All posts by h716a5.icu

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Swansea’s Tom Carroll secured a loan move to Aston Villa late on deadline day and the midfielder becomes Dean Smith’s fifth signing this month – the Swans, meanwhile, have made zero signings and let four players leave, of which Carroll is the latest.

Highest-paid player Wilfried Bony completed a loan move to Qatari outfit Al Arabi and will play there until the season ends – and his contract at the Liberty Stadium runs out – while Jefferson Montero also sealed a temporary switch to West Brom.

Swansea fans will have surely been sweating as the clock ticked closer to the 11pm deadline, with league leaders Leeds stopping at nothing to sign winger Daniel James and Aston Villa keen to get captain Leroy Fer on loan. However, neither left the club and Villa plumped for Carroll instead in the end.

Thogden has ranked his top 5 sets of Championship away fans for Pl>ymaker FC. Did your club make the list? Find out in the video below…

The former Spurs man has made 13 appearances for Graham Potter’s side this season but hasn’t featured since October, so it is unlikely that he will be missed too much in Wales.

Having kept two of their most important players in Fer and James against all odds, Swansea fans may be willing to forgive the lack of signings – they certainly aren’t too aggrieved by the departure of Carroll, though, as they reacted on Twitter…

Manchester City supporters have been making a lot of noise in recent times after seeing their team get back to winning ways in the Premier League on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s men went into their meeting with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium off the back of a surprise 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in midweek, which saw them slip five points behind leaders Liverpool following their draw with Leicester City on Wednesday. Yet the Citizens cut that gap to just two points thanks to a Sergio Aguero-inspired 3-1 success over the Gunners, what with the Argentina international bagging a hat-trick as the North West outfit secured their 19th Premier League victory of the campaign.

As such, there have been many thrilled City fans up and down the country in recent times, several of whom are likely to be full of praise for striker Aguero for producing the goods on Sunday, netting his tenth Premier League hat-trick to sit just one behind Alan Shearer on that particular list.

And while the striker was once again outstanding in the opposition’s penalty area, it was left back Aymeric Laporte, a centre back by trade, who was the real inspiration behind the Citizens’ success over Unai Emery’s side.

Ultimately, Guardiola shuffled his defence around with Fernandinho coming in at centre back alongside Nicolas Otamendi and Laporte being shifted over to left back, with the Frenchman having delivered there before this season, most notably against Liverpool last month, to suggest that he had what it took to again produce the goods.

And produce the goods he did with another excellent display for the defending league champions, with the 24-year-old touching the ball more than any other City player over the course of the 90 minutes (100) to underline his constant involvement in proceedings (as per WhoScored).

And with a 93% pass success rate, completing 74 of the 80 passes he attempted during his time on the field, Laporte continues to go from strength to strength on the ball in retaining possession confidently, at the same time seeking to build attacks down the left-hand-side – after all, it was his cross which Aguero met to give City a 48-second lead.

And while his ability on the ball has never really been in doubt during his 12 month-stint at the Etihad Stadium, the 24-year-old is continuing to improve defensively as well with another fine effort off the ball in a slightly unfamiliar position against Arsenal.

The Frenchman, formerly of Athletic Bilbao, won a team-high five aerial duels against the Gunners to help negate that particular threat from the visitors, while he also won two of the three tackles he attempted to suggest that, whether on the floor or in the air, Laporte was a match for the Arsenal front men.

Add in three interceptions and two clearances, and the 24-year-old was invariably in the right place to help relieve the pressure on the City backline – pressure that certainly built as the first half wore on the more Arsenal grew into the game, only for Aguero’s goal before the break to completely stem the visitors’ momentum.

So while the Argentine will likely get all the plaudits from supporters and pundits alike, it was the exploits of £54 million-rated Laporte (as per Transfermarkt) which underlined him as the real inspiration behind City’s crucial victory over Arsenal on Sunday.

Man City and Arsenal fans… what do you think? Let us know!

