All posts by z3u9t.icu

After just over six months in charge, Rafael Benitez’s reign in charge of Everton came to an end shortly after their disappointing 2-1 defeat against Norwich City last weekend.

In the meantime, while the club looks for a new permanent manager, Duncan Ferguson has been given the role of caretaker boss to try and get Everton’s season back on track in the same way that he did when the club got rid of Marco Silva in December 2019 before Carlo Ancelotti came in.

One name who has been mentioned with the Everton job and who could be a good fit for the Toffees is former Derby County and Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.

In his first senior managerial job, he took charge of 57 games with the Rams, with 26 wins, 15 draws and 16 defeats along the way, taking them to the Championship play-off final in May 2019 at Wembley against Aston Villa.

In his second managerial role, the 43-year-old won 44 of his 84 games in charge at the club where he spent the majority of his playing career.

Labelled a “winner” by Noel Whelan, Lampard finished in the top four with Chelsea in his one full season in charge at Stamford Bridge despite having to deal with a transfer embargo, which could make him a suitable and potentially successful option for Everton given their Financial Fair Play issues of late.

In terms of a potential move to Everton, while he hasn’t lifted any trophies as a manager, Lampard still has sufficient experience to put him in the running to get back into the Premier League and continue his managerial career with the Toffees.

Given his massive knowledge of the league and his legendary status as a player, he could be a big hit at Goodison Park and bring some positive vibes back around the place after the constant fan protests against Benitez during the 61-year-old’s tenure, especially with 65% of voters from a recent Football FanCast poll suggesting that Lampard would be a good appointment for Everton.

Also, with the 43-year-old not currently in work, it could be a swift appointment for Farhad Moshiri to make so that the club can put this transitional period behind them and focus on ending the season on a high with renewed optimism for the future.

In other news: Everton must avoid another managerial disaster with “arrogant” 58 y/o, he’d be Rafa 2.0

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as some early team news emerged ahead of their game at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against Spurs on Sunday afternoon, Rafa Benitez has now confirmed (via Phil Kirkbride) that Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes are all injured and not available to take on Antonio Conte’s Lilywhites.

All four players made at least 29 appearances in total for the Goodison Park faithful over the course of the 2020/21 season, showing how important they are to the squad, and to have them all out really gives Benitez a lack of options to choose from.

In addition, the north Londoners will be expected to have a new manager bounce with the arrival of Conte, which will make the game doubly difficult for the Merseyside club.

Everton fans on team news

These Toffees fumed as the team news was shared on Twitter, with one Blues supporter claiming that it is indeed ‘bad news’:

“With no DCL, Doucoure or Mina we simply aren’t good enough. No matter how good Rafa is or isn’t we don’t have the quality. Remember this come Sunday night. The transfer window is massive for us”

Credit: @B3Bell

“The issue is with the alleged fit players that have been consistently sub standard. Godfrey, Digne, Coleman, Allan, Iwobi, Keane and Rondon. Frighteningly poor squad of players”

Credit: @DavepeoEFC

“A bit of a worry when you are relying on Delph and Tosun to change our fortune.”

Credit: @MacdoonJnr

“Doomed”

Credit: @nev1771

“More bad news”

Credit: @Thomas33466234

“Still have 2 goalies on the bench”

Credit: @mcgrathto

In other news, find out what international update has Evertonians rejoicing here!

Rumoured Liverpool transfer target Dusan Vlahovic will be available for ‘€70/75m’ in January, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Liverpool keen on signing Vlahovic

The Serbian is maturing into one of the most sought-after young attackers in Europe, scoring eight goals in 12 Serie A appearances this season.

Liverpool are one of the clubs who are reportedly keen on signing the 21-year-old as Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his attacking options.

Fiorentina are understandably reluctant to let their prized asset go cheaply but his contract expires in the summer of 2023, so they are running out of time to get big money for him.

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The Latest: Romano provides fresh update

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Romano claimed that the Serie A club are willing to let Vlahovic leave for €70m-€75m (£59.9m-£64.1m) in the January transfer window, should a bid for that amount come their way.

His tweet is aimed towards Arsenal, who are thought to be interested, but it is also stated that ‘many clubs’ are in the running.

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The Verdict: January move seems unlikely

Vlahovic looks like a special young talent with a huge future – Serie A expert Conor Clancy has hailed him as ‘incredible’ – so the idea of seeing him in a Liverpool shirt is exciting.

It is hard to envisage the Reds spending that much on a player midway through the season, though, at a time when Klopp has four top-class attacking players already, and considering the club’s relative frugality in recent transfer windows.

Next summer would feel more likely for a move to happen, but by that point, someone else may have swooped in for him.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have flocked to another Romano update on one player. Find out who it is here.

West Ham are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake in order to make up for the loss of Angelo Ogbonna.

