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Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 10, he takes on The Piano TV series winner Brad Kella.

Sutton's prediction: 2-2

The away team won on both occasions when these two sides met last season, and you could make a case for Tottenham or Aston Villa coming out on top here.

I do like the way Spurs play, but they could do with having Son Heung-min fit. He has missed three of their past four league games - and they have a few other injuries too.

Whoever is missing, though, Ange Postecoglou will not change his bullish approach. I admire that and I find it amazing the way people view Spurs at the moment.

They have won eight of their past 10 games in all competitions, which is pretty good I think, but there is always this underlying 'Spursy' or 'typical Spurs' label they get given whenever they slip up.

That could happen here, of course. Spurs will dominate the ball this time but I have no doubt that Villa will score, because they carry such a threat and their front players will definitely have their moments in this game.

So there will definitely be plenty of goals... but maybe there won't be a winner this time.

Tottenham have not had a draw since the first game of the season and I think they will get one here.

Brad's prediction: 2-0

Aston Villa have started the season really well and Tottenham are very up and down... but I'm giving this one to Spurs.

Ange Postecoglou boldly invited pressure on himself and Tottenham with his recent boast that he "always" wins a trophy in his second season in charge.

The pronouncement raised eyebrows as it came from the manager of a club without a trophy since the League Cup win under the long-forgotten Juande Ramos in 2008. But Postecoglou was simply stating a fact.

And the Australian's quest to fulfil that promise took a significant step forward with a fully deserved 2-1 win over Manchester City that booked Spurs a Carabao Cup quarter-final meeting at home to Manchester United.

For the record, Postecoglou won the Australian title with South Melbourne and Brisbane Roar, as well as the Japanese League with Yokohama F Marinos, in his second season or second full season.

He also led Australia to an Asian Cup triumph in 2015, two years after becoming their manager, and won the Scottish Premiership in both his seasons at Celtic.

There were occasions when he did not win trophies, but did not see out two seasons in charge of Greek side Panachaiki, Whittlesea Zebras and Melbourne Victory.

His Spurs predecessors Andre Villas-Boas, Tim Sherwood and Antonio Conte were not allowed the luxury of a second season in charge, while Jose Mourinho did not get his chance of ending their trophy wait as he was sacked days before the 2021 Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. Nuno Espirito Santo was dismissed inside four months.

This explained some of the quizzical looks aimed in Postecoglou's direction after his ambitious words, but he was merely outlining his track record. It was still, however, a real expression of self-confidence, even if he could also produce the concrete evidence to back it up.

Stating achievements and then backing them up, especially at Spurs, are two completely different things. But the Carabao Cup now presents a very attractive prospect of that long-overdue and long-awaited success, even though Manchester United will hold similar aspirations, presumably under prospective new head coach Ruben Amorim.

Postecoglou was in desperate need of Spurs showing their acceptable face after one of those displays that demonstrated the madding inconsistency of his team, even from one half to the next when they lost a 2-0 interval lead to go down 3-2 at Brighton, and were then tamely beaten by Crystal Palace last weekend.

A loss to City would have increased scrutiny on Postecoglou, not in the context of his future at the club, but whether his methods and unflinching belief in his all-out attacking strategy could fashion the success he insists it will bring.

Instead, this was the Spurs that has provided such entertaining fare throughout Postecoglou's time in charge.

Manchester City may not have been at full-strength, with Erling Haaland kept on the bench even when they were chasing an equaliser, but they still had plenty of talent on show and this was a fully-merited win for the hosts.

It was the enigmatic Timo Werner who set them on their way after five minutes with a thumping finish he did not have time to think about - a key factor when it comes to this striker - from a Dejan Kulusevski pass.

Werner's goal was his first of the season, only his third in 26 appearances for the club, but the manner in which he was swamped by elated team-mates and the reaction of the home fans illustrated that he remains a popular figure. It was the same at Chelsea, amid similar finishing travails, for his sheer boundless endeavour alone.

The "Timo Werner - he scores when he wants" chant that followed was heavily ironic, even if it was good-natured.

Pape Matar Sarr's crisp finish increased Spurs' dominance and, even when nerves jangled after Matheus Nunes gave City hope seconds before half-time, Postecoglou's side maintained their progressive approach.

They created better chances, only surviving one real moment of worry when substitute Yves Bissouma cleared off the line from Nico O'Reilly with two minutes left.

