All posts by h716a5.icu

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that attacker Roberto Firmino is in contention to face Arsenal this evening after missing three matches prior to the international break with a knock – prompting many Reds supporters to go wild for this news.

Firmino arguably hasn’t displayed the same brilliant form at times over 2020/2021 as supporters have seen him produce in the past, with talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara recently suggesting he should become a bit-part player for the Reds.

However, as Klopp’s side aim to finish a disappointing title defence as strongly as possible, with Liverpool still in contention for a Europa League spot, Firmino’s possible presence could come as a boost in the form of another option.

As the Reds boss confirms he is indeed in contention to face Arsenal, many Liverpool fans buzzed over this news – with one supporter wowed whilst calling the update ‘another boost’.

These fans, ahead of the clash tonight, will be hoping the Brazilian can add to his six goals and seven assists in all competitions if he is in fact selected by Klopp.

Find all of their reactions to this injury update down below.

Liverpool fans go wild for Firmino update

“Wow congratulations Liverpool family another boost”

Credit: @AuwalRAbdullah1

“YESSSSS”

Credit: @ayyaz_97

“SIUUUU”

Credit: @JAMESFF9

“Can’t wait to see you my man”

Credit: @EmamuAly

“Yessss Bobby”

Credit: @M_borlarjoko

“Finally football can be enjoyable again.”

Credit: @Romevoice

“glad to see him back”

Credit: @oetjoktheo12

“Can’t wait to see him teasing Arsenal like he usually do”

Credit: @nzemaxima

“Arsenal sweating rn”

Credit: @eric_kish

In other news: Liverpool fans also reacted as James Pearce relayed news, find out more here.

Some fans of West Ham United have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which ExWHUemployee provided an update on the fitness of West Ham left-back, Arthur Masuaku.

So far this season, Masuaku has made 10 Premier League appearances for David Moyes’ side, providing one assist and averaging a WhoScored match rating of 6.87 – ranking the £6.75 million-rated defender as the club’s sixth-best performer in the top flight.

However, the 27-year-old has not featured for the Hammers in the league since December of last year, having undergone surgery on a knee injury.

Although, in a recent post on Twitter, the reliable insider ExWHUemployee claimed that the DR Congo international should make a return from the sidelines in the next two to four weeks, something which appeared to please a number of the West Ham fan base, many of whom flocked to share their delight at the insider’s injury update regarding the left-back.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to ExWHUemployee’s injury update regarding Arthur Masuaku? 

“This would be a massive boost for our European push.”

@ScoutSoucek

“Best Sunday news (Liverpool a close second).”

@LenaWHU

“He was the reason Fornals’ form was so good at the start of the season.”

@JackNew140192

“5-2-3 with Benny and Arthur on the left.”

@billywhufc_

“Him and Benrahma down the left.”

@LukeBar81276466

“Can’t wait to see him back.”

@SamanthaWalsh1

“Yesss! King Arthur back before the end of the month? What a huge boost that’ll be!”

@TheWestHamYank

In other news: Many West Ham fans responded to this club update, find out more here!

Everton face competition from some of their rivals in the Premier League to sign Mattias Svanberg, according to Il Resto del Carlino (via Sport Witness).

As per the news outlet, the Goodison Park faithful have joined the race to sign the Bologna talent, whose value stands at around €15m (£12.8m) along with Southampton, Brighton and Hove Albion and Burnley.

The Merseyside club have reportedly appeared on the scene in the ‘last few hours’, making their interest firmly known to the Serie A club.

Svanberg’s current deal in Italy expires in June 2023 and Bologna are trying to get the central midfield player to sign a new one, but a new contract has not yet been agreed and thus his agent is looking elsewhere to see if there is any concrete interest in a transfer.

The teams mentioned in the piece, including Carlo Ancelotti’s side, would all be able to offer him a bigger wage, and so it may be possible for a deal to happen in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Everton should sign Svanberg

The Toffees should look to sign Svanberg in order to boost their current options in midfield for the start of the 2021/22 term.

The Sweden international has been lauded by his country compatriot and footballing legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently, with the big striker reportedly advising AC Milan to buy him instead.

At just 22 years of age, Svanberg still has a lot of potential, and could certainly grow into a top, top player at the Blues.

In other news, find out what injury to one EFC ace before Manchester City has been bemoaned by fans here!

