All posts by z3u9t.icu

Pep Guardiola will have to endure a double defensive setback in Manchester City’s quarter-final clash against Atletico Madrid.

The Lowdown: City’s UCL form

Sky Blues fans will be hoping for a strong start to the Champions League quarter-finals in which City kick off their first-leg against Madrid in tonight’s clash at the Etihad.

City destroyed Sporting Lisbon in the opening leg of round 16 with an emphatic 5-0 win, before coasting to a 0-0 stalemate in the return fixture.

Guardiola will be aiming to make amends for his side’s loss in the final last year, in which they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Premier League rivals Chelsea.

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The Latest: Guardiola’s team news

The Catalan boss is set to face a defensive headache in his team selection tonight as both Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker are unavailable for the game, after the latest team news emerged from Manchester Evening News.

Man City will be without centre-back stalwart Dias, who has been missing for around a month now, as the manager confirmed on Friday that he would need another ten days to two weeks to get back up to full fitness.

Walker will also serve the last of his three-match ban against the Spanish outfit, following his red card which he sustained against RB Leipzig.

The Verdict: Dias will be missed

Guardiola’s men will be ready to face a tough Madrid side tonight, who have scored 57 goals in La Liga this season – the Premier League leaders have been solid defensively in the English campaign, having lost just three top-flight games and conceded a mere 18 goals.

Despite this, City would have been hoping that Dias could have made his return in time for the opening leg, as he has been a key figure in the side’s defensive success. He has earned himself praise as “a man mountain”, who could be considered “the best centre back in the world”, with fellow defender John Stones hailing his ‘outstanding’ impact.

The boss will have been praying throughout the international break that his defensive leader could have returned early enough to play tonight, but it looks as though Stones and Aymeric Laporte will have to step up.

In other news: Manchester City: Pep Guardiola in awe of Ilkay Gundogan

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According to West Ham insider ExWHUemployee on Twitter, Middlesbrough are keen to make West Ham striker Jordan Hugill’s stay at the Riverside Stadium permanent, with the fee believed to be between £6m-£7m.

The former Preston North End hitman joined the Hammers last January but played just 22 minutes of Premier League football, according to Transfermarkt, before securing a loan move to Boro in the summer – things are looking up for the 26-year-old now, though, as he finds his shooting boots again in the Championship.

With seven goals and an assist to his name in all competitions, the local boy is proving a good signing for Tony Pulis’ side but, with Lucas Perez having moved to the London Stadium in the summer and a deal for Maxi Gomez reportedly almost complete, as per Sky Sports, Hugill’s career in claret and blue may already be over.

Having commanded a fee of £10m a year ago, according to the BBC, West Ham stand to lose out on the centre-forward if the mentioned price is deemed good enough, however they have a plethora of striking options available so it makes sense to lighten the wage bill if possible.

Here’s how Irons fans reacted to the news on Twitter – it’s fair to say they wouldn’t feel too aggrieved by the departure…

Who is West Ham’s worst ever signing? Check out the video above for a pretty strong candidate for the dubious honour…

Many Everton fans have been left fuming over some news that has emerged involving Yerry Mina.

The central defender has now been called up by the Colombia national team for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying games against Peru and Argentina, which are due to take place on January 28th and February 1st.

They would want Mina to join up with the squad early as well for training, and so there is a chance that he could now miss the Goodison Park faithful’s match at home against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime, as well as their FA Cup tie at home to Brentford on February 5th, due to potential fatigue.

The Merseyside club have only lost two games in the top flight so far this season when he has played, and so he is clearly a key part of the team.

Thus, losing him potentially for their next two fixtures will be a big blow.

Everton fans on Mina news

These Toffees supporters fumed as the news was shared on Twitter, with one Blue even going as far as to claim that it was ‘ridiculous’:

“Please tell me he said no.”

Credit: @jet_pinnacle

“Jesus Christ..! Here we go again..”

Credit: @Kieranbuckley5

“Nooooooooooooo….don’t do it!”

Credit: @JohnDiazTheOne

“What a joke”

Credit: @JayKennedyEFC

“Shouldn’t be allowed to go. End of”

Credit: @chriswatson187

“Ridiculous”

Credit: @GedEFC1878

In other news, find out what manager update has Evertonians buzzing here!

Nottingham Forest could be set for a difficult battle in the summer to keep ahold of star centre-back Joe Worrall, who is attracting significant interest from Premier League clubs ahead of a potential transfer at the end of the season.

