All posts by z3u9t.icu

Crystal Palace staged a dramatic second-half fightback to secure a point against Leicester City in their Premier League clash at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

The visitors raced into a two-goal lead going into halftime thanks to strikes from Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy, but Patrick Vieira’s substitutes proved pivotal, with Michael Olise and Jeffrey Schlupp coming off the bench to rescue a 2-2 draw.

Palace largely dominated proceedings in the opening half an hour, yet a mistake from one of their usually more reliable stars turned the game on its head.

Summer signing Joachim Andersen took a heavy touch when receiving a pass from centre-back partner Marc Guehi under no pressure, allowing Leicester forward Iheanacho to capitalise on his mistake and put the Foxes ahead.

The 25-year-old was then unable to cut out Harvey Barnes’ pass to Vardy for the second, compounding a tricky six-minute spell for the Denmark international.

As per SofaScore, Andersen received a measly match rating of just 5.8 out of 10 for his underwhelming showing, the lowest total awarded to any player on the pitch over the weekend.

It was an out-of-character display from the former Lyon ace who usually bullies his opponents, with Andersen losing three of his seven duels and failing to make a single tackle during the 90 minutes.

But he was especially sloppy when in possession. He lost the ball on a whopping 22 occasions and completed just six of his 17 attempted long balls, leading to an overall pass completion of only 77%.

Andersen proved to be a liability for Palace as he let Vieira down in south London. However, his previous displays for the capital club have been full of promise, meaning the former Nice boss should keep faith with his £20m acquisition following the international break.

And, in other news…Forget Schlupp: Palace beast who won 75% of his duels was Vieira’s real hero 

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”…

An update has emerged on PSG striker Mauro Icardi, regarding the chances of him signing for Newcastle in January…

What’s the talk?

According to Foot Mercato, the Argentine striker has been offered to the Magpies, along with Barcelona, Tottenham and Juventus as he attempts to leave the Ligue 1 outfit.

The report claims that he would like to find a ‘quieter’ club where he can be an important player for the side, rather than being a small fish in a big pond in France.

Complete Howe’s attack

The signing of Icardi could complete Howe’s attack by allowing him to deploy his favoured 4-4-2 formation. At the moment, the Magpies do not have two natural strikers who can effectively play alongside each other at the top end of the pitch, with Joelinton finding more success elsewhere and Allan Saint-Maximin at his best out wide.

Callum Wilson could find a dream partner in the Argentine striker, who has proven that he can score goals at the top level. In 296 games for Inter and PSG, he has scored a whopping 160 goals and provided 39 assists – showing his quality as a finisher.

Juventus and Italy centre-back Giorgio Chiellini lauded the Argentine in his autobiography, comparing him to French icon David Trezeguet. He said:

“Among the great attackers I have faced, I highly value Icardi, who inside the area is almost impossible to mark. Mauro against Juve has often scored, it hurt me.

“He’s a world-class centre-forward, even if he lacks something in the collective game, he’s a Trezeguet but with different characteristics, lethal in the aerial game but perfectible outside the surface.”

Trezeguet scored 34 goals in 71 caps for France and 171 goals in 320 games for Juventus during his playing days as a striker, which emphasises how highly Chiellini rates the Argentina international as he has been willing to compare him to such a legend of the Turin club.

This, along with his statistics for Inter and PSG, shows why the £31.5m-rated beast could be able to complete Howe’s attack at St. James’ Park.

Having a lethal finisher with a proven track record of scoring goals could take some of the pressure off Wilson and allow him to thrive, with defenders potentially offering him more space as they pay attention to Icardi. It would also leave Saint-Maximin and Joelinton to play out wide in midfield, with Ryan Fraser and Miguel Almiron also pushing to start.

Therefore, Howe must ensure that Newcastle are able to get a deal over the line for Icardi in January to bolster their striking options and complete his attack heading into the second half of the season.

AND in other news, Discussions underway: NUFC must land £100k-p/w beast compared to “Ballack” and “Gazza”…

It’s Christmas Day which means 2022 is soon on the horizon. And with the New Year comes a new transfer window.

Leeds United will surely be active given their struggles since the start of the season.

Injuries have crippled Marcelo Bielsa’s playing squad and the Yorkshire giants have found themselves sat in 15th place, just five points above the relegation zone and are at risk of being pulled into a relegation dogfight.

Second-season syndrome, perhaps?

The Whites notoriously do not operate much in the winter when it comes to transfers but you’d imagine that changes next month. It’s unlikely they spend big, though can you get 100% right in this quiz about Leeds’ most expensive signings?

Do you know your Rio Ferdinand from your Raphinha?

So sit back, enjoy your Christmas dinner and take on this not-so-very festive transfer quiz from us here at Football FanCast.

If you think you’re a die-hard Leeds fan, then you should have no trouble getting all of these right…

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.

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.

