Middlesbrough put in a toothless performance at the Riverside on Saturday against Championship leaders Norwich City, in a game that exposed the gulf between the two sides.

Stewart Downing was, once again, left out of the starting lineup, with the club’s reluctance to trigger a one-year extension to his deal should he play, again putting politics ahead of points.

However, according to the Northern Echo, Downing has today waived the extension clause in his current deal, in a bid to play in the final run of games, and help to secure Boro’ a place in the play-offs.

The job seems to be a bigger task than it should have been, with results at the weekend seeing the Teessiders slipping out of the top six at a time when their form has dipped badly and put any play-off football in grave jeopardy.

Ironically, it is a sign of the commitment — something that the rest of the team seem devoid of —  Downing has towards Boro’ that he has sought to do something that will enable him to play.

And the fact that he wants to do this for a club that are making it clear he is not in their long-term plans — regardless of which division they end up in next year — should not be lost on Boro’ fans.

It should see the player restored to the starting lineup immediately, and considering how crucial tomorrow night’s home game with Bristol City is, all politics and unrest must be put to one side, with everything and anything that can help get the side three points being used.

It is not rocket science to see what needs to happen.

Boro’ need goals. To get goals, they need a supply line. And whether you are a fan of his, or not, Stewart Downing can get the ball into the box and danger zones that will help them score.

He must play tomorrow, and Boro’ must win tomorrow.

Defeat is unthinkable for the club, and with so many teams in the hunt for the play-offs — including many on great runs of form, unlike Pulis’s side — it is likely to end any hopes of a Premier League return for another year.

What are your thoughts of the Downing contract situation ahead of the Bristol City game tomorrow, Boro’ fans? Would you start him? Let us know your opinion…

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Jeremie Aliadiere has savaged Arsenal’s decision to allow Aaron Ramsey to leave the club for Juventus, insisting it is “criminal”, per TalkSport.

The former Gunners striker, who was on the books at the club between 2001 and 2007, insists the club lacks direction and the ability to attract marquee signings.

What’s he said?

Aliadiere was not known as a prolific goalscorer during his time at Arsenal, despite being a striker, and he scored just nine goals in 50 appearances for the club.

But, having progressed through the youth ranks at the club, he continues to watch the Gunners on a weekly basis.

And he cannot believe that Ramsey is being allowed to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season to link up with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala in Turin.

Indeed, the Frenchman, who retired in 2017, believes the transfer is evidence of the club’s poor forward planning.

Talking up the Wales international, who has scored four goals and laid on eight assists in 2018-19, he said: “It pains me every time I get to the Emirates and I see lately how well he is performing, knowing he won’t be there next season.

“Having such a talent – and he is a team player – he will work for the team, he will do anything for the team before himself.

“He will see the benefit of the team.

“And just losing a player like this on a free, for me, is criminal.

“Arsenal has become a club which doesn’t attract too many top players because you just don’t really know what direction they are going in. Which, with Arsene Wenger for 22 years, was the same direction.

“These days, it’s like everybody is a bit in limbo – you don’t really know if they are going to be there next season or not which is difficult for everybody.”

Hammer, meet nail

Aliadiere has hit the nail on the head here.

Ramsey is perhaps Arsenal’s best midfield player and yet they are allowing him to leave for nothing at the end of the season.

They will be forced into the transfer market to replace him but finding a player of such dynamic ability, having received no compensation, will be mightily difficult.

One can tell that Aliadiere is still an Arsenal fan and his frustrations will likely be shared by the average match-goer.

There is absolutely no way in which Ramsey leaving will eventually strengthen the Gunners, yet here we are.

It remains to be seen how the club will cope without him.

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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.

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After James Shan had won his opening three games in temporary charge of West Brom, the Hawthorns seemed a more positive place compared to when they sacked Darren Moore.

However, all it has taken for negativity to seep back in was one defeat.

The Baggies suffered a big setback against Millwall last weekend but despite the loss, Shan will remain in charge for West Brom’s match with Bristol City on Tuesday.

Reacting on Twitter, the fans aren’t too pleased with the decision as it was also revealed the appointment of a new interim boss would not be ruled out.

