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Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk looks set to be available against Everton this weekend, Adam Pope reports.

The Lowdown: Struijk’s absence

Struijk sat out the return fixture against Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday due to concussion protocols.

The Dutch defender was replaced early on at Old Trafford after taking a powerful Marcus Rashford shot to the head, with Junior Firpo filling in at left-back. However, it looks as if Struijk will make a swift return in what will be a boost for Michael Skubala.

The Latest: Pope’s post

Pope took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon to relay news from Thorp Arch from Skubala’s pre-Everton press conference.

He said that Marc Roca and Liam Cooper remain doubts, but both Struijk and youngster Sonny Perkins are back involved after concussion and injury respectively.

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The Verdict: Good news

The Whites have relied on Struijk heavily this season, with the 23-year-old making 22 appearances in all competitions. He has actually been the club’s best-rated performer this season with an average match rating of 6.90/10, as per WhoScored, so knowing he could be back is good news.

It’ll be interesting to see where Struijk may turn out, though, especially with centre-back Cooper a doubt, meaning he may feature in his natural central role, with Firpo continuing at left-back.

Journalist Jordan Cronin believes that Joe Willock will recover in time to play for Newcastle United at Wembley this weekend.

The Lowdown: Selection headache for Howe

After a few weeks of Eddie Howe’s starting lineup almost picking itself due to injuries and suspensions, the Toon boss will now seemingly have an abundance of options to pick from in certain positions.

Apart from Nick Pope, who is suspended for the match, Howe will have almost all of his first-team players fit and ready, with the likes of Matt Targett, Willock and Bruno Guimaraes all looking to be in contention for the matchday squad.

That will be huge for Howe to know he has options and gamechangers to come off the bench if required on Sunday, although it will also lead to some tough conversations for the ones left out.

The Latest: Willock to return

It was a huge moment when Willock limped off against Bournemouth two weeks ago with a hamstring injury, but Cronin has claimed on the Loaded Mag YouTube channel that the midfielder, who missed the loss to Liverpool, could now be fit to start in the Carabao Cup final.

He said: “The system and the players that have served Newcastle so well this season is Joelinton being on that left-hand side linking up with Willock because it just gives them that defensive solidity.

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“So that’s what I think they need to do. I don’t know if Willock will be fit, I think going off Eddie Howe’s comments last week, I’m presuming he probably will be, because he made a point to say that it [his hamstring] wasn’t as bad as what he first thought.”

The Verdict: Starting Willock would be sensible

While Allan Saint-Maximin picked up the Player of the Match award against Liverpool at the weekend for his stunning performance, Newcastle will need to be solid defensively – so dropping the electric winger for Willock could be the smart thing to do.

As alluded to by Cronin, Howe had claimed that Willock’s injury was a ‘minor complaint’ and that he had a ‘chance’ of being fit for this weekend.

If Howe was to bring Willock straight back into the starting XI, it would see him play alongside the likes of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff, who were part of the Magpies’ superb performances in the first half of the season.

Meanwhile, having someone such as Saint-Maximin to come onto the huge Wembley pitch on such a big occasion – at a time when he’s also playing for a new contract – could be something that excites Newcastle fans and terrifies Manchester United defenders.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter will likely be sacked if he doesn’t get positive results in the next two matches, according to reliable journalist Matt Law.

The Lowdown: Potter on the edge

The Blues find themselves in a wretched run of form at the moment, with pressure growing hugely on Potter after coming in and struggling as manager.

Last Sunday’s 2-0 defeat away to bitter rivals Tottenham was another low point in Chelsea’s campaign and there is an increasing feeling that a change is needed.

The club have remained loyal to Potter until now but a new update suggests that patience is now wearing thin.

The Latest: Next two games huge

Writing on Twitter, The Telegraph‘s Law claimed that the next two games will essentially be make-or-break for the 47-year-old:

“Chelsea’s owners continue to back Graham Potter but there is now a growing feeling that the next two games will be make or break for him. It’s not just the owners’ faith that is being tested either.”

