All posts by h716a5.icu

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has ruled Joachim Andersen out of Tuesday night’s clash with Leeds United. 

The Eagles boss told reporters that the 25-year-old ‘is not going to travel’ to Elland Road because he’s not ‘100%’ following a recent hamstring injury.

Andersen injury a real blow for Palace

The Dane, a £20m summer signing from Lyon, had featured in all of Palace’s Premier League games this season prior to last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

James Tomkins was called upon to replace him in the heart of defence, slotting in alongside Marc Guehi, but the 32-year-old was partly culpable for Villa’s opener as he failed to deal with Ashley Young’s corner before it fell to eventual scorer Matt Targett.

An attacking weapon

Andersen’s importance to the Eagles extends beyond his defensive contribution.

He frequently launches attacks through his passing, averaging a squad-high 6.3 accurate long balls per 90 (via WhoScored). In the Premier League as a whole, only one outfielder – Wolves’ Ruben Neves – can better that figure.

Fan feed CPFC Transfers HQ relayed Vieira’s update, and here’s how these Palace supporters reacted.

Palace fans flock to Andersen injury update

“Announce Leeds win”

Credit: @cpfcadam_

“Pain”

Credit: @callum_cpfc_

“Tomkins vs Leeds it is”

Credit: @cpfc_sean

“Inshallah he is not out for five months”

Credit: @cpfctristan

“Not surprised and it sucks but hopefully this means it’s not too serious and he can be back for the weekend”

Credit: @phillyconcarne

“We struggled without him last week, I honestly think we should play Riedewald at the back to advance the play forward even though defensively he may not be as safe as Tonks”

Credit: @nikolimorgan

In other news, lots of Palace fans reacted to this contract news. 

An update has emerged on Rangers defender Borna Barisic, regarding interest from an English team…

What’s the talk?

According to 90min, Steven Gerrard is eyeing the Croatian international as a potential January target for his new Aston Villa side.

The report claims that the ex-Liverpool man is not afraid of raiding the Gers for some of their top players, as he believes they are good enough to play in the Premier League.

Instant stitch-up

The club are reportedly closing in on the appointment of Dutch boss Gio van Bronckhorst to replace Gerrard and Rangers chief Ross Wilson must avoid stitching him up instantly. It would be a difficult situation for the 46-year-old to deal with if one of the better players in his squad is taken away from him half-way through the campaign.

Rangers are fighting for the Scottish Premiership title and will need their top performers to be available week-in-week-out to give themselves the best chance of pipping Celtic to the crown. Therefore, selling one of them could dampen their chances and leave van Bronckhorst with a harder job than it would be otherwise.

Barisic has averaged a terrific SofaScore rating of 7.18 in the Premiership this season, providing two assists from the left-back position. This is after he averaged a score of 7.40 last term, as he produced one goal and six assists for the club.

Former Gers player Alex Rae previously hailed the Croatian’s ‘terrific quality’ on the ball, saying:

“He performs at good level week-in, week-out and has terrific quality in the final third of the park.”

Mark Wilson added: “He’s the best left-back in the country. He’s improved his defending and supplies assists and is a threat at set pieces.”

This shows that he has the ability to be a top player by Premiership standards and could be a vital cog in the machine van Bronckhorst wants to build at Ibrox.

Therefore, Wilson cannot allow him to leave in the January window as the club are in the midst of a title challenge. It could disrupt their plans and leave the Dutch coach stitched up and left scrambling to solve a problem position.

Worst comes to worst, Rangers should attempt to see out the season with Barisic in the side before allowing him to leave, should he want to, at the end of the campaign. This would then give van Bronckhorst and Wilson the entire summer to source a replacement and prepare them for the 2022/23 season.

AND in other news, Behind-the-scenes: Report delivers Rangers manager detail that’ll leave fans buzzing…

Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino would be open to succeeding Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Manchester United hot seat following his dismissal over the weekend.

What’s the story?

According to The Telegraph’s James Ducker, the 49-year-old is interested in becoming the Red Devils’ new boss, although would prefer to wait until the summer before switching clubs.

He tweeted: “Pochettino open to taking over as MUFC manager next summer.”

However, a recent update from BBC Sport has claimed that the Argentine tactician would be prepared to depart PSG immediately should he be approached, raising the possibility of his imminent appointment.

