[ad_pod ]

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa confirmed in his Aston Villa pre-match press conference on Friday that he could start Luke Ayling following his return from injury, but there are two seriously good reasons why he must take his place on the substitutes’ bench instead.

On the chalkboard

The 27-year-old has been on the sidelines since the end of October after suffering a knee injury, but his Argentine boss surprisingly revealed that he could select him to start at Villa Park on Sunday.

That would certainly be no surprise in many ways given the Yorkshire outfit’s defensive crisis in recent weeks, with the absences of Ayling, Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi meaning that midfielders Stuart Dallas, Kalvin Phillips and Jamie Shackleton have taken their places in unfamiliar roles in the backline.

It is the latter who has filled in for the former Bristol City man at right-back most recently, and he has impressed.

Why should Bielsa leave Ayling out?

While there is no question about the quality and experience he brings to Leeds, coming up against an in-form Yannick Bolasie this weekend means he shouldn’t be named in the starting XI.

If he was match-fit there is no question that he could deal with the Everton loanee, but given he has only just returned the prospect of playing such a tricky and speedy winger means that the 27-year-old would be in serious danger of aggravating the problem he has only just recovered from, and the Whites can’t afford for that to happen as they need him available over the busy festive period.

Furthermore, Shackleton has proved in recent matches that he has the pace and defensive nous to deal with a player who has provided four assists in his previous four Championship outings.

It would be seen as a risk by some, but it makes sense to stick with the teenager who has done more than enough to earn his place and Bielsa shouldn’t want to send a negative message to him.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Playmaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

Jack Ross will be making a huge mistake if he pursues Celtic defender Jack Hendry, with reports in The Mirror linking the Black Cats to the 23-year-old.

What’s the word?

Hendry returned to the Hoops for £1.5million on deadline day of the last transfer window, but has failed to nail down a place in Brendan Rodgers’ side since.

The Bhoys are now said to be open to the central defender leaving on loan, with The Mirror linking Sunderland and Portsmouth to the Celtic product, who left the Scottish Premiership side for Peterborough in 2011.

The 3-cap Scotland international last featured for Rodgers in his side’s 3-0 win over Hearts on October 28, however, coming on as a late second-half substitute for Kristoffer Ajer.

One of the causes for the player’s departure, albeit on loan, after just a year comes with Celtic’s head of player recruitment Lee Congerton being touted as a target for Anderlecht, which is claimed to be a signal for fringe players moving on in a mass exodus.

Check out Neymar’s controversial new haircut for 2019 and Xherdan Shaqiri as you’ve never seen him before in the video below..,

Ross would be making a mistake

Given the stature of Sunderland and the demands placed on the players as they look to clinch promotion back into the Championship at the first time of asking, Ross would be making a huge error by agreeing to take Hendry on loan.

The defender has not featured for Rodgers since late October because he has been pushed so far down the pecking order at Celtic Park, with 28-year-old Dedryck Boyata regularly chosen over Hendry despite declining a new deal at the club and being a target for Premier League sides.

When he has played for the Hoops, Hendry has struggled massively and looked completely out of his depth at times, and that is not the calibre of player that Ross needs at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats need to be tempting more proven talent to join their League One quest, not players who will upset the rhythm currently being built, recording three wins in their last five games.

Sunderland have also only conceded more than two goals a game twice since the start of December, a run that involved nine games and facing off against league leaders Portsmouth – the only side to have put more points on the board after 26 games, having played two more fixtures.

Do you agree that Hendry would be a risk for Ross? Let us know in the poll below…

According to The Sunderland Echo, The Black Cats are targeting the signing of Celtic winger Lewis Morgan on loan this January. 

The move would see the 22-year-old be reunited with manager Jack Ross, with whom he was with last season at St Mirren. Morgan was sensational last season with The Buddies, helping secure them promotion from the Scottish Championship with 14 goals and six assists in 35 appearances.

Morgan has struggled to make an impact so far for Celtic this season, however, and while he has featured under Brendan Rodgers, it has largely been from the bench and he is yet to score. However, at the age of 22, he is still in his formative years, and it would make sense if he joins up with the manager that has been able to get the best from him so far in his career. It will only help his development before returning to Parkhead.

Ross’s Sunderland currently sit in third place in League One, and while they remain one of the favourites to get promoted this season, they are still struggling to look wholly convincing. While Chris Wyke continues to find his best form this season after an injury lay-off, an injection of attacking potency from a player like Morgan is what Sunderland need to complement fellow in-form forwards Josh Maja and Lynden Gooch.

There is no point letting Morgan rot away on the bench at Celtic Park this season, when he could be part of a huge promotion operation at the Stadium of Light.

[ad_pod ]

According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic’s James Forrest has emerged as a surprise summer target for Premier League leaders, Liverpool, who value the Scotsman at £8m.

