All posts by z3u9t.icu

Sheffield Wednesday’s shocking run of form continued on Sunday afternoon as they succumbed to a seventh successive league defeat at Hillsborough Stadium.

It leaves the Owls seven points adrift of safety with only 11 games left to play, so Darren Moore has a monumental task on his hands to keep the Yorkshire giants in the Championship.

Several of his players weren’t at the races as Norwich City came from behind to pick up a victory – despite recording more shots on target, the visitors dominated possession (60%) and caused plenty of problems to Wednesday’s backline.

Young, versatile defender Osaze Urhoghide, in particular, struggled to combat the threat of Teemu Pukki, Todd Cantwell and Emi Buendia as all three would have a say in the Canaries’ second-half double.

SofaScore handed the 20-year-old colossus the lowest rating (6.1) of any starter at Hillsborough as he faltered on the left-hand side of a back three. He had been playing right-back in most matches under Moore’s stewardship.

YorkshireLive reporter Dom Howson was similarly scathing in his verdict, handing Urhoghide a joint-low rating of 6/10. He claimed: ‘Like his counterparts, Urhoghide stuck to his task on the left to frustrate the visitors. Looked uncomfortable at times in possession but he was not overawed by the occasion.’

Cantwell’s match-winner came from his area on the pitch, whilst Buendia (7.6 rating) was a constant nuisance on that flank too.

Evidently, Urhoghide is still young and raw, and that was displayed in his inability to win his battles. The Owls starlet won just one of nine duels, both on the ground and in the air, meaning he failed to come out on top against the opposition 89% of the time, and that’s only going to invite pressure onto the defence.

This was by far the weakest return of any Owls player on the day.

Indeed it did invite that pressure. He had to put in two clearances and two interceptions but he was also dribbled past on two occasions, as per SofaScore. That only emphasises his struggles against players who were competing in the Premier League last term.

No other Owls player was dribbled past more than Urhoghide, whilst seven other players managed more tackles (zero), including forward Josh Windass (three), via SofaScore.

In the absence of the suspended Julien Borner and the seemingly injured Chey Dunkley, the young Wednesday prodigy really needed to step up and make a statement, even more so given the interest in his services ahead of the summer.

He badly let Moore down with a frustratingly lightweight display.

AND in other news, Sheffield Wednesday star with 71 touches has given Moore a major problem…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who featured 332 times for Newcastle United, claims that Leeds United don’t have anyone else in their squad who can perform the role that Patrick Bamford does.

Marcelo Bielsa has always stood by Bamford despite many people doubting his ability to perform in the Premier League when Leeds won promotion from the Championship and if his injury keeps him out of the game against Fulham it would be a huge blow.

Bamford currently has 14 goals in the Premier League, but before this season he had managed just one goal in 27 appearances for several different clubs and Lee admits the striker has scored way more goals than he expected him to.

Bamford was a doubt for the clash against Fulham because of a hip injury, before needing treatment twice at Craven Cottage and being taken off at 76 minutes, which could be a worry over the remainder of the campaign.

Speaking on how Bielsa has made Bamford such an important player and how they should have someone in a similar mould to the striker for when he gets injured, Lee told FFC exclusively:

“No, they can’t do what Bamford does because that’s the way Leeds are built to play with just that one upfront, and he acts like a target man who scores a lot of goals.

“He’s scored a lot more goals than I thought he would this year. He’s always been there or thereabouts with a lot of loan moves from Chelsea, but he’s come on leaps and bounds this year.

“The club should know that nobody can do his job so they should have got somebody who can replace him. Maybe, not as good but someone who will do it for a few games if he gets injured.”

Leeds have taken to the Premier League like a duck to water and find themselves 12th, just five points behind Arsenal.

Bamford may count himself unlucky to have missed out on another England squad with Ollie Watkins being preferred to him this time around, but he did pick up an injury that forced him off against Chelsea.

Eddie Howe is edging ever closer to being appointed the next manager of Celtic Football Club…

What’s been said?

Speaking on this week’s ‘The Celtic Huddle’ podcast, reliable Daily Mail journalist Ian McGarry delivered an encouraging six-word update on the 43-year-old.

“It’s down to the minor details,” he claimed.

The former Premier League boss has emerged as the front-runner to take over from Neil Lennon this summer, following discussions behind-the-scenes with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.

Great news incoming

This latest update should have many at Parkhead absolutely buzzing as it puts to rest several doubts that had started to creep in over the last week or so.

