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Sheffield Wednesday’s desperate survival hopes were dealt a severe blow as they were held by the ten men of Bristol City at Hillsborough Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Owls are all but relegated as they lie seven points adrift with only four games remaining, it is something that could be confirmed as early as next week depending on results elsewhere.

Darren Moore was absent from the dugout as he recovers from a bout of post-covid pneumonia and he was severely let down by his side, who all wore t-shirts respecting their boss in the pre-game warm-up, as they went down without a whimper in South Yorkshire.

Wednesday led the majority of the match rafter central defender Julian Borner headed home in the fourth minute and their chances of clinching a morale-boosting victory were bolstered when Henri Lansbury was sent off just over 15 minutes later for a handball on the line.

But the Owls couldn’t hold on and were punished three minutes from time when Tyreeq Bakinson slammed the equaliser home from distance.

It could’ve been a very different story had Barry Bannan scored from the spot-kick they were awarded from Lansbury’s red card.

The 31-year-old skipper saw his “weak” penalty saved by Dan Bentley in just one of many squandered chances, so he was certainly one player to massively let Moore down on the day.

Everything the Owls do runs through the Scottish playmaker and evidently, that seemed to be the case once again as he recorded a whopping 109 touches, some 21 more touches than the next best, Adam Reach (88), as per SofaScore.

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However, Bannan was simply not his usual self as he made just 79% of his 76 passing attempts, of which just one was a key chance created – he very nearly averages double that, so it shows he was not as creative as usual.

Of the Owls’ 20 shots at goal, the midfielder accounted for four of them, including 25% of their efforts on target and thus, Bannan proved to be equally wasteful in front of goal.

Having missed a crucial chance from the spot, he really needed to make amends with a goal later in the game.

At times, it was bordering on desperate as he lost possession a whopping 32 times in the engine room, comfortably more than any other player on the pitch and way worse than his average of 19 times per league outing this campaign.

This hindered Wednesday dearly in their bid to grab three points.

Bannan’s poorly missed penalty wasn’t the sole reason the Yorkshire strugglers picked up another disappointing result but his ineffectiveness in attack and profligacy on other chances were major factors.

When your key man, captain and leading talisman isn’t performing, the rest of the side falters too.

Bannan was just one of many that let Moore down massively on Saturday but they needed ever so much more from their leader.

The writing is certainly on the wall now.

AND in other news, Owls can finally wave goodbye to “hungry” Luhukay flop, he’s not good enough…

According to post match reports by ESPN, via City Xtra, Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero was heard addressing the lack of passes to him on the pitch during the Sky Blues’ 2-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in the Last 16 – prompting supporters to react on social media.

As relayed by City Xtra on Twitter, Aguero is understood to have taken an issue with his teammates’ decisions in the forward positions after he was brought on as a substitute – simply stating ‘they don’t pass me the ball’ as he left the pitch upon full time.

The Argentine has been steadily re-introduced by manager Pep Guardiola following a number of injury issues, including a serious meniscus tear last season which kept him out of action for a while.

As he nears the end of his current contract at the Etihad, the prospect of losing Aguero or potential unrest on his part raises concern among supporters – who rightfully hold a special sentiment for the club’s all time top goal scorer.

One Sky Blue, as a result, labelled this news as ‘terrible’ – find all of their reactions on social media down below.

Man City fans react to Aguero news

“Wow, this hits differently.”

Credit: @StatCity

“Oh no”

Credit: @DomnotDominic

“it’s terrible”

Credit: @BrahimBamba9

“It’s heartbreaking cos of how much of a club legend he is and pep doesn’t play him much”

Credit: @nicky63800840

“I fear he’s going to leave…”

Credit: @TheGNRL29

“Feel so bad for him”

Credit: @BlakeBeaulieu73

“True..

It’s sad honestly”

Credit: @indrain_san

“Embarrassing by the team to neglect such an icon and the player who helped create city. He deserves much better. I don’t want him to ever leave but nobody deserves that, let alone someone who has done so much for the club.”

Credit: @SergioKun0331

In other news: Man City fans flocked to this transfer link, find out more here.

According to a report by West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh, via West Ham Gossip, GSB will be willing to sell Felipe Anderson for around £17 million in the summer – prompting many Irons to react and have their say as this claim emerges. 

Anderson, who was shipped out on loan to FC Porto at the start of the season, is currently one of the candidates to be sold in the summer as West Ham look to recoup some of the money they spent to sign him in 2018.

Snapped up for £36 million from Lazio (BBC), GSB are apparently willing to offload the 27-year-old for less that half of that price – meaning the club could take a financial hit of around £19 million.

