All posts by z3u9t.icu

Glasgow Rangers failed to gain any ground in the Scottish Premiership title race following a 2-2 draw against Old Firm rivals Celtic in today’s New Year derby.

Michael Beale was taking charge of the Ibrox side for the first time in an Old Firm clash and he had to look on as Rangers were underwhelming in the first half, having just 40% possession and going in at the break a goal down.

The second half saw a marked improvement, with the Light Blues scoring twice in the space of six minutes to lead 2-1 and the performance was far more fluid.

A first derby win for Beale was snatched away by a late Celtic equaliser, however, and despite their best attempts, the Gers couldn’t find a late winner.

James Tavernier showed great composure to score the penalty while making four key passes during the tie, yet it was Fashion Sakala who was arguably Rangers’ biggest threat going forward.

Sakala had so far thrived under the 42-year-old in the four matches since the season resumed midway through December, scoring twice and grabbing an assist and he was deployed on the right wing for today’s match.

The 25-year-old received a solid Sofascore rating of 7.0/10 for his performance, which included 39 touches and 12 accurate passes, although it was his attacking prowess that nearly won the match for Rangers.

Sakala played one key pass, had a total of four shots, succeeded with three of his four dribble attempts, and won the penalty from which Tavernier coolly slotted away.

His unpredictable nature meant he was an absolute nightmare for the Celtic defence, with his darting runs and raw talent creating chances for his teammates throughout the encounter.

He was also praised for his “excellent driving run” to set up Ryan Kent’s equaliser by journalist Joshua Barrie, while Jordan Campbell claimed that Sakala “changed the game for Rangers” with his second-half performance.

Beale can take a lot of positives from this performance into the next few weeks, and despite the game finishing in a draw, it could have easily ended with the Light Blues securing all three points.

The difference at the top of the table is still nine points and the next two Old Firm clashes will be crucial unless the title has already been decided by then.

ExWHUemployee has revealed that the West Ham United board will make ‘some money available’ for David Moyes to spend this January.

What’s the word?

With the winter transfer market now open, Premier League clubs are able to bring in new faces to help bolster their squads in the second half of the season.

Seeing as the Hammers are only above the relegation zone thanks to a superior goal difference, more than most they may well need to make a new signing or two this January.

However, it remains unclear as to how much money they will spend with past reporting suggesting that they may have to settle for loans or bargains instead of splashing the cash as they did in the summer.

While that may well be the case, it does sound as though they will at least have a little bit of money to spend.

Ex told The West Ham Way podcast (7:00): “In terms of players being brought in. Now I believe that the chairman has said to Moyes that we will make some money available.

“I don’t imagine it’ll be a great deal.”

Quiet January ahead

The club certainly backed Moyes in the summer, spending well over £150m on new incomings. Seeing as that hasn’t helped the club’s league form, it’s easy to see why spending may be more frugal from now on.

On top of that, even if the board did want to spend big, they may be wary of buying players specifically for Moyes when the manager’s job at West Ham may not be his for much longer.

Of course, the Hammers have already signed young Brazilian defender Luizao from Sao Paulo, though he won’t be expected to make an impact in the first team any time soon.

However, it sounds as though there is a chance a more senior player could arrive this winter – though it seems unlikely that it will be a major deal costing a big fee.

Perhaps fans will have to hope for another bargain like Craig Dawson who initially joined on loan before later completing a permanent transfer.

Journalist Craig Hope has claimed Newcastle United need to rush striker Alexander Isak back from injury despite any risk that it could further damage the player

What’s the word?

The Sweden international had been out with a hamstring injury since September but managed to surprise many by starting in the club’s recent FA Cup match.

Indeed, Isak played 45 minutes before being substituted off at halftime in the 2-1 defeat away against Sheffield Wednesday on the weekend.

Manager Eddie Howe has since said it was always ‘the plan’ to take the forward off during the break and seemed happy with the display, referring to the 23-year-old as ‘lively’ even though he failed to take his chances in front of goal.

