0:01:36 > 0:01:38Welcome to Football Focus as we prepare for one
0:01:38 > 0:01:40season's standout fixtures.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Much to discuss with a couple of standout pundits
0:01:42 > 0:01:45in Mark Lawrenson and Jermaine Jenas.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48We will look ahead to the 200th meeting between Manchester
0:01:48 > 0:01:50United and Liverpool.
0:01:50 > 0:01:56And we also have all this on the way.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Chris Smalling talks revival and rivalries.
0:02:00 > 0:02:06When you're out in a food shop or whatever all the fans just want to
0:02:06 > 0:02:13make sure you win the game. They are the ones you think of as a player.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Danny Welbeck on the misfiring Gunners.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20We are a massive club and should be doing much better so that is
0:02:20 > 0:02:23disappointment.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27Ryan Bertrand and the battle for Premier League safety.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30There's no point shying away from the challenge, there is nowhere to
0:02:30 > 0:02:39hide. We are professionals and we relish the challenge ahead.
0:02:42 > 0:02:43And Clem finds out that heaven
0:02:43 > 0:02:44is a place on earth.
0:02:44 > 0:02:51We've also got The Vaccines taking on Lawro in Predictions later on.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53That's all ahead of these Premier League fixtures.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56And it could be a pivotal day at the bottom as Newcastle face
0:02:56 > 0:02:57Southampton and Huddersfield take on Swansea.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59We will be live there shortly.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01There's a Sunday double-header before runaway league leaders
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Manchester City go to Stoke.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07But top of the list is today's early kick-off where its second
0:03:07 > 0:03:09versus third at Old Trafford.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11Steve Crossman sat down with Manchester United defender
0:03:11 > 0:03:13Chris Smalling after he sparked a bit of a turnaround
0:03:13 > 0:03:21for Jose Mourinho's men on Monday.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26So many times over the years this stadium has been able to unsettle
0:03:26 > 0:03:35the big boys. The odds are against Crystal Palace tonight. Townshend
0:03:35 > 0:03:41Acts like you would not think you had team in third against a team in
0:03:41 > 0:03:5618th. Manchester United closing! It is one goal back. Sanchez, it hits
0:03:56 > 0:04:03the crossbar. Lukaku cannot pull the trigger, he tries again, he puts it
0:04:03 > 0:04:12in. Paul Parker, shoots and blocks. The manager Matic, winning goal in
0:04:12 > 0:04:19stoppage time! Waterway to win the game.Everyone has been talking
0:04:19 > 0:04:26about that
0:04:26 > 0:04:36about that incredible Matic go. You must have run 60 yards to get
0:04:36 > 0:04:40involved in celebration.In that moment you just want to be a part of
0:04:40 > 0:04:44the team even if the legs are tired. Everyone was together. I was trying
0:04:44 > 0:04:53to get my head up. Just trying to get involved.Because the win
0:04:53 > 0:04:55against Crystal Palace on the way it came about, it is the perfect setup
0:04:55 > 0:05:02for the Liverpool match for the it is, going into the game we knew that
0:05:02 > 0:05:06three points was a must.We need to try to separate ourselves from some
0:05:06 > 0:05:10of the rivals for second spot. Winning a game like that brings
0:05:10 > 0:05:14confidence during the week and we have three big games at home. You
0:05:14 > 0:05:24cannot ask anything more.Marsala has done it again!As a defender you
0:05:24 > 0:05:29might have your work cut out.Yes they have scored a lot this year and
0:05:29 > 0:05:36it will be down to us at the back. I think the one to want to running
0:05:36 > 0:05:42behind are always a challenge.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46behind are always a challenge. So I think they will be worried about our
0:05:46 > 0:05:49threat as well.You have never lost to Liverpool personally with
0:05:49 > 0:05:55Manchester United at Old Trafford. Had you enjoyed it over the years?
0:05:55 > 0:06:02Yes, I enjoyed the games. City, Liverpool, all those games. When
0:06:02 > 0:06:06you're out doing your food shop or whatever the fans always make sure
0:06:06 > 0:06:11you win that game and that is the big one. And those are the ones I
0:06:11 > 0:06:17look forward to as a player. You want to be involved in them.How
0:06:17 > 0:06:23would you describe this rivalry question what just intense and
0:06:23 > 0:06:27whoever is Manchester United fan, whether they are young or old, they
0:06:27 > 0:06:31all know how important this rivalry is and how much the bragging rights
0:06:31 > 0:06:37are.It is a long time until you play them again.As a player of what
0:06:37 > 0:06:42has Jose Mourinho done to help you develop?Tactically as we all know
0:06:42 > 0:06:49he's very astute. As a team he works on all 11 but especially the
0:06:49 > 0:06:54defenders. To make sure that whatever position he throws at us we
0:06:54 > 0:07:01can handle it.If he wrote part of his team talk on board would be to
0:07:01 > 0:07:06not lose, or women?I think at home it is making sure you win. Going
0:07:06 > 0:07:12away you need to keep things tight and it can often be about the
0:07:12 > 0:07:16counter but the onus is on us to win the game in front of the fans.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19Liverpool first and then the Champions League and then Brighton
0:07:19 > 0:07:25in the FA Cup. It could be a defining week.Tasty games and we're
0:07:25 > 0:07:29happy that they're all at Old Trafford. The home form this year
0:07:29 > 0:07:32has been very good and none of those teams will find it easy.If
0:07:32 > 0:07:38Manchester United did not finish second, would that be a disaster?I
0:07:38 > 0:07:44think it would be disappointing. I think we've had that second spot
0:07:44 > 0:07:49pretty much all season. So it is up to us to make sure that is the
0:07:49 > 0:07:56minimum we get.Is this the closest this squad has been since the Sir
0:07:56 > 0:08:00Alex Ferguson days?Yes we have been building something in this last
0:08:00 > 0:08:05couple of years and everyone has really gelled together. You can see
0:08:05 > 0:08:13how much we enjoy celebrating together and playing together.And
0:08:13 > 0:08:14here he is today.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17We are about 20 minutes from kick-off at Old Trafford.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18Here are the line-ups for today's game.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22Chris Smalling starts in the centre of defence for Manchester United.
0:08:22 > 0:08:30For poker is not playing. - Paul Pogba. McTominay comes in for him.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32It's the familiar front three of Salah, Firmino
0:08:32 > 0:08:37and Mane for Liverpool.
0:08:37 > 0:08:43No team have scored more away the goals than Liverpool this season.
