All posts by n8rngtd.top

Many Everton fans have been left to slam an update from Patrick Boyland on the fitness of both Ben Godfrey and Tom Davies.

As per a tweet from The Athletic journalist, both players failed late fitness tests which meant that they could not play for the England U21s in their crucial game against Croatia on Wednesday evening.

Aidy Boothroyd’s team managed to win the match 2-1 in the end without them, but the Young Lions still went crashing out at the group stages of the European Championships.

Nonetheless, the fitness of both Godfrey and Davies has now become a big concern for several members of the Goodison Park faithful, as they play Crystal Palace at home in the Premier League on Monday evening.

Everton fans on Godfrey and Davies fitness update

These supporters of the Merseyside club slammed the update from Boyland on Twitter, with one Toffees fan even going as far as to claim that it was ‘unbelievable’:

“Hope that’s not true”

Credit: @nikkiharg

“No. Hope they are fit for our match especially Ben is a must”

Credit: @Efc_sai

“Oh no”

Credit: @jonesyefc

“Unbelievable how can that be at their age ?????????”

Credit: @brougham_kevin

“Eugh.”

Credit: @Phoenix20387

“:( Bad News Boyland”

Credit: @_lauraaj96

In other news, find out what Liverpool dig from one Blues star has been lauded by fans here!

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who made 280 Premier League appearances, believes Anthony Martial has a problem with himself if he can’t get motivated to play for Manchester United.

It has been reported by EuroSport that Man United are ready to sell Martial, who reportedly earns £250,000-a-week, as they eye up a squad reshuffle ready to challenge Manchester City next season.

Since he arrived as the most expensive teenager in history, Martial has featured 258 times for Manchester United, scoring 78 goals and registering 49 assists in that time, however Lee believes Martial may have an attitude problem as he never seems bothered when playing.

Speaking on Martial’s future at Man United and why the Red Devils should look to cash in on the 25-year old, Lee told FFC exclusively:

“Martial has just been an enigma. He’s got all the talent in the world but he just looks like he can’t be bothered.

“If he can’t be bothered playing for Man United, then I think you’ve got something wrong with you.”

It’s been a difficult season for Martial who has found himself playing all across the front line with very limited success in each position.

The French international has found the net just seven times in 36 games and has only scored four goals in the Premier League this campaign.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former West Ham striker Marlon Harewood has hailed Tomas Soucek as the “best signing” the Premier League has seen in the last two years.

Soucek, who originally joined West Ham on loan from Slavia Prague last January, signed permanently in the summer of 2020 and has not looked back, playing an instrumental role in his side’s Champions League push.

Despite being a holding midfielder, the 26-year-old has managed to score an impressive eight goals in English football’s top flight this season, though that is not the only thing to have caught the eye of Harewood.

Discussing the impact £27m-rated Soucek has had since arriving at the London Stadium, the ex-West Ham player told FFC:

“Hands down the best signing in the Premier League in the last two years, I would say. He has been absolutely phenomenal. I was watching the game [West Ham v Leeds United] last night and his stats, you really overlook stuff like that because obviously you got the elite players that you look at week in, week out, but his stats and how he’s performed this year has been absolutely fantastic. 

“He is an absolute pleasure to watch. His passion, his dedication… I love football and I’ve missed that.”

On the topic of recent Premier League signings, Bruno Fernandes’ impact at Manchester United since joining the club has been massive; the Portuguese attacking midfielder is the Red Devils’ top scorer in the Premier League this term with 16 goals. Understandably, not as prolific being a more defensive player, but Soucek has arguably become just as essential to West Ham.

As well as the goals he has been providing from midfield, the Czech Republic international has also done a great job sweeping up for the Hammers. Averaging 1.9 successful tackles per league game, the second-highest average in David Moyes’ squad (via WhoScored), Soucek is proving to be the complete package.

Southampton can get their season back on track with a win against Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side having struggled immensely in the league since the turn of the year.

