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Leeds celebrated their centenary with a far from straight forward victory over Birmingham on Saturday afternoon.A solitary goal from Kalvin Phillips eventually proved to be enough as the Whites dominated the first half with 70% of the possession.Birmingham played a more attacking brand of football in the second half that eventually saw Marcelo Bielsa’s men muster 58% of the ball by the time the final whistle blew.But despite their dominance, they failed to put away their chances – something that’s beginning to become a familiar story this season.However, away from the negatives of the display, many fans appear to have been mightily impressed with the impact of substitute Tyler Roberts.The Welshman was hailed as the game-changer in the match, with one supporter suggesting the side looked far more threatening when he was in it.Roberts was described as intelligent and pacey by another individual as a further fan praised his aerial ability.

The 20-year-old was brought on for Mateusz Klich with just under half an hour remaining. In the time he was on the field he managed one key pass and two interceptions, via WhoScored.

Having had fluid drained from his knee over the summer, Roberts has only appeared from the bench four times in 2019/20.

Here’s the best of the debate.

Despite a rather gloomy trip away to Granada last weekend, Barcelona returned to winning ways when they welcomed Villarreal to the Camp Nou.

And this in itself seems to be a big theme of their ongoing campaign.

The Catalans are a true force to be reckoned with within the confines of their own fortress of solitude but as soon as they have to travel somewhere, they are quite unrecognisable.

The last four away games they’ve played across all competitions all ended badly for them. Blaugrana tallied two draws and two defeats in the process while winning all three of their home La Liga fixtures. Clearly, there’s a pattern there and a clear issue for Ernesto Valverde’s troops.

And this weekend, they have a trip to Getafe, a team that’s currently below them in the standings and a team that’s been struggling with victories themselves.

But even though Barcelona can’t afford to underestimate any team in La Liga, especially now when the fight for every single point is so fierce across the board, they have to look ahead strategically and play their cards right.

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Valverde has already reshuffled his deck multiple times in Blaugrana’s previous fixtures, which can be seen in the total minutes the players tallied across the board, but while we have seen changes in the midfield and the forward ranks, the defence has been mostly the same at all times.

We’re talking about the centre-back pairing of Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique particularly. Both defenders are among the only four players who have played every single minute of every single game in the ongoing 2019/20 campaign.

Alongside the two central defenders, only Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Antoine Griezmann have done the same.

And while the clash against Getafe is just as important as any other game in the league, Barcelona have to look ahead because they have an extremely difficult schedule in front of them.

Next week, they will be welcoming Inter Milan to Catalonia and then, after that, hosting an always tricky opponent in the form of Sevilla just days following the big Champions League bout.

So that’s three games in less than a week and a half with all three opponents being genuine competitors. For that specific reason, rotation is a must and seeing how their defence has been quite leaky in recent times, having your centre-backs rested and fit should be a priority.

The Catalans have already been on the receiving end of ten goals in a total of six games played in La Liga so that says enough about their fragility.

Not to mention that Pique already has four yellow cards to his name, meaning that the next one will have him suspended for a game. If that were to happen against Getafe on the weekend, Barcelona would lose an important piece of their defensive jigsaw for the huge clash with Sevilla.

And seeing how we’re talking about a tricky away fixture against a team with three wins in six this term, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Pique getting a yellow card is definitely a possibility.

But not if Valverde plays his cards right and this is exactly where Jean-Clair Todibo comes in.

The 19-year-old talent has not really seen much game time ever since he arrived in Catalonia in January this year. In fact, he still doesn’t have an appearance to his name in the 2019/20 campaign and has only played a total of two official games for Barcelona as a whole.

But even though he is still young and inexperienced, there’s a lot of potential to be unearthed in him. Just recently, he’s become Barcelona’s only representative in the 40-man shortlist for the Golden Boy award.

Maybe he still hasn’t had the right chance to show what he can do at Barcelona but Valverde needs to take a gamble and roll the dice with him.

Besides, with all the big games coming up, he will definitely need Pique rested, fit and not in danger of being suspended.

Sooner or later, the Spaniard is bound to get that fifth yellow card but it would really be a shame if it happened when they need him the most.

Getafe are capable of giving Barcelona a run for their money – only four clubs have scored more La Liga goals then them this season – but that game is also the perfect opportunity for Valverde to rest and rotate the players he’ll need most next week.

Currently, Pique is definitely one of them and even though his presence on the pitch is probably going to be missed, it’s a risk worth taking for Blaugrana.

Let’s see if Valverde feels the same.

Aston Villa face a tough trip to Norwich as the search for their first away win in the Premier League this season continues.