It will be difficult to replace the defender, who has become a key man in manager Steve Cooper’s side, who are looking to reach the play-offs with a view to earning promotion and a return to the top flight for next campaign.

Should the club fail to secure their ticket into the Premier League, they might have to smartly replace Worrall with a transfer with good value for money – and Zulte Waregem central defender Cameron Humphreys could prove the solution to the problem.

What’s the news?

According to The Daily Mail, the Manchester City youth academy graduate is a hot property among Championship clubs, with Luton, Blackburn and Huddersfield just three of the teams believed to have enquired in his services.

Forest are also interested, and with the 23-year-old set to leave the Belgian Pro League club at the end of the season with his contract expiring – meaning the East Midlands club would be able to replace Worrall with a solid free transfer for a player that would be able to develop with the team.

He’s a top flight level defender

Former Manchester City U23’s coach and current Anderlecht assistant manager Simon Davies once tipped the £675k-rated star to realise his potential of becoming a “real leader'”, and while in Belgium, he has become a more experienced man who could bring maturity and composure to the Forest back-line.

Averaging a 6.62 match rating according to SofaScore for the struggling Pro League outfit, Humphreys is outshone by Worrall in a number of defensive areas.

That includes tackles per game (Worrall’s 1.8 vs Humphreys’ 1.3), clearances per game (Worrall’s 3.3 vs Humphreys’ 2.9) and league clean sheets (Worrall’s 11 vs Humphreys’ 4).

Without context, it might look like the Forest star is miles ahead of the former Man City prospect, however, given that Humphreys is playing in a top-flight European league, it is understandable that he would appear behind the former Rangers loanee playing in the second tier.

However, bearing in mind his leadership skills, he’d certainly be a suitable replacement for Worrall.

Aged just 23, the potential transfer would most likely prove to be an excellent move, and even if it doesn’t work out for him with Forest, he would likely command a healthy profit for the club given that he would sign for free this summer.

In other news: Imagine him & Watkins: AVFC can save millions with £25k-p/w gem who’s “got everything”

The Liverpool Echo journalist Adam Jones was left hailing Alex Iwobi for his display as Everton beat Manchester United 1-0 at home in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Huge win

The win and three points for the Merseyside club at Goodison Park are simply huge for their chances of avoiding relegation down to the Championship.

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It has moved Frank Lampard’s team four points clear of Burnley in 18th place in the table, with just eight games for them left to play.

The Latest: Iwobi hailed

Taking to Twitter, Jones was left hailing Iwobi’s performance, in particular the energy and hard work that he showed on the pitch:

“Alex Iwobi’s energy today, absolutely fantastic.

“He’s a changed man under Lampard in terms of that off-the-ball work, I’d argue.”

The Verdict: Big shift

Iwobi certainly put in a big shift for his side, as the winger once again played in an unnatural position in the centre of midfield.

However, he did not disappoint, especially defensively, as he won three of his duels, and also made two interceptions, one clearance and one tackle (SofaScore).

Iwobi also made one key pass and successful dribble (SofaScore), in an overall display that surely would have pleased the Toffees supporters, as well as Lampard.

Nonetheless, the Nigeria international now needs to keep up this level of performance for the rest of the season, as the Blues look to get themselves out of trouble.

In other news, find out what big EFC update this transfer insider has now ‘heard’ here!

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville lavished praise on West Ham United centre-back Craig Dawson during the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. 

The lowdown: Last man standing

With central defensive options Issa Diop, Kurt Zouma and long-term absentee Angelo Ogbonna all sidelined, Dawson was the only recognised choice in David Moyes’ much-changed side to face their London rivals.

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Making up a new-look back three alongside Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson, following a drab first half without action in what has previously been a pulsating London derby, the second 45 kicked into gear early on and the Hammers were called into defensive action.

However, the 31-year-old had proved to be more than a match for the attack on more than one occasion prior to being dismissed for hauling down Romelu Lukaku inside the area with just minutes remaining on the clock.

The Evening Standard rated his performance as ‘superb’ being undermined by the red card, with big name Sky pundit Neville joining in on the praise during West Ham’s encounter.

The latest: Neville impressed

Speaking as a co-commentator during Sky Sports’ live coverage, Neville was left in awe of the experienced Englishman’s actions at the 50-minute mark.

