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West Bromwich Albion fans have been reacting to their U23 side losing 5-0 against Leeds United.

The Baggies are currently struggling at the bottom of the Premier League. As it stands, they are 19th in the table and have picked up just 18 points from their first 29 games in the competition (Sky Sports). They are 10 points from safety with just nine matches left to play – it looks increasingly unlikely they will survive amongst the elite.

It seems their development squad is not fairing much better. They were in action against the Whites on Monday, and they were hammered 5-0. They are now bottom of their section with just 17 points from as many matches (flashscore.com). Not only that, the 5-0 scoreline was the same one the senior side were on the end of against the same opponents in December.

West Brom’s official Twitter account shared the result, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Baggies supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the West Brom fans had to say about the result below

“I’m no expert on the academy scene, but surely such consistently poor results is having no great influence on our youngsters. Don’t blame the coaches though, all down (to) Dowling.”

Credit: @joekapalo

“Not again”

Credit: @joshiecole2003

“When is it gonna end robbie”

Credit: @bruno_prest1

“Somethings clearly not right in our youth setup, I know Dowling has done some restructuring and coaches have moved on. I’d like to see more senior pros who are not getting a game time play in there, would be good experience for the U23’s too.”

Credit: @PallettJack

“I guess some things never change”

Credit:@BigAjayi

“well…at least Barca won’t rip us off anymore.”

Credit: @RobertsWBA23

In other news, West Brom fans were delighted with this club update.

Premier League side Leeds are reportedly interested in signing Feyenoord youngster Orkun Kokcu after Marcelo Bielsa and co tried to sign him in the winter transfer window.

Some weeks ago, it was reported that Kokcu has opened the door for a move to Elland Road, as his current club Feyenoord managed to fend off interest in January. Now though, it seems Leeds are once again eyeing the youngster.

Leeds have Kokcu in their sights

Spanish outlet Sport have recently reported about Kokcu’s situation, mentioning interest from Sevilla (via Sport Witness) and Leeds’ failed January pursuit.

The report goes on to talk about interest from the Whites, saying that Bielsa’s men have Kokcu on their agenda and it suggests that Leeds also have the ‘necessary cash’ to rope him in.

It stated that Feyenoord would demand a fee of around €20 million (£17 million) for Kokcu and while Sevilla can pay that amount, Leeds will provide them with competition for the 20-year-old midfielder.

Kokcu has previously been linked with a move to Arsenal, while reports had linked Chelsea with a move for him too. The youngster has previously been compared to former Arsenal and Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil.

Kokcu could be a handy signing for Leeds

In the current campaign for Feyenoord, Kokcu has made 23 appearances in all competitions for the side. He has scored twice, picking up just as many assists as well. He can play in central midfield and in attacking midfield as well.

With Adam Forshaw forever injured, Leeds don’t have many out and out central midfielders, with most of the options in that position either more defensively minded like Kalvin Phillips or attacking players Mateusz Klich and Tyler Roberts.

Kokcu can add depth in the middle of the park, and he’s still young so can continue to develop long in the future under Bielsa. Signing him for roughly £17 million could be handy business for the Whites, and the fact that the manager wanted him in January suggests he has an immediate plan to utilise him in the first team.

In other news, Leeds United have been given a boost in their chase for Rodrigo de Paul – read more here.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Carlton Palmer suggested his former club West Brom did all they could in the January transfer window.

During it, manager Sam Allardyce and technical director Luke Dowling were able to bring in the likes of Robert Snodgrass, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Mbaye Diagne, giving the Baggies a boost in their fight for survival.

With West Brom struggling at both ends of the pitch this season, though, the Baggies could have perhaps done with further strengthening. They are one of the lowest scorers in the Premier League, registering just 20 goals in the current campaign, and have the worst record when it comes to goals conceded.

However, Palmer believes the club did what was realistically possible in the transfer market, noting the need to be financially cautious. In an exclusive interview with FFC, the former England international said:

“Well, the problem is in the position that they’re in, it’s always dangerous, isn’t it? Do you overspend to try and stay in the Premier League? Because, you know, if you go down, you’re left with a big wage bill.

“And it’s not that easy, as we’ve seen, to get automatic promotion from the Championship, so I think it’s a balancing act. And I think they would have taken that with a view when they brought Sam in.

“At the time they brought him in, obviously the wage they’ll be paying Sam and the recruitment they’ve done, I think they would have taken a calculated gamble in what they were doing. So, you know, I think they’ve done as much as what they can.”

