10/03/2018 Football Focus

Welcome to Football Focus

as we prepare for one

season's standout fixtures.

Much to discuss with a couple

of standout pundits

in Mark Lawrenson and Jermaine

Jenas.

We will look ahead to the 200th

meeting between Manchester

United and Liverpool.

And we also have

all this on the way.

Chris Smalling talks

revival and rivalries.

When you're out in a food shop or

whatever all the fans just want to

make sure you win the game. They are

the ones you think of as a player.

Danny Welbeck

on the misfiring Gunners.

We are a massive club and should be

doing much better so that is

disappointment.

Ryan Bertrand and the battle

for Premier League safety.

There's no point shying away from

the challenge, there is nowhere to

hide. We are professionals and we

relish the challenge ahead.

And Clem

finds out that heaven

is a place on earth.

We've also got The Vaccines taking

on Lawro in Predictions later on.

That's all ahead of these

Premier League fixtures.

And it could be a pivotal day

at the bottom as Newcastle face

Southampton and Huddersfield

take on Swansea.

We will be live there shortly.

There's a Sunday double-header

before runaway league leaders

Manchester City go to Stoke.

But top of the list is today's early

kick-off where its second

versus third at Old Trafford.

Steve Crossman sat down

with Manchester United defender

Chris Smalling after he sparked

a bit of a turnaround

for Jose Mourinho's men on Monday.

So many times over the years this

stadium has been able to unsettle

the big boys. The odds are against

Crystal Palace tonight. Townshend

Acts like you would not think you

had team in third against a team in

18th. Manchester United closing! It

is one goal back. Sanchez, it hits

the crossbar. Lukaku cannot pull the

trigger, he tries again, he puts it

in. Paul Parker, shoots and blocks.

The manager Matic, winning goal in

stoppage time! Waterway to win the

game.

Everyone has been talking

about that

about that incredible Matic go. You

must have run 60 yards to get

involved in celebration.

In that

moment you just want to be a part of

the team even if the legs are tired.

Everyone was together. I was trying

to get my head up. Just trying to

get involved.

Because the win

against Crystal Palace on the way it

came about, it is the perfect setup

for the Liverpool match for the it

is, going into the game we knew that

three points was a must.

We need to

try to separate ourselves from some

of the rivals for second spot.

Winning a game like that brings

confidence during the week and we

have three big games at home. You

cannot ask anything more.

Marsala

has done it again!

As a defender you

might have your work cut out.

Yes

they have scored a lot this year and

it will be down to us at the back. I

think the one to want to running

behind are always a challenge.

behind are always a challenge. So I

think they will be worried about our

threat as well.

You have never lost

to Liverpool personally with

Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Had you enjoyed it over the years?

Yes, I enjoyed the games. City,

Liverpool, all those games. When

you're out doing your food shop or

whatever the fans always make sure

you win that game and that is the

big one. And those are the ones I

look forward to as a player. You

want to be involved in them.

How

would you describe this rivalry

question what just intense and

whoever is Manchester United fan,

whether they are young or old, they

all know how important this rivalry

is and how much the bragging rights

are.

It is a long time until you

play them again.

As a player of what

has Jose Mourinho done to help you

develop?

Tactically as we all know

he's very astute. As a team he works

on all 11 but especially the

defenders. To make sure that

whatever position he throws at us we

can handle it.

If he wrote part of

his team talk on board would be to

not lose, or women?

I think at home

it is making sure you win. Going

away you need to keep things tight

and it can often be about the

counter but the onus is on us to win

the game in front of the fans.

Liverpool first and then the

Champions League and then Brighton

in the FA Cup. It could be a

defining week.

Tasty games and we're

happy that they're all at Old

Trafford. The home form this year

has been very good and none of those

teams will find it easy.

If

Manchester United did not finish

second, would that be a disaster?

I

think it would be disappointing. I

think we've had that second spot

pretty much all season. So it is up

to us to make sure that is the

minimum we get.

Is this the closest

this squad has been since the Sir

Alex Ferguson days?

Yes we have been

building something in this last

couple of years and everyone has

really gelled together. You can see

how much we enjoy celebrating

together and playing together.

And

here he is today.

We are about 20 minutes

from kick-off at Old Trafford.

Here are the line-ups

for today's game.

Chris Smalling starts in the centre

of defence for Manchester United.

For poker is not playing. - Paul

Pogba. McTominay comes in for him.

It's the familiar front

three of Salah, Firmino

and Mane for Liverpool.

No team have scored more away the

goals than Liverpool this season.

