All posts by n8rngtd.top

[ad_pod ]

Celtic supporters are not happy that Tom Rogic could miss the club’s upcoming European qualifier against FK Sarajevo.

The Scottish Sun reported on Tuesday that the Australian international did not take part in training at Lennoxtown last week and has subsequently not made the trip to Austria for a pre-season training camp.

That makes him a major doubt for the clash away to the Bosnian champions on July 9th, say the paper.

Check out Keith from C’mon the Hoops’ fascinating video on the origins of the Old Firm derby below…

Rogic has had his fair share of injury issues over the last six months, returning from international duty at the Asian Cup in January with a problem that kept him out until March.

Considering the player has never managed to start more than 30 games in a single season for the Hoops, questions are beginning to be asked about his long-term future.

Should the club think about looking to move the player on because of his fitness issues?

Watch Celtic Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

These fans have taken to Twitter over the last 48 hours to share their thoughts…

[ad_pod ]

When reputation and cost-per-disappointing performance are factored in it’s hard to think of a bigger Premier League flop in recent years than Alexis Sanchez.

During his four seasons at Arsenal the Chilean wide-man was so often a one-man war of creativity; a devastating spree of pace and trickery.

Then, following a sustained period of disenchantment at the Emirates, along came a headline-grabbing move to Old Trafford whereupon Sanchez – brilliant, effervescent Sanchez – like magic, disappeared under an invisibility cloak.

In 2297 minutes for Manchester United the former Barcelona ace has scored three times and provided six assists and truthfully that doesn’t sound too horrendous. It’s bad certainly but it is also comparable to another United flop, Angel Di Maria, who scored three goals and made ten assists in 20 starts for the Reds.

The stats though do a serious disservice to Sanchez’s woefulness. They discount his anonymous displays. They overlook his habit of standing there, with his hands on his hips, impotent and sulky because five minutes earlier he tried a mazy run, got tackled and that’s him done now for the day.

They ignore too how much it is costing the club to house such ineptitude. Signed in what was initially simplified as a straight swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan his wages later came to light and shocked one and all. With bonuses and image right payments thrown in Alexis Sanchez ‘earns’ in the region of half a million quid a week. That’s £24m a year give or take the odd hundred grand.

Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

It only gets worse too. So poor has his form been since his switch north in January 2018 that lengthy stints on the sub’s bench duly followed and, in April of this year, a study concluded that the 30-year-old has amassed more wonga than any sub across the top flight, £5,232 per minute and £4,881,014 all told.

Such figures exasperate United fans but that is nothing to their despair at his underwhelming output, even allowing for a series of injury problems. After intense excitement over his transfer – manufactured in part by the Chilean’s piano playing prowess – the majority have been left pondering why his demise had to be so exquisitely aligned with a move to Old Trafford.

Could United be in the hunt for an £85m blockbuster signing this summer? Check out the video below…

Yet some hope has arisen of late, as unlikely and tentative as it is, and it’s come via the player’s showing at the Copa America for his country.

Two goals and an assist in the group stage preceded Chile’s quarter-final clash with Colombia on Friday and overall Alexis Sanchez looks to be transformed. With the score remaining goalless after 120 minutes, Sanchez stepped up in a tense penalty shootout to score the winning spot kick, sending the current holders into the semi-final of the competition.

Evidently, confidence and self belief are returning. The quick darting movement is back. The hunger too.

Given a wandering role up front as a second striker Sanchez has revelled in the freedom and been Chile’s most impactful player. He’s ‘on fire’ according to one United fan site. He is in the process of ‘rebuilding’ himself according to the Independent.

Some caution is required of course because not only are we talking about just a handful of games here, but Sanchez traditionally excels for his country whatever the circumstance – a return of 41 goals in 124 appearances serves to provide an insight into the extent of his importance.

But as the club struggle to move their white expensive elephant on the supporters will take some hope right now. Hope will do just fine.

Whisper it very quietly but their flop might yet turn good after all.

[ad_pod ]

Even though they are not yet officially back from their holidays, some of the Liverpool players have seemingly had their reunions already.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain recently posted an

/BzbEoAfAHXz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link” data-lasso->Instagram snap with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn from Los Angeles as the trio enjoyed some lunch.

