All posts by z3u9t.icu

Aston Villa are back in action this afternoon with a Premier League clash against Wolves following the latest international break.

Despite only being one place above the Villans in the league table, Wolves are currently 10 points ahead of Steven Gerrard’s side.

Regardless of the significant points gap, the 41-year-old will undoubtedly want to see his side pick up all three points at Molineux after losing 1-0 to Arsenal in their previous league outing.

Also, with Wolves securing a dramatic 3-2 away win over their upcoming opponents back in October after being 2-0 down going into the final 10 minutes, the Villa players will certainly have revenge on their minds.

On the chalkboard

In terms of which players Gerrard could select in his starting XI to take on Bruno Lage’s side, one player who featured against Arsenal but we feel shouldn’t be in the team on this occasion is Ashley Young.

During the defeat against Mikel Arteta’s side, the Englishman “got rinsed” by Gunners winger Bukayo Saka according to Villa journalist Ashley Preece in his match report for Birmingham Live.

Also, the 36-year-old – who is currently picking up £88k-per-week according to Salary Sport – gave away the ball 18 times, committed two fouls and lost 50% of his duels on that afternoon, making him a bit of a liability for his side.

In comparison to fellow defender Ezri Konsa, the centre-back showed how capable he can be on and off the ball by completing 100% of his passes and winning 100% of his duels, highlighting just how shaky Young was last time out.

Labelled a “hypocrite” by Noel Whelan for his post-match comments on the exuberance of Arsenal’s celebrations after their Villa Park victory, Young shouldn’t get the opportunity to be a weak link for his side once again this afternoon.

With Lucas Digne presumably back in contention to be involved in today’s clash after playing for France earlier in the week, having missed the defeat against Arsenal through injury, it should be a straightforward decision for Gerrard to put the 28-year-old back in ahead of the English veteran.

In other news: Lange facing Villa calamity over “instrumental” £18m-rated star, Gerrard will be livid

Some big contract news has now emerged from Glasgow Rangers involving Alex Lowry.

The Lowdown: Lowry rejected Rangers’ opening offer

As per Football Insider, the 18-year-old knocked back an opening contract offer at Ibrox in February, and he is attracting interest from a number of clubs in England.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/rangers-news-3/” title=”Rangers news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Teddy Bears are desperate for him to stay, as they seem him as a player with ‘huge potential’.

The Latest: New offer for Lowry

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues have now offered Lowry an improved contract worth £5,000 per week.

A source from Rangers has revealed that the teenager and his family are now set to have a meeting with Giovanni van Bronckhorst and officials at the club ‘this week’ as they aim to tie him down to a new deal until the summer of 2025.

The Verdict: Get it done

However much money it takes to get Lowry to sign, the Gers simply need to just get the deal done.

The youngster is clearly a player with ‘huge potential’ at the club, having already played four times for the first team this season, even scoring on his debut in the 4-0 win at home to Stirling Albion in the Scottish Cup (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, it looks as if things are heading in the right direction given the talks with the manager, and hopefully the 18-year-old will end up putting pen to paper on a new deal.

In other news, these were Rangers’ three worst performers against St Mirren

If anyone ever doubted the commitment or desire of Rafa Benitez’s group of players, then it was definitely put to bed on Tuesday evening after Newcastle United recorded a famous win over Manchester City.

Having not beaten the Citizens in any of the previous 22 encounters between the two teams, not many would’ve given the Magpies their backing to change that record.

And when Sergio Aguero found the back of the net after only 26 seconds, St. James’ Park started to fear for the worst.

But, the manner in which Benitez got his team together, with the on-field performances of some of the club’s senior players, Newcastle United proved to the rest of the Premier League just exactly what they are able to achieve as a group.

Goals by Salomon Rondon and Matt Ritchie saw the North East club take a surprising lead against Pep Guardiola’s men who couldn’t afford to drop points in their title challenge with Liverpool.

And it is not often that an underpressure Guardiola loses in that manner to a club who are fighting to avoid relegation.

The victory, however, was a symbol of what Newcastle United believe they can achieve and with the right backing of their owner Mike Ashley, these are the type of results the fans are desperate to see on a more consistent basis.

It was also fitting that the win over City came on the day where it was all but confirmed that the club would break its transfer record for MLS star Miguel Almiron.

