A weekend about more than money but one that will start to move the transfer market

Managers try little techniques ahead of huge day

As three former title-winning clubs prepare for one of the most pressurised days of all and the battle to avoid relegation, their managers have been trying very different motivational techniques. Dean Smith has been attempting to appeal to a composure to get Leicester City playing their best football, since they have the highest-quality individuals. Sam Allardyce and Sean Dyche have been more tapping into a sense of defiance at Leeds United and Everton, respectively. The weight of pressure is going to be immense, all the more so because of the size of the clubs. Each of these have huge claims to be among the grandest outside the splintering "big six", for their recent past as much as their rich histories. They have spent a lot of time pushing up against that ceiling, and all are among the more recent title winners outside that group. All would actually point to the fact they have won the league more recently than Tottenham Hotspur, although they currently have far greater concerns. The very fact they are in this situation illustrates how the financial context of the game has moved, and so much of this comes down to money. That applies to the consequences of the day, too. The Premier League has become very tiered in terms of economics, with that stretching down to the Championship. It could well change the financial outlook of two of these clubs.

Coventry and Luton show it's about much more than money

There is some symbolism this weekend, though, as this grand day of pressure in the Premier League is preceded by the release of the Championship play-off and the opportunity to replace one of the teams coming down. There is of course a huge prize but not quite the same edge since both Coventry City and Luton Town view this as a great opportunity. It is also something better for the football pyramid. This economic stratification of football has effectively seen a Premier League 2 created in the Championship that results in the same few clubs regularly going back up after coming down. All of Fulham, Norwich City, West Brom and now Sheffield United and Burnley have benefitted from it. Both Coventry and Luton are very much outside that group, though, as is maybe best indicated by the fact that the latter will have to greatly improve Kenilworth Road if they go up. That points to an irony to this day, too. The Championship play-off is almost always reduced to money, as it is built up as the most lucrative day in football. It is really about so much more, though, as the journeys of these community clubs illustrate.

Slot shows how hard it is to fit into Spurs system right now

Tottenham are again looking around for another managerial candidate after Arne Slot decided to stay at Feyenoord, although one of his reasons reflects why this situation keeps playing out. While the Dutch club did convince Slot to give them a season in the Champions League, a subject that came up was the current state of Spurs' structure as they look for a director of football. The feeling among a few prospective coaches - most brutally articulated by Antonio Conte - is that it is very difficult to succeed in the current circumstances. Many feel that this should provoke a rethink. As it is, they are reconsidering their options, with Celtic's Ange Postecoglou seriously considered. If it gets that far, the wonder is will he have the same reservations as others and what the transfer market implications could be.

Emery looking to speed as Villa's evolution accelerates

Aston Villa are leading the way for Leicester City's Harvey Barnes, as the Independent reported on Wednesday, but there is another wide player they are looking at. That is Athletic Club's Nico Williams, who Unai Emery knows well from Spain and has long fancied a move to England. He been one of the most exciting players in Spain for how he marries technical effect with pace. It does point to a new focus at Villa, that is energising the club.

Young stars heat up market for big clubs

With Barcelona looking to sell a host of players, Ansu Fati is one of those seen as most attainable. He is one of Europe's brightest young talents, but injuries have hampered his development. Intermediaries are looking at whether a move to Arsenal would be possible but they aren't biting yet. Mikel Arteta does nevertheless want back-up to Bukayo Saka, who this week signed a new deal in a move seen as huge for the club. The danger with Saka has long been that Manchester City are interested. He is a boyhood fan of the club, though, and this is one situation where that really matters. His family have long insisted on the importance of loyalty to him, and Arsenal have met that with an offer that is worth his talent. Many at Chelsea felt similar about Mason Mount for a long time but he hasn't had a new contract offer he feels the same way about. It means the English midfielder is one of the most sought-after in the market at the moment. All of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are looking with United currently in the lead. Some may be surprised at that given that Mount often gets unfair criticism from fans for not being a devastating talent. He is one, however, that managers absolutely love. Mount can carry about the most demanding gameplans in the most technically effective way, and is seen as understanding them to a level beyond most players.

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Miguel's Dispatches

It’s that week of the season where, for journalists, it’s very difficult to know where to go. Of the three Premier League fixtures that will decide the relegation battle, all are enthralling, but it is the sense of finality that really changes things. As an example, Everton going down for the first time in 72 years would clearly be huge but if they go into an early lead against Bournemouth and it stays like that, the story becomes bigger elsewhere. You could very quickly find yourself at the wrong game, and away from where the most noteworthy developments are happening. The job on the day, as much as the football given it’s all about the emotion, is to chronicle the experience. All of these calculations go into the decision. As it is, I am going to Leicester City. I could be reporting on a remarkable turn to a story that already features the most sensational title win of all time - or desperately looking to screens and messages for information from elsewhere.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"What is missing to criminalize these people? And punish the clubs sportively? Why don't the sponsors charge LaLiga? Don't the televisions bother to broadcast this barbarity every weekend?"

Vinicius Junior, in so admirably standing up to the most shameful racist abuse, potentially starts a tidal wave

If Everton and Leeds United go down on Sunday, it would mean the relegated teams together have historically won 12 titles between them. That would be the most in Premier League history. There have actually only been four seasons since 1992 when the number of combined titles from those going down has been seven or more. Name the seasons, and the teams.

(You can find out the answers here. The answer page will be updated weekly and contains answers from previous newsletters, too)

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