Supports launched a scathing attack on their own club, with one fan labelling them a joke and another calling West Brom an utter shambles.

Other reaction included someone calling the club a laughing stock whilst one also branded the situation as tinpot management.

Affairs at the club have become somewhat of a circus in recent weeks with the Albion board clearly unsure of what action to take after sacking Moore.

Was Darren Moore’s sacking unfair? The Pl>ymaker FC squad name which Championship bosses should have gone instead in the video below…

With the team’s promotion on the line and no plan of action, the decision becomes more bizarre as the weeks go by.

Here is the best of the reaction from supporters.

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The departure of Samu Saiz in January has left a gaping hole in Leeds United’s attacking midfield, and a recent report from Italian media outlet Calciomercato suggests that Marcelo Bielsa is scouting the market for a replacement.

What’s the word?

Justin Lonwijk, a 19-year-old who currently plays for PSV Eindhoven’s Under-21 side, has emerged as a target for Leeds.

The report from Calciomercato claims that Bielsa is ‘studying him’, but he will face competition from Eintracht Frankfurt and Roma for his signature.

The Bundesliga outfit have already made contact with PSV and Roma are described as being ‘in the initial phase’.

Lonwijk has been with the club since he was ten years old and the Dutch giants are reportedly eager to extend his current contract, which is due to expire in the summer window.

Roberts’ development would be catalysed

Bielsa’s latest transfer target is an attacking midfielder by trade, but he has also played as a centre-forward, a left winger, and in defensive midfield this season.

His versatile efforts have produced three goals and one assist from just nine starts, and the fact the Argentine is personally interested in his development suggests he could be a huge talent in waiting.

Standing at 6 ft 2, Lonwijk would offer a greater physical presence in the final-third to Leeds’ current regular attacking midfielder, Tyler Roberts, and that acknowledgement could stimulate another level of improvement from the Wales international.

Roberts has been one of the surprise packages of the season so far, showcasing a level of quality which few supporters would have predicted from him. His first-touch and ability to link the play between the lines of midfield and attack have been two of his most outstanding attributes, but further competition is needed to catalyse his development.

A shortage of options right the way across attacking midfield have made him the undisputed first-choice central option, while Pablo Hernandez has been deployed out wide.

Adding another exciting prodigy to the squad in Lonwijk, who would challenge Roberts for a starting berth, could provide the former West Brom man with the squad dynamic he needs to go to the next level.

يخوض الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، مرانه الرئيسي اليوم الجمعة على مركب استاد محمد الخامس بمدينة كازابلانكا؛ استعدادا لمواجهة الوداد المغربي.

يلتقي الأهلي نظيره الوداد البيضاوي المغربي، في التاسعة من مساء غد السبت، بتوقيت القاهرة، الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت المغرب، في ذهاب نصف نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا، على ملعب مركب محمد الخامس.

أقرأ ايضًا.. مباشر | قرعة ملعب نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا

ومن المقرر أن يقام المران مساء اليوم، حيث يتدرب الفريق على ملعب المباراة وفقا للوائح الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم كاف.

وكان الأهلي قد خاض تدريباته الأخيرة بالمغرب على ملعب “كهرماء كاليفورنيا”؛ استعدادًا للمباراة المرتقبة.

ويختتم الأهلي اليوم الجمعة استعداداته لمواجهة الوداد المغربي، وسيتم السماح لوسائل الإعلام بحضور أول ١٥ دقيقة من المران وفقًا للوائح الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم.

What was Tottenham Hotspur’s joy in their inaugural match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium turned out to be another nightmare for Crystal Palace.

Indeed, the Eagles were once again extremely poor against an out-of-form Spurs side and laid down their weapons way too easily.

However, what gave even more shocking proof of their lacklustre attitude was Roy Hodgson’s comments after the game. For one, he blamed the pitch for being a “bit slippery” and stated his players struggled as a result. An utter joke.

Moreover, he also explained how his players had “played their part” in the result and “didn’t lay down and surrender”(via Sky Sports).

