All posts by h716a5.icu

[ad_pod ]

According to The Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa’s January window is far from over and the Midlands club will look to bring in three new faces before the end of the month. Newcastle’s Isaac Hayden is a target, while Chelsea’s Gary Cahill and Bournemouth’s Tyrone Mings are also on the radar – the latter duo could transform the Villans defence if Dean Smith can get them in.

On the chalkboard

The Birmingham Mail reports that the trio, who are all being targeted with the aim of establishing defensive security at Villa Park, will be moving to the Midlands if Smith gets his way, with Birkir Bjarnason also being allowed to leave should a suitable offer come in.

Villa lost out to Bournemouth in the battle for Brentford centre-back Chris Mepham’s signature earlier this month – the Welshman opted for the Cherries instead – but have identified other targets as they look to plug a defence that has leaked 46 goals already this campaign.

If they can get Mings and Cahill in, we could be seeing a completely new look come February and the Villans may finally start racking up the clean sheets.

How do they change the defence?

Villa have been lacking a leader in the backline since John Terry retired at the end of last season having guided them to a play-off final – the Chelsea legend’s presence has been sorely missed at the heart of defence – but the signing of old friend Cahill would help regiment the team immediately.

The 33-year-old might not fit the bill at Stamford Bridge, most likely due to a lack of technical ability, but he is arguably the best defender in the ranks in terms of clearing his lines and getting his body in the way – Villa simply need to do both of those more often and it’s clear to see how he would make a huge impact.

Mings, meanwhile, gives Smith the interesting option of switching to a five-at-the-back formation – the 6-foot-5 defender can play at both left-back and centre-back – and doing so could mean the ball hits the back of the Villa net much less frequently.

If Villa want to push for promotion via the coveted play-off spots, they need to sharpen up at the back – Tammy Abraham can’t fire them to glory if they let in as many goals at the other end – and maybe straying away from the 4-2-3-1 in favour of a 5-4-1, for instance, is the way forward.

However, this only seems possible if Cahill and Mings, in particular, are brought on board; the clock is ticking at Villa Park.

Thogden has ranked his top 5 sets of Championship away fans for Pl>ymaker FC. Did your club make the list? Find out in the video above…

[ad_pod ]

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table on Monday night, but not in the way they would have wanted.

The Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham United at the London Stadium, leaving the gap at the top at three points.

Sadio Mane’s 22nd-minute opener was cancelled out by Michail Antonio just five minutes later, with the Irons recovering from a three-game losing streak in all competitions to earn a creditable point.

The Merseyside outfit, meanwhile, are now two games without a win, after also drawing with Leicester City.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

Jurgen Klopp’s men face AFC Bournemouth this Saturday, while Manchester City host Chelsea on Sunday after a midweek clash with Everton.

The title race, then, is wide open – Tottenham Hotspur remain in the hunt, five points behind the Reds and two behind City.

And City fans have thanked former manager Manuel Pellegrini for his contribution to their title challenge, insisting that they now have the ability to go on and win the league, just as they did under the Chilean’s management.

It quickly went downhill for Musonda at Celtic. He joined the club at a difficult time but seemed more interested in his social media profile than playing his way into Brendan Rodgers’ system.

His 18-month loan deal was cut short in May, returning to Chelsea without any lessons learned. A knee injury hampered this season’s loan spell with Vitesse as the downward spiral continued.

Musonda will retire from football as a very rich young man. Perhaps he’ll have regrets about a talent scorned but his case perfectly highlights the player ‘farms’ being built up by big clubs like his parent club which is effectively killing off emerging talent.

A generation ago Musonda might have caught the eye in Belgium, earned a move to Anderlecht, perhaps Celtic then moved to a mid-table EPL side before reaching Chelsea.

Offering impressionable teenagers long contracts ensures that their bank balance will be healthy but their career will at best stall as they miss out crucial steps in their development.

[ad_pod ]

Marcelo Bielsa is clearly loving life at Leeds, but the boss has reportedly already lined up his successor.

According to The Yorkshire Evening Post, Bielsa is planning to spend some time touring around Yorkshire before the Whites take on Bolton next weekend, and he sure looks unlikely to leave the club any time soon.

The enigmatic Argentine’s side currently sit at the summit of the Championship, one point clear of Norwich City, and it’s easy see why he has been an instant hit with the Leeds fans.

Still, while those fans may not want to think about what life will be like after Bielsa, the boss has reportedly already identified the right man to take over once he leaves.

According to Diario Expreso, via Sport Witness, Bielsa has recommended that Juan Carlos Osorio takes over when his contract ends.

Osario is good friends with the Leeds boss, and is perhaps best known for his three-year stint in charge of the Mexico national team, though the 57 year-old has also managed multiple club sides like New York Red Bulls and Sao Paulo.

