Aston Villa

Just an update on Tyrone Mings' contract extension at Aston Villa.

The club did not disclose the details of the deal, but BBC Sport understands it is for an extra two years, up to summer 2026.

Mings, 29, moved to Villa Park from Bournemouth in 2019, initially on a six-month loan, and has since made 149 appearances for the club.

Here's some interesting stuff from across the BBC to get stuck into ahead of a big football weekend:

• Fantasy football tips - Time to think ahead
• Friday's quiz - Name the Premier League player
• Transfer Gossip - Mount monitored
• Premier League predictions - With Chris Sutton

Image source, Getty Images

Former Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi has been speaking to the Newcastle United Podcast about Sir Bobby Robson ahead of what would have been his 90th birthday.

"I remember one of the first times I ever met Sir Bobby, he understood I grew up a stone's throw from the stadium. He realised the magnitude of what I was about to do. I remember him saying 'you know how many people would give an arm and a leg to be in your position' and that really resonated with me," said Ameobi.

"He was all smiles and loved everyone but realised how important his position was to really affect not just the lives of us as players, but the city.

"I will never forget that passion that he spoke with and as a young kid you would run through a brick wall for him. He did that for all of us and that's why we got the success we did."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Callum Wilson says he will take Newcastle's unbeaten run over a rollercoaster of winning and losing, even if it means they ultimately end up with fewer points.

The Magpies equalled their club record of 17 games unbeaten with a draw at Bournemouth but are winless in five of their past six games.

He told the Footballer's Football Podcast that the morale boost of avoiding defeat was crucial for the atmosphere inside a dressing room.

"You are not playing tennis with your emotions," he said. "When you're performing consistently, you know the results will come rather than winning then losing and having to keep bouncing back.

"If we carry on with our defensive record, we know we are going to score goals so we will start winning games. It's just a case of turning those draws into wins but the Premier League is relentless."

He also recognised that Newcastle's success this season has meant teams approach matches with them in a different way.

"Now, they're seeing a point against us as a good result," he said. "Everyone is camping in so it's up to us to rise up to that challenge.

"We've got a tricky game next against Liverpool, then Manchester United in the cup final and then Manchester City. It boosts morale when you are undefeated."

Is Bruno Guimaraes' absence to blame for the past two draws?

And how does Wilson feel players should behave around referees?

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

Image source, BBC Sport

• Newcastle are winless in their past 12 Premier League meetings with Liverpool (D4 L8) since a 2-0 home win in December 2015 under Steve McClaren.
• Liverpool have come from behind to beat Newcastle 10 times in the Premier League, including a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture this season. No side has done so more often against a single opponent in Premier League history (Man Utd also 10 v both Newcastle and Southampton).
• Miguel Almiron has scored 10 goals in 22 Premier League appearances for Newcastle this season, which is one more than he managed in his first four campaigns combined (nine goals in 110 games). However, he's not scored in any of his past four home league games, since netting against Aston Villa in October.
• Liverpool's past three away league games have seen them lose 3-1 to Brentford, 3-0 to Brighton and 3-0 to Wolves. The Reds haven't conceded three or more goals in four consecutive away league games since September 1954.

Claire Rafferty
Ex-England international on BBC Radio 5 Live

I'm really positive about our chances [at the World Cup]. The competition in the Arnold Clark Cup is not on the same level as the World Cup, but with the form and depth of this England squad we can go all the way.

Claire Rafferty
Ex-England international on BBC Radio 5 Live

England are playing with so much endeavour under Sarina Wiegman, they seem like they are having fun and have so much variety to the way they play. It is really fun to watch.

What I love about Sarina is that she is probably keeping some doors open. Some players have their spot, like Millie Bright and Alessia Russo, but she's giving players opportunities. You need to be able to do that in order to keep it fresh.

I think Lucy Bronze, the way she allowed Lauren James to perform on Thursday is testament to her experience. Millie Bright has to be at the core of the team, and we didn't see Keira Walsh last night but she is equally as important through the spine of that team.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport reporter

There was further good news after the Lionesses win over South Korea last night.

