All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Wolves fans have been left to bemoan an update from Tim Spiers on Willy Boly.

As per a tweet from The Athletic journalist, the former FC Porto ace is in a ‘bad way’ as he is suffering from the after-effects of dealing with Covid-19.

Spiers also relayed some comments made by Nuno Espirito Santo on the situation, as the Portuguese boss confirmed that the central defender is in a ‘tough moment’, which is why he was not able to train with the first-team squad.

This will come as yet another blow for the Midlands club given that they have already lost Raul Jimenez and Pedro Neto for large spells, and Boly could well follow them.

The Ivory Coast international ranks highly among his teammates in terms of tackles (1.6), interceptions (1.4), clearances (4.2) and blocks (0.6) averaged in the Premier League so far in the 2020/21 term (Whoscored), and so is clearly an important player for the Wanderers.

Wolves fans on Spiers’ Boly update

These WWFC supporters bemoaned the update on Twitter, with one fan claiming that they were ‘gutted’ while another went as far as to claim that his situation was ‘horrible’:

“Not good, had it in the Autumn and while it cleared up after about 10 days it took weeks before I could start doing proper exercise again, hope he gets well soon, horrible situation for him after the season he’s had”

Credit: @Andyrewjw

“Gutted for him his health is more important than anything, just hope he does recover.”

Credit: @_DazzlingDave

“This is very worrying. Neves has also seemed to really struggle in the last couple of games, seems like both need a long rest to recover!”

Credit: @JoshDale_7

“Can this season get any worse?”

Credit: @Ianph61

“Worried about his long-term prognosis.”

Credit: @ClimerGuido

“Precisely why international friendlies and games shouldn’t of gone ahead. Hope he recovers.”

Credit: @ZHollowayyy

In other news, find out what damning stat has left Wanderers fuming here!

After two weeks without a game, Tottenham are set to return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon as they host a Liverpool side who sit just one point off the top of the table.

A rise in virus cases in the Premier League saw Spurs’ matches against Brighton and Leicester postponed, but the game against Jurgen Klopp’s men appears set to go ahead.

With that being said, here is the line-up that Football FanCast believes will start for the Lilywhites, with two changes from the side which started their last match against Norwich a fortnight ago.

In terms of the back four, there are no changes as Cristian Romero remains sidelined with a serious hamstring injury. Both defender Eric Dier and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris have been ever-present in the Tottenham starting line-up so far this season, a record they should both preserve today.

There’s one change amongst the wing-backs as Emerson Royal appears fit to return to action after a recent positive virus test. The £22.5m-rated Brazilian has slowly settled into life as a Spurs player, admitting that he “has to be aggressive when attacking”.

On the other flank, Sergio Reguilón also appears to be fit, having picked up an injury in the 3-0 win over Norwich which required the Spaniard to be withdrawn.

In the middle, another ever-present in Pierre-Emile Højbjerg keeps his place, whilst there’s a change alongside the Dane as Giovani Lo Celso replaces Oliver Skipp.

The 21-year-old has been impressive this term, featuring in 13 of the Lilywhites’ 14 league games, and was voted man of the match last time out against Norwich. However, with Spurs set to play four games in nine days, it may be wise for Conte to rest the midfielder, particularly after he tested positive for the global virus.

Lo Celso has been cleared to play having missed the last month-and-a-half with a knee injury, and he could offer more offensive quality, ranking in the top five amongst Spurs’ squad for both shots and key passes per game.

The attack remains the same, with Son Heung-min, Lucas Moura and Harry Kane all set to be available. Son and Moura both scored in the Norwich game, but Kane is suffering a barren run of six league games without a goal or an assist and has just two goal contributions in the top flight all season.

In other news: Conte can find his new Gary Cahill for Tottenham in “sensational” 19.8m-rated colossus

An update has emerged on Porto forward Luis Diaz, regarding Newcastle United’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to A Bola, via Sport Witness, the Magpies are one of the clubs interested in signing the Colombian international in the January window.

The report claims that Porto are expecting a club-record fee, more than £42m (€50m), and Diaz has a release clause of roughly £67m (€80m).

Fans would love it

Newcastle must smash their transfer record and pay the fee required to bring Diaz to St. James’ Park as he could be a terrific signing for the club and fans would love it. The supporters would surely be buzzing to see PIF splash the cash on the forward in an attempt to avoid relegation down to the Championship in the second half of the season.

