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Howe confident PIF remain committed to Newcastle after 'challenging conversations'
Eddie Howe believes PIF remains committed to Newcastle despite challenges.
Sky Sports1 min read
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TL;DR
Leeds faces Burnley in a crucial match as relegation battles heat up this weekend. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest edged Aston Villa in the Europa League semi-finals, and Crystal Palace secured a strong position in the Conference League.
Key points
- Leeds hosts Burnley in a crucial relegation battle
- Nottingham Forest wins Europa League semi-final first leg
- Crystal Palace secures strong position in Conference League
- Upcoming pressers from major Premier League clubs
- Championship teams compete for promotion
Morning everyone and welcome. We’re at that stage of the season where clubs are either on the beach or deep in a world of stress/pain/excitement, each casting envious glances at the other. A hugely consequential weekend looms, starting tonight with Leeds having another opportunity to distance themselves from the relegation rabble when they host managerless and relegated Burnley. By around 3pm tomorrow we’ll know the identity of one more of the clubs replacing the Clarets, with Ipswich, Millwall and Middlesbrough duking it out for second place in the Championship, while ups, downs and playoff places in the rest of the EFL will be sorted by teatime, when everyone can chill out watching Arsenal’s bid to keep their creaking title bid on the road when they face Fulham.
There was plenty to chew on last night too. Nottingham Forest just about edged their all-English Europa League semi-final first leg against Aston Villa, but not without the inevitable VAR blow-up, Unai Emery fuming at the failure to punish Elliott Anderson for a dangerous tackle on Ollie Watkins. In the Conference League, Oliver Glasner’s chances of bowing out at Crystal Palace with a second trophy in two years were substantially enhanced in a 3-1 semi-final first leg win against Shakhtar Donetsk. The Europa League place denied them last year is now in sight.
Anyway, we’ll be across all the buildup and news going into the weekend, with pressers due at Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester City this morning and pre-match chat from Arsenal, Spurs, Manchester United and Chelsea around lunchtime. And to get you in the mood, here’s 10 Premier League things to look out for, in time-honoured fashion.
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Q&A
What is the significance of Leeds vs Burnley this weekend?
Leeds aims to distance themselves from relegation by securing a win against the already relegated Burnley.
How did Nottingham Forest perform in the Europa League semi-finals?
Nottingham Forest narrowly defeated Aston Villa in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals, despite a controversial VAR incident.
What are the implications of Crystal Palace's win in the Conference League?
Crystal Palace's 3-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League semi-finals boosts their chances of winning a second trophy in two years.