All posts by z3u9t.icu

Glasgow Rangers have had their fair share of transfer failures in the previous 18 months. The Ibrox side have missed out on Joey Veerman and Danilho Doekhi in recent times under Steven Gerrard and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, with the two Dutchman going on to shine for PSV Eindhoven and Union Berlin, respectively.

It hasn’t just been those two however, with numerous other failings since the Light Blues won the Premiership title in 2021 meaning the club failed to build on their achievement and create a new era that would dominate Scotland.

Rangers were perennially linked with former Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson under Gerrard, with the young Scot – who is the nephew of former Ibrox legend Barry Ferguson – impressing in the North East.

No move ever materialised and he eventually sealed a move to Serie A side Bologna last summer in order to continue his development, and it’s clear that the move has been a wise one.

What is Lewis Ferguson up to now?

The 23-year-old registered 60 goal contributions in 169 matches for Aberdeen and the Gers were crying out for a player who could add an attacking dynamic to their midfield alongside the likes of Joe Aribo and Ianis Hagi.

It appears as they though they have had a nightmare in missing out on the Scot, especially considering his form for Bologna this season.

In 22 matches for the Italian side, the Hamilton-born sensation has scored four goals in one of the continent’s most difficult leagues, proving that he can shine at the highest level.

Ferguson has received an average Sofascore rating of 6.82/10 and has made 0.5 key passes, 1.3 tackles and taken 1.4 shots per game, showcasing his all-round ability, while the former Aberdeen star has also won 64% of his duels.

He doesn’t seem to be fazed by the massive step-up in quality in Serie A and there is even talk that Juventus are seemingly interested in the midfielder this summer, while writer Kenny Millar has lavished praise on the 5 foot 11 gem recently, saying: “Class to see Lewis Ferguson more than hold his own as Bologna beat Inter Milan.

“Clear how highly thought of he is over here when you speak to staff and supporters.”

Ross Wilson had the chance to sign him in 2021 and last summer, yet he baulked at the £3m fee Aberdeen were demanding.

Judging by his latest displays, the Ibrox side had an absolute nightmare over the player and should have forked out the money, especially as he will soon be worth over three times that amount.

ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has suggested that Real Madrid could part ways with Carlo Ancelotti if they fail to win the Champions League – and that the Italian would be perfect for the Brazil job if he is available.

What's going on with Real Madrid and Ancelotti?

The Italian has been criticised at times despite his recent success with Real Madrid, with Los Blancos 12 points behind their rivals Barcelona, but they could still retain their European crown in the Champions League.

However, failure in Europe could spell the end of Ancelotti's second reign in charge, but the 63-year-old has been linked with the vacant Brazil role and this could be an option for him.

Speaking on ESPN FC, Nicol claimed that the Brazil job would be perfectly suited to Ancelotti's style of management.

"If they don't win the Champions League, then it seems likely that Real Madrid would move him on, and if that was the case, then I really don't see a better fit from a manager and a team's point of view than Ancelotti with Brazil," he stated.

"I mean, it seems like a match made in heaven. The guy who undoubtedly, in world football, would be the man to take over a team with established players, established stars, mature players.

"From my point of view, it just seems the perfect fit, Ancelotti with Brazil – he would go in there, all he would have to do is look after all the big stars, all the big egos. It wouldn't be about tactics or getting the team going, any of that stuff. It would be completely and utterly, in my opinion, about man-management. And I don't think there's a better man-manager in football."

Should Ancelotti take the Brazil job?

Given all he has accomplished at Real Madrid, and indeed in Europe, having won all the top five leagues as well as multiple Champions Leagues, this could be the perfect opportunity for Ancelotti to venture into international management.

Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Eder Militao all play for Brazil, and with superstars such as Neymar and Casemiro in the side, Ancelotti can use his experience in managing big names.

He has won titles with the likes of AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, having had to manage world superstars at many of his clubs, and if he can get the best out of the Brazil squad, he can help return glory to a nation which has disappointed on the big stage in recent years.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could not have picked a better time to play Chelsea, with the west London outfit struggling recently, and having sacked Graham Potter, they will have Frank Lampard back in the dugout on an interim basis.

Julen Lopetegui started off well at Wolves, but the Old Gold haven’t won since the start of March, and with things extremely tight at the bottom of the Premier League table, a win against the Blues could go a long way to securing safety come the end of the season.