When speaking about it all on his YouTube channel, Hope admitted that he had been surprised by Isak’s inclusion in the starting lineup, but insisted that it was right to push the player into action.

He said (4:34): “So the other little bit of surprise news before the game, of course, was that Alexander Isak was starting.

“While on the face of it, I was sort of quite taken aback by that given how cautious Eddie’s been with regards to his fitness in recent weeks, I do see the need for it, to just to get him up to speed as quickly as possible.

“And listen if his body is going to break – this might sound a little facetious – but if his body is going to break, it’s going to break down.

“You know, they need to test him, they need to put him in there. You can’t sort of dance around this for too long, the need is there for him now to get Isak up to speed.

“And I say that because Callum Wilson, clearly doubts remain around his fitness that will always be the case. And very real doubts are around the form of Chris Wood.”

Worth the risk?

As alluded to by Hope, Wilson has battled with many injury issues throughout his career and has had hamstring troubles this term too.

On top of that, alternative striker option Wood has failed to score on a regular basis when called upon with only two goals in 17 league games this season.

And so, there is certainly a lot of pressure on Isak to not only score the goals but also just stay healthy. Unfortunately, seeing as he has made just four appearances for the Magpies since joining in the summer, he’s not yet been able to deliver – although he does have two goals in only three league outings.

With that in mind, you can see why Howe is so keen to get the 23-year-old back on the pitch and up to full speed. However, if the striker is rushed back too early, he runs the risk of further damaging himself.

Leeds United return to action today but divert their attention away from the Premier League with a trip to Cardiff City in the FA Cup.

It is a wholly winnable clash, and despite the Whites’ precarious league position, Jesse Marsch will view the cup as a fine opportunity to gain some much-needed momentum after their poor run of form.

They have won just twice in their last 15 games in all competitions and as such sit just two points above the relegation zone.

It is a feeling that will likely be all too familiar for fans at Elland Road, given their narrow escape from the drop last season too.

The only saving grace is that the Bluebirds are in a similarly torrid run, as they are winless in their last seven games in the Championship.

Of that aforementioned 2021/22 campaign, one of the true villains to emerge for Leeds was Luke Ayling, who offered little defensively. This culminated in his reckless challenge against Arsenal for which he received a red card, an indiscretion that journalist Phil McNulty branded “reckless” and “awful”.

Although Ayling might have impressed in their hard-fought stalemate against Newcastle United a week ago with a 6.5 Sofascore rating, it is quite fair to say that Rasmus Kristensen has improved the Whites since his signing in the summer.

This is exemplified in his 6.91 average Sofascore rating, which is vastly superior to the 6.57 of Ayling this season and the 6.61 from the season prior.

The Denmark international has offered a fine foundation on the right flank despite Leeds’ overall defensive deficiencies, as outlined in his match averages of 1.5 interceptions, 2.8 tackles and 2.4 clearances (via Sofascore).

This is again a vast improvement on the 0.6 interceptions, 0.7 tackles and 0.8 clearances per game of Ayling (via Sofascore), who has a proven history of letting his team down, as evidenced by that red card against Arsenal last year.

The 31-year-old may have been a more than capable servant to the club across 231 appearances, but if Marsch truly values a run in the cup, thern he will want to return Kristensen to the starting line-up today in place of the £20k-per-week stalwart.

Sheffield Wednesday forward Callum Paterson is wanted by Hearts but the ball appears to be in the Owls’ court, according to reliable journalist Joe Crann.

The Lowdown: Paterson excellent against Wycombe

Darren Moore’s side picked up a precious 1-0 win away to Wycombe Wanderers last Saturday, strengthening their League One promotion hopes in the process.

Paterson led the line for Wednesday and was excellent in his own selfless manner, winning a total of 15 out of 19 individual duels, as well as making one tackle and key pass apiece.

The 17-time capped Scotland international has been linked with a move away from Hillsborough recently, however, with a return to his homeland mooted.

The Latest: Hearts wants Sheff Wed man

Taking to Twitter, Crann claimed that Hearts want to snap up Paterson but the decision will ultimately lie with the Owls:

“Hearts want Callum Paterson, but say they’re now waiting on #SWFC. Can’t imagine his performance against Wycombe will have helped their chances at all.”

