All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham are in dire need of a new striker to relieve the pressure on Nuno Espírito Santo.

Nuno Espírito Santo requests three signings for West Ham in January

Alongside a centre-forward, it is also believed that West Ham’s new boss has personally urged both chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady to bring a new defender and midfielder as soon as the next January window (GiveMeSport).

This is somewhat backed up by Sky Sports too, who reiterate that the Hammers are indeed targeting a defender, midfielder and attacker in January, with Nuno also getting “confirmation” he would have money to spend.

Going by this flurry of reports, West Ham could be set for one of their busiest January windows in recent memory, and it’s definitely needed.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

West Ham limped to an uninspired 2-0 defeat to Brentford in their last game, which was Nuno’s first home match since taking charge as manager, with the east Londoners completely failing to lay a glove on Keith Andrews’ side who strutted to victory with ease.

The scoreline could’ve been even worse for West Ham, on a night marred by large protests from the Hammers faithful against their club’s ownership. Brentford attempted a whopping 17 shots on goal and found it far too easy on enemy turf, with this performance highlighting exactly why reinforcements are badly needed.

Even though West Ham look soft as butter defensively, almost every supporter is desperate to see Sullivan and Brady go into the market and sign an exciting striker who can provide that needed injection of quality going forward.

Callum Wilson, who has a torrid injury record, and the inexperienced Callum Marshall are Nuno’s only natural options right now, forcing the West Ham boss to play Lucas Paqueta as a false nine against Brentford on Monday.

This experiment failed, with Paqueta failing to make an impact and losing possession a whopping 23 times.

Niclas Füllkrug, adding to his extensive list of missed games already for West Ham, is set to be “out for a while” after tearing a muscle bundle in his thigh, so the German cannot be relied upon yet again.

Luckily for Nuno, media sources suggest that West Ham are actively trying to solve their striker conundrum, and a key target emerging for the Irons is £53 million Real Madrid sensation Endrick on loan.

Some reports claim that West Ham are even holding talks with Real over a temporary deal for Endrick already, coming after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Brazil international is expected to leave on a dry loan.

Given Endrick’s desperation for game time, a temporary stint at West Ham could be perfect for all parties involved, with the 19-year-old still classed as one of Brazil’s most exciting up-and-coming talents.

West Ham in pole position to sign Endrick from Real Madrid

Endrick, thanks in part to fitness issues, hasn’t managed to work his way into the Real starting eleven on a consistent basis, but did score five Copa del Rey goals en route to the final last season, before Los Blancos lost to rivals Barcelona.

The Premier League could be beckoning for a player who’s looking to battle his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the World Cup, and West Ham are looking to take advantage.

According to reports from Spain, West Ham are “leading the race” to secure Endrick on loan, ahead of both Newcastle and Aston Villa.

Nuno’s side have expressed serious interest in bringing the teenage striker to England, and Endrick himself sees a temporary move away as critical for his development.

However, while it is reported by some that discussions have been held, a temporary move to another La Liga side is also factored in as a serious option, so West Ham won’t have a free run at his signature.

Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers made several additions to the playing squad during the summer transfer window, and Wilfried Nancy is tasked with getting the best out of them.

The Northern Irish boss made 11 signings to bolster his options across the pitch before he eventually resigned after a 3-1 defeat to Hearts at the end of October.

Nancy has to try to get the best out of those signings in the coming months and years, as many of them have failed to live up to the hype so far this season.

Ranking Celtic's summer signings

Whilst this may say more about the rest of the business done in the summer, Benjamin Nygren has been the club’s best signing of the season, as he is currently Celtic’s top goalscorer in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, with seven goals in 25 games.

Kieran Tierney, who arrived on a free transfer, and Marcelo Saracchi, who joined on loan from Boca Juniors, have also been solid additions in the left-back position, sharing duties in that role.

Callum Osmand joined from Fulham after his contract expired with the English side and scored one goal and won a penalty in three first-team matches before picking up an injury, which suggests that he is an exciting talent to watch out for when he is back fit.