Jose Mourinho will want to see a reaction from his Tottenham Hotspur side this evening after they were demolished by recently goal-shy Liverpool in midweek, though his team selection will be rather interesting.

He is going to have to make changes with leading talisman Harry Kane absent through injury, and if his half-time defensive inquest is to be believed, it would be a surprise to not see alterations to the XI after they leaked three goals to the defending champions, who had been on a run of four straight games without scoring.

But who will feature against relegation candidates Brighton and Hove Albion at The Amex this evening?

Here’s the lineup we’re predicting for this Premier League encounter…

There could be as many as four changes with Mourinho reverting to a back four, in which there are two players axed as a result of Thursday night’s embarrassment.

Eric Dier and Matt Doherty are surely in the firing line after a catalogue of errors against the Reds, so we could see a long-awaited return for Toby Alderweireld, who has been snubbed in four of their last five league outings, to partner Joe Rodon.

Whilst Ben Davies moves back to the left flank with Serge Aurier getting a chance at redemption having been hauled off at half-time.

In midfield, we’re likely to see Moussa Sissoko return to the fray. He has started 12 of their 18 league games, and with the change to a back-four, there’s a place for him alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg with Tanguy Ndombele being pushed further forward.

With no Kane, it gives Mourinho a major dilemma. It’s rather damning that he didn’t turn to Carlos Vinicius when the England colossus came off injured, so he may not be given an opportunity here either.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-spurs-news-and-transfer-rumours” title= Read this week’s latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more…”]

Heung-min Son is best suited to a left-wing role, so we may see Gareth Bale gifted a rare chance to lead the line. He came on to score the winner in this exact fixture back in November and played his first full 90 minutes six days ago. He should be raring to go.

Another player facing Mourinho’s wrath is Steven Bergwijn, so Lucas Moura, who has been dubbed a “nightmare” to train against by Dier, is in line to start on the right.

The £25m arrival from PSG in 2018 hasn’t started much this term (four league games), but his energy will be needed in the attack without Kane after Bergwijn played 81 minutes only three nights ago.

AND in other news, Ardiles & Villa 2.0: Levy could form another deadly Spurs duo signing £25.2m-rated star…

Celtic legend Charlie Nicholas has urged the club to ‘show a bit of ambition’ in their search for Neil Lennon’s replacement, suggesting that Xavi should be on the shortlist.

Lennon tendered his resignation last week with the club’s title defence in disarray, leaving John Kennedy to take the reins until the end of the season.

Nicholas underwhelmed by early favourites Maresca and Clarke

Former West Ham assistant Enzo Maresca and Scotland boss Steve Clarke are the current favourites for the full-time job at Parkhead, but Nicholas reckons they should be aiming instead for iconic figures.

Spain legend Xavi, who left FC Barcelona with more than 750 appearances and 27 major honours under his belt (via Transfermarkt), is currently in charge at Qatari side Al Sadd.

The Catalan giants are said to be keen for Xavi to take over from Ronald Koeman in the near future (via ESPN).

Kompany, Alonso also tipped

Nicholas has high-profile alternatives in mind if Xavi makes a swift return to the Camp Nou instead.

“Celtic should be speaking to the agents of Xavi, Vincent Kompany and Xabi Alonso to gauge their interest in the job,” he wrote in his Daily Express column (via Glasgow Live).

“I just want the club to ask the question and show a bit of ambition. If they don’t they will appoint someone like Roy Keane or Steve Clarke.”

Transfer Tavern verdict

Xavi is destined for Barca and may not have time to stop at Parkhead along the way – the emphatic 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSG added to the sense that Koeman’s days are numbered.

But in principle, Nicholas is still hitting the right notes. Celtic must appoint a manager befitting of their stature, as Rangers have done with Steven Gerrard.

Glasgow Rangers have confirmed a loan move for one of their promising Ibrox young prospects.

What’s the word?

Glenn Middleton has joined St Johnstone on loan until the end of the season. The Rangers winger has settled for a loan stay at McDiarmid Park as he bids for more game time having struggled for minutes under Steven Gerrard this season.

A spirited Ryan Kent inspired Gerrard’s side to a 5-0 victory over Ross County, as goals from Kent, Filip Helander and Joe Aribo had them 3-0 up at half-time, with Ryan Jack and Connor Goldson adding the extras.

