All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham United will be looking to continue their impressive start to the 2021/22 campaign when they return after the international break on Saturday with a trip to Southampton.

The Irons ended the transfer window with a bang by signing two players, taking their total to four new additions – but with the incomings, it hands manager David Moyes a fresh selection headache.

His side are currently unbeaten in the Premier League, where they occupy second place on seven points and are the division’s leading scorers having found the net ten times in three matches.

But what is now Moyes’ best starting line-up following deadline day? Football FanCast take a look into what could be the strongest XI available at the 58-year-old’s disposal…

The Scot has plenty of options to consider, especially tactically as he now has enough depth to consider other formations – for instance, his three-at-the-back formation has been bolstered by the addition of Kurt Zouma from Chelsea.

In what has to be considered quite the coup – landing a Premier League and Champions League winner – the 26-year-old colossus is likely to come straight into the side and should pair Angelo Ogbonna over Craig Dawson or Issa Diop.

They’ll undoubtedly be joined by Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal on either flank.

But in goal, there’s a big decision to make, having signed PSG’s Alphonse Areola on a loan deal.

It’s surely only a matter of time before the young shot-stopper replaces Lukasz Fabianski, 36, between the sticks.

If Moyes wants to see if he’s the man for the long-term, then he’s going to have to be given a fair crack. The Polish veteran has long been the no.1 favourite, ever since the Manuel Pellegrini days, but considering his age, the club must find a suitable replacement sooner rather than later.

In midfield, deadline day addition Alex Kral is unlikely to feature due to the impressive form and partnership of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek. His time is likely to come in the Europa League when the group stages get underway in a few weeks time.

However, Nikola Vlasic is likely to come straight into the side after the Irons committed an initial €30m (£26m) plus €9m (£7.5m) in add-ons to sign the former Everton flop, per Sky Sports.

The Croatian playmaker is likely to take up the ‘Jesse Lingard’ role in attacking midfield, with the creative wide man Said Benrahma and the £96k-per-week beast Jarrod Bowen providing the threat from the wings and Michail Antonio in the attack.

He’s started this campaign on fire, bagging four goals and three assists to top the Premier League’s charts.

Moyes’ best XI: Areola; Cresswell, Ogbonna, Zouma, Coufal; Soucek, Rice, Vlasic; Benrahma, Bowen, Antonio.

AND in other news, GSB can correct West Ham’s summer transfer blunder by signing £15m “incredible talent” in January…

Rangers maintained their 100% winning record under Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the Premiership on Saturday afternoon, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Dundee United at Ibrox.

A second half penalty from James Tavernier secured the win for the Gers, extending their lead at the summit to seven points.

Despite Tavernier scoring the decisive goal, there was another hero for Van Bronckhorst’s side – Ianis Hagi.

The Romanian was instrumental on the right wing, enjoying a 77% passing accuracy with two key passes, as well as completing half of his long balls and crosses.

He was heavily involved throughout the contest, having 77 touches across the 90 minutes. Moreover, the 23-year-old also contributed defensively, making two tackles and winning six of his nine duels as the Premiership leaders picked up a fifth consecutive clean sheet in the league.

His overall match rating of 7.4 was the third-highest from SofaScore of anyone on the pitch, a reflection of how he helped to run the show for the home side at Ibrox this afternoon.

Hagi has had a slightly mixed campaign so far for Rangers, starting 13 of their 19 league games amid an ankle injury and testing positive for the global virus, which also saw him miss the club’s opening Europa League group game against Lyon.

The winger often looks dangerous on the flank but must add goals to his game to improve, scoring just three in 23 matches across all competitions this season, with a further four assists.

Moreover, the Romanian hasn’t scored in the Premiership since the opening day 3-0 win over Livingston. The playmaker will need to improve on this return, with reports suggesting that the Gers are looking to sign his fellow countryman Olimpiu Morutan of Galatasaray as an alternative to the 23-year-old.

Regardless of his lack of goals, Hagi is a vital cog in the Rangers setup and could prove a key player in the Scottish champions’ bid to retain their league title this season, particularly with impressive performances like the one against Dundee United today.

In other news: Van Bronckhorst reveals huge Rangers boost which will leave fans thrilled 

Liverpool striker Divock Origi is increasingly close to joining AC Milan this summer, with the Serie A club’s board giving the ‘green light’ for the move.

