All posts by n8rngtd.top

Rangers returned to winning ways on Wednesday night as they beat Livingston 2-0 to progress to the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup.

This came after two games without a win, drawing with Motherwell in the Premiership and losing 2-0 to Lyon in the Europa League.

Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos scored the goals for Rangers as they overcame Livingston in midweek, with Steven Gerrard now preparing his side to face Dundee in the league today.

How many changes will Gerrard make? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make four changes to the team from midweek, with Borna Barisic, Allan McGregor, James Tavernier and Steven Davis coming in.

After Jon McLaughlin filled in for the cup match, we are predicting that McGregor will reclaim his place between the sticks after starting the last Premiership game against Motherwell. Both are experienced shot-stoppers and sharing the load between them in terms of minutes on the pitch could help to keep both of them in a good mood throughout the campaign.

In defence, we are predicting changes in both of the full-back positions. Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun started at centre-back and deserve to keep their places, with Jack Simpson having landed the lowest SofaScore rating of the starting XI against Motherwell. This suggests that he does not warrant a spot in the team ahead of either of them at this moment in time.

Tavernier and Barisic were rested for the clash with Livingston and they could replace Nathan Patterson and Calvin Bassey respectively. The aforementioned pair currently rank first and second in the Rangers for SofaScore ratings in the Premiership this season in terms of outfield players. This highlights their importance to the team and why they could come straight back into the XI.

In midfield, we are predicting that John Lundstram will be axed from the team in favour of Davis. The former Sheffield United man has only started once in the league this season, averaging an unimpressive SofaScore rating of 6.66, and we published an article explaining the 36-year-old’s importance to the team and why he should start today.

The rest of the side could remain the same, with Glen Kamara, Joe Aribo, Kemar Roofe, Scott Wright and Morelos keeping their places in the team.

AND in other news,  Wilson must avoid Rangers nightmare over “unique” gem, Gerrard would be fuming…

Everton hit a bump in the road last week with two consecutive defeats but their start to the new campaign has been phenomenal if you excuse that.

The Toffees are just a point off top spot and that’s despite a rather mediocre showing in the transfer market.

Salomon Rondon may have struggled to hit the ground running but the likes of Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray have wasted no time settling in.

Townsend already has four goals since signing as a free agent while the latter has found the back of the net on three occasions.

Gray’s addition was an interesting one. He’d scored just 13 times for the Foxes before a move to Germany seems to have given him new purpose.

Following a switch back to England, he has been in electrifying form and at £1.7m he looks like a true bargain.

What’s funny about this move is that Leicester now have a former Everton player in their ranks; Ademola Lookman.

The duo are incredibly similar in the way they play. They are tricky individuals with plenty of pace but ultimately, they lack end product.

Gray is making strides away from that assessment now but Lookman is arguably still in the same boat as he was at Everton.

He struggles to receive game time and ultimately, doesn’t score enough goals.

The 23-year-old played 48 times for the Merseyside outfit but only found the net on four occasions. What followed was a whopping £22.5m move to RB Leipzig but his career has not followed the path many thought it would when he first broke through.

Lookman is struggling to reach his true potential and as a result of a few poor years, his transfer value has collapsed quite significantly.

According to Transfermarkt, he is now rated at just £9.9m. Therefore, to receive the amount of money they did in the summer of 2019 has to be considered a masterclass from Marcel Brands.

He doesn’t always get things right but he must be commended for that deal.

After all, he is yet to score for Leicester in the Premier League while Gray shines for Lookman’s former employers Everton.

The ex-Toffee had a solid season at Fulham last term where he bagged four goals but he will sadly always be remembered for a dismal Panenka penalty miss in the dying embers of a game with West Ham.

It was an incident that left pundit Andy Townsend seething. “That young man – that was the most selfish, ridiculous, incomprehensible decision I think I’ve seen for many a year,” he said.

Lookman’s attitude will no doubt improve under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers but one does wonder how he’d have coped with Rafa Benitez his mentor.

The Spaniard is currently steering Townsend and Gray’s careers in directions they’d have only dreamt of when first signing at Goodison.

Football is a funny old game but Everton have definitely received the better end of the deal here.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Doucoure: Everton must swoop for “outstanding” dynamo with 262 PL apps…

David Moyes could be without one of his key West Ham stars as they return to Europa League action this evening…

What’s the latest?

The Irons welcome Austrian outfit Rapid Wien to the London Stadium as they host their first-ever group stage game but the 58-year-old may rue the absence of right-back Vladimir Coufal, who is “doubtful” ahead of kick-off.

That’s according to the Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser, who delivered a fresh update on the shape of the Hammers’ squad this week.

“David Moyes and Declan Rice speaking ahead of Rapid Vienna tomorrow night. Confirms Fredericks is out, Coufal doubtful too so a little short at right-back,” he tweeted.