The Molineux side had the perfect chance to move further clear of the relegation zone against Nottingham Forest last week, but they stumbled to a 1-1 draw and Lopetegui could make a few changes in response.

One player we think must be unleashed against Chelsea is winger Adama Traore, whose pace and strength could seriously test their fragile backline.

Will Adama Traore start for Wolves against Chelsea?

The Spaniard started against Forest last week, succeeding with two dribble attempts, making one key pass and winning seven duels during the tight encounter, but he couldn’t push his side towards a winner.

Chelsea have conceded 30 goals this season, and although they could receive a 'new manager boost' with Lampard arriving in midweek, Wolves will have other plans in order to make his first match back one to forget.

Traore hasn’t quite been at his swashbuckling best this season, scoring just twice in the league and creating only four big chances – but there is an argument to say the better the opposition, the better he plays.

Against Tottenham Hotspur last month, the £55k-per-week speedster scored the winner, hit the woodwork and made one key pass in a fine 45-minute display, proving that when he is on form, the 27-year-old can cause havoc to opposition defences. He also assisted in Wolves' 3-0 win over Liverpool in February.

He enjoyed a loan spell back with Barcelona last season in a bid to gain some more game time and get back to his best, and Xavi was full of praise for Traore, saying: "Adama has matured a lot. And physically, he is a beast, a monster… In 1v1 situations, you cannot beat him. Adama is the perfect winger for me. I am convinced that he will be great for us."

His hot-and-cold nature is certainly problematic, but Lopetegui should give him another chance this afternoon, especially with Pedro Neto still battling back to full fitness.

The winger may just deliver again when it matters most and secure Wolves a precious three points, which could go a long way in the relegation battle.

Rangers now expect to lose Scott Wright in the summer transfer window, amid interest in the winger from English Championship sides, according to a report from Football Insider.

Which Rangers players could leave this summer?

Michael Beale may have a bit of a rebuilding job on his hands this summer, as some long-serving players are being linked with moves away from the club, most notably Alfredo Morelos, with the Colombian's contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The chances of the striker leaving are ever-increasing, as he is still yet to enter talks with the club about a new deal, with Beale set to wait until the end of the campaign before making his mind up.

41-year-old goalkeeper Allan McGregor could also call time on his Rangers career in the summer, when his current deal expires, but he will make a definite decision at the end of the campaign, depending on whether he feels he can still perform at a good level.

Another Light Blues player that may be on the move at the end of the campaign is Wright, with Football Insider reporting English Championship sides are circling, as well as teams from the Scottish top flight.

The winger is now expected to leave the club, despite having two years left on his contract, with Beale already starting his plans for the off-season, as he vies to close the gap on rivals Celtic.

The Rangers boss was unwilling to part with the 25-year-old in January, but his future will be re-assessed in the summer, at which point he is likely to sanction his departure.

Should Rangers let Scott Wright leave?

The £5.6k-per-week earner has stepped up to the plate in some big moments for the Light Blues, most notably scoring the second in the 2-0 win against Hearts in the Scottish Cup final last season.

However, the former Aberdeen man is clearly unfavoured by Beale, regularly being limited to cameo appearances off the bench, meaning he has amassed just one assist in the Scottish Premiership this season.

Despite being hailed as having "so much talent" by journalist Josh Bunting, the Scot has been unable to display his quality often enough in a Rangers shirt, and it is probably the right decision to allow him to move on in the summer.

Given his contract situation, the Gers may be able to receive a decent fee for Wright, which they can then reinvest into other areas of the squad.

Tottenham Hotspur have 'definitely' looked at Marcelo Gallardo as a potential option to replace Antonio Conte, according to Alasdair Gold.

What's the latest on Tottenham's manager search?

In the last fortnight, names linked with the Spurs managerial position have been in no short supply, with an array of coaches both in and out of work emerging as contenders.

Chairman Daniel Levy may already have his ideal candidates and recent reports suggest that the likes of Arne Slot (Feyenoord) now stand a real chance of succeeding Antonio Conte.

Beforehand, former Lilywhites boss Mauricio Pochettino had been tipped as a hot contender, with reliable news outlets indicating he would be very open to talks with Spurs.

Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique, Zinedine Zidane and even Brendan Rodgers, despite his disastrous final season at ex-club Leicester City, are also in the running. Meanwhile, currently employed tacticians like Eintracht Frankfurt's Oliver Glasner and Brentford's Thomas Frank are said to have admirers at Tottenham.

