All posts by z3u9t.icu

Rangers will be looking to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat to Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday night as they face Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership today.

Steven Gerrard’s side host third-placed Hibernian at Ibrox as they attempt to reclaim their spot at the top of the Premiership table, having fallen behind Hearts on Saturday.

The Gers’ loss to Sparta was their first in four matches, with Rangers now having lost both of their group stage matches in Europe this term.

How many changes will Gerrard make to his side from the defeat? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make four changes to his team, with Connor Goldson, Jon McLaughlin, Ianis Hagi and Alfredo Morelos all coming into the XI.

Starting between the sticks, we believe that McLaughlin will play ahead of Allan McGregor. The pair have been rotating throughout the campaign, with the former of four Premiership appearances and the latter on two. McGregor also started the last match, against Sparta Prague, which indicates that McLaughlin will now come in for him for this match given their rotation so far this season.

Connor Goldson missed the defeat to Sparta with a knock and could make his return at centre-back against Hibernian. He is in contention to feature and his availability would allow Gerrard to axe Calvin Bassey, who played out of position as a central defender, to the bench and start Goldson alongside Balogun in the defence.

In midfield, Juninho Bacuna is an injury doubt and could be forced out of the XI. This means that Joe Aribo could slot back into his favoured central midfield position alongside Steven Davis and Glen Kamara, opening the door for another player to enter the front three.

We are predicting that Ianis Hagi will be recalled to the team to take up a position in the front three. This could be as an advanced midfielder behind Morelos and Roofe, but we have predicted that it will be as part of an attacking trident. Hagi managed seven goals and 11 assists in 33 Premiership appearances last term, showing that he does have the quality required to make a positive impact at this level.

Finally, we published an article explaining why Alfredo Morelos should be unleashed upon Hibs. The striker has the quality to be a match-winner for the club and Sakala could drop out of the team in order for the Colombian to lead the line this afternoon.

AND in other news, Gerrard masterclass: Rangers beast has seen his value soar 33.3% in less than 2 years…

Liverpool, and by extension transfer chief Julian Ward, are interested in signing highly-rated Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni this summer, according to journalist Santi Aouna.

The Lowdown: Tchouameni excels for Monano

The 22-year-old has emerged as arguably one of Europe’s most exciting midfielders, having impressed hugely for Monaco this season.

Tchouameni has made 32 Ligue 1 appearances so far in 2021/22, averaging 2.5 tackles and 2.8 interceptions per game (Whoscored) and even being hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by Paul Pogba and ‘incredible’ by Paul Robinson, who said he’d be a ‘good fit’ for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.

The Frenchman has been linked with a move to the Reds in the recent past and another exciting transfer claim has now emerged.

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The Latest: Journalist shares Reds contact

Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, Foot Mercato journalist Aouna confirmed Liverpool’s interest in signing Tchouameni in the summer.

“Contacts have already been initiated between the parties,” he said, claiming the player himself is “interested” in a move to England.

The Verdict: ‘Good fit’ indeed

Midfield is an area of the pitch that Klopp should be looking to strengthen this summer, with a freshness required, in terms of age.

Tchouameni could be the perfect acquisition by Ward, in that respect, coming as a hugely exciting option, such is the quality of his all-round game.

The France international is a colossal figure off the ball, as mentioned with his defensive statistics, but he is also strong technically, enjoying an 87.2% pass completion rate in the league this season. He looks tailor-made to thrive in the Premier League, given its physical, technical style.

Tchouameni’s long-term potential is great and he is someone who could be seen as a long-term replacement for the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, but also be a key figure immediately.

In other news, a key Liverpool update has emerged regarding a superstar player. Read more here.

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri insists under-fire manager Rafa Benitez will not be sacked by the Premier League outfit as he ‘needs more time’ to turn their poor form around.

What’s the story?

The British-Iranian businessman responded to talkSPORT host Jim White’s text message asking for an update on the 61-year-old tactician’s future following their 4-1 thrashing in the Merseyside Derby on Tuesday night.

“This was my message to Farhad”, said White live on air. “‘Can you text me a message to the fans? Do you still back Rafa?’

“He replied: ‘Yes. Football is about crisis one day and glory the following day. Rafa is a good manager and underperformance is largely due to the injuries.

“’Next two weeks, we will get to a full squad and, in the meantime, results will improve. Rafa needs time to have his mark on the squad. He will be supported to add depth to the squad. Managers need time. I have no doubt that we will have a strong second-half to the season’.”

The Athletic’s Everton reporter Patrick Boyland then relayed the update online, tweeting: “Farhad Moshiri tells Talksport that Rafa Benitez “needs more time” and will not be sacked”.

