All posts by h716a5.icu

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Newcastle fans have taken to Twitter after The Telegraph revealed that Rafa Benitez will leave the club in the summer unless new signings are brought in this month, as the Spaniard reaches breaking point at St. James’ Park.

The former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss is ready to depart the Tyneside club if he does not get the two players he demanded in the January transfer window, with Atlanta’s Miguel Almiron, Juventus’ Moise Kean, Iranian full-back Milad Mohammadi and Lyon’s Martin Terrier mentioned as targets in the aforementioned report.

Benitez would prefer to stay on Tyneside, but feels like his position is becoming untenable having constantly been ignored by Mike Ashley in his pleas for new arrivals.

Which Man Utd star got fed by Salt Bae this week? Check out the video below to find out…

The relegation-threatened Magpies are set to have another £55million in the bank before the end of the month thanks to television money, but it does not appear that will land in the hands of Benitez to spend on new arrivals.

Understandably, having seen their club constantly neglected by Ashley as they struggle to maintain their Premier League status, Newcastle supporters have grown tired of the situation…

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Liverpool have confirmed that Joe Gomez will undergo surgery on a lower leg fracture.

The defender sustained the injury against Burnley in the Premier League in December and has subsequently been absent from the succeeding nine games.

What’s the word?

Gomez, who had been enjoying an extended run in the team, lasted just 23 minutes against Burnley, where he had been deployed as a right-back.

He has since been absent from matches against the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Leicester City, with the Reds losing to Pep Guardiola’s men without him.

He will now go under the knife and Liverpool have revealed in an official statement that “it’s likely he will feature again this season”.

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Manager Jurgen Klopp, per the aforementioned statement, said: “It’s a blow for the boy and for us – because prior to the injury he was in such fantastic shape.

“But he is too valuable to take any risk with, both for our present and future, so we get this procedure done and he comes back when he’s ready.”

Gomez had impressed in his 18 appearances prior to the injury – he has also won six caps for England under Gareth Southgate.

Milner as deputy

Klopp desperately needs Trent Alexander-Arnold back with Gomez injured.

Without the pair, he has been forced to play both Jordan Henderson and James Milner at right-back and it seems likely that the latter will continue in the role for the coming games.

The Reds face West Ham United on Monday as they look to extend their two-point gap over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

They are short at right-back, however, and will have to rely on Milner until at least the weekend, when the Reds take on AFC Bournemouth at Anfield.

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Following his summer 2017 switch from Hull City to Liverpool, Andrew Robertson took some time to acclimatise to life at Anfield and integrate himself into Jurgen Klopp’s first-team squad.

However, in December 2017 he established himself as the Reds’ first choice left-back and has since become a vital part of the first XI and key to the effective implementation of the German coach’s preferred tactical set-up and style of play.

His role

Robertson is a very modern, attacking full-back. The 24-year-old has bags of pace, energy and stamina, which he uses to join in attacks and offer a creative outlet for his team on the flank.

Check out the below above to see football played as you’ve never seen it before… in a maze!

The 28-cap Scotland international is also a committed defender whose consistency and reliability makes him one of Klopp’s most trusted lieutenants and one of the most important regular members of Liverpool’s starting XI.

His importance

Whilst the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk hog the headlines, Robertson’s importance cannot be overstated. The Scot offers Liverpool so much dynamism and tenacity in both attacking and defensive phases of play.

He has been a near ever-present selection for the Reds so far this season. According to WhoScored’s stats, he has made 23 Premier League appearances so far – all of which have been starts. These outings have garnered five assists.

His average of 1.3 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per game highlights what he brings to Liverpool’s attack. His defensive record of 2.5 tackles and 1.5 clearances per match is equally impressive. 

His exploits may sometimes fly under radar, but his loss to Liverpool would certainly make a massive, unmissable difference.

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Everton midfielder Kieran Dowell was handed a surprise new role for loan side Sheffield United when they hosted Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane on Wednesday night, and it may have indicated that he can be the club’s surprise Leighton Baines replacement.

On the chalkboard

Well, the 21-year-old moved to the Championship high-flyers on loan until the end of the season during the January transfer window having found first-team opportunities hard to come by under Marco Silva, and he had largely featured in his preferred attacking midfield role to date.

However, Chris Wilder decided to hand the England U21 international a slightly different job by lining him up at left wing-back against Boro, and he certainly didn’t disappoint with an impressive and tireless display as his temporary team kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win.

Dowell will be determined to make a positive impression for the Yorkshire outfit to prove to the Toffees that he has a long-term future at Goodison Park, and his latest display may have done his chances of doing exactly that the world of good.

Baines replacement?

It is clear to see that Lucas Digne will be Everton’s first-choice left-back/wing-back for the foreseeable future, but the Merseyside club don’t have a lot of depth beyond the Frenchman.