Flocking to this insider claim, many Hammers had no shortage of opinions as the club contemplate selling Anderson at the end of the season.

Find all of their verdicts from Twitter down below.

West Ham fans flock to Anderson inside claim

“I hate this club sometimes”

Credit: @jxck_whufc

“Same Ol’ West Ham, They will sell him, lose money off the deal, he will go to Italy or France and have the season of his life.”

Credit: @Walter60926294

“But they’ll actually sell him for £12m with some fantasy add ons that’ll never materialise. He’s a totally busted footballer …. and I told you that all along. Massive imposter.”

Credit: @TheTiltman

“Get the bloke involved”

Credit: @frankum86

“I’d pay money to get rid of him. No chance we’re getting £17m for him”

Credit: @Dylanelliotttt

“Will never happen at this price.”

Credit: @FrencHammer

“Bring him back now. Play him as a striker.”

Credit: @Jimmygoldsmith

“Absolutely deluded if they think we will get anywhere near that! I’d be happy with £10m for him !!”

Credit: @WestHamLounge_

In other news: West Ham fans also had their say on this ExWHUemployee update, find out more here.

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that Jamie Vardy is suffering without James Maddison, but has still tipped Leicester to finish second.

Vardy has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, but hasn’t found the net since Maddison suffered a hip problem against Aston Villa last month.

Leicester themselves have picked up just four points from their three Premier League games since winning at Villa Park, and were dumped out of the Europa League by Slavia Prague.

Their injury problems went from bad to worse when both Jonny Evans and Harvey Barnes were forced off against Arsenal earlier this month – with the latter expected to be ruled out for at least six weeks following knee surgery.

But Windass believes that Leicester, who lie in third just one point below Manchester United, will avoid a repeat of last season when they collapsed post-lockdown to finish fifth.

He told Football FanCast:

“We’re talking about Vardy, Maddison and Barnes. Two out of the three are injured. Yes, Iheanacho scored a wonderful goal against Burnley, but is he going to get you another six or seven goals? I’m not so sure. Maddison is a big miss for Vardy.

“I always had a midfield player or a winger that if they didn’t play, I didn’t get as many chances, and I think that Jamie Vardy will be thinking, ‘come on Maddo, get fit please, quickly’. Nine times out of ten, Vardy’s goals come from Maddison.

“But it’s a definite that they’ll get in the top-four, I actually think they’ll get in the top-two.”

Maddison and Vardy have struck up an excellent partnership since the former joined from Norwich almost three years ago, and as Windass says, the striker isn’t the same without Maddison behind him.

The pair have combined on a number occasions in recent years, and the quicker Maddison returns, the better Leicester’s chances are of finishing in the top-four.

Leeds United player Ezgjan Alioski has reportedly agreed to join Galatasaray this summer, bringing an end to his time at Elland Road.

The 29-year-old joined the Whites back in the summer of 2017, making the move from Swiss side FC Lugano. In the years since, the left-back has proven to be a key performer for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, playing an important role in them returning to the Premier League.

In total, Alioski has made 162 appearances for Leeds, scoring 22 goals and also chipping in with 16 assists for good measure. He also has 39 caps to his name for North Macedonia.

[freshpress-quiz id=“347980″]

Alioski set to join Galatasaray this summer

Alioski’s £15,000-a-week contract at Elland Road expires in the summer, and it now looks as though he already has his next club sorted.

According to Football Insider, he has agreed a pre-contract with Galatasaray prior to joining them ahead of the start of next season.

Transfer Tavern take

In truth, it has seemed increasingly clear that this would be Alioski’s final season at Leeds, having failed to agree an extension on his current deal.

He will always be remembered as a cult hero for the Whites, though, and someone who largely contributed positively to a great period in the club’s history, featuring prominently as they ended their 16-year top-flight exile last year.

In other news, Leeds are believed to be keen on a move for a hugely experienced Serie A player this summer. Read more here.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Crystal Palace are reportedly considering a move for Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero as a potential replacement for Real Sociedad target Vicente Guaita.

What’s the word?

Reports have emerged over the past week that the La Liga giants are interested in signing the Spaniard stopper, who has shown flashes of his ability at Selhurst Park this season.

Guaita moved to Palace from Getafe as a free agent almost three years ago and has started every single game in the Premier League so far this season and has three clean sheets to show for his 20 starts.

Now, the Spanish publication claim that the Eagles are eyeing up a move for Romero, who has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, with the 33-year-old now in the final few months of his contract.

Guaita’s perfect replacement

Hodgson’s side have conceded 36 goals in the Premier League this season, second only to newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion with 48.

