Category Uncategorized

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that his side have further concerns in regards to their injury-prone defence in the build-up to Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa this Saturday.

Out of favour winger Nani was also reported injured by Ferguson and will be unavailable for at least the next ten days.

Chris Smalling has been declared fit to play after being sidelined since the end of last season with a broken metatarsal, however there are now fears over Jonny Evans, who picked up a knock on Champions League duty against Braga in midweek.

United continue to be without key centre back Nemanja Vidic, who his unlikely to return until Christmas following a further set-back to his recovery from a knee injury, and Phil Jones is still on the mend following an operation in September.

The United boss told reporters today: “We’re hoping Jonny Evans is ok tomorrow. There is a doubt, not a serious one, but hopefully he’s fit.

“Chris Smalling is back – No issues with him at all, he did very well. He’s come through [from injury] very well.

“So we’re just monitoring the situation with Jonny, but if he doesn’t make it Chris [Smalling] will have to play.”

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have their own injury crisis as Darren Bent is sidelined with an ankle injury for an unconfirmed period of time, and Richard Dunne has picked up a strain since returning to training after a five month absence with a groin injury.

The most alarming concerns for Paul Lambert will be at left back with Eric Lichaj suspended and Joe Bennett also sidelined. The Scottish coach revealed in a press conference he will turn to 22-year-old Edna Stevens to fill in.

“Joe Bennett is a doubt but we will have to see. Enda Stevens came in and did really fine against Sunderland” said Lambert.

The substitute appearance against Sunderland was Stevens’ first in the Premier League since moving from Shamrock Rovers in January 2012.

“So credit to Enda for coming in and doing as well as he has done,” he added.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Aston Villa will face Manchester United in Saturday’s late kick-off at Villa Park.

[post_link url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/manchester-united/bosnich-believes-man-united-signing-has-tipped-the-balance-in-their-favour,https://www.footballfancast.com/football-blogs/the-top-15-surprise-performers-in-the-premier-league,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/manchester-united/are-they-calling-time-on-him-at-old-trafford,https://www.footballfancast.com/football-blogs/top-ten-footballers-who-failed-to-live-up-to-their-billing,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/liverpool/do-football-clubs-do-enough-to-protect-them” target=”_blank” type=”grid”]

[ad_pod id=’tv’ align=’center’]

Newcastle have begun talks with Galatasaray over a summer transfer for Garry Rodrigues, according to Turkish news outlet Aksam.

What’s the story?

The 27-year-old winger joined Galatasaray in January 2017 and has since scored ten goals in 49 games for the Turkish club.

According to the report, Galatasaray want £17.5million for the player who can play on both wings, but Newcastle are hoping to make a deal at a lower price.

The Cape Verde international is valued at £7.2million on Transfermarkt, but Galatasaray’s manager Fatih Terim is reluctant to see their star player leave, according to Aksam.

Is he worth it?

Rodrigues is a pacy winger with the ability to beat a defender and get a cross in.

With nine goals and ten assists in the Super Lig, he clearly has an end product and would be a versatile addition, being comfortable on the right and left wing, as well as playing as a second striker.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

If Newcastle can strike a deal with Galatsaray then they will add some real quality to their flanks for the coming season.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”252976″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch 21 things that will definitely happen at the World Cup”]

According to The Mirror, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is prepared to sell both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling at the end of the season.

The duo were heavily criticised following Man United’s defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on January 31, and more questions were asked following the team’s 1-0 loss at Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

Indeed, Newcastle’s winner came from a free kick which had been won when Smalling was booked for throwing himself to the floor in an attempt to win a foul.

It has been reported that Mourinho would sell both players this summer, despite the fact that Jones has actually been solid for long spells of the season.

Everton fans were asked whether they would take the pair in this summer’s transfer window.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Despite the Toffees having problems at the back, not many of the supporters said that they would welcome either Jones or Smalling at Goodison Park for the 2018-19 campaign.