Dean Smith’s side have struggled so far with only one top flight win and that has partly been due to the inconsistency in his team selection, although he does appear to have narrowed in on his preferred starting XI.

John McGinn impressed many with his performance against Burnley last time out, and Conor Hourihane playing alongside him allowed Jack Grealish more freedom in attack, with the Irishman also unlucky to see a first-half assist ruled out for offside.

Midfield could prove to be very important for Villa once again.

They enjoyed a lot of the ball against the Clarets but Norwich promise to be a different proposition, having had the majority of the ball in the league games they’ve played in 2019/20.

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Daniel Farke’s side have looked impressive at Carrow Road, beating Newcastle and Manchester City whilst showing confidence and ability on the ball that could allow them to play the ball around with ease.

However, they have looked vulnerable in defence at times, and with the likes of McGinn and Anwar El Ghazi taking up goalscoring positions of late, the visitors could find a breakthrough.

Here is how they could line-up against Norwich on Saturday.

The Canaries may have lost all of their away matches but they have scored eight in three games at home, and therefore an improved defensive performance is needed from the Villans.

Who says there’s no atmosphere at the Emirates? The evidence in the video above suggests otherwise…

Marvelous Nakamba is central to that, and if he performs to the level he has shown this season then his side should have some joy.

He has made a great start to his Premier League career with an average of 4.7 tackles per game, and his handling of players like Todd Cantwell and Emiliano Buendia could be pivotal.

The pair have a combined total of six assists and have been instrumental in the success of six-goal Teemu Pukki – the one player Villa must watch out for.

In order to do so, Mings and Engels will need to organise the defence better than they have done so far, with 11 goals conceded from seven matches.

Frederic Guilbert will need to step up too, as he could drop out for Elmohamady if he fails to stop crosses coming into the box, as he did for Jay Rodriguez’s goals last weekend.

One player who may consider himself unfortunate to miss out is Hourihane. His energy and pass accuracy of 92% was important in Villa having as much possession as they did against Burnley, and he could be involved if Smith decides to play Grealish out wide once again.

However, Trezeguet made an immediate impact when he was brought on in the last match, assisting McGinn with a well-picked out cross and also enjoying a pass success rate of 100%, so he is deserving of a return to the starting line-up.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

Marcelo Bielsa sprung a surprise in his Championship starting XI for the first time this term on Sunday.

The Argentine didn’t have Adam Forshaw in his team so instead of opting to bring Tyler Roberts back into the fold, Jamie Shackleton played in midfield.

The young Leeds man featured at right-back for vast amounts of last season but is capable in midfield too, showing his qualities in a slightly more attacking role during the Whites’ 2-0 win over Barnsley.

Forshaw has been astute this season and has a pass success rate of over 90%. Perhaps at times they did miss him, especially considering Shackleton was dispossessed twice.

However, if you consider his overall performance, the 19-year-old was far more dynamic as he not only made up for the former Middlesbrough man’s absence, but also proved why Roberts will have to wait longer to return to the starting XI.

He appeared for the U23s last Monday and was brought back into the first-team squad on Sunday following a procedure where he had fluid drained from his knee.

Considering Bielsa’s limited options, this will come as a welcome relief but after Shackleton’s display, they shouldn’t fast track him back.

Why? Because the teenager proved he can have a positive impact in attacking and defensive thirds.

Against Barnsley, it looked as though it might have been a repeat story of Swansea two weeks ago. Leeds had 21 shots and 66.6% of the possession as they dominated the play but failed to score until the final ten minutes.

Once again it was Eddie Nketiah who arrived late on the scene following his heroics against Brentford last month.

But one of the unsung heroes was Shackleton who was playing beside Mateusz Klich.

His effectiveness was particularly impressive, taking three shots on goal and performing three dribbles, according to WhoScored.

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Although he didn’t score, there was a goal threat there that Roberts can bring to a game in a similar area. He contributed to eight strikes in the Championship last term but Shackleton proved highly efficient in a box-to-box role, creating three chances too.

From a defensive point of view, he made four tackles as the midfielder’s ability to break up the play proved crucial to stopping attacks.

The teenager hasn’t always had a set role in the side but perhaps this is where he can now thrive, thus putting off Roberts’ return to the starting XI.

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In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, John Hartson strongly suggested that Scott Sinclair’s Celtic career could be in jeopardy.

The 30-year-old has, for the most part, enjoyed an esteemed career at Paradise – he’s won three top flight titles with Celtic while netting 61 goals and bagging 34 assists across all competitions.

That the Bhoys faithful’s Sinclair chant has effectively established iconic status is a testament to the profound impact he has made at the club, but he now finds himself out in the cold with just 56 competitive minutes so far this season.