The Saints have won just one of their last 12 Premier League fixtures but have triumphed in FA Cup ties against Shrewsbury Town, Arsenal and Wolves in that time.

Last weekend’s 2-1 defeat against Brighton dragged Hasenhuttl’s side back into a relegation battle in the top flight but the Austrian will be hoping that his side put their league form behind them when they travel to the Vitality Stadium to face the Cherries, who are challenging for a play-off position in the second tier.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Hasenhuttl to line his side up in the FA Cup, with three changes from the side which started against Brighton last time out…

Fraser Forster continues as first choice after Alex McCarthy’s poor recent form for the Saints, with the former Celtic loanee having kept clean sheets in all three of his appearances in the competition this season.

There’s one change in defence as Ryan Bertrand drops to the bench after some disappointing displays of late, with Mohammed Salisu replacing him at left-back, which should allow Kyle Walker-Peters to push further forward on the right.

Takumi Minamino is unfortunately cup-tied having featured in the competition for Liverpool earlier in the season, so Moussa Djenepo is likely to replace him on the left-hand side.

Finally, Nathan Redmond comes in for Nathan Tella in the attack, with the youngster ineffectual against Brighton following some strong performances, so the Austrian should go for the experience of the £16.2m-valued 27-year-old to partner Che Adams if he wants his side to go all-out for the FA Cup this season.

In other news… Southampton signing 11-goal beast could be bad news for 22 y/o gem Ralph loves

The wait for a new manager at Celtic is growing ever longer. For now, it seems as though the hierarchy are poised to wait patiently and give John Kennedy the reins until the end of the season.

Considering the Hoops no longer have anything to play for, it’s a smart tactic. That being said, however good the job that Kennedy does, they must find a more established name in the game to succeed Neil Lennon.

A number of managers have been linked in the last couple of months from Roberto Martinez, Frank Lampard and Rafael Benitez.

That being said, there is one name who has been talked about more than any other – Eddie Howe.

The former Bournemouth boss was first linked with taking over in November but nothing has materialised greatly since. That was until recent days, when Football Insider revealed that contact had been made with the 43-year-old in a bid to bring him to Parkhead.

Considering his little experience at the top level, it would be somewhat of a gamble from the Celtic hierarchy. However, if they’re looking for fresh ideas and a modern approach on football, he’d be the ideal man.

Certainly, if you heed the words of Alex McLeish, it would be a very exciting move. He commented this week: “Maybe a kind of Brendan Rodgers type of manager. Is Eddie Howe is seen as that kind of coach? Yes, and I would say that’s the type of name they should be linked with.”

Howe achieved impressive things with Bournemouth, taking them from League Two to the Premier League and, despite the fact that he hasn’t won a major trophy, he’s definitely someone the likes of Dermot Desmond and Peter Lawwell should be considering.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-hunt-stories-wagner-marsch-martinez-lennon-news” title=”The last stories on Celtic’s hunt for a new manager!”]

Lennon’s coaching methods clearly didn’t go down well at Lennoxtown. He may have won the treble last season but this term has been a complete write-off. In fact, it was remarkable that he didn’t leave his post earlier.

They are 20 points behind Rangers and have surrendered their grasp on the Premiership title. You can understand, therefore, why they’d want to chase a manager of Rodgers’ ilk.

He won seven major honours at Parkhead, playing a pivotal part in their immense decade of success. It was his modern approach to training which undoubtedly benefited the Hoops. He was excellent on the training pitch, so much so that Lennon still used aspects of his approach.

Coincidentally, the training pitch is an area where Howe thrives too.

Speaking about the ex-Cherries manager in 2020, Brett Pitman remarked: “It wouldn’t just be ‘do you want to do a session’ and a coach would be there. He [Howe] would be the one taking it, with all his staff – that is special. People might think that is a norm in football but it really isn’t. It is what makes him different.”

The Celtic players need someone who is going to come in and grab them by the scruff of the neck and get them working harder in training. It could just prove game-changing, especially for a team who have lacked a cutting edge in front of goal and have been lax defensively.