1

Benjamin Nygren

2

Kieran Tierney

3

Callum Osmand

4

Kelechi Iheanacho

5

Marcelo Saracchi

6

Ross Doohan

7

Sebastian Tounekti

8

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey

9

Hayato Inamura

10

Shin Yamada

11

Michel-Ange Balikwisha

Ross Doohan, who joined on a free transfer as a third-choice goalkeeper, is the dividing player between poor and good signings in the rankings above, as the most average addition to the squad.

We have Sebastian Tounekti in the lower half of the rankings because he is starting to look like one of the biggest wastes of money since Albian Ajeti.

Why Sebastian Tounekti looks like a waste of money

After creating four chances, completing five dribbles, and scoring one goal in his first two matches, per Sofascore, the Tunisia international looked primed to be a star for the Hoops. Rodgers even claimed that he “excites the crowd”.

Celtic paid £5.2m to sign the forward from Hammarby to make him the most expensive signing of the summer, falling just shy of the £6m mark that would have taken him into the club’s top ten most expensive signings in their history.

Unfortunately, three months later, Tounekti has recorded two goals and zero assists in 18 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he has struggled to make an impact at the top end of the pitch.

Since Celtic paid £5m for Ajeti, who scored just nine goals in 48 games as a striker (Transfermarkt), the Hoops have signed six players for more than £5m: Jota (twice), Cameron Carter-Vickers, Arne Engels, Adam Idah, Auston Trusty, and Tounekti.

Jota was sold for £25m, before being re-signed, and Idah was sold for £6m after scoring 20 goals in all competitions last season, which shows that they were not complete wastes of money.

Carter-Vickers, of course, has been a long-serving regular starter for the club and Auston Trusty has made 50 appearances, now established as a regular starter, per Transfermarkt.

Engels, signed for £11m from Augsburg, has been fairly effective at the top end of the pitch, per Transfermarkt, with a return of 12 goals and 17 assists in 76 appearances since the start of last season.

This shows that the five other most expensive signings since Ajeti flopped at Parkhead have either been successful signings or had plenty of positives in their time at Celtic, even if it did not work out perfectly.

Tounekti, though, has one goal and no assists in his last 16 appearances for Celtic, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be a regular starter under the new manager, after he was the first player to be substituted in the 2-1 defeat to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

Worse than Yang: Nancy must bin 3/10 Celtic dud who once had "the X factor"

This Celtic star who had “the X Factor” should be ruthlessly dropped from the starting line-up on Thursday.

ByDan Emery 3 days ago

For a player signed for £5.2m, he has not delivered enough quality at the top end of the pitch to suggest that he was a worthwhile signing, which is why he currently looks like one of their biggest wastes of money since Ajeti flopped at the club with his nine goals in 48 games.

Chelsea hold a Premier League star in very high regard, and it is believed they’re prepared to battle for his services, as those within Stamford Bridge believe he could be an imperative addition to the squad.

Chelsea prioritise centre-back with Wesley Fofana out for a long period

Enzo Maresca confirmed the news that Chelsea supporters really didn’t want to hear, with mainstay centre-back Wesley Fofana facing a lengthy absence for the second time in his career at the club.

PSG willing to table stunning £150m+ offer to sign "fantastic" Chelsea star

The French giants are not messing around…

4 ByTom Cunningham Jan 3, 2025

The Frenchman has partnered Levi Colwill to brilliant effect so far this season, but Maresca will now have to cope without him for a very long time, which could even be for the rest of this season, despite Chelsea’s boss originally predicting he’d miss just “three, four, or five weeks”.

“Unfortunately, he could be out for the season, so we don’t know exactly for the entire season, but unfortunately he could be out for part of the season,” said Maresca on Fofana’s injury at Chelsea.

“And we are together here since we start, and every time you ask me about Wes, I said many times that I’m in love with Wes.

Bournemouth (home)

January 14

Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)

January 20

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (away)

February 3

Brighton (away)

February 14

“I was in love with Wes, also because Wes is that kind of defender that gives you the chance to press and be aggressive and to leave him 1v1 with Watkins on pitch.

“We did exactly the same when Wes was injured with Benoit Badiashile, 1v1 with Solanke on pitch, and they can deal with that, and it’s very difficult to find that kind of defender, but now unfortunately both are injured. We are trying to find different solutions, but for sure for us Wes is a huge loss.”

