All posts by z3u9t.icu

Following their qualification for next season’s Europa League, David Moyes will recognise that he must improve not just his starting lineup but also his squad, and former Premier League defender Steve Howey believes that Sam Johnstone could do that.

Johnstone is widely expected to leave West Brom this summer following the Baggies’ relegation to the Championship, but the shot-stopper can hold his head up high having earned two England call-ups during the season.

Reports suggest the 28-year-old could be available for a cut-price £10m fee this summer and the London Stadium could be an ideal place for him considering Lukasz Fabianksi is 36-years-old now and has picked up a few injuries in the last two seasons, which has seen him miss 135 days.

Johnstone could come in and be a great number two at West Ham or Moyes could even put his trust in him and make him the number one after impressing this year. Either way, Howey believes he is good enough to join the Hammers, exclusively telling The Transfer Tavern:

“I think he’s a very good goalkeeper and he’s up there with the best for most saves made in the season, so yeah he would be a great keeper.”

Fabianski has been a loyal servant for the Hammers since he joined from Swansea City in 2018 having made 304 saves during his time with West Ham.

If funds are available then Moyes would likely want to add bits of quality through the squad and in most positions but that is unlikely to be possible so he may choose to target key areas such as a striker and number 10.

Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United face Crystal Palace in Monday evening’s 20:00 kick-off, with the Whites looking to take one step closer to Premier League survival by taking all three points back to Elland Road.

Indeed, a victory at Selhurst Park would see Leeds pull seven points clear of 18th placed Everton, and move to within one point of tonight’s opponent – who currently sit in 14th.

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However, with Adam Forshaw recently fracturing his knee cap in training – an injury which will keep the midfielder sidelined until the start of 2022/23 – and the match coming too soon for both centre-forward Patrick Bamford and attacking midfielder Tyler Roberts, Marsch has some tough calls to make concerning his team selection for the trip to south London.

So, will the 48-year-old make any changes to the team that started the 3-0 win over Watford 16 days ago? Here’s how we at Football FanCast think the Whites could line up against the Eagles…

Taking into account the absences of Forshaw, Bamford and Roberts, we predict that Marsch will make two changes to the side that lined up against the Hornets last time out.

Despite the suggestion that Junior Firpo could make a return to the XI this evening – with the left-back appearing to have recovered from his sideband injury – considering the fact that the 25-year-old has not kicked a ball in earnest since the beginning of March, we expect Leeds’ back five to remain unchanged – with Illan Meslier starting between the sticks and Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas making up the back four.

In the middle of the park, after a poor showing at Vicarage Road last time out, the £46k-per-week Robin Koch – who Danny Mills dubbed a “fish out of water” earlier this season – makes way for the returning Kalvin Phillips, with Mateusz Klich keeping his place in the midfield two.

In attack, Raphinha, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison start on the right, middle and left of the more advanced midfield trio, while, following a run of seven games at centre-forward without a goal, Daniel James has to make to with a spot on the bench, with Marsch springing something of a “surprise” – in the words of Phil Hay – by handing 19-year-old Joe Gelhardt a start.

AND in other news: Marsch must now unleash Leeds’ “next big thing” vs Palace, he’s “banging on the door”

A number of Aston Villa fans have been having their say on Dean Smith’s comments regarding midfielder Ross Barkley.

Barkley arrived on loan from Chelsea at the start of the season but has badly fallen out of favour under Smith in recent months, despite Jack Grealish’s injury problems.

Up until the end of February, when fit, the 27-year-old was a regular starter. However, Barkley has been left out of Smith’s last eight Premier League starting line ups, having to make do with a place on the bench, even with the club missing star man Grealish in a position one might expect Barkley to fill.

This has led to speculation over a potential permanent deal now being off the table. Smith was asked about Barkley following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday, to which he said:

“He’s got another two years left on his contract at Chelsea and that’s not been discussed at all.”

Villa fans react

Those rather blunt comments were shared on Twitter by @AVFC_News on Thursday lunchtime.

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with some speculating if there are problems off the pitch at Villa Park.

“Is there a problem in the dressing room at the moment because their was certainly a problem with Big T and Ross last night for all too see.”

Credit: @tw1708

“Something’s not right within the club Smith has a big job on his hands coming up in the summer!! As Barkley not alone, you could class another 4/5 players that have been dog for us!!!”

Credit: @MarkPau86473828

“Plague and avoid spring to mind. He’s just not a good fit for us”

Credit: @Villandrew

“He just appears to be coasting out the rest of the season with us with minimal effort it’s sad to see as he has such potential”

Credit: @Cypher79C

“Thank the high heavens there is a god”

Credit: @av_reece

“That’s a very polite way of saying no way Jose”

Credit: @HoItender

In other news: Many AVFC fans buzz at Purslow’s ESL comments, find out more here. 