0:08:43 > 0:08:49How do you see this one going? There was a lot of talk about Manchester
0:08:49 > 0:08:53United at Anfield and the way Jose Mourinho set them up for that. How
0:08:53 > 0:09:01will they approach it today?It is Manchester United against Liverpool
0:09:01 > 0:09:05and always a huge game. There is that fact, Manchester United cannot
0:09:05 > 0:09:10be as negative as they were at Anfield. Which now by the way it
0:09:10 > 0:09:14looks like a brilliant point. It was still a negative performance. United
0:09:14 > 0:09:20at home have been positive and got some good results. And I just ink it
0:09:20 > 0:09:25is almost the best opportunity to get at Liverpool. I have seen teams
0:09:25 > 0:09:30sit against Liverpool and they just break you down eventually. There are
0:09:30 > 0:09:36good from an attacking point of view. You need to close down those
0:09:36 > 0:09:42lines that their top three likes to work in. I think we're in for a good
0:09:42 > 0:09:47game.On Monday night when Chris Smalling scored what do you think
0:09:47 > 0:09:54that game in isolation has told you about Manchester United?Well they
0:09:54 > 0:09:58can come back, they did the same against Chelsea on the previous
0:09:58 > 0:10:04Sunday. They are getting better. Speaking to Manchester United fans
0:10:04 > 0:10:09it is not the same, the football is not the same but looking at Jose
0:10:09 > 0:10:14Mourinho, that is the way that he plays. Looking at today, both teams
0:10:14 > 0:10:22are going to play three in midfield and looking at those three, I think
0:10:22 > 0:10:26they cancel each other out. I'm not sure there will be loads of chances
0:10:26 > 0:10:35today.You have watched a lot of these games, how far away are they
0:10:35 > 0:10:41in the style of play and quality? Liverpool are closer in their style
0:10:41 > 0:10:45of play, absolutely. But Manchester United are a bit more difficult to
0:10:45 > 0:10:49beat. But everyone in the league has a long way to catch Manchester City
0:10:49 > 0:10:53but not just the points, but what they have. And in the summer they
0:10:53 > 0:11:02will be buying loads more top-class players.Well Manchester United
0:11:02 > 0:11:05fans, they speak about Alexis Sanchez and Jose Mourinho is not
0:11:05 > 0:11:10getting the best out of him at the moment and it could take some time
0:11:10 > 0:11:14for him to settle in. Where would you put him in the team to get the
0:11:14 > 0:11:19most out of him?
0:11:19 > 0:11:23most out of him?Where he's at his best, left of the front three. He
0:11:23 > 0:11:27has operated there are in the Premier League for a number of years
0:11:27 > 0:11:31and been sensational. It can be difficult going to a new club,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34players getting used to your style of play and where you want to
0:11:34 > 0:11:39receive the ball. Even half a second having to look up and check if he's
0:11:39 > 0:11:42running forward, that can throw things off a bit. I think he has
0:11:42 > 0:11:50been a bit predictable, he needs to mix up his game. But you can
0:11:50 > 0:11:54guarantee that he has that work ethic and commitment. And eventually
0:11:54 > 0:12:00that will turn it around.We live in an instant wealth and everyone
0:12:00 > 0:12:04expects him just to be really good instantaneously. It does not work
0:12:04 > 0:12:08that way, you need to get used your team-mates, they need to get used to
0:12:08 > 0:12:13the way you play. He's a very good player and will be a very good
0:12:13 > 0:12:17signing.I'm just thinking you say it takes time to settle in but when
0:12:17 > 0:12:21you get compared to someone like Salah, who was just scoring for fun
0:12:21 > 0:12:30at the moment.At the start of the season when Liverpool find him a new
0:12:30 > 0:12:33they had signed a really good player. They had no idea that he
0:12:33 > 0:12:39would turn up this way. He has been absolutely brilliant.Has he
0:12:39 > 0:12:43surprised himself, do you think? Probably surprised his mother let
0:12:43 > 0:12:48alone himself! He has been brilliant. And since Philippe
0:12:48 > 0:12:52Coutinho left I thought Firmino might go into his shell but he has
0:12:52 > 0:12:57been brilliant as well.If you had to pick one that you both think, a
0:12:57 > 0:13:03draw today, cancelling each other out?I think United might just take
0:13:03 > 0:13:12it.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14One nice story from the Liverpool camp this week.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Young Liverpool fan Alfie Radford donated his pocket money to local
0:13:17 > 0:13:20food bank and was rewarded with a personal letter from defender
0:13:20 > 0:13:24Andy Robinson who then enclosed a shirt signed by Roberto Firmino.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26Here is the letter, which reads: Let's be honest, Alfie,
0:13:26 > 0:13:29no one wants the left-back's shirt which is why I got
0:13:29 > 0:13:32you Bobby's instead.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34Liverpool are safely through to the quarterfinals
0:13:34 > 0:13:37of the Champions League after an nil-nil draw with Portugal
0:13:37 > 0:13:41at Anfield after their 5- nil away win in the first leg.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Real Madrid and Manchester City also confirmed their place
0:13:43 > 0:13:44in the last eight.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47But there was heartbreak for Spurs when two second-half goals in 169
0:13:47 > 0:13:55seconds saw Juventus come from behind to win at Wembley.
0:14:01 > 0:14:07That Spurs match, some have come out to say they bottled it. Was it more
0:14:07 > 0:14:13a case of really good side is going toe to toe and Juventus showing a
0:14:13 > 0:14:23bit of class?I think exactly that. Just the full-backs with the wide
0:14:23 > 0:14:28players, putting in that little wrinkle. And I do not think that
0:14:28 > 0:14:34Spurs reacted well in that short period. Even after the first goal.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Spurs looked to be on the ropes a bit and maybe they should have
0:14:37 > 0:14:43changed something. But they have responded well on so many other
0:14:43 > 0:14:47locations and just did not in that spell.Tottenham made enough
0:14:47 > 0:14:55chances.Well talk about Salah been brilliant for Liverpool, Harry Kane
0:14:55 > 0:15:00gets a lot of the headlines.You talk about Tottenham now and you say
0:15:00 > 0:15:06Harry Kane and also this guy. He has a bit of everything and now he has
0:15:06 > 0:15:11started to score goals as well. Better known for his assist. A
0:15:11 > 0:15:17really good player and I'm guessing he is a dream for a manager, Son
0:15:17 > 0:15:25Heung-min. He just gets on with it. He has seriously improved.The
0:15:25 > 0:15:28players love him as well, love playing with him and what he brings
0:15:28 > 0:15:33to the table top the jokes and the fun. Always good for team spirit.
