All posts by z3u9t.icu

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie is confident his old side will progress under Dean Smith despite their recent struggles.

After a bright start to the season, the Villans have really underperformed of late. Following their recent 2-0 defeat to Tottenham, they have now won just one of their last five Premier League fixtures, a development that may leave some asking questions of the manager.

Smith has been unable to get the team firing in the absence of captain Jack Grealish, arguably showing that the Englishman’s system heavily relies on the attacking midfielder.

Nevertheless, Hendrie has complete faith in the former Brentford boss, firmly believing that he is the man to take the club forward.

When asked if Villa had perhaps peaked under Smith, Hendrie told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“No chance, not a chance at all. Since he’s come in, he’s been a breath of fresh air, he’s a Villa man himself. It’s well-documented where his background’s come from. Listen, the thing is, what’s gone against Villa this season is the reflection of last season of where they were so poor. They’re in a relegation scrap for most of the season, they end up just staying up by the skin of the teeth.

“And then this season, there’s been a few new additions, and they’ve done reasonably well. I feel that Villa possibly just overachieved a little bit this season if I’m being quite honest.”

The ex-Villa player also added:

“I think Dean’s done a fabulous job, I really do. I still think he can take us further on. I don’t feel that people should jump on the bandwagon of, you know, ‘he’s taken us as far [as he can]’ because I feel that he’s still got more to come.”

While Villa are certainly in a difficult period, sitting in 10th place and not that far off a Europa League spot, Smith has certainly done a good job overall this term.

Having signed a goalkeeper in five out of the last six summer transfer windows, Crystal Palace could be set to repeat that trend once again in 2021.

According to Turkish outlet Takvim, the Eagles have been scouting Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir ahead of a potential move.

Steve Parish must make sure that Palace secure the stopper.

Whilst Vicente Guaita is the Eagles’ indisputable No.1 at Selhurst Park at the current time, the Spaniard is now at the age of 34, with the likes of Wayne Hennessey and Stephen Henderson both also over 30.

Jack Butland is also seemingly not a viable option having made just one appearance for Palace this season so Bayindir could be the perfect successor to Guaita.

The 22-year-old, who is rated at £12.5m, is enjoying an impressive season in the SuperLig with Fener. He has made 34 appearances for the Istanbul outfit in all competitions and has been a key reason behind the team keeping 12 clean sheets.

As a matter of fact, he has also been praised by former Arsenal man Mesut Ozil, who thanked the young Turk for a brilliant performance on his debut for the club.

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Intriguingly, whilst 12 years Guaita’s junior, Bayindir is outperforming the Spaniard this season.

He has conceded just 0.9 goals per game in the league whilst the current Palace stopper’s rate sits considerably higher at 1.7 according to SofaScore.

Meanwhile, Bayindir also has a very impressive save percentage. Whilst Guaita has produced more saves per game – 3.1 to 2.6 – that is surely a natural statistic considering that Fenerbahce are towards the top of their respective league whilst Palace find themselves firmly marooned in mid-table.

Bayindir saves 73% of the shots he faces, whilst Guaita can only prevent 65% of the shots he faces finding the back of the net.

Considering those performances then and his immense potential, he is a stopper that Palace simply must secure.

AND in more news, take a look at which Palace star could have his Selhurst Park career ended by a current World Cup winner…

Celtic can sit back this weekend and breathe a huge sigh of relief that they don’t have a game to play. After all, they will need all the preparation time they can get ahead of the Old Firm in seven days time.

The SPFL title is gone, however, and no longer are they the dominant force in Scottish football.

On the chalkboard

This already feels like the beginning of a new era for the Hoops. Neil Lennon has resigned and Peter Lawwell is set to retire in a few months time.

They is also the risk of a mass exodus of the playing staff. Kristoffer Ajer and Odsonne Edouard continue to be linked with exits, while some others will be out of contract.

One such player is midfield stalwart Scott Brown. The skipper has made countless appearances for the Bhoys but this could be his final season as a player.

The 35-year-old has put in some tired displays this term and has been linked with coaching vacancies across the country; namely at Aberdeen.

Ismaila Soro might well be the natural heir to his Celtic throne, certainly from an internal point of view. Though, the Glaswegians would be wise to bring another face to Paradise to replace Brown.

Brown’s successor

Celtic have been linked with a few midfielders in recent times. During the January transfer window, it was thought that they may make a move for former Stoke general Giannelli Imbula.

