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Crystal Palace correspondent Matt Woosnam says he would be stunned if Patrick Vieira selected Odsonne Edouard on the flanks against Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday night, tipping the summer signing to potentially start in a front two instead. 

The lowdown

Edouard has yet to start a game for the Eagles following his Deadline Day move from Celtic.

He made his first appearance as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month and scored twice in the final 10 minutes.

The Frenchman became the first player to bag a brace off the bench on their Premier League debut since Sergio Aguero in August 2011 (via Opta Joe).

But Patrick Vieira stuck with Christian Benteke up top for the visit to Liverpool the following week, turning to Edouard after 65 minutes.

Palace face rivals Brighton on Monday night as they look to climb to 12th in the early Premier League table. Edouard will be hopeful of making a full debut for his new club.

The latest

A Palace supporter suggested that Vieira might consider swapping out Jordan Ayew for Edouard, who would then line up at right wing with Wilfried Zaha on the left and Benteke through the middle.

“I’d be amazed,” Woosnam replied in The Athletic’s discussion board, “to see Edouard on the right or left for a game like this.”

If Edouard and Benteke are to play together, he thinks it will be as part of a front two.

The verdict

Brighton’s big back three seem like they would be comfortable dealing with the aerial threat posed by Benteke, but Edouard would ask altogether different questions with his movement, so there’s a strong case for him starting on Monday night.

Vieira may be exercising patience, but you can understand why many Palace fans might be clamouring for Edouard after that spectacular debut.

And, if the manager does go for broke and start both of his main goalscorers, one would have to assume Woosnam’s front two prediction is more likely than playing the big summer arrival out of his natural position.

In other news, read this pundit’s verdict on a potential attacking signing for Palace.

Flocking to Twitter, some West Ham United fans have been left unhappy over the deadline day decision to send promising young midfielder Conor Coventry out on loan to Peterborough United for the 2021/2022 season.

Coventry, who enjoyed an impressive pre-season under manager David Moyes at points, has been likened to star man Declan Rice and tipped by supporters as a real one to watch for the future (Hammers News).

The 21-year-old has made three competitive senior appearances for West Ham since his debut in 2018/2019 with that handful of cameos all coming in the EFL Cup (Transfermarkt).

He is yet to make an appearance for the Irons in any other competition, including the Premier League, as the club now decide to grant him some more experience on a season-long loan to Peterborough.

Despite the deal including a January break clause, which could allow West Ham to recall him before the end of 21/22, some supporters have still been left fuming at the decision not to give him a chance in Moyes’ first team.

While the late loan signing of Spartak Moscow midfielder Alex Kral supplies depth in that defensive midfield position, given Coventry’s promise, you can understand why some Irons fans are eager to see their starlet get a proper run in the senior side.

Find all of their verdicts on this decision to loan out Coventry, which one fan called ‘ridiculous’, down below.

West Ham fans seethe over Coventry call…

“Really stupid move this. His better than Noble, I understand Noble has to get game time because its his last year but Conor should have been given 1st team games in Europa League”

Credit: @WestHamFC_

“nooooo hes brilliant”

Credit: @bollolau

“Terrible from us”

Credit: @CooperfectUTB

“WHYYYYY”

Credit: @bestfullbackitl

“Pain. He’s gonna do well there.”

Credit: @louiefootball

“Disappointed in this tbh”

Credit: @theeightyfor

“Ridiculous”

Credit: @LovettGavin

In other news: Journalist reveals real reason why West Ham didn’t sign Abraham…find out more here.

An update has emerged regarding Barcelona’s interest in Manchester City beast Aymeric Laporte.

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the La Liga giants are interested in signing the City defender to replace ageing veteran Gerard Pique.

The report claims that City’s Spanish international is one of five centre-backs the Catalan club are considering as they weigh up their options ahead of the January window.

Pep would hate it

Txiki Begiristain must avoid a glaring Manchester City mistake following this update on Laporte. The Cityzens chief must ensure that the centre-back remains at the Etihad Stadium and does not depart for Spain, as he is an important member of Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The 27-year-old has returned to the fore this season alongside Ruben Dias and is looking like the Laporte of old after overcoming his injury issues. The defender was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2018/19 campaign, but only started 28 games combined in the subsequent two league seasons as he struggled with form and fitness.

