All posts by h716a5.icu

Many Southampton fans have been reacting to the news that James Ward-Prowse is a doubt for the match against Burnley this weekend after picking up an injury while away on international duty.

The £25.2m-valued Saints captain was selected by Gareth Southgate for the recent round of 2022 World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland. He started the clash against the former as the Three Lions won 5-0, while he came on from the bench against Albania in an eventual 2-0 victory for his country.

However, he was sent home prior to the third match against Poland with a calf issue (The Sun). Ahead of the clash against the Clarets this weekend, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed that Ward-Prowse is a doubt for the game (southamptonfc.com). Were he to be unavailable, it would be a huge blow for the south coast outfit, with the skipper contributing to more league goals than any of his team-mates.

These Southampton fans themselves were quick to share their thoughts on the update, and they took to social media platform Twitter to vent their fury.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Ward-Prowse news below

“Basically we’re screwed”

Credit: @S_Ol_Mu

“I mean, Prowsey was bound to get injured with the amount he’s played. I love the fact that he’s seen as this machine who’s set the record for minutes played but he really should have been given a break imo”

Credit: @vestergodsfc

“I swear to god if JWP can’t play Sunday because he got injured playing for England I am coming for you Gareth Southgate”

Credit: @NotSoWittyUN

“Nice one Gareth”

Credit: @JamesBrooksAP

“You just knew it would happen, sadly that is the risk. Let’s hope it was worth it.”

Credit: @HackedOffStuart

“NOOOO! If he trains tomorrow, I think he will start but if he doesn’t we will be fine with Jankewtiz and Diallo in the mid”

Credit: @samuelsmith0810

In other news, many Southampton fans are livid at this FA Cup update.

Former Northern Ireland international Keith Gillespie has hailed Rangers midfielder Steven Davis after he signed a new contract, telling Football FanCast that he was good enough to play for Manchester United.

Gillespie won 86 caps for Northern Ireland between 1994 and 2008, while Davis made his debut in 2005 and has gone on to win 125 caps.

That equals Peter Shilton’s record of caps won, with his being earned for England, and Davis remains a key member of the squad for Rangers.

Across two spells at the club – he spent four years at the club between 2008 and 2012 prior to a move to Southampton but he returned in 2019 on an initial loan deal that was made permanent – he has made 302 appearances.

He has also played 41 times in all competitions this season, with his new deal extending his stay for another year.

Gillespie has waxed lyrical about the talent Davis possesses, insisting he was good enough to move to Old Trafford.

He told FFC: “He’s another one I played with for Northern Ireland and as soon as I’d seen him in training for the first time, I thought wow, what a very, very good player.

“He was at Aston Villa at the time and I thought ‘he’s the sort to go and play for Man United or a top team’. He’s been fantastic for Rangers this season. He’s been an unbelievable servant for Northern Ireland and somebody that, when he plays well, Northern Ireland play well, and it seems to be that way with Rangers as well. He’s such an important player.”

Gillespie also thinks that Steven Gerrard’s management has played a key role in Davis’ development, with the ex-Liverpool midfielder managing him perfectly at Ibrox.

He added: “He plays most weeks at Rangers and I think, because he has a manager who played that position as well, he knows how to manage him, he probably knows how to say ‘have a day off here’ because it is important that players are managed the right way.

“You’ve got a very good manager in Steven Gerrard who understands that with Steven Davis although he is the sort of player who very rarely misses games through injury or misses training. He’s always fit.

“Absolutely incredible player, great to see him sign a new contract, he’s so important for Northern Ireland and it’s going to be very, very tough when he comes to that age where he can’t pull on that green shirt again because he’s going to be a very hard one to replace.”

Two weeks ago it looked as though Roy Keane was set to be presented to the Celtic supporters as the Bhoys’ new manager.

However, after that move fell through, Eddie Howe has been at the height of Dermot Desmond’s agenda.

What’s the word?

The pendulum is swinging once again when it comes to uncovering the new manager of Celtic.

Howe had been the favourite over the last week but news emerged on Wednesday courtesy of his representatives that he wouldn’t be moving into a new job before the summer at the very earliest.

In a big twist to the tale, it was reported on the same day that the Hoops hierarchy have a new name they’d like to think that about; Lucien Favre.

