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Newcastle United return to Premier League action away to relegation strugglers Nottingham Forest this evening, with Eddie Howe's men going into that mouthwatering meeting having got back to winning ways against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend.

After a run of five league games without tasting victory, the Magpies got their top-four bid back on track with a hard-fought, 2-1 win over the Old Gold on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron proving the difference on the day.

The Tynesiders will no doubt be favourites to make it successive league wins when they take on Steve Cooper's side later today, albeit with Howe having a handful of selection headaches to contend with for the trip to the City Ground.

The club's lack of midfield depth is set to be tested with Brazilian gem Joelinton serving the second match of his two-game suspension, with there having been claims that Sean Longstaff could be among the doubts – having not been pictured in training on Wednesday.

Therefore, it could well be time for Howe to put his faith in academy graduate, Elliot Anderson, with the 20-year-old starlet likely hoping to nail down a regular role in the side after making a string of cameo appearances this season.

Will Anderson start against Forest?

The Whitley Bay-born gem has been restricted to just four starts in all competitions this season, with his solitary start in the league at home to Liverpool ultimately ending in disappointment as he was withdrawn after just 24 minutes, following Nick Pope's clumsy red card.

Undoubtedly a "huge talent" – as praised by Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton – the exciting playmaker is no doubt deserving of another opportunity to truly prove his worth in the top flight, with Newcastle likely to benefit from having his creative flair in midfield.

The Scotland U21 international – who is the subject of interest from the England camp amid talk of a change in allegiance – showcased his quality during his loan spell under Barton last season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in just 21 League Two games for the club in their successful promotion charge.

While Anderson is yet to get off the mark with regard to goal involvements this season, tonight's encounter could be an opportune time to put that right, with the youngster hoping to get the better of former midfield colleague, Jonjo Shelvey.

The latter man – who ended his seven-year stay at St James' Park in January – will likely not relish coming up against such a sparkling prospect, with young Anderson even earning comparisons to the late, great Diego Maradona from the aforementioned Barton for his ball-playing prowess.

The "effortless" gem – as hailed by former Magpies manager Steve Bruce – proved during his time at the Memorial Stadium last term that he can provide the cutting edge in the final third, with Shelvey and co set to be wary of allowing the 5 foot 10 ace the freedom to perform.

It may be a bold call to unleash Anderson this evening, although the highly-rated wonderkid will likely be chomping at the bit to make his mark at senior level.

Plenty of Leeds United reporters have been reacting to the news of Archie Gray’s first professional contract at Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Two-and-a-half-year deal

The Whites confirmed on Friday afternoon that Gray has signed a first professional contract with the club. Gray turned 17 years of age last weekend and has now put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal with his boyhood club.

The midfielder was first used in a Premier League matchday squad at the age of 15 under Marcelo Bielsa but is yet to make his senior debut.

He has made plenty of appearances for Leeds at U18 and U21 level, contributing to seven goals in 31 games in total. His highlight at the club so far on the pith is arguably a brilliant long-range strike against Manchester United for the U21s at Elland Road.

Former manager Jesse Marsch was also seemingly a big fan of the teenager, saying this after a pre-season game last summer:

“I consider Archie a first-team player at 16.

“He has cleverness, the flexibility to play in multiple positions, he can run, he sees things quickly, he’s aggressive against the ball and he’s fearless. I think he’s got the full package.”

The Latest: Media buzz

Following the news regarding Gray’s first professional contract, a number of Leeds United reporters were quick to react.

Phil Hay said ‘this is good’, while James Marshment added it is ‘great to see Archie Gray tied down, an unreal talent who has every chance at making it big.’ Joe Donnohue meanwhile described it as an ‘important’ piece of business to get done.

The Verdict: Future star?

It looks as if Leeds feel they may have a future star on their hands in Gray, who you expect will go on and feature for the first team at some point in the future.

Javi Gracia is the latest Leeds manager to seemingly be left impressed with what he has seen in Gray, saying prior to Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Wolves that Gray and Darko Gyabi are midfielders he’ll think about using while Tyler Adams is out through injury.

