All posts by z3u9t.icu

Jordan Henderson will almost certainly miss Liverpool’s upcoming Champions League games against Real Madrid through injury, according to The Athletic’s James Pearce.

The Reds have been hampered by injuries throughout this season, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Thiago and Diogo Jota all missing big chunks of action.

Although Jurgen Klopp’s injury woes have eased slightly – apart from at centre-back – Henderson is a current casualty, with the skipper absent since suffering a groin problem in the defeat to Everton last month.

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Pearce confirms Henderson injury blow

Pearce has now confirmed that the 30-year-old will play no part in the matches against Real Madrid as the two clubs meet in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The first leg takes place in Spain on April 6th, before Liverpool host the La Liga giants at Anfield on April 14th, in what promises to be a mouthwatering tie.

Pearce, who is renowned as one of the most reliable journalists on the club, wrote in The Atheltic:

‘With their injury problems at centre-back and the continued absence of captain Jordan Henderson, who is not expected back in time to face Madrid, Liverpool are weakened.’

Transfer Tavern take

Henderson’s absence is a huge concern ahead of two games of such magnitude as Liverpool look to avenge their 2018 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

The captain’s energy, leadership and quality will all be missed, putting pressure on the likes of Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum and Thiago to excel without him against the Spanish giants.

In other news, many Liverpool fans have hailed an exceptional Reds talent after a moment of magic. Read all about it here.

Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara has been with his national side Finland during the international break, although his latest performance may be a cause for concern for Steven Gerrard.

The former Dundee man played the full 90 minutes for Finland as they drew 1-1 with Ukraine in a World Cup qualifying game on Sunday but he struggled to have any real impression on the game.

As per SofaScore, the 25-year-old midfielder would earn a disappointing 6.2 match rating for his display, which was the second-worst of any player who featured in the game, with Ukraine’s Vitaliy Mykolenko earning a 6.0/10 rating after he was sent off for a professional foul late on, which allowed Teemu Pukki to score a late equaliser from the penalty spot.

Although Kamara had the most touches of any Finland midfielder or attacker, he struggled to do anything productive with the ball, as he failed to contribute a single key pass, cross or long ball during the game.

The 25-year-old is renowned at Rangers for his ability to win back the ball and win battles in midfield, but he failed to showcase this at the weekend, as he failed to make a single tackle during the game.

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He also lost all five of his duels during the game and failed to complete a single dribble emphasising that the Ukraine midfield generally had the better of him throughout the game.

In comparison to Kamara, Ukraine’s midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi, who picked up the man of the match award for his display, would contribute four key passes, complete four dribbles and long passes, and win nine duels in what was an excellent all-round display from the Atalanta man.

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Therefore, this emphasises how poor Kamara was on Sunday, with the £4.05 million-rated midfielder enduring something of a nightmare display, and he will be relieved that his side were able to rescue a late point despite his poor performance.

Gerrard will be hoping his midfielder’s performance on international duty does not dent his confidence ahead of his return to club action in the near future.

And, in other news… Bye-bye Edmundson: Rangers signing £1.08m-rated beast would surely be the end for 23 y/o at Ibrox

Plenty of Crystal Palace supporters have been reacting to an update on the club’s reported interest in Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey on social media. 

Transfer expert Nicolo Schira suggested last month that the Eagles enquired over the possibility of signing the Wales international in the summer, along with Premier League rivals West Ham.

However, according to The Athletic, Ramsey is enjoying his football under Andrea Pirlo and has received no indication the Italian giants want to sell him over the coming months.

Ramsey, valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, is under contract in Turin until 2023.

He’s made 28 appearances in all competitions for Juventus this season, and it doesn’t seem as if a move to Selhurst Park has any legs.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the update regarding Ramsey on Twitter on Thursday morning, which, as to be expected, received plenty of interaction.

This is what some had to say in reply, with many not exactly surprised.

“Ramsey watched the Chelsea game”

Credit: @RobbieScotcher

“oh no!”

Credit: @palacejacob

“Turin or Croydon?”

Credit: @Palace_CPFC

“Good”

Credit: @Sumo08112

“Can’t believe he doesn’t want to come to palace. Shock.”

Credit: @eagle176

“Ramsey’s wages would liquidate us”

Credit: @Upsided0wncpfc

In other news: Many CPFC fans not impressed at update on Palace pair from reliable reporter, find out more here. 

