All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United will take on West Ham on Sunday evening in a game that could be key for their hopes of a top four finish.

At the time of writing, the Red Devils sit second in the table, eight points clear of the Hammers, albeit having played a game more.

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s troops having only taken to the pitch on Thursday in the 1-1 draw with AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League, how many alterations are we expecting him to make to his team at the weekend?

There could be as many as four changes to the United lineup, with an injury crisis having hit Old Trafford.

Despite David de Gea being back in contention, the Red Devils should stick with Dean Henderson in goal. The former Sheffield United loan star has impressed in recent weeks so is deserving of his place.

A couple of alterations should occur in the backline, however. Both Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof were rested against Milan so should be restored to the starting lineup. This would mean that both £31.5m-rated defender Alex Telles and Eric Bailly would drop out.

Another man who is likely to return is Brazilian midfielder Fred. The former Shakhtar Donetsk man was replaced by Nemanja Matic in midweek but will once again return to the middle of the park. Bruno Fernandes will take his place, as always, just in front of the midfield duo of Fred and Scott McTominay.

One headache that Solskjaer does have, however, is in attack. Edinson Cavani is ruled out, whilst Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are both major doubts.

Given these injury worries, Daniel James and Mason Greenwood should continue in the starting line-up, and they are likely to be joined by Amad Diallo. The Ivorian scored his first Manchester United goal against Milan with a clever header so could well have justified earning a maiden Premier League start against West Ham.

AND in more news, have a look at why Solskjaer needs to stick with Henderson despite the return of de Gea…

By signing Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019, Manchester United have taken a gigantic leap towards transforming their defence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

It’s taken some time for him to make the necessary adjustments to life at Old Trafford but the England international has assumed the mantle as one of the senior figures in the squad, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praising his “strong character” and resilience following a tough start to the season.

Reports in recent times have suggested that Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane finds himself on the Red Devils’ radar, and his latest performance against SD Huesca on Saturday was nothing short of a masterpiece.

In the absence of several first-team regulars, the French World Cup winner put on a clinic as Madrid came from behind to claim a much-needed 2-1 away win at bottom of the table Huesca. He made a game-high of six clearances at the Estadio El Alcoraz – that being better than his season’s average of 3.7 per game – stepping in front of the likes of Rafa Mir and Shinji Okazaki on multiple occasions to clear the danger for Zinedine Zidane’s men –

Varane, who earns around £172,000-per-week at the Bernabeu, wasn’t just a colossal at the back, however, as he also demonstrated an attacking prowess by bagging a brace to give the Galacticos the lead.

The 27-year-old also boasted two shots on target which was comfortably better than any player on the pitch by some margin as he found the winner after scoring from close range following a direct free kick with six minutes left on the clock.

Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard previously raved about his teammate’s abilities, saying: “Karim Benzema is very friendly and down-to-earth. He’s here to score goals and win matches. I think he’s shown once again this year that he’s quite simply the best.

“Then you have Raphael Varane. I’ve come across some fantastic defenders during my career, such as John Terry and Vincent Kompany.

“I think that although [Varane] is still young, he’s already one of the best centre-backs of all time. His partnership with Sergio Ramos is wonderful.”

There’s no doubting the fact that his heroics will have helped to spare Zidane’s blushes and surely would have impressed the likes of Solskjaer and Ed Woodward had they been watching.

He is equally capable of playing the role of the marauding centre-back in Solskjaer’s defensive pairing, with Maguire doing the dirty work of providing protection for David de Gea in front of goal, or vice versa.

Both comfortable at the back and confident on the ball, he could provide some much-needed stability to their backline after the Red Devils threw away a two-goal lead to draw with Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday night.

AND in other news, Man Utd can find perfect Harry Maguire partner in Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane…

Southampton have now picked up just one point from their last nine games in the Premier League after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Everton on Monday evening.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side struggled to create chances at Goodison Park and only managed one shot on target in the 90 minutes, which came in the final few minutes when Jordan Pickford blocked Jannik Vestergaard’s goal-bound shot.

