Sheffield United fans have been praising David McGoldrick and Chris Wilder after the striker netted a brace against Hull City, taking his tally to 15 for the season in the Championship after joining on a free transfer.
The Republic of Ireland international cost the Blades absolutely nothing and has proven to be a key man in their race for promotion.
United may also have eyes on the league title after their victory, with Norwich dropping points for the third game in a row to leave the gap between the Canaries and the Blades at just three points.
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The Yorkshire club’s 3-0 win over Hull on Easter Monday means that they remain second in the Championship with just two games of the season to go.
Wilder and his staff have received plaudits on Twitter for signing McGoldrick in a time where many clubs were unwilling to give him a chance after he was released from Ipswich.
Wilder’s gamble has clearly paid off as 15 goals later the Blades are within touching distance of the Premier League.
Here’s what Sheffield United fans have been saying on Twitter…
Tottenham host London rivals West Ham at their new stadium this Saturday in the early kick-off, where both teams will be desperate to go down in the history books as the first side to win this feisty affair inside the glamorous Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Hammers are playing for very little – practically just for the prize money you get for finishing a few places higher in the league – whilst Mauricio Pochettino’s side could do with a win to bolster their current position inside the top four; they are currently four points ahead of fifth-place Arsenal.
Having said that, even if this encounter were just a friendly, both sides will be sure to make it a real blood-and-thunder affair, so it should be a good game.
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This week, we’ve taken the time to chat with resident Football FanCast writers Luke Glanville – a West Ham fan – and Harry Sherlock – a Spurs supporter – to discuss the big talking points and give their predictions ahead of the derby…
Where are the key battles which will win or lose this game for the two sides?
Harry: “Heung-min Son vs the full-backs. The South Korean will definitely play for Spurs so Manuel Pellegrini has to find a way to counter his threat. He’s suspended for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Ajax, so expect him to play the 90 minutes, and drift from right to left. With Pablo Zabaleta at right-back and either Aaron Cresswell or Arthur Masuaku playing at left-back, Son could find some joy. If Pellegrini instructs his wingers to track back, however, and ensures that the full-backs are never left alone, they could well keep Son quiet. Doing this would go a long way to enhancing the Hammers’ hopes of victory.”
Luke: “I think the right-back/left wing battle will be important for West Ham. If Pellegrini plays Zabaleta, then you feel that Son is going to have some fun, but Ryan Fredericks can match the South Korean for pace and perhaps keep a lid on him. Also, I’m pretty sure the Hammers’ centre-backs would have expected Kane in this match, so to face Fernando Llorente is a bonus although he’s more than capable. If Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop are back together, they’ll fancy their chances of keeping him quiet, meaning that will be an interesting battle.”
Son has recently expressed his devastation at being suspended for the Champions League semi-final, so the Hammers could potentially be facing an angry, fired up version of a player who is already a real talent.
In addition to that, as Harry and Luke touched on, the Hammers’ full-backs are perhaps the weakest areas of their side, so the former Bayer Leverkusen man could have a lot of joy down the flanks on Saturday.
Do you think Spurs perform better without Harry Kane?
Harry: “No. They’re just a different team. Without Kane, there’s greater tactical flexibility because Son and Lucas Moura are multi-functional players. Kane is too, but he either plays up front or drops into a number 10 role and he doesn’t offer the ability to play on the flank. This was evidenced against Brighton, when dsLlorente filled in up top. Spurs struggled to make any inroads because Llorente was unwilling to run into channels or press defenders. Kane is Spurs’ best player and is still underrated by his own fanbase. It’s crazy to think that Tottenham are better without him; they aren’t.”
Luke: “Spurs are not a better team without Kane for me, just look at how easier it could have been on Wednesday night if they had the England captain in their ranks. But they aren’t the one-man team many thought they were becoming; they can certainly do the job without Kane.”
The England international is one of the greatest strikers in world football, and suggestions that Spurs perform better without him are foolish. The only thing giving any credence to the discussion is Tottenham’s win rate without the World Cup Golden Boot Winner – Spurs have only lost twice this season without Kane, to Manchester City on both occasions having won the other seven.
