We have the starting XIs in for Newcastle United versus Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup fifth round.
It’s mixed news for the hosts, who welcome Alexander Isak back up front after he sat out the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in midweek with a groin problem.
Joelinton also returns from injury.
However, there is no Sven Botman or Lewis Hall, with the latter suffering from an ankle problem.
He is set to see a specialist to assess the severity, and the Toon will hope it’s nothing with the Carabao Cup final on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Brighton have won their last four in a row, and there is just one change from the side that beat Bournemouth 2-1, with Jack Hinshlewood in for Diego Gomez.
Bayern Munich will not stand in Joshua Kimmich’s way if he wants to leave this summer, with strong interest from the Premier League.
talkSPORT understands Arsenal have held talks with the versatile German star who could be available on a free transfer, while Liverpool are no longer in the race.
4
Kimmich is a summer transfer target for ArsenalCredit: Getty
Kimmich sees his contract at Bayern Munich expire at the end of the season which would bring an end to a decade-long stay at the club.
It was reported this week that Bayern withdrew their offer of a new contract for the 30-year-old – news that has now been confirmed by sporting director Max Eberl.
The Bayern chief spoke to the media after Friday night’s 3-1 victory over Stuttgart, where all the talk after the game was about Kimmich’s future.
“If the truth is out there in public, then that’s how it is,” he said.
“Generally, no one is above the club. If a player decides differently, then he decides differently. Then things will continue at FC Bayern.
“There were great players here at FC Bayern who eventually had to leave the club because they couldn’t reach an agreement and their contracts ran out. Then it all just keeps happening.
“But we are not at that point. That was speaking very generally.”
It is said negotiations have taken place over the past few months but Kimmich has hesitated to put pen to paper on an agreement.
Talks remain ongoing, but there is an increased chance that the German international could leave in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal have taken the steps to express their interest by holding talks with Kimmich ahead of the market reopening.
4
Arteta could be set for a midfield revamp ahead of next seasonCredit: Getty
4
Kimmich is the current captain of the Germany national teamCredit: Getty
However, it is also understood that Premier League rivals Manchester City are also monitoring the German.
Liverpool were also believed to be keeping tabs on Kimmich’s contract situation at Bayern, but talkSPORT understands the Reds have no plans to follow up their interest with a formal move.
“There is a lot of speculation,” added Eberl. “I have never commented on the interim results. I am not doing that now either, because that is not appropriate. We treat each other with great respect and we talk.
“What is important is how Josh and we as a club treat each other. That is on an equal footing and very respectful.”
Arsenal are set to see Jorginho and Thomas Partey leave the club this summer upon the expiration of their contracts.
Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino would remain as their central midfield options, although Kai Havertz has also played there.
4
Arsenal are planning for the departures of midfielder duo Partey and Jorginho in the summerCredit: Getty
talkSPORT reported last month that Arsenal have held talks at an advanced stage for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Spaniard looks set to join in a £51million move in the summer and could be one of two midfield arrivals alongside Kimmich.
Kimmich can also play at right-back – a position both Liverpool and City may need to strengthen this summer with Trent Alexander-Arnold widely expected to join Real Madrid and Kyle Walker also set to leave Man City after his loan spell at AC Milan.
The Germany nation team captain has made 426 appearances for Bayern across ten-year spell with the giants, having joined in 2015 from fellow Bundesliga side RB Leipzig,
He has won the German league title eight times, with a ninth looking likely this season as Bayern sit top of the table, and was also part of their Champions League winning squad in 2020 as he was crowned UEFA’s Defender of the Season.
Kimmich has won 97 caps for Germany, with a century of international appearances due to be achieved this year.
WATCH Xabi Alonso’s x-rated rant during Bayer Leverkusen’s match with rivals Bayern Munich
Erling Haaland could potentially return for Manchester City’s trip to face Tottenham Hotspur, live on talkSPORT, on Wednesday.