Whatever the case, West Brom will believe that they can stay up. The Midlands club are currently nine points adrift of safety; however, they play 17th-placed Newcastle United on Sunday in a relegation clash that could completely change the dynamic down at the bottom.

The players can also draw confidence from having a very experienced manager in charge in Allardyce, with the ex-England boss boasting zero relegations from the Premier League on his CV, leading previous sides Crystal Palace and Sunderland to top-flight safety.

Leeds United will be reeling off the back of their latest Premier League performance.

Despite banking important results like their 3-1 win over Leicester, their trip to Arsenal put a stop to their solid run of form. The Gunners put in a convincing display with their 4-2 winning scoreline, leapfrogging the Whites in the league table.

Whilst they’re in no imminent danger where they are, Leeds will want to improve on their current 11th place position. Focus now shifts to Wolves, who will host the Championship winners at Molineux on the weekend.

There’s a lot to be positive about at Elland Road right now, though.

Leeds could very well push for a spot in the Europa League next season after wasting no time in reasserting their dominance at the top level. Familiar club faces and recent signings have worked in harmony together, with the likes of Raphinha and Patrick Bamford especially impressing.

However, one man who doesn’t seem to be as happy as the rest of the camp is Pablo Hernandez.

The Spaniard hasn’t started a match since Leeds were ejected from the FA Cup at the hands of Crawley Town last month. Summer signing Rodrigo has seemingly usurped the veteran’s position in midfield and frustrations could be mounting.

Hernandez, who has just 18 months left on his £19k-per-week contract, recently took to Instagram to post a cryptic message following the Arsenal defeat.

As quoted by Graham Smyth, the 35-year-old wrote on his Instagram story: “Although it was impossible for you, never claim anything in life, swallow the poison of hatred and accept injustices, rest assured that everything is balanced in the end.”

This isn’t the first time tension has built and has driven a wedge between Hernandez and Bielsa. La Vanguardia claimed that the Argentinian was furious with the playmaker after he threw down an Armistice Day armband in anger back in November.

This is reportedly why Bielsa decided to drop the Whites veteran, who has just 11 senior appearances for Leeds under his belt this season, as per Transfermarkt.

If Hernandez feels he isn’t being treated fairly, then it’s not unforeseeable that another spat between him and the manager could be on the cards.

In other news, Ezgjan Alioski’s performance vs Arsenal may have sealed his fate…

Celtic are currently linked with a number of names to potentially come in and replace the recently departed Neil Lennon. The Irishman left the club amid talks of his sacking after the Hoops have suffered a lacklustre season in both the Premiership and Europa League.

One name that has been heavily flirted with the idea of stepping in is Rafael Benitez. Before Lennon left the club, The Mirror reported that he was heavily in the picture to take over as head coach following his decision to leave his position in China. Whilst talks may have gone a little quiet since, bookmakers are still including him in the running to take the job.

Benitez himself has since come out with a rather interesting statement about his next career move. Speaking to the Daily Record, the Spaniard admitted he has had “so many offers” since he became available again “from South America to the Emirates”, however he isn’t looking to pursue any of these options.

“I want to stay in Europe and I want to do so to be competitive at a high level,” Benitez continued. “I’m looking for a project that will allow me to be competitive and with time and space to grow.”

This is definitely something to prick up the ears of fans and professionals alike. Due to their disappointing 2020/21 season, Celtic are very much in need of a squad revamp and a new set of managerial tactics. Benitez found success with Liverpool and boasts a Champions League trophy and FA Cup. He also won the Europa League with Chelsea and the Club World Cup with Inter Milan, just to name a few of his accolades.

He managed to drive Newcastle to their promotion from the Championship back in 2016 too, showing he has what it takes to challenge in both league and cup competitions.

His pedigree speaks for itself and his desire to stay in Europa and take on a project that needs some TLC is very telling. Perhaps the Celtic job has been earmarked by the Spaniard as the season in Scotland rounds off.

In other news, Appointing Benitez could hugely improve Stephen Welsh at Celtic…

Manchester City return to FA Cup action on Wednesday night as they take on Championship side Swansea City away from home.

Pep Guardiola’s side have now won 14 games on the bounce following their 4-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield at the weekend, and will be full of confidence ahead of the trip to the Liberty Stadium.

However, the Swans are also in strong form, as they sit third in the Championship table and also thrashed Nottingham Forest 5-1 to seal their place in the fifth round.

Guardiola rotated heavily for the game against League Two Cheltenham Town in the last round and was nearly caught out, so may go with a stronger side for the game against Steve Cooper’s side.

