Lanzini, Downes, Scamacca, Antonio.
Two changes for the visitors who have struggled on the road. Just three away goals for them but they do come into this one with an unlikely draw at home to Manchester City. Neco Williams in for the injured Serge Aurier and the Kiwi Chris Wood starts in a more attacking team.
Nottingham Forest: Navas, Worrall (cap), Williams, Lodi, Felipe, Shelvey, Colback, Gibbs-White, Johnson, Freuler, Wood.
Subs: Hennesey, Toffolo, Mangala, Lingard, Danilo, Scarpa, Surridge, Dennis, Ayew.
Leeds v Southampton team news
Leeds really need a win. They;re without a win in 10 Premier League games. But they’re unbeaten in their last eight against Southampton. What to make of that?
Leeds: Meslier, Ayling (cap), Firpo, Koch, Wober, Aaronson, Harrison, Adams, McKennie, Gnoto, Bamford
Subs: Robles, Kristensen, Monteiro, Roca, Summerville, Gyabi, Rutter, Greenwood, Joseph.
Southampton are unchanged from the team that beat Chelsea in west London. Now how to orchestrate a free kick opportunity for James Ward-Prowse?
Southampton: Bazunu, Maitland-Niles, Bella-Kotchap, Bednarek, Perraud, Lavia, Ward-Prowse (cap), Elyounoussi, A Armstrong, Kamaldeen, Onuachu
Subs: Caballero, Walker-Peters, Caleta-Car, Diallo, Alcaraz, Djenepo, Walcott, Mara, A Armstrong.
Everton v Aston Villa team news
Jordan Pickford makes his 350th appearance for Everton. Milestones are nice. A clean sheet would be nicer.
Everton: Pickford, Coleman (cap), Coady, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Gana, Onana, Doucouré, McNeil, Iwobi, Maupay
Subs: Begovic, Holgate, Keane, Gray, Mina, Godfrey, Davies, Vinagre, Simms
Villa have won four of their previous five matches against Everton with one draw in the mix. They’ll certainly fancy themselves again today. Provided they don’t implode at the death.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, McGinn (cap), Douglas Luiz, Kamara, Ramsey, Watkins, Bailey.
Subs: Sinisalo, Zych, Traoré, Buendía, Álex Moreno, Chambers, Young, Durán, Dendocnker.
Leicester v Arsenal team news
One year on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Oleksandr Zinchenko captains Arsenal. Hard not to get emotional about that, whichever team you support.
Granit Xhaka is back in midfield with William Saliba at the back.
Arsenal: Ramsdale, White, Gabriel, Saliba, Zinchenko (c), Jorginho, Xhaka, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard
Subs: Turner, Kierney, Kiwior, Holding, Tomiyasu, Partey, Smith Rowe, Vuera, Nketiah
As for the home side, Iheanacho will lead up top and it’ll be interesdted to see how Castagne gets on. It’s a handy bench with Tielemans and Vardy in attendence.
Leicester: Ward, Castagne, Souttar, Faes, Kristiansen, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndidi (cap), Praet, Tetê, Barnes, Iheanacho.
Subs: Iverson, Ricardo, Amartey, Thomas, Mendy, Soumaré, Tielemans, Vardy, Daka.
Updated
Fulham have been a joy, haven’t they? I reckon many fans and pundits would have wondered if they’d reach 39 points by the end of the season. Well they’ve got there already with a hard fought 1-1 draw at home to a spirited Wolves side that once again ran out of puff.
Ed Aarons with the report from last night:
Some football fans really are the worst. Not you, of course, so please don’t think I’m wagging a finger by sharing this piece. But it’s important we all recognise that this is a game and that those on our screens are real people. Seems some have forgotten that.
It’s a big day for Newcastle tomorrow. With so much riding on it those players in black and white need to keep cool heads. Malcolm Macdonald knows what’s at stake. Louise Taylor interviewed him, quite brilliantly, in this piece.
There are plenty of Championship games on today at 3pm.
League leaders Burnley host Huddersfield and will hope Sheffield United slip further adrift when they host Watford. Meanwhile Wigan, languishing at the bottom, head over to Preston. The Latics are unbeaten in four. Now’s as good a time as any to find some form.
Burnley v Huddersfield
Sheffield United v Watford
Preston v Wigan Athletic
Norwich City v Cardiff City
Queens Park Rangers v Blackburn Rovers
Bristol City v Hull City
West Bromwich Albion v Middlesbrough
Reading v Blackpool
Birmingham v Luton Town
Stoke City v Millwall
This one’s for the Arsenal fans. Would you fancy a Premier League title or a Europa League win? I’m guessing it’s pretty straightforward as far as you’re concerned. Not so for the boss who wants it all.
Preamble
Back in February 2014, Arsenal began round 24 of the Premier League on top of the pile. Since getting demolished 6-3 by Manchester City in December the previous year, the Gunners went unbeaten in eight matches, dropping just two points in a 2-2 draw at Southampton. Hope. That’s what Arsenal fans began to feel. Genuine hope that maybe this was their year after a decade long drought.
Then they got spanked 5-1 by Liverpool. A week later they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to a Manchester United outfit that would finish seventh. They endured a six game streak where they collected just five points and were beaten 1-0 by Stoke, 6-0 by Chelsea and 3-0 by Everton. By the time it was all said and done, Arsène Wenger’s team limped to fourth.
It’s round 23 today in the Premier League and Arsenal are top of the pile. They travel to Leicester with their fans hoping, genuinely hoping, that this may be their year after a 19-year drought. With a tough run coming up, including trips to Anfield and the Etihad, only three points will do today.
In the other 3pm kick-offs, a desperate, but perhaps reenergised Everton host Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest go to east London to play a West Ham side in need of points, and Leeds and Southampton get down in the basement for a scrap that might see the loser dealt a knockout blow at Elland Road.
There’s also a full EFL programme and the usual games around Europe. We’ll have team news at around 2pm.
Leicester v Arsenal
Everton v Aston Villa
Leeds v Southampton
West Ham v Nottingham Forest
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