Chelsea are believed to be prioritising a centre-back in January, even before Fofana’s injury, but there are also some suggestions that they have their eyes on reinforcing their forward options.

Ipswich Town star Liam Delap is a target for Chelsea, and they’ve had some contact with his club in the build up to this window (Simon Phillips).

Chelsea view Newcastle star Isak as "key" potential signing

According to reports out of Spain, Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is on their striker shortlist too. It is believed Chelsea view Isak as a potential “key” signing for Maresca, and they’re “ready to compete” with Atlético Madrid and Arsenal for his signature.

The Magpies will demand a price tag of around £99 million, or perhaps even more going by other reports, which is hardly surprising given Isak is arguably the division’s best centre-forward right now.

“Alex is a world-class talent,” said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe recently.

“The way he took his goals, he has that coolness and composure very few have. When you add into the mix his technical skills, I think he’s got it all. He has unique skills, and the challenge is to get him into the game as much as we can. Earlier in the season we weren’t doing that, but now the team are performing much better.

“He’s a player with a real confidence and we’re seeing a return to his really best levels – that’s highlighted by the goals he has scored.”

Chelsea are interested in signing a “magnificent” ace who could be available for £16.7m, according to a new report.

The Blues are likely going to be busy when the January transfer window opens as Enzo Maresca and co. will have their eyes on areas of the team that they would like to improve amid their bid for a Champions League place.

Chelsea leading the race to sign £45k-p/w international in 2025

Chelsea are ahead of the rest when it comes to signing a player at the end of this season.

ByBrett Worthington Nov 17, 2024 Chelsea transfer news

It could be a busy month for Chelsea in terms of incomings and outgoings, as they have their eye on a few potential players, while players that are already at the club are being looked at by other teams.

One player that Chelsea are keen on signing is defender Jonathan Tah, but his arrival would only happen in the summer. The defender looks set to leave Bayer Leverkusen when his contract expires at the end of the campaign, and the Blues are looking to beat several interested teams to Tah’s signing by securing an agreement in the new year.

Chelsea could have their eyes on one or two players leaving the club in January, with midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall attracting interest from Aston Villa. The former Leicester City man has struggled since moving to Stamford Bridge, and a move, whether it be a permanent switch or a temporary one, could be on the cards in early 2025.

Villa hold an interest in the midfielder, but it depends on whether Chelsea and Maresca are willing to let Dewsbury-Hall leave for a rival also fighting for a European spot.

But while Chelsea have their eyes on the likes of Tah for next summer, they also have their eye on a player who could arrive in January.

Chelsea plotting £16.7m swoop for Lyon ace

According to a report from Spain, relayed by CaughtOffside, Chelsea are interested in signing Rayan Cherki from Lyon in January – and have even placed a €20m (£16.7m) offer. The Frenchman has been with Lyon since July 2010 and has firmly established himself as a key member of their starting XI in recent years.

Last season, he played 33 times in Ligue 1, scoring one goal and registering six assists. This season, Cherki, who has been dubbed “magnificent” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has played seven league games and has one goal and one assist to his name.

But given the French club’s financial issues, Cherki could be about to leave them when January arrives. This report states that Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in signing Cherki, who is considered statistically similar to Ousmane Dembele by analysis site FBref.

Metric

Cherki

Dembele

Apps

33

26

Goals

1

3

xG

5.2

4.4

Goals per 90

0.05

0.18

Assists

6

8

xAG

4.2

6.7

Assists per 90

0.31

0.48

Shots (on target)

57 (17)

43 (14)

Shots per 90

2.98

2.57

Progressive carries

93

160

Progressive passes

138

133

Despite the Blues’ offer – which has reportedly been matched by Liverpool – the Ligue 1 side will look to get more than that price as the 21-year-old is contracted to the club until 2026. The cash-strapped club will aim to recoup as much money as possible given their financial issues, which leaves them under threat of relegation from the French top flight.

Aston Villa’s academy is arguably one of the most underrated English footballing academies. The Villans have produced some exceptional players over the course of the Premier League era, including the man who currently holds the record for the most appearances in the competition’s history, Gareth Barry.

