All posts by z3u9t.icu

As shared by the Hammers’ official website, Lyon have been dealt a blow for their clash with West Ham United as both sides gear up for a crunch evening in Europe.

The Lowdown: Big night ahead…

After sensationally knocking out La Liga giants Sevilla, who are also the Europa League’s most successful ever side, some West Ham supporters could be forgiven for dreaming of illustrious silverware or, at the very least, a notable run to the final four.

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David Moyes’ men battled to a memorable victory at the London Stadium against their Round of 16 competitors last time out with, perhaps most fittingly, Ukrainian Andriy Yarmolenko scoring the winner in added time.

West Ham’s 2-1 win on aggregate could be the start of a fairy-tale run with tonight’s clash in east London pivotal.

The Latest: Lyon without key star Caqueret…

Sharing some team news, West Ham relay their competitors will be without a key man in midfielder Caqueret after picking up a knee injury in training last week.

Although, despite early fears of Karl Toko-Ekambi joining Caqueret on the sidelines, their manager Petr Bosz has since confirmed that the former will be available.

The Verdict: Blow for Lyon…

Caqueret has been a real mainstay for the Ligue 1 giants this season with his absence coming as a real blow.

Described as ‘incredible’ by his manager Bosz and ‘crucial’ to Lyon by French media, WhoScored detail that only goalkeeper Anthony Lopes has played more top flight minutes for them than the 22-year-old this season.

In that time, the robust midfield gem has averaged an impressive 1.4 interceptions per 90, the third-most of any Lyon star, whilst also completing the fourth-highest amount of challenges (WhoScored).

Taking this into account, it’s safe to say Bosz may well miss his presence in midfield tonight, where Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek will surely be licking their lips at the weakend Lyon unit.

In other news: West Ham agreement to sign ‘sensational’ player now possible as price drops by nearly £25m! Find out more here.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed that divisive former Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell has been nothing but supportive since he has taken charge.

The Lowdown: Postecoglou excelling in charge

The Australian became the Hoops’ new manager last summer, having left his role as boss at Yokohama F. Marinos, and he has done a superb job to date.

Under Postecoglou, Celtic sit comfortably atop the Scottish Premiership, with last weekend’s 2-1 win at Rangers arguably the high point of his reign to date.

The 56-year-old’s current deal at Parkhead expires at the end of this season after only signing a 12-month contract, however, leading to doubts surrounding his long-term future.

The Latest: Ange praises Lawwell

As per Football Scotland, Postecoglou has hinted at his desire to stay put, heaping praise on those behind the scenes at Parkhead, including Lawwell, who is disliked by many Celtic fans:

“I’ve said consistently that the one thing I’ve felt since I got this position is a real strong backing and support.

“The fans, players, staff have been unbelievable and that includes the management. Michael Nicholson, Chris McKay, Dermot and the board, even Peter Lawwell who is no longer involved but has been very supportive of me.

“I couldn’t start to achieve in terms of building a team and trying to get to this point without that sort of support.”

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The Verdict: Credit where it’s due

There is no denying that Lawwell made mistakes during his time as chief executive but Postecoglou’s comments do at least deserve to be taken seriously.

Lawwell could easily have left the Hoops manager to his own devices after stepping down from his role, but has instead clearly been supportive during the transition period.

There is certainly every reason for Postecoglou’s contract to be extended well beyond its current expiry date, having guided Celtic to within touching distance of a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double, and the praise he is receiving is fully merited.

In other news, one Celtic player has been hailed as a club legend. Find out who it is here.

Whilst some clubs would absolutely love to bring in a striker like Charlie Austin, Aston Villa fans are all desperate to steer clear of the 29-year-old. The Telegraph has run a story that claims the striker could leave Southampton this month, and despite his Championship pedigree, the Villains want to miss out on this one.

In his career, Charlie Austin has proven to be a brilliant goalscorer at Championship level. In his time at both Burnley and QPR his lowest goal tally in a full season is 16 goals, which he managed in the 2011/12 season with the Clarets. However, whether he’s what’s needed at Villa Park is another question as entirely, as they already have the likes of JonathanÂKodjia and Tammy Abraham scoring the goals.

Instead, the Villains would rather go for a young player for the future who is preferably a defender. The fact that they already have goals flowing freely is brilliant, but stopping them at the other end is something that they’ve struggled with. Whilst Austin is no doubt a brilliant player, he wouldn’t be much use to Dean Smith as the Villa gaffer looks to tighten up his backline.

You can read the Villains’ verdict on Austin here:

The Villains are all in agreement that Austin is not what they need, although they’ll be keen to see maybe one more player come in before the end of the window.

