Summary

"It's a battle of minds."

Live Reporting

Jonty Colman, Ben Ramsdale, Alastair Telfer, Tyrese King & Maisie Gallen. Edited by Murray Burnell.

  1. 'Saka is still not at the level of the likes of Mbappe and Vini Jr'

    Arsenal v Real Madrid (Tue, 20:00 BST)

    Guillem Balague
    Spanish football journalist on the Football News Show

    Bukayo SakaGetty Images

    If you look at what we have in La Liga, and what shines. Vinicius, Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Raphinha, it's very difficult to look beyond that and say Bukayo Saka is at that level. I don't think that is the impression that we [Spain] have.

    Obviously he has been missing with injury, that's taken him away from key games for Arsenal so he's not seen as world class but there's been more talk in the media nowadays about the structure of Arsenal. How they have conceded less shots than even Liverpool in the Premier League, how they defend so well and are difficult to breakdown. More about the defending rather than then going forward.

    Saka is still not at that level in terms of conversation, there is still two or three steps he has to take.

  2. Who is in Real Madrid's squad to face Arsenal?

    Arsenal v Real Madrid (20:00 GMT)

    Real Madrid

    Real Madrid have already confirmed who is set to be in their matchday squad ahead of their first leg with Arsenal tonight.

    Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Fran González and Sergio Mestre.

    Defenders: David Alaba, Lucas Vazquez, Jesus Vallejo, Fran García, Antonio Rüdiger, Raul Asencio, Jacobo Ramon and Lorenzo Aguado.

    Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Luka Modrić, Arda Güler and Chema Andres.

    Forwards: Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, Endrick, Brahim Diaz and Gonzalo Garcia.

  3. Courtois back 'fully fit'

    Arsenal v Real Madrid (20:00 BST)

    Real Madrid

    Thibaut CourtoisGetty Images

    Former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has missed Real Madrid's past three matches with a knee injury but says he is available for the tie.

    Back-up Andriy Lunin is also injured, so Real had to play 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez in their surprise 2-1 weekend defeat by Valencia.

    Courtois said: "I am fully fit and I feel good.

    "It was not a big issue so I could train in the gym, and I have been on the pitch for the last day so I feel fine and 100%.

  4. Arsenal without key personnel

    Arsenal v Real Madrid (20:00 BST)

    Arsenal

    Gabriel Magalhaes limps offGetty Images

    Arsenal, like other sides, have been hit with injuries to key players this season and Mikel Arteta has to name a side without centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, who has been ruled out for the season alongside fellow defender Riccardo Calafiori who is out with a knee injury and Kai Havertz who had his season ended by a hamstring injury.

    "There are things that we cannot control," Arteta said. "What they [Real Madrid] are going to prepare, what they can do. We have to focus and our energy has to be on understanding our strengths, weakness and the direction that we want to play in the game.

    "Obviously the intention of the team is very clear, we want to achieve tomorrow and we are going to go for it."

  5. What have we been discussing and what's coming up?

    If you are just joining us this afternoon, we have been discussing plenty around Newcastle's flying success as well as your thoughts on whether the Championship is better than the Premier League for fans. Take a look here:

    What's coming up?

    • We look ahead to the Champions League clash tonight between Arsenal and Real Madrid
    • Who is in Real Madrid's squad to face the Gunners at home?
    • We hear from former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman as well as Spanish journalist Guillem Balagué about their thoughts ahead of this evening

    Don't forget to keep sending your messages in. Here's how:

    • #bbcfootball on X
    • WhatsApp on 03301231826
    • Text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

  6. We've had plenty of debate following last night's win for Newcastle at Leicester and what it means for both the relegation battle, the challenge of staying in the Premier League and the race for European qualification.

    From the bottom of the Premier League/top of the Championship, we're now heading to the Champions League.

    It is a massive night for Arsenal. They take on Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.

  7. Get Involved

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    Schär has immense ability for a centre-half. Tried the same as a 19 year old with a slightly better result. It still baffles many NUFC fans why Steve Bruce had him on the bench in favour of (out of position) midfielder Isaac Hayden. Thankfully we've moved on from those days.

    Graham, NUFC fan in London

  8. Get Involved

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    The problem for promoted clubs is that they're entering a league where the playing field is by no means level as it is, and is geared towards maximising revenue for a handful of clubs through TV money. Manchester United and Spurs are awful this season, but they'll be selected for live games all the time, even though Forest and Bournemouth, for example, are playing far more entertaining football. The erosion of domestic cup competitions to pander to the larger clubs is disgraceful, as the changes were only made to pacify these big clubs who demanded a cut in workload to allow for more European football. Taking away cup replays means that lower league opposition get no chance to host a lucrative return match if they get a draw, and this is just one example of how the Premier League don't care about life outside their own sphere.

    Jonathan

  9. Newcastle tighten grip on top five chances

    Leicester 0-3 Newcastle

    A graphic showing the predicted end of season standings for the current top six in the 2024-25 Premier LeagueOpta

    Newcastle United's victory last night saw them tighten their grip on a potential European spot come the end of the 2024-25 season.

    According to Opta's supercomputer, the Magpies now have a 63.9% chance of finishing in the top five and in turn claiming their spot in next season's Champions League.

    The supercomputer is struggling to place their most likely finish with third, fourth and fifth all being seperated by just a few percent.

    It currently has Eddie Howe's side with the most probability of finishing fourth (24.0%), while the slimmest of slim chances is being given to them to have a late surge up to second (1.5%).

    Newcastle currently sit with a 17.4% likelihood of finishing outside the top five in sixth while Chelsea, currently in fourth, are the most likely out of the current top six (27.2%) to finish there.

