All posts by z3u9t.icu

Patrick Bamford is expected to be available for Leeds United’s FA Cup third round clash with West Ham on Sunday, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Leeds in FA Cup action

The Whites trade Premier League commitments for FA Cup action this weekend, making the trip to the London Stadium for a tough-looking meeting with the Hammers.

While the competition may not take precedence for Marcelo Bielsa’s side this season, the idea of silverware is something that should forever appeal.

Leeds have suffered an injury-plagued season but they have received a massive boost with the trip to West Ham looming.

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The Latest: Hay gives major update

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Hay confirmed in a seven-word verdict that Bamford is set to be involved in east London, as he makes another welcome return from injury:

“Bamford likely to be involved on Sunday.”

The 28-year-old has been limited to just five starts in the league in 2021/22, having twice found himself on the sidelines with separate issues.

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The Verdict:  Huge boost for Whites

Bamford is undoubtedly one of the most important players at Leeds, so this update is a hugely encouraging one when looking at the bigger picture.

Bamford’s all-round quality should help take Leeds up a gear after a testing season to date, as he looks to find the kind of form that saw him score 17 goals and register seven assists in the league last season.

It is great news that the striker will be available on Sunday, but even more so, it suggests that he will be fully fit when the Whites return to league action, looking to pull clear of the relegation zone.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a move for a defender. Find out who it is here.

Much to the relief of Eddie Howe and the club’s fans, Newcastle United finally secured their first win of the season at the 15th attempt with a 1-0 defeat of Burnley at St James’ Park this afternoon thanks to a goal from Callum Wilson.

With the 29-year-old on the scoresheet and the defence able to keep a clean sheet, another man who impressed on the day was Jonjo Shelvey.

In his 90 minutes on the pitch, the midfielder had 62 touches of the ball, making 35 accurate passes, three key passes, three crosses and seven long balls, highlighting his range of passing ability. The midfielder also had two shots at goal and completed one dribble, showing his attacking prowess as well.

From a defensive point of view, Shelvey made one clearance and won three out of his six duels, helping his side to keep their first clean sheet of the season.

This latest performance for the Toon earned the midfielder an overall match rating of 7.6/10, making him the second-highest rated player on the day after Wilson according to SofaScore.

Labelled a player who Howe feels could be an “important” one for the Magpies, Shelvey certainly repaid the faith put in him by his manager on this occasion.

With some Newcastle fans previously sharing their criticism of the 29-year-old in the past for his performances, with some even calling for him to leave the club altogether, it seems as though Shelvey could be starting to get some of the doubters back on side with this performance against Burnley.

Moving forward, if he can continue playing regularly for the Toon and putting in this sort of solid display in an attacking and defensive sense, whilst adding some goals and assists to his tally, he could potentially save Newcastle from relegation and finally prove himself to the club and their new owners.

However, with Newcastle having to face off against the likes of Leicester City, Liverpool and the two Manchester clubs this month, Shelvey and the rest of his teammates will need to be at the top of their game to build on today’s breakthrough victory.

In other news: PIF must seal dream NUFC move for “exceptional” 114-goal magician who Howe would love…

Celtic midfielder David Turnbull is definitely out of the trip to St. Mirren this evening through injury, Football Scotland report.

The Lowdown: Turnbull under Postecoglou

Turnbull has been an ever-present figure under Ange Postecoglou this season, featuring in every single game this season.

He’s scored nine times and registered seven assists in all competitions but hobbled off at Hampden Park on Sunday as the Hoops won the Scottish League Cup.

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Postecoglou recently praised the Scot and admitted that the 22-year-old has been given ‘information’ every week in regards to improving his game. However, it now seems as if he is the latest man to join Celtic’s long injury list, just as they showed signs of slowing up with Kyogo Furuhashi returning against Hibernian on Sunday.

The Latest: Postecoglou’s comments

Football Scotland shared comments from Postecoglou in a story on Wednesday morning.

The Hoops boss confirmed that on-loan winger Jota looks set to remain sidelined until after the winter break, before having this to say on Turnbull’s hamstring issue.

“Dave was the major one coming out of the Final. We have had the scan, but we haven’t had the results yet.

“He will definitely be out for St Mirren, but I’m not sure how long he will miss.

“Everyone else got through the game okay, but there are one or two minor niggles.”

