All posts by h716a5.icu

When Timothy Weah signed for Celtic, most fans likely didn’t know what to expect. The PSG youngster was relatively unproven at the highest level, and a short-term loan deal didn’t seem to make a lot of sense.

However, he’s made a quick start to life at Celtic – indeed, he’ already opened his goalscoring account – and if he continues to improve at his current rate, we could have quite the player on our hands within a matter of weeks.

The youngster deserves a lot of praise for his quick start to life at Celtic, but he’s also placed a lot of emphasis on Brendan Rodgers, and his statement on the boss sums up just how important he is for the Bhoys.

As per the official Celtic Twitter, he said: “Brendan Rodgers is like a father figure to all his players. He can build a player and teach you to become a man as well. As an 18-year-old you need that support from a coach and he’s really given me that”.

It’s never going to be easy to move to a new club, especially as a youngster, but judging from this comment, Rodgers has built a family-like group at Celtic – and that’s played a big role in Weah’s quick settlement in Scotland.

Different managers have different styles, but it’s clear that the Hoops boss’ methods are working on all fronts. Not only are Celtic getting results, but Rodgers is bringing in young players that perhaps wouldn’t be the first choice of fans – and he’s turning them into stars.

This statement from Weah sums up what most fans already know – Celtic would struggle to do better than Rodgers. The manager continues to prove hisÂworth every single week.

Thoughts?

As per the club’s official website, Championship side West Brom sealed deals for Jacob Murphy, Jefferson Montero, and Stefan Johansen on the final day of the January transfer window. Messrs Murphy and Johansen have dropped down a division from Premier League duo Newcastle United and Fulham respectively in a bid for first team football, while winger Montero made the move from fellow second tier side Swansea City to link up with Darren Moore’s men.

And with the three deals officially completed on Deadline Day, it’s fair to say that the Baggies did some brilliant business on the final day of the window, to the point that anything less than promotion this term would surely be a failure.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, Moore’s side are very well-placed to sustain a promotion challenge between now and the end of the season given they are currently sat fourth in the Championship table after 28 games of the season, trailing second place Norwich City by just four points.

And with the sheer amount of goals they have scored, having bagged a league-high 57 times already this term, the Midlanders are going to take some stopping in the final third of the field, even more so now following the arrival of wide men Murphy and Montero.

Newcastle’s Murphy has struggled to make a meaningful impact at St James’ Park following his move from Norwich City back in 2016, although eight goals and eight assists for the Canaries in the second tier in 2015/16 underlines his quality in the Championship – he appears to be the ideal man to take over from Harvey Barnes at West Brom following his recall by parent club Leicester City.

And 29-year-old Montero is another who will add even greater strength to the Baggies’ attacking ranks, what with the Ecuador international having only appeared 12 times for the Swans in the Championship this season, yet in that time managing to lay on three assists.

Clearly then, Moore is well catered-for down the flanks heading into the second half of the campaign, while the arrival of Fulham’s Johansen will add even more ability to the club’s midfield ranks.

The 28-year-old may have only mustered 12 Premier League appearances for relegation-threatened Fulham this time round, but one mustn’t forget the role he played in helping them win promotion from the Championship last term, bagging eight goals and laying on eight assists as the Cottagers won the play-offs.

Add that to the 11 goals and eight assists he contributed the season before as they also reached the top six, only to lose to Reading in the semi-finals of the play-offs, and it’s clear the pedigree he, and indeed the other two additions, have at Championship level – combine that with what West Brom already have, and it’s a frightening prospect for the rest of the division.

And such is the quality of the Deadline Day signings, alongside the Baggies’ position of fourth already this term, promotion could very much be on for the Midlanders after their excellent business on the final day of the January window – in fact, anything less than a return to the promised land would surely be a failure.

West Brom fans… what do you think? Let us know!

[ad_pod ]

Newcastle head to the Molineux Stadium on Monday for their clash with Wolves and will be hoping for a repeat of their battling performance against Spurs last week, albeit with a better end result.