The 27-year-old is a key player for the Hoops and is currently having by far his best season in green and white – the winger has bagged eight goals and chalked up nine assists in 18 SPFL appearances and this has reportedly put him on the Reds’ radar, who likely see him as a good squad option.

Celtic are no strangers to selling their big stars on for a handsome profit, having offloaded Virgil van Dijk and Moussa Dembele for huge fees in recent years, but the Bhoys and Ghirls aren’t ready to let go of another so easily.

Many scoffed at the £8m fee being reported, with one fan suggesting that the Parkhead outfit accept nothing less than £30m for the speedster – almost as much as they received for van Dijk and Dembele put together.

You can check out the best of the reaction on Twitter below…

[ad_pod ]

Paul Pogba is poised to make his Manchester United return against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed.

The France international sustained a knock in the win over Newcastle and was subsequently missing from the FA Cup win over Reading, but he is now set to play against Spurs this weekend.

What’s the word?

Pogba was injured after an ugly challenge from Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey as Solskjaer’s men ran out 2-0 winners at St James’ Park.

The World Cup winner was treated by the club’s medical staff in Manchester while the remainder of the squad headed to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp.

Pogba eventually linked up with his team-mates, and is now fit enough to be considered for selection.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has caused a stir in Norway! Watch the video above to find out what we’re talking about…

Speaking to United’s official website, Solskjaer said: “He [Pogba] looked okay towards the end [of the training camp], so he’ll be fit.

“He did have some problems but he came through the last couple of sessions well, so he should be okay.”

Pogba has been in electric form since the appointment of Solskjaer, scoring four goals and providing three assists in just four games.

Much needed boost

Pogba has been instrumental to Solskjaer since his appointment, with the former Cardiff City manager enjoying a quite brilliant run at the helm.

United have scored 14 goals in just four games, taking maximum points, and the Frenchman has been at the centre of everything good for the Red Devils behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1 system.

Thus, with Spurs being their first true test, the Norwegian will have been given a vital boost although the same can’t be said of Jesse Lingard, who may well have been in line for a rare start since Jose Mourinho departed.

Tottenham regularly employ a high press, with the likes of Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-Min bidding to steal possession from both the midfield and the defence.

United deploying Pogba in the middle will make it significantly harder for Spurs to do that, however, such is his grace in possession and his ability to drive his team forward.

Indeed, his inclusion could prove key to United’s chances of picking up a good result, and cementing Solskjaer’s credentials as a potential permanent appointment at Old Trafford.

According to Tutto Mercato Web, Arsenal are interested in signing PSV Eindhoven winger Hirving Lozano.

Given Unai Emery’s recent admission that the Gunners are only in a position to secure loan deals in this January transfer window, the signing of Lozano will likely have to be conducted in the summer.

The north London club certainly need a winger, and Lozano represents an appealing target. The 23-year-old has been in fine form this season, racking up 11 goals and 8 assists in just 17 Eredivisie appearances. 

The 34-cap Mexico international is ready to take the next step in his career and for the challenge of the Premier League.

The Verdict

Arsenal’s need for a new wide player is obvious. They currently lack pace and depth on the flanks, with Alex Iwobi representing the only fit, natural winger currently in the senior squad at the Emirates Stadium.

The likes of Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have struggled playing out wide this season. Lozano’s arrival would provide Emery with a far healthier set of wide options.

However, the Gunners must be prepared to go all out to land their man, as the aforementioned report states both Napoli and Barcelona are also keen on the Mexican’s signature. The Premier League club will have to dig deep into their pockets to bring him to north London.

[ad_pod ]

According to The Independent, Barcelona have relaxed their stance on Denis Suarez, meaning the door is once again open for Arsenal to pursue a loan deal for the out-of-favour midfielder.

What’s the story?

In mid-December, The Independent reported Arsenal’s initial interest in the 25-year-old. Now, though, they claim that since then the Gunners have struggled to come to an agreement with the Spanish club due to Barcelona wanting a permanent move away for Suarez. 

According to the latest report from The Independent, the La Liga giants appear happy to sanction a loan deal should Suarez sign a one-year contract extension at the Camp Nou, to ensure that he isn’t lost on a free transfer when his contract expires.

Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin may be out for the season but it’s given him a chance to show off his new accessory. Check out the video below to see for yourself…

This arrangement would suit Arsenal, who Unai Emery has already revealed are not in a position to make any permanent signings during this January transfer window. 

A key role to play

Should the north London club now be able to make a deal for Suarez happen, then the Spaniard could have a big impact at the Emirates Stadium.

Suarez has worked with Emery before, during a loan spell with Sevilla for the 2014/15 campaign. For Emery himself, bringing a player already familiar with his methods and demands to Arsenal will only aid his project of rebuilding the Gunners’ squad in his image.