How do you see this one going? There

was a lot of talk about Manchester

United at Anfield and the way Jose

Mourinho set them up for that. How

will they approach it today?

It is

Manchester United against Liverpool

and always a huge game. There is

that fact, Manchester United cannot

be as negative as they were at

Anfield. Which now by the way it

looks like a brilliant point. It was

still a negative performance. United

at home have been positive and got

some good results. And I just ink it

is almost the best opportunity to

get at Liverpool. I have seen teams

sit against Liverpool and they just

break you down eventually. There are

good from an attacking point of

view. You need to close down those

lines that their top three likes to

work in. I think we're in for a good

game.

On Monday night when Chris

Smalling scored what do you think

that game in isolation has told you

about Manchester United?

Well they

can come back, they did the same

against Chelsea on the previous

Sunday. They are getting better.

Speaking to Manchester United fans

it is not the same, the football is

not the same but looking at Jose

Mourinho, that is the way that he

plays. Looking at today, both teams

are going to play three in midfield

and looking at those three, I think

they cancel each other out. I'm not

sure there will be loads of chances

today.

You have watched a lot of

these games, how far away are they

in the style of play and quality?

Liverpool are closer in their style

of play, absolutely. But Manchester

United are a bit more difficult to

beat. But everyone in the league has

a long way to catch Manchester City

but not just the points, but what

they have. And in the summer they

will be buying loads more top-class

players.

Well Manchester United

fans, they speak about Alexis

Sanchez and Jose Mourinho is not

getting the best out of him at the

moment and it could take some time

for him to settle in. Where would

you put him in the team to get the

most out of him?

most out of him?

Where he's at his

best, left of the front three. He

has operated there are in the

Premier League for a number of years

and been sensational. It can be

difficult going to a new club,

players getting used to your style

of play and where you want to

receive the ball. Even half a second

having to look up and check if he's

running forward, that can throw

things off a bit. I think he has

been a bit predictable, he needs to

mix up his game. But you can

guarantee that he has that work

ethic and commitment. And eventually

that will turn it around.

We live in

an instant wealth and everyone

expects him just to be really good

instantaneously. It does not work

that way, you need to get used your

team-mates, they need to get used to

the way you play. He's a very good

player and will be a very good

signing.

I'm just thinking you say

it takes time to settle in but when

you get compared to someone like

Salah, who was just scoring for fun

at the moment.

At the start of the

season when Liverpool find him a new

they had signed a really good

player. They had no idea that he

would turn up this way. He has been

absolutely brilliant.

Has he

surprised himself, do you think?

Probably surprised his mother let

alone himself! He has been

brilliant. And since Philippe

Coutinho left I thought Firmino

might go into his shell but he has

been brilliant as well.

If you had

to pick one that you both think, a

draw today, cancelling each other

out?

I think United might just take

it.

One nice story

from the Liverpool camp this week.

Young Liverpool fan Alfie Radford

donated his pocket money to local

food bank and was rewarded

with a personal letter from defender

Andy Robinson who then enclosed

a shirt signed by Roberto Firmino.

Here is the letter, which reads:

Let's be honest, Alfie,

no one wants the left-back's shirt

which is why I got

you Bobby's instead.

Liverpool are safely

through to the quarterfinals

of the Champions League

after an nil-nil draw with Portugal

at Anfield after their 5-

nil away win in the first leg.

Real Madrid and Manchester City also

confirmed their place

in the last eight.

But there was heartbreak for Spurs

when two second-half goals in 169

seconds saw Juventus come

from behind to win at Wembley.

That Spurs match, some have come out

to say they bottled it. Was it more

a case of really good side is going

toe to toe and Juventus showing a

bit of class?

I think exactly that.

Just the full-backs with the wide

players, putting in that little

wrinkle. And I do not think that

Spurs reacted well in that short

period. Even after the first goal.

Spurs looked to be on the ropes a

bit and maybe they should have

changed something. But they have

responded well on so many other

locations and just did not in that

spell.

Tottenham made enough

chances.

Well talk about Salah been

brilliant for Liverpool, Harry Kane

gets a lot of the headlines.

You

talk about Tottenham now and you say

Harry Kane and also this guy. He has

a bit of everything and now he has

started to score goals as well.

Better known for his assist. A

really good player and I'm guessing

he is a dream for a manager, Son

Heung-min. He just gets on with it.

He has seriously improved.

The

players love him as well, love

playing with him and what he brings

to the table top the jokes and the

fun. Always good for team spirit.

More than anything he is delivering.