Their next manager after Conte comes as Levy's most crucial decision of this year and he will be eager to avoid an embarrassing repeat of Tottenham's 72-day search for Jose Mourinho's replacement in 2021.

Now, reliable reporter Gold has suggested that a new name has been looked at in former River Plate boss Gallardo – who has also attracted interest from Chelsea.

While the 47-year-old isn't a 'leading candidate' at this stage, Gold also wouldn't rule out a move for him entirely.

The journalist explained in a football.london Q&A:

"I wouldn't rule out Marcelo Gallardo entirely but I think he'd be an outlier in the running. For one reason or another he hasn't been linked with a move to the Premier League too much, or at least he wasn't until there was some suggestions from Brazil about him being a potential Chelsea candidate.

"I think he's one Spurs have definitely looked at but I don't get the impression he's a leading candidate at this stage. As with Nuno in 2021 though, who knows what can happen to the order of candidates as others fall away."

What would Gallardo bring to Spurs?

The South American has won trophies galore from his spells at both Club Nacional and River Plate – boasting a grand total of 10 pieces of silverware across the Atlantic.

For Spurs supporters who wish to see the return of possession-based, forward-thinking football – Gallardo could be the manager for them as he encourages a 4-3-3 attacking formation similar to Pochettino.

His status as a free agent comes as yet another reason to consider moving for Gallardo, and if their search continues to drag on, we wouldn't be at all surprised to see him become a more solid option.

Referee John Busby seemed to have made a big mistake in the most recent Sunderland match as he awarded a dubious penalty against the Black Cats.

What's the latest on the penalty against Sunderland?

Playing away against West Bromwich Albion, Tony Mowbray and co did their hopes of securing a promotion play-off spot a big boost on Sunday afternoon.

Indeed, Sunderland climbed into the Championship top six as they came from behind to win at The Hawthorns thanks to two second-half goals from Dennis Cirkin.

The task for the Black Cats was made all the more difficult, however, when referee Busby pointed to the spot on the brink of halftime when John Swift hit the deck after a slight brush with Luke O'Nien.

As seen in the official Sky Sports highlights package (0:33), the West Brom man hits the deck without much actual contact.

Did John Swift dive against Sunderland?

Journalist Josh Bunting certainly seemed to think the officials got this one wrong. Indeed, he made his feelings known on Twitter.

The football writer wrote: "If that’s a penalty you’re giving a number of them in the same match, Swift is already going down without contact. There is very little contact there if even any.

"That’s a dreadful decision, absolutely awful error. But with the EFL officiating I am not surprised it’s been given."

While the co-commentator on the highlights seemed to feel similarly, saying: "John Siwft, I think they buy this because there isn't any contact."

All in all, it certainly was a dubious decision at best but with no VAR in the Championship to help overturn the decision, the penalty stood.

In the end, it still wasn't enough to put away Sunderland who did brilliantly to fight back and claim all three points on the road.

After the game, manager Mowbray certainly seemed delighted with the win, telling BBC Sport: "We've had some great away days this season – and this was another one.

"We were brave on the ball. It's nice to see so many of our young lads trying to play football the right way.

"We controlled the game for long periods. And you can see they're enjoying it.

"This is a good football team with real talent. If you preach the right messages to them, then they get it."

The Black Cats are back in action again this Saturday when they play host to Watford at the Stadium of Light.

Newcastle United are amongst the clubs heavily interested in a move for Marcus Thuram, according to a report.

What's going on with Marcus Thuram?

The France international is out of contract at the end of the season and is set to leave Borussia Monchengladbach, with clubs ready to fight for his signature.

Newcastle are ready to compete with AC Milan and Inter for his services, but they are all currently waiting for him to return from a long-term injury before making a decision.

Sport Witness has relayed a report from CalcioMercato.it, in which it is claimed that the player is yet to decide where he wants to end up, and that he wants to join a club where he could be the "leading player" in a project.

This could present Eddie Howe's Newcastle as a very attractive destination, particularly if they secure Champions League football next season.

This could provide a problem for both of the Milan-based giants. Indeed, either club's best hope of reaching the elite competition next term could yet be winning it in just over a month's time – with one team guaranteed a slot in June's final. Otherwise, they may find themselves losing out on a target to Newcastle – something which would not have been considered possible even two seasons ago.