It was no more than Spurs deserved. A late City leveller would have been an injustice as the hosts had their number once more in this magnificent stadium, this being their sixth win in eight games here.

Postecoglou. who has understandably cut a discontented and tetchy figure as Spurs dropped from the brilliance of their 3-0 win at Manchester United to lose so disappointingly at Brighton and Palace, willingly made a rod for his own back, and those of his players, with his own particular "second season syndrome".

But if Spurs play like this, and of course they have the Europa League as well as the FA Cup to come, then he could easily come good on his promise.

The trick for Postecoglou is to produce the Spurs version against Manchester United and Manchester City, not the one against Brighton or Crystal Palace.

This was the acceptable face of Postecoglou's Spurs.

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'The most important thing is passion and energy'

Man Utd v Leicester (19:45 GMT)

Manchester United

Manchester United interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports: "It's mixed feelings. Sad to see Erik go. He was the one who got me here. Our first conversation was about his passion for Man Utd. He did everything for this club.

"I'm asked to help the club. That's the reason I'm here, to help, to build. That's where I take pride in leading the team today.

"Hectic day especially yesterday. Coming in for the first time after Erik was gone. We are to stabilise and go out for training and get to work. The team talk was about the opponent and ourselves, what it is about to play at Old Trafford in front of these wonderful fans.

"Hopefully lots of possession and attacks. That's what Man Utd is about. I've tried to share that with the players."

On the team he picked: "It has to do with the squad we have. We're thin at the moment. We have injury problems.

"The most important thing is passion and energy and get the crowd going and give them a great night of football. It's a big day."

'I would not be surprised to see a much better performance from United'

Man Utd v Leicester (19:45 GMT)

Alan Shearer

Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

It is not ideal to have to wait for Ruben Amorim, but they have a very capable guy in Ruud van Nistelrooy who knows the score, knows the club and can handle the situation.

He knows the players and what they are about. He has perhaps been backing Erik ten Hag and rightly so as one of his assistants, but this is his chance to put his stamp on things. I wouldn't be surprised if we see a much better performance and a few goals from United.

Post

Preston v Arsenal (19:45 GMT)

Arsenal have not lost a League Cup game to a lower-league side since October 2015 when they lost 3-0 Sheffield Wednesday.

They have won their last 11 such games by an aggregate score of 38-5.

"It is important because it keeps everyone alive," said boss Mikel Arteta of the Carabao Cup.

"It can help you maintain the winning habit which is really, really important. You show that you care about every competition regardless of what you play.

"You have to compete for every match you are in or you are out. The margins are so small and we face a tough opponent."

'A great honour to manage the club I love'

Man Utd v Leicester (19:45 GMT)

Ruud van Nistelrooy takes charge of Manchester United for the first time tonight.

The former United striker is in interim charge following the sacking of fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag.

United have made an approach for Sporting manager Ruben Amorim.

Former PSV boss Van Nistelrooy said in today's programme notes: "Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so.

"When I returned in the summer as Erik’s assistant, it was because I believe that Manchester United can climb back to the levels that I knew here as a player.

"I still have that belief, but it will take time and a lot of hard work."

'Who knows what could happen'

Preston v Arsenal (19:45 GMT)

Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom: "It’s a good occasion because it’s one of the best teams in the country and it’ll be a full house.

"It’ll be a great atmosphere, testing yourself against the best of opposition. It’s one that I think everyone’s looking forward to as a club. It’s sort of a reward for past performances.

"If you deliver, and we know we’d have to give a great performance and be really strong, be clinical at one end and be really strong at the other end – similar to Fulham – then who knows what could happen."

De Bruyne out until after international break

Tottenham v Man City (20:15 GMT)

Simon Stone

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has delivered some bleak news around playmaker Kevin de Bruyne.

De Bruyne has been out of action since suffering a thigh injury in the Champions League draw with Inter Milan on 18 September.

Guardiola initially thought De Bruyne would be back after the October international break but has now extended that until the middle of November after admitting the recovery has been more complicated than City thought.

Asked when the Belgian star would be back, Guardiola said: "I would like to tell you, I especially would like to know, but I don't know.

"He feels better to train but to go to the level we need for competition he still has pain.

"If he doesn't come back as quick as possible we will struggle. Hopefully that can happen after the international break."