Simon Stone’s report states that: “Mauricio Pochettino is open to becoming Manchester United manager, and it is not out of the question they could get the Paris St-Germain boss now.

“The Argentine is held in high regard at Old Trafford, but there was a feeling it might be difficult to prise him away from PSG mid-season.” Man Utd fans will be buzzing

Man United supporters will be delighted with this news as Pochettino is one of the most highly respected coaches in European football after his impressive exploits at Tottenham Hotspur and in the French capital.

He guided Spurs to four consecutive top-four finishes in the Premier League during his five-and-a-half-year reign, reaching the Champions League final in 2019 before being dismissed just a few months later.

Following his move to the Parc des Princes halfway through last season, Pochettino broke his managerial duck, claiming his first piece of silverware via a French Cup success.

Nevertheless, it’s believed that the South American is currently unhappy in Paris, and Stone’s latest revelation reveals how the setup is not completely to Pochettino’s liking.

“It is not thought United have made an approach yet but the 49-year-old is less than completely happy with the setup at PSG, where his role is essentially that of first-team coach, with all broader club and footballing issues handled by sporting director Leonardo,” he wrote.

With United down in seventh-place in the top-flight table and six points behind West Ham in the final Champions League qualification spot, the club’s hierarchy may need to act quickly in order to save their season, and Pochettino could be the ideal candidate judging by his ability to get teams into the top four places. That, understandably so, would leave the United fanbase buzzing.

And, in other news…”I’m told” – Sky Sports journo drops big Man United manager update, fans surely elated

Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed Pakistan captain for the Test tour of New Zealand in November with Kamran Akmal as his deputy, according to media reports

Cricinfo staff11-Nov-2009Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed Pakistan captain for the Test tour of New Zealand later this month with Kamran Akmal as his deputy. The appointment came after Younis Khan sought a break from cricket following the ODI series defeat to New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, said.”I have taken this decision after giving it serious thought,” Younis told AFP. “Since I am not in the best of form, I need rest and there is no personal grudge against anyone, that’s for sure. I want to tell my fans that I am not finished, I will come back. My country comes first, more than my family and more than myself.”Butt said he had no objection to Younis seeking a break. “We did appoint Younis captain until the 2011 World Cup, subject to his performance and fitness, but we have no objection to him asking for a rest, and I don’t think it’s a turmoil in Pakistan cricket,” he said.Pakistan’s 2-1 loss, after winning the first game, sparked criticism of Younis’ captaincy and media reports suggested he had lost the confidence of his players. The teams play two Twenty20 internationals on Thursday and Friday and Pakistan leave for New Zealand on Sunday.Yousuf’s appointment marks a full comeback for the batsman, who only recently was in exile from the national team for his involvement with the ICL. More importantly, it is the latest development in a period of uncertainty over the Pakistan captaincy that began after their semi-final defeat to New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy..Younis resigned as captain following that loss and it was believed that suspicions of match-fixing raised in the aftermath of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy semi-final exit, and murmurs about factions in the team and management working to undermine Younis, led to the decision.The PCB, however, rejected his resignation and Butt had a meeting with Younis, where Younis said he would return only if certain conditions were met. Stability of tenure was one, though those close to Younis insist he didn’t want an assurance till the 2011 World Cup. A streamlining of the selection process, as well as changes in the team management were thought to be the other conditions. Younis then took back his resignation and said that he was happy to return as captain following the wave of support he received.

Antonio Conte may need to take Lucas Moura out of the team, football.london’s Alasdair Gold has claimed.

The lowdown

The Brazilian has started both matches since the 52-year-old took over from Nuno Espirito Santo last week. He scored in the 3-2 Europa Conference League win over Vitesse, but his impact was limited in Sunday’s goalless draw away to Everton.

In his 71 minutes on the pitch before being replaced by Giovani Lo Celso, he only attempted one shot, which was blocked, and created just one chance. Overall, he lost five of his nine ground duels against the Toffees (via SofaScore).

Former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson has recently hailed the application of the £80,000-per-week forward, insisting that he always gives ‘150%’.

The latest

Writing for football.london, Gold has identified a ‘problem’ with the shape used at Goodison Park, which relies on wing-backs to provide width. He said that it forces Son Heung-min and the opposite winger ‘into a congested area’ with Harry Kane.

As an alternative, the journalist suggested that Conte could switch to a front two of Son and Kane with a central playmaker in behind them.

