All posts by h79snht.top

Each Premier League season, there are one or two teams consigned to doom even before Christmas has passed. Sometimes such bold predictions are far from the mark, but others – like Aston Villa last season – prove to be the beginning of a torturous season for a club. Sunderland and Hull are two of the clubs nearing the ‘guaranteed relegation’ label this season. The Black Cats have been here before, too.

Their innate ability to scrape away from the perils of slipping into the Championship each season must be running out. Panicked change of managers have seen them recover from the depths of the Premier League table in several of the recent seasons. Having won their first game of the season last time out, Sunderland now face Hull – who won their first game since August just before the international break.

With it a near certainty that at least one of Sunderland and Hull will face the drop this season, their Saturday 3pm clash at the Stadium of Light is one of the most pivotal games in their respective campaigns. Mike Phelan and David Moyes are already lingering above the managerial trapdoor in the knowledge that a poor display this weekend could see them discarded.

There is a controversial, but proven firefighter lurking. Sam Allardyce, ready to appear from the wilderness, is the strongest card that the board members at Sunderland and Hull hold. With Tony Pulis firmly off the table at West Bromwich Albion, Allardyce is the leading relegation evader. The logic goes, for the most part, that if you give Allardyce the backing in the January window he will be able to give your club a fighting chance of safety.

Moyes and Phelan are fully aware of Allardyce’s presence. Sunderland would still have him at the helm had his head not been turned by the England management job, while Hull’s reluctance to hand Phelan the job on a full-time basis suggests it won’t take a lot for them to look elsewhere.

The revenue at stake for Premier League safety far outweighs any potential negative PR that could be attracted as a result of hiring Allardyce. The fateful comments from Allardyce were poor given the circumstances and his status as England manager, but they are extremely unlikely to have any impact on his employability at club level.

The Allardyce card is within reach for Sunderland and Hull. Without being present, or having any meaningful link to the game, England’s most short-term of permanent managers will loom large over the Stadium of Light this weekend. A clear result for either team could mean the return of one of the Premier League’s most opinion-splitting managers.

A draw in this game is, perhaps, the worst thing that can happen for either team. A result not significant enough to create change (of manager, players or tactics) will see the status quo continue. The current trajectories of Sunderland and Hull’s season show only one likely outcome – the Championship in 2017/18.

[ad_pod id=’playwire’ align=’center’]

Liverpool’s season has been one of positivity so far. The Reds have started well in the Premier League – so well, in fact, that they’re counted among the favourites for the title – while the League Cup has offered similar levels of optimism.

No European football meant Jurgen Klopp’s men had to start early with a game against Burton Albion, but after passing that test they dispatched of Derby County with a routine 3-0 victory at the iPro Stadium before edging past Spurs in the last round – a game in which both teams fielded heavily-rotated starting XIs.

Now in the last eight, Leeds United – the lowest ranked team left in the competition – await, with Garry Monk’s Whites sure to be aware that, despite their good form in the Championship, they’ll be in for a tough evening on the banks of the River Mersey.

Football FanCast are predicting Klopp will go for a heavily-altered XI, changing from his habitual 4-3-3 formation to a 4-4-2 diamond set-up, with these men set to fill the shirts.

GK – Simon Mignolet

The much-maligned Belgian has started each of the Reds’ previous League Cup clashes and he will surely be back between the sticks vs. Leeds. Loris Karius is adapting well and doesn’t need the game time, so if Mignolet doesn’t feature here, when will he get on the pitch?

RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold

Having stood in well for Nathaniel Clyne in the home win over Spurs, Alexander-Arnold seems capable of taking on Championship opposition. The young defender offers pace and energy on his flank, but Klopp is yet to see how he will stand up defensively to a serious side – the Lilywhites played a largely reserve XI at Anfield.

CB – Lucas Leiva

With plenty of experience, Lucas remains a player appreciated on Merseyside. The Brazilian started his career as an attacking midfielder, but he’s slowly slipped back down the pitch and appears to be viewed as more of a centre-back than a holding midfield player by Klopp. Although not a giant at 5ft. 8”, the 29-year-old is excellent at reading the game and capable of playing neat passes from the back.