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That has meant that when he has been absent that veteran Baines has filled in, but sooner or later they will have to find a replacement for the 34-year-old whose contract is due to expire at the end of the current campaign.

Dowell may well have just proven that Silva already has his successor in the squad, and that he has the ability and quality to be Digne’s understudy.

Harry Redknapp has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur ‘have a chance’ of winning the Champions League this season.

Tottenham recorded a 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their round of 16 match last week, suggesting that the capital outfit are on the cusp of the quarter-finals.

Barcelona will be desperate for their first Champions League title since 2015, whilst Real Madrid simply cannot be written off due to their incredible history in the competition.

Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are also regarded by many as strong challengers for the title, but Redknapp, who managed Tottenham between 2008 and 2012, has insisted that his former club are in with a strong shout.

As quoted by HITC, Redknapp told talkSPORT:

“The Champions League is wide open. I don’t think there is one team outside of the British teams who you would look at [they are certain favourites].

“Normally, you would have a Barcelona or Real Madrid. This year is wide open. Juventus have a chance. It could be one of seven or eight teams you would look at. You wouldn’t be surprised if they won it at Tottenham. They have a chance.”

Tottenham’s lack of experience in the competition means that it would be some story if they did manage to land the trophy ahead of the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and PSG.

The Spurs fans have been on social media offering their views on Redknapp’s words and not many are too delighted with his comments.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

West Bromwich Albion have hit top form at the perfect time in the Championship as they continue to chase down an automatic promotion place.

The Baggies are unbeaten in their last four Championship games and they’ve won their last two, with only one point separating them from the automatic promotion places at this moment in time.

One rising star in the current campaign at the Hawthorns has been Rekeem Harper, and it appears as if he’s set to sign a new deal in the Midlands, according to the Express and Star.

Indeed, the 18-year-old has established himself as a regular in the middle of midfield for the Baggies in recent times. He’s shown great maturity levels for a man of his age and he’ll only get better from here on in, so Darren Moore really does have a special talent at his disposal.

Of course, the Englishman has all the ingredients to become a hero at the Hawthorns as he’s already given the fans plenty to shout about, with his no-nonsense defending and passing ability making him a well-rounded midfielder. And, he’s already managed to aid the Baggies’ promotion push this season and will play a huge part from here on in, with his recent performances suggesting that he may already be ready for Premier League football.

What do you think West Bromwich Albion fans?

After years of torture, Sunderland are on the rise again.

The Black Cats are having a decent season in League One under Jack Ross, but some senior players have picked up form to help them. Aiden McGeady, in particular, has been crucial towards making sure they quickly get back into the Championship.

Despite his age, McGeady’s blooming ability’s helped Sunderland pick up form. He’s been their general in midfield and used his fantastic creativity to will them forward. However, not only has he been creating chances, but scoring them as well, enjoying his best goal-scoring season in years.

The former Celtic man scored his tenth goal of the season against Bristol Rovers, which was also his third goal in as many games. An in-form player who is using his majestic feet to great effect, the Irishman’s inspired form is making Sunderland fans get over the departure of Josh Maja.

Having been at the club for two years now, McGeady’s realized the passion from the fans and picked up his performance-level exponentially. After falling off the radar following failed loan stints at Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End, he’s found comfort on Wearside, helping him elevate Sunderland’s performance-level.

As the Black Cats are seven points behind league leaders Luton Town having played a game less and could go all the way this season.

Even if they can’t win League One, Sunderland will look to pip Barnsley to an automatic qualification position and the skilful influence of McGeady is key towards maintaining their promising rise. An Indian summer for the Irishman.

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Bradford City have announced that Gary Bowyer has become the club’s new manager, having initially agreed to take charge until the end of the season.

Bowyer certainly faces a tough task in saving the Bantams’ campaign, as the League One outfit are currently mired in the relegation zone. The 47-year-old is replacing David Hopkin in the Valley Parade hot seat, who resigned last week, as reported by the BBC.

Bowyer brings plenty of experience to his new position, having previously impressed in stints with Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool. Those previous roles have certainly armed him with plenty of League One experience.

He will have to call upon all of that experience to steer Bradford clear of relegation this season. The Bantams are in serious trouble and are also in poor form, having gone without victory in their last five league outings.

Bowyer’s appointment may restore some optimism at Valley Parade but this is still a club with a mountain to climb.

Following the announcement of Bowyer’s arrival, plenty of Bradford fans took to Twitter to welcome the new manager…

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Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could be a season-defining clash for both clubs.

The Gunners have generally been in good form recently but suffered a wobble in midweek as they slumped to a 3-1 defeat to French club Rennes in the Europa League, which followed on from a disappointing 1-1 draw with fierce north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal also have a bitter rivalry with this weekend’s opponents, Manchester United, who will be coming into this clash full of confidence.

