All posts by n8rngtd.top

Southampton return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon as they take on Burnley at St Mary’s in the early kick-off, and with captain James Ward-Prowse potentially sidelined for the game, Ralph Hasenhuttl should consider unleashing Alexandre Jankewitz in his midfield.

Ward-Prowse was forced to withdraw early from international duty earlier this week and was sent back to Southampton as a precaution after picking up a calf problem.

The Austrian manager has since confirmed that, whilst he is hopeful the Saints captain will be fit, the 26-year-old hasn’t been training with the squad in the build-up to the game against Sean Dyche’s side.

You may worry that Ward-Prowse’s run of playing 90 minutes in every single Southampton fixture so far this season could soon come to an end, and with Oriol Romeu also sidelined through injury, Hasenhuttl has a big decision to make when it comes to selecting a midfield partner for Ibrahima Diallo.

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Fortunately, Southampton have a more than capable midfielder waiting in the wings in the form of Jankewitz, who has been the name on many Saints fans’ lips this week after some impressive performances with Switzerland at the European Under-21 Championship.

The 19-year-old hasn’t been seen for Southampton since getting himself sent off on his full Premier League debut in the defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier in the season, but Hasenhuttl should put his faith in the teenager to make a much more positive impression against Burnley on Sunday.

If Jankewitz isn’t entrusted with any minutes between now and the end of the season, then you worry that Southampton could lose him permanently in the not-too-distant future, especially after he handed in a transfer request in January as a result of his lack of playing time in the first team.

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The last thing Hasenhuttl wants to do is make Ward-Prowse’s injury worse by selecting him when he’s not fully fit, so he should forget about picking his captain against Dyche’s side on Sunday and instead give Jankewitz another chance to impress.

In other news… No goals this season: Hasenhuttl must axe 25 y/o flop this summer, he’s stealing a living

Chelsea were hammered this weekend as they succumbed to a 6-0 mauling at the hands of title contenders Manchester City.

The Blues were blown away in an opening 25 minute period which saw the home side go 4-0 up, and could do little to prevent the score being racked up further in the second half either.

It was a timely reminder to onlookers that things are not going well for Sarri at the Bridge, and following a 4-0 humbling at the hands of Bournemouth a few weeks back, we here in the Tavern feel there are a few players who Sarri should be looking to get rid of.

With that, we took a look at the Chelsea squad and the performance today, and picked out THREE players we feel the Blues need to move on quickly and bring in replacements for in order to move forward as a club…

David Luiz

Shambolic today at times, Luiz has never really covered himself in glory throughout his time with the club.

Mistake prone and often out of position, Chelsea need a proper centre half who can dominate much like John Terry did in years gone by. Luiz unfortunately, is anything but a John Terry.

Jorginho

It’s amazing really but Sarri insists on playing the Italian midfielder while trying to utilise Ngolo Kante in a more advanced position.

It’s clear as day for all to see – other than Sarri it seems – that Kante needs to in his holding midfield role, meaning there can be no room for the former Napoli man if that move happens.

Marcos Alonso

What has happened to a left wing-back who was once regarded as the best in the Premier League?

The Spaniard appears disinterested and looks to have his mind elsewhere. For all his talent, Alonso should be sold on by the Blues with a replacement sought in the summer.

Lee Johnson has been dealt a huge blow to his chances of keeping Charlie Wyke at Sunderland this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that a Sunderland source has revealed that the centre-forward looks set to reject the offer of a new deal at The Stadium of Light, and as such, he will leave the Black Cats upon the expiry of his contract next month.

A number of Championship clubs have been linked with a move for the 28-year-old, while Ipswich Town are also reported to be in the running to land the striker in the coming weeks, should he indeed quit Sunderland.

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Johnson will be devastated

Considering just how impressive Wyke has been for Sunderland this season, the news that the £270k-rated man looks to have played his last game for the club will undoubtedly come as a devastating blow to Johnson.

Over his 45 League One appearances this term, the striker scored a whopping 26 goals, provided three assists and created six big chances, as well as taking an average of 2.4 shots and making one key pass per game.