The fastest lollipop in football,

the fans have been saying. But his

footwork is incredible.

What impresses me more about him is

his balance. He has got skill. The

ability to hit the ball with his

right foot and do the same with his

left foot.

I think when he runs at

you, you're not sure which side he

is going to go, which is difficult.

But they could not get the better of

Juventus. It is holding onto their

best players and not being in the

Champions League, that would make it

harder?

This year's experience will

hold them in good stead for next

year. Juventus have only got

experience because they have had

their players with them for so many

years. Spurs have to look towards

that. They need to be like that.

I

wouldn't be surprised if Dele Alli

and Harry Kane left in the summer.

We will keep an eye on that.

One desperately sad story from Italy

last week was the death

of Fiorentina captain and Italy

international Davide Astori,

who died following a sudden

illness, at the age of 31.

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini

was asked about Astori,

his international team mate,

following his sides win

at Wembley on Wednesday.

We dedicated not only this match but

every mind in this day. I cry any

time. I always believe him because

he is a fantastic player. It is very

difficult doing the best because we

have to think of the game, but the

opponents. It is not easy. But it is

always in our heart. Tomorrow

always in our heart. Tomorrow we go

to give the last goodbye together

with our team-mates.

I appreciate

that. Sorry.

It is difficult but we

have to continue with our life. I

think for us it is important, the

national team, in our heart to

always bring his positive emotion.

He always smiles. It is important in

the group. We would like to continue

to smile in our heart.

Lovely words from Chiellini,

who was one of the thousands

who turned out in Florence -

along with his Italy

and Juventus team mates -

for Astori's funeral on Thursday.

You can see the size of the crowd.

Gianluigi Buffon said Astori

was "in all respects,

a perfect person".

We are going to turn our attention

to the Europa League. Four days

after defeat by Brighton, Arsenal

beat AC Milan in the San Siro.

Juliette Farrington has spent some

time with Danny Welbeck this week

after a turbulent time for the

Gunners.

There has been a lot of focus on

Arsenal's season overall. Can you

reflect and put into words what that

has been like?

Yeah. Obviously there

is disappointment in and around the

camp. This is such a massive club

and we should be doing better. There

is a bit of disappointment. There is

no point in trying to hide it. I

believe that together we are

stronger as a unit. Unity is

strength. Division is weakness. We

know that we are good players. Going

into the game if we stand and fight

in every area of the pitch our

quality will shine through. We have

spoken about things. People have

voiced their opinions. Yeah, there

is honesty within the camp.

Is there

at the Unity?

The Unity is there. In

this period we have gone through it

has been difficult. We have got to

stand together and fight.

Is it a confidence thing?

Obviously

with the Brighton game it was

difficult. The team actually started

on the front foot. We conceded a bit

of a sloppy goal. The crowd got

behind them and post them on. In

them difficult moments, that is when

you stick together the most and

battle through.

What can you salvage

from this season?

Obviously the

season has not been good enough. But

we are professionals and we have to

keep on going, keep on fighting

every single game. We need to make

sure that with the remaining games

we have, that we put in maximum

effort. And also we have got the

Europa League as well. That is also

another chance.

Do you pay attention

to what people are saying, with fans

venting Mercury?

It is not something

we need to focus on. You are

professionals, if you do good in

life, you get praise. If you do bad,

you expect criticism. That is life.

You have worked first rally, you

have worked under Arsene Wenger,

what comparison do you have between

the two, managers with such great

longevity?

They are a bit different.

They manage the club differently. It

has produced success. Such a long

rain at a club. Nowadays it has

become less.

Do you keep in touch

with Sir Alex, does he keep in touch

with you?

We have spoken a few

times. We do keep in touch.

Do you

feel a little bit left behind

because of what you have been

through, and has it hindered your

professional career?

With the

injuries at Asda railed me in

previous years. Now I just have to

put that behind me. -- it has

derailed me. I have two prove my

match sharpness. Get consistent. I'm

looking forward because the injuries

are behind me.

You are very much a

team player. But the game time is

still quite limited?

Yeah, the

manager Pyxis team. He plays his

players according to whichever game.

Whenever I get on the pitch I will

give 100%.

We will talk about the man himself

in a moment. But Arsenal more

generally, eight games they have

lost already this calendar year.

They are a real head scratcher. They

lose against Brighton and they do

that in the San Siro against AC

Milan.

