All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool head into their UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg against RB Leipzig in a bit of a crisis.

Since the turn of the year, the Reds have lost seven matches, with the recent 1-0 defeat against Fulham at Anfield being a low point in the tenure of Jurgen Klopp.

A whole host of the German’s charges at Anfield are woefully out of form yet one man still fails to be handed an opportunity: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The upcoming European clash could be the perfect opportunity to reintroduce him into the starting line-up in place of Thiago Alcantara.

So far this season, the former Arsenal man has made just ten appearances in all competitions with just three of those being starts.

The early months of his campaign were blighted by injury, only returning to contention in mid-December. However, since then, he has only featured for a total of 201 minutes in the Premier League.

With Liverpool in such a commanding position heading into the second leg, the game could be a wonderful opportunity to hand Oxlade-Chamberlain a much sought-after place in the starting XI.

Some would argue that it makes no sense for the Englishman to replace summer signing Thiago in the lineup due to his much inferior output.

In one respect, they would be correct. According to WhoScored, the Spaniard is superior to Oxlade-Chamberlain in shots, key passes and dribbles per game.

Despite that,  however, it is actually the Englishman who has had a more telling contribution on the pitch with an assist. Whilst that is still not sparkling, the £120k p/w midfielder has achieved that in far less game time as Thiago continues his struggles to adapt to the demands of life at Anfield.

Even Klopp has pointed out an aspect that Liverpool are desperately missing and one that Oxlade-Chamberlain could bring: “energy”.

The reigning Premier League champions look flat and uninspiring at the current time. They need a spark from somewhere and that could potentially be with the recall of Oxlade-Chamberlain.

AND in more news, should Jurgen Klopp walk from Anfield in the near future, FSG have to target former midfielder Steven Gerrard as the German’s replacement…

With Jeremie Frimpong closing in on a move to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been left with a major headache.

The Hoops aren’t blessed with real strength in depth in that right-back spot, and Lennon even went with Kristoffer Ajer in that position in the disappointing 2-2 draw against Livingston in the Scottish Premiership at the weekend.

But one man who the Bhoys should really turn back to, is Anthony Ralston.

The 22-year-old has played just one game all season, and that came just a couple of weeks ago when he helped keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw against Livingston.

Other than that, he has not been seen at Celtic Park, but with Frimpong’s imminent exit, it’s surely time for Ralston to be given the chance to impress once more and see if he can finally deliver on his early promise.

Back when Brendan Rodgers was in charge, the then Celtic boss raved about the youngster’s ability, even after the Hoops were dismantled by PSG in the Champions League.

He said: “That is why I played him. You can’t have shrinking violets in that arena and one thing he isn’t is a shrinking violet. He is an 18-year-old, he is a young guy, but he doesn’t play young.

“He is strong, he’s aggressive and I think with players, when I put them in when they are young, they need to have certain personality traits. When you put a young player in a Champions League game you have to know they are not going to sink. He never did that. He was competitive, aggressive, strong. He’ll take a huge lift from that.”

The £5.5k-a-week earning ace hasn’t quite progressed as well as Celtic fans may have hoped for, making just 20 senior appearances in total since that PSG game a few seasons ago.

But with Frimpong heading for the exit door, Ralston may finally be offered an opportunity to stake his claim and really lay a marker down. Tonight’s Scottish Premiership clash against Hamilton may tempt Lennon into throwing the 22-year-old straight in.

Meanwhile, Celtic can clinch a bargain deal with this League One sensation…

Aston Villa missed their captain Jack Grealish against Leicester City last weekend and supporters will not be happy to hear the latest update on the player ahead of their game this weekend.

The latest on Grealish

Speaking via Aston Villa, Dean Smith said: “He’s getting better. He won’t be ready for tomorrow but he’s getting better. As I said last week, there’s been an awful lot of speculation where Jack is involved. People speculated how long he’s going to be out for – I’m not sure how they can do that when I don’t know, the doctor doesn’t know and Jack doesn’t know.

