All posts by z3u9t.icu

Crystal Palace will no doubt be looking to return to winning ways, after sustaining losses to Chelsea and Leicester City, respectively.

Both losses saw the Eagles deploy two different formations, as they temporarily stepped away from their 4-3-3 system.

When they played Leicester City in their most recent league game, Palace attempted to gain a numerical advantage throughout the centre of the pitch by deploying a 4-2-3-1 system against Brendan Rodgers’ 4-3-3 shape.

And in the FA Cup semi-final, Vieira looked to nullify Chelsea’s attacking threat by the means of a 3-5-2 system.

Across both fixtures, Vieira’s side conceded four goals and scored just one. That is a sure-fire sign for the return of the system that had seen them pick up 11 points from a possible 15, across their last five games.

On the chalkboard

One player who has drastically struggled for minutes this season is the 23-year-old talent, Ebere Eze, someone dubbed “special” by the Coaches Voice.

Eze has made just seven appearances in the Premier League this season, after struggling for fitness as a result of an achilles tendon problem that he sustained at the end of the last Premier League campaign.

Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Chelsea saw him play a full 90 minutes for the first time this season, with Eze now reported to be fully fit by Crystal Palace correspondent, Mark Wyatt, and ready to make his claim as an Eagles regular.

The game against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side is the perfect opportunity for the England starlet to make his presence known and get back to the form that saw him chip in with ten goal contributions in 34 Premier League appearances for Palace last season.

Vieira can give the £37k-per-week livewire creative freedom up top, with a simple tweak to his usual 4-3-3 formation.

Quite simply, a switch to a 4-3-2-1 system (replacing the two wing positions with two attacking midfielders) would suit Eze’s game down to a tee.

The £18m-rated star played his best football as an attacking midfielder for QPR in a 2019/20 season that saw him bag eight assists.

This slight tweak could help him reach these numbers once again in a move that could, quite simply, terrify Eddie Howe and Newcastle United.

In other news: Vieira eyes CPFC move for “sensational” £14k-pw maestro, it could be bye-bye Gallagher…

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte could be without one of his key first-team stars this afternoon…

What’s the latest?

Spurs welcome Newcastle United to north London as both teams return to Premier League action following the international break, and the Italian will be hoping to maintain ground in the race for a top-four finish.

But ahead of kick-off, some worrying news has emerged as Sergio Reguilon could be a surprise absentee after pulling up in training on Thursday, as revealed by football.london reporter Alasdair Gold.

‘football.london understands that Sergio Reguilon pulled up in training on Thursday with a problem and had to leave the session,’ he wrote.

Huge blow

Whilst not in the best of form, the absence of the Spanish wing-back would still be something of a major blow to Conte and the Spurs squad, especially as this game will be too soon for his alternative, Ryan Sessegnon, to return.

“The good news is that [Oliver] Skippy and Sessegnon are very close to being back with the team, to having training sessions with us. They are not yet ready for the game against Newcastle, but they are improving,” the Italian revealed in his pre-game press conference.

The prospect of playing the Magpies without an out-and-out left wing-back is certainly cause for concern, even more so given the fact that Conte’s system relies so heavily on attacking influence in the role.

Reguilon is amongst Spurs’ most creative options, averaging 1.3 key passes per game, a feat only bettered by frontline duo Heung-min Son (two) and Dejan Kulusevski (1.7), as per WhoScored.

Elsewhere, the former Real Madrid dynamo has been a key influence defensively too, where he has registered an average of 1.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game; numbers that exceed that of Sessegnon.

If unavailable, it leaves Conte with little options.

Matt Doherty could switch across to the other flank, something he has done only three times across his last 50 competitive appearances in all competitions, whilst there could be a change in formation that sees Ben Davies deployed in his natural left-back role amongst a back four, rather than three.

That’s something the Italian has done just once since being appointed as Nuno Santo’s successor, resulting in a 2-0 defeat to his former club, Chelsea.

Without Reguilon, Conte will be handed a late dilemma over team selection and that will surely leave him absolutely gutted, if not fuming as injuries show no sign of easing up at Hotspur Way.

AND in other news, Forget Davies: Conte must start £27m-rated Spurs “beast” today, it could be game-changing…

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted over an official club post involving new signings Alex Kral and Nikola Vlasic.

The duo, who joined West Ham on summer transfer deadline day, are yet to make their debuts for the club but come with plenty of promise.