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Paterson can be a divisive figure at times, with some feeling he doesn’t add enough attacking quality, having only scored 19 goals in 116 appearances.

He is a hugely understated player who is quietly effective, however, working tirelessly for the team, and is able to do a job at full-back, centre-back, in midfield, out wide and centrally in attack.

Wednesday would be wise to keep hold of Paterson for the remainder of the season, at least, with the former Cardiff City man someone who Moore shouldn’t see as a star man, but a very effective squad player in a title push, having been hailed as ‘superb’ by Crann.

Arsenal could well be considering making a move for Crystal Palace starlet Michael Olise this summer, with the high-flying Gunners having been named as a potential suitor for the promising youngster.

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Daily Mail, with journalist Sami Mokbel reporting that the north Londoners are one of the clubs currently ‘monitoring’ the 21-year-old, ahead of a potential swoop at the end of the season.

The report suggests, however, that the Eagles will ‘not entertain’ the notion of losing both the French youth international and teammate Wilfried Zaha this summer, with the latter man yet to commit his future to the club with just six months remaining on his existing deal.

The piece also adds that Palace removed a £35m buy-out clause from Olise’s contract last year, ensuring that prising the playmaker from Selhurst Park could prove far tougher for Gunners sporting director, Edu.

Fabio Vieira upgrade

The former Reading ace has made a rather smooth transition to life in the Premier League since his £8m switch back in the summer of 2021, having already chipped in with 18 goals and assists in 52 games across all fronts for his current side to date.

That includes a haul of two goals and four assists in the top flight in the 2022/23 campaign thus far, with the highly-rated “baller” – as described by journalist Muhammad Butt – having notably produced a moment of magic in the draw at home to Manchester United earlier this week.

The £45k-per-week maestro stepped up in stoppage time to equalise for Patrick Vieira’s men, doing so in stunning fashion with a sensational, dipping free-kick that evaded the sprawling David De Gea.

Not only did that masterful set piece catch the eye, but so too did Olise’s nonchalant celebration in the aftermath, having arguably showcased just why he could well be destined to “play at the very highest levels of the game”, according to Butt.

Should Edu and co opt to bring the London-born dynamo to the Emirates any time soon, he could well prove a notable upgrade on summer arrival, Fabio Vieira, with the Portuguese midfielder currently struggling to make his mark in English football.

The 23-year-old has thus far failed to warrant his rather hefty £34m price tag after scoring just once and laying on only one assist in the league this term, having notably endured an “absolute howler” of a performance in the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, in the words of GOAL’s Charles Watts.

The former Porto man’s woes are also laid bare by his struggles in possession of late as he ranks in just the bottom 27% in Europe among those in his position for dribbles completed, while that man Olise ranks in the top 19% in that regard.

Equally, the Palace sensation also appears to offer far more defensively as he ranks in the top 3% for blocks made and the top 14% for tackles made, while Vieira only ranks in the bottom 1% and the bottom 11% for the same two metrics respectively.

That should indicate that even though the new addition has only been in the door for a matter of months, Mikel Arteta’s side could secure a playmaking upgrade by winning the race for Olise this summer.

Leeds United are reportedly continuing in their bid to bring Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie to Elland Road before the end of the window.

What’s the word?

Journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed on Wednesday that the Whites had lodged a bid of around €28m (£25m) for the 24-year-old, albeit with the Serie A side seemingly demanding closer to €35m (£31m) if they are to sanction a sale this month.

The transfer guru has since provided a further update regarding those continued negotiations, with the respected insider suggesting that discussions are “progressing well” at present.

Writing on Twitter about that developing story, Romano stated: “Understand talks between Leeds and Juventus for Weston McKennie are now progressing well. Parties are discussing key details, not done deal yet — after green light on player side. Negotiations will continue in the next hours.”

