Tag Futebol

Leeds United know full well that they need to start picking up points. With results going awry over the weekend, and big rivals having picked up key points, the Whites know that a loss tonight against Liverpool would condemn them to a terrifying final seven games of this season amongst the strugglers.

It seems that with the conclusion of his campaign speedily approaching, some teams like AFC Bournemouth are thriving, and the likes of Everton and Leicester City are sinking. The main goal should be to just stay above the latter, and Javi Gracia will know that securing a result against a side like the Reds will go a long way towards achieving that.

Also, the confidence that avoiding defeat could provide would be instrumental in lifting spirits after their miserable 5-1 drubbing at Crystal Palace last week.

The only upside to facing the Reds tonight is that Jurgen Klopp's men are far from the unstoppable machine they have been in the past, showing plenty of deficiencies that have resulted in their tumultuous year.

Gracia could seek to exploit that, focusing mainly on the struggling Virgil van Dijk to extract some joy.

In front of a raucous Elland Road crowd, who will cheer every offensive action, high press and tough tackle, there are few who embody all three of these characteristics more than Rodrigo, who must return.

Will Rodrigo play vs Liverpool?

Having enjoyed his finest goalscoring season yet in the Premier League, with 11 goals to his name already, this coincides well with the loss of form of the hulking Dutchman.

It seems that since returning from that fateful ACL injury, the 31-year-old has been just slightly off the pace in his defensive interactions. As such, he has endured some questionable high-profile blunders, drawing ridicule.

Jason Cundy even took to talkSPORT to brutally rip into the Champions League winner, claiming: "He has this languished style of run, he seems to try and bide time but doesn't react. I think he has had a good 18 months.

"People compare him to John Terry and Rio Ferdinand but he cannot lace their boots."

That is not to suggest he has been poor this season, as a 7.04 average rating is more than respectable. It just marks a large drop-off from the 7.26 the year earlier, suggesting there are now glaring weaknesses to his game.

This will likely have piqued the interest of Rodrigo, who seeks to add to his already impressive year in front of goal. With a sharp turn of pace and intelligent movement to boot, the £100k-per-week finisher has been inevitable at times this season with his proficiency.

Sky Sports man Aaron McClean had praised the 32-year-old for performance during a key result to secure survival last season. He had noted that the forward was a "livewire", and that kind of quality could be key again today.

If he is to be paired with Patrick Bamford tonight, as Gracia seeks to apply further pressure to their opponent's weak spots, the Spaniard could be key in driving his team forward and spurring on the crowd. Anything more than a loss tonight can be deemed a success, but there'll be a quiet confidence that the hosts can snatch all three points.

A number of fans online have reacted after spotting Pep Guardiola seemingly celebrate a Manchester City goal right in the face of Kostas Tsimikas.

What did Pep Guardiola do to Kostas Tsimikas?

In what was a huge game at the top of the Premier League, Liverpool made the trip to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime hoping to aid their push for Champions League football.

Jurgen Klopp and co actually took the lead too when Mohamed Salah finished emphatically in the 17th minute. However, City took just ten minutes to respond when a flowing move saw Jack Grealish put one on a plate for Julian Alvares to equalise.

No doubt, Arsenal fans at home would have been watching on nervously as they were hoping for Liverpool to take some points off their title rivals, with the home team eight points behind the Gunners at the start of play.

With that deficit in mind, Guardiola was evidently kicking every ball and deeply immersed in the game and couldn’t hold back his emotions when Alvarez pulled his side level in the first half.

Indeed, as footage here shows, the City manager punched the air and celebrated in front of his own fans, before he then seemed to direct a few air punches in the direction of Tsimikas who was just walking past at the wrong moment.

Fans online spotted the footage and were pretty taken aback by the incident. Here are some of the best reactions…

Some actually thought it was Darwin Nunez, and that could have been a lot worse seeing as the forward did headbutt Joachim Andersen earlier on in the season.

Even some neutrals were shocked by the behaviour.

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be drawing up a list of candidates to replace manager Antonio Conte in the dugout, with the 53-year-old in line for a departure from N17 with a matter of months left on his current deal.

Recent days and weeks have seen a number of names mentioned as possible replacements for the former Chelsea boss, with the Telegraph notably suggesting that Napoli’s Luciano Spalletti could well be one of those under consideration.

The 64-year-old will no doubt be an attractive choice at present following what has been a fine campaign thus far for his rampant outfit in Naples, with the Serie A side currently 18 points clear at the summit, while having also powered their way into the quarter-finals of the Champions League at a canter.

Not only has the Italian been able to fashion a truly imperious, winning machine, but the experienced “genius” – as lauded by journalist Mina Rzouki – has done so with flair, building a side that plays a “scintillating” brand of football, as per journalist Owuraku Ampofo.