Football Insider suggested on April 3rd that Crystal Palace were plotting a late raid to seal Howe from Celtic’s grasp. They wanted him to replace the out-of-contract Roy Hodgson at the end of the season.

Similarly, it was thought that another factor holding up the move was the 43-year-old’s desire to have his trusted Cherries right-hand man Richard Hughes as Nick Hammond’s replacement for the director of football role.

But McGarry’s claim suggests that Howe’s move is all but done, barring that eagerly-awaited official announcement.

Despite being sacked by Bournemouth following relegation to the Championship, Howe would bring many qualities to Celtic Park. It’s easy to forget that he steered them from League Two to the Premier League in the first place.

As the Bhoys look to embark on a new era, he would surely be the perfect candidate to spearhead any rebuild.

“He is meticulous,” explained Simon Francis to the Daily Express. “He does not leave any stone unturned. And he instils that work ethic into the players. Because you know that he is buying into it. Not turning up late, not strolling out onto the training pitch late, he is always the first. You can never question anything he does.”

A stark contrast from Neil Lennon, who reportedly didn’t shift away from Brendan Rodgers’ methods, which is a little lazy, to say the least.

Also considering the club have been mooted with some very uninspiring names, such as Roy Keane and Steve Clarke, the Parkhead faithful have every right to get immensely excited for this appointment.

AND in other news, Howe could instantly save Celtic millions by unleashing THIS “special” 18 y/o gem…

Rob Lee spoke exclusively to Football FanCast about Karl Darlow’s future and he has no doubt the 30-year-old will be a number one for another Premier League club.

Steve Bruce made it clear who his number one is by bringing in Martin Dubravka for Darlow despite the latter not putting a foot wrong this season and performing out of his skin.

Darlow has a very respectable 6.79 rating on WhoScored and considering Newcastle have conceded the second-most goals this season, it highlights how good he’s been and no Newcastle fan would like to think where they’d be without his heroics this campaign.

Losing his starting will be a huge blow, and you have to wonder whether it could be the final nail in the coffin for the former Nottingham Forest shot-stopper.

He’s had to bide his time since Dubravka arrived and settle for cup appearances and with the Slovakian taking his spot back, he may see it as his time to move on.

Lee told Football FanCast he can’t see why Darlow would stay to be a backup keeper when he’s got the ability to be a number one keeper in the Premier League.

Lee spoke glowingly when asked if Darlow would slot into another Premier League club: “Yeah, without a doubt. He’s been one of the top goalkeepers in the league.”

He added: “I think a lot of clubs will be after him based on his form. He’s obviously on the verge of earning an England call up I would say and deservedly so.

“I won’t be surprised if he leaves.”

Darlow has proved himself to be an excellent shot-stopper this season, however, Bruce appears to trust Dubravka more.

He’s 30-years old now and entering his peak years for a goalkeeper, would he waste those years sitting on Newcastle’s bench after the season he’s had?

Glasgow Rangers fans are far from happy with coverage from the BBC’s Sportscene programme following their victory in the Premiership on Wednesday.

The Gers defeated Hibernian 1-0 thanks to a goal from Alfredo Morelos. All in all, it was a convincing performance from the Ibrox outfit, who dominated possession and had more opportunities than their opponents (SofaScore). The win sees them remain 23 points clear at the top of the table with just 12 games left to play (BBC).

However, the coverage from Sportscene was far from fair towards the 54-time Scottish champions according to their supporters. They believe the pundits were more complimentary to Hibs despite the Gers being the better side.

This view was initially shared by Rangers TV commentator Tom Miller (@TomCommentator) on Twitter, and the fans let their feelings be known as they responded in droves, which you can see below.

What did Gers fans say about the coverage?

“Of course they did, bitter biased disgrace of a channel.”

Credit: @Zander82

“Just the usual from that disgusting organisation Tom no matter who we play… marvellous knowing the pain they’re in…”

Credit: @ian_barrie

“Bewildering. It really needs sorted out. As does Crockers pursuit of Alfredo.”

Credit: @VaticanRSC

“Best not to bother watching it. BBC Scotland is guilty of anti Rangers bias and everyone knows it.”

Credit: @BrianAuld3

“Hardly surprised Tom. It’s the official haters of Rangers channel after all.”

Credit: @johnmasonrtid

“The agendas, excuses and hate is building now it’s virtually in the bag. But that means we are back on top so let them carry on”

Credit: @petera1872

In other news, Rangers fans slam this SFA decision.

The pressure is mounting on Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho if emerging reports are to be believed, and now his side must battle their way past a potential banana skin in the form of West Bromwich Albion.

