All posts by h716a5.icu

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As reported by ESPN, Manchester City are closing in on a deal to sign Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez, who Pep Guardiola sees as a long-term replacement for the ageing Fernandinho at the Etihad Stadium.

What’s the word, then?

Well, it’s no secret that Guardiola has been keen to find a replacement for the 33-year-old Brazilian international. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has seen pursuits for Jorginho, Fred and Frenkie de Jong collapse after they ended up at Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona respectively.

Fernandinho’s huge importance to the City side was evident when he missed part of the festive period with an injury, a time which saw the Citizens lose to both Crystal Palace and Leicester City in the space of four days.

Who has been Man City’s best player this season? Pl>ymaker FC’s Ant Cooper has his say in the video below…

He is the only player of his kind at the club, in truth, and Guardiola appears desperate to find the heir to his throne.

Saul Niguez may not be the answer

Whilst the Spanish international is undoubtedly an excellent player, he may not be what Guardiola is looking for in his hunt for Fernandinho’s replacement.

In fairness to the 24-year-old, he does average around 2.6 tackles per game, whereas Fernandinho manages just 2.1 in comparison.

Their interceptions stats aren’t too dissimilar – Saul manages 1.2, whilst Fernandinho makes 1.5 – although there are other circumstances that place question marks around the Atletico Madrid man’s suitability for the role.

Fernandinho is renowned for his ability to win the ball and play it simply to the more forward-thinking players in the City team whilst rarely losing possession, whereas Saul appears to be more of a risk taker judging by his passing and dribbling statistics – he averages 1 dribble per game, and has a passing success rate over 10% lower than Fernandinho’s.

You may argue that if anyone can coach the necessary traits into Saul, Guardiola can. However, reports of a bust-up with boss Diego Simeone at Atletico suggest that Saul is a fairly rebellious character not receptive to much constructive feedback – all the early signs suggest that the Spaniard isn’t the answer.

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Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell started and kept a clean sheet for Northern Ireland in their 2-0 win against Estonia at Windsor Park on Thursday night, and while most Whites fans were impressed with and happy for the 22-year-old, some still clearly remain unconvinced.

It took January addition Kiko Casilla just one Championship match to displace Marcelo Bielsa’s previous first-choice-stopper earlier in 2019, and he hasn’t played a minute of first-team football since.

However, the red card picked up by the Spaniard last weekend means that he should get the chance to stake his claim for a regular spot in the starting XI again against Millwall next time out, and playing for his country during the international break should ensure he is ready for action.

While most feel that the latest shut-out should give Peacock-Farrell a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the clash with the Lions, others were impressed with the quality of the saves he made in the Euro 2020 qualifying victory.

Not everyone was happy with the 6 ft 4 keeper though, with one describing how “he flapped at 3 or 4 crosses”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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Leeds United centre-back Pontus Jansson was ruled out for up to three weeks only last week following a knee issue he suffered against Sheffield United.

But now trusted journalist Phil Hay has uttered six words Whites fans should love in a Yorkshire Evening Post article ahead of the visit of Millwall on Saturday –  “Jansson could unexpectedly retain his place.”

What’s the word, then?

Well, it seemed certain that the Yorkshire outfit would be without the Sweden international for the clash against the Lions following the problem he suffered against the Blades.

However, according to Hay in the Yorkshire Evening Post the 28-year-old has made great progress and is now battling to make the starting XI on Saturday, which would be a huge boost for the Whites as they look to return to the automatic promotion spots in the Championship.

He and captain Liam Cooper have forged a strong partnership at the heart of Leeds’ defence this term, and while Gaetano Berardi or Kalvin Phillips could fill they would be in a much better place if their Scandinavian talisman was on the pitch instead.

Leeds fans in dreamland?

They should be, yes.

The Elland Road faithful would have been gutted when they heard that the fans’ favourite could miss the next league game, and the possibility of having a player that clearly loves the club on the pitch in what is sure to be a battle against Neil Harris’ men is the best possible news.

