All posts by z3u9t.icu

Man Utd have had a slow January transfer window, with the Red Devils yet to sign anyone. Of course, that was always expected, given that they’re currently in somewhat of a transitionary period under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The board aren’t likely to be willing to invest big money under a boss that may not be there in six months.

However, that doesn’t mean that the Man Utd board aren’t working hard. Indeed, attention has already shifted to the summer window, at least if the latest exclusive report from the Metro is to be believed. According to the Metro, Man Utd are tracking Borussia Dortmund sensation Jadon Sancho, with the club potentially looking to make a move in the summer. 

Dortmund are said to value him at £90 million, which is a huge fee for the teenager, but Man Utd have shown a willingness to invest that sort of money in top talents – and Sancho certainly falls under that banner.

He’s enjoyed a fantastic season so far this year, with a brilliant return of 6 goals and 9 assists from just 12 league games. He offers incredible ability and drive down the flanks for Dortmund, and he’s regularly kept big-name Chelsea-bound attacker Christian Pulisic out of the team.

Significantly, Man Utd look to be building for the future, with Anthony Martial handed a new deal by the Red Devils. In Sancho, the Red Devils could have the ideal long-term partner for the Frenchman, especially with Alexis Sanchez struggling.

Make no mistake, Sancho is one of Europe’s best young players, and they’re always going to come at a premium.  He could help usher in a new era at Old Trafford.

Thoughts? 

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United face off against Wolves tonight as they return to Premier League action at St James’ Park.

The Magpies were left humbled last time out in the top flight as Tottenham smashed them 5-1 in north London, after Fabian Schar had given the Toon the lead with a fine free-kick.

Howe’s side have now lost three games in succession and they will be hoping to turn things around against Wolves in front of their own supporters.

How many changes will the 44-year-old make to the team from last Sunday? Here is our predicted starting XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the side, with Jamaal Lascelles, Jacob Murphy and Bruno Guimaraes all coming in.

Wolves typically play in a 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2 formation and Howe may look to counter that by moving to a 3-5-2 of his own, particularly after the manner of the defeat last week.

This means that he will need to bring in another central defender to play alongside Dan Burn and Fabian Schar. In that case, Lascelles must come in as the middle centre-back in the three, as he is strong in his individual duels and can win headers in the box.

He has won an outstanding 75% of his aerial battles this season and averaged 4.8 clearances per game. This suggests that he will be perfect for the role, as he has the defensive quality to deal with crosses coming into the box, which is why he must start tonight.

With the change in formation, Murphy could come in to play at right wing-back. Javier Manquillo lost three of his five duels and only made one tackle and interception combined last Sunday, and he could now be dropped to the bench to make way for the former Norwich man because of his poor display in north London.

Finally, Guimaraes may come in to replace Joe Willock. The English gem is struggling with an injury and is a doubt for the game tonight, which means that his place in the middle of the park may be up for grabs.

The £40m man should start next to Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton if the ex-Arsenal youngster misses out. He impressed upon coming off the bench against Spurs last week and deserves his chance to show what he can do from the start tonight. As per SofaScore, he won seven duels and four tackles and completed 96% of his attempted passes in the 5-1 defeat, showcasing his quality as a substitute.

Guimaraes has been dubbed as “exceptionally talented” by former Celtic manager Neil Lennon and he must line up in the middle of the park for Newcastle tonight.

AND in other news, Signed for free, now worth £9m: Ashley sealed his final NUFC gift in £35k-p/w “dream”…

Gio van Bronckhorst’s Rangers return to action in the Premiership at Ibrox today after a two-week international break.

The Gers have an opportunity to go level on points with their rivals at the top of the league table in the Old Firm clash in Glasgow this lunchtime.

Prior to the international fixtures, Rangers won 2-1 in their Scottish top-flight clash away at Dundee, with Aaron Ramsey and Connor Goldson scoring the goals for the Light Blues.

How many changes will Van Bronckhorst make to the team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make four alterations to the side from last time out, with Leon Balogun, Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara and Kemar Roofe all coming in.

Starting at the back, Balogun may come in to replace Filip Helander. The Swedish defender was taken off at half-time a fortnight ago and has struggled since returning, recording SofaScore ratings of 6.2, 6.5 and 6.7 respectively in his three Premiership appearances in 2022.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria international has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.02 in the top flight across 17 appearances for the Gers. This suggests that he may currently be the better option of the two, as he has been putting in a higher standard of performances, which is why Van Bronckhorst may bring him into the starting XI.