Centre-back pair Ciaran Clark and Gary Cahill also came through the academy at Villa Park, although the Republic of Ireland international spent substantially longer at the club than the former Chelsea man. In the modern day, Jacob Ramsey is the man flying the flag.

The most notable Villa academy graduate, however, is surely England international Jack Grealish.

Grealish’s Villa career

Before his record-breaking £100m move to Manchester City in 2021, now 29-year-old attacker Grealish rose to footballing superstardom for his contributions in that famous Claret and Blue shirt.

A boyhood Villa fan, the former club captain played 213 games in both the Championship and the Premier League. He made his debut in 2013/14 but became a prominent first-team player the season after. He left the club with 32 goals and 41 assists to his name.

Grealish had three particularly memorable campaigns for the club he supported from a young age. The first of those three was in 2018/19 when the attacker helped the club win promotion to the Premier League. He helped himself to six goals and six assists in 32 Championship games, as they won the playoff final a year after losing at Wembley.

Then, in the two years that followed, the former Villa number 10 helped his club survive relegation from the top flight.

In 2019/20, the attacker registered 14 goal involvements in 36 games before grabbing 16 goal involvements in just 26 games the season after.

His contributions to the club in those two seasons were invaluable; after surviving the drop, Villa ultimately went from strength to strength and now find themselves in the Champions League. As for Grealish, he made the move to Manchester and ended up a three-time Premier League champion and a treble-winner.

Grealish is the Villans’ biggest sale of all time, although there is someone in the first-team squad who could well match that before long.

Aston Villa’s next big sale

The player in question here is attacker Morgan Rogers. The England U21 international has been a revelation for Unai Emery’s side this season and has two goals and two assists in nine games so far.

The former Man City academy player joined the club from Middlesbrough in February for £8m up front, in a deal that could rise to £16m.

He has started every game in the Premier League and Champions League so far this term and grabbed an assist in his first European outing in matchweek three against Bologna.

Former Villan Tony Cascarino has been very complimentary of the 22-year-old. Speaking on talkSPORT in September, he explained that Rogers has similarities to a certain Bayern Munich star.

Like the German, Villa’s number 27 is a dribbling master, able to weave in and out of defenders with ease. He is a powerful carrier over long distances and can cover lots of ground quickly and efficiently.

Indeed, the stats certainly back this theory up. As per FBref, the 22-year-old averages an impressive 3.16 progressive carries per 90 minutes, with the Bayern Munich ace averaging slightly less, with 2.79 each game.

Progressive carries

3.16

2.79

Carries into final third

2.24

2.33

Carries into penalty area

1.05

0.70

Take-ons completed

1.97

3.26

Take-on completion rate

40.5%

50%

Not only is there a similarity in the pair’s playstyle, but there might well soon be a comparison to be made with their transfer value.

As per Transfermarkt, Germany international Musiala is currently worth £108m and with Tim Sherwood explaining earlier this season that he believes Rogers is now worth a whooping £80m, the attacking midfielder looks like he could be the next mega-money star out of Villa Park.

Sold under Sherwood: Aston Villa's "beast" is now outscoring Messi in MLS

Aston Villa sold a player in 2015 who is now scoring more than Lionel Messi…

ByRoss Kilvington Oct 25, 2024

Manchester United’s Carabao Cup campaign for the 2024/25 season came to an end on Thursday night. The Red Devils lost 4-3 to Tottenham Hotspur in North London, in one of the most chaotic games of the season so far.

Tottenham were 3-0 up with half an hour to go, but two goalkeeper blunders from Fraser Forster gifted two goals to United, with Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo profiting from his errors to give United hope. Spurs scored directly from a corner to make it 4-2 and managed to avoid a late scare despite Jonny Evans scoring in stoppage time.

United played well on the night but there were some poor performers. Two of their worst players were signings made by Erik ten Hag.

The Ten Hag signings who struggled vs Spurs

Former Red Devils manager Ten Hag loved to sign his players from his old club Ajax. Two of those he brought with him to the Red side of Manchester were Antony, who cost £81.3m, and Lisandro Martinez, for whom the club paid £56.7m.

