All posts by h716a5.icu

Like in their previous encounter where they came out 2-1 victors, Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League clash versus Watford is likely to be another tight affair.

The Blues and the Hornets have quality players all over the pitch, with their midfields standing out in particular.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has really come into prominence in recent weeks, while Abdoulaye Doucoure has been a real presence in the middle of the park for his side since arriving from Rennes.

With that in mind, as they prepare to do battle against each other on Sunday, how do the two midfielders compare?

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

It has taken some time, but Loftus-Cheek looks to have finally broken into Chelsea’s starting XI — and the 23-year-old has not disappointed since getting there.

On top of the physicality he has brought to the team, Loftus-Cheek has also provided Sarri’s side with another goal threat.

The England international’s runs into the box are causing the Blues’ opponents a lot of problems, while his combination play with Eden Hazard and Callum Hudson-Odoi in attack has been exquisite at times.

That and his ability to drive with the ball has been massive for Chelsea in their last few fixtures.

Considering that, one can only wonder why Sarri has left it so late in the season to give the Chelsea academy graduate a proper chance in the first team.

TT Grade: B Abdoulaye Doucoure

While Loftus-Cheek is only starting to become an important player for Chelsea now, Doucoure has been a key figure in Watford’s engine room since coming into the fray at Vicarage Road.

One of the best box-to-box midfielders the Premier League has to offer, the 26-year-old brings so much to Javi Gracia’s side.

To go with all the less glamorous tasks he carries out in his own half, Doucoure is also capable of getting things done when it comes to attacking the opponent’s goal.

He has the intelligence to time his runs into the box to perfection and the technical skill to convert the chances that follow.

The Frenchman only signed a contract extension last August, but it would not be a surprise to see some big clubs target him in the summer.

TT Grade: B+ TT Verdict:

Loftus-Cheek can go to the very top. At 23, he still has so much time to improve.

Compared to Doucoure, physically and technically, he is just as good.

Next season, if he can retain a regular spot in Chelsea’s starting XI, then he could go on to become an even more influential midfielder than the Watford man.

Until then, though, Doucoure remains the superior player out of the two.

Chelsea and Watford fans, who wins this battle? Join the discussion by commenting below.

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Tottenham Hotspur need to beat Ajax in Amsterdam to reach the Champions League final.

Spurs lost the first leg 1-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Mauricio Pochettino was forced to name a patched-up XI, with Moussa Sissoko on the bench and Son Heung-Min suspended.

Sissoko is fit for the return leg, however, while Jan Vertonghen, who sustained a nasty-looking head injury in the first game, could play with facial protection this time out.

Harry Kane has travelled to Amsterdam to watch the game but he is unlikely to be fit to play any part as he continues his recovery from ligament damage, but Erik Lamela is fit.

Football FanCast, then, has taken a look at how Pochettino could set up as Spurs look to face Liverpool in Madrid for the right to be called European champions.

Hugo Lloris is sure to play in goal.

Kieran Trippier is the only choice at right-back, with Serge Aurier injured and Kyle Walker-Peters untrusted on the biggest stage.

If Vertonghen is fit, he should play and, with Davinson Sanchez also injured, it makes sense for Pochettino to revert to the four-at-the-back system that almost saved his side in the first leg. Danny Rose offers more thrust at full-back than Ben Davies and should start.

In midfield, Sissoko has proved himself to be indispensable and he simply has to start, but there are question marks over who will partner him; Eric Dier endured a nightmare against AFC Bournemouth at the weekend and Victor Wanyama is perhaps the best option.

The front four surely picks itself, even when Lamela’s return to fitness is considered, with Son, despite his sending off on Saturday, sure to be champing at the bit to get out there and right the wrongs of the weekend.

After he missed the first leg, Pochettino will hope that his direct running and excellent finishing ability will prove decisive.

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In recent years we have seen teams promoted from the Championship when they have been built around a group of players from one specific nation.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves were built around Portuguese players, while Daniel Farke’s Norwich side had a plethora of German talent in their ranks.

With Victor Orta in charge of transfers at Leeds they have quietly been applying a transfer policy that favours the signings of Spaniards, and according to reports in Marca they may be set to add another in the shape of Rafa Mujica.

Who is he?

Mujica is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, but now aged 20 he is yet to make a first-team appearance for the European giants.

He has played 63 games for the Catalan club’s B team where he has scored just 10 goals, so it seems that despite being a product of one of the best academies in the world Mujica is yet to make a real impact in his career.

This wouldn’t be the first time Leeds have looked towards Camp Nou when they have been looking for players. Kun Tumenzhukov came from Barcelona’s youth setup to Elland Road and has been brilliant for their U23s this season.