Gray has been out with an injury of his own in recent months so may need time to get back up to speed around Thorp Arch, possibly by playing in the U21s, however, should Adams’ injury prove to be worse than initially feared, Gray could find himself in the matchday squad between now and May.

Journalist Derek Clark has praised the turnaround Fashion Sakala has had at Rangers since Michael Beale returned to the club.

How has Sakala performed for Rangers?

The Zambia international arrived in 2021, but took a while to nail down a starting place under Steven Gerrard and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The 26-year-old has since exploded into life under Beale and has now scored in each of his last three Scottish Premiership games.

He is starting to become a reliable attacker for Rangers and he has now been praised for the remarkable uptick in his performances at Ibrox.

Speaking on The Rangers Review, Clark lavished Sakala with praise for his improvement in end-product, particularly in away games.

"He was brought in when Beale was a coach under Steven Gerrard back in the summer of 2021, and it never quite happened for him under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, but since Beale returned to the club, his numbers have skyrocketed.

"He's had 12 goal involvements, six goals and six assists in 16 starts and two substitute appearances under the new manager. And away from home, he's had nine goal involvements in eight league away trips. He's really come into his own, hasn't he, under Michael Beale.

"Particularly away from home, for me, he's possibly Rangers' most threatening outlet up top at the moment. There's been a remarkable turnaround for him; he wasn't really getting a look-in under Giovanni van Bronckhorst but he's just had a new lease of life under Michael Beale."

Can Sakala be Rangers' main attacker?

The £8.3k-per-week star typically plays on the wing, but has lined up through the middle on occasion. With the future of Alfredo Morelos up in the air, as the Colombian's contract is set to expire amid transfer links, Beale will likely need a new striker in the summer.

Given Sakala's excellent form in front of goal, there is a case to be made that he could step up as the main goalscorer of the team once Morelos departs, and he could either start down the middle or on the wings supporting another striker such as Antonio Colak.

It may be too early to get carried away by Sakala's form, but Beale's remarkable impact on the forward in a short period of time suggests that there could be plenty more to come from him, and if he can develop into a consistent goalscorer and iron out the frustrating elements of his game, Rangers may not need to panic over losing Morelos.

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring FC Lorient midfielder Enzo Le Fee to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Le Fee's future?

The Frenchman has been a regular feature of Regis Le Bris’ side at the Stade du Moustoir this season, making 28 starts in Ligue 1, where he’s currently the club’s third overall top-performing player according to Whoscored.

The 23-year-old is set to be out of contract next summer and several clubs have been made aware of his potential availability after he recently publicly admitted that won’t be penning an extension, looking to secure a move elsewhere at the end of the season.

Speaking to Le Telegramme, as quoted by 90min, he said:

“It's time for me to leave. I have a special bond with the club and that's why I wanted to extend my contract at the start of the season. I waited for a contract offer from Lorient until December. It never came. Now, I don't expect anything from the club and I won't extend my contract. I hope to leave this summer so that my transfer will bring money to Lorient."

According to Der Westen (via Sport Witness), West Ham, Leicester and Fulham have all been “alerted” to the fact that Le Fee is on the lookout for his next destination ahead of the 2023/24 term. Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Lazio, OGC Nice and Real Sociedad have been name-checked as the other “interested” clubs.

The Irons are looking to add to their central ranks and the Lorient talisman could match the profile of candidate they are searching for, with him having a “relatively affordable” price tag of approximately between €25-30m (£22-26m).

Would Le Fee be a good signing for West Ham?

Le Fee has been hailed a “golden” midfielder by talent scout Jacek Kulig and he would be the perfect player to operate in front of Declan Rice at the London Stadium, provided the Irons can convince the England star to stay put. Naturally an attacking midfielder, the £12k-p/w ace is extremely strong going forward having posted ten goal contributions in 29 appearances across all competitions this season, with this prolific form having seen him receive five man-of-the-match awards.

