ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — It was 1972 and Apollo astronauts Harrison “Jack” Schmitt and Eugene Cernan had just stepped onto the moon’s surface to begin collecting rock and soil samples.

The mission would mark the end of an era for the American space program, but Schmitt already was looking to the future. His voice crackling over a high-frequency radio signal that day, he shared his thoughts with Cernan and those listening in at Mission Control.

“Well, I tell you Gene, I think the next generation ought to accept this as a challenge. Let’s see them leave footsteps like these someday,” Schmitt said.

Schmitt, 90, is one of the four Apollo moonwalkers still alive today. A field geologist, he was the first scientist to set foot on the moon and his expertise helped answer questions about the origin of that big rock up there and what it tells us about the solar system.

Schmitt felt the thrill again when the Artemis II crew rocketed into space on a historic lunar flyby. Pure excitement and the potential for so much more. And he’s hopeful as new generations get back to the moon and beyond.

Interviewed by The Associated Press, the former U.S. senator from New Mexico spoke about everything from the importance of having a lunar base to tapping new energy sources and whether we’re alone in the universe. Dark matter and quantum entanglement also were mentioned, with Schmitt saying many discoveries are yet to come.

“You’ve just got to remember,” he said, “what used to be called supernatural probably should be called unknown physics.”

This interview has been edited for brevity.

Q: What about having a lunar base?

Well, I think a lunar base makes a lot of sense and it always has for a lot of reasons. One is geopolitical. Probably the most important one is a geopolitical presence in deep space — and in preparation for going on to Mars.

The moon has resources that are going to reduce the cost of actually going to Mars and it gains experience. One of the things people keep forgetting about is you’ve gone through several generations and the new generation has to gain experience — psychologically as well as practically about how you work in deep space. And they’re doing that. That was probably the most important part of Artemis II, is it gave the ground people, Mission Control and others, the experience now to really have the risk as real rather than as part of a simulation.

Q: What was your mission during Apollo 17?

I had a lot of understanding of what other crews had learned, what had been learned from some of the early sample analyses and so we were trying to put sort of the frosting on the cake of answering questions in a very complex geologic area called Taurus-Littrow.

Taurus-Littrow actually is deeper than the Grand Canyon and so it has a three-dimensional aspect to it that we hadn’t had on other missions. And plus having a field geologist like myself on board meant that we should be more efficient at gathering samples that had a meaningful aspect to our further understanding of the origin of the moon, its relationship to the Earth and, it turns out, also its relationship to the history of the sun.

Q: So we’re building upon our knowledge of the universe around us?

Well there’s no question that the moon has a history to tell us.

It’s been recording the history of the solar system ever since the solar system formed about 4.5 billion years ago. That is really what the moon gives us — that library of knowledge, of potential knowledge about how the solar system evolved and then what the sun has been doing in that 4.5 billion years.

In the recent work that I’ve been doing in that layer of debris, the regolith, we find that the sun became even more active than it had been about the same time as we had an explosion of life in the oceans on Earth, and so the oceans may have been and almost certainly were warming to that more active sun and life likes warmth. So it multiplied not only in quantity but in diversity. The mammals started to appear soon after that, life started to move up onto the continents that had formed so things were really starting to move about a half-billion years ago.

Q: Tell us about the moon rocks

This is a sample of a basalt lava and we have a lot of basalt lavas here in New Mexico. This is different in that it is rich in titanium, more rich than most terrestrial basalts. And that titanium turns out to be very important in terms of the resources that are available on the moon. It has a property of concentrating some of those resources, particularly hydrogen and helium.

There’s an isotope called helium-3 and that is going to be, I think, ultimately very, very important in the production of energy. It’s going to be extremely useful in quantum computing, in cancer therapy and other things here on Earth. We just don’t have much on Earth, so the moon is going to be a our reservoir, our source of this very important isotope of helium-3.

Q: How important will this isotope be in the future?

Helium-3 offers a possibility of having nuclear energy without nuclear waste. We’ve known that for decades, and so the moon now offers that opportunity to begin to substitute a nuclear form of energy that doesn’t produce nuclear waste for what we have today.