Diaz has been in sublime form for Porto this season and is showing signs that he could thrive in the Premier League if given the opportunity to do so by Newcastle, which is why fans should love the deal if it goes through.

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In the Primeira Liga, he has produced nine goals and two assists in 11 games for the Portuguese giants, whilst he also has two goals in four Champions League games – in a group with Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan.

His Porto teammate Sergio Oliveira once hailed him after their Champions League win over Milan, saying:

“I don’t have to answer, we know his qualities, apart from the human level he is also extraordinary on a technical level. The best for him will also be the best for us as a team.”

This suggests that he has the quality to stand out at Champions League level against huge clubs, including Liverpool from the Premier League, and that indicates that he has the ability to play in England. If he is able to translate his form from Portugal over to the northeast then he could be a top player for the club as he’s shown he can score goals on a consistent basis.

Liverpool’s Alisson also previously heaped praise on the forward, hailing him for the hard work he puts in for his country. He said:

“Luis Diaz is an excellent player, he does a lot of work for the defence, he did it in the goals of Copa America.”

PIF and Eddie Howe must now ensure that they are able to get a deal over the line for Diaz. Not only would it be record-breaking for Porto, but it would also represent a club-record swoop for the Magpies, as their most expensive signing in history stands at £40m for Joelinton.

AND in other news, “They’re not..” – Journo makes NUFC transfer claim that’ll surely leave fans worried…

Leeds United will always be on the lookout for who could be the next Kalvin Phillips at Elland Road and Marcelo Bielsa may already have an ideal candidate in U23 gem Nohan Kenneh.

Many around west Yorkshire will be hoping that the talismanic anchorman will remain at the club for many, many more years but those with a sense of realism will know that may not be the case as his stock continues to rise on both the domestic and international stage.

It would, therefore, be wise to think ahead and consider who could be the man to replace him in the future and there isn’t a better fit than the 18-year-old midfielder.

Kenneh has admitted himself that he models his game on the Leeds first-team star, as well as former Premier League legend Patrick Vieira, who is now in charge of top-flight rivals Crystal Palace.

“Currently, I look up to Kalvin Phillips as we both play in a similar position but I occasionally watch videos of Patrick Vieira for his qualities in midfield,” he revealed a couple of years ago (in quotes via Football League World).

At 6 foot 2, playing in the same role, the teenager could well fit right in under Bielsa if his development continues in that manner and given how well Phillips has handled himself in recent years, the emerging Thorp Arch talent should hold his own in the big time, if even given that opportunity.

Kenneh has been lauded as a ‘supremely-gifted’ and versatile prodigy by The Athletic’s Phil Hay in the past, whilst The Roaring Peacock podcaster Matty Ingham has previously described the youngster as “one of the biggest prospects in the academy if we’re being honest. Big, physical presence, can carry the ball and he’s powerful and quick.”

The 18-year-old gem was part of the Whites’ Premier League 2 Divison Two title-winning squad, and has racked up 27 appearances for the U23s, including 12 matches in the Premier League 2 and three games in the EFL Trophy – even captaining the team once – this term alone, via Transfermarkt.

Also dubbed a “big prospect” and “one to watch” by Hay in a fan Q&A, the “really assertive” Kenneh is also similar to Phillips in terms of leadership and communication, having earned further praise from youth coach Mark Jackson, per LeedsLive.

He has certainly caught the eye of the Leeds faithful on social media in recent times and they should get even more excited by the prospect of having a potential heir to the throne.

On the above evidence, it’s surely a matter of time before we see the teen sensation get his chance in the senior set-up. He has early qualities that could replicate that of the England international.

In Kenneh, United may well have another Phillips.

AND in other news, Leeds must axe £13.5m-rated dud who left Bielsa “furious”, he’s not good enough for PL…

Some Sunderland fans were left to slam the display of Josh Scowen despite their 2-0 away win at Portsmouth in the EFL League One on Tuesday night.

Goals from both Charlie Wyke and Jordan Jones either side of half-time were more than enough in the end for the Stadium of Light faithful as they cruised to a victory that gave them all three points and saw them march ever closer toward automatic promotion back up to the Championship.