Hold on, that is exactly what they did.

The Eagles showed little signs of their exhilarating attacking style, bowing down too easily and never really looking as if they’d spring all too much of a surprise. Hodgson’s nonchalant attitude when it comes to such games is quickly becoming a reason for concern and, while he’s done a fantastic job at the club he supported as a boy, is looking his age as football moves forward. Indeed, even after Palace’s disappointing FA Cup exit, he dismissed the loss by blaming the “difficult conditions” at Vicarage Road.

It’s high time he stopped giving excuses and realized his side’s decline. Despite possessing some terrific players and clinical attackers, Palace has a poor record against top-six opposition, which could improve with a change in attitude. The likes of Wilfried Zaha or Andros Townsend could easily penetrate top defences, but Hodgson’s wary attitude doesn’t allow them.

A big ask granted but these are big players, who have the potential to take the team to the next level.

Unless Hodgson instils a fearless demeanour to bring consistency into Palace, their unfortunate cycle of mediocrity will continue. It’s high time the experienced gaffer uses his knowledge, changes their mentality and get the Eagles playing attractive, fast-paced football which is expected from the blooming unit.

Palace fans, are you disappointed with Hodgson’s approach on big occasions? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

[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…

[ad_pod ]Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay has had a Twitter exchange with Leeds United fans after Marcelo Bielsa said he believes poor finishing has cost his side 10 points this season, and revealed that a move for reported summer target Phil Foden was “never happening”.

What’s the word, then?

Well, when Bielsa arrived at Elland Road in 2018 the Yorkshire outfit were quickly linked with a number of different players, with City Watch reporting at the time that they were keen on a loan move for City youngster Foden.

The link was of little surprise – and perhaps an easy one to make – given the Argentine and Pep Guardiola are well known to have a good relationship with each other.

Leeds still remain well in the automatic promotion hunt but after Bielsa’s latest comments about a lack of clinical finishing from his team, one supporter on Twitter suggested the Whites should have got deals for the likes of Foden and Dan James across the line.

Never happening

Hay was quick to respond to the comments on Twitter, saying any potential move for the former was never on the cards.

While the talented 18-year-old perhaps won’t have featured for the champions as much as he would have liked with his Premier League game time in particular limited, it always seemed apparent that Guardiola thought that the teenager had a role to play this term.

Was he needed

He certainly was.

While Leeds have generally done well in front of goal this season, there have been times when they’ve been missing that piece of magic needed in the final third, such as their 1-0 defeat against Sheffield United prior to the international break.

Foden has the ability to unlock defences, and they would have been even better off in the table had they managed to pull off a deal for him.

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Liverpool. A club steeped in rich history and one who always seem to have players of star quality emerge from their academy.

Specifically, the Reds have produced a number of top-drawer strikers over the years, such as Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen, and another couple look to be coming out of the talent machine; Rhian Brewster and Bobby Duncan.

Now, we would assume that you’d be aware of Brewster, for Jurgen Klopp has spoken enough about him and lauded the teenager on many occasions for his talents to be known to the wider world.

Are the media letting Jurgen Klopp off lightly for his lack of silverware? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…

However, in Duncan’s case, the 17-year-old has quietly been going about his business with the Under-18’s and to some effect.

The cousin of Steven Gerrard has hit an eye-catching 22 goals and recorded seven assists, where he has proven to be an excellent No.10 behind 21-goal Paul Glatzel.

His low centre of gravity and good passing ability make him a brilliant option in the hole behind the striker, and his talents in the role look to be the perfect foil to the good aspects of Brewster’s game.

The England Under-17 World Cup winner is far more of a typical No.9 type forward who is better at rounding off the move with his lethal finishing, rather than being instrumental in the build up.

That isn’t to say that he isn’t a good player in the early stages of a goal, but Duncan looks far better suited to pulling the strings in a No.10 role than Brewster is.

There is a two year difference between the two, but that shouldn’t prevent them from both featuring in the Premier League 2 together in the near future given Duncan’s excellent progress in the level below.

The pair could well strike up a deadly partnership if deployed in attack together; they most certainly look well suited as a potential duo.