1. ARSENAL VS NEWCASTLE — MUST WIN THIS AFTERNOON
Arsenal have an immediate chance to reclaim top spot in the Premier League when they host Newcastle at the Emirates this afternoon (4:30pm GMT). A win takes them three points clear of City with a game in hand. It is their only win in six games across all competitions. Newcastle arrive in woeful form — four straight defeats and 14th in the table. Bukayo Saka is listed as questionable but could feature from the bench. Timber is also pushing for involvement. Merino and Calafiori remain out. Arsenal won the reverse fixture 2-1 in September through late goals from Merino and Gabriel. Expected lineups: Arsenal 4-2-3-1: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Odegaard, Eze; Havertz. Newcastle 4-3-3: Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Miley, Tonali, Ramsey; Anthony Gordon, Isak, Murphy.
2. MAN CITY VS SOUTHAMPTON — FA CUP SEMI-FINAL AT WEMBLEY
Manchester City face Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley today (5:15pm UK). City are heavy favourites — seven-time winners of the competition and unbeaten in 21 FA Cup matches against lower-league opposition. Southampton are in superb form though, unbeaten in 20 straight games and fresh from knocking Arsenal out in the quarter-final. Rodri misses out again with his groin injury. Guardiola confirmed James Trafford starts in goal rather than Ederson, with City protecting their first-choice keeper ahead of the Premier League run-in. The winner faces either Chelsea or Leeds in the final.
3. REAL BETIS 1-1 REAL MADRID — BELLERIN BREAKS MADRID HEARTS
Real Madrid dropped two crucial points on Thursday night when Hector Bellerin scored in the 94th minute to earn Betis a 1-1 draw at La Cartuja. Vinicius had given Madrid the lead in the 17th minute with a composed finish. Lunin made a brilliant save to deny Cucho Hernandez. Antony, on his return from suspension, set up Bellerin at the back post. The result leaves Madrid eight points behind Barcelona with five games left. The title is over.
4. BARCELONA LA LIGA TITLE WITHIN REACH — MADRID RESULT HANDS BARCA MORE BREATHING ROOM
Barcelona need just two wins from their remaining six La Liga games to be confirmed champions — and that number could shrink further if results go their way this weekend. Betis's draw with Madrid has handed them even more breathing room. The only concern is Yamal's hamstring injury, confirmed as a season-ender on Thursday, though the 18-year-old is expected to recover in time for the World Cup. Flick's side are nine points clear with a game in hand. They play Getafe away on Sunday.
5. CHELSEA VS LEEDS — FA CUP SEMI-FINAL TOMORROW AT WEMBLEY
The second FA Cup semi-final takes place tomorrow (Sunday April 26) as Chelsea host Leeds United at Wembley (3pm UK). Chelsea are the leading scorers in the competition this season with 20 goals — scoring at least four in every game so far. Leeds are in the Championship and have lost three straight games at Wembley without scoring. This would be a monumental upset. Chelsea have won the FA Cup eight times. Liam Rosenior will take charge having already confirmed he is leaving at the end of the season.