These returns saw the £6.4k-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.36, ranking him as Sunderland’s best performer in the third tier of English football – playing a huge part in the club’s securing of a play-off spot.

However, after losing 3-2 over two legs of their play-off semi-final with Lincoln City, it would appear as if that the fact the Black Cats will be playing their third consecutive season in League One has cost them the services of Wyke – who, at 28, will undoubtedly want to be playing at the highest level possible as he hits the peak of his career.

Indeed, should the player dubbed a “brilliant” striker by Lynden Gooch go on to leave The Stadium of Light this summer, it would certainly not do Sunderland’s chances of mounting a promotion push once again next season very much good at all, with Johnson looking likely to have the unenviable task of replacing a 26-goal forward ahead of the kick-off of the new campaign.

In other news: Johnson heading for SAFC transfer disaster over “magnificent” £7k-p/w troublemaker – opinion

Former Manchester United man Keith Gillespie has told Football FanCast that he hopes Paul Pogba remains at the club next season as they look to challenge Manchester City.

The France international was in sublime form against Tottenham Hotspur earlier in April, laying on two superb assists, though only one counted after Edinson Cavani’s first goal was ruled out after Son Heung-Min was adjudged to have been fouled by Scott McTominay.

Pogba also registered an assist in games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Burnley, but there are some concerns over his future, with his contract expiring.

Pogba’s deal ends at the end of next season and that means he could be set to leave for nothing at the end of the 2022/23 season.

He has been linked away, with Italian newspaper TuttoSport, via The Sun, linking him with a potential return to Juventus, the club he joined United from.

Gillespie, though, believes that Pogba needs to stay if United are to have any chance of challenging City for the Premier League title next season.

He hopes that the 28-year-old can remain fit for the duration of the season, having missed six matches with a hamstring injury prior to the clash with Brighton.

Gillespie told FFC: “I’d like to see him stay at Man United. You think about a fully fit Paul Pogba.

“You know, he’s had his injury problems that season, but if Paul Pogba was fully fit for a season and was playing at the top of this game, gosh, that’s going to really help any club.”

Gillespie also thinks that United need a striker if they are to complete their squad, with United currently 10 points behind Pep Guardiola’s side with five games of the campaign remaining.

He added: “You add in them maybe signing that striker that they do need, then they look a really, really good side, with a few tweaks here and there, defensively, and then you think, well, now’s the time maybe they may be able to come up against Man City, who for me are still way out in front of anybody else at the minute.”

Incoming Celtic chief executive Dominic McKay looks set to make changes to the “entire business model” at Parkhead.

That’s according to finance expert Kieran Maguire, who was speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

Celtic announced last week that McKay will leave his role within Scottish Rugby on Friday, allowing him to begin his work with the Hoops next Monday – 10 weeks earlier than initially planned.

Peter Lawwell will stick around to help with a smooth transition at Celtic Park for McKay, with the 61-year-old set to retire at the end of June.

Talking to Football Insider regarding McKay’s arrival in seven days time, Maguire believes that big changes are imminent. He said:

“If you look at any business, the culture of the business is determined at the top.

“Dermot Desmond is not a hands-on owner. With Peter Lawwell going and the manager going as well, there’s a bit of a vacuum.

“Celtic have got to start planning for the post-Lawwell era. They’ve also got to plan for a post-Neil Lennon era.

“This season has clearly not been successful. Celtic’s entire business model will now be challenged to an extent.”

Transfer Tavern take

One of McKay’s first major tasks could be to help bring in a new first team manager, as well as looking to fill the newly-created director of football role.

During the coming months, McKay could get some important building blocks in place, and it seems as if Maguire thinks the club’s “entire business model will now be challenged” as a result of his impending arrival.

In our view, bringing McKay in now instead of July, as initially planned, is a positive move. It will allow him to settle into life in Glasgow ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, giving him plenty of time to have his say on some major off-field decisions.

In other news: Celtic could make big loss on Odsonne Edouard, find out more here. 

Pep Guardiola has been handed a big boost at Manchester City this week, as despite concerns over Ilkay Gundogan’s wellbeing in midweek after he was on the end of a horror tackle, the German midfielder has confirmed on social media that he will be able for upcoming fixtures.

