JUVENTUS HAVE EMRE IN THE CAN
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the relegation zone a couple of times. It’s because there’s one level here and then the others (the top six) are there.”
Newcastle are currently a point from safety and Benitez is sure he can guide Toon to survival.
Only three points separate 12th from second bottom – and the Spaniard says that makes it an open fight.
Newcastle have not won since October 21 against Crystal Palace and that could stretch to nine games at the weekend. After that, they
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have only one game at St James’ Park in the next 47 days – but they do face trips to Liverpool and Tottenham.
Benitez used to love taking on old rival Mourinho, but he does not have the team to spark any off-the-pitch needle.
And now he is looking to turn what have been some decent draws into wins to lift up the club.
He added: “If there were two or three teams much deeper down the pile, perhaps it could be better. At
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least it’s not down to just one team, which could be better than you, and it’s down to them or us to stay up.
“Instead, it depends on a lot of tough teams.
“That means we are going to have more chances to do well – but we have to keep working hard.”
Islam Slimani has come through training this week, following a thigh problem, and will make his debut on Sunday. LIVERPOOL’S hopes of keeping Emre Can are fading as Juventus grow in confidence that they will sign the Germany midfielder. The Italians sent a delegation to watch Can (below) against Spurs last Sunday and have made him a huge offer to join them when he becomes a free agent in June. The 24-year-old can already sign a pre-contract with foreign clubs, although Liverpool have not abandoned hope of keeping him at Anfield. But Juventus believe they will get their man this summer after sounding out Can’s representatives and will offer him mega money to play in Serie A.
SOL CAMPBELL AND CRAIG BELLAMY ARE THE FRONT-RUNNERS FOR THE VACANT MANAGER’S JOB AT LEAGUE ONE OXFORD
QPR HAVE PUT CONTRACT TALKS WITH VETERANS JAMES PERCH AND JAMIE MACKIE ON HOLD UNTIL THE END OF THE SEASON