Spurs have lost their last three consecutive league outings and now welcome the Baggies to north London, a side that seems destined for relegation as they sit some 11 points from safety with the worst defensive record in the division.

And with that in mind, Mourinho ought to tinker his gameplan to capitalise in the attack, even in the absence of Harry Kane…

On the Chalkboard

One name who should be facing the chop this afternoon is Steven Bergwijn, who is enduring a tough run in front of goal this season.

Indeed, the 23-year-old winger is yet to score in any competition this campaign despite making 23 appearances for a total of 1,450 minutes, via Transfermarkt.

Football FanCast have previously outlined what the Dutchman, who is valued at £25.2m, brings to Mourinho’s side besides goal contributions. It’s a whole lot of defensive work rate, but the need for that has beyond passed now.

Bergwijn hasn’t scored in the Premier League since marking the top-flight’s return to action post-lockdown with a goal in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in June 2020.

Even with Mourinho dubbing him “incredible” after their win over arch-rivals Arsenal, he didn’t score or assist on the day. Whilst Ben Davies has named him among the players he hates to train against. He told football.london:

“Another one I don’t really like facing in training. I remember on his first day he came in and looked a top player. From the moment he came in he brought real energy and fitted straight into the team.”

With Kane out, Spurs have only found the net once, and that was only through a rare scorcher from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Their last three outings have seen xG returns of 0.10 (Liverpool), 0.37 (Brighton) and 0.57 (Chelsea), totalling 1.04 as per Understat.

The Dane’s attempt came against the Reds so that only tells you how lucky it was.

With Kane in the side, in their three previous outings before the run of three without a win, Spurs surpassed that xG total in every match alone, so evidently, there needs to be a spark in attack from somewhere.

Especially against a side that has leaked a whopping 52 goals this term, 16 more than any other Premier League side.

Given that Bergwijn has started five of their last six matches in the top-flight, the only absence being through injury, it would be ruthless to see him dropped, but ultimately, these are decisions Mourinho now needs to make.

Both Gareth Bale and Lucas Moura are waiting in the wings, probably eager for an opportunity as neither has started above four games this top-flight campaign.

The £75k-per-week ace must be dropped today.

AND in other news, Fewer touches than Lloris: £26m-rated Spurs star left a pathetic passenger by Mourinho…

Lee Ryder has confirmed that Newcastle United are interested in signing Matthew Bondswell on a free transfer.

However, as per a tweet from The Chronicle journalist, the proposed deal has not quite been completed yet, and the St. James’ Park faithful face competition from other teams in the Premier League.

Ryder also confirmed that the North East club have been in talks with both the player and his representatives in order to try and get the deal over the line.

Bondswell one for the future

The signing of Bondswell is certainly one for the future for the Tyneside club. The 18-year-old has played at youth level for German giants RB Leipzig and has played in no fewer than 12 games in total for England for the U16, U17 and U18 sides.

Bondswell has also played in senior men’s football already despite his young age, with six matches played in so far for FC Dordrecht in the 2020/21 term in the Dutch second division, where the left-back has won 3.7 of his duels a game and also averaged one interception per appearance, helping his side keep two clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

He is certainly a talent that Steve Bruce’s team can nurture and grow into a real top player, and on a free transfer, there is very little risk involved in getting the deal done.

In other news, find out what former Bellagraph Nova Group figure has dropped a big claim on the potential Saudi takeover here!

Writing on Twitter, reliable West Ham United inside source ExWHUemployee has dropped an enticing three-word hint over a potential move for free agent Diego Costa in January – coming as the club could look to commence their search for a ‘perfect’ striker who can provide strength in depth. 

Indeed, due to consistent fitness issues for Michail Antonio, and the topsy-turvy form of club-record signing Sebastien Haller, numerous reports have claimed that the Hammers are targeting a forward in January.

ExWHUemployee drops Costa hint

Of all the names being linked, West Ham reportedly have their eyes on Olivier Giroud, Abdallah Sima, Moussa Dembele and Joshua King – but now a fresh name could enter the mix.

Costa, who has recently agreed to terminate his contract with Atletico Madrid by mutual consent, could potentially move to the Irons in January as he emerges as a realistic signing for GSB and the club.

ExWHUemployee, writing on social media, has dropped an enticing three-word hint as he believes the move is possible – going on to say ‘Wouldn’t surprise me’.

Transfer Tavern take

The Spaniard, proven at Premier League level with Chelsea, could potentially make a move to the London Stadium and is free to negotiate with any club following his new status as a free agent.