The former Borussia Dortmund man was one of City’s best performers in the 2-1 win against Paris Saint-Germain but there were serious fears that he would have to come off in the second half after Idrissa Gueye was shown a straight red card for his high challenge on Gundogan, which left him requiring treatment.

Whilst the 30-year-old finished the game, it would not have been surprising if he had carried on due to the adrenaline of the game only to realise afterwards that the injury was more serious than first thought.

However, after being asked by a concerned Man City fan on Twitter, Gundogan was quick to respond, reassuring fans that he is absolutely fine as he said: “All good. Thanks for all your messages”.

Therefore, it would not be a surprise to see him keep his place in Guardiola’s side for City’s important game against Crystal Palace at the weekend, where three points could seal the Premier League title depending on Manchester United’s result against Liverpool the following day.

The £36m-rated ace has been one of City’s top performers so far this season, averaging a 7.29 WhoScored rating for his performances in the Premier League, which is the fourth-best of any player in Guardiola’s squad.

His 12 top-flight goals also rank him as City’s top scorer in the league this season, so Guardiola will undoubtedly be relieved that the tackle from Gueye didn’t result in an injury and that the Germany midfielder should be available for the final few games of the season.

Hopefully he will be able to continue his impressive performances for City and help them potentially win the treble this season.

In other news… Forget Mahrez and KDB: “Exceptional” Man City beast ran the show against PSG

Every day is like a merry-go-round in Celtic’s hunt for a new manager. The Bhoys have been touted with luring Eddie Howe to Parkhead but his future is now less certain.

Indeed, a major twist on Wednesday revealed that Howe wasn’t keen on returning to management until the summer.

What’s the word?

The Hoops lost Neil Lennon as their manager a number of weeks ago and now they’re in the hunt for a replacement.

Roy Keane was in the frame but Eddie Howe is now the current favourite. That being said, there have been a number of twists and turns in their pursuit of the 43-year-old.

Howe doesn’t want to return to management for another few months which has put a considerable dampener on Celtic’s plans. That being said, journalist Alan Nixon insists that the former Bournemouth boss still wants to move to Glasgow.

After being asked whether Howe may not actually want to come to Celtic, he issued a defiant four-word message; “Not heard that one.”

Nixon then admitted: “He’s telling people he knows he is taking it.”

Desmond should be buzzing

This will come as particularly pleasing news to majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.

Howe has already entered advanced talks with the Hoops and has even held discussions with Desmond himself. News that he may not come until the summer, however, will have been a considerable setback to the Celtic hierarchy.

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They may have been fearing the worst, potentially thinking that they might have to look elsewhere for Lennon’s replacement.

After all, former Borussia Dortmund head coach Lucien Favre has emerged as an alternative to Howe in case he rejects the offer from the Bhoys.

That being said, with Howe very much still wanting to take on the role, they can focus their efforts solely on the Englishman.

It’s frustrating that he won’t be in the hot seat any time soon, but it will leave Desmond purring with delight that Howe still intends to become the new manager.

Meticulous on the training ground, he could give Celtic a brand new dynamic; something they haven’t had since the days of Brendan Rodgers.

AND in other news, Left for £0, now worth £63m: Celtic will rue rash call on “unbelievable” £100k-p/w gem…

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing up a move for Sam Johnstone this summer, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Athletic’s Steve Madeley claims Spurs have already ‘sent out feelers’ to West Brom over a potential deal for the 28-year-old West Brom goalkeeper, who could be available for as little as £10m in the next transfer window.

Jose Mourinho could even be in the market for two new options between the sticks as Hugo Lloris is thought to be a target for former manager Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain, whilst Paulo Gazzaniga is expected to depart, leaving only Joe Hart, who is the current no.2.

Bye-bye Lloris?

Any move for a shot-stopper of Johnstone’s calibre would surely spell the end for the Frenchman’s time in north London, and perhaps quite rightly too.

The 34-year-old veteran may be part of the side that holds the third-best defensive record in the Premier League, but he’s certainly shown signs of regression in the 18 months Mourinho has been in charge.