  10. Get Involved

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Bit of a thought experiment, but what if newly promoted teams had a year’s amnesty from relegation? This would give them more time to find their feet, adapt their playing style and enhance their squad. It would guarantee more money to compete, add some interesting jeopardy to the relegation battle and maybe see more of a balance between the bottom half of the Prem and top half of the Championship.

    Ant, Nottingham

  11. 'There are not many centre-backs that can do what Schar can'

    Leicester 0-3 Newcastle

    Newcastle United

    Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking to Sky Sports about Fabian Schar's shot: "He brings a flair that not many centre-backs can bring. It's another Fabian moment. For a split second, I thought it was in. There are not many centre-backs in football that can do what he can do."

  12. What did Schar do?

    Leicester 0-3 Newcastle

    Fabian Schar's effort hits the crossbar with Leicester goalkeeper backpedalingGetty Images

    For those that have missed Newcastle United's second goal last night, it's well worth a watch - even if it's not for the goal itself.

    Jacob Murphy was on hand to prod home the Magpies' second goal of the night after just 10 minutes but it was set up in the most incredible fashion by Fabian Schar.

    Inside his own half, the defender spotted Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen off his line and took aim.

    His spectacular effort looked for all the world that it was heading in but dropped just a few inches high - dinking the crossbar before kindly for Murphy to control and poke home for his and Newcastle's second.

  13. Get Involved

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    As a Palace fan, we spent many years as a yo-yo club and, despite 10 straight years in the EPL now, I always fear it will be our last. Relegation is almost always a threat. But we have steadily improved and consolidated. My fear is that this may bring demands for further progress, which will bring with it risks and gambles. Personally, I will take a Cup Final this year and hope it's third time lucky!

    David in Maspalomas

  14. Who is Newcastle's game in hand against?

    Leicester 0-3 Newcastle

    Newcastle United

    Newcastle's victory yesterday evening saw them move up to fifth in the Premier League table, level on points with Chelsea in fourth.

    The Magpies do however have a game in hand on those around them and a victory in that would see them leapfrog Chelsea and move just one point behind Nottingham Forest in third.

    Their game in hand takes place a week tomorrow when they face Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace at St James' Park.

  15. Get Involved

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    We already have Premier League 2 - it's the Championship. You can divide the league's up however you want and rename to whatever makes the fans feel less like a small club who are not at the top anymore, but it will not change anything. Those promoted will still find it challenging to stay up, those relegated will still face the risk of getting mired in that lower league. The keys to success will always be a large supporter base and smart, efficient running of the club.

    Christian

  16. How many points will be enough for fifth place?

    Newcastle players celebrate after scoring against LeicesterReuters

    With the race for Champions League qualification intensifying, how many points will be enough for a top five finish this term?

    Due to the performance of English clubs in this season’s European competitions, they are in line to earn one of two extra places in the Champions League next season, meaning fifth will be enough for Champions League football.

    In the 29 full seasons of Premier League football, since it’s switch to a 20-team competition at the start of the 1995-96 term, the side that has finished fifth each season has averaged 64.9 points.

    That has been on the rise in the previous eight seasons. Since the start of the 2016-17 campaign, fifth place has finished with an average of 68.1 points.

    Prior to that, the average fifth-placed sides for the first 21 20-team seasons was 63.6 points.

    Chelsea currently have the fifth-best points per game average in the Premier League this season. They are on course to finish with 65 points, should they perform at the rate they have averaged for the final seven games of the Premier League season.

  17. Champions League race 'is going to hot up'

    Leicester 0-3 Newcastle

    Newcastle United

    Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking to BBC Sport: "Really pleased. A massive win for us. We knew it wasn't going to be easy. We started really well and that gave us the foundation to go and win.

    "It was a bright start. The first goal was a real highlight for us in terms of quality. When you start the game in that fashion it makes it easier for you. Leicester were competitive but I wanted us to add more goals."

    On how he sees the race for Champions League football: "It's going to hot up. The next week for us is a big week. We have three really tough games and that will go a long way in seeing where we are at the end of the season. We are in a better position than we were but there is still a lot of work to do."

  18. Get Involved

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    As a Sheffield United fan who has experienced the Prem and the Championship (including some success in the Prem) my opinion is that the championship is a much better fan experience. Anyone can beat anyone and a goal is a goal - just how football should be. The Prem is now a money dominated elite club. TV companies demand things like VAR to give them something to fill their 24x7 airtime and it doesn’t disappoint. We all want promotion for the money and sustainability but not for the experience it will bring.

    Chris, Sheffield

  19. Newcastle's recent form

    Leicester 0-3 Newcastle

    Newcastle United

    12 points out of their last 15 available in the Premier League have seen Newcastle strengthen their case for a place in next season's Champions League.

    Add that to the recent EFL Cup win and it's not been a bad last six weeks for the Magpies.

    • Leicester 0-3 Newcastle
    • Newcastle 2-1 Brentford
    • Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle (EFL Cup final)
    • West Ham 0-1 Newcastle
    • Newcastle 1-2 Brighton (AET, FA Cup)
    • Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
    • Newcastle 4-3 Nottingham Forest

  20. There are SO many of you getting in touch with your comments on 'Premier League 2' and the difficulties of staying in the league as it is now.

    I'm actually forgetting to hit publish sometimes as I'm busy reading all of your thoughts.

    As mentioned, we do have to shift focus slightly nowbecause it's already lunchtime and we still haven't reflected on what was an important win for the Magpies.

    However, free to keep your thoughts coming in on Premier League 2 / relegation / promotion etc and we'll carry on getting through as many as we can throughout the afternoon.