The win should also provide Benitez and his squad with the belief and discipline to see out the rest of the season and remain in the Premier League for next season.

Ashley, on the other hand, should see the victory over City as what can be achieved if he provides the manager with the players he need in order for Newcastle to grow as a club.

But in general, the victory showed to everyone the fighting spirit that is within the team and why this club should competing in the Premier League.

West Brom picked up another win in the Championship this afternoon with a convincing 3-0 victory over Peterborough United at The Hawthorns, having lost 1-0 to Queens Park Rangers in their previous league fixture.

Valerien Ismael’s side had to bide their time before finding the net through defender Cedric Kipre in the 78th minute. Further goals from Karlan Grant and Grady Diangana secured the three points for the Baggies as they aim to move up the table and win automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

One man who played a big part in the win despite only featuring for 16 minutes is Callum Robinson, who set up both of West Brom’s final two goals after replacing Matt Clarke in the 74th minute, showing what a good tactical move it was from Ismael to unleash him from the substitutes’ bench.

As well as providing the two assists, Robinson – who is currently earning £18k-per-week according to Salary Sport – also had two shots, completed seven passes and won both duels that he contested. This short but impactful performance ultimately earned the 26-year-old an impressive overall match rating of 8.3/10, making him the joint-highest rated West Brom player on the day alongside Kipre according to SofaScore.

Birmingham Live also picked up on the Irishman’s late efforts for the team by saying that he had an “important contribution” which ultimately led to the win.

Moving forward, it’ll be intriguing to see whether or not this late performance and the attacking impact that the 26-year-old had will convince Ismael to pick him in the starting XI for their next Championship game against Preston North End in midweek.

Given how Daryl Dike was forced off the pitch through injury after making his full debut for the club since joining from Orlando City earlier this month, this could lead to Robinson getting the chance to shine from the start in midweek. He certainly deserves it after stealing the show today with his hugely impressive 16-minute cameo against Posh.

In other news: Sky Sports pundit drops worrying WBA January claim, it would be a “huge blow” for Ismael

Tonight, Manchester United take on an inspired Liverpool side who have their eyes on an unprecedented quadruple.

The last time these two sides met saw the Merseyside outfit dismantle Manchester United, though that was under the tenure of Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

Nevertheless, it was complete domination from Jurgen Klopp’s side, with the Reds certainly looking to recreate the 5-0 drubbing that was seen in late October.

On the chalkboard

Since the interim appointment of Ralf Rangnick, very little has improved. The Old Trafford side still lack consistency, whilst their tactical identity is also hit and miss.

There are many ways in which Ralf can approach this game, with United looking to derail Liverpool’s Premier League title ambitions and boost their own hopes of securing a Champions League place, come next season.

United are expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation against Liverpool, natively giving them more numbers in midfield.

This could be a viable option, but in order to reduce the threat of Liverpool, Manchester United should look to restrict their freedom within the central areas of the pitch.

They will naturally lose the possession battle against the Anfield side, so will look to create their chances through counterattacks.

Therefore, central pressure from United could create a problem for Klopp, though United will require two strikers who can apply constant pressure on Van Dijk and co, with the Dutchman’s long-balls proving to be a real danger.

Therefore, a slight system tweak could see United contest Liverpool tonight.

A 4-1-3-2 system, could frustrate Klopp’s side and would also see Marcus Rashford recalled to the starting XI for what would be his 11th start this campaign.

The 24-year-old, who has been described as “elite” as per OptaJoe, has struggled for minutes this season and at current, is also having his worst season in a United shirt.

The Englishman has contributed just four goals and two assists in the Premier League this term, though a chance as a central striker, in a likely partnership with Bruno Fernandes, due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, could be enough inspiration to break his 13-game goal duck.

The deployment of the energetic £180k-per-week talent would also improve Fernandes’ game, with Rashford’s blistering pace an unwelcome distraction for the Liverpool backline.

Ralf should unleash Rashford for tonight’s big clash in a partnership that could terrify the Reds.

In other news: Manchester United plotting move for £5.9m-rated “rising star”, he’s better than Fred – opinion

Aston Villa have considered a move for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, according to The Athletic.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the rumour on social media.

Steven Gerrard and Johan Lange have been extremely busy his month, bringing in three senior additions and one for the academy, with their attention now on securing a centre-back and a defensive midfielder.