Speaking to talkSPORT, pundit Danny Mills has claimed that the top four in England shouldn’t all be rewarded with European Cup qualification – going to say that they’ve expanded it for ‘the sake of expansion’ and West Ham potentially finishing fourth is ‘not Champions League’. 

David Moyes’ men have enjoyed a remarkable campaign to date in the Premier League, with the Hammers potentially finishing in a Champions League place looking like a real possibility given the standings.

Currently sitting fifth with a game in hand and just two points behind Chelsea, the prospect of European football appears very concrete provided West Ham can continue to keep pace.

Mills, however, believes that the top four teams in the country shouldn’t all gain Champions League qualification – mentioning West Ham as an example.

“The Champions League is supposed to be the best of the best,” explained Mills to talkSPORT.

“I don’t even think it should be the top four in the country that go through, it’s the Champions League, maybe the top two.

“That’s what people want to see, let’s say West Ham get in the Champions League as fourth spot, that’s not Champions League.”

Flocking to this claim, many Hammers had their say – with one Iron calling it ’embarrassing’ as others have their say.

Find all of their verdicts down below.

West Ham fans flock to Mills message

“What a ridiculous thing to say….if West Ham finish 4th that’s because they have been the 4th best team in the country over 38 games. How are clubs meant to progress and compete with the best if they are not given that opportunity?!”

Credit: @AndyWHU1987

“You are getting worried aren’t you Danny? COYI”

Credit: @IronessWest

“Danny Mills kicking up a fuss over little old West Ham. Embarrassing”

Credit: @camwestham

“This is embarrassing we are supposed to have football experts talking about the game and instead we have to listen to Danny Mills…”

Credit: @danirons23

“Hahahaha Mills stop crying mate… if we get champions league it’s because we’ve earned it! Did you say this when Leicester won the league?”

Credit: @robson261009

“he hates West ham. always has. don’t take the bait from one of the most ordinary average players to have ever played.”

Credit: @GoonScruffy

“Could be the worst take I’ve ever seen.”

Credit: @T0M_EDWARDS

In other news: West Ham fans also flocked to an ExWHUemployee claim, find out more here.

Bruno Fernandes scored a stunning volley to rescue a point for Manchester United against West Brom but that wasn’t enough to stop them from slipping further behind their arch-rivals Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw at West Brom on Sunday and despite moving back above Leicester City into second place on goal difference alone, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are now seven points behind the league leaders, who also have a game in-hand.

However, that should take nothing away from the performance of Fernandes, who was Solskjaer’s one shining light against Sam Allardyce’s side.

The Portuguese midfielder came off the bench in the second half to help United to seal a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals in the midweek win at home to West Ham, and he was on top form once again at the Hawthorns.

Not to be outdone by the likes of Connor Gallagher and Mbaye Diagne, it took another moment of magic from Fernandes to level the score after he met Luke Shaw’s cross with his weaker left foot.

As per SofaScore, the 26-year-old earned an impressive 7.9 match rating for his theatrics, that being the best of any midfielder – including his teammate Scott McTominay – and indeed any player on either side on Sunday.

During the full 90′ minutes, Fernandes, who is currently valued at £81m via Transfermarkt, would take 102 touches of the ball, which was significantly more than McTominay, who could only manage 81 despite playing in a deep-lying midfield position.

He always looked to get his foot on the ball and try and make things happen, and towards the end of the game, could be seen picking it up close to the half-way line and trying to spot passes and runners from deep.

It was no surprise then that the Portugal international also successfully completed eight long balls from nine attempts against the Baggies as he tried to exploit gaps in their defence, which was far greater than his season’s average of 3.9 per 90 in the Premier League – it pointed to his desire to try and get the home side moving from side to side and trying to upset their defensive valance.

However, what was perhaps most impressive was his three shots on target, which was more than any other player on the pitch, as he proved to be United’s hero once again.

Therefore, despite the disappointing result, it certainly wasn’t for lack of trying, as Fernandes showed he is a cut above from the rest of the pack. It’s just a shame none of his teammates were able to match his determination and energy.

AND in other Man Utd news, Manchester United suffer fresh Paul Pogba injury setback before trip to West Brom…

Manchester United prospect James Garner sent Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a timely reminder of his obvious potential after scoring his first goal for Nottingham Forest against Derby County in the East Midlands derby on Friday night.