Howe’s record isn’t the best but his methods are meticulous. Celtic are right to step up their efforts to bring him to Glasgow.

AND in other news, Hammond could end Christie’s Celtic career by landing 20 y/o with “excellent” movement…

Many Crystal Palace fans are reacting to the latest comments from manager Roy Hodgson in which he discusses not utilising striker Jean-Philippe Mateta against Fulham.

According to The Athletic journalist Matt Woosnam, Hodgson was asked about the decision not to bring on Mateta and said: “Benteke was doing an excellent job & plays a role for us defensively, especially from (set pieces) I didn’t see what JP could do to make a difference in us seeing the game through as we did”

No matter how well a defensive role Benteke was playing, he is a striker and the attacking players are really struggling under the manager this season.

This was highlighted in the game against Fulham at Selhurst Park by the fact that the South London side did not even manage one shot on target (SofaScore), while the Eagles have only managed 29 league goals this season. With the Frenchman scoring a delightful goal in the 2-1 win over Brighton last Monday, it seemed like a weird choice to not even give him a go against Fulham.

The games are coming thick and fast at the moment, and now the Eagles have a very tough week as they face Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Here is how Palace fans reacted to Hodgson’s comments on Mateta:

“Imagine being an emerging young player at Palace – hearing these carefully chosen words must really take the wind from your sails.”

Credit: @PalaceBySea

“It is little wonder that we struggle to attract new talent. There’s always going to be a more attractive proposition than participating in the ongoing decay that seems to the current game plan”

Credit: @AndyCamroux

“Beginning to wonder whether Roy is at the same games as we are”

Credit: @Paul_Romain

“He does know we are supposed to at least try and score occasionally, right”

Credit: @danofthesouth

“Says it all doesn’t it, but I don’t think the pundits do us any favors as they keep saying that Roy keeps you up playing boring football so not sure what else they expect really, without Wilf and Schlupp that’s how we play I’m afraid #CPFC”

Credit: @w9ole

“Seeing the game through, for a 0-0 draw with the team in 18th. Get this man out of my club.”

Credit: @_YTCP

“I hate the mentality Roy is sending the team out with. I miss us being exciting to watch.”

Credit: @LukeRemnant

In other news, Roy Hodgson discussed the contract situation at the club!

After slipping to an agonising, and rather undeserved, 1-0 defeat to Everton in midweek, West Brom are back in Premier League action on Sunday when they take on Newcastle United.

Sam Allardyce’s team were more than a match for the Toffees, having the same number of shots and shots on target as the away side, but fell to a Richarlison goal midway through the second-half.

With Newcastle up next, and the Magpies in the midst of some difficulties too – you only have to look at the apparent bust-up between Matt Ritchie and Steve Bruce to see that – there’s a real chance for West Brom to come away with all three points from the clash at The Hawthorns.

One man who Allardyce should seriously consider bringing back into the side is Callum Robinson.

The £7.2m-rated ace has been left on the bench for the past five games in the Premier League, and the time on the sidelines might have just given him the kick up the proverbial backside to come back firing.

After Matheus Pereira’s performance in midweek – one which arguably merits him being dropped for Sunday’s game – surely it’s time for Allardyce to bring someone new into the fold like Robinson.

Speaking earlier last year, former Baggies boss Slaven Bilic raved about Robinson’s abilities, saying: “He is present, he is dangerous and he fits in with the other players. He can also go by himself either with the ball or when he is linking up with other players on the pitch. He’s exactly the type of player that we wanted.”

Robinson’s natural instincts as a striker could ease the burden on Mbaye Diagne, who has been leading the line on his own. Having someone else in the team who can make runs in behind him, and fire away on goal, could be key to exploiting a Newcastle back-line which has conceded 44 goals this season in the Premier League – the joint-second worst in the division.

As Bilic says, Robinson can link up and do things by himself, and his brace against Chelsea earlier in the season is a perfect example of that.