Osario is about as experienced as they come, but could he fill Bielsa’s shoes? Only time will tell…

[ad_pod ]

Sadio Mane struggled for form as Liverpool drew 0-0 with Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday.

The Reds had the chance to take advantage of home comforts in the first leg but drew a blank, with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino also in frustrating form.

But it was Mane who seemed to be at the centre of every major chance that fell Liverpool’s way.

Indeed, he showed signs that it might not be his night in the 15th minute, as he faced up Joshua Kimmich, turned him inside out and worked an angle for a shot. It was a wild effort and flew wide.

In the 32nd minute, he twisted to shoot first-time after a Naby Keita shot was deflected into his path, but he scuffed the effort and it did not trouble Manuel Neuer. An overhead kick in the second half was not even close.

Late on, a fine diving header drew an excellent save from the Germany goalkeeper but it was his only shot on target in the game.

While a member of a trio, when Mane fails to fire, Liverpool often struggle to create genuine moments of danger.

This was true on Tuesday, too, as, per WhoScored, Mane touched the ball just 37 times, the fewest of any Reds outfield player.

He completed just one dribble throughout the game, too, and was dispossessed five times, the most of any player on the pitch.

In total, Mane also committed three fouls, the joint-most of anyone except for Robert Lewandowski.

The Senegal international attempted a mere 17 passes, the least of any Liverpool player that started the game, and 13 lower than Alisson, who had the second-lowest tally for the home side.

Mane’s misfires ultimately stunted Liverpool’s attacking rhythm and robbed them of the dynamism that usually defines their forays forward.

Because of his poor form, the Reds could not sustain their pressure and now find themselves in need of a classic performance in Germany if they are to progress to the next round.

[ad_pod ]

With Roberto Firmino absent from the squad following the injury he picked up against Manchester United on Sunday, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp chose to use Sadio Mane in an unfamiliar centre-forward role against Watford at Anfield on Wednesday, and it worked wonders.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the German boss was left with a decision to make after the Brazilian was ruled out of facing the Hornets, who had beaten Cardiff City 5-1 away less than a week previously.

He could have used Mo Salah, Divock Origi or Daniel Sturridge through the middle, but instead he opted for the pace and unpredictability of Mane, with the former aforementioned duo flanking him in a 4-3-3 formation.

It was a bold move that worked wonders as the former Southampton man netted the first two goals – including a magnificent back-heel finish – of the 5-0 thrashing, that kept the Reds ahead in the Premier League title race.

When asked if he was surprised by the Senegal international’s showing he told liverpoolfc.com: “Scoring-wise of course, performance-wise not. That’s what we expect, that he plays like this, that he offers these things.”

Could he be used there again?

Almost certainly.

Klopp’s comments obviously suggest that he was concerned that the 26-year-old wouldn’t be as much of a goal threat playing as a centre-forward instead of on the wing, but he completely dispelled that with his brace in the opening 20 minutes on Merseyside.

It means that the former Borussia Dortmund coach is now able to confidently use any of his front three in that position, and that flexibility will surely only help Liverpool as their bid to win their first-ever Premier League title enters the final 10 matches.

[ad_pod ]

Phil Hay of the Yorkshire Evening Post has revealed that Samu Saiz could return to Leeds United at the end of the 2018-19 campaign.

What’s the word, then?

Saiz joined Getafe on loan from Leeds during the January transfer window.

The attacker had contributed four assists in 19 Championship appearances in the first half of the 2018-19 campaign, but was allowed to leave for the La Liga club in the winter window.

It had been thought that the deal included an obligation to sign Saiz on a permanent contract this summer.

However, according to Hay, that is not the case, with Getafe simply having the option to buy the Spaniard, rather than an ‘obligation’ to complete a permanent deal.

In the aftermath of the defeat to Queens Park Rangers at the end of last month, a number of Leeds fans said that their club made a mistake allowing Saiz to leave.

However, the 28-year-old was not missed on Friday as the Whites put four unanswered goals past West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road.

How will this one play out?

Saiz has not exactly set La Liga alight since his move.

The 5ft 9in ace has made six league appearances for Getafe, whilst he has also featured on two occasions in the Copa del Rey.

The Madrid-born ace has failed to come off the bench in each of his loan side’s last three league fixtures, though, and is currently struggling to earn a first-team spot.

It would certainly not be a surprise to see them decide against a permanent deal, meaning that Saiz would return to his parent club at the end of the season.

Should Marcelo Bielsa’s side earn promotion to the Premier League, though, they might feel that Saiz is also surplus to requirements at Elland Road.

[ad_pod ]

West Ham cruised to a 2-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday for their sixth consecutive home game without a loss, a feat the Hammers have not managed since April 2016.

The Hammers are now six games without defeat at the London Stadium, as goals from Declan Rice and Mark Noble lifted them to a comfortable win over Newcastle on Saturday evening.