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Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been sidelined with injury since he was forced off the field in the Champions League semi-final last year, but a return to full fitness looks set to arrive during the final months of the campaign after he was added to the club’s Champions League squad, as per the London Evening Standard.

What’s the word?

Liverpool’s injury list has been piling up in recent weeks but the latest development concerns the return of a lengthy absentee.

According to a recent report from the London Evening Standard, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been added to Liverpool’s Champions League squad ahead of the last-16 tie against Bayern Munich.

The England international had initially been expected to return in the summer, but the progress he has made behind the scenes is pushing him towards a return this season.

Ki-Jana Hoever has also been added to the list, replacing Nathaniel Clyne following his loan move to Bournemouth, as per BBC.

A game-changing boost for Liverpool

Liverpool’s typically rampant, free-flowing and fearful midfield has become uncharacteristically devoid of creativity in recent weeks.

The combination play in midfield has become rather predictable, but the injection of dynamism Oxlade-Chamberlain would provide could transform the effectiveness of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield trio.

With Liverpool still in the hunt for both the Champions League and the Premier League, the German manager will need as many quality options as possible at his disposal, and the return of the Ox will effectively feel like a new signing.

It may take the 25-year-old a few games to find his feet once again, but his performances – whether they be off the bench or from the outset – could represent a game-changer for the Reds.

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Steven Gerrard has a handful of injury concerns to ponder over ahead of Rangers’ clash with St Johnstone at Ibrox on Saturday afternoon, and his problems at centre-forward could pave the way for an unlikely appearance.

What’s the word?

Alfredo Morelos is suspended this weekend after being given his marching orders against Aberdeen last time out. On paper, Gerrard is well equipped to deal with his absence, but concerns over Kyle Lafferty and Jermain Defoe could leave him desperately short of options at centre-forward.

Ahead of the game, Gerrard confirmed that both of the aforementioned forwards are doubts, per Rangers’ official website, and he has held back 17-year-old Dapo Mebude from international duty in case he finds himself without his three main senior options.

While the Rangers boss will naturally be concerned by a potential mini injury crisis, his glowing verdict on Mebude suggests he has the ability to make the step up.

“I think he’s got a huge future, huge potential. He’s probably not ready to be thrown into the deep end just yet but I think he would certainly be ready for a cameo.

“He’s come into training and not looked out of place on numerous occasions now. I think the players have taken to him, but there is no doubt about it, he’ll play for Rangers at some point.”

Gerrard’s revelation is telling about Mebude’s potential

That Mebude has managed to enjoy himself in senior training and cope at that standard is telling about his promise.

Of course, he has a long way to go at just 17-years-of-age, but the fact Gerrard believes he’s ready for a cameo suggests it might not be too long before he’s ready to make a permanent step up into the senior squad.

The weekend clash could provide Mebude with a chance to showcase his talent off the substitutes bench in the event Lafferty and Defoe are ruled out, and it will be highly intriguing to see how he performs if he does indeed make his senior debut.

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The Star’s Sheffield Wednesday columnist Alan Biggs has revealed what he thinks is missing from Steve Bruce’s Sheffield Wednesday squad.

Bruce, who was appointed at the start of January but did not take charge of his first game for the Owls until earlier this month due to personal reasons, is yet to lose a game with his new charges since taking the reigns – he has, however, drawn three of his four games in the dugout.

The former Aston Villa boss has a good blend of talent in his squad, with names such as Lucas Joao, Adam Reach, Steven Fletcher, Barry Bannan and Fernando Forestieri among the most effective players.

What did Biggs highlight?

Beyond the aforementioned players and a few others, however, Bruce doesn’t have too much depth within his ranks to mount a serious charge for promotion, or even a play-off spot, as of yet.

Biggs said: “The actual turning point of the season was the four-match unbeaten run under caretaker boss Lee Bullen – in advance of the structured implementation of team Bruce – that headed off sudden relegation fears.

“Not that the dressing room hasn’t responded positively to a fresh approach led by one of the game’s most naturally adept man-managers. Ultimately, though, it’s about the strength and balance of the squad. It’s sorely lacking.”