Q: Is it just as much an energy race as a space race?

There’s no question about it. China is interested in it, we’re interested in it. And that’s probably one of the big technological drivers of this new race to the moon, a new space race, a Cold War that’s on now primarily involving China and I think helium-3 is a big actor in that right now.

Q: What was it like in the Taurus-Littrow Valley?

First of all, we were in a valley deeper than the Grand Canyon. The mountains on either side were as high as the Grand Canyon from the bottom. Secondly, you’re in one-sixth gravity so that means you can walk much more easily than you could here on Earth. Now we were covered by a pressure suit but still walking around was like being a kid again, just one-sixth of your height and if you fell you didn’t fall very hard and you certainly didn’t cry about it. But the moon is really a very easy place to work so as long as you have the right equipment surrounding you. You have to have that atmosphere of course to breathe.

Q: Any downsides to working in a weightless environment?

For me, it was a very comfortable environment to be in and you get a little bit lazy. For example, if you’re taking notes with a pad of paper and a pen or pencil and somebody says would you take the SCS switch to off, well you just let go and it floats there and you go over to the switch and come back and start to dictate those notes again.

You’ve got to be careful though because you’re brain gets lazy. When I got on the carrier after splashdown, I was taking my first drink of water and I just let go of the cup and of course it broke on the floor. Human beings tend to take advantage of their environment very quickly and the brain does get a little bit lazy like that. It took about three days to get comfortable again back here on Earth.

Q: So we’ll have no problem living on the moon?

No, I think living on the moon is going to be very good. Now long term civilization on the moon, there’s still some major issues. The radiation issue has to be dealt with and we can. There are ways to do that. Going to Mars is another issue and that’s why you’ll almost certainly need fusion rockets to cut that time frame.

Q: We’ve heard a lot lately about UFOs. What are your thoughts on that?

Well there are billions of sunlike stars out there and so you just have to imagine that life may have originated on some other planet, although the conditions for life to originate here on Earth are really unique. Everything sort of fit together and creation for us sort of leads to you thinking of an infinitely intelligent being that made it all happen. But the technical potential statistically is very high that you could have had the similar kind of conditions develop elsewhere in the universe.

Now are they visiting us? My feeling is if they’re really so advanced they could be here, they’d communicate better than they have and so I just don’t know. But it’s plausible. Let’s put it that way. Unlikely maybe, but plausible.

Q: Would you take the opportunity to go back to the moon or to Mars?

Oh surely. Teresa, my wife, would like very much to go with me — that would be one condition. But I think a trip to Mars is going to be fantastic for those people.

So youth is extremely important and the education of those youth particularly in mathematics is extraordinarily important, and NASA now has a younger agency than they had grown to be during the shuttle era.

Look what has happened since Apollo. The commercial sector has developed new technologies, new ways of doing things and NASA is now trying to integrate those into a new approach to deep space exploration.

Head coach Eddie Howe says he is looking forward to sitting down with Newcastle United‘s owners next week to “express things from my perspective”.

Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and a delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) are due to visit the north east of England next week.

The meetings at Matfen Hall in Northumberland were scheduled long before Newcastle slipped to 14th place in the Premier League.

Similar summits took place last season as the club’s hierarchy once again convenes for department meetings and discussions about future plans, including long-term infrastructure projects.

“It something that happens regularly so it’s nothing out of the norm for us,” Howe said.

“I always like the chance to talk directly to the owners and to express things from my perspective.

“It’s something we have always done and I look forward to that next week.”

Although Howe’s future has come under increasing scrutiny from those outside the club, the head coach has been heavily involved in preparations for next season, including pre-season plans and discussions about transfers.

It is set to be a busy window for Newcastle amid doubts over the long-term situations of a number of key players such as Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali.

Following a run of eight defeats in 11 games in the Premier League, Howe acknowledged “there might be bigger changes in the summer than was maybe previously thought”.

“It’s about attitude, commitment to the team,” he said. “I think the players would expect that, I think they understand the demands and the role they’re in.