CB – Ragnar Klavan

The Estonian has impressed when called upon since his summer move to Anfield, but the form of Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip has limited his game time in recent months. Klopp needs to keep him fresh with injuries and rotation on his mind ahead of the hectic winter schedule, and his no-nonsense style should stand up to a Leeds side that are likely to be up-and-at-’em at Anfield.

LB – Alberto Moreno

Dislodged by James Milner at left-back, the Spaniard faces a fight to force his way back into Klopp’s first-team plans. We all know of his abilities going forward, but his defensive contributions have drawn criticism ever since his 2014 move to Merseyside from Sevilla. A run-out vs. Leeds seems likely, and Moreno needs to use the opportunity to show he’s improving.

DM – Kevin Stewart

The 23-year-old has flitted in and out of the XI under Klopp since the German arrived at Anfield and it seems that his keep-it-simple approach at the base of midfield is appreciated. The Englishman is not a fancy player, but he recycles possession well and will be needed as a shield for the centre-backs in this team.

CM – Jordan Henderson

This heavily-rotated XI will need some experience and the skipper may be thrust in to steady the ship. Henderson has grown immensely as a player over the past few years and is well-versed in what his manager demands of his team. Some discipline and know-how will be required to ensure there’s no complacency, and ‘Hendo’ is the man for the job.

CM – Ovie Ejaria

Energetic and powerful, Ejaria was one of the standout performers of Klopp’s first pre-season at Liverpool and he’s since been rewarded with appearances on the bench in the Premier League and a start in the 2-1 win vs. Spurs in the last round of the League Cup. With Adam Lallana unlikely to be risked and Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can having played regularly of late, Klopp may opt to give the teenager another go – after all, he hasn’t let him down yet.

AM – Marko Grujic

Compared to Nemanja Matic and Steven Gerrard during his emergence at Red Star Belgrade, Grujic’s arrival caused quite the stir over the summer – he was back in his homeland on loan after officially signing for the Reds in January 2016 – but Kopites have had precious few glimpses of him. The 20-year-old has started two League Cup games, though, and logic suggests he will get another run out here. As a full international, he should competent enough to line up against a second tier team.

ST – Divock Origi

Fresh from his vital goal in the 2-0 beating of Sunderland on Saturday, Origi is sure to be chomping at the bit for another outing. With Roberto Firmino nursing a calf injury picked up late on against the Black Cats, Klopp is likely to be aware that he has to rest his preferred players – especially with Philippe Coutinho sidelined – making the Belgian a tempting option, especially in a game in which he should have the chance to boost his confidence with another goal or two.

ST – Daniel Sturridge/Ben Woodburn

Now here comes the big decision. Klopp played 4-4-2 in the last round with Sturridge and Origi up front and as long as the Englishman can shake off the injury that kept him out of the weekend win at home to Sunderland, he might well opt to do the same again. However, there is a chance 17-year-old striker Woodburn will be given a go, with the teenager having made it off the bench on Saturday for his senior debut – albeit he was only on the pitch for a few minutes. It would be a gamble for Klopp to give the rookie a first senior start, but he might be aware that he needs to save his senior players for a tough trip to Bournemouth on the weekend.

Manchester United edged Middlesbrough by a narrow margin yesterday as they mustered a dramatic comeback late in the second half.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic thought that he had given his team the lead in the first half but his goal was disallowed by referee Lee Mason for dangerous play. Manchester United continued to dominate the match with Ibrahimovic, Anthony Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all missing gilt-edged chances.

United were soon made to pay for their profligacy when Grant Leadbitter found the back of the net to give Middlesbrough the lead at Old Trafford. However, The Red Devils poured men forward towards the end of the match and mustered a brilliant comeback. They scored two goals in the space of two minutes and got a well-deserved victory – stretching their winning win in the Premier League to five games.

