All posts by h716a5.icu

Glasgow Rangers warmed up for their Europa League clash with Standard Liege by beating Celtic in the first Old Firm derby of the season on Saturday afternoon. The Light Blues battered the Bhoys in their own backyard with a dominant 2-0 win at Celtic Park.

Steven Gerrard’s side took an early lead after Connor Goldson headed the Gers in front from James Tavernier’s free kick, before he side-footed home his second after the break to secure the victory.

And the Rangers boss was delighted to see his in-form midfield dominate the middle of the park as Glen Kamara, Scott Arfield and Steven Davis ruled the roost, whilst Ryan Jack came off the bench to play his part in the second half. However, there was one notable absentee, as Ianis Hagi was nowhere to be seen.

Both Hagi and Jordan Jones have become first-team regular starters in recent weeks, but Brandon Barker scored as a substitute against Ross County before the international break, which explains the reasoning behind the decision to rest the 13-cap Romania international at the weekend.

The stage was arguably set for the 21-year-old to write his name in the history books, although with the benefit of hindsight it’s hard to imagine seeing someone his age start in a game of such magnitude. It’s fair to say that he has a big reputation to live up to as his father Gheorghe Hagi is considered to be a Romanian all-time great.

But the former Barcelona and Real Madrid attacking midfielder believes his son is a playmaker who is cut from a similar cloth to Zinedine Zidane. He told Der Standard, as relayed by The Daily Record, that “his style of play is more like Zinedine Zidane than Gheorghe Hagi – but I can live with that too!”

A rested, reinvigorated Hagi poses a potent threat to anyone on his day, let alone against a side that have conceded five goals in their last four league games.

Per SofaScore, Hagi has played 10 Scottish Premiership games this season, and scored one goal and supplied five assists, whilst he has averaged 1.5 shots and 1.6 key passes per game. In comparison, Barker and Jones have barely averaged 0.5 key passes per game between them, via SofaScore.

Once lauded as an “outstanding” player by Gerrard after he staged a sensational 3-2 comeback victory against Braga in the Europa League last term, Hagi has shown signs that he is becoming a reliable player for Rangers with a string of assists in the Scottish top flight.

But the Gers must give him the time to shine in the Europa League if he is to fulfil their expectations.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers show they are early favourites for the title but must avoid a repeat of 2019…

Celtic’s strange and struggling season continues after they were handed a 4-1 defeat by Sparta Prague on Thursday evening. A defensive disaster proved to be their demise as the Czechs made easy work of breezing past Neil Lennon’s men.

The Hoops have only won half of their last ten games and have now slipped way out of favour in the Europa League. They are currently rock bottom of their group with just the one point on the board. In similar fashion, they have fallen behind rivals Rangers in the Premiership, with Steven Gerrard’s side now ahead by nine points.

Celtic have two games in-hand but will need to beat both Motherwell and Hibernian on the road next in order to close the gap. Otherwise, they risk handing this season’s title over the the Gers.

One man Lennon must put more faith in though is Leigh Griffiths, who was one of the only standout players against Prague.

Leigh Griffiths is the man Celtic need

The Scotsman recently delivered huge fighting talk that will have definitely pricked up the manager’s ears. Griffiths is keen to continue his goalscoring form and break into the club’s top 20 all-time scorers. The consolation goal he grabbed against Prague shows that his words weren’t empty and he is eager to go down as a club icon.

Star striker Odsonne Edouard recently returned from his spell on the sidelines, but has struggled to find his groove. The Frenchman hasn’t scored since rejoining the Hoops and could now be at risk of being dropped as Lennon desperately tries new, perhaps radical team formations.

Griffiths has scored three goals in his last six appearances, with all of them coming during substitute appearances. His performance in Europe on Thursday saw him complete 100% of his passes and notch a 100% shot to conversion rate (via Sofascore).

The £1.8million-rated striker’s impact is hard to ignore and his passion for reaching new highs with his club is something the fans will find comfort in during these strange times.

Celtic are on a seriously slippery slope and could continue to struggle unless Lennon puts his trust in players like Griffiths and claws the team out of this ever-growing hole.

In other news, Southampton must act fast or risk losing Mohamed Elyounoussi permanently…

Following the injury to James Ward-Prowse recently, it may be time for Ralph Hasenhuttl to give Will Smallbone a regular role in his first-team.

The Southampton captain picked up a knock which caused him to withdraw from international duty with England and although it is reported that this was just a precaution because of a tight hamstring, it does send out warning signs that if the 26-year-old is not rested every now and then, he could pick up further, more damaging, muscle injuries.