What would Thuram bring to Newcastle?

Thuram, who can play on the wings as well as a central striker, could link up with the likes of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes to lead Newcastle into Europe for the first time in over ten years, and given how impressive the Magpies have been this season, he could help them challenge at the top of the table beyond the current term.

Newcastle have the best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding just 27 goals in 33 games, but they have failed to score in nine of these matches.

Labelled "a little crazy" by current Chelsea loanee Denis Zakaria, Thuram could help add another dimension to their attack and help support Isak and Callum Wilson in front of goal. The 25-year-old has scored 16 and assisted six times in 30 games this season, but is set to miss most of the campaign's remainder with a torn muscle fibre.

The arrival of Thuram could end up being a concern to Allan Saint-Maximin. The winger has already seen his game time reduced with Joelinton often playing a wide role, as well as Anthony Gordon arriving in January.

Another wide attacker coming through the door could mean Saint-Maximin departs, but given his poor form in front of goal, with just one strike in 26 this season, Thuram will likely provide a significant upgrade on his countryman.

Manchester City sit firmly in the driving seat at the top of the Premier League table with just four games now remaining in their domestic campaign.

Pep Guardiola's side have taken the spot at the top of the table over the last week and have maintained their hold over the title race in their latest outing against Sam Allardyce's Leeds United.

Perhaps the game against the Yorkshire side proved to be a tighter affair than many may have expected, however, the points were secured by the reigning champions and could prove huge in their hopes of adding a significant piece to their potential treble.

City will be a side renowned for their style of play under the Spanish coach, but at this stage of the season, fans will surely take the points through any means possible with so much on the line.

As Guardiola's men aim to see out a flawless end to what has been a stunning campaign so far, here's how we think City's remaining fixtures will play out…

Man City fixtures 14 May: Everton (a) 21 May: Chelsea (h) 24 May: Brighton (a) 28 May: Brentford (a). Everton v Man City

Arsenal supporters will be grimacing at the sight of this run of fixtures after their meeting with City, with so many low-placed teams coming up against the Premier League champions.

Granted, a trip to Everton is not easy, especially when the crowd are baying for blood and desperately trying to roar their team on, so this may not be as straightforward as the West Ham and Leeds games. That being said, City should still win without having to hit top gear.

Prediction: Everton 0-3 Man City

Man City v Chelsea

Given the Blues' well-documented struggles this season – they have had three different managers in charge since August – they still possess individual qualities that saw them reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

City may have beaten the west Londoners in both domestic cup competitions this term, but they only won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge thanks to a Riyad Mahrez goal, so this may not be as one-sided as some think with much more on the line – but we expect the champions to get the job done.

Prediction: Man City 3-1 Chelsea

Brighton v Man City

City and Brighton were meant to be meeting in the league last month, but instead, they were both at Wembley in FA Cup semi-final action, taking on Sheffield United and Manchester United, respectively.

For that reason, this match will be sandwiched in a hectic schedule for Guardiola's men and has the potential to be a really awkward encounter for City. The Seagulls have been excellent all season and their fans would love to see their final home game of the campaign end up with a positive result against City. This feels like one of those really hard-earned victories for the visitors – it could even be late drama that seals a final-day showdown, or perhaps the title itself.

Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Man City

Brentford v Man City

City have been absolute masters of holding their nerve on the final day of recent Premier League seasons, even if some drama has been required against the likes of QPR, Brighton and, most recently, Aston Villa.

This time around, they head to Brentford, which could possibly be tricky if the west Londoners are on their game, but they are at risk of having nothing to really play for. That would clearly aid City, who will hope that just a win is enough to seal yet another league crown. They should have more than enough quality to beat the Bees, but it may not be plain sailing, having been beaten earlier in the season – but they are champions for a reason.

Prediction: Brentford 0-2 Man City

Predicted run-in points: 12/12 Predicted total points: 94

Aston Villa are having a season to remember since the transformation of the squad’s form by Unai Emery. The Spaniard has raised the bar since making the switch from Villareal to the Midlands and taking Villa from relegation candidates to European hopefuls in just over half a season.

The squad has been rejuvenated under the 51-year-old’s watchful eye, and has boosted the form and performance potential of many squad members, most notably Ollie Watkins who has 14 goals in the league so far this season.