Will Postecoglou repeat second-season successes at Spurs?

Tottenham v Man City (20:15 GMT)

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said last month he "always" wins a trophy in his second season in charge.

After a successful first campaign in north London in which the Australian guided Spurs to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, fans' expectations of winning a first trophy in 17 years has increased - expectation which Postecoglou fuelled.

Spurs' last piece of silverware came in the 2008 EFL Cup under Juande Ramos - the only competition they have won in the 21st Century.

Tottenham also remain one of the favourites to win the Europa League with three wins from three so far.

But is second-season success really a given for Postecoglou's Spurs? How often does a manager go without a trophy in their first campaign, then win silverware in their second? And how have previous Spurs managers fared during their second season?

Click here to read more on Ange Postecoglou's prospects of bringing silverware home in his second season at Spurs.

Palace look to bid momentum

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace (19:45 GMT)

Alex Howell

BBC football news reporter

Crystal Palace's 1-0 win against Tottenham was a huge moment in their season.

Going into the game without a win in eight Premier League matches, the pressure was starting to build on manager Oliver Glasner and around the club.

Glasner put Jean-Philippe Mateta back into the starting line-up and that decision paid off with the Frenchman scoring the only goal of the game.

The Palace boss looks to finally have found a starting XI that gives him a platform to work from.

Glasner said himself that his team's build-up had not been ideal with "late signings" who had "no pre-season together".

That is true of two members of Palace's back three in Trevoh Chalobah and Maxence Lacroix.

Chalobah and Lacroix have been named alongside Marc Guehi in Palace's back three for the past three matches and they seem to be forming a formidable partnership.

Lacroix in particular got many plaudits after the win against Spurs and it will be a big boost for the centre-back, who had a tricky start to life at Selhurst Park.

Palace have what can be billed as "winnable games" against Wolves and Fulham and the outlook on their season could be very different by the time the next international break comes around in a couple of weeks.

'Back-to-back is something I never expected'

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace (19:45 GMT)

Aston Villa's number one Emiliano Martinez was crowned best goalkeeper in the world for a consecutive year at the Ballon d'Or awards on Monday.

The 32-year-old has been rewarded for another fantastic year for club and country and becomes the first goalkeeper to win the Yashin Trophy twice.

Martinez recorded five clean sheets in six games for Argentina as they defended their Copa America title in July, winning the Golden Glove in the process.

That followed a successful campaign for Villa in which he also kept 15 clean sheets in all competitions as they qualified for the Champions League.

"Back-to-back is something I never expected," said Martinez. "I'm just proud to be here.

"All thanks to my family and friends."

'Chelsea have never mentioned top four to me'

Newcastle v Chelsea (19:45 GMT)

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says he "still feels the same" about not being good enough to challenge for the title.

The Blues have won seven and drawn two of their last 10 games in all competitions.

"I think we can improve many things. We can attack better, defend better and manage the games better. This is a learning process and we need to learn how to play different kinds of games," he said.

"The club have never mentioned top four to me. They always said that the target is to build something important for the next four or five years. It could be a pressure for the players, but I don't think so."

'Howe at Newcastle for long-term'

Newcastle v Chelsea (19:45 GMT)

Shay Given

Former Newcastle goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast

Every Premier League manager is under pressure after a couple of bad results.

But, I don't think Eddie comes under that bracket, I really don't - I think he is Newcastle for the long-term.

I think the owners have a lot of time and respect for Eddie. It was a frustrating summer and Eddie maybe didn't get the players that he wanted in the transfer window and that's been a frustration for fans and anyone connected to the club.

He hasn't had the supply, Marc Guehi was probably the big one in the summer - he really wanted him in, but couldn't get the deal done. I thought they should have a plan B in place, but they didn't.

It's just frustrating this season because you roll back 12 months and there was Champions League football in Paris, Dortmund and Milan and now they're mid-table.

I don't think it's time for panic, with Eddie at the helm we've got the right person, he just needs to get back to winning ways and the club will be fine.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said last month he "always" wins a trophy in his second season in charge.

After a successful first campaign in north London in which the Australian guided Spurs to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, fans' expectations of winning a first trophy in 17 years has increased - expectation which Postecoglou fuelled.