Wolves have been brilliant since coming up from the Championship and currently sit seventh. Two keys to that success are Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, who control the tempo of the game and are crucial at both ends of the pitch.

The obvious approach if you’re Rafa Benitez is to shut the duo down but that is easier said than done. Failing that, the Spaniard can turn his attention to nullifying a different, influential pair.

On the chalkboard

The Midlands outfit are enjoying success with a 3-5-2 approach this season, of which Nuno’s midfield generals are the beating heart. Additionally, Raul Jimenez has impressed on loan from Benfica and Diogo Jota has hit a fine patch of form in recent weeks, while Connor Coady’s performance at the back have led to some calling for his inclusion in the England setup.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have seemingly also found a winning formula in their 5-4-1, which offers ample defensive security as well as counter-attacking potential. Both aspects were key to the Magpies’ shock victory over champions Manchester City last month and they were unlucky not to get a point from their clash with Spurs last time out.

Benitez got what he wanted in January with the additions of Antonio Barreca and Miguel Almiron, who will both offer important depth and quality to the St James’ Park outfit. While all the focus is on the latter, a record buy from Atlanta, the former will be crucial on Monday if Newcastle are to win at Wolves.

Wolves’ wing-backs

Nuno’s 3-5-2 offers width through wing-backs Jonny and Matt Doherty, both of whom were vital in the win over Everton last week. Switching the play from flank to flank, the duo stretched the Toffees defence, thus opening up space for the strikers to get in behind.

Benitez’s defensive setup, which also utilises wing-backs, will allow the Tyneside outfit to shut down Doherty and Jonny far easier than Everton did, while also keeping the core of defence compact.

Barreca will likely step in at left-wing-back, while DeAndre Yedlin continues on the right. Both are blessed with bags of pace and should get right on their Wolves counterparts’ toes. You can either stop Neves and Moutinho by getting tight to them – Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff are capable of doing so – or you can restrict their options to play out wide.

Either is effective but the latter may be more achievable for Benitez and his men.

Does Newcastle’s infamous title collapse of 1996 mirror what is happening at Liverpool right now? The Magpie Channel discuss in the video below…

[ad_pod ]

Liverpool’s draw with West Ham United magnified one unfathomable aspect every title-chasing team faces: Nerves.

The Reds, prior to this month, had been an irrepressible winning machine, and have still only lost once this season, to Manchester City, the team second in the table.

Yet their two recent draws, with Leicester City and, on Monday, with West Ham United, have confirmed what many have suspected for a while, that there might well be a slip incoming.

The gap is now three points but, due to City’s superior goal difference, Liverpool are likely to start Saturday’s game against AFC Bournemouth in second. City face Everton on Wednesday and it would be a quite shocking turn of events if the Toffees won that game, both in terms of quality on the pitch and current form.

But that may well suit Jurgen Klopp’s men down to the ground.

Check out Neymar’s controversial new haircut for 2019 and Xherdan Shaqiri as you’ve never seen him before in the video below…

At the start of the season, City were billed as the favourites and it is little surprise – Pep Guardiola’s men racked up 100 points last season and strengthened well in the summer. It appeared that they would only get better.

But Liverpool’s title challenge threw a spanner in those works, and all of a sudden it was the Reds who were being billed as top dogs.

They have twice blown the chance to stretch their lead and may now fall away from the top spot.

Yet Liverpool play better as part of the chasing pack. City will not enjoy the thought of the Reds breathing down their necks – Klopp’s side rarely lose when capitalising on a slip, but the inverse appears true when they are top, as they drew with Leicester after City had lost 2-1 to Newcastle United.

An attitude change, then, is needed. The Merseysiders should treat the rest of the season as though they are chasing, as though they are constantly looking to capitalise on a slip from their rivals at the summit.

Acting like a pack of prowling lions – that meme that saw Tottenham so mocked during their chase with Leicester – even if they are top of the table will add some hunger, some desperation to pick up all three points, and also wipe away many of the nerves that appeared to cripple the Reds at the London Stadium.

The fact of the matter is they were outplayed and out-fought, while they were aided by some questionable refereeing decisions, but they still picked up a point.