David Moyes’ target also ranks in the 97th percentile for successful take-ons so loves to dribble past his man and always has an eye for goal, ranking in the 94th percentile for most shot-creating actions (FBRef).

Le Fee is a versatile operator having been fielded in seven various positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the midfield and out wide on both wings, making this a no-brainer of a deal for the hierarchy to complete.

Chelsea will be looking for a positive start to life under Frank Lampard as they travel to Molineux to take on relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon.

The Blues sacked Graham Potter last weekend following the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa and it has been a whirlwind week at Stamford Bridge, with Bruno Saltor overseeing the disappointing stalemate against Liverpool in midweek.

Lampard was recently announced as the club's caretaker manager until the end of the season as Todd Boehly searches for a permanent successor, and while he has had just a couple of days of training with the squad, fans may well be expecting a reaction from their side ahead of the game against Julen Lopetegui's Wolves.

How should Chelsea line up against Wolves?

With three points a must if the west London side are going to salvage any hopes of a European finish this season, here is how Football FanCast expects Lampard to line his side up today upon his return to the Chelsea dugout, with three changes from the team that drew 0-0 on Tuesday.

(5-2-2-1) Kepa (GK); James (RWB), Fofana (CB), Koulibaly (CB), Badiashile (CB), Chilwell (LWB); Fernandez (CM), Kante (CM); Sterling (LW), Madueke (RW); Havertz (ST).

There was a ninth clean sheet of the season for Kepa Arrizabalaga against Liverpool, so he looks unlikely to lose his place in between the sticks in Lampard's first game.

The former Everton boss will perhaps find it difficult to make too many changes to a defence that kept Liverpool out at Stamford Bridge, but Benoit Badiashile is a far more natural centre-back than Marc Cucurella, so he should take the Spaniard's place alongside Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana.

Reece James and Ben Chilwell keep their spots in the wing-back positions, with both England internationals extremely dangerous from an attacking perspective when on top form.

After failing to score again against Liverpool, we think Lampard should select a bolder formation which sees an attacking player replace struggling midfielder Mateo Kovacic, so he should opt for a midfield duo of N'Golo Kante and Enzo Fernandez at Molineux.

This allows Raheem Sterling to return to the side on the left wing, with Noni Madueke also earning a rare start on the right-hand side, as the 21-year-old – who was dubbed a "mentality monster" by former coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst – arguably deserves more first-team minutes after barely featuring under Potter.

Chelsea's fans may be surprised to see Joao Felix omitted but the Portugal international has just two goals and zero assists in nine Premier League appearances, while Kai Havertz has been the more consistent attacker of late, so he gets the nod to start up front.

Fans online have flocked to Twitter to praise Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus after he delivered a stunning piece of skill in the club’s most recent game.

What’s the latest on Arsenal and Gabriel Jesus?

It was a huge outing in the Premier League on Easter Sunday for the Gunners as they made the trip to Anfield.

Indeed, with title rivals Manchester City already beating Southampton 4-1 the day before, Mikel Arteta’s men were under great pressure to win.

And things got off to a brilliant start as Arsenal took an early lead through Gabriel Martinelli and then doubled it before the 30-minute mark thanks to Jesus.

However, Liverpool ace Mohammed Salah pulled one back and then missed a second-half penalty as the Reds began to build up more and more momentum.

In the end, the pressure told as Roberto Firmino came off the bench to head in an 87th-minute equaliser.

Despite plenty more excitement at the death, the Gunners held on for a draw as the game finished 2-2, leaving Arteta and co now only six points clear at the top of the table.

In the midst of all the drama, however, Arsenal star Jesus pulled off a piece of trickery that has subsequently left fans drooling over his quality.

Indeed, as seen in this video, the Brazilian can be seen displaying his samba roots as he flicks the ball deftly over Thiago Alcantara’s head, before juggling it with a couple of sharp touches and then volleying a no-look pass through to Martinelli as the Gunners race off on a counter.

It’s safe to say, supporters looking on were more than impressed by this stunning bit of skill from the

£265k-p/w forward.

Here are some of the best reactions online…

The praise didn’t stop there…

He certainly got the better of Thiago.

