All posts by h716a5.icu

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Millwall host Brighton this weekend in the FA Cup quarter-finals and will surely go into it with full confidence after their impressive victory away at Birmingham on Wednesday and the knowledge that they have the quality to beat Premier League opposition after besting Everton in the fifth round.

The Seagulls, meanwhile, are also in a buoyant mood – they beat bitter rivals Crystal Palace last time out in what was only their second win of 2019.

Below, Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas offers his predictions ahead of what promises to be a gritty clash…

“The one thing you’ll know you’ll get is blood and guts. A little bit of quality in there and they can show it. Steve Morison is a handful. It’ll be volatile with the crowd as we know it can be down there at the Den.

“This is a hard match to call. Brighton have still got some work to do in the Premier League. But why not go for it? Play your strongest team. I think it will be very tight.”

The wrong striker

Nicholas predicted a scoreline of 2-1 to the visitors, although his comments about the threat Millwall pose to Brighton are interesting considering the impact Lee Gregory made on Wednesday night.

Gregory teed up Ben Thompson twice in the first half and has surely earned his starting spot this weekend if Neil Harris is going to throw everything at the tie, while the 4-5-1 the Lions boss went with in that game was effective at keeping the Blues out after Millwall had gone two ahead – that leaves no room for a second striker.

Brighton will surely look to go to The Den looking to impose their style and there will undoubtedly be space for Millwall when they look to attack – perhaps they don’t need to rely on Morison’s physicality to get the job done and can instead continue with Gregory.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

It’s surprising considering how well the Lions number 9 did on Wednesday that Nicholas has mentioned Morison instead – sure, the veteran striker has been a key player for Harris’ side in the previous rounds but he’s only made three starts since the end of January and Gregory’s latest showing surely deserves mention.

[ad_pod ]Loads of Newcastle fans have been reacting to some international action, as Salomon Rondon dominated Argentina on Friday night.After years of watching the likes of Joselu, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Emmanuel Riviere, Newcastle fans are really revelling in the presence of Rondon.The big number nine has completely transformed the Magpies, providing exactly the focal point that Rafael Benitez demands from his front man. Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….He has continued his excellent form into the international break too, scoring the opener as Venezuela downed Argentina on Friday.La Vinotinto were expected to roll over for Lionel Messi’s side, but Rondon opened the scoring just six minutes into the match with a delightful chip.

Jhon Murillo and Josef Martinez both chipped in with a goal to help Rondon’s side win 3-1, but it was Tyneside’s new hero that really stole the show.

As well as his goal, he was just as destructive and dominant as he is at St. James’ Park, and the Twitter reactions down below are running out of superlatives for the summer arrival…

Marcelo Bielsa has established himself as a hero at Elland Road this season having taken Leeds from a mid-table side to automatic promotion challengers. Of course, there’s still a long way to go from here on in until the end of the season, but the Whites are certainly on the right track.

Leeds managed to climb above Sheffield United earlier on today by securing a convincing victory over Millwall in front of home support, with Norwich now firmly in their sights.

Although, it looks as if Bielsa has turned his attention towards a possible summer transfer move, as according to Football Insider, Leeds are plotting a swoop to sign Fulham’s Stefan Johansen, who is set to be available on a free.

The Norway international has struggled to adjust to life at the Hawthorns after joining on loan back in the January transfer window. But, that shouldn’t scare the Whites away as he was simply sensational in the Championship with his parent club Fulham as he produced eight goals and eight assists.

Johansen is very different to a normal central midfielder as he operates in more of a playmaker role by making use of his creativity and finishing ability. So, the attack-minded midfielder could be the man to replace Samu Saiz in the summer, as according to a report from El Gol, Valencia are interested in the Spaniard.

Of course, Tyler Roberts has impressed in the No.10 role in recent times at Elland Road, but Johansen would be a great alternative. He also has plenty of experience from his time in England having made over 100 appearances for the Cottagers, so he could be a real asset for Leeds, regardless of whether they secure promotion.

