Summary

Your views before the Premier League weekend

  1. Iraola bemoans 'cheap goals' due to 'miscommunication'published at 11:13 GMT

    Sunderland v Bournemouth (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Bournemouth

    More from Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola on whether their defenders need time to acclimatise:

    "It is what it is. We cannot change, and we have to adapt in short times because the competition is ongoing. It's true that last games we've been conceding goals because of miscommunications, probably cheap goals.

    "I think the last two games we considered six goals when we haven't conceded as many chances to concede six goals. It's the middle part of our game. I think we have to return to this defensive solidity because offensively, I think we are doing very good things, but if you are conceding two, three, or four goals, it's very difficult to get points."

  2. 'Numbers are important but it's not the main part'published at 11:08 GMT

    Sunderland v Bournemouth (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Bournemouth

    EvanilsonImage source, Getty Images

    Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola on Evanlison's lack of goals this season:

    "I think we have to judge the offensive side of the team overall. I think Eva creates a lot of things, but sometimes they are not for him. Sometimes he comes and links a play, and he does the difficult part, and then he can put the wingers or the number 10 in a much better position.

    "He has also had some chances, he hasn't scored. But I think the other day he played well. It's true that a number nine he's weeks without scoring, he's the first one who wants to score as soon as possible. But for me, numbers are important, but it's not the main part, even in the offensive players."

  3. 'We have to reduce the number of goals we are conceding'published at 11:04 GMT

    Sunderland v Bournemouth (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Bournemouth

    Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola on finding form:

    "The other day was a very good performance from our side, but we have to look at the reasons why we didn't win the game, because we conceded two goals. Even against Aston Villa, we conceded four goals.

    "I don't think we conceded as many chances to concede that many goals. So we have to reduce the number of goals we are conceding; otherwise, even if you play, it becomes difficult to win games."

  4. Iraola provides Semenyo injury updatepublished at 11:00 GMT

    Sunderland v Bournemouth (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Bournemouth

    SemenyoImage source, Getty Images

    Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola delivered team news ahead of their clash with Sunderland:

    "(Antoine Semenyo's availability) I hope so, we still have to do some training today, but he has been doing modified training with the team in the previous days, so if everything goes well today, yes, I think he is going to be available for tomorrow.

    "Ryan (Christie) got injured with the national team, same as Ben (Gannon-Doak). He (Ryan Christie) played with some pain against Greece, and he also played with some pain against West Ham for us. But we did an MRI after the game as he wasn't feeling comfortable, and he has a sprain in the knee, and he will be out for some time, I think.

    On Justin Kluivert: "He's training today, I think is going to be difficult for tomorrow, but I don't want to say it's impossible. I want to see him training, if he's confident, and obviously, we are not going to risk with him. But I think he's doing well. It was a very small injury, and if not for tomorrow, it's going to be for the next one, I think."

  5. Postpublished at 10:56 GMT

    Sunderland v Bournemouth (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Bournemouth

    Next up, Bournemouth.

    After a strong start to the season, the Cherries' form has dipped somewhat and they are winless in their last three games.

    Andoni Iraola's side have dropped to eighth, but only three points separate them and Manchester City in third - so it's not all bad.

    Let's see what Iraola had to say in his news conference this morning...

  6. get involved

    Festive bingo - 'Too congested, too many games'published at 10:53 GMT

    Click 'Get Involved' to have your say

    "Too congested. Too many games. The FA are treating players like they are robots, not to mention the manager and staff at the clubs. We all love the Christmas and New Year games, but our enjoyment shouldn't have to have such an impact on others."

    Daniel

    If they're asked I only see managers rolling out the "we're only looking at this weekend's game/'X' opponent. This is our sole focus".

    Glyn

  7. Howe recap - Wissa, Trippier, Pope & Marseillepublished at 10:50 GMT

    Everton v Newcastle (Sat, 17:30 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    Here are the top lines from Newcastle manager Eddie Howe's news conference:

    Eddie HoweImage source, Getty Images
  8. 'I'm going to sit on the fence'published at 10:48 GMT

    Everton v Newcastle (Sat, 17:30 GMT)

    Chris Sutton - BBC Sport graphic

    I really like what David Moyes is doing at Everton. They were very good in their win at Old Trafford on Monday - firstly with 11 men and then especially with 10.

    I quite enjoyed the spat between between Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane that led to Gueye's red card. There was many a team-mate of mine who wanted to thump me, I can tell you. Looking back, I would have absolutely deserved it too.

    With Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye, Everton have got a bit about them going forward and they are great to watch, but they are just missing a goalscorer.

    Whether it is Thierno Barry or Beto who starts against Newcastle, they are both due a goal - Beto has not found the net since August, while Barry has not scored this season.

    One of the few other things that has been consistent since the season started is Newcastle's away form, in that it is really poor and they haven't won in the league since April.

    They will have their moments against Everton, but I am not looking at this game and thinking they will go there and win. Instead, I am going to sit on the fence.

    Sutton's prediction: 1-1

  9. Postpublished at 10:42 GMT

    Craig Nelson
    BBC Sport reporter

    To be fair to Nick Pope, you know your luck is out when Pierre Emerick Aubameyang comes up with a finish like that.

    If you have not seen the Marseille striker's equaliser against Newcastle then seek out clips on social media - there are plenty out there.