Rangers lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Dundee and we are predicting that the Dutchman will go with a 4-3-3 to add more defensive solidity across the middle of the park in what is set to be a huge game in the title race.

Scott Arfield was hooked at half-time at Dens Park for Joe Aribo, but we are predicting that neither of them will start and that Kamara will be the one to come in.

Aribo struggled on international duty as he lost five of his six duels away to Ghana and failed to complete any dribbles, tackles, interceptions or key passes, as per SofaScore. He was dubbed “useless” by journalist Zino Mulla after his performances for Nigeria and this should act as a warning to Van Bronckhorst to avoid starting the dud whilst his confidence is shot.

Kamara’s former Dundee coach Neil McCann once dubbed him “perfect”, and that’s what he may start with John Lundstram and Jack on either side of him, the latter coming in for James Sands. His two midfield partners can go from box to box with their energy and robustness, whilst Kamara has the quality to set the tempo and dictate the play from deep, with an exceptional 91% pass accuracy on 56 passes per game in the Premiership.

At the top of the pitch, Alfredo Morelos will need to be replaced. Van Bronckhorst has confirmed that the attacker will be absent, saying: “Morelos will be assessed and hopefully we can give more news after the weekend. Unfortunately for all of us he won’t be with us on Sunday, we won’t have him back in the next couple of weeks.”

This leaves the position free for Roofe to come in and take the number nine position, with the rest of the team remaining unchanged.

AND in other news, Rangers had a major disaster on “complete” 243 G/A ace who’s “like Harry Potter”…

Leeds have recently been linked with Nottingham Forest loanee James Garner, and his performance against Coventry City on Wednesday evening will certainly have caught Victor Orta’s eye.

This forms part of our Transfer Watch series, where we react to a performance from a current transfer target.

The Lowdown: Leeds links

Garner, who is on loan at the City Ground from Manchester United, has been linked with a move to Elland Road in recent weeks.

Leeds, and therefore Victor Orta, are thought to be monitoring the 21-year-old closely ahead of a possible summer swoop.

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Manchester United may consider a permanent sale over the coming months, with Jesse Marsch looking to bolster his midfield options ahead of his first full season in charge.

The Latest: Stunning display

Forest recorded a fourth successive Championship win on Wednesday to consolidate their place in the playoffs, defeating Coventry City 2-0. Garner was man of the match, as per SofaScore, recording a rating of 8.4/10.

The central midfielder scored Forest’s second on the hour mark and also registered five key passes (the most in the match), made four interceptions (second-most) and three tackles (third-most).

The Verdict: Sign

You’d expect that Garner’s display will have caught the eye of Orta given the recent transfer links, and should Forest fail in their push for promotion, a move for the Manchester United man over the summer could be a shrewd call.

Of course, the Red Devils will need to be willing to part ways with Garner on a permanent basis, and if they are, a move to Elland Road looks to make sense for all parties, banking the parent club a profit on a player far down the pecking order and granting the player first-team football in the top flight.

Marsch meanwhile has just four senior midfield options at this moment in time, with Garner able to turn out as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder.

He could be the perfect partner for Kalvin Phillips in a double pivot next season, with also Garner showing an impressive eye for goal with his goal contributions now up to nine in a Forest shirt.

In other news: ‘Leeds fans won’t be happy…’ – Sky Sports man reacts to major update emerging from Elland Road

Reliable journalist Gary Jacob has made a claim on defender Angelo Ogbonna amid recent hopes he could make a return before the end of 2021/2022.

The Lowdown: Insider shares West Ham hope?

The Italian, who hasn’t featured since November, sustaining an ACL injury against Liverpool, has been at the centre of claims in recent days that he could in fact be available for the final few games of this season.

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Indeed, West Ham insider Claret & Hugh believe that there is hope within the club that Ogbonna could make a contribution for manager David Moyes over the last couple of matches.

This comes after the centre-half returned to light training and travelled to France, watching the Hammers’ historic victory over Lyon in the Europa League, though he was not a squad member.

It’s also been claimed that Ogbonna, if Moyes’ men make the Europa League final, ‘could be fit enough’ to start.

However, issuing a claim to the contrary, Jacob has more pessimistic news amid this update.