When West Brom take to the field on Sunday against Newcastle, Robinson should be one of the names on the team-sheet when Allardyce makes his decision about who to start.

Meanwhile, this West Brom man should be dropped against Newcastle…

Speaking exclusively with Football FanCast, former England international Steve Howey has claimed that Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hamstring injury will be a “huge blow” for Everton.

Carlo Ancelotti has ruled Calvert-Lewin out for this Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Fulham, after being forced to withdraw the striker during the second-half of Wednesday night’s 5-4 FA Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The 23-year-old had scored the Toffees’ first of the game to draw his side level and mark his 18th goal in all competitions, before recording his third and fourth assists of the season.

Ancelotti has stated that he and the club believe the England international will be available for Everton’s next game, at home to title-chasers Manchester City, on Wednesday night.

But Howey says that the Blues must manage his return carefully, as losing Calvert-Lewin for a lengthy period of time will be devastating for the club’s hopes of a top-four finish.

“It will be a huge blow [losing Calvert-Lewin]. You have to be so careful with these injuries,” he told FFC. “He’s had a ridiculously good season. Started off on fire, kind of just quietened a tiny, tiny little bit and then he’s come [on form] again.

“I was at the game when Everton played Leeds and Calvert-Lewin scored the winner in that. [I’ve been] so impressed with his hold up play, every aspect of his game has improved. So, it will be a blow but Everton have just got to be careful on the management of that.

“Obviously, as a player, you want to be back as soon as possible. But I think sometimes you, well all the time, especially with these injuries, you’ve got to make sure that you’re right. Because it will just go again, it’ll go again, and it’ll go again.

“But Everton are doing really well under Ancelotti. Obviously, they’ve got Richarlison there, they’ve got [Alex] Iwobi, they’ve got [James] Rodriguez, [Gylfi] Sigurdsson’s doing quite well [but they’re not the same as Calvert-Lewin].”

Calvert-Lewin’s hamstring injury is his second of the season so far, after missing last month’s FA Cup tie with Rotherham and Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Cenk Tosun led the line in Calvert-Lewin’s place against Rotherham and scored the opening goal, but has since returned to Besiktas on loan and been replaced at Goodison Park by Joshua King who is yet to score a league goal this season.

Ancelotti opted against fielding an out-and-out striker against Wolves with Rodriguez and Sigurdsson instead tasked with playing as two false nines, in a decision that did not pan out perfectly with Iwobi relied on to provide much of his side’s attacking threat from the right-wing.

Meanwhile Richarlison, who only played the final quarter of an hour at Molineux having also missed the Rotherham tie, is Everton’s current second-best scorer with eight goals across all competitions after a brace against Spurs but is without a league strike in seven games.

AND in other news, Everton are monitoring an “exciting” teen prospect Carlo Ancelotti could sign for free…

David Sullivan delivered a late blunder in the winter transfer market, as West Ham United missed the boat in their Deadline Day pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Dave Appadoo, the Irons strived to make last-ditch efforts to sign Gueye in the final hours of the winter transfer market.

David Moyes’ side would have been on pole position for his signature as PSG were receptive to parting with the former Everton enforcer, who moved to the Ligue 1 giants for close to £30m in 2019.

The decision over whether or not Gueye would leave Le Parc des Princes is thought to have been down to the £108,000-per-week midfielder, but it would appear that he opposed the London Stadium as a potential destination.

Gueye had already snubbed a return to the Premier League with Newcastle United, after the Toon approached PSG over the weekend requesting to sign the 31-year-old on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 74-cap Senegal international is said to have rejected the notion of playing at St. James’ as he wished to join a side higher in the table than Newcastle, who are engulfed in a relegation fight under Steve Bruce.

Gueye’s time in the French capital had been thrown into doubt following the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as Thomas Tuchel’s successor, with the former Tottenham Hotspur head coach awarding him just nine minutes of Ligue 1 football since replacing him in the 56th-minute of a 3-0 win over Stade Brest on January 9.

