This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Crystal Palace welcome Leicester to Selhurst Park on Sunday, in what will be the Foxes’ first Premier League outing since they thrashed Southampton 9-0 last Friday.
In doing so, Brendan Rodgers’s side equalled the 24-year record for the largest Premier League win set by Manchester United in 1995. It goes without saying that Leicester have a number of excellent players such as Jamie Vardy, Wilfred Ndidi and James Maddison, so the Eagles really need to be switched on this Sunday.
Aside from those three star players, Roy Hodgson has other danger men to think about, which should prompt a savvy tactical move from the 72-year-old.
Who would they be?
Looking at Leicester’s squad on paper, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that their right flank is a particularly dangerous one.
It is an area of the pitch that consists of Ricardo Pereira and Ayoze Perez. The former enjoyed a stunning 2018/19 campaign in which he scored twice and recorded six assists following a £22m move from Porto, and has taken that form into the current season with two goals in ten appearances.
In Perez’s case, the £30m Spaniard netted 12 goals in 37 Premier League appearances last term, and scored a hat-trick last time out against the Saints.
What should Hodgson do?
Luckily for the former England manager, he has two left-sided players in his squad who compliment each other well.
We previously outlined that Patrick van Aanholt plays his best football and looks most comfortable with Jeffrey Schlupp ahead of him on the left of midfield – the versatile Ghanaian can play at left-back, left-midfield or left-wing.
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Van Aanholt – formerly of Chelsea and Sunderland – can often be defensively vulnerable as two of his former coaches in Sam Allardyce and Gus Poyet detailed, so the added help from Schlupp would certainly be beneficial to him.
Schlupp brings real physicality and discipline to the more advanced roles, having spent portions of his career as a defender, and with that in mind seems like the perfect candidate to nullify Pereira’s forward runs. The Portuguese can overlap or drift inside – as he did to net against both Spurs and Newcastle – so he needs to be tracked closely.
Pereira and Perez have the potential to run riot down the right on Sunday – Hodgson would be wise to bring Schlupp back into the XI so that he and van Aanholt can team up to contend with the Leicester duo’s threat.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
As the new season now ramps up, Leeds are beginning to put some of their pre-season dilemmas behind them.
For Marcelo Bielsa, this is likely to come as a huge relief considering how his side missed out on promotion last season.
The Whites have hit the ground running and that was in evidence during their comfortable 2-0 win over Wigan, Patrick Bamford scoring twice from close-range.
Defensively they have still looked a little suspect since Pontus Jansson departed, especially in pre-season when they lost 4-0 against Manchester United. However, Barry Douglas proved to be a reliable figure at the weekend as they kept a clean sheet.
He had a strong game against the Latics, particularly going forward as he offered plenty of width alongside Jack Harrison, another player to impress, making four key passes.
Douglas, however, was equally threatening.
The 29-year-old ended last season injured, missing the play-offs through a knee problem as Stuart Dallas deputised on the left-hand side of defence.
With Luke Ayling out, the Northern Irishman has had to do the same at right-back.
There were plenty of options that could have played on the left going into the new campaign, meaning Douglas has now helped to end what might have been a big dilemma for Bielsa.
The Scot has started to make that position his own again, even with lingering competition from individuals like Ezgjan Alioski and Leif Davis. Tom Pearce would have been in the frame before his move to Wigan too.
Douglas didn’t offer too much defensively but going forward, he proved why he’s been playing over Alioski. The 5 foot 10 defender rampaged forward, having two shots and also completing two key passes.
Thogden ranks all 24 Championship home kits in the video below…
Yet he was also on hand with regular crosses, playing four balls into the box as he caused trouble for the Wigan backline.
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He was incredibly assured in possession and it helped set the tone for what was a relatively straightforward afternoon for the Whites.
Both Alioski and Davis played in Leeds’ Carabao Cup win over Salford but this win demonstrated why the one-cap Scotland international is being favoured.
A host of variables could have been in play after his injury but he’s bounced back and helped to end a dilemma early into the season.
The hunt for their inaugural technical director almost seems a never-ending one at Manchester United.
Ever since Ed Woodward indicated the need for an experienced head to oversee the club’s rebuilding under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, there have been plenty talked about for the position.
However, Woodward seemingly isn’t ready to give the helm to someone without experience, thankfully. Exactly why he’s done that in terms of having a manager remains to be seen, but that’s a different story for a different time. Instead, he would give it to someone who has produced genuine results in such a role and United seem to have found one with such a resume. That’s because, according to reports (via The Sun), the Red Devils want Stuart Webber to be their first technical director.
