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David Moyes must ready West Ham United for Jose Mourinho’s potential game-changing substitutes when the Irons visit rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Moyes has a torrid record against Spurs in recent years, having last claimed a victory over the north London side during his Everton days back in December 2012 before clinching just four draws in seven subsequent meetings.

The Irons’ record is far from ideal, either, having won just once in their last six encounters with Tottenham whilst conceding two or more goals in three of their last four meetings.

Worse for Moyes and West Ham ahead of visiting Spurs this Sunday is that Mourinho has confirmed, via football.london’s Alasdair Gold, that Harry Kane will be fit to start after England boss Gareth Southgate mentioned the striker had felt muscle soreness during the international break.

Mourinho further confirmed that summer signing Carlos Vinicius will be on the bench against the Hammers, while Gareth Bale will “probably” make his second Tottenham debut following his rehabilitation from a knee injury.

“Probably he plays Sunday, if he doesn’t he will on Thursday,” he said, via quotes by BBC Sport. “He is very, very close.”

With Mourinho confirming that Vinicius will be on the bench to face West Ham this weekend, Moyes must be prepared to adapt his tactics in order to counter the Brazilian striker’s game-changing impact.

Former Reading manager Jose Gomes, who managed the 25-year-old at Rio Ave, has offered an insight into what the Hammers could be in store for, having hailed Vinicius for his ability to shield possession and unleash powerful strikes.

“He’s a powerful player, and very intelligent,” Gomes told The Athletic. “He is someone who always gets himself into goalscoring positions. He has a great sense for where opportunities are going to appear. He shoots with enormous power with his left foot. He protects the ball really well – even when defenders are pressuring him, he is able to shield the ball and turn his man to get a shot in.

“I used him as a No.9, a penalty-box striker. But we looked to make the most of his mobility: he likes to make diagonal runs into wide areas, behind the full-backs. He’s someone who holds the ball up well, which allows the rest of the team to move up the pitch and start an attack, or just take a breath. He was our reference point in attacking transitions.”

With West Ham recently utilising a five-man defence to good effect against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City, the Irons should have a reasonable chance of denying Vinicius the openings he looks to exploit and in turn prevent the 25-year-old from stretching the pitch.

But if the Hammers’ holding midfielders of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek cannot prevent the ball from reaching Spurs’ summer signing, then Moyes’ men must be willing to track back and congest the key pockets in Lukasz Fabianski’s area with Tottenham boasting the second-most goals in the league from inside the six-yard box (four) and penalty area overall (eight) thus far.

AND in other news, David Moyes is facing a selection dilemma against Tottenham Hotspur but the West Ham boss must see clear solution.

Key Information about Cardiff City Stadium

The Cardiff City Stadium is one of the newest football grounds built in the United Kingdom. It was opened on 22 July 2009 for Welsh football club Cardiff City, as well as for the Welsh national football team.

After the Millennium Stadium, it is the second-largest stadium in Wales and it comprises four notable stands; the Canton Stand, the Ninian Stand, the Grange Stand, and The Grandstand. Following the expansion of the Ninian Stand in the summer of 2014, Cardiff City Stadium now officially holds an all-seated capacity of 33,280.

A history of Cardiff City Stadium

The ground first gained public approval after a meeting between former club owner Sam Hammam and then Cardiff Lord Mayow Russell Goodway at the start of 2002. Though, after many years of financial struggles and losses, construction on the ground did not commence until 2007 when the plans were altered to allow construction to begin as soon as possible, and to minimise costs, the club decided to reduce the proposed 30,000 capacity by 5,000 by removing three-quarters of the second tier of seating with plans to expand in the future possible. The Cardiff City Stadium was finally completed in May 2009, having missed the previous opening deadline of Christmas 2008.

The ground was unveiled as the Cardiff City Stadium earlier in March after Hammam agreed to sell the stadium’s naming rights to Swiss-based financiers Langston. Cardiff City Stadium officially opened to the football club on 22 July 2009 as it welcomed a pre-season friendly match against Celtic which ended in a 0-0 draw. The first Football League game was played on 8 August as Cardiff thrashed Scunthorpe United 4-0. Wales played their first international football match on 14 November 2009 which they triumphed against Scotland, 3-0.

