All posts by z3u9t.icu

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

After falling to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to a struggling Newcastle a couple of weeks ago, Manchester United are back in Premier League action after the international break to take on arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

The Red Devils currently find themselves a staggering 15 points behind Jurgen Klopp’s side already, and a loss to the them at Old Trafford at the weekend would pull them further into the mire. An injury crisis that has overwhelmed their campaign has only served to dampen the mood surrounding the club, and whilst there were initial hopes of players potentially making their comebacks for the huge clash, that does not appear to be the case.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

Paul Pogba has been officially ruled out for the game, whilst United suffered a major blow when David de Gea picked up a muscle problem whilst playing for Spain. It all means Solskjaer will have to take one or two gambles in his team selection, as he looks to get back to winning ways.

So with De Gea ruled out – although Solskjaer confirmed his injury is not as bad as it was first feared – Sergio Romero will have to step up from the side-lines to face Liverpool’s much-vaunted forward-line. Ahead of him, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are likely to resume their centre-back partnership, but it is in the full-back areas that the Red Devils boss could be tempted to change.

Solskjaer intimated Aaron Wan-Bissaka may be able to play a part against the Reds, and if that is the case, he simply has to start from the off. The 21-year-old’s 31 tackles this season puts him in fourth amongst all Premier League players – that despite him missing the last two games.

Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

On the other flank, Brandon Williams may be another risk worth taking. The academy product is much quicker than the 34-year-old Ashley Young, and as a right-footed left-back, may be better able to cope with Mohamed Salah’s tendency to come inside – if he does play, it would be his debut in the top-flight.

In midfield, Pogba’s absence will likely see Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic hold down the two deeper-lying midfield positions. Further forward, Daniel James and Juan Mata are likely to keep their places in their respective roles, but the apparent return to fitness of Anthony Martial is a major boost to Solskjaer.

The France international could play up front to give the Red Devils some much-needed firepower, and that in turn would allow Marcus Rashford to return to the left-flank where he scored a wonderful goal for England against Bulgaria on international duty.

In any other circumstance, Solskjaer may be reluctant to take gambles on players with fitness issues or a lack of experience. But their dire start, and the desperate need for a win makes this the perfect time for him to take a risk with his team selection.

Birmingham were defeated at the DW Stadium on Tuesday night as goalkeeper Lee Camp gifted Wigan Athletic the win.

The 35-year-old allowed a long-range strike from Anthony Pilkington to slip underneath him and into the net, with that usually being a routine save.

Watch Birmingham City Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Aside from that one shocking moment of incompetence, the game seemed destined for a draw as neither side could conjure up anything of note as only three of the 20 shots involved were on target, per WhoScored.

One of which was the goal and it is the shot-stopper’s performance that has left several of the Blues faithful fuming with many feeling like he’s the sole reason behind the defeat.

One supporter said the veteran had cost them at least ten points since last Christmas, also labelling him a ‘clown’ for his error.

Camp has featured for Birmingham in 54 matches, conceding 68 goals – this one probably being the worst – while he’s only been able to keep 15 clean sheets.

Another fan was bemused by the fact that their number one had been a goalkeeper for 20 years while a further member of the St Andrew’s support wants Camp removed from the starting line up this weekend.

Here’s the best of the reaction:

In our latest instalment of the Flashback series, we take a look back at a certain moment and look at how things might have changed those initial reactions.

The summer of 2006 saw Everton hit the transfer market looking to build a side capable of challenging further up the Premier League table, after winning just half of their fixtures on route to an 11th-placed finish.

In came Joleon Lescott from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Andy Johnson from Crystal Palace and an FA Cup and EFL Cup-winning goalkeeper by the name of Tim Howard from Manchester United on loan, after Sir Alex Ferguson put his faith in a 35-year-old Edwin van der Sar.

In his debut season at Goodison Park, Howard rediscovered the form that departed him at Old Trafford to keep 14 clean sheets in 29 Premier League games (TransferMarkt), and convinced Everton to turn his temporary stint into a permanent arrangement (BBC) that February.

Howard would go on to keep a further 120 shut outs in 425 games across all competitions and help Everton to an FA Cup Final in 2009, before leaving for his homeland and joining MLS franchise Colorado Rapids in 2016 on a free transfer as a long-term hero at Goodison Park.

He has now called time on his career at the age of 40, having enjoyed a career which featured 121 outings for his country and appearances at two World Cups, having served as the back-up in his first of three (TransferMarkt), before retiring from international duty in 2017.