Yes, but the underlying thing

about Arsenal as they used to be

unbelievably difficult to play

against and now they are easy. That

is detrimental to the management. I

feel with the football club that

they should say, the manager leaves

at the end of the season, so he is

still in charge. I think every

single day that he is still the

manager, a bit of his legacy gets

chipped away. He has been an

absolutely fantastic manager. He

does some new things for the club

and the Premier League but his time

is up. If he keeps going on and they

don't win the Europa League, so they

appoint a new manager in the summer,

why don't they look now? Say to him,

this is the deal, you leave in the

summer, we build a statue. I don't

think they'll do it.

His current

deal expires at the end of next

season. Welbeck is 27. He played the

full game against AC Milan. How do

you think he assesses what has

happened in the last few years for

him?

I don't think he would have

said it has gone how we wanted. One

of the things you have to look

towards, he has had some serious

injuries that could change his style

of play almost. They have been that

bad. Lawro duck -- Lawro found a

statistic on him. He has never

started 11 games consecutively for

Arsenal. And Manchester United.

Backmen itself tells you a lot. --

that in itself tells you a lot. He

does not get the run of games. And

also, from a confidence point of

view, do managers looked at him and

believe him to be the main man? He

won't be happy, I would say, with

where he is out right now. I do have

sympathy for him with regards to how

bad the injuries he has suffered

have been. Prior to the European

Championships, on the left-hand

side, he was flying, it could have

gone so different. Hopefully he

comes back and get stronger. He has

shown fight and determination to

come back.

You almost get to players

with him. He can play on the left,

but right through the middle as

well. Listen, you've got to keep

yourself fit. That is the big thing.

They are looking to get their

Premier League campaign back on

track. They play Watford tomorrow. I

want to ask you about Troy Dini. --

Troy Deeney. He has delivered with

key goals.

He somehow drifted out of

favour with Watford. He has always

been their talisman. The player they

look to. He has always been

massively outspoken when things

haven't gone right. He is enjoying

the manager putting that faith back

in him. He is doing what he should

be doing. He is putting the ball in

the back of the net and responding

in the right way. All positive for

Watford. They are selling towards

safety.

I described the club as

soulless few weeks ago and they have

not stopped winning since! Three in

four for Troy Deeney.

June into BBC

five

five live for Arsenal against

Watford, John Motson's last

commentary before he retires in the

summer. 48 years. Brighton travel to

Everton this afternoon after a run

of results that have taken them to

the FA Cup quarterfinal and put them

on the brink of Premier League

survival.

Glenn Murray snatches it as the

death for Brighton! It is a point

apiece in the South West Derby.

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!

Outstanding.

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!

Outstanding.

If we continue with

performances like this, then we will

be OK.

be OK. A magnificent goal. A cool

finish from the Colombian.

Brightener into their first FA Cup

quarterfinal since 1986. Knockaert

is in here! That settles it.

It is a

great club. Chris Hughton deserves

immense credit. They have come such

a long way.

a long way.

Brighton lead Arsenal.

It is to! This is a landmark result

for Brighton. They will celebrate

long and hard on the south coast,

and well they might.

Champions League form for Brighton

recently. Fourth in the form table.

Champions League form for Brighton

recently. Fourth in the form table.

Five wins from seven games taken

into the top half of the table

Five wins from seven games taken

into the top half of the table and

the last eight the FA Cup.

34 points, which could be enough.

One more win gets them to 37 which

could be the safety mark. How much

credit you give this man for the

turnaround, considering that before

this run they had on the won 214,

worrying form?

All of it, I suppose!

He sets up his team in a particular

way. He has done that from the start

of the season to now. They have got

a way of playing, Brighton. It has

got good balance. The midfielder 's

too adventurous. Pascal Gross is the

creative element. The wingers have

pace. They always give themselves a

chance. They have been through tough

spells, as Bournemouth have been

with Eddie Howe at the top. They

seem to be coming through with

flying colours.

Glenn Murray scoring

goals for them. Hopefully we will

hear from him next week. Pascal

Gross, we see some of the balls he

put in for particularly Glenn

Murray. He has been a creative

genius, hasn't he?

Yes, and he is an

old-fashioned player. Not

particularly mobile. His ability on

the ball is outstanding. The other

thing with Brighton as well is Chris

and his relationship with the owners

is absolutely great. They never

panicked when they went six games

without a win. The honour helped him

out in the January transfer window.

Broken a couple of more players.

Chris is pragmatic person. That is

how the team play. I think they will

be absolutely fine. They have got

the top four or five in the last

fixtures.

Yes, but to go back to

Pascal Gross.

Pascal Gross. We saw those chances

created. The weight of passes

perfect isn't it?