Spurs' last piece of silverware came in the 2008 EFL Cup under Juande Ramos - the only competition they have won in the 21st Century.

They have the opportunity to outline their trophy-winning credentials on Wednesday when they host Manchester City in the Carabao Cup last 16 (20:15 GMT).

Tottenham also remain one of the favourites to win the Europa League with three wins from three so far.

But is second-season success really a given for Postecoglou's Spurs? How often does a manager go without a trophy in their first campaign, then win silverware in their second? And how have previous Spurs managers fared during their second season?

Postecoglou is not wrong to highlight the pattern of his successes - as he recently said, it is a "fact" he has always won a trophy in his second season in charge.

The 59-year-old won the Australian title with both South Melbourne and Brisbane Roar, and the Japanese league with Yokohama F Marinos - all in his second season or second full season.

He also won the Asian Cup two years after becoming Australia manager, and the Scottish Premiership in both seasons with Celtic.

There are three clubs he failed to win trophies with, but he did not see out two seasons in charge of them - Panachaiki, Whittlesea Zebras, and Melbourne Victory.

If Postecoglou tastes second-season success with Spurs he would become only the second Tottenham boss to do so after Arthur Rowe, who won the second division in 1949-50 having taken charge of their final game of the previous season.

Postecoglou's trophy declarations may be "facts", but until he has delivered on such promises they only serve to invite more pressure - something ever-present for Tottenham managers.

A second season at the helm is a luxury many have not been afforded with Andre Villas-Boas, Tim Sherwood and Antonio Conte all dismissed before being able to complete a second season. Nuno Espirito Santo was in charge for less than four months.

The closest Spurs have come to repeating Rowe's success of 75 years ago was under Jose Mourinho, but the Portuguese coach was denied the chance to get over the line.

After 17 months in charge Mourinho was dismissed just one week before the 2021 EFL Cup final, which Spurs lost 1-0 to Manchester City under the interim stewardship of Ryan Mason.

Although Tottenham's Premier League form has been patchy - with Postecoglou's all-out attacking style coming under criticism following defeats by Brighton and Crystal Palace - results against Manchester City can give them confidence.

Guardiola's side have often struggled against the north London club, with Spurs winning seven and drawing three of their past 20 meetings in all competitions.

The Manchester City manager has lost seven times to Spurs during his eight-year tenure, only tasting defeat more against Liverpool and Manchester United with eight.

At home, Spurs' record is particularly good against Manchester City. In the Premier League, four out of their past five meetings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have ended in victory.

They may take confidence from Guardiola's suggestion that he plans to not "waste energy" on the EFL Cup and instead field a second-string side.

But only one of those Spurs wins has come during the knockout stages of a cup competition, when Mauricio Pochettino's side stunned Manchester City in the 2018-19 Champions League quarter-finals.

City were victorious in the 2021 EFL Cup final, and last season in the FA Cup fourth round.

A typical Tottenham performance, you might say.

After scoring four at home to West Ham last weekend and following it up with three points in the Europa League on Thursday, Spurs were downed by struggling Crystal Palace as they secured their first win of the season.

Tottenham looked timid throughout the first half and could not convert all of their possession into chances.

After falling behind, Spurs briefly piled pressure on the Palace backline and James Maddison forced Dean Henderson into a brilliant save.

Without the injured Son Heung-min, Spurs needed someone to stand up and take a grip of the game.

Maddison, who was wearing the armband at Selhurst Park, was substituted just after an hour after failing to make an impact on his 200th Premier League appearance.

The Spurs backline, who were far from their best against Palace, were perhaps fortunate to only concede just the once as Eberechi Eze proved a constant thorn in their side.

Spurs remain eighth in the league table - already five points adrift of Aston Villa in fourth and a trip to Villa Park coming on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou says comparisons to Brazil forward Neymar will not affect teenage midfielder Mikey Moore.

The 17-year-old, who signed his first professional contract with the club in August, starred in Spurs' 1-0 Europa League win against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.

Despite it being Moore's second start for the club, team-mate James Maddison likened the playmaker to Al-Hilal striker Neymar following the victory.

Postecoglou, though, says the club will be patient with Moore and he will not get distracted by the praise.

"I think we all understand with young players, you have to be careful but after the game, I don't get the sense that that's going to affect Mikey at all," said Postecoglou.

"There's no denying he was great last night. I thought he was great the whole game. It's exciting for us."