Unfortunately for Hasenhuttl, central-midfield is not a position in which he is blessed with a lot of options, with just Smallbone listed as a natural in that position other than Ward-Prowse in the Saints squad.

The 20-year-old has just 12 first-team appearances for the Saints to his name but in those appearances, he was able to contribute one goal and two assists (per Transfermarkt), which is an impressive return for someone so young.

The Ireland U21 international has already made two appearances in the top-flight this season, suggesting that he is certainly knocking of the door of Hasenhuttl’s squad. The youngster’s impressive goal return for both the U18 team and B team at Southampton also suggests that he could step up if Ward-Prowse were to miss any games.

The Austrian manager was full of praise for Smallbone last season, as he discussed the youngster’s potential following a 2-0 win against Aston Villa, saying:

“He’s not the guy who makes the most noise, but you can see in the sessions this selection helped him to get more self-confidence, even more.

“He’s a good listener and he’s open-minded. It’s a good signal to everyone else to show that we are looking at them, and when the moment comes they will get the chance to play.

“The whole package is strong, with a lot of potential in my view.

“He has a lot of things that really help a team, being good on the ball, covering a lot of distance, but also to work against the ball and win balls, this is very important.

“What I also like is his mindset because he learns very quick. He’s smart and it’s a very good combination.” (per NewsandStar)

Therefore, with the busy Christmas schedule to come, we feel that Hasenhuttl has to start playing Smallbone more regularly to help him reach his obvious potential, whilst also ensuring that some more senior members of his midfield aren’t overused to the extent that they might pick up injuries.

West Brom picked up a pivotal first three points of the season on Saturday night as they won the battle of the Premier League’s bottom two at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies narrowly edged the end-to-end encounter with Sheffield United thanks to a first-half strike from Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher, who fired home from range through a crowded penalty area in the 13th minute.

In reality, the visitors could’ve been two goals to the good before the midfielder bagged his first goal for Albion with both John Fleck and George Baldock going close.

Slaven Bilic should maybe count his lucky stars as the Blades attempted five more shots throughout the 90 minutes and enjoyed the majority of the possession.

The Croatian deployed a three-at-the-back system with veteran Branislav Ivanovic holding forte through the middle but it was an off-night for the three-time Premier League winner.

A better team would have certainly punished his troublesome presence.

The 36-year-old won just one of his seven duels (14%) and failed to record a single tackle, interception or block. He was also dribbled past three times, had only 19 touches all game and was dealt the Baggies’ lowest rating of 6.1, as per SofaScore.

BirminghamLive’s Joseph Chapman emphasised his disappointing display in his post-match ratings, he said: “Had a nightmare at the beginning when McBurnie matched him in the air and then was too quick for him, drawing a card from ref Dean. As expected, Burke had him in knots in a foot race.”

Had the rock-bottom Blades had any real attacking threat, then on another day, Albion may have lost this one by a few due to the performance of their defence and in particular, Ivanovic.

It very nearly cost them that maiden victory.

As one of the most experienced players in this Baggies squad, sitting among the high-earners on £38k-per-week, you’d expect better but perhaps at 36, the pace and speed of the English top-flight is getting away from him.

West Brom still hold the joint-worst defensive record in the Premier League, so a new centre-back should be on the agenda this January.

AND in other news, Forget Gallagher: £30k-per-week sensation was the star of the show in maiden win…

Glasgow Rangers striker Jermain Defoe scored on his 800th career appearance as Steven Gerrard’s side strolled to a 4-0 win at Ross County to increase their sizeable lead over Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

Kemar Roofe gave the Gers the lead before James Tavernier benefited from a defensive lapse of concentration, Callum Morris scored an unfortunate own goal, and Defoe put the finishing touch on a fine team performance.

In typical fashion, the former England international came off the bench to score on the turn from close range – his fourth goal from his past seven appearances in all competitions.

Just weeks after he scored his 300th goal in club football against Livingston at Ibrox, the clinical finisher, who turned 38 earlier this year, celebrated yet another landmark to cap off a remarkable run of form, which prompted praise from Rangers coach Michael Beale, who described him as a “top professional and a role model for younger players.”

Defoe initially arrived at Ibrox in January 2019 and he has scored 29 goals and supplied 10 assists in 59 games for the Gers since he swapped the South Coast of England for Glasgow.

Valued at £1.26m via Transfermarkt,  his current contract with Rangers is set to expire in 2021.

Despite his age, the wily veteran hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down anytime soon, and it’s becoming clearer and clearer that Ross Wilson simply must tie Defoe down to a new contract, given his current vein of form.