Described as being a “top professional” by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the stopper would make a fine addition at the back of Palace’s squad.

Like Guaita, Romero has shown tremendous dexterity, with WhoScored listing his strong reflexes as one of his key strengths. The similarities don’t stop there, either, as both keepers have shown they are comfortable saving shots from close range.

Last season, the Argentine goalkeeper averaged 1.2 saves per game in the Europa League, albeit against a higher level of competition, while Guaita has managed three in the Premier League this season. The pair also possess a similar work rate, with Romero taking 32.3 touches per match, slightly ahead of Palace’s stopper at 32.1.

If Hodgson is looking for another veteran to come in and replace Guaita between the sticks, then he could find the perfect replacement in the £1.8m-rated United outcast.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Carlton Palmer on Crystal Palace contract talks with Patrick van Aanholt…

Manchester United are back in action this afternoon, as they host Premier League newcomers Leeds United at Old Trafford on Sunday for the first time in over 16 years.

The Red Devils edged past Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Thursday night, but it’s back to the Theatre of Dreams today as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tries to make up ground on the top four.

Solskjaer made a couple of changes for the trip to Yorkshire, which means some key players should be fresh to face Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who put five past Newcastle United at Elland Road last time out.

With games coming thick and fast this month, it’s likely the club legend will take the opportunity to rotate his squad, with Leicester City and Wolves on the agenda.

Here is our predicted starting lineup for this afternoon’s action, which sees Solskjaer make four changes to the the team that beat the Blades.

Dean Henderson started against Sheffield United, but David de Gea will most likely be back in goal today, which means the 23-year-old will have to settle for a place on the bench, as he didn’t cover himself in glory whatsoever.

Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also started on Thursday night, and we’re backing the duo to start in the defence again this afternoon.

Alex Telles offered very little against Chris Wilder’s side, having lost possession a staggering 24 times, so bringing fit-again Luke Shaw in at left-back to join Maguire and Wan-Bissaka makes sense, whilst the same goes for Axel Tuanzebe replacing Victor Lindelof, with Solskjaer recently admitting he will have to break up the back four at some point.

Fred was absent against the Blades, but we reckon he could be back in today, replacing Nemanja Matic alongside Paul Pogba in the United engine room.

Edinson Cavani could be in contention to start with Anthony Martial still seeking his best form, but the Frenchman recently ended his recent goal drought and will likely lead the line, with Mason Greenwood on the right wing and Marcus Rashford on the opposite flank.

AND in other news, Ed Woodward must sanction Manchester United swoop for Bayern Munich defender David Alaba…

Liverpool dropped another two points in their hopes of retaining the Premier League title as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Newcastle United on Wednesday evening.

One man who will have disappointed Jurgen Klopp with his performance was winger Mohamed Salah, as the Egyptian struggled to stamp his authority on the game.

The winger was also guilty of missing two huge chances for the Reds either side of half time, first being denied by Karl Darlow, before putting his shot well wide after being found through on goal by Roberto Firmino.

As per SofaScore, the former Roma man earned a 6.0 rating for his display, which comfortably ranked him as the worst player on the pitch from both sides, as he struggled to have any real influence on the game going forward.

Klopp’s side finish 2020 top of the league but the German manager will surely be furious that Salah couldn’t finish his chances during the game, as that would’ve ensured a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester United.

During his time on the pitch, the 28-year-old touched the ball just 31 times, which was one fewer than the 32 touches of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

Despite this, the winger was still able to lose possession on eight occasions, with the Newcastle defence seemingly getting the better of him, so it was no surprise when Xherdan Shaqiri replaced Salah with a few minutes remaining.

Liverpool Echo were also critical of the Egyptian’s display, rating him 5/10 following the game, suggesting that it wasn’t his night and that he was wasteful in front of goal.

Back in 2019, the winger was heavily praised by Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, who said:

“Unfortunately for Mo, it didn’t work out here but it is great credit to him. He went to Italy and then came back and now he’s a superstar.”

Following the disappointing draw at St James Park, it seems clear that Liverpool will need to be much-improved when they face Southampton away from home in their next Premier League fixture, otherwise, they risk dropping off the top of the league.

And, in other news… Liverpool may already have their Wijnaldum replacement in “extraordinary” teenager

According to SPORT via The Daily Express, Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele is one of two options Manchester United are considering to bolster Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s firepower in the summer.

What’s the word?

It’s claimed that the 23-year-old, whose contract is set to expire in two years’ time, finds himself on the Red Devils’ radar along with Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho as Solskjaer seeks to try and fill the gap on the right wing.