Kral signs for the Irons on a season-long loan deal with the option to buy and featured for the Czech Republic at Euro 2020, being added to the contingent of West Ham men from that part of Europe.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-developments-2/” title=”West Ham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Meanwhile, Vlasic in particular racked up some very impressive numbers for ex-club CSKA Moscow last year as he joins the east Londoners permanently for a reported £26.8 million fee plus an extra £7.7 million in add-ons (BBC).

Indeed, the 23-year-old averaged a head-turning four shots on goal per 90 in the Russian Premier League over 2020/2021 – far eclipsing the numbers of every West Ham player in the English top flight (WhoScored).

Now, the club have dropped an official post regarding West Ham’s two deadline day signings as their shirt numbers drop on social media (Twitter).

Indeed, Kral will sport number 33 under Moyes while Vlasic gets handed the number 11 jersey in an announcement by the club.

Flocking to this news as supporters anticipate their post-international debuts for West Ham, it’s safe to say there have been plenty of reactions.

Find all of their best ones, in response to the club’s official account, down below.

West Ham fans flock to club post on Kral and Vlasic…

“Absolutely buzzing to see these 2 in the Claret & Blue”

Credit: @WestHamReunited

“Here we go!”

Credit: @Galuhammer

“NV11 is gonna tear up the prem”

Credit: @WestHam_Way

“Ballers”

Credit: @JackRising3

“Could have been great.”

Credit: @whufull

“CALLED IT.”

Credit: @WHUsamzini

“PF 8

MA 9

MV 11

SB 22

Naa we cook this year”

Credit: @CHXRLIEXWHU66

In other news: GSB eyeing ‘extraordinary’ striker for West Ham even after deadline day, says reporter…find out more here.

A Newcastle United scout was in attendance for FC Porto’s game this weekend, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

Newcastle only made one first-team signing during the summer transfer window, with Joe Willock’s loan move from Arsenal made permanent for a fee of £26.46million.

But they may feel the need to improve their squad at the mid-point of the campaign, with their poor start raising the prospect of a relegation battle.

Newcastle are winless after seven matches and find themselves 19th in the table.

If Porto players are indeed under consideration, then they’ll have the benefit of seeing how they measure up against Premier League opposition.

Liverpool are in Porto’s Champions League group and after the Reds ran out 5-1 victors in Portugal last week – they’ll meet again in November.

The latest

A Newcastle official apparently took in the Primeira Liga action at the Estadio do Dragao on Sunday. Porto went up against Pacos Ferreira, the team Spurs knocked out of the Europa Conference League.

It’s not clear how many players were being studied.

What we do know is that Porto fell behind early on to a Nuno Santos goal, but were level before the break after Luis Diaz’s sixth goal of the season.

Left-back Wendell then scored what proved to be the winner seven minutes into the second half.

The verdict

It’s tempting to speculate. Who exactly were Newcastle watching? Well, we heard during the transfer window that Steve Bruce was keen to add a centre-back and a defensive midfielder.

Sergio Conceicao selected two veterans at the heart of his defence – 38-year-old Pepe and 34-year-old Ivan Marcano.

The star of the show most weeks for Porto at the moment however is Diaz, who was strongly linked with a Premier League move to Everton this summer, perhaps the Magpies are planning a January hijacking?

In other news, Lee Ryder has offered encouragement to those calling for Bruce’s head.

Steve Howey reckons Manchester United should target Wilfred Ndidi if Paul Pogba leaves Old Trafford before the transfer window slams shut.

Pogba, who is enjoying his second spell with the Red Devils after sealing a then-world record transfer from Juventus five years ago, has been heavily linked with exiting the club throughout the summer.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain have been interested in prising Pogba away from Old Trafford, with the midfielder’s agent Mino Raiola claiming last December that a move is needed.

According to French media outlet Le 10 Sport, Raiola has even offered Pogba to United’s arch-rivals Liverpool.

Pogba has entered the final 12 months of his £290,000-per-week contract and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are facing up to the prospect of seeing the France international depart for free next summer.

The 28-year-old has already rejected a new deal at United, according to Canal Supporters, with the report suggesting Pogba wants a move to PSG.

Howey believes the Red Devils should sign Ndidi, who has made 146 PL appearances and won the FA Cup since joining Leicester City from Genk in 2017, if Pogba seeks pastures new.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leicester defender Howey said: “For me, Ndidi would fit the bill if Pogba goes. I think you would have less controversy as well.”

David Moyes could be about to repeat his Jesse Lingard masterstroke at West Ham…

What’s the word?

