All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United have suffered a fresh injury setback after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed that Paul Pogba will be out for a few weeks, which has ruled him out of his side’s Premier League clash with West Brom on Sunday.

What’s the word?

Although the 27-year-old made just 13 starts for the Red Devils in an injury-ridden campaign last season, he has managed to stay fit for the most part of this season and impressed in their final game last year against Leicester City on Boxing Day.

Pogba then played in seven Premier League fixtures in a row, including the 0-0 draws with Arsenal and Liverpool. He was then an unused substitute against Southampton but he limped off the pitch during the first half in his last appearance against Everton after appearing to suffer a muscle injury.

And, in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing West Brom, Solskjaer revealed he is still working his way back to fitness and as such, he will be missing for the trip to the Hawthorns on Sunday.

“We’ve had a rare opportunity to do a little bit of training and some recovery Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and not a game until Sunday which is a rarity for us. Paul is still out, Eric been training, that’s a boost for us,” he said:

Big blow for Solskjaer

This fresh setback will come as a blow for United and Solskjaer ahead of this weekend’s trip to West Brom – particularly after Pogba’s performances in January saw him nominated for the GIVEMESPORT Fans’ Player of the Month award.

Pogba played out of position on the left-wing for United against Arsenal and offered a threat going forwards as Solskjaer’s side strove to break the deadlock.

The Frenchman completed 90% of his passes, made one key pass and took 92 touches in a game made for him against a struggling Arsenal side who look short of ideas and lost for confidence.

Crucially, he even dropped deeper to cover United’s leaky defence, as he attempted two clearances and three interceptions, whilst he was only dribbled past once.

Solskjaer is hardly short of midfield options, with the likes of Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and Donny van de Beek all competing for a starting spot in Solskjaer’s XI.

However, Pogba’s absence will be a big miss if he remains absent for an extended period of time, as very few can come close to matching his achievements on the pitch.

Only McTominay has scored more goals than Pogba while the French World Cup winner has contributed to more goals across all competitions than Matic and Van de Beek combined this season.

The United manager does have plenty of options to come in and replace Pogba, but he might have a tough decision deciding who to go with.

AND in other United news, Manchester United could sign their next Ruud van Nistelrooy in Erling Braut Haaland…

Sunderland fans were far from happy with the performance of Josh Scowen as they only managed a 2-2 draw with Crewe on Saturday.

In fact, the Black Cats were arguably lucky to even come away with a point. They found themselves 2-0 down going in to the last 15 minutes, but fortunately Jordan Jones pulled one back before Charlie Wyke equalised in the seventh minute of injury time. Sunderland are now fifth in the table and in the play-off spots, but they will need better results than this one if they are to remain there.

The display of Scowen was disappointing. In the middle of the park, he won just six of his 12 duels and gave away four fouls (SofaScore). As the Stadium of Light outfit chase promotion, he must do better.

The club’s supporters were far from happy with his showing, and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Scowen below

“Scowen’s such a nothing player.”

Credit: @BurntTurnip

“I want Scowen out of this football club would rather bring cookie back as CM never mind kitman”

Credit: @jakeyholyoak

“Callum Macfadzean and Josh Scowen should never wear a Sunderland shirt again mind, both are embarrassing. Never thought I’d say it but we’ll take a point against Crewe Alexandra”

Credit: @AlexT7949

“Macfadzean should never play for us again after that. Get LON at LB & anyone at RB. Midfield starters is anyones guess if GL is now out for a spell, but Scowen was very poor IMO again today. Maybe a chance for Dan Neil to step up, but we’ve options there”

Credit: @Hag_SAFC

“Scowen ruins things”

Credit: @jbaldridge81

“Credit to Lee Johnson for getting us back in the game with his changes. Gutted for Grant Leadbitter hope he has a speedy recovery. One negative for me is Josh Scowen! He does nothing for the team! No assists no goals, can’t tackle, midfield looks weaker with him in the team”

Credit: @blackcathodge86

In other news, Sunderland fans love this club announcement.

Keith Downie has dropped an interesting claim on Mike Ashley amid the potential takeover of Newcastle United by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

As per a tweet from the Sky Sports journalist, the chief executive of Sports Direct feels as if he ‘has a very strong case’ against the Premier League that he can win, and that the proposed deal between him and the KSA consortium can still be pushed through.

