All posts by z3u9t.icu

Valerien Ismael has eased fears surrounding an injury to Kyle Bartley during West Brom’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton, saying that it is nothing serious.

The Lowdown: Baggies beaten by Seagulls

The Baggies exited the cup at the third round stage on Saturday afternoon, losing 2-1 to the Seagulls after extra time at The Hawthorns.

It was Ismael’s side who took the lead but an equaliser for the visitors took the game into an additional 30 minutes and they went on to win, with West Brom not helped by Cedric Kipre’s red card.

Bartley picked up a knock towards the end of the game which immediately caused concern, with the centre-back set to be a key figure between now and the end of the season. He is certainly needed now with so many others in his position unavailable due to injury, suspension or international commitments.

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The Latest: Bartley fears eased

However, speaking after the match [via Birmingham Mail], Ismael claimed that there was no major issue regarding the West Brom defender. He outlined:

“I think it’s not too bad at the minute. For sure, he’ll have some assessment Sunday and after, but the next game is Saturday so we have lots of time between the two games to get the recovery.

“I’m not worried about him. I think it was more tiredness, and to play 120 minutes with a kick on the ankle. Our medical staff will do their job to make sure the player is back for Saturday game.”

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The Verdict: Big boost

West Brom fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief, with Bartley a pivotal figure in their team’s Championship promotion charge, starting 23 league games this season and achieving the second-highest WhoScored performance rating in Ismael’s squad.

At 30, the centre-back possesses a huge amount of experience but is still arguably in his peak years, so losing him for an extended period could have been an almighty blow, having been hailed as ‘brilliant’ by journalist Chris Lepkowski.

As it is, there seems a strong chance that Bartley will be available for the trip to Queens Park Rangers next Saturday, which will come as a big boost to the Albion faithful following his scare over the weekend.

In other news, three West Brom players struggled in the loss to Brighton. Find out who they are here.

An update has emerged on Colorado Rapids forward Dantouma Toure, regarding interest from Ibrox giants Rangers.

What’s the talk?

US-based journalist Brian Sciaretta has claimed that the youngster was recently training with the Gers and is now on trial with Premier League side Arsenal.

He Tweeted: “I heard Colorado Rapids homegrown winger Dantouma Toure, 17, is doing offseason training with a bunch of European teams. Was recently at Rangers, now training with Arsenal. Born in Guinea, Toure has played for USYNT’s in the past.”

Exciting

This update will surely excite Rangers fans as it suggests that the club could be considering a swoop for the promising young forward.

The 17-year-old, who has picked up the nickname “Yaya Toure”, has shown great promise in his career so far, playing professionally in the USL Championship last year for New York Red Bulls II. He also made his MLS debut earlier this year for the Rapids, showing how much trust they have in him despite his age.

Colorado’s general manager Padraig Smith lauded the forward as a ‘difference-maker’ upon his arrival at the club as a 16-year-old. He said:

“Yaya is an exciting talent who has already shown tremendous potential through his performances in the USL Championship as a 16-year-old.

“He’s powerful and explosive on the ball and has an ability to take on defenders that allows him to be a difference-maker. We believe he has all the qualities necessary to develop into an elite player and are excited to see what the future holds for him.”

This, along with the experience he already has under his belt, highlights how exciting he is as a young forward and why Rangers fans should be delighted with the prospect of him joining the academy. He is already making strides at senior level despite being almost three years away from hitting the age of 20 and he could be a promising long-term addition to the team.

Of course, he is currently training with Arsenal and the Gers would need to convince the teenage wiz to make the switch instead of making a move elsewhere. Gio van Bronckhorst and Ross Wilson must work hard to tempt him into making a full-time switch to Ibrox if possible, as he could be a fantastic signing for the academy given the potential he has shown.

AND in other news, 64x possession lost: GVB must work his magic on £5.6k-p/w Rangers dud with 0 assists…

To suggest Everton Football Club are a mess right now would be putting things lightly.