The Verdict: Matter of time?

Potter really does feel like a man on the edge at this point, and while Chelsea have shown him some loyalty so far, results simply can’t continue to be so poor, with just one win coming their way since the turn of the year.

This update makes it fairly clear that the west Londoners must pick up two wins from the upcoming matches at home to Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund, or that will be the end of the Englishman.

Failing to beat the Whites would be bitterly disappointing, while a Champions League exit at the hands of Dortmund would leave Chelsea with very little to play for this season.

In truth, it does now feel like a matter of time until Potter’s sacking, barring a miraculous turnaround, with the appointment one that just hasn’t worked out.

Erling Haaland has been praised for one thing he did against Newcastle as Man City ran out 2-0 winners at the Etihad this afternoon.

The Lowdown: City victorious…

The Blues secured a vital victory in their hunt for a third-successive Premier League crown, closing the gap on leaders Arsenal to just two points.

Phil Foden opened the scoring with a brilliant mazy run inside the first 45; taking four Newcastle players out of the equation with his close control before firing a deflected shot past Nick Pope.

City failed to grab the second for a long while and were nearly punished when Callum Wilson fluffed a close-range chance – with Joelinton later doing the same.

However, substitute Bernardo was then on hand to finally clinch all three points for Pep Guardiola – feeding off Haaland’s flick to hammer a shot into the far corner.

The Latest: Media hail Haaland after time-wasting…

In an effort to maintain City’s lead in stoppage time and keep his side up the pitch, Norway international Haaland was instrumental in winning corner after corner whilst frustrating the away side.

The striker won four corners in a row at one point whilst laughing to himself – even managing to get a Newcastle player booked in the process.

His play attracted praise from members of the media, who said:

They said:

“Erling Haaland doing it for the streets— back to back to back corner kicks Haaland at the heart of it. I know investors are happy.” – Thierry Nyan, journalist (via Twitter).

“Haaland’s hilarious.” – Jordan Elgott, BBC reporter (via Twitter)

“Grealish and Haaland having a bit of fun at these corners.” – Henry Winter, The Times (via Twitter)

“Haaland and Grealish had Newcastle on strings at that corner flag…” – Footy Accumulators, news account (via Twitter)

The Verdict: Different player…

Apart from being a proven and clinical goal scorer, Haaland is improving other aspects of his game as well, like his all-round link up play.

Members of the media also praised the former Dortmund star in regards to his general build up, and going by his actions at the corner flag, he appears to be working on the more subtle aspects of football like time-wasting.

Haaland grabbed an assist on a brilliant afternoon for City and now attention turns to Crystal Palace in one week’s time.

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is ‘in the equation’ to replace Tottenham manager Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Spurs planning for future?

Reports claim that sporting director Fabio Paratici has drawn up a list of Spurs managerial targets with Conte unlikely to stay beyond this Premier League campaign.

The Lilywhites have an option to extend Conte’s stay by a further 12 months but all signs are pointing towards the Italian’s inevitable exit.

Spurs are currently chasing a top four finish after being knocked out of both the FA Cup and Champions League in the space of a week, potentially motivating the club to think beyond this season.

The Latest: Tuchel in contention…

Numerous names have been linked to taking the Spurs job, including fan favourite and ex-head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy has claimed however that Tuchel, who is out-of-work since leaving Chelsea, is also in contention to replace Conte.

Indeed, the German is apparently ‘in the equation’ for Spurs alongside a plethora of other shortlisted coaches.

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The Verdict: Great candidate…

A Champions League-winner, clinching ten pieces of silverware in total throughout his career, Tuchel stands out as a serial winner who is readily available.

His past ties to Chelsea are one factor but, by his own admission, the 49-year-old did support Spurs as a child.

Tuchel also has proven experience in the English top flight managing many superstar players – yet another incentive for chairman Daniel Levy to consider a move.

Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle called his work at Chelsea ‘fabulous’ with their left-back Ben Chilwell also seriously endorsing the ‘unbelievable’ coach.