Upon his return to fitness, do you think Jack Wilshere has a future at West Ham?
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Harry: “He shouldn’t have a future. Wilshere is a crock, always one game away from the treatment table, and generally not a very good footballer. He moves the ball pretty well but he’s been living off one decent performance against Barcelona for his entire career. West Ham, though, love a big name. And Wilshere does have some value in that regard. But as for his on-pitch contributions? He’s bang-average, and exactly the type of player West Ham should be shipping out. “
Luke: “Wilshere’s potential future at West Ham will depend on what happens between now and the end of the season in my view. He’s fit again and Pellegrini has the chance to give him three starts; if the ex-Gunner can impress in those games, he’ll carry momentum into 2018/2019. If he can’t, his future is still in limbo.”
The decision to sign Wilshere was a huge risk back in the summer, especially having put him on a three-year contract.
The former Arsenal man has made just six appearances all season, which came during the club’s awful start to the campaign in which they lost their first four league games for only the second time in their history.
Which players could be the match-winner in Saturday’s early kick-off?
Soccer Football – Premier League – West Ham United v Leicester City – London Stadium, London, Britain – April 20, 2019 West Ham’s Michail Antonio Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further det
Harry: “Obviously, Son is the biggest threat on Spurs’ side but the likes of Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli both have the ability to make an impact in the final third. For the Hammers, it’s Marko Arnautovic, particularly if he fancies this game. Arnautovic is a streaky player and has not recovered from his January flirtation with China. But he’s the best attacker they have and he’s a nightmare for defenders when at his best, such is his deceptive pace and strength.”
Luke: “Son has a great record against the Hammers and I’m not thinking for one minute he won’t carry that on in the early kick-off. However, Michail Antonio, Felipe Anderson and Lucas Perez are the men to deliver a shock in north London for the visitors.”
Tottenham appear to be the overriding favourites for this London derby, but only a lack of defensive concentration right at the last stopped West Ham from beating an in-form Leicester side last week.
The likes of Perez and Antonio are looking dangerous, and with a top-four spot still not yet secured, Tottenham need to treat this game with the upmost respect despite a delicious Champions League semi-final coming up on Tuesday.
Finally, what are your score predictions?
Harry: “This largely depends on whether Spurs rotate as much as they did for the Premier League clash with Manchester City but I’ll go 3-0 Spurs.”
Luke: “It’s a tricky one but I’ll have to go with my gut reaction which is Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 West Ham United.”
أعلن فرج عامر رئيس نادي سموحة تقديم طلب رسمي للنادي الأهلي من أجل ضم بدر بانون مدافع الرجاء المغربي والمقرر الإعلان عن انتقاله للقلعة الحمراء في الفترة المقبلة.
وتغيب بدر بانون عن الانضمام لمعسكر منتخب المغرب الحالي بسبب انشغاله في إنهاء الإجراءات الخاصة بقدومه للقاهرة والانضمام لـ الأهلي. طالع التفاصيل
وقال فرج عامر عبر صفحته الشخصية على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “فيس بوك”: “سموحة يطلب من الأهلي رسميًا استعارةً لاعبة الجديد بدر بانون الدولي المغربي”.
اقرأ أيضًا | الأهلي: الإعلان عن صفقة بدر بانون خلال أيام.. ونأمل أن يكون إضافة
وأكمل: “ذلك من بداية الدوري إلى فبراير، وذلك في حالة إغلاق القيد في ١٨ نوفمبر”.
وأضاف رئيس سموحة في تصريحات إذاعية عبر آثير راديو 9090: “أعتقد أن الأهلي لن يستطيع الاستغناء عن جيرالدو حال غلق باب الانتقالات يوم 18 نوفمبر الجاري قبل مباراة نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا”.