The Toffees have won just a solitary game since the back end of September, have lost Marcel Brands and are suffering from a plethora of injuries.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Yerry Mina are already missing but their woes worsened on Tuesday when it was confirmed that Richarlison, Seamus Coleman and Andros Townsend all picked up problems in the defeat to Crystal Palace last Sunday.

What’s the word?

With all of that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise to see that Rafa Benitez’s job is seriously under pressure.

The Spaniard arrived back in Merseyside under intense scrutiny due to his association with Liverpool but things did start off pretty perfectly, going unbeaten in their first four outings.

But Benitez has found life tough since and is thought to be running out of time to save his job.

Frank Lampard and Nuno Santo have fleetingly been linked with succeeding him at Goodison Park but another name mentioned is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

However, journalist Alan Myers has quashed those claims when responding to a supporter on Twitter.

When asked whether Solskjaer to Everton was a true link, he said: “I doubt it is.”

Fans buzzing

Although Benitez is in trouble, one of the last figures Everton supporters would want to see get the job is Solskjaer.

The Norwegian led Manchester United back to the Champions League last term, a competition that continues to evade the Toffees, but the fact of the matter is that he lacks a host of desirable qualities.

During his stint as manager at Old Trafford, the former attacker appeared to lack a ruthless nature to get players on side and his style of football was also particularly questionable.

Although he adored the safety that a double pivot in midfield brought to the defensive structure of the team, United’s backline was leaky, to say the least.

As of October 12th, via Opta, United had failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 consecutive matches at Old Trafford which happened to be their longest run since February 1964 – a mere 57 years.

Consequently, his ability to revive the fortunes of Everton when he couldn’t deal with expectations at United has to be brought into question.

The Merseyside outfit needs a strong leader, not a feeble one who has been walked over courtesy of a constant barrage from the media.

At the moment, Everton are a sinking ship and without a reputable coach who is used to turning things around on a regular basis, they will continue to fail.

Consequently, supporters will be elated that Solskjaer doesn’t look set to be in the conversation for the Toffees job if Benitez departs.

AND in other news, “What I’m hearing…”: Greg O’Keeffe drops big Everton update, fans surely buzzing…

West Ham are reportedly working on completing a move for exciting Sparta Prague youngster Adam Hlozek in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Hlozek excelling for Sparta Prague

The 19-year-old is arguably one of the most gifted young attacking players in Europe at the moment, performing consistently for Sparta despite his tender years.

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Hlozek has scored 32 goals and registered 29 assists in 106 appearances for the Czech giants, also netting once in 12 caps for the Czech Republic national team.

West Ham have been linked with a move for the teenage sensation recently and a fresh update has now emerged regarding their interest in him.

The Latest: West Ham look to complete Hlozek move

According to Football Insider, the Hammers are ‘working on a deal’ to acquire Hlozek’s services in January, aiming to pip Liverpool to his signature in the process.

A recruitment source is thought to have provided the information regarding a potential move coming to fruition, with West Ham seemingly stepping up their efforts to beat other suitors to the punch for the 19-year-old’s signature.

The Verdict: Hugely exciting prospect

Hlozek has been hailed as ‘exceptional’ by Sparta manager Pavel Vrba and he could be a hugely exciting signing for West Ham, should they get a deal over the line.

While he would be seen as a long-term signing, his aforementioned goalscoring record shows that he is already an established player who could instantly provide much-needed competition for Michail Antonio.

For all of the Irons’ brilliant recent form, there is a feeling that they are too reliant on the Jamaica international staying fit and leading the line – something which may not always be possible, given his chequered injury history.

Hlozek could come in and add more depth in attack, providing a freshness midway through the season as the matches come thick and fast for David Moyes’ charges.

In other news, one journalist has dropped a crucial update on Declan Rice’s future. Read more here.