The superstar striker was not part of the Man City squad as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to league leaders Liverpool at the weekend.
3
Haaland has missed the last two games with a knee problemCredit: Getty
That absence came after Haaland played no part in City’s damaging Champions League loss to Real Madrid last week.
He’s been carrying a knee issue since he hobbled off against Newcastle on February 15 and hasn’t featured since.
Is Erling Haaland fit to play Spurs?
Man City boss Pep Guardiola is hoping that Haaland will have recovered in time to be part of his squad in North London.
Despite not being able to confirm the Norweigan’s fitness status, he had some positive words to say in his press conference.
READ MORE ON PREMIER LEAGUE
Guardiola said on Tuesday: “Tonight, we will know it after training. I hope so but I don’t know yet.
“He feels better but the last two games he could not play. We’ll see tomorrow.”
So, Man City are waiting to make a final decision on Haaland until after their last training session before the game.
And that session has now taken place, with Haaland part of it and reportedly showed no signs of any discomfort.
Guardiola’s latest update comes after he revealed that his main man had been in training this week after scans came back positive.
Speaking following the loss to Liverpool on Sunday, he said: “His knee – the moment against Newcastle moved the knee.
3
Guardiola is hopeful that his main man will be backCredit: AFP
“Apparently, he’s not injured because the scans dictate that he’s fine, but he didn’t feel fine.
“I have the feeling it [his return] will be soon because he trained yesterday and made some really good movements, but he said he was not ready and we have to respect that.
“Hopefully he can be back for Spurs.”
Man City will want to have Haaland back to lead the line after showing a real lack of quality in the final third last time out.
They had a total of 16 shots against Liverpool, but only five hit the target and they struggled to test Alisson at all.
Haaland’s killer instinct in the box and elite finishing could have changed that, but he was forced out of the squad.
3
Haaland cut a forlorn figure in the Etihad Stands as Liverpool beat CityCredit: Getty
To have the 24-year-old back would bring some much-needed threat to a front line lacking that finishing touch.
Phil Foden played furthest forward at Anfield, but that was a huge change in striker profile, with City losing a focal point.
Omar Marmoush has also stepped in to cover Haaland, but again, he’s a totally different type of forward to his teammate.
If Haaland is unable to feature against Spurs, it would likely be Marmoush or Foden up front for City again.
talkSPORT 2 will have live exclusive coverage of the game from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with commentary coming from Nigel Adderley and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto.
talkSPORT BET – Bet on £10 and get £30 in football free bets* CLAIM HERE
18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile or app & bet £10+ on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
Ange Postecoglou‘s men thrashed Pep Guardiola‘s side 4-0 at the Etihad in late 2024 before enduring a terrible run of form.
Read more on Premier League
However, with a few players back from injury, Spurs have won their last three league fixtures.
Meanwhile, City have slightly improved in recent weeks, but a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday showed just how far away they are from being back to their best.
Still, they are well in the race for Champions League football, and three points here would be huge.
Elsewhere, Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest, knowing that the Tricky Trees can move just three points behind them with a win.
The Gunners’ title challenge for this season is all but over after a 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the weekend.
Liverpool then beat City to take an 11-point lead over Mikel Arteta‘s men.
5
It has been a season to forget for Guardiola
Of course, Arsenal players will insist the title race isn’t over, but it would require an almighty slip-up from Liverpool for this to even be a possibility now.
Instead, the Gunners just have to ensure they claim Champions League football and second place.
Meanwhile, Forest have lost their last two in the Premier League to Fulham and Newcastle, respectively.
But Nuno Espirito Santo will be encouraged by his team’s comeback at St James’ Park at the weekend, where they came from 4-1 down to narrowly lose 4-3.
Certainly, this won’t be an easy game for Arsenal.
Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League are basically goneCredit: AFP
The Reds have one hand on the Premier League trophy now, but Arne Slot will want his side to keep being relentless.