The Austrian tactician was forced into a tactical change in midfield ahead of the game, following the news that the defensive-minded Oriol Romeu will now miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury, meaning Stuart Armstrong was dropped into a central-midfield role against Everton, rather than his usual position as a ‘wide 10’.

Unfortunately, with Ibrahima Diallo having only just returned to individual training, Southampton were left with just James Ward-Prowse as a natural, senior option in central midfield, with Hasenhuttl preferring Armstrong there instead of academy talents Alexandre Jankewitz and Kgaogelo Chauke.

Whilst the Scottish international featured in that position regularly for Celtic, his best performances in a Southampton shirt have come out wide, and Hasenhuttl’s side really missed his influence on the wing – with wingers Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond rated as the worst players on the pitch at Goodison Park by SofaScore.

Having two attack-minded players in the middle for Hasenhuttl left Southampton far too exposed, which was clear to see when the Toffees opened the scoring, as Gylfi Sigurdsson was afforded far too much time and space to slip a ball through to Richarlison to round Fraser Forster and slam in from a tight angle.

The Icelandic midfielder was able to find a lot of space on a number of occasions, perhaps due to Armstrong and Ward-Prowse pushing too far up the pitch, and he caused Southampton a lot of problems, with SofaScore awarding him an 8.0 rating for his display – the best of any player on the evening.

Earlier this year, after Armstrong signed a new contract with the South Coast club, which now sees him earn £50k per week, Hasenhuttl dubbed him as a “very smart” player and praised his effectiveness as a number 10.

However, it could be argued that the 28-year-old doesn’t possess the positional awareness to play as a central midfielder in a 4-4-2, as his attacking runs left the Saints vulnerable to the counter-attack on a number of occasions.

Therefore, it seems that Hasenhuttl’s decision to play Armstrong in that position was a fatal mistake in the end, as it both limited Southampton going forward and left them exposed defensively.

And, in other news… 82% duels lost: £60k-p/w Saints beast was nowhere near his usual level vs Everton

As the January transfer window draws closer, it’s become increasingly apparent that Glasgow Rangers could do with a couple more additions in the market. Namely, another wide option and a holding midfielder.

Despite their summer spending spree, Steven Gerrard faces some tough decisions ahead of the Premiership clash with St. Mirren as he looks to trigger a big reaction after the Betfred Cup exit.

Whilst the Ibrox boss will no doubt want to strengthen at the back, his wide options could do with his undivided attention too. Ianis Hagi has been in such fine form since the beginning of the month, having bagged two goals in his past three games, but Ryan Kent seems to be in some sort of a rapid decline and Kemar Roofe is in danger of being stretched too thinly.

Although Kent has showed glimpses of quality, he has been unable to produce magic as consistently as he managed last season.

What’s the word?

There’s no doubt Gerrard has a plethora of options out wide at his disposal with Jordan Jones re-entering the fold after serving a suspension for breaching rules. However, despite all of the options currently available, it’s fair to say that Rangers lack any real depth on the right-wing, as both Jones and Brandon Barker have been deemed surplus to requirements.

But there’s one player in particular who may be able to fix their problems once and for all.

According to The Daily Record, Airdrieonians winger Thomas Robert is still of interest to Rangers and Airdrie are bracing themselves for a bidding war in the January transfer window.

Premiership rivals Celtic, Hibernian, and Scottish Championship side Heart of Midlothian are also keen to land the Parisian-born right-winger, whose contract will run out at the end of the season.

Robert, the son of former Newcastle United star Laurent, has been in prolific form since the start of the season, providing four goals and two assists across all competitions so far, via Transfermarkt.

Perfect partner for Kemar Roofe

The 20-year-old scored directly from a corner against Clyde during the 4-2 win at the Broadwood Stadium at the weekend.

By comparison, Kent finds himself in the midst of a goal drought, with his last goal coming during the 4-0 win at home to Aberdeen last month.