A selection of the Twitter reaction to the transfer rumour can be seen below:

Whether it’s down to stubbornness or a tactical ineptitude, Arsenal seem to approach every fixture as though it is the same. Now, after conceding a grand total of 17 goals in three away Premier League fixtures against the league’s three strongest sides, surely it is time to try a new approach?

A humiliating 6-0 loss at Stamford Bridge and limp draw against Swansea has once more confined Arsenal’s league season to a bitter struggle for Champions League football. Arsene Wenger seemingly set his side up to keep possession as they are prone to doing (much better at home I might add). But it became apparent from the first minute that Chelsea’s midfield duo of Nemanja Matic and David Luiz weren’t going to allow them the time and space to work the ball around. Mikel Arteta, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Santi Cazorla were hurried in possession and gave the ball away sloppily in the build up to Chelsea’s first two goals.

The domination of Arsenal by Liverpool and Chelsea in recent games has really highlighted the weakness in the Arsenal boss’ set up. When in possession, the full-backs commit themselves high up the field in an attempt to provide options for the Arsenal midfield. When facing teams with the pace and the organisation of Chelsea and Liverpool, both Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have found themselves overrun by marauding bodies. It should be the job of the full-backs to provide options in order to ease the pressure, not go mindlessly rampaging forwards.

Furthermore, for all Oxlade-Chamberlain’s numerous qualities, a ball-playing, short passing, possession-centric footballer he is not. His passing can be wayward, and in midfield areas against teams that break with the pace of Chelsea it places the Arsenal defence under great pressure in the transition.

Last season, when the going got tough the Gunners got stuck in. The fashion in which they were able to grind out results with early goals and gritted teeth pushed them over the line, pipping Tottenham for Champions League football. Albeit they avoided most top teams in the final stretch, but nevertheless, Wenger’s side showed a side to their game that many felt was absent.

As not only Arsenal’s title hopes, but their Champions League hopes too, are in the balance, it may be worth channeling some of that fight from last year. The Gunners’ fantastic start to the season has seen them, at times, become complacent, almost ignoring the strengths of other sides. Instead of building on a rigid defensive performance in the big games, Arsenal have come out attempting to outplay their opposition. Away games against Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea are not the time to dismiss the principles which allowed Arsenal to be in the position they have enjoyed most of the season.

The simple fact is that Arsenal’s players aren’t good enough right now to play in the manner they try against the best sides. And tactically, Wenger is too naïve. In his encounters with the media Wenger often speaks about ‘focusing on our own game’, or offers similar sentiments. As a man of experience it is simply infeasible to accept that he spends no time concentrating on the opposition. But at times it feels as though a little bit better preparation could go a long way. Instead, the Gunners inevitably revert back to the mean in a hope to claim victory. Wenger’s tactical predictability makes preparation for games far simpler than it does against the likes of Brendan Rodgers or Jose Mourinho; both managers who display their malleability in interpreting different situations and opponents, and adapt accordingly.

I would say Arsenal are lucky to be at home in the upcoming fixture against Manchester City, but with their ability to run riot, and Arsenal’s vulnerability against sides who press like City can and will, the potential for a painful defeat (especially off the back of the Chelsea result) is not beyond the realms of possibility.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Wenger needs to realise that when City come to town, he doesn’t possess the team of superior footballers. In order to get anything from the game defensive discipline and organisation will be the key. If they come at City as they have done against Chelsea and Liverpool, another capitulation may be on the cards. And if that’s the case, it may just spell the beginning of the end of Arsenal’s season.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Liverpool’s Stewart Downing is hopeful that his stunning goal against Anzhi has bolstered his chances of playing in Sunday’s Merseyside derby.

The Reds winger has struggled to impress this season, however his 53 minute effort capped off a fine performance on the night.

“I don’t think I’ve scored many goals better than that! Downing told Liverpool.com

“It was a good goal and I was very happy with it. It was a good three points too because they made it hard for us and it was looking as though it would probably be a long-range strike that would win the game.