0:15:33 > 0:15:41More than anything he is delivering. The fastest lollipop in football,
0:15:41 > 0:15:50the fans have been saying. But his footwork is incredible.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54What impresses me more about him is his balance. He has got skill. The
0:15:54 > 0:15:57ability to hit the ball with his right foot and do the same with his
0:15:57 > 0:16:04left foot.I think when he runs at you, you're not sure which side he
0:16:04 > 0:16:08is going to go, which is difficult. But they could not get the better of
0:16:08 > 0:16:13Juventus. It is holding onto their best players and not being in the
0:16:13 > 0:16:21Champions League, that would make it harder?This year's experience will
0:16:21 > 0:16:25hold them in good stead for next year. Juventus have only got
0:16:25 > 0:16:28experience because they have had their players with them for so many
0:16:28 > 0:16:34years. Spurs have to look towards that. They need to be like that.I
0:16:34 > 0:16:38wouldn't be surprised if Dele Alli and Harry Kane left in the summer.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40We will keep an eye on that.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43One desperately sad story from Italy last week was the death
0:16:43 > 0:16:45of Fiorentina captain and Italy international Davide Astori,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47who died following a sudden illness, at the age of 31.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini was asked about Astori,
0:16:49 > 0:16:51his international team mate, following his sides win
0:16:51 > 0:16:56at Wembley on Wednesday.
0:16:56 > 0:17:04We dedicated not only this match but every mind in this day. I cry any
0:17:04 > 0:17:11time. I always believe him because he is a fantastic player. It is very
0:17:11 > 0:17:17difficult doing the best because we have to think of the game, but the
0:17:17 > 0:17:29opponents. It is not easy. But it is always in our heart. Tomorrow
0:17:29 > 0:17:32always in our heart. Tomorrow we go to give the last goodbye together
0:17:32 > 0:17:39with our team-mates.I appreciate that. Sorry.It is difficult but we
0:17:39 > 0:17:46have to continue with our life. I think for us it is important, the
0:17:46 > 0:17:52national team, in our heart to always bring his positive emotion.
0:17:52 > 0:18:02He always smiles. It is important in the group. We would like to continue
0:18:02 > 0:18:03to smile in our heart.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Lovely words from Chiellini, who was one of the thousands
0:18:05 > 0:18:07who turned out in Florence - along with his Italy
0:18:07 > 0:18:12and Juventus team mates - for Astori's funeral on Thursday.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14You can see the size of the crowd.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16Gianluigi Buffon said Astori was "in all respects,
0:18:16 > 0:18:24a perfect person".
0:18:29 > 0:18:32We are going to turn our attention to the Europa League. Four days
0:18:32 > 0:18:39after defeat by Brighton, Arsenal beat AC Milan in the San Siro.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42Juliette Farrington has spent some time with Danny Welbeck this week
0:18:42 > 0:18:52after a turbulent time for the Gunners.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14There has been a lot of focus on Arsenal's season overall. Can you
0:19:14 > 0:19:20reflect and put into words what that has been like?Yeah. Obviously there
0:19:20 > 0:19:24is disappointment in and around the camp. This is such a massive club
0:19:24 > 0:19:28and we should be doing better. There is a bit of disappointment. There is
0:19:28 > 0:19:36no point in trying to hide it. I believe that together we are
0:19:36 > 0:19:40stronger as a unit. Unity is strength. Division is weakness. We
0:19:40 > 0:19:47know that we are good players. Going into the game if we stand and fight
0:19:47 > 0:19:51in every area of the pitch our quality will shine through. We have
0:19:51 > 0:19:57spoken about things. People have voiced their opinions. Yeah, there
0:19:57 > 0:20:02is honesty within the camp.Is there at the Unity?The Unity is there. In
0:20:02 > 0:20:07this period we have gone through it has been difficult. We have got to
0:20:07 > 0:20:17stand together and fight. Is it a confidence thing?Obviously
0:20:17 > 0:20:20with the Brighton game it was difficult. The team actually started
0:20:20 > 0:20:26on the front foot. We conceded a bit of a sloppy goal. The crowd got
0:20:26 > 0:20:30behind them and post them on. In them difficult moments, that is when
0:20:30 > 0:20:35you stick together the most and battle through.What can you salvage
0:20:35 > 0:20:43from this season?Obviously the season has not been good enough. But
0:20:43 > 0:20:46we are professionals and we have to keep on going, keep on fighting
0:20:46 > 0:20:53every single game. We need to make sure that with the remaining games
0:20:53 > 0:20:58we have, that we put in maximum effort. And also we have got the
0:20:58 > 0:21:03Europa League as well. That is also another chance.Do you pay attention
0:21:03 > 0:21:09to what people are saying, with fans venting Mercury?It is not something
0:21:09 > 0:21:14we need to focus on. You are professionals, if you do good in
0:21:14 > 0:21:22life, you get praise. If you do bad, you expect criticism. That is life.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25You have worked first rally, you have worked under Arsene Wenger,
0:21:25 > 0:21:31what comparison do you have between the two, managers with such great
0:21:31 > 0:21:39longevity?They are a bit different. They manage the club differently. It
0:21:39 > 0:21:43has produced success. Such a long rain at a club. Nowadays it has
0:21:43 > 0:21:50become less.Do you keep in touch with Sir Alex, does he keep in touch
0:21:50 > 0:21:56with you?We have spoken a few times. We do keep in touch.Do you
0:21:56 > 0:21:59feel a little bit left behind because of what you have been
0:21:59 > 0:22:05through, and has it hindered your professional career?With the
0:22:05 > 0:22:08injuries at Asda railed me in previous years. Now I just have to
0:22:08 > 0:22:15put that behind me. -- it has derailed me. I have two prove my
0:22:15 > 0:22:20match sharpness. Get consistent. I'm looking forward because the injuries
0:22:20 > 0:22:24are behind me.You are very much a team player. But the game time is
0:22:24 > 0:22:30still quite limited?Yeah, the manager Pyxis team. He plays his
0:22:30 > 0:22:36players according to whichever game. Whenever I get on the pitch I will
0:22:36 > 0:22:47give 100%. We will talk about the man himself
0:22:47 > 0:22:50in a moment. But Arsenal more generally, eight games they have
0:22:50 > 0:22:55lost already this calendar year. They are a real head scratcher. They
0:22:55 > 0:22:58lose against Brighton and they do that in the San Siro against AC
0:22:58 > 0:23:05Milan.Yes, but the underlying thing about Arsenal as they used to be
0:23:05 > 0:23:09unbelievably difficult to play against and now they are easy. That
0:23:09 > 0:23:14is detrimental to the management. I feel with the football club that
0:23:14 > 0:23:17they should say, the manager leaves at the end of the season, so he is
0:23:17 > 0:23:23still in charge. I think every single day that he is still the