“Regrets I have a few, but then again, too few to mention. Thank you,” wrote Howard as he announced his retirement on Twitter on Monday, October 7.

Howard is now lauded as the best American goalkeeper in history (LA Times), after leaving a legacy behind him rather than a career, having made more Premier League appearances for Everton than any other player, enjoyed a 16-year international career, made three MLS all-star teams and twice be named as the US Soccer Athlete of the Year.

He also set a World Cup record in 2014 when he denied Belgium from scoring on 15 occasions, and retires with a career well lived.

That cannot necessarily be said for Everton’s current number one, as Jordan Pickford continues to leave much to be admired since first arriving on Merseyside from Sunderland in 2017 for an initial £25millon rising to £30m (BBC).

England’s first-choice ‘keeper put blunders at Newcastle United behind him last season to be a key part of the Toffees side which beat Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United at Goodison Park, but the errors did not leave him, rather laid dormant under the surface waiting for their chance to reappear.

At home to Manchester City last month, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville (via talkSPORT) was left irate by Pickford when he appeared to laugh as Everton were beaten 3-1 by the Premier League champions, in what was the Toffees’ third consecutive defeat in the top-flight.

Pickford almost gifted Pep Guardiola’s Citizens a fourth when he came rushing off his line late on, as well, and continued to be a cause for concern at Burnley last time out when Everton were again beaten by their own defensive fragility.

His rivals do not fear his talents, either, as Clarets ace Nick Pope is now hopeful he can dislodge Pickford from Gareth Southgate’s plans with the Three Lions (Lancashire Telegraph) after regaining his place in the squad after injury.

If Pickford wishes to maintain his place ahead of Pope and Aston Villa’s Tom Heaton, Stoke City’s Jack Butland and the next emerging crop of young English shot-stoppers, he would do well to look to his predecessor at Goodison Park for inspiration.

While Pickford lacks the authority to command the area, Howard did not. Roberto Martinez hailed the New Jersey native for his ability to take command of the box and lead from the back (Liverpool Echo) during his time at the helm, and looked at his experience as a valuable asset when it was thought Joel Robles would be the Spaniard’s number one (Fox Sports).

“It’s not just about his performances,” Martinez said. “As a goalkeeper, you have a big say about what happens in your own goal and to keep the amount of clean sheets that we have this season – which is already two more than last season when we had very good numbers defensively – is impressive.

“Then you see his human values and the way he effects youngsters; he is the perfect role model for our football club.”

Pickford has the expectations to deliver, and a glance to the past can see that he achieves that and, maybe, enjoy a career as well lived as the man who stood before him.

Everton fans, can Pickford take command like Howard managed? Let us know in the comments below…

[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

West Brom are sitting pretty rosy in the Championship while the league takes the first international break of the season.

Slaven Bilic has guided his side to an unbeaten start which sees them sit in fourth position.

The Croatian has been able to fully implement his playing style thanks to his summer additions.

None of his key midfield options in the centre of the park have a pass success rate of below 85% – that’s including Filip Krovinovic and Romaine Sawyers who are new arrivals.

He has also since added to his squad following a deadline day flurry of arrivals. Ali Al-Habsi has signed for the club on a free transfer, and he may well not be the only one.

The Sun have reported that Danny Simpson is training with the U23 squad as he is still yet to join a club following his release from the King Power stadium.

But where would the 32-year-old fit into the Croatian’s side?

On the Chalkboard

There are clearly some benefits to signing a player that has a Premier League title and over 200 appearances in the top-flight to his name, but whether they outweigh the negatives is of personal speculation.

The Baggies already have two promising options at right-back in Darnell Furlong, a £1.5m summer arrival from Queens Park Rangers and Nathan Ferguson, who was promoted to the senior side upon Bilic’s appointment this summer.

Both have held their own amongst what appears to be a competitive battle for the starting position.

The pair are averaging over 1.7 clearances per game, and a dribble each while the younger Ferguson has more tackles (1.8), more interceptions (1.2) and has won more aerial duels (2.2), per WhoScored, but that is only because he has started five matches over the 23-year-old’s two.

It is likely that Simpson would command excessive wages having earned £45k a week at Leicester and that’s not something you need to risk, especially as the 5 foot 9 defender could be the third choice if signed on.

Those wages could be saved for January where Bilic will know what he’s missing if the club are still on the fringes of leading the league or lurking around the playoffs.

With options already in Simpson’s position, they should be more careful.