His latest display against the Staggies is just further proof that he adds depth, strength and quality to Gerrard’s striker options, which is more than can be said for Cedric Itten, who once again failed to get on the scoresheet.

Per SofaScore, Defoe provided two passes, completed one dribble attempt successfully, and took one shot on target – which is more shots on target than Alfredo Morelos managed, despite the fact the Colombian played the majority of the game.

He’s certainly not done yet, not by a long shot.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers forward Kemar Roofe was the man of the hour against Ross County…

Despite Celtic’s turbulent 2020/21 season, one thing that it has provided for Neil Lennon is the chance to discover some hidden gems within his team.

The Hoops have put in some disappointing performances over the course of the campaign and a lot of the time the team has looked stagnant and sluggish. Key players like Odsonne Edouard have been dropped on numerous occasions as Lennon desperately scrambles to find the winning recipe.

One of the more recent victims of the boss’ ever-changing lineups is captain Scott Brown. Former Celtic midfielder Lubo Moravic discussed the 35-year-old’s role in the club and compared it to that of Henrik Larsson.

Indeed, Brown has become part of the furniture at Parkhead, but with Rangers posing a huge threat on Celtic’s status, the team has been forced to adapt. Lennon took a chance on Ismaila Soro against Lille, handing him his first ever start for the club, which led to another start the next match in the league.

Already the 22-year-old has proven to be a dark horse in the Irishman’s team and he could take the place of veteran Brown for the remainder of the season.

“Nobody is irreplaceable,” Moravic said. “Scott Brown is a fantastic guy and has played a lot of games for Celtic. But if he’s not starting, it is still 11 against 11.”

The skipper’s last two starts have been disappointing in the middle of the park, earning measly Sofascore ratings of 6.1 and 6.4 respectively. The sudden change up of personnel in Lennon’s midfield has seen Celtic win their last two matches, coincidentally with no Brown in the starting lineup.

If the £11,000 per week Soro continues to pay back the manager’s faith, he could cement himself as a regular start next season, especially if Lennon holds onto his new job.

In other news, Mauricio Pochettino move could benefit both him and Lawwell…

In footballing terms, Leeds have had an unbelievable year.

So much has happened in such a short space of time that the club have barely had a chance to catch their breath.

Over the summer, they secured promotion to the top-flight for the first time in 16 years, ending a rotten streak of playing in the Championship.

After doing so, they broke their transfer record to secure the signing of Rodrigo from Valencia in a deal that represented one of the biggest coups of the summer.

It was quite the sight to behold as unrelenting drama followed Leeds wherever they went. Their first two games back in the top-flight ended with the scoreline of 4-3. One went in their favour, the other didn’t.

If anything summed up their crazy year it would be a trip to Old Trafford. Taking on their fierce rivals, they lost 6-2 to Manchester United but the attacking display showed everything we have become accustomed to from Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Where will Leeds be at the end of 2021? Who knows. Either way, it’s time to celebrate their fantastic year by taking on Football FanCast’s big fat quiz of the year. We bet you can’t get 100% on this United themed quiz…

AND in other news, Leeds could have their NEW Ben White if Orta sanctions swoop for “huge talent”…

Many Liverpool fans concluded that midfielder Naby Keita should be sold next summer after he suffered another setback.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference before tonight’s FA Cup tie against Aston Villa (via James Pearce), manager Jurgen Klopp confined that the 25-year-old will not be fit enough to face Dean Smith’s side.

Keita has suffered various injury issues this season and hasn’t started a game since the Reds’ 7-0 win against Crystal Palace last month.

The Guinea international is sidelined, along with Joel Matip and Diogo Jota, in a game that is essentially in doubt after a mass coronavirus outbreak in the Villa camp.

With this in mind, supporters have had enough of Keita and some believe that his time at Anfield is coming to a screeching halt.

“Naby can just go in the summer… Dude just can’t stay fit”

Credit: @PromoPromise

“Just sell”

Credit: @okekemezie1

“This is how I didn’t react. Guys a sicknote, unfortunately…Sturridge II”

Credit: @NOMISYOUNG

“He’s made of glass… He will come back… Play 4 games… Then out for another 4/6 weeks.. Klopp should cut his losses in the summer and sell him… Imo”

Credit: @Oddjobbobajobb1

“Ruled out again. Who treats him, physios or Autoglass? It’s a shame but it’s like Aquilani all over again.”

Credit: @LeeGregson

“He’s been a massive disappointment. Tries to do too much, loses the ball, gets injured. Rinse, repeat.”