0:23:23 > 0:23:27manager, a bit of his legacy gets chipped away. He has been an
0:23:27 > 0:23:30absolutely fantastic manager. He does some new things for the club
0:23:30 > 0:23:36and the Premier League but his time is up. If he keeps going on and they
0:23:36 > 0:23:39don't win the Europa League, so they appoint a new manager in the summer,
0:23:39 > 0:23:45why don't they look now? Say to him, this is the deal, you leave in the
0:23:45 > 0:23:52summer, we build a statue. I don't think they'll do it.His current
0:23:52 > 0:23:58deal expires at the end of next season. Welbeck is 27. He played the
0:23:58 > 0:24:01full game against AC Milan. How do you think he assesses what has
0:24:01 > 0:24:05happened in the last few years for him?I don't think he would have
0:24:05 > 0:24:09said it has gone how we wanted. One of the things you have to look
0:24:09 > 0:24:13towards, he has had some serious injuries that could change his style
0:24:13 > 0:24:22of play almost. They have been that bad. Lawro duck -- Lawro found a
0:24:22 > 0:24:29statistic on him. He has never started 11 games consecutively for
0:24:29 > 0:24:36Arsenal. And Manchester United. Backmen itself tells you a lot. --
0:24:36 > 0:24:41that in itself tells you a lot. He does not get the run of games. And
0:24:41 > 0:24:44also, from a confidence point of view, do managers looked at him and
0:24:44 > 0:24:49believe him to be the main man? He won't be happy, I would say, with
0:24:49 > 0:24:54where he is out right now. I do have sympathy for him with regards to how
0:24:54 > 0:24:58bad the injuries he has suffered have been. Prior to the European
0:24:58 > 0:25:03Championships, on the left-hand side, he was flying, it could have
0:25:03 > 0:25:07gone so different. Hopefully he comes back and get stronger. He has
0:25:07 > 0:25:11shown fight and determination to come back.You almost get to players
0:25:11 > 0:25:15with him. He can play on the left, but right through the middle as
0:25:15 > 0:25:23well. Listen, you've got to keep yourself fit. That is the big thing.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27They are looking to get their Premier League campaign back on
0:25:27 > 0:25:34track. They play Watford tomorrow. I want to ask you about Troy Dini. --
0:25:34 > 0:25:42Troy Deeney. He has delivered with key goals.He somehow drifted out of
0:25:42 > 0:25:45favour with Watford. He has always been their talisman. The player they
0:25:45 > 0:25:49look to. He has always been massively outspoken when things
0:25:49 > 0:25:55haven't gone right. He is enjoying the manager putting that faith back
0:25:55 > 0:25:58in him. He is doing what he should be doing. He is putting the ball in
0:25:58 > 0:26:02the back of the net and responding in the right way. All positive for
0:26:02 > 0:26:09Watford. They are selling towards safety.I described the club as
0:26:09 > 0:26:13soulless few weeks ago and they have not stopped winning since! Three in
0:26:13 > 0:26:23four for Troy Deeney.June into BBC five
0:26:23 > 0:26:26five live for Arsenal against Watford, John Motson's last
0:26:26 > 0:26:38commentary before he retires in the summer. 48 years. Brighton travel to
0:26:38 > 0:26:40Everton this afternoon after a run of results that have taken them to
0:26:40 > 0:26:43the FA Cup quarterfinal and put them on the brink of Premier League
0:26:43 > 0:26:51survival.
0:26:51 > 0:26:57Glenn Murray snatches it as the death for Brighton! It is a point
0:26:57 > 0:27:02apiece in the South West Derby. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!
0:27:02 > 0:27:02Outstanding.
0:27:02 > 0:27:07Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! Outstanding.If we continue with
0:27:07 > 0:27:14performances like this, then we will be OK.
0:27:14 > 0:27:21be OK. A magnificent goal. A cool finish from the Colombian.
0:27:21 > 0:27:28Brightener into their first FA Cup quarterfinal since 1986. Knockaert
0:27:28 > 0:27:34is in here! That settles it.It is a great club. Chris Hughton deserves
0:27:34 > 0:27:41immense credit. They have come such a long way.
0:27:41 > 0:27:48a long way.Brighton lead Arsenal. It is to! This is a landmark result
0:27:48 > 0:27:52for Brighton. They will celebrate long and hard on the south coast,
0:27:52 > 0:27:59and well they might. Champions League form for Brighton
0:27:59 > 0:28:02recently. Fourth in the form table.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Champions League form for Brighton recently. Fourth in the form table.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09Five wins from seven games taken into the top half of the table
0:28:09 > 0:28:09Five wins from seven games taken into the top half of the table and
0:28:09 > 0:28:14the last eight the FA Cup. 34 points, which could be enough.
0:28:14 > 0:28:19One more win gets them to 37 which could be the safety mark. How much
0:28:19 > 0:28:23credit you give this man for the turnaround, considering that before
0:28:23 > 0:28:32this run they had on the won 214, worrying form?All of it, I suppose!
0:28:32 > 0:28:36He sets up his team in a particular way. He has done that from the start
0:28:36 > 0:28:39of the season to now. They have got a way of playing, Brighton. It has
0:28:39 > 0:28:45got good balance. The midfielder 's too adventurous. Pascal Gross is the
0:28:45 > 0:28:48creative element. The wingers have pace. They always give themselves a
0:28:48 > 0:28:53chance. They have been through tough spells, as Bournemouth have been
0:28:53 > 0:28:57with Eddie Howe at the top. They seem to be coming through with
0:28:57 > 0:29:04flying colours.Glenn Murray scoring goals for them. Hopefully we will
0:29:04 > 0:29:10hear from him next week. Pascal Gross, we see some of the balls he
0:29:10 > 0:29:13put in for particularly Glenn Murray. He has been a creative
0:29:13 > 0:29:20genius, hasn't he?Yes, and he is an old-fashioned player. Not
0:29:20 > 0:29:23particularly mobile. His ability on the ball is outstanding. The other
0:29:23 > 0:29:28thing with Brighton as well is Chris and his relationship with the owners
0:29:28 > 0:29:33is absolutely great. They never panicked when they went six games
0:29:33 > 0:29:38without a win. The honour helped him out in the January transfer window.
0:29:38 > 0:29:43Broken a couple of more players. Chris is pragmatic person. That is
0:29:43 > 0:29:46how the team play. I think they will be absolutely fine. They have got
0:29:46 > 0:29:53the top four or five in the last fixtures.Yes, but to go back to
0:29:53 > 0:30:01Pascal Gross.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03Pascal Gross. We saw those chances created. The weight of passes
0:30:03 > 0:30:09perfect isn't it?The weight of pass, the ability to cross the ball
0:30:09 > 0:30:13on the left or the right. As Lawro said, he is not blessed with
0:30:13 > 0:30:17blistering pace but he has an ability to find a space. He is very
0:30:17 > 0:30:21intelligent. He is not getting away from people but he can pick up
0:30:21 > 0:30:26different areas of the pitch players do not want to mark him. It has been
0:30:26 > 0:30:29a perfect partnership between himself and Glenn Murray. It is a
0:30:29 > 0:30:34dream for Glenn Murray. He gets the goals, grossed just find him.Even
0:30:34 > 0:30:38Glenn Murray has kicked on since they signed the strikers. That is
0:30:38 > 0:30:47the competition for places. They had the best January transfer window.
