All posts by z3u9t.icu

Stuart Dallas played through the pain barrier on Thursday night as he featured in his country’s latest European Championship qualifier. Despite his and the team’s efforts, it wasn’t enough to carry them into the competition as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Slovakia.

The Leeds left-back picked up what looked like a serious arm injury during the fixture, but played the full 90 minutes, plus the extra time to determine the winner. No confirmation of a long-lasting injury has been given by the club, but it looked like it could’ve been a huge blow for the Whites fans. Should Dallas be sidelined, it could force Marcelo Bielsa to give young Leif Davis the nod.

Davis could be forced to step up to the plate

The 20-year-old has been limited to just 13 minutes of action this season, coming on as a substitute against Manchester City as Leeds held them to a draw. Davis managed to bag himself an assist last season despite playing only 192 minutes of football in total (via Transfermarkt).

However, despite his elusive status for Leeds, it’s clear Bielsa sees a lot of promise in the £90,000-rated defender. His versatility is something that could be of vital use to the manager this season, particularly if key members of the team pick up injuries or develop positive cases of coronavirus.

“I want to give an example,” Bielsa told Leeds Live when asked about promising members of the Leeds set up. “[Leif] Davis is a great player, full of future, resources and skills.

“In my opinion, Davis was far from the first team in our first year and after he worked a lot in the team, with brilliant willing, a lot of effort, dedication, he gives everything.”

The hard-working youngster could see the fruits of his labour pay off in the absence of Dallas. It’s clear that Bielsa is already a huge fan of his, he is just waiting for the right time to deploy the left-back. That time could be now.

In other news, Ouasim Bouy is surely headed for the door after rinsing Leeds’ money pot…

Glasgow Rangers coasted to a comfortable 4-0 win over Falkirk to qualify for the Betfred Cup quarter-finals.

Jermain Defoe opened the scoring for Rangers before Calvin Bassey bagged his first goal for the Light Blues, and Borna Barisic and James Tavernier added the extra bit of gloss to the scoreline.

Bassey may have received most of the plaudits but Jon McLaughlin spared his blushes after a miscued backpass could have gone horribly wrong had the goalkeeper not been alert to the danger.

Speaking to BBC Sportsound at the time, former Hearts and Rangers winger Neil McCann said: “Conor Sammon just kicked a bottle of water away in frustration. Rangers were late back on to the pitch and I think Calvin Bassey’s concentration was still in the dressing-room.”

McLaughlin admitted that he is desperate to play to improve his chances of being selected for the Scotland national team for Euro 2020.

The Scottish international – who has earned two caps for his country so far – made 90 appearances for Sunderland, conceding 87 goals and keeping 27 clean sheets in all competitions.

Former Black Cats boss Jack Ross was effusive in his praise for his former charge, as he once said: “I’m obviously biased and there might be other managers that say it, but I believe I have the best goalkeeper in the league.

He was outstanding for me last season, he is such a low-maintenance player in terms of how he goes about his business and he is unflappable.”

So, how did he end up in Glasgow?

Well, after a solid season with Sunderland where he kept 11 clean sheets in 32 games in the English League One, Steven Gerrard and Ross Wilson brought the former Hearts keeper to Ibrox on a two-year deal.

Not that he’d like to admit it, but there’s no doubt Gerrard will have been secretly pleased to see his second-choice stopper step up in Allan McGregor’s absence.

Whilst McLaughlin was initially signed to challenge McGregor for a starting place, he has found his chances hard to come by, having spent three out of the past five fixtures as an unused substitute on the bench.

But the 33-year-old denied Falkirk midfielder Blair Alston several times on Sunday evening to ensure the Gers kept their first clean sheet since the 4-0 victory over Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership after they conceded two late goals against Benfica in the Europa League.

Glasgow Live gave him a high grade of 7 out of ten for his efforts, claiming he ‘made a couple of good saves and showed his skill on the ground with a neat trick in the first half.’

Gerrard was full of praise after his arrival at the Govan stadium, saying: “Jon is a vastly experienced professional who will add strength and depth to our squad. His experience in the SPFL will stand by him as he continues to fight for a place in the Scotland squad.”

With his predecessors Wes Foderingham and Jak Alnwick having left the club in the summer, McLaughlin is clearly making up for lost time, as it’s fair to say that he has turned out to be an absolute bargain, especially when you consider the fact that he joined the club as a free agent.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers defender Leon Balogun can shine in Filip Helander’s absence…

Speaking in a press conference as his side prepare to take on LASK in the Europa League, Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed the late return of Davinson Sanchez who ‘will play’ this evening – coming after he was left out in favour of Joe Rodon against Chelsea.