If Tottenham can’t get Pochettino back, they may have a very viable alternative also without a club.

An update has emerged on Premier League giants Liverpool and their interest in signing Joao Palhinha in the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Joao Palhinha to Liverpool?

According to the Daily Mail, the Reds are eyeing a swoop to sign the defensive midfielder from Fulham at the end of the season as Jurgen Klopp attempts to improve his midfield options.

The report claims that the club are the ‘most serious’ suitor for the former Sporting CP dynamo, although the Cottagers have him under contract for another four seasons.

It is stated that Marco Silva’s side are prepared to demand a fee in the region of £60m for their star midfielder after paying £20m to sign him last summer.

Who could replace Fabinho?

Palhinha could replace Fabinho at Anfield as the Portugal international has performed superbly in the Premier League this season, proving himself to be an excellent player at this level.

Prior to the current campaign, the Brazilian midfielder had never averaged a Sofascore rating lower than 6.90 in the top flight and averaged a score of 6.96 in the division last term.

Fabinho is currently averaging a rating of 6.84 across 24 appearances in the league and has won 50% of his individual duels whilst making 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game.

These statistics suggest that the experienced battler’s form has dropped off this season as his average performance level has never been lower throughout his career at Anfield.

Palhinha, meanwhile, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.10 – higher than Fabinho has ever managed in the league – across 24 outings in the division for Fulham.

He has made a whopping 5.6 tackles and interceptions per match and won 63% of his individual duels – compared to Fabinho’s 2.7 and 50%. Indeed, these eye-catching statistics show that the 27-year-old has been terrific in the top-flight.

The Portuguese giant, who was hailed as “outstanding” by BBC commentator Steve Wilson earlier this term, has proven that he has the quality to deliver brilliant performances week-in-week-out in the Premier League and has outperformed the Liverpool midfielder this season. 

Fulham’s star is in the top 9% of players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days for tackles, clearances, and aerial duels won per 90, while Fabinho does not rank higher than the top 31% in any of those statistics.

This, along with their respective Sofascore ratings this season, suggests that Palhinha would come in as a significant upgrade on the current Reds enforcer in what he offers in midfield, both in terms of his general performance level and the defensive contributions the gem makes each match.

Arsenal suffered the agony of penalty defeat against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League, falling at the final hurdle of a comprehensively enthralling two-legged affair.

The Gunners have been unambiguous in their calibre and character under Mikel Arteta’s wing this season, casting the cobwebs aside after narrowly missing out on top-four last term and continuing a meteoric burgeoning growth.

Topping the Premier League table, five points ahead of holding champions Manchester City, Arteta has crafted a formidable and iron-clad unit out of a withered crop, and while the onus unequivocally lies with the success in the domestic league, the opportunity to enter the latter stage of the Europa League and glean continental silverware for the first time in the north London outfit’s history would have been tantalising to say the least.

But it wasn’t to be, and the Gunners now hold one route to glory this term following Gabriel Martinelli’s agonising saved penalty, leaving the Emirates faithful silenced.

The Brazilian winger has been a revelation this season, making increments to his feats over the past few years after signing for the club from his homeland outfit for just £6m in 2019, and actually forged a respectable performance against the Leões, but would come up short when it matter most.

He was very much unlike his team-mate Fabio Vieira, who must hang his head after an abject display that proved detrimental to his club’s prospects of qualification.

How did Vieira play vs Sporting?

Signing Porto for £34m in the summer, the Portuguese playmaker has found minutes hard to come by amid the oozing quality stemming from the bulk of the first-team fold, transformative and innovative in their exploits.

Having flourished in his homeland last year, scoring seven goals and supplying 16 assists, Vieira earned a move to the Emirates and the tag of one of Europe’s most prodigious talents; since his arrival in London, the 22-year-old has plundered only two goals and six assists from 28 outings.

The ace has only made two starts in the English top flight, and has found the majority of his endeavours in the Europa League, providing a looping assist for William Saliba in the reverse fixture against Sporting.