Leeds United fans, do you think that Johansen could replace Samu Saiz in the summer? Join the discussion by commenting down below! 

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Late last week, Fernando Forestieri was found not guilty by the courts for racially aggravated assault of Mansfield player Krystian Pearce.

However, the FA have now opened up more investigations into the Argentine’s part in a mass brawl that occurred between Sheffield Wednesday and Mansfield players during a pre-season friendly last summer.

As a result, he could face further sanctions from English football’s governing body.

It’s news that has made a host of the Hillsborough faithful extremely angry that their player is being treated in the way he is despite being found not guilty.

One supporter claimed it was beyond a joke whilst another said it made them feel sick.

Fans launched a scathing attack at the FA, with one fan branding them a laughing stock.

Who would make a combined Sheffield XI? Ingood Nick makes his picks in the video below…

Forestieri had initially received a three-match ban and a £25,000 fine for his role in the brawl that happened last July. However, his punishment may not be fully complete, according to the Sheffield Star.

Here’s the best of the reaction from Owls fans on Twitter.

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Without a standout candidate for the right-wing spot, Manchester United have been linked with a move in excess of £100m for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, a transfer that would give them arguably Europe’s most precocious player in his position.

In the meantime, the Red Devils have been squeezing a number of square pegs into round holes in their search for a capable candidate to occupy the position.

Romelu Lukaku, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Alexis Sanchez have all played out on the right of an attacking three, and all have failed to show enough to prove that they should start in the position.

Watch the video below to find out what Jesse Lingard is like off the pitch in the latest Match Of The Bae with Emma Conybeare…

As a result, Sancho’s potential arrival is a necessity, and one that could solve the problem for the next decade – however, he alone isn’t enough to fill the void. He needs an understudy.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needn’t take to the market again to find one though. United have one within their ranks already in Tahith Chong.

The 19-year-old has already made his first-team debut for the club in the FA Cup tie against Reading, and you simply can’t miss his tall, frizzy-haired appearance running rings around innocent full-backs out on the pitch.

A Holland Under-21 international, Chong is a left-footed right-winger who enjoys cutting in on his stronger foot to great effect – he has seven goals and three assists for the youth team this season.

Chong has also already made his Premier League and Champions League debut this term, coming on in the latter stages of a 3-2 win over Southampton, whilst also playing a role in United’s incredible comeback win over Paris Saint-Germain inside the Parc des Princes.

United’s No.44 is a true throwback of a wide player, a touchline-hugger who is always looking to take on his man and burn past him with ease – his lanky, skinny frame but blistering pace is a strange but effective combination.

He has only been drip-fed first-team football, however, whereas Sancho is leading the assist charts in Europe and is also performing to a ridiculously high level.

In that respect, United would be wise to have Chong model himself on Sancho and become his understudy, whilst the pair focus on repairing the club’s weak right-wing position together.

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Leeds fans have been backing Luke Ayling to win March’s incarnation of PFA Player of the Month.

The former Bristol City man has been a key player for Leeds this season making 32 appearances in the league for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Ayling really kicked into form last month though, getting four assists and a goal from right-back as the Yorkshire club take the race for promotion down to the wire.

The defender’s standout performance was away at Reading, where he set up two goals in Leeds’ 3-0 win despite only being on the pitch for 56 minutes.

Fans have been appreciative of the full-backs efforts with many on Twitter believing he is a shoo-in for the accolade this month.

Nominated alongside the defender is fellow Elland Road favourite Pablo Hernandez, but some fans on Twitter have overlooked the Spaniard for this time around in favour of the 27-year-old after his incredible month.

Here’s what Leeds fans have had to say on Twitter…

Chelsea are still fighting for a Champions League place in the Premier League this season despite some inconsistencies in their performances. 

At the time of writing, the Blues were looking to take the scalp of title chasing Liverpool and give Manchester City a massive boost in their own hunt for the top prize in England.

