'Up for the Cup!' - your hopes for the rest of the season — and more

We asked for your views on your hopes for the rest of the season after Sunderland reached the magic 40-point mark after Tuesday's win at Leeds.

Here are some of your comments:

Peter: Sunderland have a solid defence and good cover in the squad. They have a good midfield and again have cover there, but there is a distinct lack of punch up front. Burnley and West Ham have scored more goals so any thoughts of Europe are far fetched to say the least. A great season, but they really do need a couple of strikers who are going to get a dozen goals or more a season, it must be the number one priority for next season.

Simon: Up for the Cup, aye! Forget Europe - even if we qualified we couldn't compete and we've seen what's happened to others: fighting relegation as a result. Next season is about consolidating but we should have a real go at a trophy now we are safe

Colin: Good to hit 40 points but now we must concentrate on establishing ourselves in this league before we start doing anything else, as for Europe we are not even close maybe in a few more seasons.

Tom: Delighted to have hit the magic 40 point mark so early. I doubt we can get European football but we should try and take a run at the FA Cup. Beat Port Vale and we are into the last 8 and we are capable of getting a result against anyone.

The scrum half will bring up his half century against Wales on Friday night

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Brighton and Arsenal.

Here are some of your comments:

Home team fans

Nigel: The reason Brighton lost is not Arsenals fault for the way they played, it's Brightons fault for not scoring when they had the chance! Fabian is moaning and blaming Arsenal but your players didn't score! Simple!

Chris: Toothless up front again. A familiar theme this season. Uncle Tony needs to crunch the data and sign us a goalscorer or two this summer ... please.

Fran: Played recently well tonight. Arsenal's defence kept them in the game. We dominated and they created very little, The referee and linesman were absolutely awful. Didn't seem to know what was going on around them.Completely ruined the whole game.

Graham: Brighton play some excellent football but play a team of mainly midfielders who are extremely limited in goalscoring which costs them valuable points. They need to splash out the cash for a top class striker such as Ivan Toni. They might then qualify for the Champions league.

Sam: Decent performance until the final third. Too many players not sharp enough - Mitoma needs to work on his finishing, no idea what has happened to Georginio and we do look blunt. Arsenal and the referee though, my god. Time wasting, diving, rolling on the floor and the referee allowed this to happen. Disgusting to be brutally honest. I can't believe that Arsenal, with their tactics, are going to win the league. Never left a game as angry.

Away team fans

Vince: Good result, poor performance. What ever happened to all that attractive passing football from Arteta's earlier days at the managerial helm? We bought Gyokeres to give us the Plan B option of no-nonsense, route one football but now that seems more the norm than the exception. That said, like most fans, I'll gladly accept it if we win the title. Which I suppose is why Arteta has turned this into Plan A.

Steve: It looked like we were using this game as a training session for our defense. Disappointing but 3 points works for me.

Mark: Pivotal night possibly in race for prem. With trip to Germany hope Arteta leaves almost all starting 11 at home for fa cup tie. No need for them to travel regardless of result and one of few times left in season we can take that liberty. A few days at home to recharge is massive as we look mentally tired in so many of recent games.

Gabriel: Heart was in my throat. Credit to Brighton for how they played, but we need more attacking intent. I saw nothing special in attack, and if we want to win this league, we need more from the boys up top. End of the day, 7 points clear, let's stay humble Gunners

Matthew: Arsenal showed character tonight against Brighton. Away games like this are never easy, especially against a team that plays good football and presses well. The important thing is that Arsenal managed the game well and stayed disciplined. These are the kinds of matches that win you titles — grinding out results even when it's not perfect. If Arsenal are going the league , performances like this are exactly what the team need.

Liverpool and Galatasaray Clash Framed by Uefa Fan Ban

Liverpool’s Champions League tie with Galatasaray has been overshadowed by a significant disciplinary decision, after Uefa confirmed a Fan Ban that will prevent the Turkish club’s supporters from attending the second leg at Anfield. The ruling adds fresh tension to a contest already rich in narrative, history and expectation.

European football’s governing body acted following crowd disturbances during Galatasaray’s previous round against Juventus. The incidents occurred in Turin on 25 February, when supporters were found to have thrown objects and lit fireworks during the last 16 play off tie second leg. Uefa responded with a firm sanction, banning the Super Lig leaders from selling tickets to their fans for the away trip to Liverpool and issuing a fine of 40,000 euros, £34,800.

For Liverpool, now under the assured leadership of Arne Slot after his Premier League triumph in 2024-25, the absence of travelling support will alter the atmosphere inside Anfield. European nights on Merseyside are famed for their intensity, yet the dynamic shifts when one end of the ground sits empty of visiting voices.

Photo IMAGO

Uefa Decision After Turin Disturbances

Uefa’s statement was unequivocal in its reasoning. Supporters of the Turkish club had thrown objects and lit fireworks during the fixture in Italy. Those actions prompted immediate scrutiny and, ultimately, decisive punishment.

Despite losing 3-2 on the night in Turin, Galatasaray progressed 7-5 on aggregate, sealing their place in the quarter final stage with a late extra time goal that underlined their attacking threat. Baris Yilmaz was central to that dramatic success, his intervention ensuring that Juventus were eliminated despite victory on the evening.

The governing body’s intervention reinforces its ongoing campaign to clamp down on crowd disorder in European competition. Financial penalties, though significant, often pale in comparison to the sporting impact of a travel ban, particularly for a club whose supporters are renowned for their fervour and presence on the continent.

Impact on Anfield Atmosphere and Liverpool Preparation

Liverpool will travel to Istanbul first, with the opening leg scheduled for next Tuesday at 17:45 GMT. The return at Anfield follows on 18 March at 20:00. While Galatasaray will enjoy full backing at home, the second leg will unfold without their travelling contingent.

For Slot and his squad, preparation remains focused on the technical and tactical demands of facing the Super Lig leaders. Yet elite managers understand the psychological components of European ties. Anfield’s crowd has long been a catalyst in pivotal moments, and a Fan Ban inevitably shapes the matchday environment.

Liverpool’s players will be mindful that Galatasaray have already demonstrated resilience and firepower in overcoming Juventus. A 7-5 aggregate triumph is evidence of both defensive vulnerability and attacking potency, qualities that demand respect.

Picture:IMAGO

Galatasaray Appeal and Champions League Stakes

In a statement, Galatasaray said they would appeal against the punishment. The club’s response indicates a belief that the sanction may yet be reduced or overturned, though appeals in such cases rarely produce immediate reversals.

The broader Champions League stakes remain considerable. Liverpool are intent on adding continental success to their recent domestic achievements, while Galatasaray view this campaign as an opportunity to reaffirm their European credentials.

The Fan Ban ensures that this tie will be discussed as much for events off the pitch as those on it. For Liverpool, the focus will be on control, composure and capitalising on home advantage. For Galatasaray, the challenge is twofold, to contest the footballing battle while navigating the consequences of Uefa’s disciplinary reach.