It was those two who struggled against the Lilywhites in the Carabao Cup. Antony put in an incredibly frustrating performance and was subbed off after 55 minutes. Playing as a number 10, he failed to create any chances, which was noted by the Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

He gave Antony a 4/10 for his efforts against Spurs and was incredibly critical of the United number 21. He explained that he ‘did not make United play’ even though he was one of the key attacking players in the team.

Martinez was also poor, and at fault for arguably two goals. His clearance for Dejan Kulusevski’s strike to make it 2-0 essentially put it on a plate for the Swede.

Then, for Dominic Solanke’s second of the night and Spurs’ third, he played the striker onside and then failed to put in a challenge, as the England international burst past him and fired home.

Just as he did for Antony, Luckhurst gave the Argentine World Cup winner a 4/10 for his performance. He was critical of Martinez’s ‘weak clearance’ for the opener, before explaining he was ‘even worse’ for Solanke’s finish.

Those two Ten Hag signings certainly let United down at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but there was arguably one who was even worse, goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

The Man Utd star who needs to be sold

It was a tough night for Turkey international Bayindir, who has barely played this season or last, acting as second choice to Andre Onana. In total, the 26-year-old has played just four times, conceding eight goals in that time.

Against Spurs, he was poor. The Red Devils’ number one received a 3/10 rating from Luckhurst for his performance, who left him a scathing review. He described his efforts for the first goal as ‘shoddy goalkeeping’, and explained he was ‘pathetic’ for Son’s strike.

Indeed, the former Fenerbahce man had some dismal stats from the game according to Sofascore. His kicking was inaccurate, and he completed just 61% of his passes, which included two from 12 long balls. The goalkeeper also made one error that led to a goal.

Stat

Number

Pass accuracy

61%

Touches

38

Passes completed

17/28

Long balls completed

2/12

Saves

2

High claims

1

Errors leading to goal

1

Interestingly, however, his value has risen by 100% since he joined. He cost the Red Devils £4.3m two summers ago, and is now valued at €10m (£8.6m), according to Transfermarkt.

Given that spike in value, perhaps Ruben Amorim will choose to cash in on Bayindir as he looks to freshen the squad up.

It might well be time to cash in on this calamitous Ten Hag signing. Bayindir – who reportedly wants to leave in January – has not exactly covered himself in glory for United, although his opportunities have been limited during his time at the club.

Amorim must axe 4/10 Man Utd star who looks a "shadow of his old self"

Man Utd crashed out of the Carabao Cup after a crazy encounter…

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 20, 2024

La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are eyeing a 2025 move for one Arsenal mainstay, as it is believed he’s now “almost certain” to leave the club.

Arsenal prepare for Southampton after 2-0 win over PSG

Mikel Arteta watched his side put on an imperious display against French champions PSG on Tuesday night in the Champions League, a result which extended the club’s unbeaten run so far this term and made a real statement.

PSG preparing ambitious £83m bid to sign "world class" Arsenal player

The two teams only played the other night.

8 ByEmilio Galantini Oct 3, 2024

The Premier League title hopefuls were rarely threatened by Luis Enrique’s side – which is a testament to Arsenal’s all-round solidarity and big game management – with Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka’s quick-fire first-half goals enough to seal a crucial three points in Europe.

Saka was bizarrely criticised for a “fringe” performance against PSG by pundit Darren Bent, despite his goal. That verdict aside, every Arsenal player, including the England international, contributed during an evening to remember at the Emirates Stadium.

Southampton (home)

October 5

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

Liverpool (home)

October 27

Newcastle United (away)

November 2

Chelsea (away)

November 10

Next, Arsenal take on Southampton at 3pm on Saturday, and it is a match which Arteta’s side are expected to win comfortably with the Saints bottom of the table. Arteta will be able to call upon summer signing Mikel Merino again, following the Spaniard’s debut against PSG and after his recovery from a shoulder fracture.

Merino’s absence left Arsenal short in midfield for a time, and sporting director Edu Gaspar will be thankful that he didn’t green-light an exit for midfield general Thomas Partey as a result.

Partey was heavily linked with a summer exit from Arsenal since late last year, but the Ghanaian remained in north London and has since been handed the nod by Arteta in each of Arsenal’s league games so far – starting every single one.

The 31-year-old’s stellar partnership with Declan Rice in midfield looks unbreakable right now, with Partey winning all of his duels against PSG during an excellent display against a star-studded team.