واختتم: “لا أفكر في ضم جيرالدو وهناك اتفاق مع محمود الخطيب رئيس الأهلي من أجل الحصول على بعض اللاعبين ولن نعلن عنهم الآن”.
يذكر، أن الأهلي سيواجه الزمالك يوم 27 من نوفمبر الجاري في المباراة النهائية من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
سموحة يطلب من الاهلي رسميا استعارةً لاعبة الجديد بدر بانون الدولي المغربي من بداية الدوري الي فبراير وذلك في حالة اغلاق القيد في ١٨ نوفمبر
Just three years ago Leicester City pulled off the greatest Premier League title-win in the competition’s history.
Jamie Vardy on Friday posted a video on Instagram of the players’ celebrations from the title win.
/Bw_96ccA0nu/
Danny Drinkwater was quick to respond on Instagram to remember the highlight of his career.
Since that astonishing season, Drinkwater has moved to Chelsea and sat on the bench, he has only made 23 appearances for Chelsea since joining for £35m in 2017.
Vardy meanwhile, has gone on to have a very successful career for The Foxes and is currently in a purple patch of form, scoring ten since Brendan Rodgers took over as manager.
Both have Premier League winner medals but Drinkwater must surely know he made a mistake joining Chelsea.
Vardy, meanwhile, reportedly turned down Arsenal in the summer of 2016. Drinkwater stayed and featured for Leicester in the Champions League but then decided to join The Blues.
The England striker has stayed with the Foxes and cemented his status as a Leicester City legend, with the unforgettable 2015/16 season, in which he scored 24 Premier League goals, providing the foundation of that status.
علق فرانك دي بور أسطورة هولندا وبرشلونة، على موقف مواطنه رونالد كومان المدير الفني للنادي الكتالوني، واللاعب الفرنسي أنطوان جريزمان.
جريزمان يعاني من تراجع في المستوى هذا الموسم، والعديد من التقارير تشير إلى أن الفرنسي ليس سعيدًا بوضعه في برشلونة، كما أكد أنه يشارك في مركز مختلف بالنادي الكتالوني على عكس ما يظهر في المنتخب الفرنسي.
طالع أيضًا.. أسطورة برشلونة: ميسي سينهي مسيرته في كامب نو
وقال دي بور في تصريحات لصحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية: “أعتقد أن كومان لا يزال يبحث عن أفضل ما في جريزمان، لكن أعتقد أن الفرنسي ليس مهاجمًا”.
وأضاف: “جريزمان يجب أن يلعب جناح، هذا المركز هو الأفضل له، كما أن برشلونة يمر بمرحلة انتقالية على جميع المستويات”.
وأكمل: “يجب على اللاعبين والإدارة والمشجعين أن يفهموا ذلك، لكنني أثق في كومان وبجودته كـ مدرب، لكنه يحتاج إلى وقت”.
وشدد: “الهولنديون صريحون للغاية، أعتقد أن برشلونة بحاجة إلى هذا النوع، لذلك أنا سعيد بتواجد كومان وأنه مباشر في كل شيء داخل برشلونة”.
وتطرق للحديث عن هولندي آخر ارتبط كثيرًا بالانتقال إلى برشلونة، وهو مهاجم ليون ممفيس ديباي، الذي كان قريبًا من النادي الكتالوني في الصيف الماضي.
وقال: “ديباي لاعب رائع، قوته وفنياته 100%، يمكنه أن يفاجئك في أي لحظة، ولكن بشرط واحد، وهو أن يكون رأسه على ما يرام، أن يكون في حالة مزاجية مناسبة”.
وأوضح: “هذا ما سيجعله ينجح في برشلونة، هو يشبه سواريز أكثر من جريزمان، لكنه من الناحية الفنية، أفضل من الثنائي”.
وعن سيرجينو ديست، قال مدربه السابق في شباب أياكس : “عندما كان في الـ15 من عمره، تساءلنا عما يجب فعله معه، في غضون عام تطور كثيرًا بشكل لا يصدق، عقليته ومستواه في الملعب، عندما أراه في برشلونة أشعر بالفخر”.