The Latest: Jacob makes Ogbonna claim…

Jacob, writing for The Times in midweek, says that Ogbonna is in fact ‘out for the season’ with West Ham suffering somewhat of an injury crisis at the back.

Kurt Zouma could already be sidelined for ‘several weeks’, meanwhile Issa Diop’s ankle injury could rule him out for the remainder of this campaign.

This may leave Craig Dawson as Moyes’ only fit, natural centre-half for the final run-in.

The Verdict: Blow for Moyes…

Amid C&H’s update, Irons supporters will be hoping that there is in fact hope of an Ogbonna return despite Jacob’s firm claim.

The colossal 6 foot 3 defender was a mainstay in Moyes’ side before the ACL injury and has been an arguably crucial player for nearly two full seasons.

Former Hammers defender James Collins has labelled Ogbonna ‘phenomenal’ for his contribution at the London Stadium and his return would be a real boost.

However, as things stand, it appears Moyes may not be able to rely on the 33-year-old’s surprise early comeback.

In other news: Moyes set for GSB backing as West Ham insider makes exciting big-money claim, find out more here.

A number of Liverpool supporters have slammed Jordan Henderson’s performance against Arsenal, despite the Reds reaching the League Cup final.

Jurgen Klopp’s men produced an impressive display away to the Gunners on Thursday evening, winning 2-0 at the Emirates.

Liverpool dominated the game barring a slow start, with Diogo Jota twice finding the net to fire his side to Wembley and a final against Chelsea next month.

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There were standout performers for the Reds in north London, from Jota to Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Henderson was again a long way short of his best.

The Liverpool captain played no key passes on the night and lost possession five times, according to Sofascore, lacking his usual energy in the middle of the park.

He was dribbled past once and only registered 39 touches, which was a whopping 20 less than his own goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher.

It is not the first time the skipper has struggled this term, ranking as Liverpool’s 14th-best player for the season on Whoscored.

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Liverpool fans criticise Henderson display

Henderson’s performance wasn’t ignored by some Reds fans on Twitter, who took to the social media platform to lambast his display.

“Henderson plays against us now. Man just got the ball off from Fabinho there”

Credit: @LuffyLFC

“Henderson had a very poor game. Really struggling for a bit of form at the minute”

Credit: @ciarano44

“Henderson did nothing all game yet again. Nobody has been good. But Henderson was invisible. He never came back from the Euros”

Credit: @AndyLFC17

“I’m better than Jordan Henderson and I’m 17”

Credit: @JacobSize3

“That was a truly anonymous performance from Henderson there”

Credit: @DollyDevereaux

“Henderson now is so poor in midfield and not improving at all. I miss players like Elliot, Thiago, Keita. Only Jones is doing anything in attack”

Credit: @Horlawale3043

In other news, some Liverpool fans are buzzing over a Reds transfer update. Read more here.

Journalist Phil Hay believes that Dan James will lead the line for Leeds United in their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Monday night.

The Lowdown: James’ resurgence under Marsch

Jesse Marsch’s men face another crucial game in their top-flight survival battle as they head south to take on the Eagles at Selhurst Park.

James has been used regularly by the Leeds manager since the American replaced Marcelo Bielsa, admittedly not yet scoring under the 48-year-old but providing lots of endeavour and registering two assists.

The former Manchester United man has often been used centrally by Marsch in the absence of Patrick Bamford, and that could be the case again when Leeds take on Palace.

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The Latest: Hay makes team news claim

Writing in a Q&A for The Athletic leading up to kick-off, Hay has backed James to lead the line for Leeds at Selhurst Park, on what feels like a crucial night in the relegation tussle. The journalist wrote:

“My gut feeling is it will be James up front again this evening – but maybe Marsch will surprise us.”

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The Verdict: Big night for James

In truth, James has had a disappointing first season in a Leeds shirt, having become the club’s second-most expensive signing in history when he joined from their Mancunian rivals.

Four goals and four assists is still a reasonable effort in a struggling team, though, and it makes sense for him to continue in a central role on Monday night in the absence of Bamford.

If James could find the net decisively at Selhurst Park, it would be perhaps his biggest contribution yet in a Whites shirt as he looks to justify the £25m that Leeds paid for him last year.