The weight of

pass, the ability to cross the ball

on the left or the right. As Lawro

said, he is not blessed with

blistering pace but he has an

ability to find a space. He is very

intelligent. He is not getting away

from people but he can pick up

different areas of the pitch players

do not want to mark him. It has been

a perfect partnership between

himself and Glenn Murray. It is a

dream for Glenn Murray. He gets the

goals, grossed just find him.

Even

Glenn Murray has kicked on since

they signed the strikers. That is

the competition for places. They had

the best January transfer window.

He has been a great signing for the

team.

Brighton's form is in contrast

to that of opponents Everton -

a run of two wins in 12

matches for Sam Allardyce.

We are in a difficult period but we

need to turn that around. It is my

responsibility to get the team to

the level that we know they can

play. It is the responsibility of

the players to play their best and

when they do that we can give anyone

again. And when it comes to Brighton

on Saturday it is more about them

delivering the performance as well

as dealing with Brighton. I think

they will feel a bit under pressure

as we all are at the moment.

He came

in to steer them away from that

trouble that they were having, exam.

Here we have some statistics. Seven

points away from relegation.

Well

possible relegation is the first

thing, there are away form is poor.

But this year on and off the pitch

it has just been a bit of a mess.

And everyone is saying even if they

survive through to the summer, will

be sacked in - sack him, bring

someone else in. They have just got

a drastically wrong the whole

season. So they've spent a lot of

money but not necessarily wisely.

They recently lost to Burnley. Wayne

Rooney was here a couple of weeks

ago and he said that seven would be

a realistic target this season. Do

you think it is ambitious?

Probably

looking at the players they have it

feels that way but if you watch the

way that Everton are playing and

their form, the goals that they are

conceding, they will not finish in

seventh. They are not playing

enjoyable football to watch either

and that has given the Everton fans

the feeling that this man is not the

person they want at the helm.

Seventh is where they should be.

They will force at the start of the

season, that was the game.

Because

the fans were generally excited at

the players brought in.

But there

was no thought about where they were

going to play.

Beneath Brighton and Everton it's

still carnage in the bottom half

of the table with 3 points covering

7 sides from 13th to 19th place.

Only goal difference separates

Huddersfield and Swansea.

They meet at the John Smith's

stadium where Guy Mowbray has

a former Terrier alongside him.

Do the introductions!

I will indeed,

good afternoon. I'm joined here by

someone who used to cut his teeth by

scoring goals for Huddersfield Town.

Ewan Roberts. Over 24 years ago you

left this place.

It is a long time

ago but it feels like yesterday. I

did not play in the stadium but 100

yards across the road but great

times. A great club and so friendly.

You are following the club from afar

from Darren South Wales this season.

They are in a precarious position.

But given how people thought

Huddersfield would go, are they in a

good position but unlike I think so,

back-to-back wins against

Bournemouth and West Brom, putting

them in a distant place.

Before then

they were on a shocking run and lost

last week to Spurs. But had you said

to any Huddersfield fans you would

be in 15th place with nine games to

go, I think they would have taken

that all day long.

It is in their

hands, or they could have asked for.

Now what a transformation under the

new manager.

When he came in I was

not sure of the appointment but he

put a smile back on their faces. And

there is the belief now that they

more than capable of staying up. 17

points out of nine games in charge,

unbelievable, he's done so well put

up there now more attacking under

him. I think they will rely on their

home form heavily. Similar to

Huddersfield, they've won 19 of

their points here at the John Smith.

I think they will both stay in the

Premier League and rely heavily on

that home form.

Just a 3-point gap

can you think both will stay up?

I

think so, I think they more than

capable of looking at points here at

the John Smith. I think they have

West Brom to play, Swansea, they've

won their last seven games at home,

Swansea, so good opposition.

Should

be a cracking atmosphere. Kick off

at three o'clock.

Thanks to Guy and Iwan.

The other big one at the bottom

takes place at St James Park

where Newcastle host Southampton.

Rachel Stringer went

to see Saints and England

full-back Ryan Bertrand.

I looked at your histogram and it

says as real as they get, as humble

as they come.

It is a quote that

resonated with me a few years ago

when you're engaging with plans to

put yourself in their shoes.

I guess

the question we want to know is why

our Southampton where they are in

the table.

I think possibly small

things all over, small margins but

too many of them and they add up to

big things. I think small

adjustments perhaps defensively and

attacking but collect the, not

individually.

So everyone knows what

has to be done but can it be done

with nine games remaining?

We are in

a mindset now where there is no

point in shying away from the

challenge, there's no work to hide.