Everton fans will be gutted

News that Benitez is set to stay in the Everton dugout for the foreseeable future may leave large sections of the Everton fanbase feeling gutted, given his recent struggles.

The Blues are currently enduring an eight-game winless run, have scored just one goal in their last four fixtures and are now hovering only five points above the relegation zone.

Benitez was already an unpopular choice with the club’s supporters upon his arrival due to his previous connections with fierce rivals Liverpool, and his inability to produce quality results has failed to endear him further.

With key players such as Yerry Mina and Dominic Calvert-Lewin expected to return to action soon, the next few weeks could be crucial in Benitez’s Everton tenure. For now, however, he feels like the wrong man for the job.

And, in other news…Everton line up “leader of the year” to succeed Benitez, Toffees fans will be ecstatic

According to reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, West Ham United, and by extension recruitment chief Rob Newman, have set their sights on a 2022 move as news emerges on Fulham defender Antonee Robinson.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing new left-back?

According to another report by the Irons source, it is believed that Aaron Cresswell’s back injury is much worse than originally feared with the club and manager David Moyes unable to put a timeframe on his return (West Ham Way).

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As a result, the Hammers have been linked to potentially adding a new left-back to their ranks in January, with Moyes and Newman also previously linked with a loan move for defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles (West Ham Way Podcast).

Now, as insider ExWHuemployee shares more information, it appears Newman also has his eyes on future left-back additions as he looks set to move for Robinson next summer.

The Latest: Newman set for 2022 swoop…

Indeed, as per the Hammers insider, West Ham and Newman are ‘very keen’ on the USA international and are ‘looking set to make a move’ in the summer window.

As well as the 24-year-old, it is believed that the Irons are also fond of another Cottagers defender in ex-Man City man Tosin Adarabioyo.

The Verdict: Get it done?

While West Ham fans wouldn’t see him in Claret and Blue until long into next year, we believe Robinson could come as a brilliant nominee to eventually succeed Cresswell in the left-back slot.

At 32-years-old, the Irons mainstay isn’t getting any younger and it’s little wonder Newman is looking ahead to find his defensive heir.

Robinson, already an established international, certainly comes with credentials given he has played a starring role for Fulham in the Championship this season.

According to WhoScored, the left-back has averaged the joint-most crosses out of their entire squad so far over 2021/2022 whilst also making the second-most interceptions per 90 (1.8) – marking himself out as a key man on both sides of the ball.

Lauded as ‘a hell of a player’ by Hull City boss Grant McCann, Newman could have his eyes on an ideal target.

In other news: ‘Noooo’, ‘Beyond a joke’, ‘Xmas ruined’…Many West Ham fans flock to ‘worrying’ player claim, find out more here.

Many Sunderland fans have been left buzzing over some transfer news that has emerged on Jermain Defoe.

As per The Chronicle journalist James Hunter, Lee Johnson has ‘not ruled out’ a move for the striker in the January transfer window.

They are ‘aware’ of his situation, after Defoe departed Glasgow Rangers earlier this week, but ‘a million and one things’ would have to happen for a move to go through.

Nonetheless, what an exciting deal it would be. Yes, Defoe is 39 years of age now, but Black Cats have fond memories of him during his previous spell at the Stadium of Light, especially the memorable goal that he scored against rivals Newcastle United in the Premier League back in 2015 to give them a 1-0 win.

Defoe scored a total of 37 times in 93 games in all competitions over three seasons (Transfermarkt), and so bringing back as a squad option would be a dream.

Sunderland fans on Defoe transfer news

These SAFC supporters buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter:

“So there’s a chance”

Credit: @kieranwiIson

“Don’t tease me”

Credit: @flaptingss

“So we’re trying, omds”

Credit: @SunlunnWill

“Bring him home”

Credit: @danstewart1234

“Please @LeeJohnsonCoach I’m on my knees”

Credit: @conorsafc_

“Offer him £1,000,001 a week”

Credit: @WearsideRoar

In other news, find out what other transfer update has Black Cats fuming here!

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Rafael Benitez has suggested he could quit Newcastle United over the club’s lack of investment, according to his Manchester City pre-match press conference quotes, as reported by Sky Sports.

The Magpies have yet to make a new signing this month, despite sitting just one place above the relegation zone.

What’s the word?

Newcastle have attempted moves for a number of players this month, but none have yet come off.

The club were in talks to sign Jordan Lukaku on loan from Lazio but, per BBC, the deal fell through.

Chronicle Live report that a bid was tabled for Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron, too, but that the club refused to increase the offer after receiving little encouragement from the American club.