The chance of a treble is there, but the Toon gave Liverpool a very hard game when they met earlier this season.
At St James’ Park, these two served up a thrilling 3-3 draw, and Eddie Howe‘s men will be looking to make a statement ahead of the Carabao Cup final meeting between the two later this month.
On Tuesday, we have Chelsea taking on Southampton, with the Blues looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
There is a south coast derby between Brighton and Bournemouth, which promises to be full of goals.
Wolves are edging away from the relegation places, and they welcome Fulham.
Meanwhile, resurgent Crystal Palace host Aston Villa, with Unai Emery‘s side looking to close the gap on those above them chasing European football.
The Bees couldn’t stop winning at home in the first part of the season but are winless in five league matches at the Gtech, while Everton are finding some form under David Moyes.
And on Thursday, Graham Potter will hope to see West Ham build on their brilliant win over Arsenal, while Leicester must bounce back from being thrashed by Brentford.
So, there are plenty of excellent fixtures, and here is how you can follow them all across the talkSPORT network.
Premier League gameweek 27 fixtures
Tuesday, February 24
7:30pm: Brighton vs Bournemouth – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa – talkSPORT 2 exclusive
7:30pm: Wolves vs Fulham – talk exclusive
8:15pm: Chelsea vs Southampton – talkSPORT exclusive
Wednesday, February 25
7:30pm: Brentford vs Everton – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Manchester United vs Ipswich – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – talkSPORT exclusive
7:30pm: Tottenham vs Manchester City – talkSPORT 2 exclusive
8:15pm: Liverpool vs Newcastle – talk exclusive (second half on talkSPORT)
Thursday, February 27
8:00pm: West Ham vs Leicester – talkSPORT exclusive
However, heading into this one, they are facing some major problems, while Liverpool could make some changes.
Man City vs Liverpool: Date and how to follow
This Premier League game is set to take place on Sunday, February 23.
Kick-off at the Etihad is scheduled for 4:30pm.
The match will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League.
Sky Go customers will be able to stream through their laptops and mobile devices.
Alternatively, a NOW TV pass can me purchased. More details on the options here.
talkSPORT will have updates throughout the afternoon, and talkSPORT.com will have all the action through our dedicated Premier League blog.
5
Stones looks to have picked up another injuryCredit: Getty
Man City
After losing the number one spot briefly, Ederson is back between the sticks as Guardiola’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Rico Lewis should maintain a spot at right-back after Kyle Walker‘s January departure, although Abdukodir Khusanov started against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
However, Khusanov is likely to have to return to centre-back this weekend after John Stones suffered an injury.
Stones was substituted early on in Spain and now joins Manuel Akanji on the sidelines while potentially needing surgery.
Meanwhile, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake missed the 4-0 win over Newcastle United with muscle tightness.
But Dias was back in the Champions League and will likely start again while Ake is also fit, meaning he could feature too while Josko Gvardiol has made left-back his own.
Nico Gonzalez’s arrival has finally added some midfield balance to the City side without Rodri, so he’s likely to start.
Kevin De Bruyne played no part as City were knocked out of the Champions League, meaning he’ll be fresh for this one.
5
Haaland has picked up an injury that kept him out against RealCredit: Getty
On the right, there is the potential to opt for the pace and trickery of Savinho or perhaps the guile and craftsmanship of Bernardo Silva.
Phil Foden can also play on either wing, but he will be in contention to be used down the middle.
Omar Marmoush scored a hat-trick against the Toon last weekend and is also a strong contender.
Marmoush may also end up leading the line with Erling Haaland a major doubt for this huge game.
Haaland remained on the bench all game against Real with a knock sustained against Newcastle and that has raised concerns over whether he’ll be fit enough to start this Sunday.
Guardiola has admitted that he doesn’t know whether he will be able to play against Liverpool so it will be a nervy wait.
5
Manchester City have lost just one of their last 15 Premier League home games against Liverpool (W8 D6), going down 4-1 in November 2015 under Manuel Pellegrini.