In the summer of 2012, new Malaysian co-owner of Cardiff City Vincent Tan, set out plans to upgrade the stadium’s capacity by 8,000 seats with a £12m investment. The following year it was announced that the ground could be expanded up to 35,000 in time for the 2014-15 season.

Planning permission by the local council was granted in 2013 to add a second tier to the Ninian Stand which would increase the stadium’s capacity to 33,280, in addition to brand new commercial and hospitality facilities for around 1,500 people. On 1 June 2017, Cardiff City Stadium famously hosted the final of the 2016-17 UEFA Women’s Champions League. The record attendance for Cardiff City was set during a Premier League match against Liverpool in April 2019 – this was a massive 33,082.

Tickets to Watch Cardiff City at Cardiff City Stadium

General adult ticket prices start from just £17, with seniors (60+) from £13, 16-21s from £10, and juniors (under-16s) from just £7. Season tickets can be purchased for just £299 for adults and £79 for juniors. All tickets are available to purchase in person at the Cardiff City Stadium Ticket Office, over the phone, or online through the club site.

Related Links

https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/ – Official website of Cardiff City

https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/tickets/ – Cardiff City Ticket Office

Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards are reportedly ‘more than happy’ with the amount with which they have to work at Liverpool in this transfer window.

According to Matt Addison of the Liverpool ECHO, the Reds duo are pleased with the transfer budget that they have been given by Fenway Sports Group. The exact amount hasn’t been disclosed, however, which leaves a sense of mystery in the air.

The Reds welcomed their first signing of the window this week after agreeing an £11.7m deal for Kostas Tsimikas from Olympiakos (via BBC Sport). The Greece international will serve as backup and potential competition for Andy Robertson at left-back.

The only other name with which Liverpool are heavily linked is Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who appears to be a fan favourite already.

A lot of supporters have responded to this update and many are taking the sides of Klopp and Edwards, claiming that they are happy if the duo are happy with the budget.

One fan believes that it is ‘only a matter of time’ before a new signing is announced, whilst another thinks this means that they have a secret lofty budget, or a ‘war chest’ as they’ve described it.

Read more replies from the Anfield faithful here:

How much do you think Liverpool will spend this summer? Have your say in the comments below…

Despite leaving the club on loan last summer, it looks like Alexis Sanchez could still end up playing a hugely beneficial role for Manchester United.

The Chile international had a torrid spell at Old Trafford with just five goals in 45 games, before making the temporary switch to Serie A giants Inter.

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Now, Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo claim that United are willing to offer Sanchez to Borussia Dortmund in order to sweeten the deal to sign Jadon Sancho.

The report adds that whilst the winger’s wages may prove to be a stumbling block, a deal remains in possibility. And after hearing about how Sanchez could help them sign Sancho, United fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the transfer update.

A couple of United fans didn’t seem to buy the idea that Dortmund would be willing to take on Sanchez, with one supporter insisting that the German side wouldn’t want to pay the Chilean’s wages.

In a summer where pulling off big-money deals like the one for Sancho will be extremely difficult, clubs will have to be more creative with the way things get done.

And in Sanchez, United could potentially throw him into the mix to help get Dortmund to sell Sancho for cheaper. It would simultaneously get an under-performing star off their books, and bring in one of their prime transfer targets.

If this gets pulled off, it would be a win-win situation for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Newcastle are reportedly interested in snapping up Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso, who could be on his way out of London this summer.

The Spaniard, who has been with the Blues for four years, could be about to be ousted from the first team as Frank Lampard’s interest in Ben Chilwell continues to grow.

According to The Mirror (14/06, p72), the Magpies have their sights on bringing Alonso to Tyneside once the reported takeover is complete.

The 29-year-old has been an integral part for Chelsea in the last four years, becoming almost untouchable as a Premier League starter in that time. However, this season Alonso has seen more of the bench than he would like, with new manager Lampard opting for others above him.