In other news, Marsch is reportedly trying to bring one player to Leeds. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool won’t sell Aston Villa target Joe Gomez in the final days of the January window, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Gomez links

Villa are looking to bolster their centre-back ranks after Axel Tuanzebe cut his season-long loan short in order to join Napoli earlier this month.

That has left Steven Gerrard with Kortney Hause, Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings as his only senior options, with Gomez thought to be a target.

Villa were lining up a late swoop for the 24-year-old this week with Gerrard apparently a ‘huge admirer’ of the player, however, it doesn’t look as if Gomez will be heading to the Midlands.

The Latest: Source shares update

Football Insider shared a story on Tuesday lunchtime after being informed by a Liverpool source.

They revealed that Jurgen Klopp doesn’t want to lose Gomez in the final days of the window and as a result all offers will be refused.

The Verdict: Time to move on

Villa are also looking to bring in a defensive midfielder before Monday’s deadline, with Rodrigo Bentancur linked, so Johan Lange looks set to be extremely busy over the coming days.

However, he won’t be bringing Gomez to Villa Park, so it may be worth sounding out alternative defensive targets before the weekend.

A new centre-back is required due to Gerrard’s limited numbers in that area, so even if it is a loan signing until the end of the season, it could turn out to be the most important piece of business of the lot.

In other news: ‘Some breaking transfer news’ – Sky Sports drop live TV update on Aston Villa and 9-trophy beast.

An exciting update has emerged involving Rangers and their transfer plans for their latest Ibrox signing John Souttar…

What’s the talk?

The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell has revealed that the Gers are interested in landing the defender before he arrives in the summer, having completed a pre-contract deal for the 25-year-old.

He tweeted: “Souttar in at Rangers on a pre-contract. Van Bronckhorst’s second signing after Sands but Rangers keen to bring him in early. Will take a significant fee for Hearts to sell as he can help secure third.”

Van Bronckhorst will be delighted

This news will surely delight Giovanni van Bronckhorst, as it suggests that the club will look to sign Souttar on a permanent basis this month to bolster the squad for the remainder of this season. Bringing in the centre-back before the end of the January window could increase the Gers’ chances of achieving success this term, as he has proven his quality at Premiership level.

The defender has been in phenomenal form for Hearts and could improve the Light Blues by coming in at centre-back. This would give Van Bronckhorst better choice at the back and could lead to a greater chance of the team winning silverware both domestically and in Europe if he is able to hit the ground running.

In the Premiership this season, Souttar has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.43. This shows that he has been consistently delivering top-quality performances for Hearts and proves that he is capable of being a standout in the division, which suggests that he could be an excellent signing for Rangers.

James Tavernier (7.87) is the only current Gers player who has averaged a higher rating in the league than Souttar this term. This indicates that the 25-year-old could be one of the Light Blues’ top performers if they are able to bring him in for the rest of this season, highlighting why Van Bronckhorst will be delighted with the news from Campbell.

The Dutchman surely wants the best possible players available to him and the statistics suggest that the Scotland international would be one of his go-to options at centre-back. It is now over to Ross Wilson to work with Hearts in trying to agree a deal to sign him now instead of waiting for him to arrive on a free transfer in the summer.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst could land the new Prso as Rangers submit offer for “groundbreaking” January transfer…

Many Wolves fans have been left flocking to some transfer news that has emerged on Willy Boly.

As per The Daily Mail, the Midlands club are now willing to listen to offers for the central defender in the January transfer window, as he has reportedly falling down the pecking order under Bruno Lage.

He has been left on the bench on injuries, and with the likes of Conor Coady and Romain Saiss to call upon, it may be time for him to leave.

However, he has been a great servant at Molineux, being a mainstay in the Championship-winning campaign and then in the Premier League, and so some WWFC supporters are understandably reluctant to let him go.

Wolves fans on Boly transfer news

These Wanderers flocked to the transfer news as it was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it would be ‘extremely sad’:

“Seen it all now”

Credit: @xReecexx

“NOOOOOOOOO”

Credit: @BekiWolves1877

“Don’t”

Credit: @Millennewell

“Made a massive difference for us when he arrived, I’d be sad to see him go”

Credit: @Wolfy1223754986

“Pain”

Credit: @wwfc_adam

“Would be an extremely sad way for an important player for Wolves over the last few years to leave.”

Credit: @David_gill14

In other news, find out what potential swap deal has Wanderers buzzing here!