Let’s take a look at five things that we learnt from the New Year’s Eve affair…

1. Anthony Martial Is Back To His Amazing Best

Anthony Martial was simply phenomenal against Middlesbrough. He gave the Boro defence – Calum Chambers in particular – all sorts of problems through his direct running, dribbling and superb crossing. He left Chambers chasing shadows throughout the match.

He struck the post with a long-range effort in the first half and delivered a couple of brilliant crosses into the box. He was rewarded for his sensational performance with a late goal.

Defenders Beware… Martial is back!

2. Referee Lee Mason Made Poor Decisions

Lee Mason had a mixed game at Old Trafford as he made a number of poor decisions throughout the match. He ruled out Ibrahimovic’s first half goal, insisting that Ibra had made contact with the goalkeeper before scoring. However, replays showed that Ibrahimovic made no contact with Victor Valdez before scoring. This led to round of boos from the home fans.

He also refused to award a penalty when Rashford was knocked down by Bernardo right in the 18-yard box.

3. Adama Traore Has Got Speed!

Good grief, Traore has got some pace about him. He breezed past Blind on numerous occasions and the Dutchman just could not contain him. Middlesbrough’s game plan was simply to clear the ball into open space as soon as they received it, so that Traore could use his speed to beat the Man United backline to the ball.

This tactic worked really well for them as Traore created a couple of chances for the visitors.

4. Man United Struggling To Get Goals

We have seen so often this season that creating chances is not a problem for Man United. The main problem is to find the back of the net from these chances.

The Red Devils created many against Middlesbrough but they just couldn’t score until the 85th minute.

Manchester United have managed the same amount of goals as relegation-threatened Crystal Palace this season, just 29.

5. Pogba and Ibrahimovic Combine Again

The Pogba-Ibrahimovic partnership has been instrumental in Man United’s recent upturn in form and they showed their continued importance against Boro when Pogba’s long ball was flicked on by Ibrahimovic for Martial to score United’s equaliser.

Pogba also created a superb chance for Ibrahimovic early in the second half, only for Victor Valdez to deny the big Swede.

Liverpool’s season thus far could be described as magnificent, especially when you consider the 8th place finish of 2015/16.

The Reds have been working well under the influence of Jurgen Klopp, and the German continues to develop his side into a potential title contender.

At the moment, Liverpool currently sit just six points off the summit of the Premier League and remain hopeful of ending a soon-to-be 27-year wait for a domestic title.

But how can Klopp continue his progression on Merseyside and ensure success comes? Some players within the squad continue to hold up any chance of claiming a title as individual mistakes remain the downfall of the team.

Despite the impressive victory over bitter rivals Everton, Klopp mustn’t paint over the cracks forming at Liverpool and sell some players not capable of taking the Reds to the level demanded.

Here are FIVE players Klopp should sell this January to cash-rich Chinese sides to gain maximum profit…

Mamadou Sakho

French international defender Sakho has been frozen out at Liverpool due to ongoing issues with Jurgen Klopp.

The German manager decided Sakho wouldn’t be a part of his plans at Merseyside due to constant behavioural battles the duo had during pre-season.

Sakho had been, arguably, the club’s best defender for the past two years but the potential sale to a Chinese Super League club could be ideal for all parties financially.

Lucas Leiva

Since 2007, Brazilian midfielder Lucas has played in front of the Kop and become somewhat of a cult hero at Anfield.

However, with age clearly not on his side and his ability continuing to diminish, Jurgen Klopp should consider selling the Brazil international to the Far East for an enormous (well, relatively) fee.

Liverpool is an enormously supported club in China, so Chinese clubs are likely to pay an astronomical fee for the Merseysiders’ longest-serving player.

Alberto Moreno

Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno’s Anfield career could quite fairly be labelled as poor.

Despite spending £20millon for his services in 2014, Moreno continues to disappoint but now the Reds may finally be given a chance to recoup the fee once spent on him.

Moreno could devastate the Chinese Super League where he would be required to do less defending and more attacking.