Neil Lennon added extra competition to his attacking midfield ranks in the summer with the loan signing of Mohamaed Eyounoussi, who started the 1-0 victory over Hamilton last weekend.

But, pertinently, there was no place in the squad for Sinclair, and that decision has inevitably raised question marks over his future at the club – if he has one at all.

In a rather frank and profound verdict on the current situation, Hartson suggested that the writing may well be on the wall while speaking to FFC.

He said: “Scott Sinclair hasn’t got a look in this season. The manager’s not picking him and that tells its own story.”

As the Celtic legend suggests, the current situation is far from promising from Sinclair’s point of view.

Daniel Arzani and Mikey Johnstone will also provide competition for a place in the starting XI following their respective returns from injury, leaving Sinclair three clear rivals to contend with.

Naturally, it’s impossible to fully write the nimble 5 foot 8 man off given the scale of his contribution to the Hoops since he arrived in 2016, but there is growing evidence to suggest his future is far from secure.

The age-old adage suggests that actions speak louder than words and, as Hartson alludes to, it’s one that aptly applies to Sinclair following his recent omission from the first-team squad.

This will be an intriguing sub-plot to watch unfold this season.

Celtic have been relatively busy in the transfer market this month by bringing four new players to the club, but a recent report suggests they were priced out of a deal for a more experienced figurehead.

Brendan Rodgers has clearly placed plenty of emphasis on bringing young players into the club this month, with all four of his new signings aged between 18 and 21.

Timothy Weah and Oliver Burke, aged 18 and 21 respectively, are two talents who have been predicted to enjoy a big future in the game, but Celtic were targeting a talent who is eager to impress for a different reason entirely.

Indeed, according to a report from the Irish Independent, Crystal Palace are set to sign Everton’s James McCarthy on loan before Thursday’s deadline after Celtic dropped out of the race for his signature.

McCarthy supported Celtic as a boy and would naturally have been enticed by the prospect of playing at Celtic Park, but the report claims that the Bhoys were priced out of a deal due to his £50,000 per week wages.

For a fanbase who are hoping their club can make the next step by competing on the European stage, the fact Celtic were priced out of a deal for McCarthy will be both concerning and frustrating.

Naturally, the January window is a time in which finances are not clear cut and plenty of clubs struggle to sign new players with wage structures already maximised and little room for further investment, but the McCarthy situation serves as an acute reminder of how financially limited Celtic are in comparison with the clubs they are often pitted against in the Champions League.

McCarthy has spent a lengthy spell on the sideline following a gruesome leg break, but the form he has showcased down the years suggests he would have been an excellent addition to the squad and he will be desperate for a return to regular football as soon as possible.

The Ireland international’s approach is epitomised by his high-energy in the centre of the park, relentlessly harrying opponents and demanding the ball into his feet when his side are in possession.

His impact at Celtic Park would have given the club a valuable asset in their bid to cement their supremacy at the summit of Scottish football, and he’s a player Rodgers should return for in the summer if and when the club’s financial situation changes.

Celtic fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Times have really been tough for Barcelona’s 22-year-old superstar Ousmane Dembele.

The young Frenchman is slowly but surely heading into his third season at the Catalan capital but it still feels like everyone is waiting for him to fully emerge from his cocoon.

Sadly, this is mostly due to the constant injuries that plague him and that have him sidelined even as we speak. This has also lead to some changes within the squad.

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Sport have recently come out with a report that suggests Dembele doesn’t really have a clear role in the team and that he might find it rather difficult to rejoin Barcelona on the pitch, especially with Carles Perez and Ansu Fati emerging from the youth ranks.

Upon reading the report, the fans quickly slammed the Frenchman as many seem to think he deserves this and that his time at Barcelona is slowly coming to an end.

They believe he will be benched once he returns and they believe he only has himself to blame.

Check out their replies in the tweets below…

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Jack Harrison, Raphinha and Pascal Struijk stood out as star performers in Leeds United’s crucial 3-2 win away to West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

The Whites picked up an enormous Premier League victory in east London, battling their way to a priceless three points after a thrilling game.

Harrison scored a hat-trick against the Hammers on a memorable afternoon for the winger, as the visitors dug deep amid more injury problems.

We’ve delved into the numbers from statistical website Sofascore to analyse the Whites’ three best performers from those to have played at least 45 minutes of action. No prizes for guessing who one of them was, but who else stood out against the Irons?

Jack Harrison – 9.0

There was no doubting who the best player was for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, as Harrison enjoyed arguably his best game for the club.

Aside from the headline-making hat-trick, the 25-year-old also won two tackles and four ground duels and played two key passes in a superb all-round display.