He’s working as Norwich City’s sporting director and done a great job with reviving the Canaries. Indeed, he played a role in Daniel Farke’s innovation, signing promising players and also giving rise to many youngsters. This is something which can please Solskjaer, whose philosophy revolves around building his team around young, exuberant players.
Indeed, he was also the reason for Huddersfield Town’s promotion before moving to Norwich. Last season, Webber made quite the profit for the Canaries, selling James Maddison for £20 million and just looks like he knows what he’s doing. That’d be nice, wouldn’t it? Moreover, he also signed the Championship highest scorer Teemu Pukki on a free, while also signing Tim Krul as a free agent. Clever, clever transfer business, the kind not heard about at Old Trafford for years now.
Webber definitely understands what he’s doing. He’ll know which players to keep and whom to buy to restart United’s development. A shrewd footballing personality with the ability to make financial profit and also sign prolific talents, Webber’s the down-to-earth, pragmatic personality needed to make United a fearsome unit once again.
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United fans, do you think Webber is the right man to oversee the restructure? Join the discussion by commenting below…
Liverpool evaded disaster by securing a narrow win over relegation contenders Fulham, temporarily climbing back into Premier League’s pinnacle.
However, what is obvious, they shouldn’t have been in a difficult predicament, to begin with.
Despite dominating the game, a disastrous mistake almost cost them three points. Indeed, Virgil van Dijk showed a rare moment of nervousness when he made a risky back-pass to Allison with Ryan Babel right on his toes. However, the Brazilian ended up being nutmegged by the Dutch winger, conceding an embarrassing goal.
This, however, isn’t the first silly goal he’s conceded this season. Who can forget the first he conceded in the Premer League, when a cheeky moment went wrong and he ended up red-faced? No one is doubting that the Brazilian has definitely been a solid signing for Liverpool, keeping 17 clean-sheets and only conceding 18 goals so far.
However, most of the ones he has conceded have been poor.
Similarly, he shouldn’t have been outwitted by Babel in the Fulham game. Allison should’ve just cleared the ball to save the Dutchman, who’s been protecting his goal all throughout the season. At times, the former Roma custodian has been a bit too confident and ambitious for his own benefit, which has resulted in embarrassing moments throughout the season.
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If Allison truly wants to establish himself as one of the best in the world, he needs to stop making unforced errors. Despite being a solid figure throughout, he needs to realize one-off silly mistakes are what tarnished Liverpool’s title campaign the last time they went close to winning the Premier League.
Liverpool fans, do you think Allison has room for improvement? Join the discussion by commenting below…
Few players over the last few years have been as synonymous with Arsenal as Jack Wilshere. The midfielder was homegrown at the Emirates, and though he never quite lived up to the hype that he offered during his teenage years, he was still a fan favourite.
However, that said, he opted to move on over the summer after failing to agree terms regarding a new contract at Arsenal, and now – fast forward a few months – and that’s quickly proving to be a lucky escape for the Gunners.
According to the Sun, Wilshere is now set out for another spell on the sidelines with yet another ankle injury. The longevity of his absence remains to be seen, but there is a fear – it is said – that he may not return for much of the season.
That would, of course, be a big blow for West Ham. Wilshere is a brilliant player with tremendous aggression and technical ability, but for Arsenal, that should leave them breathing a sigh of relief.
Making the decision to end talks with Wilshere was a divisive decision among fans, and whilst some felt a departure would be best, most fans would likely be lying if they said they didn’t feel a tinge of sadness upon his departure.
Now, though, any sense of regret over letting him go should surely be put to bed. Arsenal are improving, and they opted to sign a number of new midfielders in order to cover for the loss of Wilshere.
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Whilst Matteo Guendouzi – arguably Wilshere’s direct replacement – is impressing, Wilshere is back on the injury table, and Arsenal are just lucky that he’s at the London Stadium, rather than the Emirates.
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Tottenham Hotspur’s start to the season hit a major bump in recent weeks, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side suffered three consecutive defeats across all competitions.
The Lilywhites bounced back on Saturday to defeat Brighton 2-1 at the AMEX Stadium but it is clear there is still room for Pochettino’s side to improve as they face a stern battle with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United to seal a top-four finish.
Spurs’ struggles come off the back of a summer transfer window where they failed to add a single new player to their squad, an issue which has been widely discussed, and it is highly likely Pochettino will strengthen the squad in January.
With a few months to go until the window opens, we asked fans which position they believe needs strengthening the most by Pochettino.