Football Insider claim that Celtic are assessing the Swiss coach in case Howe rejects their offer.

Favre was reportedly interested in discussing the role with the Glaswegian side a few weeks ago but it wasn’t clear what their stance on the former Borussia Dortmund manager was.

Fresh information reveals they are indeed considering him, however.

Howe vs Favre

Howe’s managerial career has been a fairytale story so far. The 43-year-old took the Cherries from the brink of extinction in League Two to a team now full to the brim with Premier League television revenue.

His journey with the south-coast side is like something you’d see in a film, but it’s hard to ignore Favre’s exploits too.

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Indeed, supporters should be drooling over the impact he could potentially have at Parkhead.

He may have been sacked from his role with Borussia Dortmund last December but his win rate is something to marvel at. During his stint in the Rhine, the 63-year-old won 61.82% of his matches.

That’s an eye-catching number for a manager who tasted defeat just 24 times in 110 games as manager.

Defensively well-organised, he also likes his teams to attack. Only Bayern Munich (100) scored more goals than Dortmund (84) in last season’s Bundesliga for instance.

As for Howe, the differences are night and day. He might be pragmatic on the training field but the fact of the matter is that he’s never recorded a win rate over the 50% mark.

He is, of course, still a young coach, but with Celtic going through a transition period the experience of Favre might be preferable.

Favre has also gone deep in continental competition, a further string to his bow that puts him above Howe on the pedestal.

With all that said, the twist that Favre is being assessed by the hierarchy should be music to the ears of supporters.

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

Aston Villa have been tipped to make a move for Tottenham ace Dele Alli this summer by former Premier League striker Dean Windass.

As to be expected, plenty of Villa supporters have been giving their thoughts on a potential move on social media.

Alli has fallen out of favour under Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho this season, starting just two Premier League games during the current campaign. He’s under contract with Spurs until 2024, but his lack of game-time has led to speculation of a north London exit.

Alli is on £100,000 per week at Tottenham and has seen his market value crash over the last 16 months from £81m to £28.8m.

Villa are expected to bolster their attacking ranks this summer with a new winger and another striker, but Windass believes Alli could be heading to the Midlands. Speakinh exclusively to Football Transfer Tavern, cited by Birmingham Live, he said that either Villa or Everton should make a move for the England international.

“I think Everton or Aston Villa, one of those teams where he then becomes a big fish in a small pond again. At the minute he’s a small fish in a big pond.

“The kid needs to be playing to get back into the England squad. Gareth will be on the phone saying ‘I think you’re a great player, but you need to be playing your club football.’”

Villa fans react

Birmingham Live shared the story on Twitter on Monday and here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many excited by the prospect of Alli lining out in claret and blue if Windass’ recommendation is acted upon.

“Wow”

Credit: @HappyGrealish

“been begging for this for months. get it done Villa”

Credit: @1874dan

“I am on my knees”

Credit: @joegodwin_

“Please Deano”

Credit: @AVFC_Bailey

“Said this last year and I still think the same, we really should try and make this happen”

Credit: @Pred_Walters

“Certainly the level of player we should be going for #AVFC”

Credit: @Benjmeister85

In other news: Many AVFC fans react to club’s Villa Park plans, find out more here. 

West Ham United travel to Newcastle on Saturday afternoon looking to win a third game in a row, but David Moyes has a number of injury concerns.

The Irons were magnificent for the most part against Leicester City last time out as the London Stadium natives stormed to their third-straight three-goal lead, but faced a nervy finish when Brendan Rodgers’ side pulled it back to 3-2.

Managing to hold out for a 16th win of the Premier League season saw West Ham move to within a point of the third-placed Foxes and they can now put the pressure on the East Midlands outfit, who face Southampton in the FA Cup semi-finals this Sunday.

However, West Ham head to St James’ Park with a number of injury concerns. With that in mind, here’s a potential line-up that Moyes could name, with two changes from the side which beat Leicester…

Moyes will be without Declan Rice at Newcastle as the England international continues his recovery from lateral knee ligament damage, which is likely to keep the midfielder out until May.

Mark Noble has stood in for Rice in recent games before sustaining a “bad” injury against Leicester following a kick to his elbow, although the veteran skipper expects to be fit for this weekend’s trip to the northeast.