There have been a few notable clangers in that time, most recently when letting in a whopping five goals to Everton in the FA Cup. Lloris was soon brandished as Spurs’ “weak link” and also dubbed “lettuce wrists” by Trevor Sinclair and Jason Cundy on talkSPORT.

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Another factor is the fact that most of this squad still remain from that Pochettino era, and if Mourinho is to move on and truly contend for titles, then he ought to kickstart a rebuild and that should begin with Lloris.

He has been at the club for nine years and is the current club captain, though his exit would present the perfect chance for the Portuguese to cement his own mark down at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In Johnstone, they’d be getting a mighty fine successor as, despite all of West Brom’s struggles, the recently-called-up England man has been their star performer.

“He’s one of the best,” lauded Sam Allardyce back in December, echoing the thoughts of his former boss at Villa, Steve Bruce, who once labelled the glovesman a “diamond” to work with.

No goalkeeper in the Premier League has faced more shots on target (168) than Johnstone, and no goalkeeper has made as many saves either (116). His four saves per 90 minutes is far above that of Lloris (2.77), as per FBRef.

With Lloris being slammed for his weak wrists, it certainly seems like the English colossus could be a viable replacement, and for just £10m, this could be a bargain on Levy’s part.

AND in other news, Spurs could land bargain defensive solution in “complete” 6 foot 4 monster…

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has been handed a major blow ahead of their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, with Matty Cash set to be ruled out.

The right-back was forced off at half-time in Villa’s 0-0 draw against Everton earlier in the week, with Ahmed Elmohamady coming on to replace him.

And now, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against the Eagles, the Villa boss said: “Whether it’s a re-occurrence of the hamstring, I don’t know but, if it is, then that will rule him out of the season now. Someone spoke to him and he said he doesn’t feel too bad so we’ll see.”

The right-back has been a virtual ever-present for Smith this season following his arrival from Championship side Nottingham Forest last summer.

He’s played 28 times in the Premier League, and has proven to be an incredible signing for the club and also a bit of an unsung hero amid the likes of Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins stealing the show.

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With Cash now ruled out for at least this game, and academy star Kaine Kesler having been involved in Villa’s FA Youth Cup victory over West Brom, Smith will have to turn to the 33-year-old Elmohamady to take his place.

Given Cash’s reliability and consistency this season, news of him potentially missing the rest of the season will have Smith absolutely gutted ahead of the game against Palace today.

Meanwhile, this Villa star must never play again…

Most Liverpool supporters would be forgiven if they’d forgotten that goalkeeper Danny Ward briefly had a career at Anfield.

Signed from Wrexham as a prodigy in January 2012, the now 12-time Welsh stopper was farmed out on three separate loan deals, that number ironically being the same amount of first-team Reds’ appearances that he received.

It was a surprise then, to see Premier League rivals Leicester City fork out a reported £12.5m to take him to the King Power Stadium in 2018, emotions that would potentially have been stirred again with the Foxes’ stopper having recently agreed a new four-year deal with the East-Midlands outfit.

The deal to sell Ward looks like another stroke of genius from Michael Edwards.

Just a few months before his sale to Leicester, Ward was rated at just £2.25m so for Liverpool to even rake in the fee that they did for the goalkeeper was a remarkable move.

Whilst his valuation has fluctuated somewhat since, moving to £9m shortly after his arrival at Leicester, it now sits at less than half of what the Foxes paid for him – £5.4m.

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Considering that he has been somewhat starved of action so far, having made just 14 appearances for the club in all competitions, it could be argued that Leicester have certainly not received value for money.

It is undeniable that if the Reds were looking to sell Ward – who earns £20k per week at the King Power Stadium – in the current market, they would simply not be able to demand such a fee for his signature.

Whilst it could have been argued that the Welshman might have been an able deputy to current Reds’ stopper Alisson, with Jurgen Klopp in the past labelling him as “fantastic”, the opportunity to rake in such an amount was an opportunity not to be missed by Liverpool and Edwards pulled off another masterstroke.

AND in more news, it is now time for the Reds to consider selling this Jurgen Klopp signing…