“I was very vague last week because it’s a bit of a strange injury. Jack could be back to play against Sheffield United next Wednesday or Wolves next week. We’ll be led by Jack on that.”

Villa need to work out a solution without Grealish

Everyone knows the potential and the current quality of the attacking midfielder, including England manager Gareth Southgate, who was in awe of the Villa skipper when he played for the Three Lions, hailing his performance against Belgium as ‘outstanding’.

The skipper has managed an average of 2.1 shots, 3.4 key passes and 2.8 successful dribbles a game and turned these amazing attacking stats into end product, picking up six goals as well as assisting ten times in the division, (WhoScored).

Therefore the six words from Smith that “he won’t be ready for tomorrow” are definitely worrying given Leeds just produced a phenomenal performance in a 3-0 win against Southampton – Villa will need to be at their best. Perhaps even more concerning is the fact the gaffer doesn’t seem to know when Grealish will actually be ready to return.

In other Villa news, fans have been piling praise on one star at the club following his latest comments. Have a read who it is here!

David Moyes can find his ideal Arthur Masuaku replacement in Rangers full-back Borna Barisic amid reports West Ham United are considering a mid-season deal.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the Irons are monitoring the Gers’ star left-back ahead of the January transfer window after losing Masuaku for the foreseeable future following knee surgery.

The Hammers believe there is a need for top-quality fresh legs in the position following Masuaku’s operation, while introducing competition for Aaron Cresswell after the three-cap England international’s struggles in recent games.

Barisic has emerged as the latest in a line of left-backs to be linked with a mid-season move to the London Stadium, with West Ham also said to be interested in FC Barcelona’s Junior Firpo and Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Rangers chiefs expect Barisic to be a target for several sides in the upcoming window with his contract entering its final 18-months, but they will still demand upwards of £8m after snubbing approaches from Leeds United in the summer.

Forget Cresswell, sign Barisic

Barisic has been in sublime form under Steven Gerrard as Rangers look to claim the Scottish Premiership title this season, with the Liverpool icon lauding the 28-year-old for his consistency which ensured interest was inevitably high in the summer.

“We’re not surprised if there is any interest in Borna,” Gerrard said, via quotes by the Glasgow Times. “Of course, we’re not because he has been a consistent performer for us for some time now and has started the season so brightly again.

“But he has signed a long-term deal here, everyone loves him, the fans like him and he was in the running for Player of the Year. If someone did come, they would have to bring an awful lot of money with them.”

Rangers are rightfully loath to part ways with Barisic, who has provided an astonishing 10 assists and two goals in 26 appearances across all competitions thus far this season, despite failing to create or find the back of the net since September in the Premiership.

His output has remained high nonetheless, with Barisic averaging 2.7 accurate crosses and providing 2.2 key balls a game in the Scottish top-flight, along with 0.7 shots, while winning possession with 1.1 interceptions, 0.8 successful tackles and 1.0 clearances, per SofaScore.

It would not take long for Barisic to warm the hearts of Moyes and West Ham supporters were he to move to east London in January and hit the ground running with the same impact.

AND in other news, West Ham are monitoring a £20k-p/w talent to resolve David Moyes’ “big” blow.

Spurs are back in league action this evening as they welcome relegation-threatened Fulham to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for their re-arranged festive clash.

Jose Mourinho’s side were scheduled to face Aston Villa until 48 hours ago when the Premier League’s officials postponed that match due to the number of coronavirus cases in the Villa camp.

The north Londoners were originally supposed to face their local rivals on December 30th but that game was called off at short-notice for similar reasons.

Spurs head into this fixture on the back of a 5-0 whitewash against non-league minnows Marine in the FA Cup third-round, whilst Scott Parker’s men dispatched their old foes, QPR, though they still remain in the bottom three in the top-flight.