But in the home tie, the £45k-per-week maestro was nullified by the robustness of his opponents, recording a lowly match rating of just 6.0, as per Sofascore, winning just one of his 11 duels (9%) and failing with each of his three dribble attempts, picking up a yellow card to emphasise his woes.

Branded “utterly terrible” by writer Kelvin Kerete, Vieira has not only wasted his opportunity but failed to provide the vigorous nature that could have swayed the odds in the home side’s favour.

With Arsenal’s sole focus now on achieving Premier League glory and lifting the iconic trophy for the first time in almost two decades, Arteta will be brutal in his team selection, giving the imperative nature of each remaining competitive clash.

And if Vieira wanted to stake his claim for further starts to add to his scant two, he failed miserably, proving to be the Londoner’s true villain and party pooper on the night.

With Antonio Conte looking increasingly likely to be moving on from Tottenham Hotspur in the coming days, chairman Daniel Levy will now be tasked with plotting a possible successor to the experienced Italian, with the Lilywhites once again needing to start from scratch following what has been a disappointing campaign on the whole.

The name on everybody's lips at present is that of Mauricio Pochettino, with the 51-year-old – who has been out of a job since leaving Paris Saint-Germain last summer – having been earmarked for a return to his former club after just under four years away from N17.

As The Telegraph recently reported, there are said to be doubts among the 'key decision makers' in north London as to whether it is wise to re-hire the Argentine, with the club also looking at possible alternatives for the role, including the likes of Ange Postecoglou and Roberto De Zerbi.

Journalist Shaun Custis recently echoed that opinion after telling talkSPORT that "Levy seems very reluctant to admit he made a mistake in the first place" by re-appointing Pochettino, having sacked the one-time Southampton boss back in November 2019.

While it is somewhat understandable for Levy to have reservations about bringing the beloved figure back into the fold, Pochettino himself is said to be "pushing like mad" to be named as Conte's successor, according to Custis, with Sky Sports revealing that he has even been in contact with some of the Spurs squad.

Although the Tottenham hierarchy may see their pride damaged by reverting back to a man whom they have previously let go, it would surely see the club strike gold if they could get a deal agreed in the near future.

Should Spurs re-hire Pochettino?

As The Telegraph report noted, there are said to be doubts surrounding the one-time Espanyol coach as his sole managerial stint since leaving England was at PSG, with Pochettino having been sacked in July 2022 after just 18 months at the helm, having crashed out in the last-16 of the Champions League last season.

That rather underwhelming stint at the Parc des Princes should well be no reflection on the 20-cap international's quality as a manager, however, with a string of coaches having found it difficult to enjoy success at the Ligue 1 giants, including the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Unai Emery and Carlo Ancelotti.

Levy and co should, instead, remind themselves of the brilliant work that their former boss did during his time in charge of the Lilywhites, having notably guided the club to the Champions League final back in 2019, all while playing "attractive, winning football" – as noted by journalist Rob Blanchette.

While Pochettino's five-year stint did end without silverware, the Murphy-born genius had managed to transform the club into top-four regulars and potential title contenders on occasion, notably going close in 2016, only to lose out to surprise package, Leicester City.

The hope would be that the manager's return could also aid in Tottenham's bid to keep Harry Kane at the club, with the striking sensation – who has just a year left on his contract – having previously hailed the "fantastic job" that Pochettino did during his time in the capital.

Although there is no guarantee that a reunion would prove fruitful for all concerned – with going back not always the best course of action – it does seem as if the chance to rekindle an old flame is simply too good to pass up.

Tottenham Hotspur are once again without a manager, with Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy the men responsible for ensuring this next appointment does not fall flat.

Having signed Antonio Conte just eight months after sacking Jose Mourinho, and with the Italian now also dismissed, the Lilywhites find themselves at a crossroads.

They can either persist with the big-name managers in a desperate attempt to win their first major honour since 2008, or they can start again by entrusting the club to a young up-and-coming coach.