John Stones emerged as the main partner for Dias at the back last term, with the pair ultimately being named in the PFA Team of the Year for their exceptional performances. However, Laporte has hit back this season and started three of City’s four Premier League matches ahead of Stones.

Back in January, City manager Guardiola lauded the former Athletic Bilbao defender and claimed that he has “special quality”. He told The Guardian: “It depends on him, the quality is there.

“[He has to] be in top form and have his mind open. He’s the best left-sided defender [we have], he has special quality with the ball. He has to be focused to come back in the best condition possible and he will get his minutes. After, it depends on his performance like it depends on the form of everyone.”

The Spaniard has been showing off his quality in the Premier League. He has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.57, with City keeping three clean sheets in his three appearances. Laporte even found the back of the net in the 5-0 win against Norwich, showing that he can also be a threat at the top end of the pitch.

This is why Guardiola would surely hate to see him leave to join Barcelona. He currently has three centre-backs who have been included in the PFA Team of the Year in recent seasons and that offers him an incredible degree of quality in his squad, which is useful when competing across multiple competitions – an asset he will not want to lose.

Therefore, Begiristain must reject any advances from Barcelona and make sure that Laporte is still a Manchester City player at the end of the January transfer window.

AND in other news, “Man United have panicked” – Pundit drops stark verdict amid staggering £500k-p/w contract claim…

علق عماد متعب مهاجم الأهلي ومنتخب مصر السابق، على أداء لاعبي المارد الأحمر أمام الجونة، أمس في الدوري، مُشيرًا إلى أن ثنائي الفريق لا يستحقان ارتداء قميصه.

وتعادل الأهلي مع الجونة سلبيًا، في المباراة التي جمعت الفريقين على ملعب الأخير، في اللقاء المؤجل من الجولة التاسعة عشر من عمر مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وقال متعب خلال مداخلة ببرنامج “وان تو” عبر إذاعة “أون سبورت إف إم”: “لا يجب أن نُقيم مدرب الأهلي الجديد من خلال مباراتين، ولكن يُحسب له التعامل النفسي مع محمد شريف في المباراة الماضية عندما كان يريد أن يغيره ولكن اللاعب أضاع فرصة، فقرر سواريش تأخير التغيير، وهذا تعامل نفسي جيد”.

وتابع: “يجب وضع حد لإهدار الفرص من لاعبي الأهلي، هناك قرارات كثيرة خطأ لها علاقة بالتركيز وعدم التمركز بشكل جيد، الفرص التي تأتي سهلة جدًا ومع ذلك لا يستغلونها”.

طالع أيضًا.. ميدو: الأهلي أنفق 250 مليون جنيه على 6 لاعبين لا يستحقون ارتداء قميصه

وأضاف: “المنافسة صعبة جدًا (الدوري ولع) الأهلي والزمالك وبيراميدز يستفيدون من تعثر بعضهم البعض؛ ولذلك يجب استغلال الفرص وزيادة التركيز”.

واستطرد: “لاعبو الأهلي عندهم إمكانيات عالية، أنا لي تحفظ على بيرسي تاو وميكيسوني، الأهلي أكبر منهما بكثير، ولو كان المغربي سفيان رحيمي انضم للفريق بدلًا منهما كان سيكون أفضل بكثير، يجب رحيلهما في نهاية الموسم والتعاقد مع ثنائي إفريقي هجومي يسجلان الأهداف من أنصاف الفرص”.

واستكمل: “يجب التعاقد أيضًا مع صانع ألعاب بجانب أفشة، ولاعب طرف، ومهاجم، ويحتاج الفريق لعودة أحمد عبد القادر لتركيزه”.