However, according to Gregg Evans, Villa have also discussed attacking options. Nketiah has been considered as he is now into the final six months of his Gunners deal, whereas other forwards across Europe are also on the radar.

The 22-year-old is yet to start a Premier League fixture this season and has scored just five times in 41 appearances in the top flight.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful relayed Evans’ claim regarding Nketiah on Twitter. These Villa supporters weren’t exactly thrilled at the links, with one describing the Englishman as ‘terrible’.

“I’d rather play a bin bag up front”

Credit: @VTID123

“Awful move if true he’s not even championship level he’s awful”

Credit: @Jamie_UTV

“No thanks, he’s terrible”

Credit: @lew_clamp

“No no & no again”

Credit: @TylerHinsley1

“Now that would be pointless”

Credit: @Nathhhavfc

“Would rather Barry and Archer on the bench thanks”

Credit: @ReeceTay_29

In other news: ‘Give them what they want’ – Many Villa fans flock to transfer update on potential ‘superstar’. 

Leeds United are surely in line for a summer of change as manager Jesse Marsch looks to stamp down his mark at Elland Road following four largely joyous years under Marcelo Bielsa.

The Yorkshire giants moved five points clear of the relegation zone with a hard-fought point down at Crystal Palace on Monday night, keeping safety in the Premier League firmly in their own grasp.

Despite it being so early in his tenure, the American head coach hasn’t been afraid to trust youth at times, as evident this week as he turned to Sam Greenwood once again – the 20-year-old academy gem came on after just an hour with the Whites in need of an attacking spark.

Perhaps Marsch could find another interesting solution from the U23s set up in the form of Sean McGurk, 19.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

Heading into the off-season, Leeds have been linked with renewed interest in RB Salzburg dynamo Brenden Aaronson, who was seemingly a target prior to the 48-year-old’s arrival in the dugout but given he has managed the USMNT international before, those rumours will only increase further.

But he could well already have a player capable of filling such a role in the Liverpool-born teenager.

Primarily a left-winger, McGurk is more than adept at playing on the right and through the middle as a no.10, just like Aaronson under Marsch – 17 of his 25 appearances came on the left, with the other eight being spread across the middle and right, as per Transfermarkt.

Whilst the Leeds gem is yet to taste action in the first-team squad, he has been a regular for the U23s in the Premier League 2 this campaign, where he has delivered three direct goal contributions from 17 appearances.

McGurk’s ability to press from the front with relentless energy will surely catch Marsch’s eye sooner or later and that’s exactly what you’d expect from his former Salzburg star, who ranks amongst the top 1% of his positional peers for pressures (27.23 per 90).

His performances at youth level for Wigan Athletic is what caught Leeds’ interest, whilst his U18s coach Peter Murphy has waxed lyrical about his potential, too. He told the club’s official website:

“Sean was brilliant, he’s been amazing. He had a slow start to his scholarship with an injury in the summer, but since he’s been fit, he’s got himself into the team and stayed there. He’s so effective in games, he sets things up, he scores goals and he’ll always do that because of his ability.”

Meanwhile, McGurk’s efforts in west Yorkshire haven’t gone completely unnoticed either – The Athletic’s Phil Hay deemed him “a cracking wee player”, whilst the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Lee Sobot dubbed the teen “a bag of tricks.”

On the above evidence, Marsch could well already have an Aaronson-like starlet within his ranks. The former Latics sensation ought to get a look in heading into next season.

AND in other news, Forget Meslier: Leeds titan who won 81% duels was Marsch’s one shining light at Palace…

Tottenham Hotspur have received a frustrating setback ahead of the north London derby…

What’s the latest?

According to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, Spurs will be without central defender Cristian Romero for their Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday evening, despite the Argentina international making good progress on his return from injury.

“He’s obviously going to miss the derby, which is a real blow. I thought he might be back for that,” he revealed to GIVEMESPORT.

A little over two weeks ago, Romero was spotted back in first-team training, which was well ahead of his scheduled return in February, at the very earliest.

Meanwhile, in midweek, manager Antonio Conte revealed to the club’s official website that the 23-year-old was ” very close to coming back.”

Huge blow

The Atalanta loanee has proven to be an important member of the starting lineup, providing the backline with a ruthless edge alongside the more error-prone Eric Dier and full-back Ben Davies, who has looked decent out of position.