Garner scored his first senior goal in only his seventh appearance for Chris Hughton’s side since swapping Old Trafford for the City Ground on loan until the end of the season last month following an unsuccessful spell with Watford.

Hughton threw Garner in at the deep end by handing him his first start in the 2-1 win over Coventry City at the start of the year, helping his side end a winless run of three games in the Championship.

Since then, he has gone on to make seven appearances in the English second division with his first professional goal to show for his six starts, earning praise from former Newcastle United midfielder Jack Colback.

He said: “I thought James Garner’s debut on was fantastic. He was moving the ball around really well and spraying some good passes around the pitch so it was a strong performance but when you consider he has joined from Manchester United, you know he’ll have that quality.”

Despite his age, the 19-year-old has already drawn comparisons to club legend and current backroom staff member Michael Carrick, and it’s easy to why after such an impressive performance.

Garner opened the scoring in the first half after he fired home a first-time effort from the edge of the box beneath the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

Colin Kazim-Richards’ late equaliser meant Forest were forced to be more defensive in the closing stages yet Garner stuck to his defensive duties diligently, finishing the game with one block and two interceptions to his name from the full 90′ minutes, as per SofaScore.

He also boasted a fine 71% pass accuracy with only a handful of his passes going astray (10), while he also completed one successful dribble from the same number of attempts, which suggests that he was a constant thorn in Wayne Rooney’s side.

Garner additionally also took a staggering three shots on target, with four attempts on goal in total throughout the entire game, which greatly exceeds Nemanja Matic’s efforts in the Premier League this season with the 32-year-old only recording 0.3 shots per 90 in 13 top-flight appearances, per SofaScore.

Now, with United reportedly eyeing a move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, Garner’s heroics will send a timely reminder back to Solskjaer that he is worth keeping an eye on for the future over the remainder of the campaign.

AND in other news, Max Aarons would be a major upgrade on Man Utd outcast Diogo Dalot…

Many Liverpool fans have been left to flock to a transfer admission from Sasa Kalajdzic.

Speaking to Sport Bild, the Stuttgart striker admitted that he would find it hard to turn down a move to the Anfield faithful should the Merseyside club come in with a bid in the summer window.

Kalajdzic has scored no fewer than 13 goals and made a further four assists in 26 games in total over all competitions so far in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt), and has a whopping six-foot-six-inch frame, which would certainly offer Jurgen Klopp’s team something a little bit different in the attacking third of the pitch.

Given that he is so tall, the Austria international should have no problems at all whatsoever coping with the physical demands of the Premier League, and so he may be a player that the Reds should certainly want to keep an eye on.

Liverpool fan reaction to Kalajdzic transfer admission

These Kopites urged LFC to go out and buy the 23-year-old on Twitter after his transfer admission:

“Oh my god this would be a dream move aaaaahhhhh”

Credit: @Bennet24_LFC

“Take him all day to add something to our game.. when things aren’t happening on the floor we can go long an he’d be a threat on corners. Looks like he knows we’re the net is as well”

Credit: @Paul_Dicko_LFC

“Sell Origi and get this guy in”

Credit: @HarrisonLukeW

“If we signed a 6ft7 lad and had Trent whip high balls in we wouldn’t lose a game”

Credit: @ROBSON_THE_RED

“200cm striker get him”Credit: @DannyZuko03″Don’t fail me LFC.”Credit: @salim9081In other news, find out what Liverpool man is nearing a return from injury here!

Celtic have been linked to several new faces this month as the January transfer window fast approaches. Their disappointing season will have only encouraged Peter Lawwell, Nick Hammond and co to scour the market for some fresh personnel.

However, whilst they have been linked to potential incomings, some Celtic stars could also be on their way out. Kristoffer Ajer is a man who has a lot of speculation surrounding him at the moment and it seems like it’s only a matter of time before he bids Parkhead farewell.

AC Milan are one of the latest clubs to show interest in the centre-back and they have an ace up their sleeve to sweeten the deal.

Laxalt for Ajer?

According to Calciomercato, the Italian giants are keen on moving for Ajer this window and would be willing to let Diego Laxalt join the Hoops permanently in return.

