All posts by h716a5.icu

Sheffield Wednesday will be looking to continue their unbeaten run under interim manager Neil Thompson this evening as they embark on the FA Cup fourth round.But they face an uphill task as his Owls squad head to Premier League outfit Everton having dumped League Two side Exeter City out in what was actually their last outing.The south Yorkshiremen have seen two league games postponed due to a significant virus outbreak in the Hillsborough camp, but it has given them a chance to get some key players back from injury.Similarly, the Toffees haven’t played in 12 days either, so it’ll be an interesting encounter up at Goodison Park tonight.Here’s the Owls lineup we’re predicting as well as the latest team and injury news…Veteran stopper Keiren Westwood had been nursing injury prior to the abrupt two-week break, but with the 36-year-old back in training, his experience could be vital in a cup tie like this, so he returns over Joe Wildsmith.Chey Dunkley and Julian Borner are another two who are in line to return from a spell on the treatment table, though only one is likely to come into the side as Thompson continues with his reliable back-three.The 28-year-old English colossus could slot in alongside the versatile Liam Shaw and former skipper Tom Lees, whilst Adam Reach and Moses Odubajo are named as the wing-backs.Both Barry Bannan and Joey Pelupessy will surely continue their partnership in the middle but there’s a decision to be made over the third man in the engine-room, especially as Massimo Luongo returns from a lengthy lay-off.

He’s unlikely to be risked here tonight, nor is Josh Windass, so we may well see Chelsea loanee Izzy Brown gifted a rare opportunity. He’ll surely be desperate to make a statement and there will be no place better to do it than against Everton.

Whilst we could see fellow loan ace Jack Marriott feature for the first time since early November. It would be the 26-year-old’s first start since October as he returned to Derby County for rehabilitation over a long-term calf problem.

He has impressed in training according to Thompson, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him partner Callum Paterson, who bagged the winner at Exeter.

That means there is no place for Jordan Rhodes of Elias Kachunga whilst academy trio Ryan Galvin, Alex Hunt and Ciaran Brennan are all axed from the starting XI in a total of five changes.

AND in other news,Â31 y/o “enforcer” could be a game-changing addition for Sheffield Wednesday…

Leeds United are set to take on Leicester City in their next Premier League fixture. The Whites will be hoping to come away with three points off the back of their narrow 2-1 win over Newcastle.

Raphinha and Jack Harrison were the difference for the recently promoted Yorkshire outfit, breaking their three-game losing streak. Whilst the duo will more than likely be deployed on either wing against the Foxes, one man is set to miss the clash at the King Power Stadium.

Phil Hay provided a recent fitness update on Diego Llorente after the centre-back was forced off after just ten minutes last time out. The Athletic reporter tweeted that the summer signing is set to be out of action for three to four weeks with a hamstring injury.

Marcelo Bielsa was arguably the man at fault here. The boss was reported to have doubled up on his Murderball sessions during training in the lead up to the Newcastle clash. The added pressure on Llorente, who has made just two appearances for his new club, was unnecessary and could now set Leeds even further back.

The threat of Jamie Vardy is alive and well. He currently has the fourth highest amount of goals to his name this season, level with Bruno Fernandes and behind only Son Heung-min, Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah, via BBC Sport.

However, the England international will be absent against Leeds due to an operation he recently underwent on his groin. This will more than likely see Kelechi Iheanacho take to the stage to show Brendan Rodgers he still has fire in him.

The second-string striker will be looking to grab this opportunity with both hands due to the fact he has made just two starts in the league this season. His other eight appearances have come as cameos and he is still yet to find the back of the net, according to Transfermarkt.

With a weakened Leeds backline, Iheanacho will be rubbing his hands together and hoping that he can capitalise on Bielsa’s injury nightmare.

In other news, Leeds set to finally offload Bielsa reject Rafa Mujica…

Lots of Everton fans have been reacting to an injury update from Alan Myers about Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

As per a tweet from the sports news editor, the former Sheffield United ace is set to undergo a scan to determine the extent of the injury to his hamstring that he picked up in the 5-4 home win over Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on Wednesday night.

The update has left several members of the Goodison Park faithful biting off their fingernails given just how important he is to the Merseyside club.

The England international has scored no fewer than 18 goals and made a further four assists in just 25 games in all competitions in total so far in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt), and was highly influential again against Spurs as his goal got Carlo Ancelotti’s side back into the tie. He scored a goal, grabbed an assist and won a penalty for the Blues before he hobbled off.

Everton fan reaction to Calvert-Lewin injury update

These Toffees reacted to the injury update on the 23-year-old on Twitter, with one Blue even going as far as to call it ‘worrying’:

“That’s not great news. If he’s having a scan then he’s definitely out for a few weeks minimum. If it was minor then he’d be feeling better today anyway, but obviously it’s more than that. Gutted.”