But it was not the photo that caught the eye of the public but the caption that followed it. Oxlade-Chamberlain described the dinner with football terms as Alexander-Arnold “assisted him” and Woodburn poached the “tap-in” for the goal.

Of course, this caption had them all in tears from laughing as Georginio Wijnaldum and Woodburn both replied with emojis in the comment section below.

As for the return back to the daily grind, the Reds are reportedly to return on July 6, which is only days away, as the pre-season exhibitions loom just around the corner.

Oxlade-Chamberlain had a pretty unlucky season with Liverpool, despite picking up a Champions League winner’s medal.

The 25-year-old played a total of just two games in the Premier League due to a serious ligament injury that kept him sidelined for the majority of the 2018/19 campaign.

[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Over 50 games later and Raul Jimemez’s season is finally done.

The Mexican, who was a sensation in his first term at Wolves, netting 17 times, enjoyed the perfect end to a glistening campaign.

Starring for his country at the Gold Cup, he won the competition, bagged five goals and also won the Player of the Tournament award for his performances.

It was a tournament that typified the striker who will head into his first full campaign as a permanent Wolves player as their most expensive signing.

Yet, could there now be a chance for one of the club’s academy players to stake a claim?

Watch Wolverhampton Wanderers Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

On the chalkboard

Jimenez had an arduous season and after the Gold Cup finally finished on Monday morning, it’s highly likely that he’ll now require an extended break.

The 28-year-old has barely stopped and with Wolves’ Europa League qualifying beginning at the end of the month, a chance could arise for someone else to lead the line.

We’ve already detailed how Ivan Cavaleiro could still help amid interest from Derby, but in terms of the central striker role, they should look to put their trust in Niall Ennis.

The 20-year-old enjoyed a brilliant campaign at U23 level last season, scoring 12 times in Premier League 2 Division 2 as Rob Edwards’ side won promotion.

After making a comeback from injury it was quite the return for the youngster who during pre-season has been training with the first team.

Recent words from Scott Sellars should also fill a player with Ennis like confidence.

Speaking to Express & Star, he admitted: “If I was a player now, I’d be looking at Wolves with 18 first-team outfield players – if there’s an injury, or they can impress in the under-23s or in the hundreds of training sessions they could have with the first-team. It’s an open route.”

And with that in mind, it would seem rather foolish if Nuno decided to ignore Ennis.

Gareth Bale to Wolves? Wolves Fan TV discuss how ambitious Nuno Espirito Santo will be this summer in the video below…

He is the perfect example of the type of player they need to give an opportunity to in the Europa League this term and he could benefit massively from a run out in European competition, especially after finding himself regularly in the goals at youth level.

Wolves have already sent players like Benny Ashley-Seal and Connor Ronan on loan to clubs around the continent so this will present the Midlands side with an alternative way of testing young individuals such as Ennis.

Considering Jimenez is unlikely to be fit, he should be afforded a chance.

[ad_pod ]

This is a special report containing information gained from FFC sources, unless stated otherwise.

Juan Foyth could be set for a major position change next season as Kieran Trippier nears an exit from Tottenham Hotspur, sources have told Football FanCast.

A club source has told FFC that the England international is set to depart the club after a disappointing season that was characterised by major errors, notably an own goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

And he now looks set to move to Atletico Madrid for a fee of around £20m.

The deal is said to be nearing completion, though it remains to be seen if the likes of Bayern Munich or Juventus could look to table a bid of their own.

A transfer would leave Spurs with Serge Aurier and Kyle Walker-Peters as their options at right-back but a source has told FFC that manager Mauricio Pochettino believes Foyth can play in the role in 2019/20.

The Argentina international was deployed as a full-back at the Copa America this summer as his country reached the semi-finals, despite only playing in the position three times for Tottenham – compared to 22 in his traditional role of centre-half.

He played 90 minutes in the role against both Manchester City and West Ham in the Premier League; Spurs lost both games. He also played there for 10 minutes as a substitute in the 1-0 Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to Ajax at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Pochettino, though, is said to rate Foyth highly and is exploring the possibility of using the 21-year-old in a different role.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Foyth has confirmed that he will enter into talks with Pochettino over plans for his role next season in the coming weeks.

Speaking to Cielo Sports, he said: “That I’m playing as a full-back is all down to him. One day, we were doing laps around the field and he called me over to talk and asked me if I would feel comfortable playing there.