With eight games to go it is all to play for between Norwich City, Sheffield United and Marcelo Bielsa’s side in the race for the Premier League, and with Jansson on the pitch they have a better chance to go up the easy way.

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Crystal Palace will be the first opposition team to play in Tottenham Hotspur’s amazing stadium on Wednesday night, with Andre Marriner due to referee the game at Spurs’ brand new home.

Good luck charm

While the trip across the capital certainly looks to be a daunting one given the occasion, the fact that Mauricio Pochettino’s men have only taken one point from the previous 15 available in the Premier League suggests that they may well be there for the taking right now.

The Eagles are hugely effective on the counter-attack on the road because of the pace and power they possess throughout their side, and they are likely to look to attempt to put that to great use again on Wednesday.

In Marriner they certainly have something of a good luck charm, seeing as they haven’t lost any of the three matches he has officiated in for them in so far this term, including a brilliant 3-2 away win at Manchester City where he also awarded Roy Hodgson’s men a penalty.

He could be their downfall this time

In many ways the 48-year-old looks to be the perfect appointment for this big clash, as he is shown that he is one of the referees willing to let certain things slide in order to keep the football flowing – no one has a lower fouls per tackle rating in Premier League matches this term than him.

It isn’t all positive though, as he has handed out an average of 2.33 yellow cards to Palace players over the course of the three fixtures, while only giving out one to their opponents.

On the counter-attack, the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend may well be looking to win fouls in decent areas for their team, and if Marriner isn’t being too strict this could easily fail to happen.

It’s something that has already occurred with the Eagles during the current campaign in fact, when Zaha lashed out and received a red card in January having been targeted by Southampton players throughout.

Has this guy found the worst stadium in English football? Decide for yourself by watching the video below…

Marriner’s laid-back nature could actually prove to be Palace’s Achilles heel on Wednesday.

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According to Football Insider, Leeds United are lining up a £7m summer bid for Reading midfielder John Swift whichever division they find themselves in next season, but where would he fit in at Elland Road?

On the chalkboard

Well, it would certainly be no surprise if Marcelo Bielsa was looking for another option in the middle of the park given some of the issues he has had to deal with at times this season.

Injuries and suspensions have often led to the Yorkshire outfit being short in these key areas, with Tyler Roberts a prime example of this in recent weeks with the striker performing in more of a No.10 role.

Leeds signed Lewis Baker from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal last summer but the move failed to work out and he returned to Stamford Bridge early, with the 23-year-old failing to prove that he was the right fit in a Bielsa side.

Swift is different

In a team struggling at the bottom of the Championship, the 23-year-old has been a real shining light for the Royals.

As well as providing five goals and three assists in 34 appearances in the league this term, he has that turn of pace, skill and eye for a forward pass in the middle of the park that the likes of Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich sometimes lack.

The fact that he has completed 1.6 key passes and 1.4 dribbles on average every game this season compared to 1.3 and 0.7 for Klich certainly backs that up.

The Poland international has flittered between the No.8 and No.10 roles for the Whites throughout the current campaign, but he has shown for his country that he is able to play a deeper one effectively given his high work rate.

Swift, who can also play both effectively, would be able to take up the No.10 position and with Kalvin Phillips making the defensive midfield role his own, it would leave Forshaw out of the starting XI consistently.

Has it been a good season or not? Fans are quite torn yet remain happy that Crystal Palace will still be a Premier League come next season. Yes, it’s nice to be safe, but where’s the fun? Surely soon, you’re going want to enjoy life in the top tier rather than endure it. 

This season hasn’t really lived up to expectation but with a strong ending, the Eagles could set themselves up nicely for a productive summer ahead.

For all the attacking quality Crystal Palace have throughout their team, it has been disappointing that they couldn’t break into the top ten, although there is always next season to improve.