“It’s a high-demand, high-pressure role where you’re constantly judged and people are making assessments over your future.

“There’s a responsibility in every moment to try to be at your best. That responsibility falls on me as well to make sure I’m delivering the best I can for the players and staff to create an environment we can win in.

“It goes with the territory and I think the players understand it.”

“I don’t like the politics of Reform, I stand up to the politics of Reform at all times, I don’t want to see them gaining a foothold in the governance of any part of the United Kingdom, because I think they will just spread further division and disagreement and hostility within our society.”

A delay to Take-Two’s financial call has led to hopes for a new GTA 6 trailer, but are fans just fooling themselves?

GTA 6 is still over six months away, assuming it will actually launch on November 19 this year, so fans are naturally speculating over when to expect the next trailer.

We’ve only had two trailers for GTA 6 so far. The first debuted in December 2023, while the second arrived on May 6, 2025, shortly after Rockstar delayed the game to 2026. There’s already so much anticipation for the sequel another trailer could be skipped entirely, but there’s an assumption that we’ll get at least one more before launch.

GTA 6 fans are known for getting their hopes up over tenuous crumbs of information, but the new reason for their excitement revolves around Rockstar owner Take-Two’s confirmation that it will report its fourth quarter earnings on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

So why are fans getting in a tizz? There’s no proven correlation between Take-Two financial reports and GTA 6 announcements (aside from last year’s trailer arriving in the preceding week), but there’s a slight irregularity in that next month’s report is arriving one week later than usual.

There could be plenty of boring corporate reasons for this delay, but if you’re feverishly anticipating GTA 6, it’s just enough of a reason to start making up theories.

As noted by several GTA 6 fan accounts, many believe this delay is connected to a planned GTA 6 announcement, possibly Trailer 3 or the opening of pre-orders.

On X, GTA fan account GameRoll wrote: ‘I personally believe that it’s quite likely Rockstar will drop GTA 6 news sometime during the weeks leading up to this call (which is what happened last year).’

Over on Reddit, one fan wrote: ‘Surely they’re gonna want to announce pre-order figures at this one. I’m guessing [Trailer 3] + pre-orders going live maybe a week before, sometime between the 12th to 14th.’

‘Never has an earnings call been so anticipated,’ another added.

Rockstar could make an announcement in the run-up to the earnings call, but as we etch closer to GTA 6’s launch date in November, the likelihood of a new trailer grows anyway, so the two things aren’t necessarily connected. After all, at this point, it’s not like Take-Two has to do anything extra to impress investors.

Recently, an insider predicted the next GTA 6 trailer won’t arrive until at least July, which would line-up with comments from Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick about ramping up the game’s marketing in the summer.

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North Yorkshire Council has received a permission in principle application for the development on land south of Hillfoot in Harmby, near Leyburn.

Up to six houses are planned on agricultural land next to the village’s playing fields.

Maria Ferguson, agent for applicant Richard Stirk, said in supporting papers filed with the application: “The proposed development is commensurate with the scale of the village and the availability services, and the site is located adjacent to settlement limits.

“The site is accessible and well related to existing facilities and within the capacity of existing infrastructure.

“As demonstrated in the information supporting the application, development can be achieved on the site without an adverse impact on the character of the settlement, important open spaces, heritage assets, or the character of the landscape.”

The agent notes that the council is currently unable to demonstrate a five-year land supply for new housing, as required by the government.

She adds: “If there is harm arising, this must be balanced against housing need and the significant social and economic benefits of delivering new housing with the presumption in favour of sustainable development applying.”

But the petition submitted to the council states that the proposed site is not allocated for housing in the current local plan and had not been identified for development in a recent call for sites for the next plan.

In its response, Harmby Parish Council says the site lies beyond the established development line for Harmby.

It adds: “As such, the proposal represents encroachment into open countryside, contrary to established planning policy intended to protect rural character and prevent unsustainable expansion.

“Harmby is predominantly characterised by bungalows and modest dwellings.