Aston Villa captain Tyrone Mings has been included in EA Sports’ FIFA 22 Team of the Week following his performance in the win over Brighton last weekend, and a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the news after the club shared it on their official Twitter channel.

Mings, who was dropped by Dean Smith last month against West Ham, started in Steven Gerrard’s first game in charge and helped his side to keep a fourth clean sheet of the season.

The 28-year-old netted his first England goal during the recent international break and carried on his goalscoring form with a late strike in front of the Holte End to seal a 2-0 win last Saturday.

Mings was one of three Premier League inclusions in FIFA 22’s 23-man upgraded squad, alongside Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke.

The centre-back’s original card is rated at 78, with his in-form item receiving a huge +6 upgrade, becoming the third Villa player after Kortney Hause and Emiliano Martinez to receive a Team of the Week card.

Villa fans react

Here is what these fans had to say in reply to Villa’s official tweet regarding Mings’ FIFA upgrade, with one supporter describing it as ‘glorious’.

“+6 upgrade jheez”

Credit: @aston_1997

“I am happy”

Credit: @DanAV___

“Another one”

Credit: @AVFCchats

“Glorious”

Credit: @sheedy_dan

“What a beautiful card”

Credit: @______OLI____

“WHAT A CARD!”

Credit: @joeorourke_avfc

In other news: ‘Amazing’ – Many Villa fans buzzing as NSWE eye up move for ‘superstar’. 

With an away trip to face Cheltenham Town at the weekend on the horizon, Sheffield Wednesday are on a rather uninspiring run of form having drawn their three previous League One outings.

On the chalkboard

Looking ahead to the match at The Jonny-Rocks Stadium, one Owls player that should definitely be in the starting XI on Saturday is 22-year-old midfielder Dennis Adeniran.

Adeniran, who played the full 90 minutes of their 1-1 draw against Lincoln City last weekend, managed to not only score the goal that rescued a point for Darren Moore’s side.

He also managed to complete 26 of the 28 passes (92.9%) he attempted, made one accurate cross, completed two out of the four dribble attempts he made, won ten out of the 18 duels he was involved in and made four interceptions and four tackles, ultimately earning himself a solid overall match rating of 7.5, making him the joint-highest rated Wednesday player on the day according to SofaScore.

This shows just how much of a well-rounded performance he put in for the side in his latest appearance and why we think he should keep his place in the team for the trip to Cheltenham on Saturday.

Also, with Moore claiming that Adeniran would bring “great energy” to the team when they signed him, it seems as though he was right on the money considering how much of an attacking and defensive unit he was for Wednesday against the Imps.

Wednesday signed Adeniran back in July from Everton’s U23 side on a free transfer. Since then, the 22-year-old, who is currently valued at £360k according to Transfermarkt, has made 14 appearances for the Owls across all competitions in which he has managed to rack up three goals and one assist whilst playing in a range of positions on the pitch, highlighting his versatility and why we think he has been a good signing for the club.

For this weekend’s encounter, Adeniran’s inclusion in the starting XI would give Moore’s side to pick up a win rather than yet another draw or even a defeat that could put a dent in Wednesday’s hopes to secure a promotion place back to the Championship by the end of the season.

In other news: Moore must unleash “phenomenal” £1.62m-rated SWFC beast, he could bully Cheltenham – opinion

As per a report in the paper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Get Italian Football News), a major Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim has emerged involving Franck Kessie.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Kessie swoop…

Even before the mass transfer hysteria brought on by Antonio Conte’s arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Lilywhites managing director Fabio Paratici has long been linked with a move for the AC Milan star.

Calciomercato lifted the lid on an approach from Spurs all the way back in mid-September, with the Italian source believing that they had even submitted an offer to the player and his entourage to sign him as a free agent next summer.

Kessie’s current deal at the San Siro expires in 2022 akin to a few of Tottenham’s other reported targets from continent, like Alessio Romagnoli for instance, which makes sense given Paratici’s reputation for grabbing bargain deals and loans.