Comfortable on both wings, Ross Wilson would be wise to sanction a move for Robert as not only would the set-piece specialist be able to provide cover and competition for Kent, he’d also be able to do the same for Hagi on the opposite flank. Just imagine him slotting into place alongside Roofe up front.

Airdrie manager Ian Murray heaped praise on the Frenchman following his latest impressive performance, saying: “It wouldn’t surprise me if we have a fight to keep him. Thomas has done really, really well.

“He showed his class again against Clyde with the corner kick, but it wasn’t just that, in the first half he was excellent, his touches on the ball, his movement, his timing in the releasing of the ball, the way he picked up space, was excellent.

“We’ve had loads of clubs looking at him, a few of them were pretty impressed.

“Were they impressed enough to make a bid, I’m not sure, but I think there are a couple who are not too far away from that.”

Despite his young age, Robert’s versatility would make him a most useful addition to the Govan-based Glaswegian giants, as both Kent and Roofe have been run ragged for most of the season so far.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must unleash Calvin Bassey vs St. Mirren…

Newcastle United can afford to cash-in on Freddie Woodman during the January transfer window after Arsenal reportedly shortlisted the goalkeeper.

What’s the word?

According to football.london, the Gunners have placed Woodman on their shortlist of candidates to target this month as Technical Director Edu eyes options who can strengthen Mikel Arteta’s ranks between the sticks.

Arsenal signed Alex Runarsson to fill the void created by Emiliano Martinez’s move to Aston Villa last summer, but have not been totally impressed by the Iceland international after a string of shaky performances.

Matt Macey has also departed Arsenal to weaken their homegrown quota which a move for long-term target Woodman would help to resolve, having monitored the former England U21 international in 2018 and again throughout his initial loan spell with Swansea City last season.

Woodman is thought to fit the profile of who Arteta would like to see Arsenal sign in the mid-season market, with the Gunners chasing a shot-stopper who is also good with their feet, and could be attracted to a move to north London where his father is the Head of Under 23s Goalkeeping.

The 23-year-old is currently back on loan with Swansea having agreed to spend a second term in south Wales after penning a contract extension, which keeps Woodman tied down at St. James’ Park until 2023, having otherwise been a free agent at the end of this season.

He has been one of the second-tier’s top ‘keepers this term with 14 clean sheets in 23 games after shutting out Barnsley on Saturday, to move four clear of AFC Bournemouth’s Asmir Begovic in the race for the Golden Glove award.

Should NUFC sell Woodman?

Newcastle would be passing up on a top young goalkeeper by selling Woodman, yet can afford to cash-in on the £6.5m-rated star amid Arsenal’s renewed interest having seen Karl Darlow step up to the plate and deliver consistently this season.

Darlow had almost become the forgotten man on Tyneside, having not made a Premier League appearance in 951 days before starting the season-opener at West Ham United last September.

Since then, he has given Steve Bruce a real dilemma over who his first-choice goalkeeper is now that Martin Dubravka has returned from a pre-season heel injury, having not only kept three clean sheets in 17 top-flight games but produced key saves to keep the Magpies in fixtures when they have otherwise been humbled.

Particularly at Tottenham Hotspur, when given a 10/10 match rating by Chronicle Live, and again against Liverpool, Darlow stood out and is now seen to be making a case for earning a potential England call-up under Gareth Southgate.

Woodman is making a case for himself to be a future starter in the north-east with his efforts for Swansea, but that chance may be a few years out yet. Something he no doubt will refuse to accept, having had no interest in becoming Dubravka’s back-up last summer.

The situation ensured he left on loan once again, to join a side where manager Steve Cooper hails Woodman and Ian Mitchelmore, Swansea City correspondent for Wales Online, believes he is continually improving.

“[Woodman] has looked assured under the high ball, which was something he occasionally struggled with last season. Fans have been pleased with his attitude and his performances, and Woodman has built a strong rapport with the Swansea faithful, even with supporters still unable to attend matches,” Mitchelmore told Chronicle Live.