Sanchez, whose return to the squad could come as a boost for Spurs given Rodon is ineligible to play in the Europa League, will replace the recovering Toby Alderweireld, who won’t be fit in time for this encounter.

Sanchez return confirmed

Indeed, as the Belgian made a surprise return to training yesterday, Mourinho has explained the match tonight comes too soon for him to make a return – admitting there is a ‘chance’ he could feature against Arsenal in the north London derby.

For now, Mourinho has confirmed the boost of Sanchez’ return as his centre-back options potentially grow thin – with Rodon ineligible and Alderweireld still working to get back to 100% fitness.

The Colombian, valued at £40.5 million by Transfermarkt, is coming in to potentially provide cover at centre-half as he, Eric Dier and Japhet Tanganga remain as Mourinho’s only available centre-back options.

Transfer Tavern take

Spurs only need a point tonight to qualify for the knockout stages as Mourinho aims to guide his side to potential European glory in a competition he has already won twice before, one with Porto in 2003 and once win Manchester United in 2017.

Described as a ‘beast’ by ex-manager and former fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino, the Lilywhites could do with Sanchez’ return tonight as they aim to secure a place in the Round of 32.

In other news: Jose Mourinho is ‘excited’ after this ‘incredible’ Spurs development, find out more here.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s shock victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday could be bad news for Glasgow Rangers.

Donetsk victory could have big implications

Donetsk defeated Madrid 2-0 in Ukraine to put themselves third in Group B. That means that they are still in with a chance of qualifying for the round of 16 – a win over Inter Milan will see them progress.

That is worrying for Steven Gerrard and co at Ibrox – Scotland and Ukraine are competing for an automatic Champions League qualifying spot for the 2022/23 season, and this latest victory puts the latter ahead in the coefficient rankings.

In Rangers’ own hands

The top 10 leagues in the coefficient rankings all receive an automatic spot into the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition – Scotland’s Premiership is currently sat in 11th. Shakhtar’s progression through to the next round of the Champions League would be a huge blow, and there could even be issues if they drop down to the Europa League and do well.

Rangers’ fate, though, is in their own hands. If they progress deep into their current competition, they will likely put Scotland above Shakhtar anyway. And even if they do not manage to earn an automatic spot, there is still the chance of making it through in the qualifying rounds. For now, all they can do is take each game as it comes.

In other news, many Rangers fans are unhappy with this Dave King update.

Glasgow Rangers and Steven Gerrard have a lovely little distraction to focus on this Wednesday.

They are currently soaring high, 13 points ahead of Celtic in the race for the SPFL and now they have the opportunity to stamp down their intentions for more silverware.

They take on St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup quarter-final and thus, we could see a number of changes made to the XI. This isn’t an important game but if Rangers really want to dominate then Gerrard still needs to field some of his most experienced and important individuals.

With that in mind, we’re tipping the Light Blues to make as many as five changes to the side that beat Dundee last weekend.

The one enforced change comes up front where Alfredo Morelos will definitely miss the tie.

He was given a yellow card for elbowing Mark Connolly in the win over Dundee but that has since been upgraded to a red. Consequently, he’ll now miss the next two games through suspension.

Therefore, we think that Cedric Itten deserves to lead the line. He has started only four matches since his summer move but netted in the Europa League last week.

There are further changes beside him in attack, one that replicates the forward line we saw against Lech Poznan. Ryan Kent and Kemar Roofe both drop out with Joe Aribo and Ianis Hagi favoured on the flanks.

There is just the one change in midfield where we’re tipping Bongani Zungu to get the nod ahead of Steven Davis. Zungu has just two starts to his name but deserves an opportunity. He started in their last League Cup outing so it wouldn’t be a great surprise to see him come in.

Defensively, we think Gerrard will go with a familiar backline, deciding to only switch up his goalkeeper.

Allan McGregor played against Dundee but with Jon McLaughlin favoured in the previous two games before that, he could start instead.

In other news, Wilson has been given a transfer boost in Rangers’ pursuit of 3-goal gem…

It may have taken them almost half the season, but Celtic finally look like they might have gotten their act together.

Neil Lennon’s side had started the Scottish Premiership campaign off poorly, and with Rangers getting off to a flying start themselves, it just rubbed salt into the wounds.