The Verdict: Get to the winter break…

Celtic could do with the winter break coming as soon as possible, in all honesty. Postecoglou has had to deal with multiple injury problems all season at Parkhead, with Turnbull’s the latest. He’s been relied on heavily by Postecoglou and even filled in at centre-forward recently, with the likes of Furuhashi, Albian Ajeti and Giorgos Giakoumakis all out.

Celtic have actually made a request to the SPFL to bring forward the winter break to coincide with the three-week restriction on supporters attending games, and that would also give Postecoglou’s squad a much-needed breather and the chance to get some players back.

The Hoops have to face St. Mirren, St. Johnstone, Hibernian and Rangers before the scheduled winter break, and it seems as if they may have to do that without Turnbull, should the scan confirm the worst.

In other news: Celtic keen on signing ‘phenomenal’ Scot for Celtic in January, reliable journalist claims. 

Steven Gerrard will be able to bring a Liverpool player to Aston Villa on loan, former Villa Park man Alan Hutton claims. 

The lowdown

Gerrard is, of course, an icon at Anfield, where he spent almost the entirety of his playing career.

He helped the Reds win major 11 trophies, including the UEFA Champions League in 2005 (via Transfermarkt).

Having begun his managerial career in Scotland with Rangers, Gerrard will now take on the English Premier League with Aston Villa.

Sky Sports (via The Daily Star) reported in the summer that Villa considered a move for Reds midfielder Curtis Jones, only to decide against it late in the window.

The latest

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton floated the possibility of Gerrard doing business with his former club.

He says the 41-year-old has enough pulling power to persuade a player to swap Anfield for Villa Park.

“Maybe we are talking about going getting a player on loan from Liverpool,” he said. “I can see that happening. Maybe a calibre of player that wouldn’t go to Rangers but would go to Aston Villa to play in the Premier League.

“He can attract a certain type so I think the January window could be exciting times.”

The verdict

Could a move for Jones be reconsidered in light of Gerrard’s appointment? Potentially.

He’s only started three of the Reds’ first 11 Premier League games, so Villa may feel as if they have a chance.

Liverpool look to be well-stocked in central midfield when everyone is fit, and if most of their options are available come in January, they may at least consider a short-term proposal for the £27million-rated ace, especially if Harvey Elliott has recovered by then.

In other news, read this exciting behind-the-scenes claim from Gregg Evans.

Many Nottingham Forest fans have been slamming the performance of Gaetan Bong in their 0-0 draw at West Brom in the Championship on Friday night.

It was a spirited performance from the visitors to come away from The Hawthorns with a point, although they would have perhaps thought that they should have had all three when Albion midfielder Jayson Molumby was sent off in the 70th minute after getting his second yellow card of the night.

Nonetheless, while there were some impressive performances in a Forest shirt, Bong flattered to deceive, losing out on four of his duels and failing to record a single dribble, blocked shot, interception, key pass or accurate cross from the left wing-back position (SofaScore).

The former Brighton defender was also guilty of losing the ball 22 times in total, the second-most out of any of his teammates on the pitch (SofaScore).

Nottingham Forest fans on Bong display

These Nottingham Forest fans slammed Bong’s performance on Twitter, with one supporter going as far as to claim that the Cameroonian has been a ‘liability’:

“Gaetan Bong stresses me out!”

Credit: @leefarny

“Thought our attacking players were poor tonight. One of those days. Bong is the worst player I’ve ever seen for Forest.”

Credit: @Callum_shaw

“Bong’s so bad he makes Yates look like peak Zinedine Zidane!”

Credit: @Hatwell88

“Get Bong off the pitch, absolute liability”

Credit: @barkerc31

“Not being mean but watching Bong head a ball is painful”

Credit: @scarletone77

“Unreal just how poor Bong is”

Credit: @AbbottAshley

In other news, find out whose display against Luton was blasted by many Forest fans

West Ham United moved into the top four in the Premier League with a win over local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

Irons striker Michail Antonio’s sixth goal of the season was enough for the home side to seal all three points at the London Stadium. The 31-year-old talisman tapped home from close range after a pinpoint corner from Aaron Cresswell.

Both the goalscorer and provider were candidates for the ‘Man of the Match’ award, as were David Moyes’ resolute backline who kept their second clean sheet of the week.

But it was England midfielder Declan Rice who absolutely ran the show in east London.

With the captain’s armband on, the 22-year-old powerhouse led by example as he was graded a 7.5 by SofaScore – better than the goalscorer and both central defenders.

He led the game for passing accuracy, making 93% of his 40 attempts, ranked third in the Hammers’ squad for touches (58), so as ever, a lot of things ran through him.

