All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Sheffield Wed predicted XI v AFC Wimbledon

So far this season, Sheffield Wednesday have won five, drawn three and lost three of their 11 League One games so far this season, leaving them 10th in the table with 18 points.

Following a solid 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers in their previous League One match, Wednesday are on the road once again this weekend with a trip to face AFC Wimbledon.

Speaking ahead of the game in London in his latest press conference, Darren Moore revealed that his Owls side are facing something of an injury crisis, with Sam Hutchinson, Lewis Gibson, George Byers and Massimo Luongo all set to miss the match.

Taking this into account, here’s how we feel Wednesday will line up against AFC Wimbledon and what changes Moore will make from the side which started against Bolton. We reckon there will be three alterations from that line-up.

With Bailey Peacock-Farrell now back from international duty, we think he will be picked over Joe Wildsmith, who filled in for the Northern Irishman in goal while he was away.

In defence, we expect Moore to go for three at the back again, with Liam Palmer and Dominic Iorfa keeping their places and Cheyenne Dunkley coming in to replace the injured Gibson, as he did for the second half against Bolton.

In the wing-back positions, we can see Moore sticking with Jaden Brown on the left and Jack Hunt on the right, the latter providing the assist for Lee Gregory’s goal against Bolton.

Moving on to the midfield, we think Barry Bannan will keep his place in the side, with Lewis Wing coming in to replace Hutchinson. The 32-year-old was among the lowest-rated Owls players against the Trotters last week as per Sofascore and could miss out to the loanee, who has been a regular starter so far this season.

In terms of their attacking line, we reckon Moore will stick with the trio of Gregory, Callum Paterson and Saido Berahino to see if they can make the difference up top, as the 33-year-old managed to do in their previous league outing.

It remains to be seen whether this will be the line-up chosen by the Owls boss this afternoon, but victory today could elevate them into the play-off positions and bring them to within two points of current leaders Plymouth Argyle.

In other news: Moore must unleash £1.35m-rated ace today, he was instrumental against Bolton

Everton injury news on Calvert-Lewin

Many Everton fans have been left fuming over some injury news on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

As shared by the official Twitter page of the Goodison Park faithful, Rafa Benitez has revealed that the former Sheffield United striker has broken his toe after problems with training.

The Spaniard added that he has an injury to his quadriceps and so the Merseyside club will now have to wait between two and three weeks or more to see if he where his fitness is.

It is a big blow to the Toffees, given that Calvert-Lewin has already notched up three goals in as many games in the Premier League so far this season (Transfermarkt), and will be sorely missed ahead of their match away at Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

Everton fans on Calvert-Lewin injury news

These Blues fumed as the injury news was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter going as far as to claim that it is a ‘huge blow’:

“WHAT?”

Credit: @blue_toffees

“That’s a big blow”

Credit: @cholphela

“Oh no”

Credit: @EFCHarry0711

“Nooo”

Credit: @donmaidonmaii

“Big, big blow”

Credit: @AdamEFC9

“Huge blow. Lack of depth instantly exposed”

Credit: @spirit_blues

In other news, find out which Evertonian has been blasted by this pundit here!

Crystal Palace: Fans react to Alexandre Lacazette links

Crystal Palace and West Ham have been linked with a possible swoop for Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette, according to 90min.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been giving their thoughts to the rumours on social media.

90min shared a story on Thursday, providing an update on Lacazette’s future at the Emirates Stadium.

They suggest that the French forward, who turned 30 in May, is likely to leave the club in the coming months.

He could sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club in the New Year when he is into the final six months of his contract, however, remaining in London is also a possibility.

The report suggests that the Eagles and the Hammers are possible destinations for Lacazette, who is open to remaining in the capital.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the links to Lacazette on Twitter. There were plenty of laughing emojis in the replies, along with these comments from some Palace supporters.

“And no hope”

Credit: @50pheadleif

“He will be looking for 140-160k a week. That’s a NO from CPFC.”

Credit: @KarlHogan2

“Be our 3rd choice striker”

Credit: @Jay_Rodrigues09

“no thanks!!”

Credit: @RobColeman18

“Let’s throw palace and West ham in to a transfer rumour. Original”

Credit: @whitsy13

“We don’t sign old men anymore x”

Credit: @palacecarlton

In other news: ‘Bring on Monday’, ‘Buzzing’ – Many Palace fans go wild at official post.