We need to stand up as men, as

professionals and relish the

challenge ahead. It is about

establishing that consistency,

trying to achieve those back-to-back

wins which we have not done this

season as yet.

For you every game

especially Newcastle, is important.

Yes we go into it full of

confidence. We had a good training

week and we know what needs to be

done. This is one of the games where

it is a tough place to go. Newcastle

are a good team but equally in

professionals we're going after

those points.

those points.

If you get past Wigan

in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup,

how has that cup run helped your

season customer it was not really

about progressing in the FA Cup or

getting to the final.

It was more

that achieve a win this weekend,

perhaps a bit less pressure and get

that confidence for the Premier

League next week. We have got work

to do, we need to get through Wigan

and they have shown some impressive

form. If we get through that moment

then I think it is time to think and

time to get together and definitely

go for it.

The Grenfell Tower

tragedy hit you quite hard.

Why was

so important you. It just resonated

with me, I grew up in tower blocks

like that, I still have friends and

family in those situations. I just

did not understand the logistics of

how it could happen. And the

resistance. It seemed that the

residents and their families were

receiving resistance and lack of

care. And that compassion to get it

fixed. It seemed as if there was too

much red tape when these are humans

who have lost their lives, lost

their homes, loved ones. You need to

drop all the red tape and fix the

situation.

What did you do to try to

help them out?

I took a trip down,

with some of my friends and we

developed a plan of what we would

like to do. People live in

communities with families and

friends and they need to be around

each other to survive. You need help

whether you have got kids you're

working, need support from the

community. It does not help people

to move, just move them away. They

need to be in their immediate

surroundings.

I can see how

important it is to you and how much

it affected you.

That is what we

were trying to do, yes.

Great to

hear and speak so passionately about

that huge subject.

that huge subject. From an England

perspective, he could be a first

choice left-back for Gareth

Southgate.

I'm sure going through

the hot list of options Gareth

Southgate will be looking at him, he

wants to play three at the back he

is a stand-up performer. Ashley

Young playing in the big game right

now, Danny Rose, obviously.

now, Danny Rose, obviously. And also

Sessegnon. But Ryan Bertrand you are

right, has been a top player.

I am

with you, I would take Sessegnon for

the experience as much as anything.

He will be a top layer.

People talk

about how highly rated he is. For

Southampton, talking about teams in

trouble at the wrong end of the

table you tend to leave them out

because they have not lost many

games. Just one game in ten and yet

they are in a perilous position.

They just do not win the games, as

simple as that. They get the drawers

and that is not enough. Palace had

that lift, dragged back into it now.

Swansea got those wins, getting on

that one of form and you can see how

that gives you confidence. But they

just do not score nearly enough

goals.

The relegation thing goes

right to the end of the season.

They

have the FA Cup in there as well. I

can feel the nerves for them.

Six of

the last nine games away, that is a

big as as well. Especially that they

all play against each other, all the

teams at the bottom, between now and

the end of the season.

They take on

Newcastle this weekend. What about

them, 12 goals all season at St

James' Park, the joint lowest in the

league. That must be a standout

issue.

It is, Newcastle are

different from Southampton,

Southampton have the better squad. I

think Newcastle, they have done

wonders to be where they are and

give themselves the opportunity to

fight. But those goals, your nanny

has not been fit since arriving. So

this is a massive game.

this is a massive game. -- Slimani.

West Bromwich Albion continue

to prop up the table and are now 8

points from safety after losing

to Watford last time out.

Alan Pardew remains in charge

for today's game against Leicester.

John Roder is at the Hawthorns

ahead of this one -

do we expect Mr Pardew to see out

the season there now?

All kinds of schools of thought as

to what might happen, whether Alan

Pardew is the best person to bring

West Brom strip happen the

championship. Looking at this time

last week we thought it would be his

last game in charge if they last and

they did lose at Watford although it

was a better performance. In a match

day programme Alan Pardew was

defined and said there's still time

and real belief that we can get out

of this situation we find ourselves

in. We are aware most people have

written us off, where the fight and

we will go on together. However just

three Premier League wins all season

from West Brom, two of those came in

the opening couple of matches of the

season. They need to win six of

their remaining games of the thing.

But taking inspiration from

Leicester City who when they came

here three years ago were really in

trouble but they took seven of the

last line to stay up. So miracles

can happen.

Manchester United have

taken the lead against Liverpool,

really good goal from Marcus

Rashford.

Five straight defeats for West Brom

now and three on the bounce

for Crystal Palace who have slipped

into the bottom 3 before a visit

to Chelsea today for Roy's boys...