It is quite the return to form for a player who started just nine times in the league last season, and the former Atletico Madrid star is on course to smash past the number of appearances he made over 2023/2024.

Partey "almost certain" to leave Arsenal as Barcelona eye move

However, there is the matter of his contract lingering in the background. The £200,000-per-week mainstay’s deal expires next summer, putting a host of clubs on alert over his potential availability in 2025. Unless Edu and Arteta opt to negotiate fresh terms, the African could be on the move sooner rather than later.

Despite his value to the team this season, journalist Jorge Asensio claimed this week that Partey is “almost certain” to leave Arsenal. Understandably, clubs are queuing up to sign him for a potential bargain price.

Barcelona are understood to be one of the interested sides, alongside Juventus, Inter Milan and Saudi Pro League clubs. Many more teams could register their interest soon, with Arteta facing the prospect of losing a “really important” player at the end of this season.

Leeds United, despite dominating the possession at a weighty 71.3% and bettering Burnley in terms of shots, still fell to their first defeat of the Championship season last time out.

Scott Parker’s Clarets managed to get the better of Daniel Farke’s wasteful Whites courtesy of a counter-attack goal by Luca Koleosho, with the one-time Wolverhampton Wanderers target’s strike the difference on the day, as the likes of Mateo Joseph and Wilfried Gnonto fluffed their own opportunities for the hosts.

The manner of the defeat will sting for Farke and Co, but it’s unlikely that wholesale changes will be needed moving forward, with players such as Junior Firpo in particular having a standout start to the campaign regardless of this narrow 1-0 loss.

Firpo's resurgence at Leeds

The former Barcelona man continues to look like a resurgent figure in the Leeds first team, having once found his footing at Elland Road to be on shaky foundations, after a dismal time of things in the Premier League, having been relegated with the side in the 2022/23 campaign.

Since dropping down to the Championship, however, the Dominican Republic international has shone brightly, with his creativity from down the left a massive plus.

Last campaign, alongside the skills of Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville to name a few, Firpo would pick up an impressive seven assists from 27 regular season contests, alongside also helping himself to six clean sheets.

His willingness to burst forward and create openings has helped the Whites out during the infancy of this fresh season too, with Firpo galloping forward to assist Joel Piroe’s late strike against Hull City, which helped his side close out August with a comfortable 2-0 victory before Burnley soured the mood in West Yorkshire.

The rejuvenated Leeds number three did try and unlock the Clarets in a similar manner but was met by a resilient Burnley defence, as the 28-year-old trudged off the pitch with only one key pass next to his name come full-time.

There will be concerns about Firpo’s future around Elland Road now, with his contract up next June, and he already has clubs circling for his services.

Firpo's future at Leeds

There will be some grave concerns in the air as Firpo might well exit West Yorkshire for £0 if everything isn’t resolved shortly, with TEAMTalk revealing that one of his former employers in Real Betis is keen to win his services for zilch.

With his deal at Leeds entering into its final six months in January, he could well agree a pre-contract agreement with another side and then leave on a free transfer in the summer, which would be a nightmare situation for Farke and Co.

Year

Value

2024

£1.9m

2023

£2.7m

2022

£3m

2021

£12.8m

Sourced by Football Transfers

Although his value has fallen year on year he’s been at Leeds, with his valuation now standing at a low £1.9m compared to his original £12.8m fee, it would still be a sad state of affairs for the Whites if Firpo was to just leave for nothing.

His value could also increase over the next couple of months if he can keep up his electric displays in attack, which might – in tow – lead to his side tasting promotion.

Labelled as “immense” in the past by Leeds content creator Conor McGilligan, it would be a devastating end to his time in West Yorkshire if another club did poach him for £0 and an almighty blunder, given his impressive performances in the Championsnhip.

Before any of that happens, however, Firpo will no doubt just be keen to kick on and help his side in their aim to win promotion, as bottom of the table Cardiff City await Farke’s men next as the perfect way to bounce back, after the demoralising defeat to Burnley.

One of the worst players in Leeds' history is now struggling in Japan

This major Leeds United flop has continued to struggle even after leaving Elland Road behind.