GREAT SAVE!

Tottenham 0-0 AZ Alkmaar

What a save that is by Fraser Forster!

Alexandre Penetra gets in front of Ben Davies and heads towards the top corner, but Forster leaps across to his right to push the ball away and keep the scores level.

'Onana seems a lot more comfortable'

Fenerbahce 0-1 Man Utd

Paul Robinson

Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

Andre Onana is starting to win me over and convince me.

It is difficult to settle into the Premier League and when you play in a team which struggles it's even harder.

When the ball goes back to him, he seems a lot more comfortable.

Jose can't believe it

Fenerbahce 0-1 Man Utd

Simon Stone

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter in Istanbul

We had the first sign of exasperation then when Manuel Ugarte slid in to make that block.

Mourinho clearly felt his side should have scored but Ugarte was there in an instant.

Werner has 'no confidence'

Tottenham 0-0 AZ Alkmaar

Clive Allen

Former Tottenham forward on TNT Sports

It's a fabulous run from Werner, stays onside. Bergvall right off the outside of his right boot.

Now he just composes himself, but no confidence or conviction to strike with any venom.

CLOSE!

Tottenham 0-0 AZ Alkmaar

James Maddison receives the ball inside the penalty area and does really well to create a yard of space to dig out a cross towards Mikey Moore, but the outnumbered teenager can't quite get to it.

Spurs are in again moments later with Timo Werner closing in on goal, but the chance is totally wasted by the German who side-foots his shot straight at AZ keeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro.

Post

Fenerbahce 0-1 Man Utd

Paul Robinson

Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

Andre Onana pushes it out into his six yard box, but Manuel Ugarte slides across out of nowhere.

One of the best blocks you will see this season.

Eriksen's on fire

Fenerbahce 0-1 Man Utd

Simon Stone

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter in Istanbul

I wouldn't have had Christian Eriksen down as one of Manchester United's biggest threats in front of goal.

But that's four for the season for the Dane now.

It puts him one behind Alejandro Garnacho, who scored his fifth in Saturday's victory against Brentford.

Now, Marcus Rashford has shaved the outside of a post.

This is a good period for the visitors.

'Udogie gives him too much space'

Tottenham 0-0 AZ Alkmaar

Clive Allen

Former Tottenham forward on TNT Sports

Wonderful ball through the six yard box by AZ Alkmaar.

Three players attacking that cross, just couldn't get the final touch.

Udogie gives him just too much space and it really was perfectly delivered.

No-one could get the all important touch.

Post

Tottenham 0-0 AZ Alkmaar

Spurs are dominating possession but they haven't really managed to create anything since Mikey Moore's early chance.

AZ are looking to hit on the counter but Troy Parrott is surrounded by white shirts as he attempts to get a shot away. The visitors definitely pose a threat.

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TNS 0-0 Astana

Jordan Williams does really well down the left-hand side. He waits patiently for some teammates to join him in the penalty area then chips over for Declan McManus.

McManus' effort is scuffed and it's a simple save for the Astana keeper but that's good play from the home side.

Tottenham's Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar will carry a tangible sense of home for defender Micky van de Ven.

The 23-year-old Dutch international spent time in the club's academy before charting his course to the Premier League via another Dutch club Volendam, and German club Wolfsburg.

However despite the link to his formative years the defender has said that the fixture does not carry any special significance for him personally.

"Maybe me playing against AZ (on Thursday night) is more special for the people around me, not so much for me. Of course, I have friends who support AZ. For me, it's like playing against each other team," he said.

Van de Ven does still hold a sweet spot for the city where his dad Marcel still lives though, including one restaurant in particular.

"The owner of this (Do Koning) restaurant is a good mate of my dad's - my dad lives in Alkmaar," the defender added.

"I don't think I will get a discount if I play well (on Thursday) because then probably we will beat them."

Tottenham will be aiming to continue their 100% start in the Europa League, having won their opening two games by an aggregate score of 5-1.

Inside Mourinho's United

Fenerbahce v Man Utd (20:00 BST)

Simon Stone

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter in Istanbul

Twenty minutes with Jose Mourinho in a packed room at Fenerbahce's training ground in Istanbul on Wednesday reminded everyone present of his magnetism.