While Noble feels he will feature, Moyes is likely to be without Aaron Cresswell after the left-back sustained a hamstring injury at home to Leicester, with the West Ham boss confirming on Friday that it would need to be checked ahead of kick-off.

Cresswell being deemed unavailable will likely see Arthur Masuaku continue his run of appearances at full-back, with a return for Said Benrahma to the starting line-up to offer the Hammers width in attack from the left-hand channel.

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Masuaku had appeared to develop a hamstring injury of his own in the closing stages of West Ham’s 3-2 win over Leicester last Sunday, but is expected to be available at Newcastle after training all week.

Having Masuaku on hand will come as a huge boost for Moyes, who confirmed on Friday that Michail Antonio will again be absent as the striker recovers from a third hamstring injury of the season.

Moyes received an additional boost ahead of travelling to Newcastle with word that Angelo Ogbonna has overcome his high ankle sprain, allowing the Irons’ head coach to recall the Italian brute, who he hailed as “magnificent” earlier in the season.

Ogbonna will be expected to replace Issa Diop in the starting line-up should he receive the green light to start at St James’ Park, and reform the centre-back pairing beside Craig Dawson which kept four clean sheets in eight Premier League games.

AND in other news, a £4.5m-rated West Ham enforcer is being lined up for a summer move out of east London…

Former Manchester United man Keith Gillespie has told The Transfer Tavern that the club need to sign a striker who can score 25 goals a season if they want to challenge at the top end of the Premier League.

The club are currently second in the table but they sit eight points behind leaders Manchester City.

Both Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford have scored 20 or more goals this season but Gillespie believes that the club need an out-and-out striker who can play alongside them and forge a fearsome trio at the top of the pitch.

Indeed, he refers back to Ruud van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals for United, and Andy Cole, who netted 121, as players who could consistently put the ball in the back of the net.

Indeed, United are likely to lose Edinson Cavani this summer, per reports, with the Uruguay international likely to move back to South America, per reports, leaving a void that will need to be filled.

Speaking exclusively to TT, Gillespie said: “I think that’s what Man United have needed for a few years.

“You think about United’s strikers of the past, you think about Van Nistelrooy and Andy Cole, players like that, real instinctive goalscorers, who just come alive in the box.

“United have got a lot of players who contribute goals, you think of Rashford, Fernandes especially, if you add in a striker who’s going to get you 20 or 25 goals a season, then you really can challenge.”

Sunderland had one task that stood tall above the others during the winter transfer market; find a left-back.

It was Kristjaan Speakman’s biggest priority as he embarked on his first window in charge of their recruitment.

Unfortunately, it didn’t really pay off. The Mackems were linked with a number of left-backs, including Wimbledon defender Paul Osew.

They ultimately ended up with Jake Vokins, landing the young full-back on a loan deal from Southampton.

On paper this looked like a wise move. Vokins had played against Arsenal in the Premier League just a matter of days before penning terms in the north-east.

Things haven’t worked out for the Saints defender since signing though, enduring a horrendous debut that was described as one of the worst in the club’s history. His game time has since been halted by the ongoing pandemic and a worrying heart problem.

Though, on the field of play, it’s Callum McFadzean who has been left to take the majority of criticism.

He has been the mainstay at left-back while Denver Hume recovers from injury and it’s safe to say he’s been well below par.

The 27-year-old has been caught out on a number of occasions this term and has been left stranded by a whole host of wingers and flying full-backs.

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McFadzean was given the run around by Otis Khan in the EFL Trophy final as the Tranmere defender completed four dribbles.

The Mackems full-back was led a “merry dance” by Olamide Shodipo against Oxford United and was again terrorised by Mallik Wilks in the draw with Hull City this week.

Wilks beat him on countless occasions, providing two assists for the Tigers’ goals. With that in mind, a left-back should be near the top of Sunderland’s agenda again this summer.

Back in January, the Black Cats were touted with a switch for young Hibernian talent Josh Doig.

The defender is just 18 but has caught the eye of not only the lower leagues but also the likes of Leeds and Manchester City.

Luring him to the Stadium of Light, therefore, would be quite the accomplishment but it’s something they have to do.

Doig is very adept going forward and has contributed to four goals in the Scottish Premiership this season. Crucial, though, are his defensive attributes.