‘Monumental’ for Marsch

The signing of the former Schalke man – who made the move to Turin back in the summer of 2020 – could well prove to be a “superb addition” for Leeds boss Jesse Marsch, according to TEAMtalk’s James Marshment, with the playmaker having thrived in Italy of late.

The £55k-per-week “machine” – as lauded by Colombian footballer Sebastián Velásquez – has enjoyed a particularly profitable 2022/23 campaign thus far, with five goal involvements from his 21 games in all competitions.

That ability to make an impact in the final third is also illustrated by the fact that the 41-cap maestro ranks in the top 16% among his European peers for touches in the attacking penalty area, as well as in the top 10% for progressive passes received.

Such form may well have led to surprise that the ‘Old Lady’ are willing to allow the American ace to move on this month, although the club’s current financial situation is seemingly a factor in that desire to sell.

That fact has handed Marsch and co the perfect opportunity to pounce, with the acquisition of the 6 foot 1 sensation potentially set to prove “monumental” for the Yorkshire side, according to CBS reporter, Jake Winderman, as he is such a “special talent”.

With the relegation strugglers having only recently seen Mateusz Klich move on to MLS side DC United, the current options in the centre of the park having no doubt been depleted, with Marsch lacking few reliable, senior options outside of Marc Roca and Tyler Adams.

Providing that pairing with such quality competition in the form of McKennie could well prove integral in the bid to stave off the drop in the second half of the season, with it set to be a real bonus to be able to bring in a player who boasts Champions League and World Cup experience, despite his relative youth.

Nottingham Forest target Felipe is set to undergo a medical ‘later today’ ahead of completing his move to The City Ground, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Leverkusen’s attempted hijack

The Premier League club are in need of defensive reinforcements to ensure they avoid the drop at the end of the season, and the Atletico Madrid centre-back has been identified as the perfect candidate.

The Reds were credited with an interest in the 33-year-old earlier in the month but were in danger of a move collapsing after Bayer Leverkusen joined the race in an attempt to hijack his signature.

However, Steve Cooper’s side have since emerged as frontrunners for the Brazilian who now looks set to seal his transfer in the coming hours.

The Latest: Felipe set for medical

Taking to Twitter in the early hours of this morning, Romano confirmed that Forest are expected to finalise a deal for Felipe before tonight’s deadline, with tests likely scheduled to take place this afternoon.

He wrote: “Nottingham Forest are set to announce at least two more signings today: it’s all signed for Jonjo Shelvey, medical also completed.

“Next one: Felipe on permanent deal from Atlético Madrid, done on one year and half contract. Medical later today.”

The Verdict: After Shelvey

As stated above, Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey is close to being unveiled at Forest, and it sounds like Felipe will be the next to follow in his footsteps.

The 6 foot 2 colossus currently ranks in the 96th percentile for most blocks and clearances per 90 minutes in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months and is averaging a hugely impressive 92.3% pass success rate in La Liga. That hints at a well-rounded defender who is adept both in and out of possession.

Felipe also has seven trophies to his name so will know what it’s like to have a taste of success, and Cooper will be hoping that this winning mentality is one that his imminent new arrival will be able to instil into the rest of the squad at the City Ground.

West Ham United manager David Moyes could still look to push for another forward in the coming days despite signing Danny Ings just last week.

What’s the latest?

Amid the Hammers’ struggles in the Premier League this season, Moyes was handed a boost in front of goal last week with the signing of Ings from Aston Villa.

It was a deal which is believed to have cost the Irons in the region of £15m for the 30-year-old who arrives in London with six league goals already to his name this season.

However, West Ham may have already endured an issue with Ings given he is believed to have picked up an injury in the weekend victory over Everton.

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And on the back of this news, speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested Moyes could now look to bring in another forward option before Tuesday’s deadline:

“Obviously getting Danny Ings eases that blow that they’ve now got an extra forward in the building right now as well. But now he’s got an injury as well, which isn’t ideal, but I think West Ham, still, if the right opportunity might come along before the end the window could still be in the market for another forward.”

More reinforcement needed

Goals have been a serious issue for the Hammers this season with the likes of Gianluca Scamacca struggling to adapt to the Premier League so far.