However, another name that’s been consistently linked with a move to Parkhead is Crystal Palace’s James McCarthy.

He was first touted with a switch to Glasgow last summer but rumours re-emerged back in January. The Irishman is out of contract in a few months time and thus, would represent a cut-price way of replacing Brown.

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James McFadden recently discussed that fact, saying: “To come in, with the experience he has got, I think he’d be a really good signing for Celtic. You have to get that balance. Bringing in young players to the team to add value to them is great, but you need the experienced ones in there to help them as well.”

The former Scotland international also discussed how McCarthy could come in and replace Brown.

Indeed, by looking at their positions on the pitch and their statistics, it’s hard to argue against that claim.

The Palace midfielder may lack a bit of the bite and aggression that Brown possesses but he’s assured in possession of the ball and can do the dirty work astutely.

In the Premier League last season, McCarthy made a colossal 2.5 successful tackles per game on the way to earning himself nine yellow cards. For context, Celtic’s captain has managed just 1.4 challenges a match in 2020/21.

If you consider the £50k-per-week midfielder is only 30, and the fact he’s stronger in the tackle, Celtic may well land themselves an upgrade here.

That can only be good news in their quest to rediscover their dominance of Scottish football.

AND in other news, Forget Klimala: Celtic must unleash rarely-seen 19 y/o Rodgers dubbed “very talented”…

Many Everton fans have been reacting to an injury update on Jean-Phillipe Gbamin as Patrick Boyland relayed news from Carlo Ancelotti ahead of Fulham.

As per a tweet from the football journalist, Ancelotti has said that Gbamin is still ‘a month away’ from being ready to play for the Goodison Park faithful again.

The Ivory Coast international has had such a torrid time with injuries ever since his move to the Merseyside club from German club Mainz a couple of years ago, as he’s only played in just two senior games over all competitions for the Toffees, with his last match coming all the way back in August 2019.

It is not a surprise that several Blues are becoming increasingly frustrated with his situation, as they wonder whether he will actually be able to play for them ever again. This is when you consider his injury record and the fact that they have already brought in Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure in his position since.

Everton fan reaction to Gbamin update

These EFC supporters did not seem best pleased with the Gbamin update on Twitter, with one fan even going as far as to claim that he is ‘cursed’:

“As harsh as it sounds I would be tempted to get rid as soon as he’s fit. Feel for the bloke but it’s as if he’s cursed.”Credit: @NiallDWilliams”A month?? That’s like 8 years in total now”Credit: @p_black83″@mikey664 doubt it”Credit: @Steve23000″Really? No chance”Credit: @lynnepark_lynne”Shut up man he doesn’t exist”Credit: @lilduckcity”Release him”Credit: @johngale_In other news, find out what Fabrizio Romano update has been lauded by Everton fans here!

Many Liverpool fans reacted in delight regarding news concerning Reds’ youngster Harvey Blair.

The club announced on Wednesday morning that the 17-year-old has put pen to paper on a new contract extension after just one season with the U18s squad.

Blair has scored twice from just four U18 Premier League appearances and is currently working his way through the club’s academy setup at the AXA Training Centre.

The English youngster is a versatile attacker that typically plays as a winger, but can also play through the middle with his pace and technical ability.

With this in mind, supporters were overjoyed with the announcement and are looking forward to seeing what he can do in the future with this abundance of potential, as one fan hailed the starlet as a ‘baller’ and others joked his deal means they will win the league.

Fans celebrate Blair’s new deal

“Baller”

Credit: @lfcfamz

“WE’RE WINNING THE LEAGUE”

Credit: @Daniel04139099

“What a player”

Credit: @GerrardThings

“YNWA Harvey lad”

Credit: @KLigaf

“Nice what a player”

Credit: @lfcthursto

“Way to go young lad YNWA”

Credit: @kunmisconsult

“Wow What a player”

Credit: @fenday27

In other news, Liverpool fans in their droves to Premier League appointment for Chelsea crunch clash.

With Gareth Southgate’s England squad close to being announced, one Aston Villa man who the Three Lions boss should absolutely be bringing into the fold, is Matty Cash.

England have got three World Cup qualifiers to come at the end of this month, and reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that out of Villa’s English contingent, the main two new boys could well be Ezri Konsa and Matt Targett.

