All posts by h716a5.icu

Leeds United have missed out on a number of transfer targets over the past few years.

Che Adams, Daniel James and Michael Cuisance are three that immediately come to mind, but perhaps their biggest transfer error of the past few years was missing out on John McGinn.

The Yorkshire club lined up a £2.5m bid for the Scot in the summer of 2018, but their failure to meet Hibs’ £5m asking price saw them miss out on him.

McGinn instead went to Aston Villa where he has been an absolute star.

The Scot has shown his quality in the both the Championship and the Premier League, and his brilliance has seen him linked with a number of big-money moves.

A £50m switch to Manchester United was rumoured last summer, but a more modest £30m switch to Newcastle looked to be on the cards at one point this summer, but Villa managed keen to keep hold of their midfield maestro and he’s wasted no time in showing them that was the right decision.

McGinn has started this season like a man possessed, providing four assists and scoring one goal in his first four games as Aston Villa started the season perfectly.

His brilliance shouldn’t come as that much of a surprise, he was described as a ‘top talent’ by John Terry prior to Villa’s first season back in the top-flight, and Leeds could really have used a player of his quality.

Mateusz Klich is good, don’t get us wrong, but McGinn is just that level higher and if he was a part of Marcelo Bielsa’s squad he may have elevated Leeds to that next level.

In hindsight, £5m for McGinn would have been an absolute bargain especially when you consider that he’s now being linked to £30m moves and Leeds should be kicking themselves that they didn’t sign him back in 2018.

West Ham manager David Moyes has been heaping praise on midfielder Pablo Fornals, much to the approval of many Irons fans.

Speaking via @whufc_news, Moyes said: “Pablo has done really well. He’s a really likeable boy and works really hard for the team. We’re always demanding more from him because we want assists and goals for him and he’s been doing that. His energy and enthusiasm is incredible.”

The Spaniard definitely deserves the plaudits from his manager. This season he has one goal and two assists, and he has averaged 1.5 shots and one key pass a game (WhoScored) His eye for goal has certainly helped the Irons as they have eight points after six games in the division.

The £16.2m-valued ace struggled to be consistent in his first season in the Premier League last term, with only two goals and five assists. If he keeps up his good form from recent weeks, then there is no doubt he can improve on his record from 2019/20.

Here is what West Ham fans had to say about Moyes’ comments on Fornals:

In other West Ham news, Irons legend Frank McAvennie has praised one defender at the club. Have a read who is it here!

Leeds have been hammered with injuries this season as they struggle to get a foothold in their returning Premier League season. The likes of Adam Forshaw and Gaetano Berardi are both sidelined with serious injuries – the former already missing more than a year of action with the Whites. As it stands, the squad depth is very thin.

Marcelo Bielsa took another blow when summer signing Rodrigo was forced to self-isolate due to coronavirus. However, if there’s one thing that the international break is good for, it’s allowing players precious time to recover in time for their next domestic match.

Football.london has reported that the Spaniard will be available for selection against Arsenal once the Premier League action resumes.

A huge injury boost for Leeds

At the moment, Leeds are relying heavily on target man Patrick Bamford to find the back of the net. A strong performance against Aston Villa was soured after the Whites conceded back-to-back 4-1 losses. Their attacking threat was minimal in these two fixtures, they must arrive at Elland Road next time out with a much stronger plan that can upset the Gunners.

With Rodrigo back, Bielsa could opt to start two strikers up front in order to maximise threat in front of goal. Or he may choose to place the new recruit just behind Bamford to serve as a second striker so Rodrigo can drop back and create chances for the No.9.

Jermaine Beckford will certainly be pleased, after discussed how much Leeds miss Rodrigo during a recent Doing A Leeds Podcast episode. He went on to laud the striker as an “amazing” player who brings bags of “creativity”.

Whichever position Bielsa chooses, the 29-year-old will provide much-needed attacking flair to the squad. Currently sitting in 15th place in the table, it’s important that the Whites bank as many points as possible. And with Arsenal recently losing to Aston Villa, they’re in with a good chance of getting three against them.

In other news, Surprise Leeds stats show where Bielsa’s problems lie in his defence…

A lot of talk and uncertainty is swirling around Neil Lennon’s position as the head coach of Celtic. The Hoops were ejected from the Scottish League Cup on Sunday after Ross County beat them 2-0 at Celtic Park. This loss is now the third in their last five fixtures and tension is mounting for the manager.

