All posts by z3u9t.icu

Daniel Bachmann has endured a tough start to life in the Premier League and his disappointing form continued with a shocking performance for Austria recently.

The 27-year-old shot-stopper established himself as first choice in Xisco Munoz’s side last season and was a regular for Austria at the European Championships as a result.

He has started all three of the Hornets’ top-flight fixtures so far this season and conceded five goals, with his distribution woeful at times, particularly in the games against Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur.

Although there was nothing he could do about John McGinn’s screamer or Danny Ings’ penalty in the opening day win against Aston Villa, he did play a huge part in Brighton’s second goal in the 2-0 defeat as his slack pass was picked off by Yves Bissouma who fed Neal Maupay for a comfortable finish.

The Austrian ‘keeper was guilty of giving the ball away on a number of occasions in the 1-0 defeat at Spurs, whilst Heung Min-Son’s winning goal perhaps got past Bachmann a little too easily.

Whilst Watford fans might want to see their team stick with Bachmann for a few more games before re-introducing Ben Foster, his recent performance for Austria suggests that he may well be suffering a crisis of confidence, and keeping faith in him for upcoming Premier League games could be disastrous.

The former Stoke City man started in goal as Austria faced Israel in a World Cup qualifier but performed woefully in a 5-2 defeat, with SofaScore ranking him a 5.1/10 for his performance, which was comfortably the worst of any player on the pitch.

Despite Israel’s domination, Bachmann would manage just two saves during the game, whilst his pass accuracy clearly wasn’t good enough again, as he completed just 68% of his passes during the game, with only two out of eight long balls finding their mark.

Therefore, after another less than impressive display, Xisco should drop Bachmann and give Foster the nod for the game against Wolves on Saturday.

And, in other news… No tackles in 3 games: Watford dud has endured nightmare PL start

Manchester United will be aiming to extend their unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign when they host Newcastle United this afternoon.

An opening-day thrashing of Leeds United has been followed up by a draw with Southampton and a narrow victory over Wolves, leaving the Red Devils with seven points from a possible nine in the early stages of 2021/22.

The arrival of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has provided a significant boost to the Old Trafford outfit in their pursuit of the top-flight title, but his return isn’t the only positive update for United.

Solskjaer confirmed that Dean Henderson is available once again after suffering from the after-effects of a viral infection, and summer signing Jadon Sancho is also in contention to start, although Alex Telles and Scott McTominay haven’t recovered in time.

“They’re all training. Dean (Henderson) has not got the after-effect and tiredness anymore, that’s very positive,” the Norwegian revealed in Friday’s press conference.

“(Alex) Telles is not 100 per cent yet, still a few weeks, and Scott (McTominay) has recovered very quickly from the operation. He’s probably not going to play, depending on who we’ve got available and can use.

“Jadon’s (Sancho) come back in with a minor knock but is determined to play, to be fit, he’s available, that’s a positive. Cristiano’s trained all week, we didn’t get anyone injured in internationals, not a lot of recoveries, but they will be available, I think.”

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects Solskjaer to line up at Old Trafford, with Ronaldo making his second debut for the club…

Despite Henderson’s recovery, we expect Solskjaer to stick with David de Gea in goal after the Spain international made a solid start to the new season, keeping a clean sheet last time out.

There should also be a familiar feel to the back four, with Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka keeping their places in defence.

However, Solskjaer has some big decisions to make in the midfield. A last-minute U-turn from South American associations means that Fred is now available for selection, but after underwhelming displays against the Saints and Wolves, it’s unlikely that either Nemanja Matic or Paul Pogba will partner him in the engine room.

That means that Donny van de Beek could get a rare opportunity to impress from the off in McTominay’s absence, meaning that Pogba will be fielded out wide in place of the £90m-rated Sancho after a slow start to life in Manchester for the 21-year-old.

A trio of Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes and Ronaldo should complete the forward line as United look to mark the latter’s momentous return with a win.

In other news… Ole must bring in “perfect” Man Utd maestro against Newcastle, could be a game-changer 

After West Ham United boss David Moyes reportedly told club chiefs to sign him in the summer, an official update has now dropped involving Genk striker Paul Onuachu.

The Lowdown: Moyes in West Ham summer plea…

The Hammers were consistently linked to Onuachu as a main striking target over the summer and talks were apparently held with his agent (OwnGoalNigeria).

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Indeed, as per Nigerian sources, West Ham were plotting a bid for the 27-year-old and it is claimed that manager Moyes personally told Irons hierarchy to get a deal done (allnigeriasoccer.com).