He also wouldn’t command a fee, however, it remains to be seen whether the target man would be willing to take a huge cut on his most recent £270,000-per-week wages with Atletico.

Described as a ‘beast’, given he is free to negotiate a potential Premier League return, West Ham could very well land him in January – and reliable insider ExWHUemployee believes the move is a realistic one.

In other news: West Ham fans buzzed over this inside claim, find out more here.

Alfredo Morelos became Glasgow Rangers’ leading European goalscorer of all-time but a late strike from Darwin Nunez saw Benfica snatch a 3-3 draw in the Europa League from the jaws of victory.

Whilst there were some positives to take away from the poor performance on Thursday night, there’s one player in particular who’s performance left a lot to be desired.

Goldson’s struggles?

Rangers defender Connor Goldson arguably struggled at the back as his stats tell a sorry story. As we’ve mentioned before, we think he is one of the best centre-backs in Scotland right now. But every once in a while, even the best footballers in the world have an off day – after all, they’re only human.

And Goldson is no exception to the rule, as he barely offered anything going forward, whilst he was also at times lackadaisical at the back. He didn’t make any key passes in the game, whilst he scored an unfortunate own goal.

Only a few days ago it looked like his defensive prowess made him the most important player on the pitch, but against Benfica his ball-carrying abilities seemed to have disappeared almost completely.

The 27-year-old did make one tackle, but he also committed one foul and lost possession of the ball four times, whilst he failed to register a single interception all game, which suggests that he was slightly off the pace when he was trying to win the ball back.

Give the man a break!

Now look, let’s just make one thing clear – we aren’t taking pot-shots at Goldson, and we’re certainly not trying to drag Gerrard over the coals. The Ibrox boss just needs to give Goldson a rest as he’s started every single league game for the Gers this season.

The Englishman is still a very good player, as he still won five out of six duels overall, he will just want to forget all about the game against Benfica, as he was slammed for his “shocking” defensive display by Ally McCoist.

With a home game against Hamilton Academical at the weekend, what better opportunity for Goldson to rest his weary legs? A brief spell on the sidelines should do the trick, as he could be replaced by Leon Balogun in the starting line-up. Sounds like a good idea, don’t you think?

However, Gerrard faces a difficult decision, as George Edmundson is currently suspended, which means it’s likely he will only be able to replace one of Goldson or Filip Helander, who also had a night to forget about in Lisbon. We don’t envy him the decision, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Forget Alfredo Morelos: Steven Davis shines in Glasgow Rangers thriller with Benfica…

Crystal Palace will be looking to cement their place in the Premier League when they welcome London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.

Having suffered back-to-back defeats to Burnley and Newcastle, Roy Hodgson’s side returned to winning ways with an emphatic victory over Premier League strugglers West Bromwich Albion, with Christian Benteke and Wilfried Zaha bagging a brace apiece.

Hodgson had no new injury news to speak of other than Nathan Ferguson’s latest setback, with Connor Wickham, Martin Kelly and Wayne Hennessey ruled out due to injury.

It’s unlikely he will want to make too many changes as the Eagles were back on form against the Baggies last weekend to pick up their first points in their past three games with a 5-1 win at the Hawthorns.

Here, Football FanCast have worked on a predicted starting line-up for this afternoon’s action, which sees Hodgson make three changes to the team that crushed Slaven Bilic’s side.

The Palace boss will be well aware his side will have to be at their very best if they are to beat Jose Mourinho’s side, with Spurs looking to keep hold of their spot at the top of the table at the weekend.

Vicente Guaita should be handed a start later today, having been trusted for every single Premier League game so far this season.

Even with Hodgson making a few minor tweaks, it’s hard to imagine that Gary Cahill and Cheikou Kouyate won’t be the starting centre-backs this afternoon, with Nathaniel Clyne likely to start.

Patrick van Aanholt has been a mainstay of Hodgson’s side in recent weeks after Tyrick Mitchell picked up an injury, but the 21-year-old could be given a chance to earn his stripes at left-back.

James McArthur had a night to forget in the West Midlands, so bringing the in-form Jairo Riedewald into the midfield to join Luka Milivojevic makes the most sense.

This seems like an ideal time to unleash Andros Townsend to face his former club on the right wing, having been rested for the trip to the Hawthorns, with Eberechi Eze on the left and Zaha and Benteke set to start up front, which means Jeffrey Schlupp misses out.

The Belgian striker looks certain to lead the line after he returned to form with two goals against the Baggies.

AND in other news, Nathaniel Clyne can save his Crystal Palace career amid huge update…