“The introduction of up to six larger properties would create a stark visual mismatch and erode the existing character of the village. The development would appear prominent and intrusive, particularly in views approaching and within the village.”

More than 20 people have also written to the council to object to the application.

One member of the public said: “This proposal is clearly out of keeping with the character of Harmby.

“The site is unsuitable for housing as it would spoil the street scene and ruin the magnificent view towards Middleham currently enjoyed by residents and those, like myself, who regularly use the footway past Hillfoot.”

Another resident said: “There is inadequate parking for the existing residents; cars are parked on the majority of the road, including opposite the proposed development site making, driving along the road problematic.

“Further housing will only increase the traffic volume, further exacerbating the current issues.”

“Carlisle is set for an incredible weekend of action and family fun,” said Peter Richardson, Managing Director of RA Monster Events.

“Motorfest brings together the excitement of monster trucks, high-energy stunt performances, and a full festival atmosphere that families can enjoy together. We’re looking forward to bringing the show to Carlisle and giving visitors a weekend to remember.”

Motorfest brings together high-energy stunt performances (Image: Monster Events)

The event will feature roaring monster truck mayhem in the main arena, alongside live stunt performances from skilled riders and performers. Visitors can also enjoy family attractions throughout the day, creating a full day-out experience for children and adults alike.

RA Monster Events has built a reputation for delivering large-scale live entertainment across the UK, combining motorsport thrills with family-friendly festival experiences.

Event details

Monster Events combines motorsport thrills with family-friendly festival experiences (Image: Monster Events)

Dates: Saturday and Sunday, April 25 – 26

Location: Carlisle Racecourse, Durdar Rd, Carlisle CA2 4TS

Times: Saturday: 10am to 10.30pm, Sunday: 10am to 7.30pm (free parking)

The Carlisle event is the next stop in the company’s growing 2026 nationwide Motorfest tour, which includes more than 40 locations across the UK.

Tickets are still available with a new discount code: CARLISLE25, that gives an extra 25% off the ticket prices shown when entered at checkout.

For more information visit the RA Monster Events website.

Bray in County Wicklow is home to the famous Harbour Bar – the pub once voted the world’s best by Lonely Planet – and the Northern Irish Traveller went to find out if it still lives up to the hype

A content creator explored a beautiful coastal town less than 40 minutes from Dublin, before sampling a pint of Guinness in a venue once crowned the world’s finest pub.

Bray in County Wicklow boasts a seafront promenade and a stunning coastal cliff walk, offering some of Ireland’s most breathtaking vistas.

Dubbed the Gateway to the Garden of Ireland, the town earned recognition in 2023 when Time Out listed it among the globe’s “underrated travel destinations”.

Mark Rowan, a YouTuber also recognised as Stumpy or the Northern Ireland Traveller, set out to experience it firsthand.

Addressing his audience, he remarked: “Hello everyone, what’s the craic? So, today I’m in the beautiful little town of Bray in County Wicklow, Ireland. And today I’m here to do a pub crawl and see if I can find myself a good pint of Guinness.”

The popular excursion spot sits just 20km south of Dublin, and one particular establishment caught Stumpy’s attention.

He noted: “There’s a bar down there called the Harbour Bar. So I’ll have to try a pint of Guinness in there. It’s actually voted Ireland’s best bar I think. So that’ll be interesting to see how good the Guinness is.”

Prior to visiting that establishment, he sampled beverages at six other Bray watering holes, with his opening venue proving particularly noteworthy.

His initial destination was The Boomerang Bar, where a pint of Guinness set him back €6.60 (approx £5.72). Stumpy observed that the head contained not a single bubble after being served. Taking his first sip of the day, he declared: “Really really really off to a good start, a really really nice pint. If every pint is like this today, I am going to be a happy boy, that is nice.”

Sandy, who alongside her husband has run the establishment for almost three decades, confidently told Stumpy: “We have the reputation, and I am boasting, and I am saying it now, we have the best pint of Guinness in Bray, and ask any of our customers. That’s why our WiFi code (bestpintinbray) because people say it to us all the time. So I challenge you to find a nicer pint anywhere else.”

