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Many Sheffield Wednesday were not happy with referee David Webb after he showed Josh Windass a red card during their Championship clash against Preston North End.

The Owls were down to 10 men midway through the first half after just 17 minutes as Windass appeared to strike Joe Rafferty in the chest with the studs of his boot.

Wednesday were rooted to the bottom of the Championship before this afternoon’s proceedings and were of course desperately looking to turn their fortunes around after Tony Pulis took to the dugout for his first match in charge.

But Windass’ first-half sending off did not help their cause, providing them with an uphill battle for the rest of the game, which they lost 1-0 courtesy of a Tom Barkhuizen goal.

Supporters were left fuming by the decision, with some saying that Rafferty was already on his way down before the two players came together.

Fans blast officials over Windass red card

In other news, Wednesday fans react as Owls’ key asset speaks out regarding his future.

After being hailed last season by Jose Mourinho, Tottenham starlet Dennis Cirkin will no doubt be hoping that he gets a chance to shine in the upcoming campaign.

The 18-year-old was name-checked by the Spurs boss as a “kid with a lot of quality” and that he was looking forward to “bringing him to train with us, and to help his development.”

Is it Mido or Pedro Mendes? This Spurs quiz will separate the loyal from the fake…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

And in the north London side’s pre-season friendly against Ipswich on Saturday afternoon, Cirkin got a run-out for Mourinho’s first-team, and certainly didn’t disappoint.

After seeing his performance, Spurs fans flooded to Twitter to share their reactions.

A couple of Spurs fans claimed that Cirkin’s performance against Ipswich proved exactly why Mourinho seems to rate him so highly.

With Danny Rose’s long-term future at the club uncertain, Cirkin may well have a genuine chance to get some game-time next season.

In the U18s Premier League, he showed he can be a modern type of full-back, scoring twice and setting up one more in just eight games, and if Mourinho is keen to show that he can actually help develop young players, then Cirkin may well turn out to be his personal project.

Sunderland defender Bailey Wright has praised his teammates for their defensive togetherness ahead of Saturday’s League One tie against Peterborough.

Thus far in the League One season, Sunderland have started well, drawing the opening game with Bristol Rovers before an impressive victory over Oxford United last weekend.

A clean sheet in that win over Oxford has helped the Black Cats sit fifth in the current league standings as their ambitions for an automatic promotion place push forward.

This weekend’s game against Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough offers an intriguing tie that pits two of the league’s potential promotion contenders against each other.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, summer signing Wright has heaped praise on his teammates for the defensive solidity they have shown over pre-season and the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

“We pride ourselves not only as a back line – Burgey in goal included – but as a team as well on being a solid defensive unit,” Wright explained in an interview with the club’s official website.

“We know we have the quality to score goals from all over the pitch. As a defence, we know our job is to continue to be solid, and to act as a platform for the boys ahead of us to show their magic going forward. As long as we do that, we’ll be in with a good chance in any game we play, as we showed at Oxford last weekend – a tough place to go.

“Day-in, day-out, we’re fortunate enough to see the quality that we saw with our goals [at Oxford]. We looked creative, good on the ball, and ‘on song’ is how I would say it. We need to keep that consistency now moving forward this season, with Peterborough up next.”

Wright, who is valued at £720,000 by Transfermarkt, has thus far started both of Sunderland’s league games.

Wright has slotted in straight away for Sunderland over their first two games and he is already beginning to look like a favourite of manager Phil Parkinson.

Peterborough will provide a different test for Sunderland on Saturday but, if Wright and his teammates can produce another defensively sound performance, the season could soon start looking more and more promising….

Who do you think will win between Sunderland and Peterborough? Let us know your predictions in the comments section below…

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be in the market for a new right-back this summer and a new name has emerged from the shadows.

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, Spurs are one of several clubs interested in Barcelona ace Emerson after a string of impressive displays whilst out on loan to La Liga rivals Real Betis.