Should Kent succumb to injury, however, Gerrard may find himself short of options out wide, so it’s a big call from Ross Wilson to sanction such a move for Middleton.

Shrewd move

Back in December, The Daily Record’s Michael Gannon revealed the 21-year-old was set for the Ibrox exit amid interest from overseas.

Middleton has spent spells abroad with Norwich and Bradford City, but is yet to really make much of an impression in his home country.

Gerrard had hinted he could have a long-term future at Rangers after all after he impressed against Falkirk in the Betfred Cup, saying: “Glenn has been on loan and had injuries but he has been back within the group for four or five weeks now.

“He has been working hard and playing for an opportunity.

“We think he can do left-back, left-wingback or left-wing and it was a strong cameo from him.â€

However, he has found his chances hard to come by since Gerrard offered those words of encouragement, with his brief cameo against Falkirk his solitary appearance this season.

Saints boss Davidson is currently in desperate need of bolstering his firepower upfront, particularly on the wings, as left-wingers Craig Conway and Liam Craig aren’t getting any younger. Conway has four goals and two assists in the Premiership so far, that being the fourth-best behind the likes of Chris Kane, David Wotherspoon and Stevie May, as per Transfermarkt.

Despite his obvious struggles, Scotland U21 international MiddletonÂhas still scored five goals and supplied five assists in 29 games for the Gers.

Not only will this benefit his development, but Wilson’s shrewd move will also spare Gerrard a selection headache. Middleton has shown flashes of his potential but Kent has been nothing short of sensational this season and Wilson is paid to make these kinds of decisions.

There’s no denying the fact that he needs game time, something he isn’t going to get at Ibrox, at least for the time being, and another spell away from the club could do wonders for his career.

AND in other news, Rangers are close to securing Scott Wright from Aberdeen…

Many Liverpool fans were delighted to discover that second-string goalkeeper could be leaving Anfield in the summer, with one supporter calling it ‘wonderful news’.

The Mirror reported that following the end of the Spaniard’s contract, the 34-year-old will leave the club after two full seasons.

Adrian lost his place in the squad to youngster Caoimhin Kelleher, who stepped in during Alisson Becker’s absence during two Champions League games – and the Irishman shone against Ajax after making a series of fine saves.

The veteran shot-stopper has not featured since October after his side’s 2-2 draw with arch-rivals Everton. But the decision could be in relation to their 7-2 horror defeat to Aston Villa two weeks before, where he received a match rating of just 3.83 from Whoscored.

Because of this, supporters were happy that they will possibly be seeing the back of Adrian at the end of the season, forgetting about the actions that took place during the Super Cup Final against Chelsea.

Fans want to see Adrian leave

“WORST PLAYER TO EVER PLAY FOR THE CLUB, GOOD RIDDANCE”

Credit: @Kostarlos

“Yesssssssss!!!!!!!”

Credit: @1CraigFisher

“We’ve won”

Credit: @lfcjamie10

“Spelt Adrian read Fraudrían, always.”

Credit: @miratderler

“Couldn’t be happier”

Credit: @BeardmanLFC11

“God is so great man, look at this wonderful news”

Credit: @SAINTLAUR3N

In other news, Huge boost for Liverpool as 6 ft 3 star reveals behind the scenes footage; Beckenbauer loves him.

West Brom find themselves second-from-bottom going into this weekend’s crucial Premier League tie against Sheffield United, but might their fortunes have been more favourable had they signed Andre Ayew?

What was the word?

Ahead of the summer domestic deadline, the Baggies were linked with a move for the Ghanian forward by the Daily Mail, who claimed he had emerged as a potential late target for a host of top-flight teams.

Ayew rejoined Swansea City in the summer of 2018 for a club-record £18m having left them two years earlier to link up with Albion boss Slaven Bilic at West Ham.

It’s no wonder the Croatian wanted to work with him again…

One that got away?

The 30-year-old continues to be a crucial cog in Steve Cooper’s attack having scored six goals in 11 starts so far this campaign. He has also provided one assist and is averaging 3.3 shots, 2.3 dribbles and 1.2 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

Ayew has split time between playing as a centre-forward as well as a right-winger, the position he primarily played under Bilic at the Hammers.