With Spurs chairman Daniel Levy having previously outlined his desire to see the Lilywhites playing “free-flowing, attacking and entertaining” football, turning to Spalletti would no doubt be a huge step towards realising that ambition.

The appointment of the one-time Roma boss could also prove integral in the north London outfit’s quest to sign Georgian dynamo, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with the 22-year-old currently flourishing under Spalletti’s watch for the Partenopei.

Will Spurs sign Kvaratskhelia?

The fleet-footed winger was reportedly a player of interest to sporting director Fabio Paratici prior to ultimately joining his current side, with Spurs insider John Wenham revealing that the emerging superstar was “scouted multiple times” by the Premier League outfit.

Having ultimately opted against a move for the 19-cap speedster – as the player moved to Naples for a mere €10m (£9m) – Tottenham have been left to rue that transfer failure, with Kvaratskhelia now said to be worth as much as £100m as a result of his breathtaking form this season.

The hope will be that bringing Spalletti into the fold could well help to tempt the 6 foot sensation into making the move to England, due to the pair’s current association, with reports back in January having revealed that Paratici and co are still interested in signing the Tbilisi native.

Signed as a relative unknown during the summer, the “untamed” gem – as hailed by New York Times correspondent Rory Smith – has been a breath of fresh air in European football this season, with his “instinctive” style, as per Smith, wreaking havoc both domestically and in Europe.

The former Dinamo Batumi man has already racked up 11 goals and 11 assists in just 22 Serie A games so far this term, while also contributing two goals and four assists in his seven Champions League outings to date, marking 28 goal contributions in just 29 games this campaign.

Such form as even lead to the highly-coveted ace being dubbed ‘Kvaradona’ – in homage to the late, great, Diego Maradona – with the forward’s recent, solo goal against Atalanta having only rubberstamped those comparisons to the legendary Argentine.

A figure who is simply “absolutely ridiculous” and looks like a “complete menace” – according to the aforementioned Wenham – Kvaratskhelia has certainly warranted the hype that is now falling his way, with it set to be no surprise if there is a host of clubs chasing his signature this summer. Even Jamie Carragher branded him “the best player in Serie A” when speaking on CBS Sports (14/09 at 19:40).

As such, if Paratici and co can tempt Spalletti into taking the job at the end of the season, then he may have a better chance of finally getting his hands on Napoli’s glorious and dazzling talisman.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will look to return to his tried and trusted lineup which saw his side bring in some positive results earlier in the season.

Who is missing for Newcastle’s cup final?

The Toon have been handed a number of setbacks ahead of their trip to Wembley on the weekend for their Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.

Mainly, the suspension of Nick Pope will be the obvious setback which will concern some fans and there are still some worries over whether Joe Willock will be fit enough to play.

And speaking on The Magpie Channel TV YouTube account, Keith Downie has suggested Howe will be hoping to see the likes of Willock return straight to the starting XI:

(13:30) “In terms of formation, or in terms of selection, I expect them to try and go back to the tried and tested sort of before Christmas. I think he’ll want to play Joelinton as one of the front three. With Joe Willock in midfield if he makes it. I think that’s what he’ll try and do.”

Who will start for Newcastle in the cup final?

As Downie alluded to, results of late have not gone in Newcastle’s favour with no win in the Premier League since 15 January which came in dramatic style against Fulham.

And as a result, it does seem as if something may have to be changed if the Toon are to put up a fight against a United side who are flying high in all competitions.

However, their two most recent victories came in the Carabao Cup against Southampton when Howe had more players available for selection.

It is this side that Downie feels Howe will be hoping to return to with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes set to return to the fold having served his three-game suspension.

But a lot of this will rely on whether Willock is fit enough to return to the starting XI which could allow Joelinton to play in his more advanced role at left-wing.

And that is a position which has worked well for the Brazilian who has provided Newcastle with a return of two goals and an assist from there in his last three Carabao Cup games.

It has been a difficult run of games of Newcastle since securing their spot in the final and having the likes of Willock and Guimaraes will have played a big role in that.

However, if they are able to find their feet again at Wembley, the recent results will be the last thing Newcastle fans will be thinking of with a long-standing trophy drought there to be ended on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in signing Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer, according to recent reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing a new goalkeeper

With Hugo Lloris now 36 and laid low with injury, Spurs manager Antonio Conte has identified the need for a new goalkeeper. Several potential options have emerged, including the likes of Jordan Pickford, David Raya and Jan Oblak.

However, a new development at Inter Milan could open the door for the 53-year-old to go back in for someone in whom he has been interested for a long time, with 90min reporting back in November 2021 that the Italian had shortlisted Onana upon taking the job in N17.

The Latest: Onana available?

According to 90min, Inter are ready to sell the Cameroonian in the summer in order to raise funds, having struggled to balance the books since the global pandemic of 2020.