[ad_pod ]

[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

After getting back to winning ways against Leicester on Saturday, Manchester United open up their Europa League campaign with a clash against Ukrainian side Astana on Thursday night.

It may not have the same glitz and glamour of the Champions League, but the competition still has plenty of advantages, not least of which is the opportunity for younger players to make their mark.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have plenty of up-and-coming talents just waiting on the side-lines, and the clash against Astana is surely the perfect moment for the United boss to unleash them. And with that in mind, here’s a look at how the Red Devils could potentially line up on Thursday.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Solskjaer confirmed the side’s number two goalkeeper, Sergio Romero, would get the nod ahead of David de Gea. In front of him, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof’s fledgling partnership will be given a rest, with the United boss confirming Axel Tuanzebe will be given a rare start. Alongside him, Phil Jones could make his return from the wilderness for a rare appearance too.

Fred’s impressive cameo against Leicester is enough to get himself a place in the starting eleven, whilst Nemanja Matic has been pretty vocal about his desire to play more this season. Experience in the middle of the park is a must.

Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

United fans could be most excited about the kind of players Solskjaer chooses to use in the attacking positions. Tahith Chong and Mason Greenwood were two of the stars of the club’s pre-season tour over the course of the summer, and the Europa League no doubt represents their best chance of first-team football.

Solskjaer has already confirmed Greenwood will start from the off, and there will no doubt be hope for someone like Chong to follow his academy teammate into the line-up too.

And with Anthony Martial still having not recovered from his injury, Marcus Rashford looks set for another chance in the number nine role. It may not be a side completely dominated by youngsters, but the likes of Chong and Greenwood would help make for an exciting team should Solskjaer decide to throw them in.

[ad_pod ]

Loads of Liverpool fans have been reacting to some news that could have an effect on the title race, as Marko Arnautovic left West Ham’s defeat at Wolves on crutches.

Newcastle did Liverpool a huge favour on Tuesday evening, but that wasn’t the only advantage they gained in the title race on the night.

West Ham will host the Reds on Monday night, and it looks fairly certain they will be without talisman Arnautovic.

The Austrian international, who recently signed a new contract amidst talks of a move away from East London, has scored seven times in the Premier League this season, per Whoscored.

He left Molineux in crutches on Tuesday though, as confirmed by injury expert Ben Dinnery.

Football.London’s Sam Inkersole has since said the injury “isn’t as bad as initially feared” but popular insider ExWHUemployee does expect the Austrian to miss one to two weeks.

The 29 year-old joins a long list of key first team players nursing injuries, such as Fabian Balbuena, Manuel Lanzini, Jack Wilshere, Carlos Sanchez and Andriy Yarmolenko.

The Irons have conceded seven goals across their last two games in all competitions, and the Twitter reactions down below are expecting a trouncing on Monday…

[ad_pod ]

Virgil van Dijk met with former Reds defender Ragnar Klavan after their international clash last night, and their reunification is being enjoyed by several Liverpool fans.

The Estonian defender played 53 times for Liverpool before being sold to Cagliari last summer, which means he spent six months playing alongside van Dijk, although the two only started as a centre-back pair twice – against Stoke and West Brom.

However, they were part of the same squad which reached the Champions League final in 2018 and from their embrace it is clear they enjoyed playing with each other.

Liverpool fans are pleased to see the duo together once again and for some it has brought back positive memories of Klavan, with a few fans humorously suggesting that the 33-year-old is the better player of the two.

Watch Liverpool Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The defenders were able to bump into each other due to Estonia’s clash with the Netherlands, with the Dutch skipper swapping shirts with Klavan post-match, leading to the reactions from fans below.

[ad_pod ]

Leeds United return to Premier League action this afternoon with another trip down to the capital.

Marcelo Bielsa’s depleted squad were frustratingly knocked out of the FA Cup by West Ham United last weekend and will have to face them again later today.

He is faced with plenty of selection decisions as the injury crisis at Thorp Arch begins to ease up, so it will be interesting to see what sort of side he fields at the London Stadium.

Here’s our predicted XI for the Whites’ trip to east London…

There could be as many as four changes to the side that tasted defeat last Sunday.

Between the sticks, Illan Meslier is likely to remain but there’s an alteration to his back four as Diego Llorente is facing suspension. As a result, we could see Robin Koch drop back into defence to partner academy gem Leo Hjelde, who impressed despite the loss.

Bielsa is still without skipper Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk is only just returning from injury, so the 18-year-old could keep his place. Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo also remain.