The arrival of Mark Gillespie in the previous transfer window has also given Bruce a third-choice goalkeeper to provide depth behind Darlow and Dubravka, now offering Newcastle Managing Director Lee Charnley further reason to urge Bruce to accept any offer from Arsenal that may come their way for Woodman this month.

AND in other news, a £2m-rated Newcastle target’s potential has been questioned by his current side.

Glasgow Rangers currently sit at the Scottish Premiership summit, eleven points clear of their arch-rivals Celtic at the top of the table.

However, if you cast your minds back to the beginning of the year, Steven Gerrard’s side found themselves floundering in a very different position indeed.

The Daily Record reported that the Ibrox boss sought to bolster his attacking options after Jermain Defoe suffered an injury and had drawn up a list of targets.

Chief among them was Burnley striker Matej Vydra, who had grown frustrated by a lack of game time under Sean Dyche as he had made just nine appearances for the Clarets at the time, and was angling for a move away from Turf Moor.

But Burnley rejected a bid from the Light Blues as they were only interested in selling him on a permanent basis.

The Gers signed centre-forward Florian Kamberi from Premiership rivals Hibernian on loan until the end of the season in the end instead.

We hate to say it, but hindsight’s a wonderful thing, as the Czech Republic international scored two goals in the Premier League shortly afterwards to send Gerrard a timely reminder of his obvious talents.

Valued at £3.6m via Transfermarkt, the 28-year-old has scored six goals and supplied four assists in 48 appearances for the Clarets, which is a pretty paltry record, especially when you consider the fact that they signed him for an undisclosed fee which is believed to be somewhere in the region of £10m in 2018.

But it’s worth remembering that the versatile forward was the top scorer in the English Championship the season beforehand, which raises more questions about Dyche’s style of play than anything else, really.

In 95 appearances for Watford, Vydra bagged 38 times and 15 assists in all competitions. Despite Kamberi’s best efforts, as he scored and assisted in the 2-2 draw with St Johnstone, the 25-year-old was never really given the time to shine, which suggests that Gerrard never full trusted him to fill in for Alfredo Morelos despite Defoe’s absence due to injury.

Without wishing to add insult to injury, Dyche heaped praise on the impact substitute after he inspired the Clarets to a 2-1 win over Southampton at St Mary’s back in February.

He said: “No (seriously) I mean you need big moments to win games and that was a big moment in a tight game, and Vyds has stuck at it.

“He does do as well as many other players here when they are not in the side and he has the respect of the group.“I can assure you when he walked in they were all buzzing for him and we have got such an honest group, they know when you are not playing it is hard.“But the players here know and respect the people who are not playing because they know when they come in, they have got to be ready and they are.“He showed signs of that and not just the finish, but the work ethic to work for the side and obviously the finish is the icing on the cake. It was a brilliant goal.”

There’s no doubt that Vydra’s versatility would have proven to be an added bonus as the Light Blues battled various injuries and an inconsistent run of form last season. Would he have made a big impact? Probably. Would he have helped the Gers regain the title? Probably not.

AND in other news, Steven Gerrard must unleash Glasgow Rangers striker Kemar Roofe against Standard Liege…

It seems that a new central defender is high on the list of priorities for new West Brom boss Sam Allardyce in the upcoming transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to The Sun on Sunday (December 20th, page 65), the Baggies manager is eyeing a move to sign West Ham defender Issa Diop on loan in January.

It’s claimed that the Irons are open to shifting the Frenchman out on loan and could even sanction a sale should they receive a decent offer.

Big Sam is a big fan and could look to sign Diop, who cost the east Londoners £22m back in the summer of 2018. He is thought to also be on wages of around £67k-per-week, according to Spotrac.

Colossal upgrade

It is no wonder the 66-year-old is eyeing defensive reinforcements as his first port of call as Albion are among the Premier League’s leakiest teams.

Indeed, only Leeds United (30) have conceded more goals than West Brom (29). Both are near-enough still deploying their Championship XIs, so it is hardly a surprise.

