All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester City will appear in their first-ever Champions League final on Saturday night as they take on Premier League rivals Chelsea in Porto.

Pep Guardiola’s side have already secured the Premier League and the Carabao Cup this season and will complete a historic treble with victory against Thomas Tuchel’s side at the Estádio do Dragão.

City have already brushed aside the likes of Borrusia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and PSG en route to the final, whereas the Blues beat Atletico Madrid, Porto and Real Madrid in the knockout stages to earn their place in one of the biggest games in world football.

The Citizens come into the game on the back of an impressive 5-0 win against Everton on the Premier League final day but Guardiola is always likely to make changes to his side, especially considering Tuchel has gotten the better of him in both of the last two meetings.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects the Spanish manager to line his side up on Saturday night, with three changes from the team that started against Everton…

Unsurprisingly, Ederson starts in goal and given the video circulating of his penalty-taking, he may well be expected to step up should the two sides be inseparable after 120 minutes on Saturday night.

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There’s one change in the defence as Joao Cancelo warrants a start at left-back after a superb season, and he comes in for Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Despite picking up a knock in training it seems that Ilkay Gundogan will be ok for the game, so he starts alongside Fernandinho in midfield, who deserves to keep his place after some excellent recent performances.

This should see Phil Foden pushed back onto the left wing, with the “world-class” Raheem Sterling dropping to the bench after his poor recent form.

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The Englishman is supported by Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez in fellow attacking positions behind the main striker Sergio Aguero, who deserves a start on his final City appearance after his superb brace from the bench against Everton.

And, in other news… Pep should unleash “sublime” £22.5m-rated beast vs Chelsea, he can be the game-changer

Joe Gomez has been a key member of the Liverpool squad ever since signing for the Premier League club in the summer of 2015 from Charlton.

Following his arrival, the 24-year-old has gone on to represent England, as well as winning multiple titles for Liverpool, including a Champions League crown and Premier League title – and he still arguably hasn’t reached his peak years yet.

Gomez has made 139 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, and this is despite suffering major injuries which have ruled him out for significant periods of time – missing practically the whole of the 2015/16 season and undergoing ankle surgery twice.

In his 85 appearances in the Premier League, he has kept 32 clean sheets and has a 73% tackle success rate. Add to this the fact that he hasn’t made an error leading to a goal in these 85 matches and the stats show Liverpool have an extremely solid defender at their disposal.

This even led manager Jurgen Klopp to label him a “sensational footballer” during the side’s title-winning campaign in 2020.

His market value has soared in his seven years as a Liverpool player. The £3.5m signing now has a Transfermarkt value of a whopping £19.8m, showing just how impressive he has been for the team.

In March 2020, as Liverpool stood on the cusp of glory, his value sat at a staggering £37.8m while he was just 22. And, although it has slipped since then – largely due to injuries and Klopp rotating his squad – Gomez is still to enter his peak as a defender.

While Klopp is constantly trying to evolve his side, with his recent recruitment being excellent with attackers such as Luis Diaz and Diego Jota settling in extremely well, he won’t need to sign a centre-back for some time.

The £75k-per-week Gomez is at the perfect team in order to continue developing and you wouldn’t bet on him adding to his 11 England appearances in the near future too.

AND in other news: Klopp could unearth next Konate by unleashing “incredible” £450k-rated gem

Tottenham Hotspur defender Sergio Reguilon endured a nightmare evening as the north Londoners were defeated in the Carabao Cup final by Manchester City.

The Spanish left-back continued his poor run of form with a shocking display in which he struggled to contain Man of the Match Riyad Mahrez and wasn’t able to impose much of an influence on Kyle Walker.

SofaScore graded Reguilon their worst performer with a 6.0 rating and similarly, football.london’s Alasdair Gold was far from impressed with his performance.

‘Off the pace in the first half and picked up a yellow card for a late lunge on De Bruyne. Lacked quality in his end product when he did get forward,’ he wrote.

In midweek, the 24-year-old was a frequent influence against Southampton, managing more touches (97) of the ball than all but one other Spurs player but here, he managed only 43 touches and was largely wasteful and ineffective with it.

Even Hugo Lloris (54) had more touches at Wembley than Reguilon.

Across the 90 minutes, the former Real Madrid ace won just one of seven duels (14%), further showing just how badly he struggled against the likes of Mahrez and Walker.

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And just like Gold claims, when going forward, he offered interim boss Ryan Mason absolutely nothing – as per SofaScore, Reguilon failed to register a shot, dribble or key pass and couldn’t even provide an accurate cross, leaving Harry Kane very little to work with.

His game was summed up by a very lazy and late tackle on Kevin De Bruyne, when the Belgian superstar looked to be away down the right flank. The Reguilon from earlier of the season would’ve been so much smarter there.