Now, an official update has dropped in regards to Onuachu and his future in Belgium.

The Latest: Onuachu signs new deal…

As officially announced by Genk, the towering striker has put pen to paper on a new contract until 2024 – arguably making it more tricky for interested clubs to snap a bargain.

Onuachu has signed a one-year extension after his previous deal was due to expire in 2023, gifting the Jupiler Pro League side a big boost as they look to keep hold of their talismanic star or sell for a handsome profit.

This news could hand them plenty of leeway in possible future negotiations if they do indeed receive offers.

The Verdict: Big blow for West Ham?

On paper, Onuachu appears to be exactly what West Ham need in regards to a Michail Antonio alternative – a powerful, prolific, out-and-out centre-forward.

The 6 foot 6 monster bagged 35 goals for Genk in all competitions last term and has shown no sign of slowing down so far in 2021/2022 – already scoring six in eight appearances (Transfermarkt).

Labelled a ‘goal king’ by former England international John Fashanu (Punch) having bagged an impressive 130 strikes in 275 career games, it is safe to say that this news could come as a blow for West Ham and Moyes’ hopes of signing Onuachu.

In other news: West Ham source: GSB could now make move to sign ‘absolutely immense’ player for Moyes, find out more here.

Football Insider pundit Alex McLeish has been reacting to rumours regarding the future of Aston Villa manager Dean Smith.

The Lowdown: Smith fighting for job?

Football Insider shared a story on Tuesday, claiming Smith may well be fighting for his job at Villa Park.

A Villa source informed the site that Smith could come under increasing pressure if results don’t improve prior to the next international break.

Villa face Everton, Manchester United and Tottenham before the next domestic break, so it seems as if those three games could be vital when it comes to his future.

The Latest: McLeish reacts

McLeish was asked for his views on the report by Football Insider’s source, with the 62-year-old admitting he was ‘surprised’ at the rumours.

“Any time I’ve had success in my football career, it’s always been because of a positive relationship with the people upstairs.

“I was surprised to hear this about Smith. It seems like he’s doing a good job.

“I know my old player Alan Hutton thinks very highly of him. It was a surprise.

“The surprise is that nothing is surprising in football. He has been given a lot of financial support from the board over the last couple of years.

“That was to get them to the status of a permanent Premier League club. It’s surprising he has been given that support and then there are rumours.

“They need to make a statement or let Dean get on with it because that is hampering the manager’s thought process.”

The Verdict: Performances crucial

Football is a results business, so if Villa fail to add to their four-point tally over the coming weeks, the Villa hierarchy may well have no other choice but to part ways with Smith.

It would be a surprise if that is the case, especially with Smith being the man to lead the club back into the Premier League and Villa chiefs backing him with an £89.84m spend over the summer.

However, on the other hand, a positive result against Everton could do wonders in regards to silencing any speculation surrounding his future, so it appears as if the next few weeks could be key.

In other news: ‘What a mess’, ‘Smith out’ – Matt Maher’s Aston Villa update has lots of fans fuming. 

Everton’s academy is steeped in history, especially over the last 20 years where it’s flourished significantly.

The Toffees have brought through the likes of Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley but in recent years, cracks are starting to emerge.

Thierry Small left the club after rejecting a new contract and refusing to train while they have also lost Mohamed-Ali Cho to French football and he’s already beginning to make waves in Ligue 1.

Despite this, Rafa Benitez has been keen to blood the new generation.

Lewis Dobbin made his first-team debut against Norwich, joining the impressive Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon in earning senior minutes this season.

Gordon has particularly impressed and after a vibrant cameo against QPR, featured vs the Canaries in Everton’s 2-0 win on Saturday.

The winger was incredibly lively in their Carabao Cup defeat a few days prior, completing more key passes (4) than any other player on the field.

He will be seen as an example for the rest of Everton’s hot talent coming through the system at Finch Farm.

We’ve already tipped Charlie Whitaker and Ellis Simms for breakthroughs but another player who should be on Benitez’s radar is Stanley Mills.

The son of former England international, Danny Mills, the attacking midfielder is a vibrant player with enormous technical abilities.

Crucially, the 17-year-old is held in high esteem by David Unsworth too.

Speaking about the best talents in the academy, he commented: “Our Youth Cup team this year should be really strong with the likes of Charlie Whitaker, Lewis Dobbin, Reece Welch, Isaac Price, Luke Butterfield and Stan Mills. They are players who we feel have got great potential and they are already playing in the u-23s at the start of their second year of scholarship.”

Possessing the ability to play centrally or out wide, he could be the player to watch alongside Gordon in the coming years.