Come the end of the season, they may look back at that draw as a vital point, but they have to ensure that they do not fall victim to nerves again.

Changing the mindset at Anfield would go a long way to safeguarding their challenge and potentially limit the slips that have characterised the past fortnight.

Vincent Kompany has had to face quite a few injury demons over the years but has inherited incredible support from Manchester City. While the City captain’s barely featured this season, the defending champions are not going to lose faith in him.

With his contract running down in the summer, Kompany is set to be handed a new one-year deal (according to Daily Mail). The love for each other is quite mutual, as Kompany is set to take a pay-cut in order to stay at the blue side of Manchester. While City have enough cover for Kompany, they’ve earned the respect of many with their devotion towards him.

Kompany’s only made nine appearances for City and keeping one clean sheet (stats via Premier League). Ravaged by injury problems, Kompany’s doubtful to regain full fitness anytime soon, in terms of ever getting back to his absolute best. However, being a reliable leader, he still has much to give to City both on the field and off it as well.

With his incredible knowledge of the Premier League, he can be a guiding figure for improving young defenders Aymeric Laporte and John Stones, who’ve formed a formidable partnership. He’s also the ideal ambassador for City and has the dedication to increasing their popularity all over the world.

Despite his age, Kompany is still a rock-solid figure at the back when he’s completely fit and raring to go. With City looking to maintain their stature as a European giant, retaining a vital figure like Kompany is key to forming traditions for the future.

[ad_pod ]

Reported long-term Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Mateo Kovacic produced another largely anonymous display on Monday as Chelsea missed out on a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup following a 2-0 defeat by Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, and Spurs fans were quick to deliver their verdict on the midfielder on Twitter.

Spanish media outlet AS reported back in 2016 that the north London outfit were keen on the Croatia international, who joined the Blues on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.

The English version of the same source then reported in December that Mauricio Pochettino will push to bring the 24-year-old to the capital on a permanent basis when his time with Chelsea comes to an end with the La Liga giants keen to sell, which is no surprise given their midfield has been weakened following the departure of Mousa Dembele in January.

Tottenham supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on Kovacic following his latest display, and while one said “Kovacic would be great at Spurs”, another said “he’s just so anonymous”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Dortmund fans are amongst the best in Europe but Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden witnessed another side to them in the video below…

Tottenham Hotspur will be desperate to return to winning ways after suffering defeat at the hands of London rivals Chelsea in the Premier League last night. 

Spurs have failed to spend in the last two transfer windows, so surely something must change in the summer.

Interestingly, it appears as if the North London club have been provided with the perfect opportunity to sign a world-class attacker, as according to Calciomercato (via HITC), Juventus are ready to sell Douglas Costa for £45 million.

Indeed, the Lilywhites were linked (as per Calciomercato) with the Brazilian earlier on this month, so they’ll now have to make a decision on whether to stump up the cash.

It would make perfect sense for Daniel Levy to launch a big-money summer move for the attacker as Spurs fans deserve something big after a couple of majorly disappointing transfer windows. And, with things not going to plan in recent times for Spurs, it’s clear to see that reinforcements are needed.

Douglas Costa was once labelled (as per Guardian) as the ‘next Ronaldinho’, and it’s safe to say that he’s certainly lived up to expectations in some respects and a move away from Juventus may just allow him to go up the gears.

Spurs are limited for options in the final third and out wide, with Son Heung-min being their only winger. Costa has only managed to produce one goal and two assists this season, which can be put down to his lack of minutes in the side.

But, it’s safe to say that the 28-year-old is the type of player who could send Spurs fans into dreamland if Levy pays the price in the summer as he’s a world-class attacker, with his pace, skill, finishing and dribbling ability inevitably creating plenty of excitement. An attack that involves Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Costa would certainly be able to bring plenty of success to North London.

What do you think Tottenham Hotspur fans?

[ad_pod ]

Everton host Liverpool at Goodison Park this weekend where they will be hoping to dent their bitter rivals’ title hopes at the second time of asking. For the Reds, meanwhile, the clash is more than just a derby – they will surely be desperate to secure all three points in what is the first of many must-win games to come in the next couple of months if they are to bring the title to Merseyside.