Newcastle United are still in with a chance of landing Diego Carlos in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Kaveh Solhekol, with the Sky Sports journalist revealing on a recent episode of The Transfer Show that, despite Monchi recently suggesting that the Magpies’ move for the centre-back was all but over, there is actually the slim possibility of PIF managing to strike a deal for the 28-year-old this month.

Speaking about Newcastle’s interest in Diego Carlos, Solhekol said: “Sevilla [are] playing hardball. They don’t want to sell him to Newcastle for less than €45m, we’ve been told. It looked like that deal was not going to happen.

“The Sevilla sporting director, Monchi, came out yesterday and said: ‘It’s not happening. We saw their offer, it’s not enough. The player is going to stay with us. There isn’t enough time for us to sign a replacement.’

“But, I was told earlier this morning that there is still a small, small chance that this could happen. Somebody involved in the deal said: “Don’t say it’s impossible, don’t say it’s finished. The window is still open, so there is a possibility.’

“I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up because I still think it’s unlikely that it will happen, but, behind the scenes, people are still working to try and make it happen.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how talented a defender Diego Carlos quite clearly is, should Solhekol’s latest update regarding Newcastle’s interest in the Brazil international prove to be correct, the St. James’ Park faithful will be buzzing.

Indeed, over his 21 LaLiga appearances so far this season, the £40.5m-rated centre-back has been in remarkable form for Sevilla, helping his side keep 10 clean sheets and scoring two goals, in addition to making an average of 0.8 interceptions, one tackle, 3.6 clearances, 60.3 passes and winning 63% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the £40k-per-week defender average a SofaScore match rating of 7.13, ranking him as Julen Lopetegui’s third-best performer in the top flight of Spanish football – a highly impressive feat considering the 28-year-old is part of a side currently sitting just four points off first place in the league table.

As such, it is clear for all to see that, should a deal remain on the table for Carlos prior to the closure of the transfer window on Monday evening, PIF must do all they can to bring the centre-back into the club – as his signing would undoubtedly provide the Magpies’ survival chances this season with a substantial boost.

In other news: Luke Edwards drops major update on late Newcastle transfers, PIF finally mean business

Ryan Fraser has been a positive influence and mainstay under Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, which is why the hamstring injury he sustained against Wolves last week will come as a major blow to the Magpies faithful.

On the Scotsman’s injury, Howe said: “It looks like a hamstring issue. I don’t know how serious it is, but it was obviously enough to bring him off the pitch today, which is a huge blow with the form that he’s been in.”

Opportunity knocks for Almiron

Fortunately for the Magpies boss, he can now count upon Miguel Almiron, who came on in place of the injured Fraser and put in an impressive performance last Friday, having created the only key chance of the game in his 77 minutes on the pitch.

The 28-year-old – who has been described as “unbelievable” by sports writer Charlie Bennett – received even higher praise from his manager, who was encouraged by his efforts against the Old Gold.

On the Paraguayan’s performance, Howe said: “I thought Miggy did really well. Miggy has been away on international duty, then he was ill, so we haven’t seen a great deal of him. But never doubt him physically. Despite the fact that he hasn’t trained with us a great deal, I backed him physically to play that time, and the energy and pressing that Miggy gives you is a real weapon.”

High praise from the boss, but in fairness everything that Howe said is the truth. In terms of a pressing asset, Almiron has proven himself to be one of the best amongst positionally similar players in Europe’s top 5 leagues across the last 365 days. His average of 5.3 pressures in the attacking third per 90 place him in the 94th percentile, according to FBRef.

Perhaps even more impressively given his position on the pitch, his average of eight pressures in the defensive third places him in the 84th percentile, as he occupies an attacking position and tracks back tremendously. It demonstrates his versatility and ability to act as a team player, which is of course a welcome attribute for any coach.

The £74k-p/w Paraguayan’s 2.5 touches per game in the opponents’ penalty box once again sets him apart and further demonstrates his ability to fill the void left by Fraser.

The injury to the Scotland international is of course unfortunate, but Newcastle’s depth in that area of the pitch with the likes of Almiron to call upon has softened the blow. It’s now time for Howe to place his trust in the industrious 28-year-old.

In other news – Howe could land NUFC’s new Waddle as PIF plot bid for “unbelievable” 115-goal machine

According to Portuguese television broadcaster SIC Noticias TV, as relayed by O Jogo, Sport Witness and Goal Point, there has been a big transfer update out of Tottenham involving FC Porto forward Luis Diaz.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing frontmen…

As explained by reliable sources, Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte have their eyes on new forward additions this January transfer window.