61% of polled supporters called for Spurs to strengthen their midfield options in the New Year, providing competition to Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele, while 29% called for Harry Kane to be provided with more support in attack.
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Meanwhile, just 10% of supporters believe that the defence should be a position of Spurs’ focus and the majority appear to be content with Pochettino’s current options.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”298134″ player=”12034″ title=”PSG Are An Impressive Brand Not An Impressive Club”]
As reported by The Sun, Celtic are interested in signing Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood this summer.
What’s the story?
At points this season the goalkeeping position has been one of concern for Celtic fans with Craig Gordon losing form and then missing a chunk of the season through injury and the likes of Dorus De Vries looking unconvincing as a replacement.
The club signed Scott Bain until the end of the season but there’s no word yet on whether he will stick around at Celtic Park beyond the summer.
As such it would be prudent to look at other targets and Keiren Westwood is someone who fits the bill.
The Sun reckon the Republic of Ireland shot-stopper is interesting Celtic ahead of the transfer window, although the Hoops will face competition from Premier League side Southampton and Championship outfit Leeds for his signature.
Rated at £900,000 by Transfermarkt, is he someone the Hoops should go for this summer?
Should they move for Westwood?
There’s no doubting that Westwood is a quality goalkeeper and it’s for good reason he is a fan favourite at current club Sheffield Wednesday but Celtic are actually looking decent between the sticks heading into a new season.
Gordon has faced criticism this term but his series of stunning saves against Rangers on Sunday was again proof he is one of the best shot-stoppers in the country.
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Although the Scotland international 35 years of age, Westwood himself is 33, so it’s not as if the Hoops would be buying potential.
In Scott Bain, if they can arrange a permanent deal for him, they have a solid deputy too who, in his 20s, has plenty of improving to do and experience to gain.
All in all, a move for Westwood would make little sense given he’s a character who would expect to be number one.
Everton winger Kevin Mirallas has taken to his official Instagram account to try and clarify what happened in the training ground incident he was involved in on Saturday, and Toffees fans have been having their say on his comments.
I have to restore the truth after some articles in the medias. I was not excluded of the squad due to a lack of commitment during training this was a manager Decision And I was frustrated as I am fully committed in Everton since arriving in 2012 and I can’t accept our actual ranking….I apologize to the president and owner, my team mates and the manager for not being able to cope at that moment with my frustration.A post shared by Kevin Mirallas (@kmirallas11) on Nov 7, 2017 at 4:40am PST
Sky Sports reported on Monday that Mirallas and teammate Morgan Schneiderlin had been banished from training by caretaker boss David Unsworth after Duncan Ferguson was unimpressed with the duo’s attitude, and they were subsequently both left out of the squad for the 3-2 win against Watford at Goodison Park on Sunday.
The Belgium international has chosen to clear up the reports by suggesting that he was sent away but not because he had shown a lack of commitment.
Everton supporters were quick to have their say on the 30-year-old’s post via social media, and while one said “at least he apologised”, another said it is “too little, too late”.
According to reports in The Mirror, Chelsea defender John Terry is a summer target for Stoke City after announcing he will leave the club during the summer, but they may have to pay him £100,000-a-week to lure him to the Britannia Stadium.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the 36-year-old announced last month that he will make an emotional exit from Stamford Bridge at the end of the season following the expiry of his contract, which will bring an end to a 19-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion have already been linked with moves for the centre-back but now the Potters are said to have joined the chase with doubts over the future of Bruno Martins Indi.
The Netherlands international joined Stoke on a season-long loan deal from FC Porto but Mark Hughes has confirmed that the Portuguese giants don’t appear keen to discuss a permanent transfer.
According to The Sun, they may have to offer Terry at least a £100-a-week deal if they are to be successful in adding him to their ranks.
What else has Hughes said?
The Stoke boss says he spoke to Terry about his future when the two teams met earlier in the campaign.
The Welshman said: “I know John very well but whether or not we’d be able to present anything to John that would make him think, I don’t know.
“But we spoke briefly and had a word after the Chelsea game here this year about where his future lies.
“You’re not just getting John Terry the player, you’re getting John Terry the leader so someone will benefit from that.”
Would he be a good signing for Stoke?
Of course he would.
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Playing alongside Ryan Shawcross he could form quite a formidable partnership for the Potters, because he still has the ability and experience to make a real difference at this level despite his advanced years.
What’s the verdict, then?
While reports suggest that his wage demands would be £100,000-a-week, he would likely have to lower those if he is to complete a move to any of the interested Premier League sides.