The Frenchman has started to transform his fortunes under Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman, making 22 appearances across all competitions as the 26-time Spanish champions try to mount a title challenge this season.

It’s been a relatively quiet transfer window for the Red Devils with more outgoings than incomings as Marcos Rojo is set to follow Jesse Lingard out of the Old Trafford exit door.

And now, it seems that Solskjaer’s side will wait until the end of the season before embarking on another spending spree with Dembele top of their shortlist.

Must avoid at all costs

United are still searching for an answer to the gaping hole on the right of their attack. Mason Greenwood – predominantly a forward by trade – can play that role, whilst Daniel James and Juan Mata have shown glimpses of their former selves this season, but neither can be considered the perfect solution to the problem.

However, while Dembele would fit the bill of the type of high-profile signing fans expect to see at Old Trafford – he earns around £200,000-per-week at the Nou Camp – he just wouldn’t be the right man for the Red Devils.

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Would he be any better than Greenwood? Let’s face it, probably not.

Both players produce high volumes of shots and dribbles per game but Dembele, who is several years older than the 19-year-old, tops the charts with 1.8 and 2.1 respectively.

But his numbers pale into insignificance alongside those of Jadon Sancho, with the 20-year-old England international coming out on top in almost every area. Sancho himself is currently averaging more dribbles and key passes per match than the former France international, as per WhoScored.

It’s also worth remembering that Dembele has suffered from his fair share of injuries which have ruled him out for extended periods of time. Thus signing Sancho could be a safer option with the former Manchester City youth prospect playing all bar two of Dortmund’s Bundesliga games this season thus far. Ed Woodward would be wise to steer clear of the injury-prone Frenchman, that’s for sure. Otherwise, it could prove costly.

AND in other news, Woodward can deliver a masterclass with move for long-term Man Utd target Jadon Sancho…

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ may have endured a difficult start to the season under Gary O’Neil, but they have a squad filled with plenty of talent.

The Old Gold face one last Premier League clash before the international break, as they travel to London to take on Brentford. A loss will see them continue to be rooted to the bottom of the table.

The pressure might not be on O’Neil just yet, but he needs to get a tune out of his talented squad sooner rather than later, otherwise his position could become untenable.

Several players in the first team squad have seen their market value increase in recent months, most notably Joao Gomes, who was signed for a bargain fee last year.

What Wolves paid to sign Joao Gomes

Julen Lopetegui took over the reins at Molineux following a dismal start to the 2022/23 season which saw Bruno Lage sacked. One of the first things the Spaniard did was bolster his squad.

This saw Gomes arrive from Brazilian side Flamengo in January 2023 for a fee in the region of £15m, which has since turned out to be a stunning piece of transfer business by the club, especially considering how much he is now worth…

Joao Gomes’ Wolves statistics

Last season, the midfielder missed just four Premier League games, scoring twice and grabbing an assist.

Previously hailed as “aggressive” and “quality” by his former teammate, Joao Moutinho, Gomes is one of the best players in the current Wolves side.

The 23-year-old has started every single top flight match this season, averaging an 88% pass success rate while also averaging over 50 touches per game, showcasing his ability to dictate the play.

Accurate passes

34.2

Tackles

3.7

Interceptions

0.8

Clearances

0.5

Total duels won

4.3

Possession lost

6.7

His tenacious side has also been on display too, as the South American has averaged an impressive 3.7 tackles per game, while he has also recovered 5.5 balls per match, proving he is effective defensively.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Gomes ranks in the top 1% for tackles per 90 (4.56) over the previous 365 days. This statistic indicates that his defensive work in the heart of the midfield is vital to making Wolves tick.

The best thing is, Gomes has yet to hit his peak yet, something which Wolves will hopefully get to see over the next couple of years.

There is no doubting the fact he is destined for bigger and brighter things though, therefore the Molineux faithful must enjoy him while they can, before he is potentially sold on for profit.

Joao Gomes’ market valuation at Wolves

According to the CIES Football Observatory, Gomes is now valued at €63m (£53m), which clearly suggests the Old Gold have hit the jackpot on the Brazilian gem, that’s for sure.

Indeed, this means he is worth a staggering 253% more than the £15m that was paid to secure his signature nearly two years ago.

If he continues his excellent performances, this valuation could continue to rise even further, ensuring the Molineux side make a substantial profit on him in the future.

It must be said, that while Lopetegui didn’t leave a lasting not overly positive legacy at Molineux, the signing of Gomes was certainly something of a masterstroke.

Wolves could have their new Pedro Neto in "fantastic" Molineux star

O’Neil must replace Neto by unleashing Wolves’ “fantastic” ace.

ByConnor Holden Oct 4, 2024