The Baggies hierarchy sold Ahmed Hegazi behind the back of former manager Slaven Bilic, and aside from Branislav Ivanovic, who is getting on a bit at 36, Allardyce has been left with vastly inexperienced players.

Diop has played 69 times in the English top-flight and 85 times in Ligue 1, as per Transfermarkt, so he certainly seems a good option to fill the void. Even more so after the Hammers once valued him at £75m amid interest from Manchester United.

Jose Mourinho once dubbed him a “monster” capable of dominating duels after he nullified the threat of Paul Pogba two years ago and whilst his current valuation of £18m suggests things haven’t gone to plan, he has still performed at a decent enough level.

Paul Robinson also told Football Insider: “Diop’s proven this season that he’s reliable, strong, very very capable and he’s been a part of West Ham’s success. He is good enough for a top-four team.”

High praise indeed.

Last season, Diop averaged 5.1 clearances, 2.5 aerials won, 1.5 interceptions and 0.8 tackles per game, via WhoScored.

Albion’s current partnership of Semi Ajayi and Dara O’Shea barely have a fraction of the games played of the French colossus, and neither is managing more clearances per game this term either.

Diop would be an ideal upgrade from Luke Dowling and co next month.

AND in other news, Luke Dowling heading for a familiar mistake as GIANTS eye young sensation…

Carlo Ancelotti must not grow overconfident of taking a result against Manchester United on Saturday after claiming Everton will have an “advantage” over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

The Red Devils visit Goodison Park for this weekend’s early Premier League kick-off striving to avoid a third defeat in a week, having succumbed to losses at home to Arsenal and away to Istanbul Basaksehir.

Manchester United will have just two days rest between their Champions League Group Stage affair and lining up on Merseyside, much to Solskjaer’s frustration.

The Old Trafford coach believes United have been hard done by through this weekend’s tie being selected for the 12:30 kick-off with his side also competing on Wednesday night, but saw an attempt to postpone the match by 24-hours blocked.

“Twelve-thirty on a Saturday doesn’t help us but that’s what the Champions League gives to you,” Solskjaer told United’s official website. “It gives you a challenge because you want to be in this competition playing in midweek and we’ve just got to take it as it comes.

“We asked for a Sunday game but there was absolutely no help to get that.”

Ancelotti likewise can see the quick turnaround causing the Red Devils difficulties, noting ahead of the match that Everton should have a physical advantage on Saturday.

“It can be an advantage,” the Italian said, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo. “As I said before, the top teams have a really, really big schedule, so it is really difficult for them. So, we can take advantage of this on a physical aspect, above all.

“But I think we did better when we had games every three days. But from a physical point of view, we have an advantage for sure.”

Ancelotti risks making a major mistake here though and must avoid growing overconfident of taking a result at home to Manchester United due to their fixture congestion, though, as Everton will be striving to avoid a third-straight Premier League defeat themselves.

Solskjaer rotated his starting line-up heavily against Istanbul Basaksehir from the XI which lost at home to Arsenal, with United facing their Turkish opposition without starters David de Gea, Victor Lindelof, Paul Pogba, Fred, Scott McTominay and Mason Greenwood.

Marcus Rashford was also brought off in the 76th-minute at the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium, likely to rest the England international, while Pogba, Greenwood and McTominay were only relied on to play sparing roles in the second-half.

The physical advantage Ancelotti has alluded to will be far from as strong as the Italian may like, and should focus on how Everton can best thwart the Red Devils instead with Solskjaer warned he could be sacked should the flailing visiting side fall short at Goodison Park.

United will arrive on Merseyside down in the bottom-six of the Premier League table after just two wins in six games, potentially even just three points above the drop zone should Burnley beat Brighton on Friday night.

AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti’s injury blow comes as a timely boost for an “important” Marco Silva signing’s Everton career.

Yerry Mina offered Carlo Ancelotti further reasons to look away from the Everton defender, after producing a torturous display as Colombia were beaten 3-0 in their World Cup qualifier with Uruguay on Friday night.