The Lowdown: Ake struggling for playing time

The £100,000-a-week Dutchman joined City in 2020 but he has found regular football hard to come by, with the likes of Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones keeping him out of the team.

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Ake has only managed four starts in the Premier League so far this season, as well as just one in the Champions League, and he may want a fresh challenge soon. The 1.8m-tall (6 foot) defender was limited to just nine top-flight starts at the Etihad Stadium last term, too.

The 26-year-old has 23 caps to his name for the Netherlands and may want to be a key figure at club level ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

The Latest: West Ham keen on move

According to 90min, West Ham have identified Ake as a transfer target in January, seeing him as someone who can fill the void left by Ogbonna, who is out injured for the rest of the season.

It is stated that a loan move is on the offing, with a potential to sign him permanently at the end of the season.

The Verdict: Strong Ogbonna alternative

Ake may not have cut the mustard consistently for City, but he is still a hugely competent centre-back who Premier League-winning manager Pep Guardiola claimed is a ‘joy’ to have in his squad.

At 26, the former Chelsea defender is also approaching his prime years and he could not only make up for the loss of Ogbonna in the short run, he may even represent a long-term replacement for the 32-year-old Italian.

Ake has averaged three interceptions per game in the Champions League this season, showing he can excel at the highest level – Declan Rice (1.9) is West Ham’s top performer in the Premier League in that regard, so the Dutchman may add something new to the Irons’ line-up if he makes the move.

In other news, West Ham have been linked with an audacious swoop for one player. Find out who it is here.

Newcastle United have been dealt yet another huge blow with concerns over Isaac Hayden’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s relegation scrap with Premier League rivals West Bromwich Albion.

Steve Bruce revealed on Friday that Hayden has been carrying an ankle injury for the best part of the last week or two and could join an ever-growing list of absent players.

The Magpies were already set to tackle this weekend’s crunch six-pointer without head coach Bruce’s favoured front-three of Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and Saint-Maximin due to respective hamstring, knee and groin issues.

Losing Hayden as well will come as a hammer blow to the Toon’s hope of securing all three points at The Hawthorns, as Bruce strives to end United’s three-game winless run and claim what will only be the St James’ Park natives’ third win in 18 games across all competitions.

Newcastle’s dire run of form currently sees the northeast outfit sit just three points clear of the drop zone after 18th-placed Fulham lost to Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night, which further handed Bruce a game in hand over the Cottagers in the fight for survival.

Hayden has been a fixture of the Magpies’ line-up when fit this season, starting 19 of his 21 top-flight appearances and playing the full 90 minutes on 16 occasions.

Only goalkeeper Karl Darlow (2,250), defender Jamal Lewis (1,827) and 10-goal top scorer Wilson (1,816) have been awarded more minutes on the field than the Arsenal product (1,721) thus far this term.

Hayden has also offered a joint team-high 40 successful tackles with Almiron, alongside a Toon-high 37 interceptions and 22 passes blocked, per WhoScored, as the 25-year-old breaks up opposition play at a vastly superior level to his St. James’ Park teammates.

His efforts additionally see Hayden rank 49th among all Premier League players for successful tackles – Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka (72) has the most – 18th for interceptions and 25th for passes blocked.

Should Hayden be deemed unavailable for Newcastle’s trip to relegation rivals West Brom on Sunday, Bruce may have to place his trust in summer signing Jeff Hendrick and hope that the £8.1m-rated flop is able to step up to the challenge at hand.

Hendrick has played no role in United’s last three Premier League games after being shown a second yellow card in January’s 3-2 win over Southampton, which capped off a poor vein of form from the ex-Burnley midfielder whom the Magpies signed as a free agent in August.

The Saints match marked Hendrick’s 16th start in 17 top-flight games with the Toon, despite being slammed by numerous supporters for his efforts against Crystal Palace four days prior, along with producing a torrid performance in January’s 2-0 away to Everton and delivering an anonymous display at Aston Villa.

Hendrick being sent off at home to Southampton also saw that he earned a two out of 10 match rating from Chronicle Live, having been shown a second booking for a needless shirt pull on Takumi Minamino in an act that was described as ‘beyond stupidity’.

Bruce may now need to rely on Hendrick retaking a spot in his midfield should Hayden be ruled unfit, and will have to see the Republic of Ireland international turn a corner with his performances if called upon.

AND in other news, some Newcastle players want a “very good organiser” lauded by those he’s worked with to replace Steve Bruce…

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge recently, and if the Norwegian were to join this summer, it could lead to Moussa Sissoko leaving the club.

According to reports from France, both Arsenal and Spurs are interested in signing the 23-year-old this summer, with the Blades looking extremely likely to drop back into the Championship following an awful campaign.

Berge became Sheffield United’s record signing when he joined from KRC Genk in January of last year but he has only been able to show glimpses of his ability in his time at Bramall Lane, with an injury having kept him out for much of this season.