But instead of bombing on and contributing in the final third as he has done recently, he was back to his anchorman duties, registering a game-high eight tackles – three more than the next best and two fewer than Spurs’ whole backline combined.

Rice also put in two interceptions and won a total of ten duels from 16 (62.5%) midfield battles, as per SofaScore.

The Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser waxed lyrical about his performance in his post-match column, claiming the academy graduate ‘oozed class’ in the win.

‘With Soucek off the pace Rice stepped up and dominated midfield almost on his own. First to almost everything and always looking to drive the Hammers forward,’ he wrote.

It’s no wonder new teammate Nikola Vlasic dubbed the £60k-per-week England interantional as “unbelievable” in a recent interview.

For the umpteenth time this season, Rice absolutely dominated another Premier League side. That will only cause interest in his services to increase heading into 2022, so the London Stadium faithful better enjoy it whilst they still can.

AND in other news, Moyes could unearth West Ham’s next Joe Cole in 19 y/o gem “similar to Jack Grealish”…

A major update has emerged regarding the current injury situations of Rangers duo Ryan Kent and Ryan Jack.

What’s the latest?

Manager Steven Gerrard has revealed that they are both set to return to action before the international break in two weeks’ time, although they will be watching on from the stands for the clash with Motherwell on Sunday.

The former Liverpool captain has also confirmed that Borna Barisic will be absent as he nurses a minor knock and will be back in contention against Brondby on Thursday.

Gerrard told the Daily Record: “Motherwell is too close for both Ryan Jack and Kent but will both likely be with us before the international break. Borna is also missing with a small injury but will return for the European match next week.

“Missing a player of Ryan Kent’s quality is always going to have an impact because of his high quality. He is not too far away and has worked extremely hard to return.”

Fans will be delighted

Rangers fans will surely be left feeling delighted by this update from Gerrard as it indicates that both Kent and Jack will make an appearance in one of the two games after Sunday’s clash with Motherwell, with matches against Brondby and Ross County to come prior to the next round of internationals.

Kent has been out of action since 16 September and Jack has not made a single appearance since February. This means that Gers fans have not been able to enjoy their talents for a fair chunk of time, particularly in the latter’s case, and they could be buzzing to see them back out on the pitch.

Both players have shown their class for the Gers in previous seasons and the Ibrox faithful will surely be delighted by the prospect of having them both back on the pitch.

Former Liverpool winger Kent has proven his quality at Premiership level. Last season, he produced an impressive 10 goals and nine assists in the division as Rangers won the title, averaging an eye-catching SofaScore rating of 7.23 across 37 appearances.

Meanwhile, Jack averaged a score of 7.14 in 19 league games prior to his injury last term. He completed 90% of his passes from central midfield and made 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game whilst winning 56% of his individual duels over the course of the campaign.

At at time when the Gers’ form has been unconvincing, having the duo back soon will come as a huge fillip to Gerrard.

AND in other news – Wilson masterclass: Rangers beast has seen his value soar 233% in one year…

West Bromwich Albion have received a potentially significant injury boost ahead of their local derby with Championship rivals Birmingham City after defender Matt Clarke was declared fit enough to make a return to action.

What’s the word?

The Brighton and Hove Albion loanee has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the end of August when he limped off before half time in the 2-1 win at Blackburn Rovers.

And while the Baggies have carried on their good form in his absence, the return of the 25-year-old centre-back will be a big boost to Valerien Ismael’s charges.

“The rehab went really well, and I felt in myself that I could have been ready to come back before I did, but I was happy to follow the advice of the medical team who told me that the location of the injury meant I had to be patient and not return too soon,” Clarke said (as relayed by the Birmingham Mail).

“You have to give it time to settle and heal, which obviously brings a little bit of frustration, but you have to make sure you’re right.”

With fierce rivals Birmingham arriving at The Hawthorns a week on Friday, Clarke is eyeing a return to the starting XI and feels the current break will give him further opportunity to get back to match fitness.

“I feel like I’m now ready, but it’s the international break, and there are no games to play,” he added. “It does give me a chance to catch up even further in terms of fitness and sharpness, so we will see where we are when the matches return.”

Valerien Ismael will be buzzing

Clarke is yet to complete a full 90 minutes for Albion since his arrival on a season-long loan over the summer, but the Midlands outfit have been victorious in all three of the games he’s started, leaving the manager elated that he’s set to return.

