All posts by z3u9t.icu

Callum Wilson has dropped an injury update after hinting to NUFC TV (via The Chronicle) how long he is set to be out for Newcastle United.

The former AFC Bournemouth ace hinted that at the time of his scan, he was going to be out injured for at least a month, saying:

“I thought it was probably going to be a four-week lay-off.

“The scan revealed it was a little bit worse than that.”

Could Wilson be back after the international break?

Given that Wilson has missed the last five matches for the St. James’ Park faithful in the Premier League with a hamstring injury that he unfortunately picked up in the 3-2 home win against Southampton back in February, there may be some cautious optimism that if he continues his rehab work over the international break, he may well come back fit enough to play in the remaining games of the 2020/21 term.

It is obvious just how important the 29-year-old striker is to the North East club, with no fewer than 10 goals in the top flight so far this season, which is more than double the next highest scorer for Steve Bruce’s team, while his impressive tally of five assists is also the most out of any Toon player (Whoscored).

With the Magpies recently teasing that he will be ‘back soon’ on their official Twitter page, a return to the side for the England international may well be possible after the break.

In other news, find out what inside claim has been dropped on Miguel Almiron’s injury here!

In an exclusive with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who is a Newcastle United Hall of Famer, claims Leeds United can challenge for Europe next season if they follow the same path as Aston Villa and West Ham.

Leeds have impressed a lot of people this season with their high intensity and attacking style of football, but Lee believes they can still achieve more if they recruit well in the summer, much like they did last year when Raphinha came in.

This season has seen West Ham and Villa challenging for a place in the Champions League and Europa League, despite having to fight off relegation until the very end of the season. However, smart signings such as Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash for Villa, and Vladimir Coufal and Jesse Lingard for the Hammers, have changed their fortunes.

Speaking on how Leeds can challenge the Premier League’s elite and what lessons can be learned from other clubs, Lee told FFC:

“Yeah, I can’t see why they won’t challenge next season. I think this year as we know they’re a high pressing team and that can tire you out at the end of the season, but why not?

“I’m sure with a few additions to their team they could push on.

“If you get it right off the pitch then you can push on. Look at West Ham for example this year,  and Aston Villa who almost went down last year – look at how well they’re doing just by signing some good players.”

Leeda have scored 45 goals this season, which is the fifth-most in the league, however, that comes with a risk as they’ve conceded 47 which is also the fifth highest.

If they can find some more signings like Raphina, then Leeds could be pushing a lot higher up the table next season.

Frank McAvennie has slammed the Scottish FA after they banned five Glasgow Rangers players for six games for breaking health protocols.

McAvennie slams SFA’s Rangers decision

Nathan Patterson, Calvin Bassey, Bongani Zungu, Dapo Mebude and Brian Kinnear all attended a house gathering earlier this year and were therefore banned for six matches (Sky Sports).

However, speaking to Football Insider, former Celtic player McAvennie believes the punishment is too harsh. Speaking in particular about Patterson, he said:

“He’s only a boy, people keep forgetting that he’s just a young kid.

“I know he’s done wrong but oh my god, I just can’t find in my heart the ability to have a go at these players. 

“They’re just boys and they’ve done wrong. I know we have the rules but my god, some of the things that are getting batted around about these players, you’d think they’d committed murder. 

“Fine them and give them a slap on the wrist but don’t harm their careers, they’re young athletes who have to get things out of their system. 

“I’m not praising them or anything but he’s a young boy, give him a fine, take it and move on. You can’t have a go at them.”

If you can’t do the time…

This is certainly a difficult situation to judge. Steven Gerrard made a decent point in regards to the ban, questioning the consistency of the SFA’s decisions throughout the campaign (via The Glasgow Times). Arguably, Patterson and co have been held to a higher standards than others have.

However, quite frankly, the quintet have no-one else to blame but themselves. When they decided to meet up, they knew full well they were disregarding the rules, yet they did it anyway. Once they have served their sanction, the whole saga should not be held against them, but for now, they need to learn the error of their ways.

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this journalist’s comments.