That’s now four goals in his last three appearances for Harrison, who appears to be returning to his best.

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Raphinha – 7.8

Raphinha has been Leeds’ best player so far this season and he was a constant threat to West Ham’s defence today.

The Brazilian was unfortunate to see a brilliant assist chalked off for offside but he still managed to play an incredible eight key passes against the Hammers.

Not only that, but the Brazilian created two big chances and hit the woodwork with a stunning free-kick, while also pitching in defensively by winning five ground duels and one tackle.

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Pascal Struijk – 7.3

Struijk has been limited to 10 league starts so far this season but he was excellent on Sunday, playing an important role in a huge win for Leeds.

The 22-year-old won all five ground duels that he contested at the London Stadium, summing up the dominant nature of his performance. The Dutchman also won five tackles and made one interception, not being dribbled past once in the whole game.

In other news, one Leeds player has been linked with a move away from Elland Road. Find out who it is here.

This latest January transfer window has highlighted just how capable Aston Villa are in the transfer market at being able to bring new players to the club.

Having brought in the likes of Robin Olsen, Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho, the Midlands club have been able to strengthen their squad to give manager Steven Gerrard the best chance of ending his first season at Villa Park on a high note.

However, it seems as though the Villans have not stopped their attempts to add more players to their ranks before the window closes.

What’s the latest?

Speaking on Sky Sports News’ Transfer Show (24/01/22 – 5pm), journalist Kaveh Solhekol had this to say on what the current situation is regarding Villa’s reported interest in signing Rodrigo Bentancur from Italian club Juventus.

He said: “Negotiations are ongoing for Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. A sell-on clause included in the club from Boca Juniors is complicating a deal.”

This update was also shared earlier in the day by Sky Sports where their interest in the Uruguayan was also claimed.

The midfielder left Boca back in the 2017 summer transfer window for a move to Juve where he has since gone on to make a total of 181 appearances for the Serie A giants across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing 18 assists along the way.

Fans will be elated

With Gerrard reportedly wanting to add a midfielder to his squad this month, which will only have been made even more important due to the fact that Marvelous Nakamba picked up a serious knee injury in December, Bentancur could be exactly what the Villa boss is looking for.

After all, this is a player who is proven at the top level, winning 45 caps for his country and amassing some eye-catching statistics in Serie A.

For example, he has won an impressive 1.7 tackles per game in the Italian top-flight and then a whopping 2.8 per match in the Champions League. Only John McGinn at Villa Park has won more than that.

With that in mind, it should elate fans that they’re interested in a player of this calibre, especially when you consider that Bentancur has plenty of experience playing in Serie A and in Europe’s top competition. However, they will undoubtedly have some concerns regarding the apparent sell-on clause from Boca that could complicate things.

Moving forward, with only a few days left until the window closes, Villa will have to work quickly to negotiate a suitable deal for the Uruguayan that will satisfy all parties so that they can integrate him with the rest of the squad as soon as possible.

In other news: Forget Coutinho: Gerrard can raise roof as Villa plot bid for “exceptional” £33m gem – opinion

Tottenham are looking to pip Newcastle United in the race to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele, according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, relayed by Sports Witness.

The Lowdown: Dembele at Barca

Dembele has been at the Nou Camp since 2017 following a £121.5m move from Borussia Dortmund and has made 126 appearances for the Catalan giants.

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The 24-year-old, capable of playing anywhere across the front line, has scored 30 times and provided 23 assists during his time in Spain.

However, he’s missed a whopping 100 games due to injury, and it now seems as if his time with Barcelona could be coming to an end.

The Latest: Tuttomercatoweb’s update

Tuttomercatoweb, relayed by Sports Witness, suggest that Dembele is the ‘dream’ signing for Spurs boss Antonio Conte.

They claim that Newcastle have been pushing for Dembele for some time without making progress, with Tottenham now looking to pip their Premier League rivals to a move. Contact has been made with Dembele’s entourage, with Spurs keen on a January deal.

The Verdict: Possible?

A cut-price transfer in the New Year could well be a real possibility, especially with Barcelona recently reaching a big-money agreement to sign Manchester City forward Ferran Torres.

Dembele’s current contract has just over six months remaining, so Barcelona could now be open to the idea of bringing in some funds in January to avoid losing the Frenchman for nothing in the summer.

It seems as if Conte and Fabio Paratici are extremely keen on the World Cup winner, so this could be a move to keep a close eye on as Spurs look to add to their attacking ranks with a first marquee signing under the new manager.

In other news: Conte in awe of tireless player as he wows in Spurs training, could now stay in January.