In Oliver Glasner they could have the perfect option should they choose the latter, who would not stray too far from their current structure. Fortunately, he would add some attacking impetus and does have a pedigree with attaining silverware too.

But arguably even more fortunately, he is reportedly keen to make the move to north London, as his contract talks with Eintracht Frankfurt stall.

This potential appointment would offer an injection of fresh ideas into a club stagnating under recent leadership, whilst the element of unknown that a foreign coach brings only adds intrigue. The only wish would be that he could start straight away, in an effort to retain Champions League football at the very least for next season.

Would Oliver Glasner be a success at Spurs?

Having led his German outfit to the Europa League title last season in remarkable fashion, downing Barcelona, West Ham United and Rangers on their historic run, he already boasts a cut-throat pedigree that Spurs do need some degree of.

However, his tactical brain is so impressive that it even drew praise from Nico Kovac, who claimed: "He’s very structured, very well organised, meticulous, observes the opposition very closely and prepares the team very well for them. He doesn’t just let Eintracht run their boots off. He adjusts tactics."

This has culminated in the 48-year-old's 1.53 points per game average, taking over a struggling team and stabilising them. This in turn led to the construction of the solid foundation with which they earned their European success.

The Austrian's preference for a three-at-the-back formation does make him a fine fit for this current squad, which was somewhat moulded in Conte's image. The likes of Pedro Porro could explode under him, given Filip Kostic returned seven goals and 15 assists in all competitions last season under his tutelage from left wing-back.

With an improved style that aligns with their previous regime, but builds upon it with actual emphasis on attack, plus the fact that he is capable of the odd "tactical master stroke", as lauded by journalist Stefan Bienkowski, Glasner is the outstanding option to replace Conte at Spurs.

Leeds United take on Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, where a win would put the Yorkshire outfit in a superb position in the Premier League's relegation battle.

A win against Nottingham Forest in midweek pushed Javi Gracia's side into 13th position in the top flight but will remain hovering dangerously above the drop zone without a result following wins for Bournemouth and West Ham United on Saturday.

The Whites face a Palace side who were in awful form ahead of their last-gasp win against Leicester City last time out, with the hosts looking to earn back-to-back wins against Roy Hodgson's side.

Here is how Football FanCast expects Gracia to line his side up, with four changes from the team that started against Forest on Tuesday.

(4-4-2) Meslier (GK); Kristensen (RB), Cooper (CB), Koch (CB), Struijk (LB); Harrison (RM), McKennie (CM), Roca (CM), Sinisterra (LM); Gnonto (ST), Rodrigo (ST).

Illan Meslier has been Leeds' first-choice all season long and that looks unlikely to change under Gracia until the end of the campaign, so he will start in between the sticks against Palace.

Amid a run of goalscoring form, Rasmus Kristensen may have earned the right to start at full-back, with Luke Ayling dropping to the bench.

Liam Cooper also returns to the starting side having recovered from injury recently and he starts alongside Robin Koch in the heart of the defence, with Pascal Struijk moving over to left-back as a more solid defensive option than Junior Firpo.

Both Firpo and Ayling rank second in terms of how often they have been dribbled past so far this term, so we think it feels risky to start them both against a Palace side who have an abundance of talent out wide, even without the injured Wilfried Zaha.

Weston McKennie and Marc Roca will both keep their starting spots in midfield, with Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra starting on the wings after their goalscoring performances in midweek, albeit in a slightly deeper role to accommodate a 4-4-2 formation.

This allows Gracia to drop the misfiring Patrick Bamford and reinstate top scorer Rodrigo, in the hope that the Spanish forward can add the finishing touch for Leeds in another six-pointer at Elland Road.

There is no reason why Leeds shouldn't go all out against a Palace side potentially low on confidence, with the Eagles not winning on the road since New Year's Eve, so we are backing struggling midfielder Brenden Aaronson to be dropped to make room for £20k-per-week starlet Wilfried Gnonto.

The Italy international, who was dubbed a "pocket rocket" earlier in the season, returned from injury recently and could be a constant thorn in Palace's backline if he is unleashed this afternoon.