The Lowdown: Origi leaving this summer

The Belgian seems a certainty to move on from the Reds at the end of this season, with his current deal expiring at that point.

Origi has been a spectator for much of the 2021/22 campaign, making just five starts in all competitions and finding himself well down the attacking pecking order.

He has been constantly linked with a summer move to Milan and it looks like a matter of time until it is completed now.

The Latest: Milan move edges closer

According to TuttoMercatoWeb [via Sport Witness], ‘the green light has arrived from the board’ of Milan, as he looks set to seal a transfer to Italy.

It is claimed that ‘only the signature is missing’ and that an ‘agreement’ has been reached, bringing an end to an unforgettable spell at Liverpool for Origi.

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The Verdict: One last legendary moment?

The 26-year-old have may become more of a bit-part player by the year but he will always be remembered for scoring some truly iconic goals for the Reds, from Everton to Barcelona.

With Liverpool still battling for an unprecedented quadruple, the hope is that Origi has one last huge moment in him – one that further enhances his legend at Anfield.

It would be a fitting way to end for him, only strengthening the argument that he is one of the Reds’ all-time great cult heroes.

In other news, David Ornstein has dropped a key Liverpool transfer update. Read more here.

Leeds United must finally sell Tyler Roberts amid his latest disaster-class against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

What’s the story?

The Wales international has endured a nightmare start to the campaign thus far, scoring no goals and providing no assists, and following his performance in mid-week, Leeds Live’s Beren Cross revealed what he saw from that night.

He said: “Roberts remains a divisive figure among fans, but Bielsa evidently likes him and plays him because he sees a lot of potential in the Wales international. The only way Roberts improves is by playing more and developing as a player on the pitch. That’s the way Bielsa will see it.

“It was interesting to see the flashpoint which convinced Bielsa to go for Gelhardt last night, though. Roberts received the ball in a promising position last night with Arsenal out of shape and rather than look to turn Maitland-Niles, as he had the time to do, he waited and looked for contact from behind to go down. The referee waved played on and the hosts took the ball away. Bielsa was furious and barked immediately for Gelhardt to come on.”

Time for Roberts to go

Here on FFC, Roberts’ performance on Tuesday against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup was heavily scrutinised, and with the January transfer window looming, it’s perhaps high time that the Wales international finally heads for the exit door.

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan insisted that the £12.6m-rated forward hasn’t shown enough in the Premier League to “convince” Bielsa – he managed just one goal in 27 top-flight appearances all of last season, and even that came in the penultimate game against Southampton.

The 46-year-old said: “With Leeds this season, he’s been given a long spell of games to convince Bielsa he’s worth keeping. In my opinion, I’m still undecided. I don’t think he affected the game during his time on the field.”

Whelan added: “Is he good enough? In my opinion he isn’t. I would love him to go out there and prove me wrong because I want everyone to succeed. I need him to show me more. He needs to show more fight and desire. I just do not see that.”

The quite shambolic goal-scoring record that Roberts has at Elland Road, even for someone who’s relatively young at 22, should surely be the end of the straw for him under Bielsa.

The Whites desperately need greater end product from someone occupying that attacking midfield role just behind the striker, and Roberts simply hasn’t cut it.

Meanwhile, this Leeds United star is now attracting big interest…

An update has emerged on Sevilla gem Diego Carlos, regarding Newcastle United’s interest in his services…

What’s the talk?

According to The Telegraph, the Brazilian defender is one of a number of players on the club’s list of potential centre-back signings.

The report claims that Eddie Howe wants a mobile player in that position who can play with the ball at his feet, with Carlos on his list of targets.

Coloccini 2.0

Eddie Howe must complete a deal to sign the £40k-per-week La Liga defender as he could be a superb addition to the side.

He has averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.12 for Sevilla this term, making 1.8 tackles and interceptions per game and winning 64% of his duels. This is an improvement from the 1.6 tackles and interceptions and duel success of 53% he managed last season, showing an improvement over the past 18 months.

Does a South American centre-back who loves a challenge remind you of anyone? By signing Carlos from the Spanish side, Howe could land the next Fabricio Coloccini for Newcastle. The Argentine defender played over 200 times for the Magpies in the top-flight and the ex-Bournemouth coach could find the club’s new long-term defensive boss this window.

