All posts by h716a5.icu

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Liverpool fans on Twitter have taken the positives from the latest significant injury news coming out of the club, after it was revealed that Naby Keita would miss the Africa Cup of Nations with an injury that will rule him out for eight weeks.

The Guinean had to be withdrawn early on in the Champions League semi-final tie against Barcelona on Wednesday after appearing to hurt his groin following a challenge from Ivan Rakitic, and it now seems a lot more serious than it originally looked.

Does your club have a legend who is criminally overrated? Fans answer this tough question in the video below…

Jurgen Klopp described the injury as ‘very serious’, and you would expect that a number of Liverpool fans would have been upset with the news that their in-form midfielder, who has scored three goals in his last six games, will miss the business end to the campaign.

However, the Reds supporters on Twitter are finding the positives of the situation, and are looking forward to having a fully fit Keita raring to go after getting an uninterrupted pre-season under his belt…

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It’s fair to say that Liverpool’s comeback against Barcelona was astonishing. Faced with the daunting prospect of overturning a three-goal deficit without Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino, it didn’t look like they had a prayer.

But Anfield is a special place that’s played host to a number of memorable nights. Therefore, it would have been wrong to write off the possibility altogether.

And the Champions League final now awaits them. However, there was something that would have made last Tuesday nights victory far sweeter for Liverpool fans.

That reasoning is, of course, the fact that Luis Suarez was on the opposing team. He returned to the club where he almost won a league title with. How he might now be wishing he’d stayed.

There was an irony to Suarez’s night. The Uruguayan controversially celebrated when he scored in the Camp Nou last week in the first leg, before admitting he wouldn’t do so in the return fixture.

As Barcelona crashed out of Europe, Suarez never even had a chance to contemplate a celebration. Instead, he stood dejected, cutting an empty and lonely character as his former teammates celebrated in front of his very eyes.

For a man who was once an adored figure in the hearts and minds of Liverpool supporters, he is now merely a player of days gone by. Jurgen Klopp’s side have come so far without him.

A picture of Jordan Henderson running towards him rather sums the forward’s night up. The Liverpool skipper was sensational, Suarez was anything but.

[ad_pod ]A second successive Premier League title had only just been secured hours before with a resounding 4-1 win over Brighton on the final day.In doing so, Manchester City became the first team since Manchester United in 2009 to defend their crown, and also saw their points tally from the last two seasons total an astounding 198 – truly ridiculous.Surely, after managing to achieve such a difficult feat, you would think Pep Guardiola and his team would kick back with a beer and just relax for a moment on the plane back to Manchester, right?Wrong.Are Man City better than Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’? Fans discuss in the video below…The Spaniard hasn’t got to where he has in the game by switching off, not even for a second.Thanks to the official Pep Guardiola Twitter account, @PepTeam, we were able to see what the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss got up to on the plane back from the title-winning victory at the Amex Stadium, and it is truly commendable.

The image shows Guardiola and one member of his staff obsessing over the match against the Seagulls, analysing every detail whilst the Premier League trophy sits right in front of them; it is almost discarded to the side, as if to suggest that the next title is already the main focus in the mind of the 48-year-old and his team.

It is this ruthless, relentless attitude that has seen Guardiola pick up a staggering 906 league points out of a possible 1104 across his 10-year coaching career, a record that shows just how obsessed the Spaniard is with achieving perfection.

This state of mind must be agonising for teams such as Liverpool to watch – a side who recorded their highest ever Premier League points total with 97, had two Golden Boots winners, the PFA Player of the Year in their side as well as the winner of the Golden Glove; even all of that wasn’t enough to knock Pep off his perch.

[ad_pod ]West Ham United fans have had a mixed reaction to Manuel Pellegrini’s assessment of their Premier League season.

The Hammers’ Twitter account posted a tweet quoting the manager on Monday, with Pellegrini saying: “For the first season, to finish in the top 10 is not bad. We have improved in points, goals scored and goals conceded. So compared with the last season we have grown a step.â€

The east London club ultimately finished 10th after a fine late run of form which saw them win three games on the bounce, against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur – becoming the first away team to win at their new stadium – Southampton and Watford.

They were, however, unable to mount a sustained challenge for a top-seven finish which, after Manchester City’s FA Cup victory, would have seen them qualify for the Europa League. Nuno Espirito Santo’s impressive Wolves side took the ‘best of the rest’ honour instead.