1 ByKelan Sarson Sep 15, 2024

Liverpool ceded ground in the Premier League title race in midweek, with Caoimhin Kelleher’s late error allowing Fabian Schar to score from an acute angle and give Newcastle United a point at St. James’ Park.

The hosts were well worth their point, truth be told, but Liverpool will be frustrated by the manner in which their winning streak was sliced, for Mohamed Salah had swept the visitors into a lead with two goals and an assist for Curtis Jones.

Having previously won seven on the trot in all competitions and secured successive Anfield victories over Real Madrid and Manchester City last week, Liverpool have established a commanding position in the Premier League and the Champions League, at the summit of both tables.

However, Arsenal and Chelsea are snapping at their feet in joint-second-place (albeit from a seven-point distance) while Pep Guardiola’s City are masters at putting together imperious runs of form toward the business end of the campaign.

Liverpool cannot afford to lose more ground in the Premier League. They must defeat Sean Dyche’s men. It won’t be easy: this is the Toffees’ final season at Goodison Park, and oh how they’d love to silence the Redmen one last time on their fabled home soil.

Liverpool team news

Slot and his squad will of course be confident in their quality and chances of defeating their neighbours, but Liverpool do have a host of frustrating injuries to contend with.

Alisson Becker is on the cusp of a comeback, but is not quite ready. Kelleher has been brilliant between the sticks in the Brazilian’s absence, and will be desperate to put Wednesday’s blunder behind him.

Further issues abound across the outfield ranks, with defenders Kostas Tsimikas, Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley all out of contention.

Moreover, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are still sidelined up front in a damaging blow; in particular, Jota’s clinical edge would be greatly appreciated. Even though the Portuguese is not yet ready to return, Darwin Nunez must not reprise his starting berth at the front of the attack.

Why Darwin Nunez must be dropped

Nunez has some particular qualities that make him an interesting asset to have up front. He’s lively, energetic and tenacious, but the Uruguay international also struggles to produce clinical results.

Across 18 matches under Slot’s wing, the 25-year-old has posted three goals and two assists. Not great. Against Newcastle, Nunez’s predatory sense (or lack thereof), proved to be Liverpool’s undoing, for he squandered opportunities and failed to produce the fluent football required for the system to purr.

The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle branded him with a 5/10 match rating after a troubled St. James’ Park showing, criticising Liverpool’s record signing for his lack of influence and missed chances, albeit acknowledging his work rate and determination.

This forthcoming fixture is so important, and it’s for that season that Slot must push him back to the bench.

While several key options are sidelined, there are several choices to pick from. The answer to the quandary has to be unleashing Luis Diaz as the focal frontman to terrorise Jarrad Branthwaite and co.

Why Luis Diaz must start up front

With Nunez still erratic and Jota still injured (typical cases both), Slot must indeed unleash his Colombian menace at number nine.

The highly-charged Diaz has been in fine fettle this season, starting with a bang. It’s true that he’s fizzled out across the past couple of months, having gone nine Premier League matches without a goal, but he still carries a significant threat and scored a hat-trick from centre-forward against Bayer Leverkusen last month.

He’s got the shifty movement and electric pace to cause problems at the front of the ship, emulating, in a way, the role that Nunez plays so well for Liverpool.

The thing is, Diaz’s hat-trick matches Nunez’s total haul across the current term, with his bluntness in the final third starting to see Reds supporters’ frustrations boil over.

With Cody Gakpo thriving on the left flank, it makes perfect sense to play Diaz in the middle, where he can act as a kind of roving focal point to create opportunity for overlaps, namely from Gakpo and Salah.

As per FBref, the Colombia international also ranks among the top 4% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90, highlighting the technical skill and link-up quality that he will bring to the Goodison grass.

Left winger

15

8

2

Centre-forward

2

3

0

Right winger

3

1

0

It goes without saying that Liverpool will see more of the ball than their counter-attacking neighbours, but this does not mean Everton cannot win. They will look for openings and seek to break Liverpool’s high line apart. Then charge. Then pounce.

Liverpool, as funny as it sounds, will need to ensure they succeed when presented with counter-counter transitions, which would be when, say, Virgil van Dijk dispossesses Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the break and looks to reorient the flow of the play toward Jordan Pickford’s goal.