Spanish football analyst Domagoj Kostanjšak previously lauded the Sevilla destroyer, saying:

“He’s a really physical player – he’s built like a tank and they don’t call him ‘The Beast’ for no reason. He’s really good in the air and he’s decent on the ball as well – you have to be under Julen Lopetegui.

“He’s been in my top three or four centre-backs in Spain this season, along with Raphael Varane and Inigo Martinez – he’s been a bit of a revelation. He’s playing the best football of his career and he immediately settled in. I would say there is a shade of Kalidou Koulibaly about him – not the same quality, of course, but I would compare him to him.”

This suggests that he has the physical strength required to deal with Premier League forwards. Kostanjšak’s comment on Carlos’ ball-playing skills also shows that he fits the profile of player Howe wants for his side, as he is capable of playing out from the back and starting attacks with his passes. 

Therefore, he could be the perfect signing for Newcastle in January. He has proven himself to be a top performer in La Liga and could arrive to help the Magpies to more clean sheets in the second half of the season, with the potential to be at the club for many years to come – much like Coloccini was.

AND in other news, Howe can seal “absolute treat” for NUFC in swoop for monster who’s “Beckenbauer level”…

A number of Wolves supporters have lauded Fabio Silva’s influential performance for Portugal Under-21s in their emphatic 11-0 win over Liechtenstein.

Another international break is now in full flow, halting the Premier League season in frustrating fashion for most fans.

It came at the wrong time for Wolves, in particular, with Bruno Lage’s side picking up some form, having won consecutive games against Southampton and Newcastle United.

One player who has been in impressive form for his country this week is Silva, who started for Portugal U21s on Thursday evening.

The 19-year-old scored and assisted twice apiece in the 11-0 rout of Liechtenstein, perhaps picking up some confidence, having failed to make a league start for Wolves this season.

Wolves fans hail Silva

It was an impressive performance from Silva, albeit against weak opposition, and these Wolves fans took to Twitter to show their appreciation for him.

“MY GOATTTTTT”

Credit: @Samwwfc_

“Fabio getting a chance and doing a madness? Couldn’t see that one happening”

Credit: @_KKWWFC

“My wonder kid”

Credit: @Wolvoryan04

“My star boy”

Credit: @jshwwfc

“Get in Fabs”

Credit: @oliviaashley

“Fabio Silva with a goal and 2 assists already? What a talent we have man”

Credit: @tylerwwfc

In other news, some Wolves fans have reacted to an update regarding one player. Find out who it is here.

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has hinted that Marcelo Bielsa could leave Leeds United, given the manner in which he signs new deals.

The Lowdown: Bielsa transforms Leeds

Bielsa has been one of the most influential figures at Elland Road in many years, guiding the Whites back into the Premier League after nearly 20 years in the wilderness.

Not only has the Argentine got Leeds playing fantastic football, but he is a down-to-earth character who has connected with the supporters.

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The Latest: Pundit gives worrying update

Bielsa only signs one-year extensions at a time, however, and McLeish told Football Insider that it means he can move on easily if he decides he has taken a team far enough:

“It’s an unusual stance for a manager to take. Normally you look for a bit of stability. If you are building something you can argue that things take time.

“Bielsa seems to be unique in that field and he’s happy to continue the arrangement. Who’s to say he’s wrong? He judges himself and if he feels he’s not doing well enough he will walk.

“Rather than getting a three-year contract and getting sacked for two year’s money. He’s got his ways and who can criticise him? He’s been superb and taken Leeds to Mecca really.”

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The Verdict: Final season at Elland Road?

The thought of Leeds losing Bielsa doesn’t bear thinking about, but there is some concern that he might be slowly coming to the end of the road with the Whites.

His side have made a poor start to the season and it may be the 66-year-old, who has been hailed as ‘special’ by Mauricio Pochettino, feels a fresh challenge is required next summer.

That may be knee-jerk thinking, though, and the hope is surely that another new one-year deal is signed when the 2021/22 campaign reaches its conclusion.

In other news, Phil Hay has revealed key details regarding one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

West Bromwich Albion have secured a deal to bring Jayson Molumby to The Hawthorns.

What’s the latest?

According to a statement posted on the West Brom website, Albion have signed the Brighton & Hove Albion central midfielder on a season-long loan deal, with a view to a permanent transfer next summer.