0:30:47 > 0:30:54He has been a great signing for the team.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57Brighton's form is in contrast to that of opponents Everton -
0:30:57 > 0:31:00a run of two wins in 12 matches for Sam Allardyce.
0:31:00 > 0:31:05We are in a difficult period but we need to turn that around. It is my
0:31:05 > 0:31:08responsibility to get the team to the level that we know they can
0:31:08 > 0:31:14play. It is the responsibility of the players to play their best and
0:31:14 > 0:31:19when they do that we can give anyone again. And when it comes to Brighton
0:31:19 > 0:31:23on Saturday it is more about them delivering the performance as well
0:31:23 > 0:31:28as dealing with Brighton. I think they will feel a bit under pressure
0:31:28 > 0:31:35as we all are at the moment.He came in to steer them away from that
0:31:35 > 0:31:45trouble that they were having, exam. Here we have some statistics. Seven
0:31:45 > 0:31:54points away from relegation.Well possible relegation is the first
0:31:54 > 0:32:00thing, there are away form is poor. But this year on and off the pitch
0:32:00 > 0:32:04it has just been a bit of a mess. And everyone is saying even if they
0:32:04 > 0:32:11survive through to the summer, will be sacked in - sack him, bring
0:32:11 > 0:32:15someone else in. They have just got a drastically wrong the whole
0:32:15 > 0:32:21season. So they've spent a lot of money but not necessarily wisely.
0:32:21 > 0:32:26They recently lost to Burnley. Wayne Rooney was here a couple of weeks
0:32:26 > 0:32:30ago and he said that seven would be a realistic target this season. Do
0:32:30 > 0:32:37you think it is ambitious?Probably looking at the players they have it
0:32:37 > 0:32:40feels that way but if you watch the way that Everton are playing and
0:32:40 > 0:32:46their form, the goals that they are conceding, they will not finish in
0:32:46 > 0:32:49seventh. They are not playing enjoyable football to watch either
0:32:49 > 0:32:56and that has given the Everton fans the feeling that this man is not the
0:32:56 > 0:33:03person they want at the helm. Seventh is where they should be.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08They will force at the start of the season, that was the game.Because
0:33:08 > 0:33:13the fans were generally excited at the players brought in.But there
0:33:13 > 0:33:16was no thought about where they were going to play.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20Beneath Brighton and Everton it's still carnage in the bottom half
0:33:20 > 0:33:24of the table with 3 points covering 7 sides from 13th to 19th place.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26Only goal difference separates Huddersfield and Swansea.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29They meet at the John Smith's stadium where Guy Mowbray has
0:33:29 > 0:33:35a former Terrier alongside him.
0:33:35 > 0:33:43Do the introductions!I will indeed, good afternoon. I'm joined here by
0:33:43 > 0:33:51someone who used to cut his teeth by scoring goals for Huddersfield Town.
0:33:51 > 0:33:57Ewan Roberts. Over 24 years ago you left this place.It is a long time
0:33:57 > 0:34:03ago but it feels like yesterday. I did not play in the stadium but 100
0:34:03 > 0:34:09yards across the road but great times. A great club and so friendly.
0:34:09 > 0:34:14You are following the club from afar from Darren South Wales this season.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17They are in a precarious position. But given how people thought
0:34:17 > 0:34:22Huddersfield would go, are they in a good position but unlike I think so,
0:34:22 > 0:34:25back-to-back wins against Bournemouth and West Brom, putting
0:34:25 > 0:34:30them in a distant place.Before then they were on a shocking run and lost
0:34:30 > 0:34:35last week to Spurs. But had you said to any Huddersfield fans you would
0:34:35 > 0:34:41be in 15th place with nine games to go, I think they would have taken
0:34:41 > 0:34:48that all day long.It is in their hands, or they could have asked for.
0:34:48 > 0:34:55Now what a transformation under the new manager.When he came in I was
0:34:55 > 0:34:59not sure of the appointment but he put a smile back on their faces. And
0:34:59 > 0:35:05there is the belief now that they more than capable of staying up. 17
0:35:05 > 0:35:10points out of nine games in charge, unbelievable, he's done so well put
0:35:10 > 0:35:14up there now more attacking under him. I think they will rely on their
0:35:14 > 0:35:23home form heavily. Similar to Huddersfield, they've won 19 of
0:35:23 > 0:35:27their points here at the John Smith. I think they will both stay in the
0:35:27 > 0:35:33Premier League and rely heavily on that home form.Just a 3-point gap
0:35:33 > 0:35:38can you think both will stay up?I think so, I think they more than
0:35:38 > 0:35:43capable of looking at points here at the John Smith. I think they have
0:35:43 > 0:35:49West Brom to play, Swansea, they've won their last seven games at home,
0:35:49 > 0:35:53Swansea, so good opposition.Should be a cracking atmosphere. Kick off
0:35:53 > 0:35:55at three o'clock.
0:35:55 > 0:35:56Thanks to Guy and Iwan.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00The other big one at the bottom takes place at St James Park
0:36:00 > 0:36:01where Newcastle host Southampton.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Rachel Stringer went to see Saints and England
0:36:03 > 0:36:08full-back Ryan Bertrand.
