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Liverpool fans call on club to bring Coutinho back

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Liverpool fans have once again urged the club to re-sign Philippe Coutinho this summer.

The Reds’ official Twitter account confirmed on Tuesday that Jurgen Klopp and his squad have landed in the United States ahead of their pre-season tour.

And a number of supporters responded to the tweet calling on the club to secure a deal to re-sign the Barcelona playmaker.

Calciomercato reported earlier this week that the Reds have submitted a two-year loan offer for the Brazil international, with a purchase option of £88m.

Coutinho, of course, spent five years at Anfield following a move from Inter Milan in 2013.

His move to Barca cost the Catalan club a fee of £142m.

He has made a total of 76 appearances at the Camp Nou, scoring 21 goals and registering 11 assists. He has won La Liga twice, as well as the Spanish Cup and the Spanish Super Cup.

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And fans want to see him back on Merseyside in this transfer window.

Take a look at the best of the reaction below!

Manchester United’s decision to hand David de Gea a new deal applauded by pundit

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking on talkSPORT, former England international Danny Mills has applauded Manchester United’s reported decision to hand David de Gea a new contract this summer.

What did he say?

Reports in recent weeks have claimed that the Spain international is on the verge of putting pen to paper on a new deal that would see him become the highest-paid goalkeeper in the world.

Despite fellow talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan lambasting the reported contract offer, Mills suggested that United are doing the right thing, and that they will be getting value for money.

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He said: “De Gea only made a couple of mistakes at the World Cup, but that happens from time to time. He hasn’t been playing in a fantastic side and if you look at the saves he’s made and his quality.

“Most players would have thrown their toys out of the pram at that stage, but he didn’t, he came back, knuckled down, worked incredibly hard and was then their next player for the next three or four seasons.

“It’s smidge under £20m a year, and if you’re going to replace De Gea right now with a top quality keeper that’s going to cost you north of £60m. So they’ve almost got an outstanding goalkeeper for nothing for the next six years.”

What about Dean Henderson?

In years gone by, there could not be any dispute that De Gea was amongst the best goalkeepers in the world, let alone the Premier League. But after a seriously underwhelming campaign by his standards, the decision to hand De Gea a new deal is questionable.

Perhaps what is just as eyebrow-raising is what this whole situation means for United’s highly-promising England U21 international Dean Henderson. The shot-stopper had a formidable campaign in between the sticks for Sheffield United, as the Blades secured the joint-best defensive record in the Championship.

At 22, Henderson still has plenty of time on his hands but what message does it send to the young goalkeeper when he sees a below-par De Gea handed a bumper new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford for the next six years? How on earth does he see a clear path into the United first-team now? United’s reported decision could have major ramifications not just for their wage bill, but for the future of one of their most talented prospects too.

Manchester United warned they’ll face "tough season" by David Moyes

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking to The Daily Mirror, David Moyes has warned his former club Manchester United that they face the prospect of another “tough season”.

What did he say?

Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, United have failed to win the Premier League title and  they head into the upcoming campaign without Champions League football.

Having experienced the club’s struggles in his own time in charge at Old Trafford, Moyes has expressed that the club will face yet another difficult season.

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He said: “It is a tough job. You have seen how tough it has been for myself, Louis van Gaal and Jose ­Mourinho – very experienced managers have found it difficult. I think it will be another tough season for Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer), but he is trying to do everything to get it right. I hope he is successful. But there are massive ­expectations.

“When you ­become ­Manchester United manager you are expected to win every game. And when you win the game, you are expected to have done it with style. Then when you win, you are expected to have scored plenty of goals as well. Ole will be aware of that and know he has to do well. I think Man United just need to follow their values of old.”

Transition

Just how long does a so-called transition period last, before it eventually becomes the norm? Following Ferguson’s exit, the club have been in such a loop ever since, and have looked more and more unlikely to break out of it anytime in the near future.

The Red Devils have been in a bit of a slumber since the summer of 2013, and have seen plenty of managers and players come and go – but they still can’t seem to shake off the shackles of their iconic former manager. The summer transfer window has seen Solskjaer struggle to get deals done for the likes of Harry Maguire and Sean Longstaff, whilst the uncertain futures of both Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku threaten to cast a dark cloud ahead of the opening of the Premier League season.

How much money could you make busking for a week as a freestyle footballer? Find out in the video below…

Forget winning in style. The Red Devils simply need to get back to winning, and once they get that part of the job description right, they can think about doing it with the old United pomp.

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Paulo Dybala spotted on a plane amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur

Daniel Levy already has fans buzzing after the capture of Tanguy Ndombele but things could be about to get a whole lot better if he gets his wallet out once again to sign a certain Argentine. 

Indeed, Spurs appear to have their sights set on Juventus’ Paulo Dybala at this moment in time, according to Tuttosport (via The Sun). The north London club are understood to have failed with a £45 million bid but are expected to return with an improved offer after receiving encouraging feedback over the potential to secure a deal.