The summer is set to be an interesting one too for the Blues, who are set to be under a transfer ban barring a successful appeal, something which could have a massive effect on how the club continues to move forward.

And with the future of Eden Hazard still looking like it’s going to end up away from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea could have done without the news emerging this weekend that Barcelona could be set to make yet another move for Brazilian midfielder Willian.

Willian has been a superb player for Chelsea over the years, and has at times been undervalued by many in the game.

However, his consistency and ability to produce in big moments is something that should not be looked past, and if Chelsea were to lose both Willian and Hazard, they would have a serious rebuilding job on their hands heading into the next few seasons.

The Brazilian has that natural ability about him where he can win games with moments of magic, and while the lure of Barcelona is a big one, he could go down as a Chelsea legend if he stays put and helps the club to more trophies in the coming seasons.

Willian is a class act, and with the cost Chelsea would face to find a suitable replacement, it is simply not worth it for the club to allow a sale.

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Leeds fans are feeling gutted after Ezgjan Alioski had to come off injured against Brentford.

The Macedonian international has been one of Marcelo Bielsa’s most consistently selected players this season having started all 44 of Leeds United’s Championship games so far.

It is unknown how long the left-sided player will miss for the Whites, but initial signs don’t look good as the usually resilient Alioski had to be replaced by Stuart Dallas early on at Griffin Park.

With Barry Douglas also ruled out for the remainder of the season this injury will be a huge dent in Leeds’ promotion push, with Leif Davis or Dallas two potential options who will have to step up to play left-back during the most vital part of the season.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side are still behind in the race for the Premier League and an injury to a key player such as Alioski will make things much harder for the Whites in the final two games of the campaign.

Here’s what Leeds fans have been saying on Twitter…

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The PFA have announced their Championship Team of the Year and it has been decided that Middlesbrough’s goalkeeper Darren Randolph is the best in his position in the second tier.

The shot-stopper has been in superb form this season keeping 19 clean-sheets and helping Boro keep up a playoff challenge despite their own struggles in front of goal.

The fans certainly agree with the players who voted as the 31-year-old has been nominated for Boro player of the year and appears to be clear favourite for that award as well.

His inclusion in the Team of the Year will only strengthen the love Boro fans have for the Ireland international, and one fan even went so far as to call him the best keeper in English football.

Randolph has certainly impressed for Tony Pulis’ side and it appears his performances have not gone unnoticed by his fellow professionals either.

If Middlesbrough do make it to the playoffs could he be the difference between promotion and another season in the Championship? The fans down below certainly like what they see…

It’s not often West Ham are linked with a player with a global reputation that could actually be a realistic signing, but that might just be the case.

The summer transfer window is expected to bring major changes to the West Ham team, with Manuel Pellegrini eager to bring in players that can take the east London from mid-table obscurity to competing with the top-six, and a former signing of the Chilean’s doing could help the club reach this goal.

According to Marca, West Ham are interested in Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi, who is expected to leave the Premier League giants this summer in search for first-team football.

Pellegrini signed the Argentine international from Valencia in 2015 and has since gone on to make over 100 appearances for the Citizens and being a mainstay in Pep Guardiola’s side in the season they reached 100 points as Otamendi was named in the PFA Team of the Season, but this campaign has been different.

The 31-year-old has found it hard to nail down a first-team place in the side as Aymeric Laporte and John Stones established themselves as the starting centre-back pairing, and West Ham should capitalise on Otamendi’s lack of game time.

The defender will be a sensational addition for the Hammers, who are in need of an improvement in the backline, and alongside Issa Diop or Fabian Balbuena in the West Ham, back-four Otamendi could be a real asset for the Hammers.

Otamendi is a proven defender in the Premier League and has shown to be one of the better centre-backs in the league, and playing under the man who brought him to England in the first place will be extra motivation for the Argentine to impress.

West Ham fans, would Otamendi be a good summer signing? Let us know!