It’s claimed that Newcastle United, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen are also keen on landing the 21-year-old ahead of next season.

The young Brazilian still has to complete another year at the Estadio Benito Villamarin and Barca will be faced with paying out €9m (£8m) if they are to cut that short to sell him on.

It’s believed that their asking price is around €30m (£27m) as a result of the situation.

Aarons or Emerson?

Spurs have been linked to several right-back targets, most notably Norwich City’s Max Aarons, who The Athletic have claimed is one of three players high on the list of priorities this summer.

However, a move for Emerson could be the smarter play here.

In the past, the one-time Brazil international has been compared to fellow compatriot Dani Alves and also cites the legendary Cafu as a player he idolises.

When comparing the two, Emerson is streets ahead of Aarons – per WhoScored, he’s averaged more tackles (2.2), aerial duels won (2) and key passes (0.9) than the Canaries’ prospect.

In addition, from an attacking viewpoint, the 21-year-old has provided three goals and six assists this campaign.

Aarons has certainly been one of the bright sparks in a gloomy season in Norfolk, but there has to be doubts on whether he’s ready for the step-up to a club like Spurs just yet.

Mourinho has plenty to worry about at right-back too with Kyle Walker-Peters hugely out of favour. He could soon be used as a pawn to clinch Saints midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Whilst Serge Aurier’s form has regularly brought criticism from the Spurs faithful.

And in other news, Mourinho may have found his next Frank Lampard…

West Ham United are still on the hunt for quality reinforcements this summer and one of their priorities is clearly to boost that lacking defensive line. Specifically, it seems that David Moyes is still gunning for a full-back to join the London outfit in the ongoing summer transfer window.

And if the recent transfer news are true, they are still eyeing Nottingham Forest’s right-back, Matty Cash. But of course, this is not the first time we hear the youngster’s name mentioned in the same sentence as West Ham but according to the Mirror’s latest update (via football.london), Moyes will have to splash £15m to get the Championship star to the Premier League.

Needless to say, this is not a small sum for a club that’s still struggling financially. On top of that, the same source claims, West Ham’s initial offer was reportedly £5m short as Forest simply laughed off the first effort.

But it was actually last year that the Hammers first tried snatching Cash away and back then, they were told he would cost £17m. Now, about eight months later, the 23-year-old is still pretty expensive for their taste. Of course, whether he has actually warranted such a price tag is another story but the Championship side are adamant he won’t be sold for less.

Still, Cash was also linked to RB Leipzig back in 2017 and then, he would’ve cost them around £6m. Now, however, he has successfully transformed into one of the best full-backs in the league.

Verdict

Despite the outside circumstances undoubtedly affecting the sums of money clubs can operate with, it does feel like it would be a tough task to negotiate a better price for Cash.

His quality simply demands it as the youngster has accumulated 140 appearances for Forest since making his debut all the way back in 2016, bagging 13 goals in those five seasons in the process as well.

And with that quality always comes the appropriate price. Moyes will have to think hard about this one.

Last week Bleacher Report suggested that if Erling Haaland moves to the Premier League then his likely destination would be Leeds United.One of the most sought-after players in world football, the forward has netted 28 times in all competitions this season.A Leeds fan and the son of Alf-Inge, he has also netted eight goals in the Champions League this term.The 19-year-old’s stock is rising all the time but he provoked pandemonium on Instagram recently by posting an image of him signing an old Leeds shirt.The teenager has previously stated that he has desires of winning England’s top-flight with the Whites but a move at the moment sounds rather farfetched.Most recently, it’s been claimed that he could cost around £76m, which if Leeds remain in the Championship will simply be impossible given their financial fair play restrictions.However, a promotion to the Premier League and also further investment from QSI could put them in the mix. That’s providing he doesn’t move anywhere in January, of course.Can you get full marks on the Ultimate Leeds Quiz? Test your knowledge below…Haaland is proving to be a bit of a tease with his actions, as he wasn’t just pictured signing a Leeds shirt.