He continued: “The fact that a top heavy squad could not be thinned in the last window is proving more problematic than it looked at the time.

“Yes, it’s giving the new boss a protracted period to judge with an open mind every player, including the ten out of contract in the summer. But many, or most, will have to go.”

What can Bruce do to solve their issues?

Ultimately, the former Manchester United player can’t do too much until he has his first proper transfer window to even out his squad.

The Owls team is far too top heavy, with a number of experienced and effective strikers struggling for any decent service, due to the lack of quality in other areas of the team.

The defence is looking fairly settled and much stronger after a flustered start to the campaign, but clearly improvement from the strike-force backwards is still needed.

One thing is for certain. Bruce looks to have agreed to an initial overhaul job, and will need to do his work in the market before he can start to be judged seriously on results.

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Crystal Palace star Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been identified as a summer transfer target by Manchester United, who have reportedly drawn up a shortlist including the full-back, Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic according to talkSPORT.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Eagles’ academy graduate has not put a foot wrong since breaking into the first team at the start of 2018, going on to make the right-back berth his own ahead of former first choice Joel Ward.

As a result, a number of clubs have taken a shine to the England Under-21 international, including the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and now the Red Devils.

The 21-year-old is arguably the best defender in Europe right now, even earning the nickname of ‘The Spider’ as a result of his uncanny ability to use his long legs to wrap around the opponent and win the ball back.

Palace must tie him down to a new contract

Wan-Bissaka currently has three years left on the contract that he signed in April of last year, but given his rise in the game since then, it is imperative that Palace lock him into a monster new deal.

The aforementioned clubs who have taken an interest in him are giants of the game, and all possess the financial power to turn the youngster’s head.

Additionally, Wan-Bissaka is allegedly earning just £15,000-a-week right now, which is well below what he deserves – to compare, second-choice right-back Ward earns £35,000-a-week.

One would assume that Wan-Bissaka’s agent will be pressing the club to offer his client a much improved contract, and could easily point to the fact that a number of heavyweights in the game could easily offer him a significant rise on his current salary.

The south London-based side have a real gem on their hands and arguably one of Europe’s best young players right now, so they must tie him down as soon as possible to avoid losing him in the summer.

Liverpool will have their sights set on the Merseyside derby on Sunday at Goodison Park, with Everton looking to get revenge after Divock Origi’s last-minute winner at Anfield. 

Jurgen Klopp has managed to turn a number of quality players into stars during his time at Liverpool, which has been one of the main reasons behind the Merseyside club’s success in recent times.

Interestingly, it appears as if FSG may have the opportunity to secure a special talent for a bargain price in the summer transfer window, as according to Bild and kicker (via This is Anfield), Julian Brandt could be available for just €25 million or £21.6 million as he negotiated a release clause when signing his extension at Bayern Leverkusen that can be activated at the end of this campaign.

The Reds were linked (as per Calcioinsider) with a move for Brandt back in the summer transfer window but nothing materialised, so the Reds should go in for him in the summer after catching wind of his release clause.

Indeed, the German has been hugely impressive in the current campaign, having produced seven goals and 10 assists in all competitions. He predominantly features out wide but has previous experience through the middle and Jurgen Klopp could definitely transform him into more of an attacking midfielder, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane already working wonders out wide. So, he could finally be the answer to Liverpool’s search for Philippe Coutinho’s replacement.

Brandt would be the perfect man to fill the Brazilian’s void as he’s shown that he can score goals and provide assists in the final third, as well as being able to cause havoc with his skill, dribbling ability and pace. And, the 22-year-old can use both feet and would take Liverpool’s attack up another level with the ability to pick the final pass and create more space for the Reds’ dangerous front three.

What do you think Liverpool fans?

Following the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as caretaker manager, Romelu Lukaku’s future at Manchester United looked all but over.

A less mobile and agile forward compared to the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, the Belgian had been overlooked by his new boss who has adopted an exciting counter-attacking style of play.

