Saturday’s briefing: Slot plans party and Howe returns to dugout

Liverpool are preparing to cross the Premier League title finish line with Manchester City seeking an FA Cup silver lining at the end of a disappointing season.

Former England international Eni Aluko apologised to fellow pundit Ian Wright after appearing to suggest his presence risked blocking opportunities for women in football.

Liverpool fans prepare to salute Slot’s machine

Liverpool boss Arne Slot admits his side have a big responsibility to fans to win the Premier League at Anfield.

Five years ago Jurgen Klopp’s team lifted the trophy in an empty stadium due to Covid restrictions, with celebrations restricted to outside the ground and no victory parade for fans to show their appreciation.

“It’s a big responsibility because we are aware of the fact the last time this club won the league it was Covid time, so everybody is looking forward to Sunday,” Slot said ahead of Tottenham’s visit, with Liverpool needing only a draw.

“But we know that there’s still a job to be done, and that’s at least one point. Hopefully our fans support us in the best possible way they can, which they’ve done the whole season.”

Pep targets big prizes for Man City again

Pep Guardiola expects Manchester City to be competing for the biggest prizes next season after this year’s underwhelming campaign.

City still have the chance to win some silverware, with Nottingham Forest blocking their path to a third successive FA Cup final.

“I’ve said many times, the season has not been good, regardless (of whether) we reach the final or we go to the Champions League,” City manager Guardiola said ahead of Sunday’s showdown against fellow Champions League hopefuls.

“Next season will be better. I think everyone has learned the lesson.”

Wright time to apologise as Aluko says sorry to fellow pundit

Aluko apologised to Wright after appearing her comments on BBC Radio Four’s Woman’s Hour on Wednesday suggesting he needed to be aware of the “finite opportunities for women”.

Her comments have since come in for heavy criticism and on Friday she wrote on her Instagram Story: “Ian Wright is a brilliant broadcaster and role model whose support for the women’s game has been significant.

“I was trying to make a broader point about the limited opportunities for women in football…but it was wrong for Ian’s name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise.”

Eddie Howe ‘delighted’ to return after pneumonia battle

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was “delighted” to be back as he made his return to work following his recovery from pneumonia.

Howe, 47, was admitted to hospital on April 11 after feeling unwell for several days, missing Premier League fixtures against Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

“I certainly have been through a range of emotions but thankfully I feel like I’m on the road to recovery, which is the most important thing, and I’m delighted to be here,” said Howe, who will be back in the dugout against Ipswich on Saturday.

“I’m OK. I’m not 100 per cent in my body, but I’d like to think I’m very close to 100 per cent in my mind, which is the most important thing.”

What’s on today?

Aston Villa and Crystal Palace meet in the first of the two Wembley FA Cup semi-finals with the victor playing the winner of Sunday’s tie between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.

Ipswich face relegation from the Premier League if they fail to win at Newcastle, or if West Ham avoid defeat against Brighton.

Celtic are on the cusp of a fourth consecutive Scottish title as a draw at Dundee United will start the celebrations.