0:36:09 > 0:36:15I looked at your histogram and it says as real as they get, as humble
0:36:15 > 0:36:22as they come.It is a quote that resonated with me a few years ago
0:36:22 > 0:36:27when you're engaging with plans to put yourself in their shoes.I guess
0:36:27 > 0:36:33the question we want to know is why our Southampton where they are in
0:36:33 > 0:36:40the table.I think possibly small things all over, small margins but
0:36:40 > 0:36:45too many of them and they add up to big things. I think small
0:36:45 > 0:36:50adjustments perhaps defensively and attacking but collect the, not
0:36:50 > 0:36:56individually.So everyone knows what has to be done but can it be done
0:36:56 > 0:37:00with nine games remaining?We are in a mindset now where there is no
0:37:00 > 0:37:04point in shying away from the challenge, there's no work to hide.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08We need to stand up as men, as professionals and relish the
0:37:08 > 0:37:13challenge ahead. It is about establishing that consistency,
0:37:13 > 0:37:15trying to achieve those back-to-back wins which we have not done this
0:37:15 > 0:37:23season as yet.For you every game especially Newcastle, is important.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Yes we go into it full of confidence. We had a good training
0:37:26 > 0:37:30week and we know what needs to be done. This is one of the games where
0:37:30 > 0:37:37it is a tough place to go. Newcastle are a good team but equally in
0:37:37 > 0:37:44professionals we're going after those points.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47those points.If you get past Wigan in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup,
0:37:47 > 0:37:50how has that cup run helped your season customer it was not really
0:37:50 > 0:37:55about progressing in the FA Cup or getting to the final.It was more
0:37:55 > 0:38:02that achieve a win this weekend, perhaps a bit less pressure and get
0:38:02 > 0:38:06that confidence for the Premier League next week. We have got work
0:38:06 > 0:38:12to do, we need to get through Wigan and they have shown some impressive
0:38:12 > 0:38:22form. If we get through that moment then I think it is time to think and
0:38:22 > 0:38:28time to get together and definitely go for it.The Grenfell Tower
0:38:28 > 0:38:34tragedy hit you quite hard.Why was so important you. It just resonated
0:38:34 > 0:38:40with me, I grew up in tower blocks like that, I still have friends and
0:38:40 > 0:38:46family in those situations. I just did not understand the logistics of
0:38:46 > 0:38:51how it could happen. And the resistance. It seemed that the
0:38:51 > 0:38:56residents and their families were receiving resistance and lack of
0:38:56 > 0:39:04care. And that compassion to get it fixed. It seemed as if there was too
0:39:04 > 0:39:11much red tape when these are humans who have lost their lives, lost
0:39:11 > 0:39:16their homes, loved ones. You need to drop all the red tape and fix the
0:39:16 > 0:39:23situation.What did you do to try to help them out?I took a trip down,
0:39:23 > 0:39:26with some of my friends and we developed a plan of what we would
0:39:26 > 0:39:31like to do. People live in communities with families and
0:39:31 > 0:39:35friends and they need to be around each other to survive. You need help
0:39:35 > 0:39:39whether you have got kids you're working, need support from the
0:39:39 > 0:39:45community. It does not help people to move, just move them away. They
0:39:45 > 0:39:50need to be in their immediate surroundings.I can see how
0:39:50 > 0:39:54important it is to you and how much it affected you.That is what we
0:39:54 > 0:40:01were trying to do, yes.Great to hear and speak so passionately about
0:40:01 > 0:40:09that huge subject.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11that huge subject. From an England perspective, he could be a first
0:40:11 > 0:40:17choice left-back for Gareth Southgate.I'm sure going through
0:40:17 > 0:40:22the hot list of options Gareth Southgate will be looking at him, he
0:40:22 > 0:40:29wants to play three at the back he is a stand-up performer. Ashley
0:40:29 > 0:40:42Young playing in the big game right now, Danny Rose, obviously.
0:40:42 > 0:40:48now, Danny Rose, obviously. And also Sessegnon. But Ryan Bertrand you are
0:40:48 > 0:40:57right, has been a top player.I am with you, I would take Sessegnon for
0:40:57 > 0:41:03the experience as much as anything. He will be a top layer.People talk
0:41:03 > 0:41:09about how highly rated he is. For Southampton, talking about teams in
0:41:09 > 0:41:12trouble at the wrong end of the table you tend to leave them out
0:41:12 > 0:41:16because they have not lost many games. Just one game in ten and yet
0:41:16 > 0:41:21they are in a perilous position. They just do not win the games, as
0:41:21 > 0:41:29simple as that. They get the drawers and that is not enough. Palace had
0:41:29 > 0:41:35that lift, dragged back into it now. Swansea got those wins, getting on
0:41:35 > 0:41:41that one of form and you can see how that gives you confidence. But they
0:41:41 > 0:41:47just do not score nearly enough goals.The relegation thing goes
0:41:47 > 0:41:52right to the end of the season.They have the FA Cup in there as well. I
0:41:52 > 0:41:59can feel the nerves for them.Six of the last nine games away, that is a
0:41:59 > 0:42:04big as as well. Especially that they all play against each other, all the
0:42:04 > 0:42:09teams at the bottom, between now and the end of the season.They take on
0:42:09 > 0:42:15Newcastle this weekend. What about them, 12 goals all season at St
0:42:15 > 0:42:19James' Park, the joint lowest in the league. That must be a standout
0:42:19 > 0:42:27issue.It is, Newcastle are different from Southampton,
0:42:27 > 0:42:32Southampton have the better squad. I think Newcastle, they have done
0:42:32 > 0:42:36wonders to be where they are and give themselves the opportunity to
0:42:36 > 0:42:41fight. But those goals, your nanny has not been fit since arriving. So
0:42:41 > 0:42:48this is a massive game.
0:42:48 > 0:42:53this is a massive game. -- Slimani.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58West Bromwich Albion continue to prop up the table and are now 8
0:42:58 > 0:43:01points from safety after losing to Watford last time out.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03Alan Pardew remains in charge for today's game against Leicester.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06John Roder is at the Hawthorns ahead of this one -
0:43:06 > 0:43:11do we expect Mr Pardew to see out the season there now?
0:43:11 > 0:43:15All kinds of schools of thought as to what might happen, whether Alan
0:43:15 > 0:43:20Pardew is the best person to bring West Brom strip happen the
0:43:20 > 0:43:25championship. Looking at this time last week we thought it would be his
0:43:25 > 0:43:28last game in charge if they last and they did lose at Watford although it
0:43:28 > 0:43:31was a better performance. In a match day programme Alan Pardew was
0:43:31 > 0:43:37defined and said there's still time and real belief that we can get out
0:43:37 > 0:43:40of this situation we find ourselves in. We are aware most people have
0:43:40 > 0:43:46written us off, where the fight and we will go on together. However just
0:43:46 > 0:43:50three Premier League wins all season from West Brom, two of those came in
0:43:50 > 0:43:53the opening couple of matches of the season. They need to win six of
0:43:53 > 0:43:57their remaining games of the thing. But taking inspiration from
0:43:57 > 0:44:01Leicester City who when they came here three years ago were really in
0:44:01 > 0:44:05trouble but they took seven of the last line to stay up. So miracles
0:44:05 > 0:44:12can happen.Manchester United have taken the lead against Liverpool,
0:44:12 > 0:44:18really good goal from Marcus Rashford.
0:44:23 > 0:44:27Five straight defeats for West Brom now and three on the bounce
0:44:27 > 0:44:29for Crystal Palace who have slipped into the bottom 3 before a visit
0:44:29 > 0:44:32to Chelsea today for Roy's boys...
