All posts by h716a5.icu

Sheffield Wednesday return to Championship action later this evening with three points and bragging rights on the line as well as a points deficit to overturn.

Garry Monk’s men are still in minus figures at the bottom of the table and head to local south Yorkshire rivals Rotherham tonight.

The Owls have only won once in their last seven matches in all competitions, so the 41-year-old has plenty to consider in terms of team selection, especially as he could be buoyed by the return of several key players from injury.

So, what sort of side will he select? Here’s the XI we’re predicting for this bumper encounter…

Monk could make as many as four changes for the trip to the New York Stadium.

Both Tom Lees and Dominic Iorfa are in contention for a return following a spell on the treatment table, and we expect the latter to get the nod over the former Owls skipper.

The 25-year-old come straight in for the suspended Joost van Aken, pairing Aden Flint and another returnee, Julian Borner, in a back three in front of number one shot-stopper Cameron Dawson.

Borner’s inclusion allows Moses Odubajo to revert back to his natural wing-back position and with Adam Reach sliding over to the left in a similar role, though it means that 27-year-old winger Kadeem Harris is dropped.

In midfield, Barry Bannan and Joey Pelupessy both remain in the starting lineup, but they are joined by Josh Windass, who takes centre-stage in the number ten position.

Both Elias Kachunga and Jack Marriott are dropped after drawing a blank against Luton Town at the weekend, meaning there’s a surprise return for Jordan Rhodes to partner Callum Paterson in a two-man attack.

The likes of Alex Hunt, Tom Dele-Bashiru, Liam Palmer and Izzy Brown are resigned to the bench.

AND in other news, Anonymous Owls FLOP was abysmal during Saturday’s defeat…

Southampton were heavily linked with signing Weston McKennie during the summer transfer window and after his bright start to life at Juventus, it looks as if they may have made an error in not signing him.

According to the Daily Express, in July Southampton were leading a five-horse race of Premier League sides interested in signing the USA international but they would ultimately miss out on the midfielder, as he opted to join Juventus instead.

The report from the Express suggests that a deal hinged on whether the Saints could do a deal with Tottenham for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and whilst the defensive-midfielder departed for Spurs, the South Coast side and CEO Martin Semmens were unable to conclude a deal for McKennie.

The former Schalke man has made a solid start to life in Turin, having averaged a strong 6.94 rating across his three appearances in Serie A, in which he has contributed an assist (per WhoScored).

The defensive-midfielder could have been the ideal man to replace Hojbjerg, as WhoScored suggests that his main strengths are defensive contribution, aerial duels, blocking the ball and ball interceptions.

However, the Saints ended up signing Ibrahima Diallo from Stade Brest and he has managed just 18 minutes of Premier League action thus far.

McKennie earned a lot of praise during his time at Schalke, with former coach Domenico Tedesco suggesting:

“Even during those phases when it’s not going so well, he embodies everything that we strive to stand for. He has a good mentality, he’s powerful, down-to-earth and works hard – and he can play as a six, eight or ten. As long as he continues to work hard and keeps his feet on the ground, he’ll only get better. He’s just great!”

He also praised the 22-year-old’s body language, saying:

“The fans love the way he plays, and the work he puts in. His body language is extraordinary. There are players in the team that already measure themselves against him, and let’s not forget that he’s still a raw talent. It’s not like he’s reached his full potential at 20. I’m sure he’ll only get better.” (per Bundesliga.com)

Therefore, it can certainly be argued that Southampton really missed out on McKennie, as at 22, he could have been a staple of Hasenhuttl’s side for a long time and judging by what Tedesco suggested, he is only going to get better.

West Ham United are reportedly eying a hazardous swoop for Spezia Calcio striker M’Bala Nzola, who is enjoying a career redeeming shot at the Serie A side.

What’s the word?

According to Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, the Irons and Newcastle United have both approached Spezia after showing an interest in Nzola, only for a potential deal to lure the 24-year-old away from Italy to be rebuffed by the player.

