They were once MLS (Major League Soccer) arch-rivals, battling it out in the Hudson River Derby. The current Leeds boss admits he used to ‘hate’ Crystal Palace chief when they came up against each other in America as the respective coaches of New York Red Bulls and New York City. But even so – Jesse Marsch admires and respects Patrick Vieira and shares nothing but fond words for the Frenchman ahead of their tonight’s Premier League clash.Marsch’s Leeds head into tonight’s match just four points clear of the relegation zone. But they have improved since the arrival of their American coach in February, winning three of their last four unbeaten games, and will move just one point behind Palace with a win.Origi loves a Merseyside Derby! Relegation seems imminent for EvertonAhead of their Selhurst Park reunion tonight, Marsch congratulated the former Arsenal captain on being inducted into the Premier League’s Hall of Fame.”I don’t know if you can be inducted as a manager as well, but I think he can be an incredible manager in this league for years.”I was really happy to see him in the Premier League because I think it’s where he belongs.” said Marsch.”When he came to MLS, we were all excited to have somebody of his stature in the league. Then, when he came to New York City, it meant I had to hate him! But he’s not an easy guy to hate because he’s a very good coach. We had some heated moments when we were in New York together but over time we grew to really respect each other.”Jorginho, take Pulisic out for dinner! Chelsea finally win at home to solidify at third placeAnother battle could be happening in front of the managers, in the midfield, where two massive English talents will lock horns – Palace’s Conor Gallagher and Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips. Marsch has confirmed he will start Phillips tonight for the first time since he injured his hamstring in December and the match-up against the young loanee from Chelsea could help England’s national team boss Gareth Southgate choose whom to take to the World Cup in Qatar. Vieira does not see it that way.”I don’t think the England manager will make his decision based on one game. He knows what he can get from Phillips. Conor is getting there, and has been really good for us this season.”These six games will be massively important and Conor has to keep that level of performance to have a chance of making the national team.”, Vieira said.From dead last in the table to the European football race: Newcastle beat all the oddsThe latest form of the two sides indicates that we are in for a treat. Leeds would like to continue with good performances while Palace wish to get back on the right track. Vieira’s side lost 2-0 in their FA Cup semi-final to Chelsea last weekend and also went down 1-0 to Newcastle United in midweek, while the Whites put three unanswered goals past Watford a couple of weeks ago.PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 34SaturdayArsenal – Man.Utd. 3-1 (2-1)/Tavares 3, Saka 32 pen, Xhaka 71 – Ronaldo 34/Leicester – Aston Villa 0-0Man.City – Watford 5-1 (3-1)/Jesus 4, 23, 49 pen, 53, Rodri 34 – Kamara 28/Norwich – Newcastle 0-3 (0-2)/Joelinton 35, 41, Guimaraes 49/Brentford – Tottenham 0-0SundayBrighton – Southampton 2-2 (2-1)/Welbeck 2, Salisu 44 og – Ward-Prowse 45+4, 54/Burnley – Wolverhampton 1-0 (0-0)/Vydra 62/Chelsea – West Ham 1-0 (0-0)/Pulisic 90/Liverpool – Everton 2-0 (0-0)/Robertson 62, Origi 85/Monday22:00: (2.10) Crystal Palace (3.50) Leeds (3.80)***odds are subject to change***