If you have clicked on this then hearty congratulations may be in order. After all this could conceivably be the thousandth Rooney-related article you have read in the past year alone. Streamers should go off at this point. A prize for your patience is in the post.
Before that awful familiarity sets in however let’s be clear from the off that this is not your standard ‘hot take’ on Rooney’s sustained decline in form and standing. I’m as thoroughly bored to death with the subject as you are. In fact why did you click on this? Are you some kind of masochist?
No, enough is enough, and surely now we can move past the hoary debates, startling stats, and think-pieces and settle on some indisputable truths. Let’s list them and get them out of the way.
1/ Wayne Rooney has been woefully out of form for some considerable time now and a shadow of his former self. Let’s not discuss precisely how long because that might prove a sticking point. Let’s just agree on ‘for some considerable time’.
2/ If any other player for Manchester United or England had put in such distinctly average performances over this timeline they would be so well acquainted with the Old Trafford bench that their leather seat would have a personalised bum-groove and, additionally, they would find themselves on the periphery of the international set-up. Depending on the individual in question they might even have been sold by their club and cast into the international wilderness.
3/ It therefore follows that Wayne Rooney has – for some considerable time – lived off his reputation and been afforded special dispensation by David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Roy Hodgson, Sam Allardyce and – to a lesser extent – Jose Mourinho due to the ‘legend’ and branding behemoth he is.
All of which has resulted in acres of newspaper print and countless tweets, all of which have genuine anger or indignation bubbling beneath the surface. Why? Because fundamentally it goes against basic fairness and if there’s one thing guaranteed to seriously irk an Englishman it’s when the notion of fair play is corrupted. With the possible exception of musicians who peaked in the sixties we have never liked anyone living off their reputations – which is surely to our credit? – and this perhaps explains our supposed national delight in building people up only to knock them down. We don’t do that. Not really. We notice that someone in the public eye is on a downward trajectory and we simply let them know so they can move aside for another. It’s politeness, really, when you think of it like that.
This anger, understandably, has been squarely aimed at the protagonists in this drawn-out saga: the managers named above and Rooney himself. There is clear logic here. It follows.
At this point though I’d like to bring in another Manchester United great who last week encountered similar charges of delusion, entitlement, and, well, living off his reputation.
When Ryan Giggs was overlooked for the vacant Swansea position in favour of Bob Bradley it led to an ill-considered newspaper column by his friend and former Wales team-mate Robbie Savage, who claimed he ‘despaired’ of the decision. According to Savage it was madness that 35 years of managerial experience trumped 24 years of playing experience for a managerial appointment. This nonsensical rant was followed by an equally ill-considered comment by Giggs himself declaring that the chief reason he is not preparing for a tricky trip to Arsenal this weekend with a new club was because their ambitions didn’t match his own. Righto Ryan. Whatever you say pal.
So now we have a Premier League legend who has been living off his reputation for the past two years – oops, I mean ‘for some considerable time’ – and another who evidently believes he should still be able to.
It is very hard to defend the transparent propaganda at work here, propaganda that always originates from toadying journalists or former team-mates. It is very hard to defend it and I won’t. It is routinely nauseating.
The rest of it though – the vitriol and mockery aimed at Rooney and Giggs for their inflated sense of self-worth – I do have a problem with. Because it smacks of unjustness.
At face value the delight with which we are collectively laying into each player is our standard modus operandi of building them up then knocking them down. On yer way son, you’re past your prime; you’ve had your day. On this occasion however we must consider to what astonishing unparalleled extent we built them up in the first place.
If Gazza beckoned in the era of celebrity into top flight football then Giggs and Rooney were among the first beneficiaries of the Premier League juggernaut producing rarefied ‘megastars’, legends who personified the ludicrous hype of modern football. Both men were lauded far above their standing and regarded – from their adolescence onwards – with a reverential awe that would disturb even the most balanced of minds.
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From every television network to every newspaper and magazine to every man they encountered on the street they were treated like deities. Special and otherworldly. Roman emperors would often have servants remind them that they are only a man – ‘Remember Caesar, thou art mortal’ – yet with this pair the very opposite has been true for all of their adult lives.
We expect them to somehow flip an off switch now? Seriously, how unreasonable is that?
24 years on from the Premier League’s inception we are witnessing a new phenomenon: the retirement or waning powers of these mega-stars and their inability to adjust to being viewed differently and while I take umbrage at Colleen Rooney’s assertion that her husband deserves sympathy he is equally undeserving of such hatred.
We are all – to varying degrees – guilty of placing these very, very good players onto pedestals up in the clouds. Is it fair, then, to criticise them for having their heads still reside there?