Confirmed: Erling Haaland is signing for Man United …

and Napoli … and Leeds. pic.twitter.com/gCiO7mQNgW

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) December 17, 2019

Perhaps the most intriguing shirt signing was a Manchester United jersey. According to The Guardian, the Red Devils and Juventus are two of the most interested parties.Where he ends up seems to be anyone’s guess.In other Leeds news, one of their young players has been compared to Johan Cruyff…

Manchester United keeper David de Gea copped some fierce criticism from Roy Keane after another error against Tottenham last week. 

The Red Devils legend was furious with the “overrated goalkeeper” as he was unable to keep out Steven Bergwijn’s strike on Friday, which gave Spurs a first half lead.

De Gea is under pressure following a dip in form, coupled with the emergence of Dean Henderson, who has established himself as Sheffield United’s number one in recent years.

However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has thrown his support behind his first-choice keeper, and this may frustrate Henderson.

De Gea has played 30 games in the Premier League this season, with just eight clean sheets and conceding 31 goals (Transfermarkt). Although he has struggled for consistency, Solskjaer has backed the Spaniard as he doesn’t believe there is any goalkeeper who is on the same level.

It is unlikely that Henderson will react too kindly to the Norewgian’s statements. The Red Devils have offered the 23-year-old a new contract but he is only prepared to commit if he is promised the number one spot at Old Trafford.

Henderson has spent the past few seasons on loan at Bramall Lane and he has impressed as the Blades have charged into European contention. The Englishman has made 27 appearances in the Premier League, keeping 11 clean sheets and conceding only 25 goals so far (Transfermarkt).

Nevertheless, despite Henderson’s heroics, Solskjaer has made it clear that De Gea remains his primary option.

As it stands, De Gea will start against Sheffield United on Wednesday, while Henderson is ineligible to face his parent club. The Blades keeper was even touted as a contender for England before Euro 2020 was postponed in response to the coronavirus crisis.

Nonetheless, the Red Devils are willing to let him stay at Bramall Lane for the foreseeable future. Whether or not this decision will pay off remains to be seen, as both clubs are challenging for a spot in Europe next season.

Admittedly, it is important for Henderson to finish the campaign on loan, as it will only benefit Manchester United in the long run. As the Premier League heads into the crunch stage of the competition, he will gain valuable experience as a regular starter for Chris Wilder’s side.

Man United fans, do you think the board have made the right decision to let Henderson stay at Bramall Lane? Let us know in the comments below!

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi and Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams could have an intriguing battle on Sunday.

On the chalkboard

Aston Villa ended a run of three consecutive losses when they defeated Newcastle United 2-0 on Monday evening.

El Ghazi played an important role in that win, as he got on the end of Conor Hourihane’s whipped free-kick to get the ball past Martin Dubravka for Villa’s second of the night.

He also made two key passes, one dribble, one tackle and completed 87% of his attempted passes.

Following that game, Jack Grealish was quoted on Villa’s official Twitter account as saying: “Anwar’s probably been the best I’ve seen him training in the last 10 days, that’s probably why he got the start and he proved [he deserved] it.”

After a showing like that, he should be feeling confident going into the game against United.

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Upward trajectories

He will be coming up against another player who is doing well, with Williams having started United’s last two Premier League matches. Prior to those games the teenager had never started a league fixture for the club.

In addition to that, he even scored the goal that started the Red Devils’ comeback against Sheffield United with a marvellous half-volley.

With both of these players coming into their own during their debut Premier League campaigns, this could be an integral battle in deciding who wins the game.

The below statistics offer an indication of how close their battle could be during the game:

Therefore, while these are not necessarily the biggest names in their respective teams, this could be the most intriguing battle on the pitch on Sunday.

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Tottenham Hotspur simply don’t have the depth they need.

This was laid bare on Wednesday, as a team filled with contract rebels and backup stars fell woefully short of the standard set by a strong Bayern Munich team in Bavaria.