وواصل متعب: “موسيماني نجح مع الأهلي، لكن الفترة الأخيرة كان يُفكر في أمور أخرى؛ ولذلك كنت أرى أن يستمر لنهاية الموسم ثم يأتي مدير فني جديد، لكن الإدارة تعاقدت مع مدرب (عطشان) يريد تحقيق الإنجازات وعنده طموحات”.

واختتم: “محمد الشناوي واحد من أفضل الحراس في مصر وإفريقيا، مصطفى شوبير مستواه جيد وعلي لطفي عندما يشارك يظهر بشكل جيد، وأفضل سيناريو لمركز حراسة المرمى في الأهلي هو القائم حاليًا ولا أرى أن الفريق يحتاج دعمًا في هذا المركز”.

Rafael Benitez’s Everton tenure got off to a rocky start on Saturday afternoon as Adam Armstrong fired Southampton in front. 

The Saints’ new signing profited from a Michael Keane mistake to score for the visitors on his debut.

What happened in the first half at Goodison Park?

Keane received the ball from Abdoulaye Doucoure around 30 yards from his own goal and was under no immediate pressure.

However, he seemed to be caught in two minds, and his hesitation allowed Armstrong to close him down. The former Blackburn Rovers man was able to poke the ball to strike partner Che Adams, who then set him through for the opener. [Sky Sports]

Keane, who started alongside Mason Holgate in the heart of the Everton defence with Ben Godfrey absent, earned a SofaScore rating of 6.1 for the first half. That was the lowest in the Everton team.

He lost possession on seven occasions over the course of the 45 minutes, including the error which led to the goal for Armstrong.

Everton fans tear into Keane after Southampton error

These Everton fans were far from pleased with the England international’s first half display, with some supporters blasting him as “lazy”.

“Keane and Holgate are lazy unfocused defenders fuming, awful mistake”

Credit: @PurserAsh_

“Bloody Keane”

Credit: @ADAL12

“Michael Keane, get out of my club”

Credit: @Evertxn

“Keane is a clown. Nothing new here.”

Credit: @SK21878

“It’s fine, I just don’t want to see Keane starting again with the other options we have”

Credit: @ad1_2102

“What the hell are you doing, Keane, my god”

Credit: @SheaVedIce

In other news, many Everton fans react to interest in this Euro 2020 star. 

MatériaMais Notícias

O coro para mandar jogos no Pacaembu cresce a cada dia entre torcedores e até mesmo dirigentes do Santos. Mas apesar da aprovação pelo estádio da capital paulista ser cada vez maior, o Peixe já decidiu que, na Libertadores, só voltará ao Paulo Machado de Carvalho se chegar à semifinal da competição.

A partida válida pelas oitavas de final, que terá o adversário conhecido via sorteio a ser realizado na Conmebol, acontecerá na Vila Belmiro. O mesmo será feito caso o Alvinegro chegue às quartas de final.

O Pacaembu só será escolhido em uma eventual semifinal pois a diretoria acredita que a renda será ainda maior, mas que a Vila Belmiro pode ser um diferencial, pelo clima de decisão e por atender a preferência dos jogadores e comissão técnica, mesmo com a invencibilidade de 19 jogos no estádio da capital, sustentada desde 2014.

Em 2012, quando foi até a semifinal da Libertadores, o Santos enfrentou Bolívar, Vélez Sarsfield e Corinthians na Vila Belmiro, todos válidos pelo mata-mata da competição.

No Auto de Vistoria do Corpo de Bombeiros feito no dia 11 de novembro de 2016 consta que a capacidade da Vila Belmiro é de21.360 lugadores. A capacidade exigida pela Conmebol para estádios que vão receber as oitavas de final da Libertadores é de 20 mil.

No entanto, o Peixe só comercializa 16.600 entradas em seus jogos na Vila, já que a procura dificilmente chega a este número. Destes, 5 mil são cadeiras cativas.

O último público que beirou a lotação máxima da Vila Belmiro foi em 2007, na semifinal da Libertadores, contra o Grêmio, em que19.788 pessoas compareceram em Urbano Caldeira.