Big blow

If the Czech Republic international is missing tonight, then it will certainly leave the Hammers looking a little weaker and given recent upsets in Europe like Sheriff’s stunning win over Real Madrid, no opposition should be taken lightly.

What makes Coufal’s potential absence even worse is the fact that his back-up, Ryan Fredericks, has been ruled out, meaning academy graduate Ben Johnson is the only other option available.

The 29-year-old is a crucial cog to Moyes’ system, having registered seven assists in the Premier League last season. A feat only bettered by his full-back counterpart Aaron Cresswell (eight).

He is just as influential defensively, too.

As per WhoScored, Coufal ended the season with a squad-high average of 2.6 tackles per game, whilst he also managed an average of 2.6 clearances and 1.2 interceptions per game.

His form led to some high acclaim after Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher touted him to be in the conversation for one of the signings of the season.

He told Monday Night Football [4th May, 22:24pm]:

“I think he’s been one of the signings of the season. We talk about [Tomas] Soucek, but Coufal whether it’s right wing-back or right full-back at different times, he’s just one of those players that’s 7/10 minimum every time you watch him play,” claimed the ex-Liverpool defender.

“He’s the type of player you’d love to play with him. A manager’s dream, never injured, he’s there, week in week out.”

On the above evidence, Moyes could really miss Coufal’s presence this evening and that should leave him hugely concerned heading into the encounter.

The Hammers will be looking to extend their fine form this campaign but without such a key cog, it makes it a little harder, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Newman can end West Ham striker hunt with £18m-rated “goal king” scoring every 83 mins…

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur ‘insider’/club source John Wenham has made an exciting physical transformation claim involving youngster Dilan Markanday.

The Lowdown: Markanday shines at N17…

The 20-year-old, who is yet to make his senior debut for Spurs, has been dazzling behind the scenes at Hotspur Way.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-updates/” title=”Spurs updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Scoring six goals and setting up two more in just six Premier League 2 starts so far this season for Tottenham’s under-23s, Markanday has been turning on the style since putting pen to paper on fresh terms in January. He signed a new deal keeping him at Spurs until 2022 and it’s safe to say that he has repaid that faith.

Wenham has now made an exciting claim on how the youngster has beefed up in an effort to improve his game.

The Latest: Wenham makes exciting Markanday claim…

As per the club insider, Markanday ‘put on a lot of muscle’ over the summer and has ‘developed’ as a centre-forward- becoming a ‘powerful unit’ in the process.

“Over the summer he put on a lot of muscle, some players lose a bit of something when that happens,” Wenham explained to Football Insider.

“But Markanday has kept his low centre of gravity and his quick feet. He is a powerful unit. He’s now developed as a centre forward.

“We have loaned out players like Troy Parrott so there was a gap for a new striker in the Under 23s.

“He has scored some spectacular goals this season and picked up some really good numbers.

“He’s constantly delivering goals and assists. He trains with the first team a fair bit and I really want to see him given an opportunity.

“He has a big future here.”

The Verdict: Exciting times at Tottenham’s academy…

Amid the bigger academy names like Oliver Skipp and Dane Scarlett, the 20-year-old winger is certainly impressing with his numbers, and a physical transformation will only add to his reputation.

If Markanday continues improving all aspects of his game and delivering the goods, it is surely only a matter of time before he is rewarded with another new deal and a first team debut under Nuno Espirito Santo.

In other news: Spurs re-join race to sign ‘world class’ 171-goal striker who Pochettino wanted in 2016, find out more here.

Liverpool have a 25% chance of landing Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland next summer, according to Italian publication Tuttosport (via Sport Witness). 

French giants Paris Saint-Germain are said to have a 50% chance of signing him, while Real Madrid is just as likely a destination as Liverpool in 2022.

Could Liverpool afford Haaland?

At the start of June, Haaland’s €75m (£64m) release clause is set to become active (via Fabrizio Romano). That would seemingly be affordable for Liverpool, whose transfer record currently stands at the £76.19m they paid to Southampton for Virgil van Dijk.

However, the deal could actually end up costing an awful lot more if the demands presented to Chelsea last summer are anything to go by. Haaland’s camp, led by super-agent Mino Raiola, apparently wanted wages of €50m (£42.5m) per year and agent fees of €40m (£34m).

The 21-year-old has demonstrated his world-beating potential at Borussia Dortmund by scoring 68 goals in his first 67 appearances for the club.

Fan feed LFC Transfer Room relayed Tuttosport’s claim, and here’s what some Reds supporters made of it, with many believing that the likes of the recently taken-over Newcastle would stand a better chance of bringing the Norwegian to the Premier League.

Liverpool fans not optimistic on Haaland chances

“Is it Comic Relief day again”

Credit: @PhilPhenom 

“Haha Liverpool have no chance. No way we paying Raiola tax or the mad wages Haaland wants”

Credit: @Homes19LFC

“No chance under FSG”

Credit: @DavidVaughan5

“No chance FSG pay those wages. No chance FSG work with Raiola, as he will just move Haaland on again in 2/3 years time.”

Credit: @briggs84

“I also have a 25% chance of winning the Lotto tomorrow night!!!!”

Credit: @Johnokeefe12

“Trigger the clause before Newcastle get the deal done, I beg”

Credit: @shajiaafar

In other news, many Liverpool fans love this potential managerial plan

With two consecutive defeats in the Premier League, pressure has started to build somewhat on Aston Villa manager Dean Smith ahead of tonight’s clash against Arsenal.

The Villans followed up an impressive 1-0 victory away at Old Trafford against Manchester United with a pair of losses against Tottenham and Wolves respectively, with the latter in particular being something of a sucker punch.

Smith’s side were leading 2-0 with just ten minutes remaining before a late collapse saw them concede three goals and somehow snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

The 50-year-old may duly look to change things up for the clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tonight, and with that in mind, below is a look at how Villa might line up in north London.

In goal, Emi Martinez will be hoping to keep a clean sheet on his return to the Emirates, having shut the Gunners out twice last season in the Premier League as Villa pulled off the double over his former club.

Smith may opt to go with a back four against Arsenal, having seen his experiment with a back three being picked apart by Spurs and Wolves, and that could see Axel Tuanzebe drop out, as we discussed in detail.

The midfield could also see a tweak, with Jacob Ramsey in line for a start to try and match up with what Arsenal may deploy in the engine room.

Further forward, Leon Bailey’s return to fitness could see him make the starting line-up if Smith feels that he’s shown enough in training to prove his fitness. That could see the Villa boss make the bold call of dropping Ollie Watkins, who has been in poor form in recent weeks, with just one goal all season.

Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey; Buendia, Ings, Bailey.

Meanwhile, here’s why Villa must start this £7.2m-rated ace v Arsenal…

According to a report by Turkish news outlet Haber 365, there have been some ‘new developments’ surrounding Besiktas forward and West Ham United summer target Cyle Larin.

The Lowdown: West Ham make Larin contact…

Following his head-turning season in the Turkish Super Lig over 2020/2021, West Ham have reportedly been very interested in the possibility of signing Larin for manager David Moyes.

Indeed, as per newspaper Fanatik (via Sport Witness), the Irons were in ‘constant contact’ with both Larin’s representatives and Besiktas over the summer window.

He scored a brilliant 23 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions last year and stood out as a candidate to possibly provide back up to Michail Antonio.

The Latest: Larin eyeing move to England…

Now, as per Haber 365, it appears West Ham may be given a boost if they still wish to sign the prolific and versatile forward.

According to their sources, sharing ‘new developments’ on Larin’s future in Turkey, the Canada international has rejected an offer from Besiktas to extend his stay.

Larin’s current contract runs out in 2022, meaning Besiktas risk losing him on a free deal next summer, leaving little wonder the club want to come to an agreement ‘as soon as possible’.

It is stated that they are aware of the ‘danger of the Premier League’ as their target man could now apparently ‘turn his route to England’ should an attractive offer come in.

They also go on to state that ‘hot developments’ are soon expected regarding the Larin’s future.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Given the player’s contract situation and prolific goalscoring record, bagging a career total of 88 so far, Larin could be the ideal man to provide cover for Antonio – especially considering he can play in the centre-forward role as well as his natural place out wide.

Financially, it is a deal West Ham are more than capable of doing on a free transfer due to his contract situation, or potentially even forcing Besiktas to sell for a lower fee in January.

At 26-years-old, he’s scored an impressive 20 goals in 42 international caps for Canada – showcasing he can also perform on the very biggest stages outside of Turkey.

If West Ham end up being the team to make that ‘attractive offer’ and lure Larin to England, it’s a transfer they may not regret.

In other news: ‘Already going on…’ – Major West Ham update as ‘preliminary talks’ come to light, find out more here.

A number of Liverpool supporters are delighted that Naby Keita has returned to training after picking up an injury against Manchester United.

The Reds are still buzzing after their remarkable 5-0 win at Old Trafford last season, in what is surely one of the best results in the club’s history.

There were a number of fantastic performers for Liverpool on the day but Keita was undoubtedly one of the star men, scoring and assisting for his side and even earning a ten out of ten match rating from The Liverpool Echo.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

Unfortunately, the 26-year-old’s afternoon was ended prematurely by an awful tackle by Paul Pogba – one which saw the Frenchman receive a red card.

