All posts by z3u9t.icu

[ad_pod ]Crystal Palace failed to hold onto their half-time lead on Wednesday night as Southampton came back via James Ward-Prowse – despite the Eagles’ numerous opportunities in front of goal, their finishing was once again lacklustre and they paid the price.Wilfried Zaha was a menace throughout and fired his side in front in the first half, but lost his head late on and was sent off for sarcastically applauding the referee after being booked – a gesture for which he will be reprimanded by the FA.Despite the big striker having scored against Spurs in the FA Cup last weekend, Roy Hodgson elected not to start Connor Wickham and instead gave the nod to Jordan Ayew – the Ghanaian worked hard but never looked too threatening, as has been the theme throughout the season.The Saints equalised with 13 minutes of regulation time remaining, at which point Hodgson may have felt it necessary to bring on a fresh pair of legs up front – instead, the former England boss stuck with Ayew until the final whistle and one can’t help but feel that, had Wickham or Christian Benteke been on the field, the Croydon outfit could have secured all three points.Negative substitutions and tactics have been a point of controversy for Palace this season and this surely isn’t the first time the Selhurst Park faithful felt that Hodgson’s game management was poor.The 71-year-old’s post-match comments did nothing but make it worse – here’s how the Palace fans reacted on Twitter…

Patrick Boyland has now dropped a quadruple boost for Everton ahead of their game at home to Manchester United in the Premier League at lunchtime.

The Lowdown: Lampard pressure

With reports emerging that Frank Lampard could be sacked if they lose to the Red Devils at Goodison Park, the former Derby County and Chelsea manager is now under huge pressure to get a result.

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The Merseyside club are currently lurking dangerously above the relegation zone, and so they really need to start picking up points fast, with the visit of an out of sorts United team possibly offering a great chance to do so.

The Latest: Team news

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist Boyland has revealed that Seamus Coleman, Allan, Michael Keane and Fabian Delph are ‘all back’ with the squad.

They have all been missing recently through injuries and suspensions, but now Lampard can call on them if needed.

The Verdict: Boost

It will certainly be a boost for Lampard to have four first-team players back in his squad to choose from.

The Toffees currently have five players out injured, meaning Lampard was without a whopping nine options to choose from against Burnley.

Nonetheless, it will be a difficult task to get three points against a team with high European ambitions, but Lampard will at least be boosted by having a sizeable group of players to choose from.

In other news, find out what this transfer insider has now ‘heard’ about one Blues rumour here!

Tottenham Hotspur are closely monitoring Nottingham Forest loanee Djed Spence and Fabio Paratici has even been to the Midlands to see him in action, confirms football.london’s Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Conte’s RWB dilemma

Since his arrival at Hotspur Way, Italian boss Antonio Conte has struggled to determine his go-to options in the wing-back positions.

As a result, the manager has flicked between Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty throughout the season.

After a string of extremely impressive performances, the Irishman recently came out on top, appearing to be Conte’s favourite option at right wing-back.

However, the 30-year-old has recently been ruled out for the rest of the season, once again sparking issues in the position.

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The Latest: Gold’s Spence claim

Throughout the January window, Spurs were linked with a number of right wing-backs; one of the most prominent being Djed Spence, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest.

In football.london’s most recent QnA, Tottenham reporter Alasdair Gold was questioned over the Lilywhites’ options at RWB and the rumours linking the north London club with a move for Spence. Gold revealed Paratici has been personally scouting the player:

“Spurs like Djed Spence. Fabio Paratici went to watch him recently, along with Brennan Johnson. Spence certainly ticks the homegrown box and is a talented young defender with plenty of attacking potential.

“I think Doherty has done enough to suggest that when he returns to fitness he will remain next season as an experienced wing-back and, while Emerson Royal now has the chance to make his case in the seven matches ahead, I do wonder whether he suits Conte’s system enough. This summer could provide the opportunity for Spurs to get their money back as he’s a decent right-back, just not a wing-back, and there will be interest in him.”