“Brilliant from Dawson. All the talk before the game was about Dawson being the only centre-back. He’s the only one they needed in the last minute or two. Two really good blocks.”

Ultimately it wasn’t Dawson’s error that cost the visitors a valuable point as Jorginho missed the resulting spot-kick before moments later Christian Pulisic netted beyond Lukasz Fabianski with West Ham without a recognised centre-back.

Overall the ex-Watford man completed seven clearances, seven blocked shots and won 1/1 (100%) of his aerial duels in a 7.30 rated display despite the red card (Sofascore).

The verdict: Outstanding before dismissal

Dawson has been nothing short of a revelation since arriving at the London Stadium and this was another flawless display from the experienced former England Under 21 international before being given his marching orders late on.

So far this season the Rochdale-born ace has made 44 appearances for Moyes’ side, scoring four times for the Irons as he proves to be equally adept in either penalty area and will be a huge miss whilst suspended.

Albeit the Hammers would’ve welcomed back any of Diop, Zouma and Ogbonna with open arms prior to this clash, Dawson has once again proven that he can be relied upon to marshall a backline successfully – even taking into account the dismissal.

In other news: Agreement reached: ExWHUemployee also has some promising player news for West Ham supporters! Find out more here.

Leeds United may finally have the perfect chance to sign Reading midfielder John Swift amid a major update on his future…

What’s the story?

Reports back in late October from The Sheffield Star, suggested that the Whites, along with fellow Premier League teams Newcastle United and Brentford, have got their eye on the attacking midfielder.

And now, Leeds Live have claimed that Swift is set to end a six-year stay with Reading by leaving the club on a free transfer come the summer.

The report adds that there has been no progress in terms of a new contract being signed, and that Premier League interest has remained over the past few months.

Leeds could axe Mateusz Klich

With Klich now set to turn 32 in June, and having had a very disappointing season by his standards – he’s managed just one goal and two assists in 31 games across all competitions (he had nine goal contributions in the Premier League alone last year) – it could be time for the Whites to finally move on from the Pole.

And in Swift, they could find the ideal goal-scoring midfielder to replace the £20k-a-week ace.

The Reading ace has a track record of being someone who can offer a goal-scoring threat from attacking midfield, managing an impressive 72 goal contributions in 202 games – in fact, his current campaign for Reading has been impressive to say the least, netting 11 goals in the Championship as well as chipping in with a whopping 13 assists too.

Speaking back in August after a 2-1 win over Preston, Royals manager, Veljko Paunovic, said: “Now he’s back, it is important we keep him healthy and motivated as he is now because that will help us a lot.

“He is super talented and he showed an urgency that he wanted to decide the game. The first couple of passes to Azeez and Joao were fantastic vision and execution of the final pass – something we’ve missed in the past. We missed those slick combinations through the middle when we progress forward so that’s something we have to keep up.”

With a record of 43 senior goals to his name in his professional career thus far, Swift could help answer Marsch’s prayers of needing a new goal-scoring midfielder this summer.

AND in other news – Leeds could strike gold with £42m teenage sensation, he follows Raphinha on Instagram

Arsenal are yet to sign anyone in the January transfer window, but that could soon change…

What’s the word?

According to reliable Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, those around the Emirates Stadium should expect something to happen before Monday night’s deadline.

“Expecting movement at Arsenal in coming days,” he tweeted following Calum Chambers’ exit to Aston Villa on Thursday.

Worryingly thin

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has been left hugely light on options heading into the second half of the season as the English defender’s departure was their fifth of the window so far.

The north London outfit saw a game postponed earlier this month due to the lack of players available, yet they continue to let the bulk of their backups leave the club.

Players like Chambers, Sead Kolasinac and Ainsley Maitland-Niles aren’t going to set the starting XI alight but one or two injuries would’ve seen them required and they would’ve certainly done a solid job.

Elsewhere, Arsenal’s attempts to bring in new additions has been frustrating as they continue to miss out on targets. For instance, the club were prepared to splash out on the highly-coveted Dusan Vlahovic but he has instead opted to join Serie A giants Juventus.

It also appears as if another target in Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak isn’t keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium either, as per transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Gunners are running out of time to bolster Arteta’s playing squad and a new striker has to be among the priorities given the uncertainty surrounding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.

However, Taylor’s latest claim should provide worried Arsenal supporters with some encouragement heading into Monday night. They have left it late but the belief that there should be some business completed is certainly exciting to hear.