According to ExWHUemployee, the Irons are exploring several domestic and foreign loan deals ahead of tonight’s transfer deadline and they could well look to revisit Chelsea, having secured Kurt Zouma on a permanent deal over the weekend.

He claims that talks have happened with several players and that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is one player that the club have held an interest in before.

“Domestic and foreign loan moves are also something that the club are negotiating. I’ve mentioned Chelsea, talks have happened with a couple and Loftus-Cheek is someone we have liked in the past,” he told his ‘The West Ham Way’ Patreon site.

Lingard 2.0

If the Scotsman pulls off a late deadline day move for the English midfielder, then we should perhaps expect a Loftus-Cheek to see his career revitalised just like his international teammate.

Lingard’s career almost looked dead and buried at Manchester United last season as he could not get a look-in under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with names like Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba way ahead in the pecking order.

He was shipped out to the London Stadium without much expectation but under Moyes’ guidance became a standout star, finishing the campaign as his second highest-rated player on WhoScored following a whopping nine goals and five assists, all in half-a-season.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-the-latest-gossip-and-much-much-more-2” title= “Read the latest West Ham team and injury news, transfer rumours, gossip and much, much more!”]

Loftus-Cheek is in a similar boat.

It was only in 2018/19 that the Blues graduate, who has been capped ten times by England, delivered ten goals and five assists from midfield in one season, though since then he’s made only ten appearances for the club, via Transfermarkt.

That year, BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves lauded him as an “unstoppable force”, whilst former Fulham boss Scott Parker described his qualities as “unplayable” earlier this year during his time on loan at Craven Cottage.

Clearly, his progression has slowed despite not yet reaching his peak and with him behind names like N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount among others, it would make sense for him to go out on loan for the 2021/22 season.

The Hammers could do with more presence in midfield as they are merely one injury away from having to rely on the retiring Mark Noble – not what you want when you’re about to compete in the Europa League. And again, his experience on the biggest stage will only help tenfold, too.

Moyes must look to repeat his Lingard masterstroke with a move for the £16.2m-rated dynamo.

AND in other news, West Ham could finally end Moyes’ striker nightmare, but Sullivan now has to act fast…

Many Liverpool fans voiced their frustration with Jordan Henderson during the Premier League clash with Leicester City on Tuesday night. 

Liverpool were looking to return to winning ways after their six-game streak was halted by a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on 19 December.

Leicester, meanwhile, were facing a title contender for the second time in three days, having lost 6-3 at league leaders Manchester City on Boxing Day.

Henderson’s Leicester struggle

Henderson returned to the starting line-up after missing the Spurs draw through illness.

Jurgen Klopp selected him alongside Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in his three-man midfield.

He took on three shots from range in the first half of the match, but all three of them missed the target.

The Reds skipper also misplaced 13 of the 47 passes he attempted, meaning his accuracy was only 72 per cent.

Here’s what a selection of supporters on Twitter made of the 31-year-old’s display at The King Power Stadium, as he was eventually withdrawn for Roberto Firmino while the Reds fell six points behind Manchester City…

These Liverpool fans lay into Henderson

“Henderson has been abysmal”

Credit: @Liverpxxl

“Every week I shed another tear at the fact that we extended henderson’s contract”

Credit: @RHLFC7

“Henderson can’t keep getting away with these performances”

Credit: @kwaku_tvb

“Henderson disasterclass and mane awful”

Credit: @kop_for_ever

“Love watching Henderson sky volleys into the 30th row”

Credit: @commenterlfc

“Get Henderson off immediately and terminate his contract. Awful awful player, who gave this imbecile an extension?”

Credit: @LaVillanelle

In other news, fans mocked this Mohamed Salah claim.

After joining West Bromwich Albion in a £6.75m deal back in the summer of 2017, Baggies fans may well have believed Kieran Gibbs would go on to become their club’s first-choice left-back for a fair few seasons.

This proved to be the case initially, with the 32-year-old going on to make 33 Premier League appearances in his debut season at The Hawthorns, helping his side keep seven clean sheets but earning a rather disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.78 on the way to Albion’s relegation from the top flight.

The former England international’s level of performance picked up somewhat over his 36 Championship appearances in the following campaign, helping the Baggies keep five clean sheets, scoring four goals and registering four assists, in addition to averaging an improved SofaScore match rating of 6.84 – ranking him as the club’s joint 12th-best performer in the second tier.

However, with West Brom having signed fellow left-back Conor Townsend in the summer of 2018, the younger man clearly started to impress at Palm Training Ground, as he limited Gibbs to just 14 Championship appearances in 2019/20 – over which the £30k-per-week defender once again disappointed, receiving a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.76.