The Serie A giants are aiming to raise around £50m by July and they could look to cash-in on their goalkeeper, with Tottenham being alerted to his availability.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-4/” title=”Tottenham latest news” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-tottenham-fans.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as a ‘superstar’ by UEFA-accredited journalist Oma Akatugba, the 26-year-old has been in fine form of late, keeping clean sheets in four out of his last six games, including one in the Milan derby last time out.

There are also plenty of indications that he would be an upgrade on Lloris, recording a better save percentage (75.6% to 72.5%) and far more touches of the ball per 90 (40.95 to 30.59) than the Frenchman over the past year, with the latter metric indicating that he is more comfortable in playing the ball out from the back.

As previously mentioned, Spurs have a range of different targets to replace their current first-choice goalkeeper, but Onana’s impending availablity is very good news indeed as he is proven at the top level, making 32 appearances in the Champions League.

Everton are reportedly weighing up a deadline-day bid for a fresh transfer target…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, who took to Twitter in the early hours of this morning to suggest that the Toffees are now eyeing Union Berlin winger Sheraldo Becker.

He wrote:

“News #Becker: A player to watch out on #DeadlineDay! There’s movement in it. Everton is considering an official offer because #Gallagher is close to be off as reported. @WestHam also inquired about the fast winger from Union Berlin. Union will announce #Isco today!”

This is a move that could mark an instant upgrade on the recently-departed Anthony Gordon.

Gordon upgrade

Having just received a hefty £45m sum for the sale of their underperforming academy graduate, Sean Dyche will now be hoping to reinvest that across an entire playing squad that let his predecessor down.

Frank Lampard was sacked after having won just three Premier League matches all season, but this crop of players once again downed tools on a manager well-liked by the fanbase.

Their biggest issue arose in the final third, where they had scored just 15 goals in 20 games. Gordon was one of many who had contributed to this toothless campaign, with just three goals to his name after 16 games.

Instantly Becker would mark an upgrade on that, having played a key role in his side’s unlikely Bundesliga title charge.

With seven goals and four assists in the league, the Suriname speedster actually ranks in the top 7% for assists per 90 when compared with other wingers across Europe.

In all competitions, he boasts an impressive 14 goals and assists already.

Such is his blistering form, the Netherlands-born attacker did reveal his hopes for being called up by Louis van Gaal as the World Cup approached. 

He said: “Personally, I don’t think it’s crazy. I know what I can do. I know that with my speed, strength and one-on-one, I am important to the team. And I have a good shot, I learned that at Ajax.”

With self-confidence seldom seen at Goodison Park this season, and tangible quality to back up his claims, he would not only mark a refreshing addition in the dressing room but an instant upgrade on Gordon.

Everton Director of Football Kevin Thelwell is reportedly now eyeing up two forward signings to slot straight into Frank Lampard’s team.

The Lowdown: In trouble…

The Goodison Park outfit are a team in trouble at the moment, as they sit in the relegation zone with a crucial game at home to bottom-placed Southampton coming up in the Premier League over the weekend.

With just 14 goals scored in their 18 matches so far, they are the third-lowest scorers in the division, and could do with some extra attacking reinforcements in this window to help climb up the table.

The Latest: Two forwards targeted

As per Football Insider, Thelwell is in the market for two forward signings in January, and are prioritising attackers who can slot straight into the starting eleven.

Their recruitment team have let it be known to agents that they want a target man to provide cover and competition for injury-plagued Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while they also want a more versatile forward with the pace and mobility to stretch defences and provide cutting edge on the counter-attack.

Talks have opened with possible targets, as they look for ready-made signings who can slot straight into the team.

The Verdict: Who will they go for?

The Toffees have been linked with plenty of names in recent days, including Hertha Berlin forward Dodi Lukebakio and Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma, so it will no doubt be interesting who they end up going for.

Calvert-Lewin has already missed nine games through injury so far this season, and so they need another focal point that they can play up top for when he is unavailable.

Nonetheless, more firepower on the wings is needed too, especially on the right flank, where there are a lack of options in the senior squad at the moment.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will have his sights set on continuing the resounding run of form his club currently ride when his side face Everton in the FA Cup third round on Friday night.

The Red Devils have won nine of their past ten matches across all competitions, including all four contests since the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and with the club still challenging across every front, yet to fall in any competition, the second phase of the 22/23 campaign centres on bringing silverware back to Old Trafford. 

Welcoming the Toffees to the Theatre of Dreams for the first outing of their FA Cup challenge, United will look to field a strong side in order to stave off any threat of an upset.

Here is how Football FanCast predicts Manchester United will line up against Everton on Friday night…

There could be as many as four changes from the side that defeated AFC Bournemouth a few days ago.