“We’d tried everything and they were tough to break down. It was frustrating at times, but it was a good win and a good night for us in the end.”

Downing is aware that the best way to stake a claim for more action is by delivering where it matters, on the pitch.

“I’m happy. Obviously I don’t know what the team will be for Sunday, but hopefully I’ve given him (Rodgers) a little bit of food for thought.”

Not only did Downing impress with his fine goal he also showed versatility in where he can play. Having started the game off in his more familiar position on the right wing, the second half he was moved to left back after Glen Johnson was substituted at half time.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The victory for Liverpool took them top of Group A with three games gone.

[post_link url=” https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/the-15-great-polar-opposites-within-football, https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/football-fancast-paints-a-picture-of-the-modern-footballer, https://www.footballfancast.com/football-blogs/top-players-in-europe-who-would-be-the-perfect-fit-in-the-premier-league,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/the-football-quarterbacks-and-their-role-within-the-game,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/arsenal/the-ideal-role-for-theo-walcott” target=”_blank” type=”grid”]

Leeds United midfielder Madger Gomes has joined French Ligue 2 side FC Sochaux-Montbeliard on a permanent deal, as announced by the official club website.

What’s the story?

Madger Gomes joined Leeds on a free transfer after he was released by Liverpool last summer.

The Spaniard went on to make just two appearances for the Whites last season, both in the Carabao Cup.

According to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay, a small fee was involved in the transfer.

A good move

Although Gomes wasn’t afforded much opportunity to shine, it was clear that the Leeds hierarchy didn’t think he was cut out for this level, and a move to a mid-table French Ligue 2 side reflects this.

It is the first transfer business Leeds have conducted this summer and fans will be hoping it sparks a wave of activity for the club.

Gomes was only one year into a three-year deal, so the transfer will help reduce the wage bill and hopefully raise a few funds for their summer transfer kitty.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”214750″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Five astonishing milestones since Leeds were in the Premier League”]

According to reports in The Telegraph, West Ham United have cooled their interest in Anderlecht star Leander Dendoncker, who is rated at £16.2m according to Transfermarkt, and Irons fans are furious at the new development.

David Moyes has been heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old midfielder this month, with reports from Belgian media outlet DH on Tuesday suggesting that the Belgium international ‘dreams’ of a transfer to the London Stadium.

However, The Telegraph reports that after assistant manager Stuart Pearce saw Dendoncker play as a centre-back at the weekend, he has now dropped down their list of potential midfield signings with Real Betis’ Fabian Ruiz, Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey and Inter Milan’s Joao Mario all potentially ahead of him now.

West Ham supporters were quick to have their say on the story via social media, and while one said “just want us to sign Dendoncker”, another simply told the club to “please pay the money” to bring him to the capital.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

At first it was easier to explain. No European football of any kind (and the fortune, in hindsight, of being knocked out of the League Cup early) owed to Liverpool’s good form at the start of the season. It was thought of as a false position they held near the top of the Premier League table, because thrown into a fixture list as congested as that of fellow title rivals, their true colours would show.

Liverpool have taken good steps to be where they are now, investing in youth, both in the form of their manager and their recruits via the market. With the fire power Brendan Rodgers has available to him in the form of Luis Suarez – a player trumpeted as the best in England – combined with smart tactics and a supporting cast of more than able attackers, it is about right where the club are now.

Instead of looking at it from a cynical point of view, we should strip away the topic of European football from the Liverpool-title challenge discussion and look at it for what it is: a team starting again, building from the bottom up and who will, when the time is right, play in the Champions League again. But first the ability to perform domestically.

Rodgers has been eager to keep his players grounded. He doesn’t need to look too far for support on that front. Steven Gerrard is one of the best captains to have in situations like this, when young players need a strong figure on the pitch and in the dressing room to help keep their heads clear. More than anyone at the club, Gerrard will be desperate to add the Premier League title to his trophy count, but it’s clear he’s not becoming distracted from the job at hand.