Ryder slams Murphy’s display v Aston Villa

Lee Ryder has criticised the performance of Jacob Murphy as Newcastle United lost 2-0 away to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Another loss

The Magpies slumped to their second defeat in two games at the hands of Dean Smith’s team, with a stunning goal from Danny Ings and a penalty from Anwar El Ghazi enough to give the hosts all three points at Villa Park.

After the 4-2 home defeat at the hands of West Ham United last weekend, Steve Bruce is now under pressure to try and get his first points on the board in the new season.

The Latest: Murphy criticised

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder criticised Murphy’s performance, claiming that the 26-year-old found it ‘a real struggle’ for long periods in the match, and that his yellow card added to a ‘tough’ afternoon.

The journalist gave him a mere 4/10 overall rating, the joint-lowest out of anyone in the Newcastle line-up.

The Verdict: Must do better

If Murphy is to cement the starting place at right wing-back as his own, then he must perform better than he did at Villa Park yesterday.

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The Englishman lost out on four of his duels in the game and also failed to record a single shot, dribble, interception, key pass, accurate cross or long ball. He lost possession no fewer than 15 times, the joint-most out of any of his teammates (Sofascore).

Getting a yellow card on top of all that really summed up his afternoon, and he will be hoping for better displays over the rest of the season.

In other news, Newcastle have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of this youngster

Alasdair Gold drops Spurs transfer update

Tottenham Hotspur have been left frustrated in their attempts to bolster Nuno Santo’s playing squad before tonight’s transfer deadline…

What’s the word?

That’s according to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, who delivered an update on Spurs’ plans ahead of the final day of the transfer window on Monday.

He wrote:

“Coming in the door has been the big new defender signing in Romero, a potential Hugo Lloris successor in Pierluigi Gollini, one of Spain’s brightest young prospects in Bryan Gil and one of Ligue 1’s top young talents in Pape Matar Sarr, who has been loaned back to Metz to continue his rapid development.

“However, more needs to be done and the problem for Tottenham is that many of their moves in recent days have hit dead ends or are dependent on players leaving.

“Paratici has had a busy weekend, having spent time in Barcelona trying to find some bargains to be had amid the Catalan giant’s financial chaos before flying back for the match against Watford.”

Fans won’t be happy

Indeed, the north London outfit have struggled to get a couple of deals over the line in recent weeks, namely the potential signing of Barcelona wonderkid Ilaix Moriba and Danny Ings, who The Telegraph claimed was Nuno’s top target to partner Harry Kane.

On the other hand, new sporting director Fabio Paratici has completed some decent bits of business, ranging from a new marquee centre-back in Cristian Romero from Atalanta and rising Spanish prodigy Bryan Gil, but it appears that this isn’t enough for the Lilywhites’ faithful.

As relayed by This is Futbol, many were far from happy with this latest update from Gold.

Some suggested that the Italian supremo was a “fraud” and that it was time to show he was “worth the hype”, whilst others believe this is the exact reason why Kane wanted to move to Manchester City, as well as others throwing the blame at chairman Daniel Levy, a notoriously tough negotiator.

Whether Spurs can bring in at least one more name remains to be seen, with reports suggesting that right-back Emerson Royal could join from Barcelona, though it may depend on whether or not Serge Aurier can be moved on, otherwise Nuno will have as many as four options in the role.

Just as Gold says, a lot of their negotiations have come to dead ends in recent days and very much depend on whether or not Paratici can move on more players from the previous eras.

Only time will tell as the deadline approaches, but on the above evidence, there aren’t many pleased in north London right now.

AND in other news, Paratici could find Spurs their next Dembele in late swoop for £40m “wonderful talent”…

West Ham gifted Tolisso boost

As per L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), West Ham manager David Moyes may have just been handed a transfer boost as the club eye Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso.

The Lowdown: West Ham in signing hurry…

The summer transfer window deadline closes on August 31 and West Ham have confirmed just one major summer signing so far, with Paris-Saint German keeper Alphonse Areola joining on a season-long loan.

West Ham have had no shortage of links to players, however, with Bayern ace Tolisso emerging as a target for the Hammers in recent days despite no concrete offer just yet.

However, L’Equipe bring some news in what could be a boost for Moyes.