The Red Devils have been reinvigorated since the appointment of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and secured a magnificent result in midweek by overcoming a two goal first leg deficit to prevail over PSG in the Champions League.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

So, will the Red Devils’ fantastic form continue, or will the home advantage come to Unai Emery’s rescue at the Emirates Stadium? 

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 16:30 kick-off…

What History Tells Us

Arsenal and Manchester United have a long-standing rivalry. Iconic and long-serving managers Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, who were in charge at the Emirates and Old Trafford, respectively, clashed for years, continually duking it out for the top prizes in English football.

In more recent years, the Manchester outfit have enjoyed the majority of the success in this famous fixture. However, between 1998 and 2005, there was rarely anything to choose between the two sides, who regularly produced spectacular clashes when they met, including 2003’s ‘Battle of Old Trafford’.

Another memorable encounter between these giants of the game would be welcome on Sunday.

Key Battle

Both Arsenal and Manchester United boast one of the most exciting striker partnerships in the Premier League.

For the Gunners, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have been prolific all season. Their off-field friendship has also seen them become favourites with the Emirates Stadium faithful, and has prevented their healthy competition for places from descending into a toxic rivalry.

However, Aubameyang has looked low on confidence since his recent late penalty miss against Spurs, and the 27-year-old Lacazette also squandered some presentable chances in that match, so Emery could be dealing a with confidence crisis amongst his strikeforce on Sunday.

Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku, meanwhile, ought to be on an all-time high following their performance against PSG. Both scored vital goals against the Ligue 1 giants to complete the miraculous turnaround. They may not have had the same levels of end product as the Arsenal partnership over the course of the campaign, but they’re certainly the pair in the ascendancy at this time.

The 21-year-old England man and the 6’3” Belgian will be keen to assert their authority again this weekend, and will believe they have what it takes to do so.

Ref in Focus – Jonathan Moss

Experienced referee Jonathan Moss will be overseeing this match. He will have to call on all his wisdom and skill to maintain control of this fixture, as meetings between Arsenal and Manchester United have been known to spiral into chaos in the past.

The enmity between the two clubs is such that their matches are often heated, feisty affairs. Moss, though, will know how to deal with that. The stats suggest that the 48-year-old will not shy away from asserting his authority on proceedings.

Moss certainly won’t hesitate to show cards when required. Of the 18 referees to have taken charge of a Premier League match so far this season prior to this weekend, only two have averaged more sending offs per game than him. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see him add to his tally of reds on Sunday.

Team News

Emery will remain without long-term absentees Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck, whilst Lucas Torreira is ruled out due to suspension. This leaves the Spanish coach with some defensive riddles to solve, but also essentially ensures that Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi will be paired up in the middle of the park.

As for the backline, despite having given away a penalty against Spurs, 26-year-old Germany international Shkodran Mustafi will likely be called upon to fill in at right-back once again, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan ahead of him offering protection. Meanwhile, the impressive partnership of Sokratis and club-captain Laurent Koscielny will line up in the heart of the rearguard.

After Aubameyang’s toils against Spurs and Rennes, Lacazette will probably get the nod ahead of the 58-cap Gabon international. On top of that, as has so often been the case this season, the Gunners’ 30-year-old playmaker Mesut Ozil will likely be dropped as well – meaning Arsenal’s two highest earners according to Spotrac will, at best, start on the bench.

Solskjaer’s selection will be hugely influenced by the injury woes currently plaguing his squad. Due to this, 22-year-old academy product Scott McTominay and Andreas Pereira will retain their starting berths in midfield.

However, there’s a boost for the Red Devils in the shape of Anthony Martial, who is set to make a welcome return. The 23-year-old winger was in scintillating form prior to his injury, and has nine Premier League goals to his name this season. If the 18-cap France international can pick up where he left off then the Gunners will be in trouble.

Overall, that’s two changes from the starting XI Solskjaer fielded in Paris.

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Even if Ralph Hasenhuttl doesn’t keep Southampton in the Premier League this season, he can hold his head high regardless considering the excellent job he has done with the younger players in the squad.

The Austrian can be credited with getting James Ward-Prowse and Jan Bednarek to a consistently high level while he has also given Yan Valery a consistent starting berth. Now, the latter has been rewarded with a new deal for his exploits.

The impressive defender has netted two goals for Saints – both of which have come in the last two games – and has brilliantly replaced the loaned-out Cedric Soares on the right.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

There had surely been some concerns amongst the Saints faithful that they could lose the youngster far too easily if they were relegated – his previous deal would expire next summer – but he is now contracted until 2023.

Given the impression he has made in the Premier League already, there would likely have been plenty of the interest from big clubs in the summer so the decision to commit his future to Southampton is a major one, but surely the right move.

Here’s what the south coast outfit’s supporters had to say on Twitter…