As reported in an exclusive by The Sun, Crystal Palace are eyeing up a £12m move for Sevilla’s Spanish star Vicente Iborra in this month’s January transfer window.

What’s the word?

New Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce is keen to put his own stamp on the squad at Selhurst Park and is looking at options in a variety of positions in Palace team, having already landed the signing of Jeffrey Schlupp from Leicester.

The Sun reckon one man he is targeting is Sevilla’s experienced mifielder Vicente Iborra and that the deal has advanced to the point that the two clubs are close to agreeing a £12m sale.

Who is he?

Vicente Iborra has been a key part of the Sevilla side that has achieved great success over the last few years. The Spanish club have won the last three UEFA Europa League tournaments and Iborra has featured in two of the three finals.

The midfielder has started more games from the bench than the middle of the park this season and is likely seeking more regular first team football than he’s currently getting.

He was part of the starting XI that ended Real Madrid’s famous unbeaten streak however, finally toppling Zidane’s side after they went 40 games without defeat.

Iborra is well placed to shine in a Crystal Palace shirt, likely to immediately compete for a starting XI place. At 6ft 3in tall, he has the physical attributes to assert himself on English football and his technical abilities hold up too, completing 84% of his passes this season.

Can the 28 year old’s experience and ability help bring Palace to the next level under Allardyce?

[ad_pod id=’playwire’ align=’center’]

The dust has settled on another January transfer window and the Premier League’s managers have decided which squads they’ll carry with them through to May.

It was a tense time for supporters of some clubs, who were desperate to see their in-form talent remain at the club. That was especially true for fans of teams currently readying themselves for a massive relegation battle.

Only five points separate the bottom six teams and the three above the relegation zone are only two points away from danger. It’s going to be a six-way battle right to the end of the season with everyone desperate not to return to the Championship.

Now we know there’ll be no more transfers, which players are going to shine in this relegation battle? Who are the players that can keep their team up?

Here are the FIVE players that are going to have a massive say in the coming months…

Jermain Defoe

No player in the bottom half of the table has scored more goals than Jermain Defoe this season. The veteran striker has netted twelve times in the league, also contributing two assists.

Sunderland haven’t won any of their last eight matches, but they’ll see Tuesday night’s draw against Tottenham Hotspur as a point gained rather than two points dropped.

The Black Cats need to get Defoe scoring again if they’ve any chance of staying up. He’s scored in three of his last ten matches and in the seven he didn’t find the net, Sunderland only managed to score once.

He’s the key to success for David Moyes and could have a bigger impact on the relegation battle than any player.

Christian Benteke

After a mini goal drought of six games without netting, Christian Benteke is on his way back to peak form, notching three times in his last four games, including on Tuesday night against Bournemouth.

His goal against the Cherries was his first Premier League effort since 10 December and Eagles fans will be delighted he’s on his way to becoming the force of nature everyone knows he can be.

With nine Premier League goals this season he’s been no slouch but could definitely show a little more consistency, and if that happens then Palace will be amongst the favourites to avoid the drop. Benteke is a wonderful player on his day and most certainly has the ability to keep his team up this season.

Gylfi Sigurdsson

If Swansea City didn’t have Gylfi Sigurdsson to rely on, you often wonder where they’d be. The Icelandic attacking midfielder is the man who makes things tick in Wales and again on Tuesday night showed his worth to the team.

He scored and assisted another in a 2-1 win over Southampton which meant the Swans pulled more teams into the relegation battle.

New boss Paul Clement is having the desired effect. The Swans now have three Premier League wins from their last four and Sigurdsson has been central to that. With seven goals and seven assists in the league this season, he’s been one of the most effective players in the entire division, never mind the bottom six.

If Clement can keep him playing well then Swansea should have no trouble at all in avoiding danger.

Islam Slimani

Leicester City stars like Ryad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy simply haven’t managed to replicate their success of last season but in record signing Islam Slimani, the Foxes have found a new star that has the potential propel them away from the relegation zone.