Credit: @Shadows07847621

In other news, talkSPORT pundit lambasted ‘rubbish’ Liverpool mishap during Southampton defeat.

According to the PA news agency (via BT Sport), Glasgow Rangers are interested in signing Gustavo Hamer.

Gers eye Hamer

£1.8m-valued Hamer (Transfermarkt) made the move to Coventry from Dutch side PEC Zwolle just last summer.

Now, after having impressed for the Sky Blues so far this campaign, he has attracted the attention of the Ibrox outfit. The report says Hamer is one eyed for the future by Steven Gerrard and co.

Class act

Signed for £1.5m last summer (BBC), Hamer has been a revelation upon Coventry’s return to the Championship. Despite playing leads the way in their squad in both departments. He has also made more key passes per game than any other Coventry player (WhoScored).

Following Coventry’s 2-1 win over Millwall at the start of 2021, Ali Maxwell called Hamer a “class act” (EFL on Quest via Coventry Live). The Gers are in fantastic form so far this campaign as they lead the Premiership by 21 points. However, the likes of Scott Arfield and Steven Davis are well into their thirties – the latter is actually 36 – and are not representative of the club’s future. 23-year-old Hamer, therefore, could be exactly what the 54-time Scottish champions need beyond this campaign.

In other news, Rangers fans slam this rival player’s comments.

Wolves are still in a torrid place at the moment and heading into their clash with Chelsea, were severely off the pace in their quest for European football.

Relegation talk had spawned at Molineux with the Midlands club winning just three of their last 11 outings. However, a solid 0-0 draw with Thomas Tuchel’s men has gained them some positive momentum.

Add that to the arrival of Willian Jose and there are reasons to be positive again for the Old Gold.

On the chalkboard

Just as Wolves welcome new faces, the fear of exits in the summer are beginning to emerge. Adama Traore’s future at the club seems to be a constant worry amid recent links to Leeds but another of their star men is now having their future questioned.

That comes courtesy of The Athletic’s Tim Spiers who discussed Joao Moutinho on his latest podcast:

“I think you’ve got to question if this is his final season, certainly as a first-choice player,” Spiers began.

“I think he’d be good to have around the squad, he’s important in the dressing room, but [not] as a first choice. He’s 35 this year, he can still have an impact on games, but not nearly as regularly as he was doing it before,” the journalist added.

That’s a worrying assessment for someone who has been such a regular thought in Nuno’s plans.

Fortunately, they have a ready-made heir right in front of them.

The solution

At various points this month, FFC have discussed various Moutinho replacements. Whether it be Wolves linked Gini Wijnaldum or Christian Eriksen, a host of midfielders could fill his void.

However, there’s a player already in the squad that Wolves could use as the Portuguese’s heir.

That happens to be Vitinha. The midfielder arrived on loan from Porto in the summer but the club have an option to buy him in the summer.

Now, if Moutinho’s place really is under threat ahead of next season, they’d be incredibly wise to use that clause to bring him to Molineux on a permanent basis.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-wolves-news” title=”Read this week’s latest Wolves news”]

That’s because the 20-year-old already possesses a host of similar qualities. Speaking to the club website after his arrival, Nuno Barbosa, a reporter from Jornal de Noticias said: “The way he puts the ball on his offensive teammates can destroy the opponents’ offensive line. Vitinha thinks very fast with the ball. He’s not very physical, tall or strong, but he has all the essential qualities for a midfielder.”

Barbosa concluded: You’ll realise he knows what to do at every moment of the game, he’s very similar to Joao Moutinho.”

Vitinha has already made a big impact this term with the tip of the iceberg being his performance at Old Trafford.

He scored a sumptuous long-range effort against Chorley in the FA Cup but it was his virtuoso display in the middle against Manchester United that gave us the biggest Moutinho vibes.

In that fixture, the youngster won 100% of his duels and completed 100% of his dribbles. That happened to be his very first Premier League start and provided all the reasoning behind why he could be the club’s new Moutinho.

In Barbosa’s interview with the club, he gave the following verdict: “Moutinho is a reference in Portuguese football, in the national team. He’s 34-years-old and sooner or later will stop playing, and I believe his successor will be Vitinha.”

Given Jeff Shi dubbed the player “special” when he signed, it would be a big surprise if he didn’t invest permanently.

Vitinha would certainly be a cut-price way to replace the wise head of Moutinho.

AND in other news, Wolves could find their new Costa with swoop for 87-cap flop, he won’t cost a penny…