And fans have been left split on the Chilean’s assessment, as they look to push on again in the 2019-20 season, and potentially break into the top seven.

Take a look at the best of the reaction below!

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Chris Wilder must rethink his stance heading into the Premier League after his quotes in The Mirror suggested that he isn’t willing to adapt his style for the top flight.

The Blades have been promoted twice in three years playing an attractive brand of attacking football, but that style may have to change when they come up against some of the most talented squads this country has ever seen.

Wilder’s comments

Speaking to The Mirror, Wilder seemed very set in his ways, saying:

“The expectation level will be a little bit lower now.

“Nothing will really change in terms of the way we prepare the players.”

He went on to say that the team will “approach every game the same,” adding that their “philosophy, method and structure won’t change.”

Can’t have this approach

Sheffield United can’t afford to have this all guns blazing approach in the Premier League that they had in the lower leagues.

For Wilder to say “when we are 5-0 down after 20 minutes to Man City, I might have my head in my hands,” shows that he is aware of the faults in his system, but he seems willing to allow his stubbornness to scupper results.

Although the top six seem unbeatable at times, the points that the lower teams pick up against them are often the difference between relegation and survival.

Brighton proved that this season. The Seagulls stayed up by just two points, and the five points they picked up against Arsenal and Man United proved to be decisive.

The 51-year-old seems to have already written off his side’s chances against the Premier League’s top dogs, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Wilder should move away from his patented 5-2-1-2 system with overlapping centre-backs when he comes up against the top sides. He should instead revert to a system more akin to the one he used when he was Northampton boss.

During his time at Sixfields, he utilised a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 which was much more rigid and disciplined than the formation he currently uses at Bramall Lane.

This tactic proved to be just as effective as his the one he employs with his current team, as he got the Cobblers promoted from League Two with 99 points.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

Wilder should think about bringing back this tactic when the Blades face off against one of the top six, as it is much more suited to playing against the best teams in the Premier League than his current system, which could come unstuck against more talented opposition.

The 2018/2019 season may not be properly over yet, but the summer transfer window is well and truly underway as clubs around the world size up who they would like to sell and who they would like to buy.

Even members of the “Big Six”, like Unai Emery’s Arsenal, are completing that task as we speak. And you may not think that the UEFA Europa League finalists and Premier League fifth-placed side need to add much to their star-studded squad, but there are at least 15 players that they should be targeting this summer.

Find out who they are as we take you through them…

Eric Bailly

Following another highly questionable season for the Arsenal defence, an overhaul is needed in the summer transfer window, especially in central defence. Centre-backs have to go and centre-backs have to come in.

One of the latter should be Manchester United’s Eric Bailly. The Ivorian may be something of an outcast at Old Trafford at the moment, but we are all aware of the 25-year-old’s ability and experience at the highest level, ability and experience that would fit in well at the Emirates Stadium – in the regular starting Xl or on the fringes.

Youri Tielemans 

In one of the most high-profile moves of the summer to have already been announced, Aaron Ramsey will move to Juventus at the end of his contract after 11 years in north London and Arsenal can’t think they can afford not to replace him properly – especially with the possibility of Mesut Ozil also departing.

Leicester City loan star Youri Tielemans would be the perfect like-for-like replacement for the Welshman in central attacking midfield. The Belgium international has impressed hugely in his half-season at the King Power Stadium, notching three goals and five assists in the Premier League.

Nicolas Pepe

Lille left winger Nicolas Pepe has set Ligue 1 alight this season with his outstanding flare, pace and skill, bagging himself a staggering 22 goals and 11 assists.

At 23, the Gunners’ own left-wing talent Alexandre Iwobi is struggling to fulfil his potential and the arrival of the 23-year-old Ivory Coast man could be exactly the kick in the backside he needs to start performing. The duo of Iwobi and Pepe available would make Unai Emery’s left flank fearsome.

Ben Chilwell

The North Londoners’ defensive reshuffle this summer will also need to extend to both full-back positions, but left-back has to be the priority with no clear first choice just the injury-prone Sead Kolasinac and ageing Nacho Monreal.

Another current Foxes star would undoubtedly offer a solution to the problem in Ben Chilwell. However, the only issue with the move for the England international is that Emery’s men aren’t the only ones who’ve had the same idea. They will face competitions from clubs such as Manchester City, Napoli and Liverpool for the 22-year-old’s signature.