This follows the news that the St. James’ Park faithful have lost out on a High Court judgement to have the Chairman of the takeover arbitration panel removed, while also losing out on the full case being made available to the public.

However, this has not stopped Ashley trying to get the deal that he wants, with the proposed arbitration case between the North East club and the English top flight still pending.

Potential Newcastle takeover still on?

Despite the latest setback for the Tyneside club of not being able to have the Chairman removed, the potential takeover of the Magpies by the KSA group seems to be very much still on judging by Ashley’s claim.

If the Toon can win their case, then it may pave a significant pathway for the KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to come back to the table, as the NUFC takeover saga continues to develop.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ talent Lee Clark has urged Newcastle to sign here!

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has given a positive verdict about Carlo Ancelotti’s recent comments regarding his Goodison Park future.

Ancelotti had spoken about his future recently, saying that he wants to stay at Everton for as long as possible, even though his contract expires at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

Maguire believes Ancelotti and the new stadium could be great

Maguire was talking to Football Insider about Ancelotti’s comments and he reacted positively, saying that if the Toffees get European football at their proposed new stadium when it opens, paying for Ancelotti’s contract extension in the future could be ‘small fry’ for the Toffees.

The finance expert said: “Given the ambition of the owner, it would be a perfect storm for when Bramley Moore Dock opens, and they are hoping that could be 2024.

“That’s the year when the reformed, revamped Champions League takes place, and that’s going to be amazingly lucrative.

“If Everton, with a manager of the calibre of Ancelotti, could get their stars in alignment, new stadium, all of these additional matches taking place, hosting clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich in that season, it would make everything worthwhile. Carlo Ancelotti’s salary will be relatively small-fry compared.”

The Toffees are currently fifth in the Premier League and only eight points behind second-placed Manchester United. Ahead of their game against Chelsea on Monday evening, Ancelotti’s men are only a single point away from the last Champions League spot with a game in hand.

Everton last played European football in 2017, when they were in the Europa League.

Bright future could be waiting for Everton

Everton’s plans for a new stadium have already been given approval and it has been commented that Bramley-Moore Dock will be a ‘world-class addition’ to the city of Liverpool. It is reported to be a £500m scheme and it could also create a lot of jobs (BBC).

If Everton end up playing European football in the new stadium immediately, that might help them earn more finances and revenue, which could be used to bolster the squad and hand Ancelotti a new or improved contract.

The Italian has a lot of European experience and having him manage Everton at that level could be a blessing, should he and the Toffees remain on track for it.

In other news, Everton have been dealt a blow in their chase of a midfielder- read more here.

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has urged Marcelo Bielsa and the club to win the race to sign Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side lost 2-0 away to West Ham on Monday night, but they still sit 11th in the Premier League, following a good season back in the top flight.

Leeds have often relied too much on the goals of Patrick Backford this season, with the striker’s tally of 13 goals in the league more than double of Jack Harrison’s total (six) in second place.

It could be that Bielsa looks to bring in more firepower this summer and Edouard could leave Celtic, with Leicester City linked with a £15million move for the 23-year-old. The French starlet’s contract runs out in the summer of 2022.

Robinson wants to see Edouard at Elland Road

Someone who believes Leeds should look to swoop in and sign Edouard is Robinson, who served at Elland Road during the 1990s and 2000s.

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, the 41-year-old said his former side should “hijack” a deal, giving Bamford extra competition and making the Whites even stronger:

“£15m for Odsonne Edouard is a really great deal. If anyone can get him for £15m it would be amazing.

“I’d love to see Leeds hijack that deal. Edouard can play as a nine and he’s strong. He’s a player who can also play behind the striker.

“If you can get him for £15m… I’d like to see Leeds hijack that deal but I think a lot of other clubs will be in for him too.

“He won’t be on Premier League wages either at Celtic. It won’t take a lot to buy out his contract.”

Transfer tavern take

Edouard has been a fantastic player for Celtic, scoring 81 goals in 161 appearances, not to mention also chipping in with 35 assists.