The Latest: Bayern slash Tolisso price…

The reliable French news source backs West Ham’s interest in the 27-year-old whilst also claiming that Bayern are willing to offload for quite a reasonable fee.

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Tolisso, who has won the Champions League at club level and World Cup with France, could now leave the Allianz Arena for as little as €10 million (£8.4m).

L’Equipe say that the Bundesliga giants will sanction his sale for an offer around that figure as they try to sell ‘as quickly as possible’ before the summer transfer window deadline.

West Ham, Juventus, Arsenal and Manchester United all like the player as Bayern seek to offload.

The Verdict: Priority for Moyes?

Tolisso, despite possessing plenty of experience at the top level and being called ‘very strong’ by Hansi Flick, shouldn’t be a priority for Moyes despite this boost on the price tag.

The centre-midfielder has a tendency to be sidelined often, missing 23 games for Bayern Munich in total last season (Transfermarkt), not to mention his position is already well stacked by Mark Noble, Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and Manuel Lanzini in a makeshift deeper role.

However, if West Ham want to add a bit more quality to that position, Tolisso is arguably ripe for the picking for such a meagre £8.4m tag.

In other news: West Ham weigh swoop to sign ‘world class’ striker, club prepared to sell…find out more here.

Ex drops Jesse Lingard to West Ham update

Via his Patreon account, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has just dropped an exciting West Ham transfer update involving Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye Lingard…

The Manchester United midfielder has been a target for David Moyes since before the beginning of this summer transfer window and Claret & Hugh believe that the 28-year-old has been among the Irons; main transfer priorities along with a striker and a centre-back.

However, a recent claim by Sky Sports indicated that a move for Lingard was looking increasingly unlikely, with the player in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans.

Matheus Pereira was also taken off the table as an alternative target after his move to Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal.

The Latest: ExWHUemployee drops exciting Lingard update…

As per ExWHUemployee, there is now some real hope for the Hammers after all when it comes to signing Lingard on from the Red Devils before August 31.

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It appears that the 28-year-old has pulled a U-turn on his West Ham stance and is ‘a lot more open’ to a London Stadium return. The player’s entourage are also said to be ‘making these feelings known’ to Manchester United, with Lingard’s future having not been assured.

West Ham are also expected to launch a bid for the attacker over these coming days and there is ‘renewed optimism’ that a deal could actually happen.

The Verdict: Very much needed…

It has been an arduous and at times painful summer for West Ham supporters given their lack of transfer business so far. Just over two weeks of the transfer window remain until the deadline and Moyes has still yet to see a major new outfield signing come through the door.

West Ham have only snapped up goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan deal from Paris-Saint Germain, so this update on Lingard should come as an exciting one for the Hammers faithful.

It provides fresh hope that Moyes could land one of his major targets after all and there could be many Irons supporters hoping that the ‘sensational’ player, as described by Nigel Winterburn (The Sun), finally signs on the dotted line.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Staggering’, ‘Cannot write this’… many West Ham fans erupt as news confirmed, find out more here.

Gerrard should unleash Sakala vs Livingston

Rangers begin their Scottish Premiership title defence on Saturday as they take on Livingston at Ibrox, and Steven Gerrard should unleash Fashion Sakala from the start.

Why should Sakala start vs Livingston?

Despite the 41-year-old having a plethora of attacking options available in his squad, Alfredo Morelos hasn’t featured for Gerrard’s side during pre-season games against Arsenal, Brighton and Real Madrid. Kemar Roofe has also missed the last two games, which suggests that the manager could turn to his new signing to start up front against David Martindale’s side.

Sakala was signed from Belgian Pro League club KV Oostende earlier in the summer transfer window and has made a big impression in his first month at Ibrox, scoring on his first appearance for the Gers in the win against Real Madrid recently.

The Zambian forward raced past the final Real Madrid defender before emphatically finishing past Andriy Lunin to equalise, which will undoubtedly give him plenty of confidence ahead of his first season as a Rangers player.

A Gerrard favourite?

Gerrard has clearly appreciated the work that Sakala has put in during pre-season as he sang the 24-year-old’s praises recently, saying: “There’s still loads to come in terms of fitness, in terms of getting him up to speed, in terms of the information we are giving him.

“But one thing I will say is that he’s come in with an incredible attitude. He’s been an absolute role model to everyone.

“He’s come here with energy, he’s been bright, wanting to learn and pick up every bit of information. He’s smiling, he’s enjoying it and he’s grateful to be here.