That much has been reinforced by Conte recently.

“We are talking about another important player for us. We lost him for almost two months, and I think we faced this situation in best possible way because Cristian, for sure, is an important player for us,” he added before their Carabao Cup semi-final with Chelsea.

The £31.5m-rated colossus has featured only 13 times for Spurs since arriving in the summer, largely due to persistent injuries but whenever he’s played, he has excelled.

Indeed, his average WhoScored rating exceeds that of the two aforementioned Lilywhites defenders, whilst no other centre-back averages more tackles per game (2.4) and he also leads the squad for interceptions per game (1.7).

Arsenal have been in better form this season and are actually ahead of Spurs in the race for a top-four finish, so to not have Romero available, as Bridge thought he might well be, will certainly come as a huge blow to Conte and the fanbase.

You’d imagine that the Spurs faithful may be getting a little annoyed by these continuous setbacks, too.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops worrying behind the scenes Antonio Conte claim…

An exciting summer transfer claim has emerged on Leeds United, regarding Nottingham Forest gem Brennan Johnson…

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has confirmed that the Whites have been scouting the young forward in the Championship this season.

The Nottingham Forest attacker is a player of interest for the Yorkshire outfit and the reporter has suggested that he could be brought in to cope with the potential loss of a current first-team star…

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I know Leeds scouts have been watching Johnson for a while, so I’m sure they might be thinking he could be a good addition to the team, especially if they lost someone like Raphinha.”

Jesse Marsch would love him

This claim will surely leave the Whites head coach buzzing as Johnson would be a terrific signing for the club in the short and long term.

In the short term, the Welsh international has shown that he has the quality to potentially stamp his mark on the Premier League next season.

He has produced an impressive 14 goals and eight assists for Forest in the Championship this term, averaging an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.11 throughout the campaign as he has been able to consistently make an impact on the pitch.

Johnson has also created 11 big chances and made 1.2 key passes per match, whilst he has only missed three big chances all season on his way to his 14 strikes. These statistics suggest that he is ready to make the step up to the top flight as he has been delivering outstanding displays in the second tier, which is why he can be a superb addition to Marsch’s squad ahead of 2022/23.

In the long term, he has the potential to explode in the future. At the age of 20, he has the majority of his career ahead of him to develop into a quality player at Premier League level. He has shown incredible maturity to make himself a key player for Forest in the Championship at such a young age and this suggests that his scope for development is massive.

Therefore, Leeds would be bringing in a player who is an investment, whilst also an immediate boost to the squad, as he has the room to increase his value over time by improving on the pitch. Victor Orta could then make a huge profit on him in the future and Marsch will surely love coaching him on the training pitch to help the youngster fulfil his potential.

AND in other news, Marsch must ruthlessly axe “awful” Leeds star adored by Bielsa, he’s not good enough…

Barcelona are working on a deal to bring Wolves winger Adama Traore back to Camp Nou, according to a fresh transfer rumour which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Traore linked with exit

The 25-year-old has been continually linked with a move away from Molineux in recent weeks, with a January exit mooted.

Traore has blown hot and cold so far this season, producing some typically exciting cameos but ultimately failing to either score or set up a goal in the Premier League.

A new update has now emerged regarding the Spaniard’s future with Wanderers.

The Latest: Barca eye up return

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], Barcelona want to take Traore back to the club where he started out his career, especially if Ousmane Dembele moves on.

A summer transfer is rumoured rather than a move this month, which may encourage other clubs linked with signing the speedy wide man in the coming weeks.

However, the report noted that Barcelona have a good relationship with Wolves, as well as Traore’s agent Jorge Mendes, which could help to smooth the path towards a Camp Nou return. Also, the player would welcome a return to his former club and maintains a friendship with several current Barca stars.

The Verdict: Time for a fresh challenge

Traore is a hugely entertaining player to watch but he can also be frustrating, and there is a feeling that the time has come for him to enjoy a fresh challenge.

His lack of end product outweighs the positives surrounding his game and Bruno Lage could use the funds to sign someone more prolific in that area of their game.

There will always be a risk element to selling Traore, considering the potential he has, but he has shown over 151 appearances that he is far too hit-and-miss.

In other news, Tim Spiers has made a key claim regarding a Wolves player. Find out who it is here.