But, the Hoops appear to have found some festive form, with five wins on the bounce in all competitions, and entertain a Dundee United side who are in fifth place.

The Hoops have had a busy schedule as of late, and with the Old Firm clash against Rangers on the horizon at the weekend, Lennon may feel tempted to rest some of his key stars. And with that in mind, below is a look at how Celtic might line up on Wednesday afternoon.

In goal, Conor Hazard will expect to keep his place in the starting eleven given his recent form – the 22-year-old has kept a clean sheet in each of his last three games in the league.

There could be some changes to the back-line however, with Diego Laxalt knocking on the door for another start after being on the bench against Hamilton.

And, if Christopher Jullien can shake off his knee problem, then the Frenchman could be brought back into the team so he can get back to action before the big clash at Ibrox on Saturday.

In midfield, Ismaila Soro should keep his place as the side’s holding midfielder, with Lennon potentially holding Scott Brown’s experience back for the game against Rangers.

The other big changes the Celtic boss may opt to make is bringing in Mohamed Elyounoussi on the left-hand side, and allowing Odsonne Edouard to move into that starting striker role in place of Leigh Griffiths.

And if Lennon wants to hand Ryan Christie a rest too, he could give 21-year-old Michael Johnston his first start of the season and potentially watch him stake a claim for a starting spot at the weekend too.

Predicted XI: Hazard; Frimpong, Ajer, Jullien, Laxalt; Soro, McGregor; Johnston, Turnbull, Elyounoussi, Edouard.

Manchester City secured their place in a fourth successive Carabao Cup final after beating rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side will face Tottenham Hotspur in the final in April after second-half goals from John Stones and Fernandinho proved enough to defeat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Whilst those two may steal the headlines for their performances, it was perhaps Ruben Dias who impressed most for the Citizens.

As per SofaScore, the Portuguese international picked up an 8.1 rating for his display, with only Stones rated higher of any player on the pitch.

The 23-year-old has formed a superb partnership with Stones in City’s defence since his summer arrival from Benfica and has quickly established himself as a key part of Guardiola’s side.

During the game at Old Trafford, Dias would enjoy 107 touches of the ball, impressively completing 85 of the 92 passes he attempted in the 90 minutes.

Perhaps most impressively, the young centre-back would win all five of the duels he was involved in during the game, whilst also making six clearances, two interceptions and two tackles in what was an all-round dominant display.

He would also lose possession on just seven occasions, whilst five of his 10 attempted long balls would find a Manchester City shirt.

Despite the dangerous United attackers on display, Dias was not dribbled past once during the game and he also blocked two shots, helping Zack Steffen to an impressive clean sheet.

Manchester Evening News rated the former Benfica man an 8/10 for his performance, although they rated the goalscorers higher with both Stones and Fernandinho receiving a 9/10 rating for their displays.

He and Stones are certainly blossoming into a superb centre-back partnership and Guardiola will surely be confident for every game he can start the duo in going forward, although it would not be a surprise to see the youngster rested for City’s next game, which sees them take on Birmingham City in the FA Cup on Sunday.

And, in other news… Exclusive: Carlton Palmer tips Manchester City to sign £18m-rated MUFC target

Speaking in a press conference after his side’s 1-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday (via football.london), Irons boss David Moyes confirmed that GSB and co have attempted to land January signings so far this transfer window – dropping the four-word message that West Ham United have ‘already made big inquiries’. 

The Scotsman, speaking candidly after the Hammers edged past Burnley at the London Stadium, addressed growing speculation surrounding West Ham’s hunt for a new striker.

A plethora of forwards throughout the United Kingdom and Europe have been linked, with Boulaye Dia, Joshua King, Marko Arnautovic and Olivier Giroud arguably the most notable.

This comes after club record signing Sebastien Haller left east London for pastures new earlier this month, signing a deal with Ajax worth a reported £20.25 million (BBC).

David Moyes confirms West Ham transfer inquiries

Given West Ham’s need for more options up front, taking into account Michail Antonio’s fitness issues, Moyes has now confirmed that inquiries have indeed been made by GSB to ease the burden going forward.

“We’ve already made big inquiries and offers for players at clubs, which have not been accepted or obviously we would have signed somebody,” explained the manager, via football.london.

“It is not as if we are not trying to that, we have tried. But I need to get players who I think can make a difference and I want it to be someone who I think can help us.