However, the one thing that will excite fans the most is that Paulo Dybala has reportedly said yes to the prospect of making the move to the new White Hart Lane, if Levy stumps up £80 million.

Levy… What are you waiting for?

Well, perhaps something has been happening behind closed doors as the Argentine was in fact spotted on a plane, which may or may not have been heading to England.

Obviously, fans can only speculate at the moment but just imagine the scenes if he rocks up at Heathrow Airport.

Spurs fans, surely he would be up there as one of your best ever signings if things go through? 

Derby County’s Wayne Rooney takes to Instagram to share first interview at new club

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Wayne Rooney is already 33 years old but he is showing no signs of stopping.

His latest challenge takes him away from the MLS and straight into the Championship and Derby County, as he has now officially been confirmed by the club.

Rooney signed an initial 18-month contract until the summer of 2021, but will also have the option of a further year if he chooses to take it.

Watch Derby County Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

But there’s also a twist in that story. Not only will Rooney be a player at Derby, but he will also take up the role of a coach in order to develop his skills and credentials for a potential managerial career in the future.

Now, the 33-year-old forward has taken to

/B01Sx3FFr2U/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link” data-lasso->Instagram to share his first words as a new Derby County player.

Rooney has played a total of 46 games for DC United in the MLS, scoring 25 goals and assisting further 13.

Still, he is best known for his Manchester United days.

Rooney scored a total of 253 goals for the Red Devils and also made 120 appearances for England with a tally of 53 strikes to his name.

With such a record, he will definitely bring some experience to his new club.

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Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles needs to be on top form to stop Burnley

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Arsenal will face Burnley on Saturday in their second Premier League game of the season after beating Newcastle 1-0 last week. Ainsley Maitland-Niles had a fantastic performance, particularly going forward, but he will need to be just as adept moving in the other direction if the Gunners are to prevail against the Clarets.

On the chalkboard

Maitland-Niles was arguably Arsenal’s best player against the Toon, recording an 8.40 WhoScored rating. In attack, he successfully completed four dribbles, more than any of his teammates, and he also created the only goal of the game, which was scored by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gunners should have the lion’s share of possession in their next match, and the 21-year-old will be expected to provide once again offensively. But he will also need to keep his wits about him at the other end of the pitch, as Burnley could target his side in their attempts to get on the scoresheet.

Claret dangerous on left-wing

Last season, 41% of all of Burnley’s attacks came down their left flank, compared to 26% through the middle and 33% down the right. They put in a lot of crosses – 18 per game to be exact – and they look to exploit the left side of the pitch the most.

That area of the field has already been used to great affect this season. The Lancashire outfit started the campaign with a positive result against Southampton, beating the Saints 3-0 at Turf Moor. New signing – and new left-back – Erik Pieters hit the ground running for his new team, assisting two of the three strikes. The second one should be on Unai Emery and Maitland-Niles’ minds in particular; the former Stoke City defender was given far too much time to pick out Ashley Barnes in the middle.

Dwight McNeil, the Clarets’ 19-year-old left-winger, also started his season in impressive fashion, registering a 7.91 WhoScored rating for his performance. Along with Pieters, Maitland-Niles will his have his work cut out to stop them both if he does not concentrate on his defensive duties at the Emirates Stadium.

Throw summer signing Pepe’s potential first start into the equation as well, and it could be a very tricky afternoon for Arsenal’s young utility man.

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Liverpool XI that Jurgen Klopp should pick against Arsenal

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Liverpool will look to maintain their 100% start to the Premier League season when they host Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday.

So far the Reds have recorded wins against Norwich City and Southampton, scoring six goals and conceding two in the process.

They may well face their toughest challenge yet though against the Gunners, given Unai Emery’s men are the only other top flight club with a perfect record as things stand.

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The Merseyside outfit have home advantage in their favour, so what starting XI should Jurgen Klopp pick on Saturday?

We take a look below…

The German manager has rotated his midfield and attacking options so far in the Premier League, with captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho dropping out of the XI against Southampton following their exerts against Chelsea in the Super Cup.

Given the defensive cover and work rate the duo bring collectively, they should both be reinstated against their visitors from the capital, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain providing a bit more attacking impetus alongside them than perhaps Gini Wijnaldum would.

Behind them, Klopp should look to add some pace to a defence that is going to come up against Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe, meaning Joe Gomez gets the nod over Joel Matip alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Trent Alexander-Arnold may not have been at his best so far this term with The Liverpool Echo saying he was often exposed against Norwich, but he has the attacking threat to force Aubameyang to track back should the Gabon international start on the left as he did against Burnley last time out, while Andrew Robertson is a no-brainer on the opposite side.

The front three? Well that speaks for itself, doesn’t it.

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Celtic fans hate Neil Lennon’s verdict on Scott Brown

Celtic fans have been left baffled by something Neil Lennon said in his pre-Old Firm press conference regarding captain Scott Brown.