Following their 2-0 win at Anfield in December, Liverpool are looking to complete the Premier League double over Manchester City for just the third time (also 2005-06 and 2015-16).
Liverpool have achieved the Premier League double over the reigning champions six times previously, more than any other side in the competition’s history (vs Blackburn in 1995-96, Man Utd in 2000-01, 2001-02, 2008-09 and 2013-14, and Chelsea in 2010-11).
Ibrahima Konate was taken off at half-time against Wolves last weekend, but he started again against Aston Villa, so he should continue to partner Virgil van Dijk.
Joe Gomez has been ruled out for the majority of the season with a hamstring injury, meaning Jarell Quansah is the only other first-team centre-back.
Cody Gakpo is a doubt after missing the game in midweek, so Luis Diaz will most likely be on the left, replacing Curtis Jones who started out wide last time out.
It leaves Darwin Nunez or Diogo Jota for options up front and after Nunez’s horrendous miss at Villa Park, Jota should get the nod.
5
Since Christmas, only Liverpool and Arsenal have won more points in the Premier League than Manchester City (17 – W5 D2 L1). In their eight games beforehand, City picked up only four points (W1 D1 L6).
Liverpool are unbeaten in each of their last 13 Premier League games played on a Sunday (W11 D2) while scoring multiple goals in each of those matches, since a 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in April 2024.
Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Newcastle United was their first Premier League game this season in which they didn’t face a single big chance, while their xG faced of 0.48 was their third-fewest in a game in 2024-25.
WATCH Arne Slot make immediate Everton new stadium joke before Liverpool press conference
talkSPORT BET Offer
Get up to £50 in free bets when you bet on Man City vs Liverpool
T&Cs: 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet min £10 (max £50) on any Man City v Liverpool markets (odds 2.00+) by 16:30 on 23/02/25. Get your initial stake credited in Free Bets, up to £50. Free Bets are for football and expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
Pep Guardiola has revealed that Kevin De Bruyne wasn’t left on the bench against Real Madrid due to injury.
The Man City boss simply made the decision to leave him out.
“Decisions,” Guardiola said at his pre-Liverpool press conference this morning. “My decision.
“Yeah, of course [he can still play in big games], he played against Madrid at home, of course he can play…”
The City manager continued: “The relationship with Kevin is exceptional. I can’t be thankful enough for what he’s done for me, the team, everyone. It’s just a decision.
“Normally I don’t speak with players, not just Kevin, on why they don’t play. They don’t ask me why when I decide to let them play from the beginning or during.
“It’s just a decision from what I’ve seen, for many reasons, a few. Never ever is it personal, never ever I’m upset.
“Also Jeremy [Doku] didn’t play and his last game was in Ipswich, played unbelievable, and after was injured.
“But maybe for the demands, the way we now need to play because of the absences or strengths that we have and physicality and many things, we need a game of more control and not up and down.
“Don’t tell me why. It’s not personal, I decide the decisions, that’s all, no more than that…”
However, heading into this one, they are facing some defensive problems, while Liverpool are likely to be missing a key player.
Man City
After losing the number one spot briefly, Ederson is back between the sticks as Guardiola’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Rico Lewis should maintain a spot at right-back after Kyle Walker‘s January departure, although Abdukodir Khusanov started against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
However, Khusanov is likely to have to return to centre-back this weekend after John Stones suffered an injury.
Stones was substituted early on in Spain and now joins Manuel Akanji on the sidelines.
5
Stones looks to have picked up another injuryCredit: Getty
Meanwhile, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake missed the 4-0 win over Newcastle United with muscle tightness.
But Dias was back in the Champions League and will likely start again while Ake is also fit, meaning he could feature too while Josko Gvardiol has made left-back his own.
Nico Gonzalez’s arrival has finally added some midfield balance to the City side without Rodri, so he’s likely to start.