Spurs could snag these big Serie A names for nothing as Paratici seemingly eyes a plethora of bargain free deals at N17, and now a major update has emerged involving Kessie which could excite Spurs fans.

The Latest: Very advanced talks; Conte involved

As per La Gazzetta, as relayed by Get Italian Football News, Tottenham are now in ‘very advanced talks’ to sign Kessie on a free deal next summer from Milan.

Indeed, negotiations between the player’s representatives and Spurs are apparently at a crucial stage and the 24-year-old is eyeing a move away from Italy on a free transfer.

It is also believed that Spurs and Paratici can now meet the Ivorian’s €8 million per season (£6.7m) wage demands and Conte himself is expected to personally try and convince Kessie to make the move.

The Verdict: Exciting claim…

Given Kessie’s obvious quality, this rumour that Spurs talks to sign their target are now at a ‘very advanced’ stage should come as a breath of fresh air.

Arguably the second-best piece of news this week after Conte’s confirmed arrival, the Ivory Coast star would undoubtedly strengthen Conte’s midfield and provide real depth alongside the likes of Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Lauded as an ‘extraordinary’ player by sports writer and broadcaster Nicky Bandini to ESPN, landing the £49.5 million-rated player on a free deal would be Paratici’s biggest transfer coup yet given that valuation.

A well-rounded defensive midfield monster, Kessie scored an impressive 13 goals whilst assisting four of his teammates last season (WhoScored), all the while managing 1.4 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game in Serie A.

Bagging two strikes so far this campaign in seven Serie A starts, he has continued that proficiency in front of goal whilst averaging an impressive 90.% pass accuracy – more than any Tottenham regular this season (WhoScored).

Making Kessie the first signing of the Conte era would be some show of ambition from the Lilywhites.

In other news: Conte now eyeing ‘huge’ signing likened to Suarez as he makes £237m demand, find out more here.

West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is attracting a significant amount of interest ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that sources have revealed that Tottenham Hotspur sent scouts to watch the 28-year-old in action for West Brom against Preston North End earlier this month.

The report continues to state that Spurs are compiling a dossier on the England international ahead of a potential move for the shot-stopper, as the Premier League side are beginning to up their search to replace Hugo Lloris, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Ismael will be gutted

Considering just how important a part of Valerien Ismael’s side Johnstone is, in addition to the fact that Albion are currently attempting to convince the goalkeeper to extend his stay at The Hawthorns beyond the end of his current deal – which expires next summer – the news of Tottenham’s interest is sure to have left the Frenchman gutted.

Indeed, while the £7.2m-rated man has not exactly been in the best form of his career over his nine Championship appearances so far this season, the ‘keeper has nevertheless been a steady hand between the Baggies sticks, keeping four clean sheets, as well as conceding just 0.7 goals and making 1.3 saves per game.

These returns have seen the ‘keeper who Ismael claimed is “committed” to the West Brom cause earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.80, ranking him as the club’s joint 12th-best performer in the second tier this term.

As such, losing the £28k-per-week goalkeeper, either in January or next summer, would undoubtedly come as a major blow to Valerien Ismael and his side, as Johnstone clearly has the ability to play a huge role in Albion’s promotion push this season, as well as helping them retain their place in the Premier League next season – should the club indeed go on to secure a return to the top flight in the current campaign.

In other news: Ismael may be set for disaster over “powerful” West Brom beast, fans would be fuming

Manchester United travel to the King Power Stadium this afternoon as they attempt to end their two-game winless run in the Premier League against an out-of-sorts Leicester City side.

The Red Devils haven’t been firing on all cylinders themselves either. Although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges sit just two points behind league leaders Chelsea, their recent form has been quite alarming.