Premier League interest failed to turn the French forward’s head toward leaving the Liguria-based outfit, having only signed for Vincenzo Italiano’s side permanently this summer following an initial half-season loan spell.

Nzola is focused on succeeding with Spezia for the time being after aiding their successful promotion bid last term with six of his seven career Serie B goals, before netting a brace away to Benevento Calcio last weekend to open his top-flight account.

Tuttosport claim interest from West Ham and Newcastle following an exclusive interview with Nzola’s agent Didier Pingsi, who noted that his client’s experience in Serie A will ensure he’s ready to take the next step of his career.

“I think M’Bala must now consolidate his experience in Serie A,” Pingsi noted. “Then he’ll be ready for the five most important European championships: England, France, Spain, Germany and precisely Italy.”

A hazardous move

West Ham moving to sign Nzola in January would be a pursuit riddled with potential hazards, as the 24-year-old has only ever tackled four Serie A fixtures and appeared set for a future in the third-tier of Italian football until Spezia registered the Frenchman on a free transfer.

Nzola is now enjoying a redeeming moment of his career under Italiano, who sought to bring the striker back after opting against acquiring his services at the end of his loan spell only for Trapani to release the £810,000-rated attacker just a month ago.

The 6ft centre-forward’s time as a senior player had been met with relentless challenges before joining Italiano’s side, too, with L’Equipe noting how Nzola struggled during the six-years spent between leaving academy side Troyes at 18 and joining Spezia permanently this summer.

Nzola is now being revered in Italy, with Metropolitan Magazine lauding the forward for his enviable physical strength and for connecting the entire Spezia attack.

Those two attributes would play out nicely for David Moyes at West Ham by handing the Scot another Michail Antonio-type, but the signs of Nzola making a successful switch to the Premier League are thin and far between.

AND in other news, David Moyes is “worried” by a West Ham blow that a Manuel Pellegrini favourite can capitalise on.

The power-shift in north London is becoming increasingly obvious with Tottenham Hotspur sat top of the Premier League standings going into this Sunday’s derby match.

In fact, the signs were starting to creep in several years ago. It is now five seasons since Arsenal finished about Spurs in the English top-flight (2015/16), and this January, chairman Daniel Levy could strike another massive blow to Mikel Arteta in the transfer window.

According to 90min, Spurs are one of several teams eyeing a move for RB Salzburg sensation Dominik Szoboszlai after the Gunners failed in their attempts to sign him in the summer.

Their arch-rivals remain interested but now so are the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Wolves and Everton as well as your typical European giants in the shape of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.

The 20-year-old has a bargain release clause of just £20m, so there will be a heated battle to secure his signature in 2021, that’s for sure.

Therefore, Spurs must strike sooner rather than later if they are to stand a chance of securing the Hungarian attacking midfielder and in doing so, they would hurt Arsenal once again.

Back in 2010, Harry Redknapp managed to clinch the signing of Rafael van der Vaart for just £8m from La Liga outfit, Real Madrid. It later came out that the Gunners missed out.

Speaking to FourFourTwo (via the Daily Cannon), he said:

“Yeah, it did get mentioned. I had several conversations with Robin van Persie, my team-mate with the Dutch side, and he’d spoken to Arsenal about me a few times.”

The Dutch playmaker would go onto provide five goals and two assists in just five games against their north London rivals.

Levy simply must repeat this masterstroke with Szoboszlai in the upcoming window.

In 17 appearances in all competitions this season, the enigmatic dynamo has delivered eight goals and nine assists, including a hat-trick in his last league outing from left-wing, as per Transfermarkt.

The generational talent has been likened to both Toni Kroos and Kai Havertz, the latter by Lothar Matthaus, who claimed Szoboszlai was a “gem”.

Whilst Hungarian national team boss Marco Rossi believes the 20-year-old is a “top ten talent in Europe.”

Levy must do everything to ensure that Szoboszlai is lining up in the Lilywhite strip of north London rather than red in the near future.