The Verdict: Great potential

Since arriving in Nottingham this season, Spence has gone on to have a fantastic season with the club. The 21-year-old has featured in 35 games in the Championship and played in every minute of Steve Cooper’s side’s run in the FA Cup.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright hailed the right-back’s praises for his performance against the Gunners in the FA Cup, claiming that it was one of the best right back displays he has ever seen. He even proceeded to compare the youngster’s “unbelievable level” to that of Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Therefore, having shown that he can perform against some of the top sides in the Premier League, Spence would be a great signing for Tottenham.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Alasdair Gold drops verdict on the futures of Lo Celso and Ndombele

Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is attracting increasing interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claimed that Jose Mourinho is desperate to bring the 26-year-old to AS Roma this summer. The former Tottenham manager is said to be more than willing to work with the Denmark international once again at the Stadio Olimpico.

However, the report added that, because of Antonio Conte’s fondness for the midfielder, Spurs would demand a figure in the region of €40m (£33.5m) in order to part with the former Southampton colossus at the end of the current campaign.

Paratici must avoid Hojbjerg disaster

Considering just how important a part of Conte’s side Hojbjerg has become since the Italian’s arrival in north London last November, it is an easy argument to make that Fabio Paratici sanctioning the £33.5m sale of the 26-year-old this summer would be something of a disaster by Tottenham’s sporting director.

Indeed, in the 19 Premier League fixtures that the 52-year-old has overseen at Spurs, Hojbjerg has featured in all but two, He was unavailable for the 2-2 draw with Liverpool in December and left on the bench in the 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in February.

Furthermore, over his 27 league outings in total this term, the £58.5m-rated destroyer has been one of Tottenham’s standout performers. He has scored two goals, registered two assists and created three big chances for his team-mates, averaging 1.3 interceptions and 2.3 tackles and winning 5.2 duels per game.

These returns have seen the £100k-per-week “monster” – in the words of Morten Bisgaard – average an impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.17, ranking him as Conte’s fourth-best player in the English top flight in 2021/22.

As such, it is clear to see that selling a player whose “simplicity is genius” according to Mourinho, particularly for an amount roughly £25m less than his current valuation, would be a catastrophic call for Paratici to make this summer, not to mention one which would surely leave Conte furious.

AND in other news: Paratici can land Spurs the next Vieira in “superb” 18 y/o with “world-class potential”

Newcastle United are on a fine run of form in the Premier League having won all of their four previous games.

Their latest victory saw Eddie Howe’s side secure a 3-0 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road.

Two goals from Joelinton and one from Bruno Guimaraes sealed the three points for Newcastle and put another nail in the coffin for Norwich and their hopes of avoiding relegation.

However, the Toon’s next match will undoubtedly be a much tougher test for them as they are set to take on title-chasing Liverpool at St. James’ Park this weekend.

Looking ahead to this showdown, it seems as though an early team news clue has emerged regarding which players may or may not be involved in the match for the Magpies.

What’s the news?

When asked whether or not any of Newcastle’s currently injured duo of Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier or Ryan Fraser will be fit enough to feature against Jurgen Klopp’s side, Howe had this to say on the matter.

He said: “Not sure as we speak. I’d probably say no off the top of my head, but we’ll wait and see.”

With the uncertainty over when the three players will be able to make a recovery, this will surely have the Toon manager fuming, especially with such a tough game coming up.

Big setback

Taking into account how the trio have scored a combined total of ten goals in the Premier League this season, it’s undeniable that the Magpies would be a deadlier side if they had them in the team.

Trippier is currently being listed as Newcastle’s highest-rated player in terms of his overall performances according to WhoScored with a rating of 7.87/10 too so he’d be a great option for Howe to have back available in his side.

Despite the solid run of form they’ve been on in recent weeks, the Tyneside club will need all the help they can get if they want to beat Liverpool.

With Jurgen Klopp’s men bagging more goals scored and registering more clean sheets than any other side in the top flight, the Magpies will need to be at the top of their game if they want to continue their winning run of form.

Moving forward, if the injured trio aren’t able to feature in this weekend’s game, everyone connected to the club will undoubtedly be hoping that they can step foot on the pitch before the season draws to a close.

In other news: Howe can finally axe “nervous” dud as NUFC plot bid for £197k-pw gem who’s “top-level”

Speaking live on Sky Sports, as shared by via skysports.com, reporter Dharmesh Sheth has dropped yet another West Ham United transfer update involving Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa.

The Lowdown: West Ham hold talks…

As revealed by Sky, the Irons have entered discussions to sign Barbosa this month as they aim to put an end to manager David Moyes’ year-long search for a striker.