Glasgow Rangers could be denied the chance to go the whole Premiership season unbeaten amidst suggestions the campaign could be brought to a premature end.

Rangers season could end early

The Gers’ status as champions was confirmed on Sunday after Celtic could only manage a 0-0 draw with Dundee United. In the aftermath, thousands of the Ibrox outfit’s supporters took to the streets of Glasgow, disregarding lockdown regulations in the process (Sky News).

The Gers are set to face their fierce city rivals Celtic on March 21, and there are fears that similar scenes could unfold. As such, Ian Maxwell and Neil Doncaster, of the SFA and SPFL respectively, have been ordered to talk to the Scottish government, and a premature end to the campaign has not been ruled out (Daily Record).

Disappointing

What should have been a wonderful weekend for the 55-time Scottish champions has had the shine taken off it ever so slightly. Given we are in a global pandemic, it is worrying to see so many people on the streets, even if it is to celebrate an important achievement for the Gers. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon brandished the public scenes of celebration as “disgraceful”.

However, it is wrong to suggest that this will now become a huge issue for the rest of the season. Yes, the Old Firm derby is a huge occasion in Scottish football, but the Premiership has already been won at this point by Steven Gerrard’s side. Even if they were to prevail in that match, what would be the point of the supporters taking to the streets?  Hopefully, the worst is now over.

In other news, many Rangers fans laud key Ibrox figure.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, reliable source and Sky Sports transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has dropped a promising Tottenham transfer claim – going on to explain he is ‘told’ that the Lilywhites are ‘looking’ for an opportunity to sign a Dele Alli replacement. 

This comes as their interest in Christian Eriksen appears to have hit a dead end as things stand, with Romano saying Inter Milan are now ‘not convinced’ to let him go.

The Denmark international recently scored a stunning free-kick to win the Milan derby, and Nerazzurri boss Antonio Conte has now ruled out his exit from the San Siro (RAI Sport via The Daily Mail).

Romano drops promising Tottenham transfer claim

As a result, the prospect of signing Eriksen appears unlikely unless something changes – but Romano has left some hope for Lilywhites supporters.

Indeed, he claims Spurs haven’t gave up on finding a successor for Alli, which would allow the Englishman his desired move to Paris-Saint Germain.

“Let’s see if Tottenham will go for a different player, I’m told they are looking for an opportunity, but there’s nothing big going on,” explained Romano to CaughtOffside.

“Let’s see during the weekend if they find the right way for Dele Alli to leave.

“He’s always respected the fans and Mourinho but he wants to play, and that’s it. That’s why he wants to go to Paris Saint-Germain, obviously with Mauricio Pochettino waiting for him.”

Transfer Tavern take

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham do find an Eriksen alternative, but this fresh claim they’re looking for opportunities in the market could be a promising one for Spurs supporters.

In other news: Dele Alli sent a message to Mauricio Pochettino, find out what he said here.

Celtic look ahead to tonight’s Scottish Premiership clash with Ross County as they prepare to travel to Victoria Park. The Hoops are on a five-match unbeaten streak in the league right now, thanks to a new found positive run of form.

Neil Lennon’s status as Celtic boss continues to hang in the balance amid their disappointing 2020/21 season. They will ultimately lose out on their Premiership title as Rangers wait to be crowned and rewarded for their blistering runaway campaign.

But despite their struggles, the Bhoys are looking to limit the damage taken and end the season with a positive. Recent decisions regarding lineups have worked wonders for Lennon and his team, with risks involving the integration of Ismaila Soro and David Turnbull paying off in dividends.

The duo will more than likely start against Ross County off the back of their impressive displays recently. Another man who should be named on the team-sheet is Ryan Christie. The Scotland international has come under a lot of criticism recently from Celtic fans and his somewhat inconsistent performances have divided the fanbase.

Christie was dropped from the squad earlier this month when the Hoops took on Motherwell in a 2-1 win. He returned to make a cameo appearance in the following match against St Mirren, in which he contributed a goal and an assist.

