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There are now just 11 games of the Premier League season left before all 20 sides in the division discover their fate, and the next round of fixtures get underway this evening as Leicester City travel to Carrow Road.

Here, we take a look at five of the biggest talking points to look out for this weekend, including an in-country battle in Tottenham versus Wolves, Jarrod Bowen’s potential first start for West Ham, and an omen that could be great news for the Foxes against Norwich City.

1. Battle for Portugal between Nuno and Jose

In the first match between these two sides this season, in December, Wolves will have felt hard done as they came away from the clash with nothing.

Despite bossing possession – 57% to 43% – and shots – 19 to nine – they were beaten 2-1 thanks to a late Jan Vertonghen goal. Since then, both sides’ form has roughly stayed the same overall – Spurs’ two-point advantage is now down to one – but considering the home side have lost their last two matches, the Midlands outfit will be confident of getting a result.

A win would put them above the Lilywhites, and that would only increase Nuno Espirito Santo’s stock. The Portuguese manager has done a fantastic job at Wolves, leading them to a seventh place finish last term, as well as an FA Cup semi-final. Mourinho’s reputation, meanwhile, has only decreased in recent years. He was sacked by Chelsea and, although he did win two trophies with Manchester United, he was still relieved of his duties in December 2018. Victory for Nuno would not only put his side above the Red Devils, but also himself above his compatriot.

Perhaps the time has come when Mourinho will fade into Nuno’s shadow and no longer represent the Portuguese top dog.

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2. Leicester City vs strugglers on a Friday

Back in December, Leicester City equalled a Premier League record with a 9-0 Friday night mauling of Southampton – the joint-biggest victory since 1992.

They have played once since then on the fifth day of the week, but Wolves are currently a tough opponent to face – this week’s opponents, Norwich, are far more reminiscent of the Ralph Hasenhuttl side back then.

In fact, they are arguably in even worse form than Southampton were at the end of last year – they are currently rock bottom of the league table, six points adrift of 19th, and they have won just once in their last 14 matches in the top tier. In all fairness, the Foxes are currently not at the peak of their powers – they have won just one of their last six matches in the competition – but they are still third and should qualify for the Champions League.

Against the struggling Canaries, you wouldn’t put it past them to run up a big score – although 9-0 might be just a bit of a push.

3. First start for Jarrod Bowen?

West Ham’s £22m signing of Jarrod Bowen from Hull City was one of the biggest transfers of the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old was in demand – Crystal Palace also tabled an offer on January deadlin day eve – and rightly so.

In 29 matches in the second tier this season, he scored 16 goals, adding to the 36 he had managed across the previous two campaigns as well. But he is yet to make his full debut for the Hammers since his move, instead reduced to bit-part roles against both Man City and Liverpool.

In all fairness, playing against either of those from the start would have been a baptism of fire, but David Moyes’ men face Southampton this Saturday, which is a far more fitting clash in which to throw him in to the action.

The London outfit may have pushed Liverpool all the way in their 3-2 defeat on Monday, but the fact of the matter is they are in a precarious position at the bottom – 18th in the table, they need points, and fast.

They will be hoping that Bowen is just the man to fire them to safety.

4. Chance for Watford vs Liverpool

Liverpool’s imperious form – they have won 26 of 27 matches so far – has seen them pull miles clear of the rest of the division, but Watford go in to this clash with a better chance than most of getting a result.

The winter break appears to have slowed the Reds down – they fell to only their third defeat of the campaign in all competitions against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last week, losing 1-0, and they only managed one-goal victories against Norwich and West Ham in the league, who are both in the relegation zone.

The Hornets’ form has been chequered since their 2-0 loss at Anfield – they lost one of their next six after that, before losing three of their last four. However, with Jordan Henderson also unavailable, they must go into this match seeing it as an opportunity for an upset. Few will get a better chance this season.

5. Potential return of Andre Gomes

Heung-min Son may have been distraught following his part in Andre Gomes’ horrific injury in November, but he will unlikely have been more upset than the Portugal international himself.

The ankle fracture kept him out of action for three months, but he is now back in contention to start for Everton this weekend against Manchester United after playing 30 minutes in the last match against Arsenal, his first appearance since returning from injury.

Many have labelled his recovery as remarkable, and it does seem as though he is back in the fold a little quick given the severity of the injury.

Clearly, though, his composure on the ball is something Carlo Ancelotti could do with – he has an average pass accuracy of 86.1% per Premier League game this season, with only Fabian Delph (86.6%) to manage more amongst the regular starters for the Toffees.

There has been a lot of speculation about Allan Saint-Maximin recently after he was named on the bench against Burnley, leading Steve Bruce to discuss the issue ahead of Newcastle’s win against West Brom.

What did he say?

The Daily Mail reported that the winger’s future “is in doubt” after he was “dropped” against the Clarets on Saturday, while also adding that the Frenchman’s performances in training had discouraged his manager from picking him.

That is apparently why he missed out on starting, and instead played just 12 minutes after being substituted on late.

However, the fact he started against West Brom seems to contradict that assessment, and Bruce also took it upon himself to clarify the situation, addressing the rumours in a bid to put an end to the speculation.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, as reported by The Chronicle, he said:

“The facts are Allan has twice done his hamstring since he’s been at the club. He wasn’t great with it, didn’t train on Sunday. He trained on Monday.

“All of the nonsense we have to read about is total nonsense.”

It is clear that the Magpies boss is unhappy at the fact he has had to dismiss accusations which hinted at some kind of fallout, but his comments will likely come as a relief to most fans, as the winger is a popular figure in the north-east who they will likely want to stay for the long-term.

Key asset

It was little surprise that Newcastle struggled without Saint-Maximin at the weekend, playing out a 0-0 draw against Burnley without really testing Nick Pope between the sticks, as four shots on target would suggest.

He made a big impact on his return to the starting line-up against the Baggies, however, making an assist as well as three dribbles, earning a WhoScored rating of 7.8 in the process.

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The 22-year-old’s dribbling has been a key aspect of his success at St James’ Park since joining, averaging 4.3 per league game, but the fact that he is contributing more in the final third in terms of goals and assists, shows that his important to Bruce is growing.

If the Newcastle manager was in fact taking precaution due to fears over the winger’s injury issues, then he should be commended, as maintaining his fitness for the long-term is the most pressing concern.

A football legend: Can you get over 80% on this Gazza quiz? Find out now…

The north-east outfit are not yet safe and could potentially continue their run in the FA Cup until the end of the season, and that means the Magpies will be hoping that Saint-Maximin stays injury-free up until then.

In other Newcastle news, Bruce has also had his say on one of his biggest concerns at present…

Liverpool come into their clash with Bournemouth with an unfamiliar feeling. For the first time in the Premier League this season, they’ll be looking to bounce back from a defeat.Their 3-0 loss to Watford last weekend was perhaps the biggest shock of the season as two goals from Ismaila Sarr and a late strike from Troy Deeney sealed their fate.The result, of course, meant Jurgen Klopp’s men can no longer go through the league unbeaten.Liverpool have now only won one match in their last four outings after recent defeats against Atletico Madrid and Chelsea in the Champions League and FA Cup respectively.

With the Anfield outfit looking to bounce back, here is the XI Klopp has selected for the visit of Eddie Howe’s Cherries.

The line-up features six changes with Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah returning in place of Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino who started against Chelsea. Adrian starts in goal after Alisson picked up a hip injury while James Milner is in at left-back over Andy Robertson. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gini Wijnaldum come into the midfield.

There is also a return for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back who plays ahead of Neco Williams.

Liverpool can extend their lead at the top to 25 points by winning today. Bournemouth, meanwhile, sit in the relegation zone ahead of kick-off.

Meanwhile, a host of Liverpool fans have named who they want to SUCCEED Jurgen Klopp…

The Athletic’s Liverpool correspondent James Pearce has unleashed a rant on Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone following the Spanish outfit’s Champions League win at Anfield.

The side from the Spanish capital held out to withstand a barrage of shots from Jurgen Klopp’s men – 34 in total – to score three goals in extra-time to take them into the quarter-finals, on a night where they were largely outplayed and owe a lot to Jan Oblak in between the sticks.

While some have lauded the Argentine boss for a tactical masterclass – the BBC said that Simeone had ‘done it again’ – Pearce has fought against the praise aimed at the Atletico Madrid manager, instead suggesting that they “rode their luck” before punishing a mistake from Adrian.

While the latter is true, it is unfair to say that Simeone doesn’t deserve praise for his tactics – he knows how to get the best from his players more than anyone, and there can be no complaints from anyone seeing as Atletico won both legs of the tie.

You can see Pearce’s rant in full below:

In other news, James Pearce has provided a concerning statement regarding Naby Keita…

Liverpool have had plenty of transfer speculation surrounding their incomings and outgoings recently, with the latest being a link to Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.

According to ABC Sevilla, centre-back Diego Carlos is on Liverpool’s radar for the summer as a potential defensive partner for Virgil van Dijk, and he has a £65m release clause.

The 27-year-old has risen dramatically in market value since joining the Spanish side last year. He has rocketed up from his €15million (£13.7million) move from Nantes in 2019 to his current valuation of £65m.

Liverpool were reportedly linked with Carlos at the end of December and were willing to meet Sevilla’s asking price for the Brazilian (via El Des Marque). The view that Dejan Lovren will be leaving Anfield this summer is looking more and more likely after recent links to Lazio, meaning Liverpool could be looking to bring in another centre-back.

An imposing figure, even La Liga’s official Twitter has referenced the defender’s physique, labelling him a ‘beast’. Indeed, compared to Lovren (via WhoScored), the Brazilian averages more clearances per game, as well as more blocks and long balls, suggesting he can prove resolute defensively before launching long to help supply the team’s attack.

Fans aren’t too convinced on the idea of Carlos joining the Liverpool ranks, with one fan questioning whether he’s better than Joe Gomez.

What do you think, Liverpool fans? Would you take Diego Carlos at Anfield?

Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani posted a video to help warn others about the dangers of the current crisis sweeping the footballing nation, and it has got loads of fans replying.

A true test for any Leeds fan: Can you match these iconic images with the right results?

The chief-in-command at Elland Road had no words or captions accompanying the YouTube link although that didn’t stop plenty responding with their thoughts with many wishing the Italian well in these tough times.

Of course, people’s health comes first before anything, but this has come at the worst possible time for the west Yorkshire side as they appear set on finally ending that 16-year wait for top-flight English football at Elland Road.

Marcelo Bielsa has steered his side to the Championship summit where they hold a seven-point cushion to the playoff positions and with only nine games remaining, they only have themselves standing in the way of Premier League football next season.

Unless the current campaign gets voided.

Here’s how fans have been reacting to Radrizanni’s tweet…

AND in other news, Leeds set for MAJOR BOOST ahead of the 2020/21 season…Â

Former Everton player Tim Cahill has recently passed the time by hosting a Twitter Q&A, allowing supporters of the various teams he played for to get in touch and get answers to questions they may have thought about for a while.There have been questions about his time at Everton, such as who was the fastest player in his time at Goodison Park – to which he gave a cheeky response.One fan also stayed on topic by asking him which player he’d most want to be with during this period of self-isolation, and his answer may please some Toffees supporters.His former teammate Mikel Arteta was the name he plumped for, with the pair enjoying a great time together during one of Everton’s best spells since the turn of the century.

Under David Moyes the duo were key to Everton’s attack and helped the side finish fourth in 2004/05, and could have qualified for the Champions League had they not lost to Villarreal in qualifying the following season.

Cahill spent eight years at Goodison Park and Arteta six, but it is good to see they still have a strong bond to the current day, despite their career paths taken different trajectories.

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They could even make good self-isolation buddies given the contrasting roles they find themselves in. The Australian could perhaps provide some light relief for the Arsenal manager, who has suffered with illness himself.

In transfer news, Everton fans have reacted to the club being linked with a prolific attacker…

Having joined from Bolton back in January 2009, Kevin Nolan stayed put at St James’ Park despite Newcastle’s relegation from the Premier League.

The Englishman promptly became a key reason behind why the Magpies lifted the Championship trophy to earn promotion back to the top-flight, scoring an impressive 17 goals in the league during the 2009/2010 campaign.

If Nolan’s status as one of the club’s more prominent heroes in recent memory was still in doubt, then a stunning hat-trick in a 5-1 mauling of rivals Sunderland certainly made sure he is still remembered fondly.

Spot the fact from the fib: Are these Premier League records true or false?

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The former Bolton man was the epitome of a goal-scoring midfielder, chipping in with big goals in big games, and also leaving everything on the pitch.

Since his departure, the Magpies haven’t really had someone similar in terms of either quality or consistency. But with reports in recent days suggesting that Steve Bruce is targeting a swoop for Aston Villa ace John McGinn, the Tyneside club could finally find the heir to Nolan’s throne.

Before the ankle injury he picked up in late December, McGinn was a key performer for the Villans, scoring against the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal, and providing assists against Liverpool and Everton – the 25-year-old was the picture of consistency just like Nolan, playing the full 90 minutes in Dean Smith’s side’s first 17 Premier League games.

In an analysis of the midfielder’s style of play, Adrian Clarke claimed that he is a “throwback”, who “works hard, tackles, creates, runs with the ball and provides a goal threat”. It’s no surprise therefore that McGinn ranks amongst the top three for dribbles completed, fouls won, shots, chances created, tackles won and duels won at Villa this season.

And when news emerged of Newcastle’s interest in McGinn, former Leeds ace Noel Whelan suggested that he “would do very well there”, calling the midfielder “fantastic”.

Bringing in McGinn this summer – a man who also has an impressive record of seven goals in just 21 games for Scotland – could land the Magpies their Nolan successor. With claims that Newcastle are finally set to be released from their Mike Ashley shackles, Bruce could really kick-start a revolution on Tyneside with a move for the Villa man.

A lot of Palace fans are discussing their club crest, after FYP Fanzine tweeted that it has been seven years since the club rebranded to the current badge they have.

The club decided to design a new emblem when they were promoted to the Premier League back in May 2013, via Crystal Palace, and they based it off their crest which was made in 1973.

Back in 1972, fans were allowed to vote on the club’s image, and decided to go for an Eagle gripping a ball, with the words Crystal Palace Football Club around the picture.

Now the design has changed the colour of the Eagle from white to blue, with the name of the club underneath instead of around, and there have been many historic moments which the South London side has made since the new crest was created.

This includes staying in the Premier League for the longest time in their history, via Premier League, and some amazing victories. For example the 3-2 win against Manchester City, via Premier League, featuring the division’s Goal of the Season from Andros Townsend, and the dramatic comeback against Liverpool at Selhurst Park which saw the Eagles 3-0 down until the last ten minutes when they managed to score three goals to draw the match, per Squawka.

Fans will be hoping even more memories can be created in the near future when football resumes. Here is what they had to say following the tweet as they debated which emblem they like best…

Palace fans what are your thoughts on the new crest? Comment below!

Crystal Palace are interested in a move for former Liverpool defender Ozan Kabak, according to The Guardian’s Ed Aarons.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been sharing their thoughts on a possible swoop on social media.

According to Aarons, Palace are one of several Premier League clubs interested in a permanent deal for Kabak, who made 13 appearances under Jurgen Klopp last season.

The Reds decided against making Kabak’s Anfield loan a permanent transfer this summer, but it seems as if the Schalke defender could be heading to England for good after all.

Aarons claims Schalke are likely to ask for £12m for the 21-year-old, who has 12 caps for Turkey to his name. He is valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt and still has three years left on his contract, so a £12m move could be a shrewd piece of business by the Eagles in the long run alongside their recent swoop for Marc Guehi.

Palace fans react

Aarons’ social media post on Tuesday evening regarding Palace and Kabak received plenty of positive interaction from a number of Palace supporters. This is what some had to say in reply…

“Guehi and Kabak? My god the rebuild”Credit: @Kevbartleyy”This window is something special.”Credit: @Scrivum”Okay we are moving mad now”Credit: @NAL_UK”Would be unreal”Credit: @unIocaIpIa9tic”Please”Credit: @FPLWILSON”Guehi and Kabak partnership is unreal”Credit: @joelcpfc_

In other news: Pundit has exclusively backed a Crystal Palace pursuit of a reported target.