AND in other news, Spurs can wave goodbye to Sanchez by signing £18m-beast with “huge potential”…

Tottenham Hotspur has been mooted as a potential future destination for a rival midfielder this week…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, boyhood Newcastle United graduate Sean Longstaff has signed a deal with a super-agent, Pini Zahavi, and it’s expected that the Israeli veteran will look to move his new client on before his contract expires in 2022.

They claim that sources close to the situation say the 23-year-old workhorse could be offered to Spurs even if a fresh attempt to sign an extension is made in the next 12 months.

Zahavi is also the representative of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Champions League superstar, Robert Lewandowski.

More trouble for Winks?

Whilst it very much remains to be seen if the north London outfit hold any real interest in the Magpies midfielder, it would be an interesting move to consider, especially with Harry Winks’ immediate future up in the air.

The Telegraph’s Matt Law reported earlier today that the England international is set for crunch talks with Daniel Levy over his lack of game time under Jose Mourinho.

Winks himself has already expressed that the situation is “difficult” at Spurs ahead of the European Championships this summer.

Perhaps Longstaff is an ideal replacement later down the line.

Former Spurs midfielder Jamie Redknapp once compared the £15.75m-rated talent to another ex-Lilywhite in Michael Carrick, speaking on Sky Sports (via ChronicleLive), he said:

“He reminds me a little bit of Michael Carrick. He’s got that nice stance and the way he plays, always looking to pass the ball to a black and white shirt.

“He has got a nice pass from either foot. That’s a massive asset to have and he can score goals as well.

“He’s very down to earth. He looks like a bright kid, he’s got good pedigree.”

Longstaff has previously been linked with a £50m move to Manchester United, so there’s a chance he won’t come cheap but Levy shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to replace a wantaway player with one compared to a former great.

The “ridiculous” maestro has even been lauded by Pep Guardiola and he certainly knows a player when he sees one.

AND in other news, Mourinho must unshackle his “extraordinary” genius after match-winning display…

According to recent reports, former Newcastle United loan signing Jetro Willems has rejected the offer of a new contract with Eintracht Frankfurt.

The report by the Chronicle Live states that the 26-year-old left-back, who spent a large part of last season on loan at Newcastle, has rejected the offer of a new deal from the Bundesliga side, meaning that he will be free to sign a pre-contract deal with any European club this January.

And, according to the report, the £4.05 million-rated defender would ‘welcome a move’ back to Steve Bruce’s side, with the player’s agent stating: “Jetro felt very comfortable at Newcastle and he said he felt like it was home, so of course he would be happy to go back if the chance came up.

“It is a great club and he had a great time in England. Newcastle were very good after the injury so it is something he would be happy with if the opportunity came up.”

In his time at Newcastle, the Netherlands international highly impressed, scoring two goals and providing three assists over his 20 appearances for the club.

However, the 26-year-old then ruptured his cruciate ligament, an injury which has resulted in the defender not playing a game since his last appearance for Newcastle back in January this year.

Transfer Tavern Take

While Willems did undeniably impress during his spell in Newcastle, the fact that the club spent £14.85 million on bringing Jamal Lewis in over the summer transfer window could mean that the Magpies are no longer in need of another player at left-back.

Having said this, the fact that Willems would be available on a free transfer could mean that a deal that is too good for Newcastle to refuse Fans of the club may now face an anxious wait to see whether or not their side do indeed make move for the 26-year-old in January.

In other Newcastle United related news, Steve Bruce has stated that he cannot influence the club’s potential takeover, find out more here! 

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon as they face Crystal Palace away from home at 12:30.

The Reds moved back to the top of the table on Wednesday night thanks to a 2-1 victory against previous leaders Tottenham Hotspur, so will be full of confidence ahead of their trip to Selhurst Park.