However, Lukaku has since sparked into life with a matching-winning display against Southampton, coming in for praise from a certain Manchester United legend.

The Breakdown

“I feel like his form has come in almost by default at the moment. Under Ole he was never going to play, he had Martial, Rashford, Lingard, so just with injuries he’s been allowed to come on and show what he can do,” Paul Ince told BBC Radio 5 Live (via Manchester Evening News).

“Lukaku has come in and grabbed his place,” the ex-Red Devil later added. As Ince has hinted, the 25-year-old looked surplus to requirements under Solskjaer with injuries to Rashford and co giving him a route back into the first team.

However, to Lukaku’s credit, he has taken his opportunity and proven his worth to Solskjaer in the process.

Should the Norwegian now get the Manchester United job on a permanent basis, then based on his recent showings, there is no reason why the Belgium international cannot continue to play his part in the revolution that is currently taking place at Old Trafford.

Manchester United fans, does Romelu Lukaku have a future at the club? Join the discussion by commenting below.

Nobody could have predicted the season that West Ham have had under Manuel Pellegrini. Inconsistency has been a big problem for the Hammers, and that was best highlighted when they faced Cardiff City last weekend. Coming off the back of a strong performance against Newcastle, another good display was needed.

However, that isn’t what Pellegrini got. Instead, he had to sit through the same lifeless display that he’s seen on more than one occasion this term.

It’s clear, at this point, that improvement is needed at West Ham. The team have improved under Pellegrini, but he can only take that so far. He needs new players, and that’s why talk of a move for Celta Vigo forward Maxi Gomez is so exciting.

Indeed, according to the Mirror, the Hammers are set to move for him again this summer after a failed January move, and given his current side’s perilous situation – in which they’re well in with a chance of being relegated – his relegation release clause could make him as much as £20 million cheaper than he was in January.

In January, this was a deal that made perfect sense for West Ham. They lacked attacking depth, and at that stage, there was too much of a reliance on Marko Arnautovic going forward. Add in the struggles of players like Javier Hernandez and Andy Carroll, and it’s clear that West Ham could do with an extra body up top.

In Gomez, they’d have a lethal forward, as highlighted by the 9 league goals he’s bagged this year, but also a fantastic overall player. He’s got good technical ability, he can hold up the ball well, and he’s a fantastic finisher. Not to mention, at a whopping 6ft1, his physicality and aerial prowess would make him perfect for the Premier League

Value-wise, the deal makes sense too. To nab a player of his quality for just £22 million, which the Mirror note is possible if Celta Vigo are relegated, West Ham will be laughing all the way to the bank. That will leave room in the budget for even more signings, and that’s what the Hammers need.

This move ticks all the boxes for West Ham.

Thoughts?

Can you think of a transfer that has gone as poorly as Alexis Sanchez’s move to Man Utd? When you consider his poor form, the circumstances of his arrival in Manchester and, perhaps most poignantly, the money involved in the deal, surely nothing can come close?

Fortunately, it’s the sort of deal that a team will only do once. Man Utd are now paying for their transfer mistake in a big way, but it appears as though they’ve learnt their lesson.

That’s clear because of a recent report from ESPN. According to ESPN, Man Utd have decided against moving for Real Madrid ace Gareth Bale, who has an uncertain future in Spain.

Bale, of course, shares a lot of traits with Sanchez. He’s got a fantastic record and he’s held in high regard, but he’s also no longer a spring chicken, whilst the financial demands of securing such a deal would, like with Sanchez, be astronomical.

Man Utd appear to have learnt that just because a player has a good history and is worth a lot of money doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll be a good fit for the Red Devils.

Indeed, as ESPN report, Man Utd are now more focused on signing young talent, and that’s exactly what they need to do. Then, even if they perform poorly, there’s still a chance that the club will be able to sell them and get them off the wage books. If a deal for Bale went poorly, as the deal for Sanchez has, the Red Devils would have been left to pick up the scraps.

By changing their transfer policy, they’re future-proofing the squad – and that hints at a team that has learnt its lesson.

Thoughts?