With five goals and three assists in the Premier League, none of Claudio Ranieri’s other players have directly contributed to more goals this season than the Algerian striker.

His return from injury after the Africa Cup of Nations will be a massive boost to their chances. He was missing on Tuesday night when they suffered another defeat, this time at the hands of Burnley, and they are now just two points above safety.

Leicester badly need inspiration and this season, that’s most likely to come from Slimani.

Alvaro Negredo

Middlesbrough’s point against West Bromwich Albion was enough to move them above Leicester City into 15th, but they are still only two points above the relegation zone.

The man who delivered that point was Alvaro Negredo who netted his sixth Premier League goal of the season.

Boro have scored fewer league goals than anyone else in the entire division, netting just 19 times in 23 games. That’s dismal in such an open and frantic league and they badly need the likes of Negredo to bang in the goals.

The Spaniard is a class above most Middlesbrough players but with the Teessiders also keeping Gaston Ramirez, they have a fighting chance of avoiding the drop in their first season after promotion.

Hibernian go head-to-head with old foes Heart of Midlothian on Wednesday night in another Edinburgh derby. It’s a big one too, a Scottish Cup replay to decide who gets to play Ayr United at home for a place in the semi-finals of the competition. There has to be a winner on the night and the match will be played in front of a sold out Easter Road.

Fans packing into the Leith San Siro will be hoping for a better match than the first encounter between the two this season, a drab 0-0 affair better left forgotten. Both Hibs boss Neil Lennon and Hearts manager Ian Cathro acknowledge their sides could have and should have played better, though the playing surface at Tynecastle will have had a huge effect on proceedings.

After a poor result away to Raith Rovers at the weekend, Lennon will be looking for a reaction in the derby after blasting his side’s ‘disgraceful’ performance after the game. This is a hugely important game for the Cabbage and Ribs, who surely will not live the notion of losing the Scottish Cup at home to their bitter rivals.

So, what can Hibs do differently from the match at Tynecastle?

Here are THREE things Lennon needs to change if they’re to get a result against their city rivals…

Be proactive, not reactive

Despite being in the Championship and facing Premiership opponents, you can’t deny Hibernian competed well with Hearts at Tynecastle. They countered the threat of Jamie Walker and Malaury Martin perfectly, isolating them from striking danger man Esmael Goncalves and frustrating the Jam Tarts for the entire 90 minutes.

That was away from home though in the fiery and intimidating surroundings of Tynecastle. What they need to do at Easter Road is focus on their own game and be a bit more ambitious in their own attacking efforts.

With the likes of James Keatings, Jason Cummings and John McGinn they have plenty of goal threat of their own and must find a way to unlock that potential in the final third on Wednesday night.

Get their passing game going

Everyone involved in the occasion at Tynecastle has acknowledged that the pitch wasn’t conducive to good football in the first encounter, meaning that the game became a physical battle rather than one defined by good football and slick passing.

At Easter Road, Neil Lennon’s side need to change that and play to their strengths. They’ve proven they can physically match Ian Cathro’s Hearts side and it’s time to show they can play them off the pitch too in a traditionally Hibs manner.

The players are certainly looking forward to Wednesday night and the opportunity to play a more stylish game.

As quoted by The Daily Record, Hibs veteran Lewis Stevenson recently said:

“I’m sure the surface at Easter Road will be a bit better and it will probably suit both teams. I’m sure it’s going to be a very different game of football and hopefully one where football gets a chance to show.”

For all our sakes, let’s hope he is right.

Use the psychological advantage

Despite the 0-0 scoreline at Tynecastle Neil Lennon was pleased with his side’s performance and reckoned that it marked a massive shift in the perception of the two teams in the derby compared to recent seasons.

Quoted by Deadline News, Lennon said:

“You can see the psychological shift between the two clubs. Hibs are strong now. Hearts are strong, but in years gone by they were the dominant team and that’s not the case any more.”

Now his side must use that ‘psychological shift’ and go into the game with no fear and no qualms about sticking a few past Ian Cathro’s Hearts side.