Suarez may represent a slightly underwhelming addition. He certainly isn’t an upgrade technically on the likes of Aaron Ramsey or Mesut Ozil, but in terms of getting Arsenal to function tactically as Emery envisages, he could have a key part to play for the rest of the season.

[ad_pod ]Everton fans are all making the same joke after a reported incident involving the Under-18 side, hoping to see more of the youngsters in the first team fold.Everton fell to yet another disappointing defeat on Wednesday night, as Manchester City strolled past the Toffees at Goodison.While the visit of last season’s champions isn’t exactly the type of fixture to expect three points in, the lack of fight from Marco Silva’s troops is still a huge concern.

The Blues have now lost four of their last five games in all competitions, and have won just four times since the start of December.

Meanwhile, the Under-18’s took on Manchester United’s youngsters on Tuesday night, and the game reportedly ended in a brawl, with one observer claiming the Everton players “attacked†the Red Devils.

Although the Toffees’ teenagers lost 1-0, they are top of the league, and fans are hoping to see some of them in the first team, if only to inject a bit of youthful exuberance and Scouse passion into the side.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Marco Silva is surely fighting for his future as Everton manager following a dismal run of form in the Premier League.

Expectations were high in the summer when the Portuguese was announced as Sam Allardyce’s successor. Working alongside new director of football, Marcel Brands, Silva secured plenty of promising transfers that had the Goodison faithful hopeful of a strong campaign. However, after a decent start, their form has curtailed since the Merseyside derby defeat at Anfield.

The former Watford boss is now fighting for his future as further poor showings in the remainder of the campaign could force owner Farhad Moshiri to find a new gaffer. Should Silva manage to save his job, he simply must attempt to solve Everton’s leaky defence. The Toffees have conceded far too many poor goals during the current campaign which cannot go on.

One man Silva should turn to is Real Betis rock – Marc Bartra. Valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt, the former Barcelona man returned to Spain following a forgettable spell with Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 and was named Betis’ player of the year despite playing just half a season. The 28-year-old has once again been a pivotal player for his side and one of the most consistent performers in La Liga.

The former Spain international loves to get stuck in, averaging an impressive 2.6 tackles per game, but also reads the game expertly, allowing him to make 1.7 interceptions on average. Bartra is also decent in the air, winning 2.2 aerial duels per game, making him the ideal man to solve Everton’s defensive woes. As well as his defensive abilities, the Spaniard also thrives with the ball at his feet, completing 89% of his passes in La Liga meaning he is ideal for Silva’s system on Merseyside (WhoScored).

If Everton want to secure a return to Europe next season, splashing the cash on Bartra would be a wise move.

Everton fans, thoughts?

Sunderland continue to struggle under Phil Parkinson but the draw against Blackpool did show signs of improvement, and offered an indication of the new direction he is trying to take his team in.

On the chalkboard

Parkinson has had a tough time so far and though improvements need to be made by him, he has on the whole been let down by the squad at his disposal.

Too many key players have failed to perform this season. Will Grigg looks a shadow of his former self while players like Chris Maguire have been guilty of a lack of effort in recent weeks.

Sunderland’s weak mentality means they are often unable to overcome a deficit, and they regularly find themselves behind due to a defensive vulnerability, but that has largely been solved by Parkinson’s recent switch to a five-at-the-back formation.

The Black Cats have still conceded two goals in two games but one of those was a Gillingham set-piece and the other a beautifully lobbed goal from the Seasiders at the weekend.

Parkinson’s change is, therefore, paying off at the moment, and the greater understanding the team has playing in such a style, the better they will be as a result.

Watch Sunderland Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Formula for success

Sunderland’s midfield is not good enough at defending or attacking to give them a chance to dominate possession in matches, but playing 5-2-3 negates that issue somewhat.

It has granted freedom to wingbacks Luke O’Nien and Denver Hume, both of whom benefit from being given a license to roam forward, with the former scoring three goals this term and Hume averaging 1.9 successful dribbles per game.

Furthermore, the reassurance of playing three centre-backs fills those playing there with more confidence, particularly Alim Ozturk, who has made a strong case to start on a regular basis in recent weeks – receiving a higher rating from Roker Report than any other defender.

Can you score at least 80% on this Ultimate Premier League Quiz? Test your knowledge now…

In attack, there could be a similar story developing. While Grigg would likely be isolated in the new formation, too, Charlie Wyke has come in and shown just how pivotal he could be.

He scored a terrific goal last weekend and could have notched the winner but for the woodwork. His four shots overall is the kind of involvement from a striker that Parkinson is looking for since the Northern Irishman has averaged just 0.8 shots per game by comparison.

A greater understanding of the system and these players continuing to improve is a good mix for Parkinson to get things back on track, and with a bit of belief and confidence, the team may start picking up results.

To enhance his chances of picking up points, however, Parkinson should make one key personnel change to his team which could make all the difference.