On the Chalkboard

Mourinho is left with several interesting calls to make as he rung the changes up against Marine only three days ago – does he stick or twist with the impressive Dele Alli? Will all of the rested players make an instant return to the starting XI?

One decision he must make is axing struggling winger Lucas Moura. He might have scored a sublime free-kick in the 5-0 demolition, but aside from that, he was underwhelming once again.

Per SofaScore, the £36m-rated dynamo lost possession 18 times from just 57 touches in 64 minutes of action, meaning he handed the ball back to Marine once every three-and-a-half minutes.

He also won just four of 11 duels (36%) as he failed to combat their physicality – an all too frequent occurrence.

Indeed, the Brazilian winger has scored just once in the Premier League since December 2019, which is an abysmal return for someone that has played 60 times since Mourinho’s appointment just a month earlier.

Moura’s overall numbers have also substantially regressed from last season. He has gone from averaging 1.6 shots and 2.1 dribbles per game to managing only 0.4 shots and 0.4 dribbles in the top-flight this term, via WhoScored, proving he’s actually been playing below standard for a few months.

Of course, thanks to Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, Spurs haven’t exactly struggled for goals, but they would still like to have the third player in their front line firing on all cylinders.

Perhaps these numbers may come as a surprise to some, given the sort of praise he’s received from those around him in N17 – former centre-back Jan Vertonghen dubbed him a “nightmare to play against” and an “unbelievable player” while Eric Dier has lauded him for being “fast” and “intelligent.”

We’ve not seen any of those qualities in a very long time, so it would be wise for Mourinho to ruthlessly wield his axe on the £110k-per-week flop especially as Steven Bergwijn has been well-rested over the past two weeks.

The Dutchman hasn’t featured since the 3-0 victory over Leeds United on New Year’s Day, where he delivered his fourth assist of the season. As we explained in detail here, he does so much more for Mourinho.

Even though Moura might feel hard done by given that he scored in the FA Cup game at the weekend, Mourinho must see the bigger picture. He must be be ruthless and drop the Brazilian. Simply put, Bergwijn must start over Moura at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this evening.

AND in other news, Spurs can upgrade faltering star with £36m swoop for “very rare” gem…

Speaking exclusively to FootballFanCast, former Tottenham ace Gary Mabbutt has delivered his verdict on Aston Villa star Jack Grealish.

The England international has been the heartbeat of Dean Smith’s side for a number of seasons now, and has been in impressive form throughout this new Premier League season, notching five goals and providing six assists in only nine games.

Speaking to FFC, Mabbutt said: “He’s a player that once you get him full of confidence, and you get him fully focused on what he needs to do – I thought he was outstanding in the England games. Even in midfield against Belgium, he was doing tricks that you’re like ‘wow, where’s that come from?’

“Players like that who can create something from nothing, players who can dictate games at times. He’s a player that’s still a youngster, still learning the game and has got a great future.”

Grealish was of course linked with a big summer move a few months ago, with reports suggesting that sides like Manchester United were chasing his signature. In fact, it was claimed earlier this month that the Red Devils’ city rivals Manchester City have identified him as a top target too.

Speculation over his long-term future will persist, and all Grealish can do is do his talking on the pitch. And he’s been doing exactly that for Smith, and Villa fans won’t care one bit what the rumours are outside the club if he keeps it up.

Still only 25, the England star has yet to even hit his prime yet, and given the kinds of prices that are getting bandied about in the modern day, if his club were ever going to let him go, then he’ll surely go for well over £100m.

It was something of a surprise when Leeds United man Robbie Gotts joined League One Lincoln City on loan ahead of this season but his impressive performances this season seem to suggest that the Yorkshire club made the right decision.

The 21-year-old joined the Imps on a season-long loan in October and has been a regular in Michael Appleton’s side since then, having made seven appearances in all competitions, featuring as both a right-back and a central midfielder.