Flocking to Twitter, many Southampton fans have shown their excitement as their club dropped an official announcement on academy talent Caleb Watts.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men, languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table, are yet to win a top flight match so far this season despite some solid performances against European sides like Man City, Man United and West Ham.

After losing key players such as Danny Ings and Jannik Vestergaard in the summer, this season could be a nervy one for supporters and club chiefs as they fight to maintain their English top flight status.

As such, any positive news is welcomed, and it appears there is some cause for celebration as the club drop an exciting announcement.

Indeed, Southampton have now confirmed that promising youngster Watts has put pen to paper on a contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2023.

His previous deal was set to expire at the end of this season but the 19-year-old has now signed fresh terms which will keep him at St Mary’s until the following summer.

Flocking to this development, many Saints supporters have raved about the news – find all of their best reactions from social media down below.

Southampton fans rave over new Watts deal…

“This is great news!”

Credit: @GKBeer

“Yes!!!!”

Credit: @josefsfc

“Good to hear”

Credit: @penntycotton0

“Great news, congratulations Caleb.”

Credit: @HackedOffStu

“Great to hear some positive news!”

Credit: @Robsticks7

“He’s one of our own”

Credit: @upsidedownsaint

In other news: ‘What a time to be alive’, ‘On my knees’…Saints supporters flock to behind-scenes managerial claim, 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.

Leeds United are actively pursuing deals, according to LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross…

What’s the word?

“Leeds will certainly be pursuing targets. As you say, [Victor] Orta has his shortlists and he will ensure he is on top of each of their situations to swoop if or when an opportunity arises,” the reliable reporter responded to one supporter during a recent online Q&A.

“There may be little concrete out there right now because the targets they have identified are not available as yet. There is nothing to report if the moves are not in motion.

“Leeds are open for business in this window, but there is such a small pool of players who will be available at the right price, with the right quality and amount of 21/22 minutes to make it all worthwhile.”

Expect business?

It is no secret that the Whites need to bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s playing squad this month as the Yorkshire giants have seriously struggled with injuries and inconsistencies throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

Over the festive period, the Argentine was missing as many as 11 players, including nine first-team stars, in key areas, too. Last season’s top goalscorer Patrick Bamford has been missing for large parts without any true centre-forward backup, whilst many of Bielsa’s centre-backs have been injured too.

The squad is also in need of midfield reinforcements but traditionally, Leeds under Bielsa and Orta have never spent during the winter, so that trend must change if they are to resolve the aforementioned situation.

Leeds’ recent win over Burnley moved them eight points clear of the relegation zone – a sign of encouragement after such a poor start to the season, though things could quickly change with another downturn in form.

The fact that Cross has suggested that Orta and co are looking to complete deals is certainly exciting and would suggest that things will be very different this time around. Fans will no doubt be delighted as a result.

AND in other news, Bielsa must brutally axe £55k-p/w Leeds liability who’s “like a kid in the playground”…

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is ‘ready’ to accept Aston Villa’s offer to replace Dean Smith at Villa Park.

And he is keen to bring some Ibrox stars with him to the Midlands, according to Hamish Azul of The Economist.

The Lowdown: Gerrard at Rangers…

Gerrard leaped into first-team management when he joined Rangers back in 2018 and hasn’t looked back since.

The 41-year-old, who likes to use an attacking 4-3-3 system, has won 124 of his 192 games as a boss in Scotland, winning the club’s first Premiership title for 10 years last season.

His team are once again top of the table during the current campaign ahead of rivals Celtic, and despite reports previously suggesting that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp may have a say in any move to the Midlands, it seems as if Gerrard could be Villa’s new man in charge very soon, with Ashley Preece claiming that Gerrard to Villa is all but done.

The Latest: Azul’s post

On Tuesday afternoon, Azul was one of the first to drop a major update on Gerrard moving south.

He claimed that the Englishman is ‘ready to take up’ Villa’s offer, even hinting that Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, had been in touch over a potential switch.

Azul then went on to add that ‘no clause’ will be inserted in a deal stopping Gerrard signing any Gers players, and he is ‘keen’ to act with ‘significant funds’ set to be available.

The Verdict: A new chapter…

Christian Purslow appears to have been key in what appears to be a likely move for Gerrard following their Liverpool connections, and it looks set to be a fresh era at Villa Park under the former Reds midfielder.

Should a move officially go through, you’d expect he’ll know exactly who he would want to bring with him to Villa on a playing front.

Centre-back Connor Goldson, right-back James Tavernier, striker Alfredo Morelos and winger Ryan Kent are some of the players Gerrard has used most as a manager, so perhaps he may look at a few of those to make his mark in the Midlands.

It appears as if he is interested in bringing some players with him, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens in the winter window, should he take over.

In other news: NSWE now eye ‘outstanding’ boss as Villa alternative for Gerrard; due in UK soon.