We always knew the points would be

hard to come by but the last couple

of games has shown me there's a lot

of fight and spirit in the team. And

we still have incredible support

from the crowd which can transmit

itself if you like to the players on

the field and keep us going were

other teams might not have the

benefit of that. For me every game

is tough, whether we get one game

left which is not the complete and

utter battle. And if we are at our

best we will be able to win.

Their recent form is concerning. The

Palace have already got out of

trouble once this season and now

they have to do it again, which is

doubly hard?

It is doubly hard. They

have got the manager, they have got

the experience. Is Wilfried Zaha not

fit?

Potentially on the bench. They

have lost all games without him

playing.

One-man team! With Palace,

they have already been down there,

so they know what it is like. West

Ham are getting drawn into it. It is

such a finite thing. I think they

will be OK. But obviously stating

the bleeding obvious, they need Zaha

bargain.

It is not just Zaha.

Well,

it is.

They don't score many goals.

They keep conceding last-minute

goals. They did reasonably well

against Spurs, sat tight, they could

have got a point. Conceded with

three minutes to go. The other night

against United, another loss. Is

that going to affect them in the

latter stage of the season? I'm with

Lawro. I think they have got enough

when everybody is fit. I just worry

about the mentality at times.

The

same problem with all those teams at

the bottom as is the lack of goals.

Mentality is a part of it as well.

Those a defeat like West Ham's at

Swansea affect them?

They have had

24-1s consecutively.

24-1s consecutively. -- two 4-1s.

Draws are no good. It is that

winning. It is a goals thing. Every

single year three teams get promoted

from the Championship. People say,

how do you think they will do in the

Premier League? Who is going to

score the goals.

You can follow all of today's games

from 2:30pm on the red Button, and

for 30 PM on BBC Two.

-- for 30 PM.

England's women emphatically saw off

France last week in Phil Neville's

first game in charge.

They faced the top two sides

in the world this week in a bid

to win their first ever

She Believes Cup.

This was Phil Neville's on the

second match as England's women

manager. He knows this will be a

tougher test against Germany.

Off the line. And forced home.

Germany into the lead.

England have an equaliser. It is

Ellen White.

Waiting for the goalkeeper to come.

Oh dear. It is a catastrophe for

England.

Stokes Ringland. The flag has stayed

down. Ellen White for England. What

a finish! England go to the final

day against the USA.

The first She Believes Cup is within

their grasp. A draw will do it. The

world champions stand in their way.

Just wide. Too much space again. A

deflection. It has gone in! It is

another own goal macro!

Off the line, of the post. Despair

for England but joy for the USA.

They win

for England but joy for the USA.

They win the She Believes Cup for

the second time.

It is not now when I want to be

winning tournaments, even though

tournaments are nice, it is in 12

months' time. It has been a

fantastic experience. We have

enjoyed every single game.

We can all be proud of our

performance.

Let's show you some

social media from around the game.

David Beckham was roped in by his

old England team-mate. Toni Duggan,

Lucy Taylor -- Lucy Bronze...

They'll put some pictures up as

well. They have been enjoying

themselves in Disneyland.

themselves in Disneyland. One

interesting strain of discussion

around this, Phil Neville is trying

to raise the levels of

professionalism. Lots of his squad

have been saying much they have

enjoyed that. He made the point of

this week about flying economy when

the men would fly nowhere near

economy. It is little things like

that which he is trying to change,

which he feels could make a

difference.

The FA have their own

Premier League for the women. They

can with the fixtures. Wasn't there

a big game before they left? Those

kind of things. They shuttled around

America. I take his point. He is

absolutely right. But they need to

spend some time on the training

field because defensively they were

all over the place.

He just wants to

raise standards. I remember being at

England youth level, under 16, 17,

going to European Championships. You

would fly and be looked after at a

top level. I guess that is all he is

asking for. The same for his women's

side, to raise the level of

expectation.

It is all about getting

prepared. That is all part of it.

They have the World Cup qualifiers

to look forward to. They play Wales

and Bosnia. Now we are going to

bring you a remarkable story from

League 1.

Plymouth were bottom of the table

at the start of December.

They are now in the play-off spots!

That's despite a keeper

crisis which has seen

them forced to use seven

different goalkeepers.

Mark Clemmit was Devon sent,

in search of a guided tour.

Out of the Tardis he emerged! Is

there anybody else in there? How are

you?

All right. You?

Beautiful,

thank you. Presumably everybody is

cock-a-hoop at the moment you Mac

Yes, we have had a tremendous run.