This is also a role that Albion are particularly weak in with natural no.10 Matheus Pereira often being deployed there over the likes of Matty Phillips, Kyle Edwards and Kamil Grosicki.

You’d imagine that the veteran, who has bags of experience in the Premier League (89 appearances), would’ve been a shoo-in to start there for West Brom.

Ayew is someone who Bilic rates “very highly” having dubbed him a “game-changer” during their time at the Irons, and that theme has continued into this season after newly-appointed Sheffield Wednesday boss Tony Pulis was left in awe at his impact last week.

Former Baggies starlet Yan Dhanda is also a huge fan, speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Andre is a goalscorer. He scores goals, and if you put the ball in the box nine times out of 10 Andre is going to be in the right position and he is going to score.”

Experienced, prolific and creative – you can’t help but feel for Albion as they could’ve done with a player of this calibre right now. Sporting director Luke Dowling clearly made a massive mistake in not signing the tricky wide man this summer.

Perhaps they ought to revisit the deal in January to try and salvage their place in the English top-flight.

AND in other news, West Brom can strike a killer blow to their relegation rivals this January…

Speaking exclusively to Transfer Tavern, former Premier League referee Mark Halsey discussed Fabio Silva’s penalty shout in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

In the fixture itself, Spurs took the lead in the first minute, as Tanguy Ndombele’s shot from the edge of the penalty area found its way past Wolves ‘keeper, Rui Patricio.

And, it appeared as if Spurs had done enough to win the fixture, as Jose Mourinho’s side led until the 86th minute, only for Romain Saiss to brilliantly glance a header home in the dying moments, with the match finishing 1-1.

However, Wolves could well have taken all three points from the fixture, had a penalty been awarded early in the second half, when it appeared that Eric Dier made contact with Fabio Silva, who subsequently hit the deck, only for Paul Tierney to wave away the challenge, with VAR subsequently deeming the referee’s call not a clear and obvious error.

“The concerning thing is, if you look, the assistant is right there, he’s got a great view,” Halsey told Transfer Tavern. “The referee is quite some distance from it, but the assistant is right there.”

He continued: “I think on-field officials are now getting lazy, they’re relying on VAR too much and, the reason I think that the VAR never got involved was because they’re looking at it saying, ‘Is it a clear and obvious error?’

“Now, had a penalty been given that in the first place, I don’t believe VAR would have overturned it. I think Wolves were unlucky, they should’ve had a penalty.”

So, according to Halsey, it would indeed appear as if Nuno Espirito Santo can feel arrived that his side were not awarded a penalty in the second half, which could well have seen them leave the fixture will all three points, rather than the one they ended up taking from the match.

What is also interesting is Halsey’s wider claim that officials appear to be relying on VAR too much, and are thus being less decisive with their calls on the pitch, which could lead to incidents such as Dier’s challenge on Fabio Silva going unpunished.

Everton, as well as Spurs, reportedly sent offers to sign Kurt Zouma from Chelsea in the summer transfer window, according to L’Equipe (via Sport Witness).

As per the news outlet, both off their offers were rejected by Frank Lampard’s team, and thus he has remained at Stamford Bridge for the 2020/21 term.

Zouma apparently would not have looked unfavourably at moving to either club too, but the Blues were demanding nearly €45m (£40.4m) for his services anyway.

Chelsea snubbed offers for Zouma last summer too

Indeed, Chelsea reportedly snubbed offers for Zouma in the 2019/20 summer transfer window, with Lampard not wanting to sell his ‘fantastic’ asset.

The France international spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Goodison Park from Stamford Bridge and it is safe to say that he did well, winning 4.8 of his duels per game in the Premier League as well as averaging 3.8 clearances, 1.7 interceptions and one tackle a match, keeping no fewer than 10 clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

Perhaps it is not a surprise then that Carlo Ancelotti’s side went back in for him this summer.

Should Everton have signed Zouma?

In hindsight, it may not have been a wise idea for the Merseyside club to sign Zouma if they were already going to bring in Ben Godfrey from Norwich City as well.

However, if the 26 year-old was their prime target, then there it no doubt that he would have been a good signing for the Toffees.

Not only would the Blues have stolen him from a top-flight rival, but given his previous exploits at Goodison Park, the central defender would have had no problems settling into life on Merseyside again.

In other news, find out which Everton target shone on international duty here!