The Citizens do face Spurs in their next Premier League fixture, however, so changes seem likely with that in mind.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Guardiola to set his side up for the game against Swansea, with six changes from the team that started at Anfield…

Zack Steffen reclaims his place in goal after impressing in Ederson’s absence earlier in the season.

There are two changes in defence, as Benjamin Mendy and Aymeric Laporte come in for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ruben Dias, who are both rested.

Fernandinho will provide an experienced head in midfield, as he replaces Rodri, with Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan keeping their place after impressive displays against Liverpool.

Riyad Mahrez starts on the right but can interchange with Ferran Torres throughout the game, whilst Gabriel Jesus starts up front, leaving Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva on the bench.

And, in other news… Man City can sign “exciting talent” who only scores screamers

If one of Neil Lennon’s New Year resolutions was to revive Celtic, then he is currently doing a bad job.

The Hoops are without a win in 2021, and are 23 points behind their fierce rivals.

It has been a season to forget and judging by their record of seven victories in the last 22 matches, it’s time for Lennon to go.

He’s claimed that he won’t leave of his own accord, and thus, the only way he’ll walk through the exit door is if Dermot Desmond and Peter Lawwell give the Northern Irishman his marching orders.

For the good of the club, it needs to happen as soon as possible. Eddie Howe has been linked with the hotseat but now another name has entered the conversation.

The Mirror reported this weekend that after leaving Chinese club Dalian Professional, Rafael Benitez is in the frame to succeed Lennon at Parkhead.

This would be an eye-catching appointment, one that could completely revitalise the Hoops in a whole host of ways.

Now 60 years of age, the Spaniard is well travelled and has a glistening CV – one that looks a lot more eye-catching than Lennon’s.

He has won the Champions League, UEFA Cup and the Europa League, while he’s also proven victorious in the Club World Cup. This is a coach with a stellar reputation, someone who has become recognised as a fabulous motivator.

Speaking about his spell under Benitez, Harry Kewell noted his ability to get players to agree with him no matter what: “He was the master of you walking into his office thinking…I know this is what I am going to say…and you’d walk out agreeing to everything he said,” the Australian began.

“Rafa Benitez was fantastic, but he’d say do this and I’d say but what about this way, and he’d respond – ‘fantastic but this is what I want you to do,” Kewell concluded.

For a Celtic side who look as though they’re being given an easy ride by Lennon right now, this would be game-changing. It feels like nothing the current Hoops boss says works and it wouldn’t be unreasonable to suggest he’s lost parts of the dressing room.

Yet, Benitez is someone that looks for solutions and can adapt well to his surroundings. The very fact he went from Real Madrid to Newcastle shows he offers a vast array of different qualities.

Though, it’s his meticulous use of analytics that could be the most beneficial for Celtic. It was revealed last year by Simon Ferry that Lennon was remarkably still using Brendan Rodgers’ training sessions. That detrimental method, however, could all change if Benitez walks through the door.

At Newcastle, Benitez installed a very particular brand of training, a highly organised intense affair.

His sessions would usually last 60-90 minutes, with a firm emphasis on exercises related to game preparation and tactics. 80% of the session would be work with the ball, while the other 20% would purely be on fitness. This type of organisation would be perfect for the Bhoys. After all, Lennon is hardly a mastermind when it comes to the training pitch.

The former Liverpool boss has also used analytics to his advantage. At Anfield, he used a Spanish tool called Amisco. It has since merged with Prozone and Opta but Benitez would collect as much analysis and statistics as possible to then feed down to his players.

Newcastle players and staff were fed intricate levels of detail when he was in the northeast of England. Assessing how their opponents lined-up for corners in previous seasons is a prime example.

Although he’d be exceptional at Lennoxtown, it is surely his reputation that would command the most respect.

There is a certain aura about the 60-year-old, one that could add fresh energy to Celtic. If Desmond can lure him to Glasgow, it would be one of his finest hours yet.

AND in other news, Hammond could revive Celtic by swooping for terrifying gem with 15 goals in 9 games…

Arsenal would be making an unforgivable disaster by signing PSG man Julian Draxler in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that the Gunners are considering signing a creative attacking midfielder in this winter window, with the likes of Emiliano Buendia of Norwich, and Julian Brandt of Borussia Dortmund, among those names being spoken about.

Now, BILD journalist Christian Falk has claimed that Draxler is behind Brandt on Mikel Artetat’s side’s shortlist, with the Germany international also set to become a free agent in the summer when his contract comes to an end at PSG.

Edu nightmare

If this was several years ago, when Draxler was bursting on to the scene with Bundesliga side Schalke, then it would be entirely understandable for the Gunners to go after him.