There is no denying the Spanish international’s commitment to the team though, amassing a total of 140 appearances in blue and tallying an impressive number of 22 goals and 17 assists (via Transfermarkt). Alonso has also helped Chelsea lift the Premier League trophy and an FA Cup, as well as the club’s most recent accolade after they were crowned Europa League champions last season.

The left-back should certainly benefit a team in transition like Newcastle, but is his time really over at Stamford Bridge?

Alonso has established himself as such a reliable player for the Blues that it would be hard to see him sporting another team’s colours next season. However, it seems Lampard has a plan in place to kit out this Chelsea side and make them challenge for the Premier League title once more. If the Spaniard has no place in these plans, it would be for the best that he makes his move sooner rather than later.

At 29, he undeniably has plenty of years left in him but, in order to secure first team football, Alonso must consider his options moving forward. If Chelsea upgrade to a younger model in the form of Leicester’s Chilwell, the left-back should opt for a team like the Toon who could be looking for reliable veterans of the game.

His defensive knowledge and ability to get forward will be something that the potential Newcastle owners could be tracking, as well as his history with winning silverware. This prospective move could end up being a very smart one for all parties involved.

Do you think Marcos Alonso will leave Chelsea this summer? Join the discussion in the comments below…

Loads of Tottenham fans have been reacting to the latest transfer link, as the club are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Baptiste Santamaria.

According to The Express, Leicester are hoping to repeat their incredible N’Golo Kante swoop with a move for Santamaria, who plays as a defensive midfielder for Angers in Ligue 1.

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However, the report also claims the 25 year-old has been watched by Tottenham and Everton, with Spurs keeping tabs on a possible summer move.

The Lilywhites are without a truly top class defensive midfielder at the moment – Eric Dier has been heavily criticised by fans, who want to see the England star in defence instead, while Victor Wanyama left the club earlier this year.

Tanguy Ndombele meanwhile has struggled to settle in England, and so perhaps Santamaria could play a more defensive role and allow the record signing to move further forward and flourish.

The Angers man averaged a whopping 3.3 tackles per game in France before the season was suspended, and you can find some of the best fan reactions to the links down below…

Timo Werner’s chances of joining Liverpool this summer have taken a huge dent, and it has left some sections of the Anfield faithful absolutely reeling.

According to Sky Sports, the Reds are ‘very unlikely’ to sign the German forward as it is claimed they have no plans to pursue him when the transfer window reopens at the end of the current campaign.

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It’s also believed that January addition Takumi Minamino’s role amongst Jurgen Klopp’s attack is set to increase next season, meaning the noises around a potential swoop for Werner is that it will not happen.

And this has left supporters fuming.

Werner has been a prolific talisman for RB Leipzig this season, scoring 27 goals in 36 appearances whilst also contributing 12 assists, via Transfermarkt.

He has also become one of the national team’s first choice options, notching a total of 29 caps since a debut in 2017.

With Klopp possessing the talents of Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, the 24-year-old may find it hard to cement his name down amongst Liverpool’s starting XI, unless one of the trio were to depart Merseyside anytime soon.

Here’s what fans have been saying…

AND in other news, Liverpool fans react to James Pearce’s verdict on Henderson…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Loan Watch series, which takes a closer look at those players who are aiming to galvanise their careers away from the spotlight of their parent club.

Wolverhampton Wanderers may be on track to find the next Morgan Gibbs-White as one of their promising young midfielders has been impressing out on loan this season.

Club owners Fosun would be delighted if such a statement could become a reality as they have heavily invested in the academy set up in pursuit of achieving their long-term ambition to build from within.

Gibbs-White is the only player amongst the first-team fold to fully come from Wolves’ youth system, having made 64 appearances since his debut in January 2017.

But that could change in the near future.

Ryan Giles has been at League One outfit Shrewsbury Town this season, gaining valuable experience and learning the trade under former Wolves captain Sam Ricketts – who better?

The 19-year-old actually made his debut against the Salop when the two teams met in the FA Cup in January this year, and his performances at New Meadow have earned him recent call-ups to the England U20 squad.