The 51-time Scottish Premiership winners have hit a slippery slope this season and their chances of bagging a tenth consecutive cup are looking dimmer by the day. As it stands, Celtic are trailing to rivals Rangers by an enormous 11 points and despite their two games in-hand, the odds are heavily against them.

Carlton Palmer spoke exclusively to Football FanCast about Lennon’s future with the club and whether his time is running out.

“It’s always difficult, I never like to call for managers to go,” the pundit admitted. “I just think it’s very difficult. We all have too short memories. Neil Lennon’s done a fantastic job – well, when you say he’s done a fantastic job, he took over partway when they were flying. But still, I think it’s a bit early for them to start calling for his head.”

This is Lennon’s second stint as manager of the Bhoys, originally being appointed in 2010 and winning three league titles with them before announcing his departure. However, the connection between the club and the manager was clearly strong as he returned to the hilt of Celtic in February 2019.

“He should be given a bit of time to turn it around,” Palmer continued. “Sometimes you’ve just got to stick with them.”

Lennon has certainly achieved a lot with the reigning Premiership champions. He led them to three domestic trebles, dubbed the ‘treble treble’ and is highly regarded for this. However, this campaign has been extremely difficult and disappointing for a club with such a rich history.

If the Hoops break their nine-season consecutive champions run, it looks likely that Lennon will be thrown to wolves whilst Steven Gerrard basks in glory.

In other news, Celtic could evoke memories of 2001 by hiring Martin O’Neill…

This season has been a brutal affair for Celtic. They are currently 13 points off the pace in the SPFL and were knocked out of both the Champions League and Europa League in the same season.

If that wasn’t enough, they were also knocked out of the Scottish League Cup too.

Fortunately, their campaign could embark on a period of rejuvenation very soon.

On the chalkboard

This Sunday Celtic have an ideal opportunity to wipe away the negativity that has intoxicated their term so far.

2020/21 was supposed to be all about their quest for ten league crowns in a row. However, while that now looks unlikely, silverware is within their sight.

This weekend they take on Hearts in the Scottish Cup final and fortunately, they have found form at just the right time.

They beat Lille in the Europa League and then Neil Lennon laid down another marker when the Hoops defeated Kilmarnock last weekend.

The Bhoys might be some way behind in the league but this offers a timely distraction, one that if they win, may spark a revival in the league.

So, how can Celtic improve their chances of winning the final?

The solution

Celtic’s defence has been absolutely horrific this season and that’s putting it kinder than we could have.

They conceded eight in two matches against Sparta Prague and have shipped ten more goals than rivals Rangers in the league.

Clearly, Lennon’s backline needs to improve but it’s no coincidence that since Ismaila Soro’s energetic legs were brought into the side for the first time, Celtic have enhanced their play.

They conceded twice against a fierce Lille team but kept a clean sheet against Killie. Soro has been a huge part of their recent solidity and he simply has to start against Hearts in a few days time.

This is someone who brings boundless vigour to the midfield and can dominate the play, taking the ball from defence to attack in the blink of an eye.

His former coach, Ori Guttman said in January: “When I saw Soro I was immediately excited. From the first second I noticed his explosive power. His tackling and dribbling skills were incredible. He looked like he had good potential.”

And indeed, we’re now seeing that potential emerge at Celtic. It’s remarkable to think he’s started just twice in 2020 for the Hoops given his impressive displays.

In the Europa League this term, he’s made a phenomenal amount of tackles – 3.7 per game – while he’s also completed over 90% of his passes.

This is someone who keeps things calm and composed in the middle of the park, being described as a “wonderful player” by Frankie McAvennie.

Considering how non-existent Celtic’s midfield has been for the best part of this season, Soro has been a game-changer.

He could well determine whether the Scottish Cup goes back to Glasgow or Edinburgh.

In other news, Lawwell must sign ex-PL gem who once performed “a miracle”…

Will Grigg is a perplexing figure. In 2016/17, he fired in 19 League One goals as Wigan raced to promotion under Paul Cook.

However, since signing for Sunderland, he has been abject and devoid of any confidence.

To remix his famous song, Grigg is no longer on fire and neither is he ice-cool in front of goal. Instead, he represents a lukewarm figure during a topsy-turvy time for Sunderland.

Since signing for the Mackems in 2019 for a fee of £4m, he has scored just eight times and is yet to find the back of the net this season at all.

When he arrived, Stewart Donald revelled in excitement, hoping he’d score a hat-trick in the play-off final. Of course, that never became a reality.