Kostas Manolas

Another name who would help revolutionalise Arsenal’s central defence this window is Roma’s 27-year-old 39-time Greek international Konstantinos Manolas.

It seems like the Gunners hierarchy have taken the same view too as recent rumours suggest the club have concrete interest in the rock-solid centre-half. Manolas, you would feel, is superior to anything the North London outfit have at present in central defence and drastic improvement in the area is key to success next campaign.

Denzel Dumfries

Right-back appears to be the only position in Emery’s defence where a good-enough first-choice option exists, but Hector Bellerin can’t seem to make it through a full term at the moment without picking up a serious injury or two.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles can’t fill in forever and Stephan Lichtsteiner and Carl Jenkinson are poised to be released at the end of their contracts, at least one or two more options are needed and one of these should be Denzel Dumfries. The Holland star deserves to be at a higher level than the Eredivisie and will surely have that in mind as we enter this window.

Cengiz Under

The signing of Roma attacker Cengiz Under would be a huge statement of intent for the North Londoners and in terms of the local bragging rights a win, with Tottenham Hotspur also looking to sign the utility man.

The Turkish superstar would be able to provide excellent support for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette at the Emirates Stadium and that’s all they need to bring home bags of goals. And at 21, the best years of Under’s career operating all across the attack are still yet to come.

Matt Doherty

Someone who can be signed alongside Dumfries to provide cover and competition for Bellerin is Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matt Doherty – the right-back will not be short of interest after the maiden Premier League campaign he’s just enjoyed.

Doherty may have just signed a new deal at Molineux and be very tricky to prise away from Nuno Espirito Santo’s men with the ambition that Wolves are showing, but nothing’s impossible. The Republic of Ireland international has the ability to challenge Bellerin and Dumfries to be the first choice.

Kalidou Koulibaly 

When it comes to a real marquee signing at centre-half for the Gunners this summer, it can be no other than the defender every top team in Europe appears to be targeting, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli.

The 27-year-old Senegalese international is an absolute colossus at the back who’s matured to become arguably the best centre-back in Serie A since his transfer to Naples from Genk in 2014. He shouldn’t spend much longer in Italy’s top division and is playing well below his level – a switch to the Premier League surely beckons.

Cristian Pavon

Speaking of operating well below your level, this transfer window will if there’s any sense in the world, be the time for Boca Juniors’ Cristian Pavon to finally make his big switch to Europe and Arsenal should ensure it’s with them.

Watford have emerged as the front-runners to land him in recent times, however, the Gunners can easily trump their London rivals in the market. Pavon would be another candidate to provide that much-needed support to the two main forwards from the wide areas as a right-footed individual comfortable on either flank.

You just cannot do anything but love and admire everything West Ham United’s Declan Rice does.

The 20-year-old has gone from strength-to-strength since breaking into the first-team and the sky is truly the limit in the Claret and Blue of the Hammers for the young star.

Rice has cut himself a figure of being a rather cheeky chap of sorts and looks like the type of guy that anyone would be delighted to have in their circle of friends as it would seem as though he does not take life too seriously, although the exact opposite could be said about his football as his game is of the highest quality whilst on the pitch.

And, it appears he has taken that jovial humour to Instagram when replying to a comment another exceptionally talented up-and-coming football posted on his photo, which has since been deleted – although we were fortunate enough to acquire a screenshot when we could.

Mason Mount left a remark on his picture, leading to another user stating that it was time for him to wear the Claret and Blue, to which Rice stated that he would love that to happen – see the below screenshot.

And, if West Ham could make it happen in the summer, then perhaps they should look to do all they can to ensure it does.

Mount had an outstanding season on loan with Derby County last season, bagging himself 11 goals in 42 appearances, including five assists, as they went on to reach the Championship play-off final.

A loan move to a Premier League side would likely be the player’s next step unless Chelsea decide the time is right for him to have a crack at Stamford Bridge because of their pending transfer ban – something they still have not launched an appeal against (Express).

Rice will know Mount from his days in the Chelsea academy, and to be fair, the Hammers could do a lot worse than snapping him up.

Creativity has been a real issue for Manuel Pellegrini’s side and the young Englishman has thrived in the middle of the field for the past couple of seasons. A loan move for either party would not be considered a high-risk, although the potential returns could be huge for both sides.