Ancelotti had opted to bench the former FC Barcelona centre-half for Everton’s final Premier League fixture before the November international break, with the Italian instead favouring a starting role for Mason Holgate against Manchester United upon his return from a toe injury.

Mina had opened each of the Toffees’ previous seven top-flight fixtures alongside Michael Keane and helped the Blues to their only clean sheet on the opening day of the season, marking the 26-year-old’s longest run in the starting line-up under Ancelotti to date.

But Mina may now have to wait for his next chance to impress at Goodison Park, as the £27million Marco Silva signing offered what El Tiempo described as a performance to be forgotten against Uruguay after seeing red for two yellow card fouls.

The Colombian outlet tore into Mina for his efforts at home to Uruguay, as the 26-year-old’s struggles ensured Oscar Tabarez’s team were able to play below their best and still leave the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez with all three points.

Popular Colombian football commentator Ivan Mejia also had some choice words for Mina, taking to Twitter to claim: “Mina, keep organizing the little dance. Fortunately, this torture was over, it had not been played so bad for a long time.”

Uruguay’s win moved Luis Suarez’s side two points clear of Colombia in the CONMEBOL table, with Mina and James Rodriguez’s country falling to seventh place and facing a five-point margin to leaders Brazil.

Mina’s struggles at home to Uruguay were capitalised by his late sending off for a second yellow card, but his performance was worrisome before referee Fernando Rapallini reached for his back pocket.

The 26-cap centre-half failed to register a single successful tackle up against the likes of Luis Suarez and Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani, while losing two of his four ground duels, three of his six aerial duels, misplacing 13 of his 57 passes and losing possession 13 times, per SofaScore.

Mina only committed one foul that did not see Rapallini reach for a card, but his two clearances and one interception were fewer than defensive partner Jeison Murillo achieved, with the Celta Vigo man clearing danger on three occasions and making two interceptions.

Ancelotti would have hoped to see Mina respond from his omission at home to Manchester United, but instead saw the centre-half let himself and his country down.

AND in other news, Marcel Brands holds a key advantage in Everton’s hunt for Carlo Ancelotti’s £13m target.

Tottenham Hotspur could look to continue their impressive summer of business with a delve into the defensive positions and one name fits the bill immensely…

What’s the word?

According to Football.London reporter Alasdair Gold, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is “a big fan” of Benfica centre-back Ruben Dias and has been monitoring his situation all summer.

He claims that the club will try to sign a new central defender after the addition of a backup striker to Harry Kane and Dias is someone that the Portuguese boss wants in north London.

However, with. a reported £80m release clause, the 23-year-old could prove to be too expensive for Spurs, though Benfica’s exit from the Champions League is something worth considering.

A needed addition

Following the departure of Jan Vertonghen and the dubious futures of Juan Foyth and Cameron Carter-Vickers, a new colossus at the back is certainly something Spurs will need during this congested campaign.

On Sunday afternoon, Southampton stuck two past Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier and it could have been more but for a few calls from the linesman.

Dias fits the mould as someone who could spearhead their defence for the future.

Despite his relatively young age, the Portuguese beast has become a mainstay at both domestic and international level having picked up 19 caps – he was part of the side that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 too.

Last season, Dias averaged 3.1 clearances, 2.6 aerials won, 1.3 tackles as well as an 88.6% passing accuracy rate in the Primeira Liga, via WhoScored.

Previous scout reports have labelled him an “impressively robust” defender with “significant potential” whilst he’s even been lauded as Benfica’s best prospect since Joao Felix.

Dias has even drawn comparisons to Matthijs de Ligt, Milan Skriniar and Niklas Sule, as per FootballBH, so he’s certainly the perfect mix of aggressive power with modern-day ball-playing abilities.

Now valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, Daniel Levy ought to try and push to sign the impressive Dias. He’d be a major improvement to Mourinho’s backline.

AND in other news, Spurs eye shock move for former Mourinho player he once lauded as “adaptable”…