In their 20 league games this season, Moyes’ men have only been able to provide a return of 17 goals which is the fourth-lowest in the league.

The big-money summer signing of Scamacca is yet to provide much of a return on the investment but the likes of Jarrod Bowen have also struggled to find his scoring boots too.

Therefore, the addition of a proven Premier League goalscorer in Ings felt like it had great potential to be an inspired signing for the Hammers as they look to battle against the drop.

Instead, his injury has proven a serious setback with just days remaining of the January window.

Reports have suggested West Ham are set to be without their £15m signing for several weeks following the knee injury the 30-year-old picked up on the weekend.

A difficult run of fixtures lies ahead of what has been a struggling West Ham side and missing a goal threat like Ings will likely be a major blow for Moyes.

But with just days remaining of the window, it will be interesting to see if West Ham make any moves and if they do to what expense they will be willing to spend.

Liverpool have been tipped to complete the signing of Chelsea midfielder and Premier League legend N’Golo Kante this summer ahead of the expiry of his contract in west London…

What’s the latest?

The Frenchman has been a stalwart for Chelsea since his £30m move from Leicester City in 2016, going on to win a plethora of major honours and individual accolades, and he is now of interest to Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.

With the 31-year-old out of contract at the end of the season, reports from Spain (via Football 365) emerged this week that that Klopp has personally urged club owners FSG to make an offer to land Kante on a free transfer when his contract concludes at the end of the campaign.

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has since implored his former club to sign a colossus who can reinject some vigour into the midfield on Merseyside.

He told ESPN: “You know you are getting a player, a gentleman and an experienced winner. He’s the whole package. The nicest guy in the world. Fantastic in the dressing room. You are getting everything.

“If I am Madrid, Man City, Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern, or any of the so-called big guys. If this guy is on a free, then I am signing him.”

Henderson upgrade

Kante is a serial winner. Since arriving in the Premier League with Leicester for a paltry £5.6m, the box-to-box ace has won two top-flight titles – monumentally starring in the Foxes’ iconic 2015/16 campaign before his move to Stamford Bridge – along with the Champions League, World Cup and several other major honours.

Hailed as “one of the best” by his former Blues boss Antonio Conte, he has made 222 appearances in the English top flight, scoring 12 goals and providing 16 assists. Despite his recent injury concerns, his inclusion in a team suffering from lack of potency and intensity, much like Klopp’s withered Liverpool, could produce huge rewards.

Potentially available on a free transfer, it seems something of a no-brainer to reinstall the energy which has been notably absent on Merseyside this term after years of commendable work under Klopp’s tutelage.

As per FBref, the “astounding” Kante – as dubbed by sport writer Ben McKenna – ranks among the top 6% of midfielders in Europe’s five main leagues for both shot-creating actions and dribbles completed, illustrating his progressive, forward-thinking nature.

He is also among the top 15% for tackles and interceptions, and it is this bustling, high-octane approach which would fit the Reds’ system like a tailor-made glove.

He could replace Liverpool stalwart and captain Jordan Henderson, who has been at the epicentre of the issues which have plagued the Reds this season.

Henderson has made 472 outings for his current club, scoring 33 goals and supplying 59 assists, and has indeed donned the armband throughout the prosperous era which has seen the club land a plethora of major trophies, most memorably that long-awaited Premier League title in 2020.

However, Liverpool reporter Steve Smith encapsulates the conundrum, writing that the 32-year-old’s “tank is close to empty”, and it is clear that someone of Kante’s ilk could represent a significant and much-needed upgrade.

As per FBref, the Frenchman has outperformed his English compatriot throughout their respective careers in terms of shots on target percentage, pass completion, blocks and tackles made, dribble success and ball recoveries. This indicates that Kante would improve the Reds’ midfield both in and out of possession.

Liverpool are in a bit of turmoil right now, and while Champions League qualification for 2023/24 looks a steep task, having fallen ten points off Manchester United in the top four, the opportunity to write a successful new chapter in the club’s distinguished history could begin with a swoop for potential free agent Kante.