When he joined the club, Appleton was full of praise for the youngster, telling the club’s website:

“He’s got bags of quality in possession of the ball and he’s got the energy and athleticism to get up and down the pitch too.”

Gotts’ performances have helped Lincoln make a superb start to the League One campaign, as they currently sit second in the table ahead of this weekend’s game away at Rochdale.

Bielsa has kept faith in young midfielder Jamie Shackleton at times this season, with the academy graduate having made three appearances in the Premier League this season, in which he has averaged a less than impressive 6.3 rating (per WhoScored).

Whilst Gotts is obviously playing a lower level, his performances have earned him the praise of Leeds fans on Twitter recently, so if he can continue as a regular in this Lincoln side, perhaps he could challenge Shackleton for his spot in Leeds’ first-team when he returns.

Marcelo Bielsa is well aware of the youngster, having praised his efforts after the made his debut in the Whites’ 1-0 defeat against Arsenal last season, so there seems no reason why he couldn’t establish himself as a regular in the Argentinian’s side in the future.

[freshpress-quiz id=“562145″]

Leeds fans will be hoping that Gotts continues to feature regularly for the Imps and helps them to promotion to the Championship, which would be a great experience for the 21-year-old.

And, in other news… Orta must prioritise handing a new contract to Bielsa favourite before it’s too late 

Ben Godfrey would be far from the ideal Everton player to step-in and replace Seamus Coleman against Southampton on Sunday with the Republic of Ireland international sidelined through injury.

Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Coleman will be out for this weekend’s Premier League clash, having been forced to withdraw the 32-year-old midway through the first half of the Merseyside Derby after he sustained a hamstring problem.

It is expected that Godfrey will now be awarded his first start since joining the Blues in a £20million transfer this summer when the Goodison Park outfit travel to St Mary’s, with Coleman likely on the sidelines for the next two to three weeks.

Everton Daily Update – 22/10/21 – DCL, Connolly and more!

Ancelotti has already stated his admiration for Godfrey’s talents at centre-half and proved he sees potential in the 22-year-old to play outside of his natural role through his use in the Merseyside Derby, but the defender’s output against Liverpool left much to the imagination.

“I said in the past that we are looking for a centre-back because we are short there, and Godfrey is a really good centre-back,” said Ancelotti, via quotes by talkSPORT amid rumours of his eventual move from Norwich City.

Ancelotti will be with a slack set of options to replace Coleman against Southampton with fellow right-back Jonjoe Kenny still weeks away from a potential return, despite making good progress at Finch Farm in his rehabilitation from an ankle injury sustained against West Ham United in the Carabao Cup.

Everton currently have no definitive return date scheduled for Kenny, making it ever more likely that Godfrey’s first Toffees start will come at right-back against Southampton this Sunday.

Godfrey played 59 minutes in the role as he made his Everton debut at home to rivals Liverpool, and left Ancelotti impressed despite initially struggling to settle in the position.

“We signed him as a centre-back not a right-back, but he has quality to play in that position,” Ancelotti said, via quotes by The Boot Room. “He had a little problem when he went on the pitch at the beginning, but second-half was really good.”

As well as his initial struggles, Godfrey failed to register a single successful tackle against Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League champions, while being dribbled past once to his three clearances and two shots blocked, per SofaScore.

Ancelotti should have concerns over utilising Godfrey to cover for Coleman, as the former Norwich talent also lacks in key areas where the Italian believes his captain thrives.

“Seamus is a great example of a captain,” said Ancelotti, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo. “I have a lot of captains in my career, but Seamus has a lot of spirit and attitude and how he is able to explain his love for the shirt is really top.”

Godfrey has previously been described as an aggressive player by former Norwich manager Alex Neil, who said in 2016 via quotes by the Eastern Daily Press: “His competitive streak is really, really good, he is strong, aggressive and he can use the ball well.”