The fact he’s managed that achievement despite playing at a lower level tells you all you need to know about his glowing abilities.

Often loan players are handed a ridiculous squad number at their temporary club as if it were a sign that they weren’t actually one of their own, but that’s different to Giles as he’s clinched the number 11 shirt at Shrewsbury.

Comparisons can be made to Gibbs-White despite playing relatively different roles as Giles is described as a ‘lightning-quick’ orthodox winger, which is similar to the man he’s only one day older than as the Wolves first-teamer has a ‘good turn of pace and balance.’

Primarily a central midfielder, Gibbs-White has sometimes been called upon to play in a front-three out wide when Nuno Santo elects for a 3-4-3 system, so the two are more comparable than you may think.

Giles is only going from strength to strength on loan, so he seems the most viable option to make a transition into the senior setup ahead of next season, especially as he has been named in such squads in the past.

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He is also benefitting from Shrewsbury’s system being ever so similar to Wolves’, he said: “Shrewsbury play the exact same formation as Wolves, it’s mirrored. It’s good because I’m not going away, playing a different position, and coming back to Wolves, having not played the role for a year.”

While Ricketts is clearly proving to be a significant influence on his early career, which will only bear fruit for the Premier League club in the future. On the ex-Wolves man’s impact, Giles added: “He’s brilliant. He’s a fantastic football coach and a role model off the pitch. He’s had a lot of experience throughout his career and can give advice.”

If Fosun want that goal of theirs put in motion, then starting off with this 19-year-old can do no harm, especially as he carries much of the early career prospects that Gibbs-White once had.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Dele Alli turned in a performance of the highest quality as Jose Mourinho got his Tottenham Hotspur reign off to the perfect start on Saturday.

On the chalkboard

Spurs have endured a turbulent week, sacking Mauricio Pochettino last Tuesday and appointing Mourinho less than 24 hours later.

However, they got back to winning ways at the weekend, beating the Hammers 3-2 in a topsy-turvy London derby.

And Alli played a key role in the victory.

Indeed, fresh from being told to play like himself and not like his brother, per The Guardian, Alli looked to be back to the player who so often terrorised opposition defences under Pochettino.

His contribution to the second goal was outrageous, somehow keeping the ball in play on the left flank while falling over, the playmaker found Son Heung-Min, who sprinted away and found Lucas Moura in the box for the Brazilian to tap in.

Alli was in exceptional form throughout the first hour of the game, as Spurs raced into a 3-0 lead, having two shots on goal, per WhoScored, recording two key passes, one dribble and four tackles, more than any other Spurs player on the pitch.

He also made one interception and took a successful corner in a complete performance.

A brilliant player

Alli has been drifting for too long.

He scored just five league goals last season but he has shown signs that he could be inching back to his very best here.

Of course, it is not just Mourinho that has brought that out of him, but the ex-Real Madrid boss talked up his abilities after the game.

He said, per Football.London: “I think Dele was like the team, brilliant for 60-65 minutes and then he paid also the price of the tiredness so he went a little bit down.

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“I think it was the old Dele Alli, the Dele Alli of a couple of years ago who impressed not just for England but all. He did everything I asked him to do.”

If he is given the consistency of playing in one position – he was consistently moved between the flank and the middle under his former manager – he could well reach the heights he has previously.

Ultimately, that is down to both Mourinho’s influence and his own motivation.

James Garner impressed on his first start for the first team last night in their narrow win over Partizan Belgrade on Thursday night.The youngster’s performance, which saw him produce three interceptions and one clearance on the night, drew praise from Phil Jones who told MUTV after the game that he thought the Liverpool-born midfielder was “outstanding†in the centre of the park.Credit where credit is due, to turn up and perform at arguably one of the most hostile arenas in European football, Partizan Stadium, where firefighters were stationed around the pitch to ensure that it wasn’t set alight, demonstrates an admirable level of bravery that will be precious to United as they take on their rebuild.With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer increasingly reliant on youth, due to a relatively underwhelming transfer window in which he failed to replace midfielders Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, the latest statistic revealed about a potential future key figure should come as welcome news to United fans…