The £8,000 per week midfielder earned his way back into the team and has started both matches since then. Last time out he put in a solid shift in the middle of the park and proved to be a handful for the opposition. He was fouled four times, which was more than any other Celtic player on the pitch, according to Sofascore.

He is a driving force for the Hoops in the engine room and he could play a big part in carving open the Ross County defence tonight. Lennon must let him silence his harshest critics.

In other news, Celtic should move for free agent Johnny Russell…

Sheffield United parted ways with Chris Wilder on Friday, ending his five-year stint at Bramall Lane.

And, following that big development,  Sheffield United News report that sources have dropped an eight-word claim regarding a move to Glasgow, saying ‘he could be on his way to Celtic’.

They believe he could be the new man at Parkhead following his United departure, with the Blades winning just four of a possible 28 league games this season.

Wilder’s impressive Sheffield United spell

The 53-year-old took charge of 227 games for the Blades, taking them from League One to the Premier League.

Even though Sheffield United sit bottom of the Premier League this year, Wilder picked up 1.59 points-per game in Yorkshire, slightly up on his career average of 1.57 points-per game.

The Hoops have been linked with a number of managers to fill the Parkhead void left by Neil Lennon, who has actually been tipped to replace Wilder.

Transfer Tavern take

Wilder has won three promotions during his career and his recent experience of rebuilding the Blades is impressive.

On that basis, he could be a shrewd appointment by Celtic, who seemingly need to undergo a rebuild of their own following a woeful 2020/21 campaign.

It remains to be seen how concrete the links are, but we feel this is certainly a major development in regards to Celtic’s search for a new manager.

In other news, pundit tips Celtic to swoop for Rafa Benitez!

Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard currently has a wealth of wide options at his disposal.

Ianis Hagi has cemented his place on the right wing opposite the ever-reliable Ryan Kent, and that’s without even mentioning the likes of Glenn Middleton, Brandon Barker and Jordan Jones, whose places in the squad are by no means secure.

And emerging reports this week have seemed to suggest that the trio face an uncertain future at Ibrox.

What’s the word?

According to The Daily Record, Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer has resigned himself to losing Alfie Doughty, who has entered the final six months of his contract.

Bowyer said: “There is interest but there was interest in the summer.

“If Alfie does leave then it will have to be the right thing for the football club.

“No one player is bigger than the football club – and Alfie is no different.

“Alfie’s agent has told us he won’t sign a new deal and I’m disappointed with that.”

Doughty has been heavily linked with a switch to Ibrox but Celtic are also believed to keen on landing the left-sided midfielder who is available to sign on a pre-contract agreement.

More recently it’s claimed English Championship club Stoke City have made a bid for the 21-year-old, which is precisely why Ross Wilson must act swiftly in the January transfer window.

Davie Cooper 2.0?

With Barker bound for the Ibrox exit, Rangers could be on the verge of finally landing a significant upgrade in the form of the wantaway midfielder, who is also capable of playing as a left-back.

Doughty has made 41 appearances for the Addicks, having scored one goal and supplied two assists in League One this season so far, via Transfermarkt.

Standing at 1.83m tall he is similar in stature to legendary Rangers left-winger Davie Cooper, who was once named in Ruud Gullit’s Greatest XI, and the comparisons don’t stop there, either.

Like Cooper, the fleet-footed winger is similarly light on his feet, often leaving helpless defences trailing in his way, with The Athletic’s Nick Miller identifying his ‘relentless pace’ as one of his main strengths.

Doughty has been described as a decent dribbler and is considered to be one of the best up-and-coming prospects of his generation.

The Charlton boss was effusive in his praise for his “outstanding” young charge after he was one of the few bright sparks during the 3-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in 2019.

Cooper wrote his name into the history books after he scored against Celtic in the 1979 Dryburgh Cup Final, which is widely regarded by some Rangers fans as one of the greatest goals of all time.

Doughty could have a similar impact at Ibrox and he may be the perfect replacement to provide cover and competition for Ryan Kent on the left-wing if Wilson can steal a march on their closest rivals.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must get Kai Kennedy to sign new deal after Gerrard transfer U-turn…

Ahead of the January transfer window, Everton have been linked with yet another midfield option, though it’s one they should avoid at all costs…

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, the Toffees are ‘making concrete steps forward’ in their reported pursuit of Juventus outcast Sami Khedira over a potential deal.