But the 27-year-old, who earns around £125k-a-week at French giants PSG, has just not delivered on his early promise, and it’s a telling sign that he could become a free agent this summer.

Arsenal desperately don’t need another highly-paid but declining player to come on to their books, even if it is on a temporary basis.

Mesut Ozil’s situation since he signed his new bumper contract at the Emirates a couple of years ago has surely given Edu a basis of what not to do in the transfer market.

Going in for Draxler, who has completed the 90 minutes just twice this season at PSG, would be tantamount to yet another costly disaster from the Gunners.

The north London side must steer clear. If they don’t, Arteta certainly won’t be happy with his technical director’s work.

Leeds are prepared to face an old rival this evening as they make the long-awaited journey to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United. Both teams head into the fixture off the back of a win and neither will be willing to let their guard down even for a second tonight.

The questionable defence of Leeds will need to defend hard against the threat of the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, but Marcelo Bielsa will undoubtedly have a plan to thwart the Reds on their turf.

Here’s how Football FanCast has predicted the Whites to set up against United this evening…

With both summer signings Robin Koch and Diego Llorente out with injuries, Bielsa is low on centre-back options. He has recently been starting Luke Ayling in a more central role, but he must make sure his defence is the best it can be against an attack like Man United’s.

The boss has Pascal Struijk at his disposal and he should consider giving him just his fourth Premier League start of the season. The £25,000 per week defender has slipped down the pecking order recently, but a natural centre-back is a much safer option than Ayling, no matter how well he has been playing in the makeshift position.

This will allow the Englishman to return to his natural right-back role, with Stuart Dallas on the opposite flank. Kalvin Phillips will, as usual, help defend the backline by lying deep in the midfield.

Although Rodrigo had a great game last time out against Newcastle, Pablo Hernandez made a dream substitute appearance by bagging himself two assists off the bench. Because of this, he may have earned himself a spot in the starting lineup to help Patrick Bamford threaten Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backline.

A win on the road will be a huge result for the Whites who are looking to climb the table, against an old nemesis no less.

In other news, Raphinha could cause Alex Telles a lot of problems on Sunday…

Since his arrival from Amiens on transfer deadline day, Bongani Zungu hasn’t had the smoothest of starts at Glasgow Rangers.

The 28-year-old has had a gradual start to life at Ibrox – with just 283 minutes of first-team action so far this season – and it hasn’t all been plain-sailing for the South African midfielder, who ran out of steam after the break against St Mirren.

Glasgow Live were equally scathing in their assessment, claiming he was solid albeit ‘nothing spectacular’, whilst he ‘didn’t protect the back four well enough in the second half.’

Whilst Zungu struggled against St Mirren, particularly in the second half, Steven Davis outshone the South Africa international during his brief cameo against the Buddies, as he came off the bench to level the score.

Ultimately, his efforts were in vain, as Steven Gerrard’s side crashed out of the competition thanks to a last-gasp winner from Connor McCarthy, but this doesn’t mean that his drive and determination should be ignored nor indeed go unnoticed.

Davis’ importance is something that has become blindingly obvious over the past few months or so, with Alex McLeish waxing lyrical about his former charge after he became the most-capped player for his country in the Euro 2020 playoff semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina in October.

He told Ibrox News: “It’s quite an incredible feat when you think about.

“It’s really amazing. Steven has been some servant to his clubs and country.

“I’ve always liked him as a player. I liked him every since I was in the Premier League with Birmingham City, when he played for Fulham. I thought he was a great signing by Walter Smith when he brought him in first time round, and he really transformed Rangers’ midfield.

“That’s what we really need to see from Rangers if they’re to be successful – a midfield controller of the ilk that Steven is. Of course, he’s still there and he’s found a little bit of his top fitness again, and he is an outstanding performer.”

And with Motherwell next on the agenda, the timing couldn’t be better for Gerrard to bring the Northern Irishman to back into the fold, especially when you consider the fact that he hasn’t started in the past three games in a row.

With games coming thick and fast between now and Christmas, coupled with the fact that the Old Firm derby is a matter of weeks away, the Ibrox boss will be well aware that he will have to manage Davis very carefully, as he can ill afford to lose one of his best players to injury before the mouth-watering clash with Celtic at the top of the table.

But giving the 35-year-old, who earns wages worth £18,000-per-week, the chance to get some minutes under his belt against the fifth-placed Steelmen could prove vital later down the line.

AND in other news, Ross Wilson must cut his losses and sell Glasgow Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos in January…