Key Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh, who was ruled out with a stomach bug, is expected back in training today.

Sarina Wiegman said she is “feeling good” and it looks “very hopeful” she will be back for the Italy game in Coventry on Sunday.

Aston Villa

Newcastle United

Eddie Howe on a flag display to mark what would have been former Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson’s 90th birthday on Saturday: “A fitting tribute to an incredible man.

"I consider myself unfortunate not to have met him and spent time with him, but I’ve heard a lot of stories about him. I’m looking forward to paying tribute to a remarkable man.”

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United

Eddie Howe on Newcastle’s position and Liverpool sitting in ninth in the Premier League: “I don’t look at the league table, I don’t study it, I don’t analyse it. I’ve said that many times. The reason for that is it changes so quickly; I look at it purely as ‘can we maximise our efforts?’ and the league table will take care of itself.

“I’m aware we are in a great position, but there are lots of games to come and big teams wanting to climb the table. We can’t focus on them, we can only focus on ourselves.”

A 35-year-old man has admitted assaulting Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the end of the north London derby.

Ramsdale, 24, was kicked in the back shortly after the Gunners beat Tottenham 2-0 in a Premier League match on 15 January 15.

Joseph Watts pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court to assault by beating, going on to an area adjacent to the playing area and throwing a missile on to a football playing area.

He also threw four coins towards the pitch. Watts, of Dalston in Hackney, east London, appeared in person to confirm his name, age and address before entering the pleas.

• More on this story here

Image source, Getty Images

Joseph Watts, 35, has pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court to assault by beating after attacking Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 15 January.

Newcastle United

Eddie Howe on Liverpool after the defeat at Anfield in August: “I wouldn’t say we owe Liverpool one, we owe ourselves to do our best.

“We shouldn’t need Liverpool for motivation, we should get that from our needs and wants to have a successful season.”

Newcastle United

You can get the latest on Newcastle, loads of expert opinion and plenty of fan viewpoints on our dedicated page.

The page is right here

You can bookmark it and come back each day. Or if you are using the BBC Sport app, when you land on the page, hit the bell icon and you'll get Newcastle notifications.

Newcastle United

More Eddie Howe on injuries: “Most teams in the league will face a similar problem. If you get a lot of injuries in one position you’ll be in a difficult position. That’s where versatility is crucial; Joelinton has played in a number of positions and that’s why he’s so crucial for us.”

Howe on managing the squad before the EFL Cup final: “[Going full throttle] is our only way. You can’t play these games in any way leas than 100%, especially against the top teams and we are facing them in the next three weeks.”

Newcastle United

Eddie Howe on team news: “We didn't think Miggy [Almiron’s] hand injury was bad. It was enough for him to come off but not to cause any long-term damage.

“Maxi [Allan Saint-Maximin] was on his feet and okay, so we knew pretty early that those injuries weren’t too bad. Joe [Willock] was the big concern and after a scan we got some good news that it’s not serious.”

Newcastle United

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media, previewing the match with Liverpool on Saturday.

He’s asked about his side’s form this season: “It has been pivotal; your home form always is to how successful your season is. We’ve enjoyed playing at home; lately we’ve wanted more goals and we’ve been a bit frustrated but teams have defended well against us and it’s up to us to find solutions.

“Liverpool will provide a different test to what we’ve had in recent weeks. They’re a top team with an outstanding manager so the test will be a huge one.”

Arsenal

Team news from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ahead of Saturday's Premier League match at Aston Villa.

On Thomas Partey: "He had some discomfort in a little muscle. We have to assess him this morning to see how he is."

On Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Jesus: "Emile will be training today so if he is fine, he will be in the squad. Gaby [Jesus] is still not there."

Arsenal

More from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the team's Premier League journey: "It's an opportunity. We have talked about it for a few months now - the position that we are in, the way the team is playing and all the things we need to continue to do to continue to be there.

"We have seen where the level is. We want to be at that level. We are in that journey together."