It’s claimed that the German World Cup winner wants to leave Turin and is working to have his contract terminated before the turn of the year.

The 33-year-old is said to want a move sorted out before he leaves the Serie A giants, which is where Everton come into the equation. It remains to be seen where the Merseysiders currently stand in this regard.

Gbamin 2.0?

Khedira is yet to play for Juventus this season and has not featured for the Italian champions since their 0-0 draw with AC Milan in the Coppa Italia back in June.

In fact, that has been his only competitive showing in 2020. This is because the former Real Madrid powerhouse has been battling injuries for the latter part of his career.

During the last two years alone, the veteran midfielder has gone under the needle twice for two knee surgeries and that has got to be a major red flag, especially considering this effectively mirrors the problems the club have been dealing with in the shape of 2019 arrival, Jean-Philippe Gbamin.

The 25-year-old has played just twice for the Toffees since joining for £25m. Whilst it is not his fault, director of football Marcel Brands cannot afford to risk his reported £184k-per-week wages when there’s a risk he won’t even play let alone be the back-up to Allan.

In the past, Khedira has been lauded as an “intelligent and smart player” by Joachim Low whilst Jose Mourinho dubbed him the “best” in his position.

Even Ancelotti has recently waxed lyrical about his former player, he told reporters: “I have a good memory of Sami Khedira, he was with me at Real Madrid and was a fantastic professional. I would love to work with him, but unfortunately, he’s not the only one! I’ve had fantastic players in my career, I’ve had good memories of them.”

Regardless of what he once was, Khedira would be an awful signing for the Toffees to make. It would be inexcusable to crack on and sign him this January, even if he arrived on a free transfer.

AND in other news, Everton flop was worse than Tom Davies during defeat to Leeds…

Former Aberdeen striker Noel Whelan has criticised Celtic captain Scott Brown after his side’s recent defensive record in all competitions, with him being dropped against Lille on Thursday.

Whelan not impressed with Brown

The 35-year-old is leading a Bhoys’ side that is not performing up to the expectations of the supporters during the current campaign, who have been hugely unhappy with manager Neil Lennon as they sat 13 points behind arch-rivals Rangers before the weekend’s action.

From 25 appearances this season, Brown has scored just once in all competitions and has picked up five yellow cards, which is more than any other players in the team (Whoscored).

But the Scot was dropped to the bench for his side’s 3-2 victory against Lille in their final Europa League game, despite having been knocked out of the competition already.

Whelan was asked by Football Insider whether he was doing enough in the midfield for the Hoops this season.

“He’s in there to win battles, in there to command the midfield area, to get people going forward as a team but also to make yourself nice and strong and secure as a unit,” he said.

“It scares me they’re getting through too easily, you can’t say you’re doing your job right if you’re conceding goals, it’s as simple as that.

“Players will be disappointed themselves, I’m very critical but you’ve got to be critical of yourself as well – could you do better, can I do better, am I at top of my game?

“No is the answer to all of that backline and the midfield in front as well, they’re not doing a good enough job protecting them – defensively, as a unit, they’ve got a hell of a lot of work on.

Whelan continued. “If there’s no fight in them, they’re going to struggle, massively. That’s what they need, pride in their own performances, fight not to let this happen again, fight between one another to dig out the best in one another.

“If you don’t have that kind of leadership in there, and that kind of weak mentality and weak players, then you’re going to be struggling massively, it could get a lot worse.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

Celtic are facing an uphill and need their key players to perform, especially the leadership qualities that we’ve seen from Brown over the years.

But the man who takes home £23k-a-week from Parkhead has not been performing, and Whelan is right. Brown must continue to lead from the front.

It appears that Rangers have got stronger while Celtic have got too comfortable, which has resulted in where the Bhoys find themselves.

In other news, talkSPORT pundit explains how there is still light at the end of the tunnel for Neil Lennon.