Defeats against Young Boys, West Ham United and Aston Villa in recent weeks have raised serious question marks over the progress being made in the red half of Manchester, adding greater importance to today’s encounter with the Foxes.

The problems for Solskjaer appear to be all over the pitch. The Old Trafford outfit have kept just one clean sheet all season, the debate over the midfield double pivot continues to rumble on, and the forward line has scored just three goals in the last four games. However, the solution to at least one of those issues could be a rather simple one for the Norwegian.

Despite making just one start in all competitions in the opening weeks of the campaign, Jesse Lingard has caught the eye with multiple standout cameo appearances off the bench.

He added gloss to the scoreline with a well-taken goal against Newcastle United, sealed all three points with a sumptuous last-minute strike in the victory over West Ham and provided the assist for Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury-time winner against Villarreal.

There was much talk of Lingard leaving his boyhood club on a permanent basis over the summer after he entered the final year of his current contract, but Solskjaer decided to keep hold of the versatile forward, and he is now being rewarded for doing so.

In just 45 minutes of Premier League action, the England international has been on the scoresheet on two occasions, and now the time has come for Lingard to be thrown in from the start.

With Marcus Rashford only just coming back from injury, Edinson Cavani unavailable, Jadon Sancho still acclimatising to his new surroundings and Anthony Martial struggling for form, Lingard could arguably be the main attacking threat over the weekend for the 20-time English champions.

The £19.8m-rated wizard was labelled “outstanding” after firing the Hammers to sixth place last term, and now he must be given a chance to prove that he’s worthy of a place in Manchester United’s starting line-up against the FA Cup holders this afternoon.

Lingard’s previous exploits have shown that he’s capable of having a huge impact for United today at Leicester, whom he scored against on the final day of the 2019/20 season, but Solskjaer needs to provide him with the opportunity to do so.

In other news… Signed for £19.8m, now worth £9m: MUFC endured a transfer nightmare over £25k-p/w dud 

Having seen his Fulham side get off to a fantastic start to the 2021/22 Championship campaign, picking up 13 points over their opening five fixtures of the season, Marco Silva must have been expecting more of the same heading into the Cottagers’ fixture against Blackpool on Saturday afternoon.

Indeed, Neil Critchley’s newly-promoted side were yet to taste victory in the second tier of English football – with Blackpool having picked up just two points over their opening five league games – something that few had expected the Seasiders to change against Silva’s west London table-toppers.

However, despite boasting just 30% possession of the ball, managing one shot on target and completing 360 fewer passes than Fulham over the course of the 90 minutes, Josh Bowler’s early second-half strike was enough for the Tangerines to take all three points at Bloomfield Road – sealing their first win, and Fulham’s first defeat, of the current campaign.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, a number of Silva’s players put in below-par performances in the fixture, with Domingos Quina, Bobby Reid and Neeskens Kebano all having games to forget, however, it will undoubtedly be Josh Onomah who is the player most disappointed with his display on Saturday.

Lost 80% duels

Indeed, prior to his substitution in the 67th minute, the £5.4m-rated man proved ineffective in central midfield, losing 80% of his duels, being dribbled past by an opponent on two occasions and ceding possession of the ball 14 times.

The 24-year-old also made no interceptions, no tackles, no clearances and blocked no shots in his time on the pitch, as well as failing with his one attempted long ball and taking one shot at goal, which was off target.

These returns saw the £30k-per-week former England U21 international earn a highly disappointing SofaScore match rating of 5.9, with no player from either side who featured in the clash receiving a worse score than the Fulham midfielder.

As such, following the deadline day signing of Nathaniel Chalobah, Onomah did very little in the Blackpool game to convince Silva that he is worthy of keeping his place in the 44-year-old’s starting XI for the trip to Birmingham City on Wednesday evening – a game in which the Portuguese manager will undoubtedly be hoping his side can get back to winning ways.

In other news: Silva drops worrying Fulham injury update ahead of Blackpool game, fans will be gutted