Kevin De Bruyne played no part as City were knocked out of the Champions League, meaning he’ll be fresh for this one.
5
Haaland has picked up an injury that kept him out against RealCredit: Getty
On the right, there is the potential to opt for the pace and trickery of Savinho or perhaps the guile and craftsmanship of Bernardo Silva.
Phil Foden can also play on either wing, but he will be in contention to be used down the middle.
Omar Marmoush scored a hat-trick against the Toon last weekend and is also a strong contender.
Marmoush may also end up leading the line with Erling Haaland a major doubt for this huge game.
Haaland remained on the bench all game against Real with a knock sustained against Newcastle and that has raised concerns over whether he’ll be fit enough to start this Sunday.
Guardiola will now have a huge decision to make when it comes to risking his superstar striker or not.
5
Manchester City have lost just one of their last 15 Premier League home games against Liverpool (W8 D6), going down 4-1 in November 2015 under Manuel Pellegrini.
Following their 2-0 win at Anfield in December, Liverpool are looking to complete the Premier League double over Manchester City for just the third time (also 2005-06 and 2015-16).
Liverpool have achieved the Premier League double over the reigning champions six times previously, more than any other side in the competition’s history (vs Blackburn in 1995-96, Man Utd in 2000-01, 2001-02, 2008-09 and 2013-14, and Chelsea in 2010-11).
Ibrahima Konate was taken off at half-time against Wolves last weekend, but he started again against Aston Villa, so he should continue to partner Virgil van Dijk.
Joe Gomez has been ruled out for the majority of the season with a hamstring injury, meaning Jarell Quansah is the only other first-team centre-back.
Cody Gakpo is a doubt after missing the game in midweek, so Luis Diaz will most likely be on the left, replacing Curtis Jones who started out wide last time out.
It leaves Darwin Nunez or Diogo Jota for options up front and after Nunez’s horrendous miss at Villa Park, Jota should get the nod.
5
Since Christmas, only Liverpool and Arsenal have won more points in the Premier League than Manchester City (17 – W5 D2 L1). In their eight games beforehand, City picked up only four points (W1 D1 L6).
Liverpool are unbeaten in each of their last 13 Premier League games played on a Sunday (W11 D2) while scoring multiple goals in each of those matches, since a 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in April 2024.
Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Newcastle United was their first Premier League game this season in which they didn’t face a single big chance, while their xG faced of 0.48 was their third-fewest in a game in 2024-25.
Man City vs Liverpool: Date and how to follow
This Premier League game is set to take place on Sunday, February 23.
Kick-off at the Etihad is scheduled for 4:30pm.
The match will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League.
Sky Go customers will be able to stream through their laptops and mobile devices.
Alternatively, a NOW TV pass can me purchased. More details on the options here.
talkSPORT will have updates throughout the afternoon, and talkSPORT.com will have all the action through our dedicated Premier League blog.
WATCH Arne Slot make immediate Everton new stadium joke before Liverpool press conference
In just six Premier League matches in 2025, Manchester City have scored 20 goals from only 81 shots, a league-high conversion rate of 24.7% this calendar year. Their shot conversion between August and December this season was only 9.6%.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has been involved in more Premier League goals against Pep Guardiola’s Man City (since 2016-17) than any other player (13 – 8 goals, 5 assists). In fact, only Steven Gerrard (14) has been involved in more against the Citizens in the competition’s history (4 goals, 10 assists).
Manchester City’s Nico González completed 100 passes on his Premier League debut against Newcastle, the second-most by a midfielder on their first appearance on record (since 2003-04). The most passes completed by a player in his first two games is 192 by Chelsea defender Thiago Silva in 2020.
Man City goalkeeper Ederson has three Premier League assists this season, more than the likes of Phil Foden (2) and Jack Grealish (1). He could become the first goalkeeper ever to assist in three consecutive Premier League appearances, with Shay Given in 1998 and Pepe Reina in 2009 previously doing so in two in a row.