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The Brazil international has been in scintillating form for this current club, bagging 29 goals in 2021 alone, which has attracted interest from West Ham, Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman.

Reports in recent days had died down but now, speaking live on the Transfer Show, Sheth has made a promising claim with a possible West Ham move still on.

The Latest: Sheth drops big update…

Sheth stated to the broadcast giant that the Hammers’ offer to sign Barbosa is ‘still on the table’ with the player himself now eager to make a Premier League switch.

“West Ham’s offer is still on the table, it has not been withdrawn, the interest does remain,” he explained on Sky.

“A reminder of what that proposal was from West Ham, 18-month loan plus a 30 million euro option to buy.

“Flamengo do not want to sell or loan Gabriel Barbosa in this transfer window, but, I’m also told that ‘Gabigol’ has a meeting with his agent and Flamengo officials tomorrow, in which he will make it clear to them that he wants to make a move to England.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

As news emerges of Barbosa potentially forcing his club’s hand, this could boost West Ham in their hunt for the 25-year-old and it’s safe to say he could be an asset for Moyes.

The South American’s prolific goalscoring record highlight a really instinctive centre-forward target and, if Moyes is to guide West Ham to Champions League qualification, it certainly won’t hurt to have him in their squad as an alternative to Michail Antonio.

It will be interesting to see how this develops and whether Flamengo will consider a loan/buy option given Barbosa’s stance on leaving Brazil.

In other news: West Ham source: Newman makes move to sign ‘devastating’ forward after price plummets by £32m, find out more here.

Leeds United correspondent Beren Cross has provided a positive injury update regarding star striker Patrick Bamford.

The Lowdown: Bamford’s season to forget

Bamford has managed just seven starts in 2021/22 due to ankle, hamstring and foot problems, with the 28-year-old completing 90 minutes on just four occasions.

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He netted 17 times last season compared to just two goals during the current campaign, with his latest setback coming last month.

The forward ruptured his plantar fascia against Wolves on March 18, but it looks as if he is making positive progress ahead of a return prior to the end of the season.

The Latest: Cross shares Thorp Arch update

Jesse Marsch has previously stated that he is ‘optimistic’ Bamford would be able to return for the final two games against Brighton and Brentford, fixtures which could be huge in the club’s attempts to avoid the drop.

Cross shared a story regarding Bamford on Wednesday morning, suggesting he ‘is due out on the pitches again this week’, describing a return to the training ground as the ‘breath of fresh air’ Marsch needs.

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Hopefully, Leeds will manage to pick up some unlikely points over their next three games with Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, three of the current top four, to take them close to the magic 40-point mark.

They currently have a five-point gap over Everton and are three points clear of Burnley, so there’s every chance Leeds will still need something against Brighton and Brentford.

Bamford could well be involved if that is the case, and it looks as if he is on track for a May 15 return, should he take to the Thorp Arch training pitches over the coming days.

In other news: Radz and 49ers will now reward Marsch if he keeps Leeds up by moving for 29-goal forward. 

Everton are still searching for their next manager after sacking Rafa Benitez and have made Duncan Ferguson the interim manager for the time being whilst Farhad Moshiri and the board interview a number of candidates, however, they could be missing out on a manager who’d be the perfect fit for the club.

What’s the word?

Everton insider, Alan Myers, has been talking with fans via his Twitter account about the current situation at the club and after a fan mentioned Christophe Galtier, he gave his thoughts on Everton appointing the Ligue 1 manager.

Myers tweeted:

“I honestly don’t get why he isn’t on their radar, from what I hear he is a real motivator of players, and I know in the summer it would’ve been possible, not sure about now.”

Galtier was one of the reported options for the Everton job after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, but there has been no interest confirmed in the current hunt for the next manager.

Everton must act now

There is no doubt that Galtier has an attractive CV that could make him the perfect match for resolving the Toffees problems this season, with his proven record of joining clubs in their demise and leading them into a better position, and ultimately winning trophies.

The Frenchman is famous for his three and a half year tenure at OSC Lille. He joined the club when they were in a similar situation as Everton, hovering around the relegation zone in the league, and took them to their first Ligue 1 title in a decade last season, beating Paris Saint Germain to the title by one point.