From two spells at Chelsea to one at Tottenham, for good and bad, he was impossible to ignore. His ability to attract attention remains almost unmatched.

A Europa League meeting with Manchester United on Thursday at the cauldron that is the Sukru Saracoglu stadium pits him against his second Premier League club, where the desperation for success was at its greatest.

Mourinho left United almost six years ago. But while he is gone, he is certainly not forgotten.

Read the full piece.

Man Utd and Mourinho meet again

Fenerbahce v Man Utd (20:00 BST)

Manchester United will be reunited with former manager Jose Mourinho later when they face Fenerbahce in the Europa League.

Mourinho took charge at Old Trafford in 2016 and ended his first season by winning the Europa League. He guided United to a second place finish in the Premier League the following season, before he was sacked in December 2018 after starting the 2018-19 campaign with just seven wins in 17 league games.

After spells with Tottenham Hotspur and Roma, Mourinho was appointed Fenerbahce manager in June.

With United still looking for their first win in the competition and Erik ten Hag under increasing pressure, everything is set up perfectly for Mourinho to play the pantomine villain.

I haven't given up on 2018 Premier League title - Mourinho

Fenerbahce v Manchester United (Thu, 20:00 BST)

Simon Stone

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter in Istanbul

Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has cheekily claimed he is not giving up hope of earning a title-winning bonus from 2018 because of Manchester City's ongoing legal case with the Premier League.

United finished second to City in the 2017-18 season, which was Mourinho's final full campaign in charge at Old Trafford.

City, who have since won four consecutive league titles, have been accused of breaking the Premier League's financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

City deny the 115 charges and expect an outcome from the case by early 2025.

Should the club be found guilty, they could be stripped of silverware won during the period concerned.

Mourinho was asked about his old club before his current team Fenerbahce’s Europa League encounter with United in Istanbul on Thursday.

Click to read more.

Dunk set to make 250th Premier League appearance

Brighton v Wolves (Sat, 15:00 BST)

Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler says Lewis Dunk "really identifies himself by the values of the club" so he is "very happy" to have the defender as his captain.

Dunk, who was part of the club's youth system, is expected to make his 250th Premier League appearance against Wolves on Saturday, having been part of the Seagulls rise from League One.

"He is so experienced and he sees this place as a family," said Hurzeler. "He wants to chill with the kit man and chef and spend time here. He really identifies himself by the values of the club.

"He is my captain and one of my most important players.

"He knows the club and their history and values, so he has all the knowledge which is good when I am new here. I can learn a lot from him.

"Being my captain is about having trust to exchange opinions. It doesn’t come overnight. It is like a relationship with a girl - it doesn’t come on a first or second date but with time it does. It comes by making memories and earning respect.

"But I am very happy that he is my captain."

Brighton team news

Brighton v Wolves (Sat, 15:00 BST)

Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler confirmed Danny Welbeck hit a nerve in his back against Newcastle last weekend and it "was very painful and still is" for the striker.

He said "it is still too early" to confirm whether Welbeck is available for Saturday's game and he will train today before a decision is made.

"Our medical team and physios are working every hour with him to make him fit for the game. Hopefully everything will be good." Hurzeler added.

Meanwhile, Solly March has returned to training, Joao Pedro is close and winger Yankuba Minteh, who has "a small muscle injury," is being assessed "day by day". Adam Webster is expected to be out for another two to three weeks but Hurzeler said his "injury is not as bad as we expected it to be".

Despite the long injury list, Hurzeler said he "will not take any risks" at this point of the season with bringing injured players back quickly.

'Ex-players should be brought into the VAR booth'

Peter: A question for Stephen. Everyone was begging for tech to help so we got VAR. Now everyone wants to get rid of it! What's the answer?

Stephen: The introduction of VAR has split opinion right down the middle. There was a poll made last season and people wanted it to be kept in but still felt there needed to be big improvements in it. I'm exactly the same.

The issue we still get is if it's a subjective decision. If you put 100 people in a room, you might get 70 people go one way and 30 the other on a certain decision. Then you might get 50-50, then you might get 90-10. It's just opinions about how things are seen, so you're still going to get controversy around decisions because we all see the game in a different way.

What the Premier League have tried to do this season is make sure that the referee's decision on the field is the final one, unless they've blatantly missed something, which they have done. There are still times where they've messed up a little but those times have been fewer this season. I think better decisions have been made across the board.