“If I don’t, then I might need to look short term, just to get me through to get me another player, but if not, then I will use the young players or I will have to try and use someone else from the squad and see how we can do it, but if Mick [Antonio] can gain his real form from where he has been in recent months, then that will be a big thing for us and today, he is getting closer.”

Transfer Tavern take

While Moyes has confirmed that the hunt for new January additions is taking place, he appears to be open to any possibility – whether that be a short term option or someone who can perform consistently for seasons to come.

Who West Ham will manage to land remains to be seen, if anyone, but it will certainly be interesting to find out.

In other news: West Ham fans flocked to this update on a potentially ‘amazing’ signing, find out more here.

With Pablo Hernandez’s time winding down at Elland Road, it would be no surprise to see Leeds United drawing up plans behind the scenes to try and find the little Spaniard’s successor.

Marcelo Bielsa has only used him sparingly this season in the Premier League, in part no doubt to the recognition that at 35, he just isn’t in peak physical condition.

It’s why reports in recent days of the Whites’ links to Swansea City’s Yan Dhanda makes a lot of sense, with the 22-year-old still a burgeoning talent and has shown flashes of potential.

But if Victor Orta and the rest of the transfer committee at Elland Road were making a ruthless decision, then Dhanda just hasn’t proven to be the man to take Leeds forward.

This season, he’s managed just one goal and two assists in 14 games in all competitions, with his average match rating as per Whoscored of 6.54 ranking him 18th in the entire Swansea squad – only three players who have actually started a game for the Swans have a lower rating.

After signing him from Valencia in the summer, Bielsa has opted to go with Rodrigo as the man to support Patrick Bamford, playing in a slightly withdrawn role but with the licence to make runs forward and try and get in and amongst the goals.

And it’s safe to say that things haven’t quite panned out for him just yet, but with three goals in the Premier League, he’s shown glimpses that he can do it at the very highest level unlike Dhanda, who has struggled even at a level below.

Even in his side’s 1-0 victory over Leeds back in August 2019, Dhanda was absolutely mauled by Kalvin Phillips, finishing with a 6.1 match rating – the second-worst of any Swansea player.

Phillips came out with the highest of any player on the pitch, and it’s no surprise when you see just how much he dominated Swansea’s attacking midfielder. He won an incredible 14 of his 18 duels, and made a ridiculous nine tackles, both of which were game-highs.

Dhanda, on the other hand, made just six successful passes, lost seven of his 11 duels and conceded possession on 13 separate occasions. The 22-year-old just couldn’t cope with the pace and intensity of Leeds’ play, and you can only feel that he would encounter similar problems at Premier League level.

It’s a move they desperately need to avoid.

Meanwhile, Leeds must desperately sell this flop…

Leeds United have been linked to several new defensive options this month. However, an update from Phil Hay clarified that they are not expecting any new signings before the window shuts.

According to French outlet Le10Sport, the Whites were named alongside Southampton in the battle for Romain Perraud’s signature. The report claims that despite the Frenchman still having four years on his current deal, interest is mounting for his services.

Should Leeds have signed Perraud?

Marcelo Bielsa has been faced with several injury concerns this season, with summer signings Robin Koch and Diego Llorente both out of action. Not only has the Argentinian been plagued with fitness issues, but the idea of Ezgjan Alioski leaving the club is looking more and more likely.

Fotomac reports that the left-back has been linked to a move to Galatasaray, with the Turkish outfit are looking to replace Marcelo Saracchi and eyeing Alioski with his contract being up at the end of the season.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-leeds-transfer-news” title=”Read this week’s latest Leeds news!”]

If the North Macedonian leaves Elland Road, Bielsa will be left with only youngster Leif Davis as his option on the left flank. Whilst he can rely on Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas and their versatility, it’s simply not a feasible option to deploy his players out of position for the foreseeable future.

Leeds should have moved for Perraud, as they would have been signing a ready-made replacement for Alioski. According to WhoScored, the Brest defender already has more goalscoring contributions than the Leeds ace, as well as a higher average of interceptions and clearances per match.

Perraud also has similar stats to Alioski when it comes to passing accuracy and aerial duels won as well as tackles. With the former also being younger than the Leeds left-back, he has a lot more in his tank to give to the cause and would have been a very smart option to bring in, in case Alioski’s future lies beyond Elland Road.

With a Transfermarkt value of £7.2million, Perraud likely wouldn’t break the bank if Andrea Radrizzani decided to loosen the purse strings. He could’ve be the ideal addition to the squad ahead of tonight’s deadline.

In other news, Leeds must revisit transfer swoop for Divock Origi…