And the Spaniard’s frustrations at the way the club have been operating appear to have boiled over.

Sky Sports report that, when asked if he could guarantee that he would stay at the club until the end of the season, Benitez said: “No, I cannot guarantee anything. I guarantee I will be focused and try to do my best every minute.

Check out the video below for Emma Conybeare’s rundown of which clubs need what in the January transfer window…

“We will wait until Thursday (transfer deadline day) and see what happens.

“Hopefully we can get three points against Manchester City and then everybody will be happy.

“I came here and I decided to stay in the Championship because I can see the potential of the club. I will try to do my best until the last minute.”

Coming home to roost

You reap what you sow.

Chairman Mike Ashley has continually failed to invest in the football club he owns, and he is yet to break the club-record £17million fee (per BBC) the club paid for Michael Owen in 2005 prior to his arrival.

To put that into perspective, Owen is now a pundit and retired in 2013, six years ago.

And here we are. Benitez stuck with the club through relegation, brought them back into the Premier League and steered them to a 10th-placed finish last season.

Now, he is being hamstrung by a lack of investment from the club’s owner, and the Magpies are just two points clear of Cardiff City as the very real spectre of the drop looms once again.

Few fans would blame the Spaniard, one of the best managers in world football, if he did walk away – Ashley will be the man at fault and he will have serious questions to answer.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has not held back in criticising Tottenham’s players amid reports that some are unhappy with the managerial style of Nuno Espirito Santo.

The lowdown: Spurs players not happy with Nuno

A club source had told Football Insider last week that a few players in N17 were “unimpressed” and “unhappy” with how the 47-year-old is going about his job in north London, with apparent concerns over his training methods and communication with the squad gaining him “few allies” within the dressing room.

Nuno has had a difficult start to life at Spurs, suffering three consecutive heavy league defeats in September to fellow London clubs, including a comprehensive loss to arch-rivals Arsenal. There had even been reports of his job being under threat despite him only taking the reins in the summer.

The latest: Kenny blasts Tottenham players

However, Kenny has sympathy for Nuno and believes that Tottenham’s players need to take a hard look at themselves over the team’s woes in recent weeks and months, with the 2019 Champions League finalists finishing six and seventh in the last two campaigns.

The ex-Sheffield United goalkeeper told Football Insider: “We find this, don’t we? We find this at the clubs when you’re struggling.

“Listen, they had a great start, won three out of three 1-0 then lost three out of three 3-0. They won again the other weekend.

“You find that when you’re struggling, you hear these little stories coming out. Listen, the players need to man up, for me, and get on with their job.

“They’ve got a job to do at the end of day and if they moan about their manager all the time, they’re not doing their own jobs properly.

“At the end of the day, you’re the one that goes on the pitch. You’re the one that crosses that line and puts your foot in there. You need to take more responsibility.

“He’s the manager of that club, he should be in control. The players need to look at themselves and get on with their own jobs.”

The verdict: Kenny has a point

While Tottenham recovered from the concession of an early goal to win 3-2 at Newcastle on Sunday, a result which lifted them to fifth in the Premier League and puts them just four points behind leaders Chelsea, Kenny’s criticism of the players is somewhat justified.

Many of the squad which came within 90 minutes of being European champions two-and-a-half years ago are still at the club, with both Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho being sacked in the meantime, which suggests that some players may have dropped their performance levels with the subconscious knowledge that their managers were going to be first in the firing line.

Players have a right to privately express constructive criticisms of a manager if they think it would enact a change on his part for the betterment of the team, but they too need to show with their performances on the pitch that they are not shirking responsibility and leaving their boss to worry about his future while they are locked into lucrative contracts.

In other news: Daniel Levy has come under fire following one recent development

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper must do all he can to keep on-loan ace Keinan Davis at the club for next season.

What’s the story?

The centre-forward has excelled on-loan from Aston Villa at Nottingham Forest since his move in January and journalist Ashley Preece has said his “Villa future is done” and that it’s likely he will move permanently in the summer.

This gives Forest and Steve Cooper every chance at signing the 24-year old but they’ll have to move quickly with other clubs in the Championship likely to be interested.

As for a fee, according to Preece, Villa will be looking for something in the region of £5m – £10m.

He’s been compared to Collymore

Although he’s not been at the club for a long time the striker has already been compared by broadcaster Darren Fletcher to Forest legend Stan Collymore.

When being asked to describe Davis’ time so far at the City Ground he picked out his goal against Barnsley and said the way he drove forward and finished so well had “a touch of Collymore” about it.

Despite only spending two seasons at the club Collymore is still regarded as a hero by many. He was vital to their promotion to the Premier League in 1994 and in his last season he scored 23 league goals firing Forest to third in the top flight.