While some players can struggle to make the step up from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League, the Hoops stars has all the tools to be a success in England, whether it be his pace, instincts or ruthlessness in front of goal.

In other news, Leeds are tracking a midfielder ahead of a potential summer move. Read about it here.

West Brom’s woeful plight in the Premier League continued this weekend as they succumbed to their 17th defeat of the season at the hands of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

It was already looking like an uphill task for Sam Allardyce, but now relegation seems like a mere formality with the Baggies some nine points adrift of safety, and that could become a greater margin as Brighton possess a game in hand.

In recent weeks, Albion’s leaky defence has transformed into one capable of mixing it with the best in the top-flight, having conceded only three goals in six matches, in which they have played Europe-chasing sides like Manchester United and Everton.

It’s at the other end of the pitch where Sam Allardyce has struggled to spark much of a reaction.

And despite holding the worst defensive record in the division by seven goals, there has been one major positive from the season so far – Dara O’Shea.

The young 22-year-old academy graduate has been performing that well he’s managed to keep Semi Ajayi out of the starting XI ever since his return from suspension and against the Eagles, he was perhaps their only shining light.

O’Shea was only one of three Baggies stars to receive a 7.0 SofaScore rating or better, whilst BirminghamLive – who gave their Man of the Match award to Okay Yokuslu – claimed the Irishman’s ‘no-nonsense clearances and disciplined shape meant that Albion negated the attacking front-line of Palace.’

It wasn’t his fault that a silly error saw them concede a penalty, so he should be pleased with his performance besides that.

As per SofaScore, no Albion player made more tackles (four) than O’Shea and he also contributed with four clearances and two interceptions, so he very much was a rock against the differing threats of Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke.

This is also backed up by how strong he was in his battles, having also won 13 of 18 duels (72%), both on the ground and in the air as per SofaScore.

Again, no other visiting player managed to win as many duels – not even central defensive partner Kyle Bartley who won 50% of his 14 attempts – the fact that the lesser experienced O’Shea nearly matched Bartley’s total speaks volumes on his ability.

It’s now five straight appearances in the Premier League for the Hawthorns graduate, and in that run, he’s not dipped below a 6.8 average rating, which means he’s performing well above the mean (6.56).

The 6 foot 1 beast has been lauded “exceptional” in the past and unlike Yoksulu, he’s actually their player, so there’s a better chance of him having an increased role should they go back down to the Championship.

Once again, he was Big Sam’s shining light.

AND in other news, Allardyce could unlock Diagne by unleashing £20k-p/w “team player”…

Aston Villa must win the race to sign Reading starlet Michael Olise in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent months had suggested that the 19-year-old is on Dean Smith’s radar as the manager looks to rejuvenate his Villa squad with younger talent, but it appears that they now face significant competition for his signature.

Football Insider claimed that fellow Premier League club Leeds United are keen on making an early summer move for the French talent, with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham also said to be interested in signing him.

Could be Villa’s new Grealish

Dubbed as “super talented” by Reading manager Veljko Paunović, the teenager has earned rave reviews for his skill, with Jose Gomes, his former boss at the Madejski Stadium, adding: “Michael is really special. He can see, even before receiving the ball, more options than regular players. His technical ability and speed, decision capacity is really, really good.”

That speed of thought to which Gomes is referring is something very much akin to Villa talisman Jack Grealish, who has been the main source of inspiration for Smith’s side this season – he has managed 12 assists in the Premier League.

Grealish’s tally of assists is almost matched by Olise, who has recorded ten in the Championship alone this term, as well as adding a further five goals to his name.

That level of creativity is something Villa desperately miss whenever Grealish is out of the side – you only have to look at how they’ve managed just three goals in the past five games when their talisman has been sidelined.

While Olise is by no means the finished article, his numbers in the key areas in which Grealish excels makes him a very promising player for Villa to lure to the club.

The teenager ranks in the top 12 for most fouled players per game in the Championship (Grealish ranks top in the Premier League), and is fifth for key passes in the division (the Villa man is also top for that metric).

It’s exactly why Villa sporting director Johan Lange must win the race for the 19-year-old, and with a reported release clause of around £8m for Olise, it’s surely a no-brainer to go all-out for him.