Stumpy took up the gauntlet but appeared charmed by the local pub where regulars all seemed acquainted with one another.

One willing participant spoke to the camera, introducing himself as a neighbourhood personality: “My name is Johnny, Johnny Choo Choo they call me. That’s me name because I worked on the train, and everyone’s welcome in Bray because we just do our own thing, we have a drink and we enjoy ourselves.”

Upon departing, Stumpy praised it as a “great pub” filled with exceptionally welcoming patrons, expressing his considerable admiration.

While wandering through the streets, he once more commented on how the residents of Bray were “super super friendly” and noted the town’s remarkable cleanliness.

He was also captivated by the “unbelievable scenery” before finally arriving at Harbour Bar.

A notice welcomed him proclaiming “Guinness is good for you” and Stumpy mentioned how numerous individuals had suggested he visit.

In 2010, this distinctive coastal establishment earned recognition from the Lonely Planet Guide as the globe’s finest pub, with the publication noting: “This bar has an amazingly diverse crowd and a unique look.”

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The guide continued: “The bar is littered with original antiques and interesting bric-a-brac, accumulated over 80 years, by three generations of the O’Toole family. The Harbour Bar offers a truly authentic Irish pub experience as an antidote to the sterile atmosphere of some modern pubs.”

Over the decades, the venue has welcomed numerous celebrity patrons, with Colin Farrell, Brendon Gleeson, Bono and Cillian Murphy amongst its notable visitors.

During his visit to the establishment, Stump was accompanied by content creator Wendall, who shared his verdict on the €6.80 Guinness.

Wendall commented: “Look, in Ireland, Guinness is good in nine out of 10 pubs for an Englishman. Yeah, it’s not the best pint I’ve had in Ireland, but you know, for a seaside town, it’s belting. I would give it a seven out of 10.”

While Stumpy acknowledged it wasn’t his finest Guinness of the day — possibly referencing The Boomerang Bar — he maintained it remained a “great pint”.

Wendall further observed: “With all due respect to Dublin, I’d rather hang out by the seaside here and have a €6.70 pint than be in Dublin and pay €7.50. It’s nice, clean fresh air, clean streets. No grief.”

Having departed the snug watering hole, Stumpy, whose full video is available to watch here, remarked: “This place was voted by Lonely Planet the best pub in the world. It’s a great pub but it’s definitely not the best pub in the world.”

Wendall concurred, though offered a measured counterpoint: “It’s subjective, every man’s idea of a great pub is different.”

Nigel Farage’s party has withdrawn its support for David Robert Prior, who is standing in the Saltwell ward, in Gateshead, at the upcoming local elections.

Mr Prior, whose expulsion was first reported by Jewish News, will still appear on ballot papers at the election on May 7.

His name reportedly appeared in a list of members of the far-right BNP that was previously published by WikiLeaks, a copy of which has been seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The news comes just days after Mr Farage was in the North East, during which he addressed party members at an event in Sunniside following visits to high streets in Gateshead and South Shields.

When approached for comment by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Prior said: “It was 20 years ago and I am not that person any more, I am devastated to tell you the truth. I’m just devastated that something that happened 20 years ago…I don’t know what to say.” 

A Reform UK spokesperson said : “Mr Prior has been expelled from Reform UK after failing to declare his former membership of a proscribed organisation. Reform UK has withdrawn our support for his candidacy.”

Reform UK later clarified to the BBC it has proscribed the BNP itself on a list of organisations of which past or present membership is “incompatible” with membership of the party. 

The BNP is not a proscribed organisation or banned under UK law.

Mark Ferguson, the Labour MP for Gateshead Central and Whickham, said he was “sickened” by the revelation that a Reform candidate was a former BNP member.

He said: “That vile, racist and anti-Semitic party was rejected in Gateshead before, and its poison has no place in our politics now.

“Saltwell is a strong, diverse community where people of different faiths and backgrounds live side by side. Reform UK must now confirm whether any of their other candidates in Gateshead have links to the BNP – or any other extremist groups – as former members, supporters or sympathisers.