‘Broony’ is a fan favourite at Parkhead and he always will be. The Hoops skipper has racked up a frankly ridiculous 20 major honours with the club, and we’ve lost count of the amount of rivals he has angered on and off the pitch, something football fans always love.

However, it’s fair to say the 34 year-old has shown his age this season and fans have noticed it too. He has already given away two penalties, and his performance on Thursday night against AIK was nothing to write home about either.

Football Scotland awarded him a 6 out of 10, making note of his “needless booking” and calling his performance “nothing spectacular”.

It seems Neil Lennon doesn’t agree with that statement though, saying before this weekend’s huge clash against Rangers: “Quality of performance last night was excellent. A lot to be proud about. The front 4 were brilliant. Broony looked back to his best too.”

This has stirred quite the response from some sections of the fan base, who feel playing the ageing midfielder this weekend could be a recipe for disaster.

Steven Gerrard’s side are strong in the middle of the park it has to be said, and the Twitter reactions down below are very worried about the gaffer’s comments…

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Leicester’s Caglar Soyuncu may prove to be the difference in Bournemouth test

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Leicester will look to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to a fourth straight match when they host Bournemouth at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Foxes picked up their first win against Sheffield United last weekend after a Harvey Barnes volley won it late on. Previous to that they had drawn with Chelsea and Wolves, who are both likely to be contending for a spot in the top six this season.

Watch Leicester City Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Meanwhile, the Cherries can’t really complain after their only defeat was dealt at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Just one point separates the two with it still being so early in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign – but where will this battle be won or lost this weekend?

On the Chalkboard

Brendan Rodgers’ men have scored just three times this season, two against Sheffield United and one against Chelsea.

Two of those goals have come from set-pieces which puts them joint-first in the league for scoring via this method.

Wilfred Ndidi headed home the equaliser at Stamford Bridge whilst Harvey Barnes was able to let rip from the edge of the box following a corner last weekend.

This appears to be a weakness of Bournemouth’s having conceded two goals from set-pieces this season – the joint-most in the league.

Chris Mepham poked home from a corner in their game against the Blades and Douglas Luiz smashed home a scorcher following a clearance from a corner.

Their vulnerability may suit Leicester seeing as 63% of their shots have come from outside the box, which means another scenario like Barnes or Luiz could happen.

On top of that, Caglar Soyuncu could relish their weakness on corners as he will be able to get his 6 foot 1 frame amongst the action and cause problems.

This season, he is winning an average of 5.7 aerial duels per game, so he has every chance to be the difference-maker here this weekend.

That figure is the most of anyone between the two teams with Bournemouth centre-backs all recording less – Steve Cook (3.7), Nathan Ake (1.3) and Mepham (0.5), per WhoScored.

According to Understat, Soyuncu’s expected goals with his head sits at 0.95, more than any other part of his body.

That means that the Cherries could struggle to outmuscle the imperious Turk this weekend in headed scenarios.

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Sheffield Wednesday can replicate Howard Wilkinson stint with Danny Cowley

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Leon Wobschall, of the Yorkshire Post, believes that Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley has the potential to be the ‘new Howard Wilkinson’ at Sheffield Wednesday, should he be appointed.

What’s he said?

The Owls enter the international break with an air of uncertainty hanging over caretaker boss Lee Bullen’s head after his side endured a poor run of results towards the end of August.

Pressure appears to be mounting on the 48-year-old’s head following three defeats in four matches in the Championship, which has led to rumours circulating in the press about who their next manager could be.

Early in the week, it was Tony Pulis, who The Sun claimed would be revisited should Bullen face the axe, but Sky Sports then reported that the club were in ‘advanced talks’ with Cowley.

Wobschall has weighed in with his own thoughts following this week’s news, declaring he could replicate Wilkinson’s footsteps of yesteryear, he said:

“Sheffield Wednesday followers will recall some heady days in the mid-Eighties under one-time Abbeydale School master Howard Wilkinson with genuine fondness to this day.

“The call of home-town club Wednesday proved irresistible for Wilkinson in 1983 when he was at an almost identical age to what the older and more senior Cowley brother is now at 40 and possessed a similar background in the game after starting out in non-league circles at Boston United before moving onto Notts County.”

Would help to resonate with the fanbase

The paths of these two managers, despite being over two decades apart is eerily similar, and if Cowley does get the job, it could help him settle right in at Hillsborough.

Wilkinson is regarded as one of Wednesday’s most successful managers having led the club to Division One for the first time in 14 years back in 1984.

The Owls have been without Premier League football since 2000, so if Cowley were to come in and replicate that he would have followed suit, but instead banishing an even longer period of time.

The fact that he would be following in the very same footsteps as Wilkinson, having been a school teacher and then working his way up through non-league football, will only help the fanbase resonate with a man that has never managed higher than the level he’s currently at.

If Cowley is appointed then the stars could well align.

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