Key events
To on-field matters, where Arne Slot has been talking about Freddie Woodman, the third-choice keeper who has been thrown into action:
“There is a reason we have signed an experienced third goalkeeper. Usually you don’t need him that much, but there could be situations if one [goalkeeper] is injured and one gets suspended. That makes more sense than two goalkeepers being injured.
“Apart from him being a good goalkeeper, which he has shown. When he was young, he won the Euros with the under-17s and the under-20s he won the World Cup.”
Andy Hunter
There are more protests planned over the Liverpool ticket price rises this weekend and a van was parked outside the AXA Training Centre this morning for the press conference bearing the messages “caution: Anfield’s soul at risk” and “no to three years of price rises”.
Via the Spirit of Shankly website: “On Saturday we are asking every supporter to “Show FSG The Yellow Card” over the decision to make Liverpool FC the first club to lock in THREE YEARS of price rises.
“Not only is this a tone-deaf and worrying decision in terms of the price of tickets, it is also closing down the conversation with supporters, and ending yearly accountability and scrutiny through the Liverpool Supporters’ Board.
“We have already seen the withdrawal of flags and banners from The Kop and “Not A Pound In The Ground” – the successful drive to encourage supporters not to spend inside Anfield and instead support local businesses in the surrounding area.”
What’s at stake as the Premier League reaches its final straight? Both Wolves and Burnley are already relegated, of course. Here’s you handy guide.
We expect to hear from interim – for the second time – Chelsea head coach Calum McFarlane today. And there’s news of the first manager he stood in for back in January.
The regular weekend digest of what to expect here.
Wilson: BBC ‘crazy’ to can Football Focus
The former presenter Bob Wilson feels it is “crazy” the BBC has decided to take Football Focus off the air after more than half a century.
The Saturday lunchtime programme was first broadcast in 1974, with former Scotland and Arsenal goalkeeper Wilson the new show’s host. On Thursday, the BBC said in a press release “changing audience behaviours” had prompted it to act, bringing to an end the show’s run of 52 years when it finishes at the end of the season, with Football Interview set to move into the Saturday 12.45pm slot.
Wilson wrote in the Times: “I was absolutely shocked to hear that Football Focus will end this summer. It has run successfully for 52 years, so goodness me, why are they getting rid of it? I am really disappointed it has come to this. The BBC has said it will be replaced next season by an interview show about what makes footballers tick. That is crazy.”
Millwall receive apology over racism booklet
Millwall have received an apology from Westminster City Council for the “insensitive” use of the club’s official logo to “illustrate the historic problem of racism within football” in a children’s education booklet which was distributed in schools.
Images shared widely on social media from the booklet show the badge of the Championship club printed on the clothing of a member of a white supremacist hate group. On Thursday afternoon, Westminster City Council issued a statement confirming the booklet had been removed from circulation, with internal processes being reviewed.
A Westminster City Council spokesperson said:
We accept the use of this image was an insensitive way to illustrate the historic problem of racism within football. We have apologised to Millwall Football Club for the improper use of their logo and for any offence caused. The booklet has been removed from circulation, and we are reviewing processes to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
According to the club’s official supporters’ group, Millwall are still considering their legal position on the matter. PA Media
Preamble
Good morning, football. Another quiet week, then … what would we do without Chelsea? We’ll have the latest from the Stamford Bridge content machine, as we look forward ro two FA Cup semi-finals and another crucial round of Premier League fixtures. It’s also the penultimate weekend of the EFL, with so much to be decided.
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FA Cup: Man City v Southampton, 5.15pm Saturday
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FA Cup: Chelsea v Leeds, 3pm Sunday
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Sunderland v Nottingham Forest, 8pm Friday
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Arsenal v Newcastle ,5.30pm Saturday
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Fulham v Aston Villa, 12.30pm Saturday
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Liverpool v Crystal Palace, 3pm Saturday
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West Ham v Everton, 3pm Saturday
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\Wolverhampton v Tottenham Hotspur, 3pm Saturday
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Manchester United v Brentford, 8pm Monday
Join us for the day’s news, previews and and reaction.
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