Although it might have only been a cheeky comment by Rice on social media, if West Ham have any chance of striking a deal with their London rivals for Mount, then they must look to strike one this summer.

West Ham fans, do you think Mount would be a good addition at the club if they were able to acquire him? Let us know below!

This is the stuff Southampton supporters want to see.

According to Sky Sports, the south coast club have agreed a deal with Standard Liege to sign Moussa Djenepo, with the Daily Echo reporting that the 20-year-old winger is expected to cost £14m.

Out wide is certainly an area of Southampton’s squad that could do with some strengthening going into next season. In the campaign that has just gone, Nathan Redmond has been the only real natural wide player who has been consistent.

Josh Sims only really came into the frame towards the end, while Mohamed Elyounoussi has simply been unable to deliver.

Based on that, Ralph Hasenhuttl is probably in need of another winger. And the former RB Leipzig manager could do a lot worse than Djenepo.

The Mali international, whose best position is out on the left, is quick, can carry the ball and knows how to ride a challenge.

He reached double figures for goals in all competitions in the recently concluded season, netting three times in the Europa League, displaying the sort of attacking threat Southampton need to add to their squad.

At 20 and moving to a new league, it could take some time before Djenepo really starts to make an impact at St. Mary’s.

How long Southampton can afford to wait remains to be seen. But one thing that is certain is that they cannot afford for Djenepo to go down the same path as the likes of Elyounoussi and Sofiane Boufal.

Southampton fans, how excited are you about Djenepo’s imminent arrival? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Lots of Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to react after the official Premier League fixtures were released, with many casting their eyes towards a frightening run of games in May.

A lot of Reds supporters on Twitter seem worried by their end to the campaign, in which they face Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle in their last three games of the season – these could be crucial if Jurgen Klopp’s men are yet again involved in the title race.

You can relive Liverpool’s Champions League celebrations in glorious 2D thanks to the guys at 442oons in the video below…

The Champions League winners start their campaign at home to newly promoted Norwich, who they enjoyed great success against last time the Canaries were in the top-flight with some convincing, high-scoring wins – the Norfolk-based side will be happy that Luis Suarez is no longer at Anfield.

Whilst the opening game seems easy enough, the end to the season has a lot of Liverpool fans worried that one of Arsenal, Chelsea or the Magpies could put a dent in their title hopes.

Let’s see what the Reds fans on Twitter are saying about a nasty looking May…

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Ahead of what is a huge summer for West Brom, they could be left staring down the barrel of a mass exodus.

Technical Director Luke Dowling has already revealed that a number of players may have to leave in order to cut back on their wage bill.

Among those to go through the exit door could be two defenders. Craig Dawson has already been the subject of a report linking him with Burnley whilst they could also lose Kieran Gibbs.

Despite the options they’ve had in defence they still weren’t particularly solid last season but there is a player who could be capable of solving that issue.

Last week The Scottish Sun claimed that West Brom were showing an interest in Barnsley defender Liam Lindsay.

The Scot has been a rock for the Tykes and although playing in League One last term, he could be the perfect man to solve a number of problems.

Firstly, he could put whoever becomes the new manager at the Hawthorns instantly in supporters’ good books, especially judging by his first season in the Championship.

During the 2017/18 campaign, a season where the Reds were relegated, the 23-year-old was particularly solid.

Defending for large parts of each match, his reading of the play was impressive. On average, he made 1.5 interceptions.

In comparison, no other West Brom centre-back made more during the 2018/19 season.

Lindsay’s no-nonsense nature is one aspect that stands out above anything else. He made six clearances per match whilst also winning 4.5 aerial duels during his debut campaign in England.

Both stats come close to arguably Albion’s best defender, Ahmed Hegazi.

Assessing his statistical data from the last time he played in the Championship, it’s clear he’d be an astute signing, especially judging by how he matches up against those already at the club.

Watch fans explain why the Football League is better than the Premier League in the video below…

Should he arrive, there’s a case to be made for him being central to the new manager’s rebuild.

It may not be a signing to rave about, but adding individuals of this quality will be imperative in proving that they can recruit players for the level of football they now play in.

After their poor business in the January transfer window, landing a centre-back like Lindsay could go a long way to proving to supporters that the new manager actually knows what he’s doing.