Have to be careful with this policy

With the links to Mujica and Ander Iturraspe, it seems increasingly likely that Leeds are looking to bring in more Spanish players this summer.

Kiko Casilla, Pablo Hernandez and Samu Saiz are already on the books at the Yorkshire club, and several other youngsters are in the reserves.

Orta’s Spanish influence is filtering into the first team, but the Whites must be careful when purchasing from one of the world’s great footballing nations.

Spaniards have often had a hard time settling in England the likes of Jozabed at Fulham, Vicente Iborra at Leicester and Nolito at Man City have shown that their talents often don’t translate over to the English game.

Leeds have already fallen victim to this problem as Saiz had to go out on loan in January due to homesickness after a fantastic first season with the club.

The policy could work wonders for the Whites, but they mustn’t put all their eggs in one basket as it may backfire.

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Celtic fans have taken to Twitter to react after it was revealed that Dedryck Boyata would be leaving the club, having signed a pre-contract agreement with Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin.

The Belgian international was allowed to leave after his contract expired at Celtic Park, and departs the club just one year after Fulham saw a £9m bid rejected for his services – in hindsight, not selling him then was a costly error.

“Lionel Messi is Barcelona’s James McFadden!” – Watch Scottish football fans name their clubs’ Lionel Messi in the video below…

Just weeks on from that bid, the former Manchester City defender missed Celtic’s defeat to AEK Athens despite being fully fit, and the fans have never forgiven him for letting the side down on an evening that saw them knocked out of the competition in qualifying.

However, the 28-year-old has performed well for the club and has also been a solid option at the back.

Some fans are sad to see him go due to his quality as a defender, whilst others are glad to see the back of him after the whole debacle surrounding the Athens game.

Let’s see what the Celtic supporters have been saying on Twitter…

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According to Sport1, Liverpool are considering a swoop for Max Kruse this summer as the experienced forward prepares to leave Werder Bremen on a free transfer.

But it would be fair to say that the Merseyside club’s supporters are not interested in their club moving for the 14-time Germany international.

Kruse will see his current deal with Bremen expire at the end of June.

The 31-year-old actually enjoyed a very productive 2018-19 campaign – scoring 12 times and registering 14 assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.

Sport1 have also linked Bayern Munich with a move, suggesting that the 5 ft 11 ace will not be short of interest when his contract expires at the end of next month.

Has Alisson been Liverpool’s most important signing of the season? Check out the video below to find out why Jurgen Klopp thinks so…

It would not be the worst idea in the world for Liverpool to move for the striker.

However, it would be fair to say that the English club’s fans do not want Kruse to arrive at Anfield ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

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Celtic can call upon some of their biggest players this weekend after Neil Lennon confirmed in a Thursday press conference that Scott Brown, Kieran Tierney and James Forrest should be available.

What’s the story?

There was a worrying report from The Scottish Sun for Hoops fans on Thursday morning that players such as Brown and Tierney were serious doubts for Saturday’s massive Scottish Cup Final against Hearts.

Lennon though was quick to address the rumours in his pre-match press conference, saying:

Browny’s great, Browny trained really well yesterday and came through the session with flying colours so we’ve no issues with Scott at all.

They [Forrest and Tierney] trained yesterday so, at the minute, we’re strong but we’ll have to assess them over the next couple of days as well.

What does it mean for this weekend’s starting XI?

Clearly this trio are of particular importance to Celtic given they are all some of the first names on the team sheet when fit and available.

The leadership of Brown is absolutely key on big occasions such as this while Kieran Tierney will give Lennon’s side an entirely different dimension on the left flank.

The big boost though is James Forrest who has arguably been the Hoops’ most effective player across the entire season.

He also has the capacity to be the match winner and really punish Hearts at Hampden.

With a sensational 17 goals and 20 assists this term, there’ll be no more lethal player on the park if he is selected and even though he’s been nursing a knock, has the potential rip Craig Levein’s side apart.

His presence will also open up space for others to make an impact, with Levein like to pay the Scotland international special attention.

Both Celtic and Hearts have suffered enormous injury problems this season, but the Hoops’ squad appears to be approaching full strength and the best time.

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It all comes down to this.

After an incredible Champions League season, the final will see Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool go head-to-head in Madrid for the right to be called European champions.

Spurs have progressed after a scarcely believable run that has seen them beat Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Ajax in the knockout stages, while the Reds have downed Bayern Munich, FC Porto and Barcelona.

This one should be a cracker, then, as the two sides meet for the first all-English final since 2008, when Manchester United beat Chelsea on penalties.

What history tells us

Spurs do not have a good record against Liverpool.