Roy Hodgson will hope to be entrusted with a substantial budget that could help him improve a number of positions on the pitch. Obviously, he’s got a fair amount to prove in terms of getting Palace to the next level, so it’d be interesting to see what he can do with another summer of investment.

Starting with the back-line and, because of numerous injuries troubling Palace throughout the campaign, it would be a sensible move to eye the capture of Chelsea’s club captain Gary Cahill, as he is available on a free this summer.

Cahill, (who is valued at £9 million on Transfermarkt) has played just 21 minutes of Premier League football this season, an insult for someone of his quality and experience. It’d be a coup and someone to improve on the likes of James Tomkins, giving Mamadou Sakho a truly top class central defensive partner.

Thankfully for him, his contract is up at the end of the season, meaning he is free to explore other options like Crystal Palace that would surely suit him a lot better. Cahill’s level might have dipped as Old Father Time catches up with him but few would doubt his quality and his trophy-winning expertise could have a transformative effect on a Palace team looking to grow.

The Eagles were one of many sides to have taken up an interest in the Englishman (as per the Sun) during the January transfer window, although no deal ever materialised.

Since Cahill has been stuck on the sideline, he will be desperate to once again be playing regularly, like he could with Crystal Palace should he impress.

As not only a solid player on the pitch, Gary Cahill would bring great leadership qualities to Selhurst Park that could make him well-liked among fans and players alike.

Palace fans, do you agree? Would you like Cahill? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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It’s no secret that right-wing is a problem position for Manchester United and the club’s acute awareness of their own shortcomings looks certain to dictate their transfer strategy in the summer window.

What’s the word?

United have an abundance of left-sided attacking players on their ranks but a distinct shortage on the opposite flank.

A lack of quality options on the right-wing has stimulated plenty of speculation linking the club with a move for Jadon Sancho.

According to a report published by The Independent at the start of the month, United have made the England international their number one transfer target ahead of the upcoming window, with a fee of £100 million plus add-ons required to lure him away from Borussia Dortmund.

That obscene transfer fee doesn’t appear to be stifling any interest from Old Trafford despite the fact Nicolas Pepe could represent a more affordable option.

According to CIES Football Observatory, the electric winger, who has scored 20-goals in all-competitions so far this season, is valued at €52 million (£44.9 million).

At less than half the price it would take to sign Sancho it seems foolish for Ed Woodward and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to prioritise the signing of Dortmund’s crown jewel, but Ian McGarry has revealed why Pepe isn’t an ideal option.

While speaking on The Transfer Window podcast (26:27), the former journalist, who now works as a football operations and communications consultant, had some very interesting things to say about United’s interest in Pepe and Sancho.

“Pepe is not the kind of player who is under the radar in any way, he’s been starring for Lille for a while and just this season he has been watched for the club in person by Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton.”

And McGarry later went on to add (27:10): “I think Manchester United are shooting themselves in the foot a little bit by focusing on a very overpriced bid for Jadon Sancho, seemingly on the back of his form for England as well obviously as Dortmund.

“But the fact he’s English makes him A more expensive and B apparently much more attractive.

“There is an issue with Pepe being Ivorian and playing for the Ivory Coast because of the EU regulations for the Premier League restricting the amount of non-EU players you can have in your 25-man squad.

“But with regard to Manchester United I’d have thought getting rid of one non-EU player wouldn’t have been difficult, i.e. Alexis Sanchez immediately comes to mind. So I think United will probably lose out on this one.”

Alexis Sanchez ties United’s hands

Pepe is almost guaranteed to be a man in high demand this summer. That McGarry has revealed as many as four Premier League clubs have watched him in action this season is telling about how highly he is rated on the continent.

But it seems that United will have to park their interest due to his nationality, which is a massive, massive shame.

Premier League rules naturally dictate but it’s difficult to escape the feeling that United have backed themselves into a corner with Sanchez.