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Indeed, the likes of Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic and Paris-Saint Germain star Mauro Icardi have been linked in recent months as well as more obscure names like Genk striker Paul Onuachu.

It is believed that a striker is among Conte’s priority signings for Spurs as he seeks an alternative to star frontman Harry Kane, with broadcast network SIC Noticias now sharing a big development in their hunt.

The Latest: Spurs table bid…

According to the Portuguese broadcaster, as relayed by O Jogo, Sport Witness and Goal Point, Tottenham have tabled a €60 million (£50.1m) offer to sign Porto star Diaz.

Indeed, this is apparently the only ‘formal offer’ they have received so far for their attacker, with the club swiftly rejecting Paratici’s advances.

If the Primeira Liga giants are to consider selling Diaz, it is claimed that it will take a bid closer to the player’s €80million (£66.8m) release clause to reach an agreement.

The Verdict: Big claim…

Diaz is turning heads all over Europe with his sensational form for Porto this season, attracting serious interest from the Premier League also as Liverpool are repeatedly linked.

It’s not hard to see why Tottenham have taken a serious interest either as they allegedly make an offer.

According to WhoScored, he’s outscored every Spurs player in terms of league strikes so far this season – finding the net 12 times for Porto whilst averaging an impressive 3.1 attempts per 90.

This is more than any Lilywhites man, including the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min (WhoScored), with Diaz’s teammate, Sergio Oliveira, calling him ‘extraordinary’.

It’s little wonder the Colombian is a sought-after player, but it appears Tottenham will have to smash their transfer record if they wish to seal a sensational January move.

In other news: Tottenham ‘working strongly’ for ‘phenomenal signing’ as reporter drops Twitter claim, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur could also sell an ‘important’ player who manager Antonio Conte ‘raves about’, according to journalist Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites exodus?

This upcoming Spurs transfer window looks set to be the most interesting one in quite some time.

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Lilywhites transfer chief Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy, tasked with backing Conte ahead of the 2022/2023 Premier League season, are reportedly going to sit down with the Italian as he eyes six major signings (The Telegraph).

However, amid their financial complications off the pitch, with club debt mounting to around £706 million, it is imperative that the club offload surplus players to balance the books and bolster Conte’s transfer kitty.

Their homegrown quota also presents a complication with reliable journalist Matt Law recently claiming that, if Spurs want to sign an overseas forward this summer, one of Steven Bergwijn or Lucas Moura may have to be offloaded.

The Latest: Gold backs possible Bergwijn exit…

Writing for football.london in the last 24 hours, another credible source in Tottenham correspondent Gold has now backed that Bergwijn could also leave north London amid consistent exit links surrounding other players.

This is despite the fact Conte ‘raves about’ his Dutch winger, even calling him an ‘important’ player, with Gold adding that Bergwijn is unlikely to want to stay for 22/23 amid his lack of minutes.

The Verdict: Stick or twist?

The Netherlands international has proven to be a useful option for Conte over this campaign.

His added time brace to clinch a dramatic 3-2 win at Leicester City in late January is evidence of the player’s impact and quality when given an opportunity, and could even be the moment that secures Champions League football come the end of the campaign.

Bergwijn’s versatility as an attacking outlet from the wide positions and further forward is another incentive for Spurs to keep hold of the former PSV Eindhoven star.

Despite his quality, though, a mooted move back to the Eredivisie with footballing giants Ajax could be too enticing to ignore – and if the 24-year-old pushes for a move – Spurs may well need to consider a sale depending on their possible offer.

In other news: Source: Tottenham edge closer to ‘top signing’, he really wants to join Conte! Find out more here.

Newcastle United grabbed themselves a vital 1-0 win at Leeds United on Saturday afternoon in their fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Jonjo Shelvey scored from a free kick in the second half in the only goal of the game after the visitors were left under the cosh at times, with the Whites dominating possession.

As such, some Magpies players struggled more than others, as The Transfer Tavern uses statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who Newcastle’s three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were on the day:

Ryan Fraser (6.8)

Admittedly tied with Jamaal Lascelles in terms of rating (6.8), Fraser ranks third here because he played the whole match, whereas the captain was substituted midway through the second half.

The Scotland international never managed a shot on target, successful dribble or key pass, while he was also inaccurate with three of his four crosses.

He also lost the ball 12 times and managed just 33 touches in total, highlighting his lack of impact at Elland Road.

Sean Longstaff (6.7)

Coming on as a substitute in the first half for the injured Joelinton, Longstaff was given a 6.7 rating.