Credit: @Geof17773624

“Keep us updated when you hear anything on this! Worrying…”

Credit: @comradecoxy

“Sounds bad”

Credit: @_Aadil_23

“That doesn’t sound good”

Credit: @Barlow281

“Not looking good then”

Credit: @Harrys1878nsno

“Every year we have to go through a season with injuries to key players at key times. Just once, I would love to see us get through with a full compliment of players”

Credit: @andyjsb

In other news, find out whose FA Cup display was blasted by EFC supporters here!

Leeds must get rid of Gjanni Alioski in the summer amid a major development over his long-term future at the Premier League side.

What’s the story?

The 29-year-old’s contract at Marcelo Bielsa’s side expires at the end of the season, and as of yet, there have been no talks of Leeds renewing his deal to extend his stay at Elland Road.

Now, Football Insider claim that Alioski has instructed his agent to start finding him a new club ahead of the summer, with his contract situation meaning that he will be able to sign a pre-contract with a foreign club.

Bielsa may be fuming

Former Premier League star Kevin Phillips said earlier this season: “From what I gather, his attitude is good and every club needs a player like that. He is a player who can unlock the door and he has a brilliant work rate.

“When he comes off the bench he can change the game and if you start with him he might be able to produce a bit of magic. Either way he does not moan and every squad needs a player like that. He is a player that they would like to keep. Leeds will want to get him on a new contract.”

And, writing in The Athletic, Phil Hay said: “Opinion about him can be divided between those who see merit in Alioski’s engine and flashes of class and those who question his ability to consistently impact on games. Bielsa’s own assessment of him is clear enough. Only the disciplined survive under Bielsa. When the Argentinian took over at Leeds, Alioski was one of those who comfortably made the cut.”

But while the £55k-a-week earning Alioski has clearly been a favourite of Bielsa’s since he took over at Elland Road – he’s played well over well over 100 games for him –  his disappointing performances this season raise question marks over whether he’s truly cut out for the Premier League.

He was woeful in the 4-2 defeat to Arsenal earlier in February, and that shocking display prompted Bielsa to drop him from the starting line-up for the next game against Wolves – he’s since been named among the substitutes for the subsequent two Premier League fixtures too.

Stuart Dallas has filled in at left-back, while 21-year-old Leif Davis is also waiting in the wings to get a real chance in the first-team. Making a tough call on Alioski and letting him walk in the summer would allow Leeds to move on. It may have Bielsa fuming about losing one of his key players over these past few seasons, but the time is surely right to look to the future.

Liverpool have been handed two significant boosts as they prepare to take on Chelsea in the Premier League on Thursday evening.

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that both Alisson and Diogo Jota are back in training and that both will be included in the squad to take on the Blues in a crunch game in the race for a Champions League spot next season.

The Brazilian goalkeeper missed out on the recent win against Sheffield United as he was on compassionate leave following the unexpected death of his father.

Meanwhile, Jota has been out of contention since mid-December having suffered a knee injury. He has missed the last 15 Premier League matches.

News of the duo’s return is a timely boost for Klopp and the Reds as they attempt to recover their season after an underwhelming title defence.

The reigning champions have lost four out of their last six league games and face off with Chelsea in what is sure to be a crucial game in the race for the top four.

First-choice goalkeeper Alisson will displace Adrian in Liverpool goal, despite the former Roma man having not had the best season between the sticks up to this point.

So far throughout 2020/21, he has made three errors directly leading to a goal. However, he has 39 clean sheets in just 88 Premier League appearances so will be hoping to continue that record against Chelsea.

Meanwhile, the return of Jota also signals the availability of one of Liverpool’s surprise stars of the campaign.

After joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer, he had an electric start to life at Anfield, scoring nine goals in his first 17 appearances in all competitions.

His injury had kept him on the sidelines for an extended period, with illness then preventing him from making a long-awaited comeback at Bramall Lane at the weekend.

It remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to start but even named on the bench, he provides Klopp with another excellent option to turn to against Chelsea and the German manager will be delighted to have the two stars available for such a huge game.

AND in other news, Liverpool have been linked to Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane, and it’s an opportunity they simply cannot afford to miss.

David Moyes risks making an instant U-turn on his February statement amid claims that West Ham United are not resistant to signing Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham this summer.

What’s the word?

According to Claret & Hugh, the Hammers will push on with plans to sign Abraham at the end of the season should the Stamford Bridge natives make the forward available for a move.

That’s despite concerns that the England international’s £80,000-per-week contract could cause some tension in the London Stadium dressing room, where Spotrac figures show only Andriy Yarmolenko (£115k-p/w) and Jarrod Bowen (£96k-p/w) currently earn more.