The Hibees are now unbeaten in six matches against their city rivals after suffering 12 defeats in the previous 20 encounters between the sides, winning just three. The expectation that Hibs are more than likely going to lose the fixture has dissipated amongst the team and their supporters and if they can use this new confidence to their advantage then they can give their neighbours something to think about on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho will hand Wayne Rooney a place in his 18-man squad for the EFL Cup final against Southampton this weekend if the Manchester United captain can prove his fitness, according to ESPN.

The 31-year-old forward has missed United’s last five games with muscular problems and root canal treatment.

Rooney trained with his teammates on Tuesday prior to the Europa League last-32 tie against St Etienne, but he was not included in the travelling squad.

Despite the attacker starting just 17 games in all competitions this season, Mourinho wants to offer him a chance to perform at Wembley, reports ESPN.

[ad_pod id=’now-tv’ align=’centre’]

If included in the matchday squad, it is unlikely that Rooney will be handed a starting spot given that he has not graced a football pitch since February 1.

The England captain’s long-term future at United remains in doubt, with reports that he could depart Old Trafford at the end of the season.

If he does go, he will call an end to a 13-year spell, in which he has won five Premier League titles, two League Cups, the FA Cup and Champions League.

[ad_pod id=’Shoot-Xmas-Survey’ align=’left’]

[ad_pod id=’playwire’ align=’center’]

Arsenal are considering a summer swoop for Paris Saint-Germain full-back Layvin Kurzawa, according to French outlet Europe 1.

What’s the word?

A period of transition is likely to occur at Arsenal this summer and whilst all the tabloid stories seem to be concerning an exit for Arsene Wenger and other top stars from the Emirates Stadium, there is also likely to be high-profile arrivals.

One of the targets being considered by Arsenal is Paris Saint-Germain left-back Layvin Kurzwa, Europe 1 reports, with the Gunners looking for an upgrade on the current options of Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs.

The 24-year-old has been in fine form for the French champions this season and a deal bringing him to the Premier League could be expensive, with a price-tag of £17m being mentioned by Metro.

Does this rely on Wenger?

Crucially, a swoop for Layvin Kurzawa is being targeted whether or not Arsene Wenger is at the helm as the left-side has been identified as an area for improvement- with Monreal struggling for form and Gibbs not showing the sort of performances to suggest he should be first-choice.

Wenger’s influence is likely to be important though, particularly as any new manager could come in and eye a different target- or even switch to a formation that doesn’t call for a left-sided defender and instead utilises a more attacking wide-man, like Antonio Conte has done at Chelsea.

Paris Saint-Germain will prove to be difficult to negotiate with either way though as Kurzawa is an important player in their side and is tied down until 2020 with his current contract.

[ad_pod id=’Shoot-Xmas-Survey’ align=’left’]

According to reports in the Daily Mirror, Everton are ready to make a summer swoop for 16-year-old Bury starlet Callum Styles.

Who?

Well, the young midfielder has broken into the League One outfit’s first team this term, and recently signed his first professional contract with the club.

He actually made his debut for the Shakers at the end of last season, and he made history in the process by becoming the first player born in the 21st century to make an appearance in the Football League.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Everton and a host of other Premier League sides are said to have been impressed with the performances of the teenager this term, and the Merseyside outfit are ready to step up their interest in Styles, who will celebrate his 17th birthday later this month.

Is he any good?

Well, clearly if he is playing at the age of 16, he must be alright!

The attack-minded starlet has picked up two assists in his eight league appearances, with Bury manager Lee Clark recently describing him as an “unbelievable talent” on the club’s official website.

Would he want to join Everton?

While some may feel that he would be better off staying at Bury and developing his game by playing every week, Styles will have been impressed by how another young League One star who made the move to Goodison Park is faring.

19-year-old Ademola Lookman joined the Toffees from Charlton Athletic in January and he has already made a number of first team appearances – as well as scoring his first Premier League goal – to show that the opportunities are there.