  10. 'The life of a goalkeeper is always on a knife-edge'published at 10:38 GMT

    Everton v Newcastle (Sat, 17:30 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    A final word from Eddie Howe on Nick Pope, following his rash decision to storm out of his goal in Marseille, giving Pierre Emerick Aubameyang the opportunity to score the home side's equaliser from an acute angle: "I think his goalkeeping has been very very good. His shot stopping has been incredible. I think a lot of those saves go under the radar, because he delivers so many of them it's almost expected.

    "The life of a goalkeeper is always on a knife-edge. You are judged in a couple of moments and sometimes you get no reprieve. Nick knows that, he has been in the game long enough so I think he's been very strong, apart from a couple of high-profile moments."

    Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Nick PopeImage source, Getty Images
  11. 'Desperately disappointed' about fans' experiences in Marseillepublished at 10:34 GMT

    Everton v Newcastle (Sat, 17:30 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    Eddie Howe on how he felt when he heard about fans' negative experiences in Marseille: "We're desperately disappointed because the one thing you want is for your supporters to go to the game and feel safe and enjoy the football match, and then travel home safely. We really appreciate the support from the away supporters to come the distance they did. It's an extreme effort and extreme loyalty and the one thing we should deliver is safety so we're disappointed that hasn't happened."

  12. 'I back him that he will score goals' - Howe on Gordonpublished at 10:29 GMT

    Everton v Newcastle (Sat, 17:30 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    Eddie Howe on why Anthony Gordon's form has dropped: "It's a difficult one to give a definitive answer. He has always been a scorer of important goals for us, in big competitions, in big moments. I back him that he will score goals and continue to enjoy his career here. That is going to come down to him and taking those opportunities when they come."

    Anthony GordonImage source, Getty Images
  13. 'Criticism is justified'published at 10:26 GMT

    Everton v Newcastle (Sat, 17:30 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    Eddie Howe on whether his squad have proved they can compete in multiple competitions: "Any criticism of us in that respect is justified until we get consistent results."

  14. 'Two great goalkeepers'published at 10:23 GMT

    Everton v Newcastle (Sat, 17:30 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    Eddie Howe on Aaron Ramsdale's role at Newcastle: "Aaron's role here is to come in here and compete, and show what a good goalkeeper he is, and train well and add to the group, bring good harmony and bring his energy because he is really positive guy. He has done that and I have been really pleased.

    "But Nick [Pope] is an outstanding goalkeeper too. So is Aaron. We've got two great players for the position and it's up to me to choose."

    Aaron RamsdaleImage source, Getty Images
  15. 'I have to wrestle with my thoughts'published at 10:19 GMT

    Everton v Newcastle (Sat, 17:30 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    Eddie Howe on fan opinion around goalkeeper selection: "Of course, I respect the supporters' opinions but ultimately I am paid to do the job. Alone, I have to wrestle with my thoughts always. It's never a 100% to 0% decision. It's never easy because you are dealing with good players on many different levels and in different positions.

    "While I acknowledge the supporters' opinion, I don't really know because I don't really tend to go there because then my decision-making would be swayed and I have to stay true to myself."

  16. 'We need that win away from home'published at 10:16 GMT

    Everton v Newcastle (Sat, 17:30 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    Eddie Howe on whether an away win against Everton could be the most important game of Newcastle's season: "Possibly. We need that win away from home. Without me trying to build it up as bigger than it is, any win - especially back-to-back wins - in the Premier League are transformative, especially with how tight the league is this year."

    Newcastle are four points above the relegation zone, but only six points outside the top four.

  17. get involved

    Get Involved - Man Utd 'best prepared' & Howe festive bingopublished at 10:14 GMT

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    Manchester United are the best prepared to deal with the fixture rush because they basically don't have any. I'm predicting Eddie Howe will refer to his team's "inconsistencies" this season and then say something about how all of his players want to play and it's a "competitive" squad.

    Harry

    Not too far off with Howe talking about his competitive squad Harry - I can vouch that you messaged us before he said this.

  18. 'Every day or two I am disappointing players I love'published at 10:12 GMT

    Everton v Newcastle (Sat, 17:30 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    More from Eddie Howe on the difficulty of considering dropping Nick Pope: "Team selection is always up there for me in terms of the hardest decision you have to make because it's always about the players you are leaving out. It's always the most difficult part.

    "Every two or three days at the moment I am disappointing players that I love. I will try to do it on merit - through training, through the games I try to make honest and fair decisions."

    Eddie HoweImage source, Getty Images
  19. 'Moyes has done unbelievable job at Everton'published at 10:11 GMT

    Everton v Newcastle (Sat, 17:30 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    Eddie Howe on Everton boss David Moyes: "He is a manager I certainly respect. The longevity of his career is unbelievable. I have a huge amount of respect for him. The way he has handled himself, the way he has handled different challenges.

    "He has done an unbelievable job at Everton to take over when he did and find the stability. They are playing well too."

  20. get involved

    Get Involved - 'We need Eddie to take the blinkers off'published at 10:10 GMT

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    Andrew: Replying to Pat Nevin [about Newcastle's lack of strength in depth], we have options all over the pitch. We just need Eddie to take the blinkers off and drop a few of his favourites who aren't performing.