His presence at the club is already financially draining enough considering the size of his £350,000 per week contract, and it now seems the Red Devils could be forced to splurge £100 million on Sancho instead of targeting a more cost-effective deal for Pepe.

It seems the financial implications of Snachez’s disastrous spell at Man United continue to manifest themselves within their transfer strategy.

[ad_pod ]Leeds United face Wigan Athletic on Good Friday in a potentially season-defining game at Elland Road.Despite the gulf in league positions between the two teams, the Latics could still cause the Whites a few problems as shown in their 1-1 draw with league leaders Norwich last weekend.There will be one man on the pitch on Friday with extra incentive to throw the brakes on Leeds’ promotion push.

Clarke the danger

Leon Clarke may not have had many opportunities at Bramall Lane this season but he may yet end up the hero for the Blades if he can find the back of the net against Leeds.

Clarke joined Wigan on loan from Sheffield United in January and he would love nothing more than to score the goal which swings the promotion race in his parent club’s favour.

The striker certainly knows where the net is, bagging 19 goals in the league last season, and although the goals have dried up this year the 34-year-old is still a real danger and in this game – especially as he has a point to prove.

The Englishman will want to send a message to Chris Wilder that he should still be in his plans next season and putting in a performance against the Blades’ nearest competition would go a long way towards helping his cause.

Jansson to do the dirty work

The main part of Clarke’s game is his physical presence as shown by his performances against Hull and Fulham last season.

The six-foot-two striker was often able to get the better of Hull and Fulham’s centre-halves, allowing himself to net seven goals in the two games against the Tigers and the Whites. Tim Ream and Fikayo Tomori both had torrid times against the attacker as he used his body as a battering ram to constantly get into dangerous positions against the weaker defenders.

With Liam Cooper a doubt for the next match Gaetano Berardi is likely to step up. But if Clarke is allowed to target Berardi it could be a long afternoon for Marcelo Bielsa’s side as he doesn’t possess the strength needed to keep tabs on the target man.

Therefore, Leeds need to use the stronger and larger presence of Pontus Jansson and ask him to man-mark Clarke for 90 minutes to stop him from getting into goal scoring positions. The Swede has the physicality and tenaciousness to stop the Wigan forward and keep him out on Friday, but if he is allowed to target Berardi then Leeds could find themselves a goal down very quickly.

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Tottenham take on West Ham this weekend in a game which could have major implications for the hosts in terms of their top four ambitions.

Mauricio Pochettino comes into this game with one eye on Ajax in midweek, so his full focus may not be on the Hammers. With this in mind, the fact they take on a side with nothing to play for should be beneficial for the Lilywhites.

Spurs currently sit in third place and can take a major step to securing Champions League football this weekend. They’re three points above Chelsea in fourth and four above north London rivals Arsenal.

West Ham, on the other hand, sit in 11th place and come into this clash having failed to win any of their last four.

What history tells us

Tottenham are unbeaten in their last three matches against the Hammers so recent omens bode well for Pochettino and his side. West Ham have only beaten them twice in their last nine meetings.

The reverse fixture between the two this term saw Spurs win 1-0 back in October, with Erik Lamela’s header being the difference at the London Stadium.

West Ham’s last win over their London rivals came towards the back end of the 2016/17 season when Manuel Lanzini popped up to earn the Hammers all three points in another 1-0 between the two teams.

The Irons haven’t beaten Spurs at home since 2013. Two of the scorers on that day were Ricardo Vaz Te and Ravel Morrison who found the back of the net in a 3-0 victory. Winston Reid had earlier opened the scoring.

Key battle

Both players have been standouts for their respective clubs this season and Heung-Min Son can find himself pretty unfortunate not to have been named in the PFA Team of the Year.

The South Korean has had a stellar season in front of goal and has matched Harry Kane in terms of performance for much of the campaign.

Felipe Anderson has also been superb for West Ham. The Hammers were lacking in creativity when Dimitri Payet left but he’s been able to banish any memories supporters still had of the Frenchman.