Last season saw the midfielder make 14 appearances in the Premier League, where he contributed one goal and one assist, averaging a 6.81 WhoScored match rating.

Incidentally, both the goal and the assist would come in Sheffield United’s 3-1 win against Spurs following Project Restart last season, so you could certainly argue that he showed Jose Mourinho what he is capable of in that impressive display.

There is no doubt that Berge has the potential to be a top player, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp complimentary of the youngster after he produced a solid display for Genk at Anfield in the Champions League, reportedly telling him that he is “a very interesting player.”

Considering the number of options Mourinho already has in his midfield at Spurs, Berge’s potential arrival could be curtains for Sissoko, who has already been linked with a Spurs exit in recent months.

The Frenchman’s contract with the north London club isn’t set to expire until the end of the 2022/23 season but in 20 Premier League appearances this season, the 31-year-old has contributed no goals or assists, averaging a disappointing 6.55 WhoScored rating.

This ranks him below the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso, so it already appears as if the former Newcastle man is giving way to a younger generation at Spurs.

Berge plays in a similar box-to-box style as Sissoko and therefore it is difficult to see the experienced midfielder getting regular game-time under Mourinho should he arrive from Sheffield United this summer.

Spurs fans could well end up saying bye-bye to the Frenchman should Daniel Levy sign the £16.2m-rated Berge this summer, as his future is already seemingly on a knife-edge, and the Norwegian’s potential arrival could prove to be the catalyst for Sissoko leaving.

And, in other news… 12 duels won: Spurs beast was exceptional and has given Mourinho a headache ahead of Arsenal

Adam Jones has now shared some Everton injury news involving Ben Godfrey before they play Chelsea at home in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Injury pile-on

The 24-year-old was forced to withdraw from the starting line-up in the Toffees’ 2-0 defeat at Liverpool after picking up an injury in the warm-up, meaning that Michael Keane had to step in.

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He now joins the long list of players on the sidelines at Finch Farm, which includes the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Andros Townsend and Donny van de Beek, while Richarlison may have also picked up a slight knock against the Reds.

The Latest: Godfrey update

Taking to Twitter, Liverpool Echo journalist Jones has now shared an update from Frank Lampard on Godfrey’s situation, claiming that it was ‘bad luck’ that the defender was forced off with a muscle injury.

However, the Everton manager hopes that it is a ‘minor’ issue, saying: “Bad luck, muscle injury. What I have to say is I think Michael Keane comes in 20 minutes before a game against Liverpool, it’s a real compliment to him. We hope it’s minor [for Godfrey].”

The Verdict: Big blow

It is certainly a big blow if Godfrey is to be ruled out for the majority of the season’s run-in. A muscle injury can take weeks to fully heal, while the Toffees only have six matches remaining in the 2021/22 top-flight campaign.

The defender currently ranks highly among his team-mates in terms of tackles, clearances and blocks per match in the Premier League (WhoScored), which suggests that Everton will no doubt need him if they are to have the best possible chance of staying up.

In other news, these were Everton’s three worst performers against Liverpool

After a momentary blip, Glasgow Rangers seem to be back on track to stopping Celtic from winning ten in a row.

Steven Gerrard’s side have now won three games on the trot including a victory over Premiership rivals Hibernian at home.

With the transfer market set to open its doors in a matter of days, Rangers have set themselves up nicely to strengthen their squad, as they currently sit at the top of the table, 14 points clear of Neil Lennon’s side.

What’s the word?

But their newfound momentum has largely failed to cover up the cracks and in January, Ross Wilson needs to iron out their issues once and for all.

He will need to look no further than their shortage of wide options with Ryan Kent heavily linked with a move to Leeds United in the summer. Although a move never materialised in the end, that has done little to dampen the transfer rumours amid rife speculation about his future at Ibrox.

It’s no secret Rangers need a new left-winger and they may have found their answer already playing in the lower leagues of French football.

According to FootMercato, the Gers are interested in signing Billal Brahimi from Stade Reims and the Ligue 1 side are open to offloading the former France U19 international.

However, they will face stiff competition from the Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1, amid interest from Lens and Stuttgart.

Gerrard’s plan B

The 20-year-old has been in prolific form on loan at Le Mans this season, providing six goals and two assists in 12 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

Gerrard will be under no illusions that he needs to improve his quality in the wide areas as both Brandon Barker and Jordan Jones simply aren’t up to scratch.

Wilson may be best served sanctioning a move for Brahimi as not only would he be an adequate backup for the Oldham-born winger, but he’d also offer an alternative threat in attack as well, as he can also play on the right wing or in the midfield.

Having left Middlesbrough for Reims, Brahimi is finally starting to show signs of living up to his obvious potential – six goals in 16 outings is certainly nothing to sniff at, while he has become known for his electrifying pace off the left wing in the French lower leagues.

