Our key talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend, featuring a crunch clash at St James’ Park, Mason Mount and Conor Bradley’s audition.
St James’ set for Champions League crunch clash
The race for Champions League qualification is perfectly poised, with five teams competing for three places across the run-in. Two of those teams meet on Sunday lunchtime, as Newcastle host Chelsea at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe on home advantage:
“Our home form has been good, we have a great environment to play in, we need the crowd with us, it is imperative. We know they will be there for us, and we have to perform for them. It is the kind of game that we need to rise to the occasion.” pic.twitter.com/s4S78BwYoK
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) May 9, 2025
Newcastle have won six of their last eight to climb to fourth, while Chelsea have recovered from a mid-season dip in recent weeks. The West Londoners beat newly-crowned champions Liverpool last weekend and have won five consecutive games in all competitions, after progressing to the Europa Conference League final on Thursday.
Level on points heading into the clash, the winners will take a giant step towards Champions League football. However, dropped points for either – or both – could allow Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa to reduce the gap.
Wins for that duo and a draw at St James’ would mean just a point separates all four teams heading into the penultimate weekend. It’s that tight.
Welcome back, Mason Mount
Things have been hard for Mason Mount at Manchester United. His decision to leave Chelsea was a contentious one and a transfer that has not worked out as hoped – yet.
Injuries have restricted Mount to a bit-part role but recent games have offered a reminder of his quality. After netting his first goal in over a year at Brentford last weekend, he was central to Manchester United’s midweek comeback against Athletic Bilbao in Europe. Two brilliant goals off the bench, including a super strike from near the halfway line, were incredibly his first goals at Old Trafford in nearly two seasons with the club.
Mason Mount joined Manchester United in 2023, but injuries sidelined him for 50 games across his tenure so far.
Tonight, he came off the bench vs. Athletic Club and scored twice to send United to the Europa League final.
You’ve gotta love football ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fxe7qiRCF7
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) May 8, 2025
Football moves on quickly, but it’s important to remember that Mount was a crucial cog in a Champions League-winning side and for England not so long ago. With high energy and technical quality in between the lines, he could be the perfect fit for Ruben Amorim if he gets a run of games. Here’s hoping the 26-year-old is finally over his injury issues.
Leicester look to end rival’s Champions League dream
Leicester City have little to play for with relegation confirmed, with the Foxes focused on their farewell tour for Jamie Vardy and getting the outgoing Leicester legend the one goal he needs to reach 200 for the club.
Their might just be some added motivation this weekend, however, as Leicester head to Nottingham Forest. The home side have stuttered in recent weeks, dropping out of the Champions League places having spent almost the entire season among them.
With a two-point gap to bridge and just three games to go, Forest can not afford any slip-ups in the run-in if they are to make Europe’s elite. Leicester would love to end the European dream of their East Midlands neighbours.
Palace an ideal opponent for Postecoglou planning
Even Europa League success might not be enough to save Ange Postecoglou, such has been the unforeseen disappointment of Tottenham’s league campaign. Success in that competition, however, does appear his final chance of saving his job with Spurs set to face Manchester United later this month.
Take it away, gaffer 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/OChSCQFz3h
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 8, 2025
The Australian’s entire focus will be on preparation for that game and this weekend’s opponents might just be the ideal opposition.
Crystal Palace have thrived in a system not too dissimilar to Manchester United, operating with three central defenders, wing-backs providing width, and two advanced tens searching for space between the lines. It offers an ideal opportunity for Postecoglou to trial his final thinking.
Bradley to audition for Alexander-Arnold role
The will-he won’t-he saga is over, with Trent Alexander-Arnold confirming he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season. Real Madrid is the expected destination for the right-back, who has decided on a new challenge after a decorated career at Anfield.
Feelings are mixed, certainly, among the Liverpool fanbase but Arne Slot has little time for sentiment in the run-in. Even given their title success, this summer shapes as a massive transfer window for Liverpool with investment expected.
Arne Slot says Conor Bradley will play the remaining games this season to be prepared for next season 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/K2bic6V8wk
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) May 9, 2025
How heavy the Reds choose to recruit at right-back will hinge on how Slot sees Conor Bradley as Alexander-Arnold’s successor. The 22-year-old has impressed since emerging from the academy, but has struggled with fitness issues and the inconsistency associated with youth.
A clash this weekend with Arsenal – and perhaps up against the lightning quick Gabriel Martinelli – offers a fine audition for Bradley. Liverpool continue to be linked with Jeremie Frimpong, among others, and Bradley will want to prove that a high-profile signing is not required. Alexander-Arnold’s farewell will not be a priority for Slot and his side.
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