Everton are having a nightmare of a season but Rafael Benitez has been trying to find opportunities to turn it around by getting thoroughly stuck into the winter transfer window.

In an attempt to win over the support of the fans and put Everton in a better position come the end of the season, a fourth January signing is rumoured to be on the horizon.

What’s the word?

Sky Sports journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed that the Toffees manager could already be working on securing his fourth signing of the month, with a specific position in mind.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “They were looking to possibly bring in a new centre-back, and that’s what Rafa Benitez has got his heart set on, he thinks the defence needs sorting out.”

The club has already signed two defenders in January so far, with right back Nathan Patterson joining from Rangers and left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko signing from Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kiev.

Fans will be buzzing

If the performance against Norwich on Saturday afternoon is anything to go by, Everton are desperate for central defenders, after Michael Keane scored an own goal and put on a poor display throughout the game as the Toffees were defeated 2-1 at Carrow Road.

Some fans may be buzzing at the prospect of a potential new centre back at the club, given some of the scathing reactions to Saturday’s horror show in Norfolk.

As for the manager, he is treading on thin ice with many fans, and the signing of a quality centre-back could salvage whatever support he has left at the club, with the team 15th in the Premier League and just six points off the relegation zone.

Despite the desire and intention to turn the season around for Everton, Benitez may have managed his last game for the Toffees as reports suggested that he could be sacked by the club imminently after the embarrassing defeat on Saturday afternoon.

If the unpopular Spaniard can land a new centre-back as a parting gift at Goodison Park, it may well represent good news on the double for the Everton faithful.

In other news: One Everton flop may just cost Benitez his job

The Transfer Tavern’s EFL insider reckons Philip Billing could be a good option for West Brom to explore this window.

New Baggies manager Valerien Ismael has already made three additions to his squad in the shape of Matt Clarke, Quevin and Alex Mowatt from Barnsley.

However, the Frenchman is having to deal with losing more than 10 first-team players, meaning plenty more business can be expected to take place at the Hawthorns.

And whilst the signing of Mowatt was an impressive coup by Ismael on a free transfer, he’s currently one of just three central midfielders in his squad.

According to The Sun, West Brom were interested in signing 6 ft 6 colossus Billing some five years back, and following his impressive season for Bournemouth, that could well remain the case.

He scored eight goals and added four assists in just 34 Championship outings, but his heroics from midfield couldn’t lead the Cherries back to the Premier League following their semi-final defeat to Brentford.

The Baggies themselves are expected to challenge for promotion this season and signing Billing would only improve their chances of achieving an instant return.

The EFL spy exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“This year, these guys will have so many names thrown at them by agents, but I think it will be quality over quantity. 

“And with West Brom needing a left central midfielder, you can see the cost going up because it’s a left-footer.

“Phil Billing is a top Championship player and is a lefty, so he’s a very good option.”

West Ham are set to be handed a major boost ahead of this weekend’s crucial Premier League encounter against Everton…

What’s the latest?

According to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee on Twitter, Angelo Ogbonna “should be back” as they welcome the Toffees to the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The 32-year-old was a surprise absentee on Monday night for their win over Burnley, missing the clash with a hamstring problem, but it is not thought to be serious.

Ogbonna had missed more than two months of the season with ankle problems, only returning against Newcastle United three weeks ago, and is in line to feature against Everton barring any late complications.

Big boost

This comes as a massive boost for David Moyes, who will undoubtedly be desperate to see the Italian back in action as soon as possible given that he has played an important role in the Irons’ campaign so far. Ogbonna has started 25 league matches for the Irons in 2020/21, winning 2.3 headers (fourth-best in current squad) and making 4.2 clearances per game (second-best).

West Ham are firmly in the face for a top four finish but could be six points adrift of Chelsea if they manage to pull off a victory over runaway league leaders and Champions League final opponents Manchester City this evening.

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A win over Carlo Ancelotti’s side would keep the pressure on their London rivals heading into the final three matches of the season, and having Ogbonna available will certainly aid their chances substantially.

His presence will be needed against a player of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s calibre. He has found the net 20 times in all competitions, including one against Aston Villa last time out.

However, the England international failed to score against the Hammers in their league battle earlier this campaign, and Ogbonna was partnering Craig Dawson that day.

Moyes will surely want more of the same, so he will be encouraged by the fact that he can slot the 32-year-old colossus straight back into the team, most likely in place of Issa Diop.

AND in other news, Moyes can repeat West Ham’s Lingard masterstroke by landing “exciting” £18m-rated gem…

Former West Brom midfielder Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that the Baggies not hiring a new sporting director could be bad news for the club’s manager.

Luke Dowling recently left the position and it looks like the Midlands outfit are not looking to appoint a direct replacement.