Fortunately, Phil Parkinson and Lee Johnson have had Charlie Wyke scoring consistently instead. Unfortunately, though, is the fact they don’t have many regular goal scorers behind him.

Or do they? You only need to look at Sunderland’s ever-improving academy to realise there’s a forward in superb form.

The young player in question is Mitch Curry, someone finding the back of the net with fierce regularity for the U23s.

Last season, they failed to win a single game and finished with just one point in PL 2. Though, with Curry leading their line after signing from Middlesbrough, they have picked up a victory in five of their ten outings.

From those matches, Curry has scored seven strikes, including two against Norwich only last Monday. It was a haul of goals that saw him earn his senior debut against Wimbledon on Tuesday evening.

Curry was the lucky beneficiary from a COVID-19 scare at the club, coming on for the final 15 minutes in place of a certain Grigg.

The 21-year-old registered just two touches but it surely won’t be too long before we see a proper breakthrough at first-team level. He only needs to take inspiration from Jack Diamond, someone who is quickly becoming a key figure under Johnson.

Crucially, Curry possesses an ability that not many Sunderland strikers have; speed.

Speaking about the youngster in 2016, Boro U18 coach Gary Liddle said: “Mitchell is young, a first-year scholar. (He has) blistering pace, we’re still working on the other side of his game, his hold up play and his link-up play but that’s coming along nicely.”

The attacker has had four years to develop since and if he can work on his hold-up play, he could prove a danger to not only Grigg but also Wyke.

He’ll have to work hard to get that point but with Sunderland in the position they’re in, academy players are far more likely to get senior opportunities. If Curry starts to perform, it could well pave the way for Grigg’s exit and an improvement in the wage bill.

He is undoubtedly one to watch.

In other news, Dreyfus could save SAFC millions in the transfer window with a genius system…

There are no easy games in the Premier League and West Brom have it all to do if they are to drastically turn around their plight this season.

Sam Allardyce’s men now head to defending champions Liverpool looking for only their second win of the current campaign.

In the 66-year-old’s first game in charge, the Baggies were thrashed 3-0 by arch-rivals Aston Villa, and now they face an almighty task at Anfield.

Albion have suspensions and injuries to deal with, so it will be interesting to see how Big Sam lines up the squad this afternoon.

Here’s the XI we’re predicting as the division’s leaders host second from bottom…

There could be as many as four changes as Allardyce looks to spark a reaction today.

In goal, Sam Johnstone keeps his place as do the majority of the back four barring Dara O’Shea, who makes way for PL veteran Branislav Ivanovic.

Club captain Jake Livermore is suspended for this match after receiving his marching orders for a lunge on Jack Grealish last weekend, so there’s a change afoot in midfield.

Romaine Sawyers and Chelsea loan sensation Conor Gallagher could partner each other with Matheus Pereira returning from his own suspension to take an advanced place in the engine room.

Whilst in the attack, only Matty Phillips keeps his place at right-wing.

It means Karlan Grant is axed for Charlie Austin up top, and Grady Diangana also drops to the bench in favour of the £9m-rated Callum Robinson on the left flank.

The likes of Sam Field, Hal Robson-Kanu, Kyle Bartley and Conor Townsend are all still out through injury.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Sam Allardyce tipped to sign former West Ham star in January swoop…

According to The Daily Mail, Crystal Palace are closely monitoring Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Seny Dieng ahead of a possible move in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

The Swiss stopper has been with the R’s since 2017 and has spent most of his time on loan, although he has established himself as a first-choice regular starter for the Championship club under Mark Warburton this season.

It’s claimed Arsenal and Leeds United are also keen on landing the 6 ft 3 in colossus, who has saved four clean sheets in 20 appearances across all competitions so far this season, via Transfermarkt.

But Roy Hodgson isn’t exactly short of options in goal after the arrival of back-up keeper Jack Butland in the extended summer transfer window, which is precisely why Steve Parish should avoid signing Dieng at all costs.

Parish heading for disaster

It seems not a week goes by without Palace being linked with a move for a QPR player, as they have previously been credited with an interest in his teammates Bright Osayi-Samuel and Michael Olise.

With the likes of Butland, Vicente Guaita, Wayne Hennessey and even Stephen Henderson on their books alone, splashing the cash on a player Hodgson doesn’t really need is arguably the last thing Parish needs to be doing right now.

The 26-year-old, who has previously been described as an “outstanding” talent by the QPR boss, currently earns around £4,000-per-week at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium. There’s a reason he isn’t earning the big bucks, that’s for sure.