Now, of course, it must be said that the senior side actually lost 7-2 to Bayern in north London in a game that must go down as one of the most embarrassing in the club’s recent history.

But in midweek, Bayern didn’t even need to leave second gear.

Spurs die-hards are getting 70% on this Ultimate Tottenham Quiz. Can you beat them?

Jose Mourinho had said he would rotate beforehand and he left star striker Harry Kane at home, instead choosing to play Lucas Moura up front, with Christian Eriksen in the No.10 role, Giovani Lo Celso on the right of the attacking trio and Kyle Walker-Peters and Juan Foyth in defence.

It went okay for a bit. Bayern took the lead through Kingsley Coman but Ryan Sessegnon, making his first start, equalised with a crisp volley. Then Thomas Muller scored on the stroke of half-time, Philippe Coutinho added a third and it was game over.

Mourinho turned to his bench and on came Oliver Skipp and Son Heung-Min. The latter had a golden chance late on as he was sent through one-on-one with Manuel Neuer but he fluffed his lines. The other change saw Victor Wanyama replace the execrable Eric Dier.

This is not a squad with a strong bench. Mourinho had to turn to a usual first-team starter in Son, a teenager in Skipp and a player whose knees may genuinely be ruined – he has missed 47 games through injury – in Wanyama.

The other options on the bench were three players usually found in the U23s – Brandon Austin, Japhet Tanganga and Troy Parrott – and Davinson Sanchez.

There are players out injured, the likes of Erik Lamela, Harry Winks and Tanguy Ndombele but only the latter two would really improve the XI. Hugo Lloris is likely to be reinstalled as No.1 when he returns but it remains to be seen whether Ben Davies will get back into the team.

And that’s a problem. Most supporters, be they Spurs fans or not, could name an ideal XI for the club and get within one or two. Perhaps you’d quibble over whether Dele Alli or Eriksen would play in the No.10 role.

But, other than that, the strength in depth simply isn’t there; Mourinho just doesn’t have deep reserves to call upon.

It is an issue that needs addressing, particularly if Spurs are to fight on three fronts, in the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League in 2020.

Right now, they don’t appear to have the equipment for the task.

Meanwhile, one Spurs player was particularly terrible against Bayern. 

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

With Eddie Nketiah sidelined for the next three weeks, it seems as if Leeds have no choice but to persevere with Patrick Bamford up front.

However, with Bamford picking up a knock on his ankle last week, United must be alert to the possibility that they could be without both of their senior strikers in the near future.

If Bamford were to be unavailable in the next few weeks for whatever reason, Marcelo Bielsa would have no traditional number nines in his first team, but Danny Mills believes there is one player in the squad who could step up and fill in.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

What’s been said then?

The former England international believes that Helder Costa could competently play as a striker if he was called upon. He told Football Insider.

“You’ve got Helder Costa, he can play up there. Jack Clarke could come in and play in one of the wide areas.”

“They’ve got options and we’ve seen before how Bielsa mixes and matches what he does. Yes, of course, he’ll want Bamford fit but you’ve got the international break coming up, so it’ll probably only be one game, with Nketiah hopefully back after the break anyhow.

“It’s not a huge concern but if Bamford was to be unfit or unavailable for any reason, Leeds will work around it.”

A possibility

Although Costa hasn’t found the net since joining the Yorkshire club, playing him up top for United isn’t too far-fetched of an idea.

The Portuguese’s time in Leeds show he isn’t too competent in front of goal but his stats from his time in the Championship with Wolves tell a completely different story.

We mastered the trick in the video below in 8 attempts… could you do better?

He scored ten goals from 64 shots during his first Championship season at Molineux, giving him a conversion rate of around 15.6 per cent.

If he can replicate this type of form in front of goal he would be useful up top for Leeds.

His conversion rate from that season is actually much better than Bamford’s this term, as the former Chelsea man’s percentage is at a measly 8.5% after taking 47 shots and scoring just four times.