Should Godfrey’s aggressive streak surface against Southampton and he again fails to win any of his attempted tackles, the south coast side could have a field day having already shown a preference to attack down their left-hand side in the Premier League this term.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men are currently attempting 44% of their attacks down the left-hand channel to 33% on the right and 23% through the centre, while that figure also rises to 46% when at home, per WhoScored.

Godfrey will certainly have his work cut out to restrict the flow of the game taking place on his side of the field, and any early struggles could set the tone in Southampton’s favour.

AND in other news, a permanent transfer could be imminent for a £1.44m-rated Everton man after his latest comments.

Southampton continued their run of excellent form after a thrilling seven-goal fiesta played out at Villa Park on Sunday. The Saints put four past Aston Villa who came out fighting with all guns blazing. Luckily for the visitors, they were able to come away with all three points despite the best efforts of the hosts.

Not everything was a positive takeaway from the match though. Ralph Hasenhuttl could be staring down the barrel of a very dangerous gun and it’s lurking in the form of a triple injury blow.

Southampton injury news

In a scene that fans will have been watching through their fingers, star striker Danny Ings was taken off the pitch with just five minutes to go. The problem, as many dreaded, is a knee injury.

According to the latest update, his initial scan results “are favourable” but the striker is awaiting further tests to determine the severity of the injury. Hasenhuttl originally admitted that it did not “look good”, which will have struck fear to the Austrian’s core.

Ings has a morbid history with knee injuries which has crippled his playing career. At Liverpool, he was forced to the sidelines through ligament damage and missed a total of 85 matches for the Reds. This totals up to a painful 498 days out of action with ongoing knee problems (via Transfermarkt).

Ryan Bertrand also hobbled off the pitch after suffering a hamstring injury deep into the second half. The ever-present left-back has suffered two hamstring injuries on different occasions during his time with the Saints, which kept him out of action for a combined nine matches. Whilst this isn’t season-ending news, it could set Southampton back in their run for a strong finish this term.

The third of Hasenhuttl’s concerns comes after Jan Bednarek was also forced off after picking up a head injury during an aerial duel. The manager has described the collision as “brutal” in his recent comments, which could perhaps indicate there’s a slight case of concussion there.

Over the next few days, Hasenhuttl will need to draw up plans to prepare for a match without all three in question. Good news could come and surprise the fans, but things look bleak as they prepare to face Newcastle on Friday.

In other news, Jannik Vestergaard shines in Saints victory over Aston Villa…

According to talkSPORT correspondent Alex Crook, Leicester City and St Etienne ‘are negotiating’ over a price for ‘highly rated’ defender Wesley Fofana – with manager Brendan Rodgers allegedly keen to make him their second signing of the window. 

As the 2020/2021 Premier League season looms large, kicking off this weekend, Fofana is reportedly at the centre of Leicester’s interests as they look to strengthen an already resolute back line.

Following the departure of star centre-back Harry Maguire last year, the Foxes did well to fill the gaping hole he left behind, with Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans going on to form a solid partnership in his wake. 

However, after they narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification in the final stages of last campaign, Rodgers and co will be determined to strengthen wherever possible – and Fofana looks like a player who could provide solidarity as well as sky high potential.

The 6ft 3 colossus, starting 13 Ligue 1 matches for St Etienne last season, averaged 4.5 successful aerial duels per 90 – all while making 3.7 clearances and 2.6 interceptions in the same time frame (WhoScored).

By comparison with Leicester’s current defensive crop, that’s more intercepted passes than any Foxes squad member, including the solid partnership of Evans and Soyuncu.

While Fofana didn’t exactly match the duo’s rate of clearances, it could be clear that the 19-year-old is certainly capable of achieving those numbers.

talkSPORT journalist Crook has heard Leicester may need to pay £20 million, but judging by the numbers, he could be a coup waiting to happen.

Leicester fans, would you like to see Fofana at the King Power? Have your say in the comment section down below…