Abraham is also expected to be a point of focus for Southampton in the summer after the Saints joined the Irons in lodging preliminary inquiries, while the striker weighs up his options amid doubt in a long-term future in south-west London.

Reports by The Athletic have suggested that the 23-year-old has no interest in discussing a new deal with Thomas Tuchel’s side all the while the Blues consider a move to sign Borussia Dortmund star Erling Braut Haaland.

Chelsea would also consider Abraham – who has desires to lead the line for a club and England regularly – as their best route to securing the largest fee, with Olivier Giroud out of contract in June and Timo Werner unlikely to be on the move.

It has also been claimed by Eurosport that Abraham is ready to consider leaving Stamford Bridge, where the six-cap centre-forward feels he should be earning closer to £120k-p/w after Callum Hudson-Odoi landed a deal signed in 2019.

Should West Ham sign Abraham?

There should be little doubt in what sort of impact Abraham can bring to the London Stadium if Moyes opts to pursue the striker as Sebastien Haller’s replacement, with the Chelsea ace currently the top-scorer at Stamford Bridge with 12-goals in all competitions.

Even despite his output, former Hammers star Trevor Sinclair believes Abraham is not valued highly enough in south west London, as the forward is good enough to play for almost any side in the Premier League.

“I think he is so undervalued at Chelsea,” Sinclair told talkSPORT. “I can’t understand why he doesn’t get in ahead of the likes of Werner, [Kai] Havertz, or Giroud even.

“For me, I think Man City take him, Arsenal would take him, West Ham would take him, Leicester City to have with [Jamie] Vardy. That list of teams would have him in a heartbeat.”

But West Ham agreeing to make Abraham the best-paid player in claret and blue would see Moyes risk making an instant U-turn on his intent to do things differently to how the Irons have operated in previous markets.

“We had money to spend, we sold Seb earlier in the window, so we had that, but we are trying to do things different at West Ham. We’re not going to follow the same path we have been following before,” Moyes said, via quotes by TEAMtalk last month. “I chose to keep my money and hopefully, we can start another rebuild come the summertime.”

Haller became West Ham’s top-earner on a £115k-p/w deal upon his club-record £45m arrival in 2019, but flopped drastically before being sold in January for £20m with just 10 goals in 48 Premier League games of which he started 34.

The Irons and Moyes will no doubt be keen to avoid a repeat situation by naming Abraham as their new best-paid player, but can take confidence in his 21 goals in 54 top-flight games since the start of last season.

AND in other news, West Ham have been dealt a huge blow with a David Moyes favourite ruled out until mid-April…

Steven Gerrard has revealed Ryan Jack is an injury doubt for Glasgow Rangers’ Europa League round of 16 second leg tie with Slavia Prague next Thursday.

Gerrard reveals Jack blow

Jack was unavailable for the clash in Czechia this week, but he has been an important player for the Ibrox outfit throughout the campaign.

Speaking after the first match with Slavia, Gerrard revealed he could well be missing in Glasgow as well. He said (via The Glasgow Times):

“I’d still say Jack is a doubt at this stage. He’d have to have a real positive four or five days coming up to be available.”

Disappointing

Jack has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign, with both his knee and his calf causing him problems (Transfermarkt). However, he has still had an important role to play this term, appearing in 24 matches in all competitions. Having him available would give Gerrard another option, and a quality one at that.

Should he be ruled out, though, the Gers do at least have plenty of alternatives. Glen Kamara, Steven Davis and Scott Arfield, in particular, can continue to deputise for the £2.7m-valued 29-year-old (Transfermarkt). The 1-1 draw in Prague puts the 55-time Scottish champions in a strong position, and they will feel confident of reaching the quarter-finals even without the Scotland international.

In other news, Rangers fans react to this Sky Sports news.

Aston Villa are making a major transfer mistake over Ross Barkley amid an update on Christian Purslow’s plans for the midfielder.

What’s the story?

The England international joined Dean Smith’s side from Chelsea on a season-long loan last September and, after putting in some impressive performances in the first few weeks of the campaign – he netted against the likes of Liverpool and Leicester – has seen his form fall off a cliff.

The £18m-rated man has completed the full 90 minutes just once since the start of the year, and has bagged just four goals and provided one assist all season.

Despite that, Football Insider claimed that Purslow is the driving force behind doing a permanent deal for Barkley come the end of the season, even with Smith himself being “unconvinced” over whether the 27-year-old is worth the money needed to sign him.

Smith will be fuming

The fact the manager is apparently “unconvinced” over a player, and yet is still seeing those above him in the hierarchy trying to push for a deal, says it all about how this is simply a nightmare for Villa.