According to Football Insider, West Brom plan to scrap the director of football model they currently have at the club and will instead allow their manager to work directly with the recruitment team on transfers.

Palmer, however, fears the lack of a director of football or sporting director just leaves room for the owner or chairman to interfere in football matters.

“It’s bad news. It sounds like the chairman [or owner] is trying to call the shots, and you can’t do that.

“If you’ve got a chairman who knows the game, then that’s fine. But if you’ve got a chairman who doesn’t know the game…”

All in all, it would be an interesting move, with a lot of clubs today having a director of football, as Football Insider points out.

But perhaps it could work out, if the manager is actually in control and does not have the owner or chairman overruling him on football matters.

Kevin Campbell believes Luke Ayling’s lengthy injury absence is a huge blow for Leeds United, after news emerged that the defender required surgery.

The Lowdown: Ayling missing for Leeds

The 30-year-old hasn’t featured for the Whites since the 1-1 draw away to Newcastle United last month, having picked a knee issue.

Ayling is to be missing for a considerable period after the news broke last week that he needed surgery, with an absence of around six weeks expected, meaning it will be well into the hectic winter fixture schedule before he returns.

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The Latest: Pundit bemoans absence

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell, a regular on Sky Sports, highlighted Ayling’s importance to Leeds, outlining why he will be such a big loss in the coming period:

“He’ll be a big miss if he’s out for that long. Leeds have some crucial fixtures coming up after the internationals.

“Ayling is Mr. Reliable and you will only ever see him out of the side if he’s got a bad injury. He’s been brilliant for them over the past couple of seasons and has been virtually ever-present.

“Injuries happen to everybody though. It is so important to have a player who can plug the gap until he is back.

“Shackleton has been very good but I still think they will really miss Ayling. He is a fantastic player who can chip in with a goal or two as well. He’s so consistent at right-back and consistency is the key. He gives you a seven or eight out of 10 every week.”

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The Verdict: Huge loss for Whites

Ayling has been a fantastic servant for Leeds and there is no denying that they lose a lot when he isn’t in the team.

The 30-year-old possesses a big character and leadership from right-back, but he also brings so much energy and quality, both in an attacking and defensive sense.

Ayling’s screamer at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season showed what he is capable of ability-wise, but he has averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.2 clearances per game in the Premier League this season, too, which is really where he shines.

In other news, a pundit has been critical of one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

Many Sunderland fans are delighted after the club announced the signing of Alex Pritchard on Friday.

The Black Cats narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship last term, and Lee Johnson and co will once again be targetting a place in the second tier. However, their summer started on a difficult note, losing a number of players such as Max Power, Josh Scowen, Grant Leadbitter (The Northern Echo) and Charlie Wyke (newsandstar.co.uk) while no-one came in to replace them.

However, it seems that Sunderland are finally getting themselves into gear in the transfer market. They have confirmed the signing of Pritchard (safc.com), who recently left Huddersfield Town. He has impressed in the Championship before, with 40 goal contributions in 125 appearances at that level, so it is something of a coup for the Black Cats to sign him.

The news was shared by Sunderland’s official Twitter channel, and it unsurprisingly attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Pritchard’s arrival

“Get in!!!”

Credit: @leech_tom

“Absolutely love that”

Credit: @Jamestweddell

“Fantastic. More please”

Credit: @SAFCSarah

“YESSSSS”

Credit: @SAFCLJ25

“Outstanding signing for us..”

Credit: @ShaunGunner1973

“beautiful.”

Credit: @jxdesafc

In other news, Sunderland are interested in this prospect.

JustJoe Football ShowJustJoe Football Show presenter Joe Wainman reckons Leeds United could make a late move to sign Daryl Dike.

The United States international, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Championship outfit Barnsley, was linked with the Whites – along with Chelsea, Manchester United and Everton – prior to the transfer window even opening.

Dike is also thought to be on West Bromwich Albion’s radar having worked with new Baggies boss Valerien Ismael during his time at Barnsley.

The 21-year-old scored nine goals in 22 Barnsley appearances and Leeds are reportedly exploring the possibility of completing a loan deal before next week’s transfer deadline.

Having seen his temporary spell with Barnsley come to an end, Dike has returned to Major League Soccer outfit Orlando City and scored two goals in four appearances.

Former All Leeds TV anchorman Wainman believes Marcelo Bielsa may look to welcome Dike to Elland Road before the window slams shut.

He told The Transfer Tavern: “I think a loan with a view to a permanent deal has been mooted.

“I know he is wanted by the West Brom manager who had him at Barnsley. He did really well while at Barnsley.

“Leeds clearly aren’t spending in this window, which is a bit disappointing, but there may be the chance of a loan. I know we were linked with him previously, while he was still at Barnsley, so it may be an option.”