However, while there were some very good performances from Lee Johnson’s men, Scowen’s failed to deceive some SAFC supporters.

The 27-year-old lost out on 10 of his duels, the joint-second most out of any of his teammates to have set foot on the pitch, as he also failed to make a single interception or key pass in the game (Sofascore).

He also lost possession of the ball no fewer than 21 times in total over the course of the match, the second-most out of all the Black Cats players, as he earned a very measly 6.2 overall rating on Sofascore, the joint-worst out of any player for the Wearside club.

Sunderland fan reaction to Scowen display

These Sunderland fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one fan even going as far as to claim that the central midfield player was a ‘weak link’:

“Good first half. Feel we’ll need a second with Pompey having Curtis and Harness to bring on, worry for McFadzean. Scowen the weak link, far too slow with his thinking when he gets the ball. Stops anything positive happening #safc”

Credit: @Parkersafc

“Scowen is just too slow”

Credit: @joseph00stuart

“Really really not a fan of Scowen”

Credit: @LaurenSAFC92

“Scowen just keeps on giving & giving the ball away”

Credit: @GavinEvs

“Jones and O’Nien good but Winchester, Scowen and McFadzen are shocking.”

Credit: @markacuthbert

“Solid half but we need much more from O’Brien and Scowen.”

Credit: @Gaz_Bellamy

In other news, find out whose display was slammed against Rochdale here!

West Ham United manager David Moyes has emerged as a contender to become Celtic’s next manager.

That’s according to an exclusive report from Give Me Sport, who claim that the Hoops are ‘keen’ on a potential move for the Scot.

Moyes hasn’t stopped Celtic interest

The 57-year-old has led the Hammers to an unlikely push for Champions League football next season, with West Ham currently sitting fifth in the Premier League.

There have been suggestions Moyes, who is out of contract at the end of June, would be keen to extend his deal at the London Stadium. However, he hasn’t stopped Celtic from sounding him out as Neil Lennon’s potential long-term successor.

Transfer Tavern take

Appointing Moyes could well be a solid piece of business by Celtic, who will be looking to claim a 10th league title in 11 years next season.

Moyes has proven he has what it takes to lead transform a club over the last 15 months, averaging 1.51 points per game with the Hammers. However, his seven managerial stints average out to a somewhat disparaging 1.34 points per game.

West Ham were just a point off the relegation zone when Moyes arrived in the capital and he’s successfully rebuilt the Hammers with the help of several shrewd acquisitions.

Jesse Lingard and Tomas Soucek have been recent transfer masterstroke examples, and a rebuild at Parkhead seems likely after their disappointing campaign.

Several players will more than likely come and go over the summer, and having an experienced manager at the helm to help the squad gel could be vital.

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have now set their sights on one of Aston Villa’s rising stars after an appeal from club officials, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Paratici weighs top talent…

Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici, as per recent claims, also has one eye on future talents with there being many on his radar.

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Peterborough United duo Ronnie Edwards and Benjamin Mensah, a central defender and right-wing-back respectively, are just two names Tottenham have been linked with recently.

Middlesbrough ace Djed Spence, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, was the subject of multiple Spurs bids in January and there is reason to believe they could return to the charge this summer.

The Latest: Tottenham hierarchy plot Patterson move…

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are now ‘plotting’ a move for Villa’s exciting young left-back Travis Patterson.

The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the ‘top-level’ youngsters coming through in the Midlands with Spurs club officials and ‘talent spotters’ scouting Patterson.

It is believed that these employees have now ‘recommended’ the England Under-17 international to Tottenham’s ‘hierarchy’ – appealing for his signing behind-the-scenes.

The Verdict: Make a move?

Patterson is certainly emerging as one to watch, having already made his Villa Under-23s debut at just 16.

This is a real indicator of his talent, and going by Spurs’ homegrown quota issue, they should be looking to get as many top English talents through the door as possible.

His development has been described as ‘rapid’ and there is no sign of it slowing down, and going by his real rise, he may well be a Tottenham left-back of the future if club chiefs decide to tempt him across the Premier League to north London.

In other news: Tottenham officials dispatched to club as they allegedly eye ‘unbelievable’ £33m man for Conte! Find out more here.

Southampton return to Premier League action with a tricky game against league leaders Liverpool at St Mary’s on Monday night.