He’s just not been the same since returning from injury.

In his last eight appearances, Reguilon has only managed a rating above 6.8 once, with this latest game being the worst in that run, according to SofaScore figures.

Unfortunately for Spurs, though, his main rival for the left-back spot – Ben Davies – is still out injured, so it’s not as if Mason can make a change there.

The £45m-rated dynamo, who is thought to be earning around £80k-per-week in N17, badly let Spurs down on Sunday evening.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Naglesmann: Levy could revolutionise Spurs with landmark double swoop…

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.

Rumoured Liverpool transfer target Jadon Sancho has refused to commit his future to Borussia Dortmund, acting as a potential boost to the Reds.

The Lowdown: Sancho continually linked with Reds

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe in recent years, scoring 48 goals and registering 62 assists in 134 appearances for Dortmund.

Sancho has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool numerous times this season, with Jurgen Klopp thought to view him as a great long-term option in his attack.

The £90m-valued England international’s current deal doesn’t expire until 2023, though, so only a huge fee would prise him away from Dortmund this summer.

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The Latest: Sancho coy over his future

Sancho was on top form on Saturday, scoring twice in his side’s 3-2 win at home to RB Leipzig, keeping their Champions League hopes alive and handing Bayern Munich the Bundesliga title yet again.

Speaking after the game [via Daily Mail], the youngster discussed his future and did not rule out the prospect of a summer exit:

“Will I leave the club? I don’t know about my future.

“I am very happy here in Dortmund at the moment. I love the club, the fans and the team. They gave me my first professional start.”

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The Verdict: Snap him up, Reds

Liverpool should do all they can to secure a move for Sancho this summer, although financial restraints may not make that possible following a tough 12 months around the world for football clubs.

Klopp needs to make sure that Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are adequately replaced once their time at Anfield is up – they are all now close to 30 – and the prolific Dortmund star would seem to be a perfect addition.

He is capable of thriving on either flank, cutting inside and hitting the byline, and his game should only become more perfected as he matures with age, becoming even more devastating in the final third.

In other news, one Liverpool forward is being tipped to leave the club this summer. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United have been handed a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane with the Spanish club becoming ‘increasingly resigned’ to losing the Frenchman after his representatives told them that he’s keen to face another challenge.

What’s the story?

According to a report from The Athletic, United are the most likely club to try and do a deal for the 28-year-old amid “informal interest” from fellow Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester City.

The report claims that Madrid president Florentino Perez is hoping Varane can create an auction for his signature through a string of impressive performances at Euro 2020, with a price tag of £40-45 million currently thought to be placed on his head.

Fans will be buzzing

Ole Gunnar Solkjaer has made signing a new centre-back partner for Harry Maguire one of his priorities this summer after the continued struggles of Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly.

Villarreal’s Pau Torres is another potential candidate being lined up by the Red Devils, but Varane is believed to be the club’s first-choice as they aim to close the gap on English champions Manchester City.

United finished 12 points behind Pep Guardiola’s charges last term after conceding 12 more goals than their local rivals.

Although Varane may not be able to make up such a substantial difference on his own, the addition of a World Cup-winning defender would be a significant coup for the Old Trafford outfit.

It’s been eight long years since United last got their hands on the top-flight title, but the Madrid man has become accustomed to winning major trophies throughout his time at the Bernabeu.

Since arriving in the Spanish capital back in 2011, Varane has claimed four Champions League crowns, three La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey.

His world-class quality, winning mentality and extensive experience at the highest level would all be extremely welcome additions to United’s ranks.

Therefore, news that the France international is set to be available and that United are looking like the most likely club to sign him at this stage will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing.

With only 12 months remaining on Varane’s current contract with Los Blancos, his exit looks inevitable this summer, and if Solskjaer can attain his signature over the comings months, then a title challenge may be on the cards next term.

And, in other news…Fresh twist emerges in Man Utd’s pursuit of £55m beast, Ole will be gutted 

Leeds United are set to officially part company with Ezgjan Alioski following his contract expiration [Leeds Live].

The Lowdown: Leeds United face changes moving into 2021/22

Moving into 2021/22, some changes will engulf an Elland Road side who achieved an impressive ninth placed finish last term.

Raphinha has been linked with a move to UEFA Champions League qualifiers Liverpool, whilst Kalvin Phillips has courted the attention of Spanish giants Real Madrid.

However, while those are just rumours, one man who is definitely be departing Yorkshire this summer is 29-year-old North Macedonia international Alioski.

The Latest: Alioski confirmed to be leaving Elland Road after four years

As stated, the left-back is now officially set to leave Leeds United this summer, with neither club nor player able to agree an extension on his deal [Leeds Live].