“He’s been an absolute pleasure to work with, but there’s loads more to come. You can see he’s exciting.”

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Morelos is currently in self-isolation following his return from Colombia and is extremely unlikely to feature, while Sakala should get the nod over Roofe in terms of match fitness, so it would not be a surprise to see the Zambian start up front against Livingston this weekend.

In other news… Rangers dealt blow with 21 y/o likened to Sadio Mane as agent drops transfer update

Celtic handed boost in Starfelt pursuit

Glasgow Celtic have been handed a boost to their chances of bringing Carl Starfelt to Parkhead this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Russian Football News (via The Scottish Sun), who claimed that the Rubin Kazan defender was absent from training on Thursday, with the 26-year-old believed to be in talks regarding a transfer to Celtic after the Bhoys lodged a £4m bid for the Sweden international earlier this week.

The Scottish Sun then added that the centre-back, who is being lined up as a potential Kris Ajer replacement, is thought to be extremely keen to secure a move to Parkhead this summer, and is hoping to have his personal terms agreed with Ange Postecoglou’s side as quickly as possible.

Ange will be delighted

Considering just how impressive Starfelt was for Kazan last season, the fact that Celtic appear to be edging closer to getting a deal for the defender over the line is sure to have left Postecoglou delighted, particularly with Ajer continuing to be linked with a move away from Celtic this summer.

Indeed, over his 29 Premier Liga appearances for Leonid Slutski’s side last term, the £2.7m-rated man helped his team keep 11 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.1 tackles, 3.9 clearances and winning three duels per game.

The 26-year-old also impressed at the other end of the pitch, scoring three goals and completing 91% of his passes over the course of the season.

These returns saw the man Anel Avdic dubbed a “fantastic” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.08, ranking him as Kazan’s fourth-best performer in the top flight of Russian football.

So, if Postecoglou can indeed go on to secure a deal for Starfelt this summer, as well as Ajer going on to seal his anticipated move away from Parkhead, it would appear as if the Celtic boss could immediately land a very apt replacement for the outgoing defender.

In other news: Celtic dealt blow as “creative” 11 G/A gem has “decided” on move, Ange will be gutted

Robinson urges Celtic to sell Barkas

Paul Robinson has offered his thoughts on what Celtic should be doing with Vasilis Barkas this summer…

What’s the talk?

Former England international Paul Robinson has called on Celtic to sell goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas following his mistake against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League this week.

Robinson has said that the Greek international wasn’t good enough for the Hoops last season and has urged Ange Postecoglou to cash in on him and sign a replacement.

He told Football Insider:

“Barkas had a really poor season last year.

“A mistake like that last night and the criticism that has followed, it is going to be difficult for him again. He is already on the back foot going into the season. Barkas wasn’t good enough last year and Bain wasn’t good enough last year. They have not replaced Fraser Forster.

“If they have any chance of winning the title next year they need a new goalkeeper. You need a top goalkeeper to play in big games.

Fans would love it

Celtic must now ruthlessly axe Barkas from the club in the coming months. Supporters would love it and it could potentially improve Postecoglou’s team if they could replace him with a better player.

Back in January, Barkas’ statistics for Celtic were incredibly worrying. He posted a save percentage of 65%, the fourth-worst in the Premiership. At that point, Jon McLaughlin and Allan McGregor – both at Rangers – had saved over 80% of the shots they faced in the league, showing the gigantic drop-off in quality between the goalkeepers of the two clubs.

Earlier this year, former Rangers and Aberdeen player Richard Foster hit out at Barkas’ performances and lamented his displays in relation to his £5m price tag. He said:

“He should be coming in as a number one goalkeeper. If you’re getting signed for £5m you should be commanding, you should be dictating to your defence what you want them to do.

“We haven’t seen any of that from Celtic, defensively they’ve been all over the place at times and that comes from having a goalkeeper who clearly doesn’t speak. Or if he does, he doesn’t tell the players the right things.

“They’ve lost so many goals at set plays. All the best goalies I’ve worked with are usually the loudest guys on the pitch.

Therefore, fans would be delighted to see the club move him on in the coming weeks. The comments from the two pundits and his statistics from last season align with the view that he is not good enough for Celtic.

AND in other news, Celtic could repeat their Shane Duffy nightmare by signing “superb” £8m ace…

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