Meanwhile, Villa should unleash this academy talent…

Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting to the news that Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela will not travel with the Czech squad to play Wales amidst the ongoing storm surrounding his altercation with Glen Kamara.

The Gers faced the Czech champions in the Europa League round of 16, and were beaten 3-1 on aggregate after losing 2-0 at Ibrox. However, the match was marred by allegations of racial abuse, and the fall-out continues to rumble on.

Kudela and Slavia (slavia.cz) have released a statement denying the claims, while Kamara has also moved to back up his claims. The 34-year-old Slavia defender was set to be a part of his country’s squad to travel to Wales for their 2022 World Cup qualifying clash, but it has been decided that he will stay in his homeland amidst fears of a backlash.

The news was shared on Twitter by The Daily Record, and the fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Kudela news below

“Big man i gaurentee he now regrets his actions and i bet he never thought this reaction would happen”

Credit: @aris_donald

“Coward”

Credit: @joe_black1509

“Coward, surely that proves his guilt”

Credit: @JayTeeFife

“Wonder why??”

Credit: @stevoboyle

“Hopefully UEFA step in now and deal with this vile player”

Credit: @andy_brennan72

“That says it all”

Credit: @PaulCampbell97

In other news, Rangers fans react to this latest injury news.

Many Everton fans have been left to slam an update from Patrick Boyland on the fitness of both Ben Godfrey and Tom Davies.

As per a tweet from The Athletic journalist, both players failed late fitness tests which meant that they could not play for the England U21s in their crucial game against Croatia on Wednesday evening.

Aidy Boothroyd’s team managed to win the match 2-1 in the end without them, but the Young Lions still went crashing out at the group stages of the European Championships.

Nonetheless, the fitness of both Godfrey and Davies has now become a big concern for several members of the Goodison Park faithful, as they play Crystal Palace at home in the Premier League on Monday evening.

Everton fans on Godfrey and Davies fitness update

These supporters of the Merseyside club slammed the update from Boyland on Twitter, with one Toffees fan even going as far as to claim that it was ‘unbelievable’:

“Hope that’s not true”

Credit: @nikkiharg

“No. Hope they are fit for our match especially Ben is a must”

Credit: @Efc_sai

“Oh no”

Credit: @jonesyefc

“Unbelievable how can that be at their age ?????????”

Credit: @brougham_kevin

“Eugh.”

Credit: @Phoenix20387

“:( Bad News Boyland”

Credit: @_lauraaj96

In other news, find out what Liverpool dig from one Blues star has been lauded by fans here!

Former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that he doesn’t see ex-Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey would fit at the Hammers.

A report from CalcioMercato this week suggested that West Ham are in pole position to bring the Welsh international back to England following a difficult spell in Serie A with Juventus.

Ramsey left Arsenal in 2019, but has scored just six times in more than 50 appearances for the Old Lady, although he has added both the Serie A title and the Supercoppa Italiana to his medal collection.

But the midfielder has been in and out the team under Andrea Pirlo this campaign, with a number of muscular injuries working against him, although he’s never been first-choice under the former Juventus ace.

And whilst McAvennie recognises Ramsey’s quality, with Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek in the form of their respective careers, he thinks the Welshman would struggle for regular football should he to move to the London Stadium.

Former Hammers striker McAvennie told Football FanCast:

“I think he would be a good signing for them, but I don’t know where they would play him. I think Soucek and Rice have got the midfield tied up.”

But could Ramsey potentially further forward in a more attacking midfield role ahead of Soucek and Rice?

McAvennie added:

“But what would you do with Benrahma? That’s where he plays and he’s been playing really well.

“I know Ramsey is a good player. Would he want to come, because they’re not going to drop Soucek or Rice, so he’s going to be fighting with Benrahma. I don’t know if it’s a good one for West Ham. Talented boy, Arsenal through and through from what I gather, so would he want to come and fight for West Ham? I don’t know.

“Would he leave Juventus to come and leave West Ham, I think other teams will come in for him because I wouldn’t drop Soucek and Rice and Benrahma is starting to become a player that David Moyes can rely on and trust.”

Ramsey is heading to the stage in his career where his next move could be his last, and with West Ham’s midfield looking more complete than ever, the London Stadium wouldn’t appear the right fit for the Welsh international.