The 24-year-old midfielder lost four duels and failed to record a single shot on target, dribble or key pass, losing possession nine times in total. Like Fraser, he also managed only 33 touches in the entire game.

Joe Willock (6.3)

Willock was ranked as Newcastle’s worst player on the day, as he was given a 6.3 rating.

The former Arsenal ace lost seven of his duels and was unsuccessful with his two shots and three of his dribble attempts, while he also gave the ball away 13 times.

He only managed 42 touches and was described as ‘anonymous’ by Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards, along with Fraser.

In other news, find out what big NUFC transfer update has been dropped

Manchester United haven’t been making progress during the January transfer window, with many players linked to the club but nothing materialising as of yet, and now it has been revealed there could be a big reason behind it that will be another blow to Ralf Rangnick’s short tenure in charge at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

According to The Mirror, there may be an interesting reason why Man United have not been adding players to their side this January so far that has evidently left Rangnick concerned over his influence at the club.

The report suggests that the interim manager is frustrated with the fact the club seems reluctant to back him in the transfer window by making funds available to make official bids for players during the winter transfer window, with the manager reportedly desperate to sign Amadou Haidara from RB Leipzig who he has allegedly secured a £33m verbal agreement with.

The Mirror suggests that sources in Germany say he feels he is working with one hand tied behind his back, with Rangnick speaking directly to the media about his lack of influence in the transfer window, during his pre-match press conference last week:

“We had some talks about transfers last week, with John Murtough, Ed and Richard. We spoke about it, but I am not involved in that directly, he said.

Woodward heading for one last disaster

Ed Woodward will step down as chief executive at the club, with Richard Arnold replacing him in a matter of weeks, however, Arnold is not expected to take on transfer decisions, with John Murtough taking over the responsibility of transfers, leaving Rangnick in a consultancy position in the summer, with an unclear role.

Woodward’s lack of support for the German coach in the transfer window could be the final nightmare the chief executive delivers to Manchester United, tainting his legacy further by hindering the new manager’s opportunity to sign players to improve the team.

As a result, it could cost the club a Champions League qualifying position this season, offering another setback in the club’s ability to start winning trophies again.

With the Old Trafford faithful rather restless already, it would bring down the curtain on a rather toxic reign for Woodward in the northwest.

The Red Devils find themselves struggling to tighten up the competition for top four with West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, failing to win a game in the Premier League so far this year, with fans now desperate to see signings at the club this month to help improve results and ultimately finish with Champions League football next season.

In other news: Rangnick must make Dembele his first signing

Nottingham Forest will look to continue their sprint towards Premier League promotion tonight, but will face a tough test against Champions-elect Fulham at Craven Cottage.

A victory would effectively cement Forest’s spot in the play-off places, though Cooper will be looking for a win in case of the possibility that they could pip both Bournemouth and Huddersfield to the second-place automatic promotion spot.

Including tonight’s fixture, Forest have four games to play with one of those ties against Bournemouth – their rivals for automatic promotion. A win today is a must for Steve Cooper’s side.

In terms of injury news, Max Lowe is still out with a groin issue, and Steve Cook is also unlikely to start after just coming back from an ankle injury. Fulham will not roll over though and still have the title to play for, despite already sealing their ticket back to the Premier League.

Keinan Davis is another who is ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained against Luton Town two games ago.

Lewis Grabban is also unlikely to feature after hobbling off after a 15-minute cameo appearance against Peterborough.

With that update, here is how we at Football FanCast expect Nottingham Forest to line up against Fulham tonight.

In what would be a real statement of intent, our predicted line-up sees Surridge retain his starting spot through Grabban’s injury, meaning that there is just one change, with £1.8m-rated Tobias Figueiredo axed for Joe Lolley, due to the 4-2-3-1 system switch.

With his attacking prowess – he has 26 goals for Forest in total – and Lyle Taylor’s praise, dubbing him a “wriggly worm”, he could cause the Cottagers all sorts of problems this evening.

Cooper’s side have stuck with the 3-4-1-2 system for the last six games which has seen them score thirteen goals and concede just two during that run. And although the saying “don’t fix what isn’t broken” rings true in most cases, it failed to work for them last time out against Fulham who ran out 4-0 winners.

The 4-2-3-1 system has notably been used in big games by Cooper. In the game against Fulham before the 4-0 thrashing, they used the 4-2-3-1 system and narrowly lost 1-0.

This system was also used against Liverpool, who also found it tough against Forest.

A change to a hardy 4-2-3-1 could pay dividends for Cooper and provide an element of shock for Marco Silva.

In other news: Sold after 1 appearance: Nottingham Forest had a disaster over 23 y/o “top talent”…