The £55k-per-week Diaz will be essential in making the most of such patterns, for he is crisp on the ball and immensely creative besides. The 27-year-old also carried a deceptive strength, and won’t be easily outhustled by the likes of the heavyset Branthwaite.

Harking back to Nunez a moment, take a look at the clip below. It’s great that Liverpool scored and all that, but Nunez’s sloppy side pass almost broke down a promising passage.

Given that the Uruguayan only completed eight passes across 90 minutes on Tyneside, there’s a case to be made that he might prove ineffective against a Toffees team that will need to be outstyled in Liverpool’s final third, broken down and breached.

Branthwaite – who notably diverted Marcus Rashford’s effort into the net at Old Trafford last week – has yet to recover last season’s imperious defensive level, but he’s still a titanic young centre-back and will be tasked with nullifying whoever Slot deploys at centre-forward. Would Nunez really have greater success than Diaz in open play?

Described as a “livewire” by journalist Peter Hall, Diaz’s fleet-footed style, his tricks and slipperiness, could be what Liverpool need to leave Goodison Park one final time with three points in the bag.

Branthwaite – who Liverpool have been linked with in recent times – could well be in for a tough afternoon…

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Sheffield Wednesday fans must have been fearing another defeat last night when Norwich City travelled to South Yorkshire, after a humiliating 6-2 loss at the hands of Watford in the Championship had seriously soured the mood at Hillsborough last time out.

But, the Owls bounced back with a comfortable 2-0 win over the Canaries instead of succumbing to another loss in the league, as Johannes Hoff Thorup’s away side offered very little in attempting to get anything out of the contest.

Hit by a worrying injury list, Norwich crumbled on the road, as Danny Rohl’s men eventually strolled to a much-needed three points with Josh Windass standing out in particular for the rejuvenated hosts.

Windass' performance in numbers

Windass got his team up and running with the opening strike of the contest, with the entertaining 30-year-old latching onto a Marvin Johnson through ball early into the first half to then power home an effort past a shaky George Long for 1-0.

Away from that crucial contribution, the Wednesday number 11 did fade in and out of the game with only 30 touches coming his way from the 66 minutes he was present for on the Hillsborough turf, but he would still manage to notch up a key pass for his efforts alongside winning two ground duels.

That strike is already Windass’ fourth goal of the Championship season for the inconsistent Owls, who know they can rely on their attacking midfield ace to come up trumps when they need a moment of magic, with six goals and two assists picked up last season in league action as Rohl’s men managed to beat the drop.

Rohl and Co will hope wins like these against Norwich can go far in steering them away from those dreaded relegation spaces again, with other midfielders on the night away from just Windass also impressing those watching on, especially Shea Charles who assisted the game-clinching second goal of the clash when Dominic Iorfa headed home the Southampton loanee’s delivery.

Charles' performance in numbers

The Northern Ireland international has been a steady performer for his new side ever since putting pen to paper on a loan switch to move to South Yorkshire in the summer, with the 21-year-old starting 11 games for Wednesday in the league to date.

This showing against a beleaguered Norwich side is arguably his most impressive, away from just picking up the assist for Iorfa’s decisive header.

The Owls’ number 44 was calm and controlled on the ball whilst also showing the necessary grit to protect his side’s clean sheet in the 2-0 victory.

Stat

Charles

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

1

Touches

48

Accurate passes

31/33 (94%)

Key passes

4

Big chances created

1

Tackles

2

Total duels won

4/7

Looking at the table above, it was a well-rounded display from the central midfielder, with only two passes misplaced all match seeing him end the game with a 94% pass accuracy in-tact, whilst also managing to win two tackles and four duels as a forceful presence in the middle of the park.

Sheffield Star journalist Alex Miller would rightly praise Charles’ performance after the game, gifting the 21-year-old a high 8/10 rating post-match and singling out the fact that the Southampton loanee ‘never stopped running’ amongst other glowing words.

Rohl will hope his team has turned a corner ahead of the Steel City Derby that awaits them in the next round of second-tier fixtures, with Bramall Lane no doubt bouncing this coming Sunday as the Owls aim to burst the Blades bubble with back-to-back wins.

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