O recorde de público do Alvinegro na temporada é no Pacaembu, na partida contra a Ponte Preta, pelas quartas de final do Paulistão, em que acabou eliminado do Estadual.37.145 torcedores compareceram e geraram uma renda de R$ 1.515.650,00.

Na Vila Belmiro, o maior público de 2017 foi registrado na partida contra o The Strongest, a primeira da Libertadores em casa. Na ocasião,13.132 santistas estiveram presentes na arquibancada.R$ 381.290,00 foram arrecadados.

Desde janeiro, o Santos mandou quatro jogos no Pacaembu e jogará contra a Ponte Preta, pelo Brasileirão, no dia 17 de junho. No ano passado, foram seis partidas como mandante.

تنوي رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز إلغاء جولة المباريات المعتادة في الفترة بين البوكسينج داي ورأسة السنة الميلادية الجديدة، بسبب نهائيات كأس العالم في قطر 2022.

ومن المقرر أن تعلن رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي صباح غدًا الخميس جدول مباريات الموسم الجديد من البطولة، 2022/23.

وستشهد النسخة الجديدة من الدوري الإنجليزي ارتباكًا بسبب مونديال قطر، والذي سيُقام في الفترة بين 21 نوفمبر و18 ديسمبر من العام الحالي.

وحسبما ذكرت صحيفة “تليجراف” الإنجليزية، فإن النسخة القادمة من الدوري الإنجليزي لن تشهد الجولة الاحتفالية المعتادة لمباريات الدوري الإنجليزي بين يوم البوكسينج داي ورأسة السنة الميلادية الجديدة.

وأوضحت أنه كان هناك مخاوف من أن تأتي مباريات البوكسينج داي بعد ثمانية أيام فقط من نهائي كأس العالم.

من المقرر أن يتم اتخاذ إجراء في تلك المباريات التي تُلعب عادة في 28 ديسمبر أو بالقرب من ذلك التاريخ، وسيتم تغييرها من أجل مصلحة اللاعبين الذين يتنافسون في قطر.

اقرأ أيضًا.. المنتخبات المتأهلة لـ كأس العالم 2022 في قطر

من المتوقع أن يعلن الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز في قوائم مبارياته يوم الخميس، أن التقويم الاحتفالي سيشمل الآن فقط مباريات البوكسينج داي ويوم رأس السنة الجديدة ويوم 2 يناير.

ليس من المتوقع حدوث أي تأثير على كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، والتي من المتوقع أن تستمر مع أول عطلة نهاية أسبوع كاملة لها في يناير.

وسيقضي اللاعبون صيفًا أقصر بسبب افتتاح موسم الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز القادم في 6 أغسطس، مع انطلاق مباراة كأس الدرع الخيرية 2022 بين مانشستر سيتي وليفربول في نهاية يوليو.

سيستمر الدوري الممتاز حتى الجولة السادسة عشر من 12 إلى 13 نوفمبر قبل انطلاق كأس العالم في قطر.

Liverpool Echo journalist Paul Gorst has predicted that Jordan Henderson’s contract impasse will ‘resolve itself’.

The lowdown

According to The Athletic, ‘no real progress’ has been made in talks between Henderson and the club over an extension to his current deal, which runs until 2023.

And that has apparently alerted potential suitors like Mauricio Pochettino’s Paris Saint-Germain and Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.

Henderson became the first Liverpool captain to lift the Premier League trophy in 2019 and has also led the Reds to the Champions League.

Many fans were left fuming at The Athletic’s claims, so Gorst’s comments will no doubt leave those supporters delighted.

The latest

Gorst played the story down, telling fans ‘I honestly don’t think it’s that much of a big deal’ and likening it to a ‘storm in a teacup’.

With two years still to go until the point of expiry, there’s still plenty of time for a resolution to be found.

He added that he simply ‘doesn’t see Jordan Henderson leaving Liverpool, put it that way’.

The verdict

You can understand why Liverpool might be a little hesitant to acquiesce to Henderson’s every demand given his concerning injury record  – they might fear that he’ll become even more susceptible as the years go on.

But on balance, it’s important for the Reds to tie him down. Not only is he the team’s principal leader, but he’s also an excellent footballer.