I still feel that ex-players should be brought into the room, into the VAR booth, because they see the game in a different way, they know about dynamic, football movements and what players are trying to achieve - to make a cynical foul, a tactical foul, or whether they're trying to buy something and go down in a certain position. I just think that if we can bring that together a bit more, that'll be better for the game as well.

It is such a difficult one because people will say that players have affiliations with certain clubs but I don't think that comes into it because you're then questioning the integrity of that person. Once they've got the job and their job's on the line, if they start making poor decisions, they wouldn't last.

'Bayer Leverkusen will believe they can take on anyone'

Kasim: Who do you think will win this seasons Champions League and who do you think the underdogs are?

Stephen: I mentioned Inter Milan earlier but I think one of the other underdogs has to be Bayer Leverkusen, if you can call them an underdog because they're the Bundesliga champions. They also got to last season's Europa League final so their pedigree's high, but can they now do it in the Champions League and replicate what they did last season in the Bundesliga?

There's more pressure on them, they're more watched, but like Inter, they've also had a good start, with seven points from three games. I think what everyone's seeing with Xabi Alonso's team is that they're very well organised, they score goals, they've got an incredible mentality when they go behind, but they've got a habit of winning and that habit is very difficult to instil in teams. They've got that and they'll believe they can take on anyone, so I think they're the team that could have a great run in this competition, but I don't think that's a major surprise.

To win it, I think you're looking at Manchester City or Real Madrid. City have Pep Guardiola and I know they're missing Rodri plus Kevin de Bruyne at the moment, but look at the quality of their squad as a whole.

Real have been getting over-run in midfield and they're a bit vulnerable at the back, but I think once they suss out their system to fit in Kylian Mbappe and how they need to play, their mentality in this competition is that this is theirs and this is what they turn up for. La Liga is almost a by-product. If they win it, great; if they don't, that's not the be-all and end-all. This is the competition they want to win and with the forward line they've got, they can beat anyone on their day.

Vincent Kompany under pressure

Barcelona 4-1 Bayern Munich

John Bennett

Speaking on Football Daily

For Barcelona it was all about getting through the high line of Bayern Munich. Vincent Kompany will have questions to answer, Bayern are way down in 23rd in the table [one win and two defeats]. It's the first time in their history that they've lost three Champions League away games in a row. He will get a lot of criticism in the German press over the next few days.

They had a good win at the weekend, but before that it was three games without a win and the Aston Villa defeat was a huge dissapointment. The spotlight will be on him. He made some strange decisions. Joao Palhinha started, a lot of people said he wasn't up to speed. It was a really poor performance.

New Champions League format is a 'huge bonus' to fringe players

Hi Stephen, do u think the current (very confusing) Champions League format is better for players to be more involved with such big squads or a hindrance in a season with so many games already?

I think you're going to have issues whichever way you do things. You're adding more games in so players are going to find it more difficult to manage their games, and so are their managers.

The best thing you can do as a manager is to get qualified [for the knockout stages] as soon as possible. If you can do that, you can start to rotate your squad, you can bring in your fringe players and start to leave players at home, if you want. I think that's the benefit of getting the games won early on in the league phase.

For players who perhaps don't play many games, this is an opportunity to play more and to get games in the Champions League. So often, especially in England but probably in Germany and Spain as well, those players will just get their games in domestic cup competitions, whereas now they get game time in the Champions League, which is a huge bonus to them.

Atalanta draw 'gigantic' for Celtic

Atalanta 0-0 Celtic

Pat Nevin

Former Scotland winger on Football Daily

With four points after three games, Pat Nevin believes Celtic are in a good position to reach the Champions League knock-outs.

"This game was so pivotal after that [7-1] defeat to Dortmund. Remember: Celtic won their first game against Slovan Bratislava 5-1. When you look at it now, a point away from home at Atalanta is a really good result.

"Look at who they've got coming up now. Their next game is Leipzig, that's not beyond them. Club Brugge at Celtic Park, that's not beyond them. They've got Young Boys, not beyond them. Celtic are actually not in that bad of a position just now.

"That result tonight has given them everything they needed. They were under pressure, they needed to hang on, but that was gigantic for Celtic. The next two games at Celtic Park will be great, and - I promise you - will have among the best atmospheres in the Champions League.