The latter joined the Glaswegian outfit last summer and has been one of Neil Lennon’s more impressive players this season. Sofascore reports that he has averaged 2.2 tackles per game so far this term, which is much higher than any other defender at Celtic.

Laxalt has also quickly become a Lennon favourite, thanks to his hard work and balance between attacking and protecting the goal. Recently speaking to the Daily Record, the boss waxed lyrical about the £22,000 per week left-back, labelling him an “aggressive” player who he believes has been a “great addition” to the Hoops.

Indeed, Celtic have come to rely heavily on the 27-year-old. He has played all but one Premiership match this season and contributed an important goal against Hibernian in November, as per Transfermarkt.

Ajer has received a lot of interest recently and Celtic may need to concede the fact that another big side is likely to come in and tempt him to leave. If they are going to lay down their sword and let him transfer, they would do well to at least bank an equally solid defender in Laxalt for their troubles.

Lennon has Christopher Jullien, Shane Duffy and young Stephen Welsh to deploy at centre-back, but appears to only trust Laxalt to get the job done on the left. Losing him would be a huge blow on top of a miserable season in which they will almost certainly give up their crown to Rangers.

In other news, Celtic signing this striker could edge out Leigh Griffiths…

The mood around Celtic is incredibly bleak at the moment, with the Hoops winning just one game in their last six.

The latest update on Neil Lennon and his future

Sky Sports are reporting that the Scottish side are backing the manager after ‘positive’ talks took place on Monday.

The Daily Record have added to the report however, revealing a rather bizarre reason why Lennon is getting another chance. The club’s majority shareholder, Dermot Desmond, is ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with Lennon due to the reaction from some fans after the defeat to Ross County.

Desmond was reportedly outraged by the violent protests which saw fans clash with police following the Betfred Cup defeat as they called for Lennon to be sacked. Due to these protests, he wants to give the manager more time.

However, they also provided an update which suggests when Desmond may cave and sack the manager, claiming the Bhoys’ trip to Milan on Thursday is Lennon’s “one last chance”.

Is this the right decision?

The Hoops are bottom of their Europa League group and eleven points behind Old Firm rivals Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. They have also now lost the opportunity of adding another domestic cup to their cabinet.

Therefore, it is definitely fair for the fan base to be frustrated with the manager, especially in such a crucial season as they embark to win their tenth consecutive league crown.

It seems like the decision from Desmond and his fellow higher-ups is a stubborn one, bizarrely focusing on fan frustrations rather than what he should be focused on – the performances and the results on the pitch.

That said, those supporters who do want Lennon dismissed can take solace in these latest reports – it appears defeat on Thursday could mean the end for the boss, regardless of Desmond’s stubbornness.

In other news, Celtic legend calls for Peter Lawwell and co. to sack Neil Lennon.

Leicester City will prepare to take on Tottenham Hotspur in what could be a title-challenging fixture this afternoon as they travel to north London. As it stands, Spurs are just one point ahead of the Foxes and a win today would be a huge boost in their mission to chase down reigning champions Liverpool in another underdog season.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed that Timothy Castagne has been training with the senior team and is in contention to start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

After suffering a tough defeat against Everton, Leicester will be hungry for a win to get themselves back on track. Here’s how Football FanCast has predicted them to line up this afternoon…

If Castagne starts today, he will have a big ask on his hands as he will need to defend against Son Heung-min, who is in red hot form at the moment. The right-back has been out of action for seven matches with an injury, making just five appearances in his maiden season (via Transfermarkt).

But deploying him on the right of a back three will allow James Justin and Christian Fuchs to start further up the pitch to not just support the defence, but contribute to the attack as well.

This means there’ll be no space for Nampalys Mendy seeing as Jonny Evans will return to the lineup, meaning Wilfred Ndidi can slot back into the midfield. He will be accompanied by Youri Tielemans, who will be relied on to pull the strings in the engine room and hope to start up some positive moves against Spurs.

Up front, Rodgers might decide to scrap £94,000 per week loan signing Cengiz Under, who was disappointing in his Premier League start against Everton last time out. Instead, usual winger combination James Maddison and Harvey Barnes can work together to support Jamie Vardy.

With Liverpool now topping the table by six points, a win for Leicester could see them leapfrog behind them into second place.

In other news, Exclusive: Carlton Palmer waxes lyrical about Leicester’s transfer policy…