وواصل: “أياكس لديه مواهب رائعة في الوقت الحالي، لكن الموهبة شيء والوصول إلى مستوى احترافي شيء آخر، هناك 3 لاعبين من الطراز العالمي في أياكس، خلال عامين أو ثلاثة سيبهرون العالم، لكن لن أفصح عنهم حتى لا أضغط عليهم أكثر”.
واختتم بالحديث عن فان دايك: “فيرجيل لاعب يمتلك كاريزما رائعة، سنفتقدها في منتخب هولندا، إنه سيرجيو راموس هولندا، سيرجيو لديه مواقف أحبها في الملعب، وفان دايك على نفس القدر من الأهمية”.
Mauricio Pochettino seems to have transcended heroic status at Tottenham Hotspur. In the modern game it is rare to find a manager who commands such unanimous respect throughout the club, re-enforcing a dwindling concept that no player is above the manager.
He is the star of the show, the beating heart and the the genius behind an incredible few years in north London, but is he in it for the long haul?
Discussion over his future has been prevalent throughout the season, particularly in light of Jose Mourinho’s dismissal at Manchester United and, with the season edging towards a potentially historic conclusion for Spurs, that discussion is coming to the fore once again.
The Argentine has publicly addressed the topic this week, with his comments hinting that Daniel Levy’s long-term strategy will dictate his future, per football.london.
“I am not open to start a new chapter with no plan, no clear idea and not being transparent, telling you and telling our fans what next, what is our objective, to stop talking about perception, about reality.”
If we’re reading between the lines it’s fair to conclude that Pochettino is subtly alluding to the stadium fiasco which clouded much of the season so far.
But looking beyond that there is certainly a feeling that he has taken the club as far as it can go within the remits of his current transfer budget, so he will be hoping Levy can propose a coherent long-term plan to ensure Spurs continue their exponential rise.
In response to the report, Spurs fans turned out in serious numbers on Twitter to offer their views on his cryptic comments.
Plenty of fans were in agreement that the ball is now in Levy’s court and he simply must break tradition by splashing the cash in the transfer market to keep the 47-year-old at the helm.
And one fan even suggested that Pochettino will walk away from the job if Levy expects him to instantly lead the club to Premier League glory after handing him a massive transfer budget.
Clearly, this is an emotionally-charged subject and the upcoming summer window is going to be incredibly intriguing for the Champions League finalists.
Here’s what the Spurs fans had to say about their magic manager’s comments…
For Leeds United and their struggles with injuries, it has very much been the case of when it rains, it pours this season.
Having spent the year making continuous alterations to his side due to key players being absent, it is quite remarkable just how Marcelo Bielsa managed to sustain the Whites’ battle for automatic promotion in the Championship.
Although Leeds would eventually miss out on a top-two finish to Sheffield United, they will be confident that they can secure their long-awaited return to the Premier League later this month by navigating their way through the play-offs.
However, preparations for their semi-final first-leg with Derby County on Saturday have been far from ideal.
With both Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski ruled out for the rest of the 2018/19 campaign due to injury, Stuart Dallas is expected to cover at left-back despite having very little experience of playing in this particular role during his career.
Although this defensive dilemma will be causing sleepless nights for Bielsa, the news that one of his most influential players has been ruled out of the Pride Park clash with the Rams.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Tyler Roberts has been ruled out of tomorrow’s clash.
Arguably the Whites’ stand-out performer in recent weeks, the 20-year-old may have used as a forward against Derby with Patrick Bamford serving the second game of his suspension for deceiving the referee during last month’s infamous 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at Elland Road.
Although it wasn’t revealed just how serious Roberts’ injury is, his absence at the weekend may be enough to see Leeds’ play-off aspirations get dashed by a Derby side who are brimming with confidence having won three of their last four fixtures in the second tier.
What do you think Whites fans? How big of a miss will Roberts be on Saturday? Can you still achieve promotion without the Wales international? Let us know below.