“It would be harsh on Lucas, who is one the most determined and energetic players in the Spurs side, capable of creating attacking situations out of nothing,” Gold wrote.

“However, the Brazilian’s decision-making also lets him down during passing moves and against Everton, Tottenham’s moves sometimes floundered at his feet.”

He later added: “With Conte’s admiration for Skipp already in place and Hojbjerg being a leader in the team and a key figure, Lucas could end up being the fall guy and revert to being an impact sub and rotational starter as the games come thick and fast.”

The verdict

Could Lucas possibly find joy in another role? The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare suggested last week that he could potentially slot in at wing-back, just as Victor Moses did during Conte’s spell at Chelsea.

Eccleshare wrote that giving Lucas the space to ‘build up a head of steam’ could be a ‘frightening proposition’ for defenders if he doesn’t appear a perfect fit for the position. He could probably operate as part of a front two as well, given that he’s been used as a centre forward or second striker 61 times over the course of his career.

Therefore, while Gold’s reservations are understandable, there is enough to suggest that the 28-year-old might not need to be hastily jettisoned from Conte’s starting line-up.

In other news, here’s what Daniel Levy has promised to Conte

Pakistan captain Younis Khanhas said he is enjoying leading the side despite the semi-final loss in the ICC Champions Trophy and insisted it had not affected his own performance on the field

Cricinfo staff06-Oct-2009Pakistan captain Younis Khan has said he is enjoying leading the side despite the semi-final loss in the ICC Champions Trophy and insisted it had not affected his own performance on the field.”I’m enjoying cricket,” Younis said after reaching Karachi. “In fact all the boys are enjoying playing under my captaincy and that’s a good thing.”Younis was first made captain in 2005 in the absence of Inzamam-ul-Haq but announced his resignation for the 2006 Champions Trophy, only to reverse it the next day and lead Pakistan to a first-round exit in the tournament. He was favourite to take over the captaincy following Pakistan’s poor show in the 2007 World Cup but he turned it down, citing mental strain as the reason. However in January 2009, the board approached him again following a disastrous home series against Sri Lanka. This time Younis accepted and led Pakistan to a World Twenty20 title in England.Younis said the Champions Trophy exit was bitterly disappointing as he had wanted to gift his country the trophy that had been shifted from Pakistan to South Africa because of security concerns. He said there were many reasons for the team’s defeat to New Zealand, including his dropped catch, missed run-outs and poor umpiring but that finishing in the top four was a positive sign.”I will regret dropping it for the rest of my life,” Younis said. “Maybe the result could have been different had I not dropped that catch.”Allrounder Shahid Afridi felt luck had deserted Pakistan in the game against New Zealand but also said that they had made poor use of the Powerplays in the match. They scored only 35 in their batting Powerplay after taking it only in the 45th over and conceded 55 when New Zealand took theirs.

Harry Winks’ future at Tottenham Hotspur could be in even more doubt following the appointment of Antonio Conte.

The 52-year-old boss is already targeting midfield additions and he could look to raid one of his former clubs, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

Italian outlet Calciomercato.it claims the new Spurs boss has as many as six different targets from the Serie A on his shortlist ahead of the January transfer window, in which Inter Milan star Marcelo Brozovic is one.

The vastly-experienced Croatian is out of contract at the end of the season, so he is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any team outside of Italy from the turn of the year, whilst he could be available for as little as €20m (£18m) in January, as a result.

Ex-Lilywhites boss Jose Mourinho once dubbed Brozovic “the top of the top” and a “fantastic player” to talkSPORT. He added: “Aggression but at the same time great technique and arrival in the box and coming from a more defensive position.”

Taxi for Winks

That glowing endorsement provides some idea into the sort of player that Spurs would be getting, should they follow through with interest. And Brozovic very much sounds like someone capable of not only filling the role Winks plays but actually upgrading it.

It’s believed that the out-of-favour England midfielder will seek a temporary exit from the club in January, as per The Times, but you’d have to imagine that his long-term future is doubtful too, given his lack of game time and inconsistencies over the past 18 to 24 months.

Brozovic has been likened to Frank Lampard in the past, so it’s no wonder Mourinho is a huge fan, whilst his old manager Luciano Spalletti once claimed the 28-year-old beast had a “compass in the foot.”

The £36m-rated Inter star contributed two goals and six assists in 33 league appearances on their way to clinching the Serie A title under Conte last season.