AND in other news, Arsenal eye “phenomenal” £25m dynamo with “quick feet”, he’s shades of Thierry Henry…

Tottenham Hotspur could look to secure Georginio Wijnaldum in a deal that would see Tanguy Ndombele go in the other direction…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen to bring the £55m flop to Paris Saint-Germain on loan, with the ex-Liverpool star thought to be part of the discussions.

90min have since reported that the Dutch midfielder would be keen on a temporary return to the Premier League and it’s believed his representatives have made that clear to the Lilywhites’ hierarchy.

Wijnaldum nearly joined Spurs in 2016 but opted for a move to Anfield from Newcastle United instead.

The 31-year-old is now valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt after his high profile free transfer to the Ligue 1 giants during the summer.

Dembele 2.0

With a number of midfielders seemingly on the chopping block in north London – Giovani Lo Celso and Dele Alli could join Ndombele in departing – it makes sense to see Spurs target a new signing in the role.

Wijnaldum’s vast experience across the Premier League and Champions League would make him a very astute signing, even despite his lack of game time at the Parcs des Princes this campaign.

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The midfield veteran has managed only 977 minutes in the league so far but has a winners medal in both the aforementioned competitions, where he has played in over 250 matches.

In the past, Reds supporters have likened the Holland international to that of former Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele, due to the pair being somewhat an “unsung hero” in their respective sides at one point in the past.

Wijnaldum’s energy and athleticism make him a hard man to dispossess in the engine room, which merely draws further similarities between the pair.

“He’s an incredible person.  His energy is incredible, he has lungs for days. You can tell when he has the confidence, he’s really unbeatable and very hard to play against,” ex-Liverpool forward Ryan Babel once said of his fellow countryman.

Once dubbed a “machine” by The Athletic’s James Pearce, the box-to-box dynamo has averaged 1.7 attempted tackles, two dribbles and 0.9 key passes per 90 minutes throughout the course of his career, via WhoScored, making him a very intriguing option under Antonio Conte indeed.

Spurs could well find their new Dembele in a move for Wijnaldum this month.

AND in other news, “I’m told”: Journo drops Antonio Conte transfer claim that’ll leave Spurs fans buzzing…

West Ham United are among the leading candidates to sign Andrea Belotti this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb, who claim the 28-year-old striker will leave Torino on a free transfer at the end of the season, though there are three other teams mooted with interest.

These are mentioned by the report as being Premier League rivals Newcastle United, Atalanta and Fiorentina.

They have also relayed comments from Torino president Urbano Cairo, who said:

“Belotti? He may have already signed up for another club. Maybe he could also tell us, but that’s okay. Let’s say that from February 1st he was free to sign, theoretically, he could even have done so … Disappointed? I no longer speak of this issue.”

Get it done!

By signing Belotti, the Irons’ head of recruitment Rob Newman could finally end one of David Moyes’ long-serving nightmares at the London Stadium.

It’s been over a year since Sebastien Haller’s exit from the club after the club-record flop joined Ajax in January 2021 and that’s a decision that left the Scottish head coach awfully light on options.

Indeed, he’s only had Michail Antonio available at his disposal and we know too well of his chequered injury past, whilst his form this campaign – particularly in 2022 – has been called into question.

But that’s hardly a surprise when you’re relying on a 31-year-old to deliver each and every week across multiple competitions without a break.

His only league goal this calendar year came on New Year’s Day, some 14 games ago, but he has no backup and no other alternative, so Moyes has to continually select him.

Belotti could be the perfect competition given his prolific goalscoring record in Italy. The Euro 2020 winner has bagged 110 goals in 247 appearances for the Turin-based side, including a season-best of 28 during the 2016/17 campaign, via Transfermarkt.

“Andrea is similar to all the great strikers, English and not. It’s hard to compare him to someone else because he’s special,” once claimed his former teammate Joe Hart to renowned journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

“He’s Belotti and that’s it. He has [an] instinct for goals, personality and he’s a team player: he’s always focused on his team and plays hard to help it.”

High praise indeed from someone who faced the 5 foot 11 tank every day in training.

Now valued at £25.2m by Transfermarkt, the Hammers could well seal an absolute bargain in Belotti and given his talismanic-like record, he’d be a much welcome and much-needed addition to Moyes’ squad heading into next season, where they could well remain in Europe.

AND in other news, Time to go: Moyes must ruthlessly axe WHU’s £61k-p/w “monster” as big claim emerges…