After an impressive start to the 2020/21 campaign; the Saints have now failed to win any of their last four fixtures in the top-flight, with just one goal in that time.

Fortunately for the South Coast club, they are able to welcome back manager Ralph Hasenhuttl to the touchline after he missed the game against West Ham after having to self-isolate and he will be backing his side to pull off an upset against the Merseyside club on Monday.

However, it seems likely that the Austrian will make some changes to his side, with the Saints looking tired at times in their 0-0 draw with West Ham last time out.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Hasenhuttl to line his side up against Liverpool, with two changes from the side that started against the Hammers…

It was confirmed on Sunday that Alex McCarthy will have to miss the game after testing positive, so it seems likely that Fraser Forster will start in his place in goal.

There’s one change in the Southampton defence, as whilst Jack Stephens has performed well in the absence of Jannik Vestergaard recently, he is not blessed with pace and could be exploited by the lightning-fast Liverpool front three.

This allows summer signing Mohammed Salisu to make his first appearance for the Saints and with Vestergaard having labelled the 21-year-old a “big talent” earlier this season, what better way for the centre-back to prove it by showing his quality against the Champions.

There’s one change in the Southampton midfield too, as Stuart Armstrong reclaims his place in the starting XI after signing a contract extension last week and he replaces Moussa Djenepo, who has been disappointingly ineffective lately.

Che Adams and Danny Ings weren’t at their best against West Ham, but their pace and link-up play in the Saints attack could cause real problems for this makeshift Liverpool defence, so it would be a surprise if Hasenhuttl didn’t start them together up front.

And, in other news… Saints must axe 21 y/o once dubbed “fantastic” in January; he has no future under Hasenhuttl 

Some Liverpool fans have been left delighted after Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Nathaniel Phillips is fit to face Southampton this weekend.

The Reds are back in action on Saturday evening, with Saints making the trip to Anfield in the Premier League.

It has been a fortnight since Jurgen Klopp’s men were last in action, due to last weekend’s scheduled clash with Manchester United being postponed.

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Liverpool simply have to beat Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side if they are to have any chance of finishing in the top four this season – even then, their chances still look slim.

Someone who hasn’t played since the 0-0 draw with Real Madrid last month is Phillips, who has been missing though injury, albeit being named in the initial team to face United last Sunday.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Klopp confirmed that the 24-year-old is fit, firing and available for selection, with the last week further aiding his recovery.

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Liverpool fans pleased with Klopp’s update on Phillips

These Liverpool supporters have been sharing their happiness at Phillips being available on Twitter.

“NAT PHILLIPS IS FIT YESSSSSSSS”

Credit: @NoSwearingHere7

” Super news”

Credit: @TheKopiteOFF

“Nat Phillips is fit & should be back in defence. Fabinho back in midfield then. Find your scoring boots guys!”

Credit: @Sakethscribbles

“The Incredible Flying Brick”

Credit: @kevezlowey

“Yay”

Credit: @JacobTaschler

“Yessir”

Credit: @Podgeeeeeeee

In other news, one Liverpool player is set to be offered a monster new deal. Find out who it is here.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Sheffield United’s next manager will have less control than Chris Wilder, and control is what forced the 53-year-old out in the first place.

Wilder left Sheffield United back in March, with the Blades glued to the bottom of the table, and the club have since confirmed that there is a five-man shortlist of managers who could potentially succeed him.

That shortlist includes Paul Heckingbottom, who was put in interim charge following Wilder’s departure from Bramall Lane.

For Palmer, handing someone like Heckingbottom the job would suggest that the club want an individual who is going to allow them to call the shots, perhaps taking on more of a head coach role rather than a manager one.

On Sheffield United’s manager situation, the ex-Sheffield Wednesday player told TT in an exclusive interview:

“This might be an issue in terms of why Chris left the club because if they put somebody like Paul, you’ve got to remember now, if you put somebody like Paul in there and they could perhaps call the shots with Paul.

“But if you get a manager worth his salts, you’re not going to be able to call the shots. He’s going to want to run the club the way that he wants to run the club. And, you know, I think in the end that was the issue with Chris Wilder – they were trying to bring in a director of football.”

In terms of external candidates, Club Brugge manager Philippe Clement is one name that has been linked with the job in recent days.