“There are decent candidates from different parties standing in these elections. I am sure they will be as shocked and disgusted as I am by what has been revealed.”

Gateshead Council’s opposition Lib Dem leader, Coun Ron Beadle, added: “The national Reform party have done the right thing by expelling this man but Gateshead Reform looks like a party that is out of control.”

All 66 council seats in Gateshead are up for grabs at the election on May 7, in a race which could radically alter the political face of the area.

He warned people often end up paying a lot more than they need to

Martin Lewis has issued a warning to bank account holders about a principle to keep in mind. He shared the advice on his BBC podcast, outlining some key figures that you may want to note down.

The financial expert offered guidance about overdrafts that can affect your bank account, as you could rack up a big bill. He urged listeners to make clearing any outstanding overdraft balance their top priority.

Mr Lewis said: “Overdrafts almost invariably are the worst form of borrowing, but people don’t feel like they are borrowing.” He warned that many people make a costly error by failing to grasp the figures involved. He pointed out that a typical credit card rate with a high street bank stands at 24.9 per cent, while a typical overdraft with a major provider sits at 40 per cent.

The consumer champion explained: “There are many people out there who are overdrawn at 40 per cent interest and then are using the money from their overdraft, at 40 per cent interest, to pay off their credit card at 24.9 per cent interest, which is actually cheaper. You’d be better just to pay the minimum on the credit card and try and reduce your overdraft.

“It is an absolute must remember that overdrafts, ever since the regulator changed the way that overdrafts operate, from going from a fee and completely bastardised the market, just in my view, just at the start of the pandemic.” The Financial Conduct Authority introduced new regulations from April 2020 requiring that banks could only charge customers an annual interest rate on their overdraft.

Make it your priority

The regulator also banned banks from applying any fees or charges. Mr Lewis said: “Overdrafts with pretty much all high street banks are locked in at 39.9 per cent, way more than a high street credit card.

“Clearing your overdraft if you have one, unless you happen to have one of the few that is in a buffer zone or at zero per cent, is normally your financial priority over clearing credit cards. Treat your overdraft like a debt.”

Mr Lewis provided an illustration of how you might structure repaying the debt, by pledging to clear £100 of the overdraft each month. So if you’re overdrawn by £600, you could aim to reduce this to £500 by the beginning of next month.

Really dangerous

He said: “It’s very difficult to think of it conceptually with an overdraft, which is why it’s really dangerous that it’s at 40 per cent.” Some lenders provide a buffer and won’t charge interest up to a certain threshold if you dip into your overdraft.

For instance, Nationwide Building Society doesn’t charge FlexPlus, FlexDirect or FlexAccount customers any interest on the first £50. But you will pay 39.9 per cent variable on sums exceeding this.

Likewise with First Direct’s 1st Account, you receive a £250 buffer but then face 39.9 per cent interest on any overdraft beyond this amount.

Alan Shearer has revealed his predictions for this weekend’s Premier League and the two FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.

Wednesday saw a change at the top of the league table, as Manchester City followed up their win against Arsenal with a narrow victory over Burnley to leapfrog their rivals with five games to go.

But with Pep Guardiola’s side in FA Cup action against Southampton, Arsenal can temporarily move back into first with a victory against Newcastle United at the Emirates on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Tottenham face a must-win visit to Wolves as they look to get their first win under Roberto De Zerbi to kickstart their bid to avoid relegation.

And on Sunday, Callum McFarlane is back in the Chelsea hotseat and hoping to guide the Blues to the FA Cup final with victory against Leeds United just four days after the sacking of Liam Rosenior.

As ever, England legend and Betfair ambassador Alan Shearer has revealed his predictions to Metro ahead of this latest weekend of Premier League and FA Cup action.

Premier League

Sunderland vs Nottm Forest

The Stadium of Light is a tough place to go. You know how physical Sunderland will be and once the crowd gets behind them it will be a tough game. But with the form Forest are in and Morgan Gibbs-White full of belief, I am going to go for a draw. It will be a good point for Forest.