Just imagine the sight of Mills running rampant down one side while Gordon goes to town down the other.

Supporters always relish seeing young players doing well and that should be no different for the teenager in question.

A speedy and agile dribbler, Mills also has an element of poise and grace to his game as well. Describing the midfielder after he signed a new deal, the Everton website read:

“A quick, intelligent and composed midfield player, Mills has also shown impressive resilience and determination to battle back from a serious knee injury to establish himself as an important player for Everton Under-18s.”

Since that review, he has gone on to play at a higher age bracket, even featuring in the EFL Trophy against Morecambe.

During that clash, the teen played on the right where he managed one key pass and was involved in a mighty 21 defensive duels, prevailing in ten of them.

Matches like that against senior professionals will only help his development and hopefully, turn him into the future star Everton know he can be.

AND in other news, Brands masterclass: “Selfish” dud sees value collapse by £12.6m after leaving Everton…

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted over an update involving Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

The USA international has emerged as a target for manager David Moyes after a development involving star man Declan Rice.

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Indeed, as explained by Football Insider, GSB apparently plan to sell the 22-year-old if they receive a £90 million bid for his services – with sights also set on his replacement.

In an update, the same outlet explain that West Ham are now laying the groundwork to sign McKennie from Juventus and talks have already taken place over a swoop.

Indeed, according to their information, the Irons are already working on a deal to bring him to east London as a potential heir to Rice.

Flocking to this news, despite the nature of possibly losing Rice, many of these West Ham fans feel as if McKennie could be an ‘incredible signing’ for the club.

It’s hard to argue with this assessment given he has already managed 25 international caps at the age of just 23.

Find all of their best verdicts from Twitter down below.

West Ham fans erupt over McKennie talks…

“I would cry”

Credit: @EllYouSeeAyeEss

“Would hate to lose Rice but I absolutely love Weston Mckennie. I will say he’s more of a box to box than DM, but I guess Rice’s role has been changing anyway.”

Credit: @USAWestHamUSA

“This would be an incredible signing”

Credit: @GreenEggsWHU

“This would make my year”

Credit: @SingleFinMax

“Would be a fantastic signing!

I still think we’d need 2 players to really “replace” Rice though…”

Credit: @WhufcSloth

“Buying the jersey already”

Credit: @DonThomasMiller

“I’m kinda worried based on the maturity issues he’s had lately. BUT I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t be buzzing to see a young American at West Ham. He’s got great potential too, but will probably never happen anyways.”

Credit: @TheWestHamYank

“Moyes would turn him into a complete midfielder and he’s everything West Ham want in a player. Would be a perfect Noble replacement”

Credit: @robertsdaniel

In other news: Journalist says 50-cap international now likely to leave West Ham in January, find out more here.

Crystal Palace could be set for a surprise injury boost over the coming months after a reliable journalist provided a positive injury boost on star midfielder Eberechi Eze.

What’s the word?

The highly-rated 23-year-old arrived at Selhurst Park in the summer of 2020 and quickly established himself as a pivotal cog in the capital club’s setup, starting 29 Premier League games throughout last season.

However, Eze ruptured his Achilles tendon during training back in May and has spent the subsequent months on the treatment table recovering from the serious setback.

His injury was initially thought to rule him out of action until the turn of the year, although hope of a quicker recovery was recently sparked after he shared a video of himself back in training.

And now, The Sun’s Tom Barclay has suggested that Eze’s comeback could be just around the corner. However, he has indicated that the club ought to be cautious with the player due to the significance of the injury that he is coming back from.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT regarding Eze’s ongoing recovery, Barclay said: “I’m told there is a good chance that there’s a good chance actually that he’s ahead of schedule on his return. Achilles injuries are bad injuries, they can keep you out for a long time, and they can affect you going forward.”

Palace fans will be delighted

News that Eze is believed to be ahead of schedule in his recovery process will undoubtedly leave Palace fans feeling delighted, given his importance to the south London outfit.

In his maiden campaign in the Premier League, the former Queens Par Rangers playmaker bagged four goals and provided a further six assists, playing a pivotal park in the capital club avoiding relegation.

And his underlying numbers were just as impressive. As per WhoScored, no Eagles player bettered or matched his tally of six Premier League assists and he also produced the most key passes and dribbles, with average totals of 1.3 and 1.9 per league game, respectively.

That sort of form saw him on the verge of England recognition with the attacking dynamo believed to be in Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional squad for the Euros before he was injured.

Therefore, new manager Patrick Vieira will be eager to bring Eze back into the first-team fold as soon as possible, providing a significant boost to their chances of success this season.