This was about as professional a performance as we have seen all season from Manuel Pellegrini’s Hammers, and they are finally starting to add consistency to their quality.

Ironically, Saturday’s win came almost exactly a year – 357 days to be exact – after the 3-0 loss at home to Burnley that prompted mass protests and demonstrations from the fans.

The recent home record though, together with the impressive start to life in east London that Pellegrini has made, shows that the club’s gamble to try and jump up a level is finally beginning to pay off.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals what Lasagne-Gate was really like for Tottenham’s food-poisoned stars – Check out the video below…

On the chalkboard

The Hammers’ move to a newer, bigger stadium was supposed to represent the club taking the next step, and the owners were surely hoping to be challenging for a European place every season.

That is now finally happening, as Pellegrini’s side are up to ninth after Saturday’s round of matches, just four points behind Wolves in seventh.

Not only is the London Stadium slowly but surely becoming the fortress that the club envisioned, but their transfer business has improved massively since Pellegrini and Mario Husillos arrived.

Summer signings like Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena (when fit), Ryan Fredericks and Felipe Anderson are all now crucial cogs in Pellegrini’s machine, a machine that he is not afraid to include young players in either – just ask Rice and Ben Johnson.

With the combination of more professional, consistent performances, a truly top manager, smarter transfer business, opportunities for young players and an imposing home atmosphere to round it all off, the club’s gamble may be more than paying off – they may just have hit the jackpot.

If Southampton could play like they did at Old Trafford last week, fans would never moan again. Indeed, it was such an impressive performance built on youth and hard work, it was a throwback to the old days, before the club became a mess.

Still, clearly, as impressive as that was, they obviously need to stay vigilant as they could be sucked back into the relegation scrap at any time.

There are still eight games to be played that Ralph Hasenhuttl needs to get his players up for so they can do the business.

Going forward, with the group of players he has available to him, Southampton should be maintaining their Premier League status but football isn’t always as easy as that. Mark Hughes has proven that. Oh, Mark Hughes…

So, next season, if they do manage to survive, new faces must be brought in as a state of emergency.

The Saints and their long-suffering support quite obviously do not want to battle relegation every season and a top midfielder like Victor Camarasa could help them steer clear of that problem.

Camarasa, (who is valued at £5.4 million on Transfermarkt) has been impressive since arriving in England this season, despite his team’s struggles throughout the campaign. The Bluebirds, like Southampton, are right in the middle of a relegation scrap and with Camarasa only with Neil Warnock’s side on a loan basis, he will likely move back away from the Welsh capital at the end of the season.

Although they would be desperate to keep him, Camarasa is a player who oozes Premier League quality, something that could fit very nicely into the Saints’ midfield. Often lacking any kind of drive, the Spaniard could provide that in abundance, helping lift the team when the atmosphere turns on the South Coast.

Having played 25 games in all competition so far, the former Spanish U21 star has scored three times whilst assisting three goals as well.

At the age of 24, Camarasa has time to adjust himself in a Southampton shirt and continue the good form he has shown so far with Cardiff. If he does, the St Mary’s faithful might have a new cult hero.

Southampton fans, would you take Camarasa? If so, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

Manchester United are doing all the right things to suggest that they could be in contention for the Premier League title, with the right additions made. Clearly, this season is a write off in terms of title ambition, but why shouldn’t United fans dream? They’ve certainly been put to sleep enough over the years… 

Nobody needs reminding that the turnaround under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been incredible, which has led to the belief that Man United are again set to challenge the very best. Well, they don’t need reminding, but what’s the harm in it? It’s been THAT good.

Into the quarter-finals of the Champions League, still challenging for a spot in the top four and in the FA Cup, it goes without saying what a wonderful job the team and the Norwegian legend have done. Next season, the slate will be wiped clean and United need to ensure that they’re best prepared to up their performances to launch themselves back in contention at the top of the table.

To do that, firstly, their midfield needs strengthening, something the signing of Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic would do for them.

Brozovic, (who is valued at £40.5 million on Transfermarkt) is a class act in the heart of midfield that could provide United with much-needed extra quality.

The 26-year-old has been massively important to Inter Milan ever since he arrived there in 2016, even being linked (the Sun via Manchester Evening News) with a move to Old Trafford while the club were under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho.

Holding-midfielder Brozovic was also an integral part in how Croatia got to the World Cup final last year, where he played in a midfield alongside Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic.

His quality again has shone through this season, in the 34 games he has managed in all competitions. Whilst providing two goals and an assist, it must be remembered that Brozovic pays more of a focus to the defensive side of his game and got sit in behind the likes of Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera.

He wouldn’t be cheap but then again, paying the big bucks will get Manchester United the players that will undoubtedly improve their side.

Man United fans, how does Brozovic sound? Do you see him fitting in at the club? Join the discussion by commenting below…