He ended the campaign as their fourth highest-rated player (7.03) by WhoScored as he led the side for tackles (1.6) and key passes (1.4) per game and wasn’t too far behind for interceptions (1.2) either.

Elsewhere, an average of 66.7 passes per game saw him rank third in the squad and that’s even more impressive considering his 89.6% passing accuracy, thus living up to Spalletti’s glowing endorsement.

Winks has not surprised an average of 1.3 tackles or 0.6 key passes across the last three Premier League seasons in north London, so the difference is stark.

Therefore, it would be wise for Spurs to cave into Conte’s demands to sign Brozovic. He could be a very shrewd signing to help transform their fortunes on the pitch.

It’s time to sanction Winks’ departure and bring in the Croatian to replace him this January.

AND in other news, Nail in coffin: Conte’s arrival will have “lazy” £27m-rated Spurs star running scared…

New Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira made an impressive start to his squad overhaul in the summer, but there’s still work to be done in the upcoming transfer windows.

One reported target who the capital club were unable to bring to Selhurst Park a few months ago was Sassuolo winger Jeremie Boga.

The highly-rated 24-year-old was linked with a move to Palace throughout the summer, and the Italian outfit’s chief executive Giovanni Carnevali admitted he was one of three stars to ask for a move away from the Mapei Stadium.

“Just like (Manuel) Locatelli and (Dominico) Berardi, Boga also asked us to try other experiences,” Carnevali revealed. “We listened to him and the agents – but no concrete offers have arrived.”

With the Ivory Coast international still believed to be keen on a fresh challenge, Palace may be tempted to revive their interest in Boga over the winter and make a formal offer for his services.

Vieira could now really do with a player of this calibre.

The former Chelsea youngster made a solid contribution during his maiden campaign in Serie A after arriving back in July 2018 before backing it up with 11 goals and four assists in his second season.

And although the tricky forward’s productivity dropped slightly throughout 2020/21, his overall game was more impressive than the numbers suggest.

Boga completed 3.2 dribbles per game last season, far more than any of his Sassuolo teammates achieved and also successfully dribbled past 91 opponents, the third-highest number in the Italian top division.

He’s backed that up with three assists in his first seven top-flight appearances this term, indicating the level of talent that Palace would be getting if they rekindle their interest in the player.

With Wilfried Zaha continuously linked with a move away from his boyhood club, Boga could take over the reins on the left-wing, and form a formidable duo with fellow wideman Michael Olise.

Olise has lit up south London since arriving from Reading, and the 19-year-old is expected to play a pivotal part in Palace’s exciting future, and the arrival of the £18m-rated Boga could help to elevate the teenagers game to another level.

And, in other news…“People are watching him”: Sky Sports journo drops claim, Palace fans will be worried 

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to add further reinforcements to his forward line.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Red Devils are one of two Premier League clubs interested in securing the highly-rated 22-year-old’s signature, with local rivals Manchester City also listed as potential suitors.

Isak only put pen to paper on fresh terms at the Estadio Anoeta in July, but his new deal is believed to include a €90m (£76m) buyout clause, meaning an imminent exit could be on the cards.

Solskjaer would love him

After struggling to make an impact in a two-and-a-half-year spell at Borussia Dortmund, the youngster left the Signal Iduna Park in the summer of 2019 as he searched for regular game time to continue his development.

Isak scored just one goal in 13 frustrating appearances for BVB, failing to cement his place in the starting XI on a regular basis as a result, but has transformed his fortunes since arriving in Spanish football.

The 6 foot 2 attacker has gone from strength to strength during his time at Sociedad, bagging 17 goals and providing two assists in 34 La Liga appearances last season.

And his standout performances at club level saw him become a vital cog in Sweden’s national team setup over the summer as Janne Andersson’s charges reached the last-16 of Euro 2020.

Although Isak failed to find the back of the net during his four appearances at the European Championship, the versatile forward did provide two assists for his teammates and spearheaded the Scandinavian’s attack to great effect.

One impressed onlooker was Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, who hinted at the forward becoming the breakout star for the tournament following his eye-catching displays.

He tweeted: “Don’t think there’s much doubt that Alexander Isak will attract a lot of attention from clubs across Europe. Exceptional talent.”

Therefore, United’s football director John Murtough must swoop for the Sociedad ace before their domestic rivals do, providing Solskjaer with another talented striker who he’d surely love to have at his disposal.