Tottenham Hotspur manager target Vincent Kompany is now 'ready to listen' to Spurs if they make a move, according to reports.

What's the latest on Kompany to Spurs?

The Manchester City legend is one of two exciting, young managers who Spurs firmly have their eyes on. Indeed, Kompany joins former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann on chairman Daniel Levy's shortlist, with both coaches still yet to reach the age of 40.

Reliable reports have also suggested that the north Londoners are after a young, progressive new boss to replace Antonio Conte after he left the club by mutual consent last month. That has ultimately led to their interest in Feyenoord's Arne Slot, who is on the cusp of clinching his first league title at 44 years old.

Kompany, who has just fired Burnley back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, certainly fits into that mould and is currently heavily linked with a move to Spurs.

Members of the press have even urged him to make a move to Tottenham, with a report from The Sun now sharing a very promising update on his potential switch.

According to their information, Levy is personally 'blown away' by Kompany as a manager and Spurs chiefs have received glowing reports on his first full campaign at Turf Moor.

It is explained that the 37-year-old is now Tottenham's preferred choice to succeed Conte, and what's more, he is apparently open to joining them. Indeed, Kompany is now 'ready to listen' to Spurs if they make a move.

This is due to fears that Burnley may not have the financial capabilities to invest in their squad and stay in the top flight.

Should Tottenham move for Kompany?

The biggest issue with Kompany's possible appointment is arguably his lack of experience.

City's former captain, barring this sensational season in Lancashire, has just a spell at Anderlecht to show on his CV and a job the size of Spurs could prove too much so soon.

That being said, we believe he could be one for the future, as Kompany encourages an attack-minded, entertaining style of football which will appeal to some Tottenham supporters judging by the criticisms aimed at Conte during his tenure.

His Burnley team have also dominated England's second tier this season, with the Clarets still on course to break the division's points record.

Called "unbelievable" for his work over 2022/2023, it is unsurprising that Spurs are taking a serious interest, but we think there is a massive decision for Kompany to think about in the near future if an offer comes forward.

Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna is in contention to play in the Europa Conference League.

What's the latest Angelo Ogbonna and West Ham injury news?

While the club's Premier League form has been iffy at best this season, they've continued to march on with real promise in Europe.

Indeed, David Moyes and co managed to win all their group stages games, as well as both legs of their last-16 clash with AEK Larnaca.

However, they had to settle for a draw when they made the trip to Belgium for their quarter-final match against Gent which ended 1-1 last week.

Seeing as Ogbonna has played in all but two of West Ham's Europa Conference League matches so far, it will be great if he's fit to play on Thursday night.

And despite missing the league draw with Arsenal on Sunday, it seems as though the experienced Italian could return to feature against Gent.

Indeed, while speaking on The West Ham Way Podcast, Ex said (2:43): “Obviously, Ogbonna was due to start the game on Sunday. But he'd had a knock in training, I think which had been a result of the actual game, I think from memory, he went down for quite a long time against Gent on Thursday.

"I assume the injuries from there – and Nayef Aguerd also picked up an injury in the same game.

"But both of them should be available for Thursday, or Bournemouth at the latest. So it's not a massive thing.

"But yeah, Ogbonna's absence was a very last minute thing. And that explains it, but both of them are just minor knocks."

Will Ogbonna start for West Ham against Gent?

When speaking ahead of the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, Moyes explained the absences from his backline, telling the press: “They both tried training yesterday. We thought one of them might make it but they haven’t made it. They’re both carrying knocks. But we don’t think they’re serious.”

And now after Ex's update, it sounds as though there have been no setbacks during the week leading up the West Ham's big European match on Thursday.

That's great news as Ogbonna has been excellent in Europe so far. Indeed, as per SofaScore, he has delivered an average 7.14 match rating each game, keeping four clean sheets in seven matches.

All in all, then, it wouldn't be a surprise if the £70k-p/w defender returned to the starting team against Gent.