He has even insisted he has modelled his game on the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Leroy Sane and Gareth Bale.

The Frenchman previously told FootMercato “If I work hard and well, I hope to be able to play in the Premier League one day. I have three models – Riyad Mahrez, Leroy Sane and Gareth Bale.”

If Kent does depart Ibrox in the not too distant future, it’s fair to say that Brahimi could help to fill the void.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers left-winger Ryan Kent was far from his very best against Hibernian…

Head to the departure lounge at Glasgow Airport this summer and you might well see one of Celtic’s players heading for pastures new.

This has been a disastrous campaign for the Bhoys and consequently, they could do with a mass clear out.

Unfortunately for the Hoops, a few players’ futures could be taken out of their hands. The likes of Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer look as though they could head to the Premier League while Ryan Christie is another to have been linked with a move south of the border.

There will, of course, be the exits of loan players heading back to their parent clubs too but one man who should also consider developing elsewhere is Mikey Johnston.

The 22-year-old broke through at Paradise a number of years ago now but he’s never made a consistent breakthrough into the first-team setup.

It’s been a difficult few years for Johnston whose lack of action has been to Celtic’s enormous success.

The Hoops won the title nine times on the trot and in the process, Johnston couldn’t find a way through.

It’s hardly surprising, though. James Forrest was a rampant force in 2019/20, scoring 16 goals and registering 22 assists. Christie also helped himself to over 30 goal involvements while Moi Elyounoussi enjoyed a productive first campaign in Scotland.

Injuries have also wreaked havoc with the young Scot’s game time. Not that Neil Lennon liked playing young players but he spent the best part of a year out with an MCL injury.

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Johnston missed the climax of last season and then had to wait until December to finally get back on the field.

Despite Celtic’s plight, he still hasn’t worked his way into the side. The winger has only started twice all campaign and hasn’t played a single minute under John Kennedy. Again, fitness concerns have dealt him a troublesome blow since Lennon departed.

On his day, the young attacker is a crafty player. He scored three goals in the space of two games during the 2018/19 campaign before injuries really started to impact him.

In the process, he was hailed by boisterous pundit Chris Sutton; “Is Mikey Johnston the new Ryan Christie? Celtic’s fringe players at the start of the season coming to the fore when it counts,” he said on social media at the time.

Unfortunately, just like Christie, he should face the exit door this summer.

Johnston may be contracted until 2025 but the idea of him making it at Celtic seems incredibly far-fetched. The 5 foot 9 winger hasn’t scored for the Hoops since December 2019 and is at the age now where he should be earning regular senior minutes.

That doesn’t look like it’ll ever happen at Celtic, especially if Karamoko Dembele’s terms don’t expire until next summer.

They need to prioritise the teenager’s development over someone who has spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch. Dominic McKay must do his best to find Johnston a new club, whether it be temporarily or permanently.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Forrest: Celtic must sign “breathtaking” 89-cap gem, he’s a “rare breed”…

Is this the beginning of Celtic’s turnaround? Their 4-0 win over Kilmarnock brought back happy memories of some of the free-flowing football we’ve seen over the last decade.

On each of the last nine occasions, the Hoops have been the triumphant side when it comes to the SPFL.

Their success has been unmatched but now they’re on the verge of surrendering their grasp over Scottish football.

Heading into their clash with Motherwell on Saturday, they are still 23 points behind Rangers. It’s safe to say that any chance of securing a tenth successive crown is done and dusted.

It’s rather remarkable that Neil Lennon is still in the job and we’re not expecting him to lose it anytime soon. After all, the hierarchy have backed him to the hills.

Thus, in Lennon’s next clash, what will his starting XI be?

We’re tipping the manager to make as many as four changes from the team that defeated Kilmarnock on Tuesday.

One of those changes is enforced. Albian Ajeti scored against Killie but is now facing a two-match suspension after being retrospectively banned for simulation.

He went down to earn a penalty that Odsonne Edouard converted but is now facing punishment for his actions. That means that Leigh Griffiths returns to the side.

Another change is at left-back where Diego Laxalt comes into replace Greg Taylor. That’s the only replacement among a backline that kept a rare clean sheet a few days ago.

The other two switches come in the middle of the park. Scott Brown was imperious in the win over Killie but is dropped back to the bench in place of the effervescent Ismaila Soro.

We’ve downplayed Ryan Christie’s performances this week and as such, we think the out of form winger needs to be benched. He’s scored just once in his last 19 outings so Mo Elyounoussi takes his place in the side.

That means that David Turnbull is moved over to the right-hand side in the hope of finding good fortune against his former employers.

AND in other news, Celtic could fix a big problem by hiring manager who left Rodgers “really impressed”…