Everton are in desperate need of a manager to come in and steady the ship, pulling them away from a potential relegation battle by offering them safety, winning points and climbing the Premier League table into a more comfortable position.

That won’t be an easy challenge which only elevates the need for proven experience in the short time the club has left to turn their nightmare season around.

Moshiri and the Everton board are yet to offer the job to any of the candidates that they have interviewed yet, with both Fabio Cannavaro and Vitor Pereira being interviewed over the last few days. Despite that, it’s Galtier who the Toffees hierarchy desperately need to consider; they must act now.

In other news: Moshiri should hire Wayne Rooney over Vitor Pereira

As per Fanatik, an update has come to light on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans involving Fenerbache defender Kim Min-jae.

The Lowdown: Tottenham target centre-half…

The Athletic recently revealed that Spurs and manager Antonio Conte have a new central defender in their sights this summer with a number of key targets already shortlisted.

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According to their information, Joško Gvardiol, Alessandro Bastoni, Sven Botman and Nico Schlotterbeck have all been identified for possible attempts this summer as club chief Fabio Paratici gets to work on the 2022/2023 campaign.

Now, with news emerging on another defensive candidate out of Turkey, it appears Conte has personally approved a move for Kim.

The Latest: Conte green-lights move…

According to Fanatik, Tottenham and Everton have ‘taken action’ over Kim with Lilywhites officials scouting the player and recommending him to Conte.

Subsequently, the Italian has now personally approved a move for the South Korea international defender by giving the ‘green-light’.

The Verdict: Right call?

The 52-year-old wants to see new additions at N17 over the summer as he seeks to improve Tottenham further over his first full season in charge next year.

Kim, who could cost around €23 million (£19m), certainly comes as an affordable alternative to fellow targets on the list with the defender also being called a ‘monster’ in his homeland.

The 6 foot 3 powerhouse, branded one of the stars of the transfer window this summer by Fanatik, may well be one to watch out for if Spurs can’t offload players like Tanguy Ndombele for a profit.

In other news: Tottenham official dispatched as Conte identifies ’emerging superstar’ signing, find out more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have been left buzzing over a transfer update out of Anfield involving RB Leipzig sensation Christopher Nkunku.

As both star forwards Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah take part in the Africa Cup of Nations, much has been made of how manager Jurgen Klopp will cope without the Reds duo.

There have even been reports of possible bids for alternatives, including the likes of Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma, with Mane’s contract situation also a point of contention.

The Senegalese star has just 18 months remaining on his current deal at Anfield as things stand with both FSG and the Reds potentially having to ponder replacements if he doesn’t opt to to extend.

As such, both Spanish news outlet Fichajes and the Liverpool Echo (Tuesday, 10:01) have shared that Klopp is personally eyeing Bundesliga forward Nkunku as a possible like-for-like successor.

It is believed that the 24-year-old is well liked by Klopp with Liverpool now holding a keen interest.

Liverpool fans buzz…

Flocking to this claim, many Reds supporters have been left buzzing on Twitter, with one fan even calling him a would-be ‘dream signing’.

Scoring 16 goals and assisting eight others over his German top flight and Champions League appearances combined this season (WhoScored), Nkunku has also impressed in other attacking aspects.

Indeed, the Frenchman has averaged a highly threatening 2.2 completed dribbles per 90 in the Bundesliga – more than any player in Liverpool’s squad by comparison (WhoScored).

It is clear that Nkunku could certainly add a different dimension in the final third as many Reds rave over their side’s interest.

Find all of their best reactions down below:

“Brilliant player yesss please worth up to 55-70 but hopefully can get him for 40-60mil”

Credit: @AbzzLDN

“He’s literally the most perfect player for us”

Credit: @FPLlfcarish

“sign him now”

Credit: @Veettu_

“Please

@LFC”

Credit: @DanTremarco

“Would be the perfect signing for us”

Credit: @NabySZN21

“oooooooo I hope this true but not too replace mané, just add too what we have”

Credit: @oni_kzz

“We already started making moves. Watch this space”

Credit: @ItsssAkiii

“Would be a dream signing tbh, Nkunku built different”

Credit: @Aadam_B4Z

In other news: Liverpool now want to seal signing of ‘exceptional’ player as soon as possible, find out more here.