Tottenham Hotspur may have been hard done by on Thursday night by referee Anthony Taylor after he failed to show Victor Lindelof a second yellow of the game.

Are Tottenham's Champions League dreams over?

After the rough weekend for the Lilywhites on Tyneside, Thursday's clash against Manchester United may have been a must-win to keep their faint hopes of Champions League football alive.

In truth, even a win for Spurs would've still provided them with an uphill challenge to land a spot inside the top four with just five games to go.

However, there will be positives to be taken from the game in north London with Ryan Mason's side showing a lot of desire to fight for their manager in the second half.

The first half showing optimised the issues at Spurs currently, however, the side which showed out for the second 45 minutes provided the fans something to cheer about.

Alongside some glaring misses, Spurs may feel they should have had a crack at three points against 10 men after Lindelof manhandled Son Heung-min to give away a free kick.

However, Anthony Taylor only awarded Tottenham the free kick and failed to pull a second yellow card out of his pocket for the Swede.

As it was not a dangerous challenge, VAR was unable to intervene, but an image of the incident shows the centre-back should feel very fortunate not to have been sent for an early shower:

Should Lindelof have been red-carded?

The Swede probably felt an incredibly lucky man after Taylor only awarded the free kick as he done his absolute best to prevent Son without making any attempt for the ball.

Had he not already been on a yellow card, then it would have been interesting to see whether Taylor's decision would have been different.

The incident happened with around 20 minutes – including stoppage time – remaining on the clock with the north London side pushing for an equaliser.

Taking to Twitter during the game, The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare said: "Really should have been a second yellow for Lindelof."

Although Spurs probably should have played the remaining time against one-less man, they can only have themselves to blame for not winning the game.

Dire defending in the first half set them up for an uphill challenge in which they still missed some huge opportunities to win the game.

Eric Dier's header somehow was put wide from a matter of yards out and the South Korean could have had another on the night.

There were some positives to take for Spurs, it will be interesting to see if they carry into their next game away to Liverpool.

Graham Potter is now 'being considered by Tottenham' as chairman Daniel Levy continues his search for Antonio Conte's replacement.

Who could Spurs appoint as manager?

In terms of managerial targets, there has been absolutely no shortage of top coaches in Levy's thinking, with perhaps the most commonly linked being Julian Nagelsmann, Arne Slot and Vincent Kompany.

However, the north Londoners are also believed to have their eyes on the likes of Luis Enrique, who recently left his post as Spain manager, and Ruben Amorim of Sporting Lisbon.

The Premier League side appear resigned to losing out on a top four finish and Champions League qualification, with rivals Man United taking a seismic lead in fourth with two games in hand.

Barring Europa or Conference League qualification, Spurs have little to play for this season, with Levy's priority surely being the appointment of a first class coach for next campaign.

Talks have reportedly been held with the likes of Nagelsmann, but according to a report by 90min, Tottenham may also turn to some out-of-work British names who are on the market.

One of those is former Chelsea boss Potter, who was recently dismissed by Todd Boehly after a seriously disappointing campaign.

However, he did manage to impress on a shoe-string budget at Brighton, recording their highest ever Premier League finish the season before he departed.

Potentially as a result, he is now among the names 'being considered by Tottenham' as the Lilywhites maintain their quest to hire Antonio Conte's replacement.

What could Potter bring to Spurs?

The 47-year-old, despite his horror end at Chelsea, has some credentials which could make him successful at Spurs.

His aforementioned work with limited resources at Brighton is a prime example of this and something which may factor into Levy's thinking.

Called a 'superb manager' by journalist Melissa Reddy after Potter's work at the Amex, with Man City boss Pep Guardiola even imploring Chelsea to give him time back in January.

“I would say to Todd Boehly, give him time,” said Guardiola.

“I know in big clubs, results are important but I’d say give him time.

“The second half is what he is. What he’s done at Brighton is outstanding, but…we need time in the first season.

I had (Lionel) Messi in Barcelona my first season so I didn’t need two seasons because Messi was there.”

Interestingly, Potter also shares the same agent as Spurs defender Clement Lenglet.