I think Gibbs-White is staking a claim for the World Cup. If he gets amongst the goals in a few more games between now and the end of the season, that is a big call for Thomas Tuchel, to shout out how great a form he’s in.

Alan’s Prediction: Draw

Fulham vs Aston Villa

This is a tough one to call. We don’t know what’s happening with Marco Silva in terms of what he’s doing. They’ve had a reasonable season Fulham but have got some good players in their team.

However, Villa and the way they are going, I am going to go for an away win. I think Villa will do it with Ollie Watkins finding his goals again, Morgan Rogers the same.

Alan’s Prediction: Aston Villa Win

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

Liverpool scraped a win against Fulham at Anfield recently, they scraped a win and found a way against their rivals Everton in the derby pretty much in the same way, and I think they will have too much for Palace. Home win.

It is a great opportunity for Palace to win a European competition. Winning the FA Cup last year, it would be great again winning a trophy in Europe again, so my guess is all their eyes will be on Europe and not on the Premier League

Alan’s Prediction: Liverpool Win

West Ham vs Everton

Everton are a really good side, especially away from home, they’ve got a good record. It is a tough one for West Ham, who are desperate to win. They will be at home, but I am not sure they will have enough to win it, so I am going to say a draw.

A win this weekend would put Everton back on track for Europe. I thought they were a tad unlucky against Liverpool last week, but I will stick with a draw here.

Alan’s Prediction: Draw

Wolves vs Tottenham

It is an absolute must win for Spurs. I do believe with the belief they might have picked up last weekend, whether it was from their performance or West Ham not winning at Palace. I think that will give them great encouragement. Had it been the other way, then I think they would be doomed. I think if they lose this weekend then they will go down.

Considering Wolves are already down, I am going to tip Spurs to win for the first time in a long time.

Alan’s Prediction: Tottenham Win

Arsenal vs Newcastle United

As much as I hope I’m wrong and I really hope I’m wrong, I see Arsenal bouncing back and winning this. I have no confidence in the form Newcastle are in. They need to come out and they need to improve. If they get beat, they have to go down fighting, and I didn’t see that last weekend against Bournemouth.

That was the hard thing to take from the defeat. When the managers under pressure and the players are having to prove a point, at least you need show some effort. That was the thing that hurt last weekend, the players have to come out with a response and fight for everything.

If they get beat, so be it, but they’ve got to do it with spirit. But I think Arsenal will bounce back with a home win, as much as it pains me to say it, but I hope I’m wrong.

Alan’s Prediction: Arsenal Win

Manchster United vs Brentford

Man United dug out a great result last weekend, with that one bit of quality in the game when Bruno Fernandes went down to that right-hand-side and pulls it back to Cunha. That was enough to get three points against a woeful Chelsea side.

I think they will have enough to beat Brentford at home, so I’m going to say a Man United home win. Bruno is a quality player. Where would Man United be without him? He has been the one consistent player there for so long now.

Alan’s Prediction: Man Utd Win

FA Cup Semi-Finals

Manchester City vs Southampton

Southampton will make it tough. Pep will change it round and give a game to three or four of his players who haven’t started on a regular basis.

I watched Southampton in midweek, and obviously did the game against Arsenal at their place and they were really impressive then. They didn’t win the game in midweek against Bristol City but went behind twice and came back for a draw.

They are 20 games unbeaten; they will make it really difficult, but it would take a brave man to predict anything other than a Man City win.

Alan’s Prediction: Man City Win

Chelsea vs Leeds United

For Calum McFarlane, I know he worked with Rosenior as part of his team; but he did the Man City game before Rosenior was appointed and there was a big improvement in that game, when he took over.

There will likely be an improvement from Chelsea under the interim manager, but there is huge pressure on those players to perform. Leeds are pretty much guaranteed Premier League football next year, so there is not as much pressure on them. For that reason, I am going to go for a Leeds win.

It will be a brilliant atmosphere. The pressure is huge on Chelsea, not so much on Leeds, so it could be a good day out for the Leeds fans.

Alan’s Prediction: Leeds Win

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