While Fenway Sports Group have ‘a policy of investing in youth’ and allowed Georginio Wijnaldum to walk away on a free transfer, the hope surely will be that they recognise this is as a moment for compromise.

In other news, Gorst also talked up this reported target.

Newcastle United could sign their new Kevin Nolan in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher amid an exciting transfer update.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from journalist Alan Nixon, the Magpies have got their eye on the 21-year-old starlet, with the midfielder having spent the previous campaign on loan at fellow Premier League side West Brom.

Now, The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson has said that Steve Bruce’s side have discussed a possible loan move for Gallagher this summer, and that the Newcastle boss is understood to be hopeful over pushing through an agreement.

Newcastle’s new Nolan

In his time with the Magpies, Nolan was best remembered for helping to fire the club back into the Premier League, and also for that superb hat-trick against arch-rivals Sunderland when they thumped them 5-1 in October 2010.

In total, he managed a very impressive 30 goals in 91 games for the Tyneside club, including 17 in the 2009/2010 season when they earned promotion back to the top-flight with the English ace reveling in a freer role.

Nolan’s ability to break into the box and all-around dynamism are exactly what they would be getting from Gallagher.

During his time at Swansea, Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews lauded the “unbelievable” energy Gallagher possesses, even comparing him to Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard, arguably the best the Premier League has seen in terms of runs into the box.

He said: “But the one thing he has got is a fantastic engine, much like Lee Bowyer or Frank Lampard – it’s amazing, the resemblances between those two in their younger years particularly. But for me, he’s a classic No 8; he has an unbelievable energy, he does the ugly side of the game, but you have to let him off the leash and let him get forward.”

Despite not getting too many opportunities at Stamford Bridge, Gallagher has been widely praised during his loan spells, with former Charlton boss Lee Bowyer even calling the £13.5m-rated midfielder a “jewel” that was “impossible to replace.”

If the Magpies can tie up a deal for the 21-year-old, then Newcastle could well be looking at the player to take over from Nolan’s mantle.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are tracking this Champions League winner…

Writing on Twitter, Sportitalia TV journalist Gianluigi Longari has made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Atalanta ace Cristian Romero.

The Lowdown: Tottenham in defender chase…

Tottenham would ideally like to sign two new centre-backs this summer according to football.london, with there being no shortage of links over this past month.

The likes of Jules Kounde, Milan Skriniar and Nikola Milenkovic have been mentioned among others as managing director Fabio Paratici aims to oversee a major revamp of Spurs’ backline.

Paratici has been tasked with developing Tottenham’s sporting operations and looks set to have a big say when it comes to their transfer business.

The Latest: Longari drops Spurs claim involving Romero…

Writing on Twitter, Longari has now dropped a Spurs claim involving Romero as Paratici sets his sights on the Atalanta powerhouse.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-2/” title=”Tottenham latest!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed he claims ‘Tottenham have made an enquiry’ for the Argentina international alongside La Liga giants Barcelona – with Manchester United also in the race for his signature.

Romero has just enjoyed an impressive 2020/2021 season at the Gewiss Stadium and followed that up with a brilliant Copa America, standing out in the group stage and playing the final against Brazil as Argentina clinched glory (Planet Football).

The Verdict: Do it Paratici…

In terms of the numbers, they clearly highlight Romero as a colossal defender who could help to improve Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

According to WhoScored, only Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (2.6), Serge Aurier (2.9) and Davinson Sanchez (2.2) from the Spurs squad averaged more tackles per 90 than the 23-year-old (2) over 20/21.

Meanwhile, no Spurs player could match Romero’s impressive rate of 3.1 interceptions per match (WhoScored).

The young defender has also been lauded as ‘phenomenal’ and a ‘top, top defender’ by Forza Italian Football editor Conor Clancy after his impressive season with Atalanta (This is Futbol).

We therefore urge Paratici and Spurs to secure a move this summer.

In other news: Tottenham chiefs perform Harry Kane U-turn as report shares behind-scenes developments, find out more here.