After suffering their first defeat of the campaign last time out against Stoke City, West Brom will be hoping Clarke’s comeback marks the return of winning ways and Ismael will be buzzing to have one of his first-choice centre-backs available once again.

The Baggies have been playing a back three involving Conor Townsend – a natural left-back – in recent weeks due to Clarke’s injury, and therefore, the Brighton ace’s reinstatement into the first-team setup will be a significant boost.

This term, the centre-back has won a colossal 5.7 aerial duels per game – the third-highest in the team – and has also produced 2.3 interceptions a match. That tally represents the highest in the entire Albion squad and indicates why his return to fitness is such a positive.

He’s proven himself to be an elite-level Championship defender during a previous spell with Derby County and his comeback will only enhance West Brom’s chances of a sustained promotion push.

And, in other news…Forget Diangana: Ismael must continue to unleash “first-class” £5.4m-rated WBA gem 

Many Wolves fans have been left blown away by some news on the vaccination of their players.

As per The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, all of the squad have been vaccinated, despite just 43% of players in total in the Premier League being double jabbed as of September (The Athletic).

In the fight against the global pandemic, it is certainly good news that every Wanderers player has protected themselves and others from the virus, reducing the risk of them catching and spreading it, and of course potentially having to miss a few games in self-isolation.

Nonetheless, the Molineux faithful will now be hoping that the rest of the top flight follow suit, so that football can return to some form of normality as soon as possible.

Wolves fans on vaccination news

These supporters of the Midlands club showed their appreciation as the news was shared by Spiers on his official Twitter page, with one even going as far as to claim that they were ‘exceptionally proud’:

“Demonstrates the trust the players have in the club’s medical staff… Proves we have the best in the business…”

Credit: @Kingwolf84

“Good, good boys we’ve got”

Credit: @ThisIsTomFair

“Extremely proud of Wolves off the field once again”

Credit: @IanYoungEdi

“I love Wolves”

Credit: @LrdHighSummoner

“My squad”

Credit: @NunoSon

“As a Wolves fan, this makes me exceptionally proud. COYW”

Credit: @TallEddie

In other news, find out what this WWFC target has said about his future here!

Ralph Hasenhuttl has offered an insight into Armando Broja’s start to life at Southampton…

What’s the latest?

The manager has admitted that the Albanian is showing signs of progression at St Mary’s after a difficult start following his loan switch from fellow Premier League side Chelsea.

Hasenhuttl told Hampshire Live: “During the first two weeks, I was looking at what he had to give for me and I did not see a lot, to be honest. I had a very serious conversation with him to tell him what I wanted to see.

“He is a little bit of a slow starter. You need to push him a little bit. He is moving in the right direction now. He is showing me what I want to see and this is very positive for me.

“The way we play is a little different to how he has played so far in his career, it is a little bit more energetic.

“I would not say that he was lazy but, in the beginning, he did not show me the qualities that he has. When you arrive at a new club you must show the qualities that you have. He has done this during the last two games. He did this against Newcastle and against West Ham. For me, this is a very good sign.”

Unleash him

The time has come for Hasenhuttl to take the training wheels off Broja and unleash him in the Premier League by handing him a start against Manchester City next weekend.

He has made two league appearances for the Saints this season and both of them came as a substitute. Broja was given cameos against both West Ham and Newcastle in the last two matches, particularly impressing against the former as he hit the post and won two duels from only six touches.

The 20-year-old has already shown glimpses of what he can do this term. He scored two goals and created two chances in the 8-0 win over Newport County in the Carabao Cup, whilst also going away on international duty and scoring two goals and providing two assists in two games against Hungary and San Marino.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed Broja as ‘dangerous’ earlier this summer and urged fans to keep an eye on him this season. Along with his statistics in those aforementioned matches, this suggests that he has the potential to make an impact in the final third for the Saints.

Hasenhuttl said that the 20-year-old has been a slow starter but, as he explained, the signs are now promising and it could be the right time to unleash him from the start. Let him attack Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte, or John Stones, from the off and see what he is capable of producing.

Given his form in the Carabao Cup and at international level for Albania, the upside to starting Broja could be huge as he has the quality to score and create goals. The downside is that he could struggle, but Southampton are not expected to travel to the Etihad Stadium and pick up three points, so it could be the perfect low-pressure environment for him to thrive.

AND in other news, Southampton must sign £28k-p/w beast who’s “one of the best”, he won’t cost a penny…