Both sides head into the game off the back of big statement results – Everton made light work of Cardiff, winning 3-0, while Liverpool’s 5-0 demolition of Watford at Anfield saw the Reds return to their sparkling best after bore draws against Manchester United and Bayern.

The Toffees’ victory over Cardiff will have been met with enormous relief by Marco Silva; questions have been asked of his management style in recent weeks due to the nature of some of the losses the Goodison Park outfit have suffered and, should Liverpool tear them apart, the pressure will surely mount again.

Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, has also begun to show signs of frustration as we enter the final stretch of the season. The clash is a huge one for the German and he will be hoping it is much more of a straight-forward affair than the narrow victory gained last time the two sides met.

Here’s everything you need to know before the 4:15pm kick-off…

What history tells us

Over the course of the Premier League era, the pendulum has often swung heavily in Liverpool’s favour – the Reds have over twice as many wins as their bitter rivals in this fixture and the Toffees haven’t emerged victorious since 2010.

There is no such home advantage for Silva’s side either, as Everton have a measly 17% win record at Goodison Park, although they should feel optimistic about keeping out their visitors, having kept 16 clean sheets against the league leaders.

If their midweek mauling of the Hornets is anything to go by, though, Liverpool won’t have any such troubles finding a way through their opposition.

Key battle – Richarlison vs Sadio Mane

Richarlison’s stellar first season in the Premier League earned him a move to Everton in the summer and the Brazilian was expected to bring some much-needed flair to the Everton flanks – alas, the lack of a prolific striker initially saw the star deployed up front.

Largely playing out of his natural position, the former Watford man has bagged 10 goals and chalked an assist this season; he hasn’t found the net since the end of January but that isn’t for the want of trying, having taken 2.4 shots on goal per game.

In recent weeks, though, Silva has restored the 21-year-old on the left-wing and he is a rare outlet of true quality for the Toffees – no doubt his pace and skill will be vital if the home side are to break down Liverpool.

Luckily for Liverpool, they have both of the aforementioned attributes in abundance and in-form Sadio Mane will undoubtedly be a threat to the Toffees’ back-line, whether he plays in his natural wing role or as a centre-forward, as he did against Watford.

The Senegalese has recorded 14 goals and an assist this season, while also edging out his Everton counterpart in shots, dribbles and key passes per game. His first goal against the Hornets showed he is a threat in the air, too, and this will add to Liverpool’s avenues of attack on Sunday.

Ref in Focus – Martin Atkinson

Having been a referee in the Premier League since 2005, Martin Atkinson has a wealth of experience. With thousands of eyes on the man in the middle every week, there is never a good time for a referee to be on the fence but, ranked with the others, Atkinson is neither harsh nor lenient in his officiating.

Out of 18 Premier League referees, the 47-year-old was 7th for both fouls per tackle and yellow cards per game heading into the weekend – this apparent balance between letting the play go on and stopping it when things get a tad too fiery will be crucial in one of the top flight’s most hot-tempered games.

There is more bad news for Evertonians, though – Atkinson’s home win bias is just 32% so, if anything, it seems he will be more likely to lean towards the visitors.

Team news

Everton have come through the congested run of fixtures almost completely unscathed, with veteran defender Leighton Baines the only absence through injury.

Phil Jagielka’s lack of athleticism is the price you pay for unparalleled experience and, unfortunately, none of Silva’s centre-back options offer both.

Idrissa Gueye’s bite in midfield will be essential, although we’re tipping him to be partnered by Andre Gomes this time in the only change from the side that beat Cardiff. Lucas Digne and Gylfi Sigurdsson, meanwhile, will provide ample balls into the box for the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to feed off of.

Sigurdsson netted twice versus the Bluebirds while youngster Calvert-Lewin struck in the dying minutes to wrap up the points – both will be hoping that they can carry that form into the Merseyside derby.

Meanwhile, Jordan Pickford, of course, continues in net and will be desperate to offer his side a far more assured pair of hands than those which cost them in the final moments of the 1-0 loss the last time these rivals met.