Despite the impressive performance against Jose Mourinho’s side, it has been suggested by Liverpool Echo writer Ian Doyle that manager Jurgen Klopp is likely to make changes to his starting XI to face the Eagles, perhaps as he tries to deal with the busy Christmas fixture list.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Klopp to line his side up against Palace, with three changes from the side that beat Spurs…

Despite Rhys Williams’ superb Premier League debut on Wednesday night, Palace will provide a different sort of threat on Saturday, so Klopp may be better served restoring Nathaniel Phillips to his starting eleven for the trip to Selhurst Park, to ensure that his young centre-back options remain fresh.

Trent Alexander-Arnold will surely be key in the battle against Palace danger-man Wilfried Zaha, although the Reds’ defence won’t have to deal with the aerial threat of Christian Benteke after he was sent off in their midweek draw with West Ham.

There’s one change in midfield as Curtis Jones is rested, with Naby Keita replacing him in the starting line up. Jones was perhaps the best player on the pitch against Spurs but he’s only 19-years-old and will need a rest every now and then, whilst Keita needs to pick up some fitness after making his return as a substitute in midweek.

Earlier this year, the Guinean was heavily praised by teammate Virgil van Dijk, with the Dutch international saying:

“Naby is a fantastic guy, he works so hard and he is an outstanding football player. We see it week in and week out. He has unfortunately been unlucky with some injuries, but hopefully he can stay fully fit for the next season.

“I think he is world-class if I’m absolutely honest. I see all the moments when he has the ball, the smart moves, the smart intelligence. It’s just incredible to see and I’m very happy for him.”

Hopefully, if the former RB Leipzig man is handed a start vs Palace, he can repay Van Dijk’s faith in him.

Finally, there’s one change in attack, as Mohamed Salah is replaced by Xherdan Shaqiri, with the Swiss international having missed recent fixtures but we feel that Klopp could spring a surprise by selecting the former Stoke City man from the start against Palace, giving Salah a well-earned rest.

Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino keep their place, although the Reds will want to be in a position where they are comfortable and can give those two a rest, so that they are not overextended during the next few weeks of action.

And, in other news… Forget Williams: Klopp must seal transfer swoop for centre-back who “doesn’t make mistakes”…

Sam Allardyce could be about to resolve one of West Brom’s biggest problems with one fell swoop this January transfer window, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

The Express & Star claim that the 66-year-old is considering a loan move for Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury after he was made available by the fellow Midlands outfit.

It’s thought that Big Sam is a massive fan of Foxes ace and is desperately pursuing the addition of a new defensive midfielder this month.

Premier League rivals Southampton and Newcastle United have also been offered the 23-year-old.

Shades of Mulumbu

This is a move that the Baggies absolutely have to make.

Allardyce does not currently have a player capable of playing the holding midfield role with Sam Field still absent through injury, though it’s not as if he has bags of experience under his belt either.

Nor does Choudhury, but Brendan Rodgers has trusted him to start games in the Europa League this term – a luxury far beyond that of Albion’s relegation dogfight.

In those six appearances, the British Asian powerhouse has averaged 1.3 interceptions, one tackle and an 85.1% passing success rate, via WhoScored. Whilst it’s not much to go off, it’s rather encouraging.

The Foxes academy graduate has previously attracted praise from Gary Lineker, who dubbed Choudhury an “extremely talented young player” following his first senior goal last year.

Whilst Steve Walsh, ex-Leicester defender Steve Walsh tipped the anchorman for England recognition in the future in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, he said:

“Yes, he can [get into the England side]. Hamza has come through the academy, and it’s great to see homegrown players. He’s a player with great tenacity, he reads the game well, and he’s an up and coming star for Leicester. He’s threatening to start every game at the moment so again it’s a good option for Brendan Rodgers.”

The Baggies have long lacked that brute enforcer in the middle, perhaps ever since the 2012/13 season when Youssouf Mulumbu played a pivotal role alongside Claudio Yacob as Steve Clarke’s side finished eighth in the Premier League.

The next campaign, the DR Congo international averaged a whopping 3.1 interceptions and 2.4 tackles per game, via WhoScored.