And, in other news…Parish must seal Palace move for £12.6m-rated gem, he’s an “outstanding technician” 

Some Liverpool supporters have been left fuming that Curtis Jones is out of the Premier League clash with Watford after worsening an existing injury on international duty.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to the season for the Reds, helping fill the void left by Gini Wijnaldum.

Jones scored in the 3-3 draw away to Brentford last month and has also registered three assists, including two in the Champions League victory over Porto.

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With Fabinho, Thiago and Harvey Elliott all unavailable for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Watford, yet another injury blow in midfield could be catastrophic.

Unfortunately, that is the case, with Jurgen Klopp confirming in his Friday press conference [via Paul Joyce on Twitter] that Jones returned from England Under-21 duty with a groin issue and is also out.

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Liverpool fans furious at Jones news

Needless to say, the news has been met with huge negativity by these Liverpool fans on Twitter.

“Oh God”

Credit: @Kopite_JC17

“They knew he had a knock and still played him”

Credit: @Luke_Vials

“End my suffering”

Credit: @obwild480

“This is an absolute disgrace. It was clear before the Andorra game he had an injury and they didn’t even do a scan and just played him? Gross negligence from an organisation full of absolute idiots. That’s all it’s ever been.”

Credit: @SportsEnthusi17

“So the midfield tomorrow is likely going be Hendo, Milner and Keita? We are in trouble tomorrow”

Credit: @shahabLFC

“When will it end?”

Credit: @JxcobLFC

In other news, some Liverpool fans have erupted at some ‘massive news’. Read more here.

Reliable Leeds United reporter Phil Hay has admitted it will be a ‘tight turn around’ for Raphinha to feature against Southampton this weekend.

The Lowdown: Raphinha shines

Raphinha has made his Brazil debut during the current international break, impressing off the bench with two assists in a win over Venezuela.

The 24-year-old then made another cameo as a substitute against Colombia, but couldn’t help his country find a winning goal in a 0-0 draw.

The Whites star now looks set to receive a first start for his country on Friday against Uruguay, which could have a knock-on effect for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

The Latest: Hay’s tweet

Hay, Leeds’ correspondent for The Athletic, quoted a tweet from south American outlet @geglobo regarding Raphinha’s pending full debut on Friday.

He admitted that Leeds had been confident that the winger would be at St Mary’s on Saturday, however, he ended his post by saying it will be a ‘tight turn around’ – a worrying three-word update.

The Verdict: Race against time…

Brazil’s meeting with Uruguay gets underway in the early hours of Friday morning UK time, so Raphinha will have around 36 hours to get back to England and be ready for the meeting with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side on Saturday afternoon.

Reports late on Wednesday evening suggested that Premier League sides have chartered a private jet to ensure that their South American players are back for the weekend, and if that is true, perhaps he will be ready to go for Leeds.

In other news: ‘He’s like Bielsa’s son’ – Pundit talks Leeds move for £16.2m-rated man; ‘Orta very big on him’. 

Celtic are keeping tabs on Derby County left-back Lee Buchanan, according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon in The Sun on Sunday, as cited by The 72.

The Lowdown: Buchanan profiled

The 20-year-old was labelled ‘incredible’ by his manager Wayne Rooney earlier this year. An England under-21 international, he can also play as a centre-back and has racked up 57 senior appearances for the Rams after progressing through the club’s youth system.

He has been a regular in the English Championship this season and is his agency’s top talent, with his £2.25m Transfermarkt valuation the highest of any Quantum Law LLP client.

The Latest: Nixon’s claim

According to Nixon in The Sun on Sunday (24.10.21, pg. 65), as relayed by The 72, Celtic have sent their top scout Mick Doherty to watch him in action.

The Hoops are hoping to bolster their left-back ranks with the acquisition of Buchanan and have taken the first step by looking at him firsthand.

At this moment in time, Buchanan will be out of contract at the end of the campaign, so the Hoops could possibly look at a pre-contract agreement in the New Year.

The Verdict: Smart move

Ange Postecoglou has had to use a number of different options at left-back after positional regular Greg Taylor had to undergo shoulder surgery.

Right-back Josip Juranovic filled in and scored from left-back most recently, but bringing in Buchanan, who Rooney feels will go on to play for England ‘within the next couple of years’ appears to be a smart move.

Celtic may also hold an advantage due to cross-border rules, so hopefully the Hoops can get a deal over the line and bring Buchanan to Glasgow over the coming months.

In other news: ‘Celtic have begun talks…’ – Journalist lifts lid on exciting development coming out of Parkhead