Missed the boat

West Ham certainly appear to have missed the boat in failing to convince Gueye to accept a last-ditch move to the London Stadium, as Moyes is only one injury to Tomas Soucek or Declan Rice away from a possible disaster in the engine room.

Soucek and Rice are two pivotal parts of Moyes’ plans at the London Stadium, with the pair, plus defender Aaron Cresswell, the only West Ham players to have played all 1,890 minutes of the Hammers’ Premier League campaign to date.

Only right-back Vladimir Coufal (2.7) averages a higher amount of successful tackles per game than Rice (2.0) and Soucek (1.9), among those to have featured more than five times in the top-flight for Moyes this term. Rice also ranks first for interceptions (2), per WhoScored, as the holding duo often mop up possession to protect the West Ham backline.

The aging Mark Noble is Moyes’ only depth in the holding midfield role after the Irons failed to convince Chelsea to sanction a loan deal for Billy Gilmour.

Gueye would easily have been able to make up for missing out on Gilmour, having been one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League during his final year with Everton.

The 31-year-old ranked second only to Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi (143) for successful tackles (142) and registered the sixth-most interceptions (74) by any player in the division during the 2018/19 campaign, per WhoScored.

Gueye’s potential to strengthen Moyes’ ranks is therefore as clear as day, but Sullivan missed the boat with the £16m-rated beast once dubbed “sensational” and “really special” by Phil Neville for his efforts with Everton.

Perhaps if Sullivan had moved sooner, then he and Moyes may have had time to convince Gueye to move to West Ham, but alas, that was not the case and the Hammers are now left in a precarious position.

AND in other news, West Ham eye future swoop for prolific £30m striker with “absolutely superb” movement…

When Lee Johnson revealed earlier this month that Denver Hume had suffered a setback in his bid to return to fitness, it was a crushing blow to Sunderland.

The Mackems have hardly been a radiant picture of health in the last few months so it was disappointing to lose yet another player through injury.

Considering Calum McFadzean’s performances in recent times, Hume’s vacant spot at left-back has become a big problem for Johnson to negotiate.

McFadzean gave a penalty away against Wimbledon in December and was arguably at fault for two goals when the Black Cats played Plymouth earlier this week.

Both of their strikes came down his side as he failed to get close to the opposition or track their runs.

As a result, Kristjaan Speakman and Johnson are looking to exploit the transfer market in a bid to improve that third of their team. Recently, they have been linked with Brighton full-back Alex Cochrane but a new option on their radar is Wimbledon’s Paul Osew.

The left-sided player is capable of playing as a left midfielder or further back in a more defensive role, but he is yet to play at all in League One this season. That’s particularly strange when you consider his haul of 18 outings last term.

Though, it would be wrong to judge Sunderland’s chase of the 20-year-old purely based on his lack of minutes. After all, he terrorised Arsenal in the Papa John’s Trophy last month.

Playing in a left wing-back role, he was influential as his side defeated the Gunners’ U21 side 3-0. Though, among their defensive line that day was Sokratis and William Saliba, a duo who cost the north Londoners £17m and £27m respectively.

Osew clearly wasn’t fazed by that and turned in a virtuoso performance. Not only did he score, but he also provided two opportunities for his teammates – the joint-most of anyone on the field. Coincidentally, it was even more than Arsenal starlet Gabriel Martinelli who was also afforded a start.

Though, most importantly for Sunderland, his defensive play was also astute. The youngster completed three tackles which was the second-highest of anyone in the Wimbledon team.

On a day where he had the potential to be outshone by a trio of top-flight proven players, Osew was arguably the star.

He was good in the final third and was more than capable defensively. With Sunderland in desperate need of improving the left-hand side of their starting XI, it’s clear that the wing-back would add a great deal to Johnson’s side.

The manager has previously spoken about wanting to bring in players who can stretch the play and the Wimbledon man certainly fits the bill in that department. They simply have to sanction a deal before the window closes.

AND in other news, Speakman could find Sunderland’s new Wyke with swoop for “fantastic” 27 y/o…