أعلن لاعب وسط ريال مدريد والمنتخب الأرجنتيني السابق، فرناندو جاجو اعتزاله كرة القدم في عمر الـ34 عامًا، بسبب تأثره بالإصابات.
جاجو لعب 61 مباراة دولية مع المنتخب الأرجنتيني، ومثل عدد من الفرق مثل بوكا جونيورز وروما وفالنسيا، وفيليز سارسفيلد، الذي انضم إليه للمرة الثانية في العام الماضي، قبل أن يعلن اعتزاله.
وكتب اللاعب عبر حسابه على “إنستجرام”: “أريد أن أخبركم أنني اتخذت القرار بإنهاء مسيرتي كلاعب محترف، بعد 15 عامًا من ممارسة كرة القدم، قمت باختيار هذا المسار بهدوء تام”.
وأضاف: “كما يعلم الجميع، لقد عشت لحظات رائعة، واستمتعت بكرة القدم ولم أكن أتخيل ذلك في أحلامي كطفل”.
وأكد: “لقد مررت بلحظات صعبة، إصابات متكررة أثرت عليّ في السنوات القليلة الماضية، لكن في نفس الوقت تعلمت وأصبحت الشخص الذي أنا عليه اليوم”.
وأكمل: “الآن أنا بدون مشاكل جسدية، وحققت الأهداف التي أردت تحقيقها ولهذا السبب، قررت اعتزال وترك كرة القدم”.
جاجو عانى من ثلاث إصابات في الكاحل، وإصابتين بـ أوتار الركبة، وأجرى أكثر من جراحة، وأبعدته تلك الإصابات عن الملاعب كثيرًا في ريال مدريد وروما.
في 2007 تعاقد ريال مدريد مع جاجو من نادي بوكاجونيورز، وفاز الأرجنتيني مع النادي الملكي بالدوري الإسباني مرتين خلال 5 سنوات في سانتياجو بيرنابيو.
انتقل إلى روما ثم تمت اعارته إلى فالنسيا، ولم يستقر في أي من الناديين، لينتقل في 2013 إلى الأرجنتين مع فيليز سارسفيلد لمدة ستة أشهر بنظام الإعارة.
في نهاية الموسم انتقل إلى بوكا جونيورز مجددًا، وقضى 6 سنوات مع فريق طفولته، قبل أن يعود إلى فيليز، لكن فترته الثانية لم تكن ناجحة بسبب الإصابة.
وكان جاجو من الجيل الذهبي للأرجنتين الذي حصل على ذهبية أولمبياد 2008 مع ليونيل ميسي وأجويرو ودي ماريا، كما ساعد التانجو للوصول إلى نهائي مونديال 2014 بالبرازيل.
يحل منتخب تونس ضيفًا على نظيره التنزاني اليوم، في خضم منافسات التصفيات المؤهلة لنهائيات كأس الأمم الإفريقية بالكاميرون.
ويلتقي منتخب تونس أمام تنزانيا في المباراة المقرر إقامتها بإطار منافسات الجولة الرابعة من التصفيات القارية على الملعب الوطني بتنزانيا.
تونس تتصدر المجموعة العاشرة برصيد 9 نقاط، أما منتخب تنزانيا فيتذيل الترتيب برصيد 3 نقاط. موعد مباراة تونس وتنزانيا اليوم
ومن المقرر أن تنطلق مباراة تونس وتنزانيا في تصفيات أمم إفريقيا، في تمام الساعة التاسعة من مساء اليوم بتوقيت مصر، الثامنة بتوقيت تونس، والعاشرة بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة تونس وتنزانيا اليوم
ومن المنتظر أن تذاع مباراة تونس وتنزانيا في تصفيات أمم افريقيا عبر فضائية بي إن سبورتس 7 HD. معلق مباراة تونس وتنزانيا
وحددت شبكة قنوات بي إن الرياضية، المعلق الرياضي عصام الشوالي، لنقل أحداث مباراة تونس وتنزانيا.
يُمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنا