All posts by n8rngtd.top

West Bromwich Albion may not have a new manager in place this weekend after Steve Bruce’s sacking, reliable journalist Joe Chapman has claimed.

The Lowdown: Bruce sacked as West Brom boss

On Monday morning, the 61-year-old was relieved of his duties as Baggies boss following a dire run of form which has seen Albion drop to 22nd in the Championship table.

Saturday’s limp 0-0 draw at home to Luton Town proved to be the final straw for West Brom’s owners, with a change badly needed to alter the course of their season.

The search is now on for a new manager, although it appears that The Hawthorns faithful shouldn’t hold their breath for Bruce’s successor…

The Latest: Chapman shares managerial claim

Taking to Twitter shortly after Bruce’s sacking, Chapman admitted that a new permanent manager may not be confirmed by the time the Baggies head to Reading this coming Saturday, with the club’s under-21 boss Richard Beale in line to oversee next weekend’s clash.

The Birmingham Live reporter tweeted:

“No guarantees that Albion will have a new man in place by Saturday. Rich Beale, who has filled in as caretaker boss at Blues before now, on standby to oversee Reading game. Recruitment process starts now but no instant appointment is expected.”

The Verdict: Sooner rather than later, please

The crucial thing now for West Brom is to act quickly, getting the right man in to succeed Bruce and oversee a huge improvement on the pitch as the season progresses.

Roy Keane has emerged as a front-runner and could be a good option, ironically replacing his former Manchester United team-mate.

However, while the Irishman has previous of taking over a team in the Championship relegation zone and getting them promoted in the same season (Sunderland in 2006/07), he hasn’t managed a team since leaving Ipswich Town in January 2011.

Whoever comes in must be viewed as a long-term solution and not a quick fix – somebody who the club firmly believe can take them back into the Premier League in the near future and keep them there.

Aston Villa are believed to be interested in signing Manchester City centre-back Aymeric Laporte during the summer transfer window.

Has Laporte struggled for playing time?

The £120,000-a-week Spaniard has been part of a side City who have etched their name into history of late, winning a treble in 2022/23 that consisted of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

That being said, Laporte struggled to be an absolute key man for Pep Guardiola's side during the campaign, with the form of the likes of John Stones and Ruben Dias seeing him slip down the pecking order. He only started 11 league games in total, highlighting his lack of playing time, and his future at the Etihad could be in doubt this summer.

The 29-year-old is contracted with City until the end of the 2024/25 season, meaning they could see this as the best time to receive the highest possible amount for him, should Guardiola consider him an expendable player moving forward.

Villa have been linked with a move for Laporte recently, as they look to make some significant summer signings, and it is a rumour that is refusing to go away.

Could Villa snap up Laporte this summer?

According to Football Insider, Villa are "considering a move" for the City centre-back before the new season gets underway, as Unai Emery looks to bolster his defensive options.

The report also states that "Villa are in the market for another centre-back and Laporte ticks a lot of boxes for Unai Emery due to his Premier League experience and ability to play on the left-side of a partnership", admittedly adding that "it is a difficult deal to get over the line and Laporte wants to play Champions League football next season."

Laporte, who has a 100% win record against Villa during his career, could be a superb signing for Villa if Emery manages to entice him to the club, considering he has arguably been one of the Premier League's standout centre-backs over the past five years or so. He has been lauded as "incredible" by Guardiola in the past, as well as the "best left central defender in the world", and he would bring with him a wealth of experience and a winning mentality that comes with enjoying so much trophy success.

It could be a real statement signing by Villa, further suggesting that they are really going places under Emery, and being an undisputed key starter could be enough to persuade the Spain international that a move makes sense.

Wolverhampton Wanderers find themselves in the Premier League relegation zone following a woeful 4-0 defeat to Leicester City last weekend.

Steve Davis will remain in charge of the side until 2023 following a recent update from chairman Jeff Shi, and he will hope that this can give the club some stability as they aim to push up the table.

The Old Gold travel to Brentford this afternoon, a game which represents an opportunity for the Midlands club to secure just their third league win of the season.

With Davis likely to rotate a few players following the Leicester performance, we at Football FanCast predict the starting XI which will take to the pitch to face Thomas Frank’s side…

Wolves predicted XI vs Brentford

Jose Sa will continue to keep his place in goal, despite conceding 18 times in his 12 league appearances so far this term.

The back four sees two changes from last weekend’s defeat. Max Kilman and Nathan Collins keep their places at the heart of the defence. In the full-back positions, youngster Hugo Bueno could be replaced by Rayan Ait-Nouri – who has been dubbed “superb” by Liam Keen – while Nelson Semedo comes in for Jonny at right back.

Davis might make a big call and drop Joao Moutinho – giving the veteran a rest after starting the bulk of Wolves’ matches this term, even despite his positive performance against Leicester – with youngster Boubacar Traore coming into the starting XI. Ruben Neves joins him in forming the central midfield axis.

Matheus Nunes will occupy the number ten role and hope to replicate or better the two key passes that he played against Brendan Rodgers’ side last week. Adama Traore and Daniel Podence take up their positions on the right and left wings respectively.

With a shortage of centre-forwards, Diego Costa will be tasked with leading the line, even though he hasn’t scored since joining the club in September.

This means three changes from their last match and Davis will be hoping that Wolves can emerge from what will likely be another tough game with all three points and temporally alleviate any relegation fears.

Predicted Wolves XI (4-2-3-1): Sa – Ait-Nouri, Kilman, Collins, Semedo – Neves, B Traore – Podence, Nunes, A Traore – Costa

A frustrating Glasgow Rangers injury development has emerged on Ridvan Yilmaz and the severity of the knock the Ibrox defender sustained on Saturday…

What’s the latest?

Light Blues manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has revealed that the left-back is set to be out for multiple weeks after being forced off the pitch in the eighth minute against Aberdeen at Ibrox.

The head coach has also revealed that central defender Ben Davies has been hit with a groin injury and it is now a case of waiting to see whether or not he will spend any time on the sidelines with that issue.

He told the Scotsman: “Ridvan felt his hamstring.

“I think he was decelerating in the box and he felt it straight away. I think he will be out for a couple of weeks. With Ben, it was his groin. He had a moment at the beginning of the game but could continue to half time, but I didn’t want to take any risk with him [after that]. We will see tomorrow how he is and assess it.”

A big blow

This injury should leave van Bronckhorst gutted as it is a big blow to both Rangers and Yilmaz as the Turkey international was finally breaking into the starting XI.

He started in the 1-0 win over Dundee FC in the League Cup and was then named in the starting XI against both Napoli and Aberdeen in two of the next three matches, sitting on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Livingston in the Premiership. The full-back has started three of the last four matches in all competitions after only starting two of the 18 games prior to that.

Borna Barisic had kept him out of the side but van Bronckhorst has recently offered the left-back, who joined from Besiktas in the summer transfer window, a chance to show what he is capable of.

He played 90 minutes in the 3-0 defeat to Napoli in the Champions League and was unfortunate not to end the game with an assist as he created two chances and put a cross on a plate for Alfredo Morelos in the six-yard box, only for the Colombian striker to completely miss the ball.

Yilmaz was rewarded for his display in Europe by being named in the starting XI against Aberdeen and was then forced off the pitch, putting a sad end to his short run in the team.

He could now be out until after the World Cup as Rangers’ last match before the break is on the 12th November and the defender is set to be out for around two weeks.

Therefore, this injury is a worrying blow for both the player and the Light Blues as it has come at the worst possible time with him finally making his mark in the first team.

It could stunt his development and set him back to square one as he will now need to work his way back to fitness and then fight to earn his place back in the team, after spending the first few months of this season doing the same thing. After finally placing his trust in the player and being rewarded for it, van Bronckhorst will certainly be gutted.

West Bromwich Albion finally stopped their rut on Tuesday night, ending a three-match losing run as they beat Blackpool at the Hawthorns.

Although it took an 85th-minute winner to seal the three points, it was another solid performance as Carlos Corberan’s side dominated 64% of the ball and had 11 shots, via SofaScore.

This impressive display is highlighted by the average SofaScore rating given to the team of 6.96.

However, this further highlights the outlier for the Baggies, as Jed Wallace recorded yet another disappointing display with his 6.4 rating.

This marked the 28-year-old’s 18th successive start in the Championship since joining in the summer, yet was another game where he did not manage to find the net.

Not since mid-September has he scored; a nine-game barren run.

With the likes of Grady Diangana forced to watch from the bench, it makes his continued inclusion all the more baffling.

This is a winger who just three years ago, at the age of 21, scored eight and assisted seven in one season in this division.

Few at the Midlands club have had a good season thus far, hence why they sit two points adrift in 23rd.

But for a side that has scored just 21 goals in 18 games, Wallace has seldom contributed according to the underlying numbers.

They paint the picture of a winger that offers little goal threat, and despite making 14 carries per 90, has only seen one end in a goal this campaign.

This lines up with the simple one-word summation from Lewis Cox on one of the former Millwall winger’s displays this season: “wasteful”.

His poor midweek performance was likely overlooked due to the relief that came with a win at last, but this was not a one-off.

Wallace must improve soon, or else risk being forced to the bench.

With Corberan now at the helm permanently, he will be assessing who in his squad he can trust to perform consistently.

But with SofaScore ratings of 6.4 and 6.7 respectively in his first two games, the wide man has not made a good first impression.

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a shock move for West Ham United skipper, Declan Rice, with the Magpies believed to have joined the battle for the Englishman’s signature.

What’s the word?

According to West Ham insider, Claret and Hugh, PIF are believed to be keen on landing the 23-year-old next summer, with the report suggesting that the northeast side views him as a player who could be the ‘cornerstone of their project’ for the long term.

The report suggests that the Tynesiders could well make a move at the end of the campaign if their stunning early season form continues, with the hope being that the potential prospect of Champions League football could tempt the 34-cap superstar into a move to St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s side are certainly not the only suitor for the midfielder, however, with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City having been heavily linked of late, while recent speculation has suggested that the London Stadium outfit would be open to a sale.

Any move for the Hammers academy graduate – whose current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2024 – won’t come cheap, however, with the Three Lions star potentially set to command a fee north of £100m.

“Another level”

At present, Newcastle are seemingly not in major need of additions amid their rampant start to the Premier League season, having lost just once in their opening 15 games to put them firmly in the mix for a top-four berth.

That being said, however, the signing of a player such as Rice could well help take the club to even greater heights, with pundit Paul Parker previously stating that the Irons’ talisman is the type of player who can take a team to “another level”.

Lauded as the “best central midfielder in the country” by Parker, the £60k-per-week sensation has been in truly stunning form in east London in recent years, having developed from being a promising talent into something of a “force of nature”, according to journalist Rob Blanchette.

The mature figure – who has already racked up 215 appearances for his current side to date despite his youth – could well be the answer to Howe’s prayers, with Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope only recently suggesting that a new central midfield asset could be a “priority” for the club.

Slotting in Rice to the base of the midfield would add even greater quality to the Newcastle ranks, with the 6 foot 1 colossus able to offer something of a unique asset as a result of his strength both in and out of possession.

The Kingston-born machine notably ranks in the top 6% in Europe for interceptions made as a sign of his ball-winning knack, while he also possesses a gift for being able to drive his side up the pitch with a surging, line-breaking run, having notably finished first in the division for successful dribbles during the 2020/21 campaign.

With David Moyes’ side currently in a relegation battle after an underwhelming start to the season, Rice could well be tempted to jump ship if things do not improve in the New Year, with the ambitious project on offer at St James’ Park likely to be an attractive prospect.

Indeed, he could just take the Magpies to another level, one West Ham are unlikely to reach anytime soon.

Everton have struggled yet again in the Premier League this season and it would come as no surprise if Frank Lampard is keen to make moves in the January transfer window, with a new potential transfer target emerging.

What’s the latest?

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Everton are interested in signing Hoffenheim midfielder Dennis Geiger.

Plettenberg tweeted:

“X News #Geiger: SL Benfica & Everton highly interested in the 24 y/o central midfielder. Some Bundesliga teams too. Tendency at this stage: No contract extension at Hoffenheim, free agent 2023. Talks with all parties ongoing. Current salary around €1.5-2m/year. @SkySportDE”

Lampard can land his own Kovacic

There is no doubt that the Everton boss will want to continue developing and rebuilding his squad after signing eight players in his first full transfer window at Goodison Park and may have the golden opportunity to do so in the new year.

The Toffees are currently 17th in the Premier League, just one point shy of falling into the relegation zone which would be an absolute disaster for the club in their efforts to retain their top-flight status and stabilise in the league table.

As a result, the signing of Geiger could be a big coup in January especially if they can get him for a cut price due to contract expiration next summer.

Over 14 Bundesliga appearances, the talented 24-year-old has scored one goal, registered two assists and tallied up a 91% pass completion in his own half, as well as averaging 1.6 key passes, 1.6 tackles and 2.8 duels won per game, proving that he is a real threat in the centre of the pitch.

The German sensation has been the recipient of high praise due to his consistent performances in midfield for his nation’s U21 team, with former Germany head coach Joachim Low saying:

“His technique is good and he has developed well, he is a player with great prospects, and we are constantly evaluating all U21 national team players.”

More praise comes from former Hoffenheim striker, Sandro Wagner, who compared him to one of Germany’s best players: “He’s a real live-wire on the pitch. With a few more improvements, he can be like Joshua Kimmich.”

However, that’s not the only player he’s been compared to. Indeed, Lampard could land his very own Mateo Kovacic with the two midfielders sharing many similar capabilities and talents in their output this season, with the Chelsea star the fifth most comparable player to Geiger according to FBRef.

The two midfielders came close in many of their attributes including pass completion (84.6% v 83.3%), pass completed (405 v 404), interceptions (11 v 10), aerial duels won (33.3% v 44.4%) and ball recoveries (66 v 49).

With that being said, it would be a great piece of business if Everton can snap up the services of Geiger in January and the midfielder could be a hugely valuable asset to Lampard in the second half of the campaign.

Arsenal ‘really appreciate’ transfer target Mykhaylo Mudryk ahead of a potential move for him in January, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed.

The Lowdown: Mudryk wanted by Arsenal

The 21-year-old has emerged as arguably one of Europe’s most exciting young players, producing some magical performances for Shakhtar Donetsk.

Mudryk has scored three goals and registered two assists in the Champions League this season, not to mention being praised by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

The Gunners have been strongly linked with a move for the winger, and January could be a time to snap him up.

The Latest: Romano provides update

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano claimed that Arsenal are still big admirers of Mudryk, with a potential bid imminent:

“They will sign players if they are the right players for Arsenal’s project in January. We know they’re following Mykhaylo Mudryk. He is a player they really appreciate and he’s a winger they really like.

“They had contacts with his agents for a long time because – last summer – they wanted Mudryk, but they never negotiated with Shakhtar as they knew they wanted more than €40-45million. Now they want way more than that.”

The Verdict: What a signing he would be

It can be easy to overhype young players before they have time to fully reach their potential, but Mudryk does look like a special player with a massive future ahead of him.

His displays for Shakhtar in the Champions League have really caught the eye, not least one superb finish against Celtic, and he could be add further brilliance to an already exciting Arsenal attack.

To have Mudryk as another left-sided option alongside Gabriel Martinelli would provide Mikel Arteta with extra depth, and he could be the sprinkling of extra genius that helps get the Gunners over the finish line in the Premier League title race.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s long-term future at the club is reportedly in doubt because of his relationship with new manager Unai Emery.

The Lowdown: Martinez on Argentina duty

The 30-year-old has traded club commitments for international duty, currently starting between the sticks for much-fancied Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.

Martinez conceded twice in the shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia but bounced back with a crucial clean sheet in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Mexico.

Away from Qatar, however, the Argentine’s Villa future has emerged as a worrying topic of conversation.

The Latest: Villa exit on the cards?

According to Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, Martinez’s time at Villa Park is ‘under threat’ because of ‘friction’ with new boss Emery, who recently replaced Steven Gerrard.

A source has claimed that a ‘fallout’ took place between the pair during their time at Arsenal together which could still prove to be problematic, with it being described as a ‘hurdle’ to overcome.

The Verdict: Hugely worrying news

This is undoubtedly concerning news for anyone of a Villa persuasion, considering what an influential performer Martinez has been during his time at the club and the fact he signed a new contract through to 2027 earlier this year.

He has established himself as arguably one of the standout goalkeepers in the Premier League and has also been described as ‘one of the best’ in the world in his position by Lionel Messi.

The hope is that Martinez and Emery can get past their differences and work together effectively – not everybody has to be best friends – because the thought of the former departing is hugely worrying.

Chelsea’s potential signing of Lionel Messi would depend on the financial aspect of the move, according to transfer expert Dean Jones. 

The Lowdown: Still got it 

If we’ve learnt anything throughout the World Cup, it’s that that £670k-per-week legend has still got it. Three goals from four games in this tournament have seen him hold his position as Argentina’s talisman, even in his mid-30s. 

The South American legend has also excelled in France this season, registering 17 attacking contributions for Paris Saint-German in the form of seven goals and 10 assists from 13 Ligue 1 games. 

At 35 years of age, Messi is still delivering in spades at the highest level, and he has recently been linked with a potential free transfer to Chelsea next year when his contract in Paris expires.

The Latest: A Premier League bow?

According to Jones, Messi has interest from the Stamford Bridge club when his deal with PSG expires, although it is highly unlikely to materialise due to the finances which could be involved.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer expert said: “It comes down to finances, it comes down to Messi’s drive to test himself in the Premier League at a club like that at this stage in his career.

“He won’t be willing to make a transfer that flops at this point, so while there might be some interest on Chelsea’s side, it’s difficult to see Messi making that jump.“

The Verdict: Doesn’t seem likely

There is no doubt that Messi’s arrival in the Premier League would be fantastic to see.

However, if he is to make such a move, which seems unlikely at this point in his career, you would imagine that his calling would be at Manchester City to reunite with his former boss Pep Guardiola in a possession-dominated system like that with which he is familiar from Barcelona.

Therefore, Jones is right to play down the prospect of the Argentina icon lining out in a Chelsea shirt.