Townsend’s usurping of the man who Slaven Bilic once dubbed a “stupid” player came full circle last season, with Gibbs featuring in just ten Premier League fixtures, before being released on a free transfer this summer.

As such, considering the fact that Albion paid a rather hefty fee for the left-back, in addition to him costing the club a whopping £6.24m in wages over his four-year contract at The Hawthorns, the Baggies’ investment in Gibbs looks to have been something of a nightmare for the West Brom board.

Indeed, it would be a difficult argument to make that the former Arsenal defender’s contributions during his time in West Bromwich warranted even half of the club’s total outlay on the defender, let alone the near-£13m he actually cost the Championship side.

In other news: Ismael could save West Brom millions with exciting 20 y/o prodigy with a “big future”

Newcastle United return to action this evening as they face off against Wolves at St James’ Park in the Premier League.

The Magpies are currently on a run of three straight defeats and will be looking to put their poor form to an end with a positive result against Bruno Lage’s side.

Eddie Howe’s men were given a thrashing last time out in the top flight as they were hammered 5-1 by Antonio Conte’s Tottenham last weekend.

The ex-Cherries head coach will surely make changes to his team in the hope of turning in an improved performance, and one player he must finally unleash from the start is Bruno Guimaraes after benching him last week.

The midfielder came on as a substitute against Spurs and caught the eye with a strong showing amid a number of poor displays from his team-mates. As per SofaScore, he won seven of his nine duels, made four tackles and completed 96% of his attempted passes – resulting in one key pass – in just 31 minutes on the pitch.

To put those statistics into context, Joe Willock (six), Jonjo Shelvey (three) and Joelinton (two) all failed to win as many duels as the Brazilian despite all of them starting the match, with the former two playing the full 90 minutes and Joelinton coming off in the 59th minute.

His former Lyon team-mate Houssem Aouar dubbed Bruno as someone who “constantly offers solutions” for his team’s defenders by sweeping up ahead of them. This was on full display in his cameo performance in north London as the 24-year-old got stuck in and won possession back for his team in the little time that he had on the pitch.

Howe previously hailed the midfielder as a “standout” player and that is exactly what he can be for Newcastle against Wolves if he is named in the starting XI.

In his last Premier League start – against Everton in mid-March – Bruno impressed in the middle of the park. As per SofaScore, he won seven of his nine duels and made three tackles, whilst completing 97% of his passes and all nine of his long pass attempts.

This display – along with his ability to outshine Willock, Shelvey and Joelinton against Spurs – suggests that he has the quality to run the midfield for the Magpies. He can excel both on and off the ball and it is time for Howe to throw him in from the start at St James’ Park tonight.

AND in other news, Signed for free, now worth £9m: Ashley sealed his final NUFC gift in £35k-p/w “dream”…

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Manchester United are considering a move for Brentford’s attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen. 

The lowdown: Eriksen enjoying fairytale comeback

When regulations in Italy ruled out the possibility of a career in Serie A following a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 clash with Finland, Eriksen had to be released by Inter Milan.

The 30-year-old subsequently signed for Brentford on a short-term deal and continued a fairytale return to professional football in west London on the weekend, netting a first Premier League goal since joining the Bees against Chelsea.

This came just after the former Tottenham star scored twice upon his comeback to the international stage recently.

As the end of the season and the conclusion of a deal at the west London club comes into view, it appears that Brentford may struggle to retain the Dane’s services…

The latest: United watching Eriksen

As per the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are believed to be ‘monitoring’ Eriksen ahead of a potential summer swoop.

With the 30-year-old set to become a free agent in July (as per Transfermarkt), Manchester United and Tottenham are both attentive to the 111-cap playmaker’s situation at Brentford.

The verdict: Perfect Pogba replacement

As Eriksen becomes a free agent, there can be no doubting the logic in pursuing a deal for the £13.5m valued man, particularly as United brace themselves for the seemingly imminent departure of Paul Pogba.

Boasting an enviable trophy haul along with 230 English top-flight appearances, signing the Denmark star would be the ideal tonic to boost the Old Trafford squad in terms of quality and experience.

Previously hailed as ‘world class’ by former Spurs team-mate Dele Alli, adding Eriksen’s impressive technical ability to the squad to dovetail alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho would surely be an exciting prospect, particularly on a free transfer.

In other news: Source makes worrying claim regarding Man Utd star. Find out more here!