We have gone six games. A

magnificent run. We want to continue

that.

Give us the dog -- guided

tour.

What is the guided tour?

Come

on! I hope we got that! Here is a

man in control of his football club!

You can see that three sides of the

ground in perfect shape but the main

stand has had better days. We have

got players from Bristol City, West

Ham and Norwich. When they come here

and see the changing rooms have not

changed in about 20, 30 years, they

get a reality check.

I absolutely

love it and I am sure you do as

well. It doesn't quite at the moment

fit modern football.

I don't love

it. I don't enjoy working in this

environment. I think it is important

that you have a nice clean

environment. My office is probably

the tidiest place in this building.

I don't doubt it for a second,

looking at you! If only you had a

set of keys.

Morning. Morning. This

is the physio's room.

Where Mac!,

get some more people in their?! Good

morning everybody. Morning all.

Reserving nice showers.

Does he tell

you why he is taking it?

No. There

is no reason.

We are only doing this

to see whether the cameraman faints.

You have had an extraordinarily good

season. There were sniffs of

interest. You must love it down here

to still be here unless there is a

story I don't know?

I do. My family

love it down here. When players come

here they don't realise how far it

is. It is a testament to the gaffer

and the recruitment. Not just

bringing in good players but good

characters. It brings us closer

together. We have a very big fan

base. You can see that when we

travel away. We get a amazing

support away from home. It is -- it

is an amazing club. It needs to kick

on and hopefully we can do that.

I

have come from the Royal prevention

of cruelty to goalkeepers society.

Seven in one season.

Yes,

extraordinary. I have never known

it. All three goalkeepers injured in

one go. It was extraordinary.

I

don't think I've ever anything like

it.

No. Now we are pretty settled.

We have got our three goalkeepers

back in training.

What were your

expectations? How did you think the

season would pan out?

Our

expectations were I probably thought

we would get 53 points. That is

where we are now. Our expectations

now are to finish in the top six if

we possibly can.

It is a funny old

game, football.

It is a funny game.

Three months, complete polar

opposite of your emotional

experience?

Yeah, but over the last

two and a half years we have gone

from a position of being in a

play-off final, to getting promoted

and getting into League 1. We knew

it would be a difficult season

because there are a lot of good

teams. We have shown we can compete

with the best. We have beaten the

likes of Bradford and Blackburn at

home this season.

Good to see you.

Thank you.

Keep up the good work.

Plymouth make the 650 mile

round-trip to Fleetwood today.

Bit of a derby at Villa Park

then and in Scotland,

We heard Graham Carey paying tribute

to this lot. Leaving very early to

go to Fleetwood. Rebecca sent this

in. She is the mascot today. She was

up at four o'clock this morning. She

has only got to come from Blackpool.

But she is very excited to be a

mascot. It should be a fantastic

game of football. Plymouth have just

gone on a run and it has worked for

them.

Especially at that level,

momentum is massive. Supporters are

a big thing. You turn up Blackpool,

how many hundreds will be there? Is

massive for players.

The fellow next

to you said he fancies Manchester

United earlier. Marcus Rashford has

made it 2-0 now.

I can't see the

telly.

My head is in the way!

A big

day at the top of the Championship

today. Aston Villa taking on Wolves.

I know you have seen a lot of

Championship football. Have Wolves

B&B standout team?

They have been

and they are. Fulham are a really

good team. Everybody thought Villa

would come through. Derby have

stuttered. Cardiff have done

brilliantly. It is such a

competitive league I can't tell you.

Fulham look good, don't they?

They

look very good.

Bit of a derby at Villa Park

then and in Scotland,

the Edinburgh derby went to Hibs

last night and it's

the Old Firm tomorrow.

And Rangers could move within three

points of Celtic with a win.

That's it from us.

If you've not had enough of these 2

you can watch the whole thing

again on the iplayer

from midnight tonight.

We shall leave you with

the predictions of Justin

and Arnie from the Vaccines.

See you next week.

Goodbye.

I'm from Iceland. The first-ever

Iceland player was Blondie Bergson

who played for Spurs.

who played for Spurs.

I'm a big Jose

Mourinho fun.

Mourinho fun. City are uncatchable

this year. I know United have been

getting a bit of flak for how they

have been playing. But I'm enjoying

being back in the race.

have been playing. But I'm enjoying

being back in the race.

I'm never going to bet against

Spurs. I will say 2-0 to Spurs.

Newcastle versus Southampton, just

because Justin is around -- from

around there and he doesn't support

some -- Southampton, I'm going