Summary

  • Latest from Premier League news conferences ahead of weekend's action

  • Champions League last-16 draw: Liverpool face Paris St Germain, and could get Aston Villa in quarters, who face Club Brugge in last 16

  • Arsenal play PSV Eindhoven in last 16, before potentially facing winner of mouthwatering Madrid derby in quarters

  • Europa League last-16 draw: Man Utd play Real Sociedad, Tottenham face AZ Alkmaar and Rangers up against Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce

  • Chelsea will play FC Copenhagen in Conference League

  • Full CL last 16 draw; full Europa League draw; full Conference League draw

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

  1. 'I thought Debravka was very important in January'published at 09:49 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

    Newcastle v Nottingham Forest (Sun, 1400 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is first asked about the new contracts for Emil Krafth and Martin Dubravka: "Yeah pleased to sign Martin to a new contract, I thought he was important in January and we definitely didn't want to de-stabilise the team or the group with a departure in a position we couldn't afford.

    "I don't see a change in Martin, he is very experienced especially during that month of January which was probably the most challenging time for him. There was a bit of uncertainty around his future and he responded really well to that, partly down to his experience. It's over now and he can just focus on his football.

    "With Emile his character and attitude stands out. He is very reliable, consistent performer but his versatility and his ability to play different roles is so important for a small squad to have a player who can cover various positions. Whenever he has played this year he has been very, very good."

  2. Postpublished at 09:47 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

    Thanks Christian, good question.

    Meantime, Eddie Howe is here...

  3. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 09:44 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

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    Speaking of FPL, where are all the strikers? Gakpo may not play so I went to transfer him but the Prem seems to have very few strikers in general, and most of those we do have are currently injured. Such a delicate breed!

    Christian

  4. Nwaneri, Ouattara & Mitoma join budget brigadepublished at 09:41 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

    Ethan Nwaneri Fantasy Football Tips page

    Earlier we were talking Fantasy Football.

    Now, if you want our expert's take - why not check out our latest tips article?

    No Mohamed Salah? No Cole Palmer or Erling Haaland?

    No Liverpool, Manchester City or Chelsea players?

    That's right - Thomas Woods is playing the fixtures this week in Fantasy Premier League with a budget-friendly bonanza featuring triple Bournemouth and Arsenal.

    Will the risk pay off?

    Click here to read more.

  5. Postpublished at 09:38 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

    Thanks all, so far it's a pretty 50-50 split on Slot criticising Nunez.

    We're still waiting on Eddie Howe and Fabian Hurzeler by the way.

  6. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 09:33 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

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    Slot didn't single anyone out, he was asked about Nunez and answered honestly. Very different.

    Anon

    Managers can't win, if they say little they're criticised if they answer the questions properly they're often criticised for that too.

    Anon

  7. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 09:29 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

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    Slot's "criticism" of Nunez was excellent managment. He took the focus off the player, and "criticised" Nunez for something he is traditionally good at - his work rate - which means Nunez can have a better game next week just by doing what he's good at. There's no point criticising him for the miss as that would just make Nunez feel bad. Slot took a difficult question and handled it brilliantly.

    Rob

  8. Sutton's predictions v singer Bradley Simpsonpublished at 09:24 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

    Sutton's Predictions graphic, Sutton pictured alongside Bradley Simpson

    Liverpool travel to Manchester City on Sunday after drawing their past two away games, so could the Premier League leaders drop more points at Etihad Stadium?

    "Arne Slot's side are having a little slip or two," said BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton.

    "But I just look at Manchester City defensively and think how are they going to keep Liverpool out?"

    Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

    For week 26, he takes on singer Bradley Simpson, who is a Newcastle fan.

    Check out their score predictions here.

  9. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 09:21 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

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    Re Martin 9.15am So true, there is no benefit to singling out players in the media, double edged sword that will undoubtedly fall!

    Jules

  10. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 09:15 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

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    Now Slot is getting in on the act of criticising players in public. I actually think managers should never single out in interviews, positively or negatively. It creates disharmony. If you want to talk about individuals, become a tennis coach. If not, praise the team, own the negatives. It's so simple.

    Martin Derby

  11. Newcastle presser to comepublished at 09:12 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

    Newcastle v Nottingham Forest (Sun, 14:00 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will also have his news conference soon. His team take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.

    The Magpies' match is a huge one in their fight for a top four spot. They are currently seventh and three points outside of the top four. They come up against an impressive Forest team though who are in third.

    There will also likely be a team news update with Sven Botman potentially available for the fixture. All of the big lines from Howe on the way.

    Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe during the Newcastle United Training SessionImage source, Getty Images
  12. Hurzeler on the waypublished at 09:08 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

    Southampton v Brighton (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

    Brighton & Hove Albion

    Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler will be facing the press shortly with his team taking on Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday at St. Mary's Stadium.

    Brighton, in 10th, are currently six points off fifth which is likely to be enough for a Champions League spot this year. Three points would see them go above rivals Aston Villa.

    All of the big lines from Hurzeler on the way.

  13. Postpublished at 09:03 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

    Right, it's 09:03 GMT. Time for some Premier League news conferences.

  14. Postpublished at 08:59 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

    Is this going to be better or worse than the time I almost got banned from Liverpool because I messed up my words and said Jordan Pickford "tackled" Virgil van Dijk?

  15. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 08:59 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

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    Oh no, Joe - don't reveal you've not watched Red Dwarf. I can hear the fans now, storming up from the village, torches and pitchforks in hand. Batten down the hatches.

    Tom

  16. Postpublished at 08:57 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

    Leicester host Brentford at 20:00 GMT tonight.

    We'll have build-up to that game a little later this afternoon.

    Leicester City Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy with Matt ReevesImage source, Getty Images
  17. get involved

    Get Involved - Your FPL strugglespublished at 08:56 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

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    FPL Third week of my Assistant Manager Chip. Using it on Ruud Van Nistelrooy tonight. Big punt to try and get ahead! Chasing the table bonus

    Anon

    You have a good team. Keep it as it is, you will need some free transfers in the coming weeks - specifically GW29 when some teams do not have a game. If you want to use a transfer then maybe change your manager if you think it will be fun!

    Anon

  18. Postpublished at 08:53 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

    J, I can forgive. Adam though said Craig and I had lost the dressing room yesterday when three of my posts were heavily down voted.

    Look, I know I'm judged on results, but the performance (ie. sentence structure and witty commentary) were all there for everyone to see, not having it! ;)

  19. get involved

    Get Involved - Your FPL strugglespublished at 08:51 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

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    Ange Postecoglou, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur reactsImage source, Getty Images

    Compared Joe to Ange yesterday, seeing his FPL position and it turns out I might’ve been generous. If it makes you feel better I lost my last head to head 111-112 to the only person in the league with a higher score than me to keep me second while top also lost.

    J

    A true return to form today on the live text Joe! Let’s hope your FPL team has a similar upturn! Can we all have an update on Monday please?

    Adam

  20. Postpublished at 08:49 Greenwich Mean Time 21 February

    Fifteen more minutes Alan and Rob, and then we've got so many press conferences, I don't think we'll have much time for FPL chat.

    But I do appreciate this isn't for everyone!

    I've never seen Red Dwarf, maybe on a quieter day we can chat about what I'm missing out on.