Across their last 10 games, they have won just once, a 4-1 thumping of the Reds at Wembley that saw Dejan Lovren turn in one of the worst performances ever committed in the Premier League.

Spurs have scored 13 goals to Liverpool’s 16 across that period, but they have kept just one clean sheet. Liverpool have kept two.

Neither team have had a player sent off across those 10 games. Will that trend end in a fiery final encounter?

Key Battle

Moussa Sissoko and Jordan Henderson are both absolutely integral to the way their teams play.

The Frenchman has made nine Champions League appearances this term and has laid on 10 key passes, made 17 tackles, won nine interceptions and made nine dribbles.

Henderson, by comparison, has made one more appearance, providing 15 key passes, 16 tackles, 11 interceptions and embarked upon three dribbles.

Sissoko, clearly, is the more mobile player and he is regularly trusted to gallop forward from defence after collecting the ball from his backline, but Henderson is a more assiduous presence, constantly looking to pounce on any loose touches.

Whichever team wins the midfield battle will likely win the game; Sissoko and Henderson have major roles to play in Spain.

Team News

Spurs have three injury concerns: Harry Kane, Harry Winks and Davinson Sanchez.

While Kane has declared himself fit for the encounter, doubts persist over his match fitness and there is every chance that he will begin the game on the bench. If he does, expect Lucas Moura, the hat-trick hero in the semi-final second leg against Ajax, to start up front.

That would also see Dele Alli played in the No.10 role, with Christian Eriksen shifted to the wing.

Winks has not played since April and has undergone groin surgery but the Daily Mail claim that he is likely to play alongside Sissoko from the start.

Sanchez, even if he is fit, has little chance of dislodging either Toby Alderweireld or Jan Vertonghen from defence and if he does play, Spurs would have to line up with five-at-the-back, the formation that was ripped to shreds by Ajax in the first leg. It doesn’t seem very likely.

Only Roberto Firmino is a doubt for Liverpool but it seems pretty likely that he will play alongside both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

That would see a reunion of the Red Arrows as the club look to put to bed the ghosts of last year’s final, when Salah was injured in the first half.

The rest of the team, really, picks itself, with Henderson likely to be joined by Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum, so superb against Barcelona, in the centre of the park. James Milner will likely begin the game on the bench.

The back four and goalkeeper are obvious; can Alisson avoid a Loris Karius-like disaster this time around?

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According to Ole and The Daily Mail, Everton could land River Plate midfielder Santiago Sosa in this summer’s transfer window.

However, there will be the issue of securing a work permit for Sosa, who has only just made the breakthrough for River.

Indeed, the 20-year-old has only made five first-team appearances for his current club, meaning that sorting out a work permit would be very, very difficult.

Ole have actually claimed that the Toffees have agreed a £13.2.5m deal with River to sign the holding midfielder.

However, it would be fair to say that the news has not gone down well with the Everton supporters – their issue is not with Sosa himself but rather with signing a player who might not actually ever turn out for the club.

It is a tough one and it will be very interesting to see how the situation develops.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Everton fans can be seen below:

Against all the expectations and the wishes of the fans, Ernesto Valverde has remained the head coach of Barcelona and will be there come next season. But as much as his work and achievements, especially in domestic competitions, should not be disregarded, there’s a universal feeling that he is just no longer the right manager for the Catalans, whether they want to admit it or not.

The board seem to be trusting Valverde, or rather, the president is despite numerous board members not sharing that view. Still, by the words of the man himself, famously spoken after the Anfield debacle, “it is what it is”, and we have to move on with that in mind.

But regardless of the Blaugrana board not wanting change, we’re nonetheless going to indulge the urge and see who might be a good choice for a Barcelona coach.

So, without further ado, here are 15 managers whocouldrestore Barcelona to greatness…

Thomas Tuchel

Even though his current campaign with PSG would not really attest to that, Thomas Tuchel is one of the best modern day coaches around.

His tactics, although sometimes perceived as too methodical, are quite exciting and proactive, which is the complete opposite of what Valverde has in mind and thus, exactly what the fans would like to see at the Camp Nou.

Marcelo Bielsa

Imagine this: it’s a beautiful, sunny day in Catalunya; people are drinking coffee outside, children are playing and birds chirping… But suddenly, you hear noise coming from the Camp Nou.

It’s Marcelo Bielsa screaming at his players to start running and stop sulking. Even Messi is doing sprints up and down the pitch. Absolute madness… Can you imagine it? Neither can we but it would be absolutely hilarious. And effective.

Xavi Hernandez

Ah, the prodigal son. From Johan Cruyff to Joseph Guardiola and to Xavi Hernandez – that’s the natural order of things and it will undoubtedly come true one day. This coveted midfielder, best of his generation (and all time?), has a brilliant mind and high footballing IQ.