The teenager is very strong in the tackle and has won 1.7 challenges per match. That tally significantly betters McFadzean who has made just one successful tackle a game in League One.

It might not mean much to Sunderland supporters but Doig comes with a glowing recommendation from a certain Jack Ross too: “He has been brilliant this season for a young man who has just turned 18,” the Hibs boss said.

With a high ceiling and plenty of potential, the Scottish defender definitely seems like a better option than McFadzean. The Black Cats must try their best to prise him away.

AND in other news, Forget Jones: SAFC gem with 36 key passes now stealing the show, he’s very “dangerous”…

Steve Bruce has dropped an update on Allan Saint-Maximin after an injury scare while playing for Newcastle away to Liverpool this weekend.

The Frenchman was a victim of three fouls from Reds players in their 1-1 draw at Anfield in the Premier League at Saturday lunchtime, being more or less kicked all over the pitch.

Speaking in his post-match press conference when asked about whether he thinks the 24-year-old will be fit to play against Arsenal at St James’ Park next weekend, Bruce claimed (via The Chronicle): “Saint-Maximin’s going to take knocks because of the way he plays.”

The manager added: “I think he’s OK.”

Saint-Maximin so important to Newcastle

You only have to look at the impact that Saint-Maximin has had since returning to the team to see just how important he is to Newcastle. In their last four matches in the Premier League in where he has featured, the Tyneside club have won two and drawn two, with the 24-year-old scoring one goal and setting up another two in those fixtures (Transfermarkt).

The Magpies will need to have him fully fit and at his best if they are to take anything away from the Gunners, who are a wounded animal after back-to-back disappointing results at home to both Fulham and Everton respectively.

Bruce’s encouraging update on Saint-Maximin’s fitness will surely come as a welcome relief to much of the Toon Army, given the Frenchman’s sizeable influence.

In other news, read more on this big Joe Willock transfer update!

Many West Ham United fans want the club to sign Emiliano Buendia this summer after the Irons were linked with his signature.

This campaign has been a magnificent one for the Hammers. As it stands, they are sixth in the Premier League table and are well in with a chance of clinching a spot in Europe. If they do qualify for European competition, it promises to be a busy summer as David Moyes prepares his squad for the step up in quality.

As such, it is being reported the Irons are interested in Norwich winger Buendia (Sunday Mirror, via HITC). The Argentine has been in terrific form in the Championship so far this term, scoring 14 goals and providing 17 assists in 38 matches (Transfermarkt) – that even saw him named as the league’s best player for 2020/21 (BBC).

Given his displays in the second tier this season, many West Ham fans are eager for him to move to the London Stadium. These supporters took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts, with one calling for the underwhelming Felipe Anderson to be used as a sweetener in any prospective deal.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Buendia links

“Would love this. Absolute baller”

Credit: @MattDay97

“Come on”

Credit: @oliver90820149

“Give them Felipe Anderson + cash I beg”

Credit: @Jackcoyi

“Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes please”

Credit: @WHUNath8

“YES”

Credit: @Mertins1801

“Agent Lanzini do y’all thang”

Credit: @WestHamUtdFC2

In other news, Frank McAvennie wants the Irons to sign this striker.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee has claimed his former side West Ham will need to back David Moyes with a £100million transfer kitty if they qualify for Europe.

Moyes has guided West Ham to an unlikely push for the Champions League with just a handful of games remaining, and the performances of players such as Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek have been a big part of that.

The West Ham board will be hoping to keep hold of their best players and then adding to their squad, instead of replacing players this summer as they potentially prepare for a European campaign.

Speaking on how much Moyes will need to spend to ensure West Ham don’t fall behind and why teams find it difficult to compete in both Europe and the league, Lee exclusively told FFC:

“The problem when you qualify for Europe is that you have a lot more games and you see teams fall off if they haven’t got the squad to cope with it, and the problem with getting the squad to cope with the games is that owners have to spend more money.

“It’s up to the owners and if they are prepared to put a lot of money into the squad and improve it because they would need to spend £100 million to improve the entire squad.”

West Ham are currently in a battle with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur for the fourth and final spot in the Champions League next season.

Out of the Hammers’ remaining games they have to play four teams in the bottom half of the league and they’ve only lost two games to teams below 10th, with both defeats coming against Newcastle United.