The statement went on to mention the fact that the Republic of Ireland international is the Baggies’ sixth signing of the summer, as well as relaying Valerien Ismael’s comments regarding the 22-year-old’s arrival.

The Frenchman said: “Jayson is the perfect example of a player who has the right mentality and suits our philosophy. He is the right player for us and we are delighted to have him.

“His skills out of possession are incredible and he gives us more volume and more possibilities in midfield, which will support us with our intensity and this is one of his strengths.

“Jayson is young but he already has a lot of experience in the Championship and with Ireland. He has the perfect profile – our new profile – to be a West Brom player and I’m delighted to have him.”

Fans will be buzzing

Following the departures of Rekeem Harper, Sam Field and Romaine Sawyers, Ismael’s side was lacking a considerable amount of depth in central midfield, with the position very much appearing to be a priority for Frenchman over what remained of the summer transfer window.

As such, the fact that the 45-year-old has now secured the addition of a player such as Molumby, who boasts experience at both Championship and international level, as well as the positional versatility which Ismael will value, is sure to have left The Hawthorns faithful buzzing.

Indeed, the £900k-rated man has previously spent loan spells with two Championship sides, the first of which came with Millwall in the club’s 2019/20 campaign.

Over his 36 league appearances for the Lions that season, the central midfielder scored one goal, registered one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 0.4 key passes per game – demonstrating his all-round ability in the middle of the park.

The second of the £7.1k-per-week midfielder’s Championship loans was spent with Preston North End in the second half of last season, where he registered one assist over 15 appearances, in addition to making an average of 0.3 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 0.3 key passes per match.

As such, Molumby would not only appear to be a signing who has plugged a gap in the Albion squad, but he is also a player who boasts a considerable amount of ability, and one who could well prove to make all the difference in Ismael’s push for promotion in what is sure to be a long and arduous Championship campaign.

West Brom fans will be delighted with the news of Molumby’s signing this summer.

In other news: Ismael must seal West Brom deal for “complete” £12k-p/w ace, he’d be an “amazing coup”

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing as some early team news emerged ahead of their trip to Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, Rafael Benitez has now revealed (via Phil Kirkbride) that the midfielder has been training today and is ‘maybe’ available against the Bees.

Doucoure emerged as one of the Toffees’ key players before he got injured this season, scoring two goals and supplying a further four assists in the top flight, and it is telling that they have not managed to win any of their last four league matches without him in the squad (Transfermarkt).

Therefore, to even have a slight chance of him returning to the line-up would be a welcome boost as Everton look to end their recent rotten run of form.

Everton fans on Doucoure injury news

These Toffees fans buzzed as the news was shared across Twitter, with one supporter going as far as to claim that it is ‘huge’:

“Finally positive news!!”

Credit: @irish_toffee87

“YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS”

Credit: @_luke1878_

“This is a big deal”

Credit: @WillyBurgers_

“Wait .. WHAT!? 3 points it is”

Credit: @S34nR

“Huge news.”

Credit: @TacticallyEv

“Oh my yes”

Credit: @bluetom_tom

In other news, many Evertonians have also been flocking to this injury news

Stoke City are increasingly confident of winning the race to sign Manchester City Under-23’s striker Liam Delap on loan, as reported by Football League World.

Enjoying a fantastic season for Manchester City and the Manchester City Under-23’s side, the 18-year-old registered 36 goal contributions in 27 fixtures; 30 goals and six assists [Transfermarkt].

Of course, the youngster scored in his senior debut for the Citizens in a 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup third round last September [BBC].

Now, those behind the scenes at the Britannia Stadium believe that Stoke City are in pole position to land Delap on a loan deal [Football League World].

In light of this news, loads of Manchester City diehards took to Twitter to discuss the latest developments.

Manchester City FC fans react:

Replying to popular Manchester City fan outlet City Xtra, here is what some fans had to say about the proposed loan deal:

“I can’t see how a loan to Stoke is a good move”

Credit: @JoshThomasMcfc”Should loan him out to a premier league club instead of bloody Stoke”Credit: @ChrisTomz123″You can’t loan Liam, let’s get serious.”Credit: @StevePanyako”No chance”Credit: @DaveBarrieNash”Nooooooooooooo”Credit: @adl0133″NOOOOOOOO”Credit: @sankul_pandeyIn other news, a former Manchester City player has endorsed a move for a lethal poacher.