“Obviously, I wanted to play and knowing that I could do it well, I said yes. I felt really good in the games I played.

“Over the past two years, I’ve learned a huge amount of things with him and with his staff. When I return, the first thing I’ll do is go to his office and talk with him.”

The strategy may, in part, be down to a seemingly doomed pursuit of Norwich City right-back Max Aarons.

The Canaries defender has been thoroughly scouted by the club’s recruitment staff, but a deal to sign him is complicated by Norwich’s promotion to the Premier League.

Indeed, they are not in a position where they need to sell Aarons and he is set to be offered a new contract at the club.

Shifting Foyth’s role would also be another blow to Walker-Peters, who has yet to truly make his breakthrough at Spurs. The full-back is 22 but has made just 19 senior appearances for the club.

[ad_pod ]

Salomon Rondon has joined Rafael Benitez in China, and Newcastle fans have nothing but good things to say about the Venezuela international.

It’s rare a loan player has an impact quite like Rondon did on Tyneside last season.

Before the 29 year-old joined on a one-year loan deal, none of the Magpies’ strikers were trusted by Benitez, but that all changed when Rondon arrived.

He scored 11 times in the Premier League and added seven assists, producing the type of all-round displays that Benitez demands from his target man.

And the Spaniard clearly loves Rondon as much as the Toon Army do, as Dalian Yifang have completed the signing of the West Brom man, per Sky Sports.

A medical was completed on Thursday, say Sky Sports, and Rondon had this to say about his time on Tyneside: “Being Newcastle’s no. 9 is certainly an honour that’ll always stay with me.”

After the powerful forward tweeted his thanks to the fans and clubs he has played for in England, calling Newcastle a “very special club”, fans took to Twitter to heap praise on their one-season wonder…

[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Noel Whelan has revealed that Aston Villa need to sign someone like Tom Heaton before the transfer window closes.

What’s he said?

Villa have been in the market for a number of goalkeepers over the summer, bringing in no fewer than ten outfield players to Villa Park.

They’ve strengthened in essentially every area on the pitch besides between the sticks, a position Jed Steer did so well in towards the back end of last season, saving a penalty in the play-offs.

A bid for Neil Etheridge was rejected at the start of the window whilst moves for Jack Butland, Alex McCarthy and Mattia Perin have also been touted.

Yet, Heaton is another stopper to take their fancy. And speaking about a possible deal, Whelan appeared to be a big fan of him, detailing exactly why the Villans need to bring him in. He told Football Insider:

“Heaton would be perfect for Villa. He knows what the Premier League is all about, is proven at the highest level and showed when he got back in the Burnley side in the second half of last season he is a standout keeper.

“They need someone who is a good talker and communicator giving them instructions and providing them with reassurance. A top keeper is so important.”

Experience key

Although Heaton possesses a poor pass percentage of 46.2%, something that could get him into trouble if Dean Smith continues to play from the back, the reasons above certainly make it difficult to disagree with the fact he could add vital qualities to Villa.

Steer is someone who has no experience of playing in the Premier League and as they gear up for a return to the top-flight, they’ll be having to do far more defending than they’ve been used to in the Championship.

Watch Aston Villa Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Therefore, having a vocal goalkeeper and a strong communicator behind defenders like Tyrone Mings could be massive for their chances.

The central defender is a big presence himself but of all the ‘keepers Villa have been linked with, Heaton possesses the greatest knowledge of what Smith’s men are about to embark on.

At the age of 33 he has 96 Premier League appearances under his belt, whereas Butland has only appeared 77 times in the top division.

Despite not necessarily being a fit for their playstyle, his know-how might well be key.

[ad_pod ]

[ad_pod ]

Rangers fans have bemoaned their side’s profligacy in front of goal during Thursday’s win against Progres Niederkorn.

Despite running out comfortable 2-0 victors over the Luxembourgers, the Gers could’ve had more in the second round Europa League qualifier.

Registering a whopping 21 shots at goal and dominating the ball, the Light Blues’ supporters feel they should’ve wrapped the tie up ahead of the return leg, whereas the hosts may just fancy their chances to spring a surprise as things stand.

As well as having the sheer volume of chances to get themselves an even bigger lead, Steven Gerrard’s men were perilously close to adding another two strikes.