More than anything, Smith has earned the right to have the final say-so on new signings and those coming into the club, and for him to be seemingly overruled over a decision on Barkley is a real slap in the face for the Villa manager.

Barkley hasn’t pulled up any trees at Villa Park, and it’s been a telling sign that, even amid Jack Grealish being out injured over the past few weeks, the English ace hasn’t started a game since the 2-1 defeat to Leicester.

Speaking after he was taken off yet again in the second half against the Foxes a month ago, Sky Sports pundit Alex Scott slammed the midfielder for his performance, saying: “For me it’s another missed opportunity for Ross Barkley to show up and demand, he’s been subbed off again and you can see in his face he’s not happy. But how many chances does a player need?

“You need to take it upon yourself. There’s only so many chances that he can be deserving. He’s missed another opportunity today.”

Purslow is making a real mistake over Barkley, and it’s something that will surely have Dean Smith livid.

Meanwhile, Villa should unleash this teenage talent “everybody’s talking about”…

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he still believes his former side Sheffield Wednesday can get themselves out of trouble.

The Owls ended their seven-match losing run in the Championship by drawing with Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town on Wednesday evening, although Birmingham’s victory over Reading left Darren Moore’s team eight points from safety and in serious trouble.

Wednesday face another Yorkshire derby at highflying Barnsley on Saturday, and are still looking for their first win under new manager Moore – with the former Doncaster boss collecting just one point from his first three games.

Windass himself was involved in a relegation battle during his first season back at Hull City, and thinks that one victory could be the catalyst for Wednesday to put a run of wins together.

His Tigers side ended up surviving on the penultimate day of the campaign – with Windass’ winning goal at Cardiff City securing their Championship status back in 2007.

He told Football FanCast:

“There’s still a lot of points to play for, and I know the Championship really well in a sense of being at the bottom of the league with Hull when we survived. And you go on a two or three-game winning run, and it’s easy to say that, but there’s a lot of games to play for.

“In Josh’s opinion, they’ve got the players in the changing room that can win football matches. Darren has got to stamp his authority on how he wants to play, what system he wants to play.

“They have got Barnsley on Saturday and Josh thinks there is enough points on the board that they can get out of it.”

David Moyes should urge West Ham United to launch a pursuit of Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey in the summer transfer market.

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, the London Stadium may emerge as an attractive destination for Ramsey in the off-season.

West Ham and Crystal Palace are expected to contend for the Wales international’s signature in the next transfer window amid doubts over his future in Turin.

Juventus intend to use the summer market as a chance to reinforce Andrea Pirlo’s midfield options, but first have to clear a route for any potential arrivals.

Ramsey and teammate Adrien Rabiot are both thought to enter sporting director Fabio Paratici’s thinking of those who may be sold, with the pair earning €7m per season (£115,000 per week) each after tax.

Former Arsenal playmaker Ramsey has also suffered with injuries and, as such, has been unable to deliver consistent performances for the Serie A giants this season.

Interest is not lacking, though, with West Ham leading Palace in the emerging race for the 30-year-old’s signature. The Irons are expected to become a more attractive destination for Ramsey should they qualify for a European competition, with Moyes’ side currently just two points outside the Champions League places.

Should West Ham sign Ramsey?

Regardless of the outcome to West Ham’s pursuit for a European berth, Moyes should urge the Hammers’ board to fund a move for Ramsey at the end of the season and acquire him a player with game-changing ability.

Ramsey was a creative force at the Emirates Stadium and never went a season without contributing to the scoring at some stage, to see that Arsene Wenger believed Arsenal made a mistake by allowing him to leave.

“It will be a loss for Arsenal,” Wenger said in 2019, via quotes shared by The Sun. “I must say it will be an interesting move for Ramsey.

“He is a player who is great going forward. His main quality is he can keep the final ball. And he makes interesting runs from deep.

“You don’t find many players today who can make midfield runs off the ball. It will be an interesting addition for Juventus.”

The £18m-rated midfielder spent more than a decade in north London and had a direct involvement in 91 goals in 262 Premier League games, scoring 40 and assisting 51.

Tomas Soucek has excelled for Moyes in a similar midfield role by making late runs into the box for West Ham, with the Czech Republic star netting 12 times in 42 top-flight games, including nine in 29 appearances this term.

Moyes would only expect to see Soucek’s numbers continue their incredible rise with another player at his disposal capable of occupying the thoughts of opposing defenders, and who can also provide the pivotal final touch or pass.

A deal for Ramsey may require an expensive package being presented to the player and Juventus, but it is certainly a route West Ham should explore if his time in Turin is nearing its end.

AND in other news, West Ham have set their sights on a “competitive beast” who won’t cost David Sullivan a penny…