But is he ready to step up? Well, if it were up to him then no, as he has stated before. But there’s no doubt Cules would welcome him with open arms.

Maurizio Sarri

Sarriball is… Weird. Sometimes it works like a charm and then the Blues somehow shoot themselves in the foot. But as peculiar as it may sound, Sarriball is the Italian tiki-taka and Barcelona are all about that. Sarri had trouble implementing his vision in England but still managed to get the Europa League crown.

Spain would definitely be a better fit and among those teams, Barca are the best match. One Campari and tiki-taka, to go, please!

Erik tan Hag

The current Ajax manager is a pretty tempting choice for Barcelona and for obvious reasons, too. His style of play, mentality and philosophy coincide with those of the Catalan giants: Possession based football with a brave attacking mindset.

In many ways, ten Hag is everything that Valverde isn’t, and if you ask Cules, that’s a great quality to have. Who knows, maybe in a couple of years.

Oscar Garcia

Well now we’re just pushing our luck, we know.

Yes, Garcia is not your usual high-profile, perfect for big teams kind of guy but he does possess certain qualities that make him somewhat attractive for Barcelona: he spent 15 years at the club (and La Masia), knows their core values and has coached their youth outfits while Pep was managing the senior team.

Something must have stuck with him after all those years. Worth a shot.

Lionel Messi

Now here’s a cracker – Lionel Messi has already discarded the possibility of ever becoming a coach in the future but seeing how he already more or less manages the Argentina team and reportedly has a huge say in Barcelona’s business, seeing him as a player/ manager would be quite something.

Not that this option is on the cards but the fans do want a radical change. It does not get much more radical than this.

Julen Lopetegui

What? An ex-Madrid coach at the helm of Barcelona? Blasphemy! Well, yes, true, but he does fit the system more than he did at Real, which was evident in his short and rather disastrous spell in the capital.

But his possession-based attacking football would be a much better fit for the Catalan outfit and would no doubt have more success there. Will it ever happen? Wouldn’t really bet on it, no.

Mauricio Pochettino

“I’d rather work on a farm than coach Barcelona”, were the words of Mauricio Pochettino when he was asked about this gig. It doesn’t surprise us coming from an ex-Espanyol man but in addition to feeling a general hatred towards Barca, Poch also has a brilliant mind.

There’s no denying he would do great things at the Camp Nou. Too bad it will never happen.

Pep Guardiola

Yeah, yeah, we know – Pep Guardiola, can you be more cliché than that? Granted, this is cheesy and predictable but good ol’ Pep is still the perfect fit for Barcelona.

Sure, he reached his peak in his short but extremely successful spell in Catalunya back in the day but his principles have not changed and Barcelona are in dire need of his blueprint. Would he propel them to instant success? Who knows, but saying that he wouldn’t improve them would be ignorant.

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Former Rangers striker and Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd believes the club should be looking to sell Alfredo Morelos during the summer transfer window, speaking on the Tuesday edition of the Transfer Talk podcast.

What’s he said?

After banging in 30 goals last season, Alfredo Morelos has emerged as Rangers’ main man, but with that kind of striking output and responsibility comes transfer interest.

It raises the question of whether the club should cash in on the player or not and Boyd, who knows all about being a striker at Ibrox, reckons that Steven Gerrard should consider getting rid of him over the next couple of months.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk podcast, the Kilmarnock player said:

“If I was Rangers I would sell him because I think that if you can get the money that teams might be willing to pay, you can go and maybe strengthen your squad or your first team with maybe three or four other players who can make a big difference.

I think when Alfredo Morelos plays, he plays up there on his own.

A lot of things go through him being that lone striker – he plays a lot for himself.

I thought Rangers last season towards the end, finished very strongly with Scott Arfield and Jermain Defoe up front. It looked a totally different team. They looked like a team that were playing together.”

Sell or keep

Boyd definitely has a point about the style of Morelos’ play, but he’ll know better than anyone that having that kind of selfish streak in a striker is often what makes them so great.

The Colombian’s goal return last term was undeniably great and Rangers have to consider carefully what taking 30 goals out of the team will do to their trophy hunts.

Jermain Defoe is the obvious candidate to step into his boots, but now 36 years of age, is it a guarantee he can played 50+ games across a season?

The money generated by Morelos’ sale would allow strengthening elsewhere in the team, but Gerrard would also have to invest a fair chunk of it back into another striker on the market to provide back-up for the veteran forward.

If Rangers want to challenge Celtic next season they should be keeping hold of Morelos for another year and then considering their options.