All three of Villa’s defenders, and of course the already established Tyrone Mings, should be names Southgate surely has to be familiar with given the Midlands club’s outstanding performances in the Premier League this season – Dean Smith’s side currently lie in ninth in the table.

Speaking just back in January, Gabriel Agbonlahor lauded the £17m-rated Cash, urging the England boss to be keeping an eye on him and the others. He said: “I just hope Gareth Southgate is getting to see as many Villa games as he can because I feel Konsa, as well as Matty Cash and Matt Targett, are going under the radar a little.”

As per Whoscored, Cash has averaged an impressive 2.6 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game in the Premier League this campaign, both of which rank him first among all of Villa’s players – and by quite some distance too.

But he’s not just a reliable force defensively either, also progressing as an attacking outlet for Smith too. His average of 0.8 key passes per game ranks him seventh for Villa, and is fourth on the list for crosses per match with 0.7.

And, when you compare those numbers to a couple of England’s other mainstays at right-back over the past couple of years, the Villa man does come out looking good.

The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker have all averaged significantly fewer tackles and interceptions per match than Cash, while the Villa man also favours better offensively compared to the Man City full-back.

It’s no surprise that former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has dubbed him “sensational”, while adding: “Cash has come in and he has been flawless. He has taken to the club like a duck to water. You have to give credit to the player and the recruitment department. They have obviously done their homework. He has been one of their shining lights this season.”

So while Konsa, and even Targett, seem to be at the forefront of a potential call-up to the England squad, Southgate should seriously consider bringing in Cash and unleashing him on the international scene.

Meanwhile, Marlon Harewood’s claim could be good news for Ollie Watkins…

Leeds United looked to have a squad fully prepared for Premier League survival. The additions of Robin Koch and Raphinha have been shrewd ones, and with the January window fast approaching the Whites have the chance to unleash Victor Orta on the transfer market once more.

However, despite some incredible results against the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, their recent form is cause for concern, with the embarrassing 3-0 defeat to League Two side Crawley Town making it six defeats in ten in all competitions.

Marcelo Bielsa must now look long and hard at who really deserves the chance to try and keep his side afloat, and for all his favour with the Elland Road faithful, Pablo Hernandez is amongst those who is quite simply not playing well enough.

The Spaniard was indeed phenomenal last season – as per Transfermarkt, he managed nine goals and nine assists from midfield, finishing as Leeds’ second top scorer and cementing his name into legendary status.

This season however, it seems the physicality of the Premier League is taking a toll on the 35-year-old, with just two assists to his name. Bielsa has started the £23,500 per week midfielder only twice in the top flight, with younger replacement Rodrigo seemingly preferred in his position.

It may be tough to take for both Hernandez and the fans given what a popular figure he is – Phil Hay says he is an “unreal” player – but he simply hasn’t got what it takes at this level at this stage of his career.

The Spain international was shocking – like many others to be fair – against Crawley. According to Sofascore, he lost possession a whopping 32 times, and was generally wasteful throughout the match, failing to even register a shot on target against the FA Cup minnows.

Tough though it may be, it’s time the manager see his veteran playmaker as no more than a squad player moving forwards.

In other news, Bielsa must make ruthless call on Helder Costa…

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Frank McAvennie has spoken out over Jose Mourinho’s decision not to start Gareth Bale in the Premier League on a regular basis – coming after a claim that he is ‘not going to play’ against the big sides. 

Bale, who was snapped up from Real Madrid on a season-long loan deal over the summer, has been utilised carefully by coach Mourinho – mainly due to slight fitness concerns and, debatably, the improving form of January signing Steven Bergwijn.

The Welshman has started just one Premier League game since returning to Spurs, away to West Bromwich Albion, where the Lilywhites eventually came away with all three points thanks to a last gasp strike from Harry Kane.

McAvennie baffled by Mourinho call on Bale

McAvennie, in an interview with Football Insider, has questioned the manager’s decision not to play him more often – with Bale so far reduced to Europa League starts and the occasional top flight cameo.

“I do not get it,” the former West Ham man explained.

“I really do not understand it. I thought we were going to see the front three of Kane, Son and Bale every week. I do not understand why he is not playing him in the Premier League.”

Despite being perplexed by Mourinho’s decision over the ‘very important’ summer signing, McAvennie still holds praise for Spurs as they challenge at the top of the table.

“Even then they have been fantastic going forward,” he continued.

“I hate to say it but they are putting a challenge in this season.”