James Tavernier missed a 70th-minute penalty with the game at 2-0, the captain sent Progres keeper Sebastien Flauss the wrong way but saw his effort hit the post. Later on, Ryan Jack saw his goal chalked off after a flick from Jermain Defoe led the linesman to raise his flag for offside.

While 2-0 is hardly a scoreline to scoff at, these fans are bashing one aspect of the performance…

[ad_pod ]

[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

The 2019 summer transfer window had been a slow one for Wolves. Besides seeing Helder Costa and Ivan Cavaleiro both leave for the Championship, there’d been no incomings before last weekend.

However, they have finally brought in their first two bodies of the summer.

Walking through the doors was Spain U21 international Jesus Vallejo who arrived on a loan deal for the duration of the 2019/20 season, before Patrick Cutrone was also signed.

The former previously spent a period on loan in the Bundesliga, so this will represent another stern test for the centre-back.

Watch Wolverhampton Wanderers Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

On the chalkboard

A loan move for Vallejo is a shrewd deal from the Midlands outfit who have welcomed a pedigreed defender to Molineux.

The Spaniard was out of favour last season at Real, reduced to less than a handful of starts across the entire season.

Yet, he did star during the U21 European Championships in Italy. He captained the Spain side as he played in four matches and helped them to win the entire tournament.

It’s his leadership qualities, though, that make this signing particularly eye-catching, especially after comments made in the past.

Speaking to Marca in 2017, his teammate in the U21 national team Jorge Mere said the following: “Beyond his qualities as a footballer, he has a calm head, he knows how to act under any type of pressure and he has maximum confidence in himself.”

Meanwhile, his former youth coach Javier Garces spoke about him in high regard too. “He was captain of the Real Zaragoza first team at the age of 17, was a European champion at Under-19 level, signed for Real Madrid and triumphed in Germany.”

Check out the reaction to Wolves’ first European game since the ’80s in the video below…

This is a player who despite being just 22 years of age has a maturity beyond his years.

Of course, the current skipper at Wolves is Conor Coady, but judging by these previous comments about Vallejo, it gives an indication that the Madrid man can rival him next term.

The Wolves stalwart failed to miss a single game as he offered a calming influence in the backline and this is something that Vallejo can bring alongside him if they play together.

It’s unlikely that Coady will lose his place in the team but as far as leadership qualities go, there is a reason to suggest they can offer similar attributes to the Wolves backline, thus improving Nuno Santo’s favoured back three.

At times last term, Wolves struggled defensively, something that was especially the case when Romain Saiss featured.

Vallejo, however, can help that become a distant memory.

[ad_pod ]

[ad_pod ]

Leeds got their Carabao Cup campaign up and running with a straightforward 3-0 win over Salford on Tuesday evening.

The Whites took the lead through debutant Eddie Nketiah before Gaetano Berardi and Mateusz Klich added two further strikes.

The only really concerning moment came courtesy of Kiko Casilla when he rushed out of his goal, missing all of the ball from a free-kick.

Marcelo Bielsa chose to rest a number of players, bringing in fresh faces which included youngsters Leif Davis and Jamie Shackleton who got much-needed minutes.

On the chalkboard

Leeds have started the campaign creating opportunities in abundance as they played 13 key passes against Nottingham Forest last weekend, all to no avail as they came away with a draw.

Adam Forshaw was one of the midfielders selected alongside the more creative Klich versus Forest but struggled, playing none of those key balls through.

However, against Salford in midweek, it was Shackleton who proved Forshaw should be under threat unless he improves his displays.

The teenager played on 24 occasions last term, featuring at right wing-back as well as in midfield but this display showed why he must start centrally on a more regular basis.

He was at the heart of most of the positive things that came from the middle of the park and had a hugely influential part to play in the first goal.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Shackleton picked up the ball and played a wonderful reverse pass down the right-hand side. It was latched onto by Helder Costa who then laid the ball on a plate for Nketiah to score from.

His vision was outstanding and the pass was simply inch-perfect.

That moment alone shows the qualities he has and why he must claim a regular spot in the side again.

The 19-year-old started both playoff matches last term as Leeds lost but this was a more mature performance from Shackleton.

Bielsa would be making a big call in dropping Forshaw but he must make it if Leeds are to improve on the solitary point they claimed last weekend.

[ad_pod ]