0:44:32 > 0:44:36We always knew the points would be hard to come by but the last couple
0:44:36 > 0:44:40of games has shown me there's a lot of fight and spirit in the team. And
0:44:40 > 0:44:44we still have incredible support from the crowd which can transmit
0:44:44 > 0:44:49itself if you like to the players on the field and keep us going were
0:44:49 > 0:44:52other teams might not have the benefit of that. For me every game
0:44:52 > 0:44:58is tough, whether we get one game left which is not the complete and
0:44:58 > 0:45:09utter battle. And if we are at our best we will be able to win.
0:45:09 > 0:45:13Their recent form is concerning. The Palace have already got out of
0:45:13 > 0:45:16trouble once this season and now they have to do it again, which is
0:45:16 > 0:45:24doubly hard?It is doubly hard. They have got the manager, they have got
0:45:24 > 0:45:29the experience. Is Wilfried Zaha not fit?Potentially on the bench. They
0:45:29 > 0:45:37have lost all games without him playing.One-man team! With Palace,
0:45:37 > 0:45:41they have already been down there, so they know what it is like. West
0:45:41 > 0:45:45Ham are getting drawn into it. It is such a finite thing. I think they
0:45:45 > 0:45:52will be OK. But obviously stating the bleeding obvious, they need Zaha
0:45:52 > 0:46:05bargain.It is not just Zaha.Well, it is.They don't score many goals.
0:46:05 > 0:46:10They keep conceding last-minute goals. They did reasonably well
0:46:10 > 0:46:13against Spurs, sat tight, they could have got a point. Conceded with
0:46:13 > 0:46:21three minutes to go. The other night against United, another loss. Is
0:46:21 > 0:46:24that going to affect them in the latter stage of the season? I'm with
0:46:24 > 0:46:30Lawro. I think they have got enough when everybody is fit. I just worry
0:46:30 > 0:46:38about the mentality at times.The same problem with all those teams at
0:46:38 > 0:46:43the bottom as is the lack of goals. Mentality is a part of it as well.
0:46:43 > 0:46:52Those a defeat like West Ham's at Swansea affect them?They have had
0:46:52 > 0:46:5824-1s consecutively.
0:46:59 > 0:47:0724-1s consecutively. -- two 4-1s. Draws are no good. It is that
0:47:07 > 0:47:13winning. It is a goals thing. Every single year three teams get promoted
0:47:13 > 0:47:17from the Championship. People say, how do you think they will do in the
0:47:17 > 0:47:21Premier League? Who is going to score the goals.
0:47:21 > 0:47:28You can follow all of today's games from 2:30pm on the red Button, and
0:47:28 > 0:47:34for 30 PM on BBC Two. -- for 30 PM.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45England's women emphatically saw off France last week in Phil Neville's
0:47:45 > 0:47:46first game in charge.
0:47:46 > 0:47:50They faced the top two sides in the world this week in a bid
0:47:50 > 0:47:53to win their first ever She Believes Cup.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01This was Phil Neville's on the second match as England's women
0:48:01 > 0:48:10manager. He knows this will be a tougher test against Germany.
0:48:10 > 0:48:23Off the line. And forced home. Germany into the lead.
0:48:23 > 0:48:32England have an equaliser. It is Ellen White.
0:48:32 > 0:48:39Waiting for the goalkeeper to come. Oh dear. It is a catastrophe for
0:48:39 > 0:48:47England. Stokes Ringland. The flag has stayed
0:48:47 > 0:48:54down. Ellen White for England. What a finish! England go to the final
0:48:54 > 0:49:01day against the USA. The first She Believes Cup is within
0:49:01 > 0:49:07their grasp. A draw will do it. The world champions stand in their way.
0:49:07 > 0:49:16Just wide. Too much space again. A deflection. It has gone in! It is
0:49:16 > 0:49:22another own goal macro!
0:49:22 > 0:49:31Off the line, of the post. Despair for England but joy for the USA.
0:49:31 > 0:49:32They win
0:49:32 > 0:49:33for England but joy for the USA. They win the She Believes Cup for
0:49:33 > 0:49:37the second time. It is not now when I want to be
0:49:37 > 0:49:41winning tournaments, even though tournaments are nice, it is in 12
0:49:41 > 0:49:44months' time. It has been a fantastic experience. We have
0:49:44 > 0:49:49enjoyed every single game. We can all be proud of our
0:49:49 > 0:49:52performance.Let's show you some social media from around the game.
0:49:52 > 0:49:59David Beckham was roped in by his old England team-mate. Toni Duggan,
0:49:59 > 0:50:06Lucy Taylor -- Lucy Bronze... They'll put some pictures up as
0:50:06 > 0:50:13well. They have been enjoying themselves in Disneyland.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15themselves in Disneyland. One interesting strain of discussion
0:50:15 > 0:50:17around this, Phil Neville is trying to raise the levels of
0:50:17 > 0:50:22professionalism. Lots of his squad have been saying much they have
0:50:22 > 0:50:25enjoyed that. He made the point of this week about flying economy when
0:50:25 > 0:50:30the men would fly nowhere near economy. It is little things like
0:50:30 > 0:50:33that which he is trying to change, which he feels could make a
0:50:33 > 0:50:37difference.The FA have their own Premier League for the women. They
0:50:37 > 0:50:41can with the fixtures. Wasn't there a big game before they left? Those
0:50:41 > 0:50:48kind of things. They shuttled around America. I take his point. He is
0:50:48 > 0:50:51absolutely right. But they need to spend some time on the training
0:50:51 > 0:50:56field because defensively they were all over the place.He just wants to
0:50:56 > 0:51:03raise standards. I remember being at England youth level, under 16, 17,
0:51:03 > 0:51:06going to European Championships. You would fly and be looked after at a
0:51:06 > 0:51:11top level. I guess that is all he is asking for. The same for his women's
0:51:11 > 0:51:16side, to raise the level of expectation.It is all about getting
0:51:16 > 0:51:22prepared. That is all part of it. They have the World Cup qualifiers
0:51:22 > 0:51:27to look forward to. They play Wales and Bosnia. Now we are going to
0:51:27 > 0:51:31bring you a remarkable story from League 1.
0:51:31 > 0:51:33Plymouth were bottom of the table at the start of December.
0:51:33 > 0:51:35They are now in the play-off spots!
0:51:35 > 0:51:37That's despite a keeper crisis which has seen
0:51:37 > 0:51:39them forced to use seven different goalkeepers.
0:51:39 > 0:51:47Mark Clemmit was Devon sent, in search of a guided tour.
0:51:47 > 0:51:53Out of the Tardis he emerged! Is there anybody else in there? How are
0:51:53 > 0:51:59you?All right. You?Beautiful, thank you. Presumably everybody is
0:51:59 > 0:52:04cock-a-hoop at the moment you Mac Yes, we have had a tremendous run.
0:52:04 > 0:52:08We have gone six games. A magnificent run. We want to continue
0:52:08 > 0:52:18that.Give us the dog -- guided tour.What is the guided tour?Come
0:52:18 > 0:52:27on! I hope we got that! Here is a man in control of his football club!
0:52:27 > 0:52:32You can see that three sides of the ground in perfect shape but the main
0:52:32 > 0:52:36stand has had better days. We have got players from Bristol City, West
0:52:36 > 0:52:42Ham and Norwich. When they come here and see the changing rooms have not
0:52:42 > 0:52:46changed in about 20, 30 years, they get a reality check.I absolutely
0:52:46 > 0:52:51love it and I am sure you do as well. It doesn't quite at the moment
0:52:51 > 0:52:56fit modern football.I don't love it. I don't enjoy working in this
0:52:56 > 0:52:58environment. I think it is important that you have a nice clean
0:52:58 > 0:53:05environment. My office is probably the tidiest place in this building.
0:53:05 > 0:53:09I don't doubt it for a second, looking at you! If only you had a
0:53:09 > 0:53:22set of keys.Morning. Morning. This is the physio's room.Where Mac!,
0:53:22 > 0:53:32get some more people in their?! Good morning everybody. Morning all.
0:53:32 > 0:53:41Reserving nice showers.Does he tell you why he is taking it?No. There
0:53:41 > 0:53:49is no reason.We are only doing this to see whether the cameraman faints.
0:53:49 > 0:53:55You have had an extraordinarily good season. There were sniffs of
0:53:55 > 0:53:58interest. You must love it down here to still be here unless there is a
0:53:58 > 0:54:04story I don't know?I do. My family love it down here. When players come
0:54:04 > 0:54:08here they don't realise how far it is. It is a testament to the gaffer
0:54:08 > 0:54:11and the recruitment. Not just bringing in good players but good
0:54:11 > 0:54:16characters. It brings us closer together. We have a very big fan
0:54:16 > 0:54:19base. You can see that when we travel away. We get a amazing
0:54:19 > 0:54:24support away from home. It is -- it is an amazing club. It needs to kick
0:54:24 > 0:54:30on and hopefully we can do that.I have come from the Royal prevention
0:54:30 > 0:54:34of cruelty to goalkeepers society. Seven in one season.Yes,
0:54:34 > 0:54:40extraordinary. I have never known it. All three goalkeepers injured in
0:54:40 > 0:54:45one go. It was extraordinary.I don't think I've ever anything like
0:54:45 > 0:54:51it.No. Now we are pretty settled. We have got our three goalkeepers
0:54:51 > 0:54:58back in training.What were your expectations? How did you think the
0:54:58 > 0:55:03season would pan out?Our expectations were I probably thought
0:55:03 > 0:55:07we would get 53 points. That is where we are now. Our expectations
0:55:07 > 0:55:13now are to finish in the top six if we possibly can.It is a funny old
0:55:13 > 0:55:19game, football.It is a funny game. Three months, complete polar
0:55:19 > 0:55:24opposite of your emotional experience?Yeah, but over the last
0:55:24 > 0:55:27two and a half years we have gone from a position of being in a
0:55:27 > 0:55:31play-off final, to getting promoted and getting into League 1. We knew
0:55:31 > 0:55:34it would be a difficult season because there are a lot of good
0:55:34 > 0:55:39teams. We have shown we can compete with the best. We have beaten the
0:55:39 > 0:55:44likes of Bradford and Blackburn at home this season.Good to see you.
0:55:44 > 0:55:46Thank you. Keep up the good work.
0:55:46 > 0:55:48Plymouth make the 650 mile round-trip to Fleetwood today.
0:55:48 > 0:55:51Bit of a derby at Villa Park then and in Scotland,
0:55:57 > 0:56:03We heard Graham Carey paying tribute to this lot. Leaving very early to
0:56:03 > 0:56:08go to Fleetwood. Rebecca sent this in. She is the mascot today. She was
0:56:08 > 0:56:14up at four o'clock this morning. She has only got to come from Blackpool.
0:56:14 > 0:56:17But she is very excited to be a mascot. It should be a fantastic
0:56:17 > 0:56:25game of football. Plymouth have just gone on a run and it has worked for
0:56:25 > 0:56:31them.Especially at that level, momentum is massive. Supporters are
0:56:31 > 0:56:35a big thing. You turn up Blackpool, how many hundreds will be there? Is
0:56:35 > 0:56:42massive for players.The fellow next to you said he fancies Manchester
0:56:42 > 0:56:48United earlier. Marcus Rashford has made it 2-0 now.I can't see the
0:56:48 > 0:56:55telly.My head is in the way!A big day at the top of the Championship
0:56:55 > 0:57:02today. Aston Villa taking on Wolves. I know you have seen a lot of
0:57:02 > 0:57:07Championship football. Have Wolves B&B standout team?They have been
0:57:07 > 0:57:10and they are. Fulham are a really good team. Everybody thought Villa
0:57:10 > 0:57:14would come through. Derby have stuttered. Cardiff have done
0:57:14 > 0:57:20brilliantly. It is such a competitive league I can't tell you.
0:57:20 > 0:57:26Fulham look good, don't they?They look very good.
0:57:26 > 0:57:29Bit of a derby at Villa Park then and in Scotland,
0:57:29 > 0:57:32the Edinburgh derby went to Hibs last night and it's
0:57:32 > 0:57:36the Old Firm tomorrow.
0:57:36 > 0:57:38And Rangers could move within three points of Celtic with a win.
0:57:38 > 0:57:39That's it from us.
0:57:39 > 0:57:43If you've not had enough of these 2 you can watch the whole thing
0:57:43 > 0:57:44again on the iplayer from midnight tonight.
0:57:44 > 0:57:47We shall leave you with the predictions of Justin
0:57:47 > 0:57:48and Arnie from the Vaccines.
0:57:48 > 0:57:49See you next week.
0:57:49 > 0:57:56Goodbye.
0:58:03 > 0:58:13I'm from Iceland. The first-ever Iceland player was Blondie Bergson
0:58:13 > 0:58:20who played for Spurs.
0:58:20 > 0:58:27who played for Spurs.I'm a big Jose Mourinho fun.
0:58:27 > 0:58:30Mourinho fun. City are uncatchable this year. I know United have been
0:58:30 > 0:58:35getting a bit of flak for how they have been playing. But I'm enjoying
0:58:35 > 0:58:37being back in the race.
0:58:37 > 0:58:40have been playing. But I'm enjoying being back in the race.
0:58:40 > 0:58:49I'm never going to bet against Spurs. I will say 2-0 to Spurs.
0:58:49 > 0:58:52Newcastle versus Southampton, just because Justin is around -- from
0:58:52 > 0:58:57around there and he doesn't support some -- Southampton, I'm going