In 20 appearances for Warburton’s side this season, Dieng has kept just four clean sheets and conceded 27 goals in total, via Transfermarkt. It’s hardly the stuff of legend, is it? His current deal with the club is set to expire in 2024, which means it’s unlikely he will come cheap, either.

Dieng has been an integral part of Warburton’s side this season, but he’s shown nothing like the kind of form that would indicate he is ready to fill in for Guaita on a regular basis.

Given their spending spree in the summer, this simply isn’t a risk worth taking. Thankfully, it’s unlikely they will have the resources to sanction such a move in any case.

It’s fair to say that signing Dieng would be a big mistake as Hodgson arguably needs to strengthen in other areas, namely a holding midfielder, and Parish must simply avoid signing him at all costs.

AND in other news, Steve Parish must sanction Crystal Palace swoop for Jason Knight as a James McCarthy alternative…

Glasgow Rangers eased to a 2-1 win over Aberdeen on Sunday to move 22 points clear at the top of the Premiership table, but the fans were far from happy with a tweet from pundit Michael Stewart.

The Gers started the game poorly, but they were given a fantastic opportunity when Ryan Hedges was sent off for a foul on Alfredo Morelos. James Tavernier missed the resulting penalty, but Morelos scored either side of half-time to put the Ibrox outfit in total control. Matthew Kennedy did pull one back for the Dons, but it was not enough.

While Hedges did receive his marching orders in the first-half, Curtis Main was arguably lucky to stay on the pitch after a high tackle on Borna Barisic. Stewart, though, was adamant it wasn’t a red card – which only infuriated the Gers supporters.

They took to Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say to Stewart below

“Former footballer, former scribbler. You’re an actual embarrassment.”

Credit: @GingerMammoth1

“You are an absolute embarrassment and it’s so obvious your hate towards Rangers is unreal!! Red card anywhere on the pitch and in the world, you’re as good a pundit as you were a pretend footballer. Fraud”

Credit: @JuniorC1872

“Absolute rubbish.”

Credit: @Acloserlook1993

“Joke of a pundit and a player. Embarrassing man”

Credit: @carlbruce86

“Are you that serious bitter? Red card all day long.. high, studs showing, forceful.”

Credit: @DrewMcc07

“Utterly clueless”

Credit: @bluewatch51

In other news, Rangers fans hammered this journalist’s comments.

According to The Evening Standard, Arsenal are interested in Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell.

What’s the word?

Having excelled for Palace’s development squads in the 2017/18 season, Mitchell has really broke onto the scene at Selhurst Park.

In Patrick van Aanholt’s absence, Roy Hodgson took a shining to the left-footed defender and was duly rewarded after he made his Premier League debut against Leicester City last year.

The 20-year-old has impressed since the start of this season with a WhoScored rating of 6.58, the ninth-best out of all Palace players and more than than Van Aanholt overall – bettered by the likes of established regular starters Andros Townsend and Wilfried Zaha.

Arsenal’s interest will come as no surprise to Palace fans given their mixed bag of results this season but the potential loss of Mitchell would be a devastating blow for the Eagles boss.

Stand firm

Whilst Wilfried Zaha has been heavily linked with the Selhurst Park exit in recent months, losing a young prospect in Mitchell would arguably be just as significant.

Of course, when the big guns come calling it can prove to be rather difficult to ignore such a tempting offer.

Mitchell’s defensive awareness on the left-hand side of the defence will no doubt have piqued the interest of those courting the London-born left-back.

While some modern-day full-backs like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James will look to bring the ball out from the back and bring others into play, Mitchell is prepared to the dirty work, as shown by his willingness to throw himself into a tackle (or two), as he currently averages 3.4 tackles per game in the Premier League this season.

This is also the best of all defenders in the squad and is indeed the highest amount of tackles by any Palace player overall, ahead of the likes of James McArthur, Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne.

He also boasts a fine positional awareness, relying his speed, guile and cunning to limit goalscoring opportunities and break up attacks at the back, as evidenced in his 2.9 clearances and 1.1 interceptions per match since the start of the season.

It’s no wonder, then, that Hodgson has dubbed him an “excellent” colossus, with his former U16s coach Anthony Hayes even describing him as something akin to a “silent assassin.”

Steve Parish now needs to take note as this is precisely why he simply can’t afford to lose the £4.5m-rated ace. He’s too important to their chances of guaranteeing Premier League survival this season.

AND in other news, Steve Parish made a big call by signing Mainz striker Jean-Philippe Mateta on loan…