In midfield, Adam Forshaw returns after being rested, as should Stuart Dallas and the pair may feature alongside Mateusz Klich.

Further up the pitch, Raphinha is a shoo-in to come back into the fold, having also been named on the bench last week. Jack Harrison may be preferred to Daniel James for the spot on the other flank.

The £52k-per-week Welshman is, therefore, axed due to his poor form in the Whites colours.

Meanwhile, in a big boost, we could see Patrick Bamford finally return from injury – as revealed by The Athletic’s Phil Hay this week, he is likely to be available for selection. If fit, you’d imagine he comes straight in given the lack of alternatives.

Predicted Leeds United XI vs West Ham (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Firpo, Hjelde, Koch, Ayling; Forshaw; Harrison, Dallas, Klich, Raphinha; Bamford

AND in other news, Phil Hay reveals triple injury boost for Leeds United…

The January transfer window is just days away from being over and Rangers have completed three signings so far this month.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has brought in James Sands and Amad Diallo on loan from New York City FC and Manchester United respectively, whilst John Souttar has been signed on a pre-contract agreement and will officially arrive in the summer.

It remains to be seen whether or not they will make further additions to the squad before Monday’s deadline, but one player with whom they have been linked this month is Peterborough forward Siriki Dembele.

Reignition

Rangers must now reignite their interest in the attacker, who could come in and be a replacement for underperforming winger Scott Wright.

The ex-Aberdeen man has so far failed to make his mark at Ibrox, and his latest performance for the club was extremely worrying. He started on the right wing in the 1-0 win over Livingston in midweek and delivered a frustrating display, as he completed 0% of his attempted dribbles and just 25% of his crosses and lost possession of the ball 13 times in 76 minutes, as per SofaScore.

Wright has two goals and zero assists in 14 Premiership outings this season, and the arrival of Dembele could allow Van Bronckhorst to axe him from the team.

Dembele has five goals and two assists in 24 games for a struggling Peterborough side in the Championship, having managed 11 goals and 14 assists in League One the previous campaign. He is a constant threat to opposition defenders with his ability to score and create goals, and he could be an exciting option for Van Bronckhorst to call upon.

This suggests that he could be a far better player than Wright, as he is able to regularly deliver quality in the final third, instead of failing to make a sizeable impact for the team.

He could also get the fans excited, with Peterborough chief Barry Fry previously lauding his ability on the ball. The 76-year-old told Football FanCast: “Siriki can get the ball in his own half and with dazzling dribbling ability, he can beat four or five players and score a wonder goal or cross it for somebody else to score.

“He’s very, very exciting. He’s got the best stats outside the [English] Premier League, I think. We’ll try to keep hold of him if we go up, and we’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse! So watch this space.”

The 25-year-old is out of contract in the summer and Rangers could either snap him up on a pre-contract ahead of next season or look to secure a cut-price deal to bring him in immediately. Either way, Van Bronckhorst could land a big upgrade on Wright by sanctioning this move, and he must reignite his interest in the Peterborough winger in the coming days.

AND in other news, “Monitoring”: Journalist delivers key Rangers transfer update which Van Bronckhorst will love…

West Brom confirmed on Thursday morning that young wing-back Taylor Gardner-Hickman has signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract.

And, as to be expected, a number of Baggies supporters have been reacting to the news on social media.

Gardner-Hickman made his senior debut against Arsenal in the EFL Cup earlier this season and has gone on to make five Championship appearances.

The wing-back, who was named Man of the Match against Coventry, has played in three different positions in four second-tier starts.

His previous contract at The Hawthorns was set to expire in 18 months time, with manager Valerien Ismael delighted at securing Gardner-Hickman’s services until 2026.

Baggies fans react

He turned 20 on Thursday, with the Baggies revealing the news on their official Twitter page.

This is what these West Brom fans had to say in reply to the contract news, with many going wild at the update and one labelling it as ‘massive’.

“Val’s done it again”

Credit: @KipreSun

“Finally a massive slice of great news.”

Credit: @Baggiephil

“COME ONNNN. TGH 2026. BRILLIANT NEWS.”

Credit: @StevoSmith0

“Now that’s some signing!”

Credit: @Albionwestand

“Massive”

Credit: @PhaseVisuals

“BIG WWWWWWWW!!! Cleary next admin?”

Credit: @__Hashar9

In other news: ‘Lost the plot’ – Many West Brom fans fume at ‘laughable’ official post.