Somewhat of a cult hero at the club thanks to his feisty reputation, he played a major role in Marcelo Bielsa’s EFL Championship winning side of 2019/20 [BBC].

Speculation will follow regarding his next move, with Galatasaray said to be closely monitoring his situation [Tribal Football].

The Verdict: Right time for club and player to part ways

All things considered, now is probably the correct time for Alioski and Leeds to part ways in an amicable fashion.

In 2020/21, the Prilep-born full back enjoyed a solid season within the Whites rear-guard, chipping in with six goal contributions in 38 fixtures; three goals and three assists [Transfermarkt], but he was suspect defensively at times.

All in, he registered 41 goal contributions in 171 fixtures during his time in Leeds, 22 goals and 19 assists [Transfermarkt].

Once described as ‘brilliant’ by ex-Sunderland forward Kevin Phillips, his efforts in a Leeds United jersey won’t be forgotten about any time soon [Football Insider].

In other news, Leeds United are set to miss out on a reported transfer target.

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has made a claim on some ‘great news’ to come out of West Ham United recently.

The Lowdown: Big boost for Moyes…

As per reliable reporter Roshane Thomas of The Athletic, manager David Moyes has just been handed a major West Ham boost.

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Indeed, according to his information, defender and fan favourite Vladimir Coufal has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal at the London Stadium.

The 29-year-old, who had been in new deal talks for a good portion of the year according to Sky Sports, has apparently committed his future to West Ham as GSB tie down one of last season’s star players.

Speaking to FI, Campbell has now made a claim on this news out of Rush Green.

The Latest: Campbell makes claim…

The Sky pundit, commenting on this major development, believes there was ‘talk’ of Coufal leaving West Ham if the club couldn’t agree terms on a new deal – meaning this update comes as a ‘great news’.

“Coufal has been a revelation,” he explained.

“There was talk about him maybe leaving so it’s great news for the club to get him tied down. Any team worth their salt gets their best players on long-term contracts.

“I am pleased that West Ham have got him tied up.

“He is a very good right-back and a solid defender. There are not many better than him in the Premier League.”

The Verdict: Big…

Coufal finished 2020/2021 as West Ham’s joint-highest tackler per 90 in the Premier League and, arguably, one of the division’s supreme full-backs.

Both him and compatriot Tomas Soucek have flourished since signing for West Ham in the summer of 2020 and Irons supporters will certainly be overjoyed that the defender has now put pen to paper.

In other news: Newman gifted big boost in race to sign ‘outstanding’ star who is ‘very keen’ to join West Ham, find out more here.

The Athletic’s Crystal Palace reporter Matt Woosnam doesn’t begrudge Wilfried Zaha for wanting to play at the very highest level, following a report from The Times last month stating he wants to leave.

Zaha has featured 393 times for Crystal Palace, scoring 68 goals and providing a further 72, during his two spells at Selhurst Park.

The forward did move to Manchester United in 2013/2014 but that move didn’t work out for Zaha, as he featured just four times for the Red Devils.

There has been interest from Arsenal in the past, with the Mirror reporting they could yet return with a new bid, while Goal are reporting that both Tottenham and Everton are keen on signing Zaha this summer.

With potential interest in Zaha, Woosnam told Football FanCast: “I don’t begrudge him at all for wanting to play at the very, very highest level.

“You can understand why Zaha is in that position where he wants to play in the Europa League or in the Champions League.”

Zaha has two years remaining on his current Palace contract and Palace chairman Steve Parish told the BBC earlier this year, that any transfer involving Zaha “has to be right for the football club.”

With new manager Patrick Vieira now at the helm, Palace have entered the transfer market already this summer, signing Marc Guehi from Chelsea and Michael Olise from Reading.

Hugo Lloris will always be a legend of the club for former Tottenham Hotspur player Graham Roberts.

Lloris signed for Tottenham on transfer deadline day in 2012 along with Clint Dempsey and has gone on to make 375 appearances in all competitions for Spurs, keeping 128 clean sheets in the process.

Spurs, now under the leadership of Nuno Espirito Santo, have started the season in fine form, winning both their opening two matches of the Premier League season against Manchester City and Wolves, with Lloris keeping clean sheets in both fixtures.

Espirito Santo has brought in Pierluigi Gollini from Atalanta this summer as competition to the Tottenham number one, with Gollini starting the club’s UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Pacos Ferreira.

Ex-Tottenham player Graham Roberts believes that Lloris is a legend of the club, telling Football FanCast: “For me, he’ll always be a legend because you know, he’s captain of the football club and played 300 games, well loads more but 300 Premier League games, so yeah, he’ll always be a legend.”

After a great start to the Premier League campaign with two wins and two clean sheets, Tottenham will be hoping that they can continue their good run of form and be competing for a place in the top four and for trophies this season.