Davis will be hoping he can be the one to fire Forest to the Premier League in a similar way to how Collymore did, and with Cooper’s men still pushing to secure a play-off place, his goals might make the difference.

Since January, Davis has made 14 appearances for Forest and contributed to seven goals in that time which has impressed many, including journalist Daniel Storey who labelled him “sensational”. Though, it doesn’t seem enough for Villa manager Steven Gerrard to want to keep hold of him.

Cooper will be in need of a new striker for next season with Lewis Grabban out of contract this summer. Davis has proved that he can be a reliable goalscorer in the Championship, and if Forest go up he’s proved he deserves a chance to lead the line for them in the Premier League.

Ultimately, whatever happens, the £25k-per-week earner won’t be short of suitors and Forest have to make sure he doesn’t go to one of their rivals or he could come back to haunt them.

IN other news: Nottingham Forest reignite interest in Blackpool winger Josh Bowler…

Reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano has provided a big update regarding the future of Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

The Lowdown: Lloris’ contract situation

The Frenchman, who is approaching 10 years as a Spurs player, has continued to be first choice under Antonio Conte and is seven appearances shy from reaching 400 for the club.

However, the 35-year-old is out of contract at the end of June, so he could technically talk to clubs outside of England over a possible pre-contract agreement right now.

Spurs have been linked with a move for West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in recent days, but it seems as if Conte wants to keep the French shot-stopper in north London for a further 12 months.

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The Latest: Romano’s post

Romano took to Twitter on Sunday afternoon to provide an update on Lloris’ future. He revealed: “Tottenham are in talks with Hugo Lloris and ‘confident’ to extend his contract until June 2023. One more season approved by Antonio Conte.”

Romano also included the following quote from the Spurs manager in his tweet: “He’s top level – I’m sure sure in a short time the club will find a solution with Lloris because he loves Tottenham”.

The Verdict: Smart move

Even if Tottenham bolster their goalkeeping ranks with the acquisition of Johnstone this month, having Lloris around for a further 12 months could be a shrewd move.

It seems as if Conte isn’t sure on loanee Pierluigi Gollini either, with the 26-year-old playing just once under the incumbent boss (the 2-1 defeat to NS Mura), so Spurs may well end up declining their option-to-buy clause for the Italian netminder in the summer.

On that basis, they could do with keeping Lloris while bringing in another stopper over the coming months, and it seems as if they are confident of retaining the French veteran for at least another year.

In other news: Spurs will be offered chance to sign 84-goal ace once likened to Zidane in next 14 days. 

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has bemoaned Patrick Bamford’s injury absence for the Whites, following a worrying update on his progress.

The Lowdown: Bamford out for significant period

Bamford enjoyed a brilliant 2020/21 season, scoring 17 times in the Premier League and helping his side seal an impressive ninth-place finish.

Unfortunately, injury has robbed Leeds of one of their most important players, with the 28-year-old not playing since the 1-1 draw away to Newcastle United in mid-September.

According to expert Ben Dinnery, the striker won’t be back until the end of November, as he continues to battle an ankle issue.

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The Latest: Pundit rues ‘huge’ absence

Reacting to the update, Robinson bemoaned the ‘huge miss’ to MOT Leeds News , given the influence Bamford has on Marcelo Bielsa’s team:

“They’ve kept that quiet. We’ve not really heard much about Bamford’s injury and how long he’s going to be out. Until recently, we didn’t know he was going to be out for such a long time.

“He’s a massive player because nobody else can play as an out-and-out number nine. Rodrigo has done well and he’s got a lot better in that position. I think his best performance was away at Norwich. He capped it with a goal but I think his all-around performance in that position was a lot better.

“They haven’t got anybody else. Even [Joe] Gelhardt when he plays, he’s not a number nine, he’s a different kind of player. I love the way he plays, he’s very exciting and there’s a lot more to him.

“But the system Bielsa plays and the way they set up, it demands a player like Bamford. And they haven’t got that when he’s not there, he’s a huge miss for them.

“Two players Leeds almost can’t play without are Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford.”

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The Verdict: Key to Leeds’ struggles

Bamford’s absence has clearly played a big part in Leeds’ woes so far this season, with just two league wins coming their way in 10 attempts.

Not only are his goals a big miss, but he also chipped in with seven league assists last term and his hold-up play helps bring teammates into the game.

Without Bamford around, Leeds’ entire system feels like it has collapsed, as Robinson alludes to, and it is vital that he returns to the side sooner rather than later.

In other news, Phil Hay has been discussing one player’s future at Leeds. Read more here.