Around Christmas it was understandable for the Liverpool manager to want to distance his squad from talk of title challenges. It was sensible because even then, when they went into Christmas day as the league leaders, there were issues in the team that needed ironing out. Inconsistencies in the team’s results and general form, the matter that he had flagged up a squad that wasn’t strong enough and that could yet be reduced further by long-term injury. There’s also the psychological impact and distraction it has to talk up your own title credentials. Even Jose Mourinho, who is top with Chelsea, won’t admit to being in the race.

But that was three months ago. There’s only 10 games left and Liverpool are only held off the top spot by Chelsea while sitting above Arsenal and Manchester City (albeit who have two games in hand). The biggest name missing from that list will generate undoubted joy from the red half of Merseyside. Liverpool are so far ahead of Manchester United, and not just in terms of points, that it seems pointless to mention David Moyes’ side in the list of relevant sides who Liverpool are above.

Liverpool are currently the league’s most in-form side with the league’s most lethal strike partnership. Things likely could have been different, and Sergio Aguero’s injury troubles at Manchester City are as much a case of fortune as being given a clear run at the title through a lack of cup competition interventions.

Yet even with all that going for Rodgers and his side, it may be unwise to think too far ahead. What is important now is the game against Manchester United on March 16th. Taking away from Jose Mourinho’s reaction, there isn’t too much wrong with what Arsene Wenger said about fear of failure. No one really wants claim this season’s title as their own due to the unpredictability of the season so far.

And of course Liverpool have been here before, sitting in a strong position with just under two months left to play. They’ve also been burnt.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The temptation will be there, and for all we know, Rodgers is sitting quietly out of camera and ear-shot thinking of the 10-game stretch and what could be achieved in only his third season as a Premier League manager. But there’s nothing wrong with what he’s doing. For now, and even with 10 games left, just carry on as normal.

Click below for great Mercedes offers!

Newcastle United’s Gabriel Obertan is hoping to get a chance to impress against his former club in the Europa League.

United host Bordeaux at the Sports Direct Arena with the French winger hoping to impress at the club where he was first handed a first team opportunity in football.

The 23 year old told the Shields Gazette, “It’s always a weird feeling to play against one of your old teams.

“As for Bordeaux, it has been a long time since I was there. I don’t really know what to expect, but it’ll be great to see the coaches and staff again.

“You have a chance to show the manager what you can do, and it’s not just the young players. It’s also a chance to give game time to all the members of the squad who haven’t been involved in league games.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“I want to play as much as I can, be efficient in my play, score goals and give assists.”

Liverpool should consider making a move for Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira as a replacement for Emre Can.

Why Torreira?

Manager Jurgen Klopp is likely going to need a new defensive midfielder before the start of the season.

Can’s long-term future at Anfield looks bleak given that his contract expires in the next few months and he is yet to sign a new one.

With that in mind, the Reds should be looking at potential targets and they must glance an eye over to Sampdoria’s Torreira.

The Uruguayan international, who is valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, has been at the Italian club since 2016.

Last season, the midfielder featured in 38 games in all competitions, contributing with four goals and one assist.

In November last year, Football Italia reported that Torreira has a £21.9m release clause, which would make him a cheap buy in the current market.

Is he better than Can?

He certainly has the potential to be! Not only is Torreira comfortable carrying out defensive duties, he has attacking strengths as well.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The Uruguayan has occasionally in the past been used more centrally and as an attacking midfielder, and that kind of versatility will surely be welcomed by Klopp.

Can has not always been a regular in the first XI at Anfield, and while he has impressive qualities, the 24-year-old struggled with consistency at times.

One of Torreira’s main attributes is his ability to intercept the ball, which is crucial when launching counter-attacks, something that Klopp likes to encourage.