Transfer Tavern take

While some believe that Mourinho is not playing Bale enough, you could argue that this is a smart decision given his past injury problems coupled with the intensity of English football.

As the 31-year-old continues to be eased in, there is little doubt we will see more of him over a congested fixture calendar.

In other news: Tottenham have been gifted an unlikely boost by Levy, find out more here.

Sam Allardyce has been tipped to sign Everton man Yannick Bolasie for West Brom in the January transfer window by former Premier League star Dean Windass.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Windass was asked as to whether he could see the 66 year-old signing his former player for the Baggies next month, to which he said:

“Yeah, pace in the wide areas.

“He’s been Everton’s forgotten man but yeah [I’d take him].

“Listen, Sam will know, Sam will have it in his mind who he needs.”

Bolasie could be a smart signing

Bolasie could well turn out to be a smart signing by Allardyce should he be able to attract the DR Congo international to the Hawthorns.

He has played in 17 past games before under the former West Ham United and Sunderland boss, and so Allardyce should know exactly to how to get the best out of him.

The 31 year-old also has a wealth of experience in the Premier League under his belt, very much like his manager, which could be crucial in keeping Albion up by the end of the 2020/21 term.

Bolasie can still be ‘unbelievable’ on his day, once exemplified by netting himself a quite sublime hat-trick away at the Stadium of Light for Crystal Palace back in April of 2015, and his pace and trickery makes the wide man ‘fun to watch’.

Nonetheless, Allardyce has been backed to complete the signing of Bolasie in the January transfer window by Windass, but it remains to be seen if a deal does get done.

In other news, find out what big WBA takeover claim has been dropped here!

Much like Celtic’s season as a whole, the January transfer window has been an insipid affair.

They are currently 23 points behind their fierce rivals in the race for the SPFL title and remarkably, they are yet to welcome any new players to the club.

This is a big month for the club’s hierarchy but they are only failing their supporters more.

It’s a desperate time at Parkhead but that being said, not even a couple of additions to the playing staff would bridge the current gap.

On the chalkboard

Come the summer window, Celtic could have plenty of holes to address in the squad. Odsonne Edouard continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League while Kristoffer Ajer has attracted the interest of AC Milan.

Though, they will also have to find someone to replace Mo Elyounoussi – that’s if he doesn’t pen permanent terms in Glasgow. He’s only on loan at the moment and given their lack of depth in a wide position, will need someone new.

That player could well be Karamoko Dembele’s brother – Siriki Dembele. The Hoops have been tracking the attacker since November but face increased competition for his signature. He has reportedly handed in a transfer request at Peterborough which has led to a bid for his services from Nottingham Forest.

Though, if the Bhoys stole a march in the race to sign Dembele, they could well find themselves their new Aiden McGeady.

The Irishman is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players we’ve seen in the green and white over the last 20 years, bringing unrivalled trickery and energy to the Celtic team.

In making 200 appearances for the Bhoys, McGeady scored 32 times, racking up 48 assists in the process. Furthermore, the 34-year-old won the Fans Player of the Year and became a 2x winner of the Player’s Player of the Year. If that wasn’t enough, his senior professionals voted him the best player in the Scottish Premiership for the 2007/08 campaign.

He was a brilliant winger for the Hoops, going on to create his own trick – the McGeady spin – and offering dribbling skills that not many players in Scotland could provide.

For a glimpse of what he’s offered in his career, the former Republic of Ireland international managed 2.3 dribbles per game for Spartak Moscow in the 2010/11 Champions League.

At Preston in the English Championship, he managed 2.5 dribbles an outing and then for Sunderland at the same level, he amassed a tally of 2.3 successful take-ons per match.

That’s remarkably similar to Dembele, a man currently playing his football in League One – the same division as McGeady. Just 24 years of age, the flanker – who can also play as a striker – has scored six goals.

Pivotally, though, is his ability to trick defenders and beat them with his dribbling. Described as “absolutely outstanding” by Posh manager Darren Ferguson, he has completed 2.9 dribbles a match this season.

For context, no player in the third tier of English football is more successful. The next best happens to be on 1.8 dribbles – that’s how good Dembele is.

A rampant attacker, his skills in this regard have huge similarities to McGeady. Nick Hammond may well have a chance of finally finding his successor this year.

AND in other news, Time to go Lenny: Desmond could revitalise Celtic by appointing “fantastic” 60 y/o…