Following Newcastle United’s recent recall of on-loan shot-stopper Martin Dubravka, first-choice keeper David de Gea is expected to start in goal, with new loan signing Jack Butland not yet ready to make his debut. 

Aaron Wan-Bissaka will likely get another opportunity to impress his Dutch manager after recently earning his first start of the campaign and flourishing as United sank Burnley in the Carabao Cup and caught the eye again against the Cherries.

Established centre-back pairing Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez will likely deputise with the Manchester Derby forthcoming and strengthening of fluidity imperative, so £190k-per-week defensive “liability” Harry Maguire and his counterpart Victor Lindelof are ditched, while Luke Shaw will likely maraud up and down the left flank. 

Casemiro has been exceptional since his £70m summer move from Real Madrid, with Sofascore recording his average Premier League rating at 7.31, and he will continue to anchor the midfield.

In front of the Brazilian, Fred will earn an opportunity to impress after making just seven starts all season, and the superlative Bruno Fernandes will continue to provide the creative flair to dictate the offensive flow of the affair.

Lucrative summer signing Antony will look to make an impact after failing to score across his past eight outings for the club, while the prodigious 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho could continue his meteoric rise after emerging this season and scoring two goals and three assists for the Red Devils.

Up front, Marcus Rashford is bound to find himself within the starting fold after riding a spectacular recent purple patch, scoring four goals across his last four appearances – as well as netting three times at the World Cup for England.

Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth will be the man to oversee the Magpies’ transfer dealings ahead of the January transfer window, with the 51-year-old likely plotting ways to strengthen Eddie Howe’s ranks heading into the second half of the season.

One potential target who could sufficiently bolster the Tynesiders’ current squad is Angers starlet Azzedine Ounahi, with 90min reporting that the Premier League high-fliers are one of multiple clubs who are keeping tabs on the 22-year-old.

The Morocco playmaker has come to wider attention as a result of his standout showings at the World Cup in recent weeks, which has reportedly led to the Ligue 1 outfit slapping a €45m (£39m) price tag on his head.

According to the Daily Mail, however, any potential suitors are likely to lodge bids closer to £20m in the hope of prising the midfield maestro from the Ligue 1 strugglers, with the Casablanca native having been a “revelation” in Qatar, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

That quality was evident as Ounahi helped to inspire the Atlas Lions to the semi-final stage following a remarkable run in the competition, having started six of his nation’s seven matches at the tournament.

The breakout star proved a real livewire in the centre of the park for Walid Regragui’s side, showcasing his all-round talent by averaging 1.3 tackles and one interception per game, while also recording 1.4 successful dribbles per match to illustrate his dynamic brilliance.

The “absolutely incredible” gem – as lauded by AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho – was particularly impressive in the quarter-final triumph over Portugal, having won seven of his eight ground duels on the night while also recording a 100% dribble success rate.

Such performances on the big occasion have unsurprisingly piqued the interest of Ashworth and co, although the 17-cap starlet has not only proven impressive for his country in recent times, having also sparkled at club level of late.

The former Avranches midfielder notably ranks in the top 1% in Europe for dribbles completed among those in his position over the past 12 months, while also showcasing his creative talents as he ranks in the top 5% for progressive passes received.

A player who is truly comfortable on the ball, Ounahi could well be an astute capture for Newcastle if they are to win the race for his signature, with the hope being that he can replicate his stunning recent form at the World Cup if he moves to St James’ Park.

Aston Villa are set to be offered the chance to sign centre-back Jannik Vestergaard in the January transfer window, with Leicester City happy to sell and the Villans hunting a new centre-back.

The Lowdown: Vestergaard out of favour at Leicester

The towering Dane joined the Foxes from Southampton last year but things haven’t gone to plan for him at the King Power Stadium to date.

Vestergaard hasn’t made a single appearance in the Premier League this season, with Brendan Rodgers generally deeming him surplus to requirements.

Now, it looks as though Villa could be an option for the 30-year-old, should he move on.

The Latest: Villa move possible

According to Football Insider, the Villans are ‘set to be offered the chance’ to snap up Vestergaard in January, as Unai Emery eyes up a new centre-back.

Leicester are ‘willing to listen to offers’ for the 35-time capped Denmark international, whose current deal expires at the end of the 2023/24 season.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/aston-villa-latest-updates-5/” title=”Aston Villa latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Upgrade on current options?

Vestergaard’s stock has undoubtedly fallen since trading Southampton for Leicester but he is still someone who could be an influential signing for Villa, having made 82 appearances in the Premier League to date and impressing on the south coast.

He was hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Alan Shearer with the Saints, averaging four clearances and 3.3 aerial duel wins per game for them back in 2020/21, highlighting what a dominant physical presence he can be in defence.

Vestergaard is still somewhere in and around his peak and he could prove to be an upgrade on the current options if he can re-find some confidence.