And, in other news…Report reveals concerning update over “quality” Man Utd maestro, Ole will be worried

It’s a do-or-die match for Kings XI Punjab in this, the last lap of the league matches, and they could not have asked for tougher opposition

The Preview by Judhajit Basu15-May-2009Match factsMay 15, 2009
Start time 16.30 (14.30 GMT, 20.00 IST)
Big PictureKings XI Punjab would do well to get Yusuf Abdulla back in as they look to make a final surge towards a semis spot•AFPIt’s a do-or-die match for Kings XI Punjab in this, the last lap of the league matches, and they could not have asked for tougher opposition. Yuvraj Singh and his men have been indifferent throughout the tournament and it will be up to the captain to rally his troops if they are to make giant strides from their current second-last position to a top four spot. But the going promises to get tougher with matches against the top tier teams still to come. The confidence from a win here could provide the fuel for the final push.Delhi have been on song with near-flawless performances this season. They were outdone on two occasions by brilliant individual performances – succumbing to Shadab Jakati while chasing 164 versus Chennai and to Yusuf Pathan’s late tornado while defending against Rajasthan. AB de Villiers and Tillakaratne Dilshan have been magnificient in the middle order while the bowlers have backed them up suitably and played a big part in the team’s success. Virender Sehwag’s lack of runs and Gautam Gambhir’s lack of authority at the top have been minor concerns for Delhi.Form guide (completed matches, most recent first)Delhi Daredevils: WWWWL
There seems to be no apparent problem – the title favourites tag gaining further credence with their remarkable win against Deccan – but Delhi would be wary of complacency. With the teams separated by a few points in the table, they would look to stay in pole position and seal their passage to the final four with a win here.Kings XI Punjab: LWLLW
Bowling has been the biggest letdown for Kings XI Punjab. Yusuf Abdulla, Irfan Pathan and Piyush Chawla seem to have run out of steam after a promising start. The rest of the pack have had forgettable performances – notably Sreesanth and VRV Singh. With matchwinners aplenty in the batting department, Yuvraj would believe a collective effort which results in a big score may just be the only way to ensure maximum points.Watch out forVirender Sehwag: Expect some fireworks from the Delhi captain who has not had a standout innings as yet. The captain would be keen to cash in on Punjab’s weak bowling and bat himself into form. Incidentally, his highest score of the tournament came against the same opposition in a rain-marred match in Cape Town.TeamsSreesanth has received more hurt, following his recuperation from the stress fracture to the back. With two wickets from the four matches at 69.50 at an economy rate of 10.69, he will surely make way for Abdulla, their leading wicket-taker, who has sat out the last three games. Word is also not out on Mahela Jayawardene’s availability after picking up a hamstring injury. Vikramjeet Malik may be drafted in to aid Abdulla’s inclusion.Kings XI Punjab (probable): 1 Sunny Sohal, 2 Simon Katich, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Karan Goel, 5 Yuvraj Singh (capt), 6 Irfan Pathan, 7 Brett Lee, 8 Piyush Chawla, 9 VRV Singh, 10 Vikramjeet Malik, 11 Yusuf Abdulla.Delhi have been on song throughout this season and it is unlikely that they will change the winning XI. Sehwag, though, might bat higher, up from the No. 5 he came in at in the last match.Delhi Daredevils (probable): 1 Gautam Gambhir, 2 David Warner, 3 Virender Sehwag (capt), 4 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 5 AB de Villiers, 6 Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7 Rajat Bhatia, 8 Amit Mishra, 9 Pradeep Sangwan, 10 Ashish Nehra, 11 Dirk Nannes.Stats and triviaThis will be the first of the two matches being played at the OUTsurance Oval in Bloemfontein. A sparingly-used pitch at the international level, the last ODI played here between South Africa and Kenya in October last year, the only game since September 2006, saw the hosts piling on 336 batting first as they stormed to a 159-run win.AB de Villiers currently holds the record for the most catches, with 11 from 10 matches, including three against Chennai at Johannesburg.Head-to-head recordA rained-out affair at Newlands saw Delhi prevailing by 10 wickets via the D/L method. Punjab won both their games against Delhi last season. In the first match Punjab’s fast bowlers wrecked Delhi’s top-order in Mohali to help secure a four-wicket victory in the final over. The second game was marred by weather and Punjab won by six runs under the D/L method after Delhi had scored 118 for 4 in 11 overs.