The summer signing from Lazio has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water.

Ref in focus – Anthony Taylor

Anthony Taylor has cemented himself as one of the better referees in the Premier League but West Ham fans will have every reason to be fearful with the official witnessing just 17% of visiting teams win when he’s been in charge.

Taylor’s stats suggest there could be a number of stoppages as the referee sits quite high up in terms of the number of fouls per game and fouls per tackle he awards when compared to the Premier League’s other referees.

However, he hasn’t shown anyone a red card since December when he took charge of a Champions League fixture between Victoria Plzen and Roma.

Team news

Both teams come into this one with injury issues. The main one for Spurs is, of course, Kane. There will also be a significant gap left in midfield with Moussa Sissoko missing while Serge Aurier has been ruled out as well.

With Spurs’ Champions League game in mind, Kyle Walker-Peters could start at right-back whilst Eric Dier could feature in midfield amid doubts over the fitness of Harry Winks.

This type of fixture could be tailor-made for Fernando Llorente though, and he may take his place alongside Son in attack – leaving Lucas Moura rested for the Ajax clash.

West Ham will be sweating over the fitness of four players with Manuel Lanzini, Aaron Cresswell, Samir Nasri and Javier Hernandez all doubts.

There will be a significant void left in the Hammers team and as a result, they could be left relying on Michail Antonio again who shone against Leicester last weekend.

With Cresswell a doubt, Masuaku is set to continue at left-back, but we’re anticipating Ryan Fredericks will be brought in to try and combat Son’s sheer pace, while Issa Diop could be given the nod over Angelo Ogbonna to reinstate what has been West Ham’s only convincing centre-back partnership this season.

The visitors have struggled to find goals from their front men this term but the enigmatic Marko Arnautovic will likely keep his place. He usually turns up for the big games.

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Marko Arnautovic provided a strong reminder of his game-changing quality on Saturday afternoon as he scored a brace in West Ham’s 3-0 win over Southampton, a performance which induced praise of the highest order from BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks.

What’s the word?

The enigmatic Austrian has had a tempestuous season defined by controversy and fallout away from the field, but he put feelings of frustration and resentment behind him on the weekend.

He fired home in the first-half with a neatly placed opener and doubled the Hammers’ advantage in the second-half by heading into a gaping goal.

It was a timely reminder of his quality with the transfer window set to reopen for business in the imminent future, and Crooks was eager to laud the 30-year-old in his team of the week column as a result, per BBC.

‘We’ve seen Marko Arnautovic in this mood before. The Austria international was electric against Southampton.

‘The problem with Arnautovic is his power surges are too infrequent. He’s moody, temperamental and demanding.

‘But West Ham fans love those characteristics in a player. Paolo di Canio and Carlos Tevez had special abilities but were high maintenance – and so too is Arnautovic.’

Another mercurial attacker

The method is in the madness, so the theory goes. That is an idiom not wasted on either Di Canio or Tevez, and it seems that Arnuatovic is the next mercurial attacker to pass through, delight, infuriate and entertain at West Ham.

Tevez will forever remain a legend of the club for the role he played in keeping the Irons afloat in 2007, while Di Canio’s ethereal ability to produce goals of a spectacular nature and dance past defenders with embarrassing ease always had supporters firmly on the edge of their seats.

Arnautovic is perhaps a tad more on the functional side than Di Canio and a little less deadly than Tevez but it’s easy to understand why Crooks has placed him in a bracket alongside these two greats.

The former Stoke City attacker is an exceptional player on his day and can shift the pattern of a single fixture in the blinking of an eye.

His mercurial tendencies add an element of unpredictability to his game that can leave supporters exasperated; equally, though, he wouldn’t be as effective without that level of fire in his belly.

Regardless of whether he stays or goes this summer, Arnautovic will leave a mark on the club where he finally realised the full extent of his potential.