Another player that has been performing well under Emery is Emiliano Buendia, when the Argentinian arrived at Villa Park in the summer of 2021, no one could doubt his quality after being named Player of the Season in the Championship the year prior.

With the club’s change in managers and change in form, it was a difficult period for Buendia, who looks to be back to his best playing as a versatile forward in Emery’s system, covering a range of positions.

The four-time Europa League winning coach praised the Argentinian’s “mentality” as well explaining his desire to explore in midfield and attack, using him as a “second striker” and “left-winger playing inside” in this dynamic Villa team.

Buendia has scored five goals this season, four of which coming during Emery’s reign as manager, and ranks in the top five in expected goal conversion in the Premier League.

It’s clear to see that the forward is flourishing under Emery, and despite having the playmaker on a five-year-contract, Villa already seem to have an heir to the 26-year-old in their ranks.

Who is Omari Kellyman?

Northern Irish forward Omari Kellyman is a player capturing the eye of many, including Emery from the club’s academy. The 17-year-old has already trained with the first team, and scored in front of the Spaniard during Villa’s behind-closed-doors fixture against Bristol Rovers.

Heralded as a “star in the making” by Birmingham Live’s Villa correspondent Ashley Preece, the youngster is on the right track to being a star in the Premier League one day.

The former Derby County academy star had a strong start to life with the Midlands side, scoring a goal and assisting three in the U18 Premier League, which saw his promotion to the U21’s side.

Moving things up a notch hasn’t bothered the starlet, who has five goal contributions in 10 appearances in the PL2, scoring three and assisting two so far.

Kellyman was nominated for the U21 league’s player of the month award for February, and has become more and more impressive since his transfer to Villa last year.

The youngster bears a lot of similarities to Buendia, sparking thoughts that he could be the next attacking star to grace the top division for the club in the future. Like the Argentinian, the 17-year-old is versatile in attack, featuring as a right-winger, a central midfielder and at times on the left too this season.

Midfielder’s with the ability to move in and around the attack is a trait that Emery is a fan of, as shown through Buendia’s emergence to form in his free flowing system behind the striker.

At just 17, there is a bright future ahead for Kellyman, who is ticking all the right boxes so far at Villa.

Last night’s Champions League encounter between AC Milan and Inter Milan was a truly special occasion.A big European semi-final is always going to be, yet when it’s played between two fierce rivals who play in the same stadium, it’s always going to elevate the significance.Neither team were able to prevent Napoli from securing a historic Serie A title but Milan were on hand to beat them in the Champions League semi-finals.Sadly for them, it’s unlikely they’ll be in the final after Inter won the first leg 2-0.It was a night that quite rightly warranted special attention from broadcasters, no less so than at CBS where Micah Richards, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher were all on top form as usual.Among the hilarity of an interview with Paolo Maldini, there were moments of more serious debate, even if a certain Henry did have to be dressed in a crown and a robe for that to occur.In a segment post-match, the Arsenal great was coronated as the CBS king for the day, and as such, had the freedom to pick five new rules he’d like to see in football.

What new rules does Thierry Henry want to see in football?

The first happened to be rather topical considering discussions in recent days surrounding how long each team has time wasted this term.

With that debate likely fresh in his mind, the former striker declared that any time clear and obvious time wasting that happened would be punished with a 25-yard free kick being given to the opposition to try and score from.

Anofher rule included the need for concussion substitutes while a player suffering from a head injury can be assessed thoroughly and not rushed back onto the pitch.

One more thing that Henry wanted to introduce was more clarity among referees for their decision making with the use of TV microphones being worn and mandatory post-match interviews for the officials being required .

Once a striker, it was unsurprising that the great Frenchman wanted to see good attacking play rewarded too, with an extra point being proposed for any team that score three or more goals in a game.

Perhaps the most interesting rule surrounded player recruitment, with the pundit saying: “The sporting director or whoever is in charge of recruitment at your club must do your research and due diligence.

“What I mean by that is you don’t buy a house without visiting it, you go in the morning, you go at night to hear the noise, and I’ve seen so many players arriving to places without anyone knowing if they could adapt at all to the place.

“So I’ll give you an example. The coach of the San Antonio Spurs went to Spain for two weeks to make sure a player was going to be the right fit for the Spurs because he was going to be the franchise’s marquee player.”

While some of the rules are quirky, others really make sense. It’s clear Henry has an excellent brain when it comes to football, but whether these rules become a reality, only time will tell.