Choudhury has many similarities to the former Albion monster. He initially joined the club on loan before making the move permanent, and Big Sam will be hoping the same can happen here considering the lack of options.

The £7.2m-rated beast could be a bargain this January.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Big Sam urged to sign 29-year-old free-agent this January…

In recent comments relayed by Record Sport, reported Rangers target Fashion Sakala dropped a hint about where he would like his next transfer to take him, and it appears that a move to join Steven Gerrard at Ibrox would not be his preference, which may come as a bit of a blow to the Gers.

According to Record Sport, Gerrard’s side are ‘keen to sign’ the 23-year-old KV Oostende centre-forward on a pre-contract deal, which would see him make a move to Glasgow upon the expiry of his current deal in Belgium at the end of this season.

However, the £1.08 million-rated Zambia international recently spoke out about the interest in his services and revealed that a move to the Premier League or La Liga would be his preference.

As relayed by Record Sport, he said: “Yes, there is interest from other teams. At the same time, talks are ongoing with KV Oostende about a new contract and we will see where we end up.

“If I decided to go to a new club, it would need to be somewhere I got to play every week and was content. But honestly, I am in no hurry to leave because I am happy here. Of course, if I could choose which league I would want to play in, I would pick La Liga or the English Premier League.”

Transfer Tavern Take

The comments of Sakala – who has bagged six goals and provided two assists over his 16 appearances in the Jupiler Pro League so far this season – could be seen as a blow to Rangers’ chances of landing the 23-year-old, as West Ham United and Newcastle United have also been linked with a move for the striker.

As such, it would appear that Gerrard may well have his work cut out in convincing Sakala that his club are the best option for the next move of his career, however, it would seem like the promise of regular first-team football could be used as a way to sweeten any deal.

In other Rangers news, fans were disgusted by these Hugh Keevins comments, find out more here!

Marcus Rashford’s hot streak continued as he put on a masterclass to help Manchester United come from behind to beat Liverpool and progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Inspired by the spirited Rashford, who earns wages worth £200,000-per-week, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side claimed one of their biggest scalps of this season so far.

Goals from Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood and Rashford gave the Red Devils victory in a thrilling FA Cup clash against the defending Premier League champions at Old Trafford.

After Greenwood drew the Red Devils level, the Rashford scored shortly after halftime to put them within touching distance of a place in the next round of the competition.

While Fernandes will be the name in the headlines, it was Rashford who stepped up to derail the Reds’ pursuit of silverware. Mo Salah opened the scoring for Liverpool at Old Trafford but United bounced back in style after a cross-field diagonal ball from Rashford found Greenwood on the right, who coolly slotted home past the helpless Alisson.

But he saved his best moment for later in the game as he latched onto a through ball from Greenwood and found the back of the net.

As per SofaScore, the monstrous Rashford earned a 7.8 match rating for his display, that being the second-highest out of any United player on the pitch, bettered only by a certain Greenwood, which was significantly higher than his season average of 6.96.

Against Liverpool, he would take two shots on target, which was the most of any player from Solskjaer’s squad, including Fernandes.

He’s still not the finished article, that much is obvious, but he’s started to show a maturity far beyond his years both on and off the pitch.

The England international also took more touches (38) than Edinson Cavani as he showed a willingness to bring the ball out from inside his own half to put his team on the front foot, as evidenced by his two successful dribbles from three attempts per 86′ minutes.

He would also win four duels, which is on par with his average of 4.5 in the Premier League, whilst Georginio Wijnaldum and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who were tasked with the job of keeping the left winger at bay, received below-par ratings of 6.4 and 6.7 respectively, as per SofaScore, which goes some way to show that it was the United forward who got the best of his direct opponents on the day.

If the Red Devils are to regain the title for the first time since the 2012-13 season and go far in the FA Cup too, United fans will be hoping that he can maintain his impressive run of form, which has seen him score 15 goals in 31 appearances so far this season.

AND in other news, Manchester United should consider January loan exit for Donny van de Beek…