The injury-hit Reds are boosted by the possible return of Roberto Firmino – the former Hoffenheim man missed the midweek clash due to an injury sustained in the stalemate with Manchester United at the weekend. Despite his goal and overall impressive performance against Watford on Wednesday, we think that Divock Origi will give way for Firmino, with two-goal Mane returning to his wide berth – the only change we’re anticipating.

Fabinho is a strong contender for the Reds’ player of the month and seems to get better week after week – he’s been immense at the base of midfield and is surely one of the first names on the team-sheet for Klopp.

How much money could you make busking for a week as a freestyle footballer? Find out in the video below…

Nothing needs to be said about Virgil van Dijk being given the nod, but Joel Matip has impressed in the absence of both Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren, the latter of which will surely struggle to oust the Cameroonian once he returns to fitness.

Crystal Palace managed to pick up a win over the weekend after they beat Burnley 3-1 at Turf Moor.

It was a game where both goalscorer Wilfried Zaha and Aaron Wan-Bissaka impressed with the two now attracting interest from some very big clubs outside of England.

The Breakdown

Sky Sports reports that Borussia Dortmund are keen on bringing in Wilfried Zaha as a replacement for the Chelsea-bound Christian Pulisic, while their rivals Bayern Munich continue to keep a close eye on Wan-Bissaka.

Crystal Palace, of course, will be desperate to keep hold of the star duo, especially the former who is probably the only reason why the south London club have not been relegated yet.

However, should they be unable to and are forced into sales, they would be wise to rebuff the two Bundesliga giants and do their business domestically.

Zaha and Wan-Bissaka are almost certain to generate interest from the Premier League top six and, given their homegrown statuses, Crystal Palace should be able to demand crazy money.

The likes of Chelsea and Manchester City have already shown in recent transfer windows that they are not afraid to splash out on English and homegrown players to meet squad registration rules, something which the Eagles can take advantage of.

[ad_pod ]

Celtic fans will be absolutely fuming at club legend Davie Provan, who has slammed fans for criticising Brendan Rodgers.

Celtic were left stunned by the timing of Rodgers’ departure, bringing in Neil Lennon on a temporary basis to replace the now Leicester boss.

While most fans accept that the Premier League is the greatest height a footballer or manager can reach, the manner of the boss’ departure left a sour taste in a lot of mouths.

Provan, who made 206 league appearances for Celtic, scoring 28 goals and winning four league titles, has now hit back at Rodgers’ critics, insisting that the 46 year-old made the right decision.

Provan’s reasoning for his verdict though, is downright absurd.

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

What’s he said?

Speaking in his column for The Scottish Sun, Provan said: “Those accusing Rodgers of betrayal need to wise up. He’s taken a better-paid job in a stronger league while escaping Glasgow’s sectarian cesspool at the same time.”

Later in the column he discussed crowd violence: “Already, Gerrard must survey our football landscape and wonder why he’s here.

“Yeah, the English game has its share of bonehead supporters, but nothing like the coin-throwing, foul-mouthed sectarian mob currently killing our game.

“You wouldn’t dream of taking your wife or kids into their company.

“And if Rodgers has spoken warmly of his time in Scotland, he must be relieved he’s rejoined civilisation at Leicester.”

Completely out of touch with reality

To be frank, the 62 year-old is about as far away from the mark as you possibly could be.

In fact, for a man so connected with Parkhead, he seems to have completely missed the point of why Bhoys fans are unhappy with the former boss.

No one will begrudge a relatively young manager the chance to perform on the biggest stage, but to leave on the brink of a league title and potentially even a “treble treble” shows cowardice.

On top of that, to suggest that crowd violence is a Scotland problem rather than a football problem is truly bizarre, as if Jack Grealish and Chris Smalling weren’t attacked on English football pitches this very weekend.

All in all, Provan has managed to completely miss why fans are angry with Rodgers while simultaneously branding all Scottish football fans responsible for the actions of a few idiotic rule-breakers. His comments are completely nonsensical.