Keita was stretchered off, leading to fears surrounding yet another injury layoff, but as shared by Goal‘s Neil Jones on Twitter [via Anfield Watch], the midfielder is already back in training ahead of Saturday’s visit of Brighton in the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp then confirmed in his press conference that the Guinea international is fully fit (liverpoolfc.com).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-9/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans react to Keita latest

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to reveal their happiness at what they called ‘great news’, which it certainly is considering the form Keita discovered at Old Trafford…

“GREAT NEWS LET’S GOOOOOOO”

Credit: @WayneMuzikay

“Oh lord”

Credit: @emmanuelsamueln

“Big dub”

Credit: @VFL_AlissonB1

“Great news”

Credit: @jontelfc86

“NABYYYYYYYYYYYY LADDDD”

Credit: @LouisDavo_

“NABYYYYYYY we are cooking”

Credit: @Geraldthe6

In other news, some Liverpool fans love a Fabrizio Romano update. Read more here.

Former Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama is hoping to make a Parkhead return, Football Scotland report.

The Lowdown: Wanyama since Celtic exit…

Wanyama, who was a colossus for Celtic, made 91 appearances in green and white during his two-year stay.

The Hoops made a £12m profit on the Kenyan after Southampton paid over £13m for his services in 2013.

Since then, the midfielder has made 154 appearances in the Premier League with the Saints and Tottenham, where he was hailed by Mauricio Pochettino and called ‘fantastic’ by Christian Eriksen.

He is now plying his trade with MLS side Montreal, with the 30-year-old under contract with Montreal for another 12 months, but it seems as if he has his eye on a return to Scotland.

The Latest: Open to return

Wanyama, talking to Football Scotland, admitted he would ‘love’ to play for the Hoops again and opened up on a ‘loan approach’ during Neil Lennon’s time in charge.

“I had a contract at Tottenham and they were very difficult to let me go, the demands were very hard.

“Celtic was a club that I would love to play for again and again. It’s more than a club. I enjoyed my time there.

“I honestly want to come back and give it a last go because I love the club, the people there, the fans, just everything there was great. They give the players everything to go on the pitch and perform. Everything was just on top.

“There was a loan approach but I don’t know what happened. I didn’t follow it up that much.

“I spoke to Neil as well and he said to me ‘it’s difficult with the demands’ and at that time they didn’t have the money to make it happen.

“But it is what it is. As I say, I still love that club, it’s in my heart.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-15/” title=”Celtic updates!!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Midfielders needed:

Wanyama is seemingly extremely keen on a return to Celtic, and the Hoops could do with midfield reinforcements.

Ange Postecoglou has relied heavily on Callum McGregor, Tom Rogic and David Turnbull this season, with Nir Bitton filling in for Rogic in recent weeks.

On that basis, a move for Wanyama could be a smart one, especially with his wealth of experience and previous Hoops connections, however, the club might be cautious following James McCarthy’s form since joining on a four-year deal.

McCarthy, the same age as Wanyama, has started just three times this season and appears to be struggling to break into Postecoglou’s side, so they could be better off bringing in a younger midfielder with one eye on the future instead of possibly having another McCarthy on their hands.

In other news: Celtic now hoping to sign 11-goal international in January. 

Taking to Twitter, Italian reporter Daniele Longo has dropped a three-word Tottenham Hotspur transfer message involving Juventus winger Dejan Kulusevksi.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Kulusevski move…

As per recent reports, Tottenham have now entered the race to sign the Swedish youngster, with Antonio Conte, Fabio Paratici and even Daniel Levy apparently impressed by him.

Calciomercato first claimed that the Spurs chairman may open his purse strings in pursuit of the player and could be ‘serious’ about signing him. Meanwhile, according to TUTTOmercatoWEB, both Conte and Paratici believe that the 21-year-old is a ‘gem’ and share the same ‘esteem’ for his talent.

In an update, Calciomercato reporter Longo has responded to news account The Spurs Web with an exciting three-word message.

The Latest: Longo drops three-word claim…

Taking to social media, the Italian reporter reiterated Tottenham’s interest while sharing a fresh development. Indeed, according to his information, contact has now been made for Kulusevski as the Lilywhites ramp it up.

Responding to his own piece of news that Spurs want the Swedish talent, as shared by The Spurs Web, he simply stated: “Contacts in progress“.

The Verdict: What Spurs need?

There is currently an abundance of talent coming through at N17, with the likes of Oliver Skipp, Dane Scarlett and Troy Parrott recently emerging from Hotspur Way’s glittering academy.

However, that hasn’t stopped them from taking to the market in search of Europe’s most prestigious gems, with Paratici also holding an interest in Club Brugge talent Charles De Ketelaere (Calciomercato).

Already capped 19 times by Sweden at such a young age, Kulusevski has certainly been turning many heads, with footballing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo once calling him a ‘great talent’.

As Spurs make contact, potentially singing the youngster would come as a real coup.

In other news: Spurs close to signing ‘monster’ of a player as Conte seeks to solve severe problem, find out more here.