[ad_pod ]Southampton FC posted via their official Twitter account on Friday that it was two years to the day that Shane Long scored the goal against Liverpool at Anfield that ensured they reached the final of the EFL Cup, and Saints fans were quick to react on Twitter.
The south coast outfit went into the semi-final second-leg with a 1-0 lead thanks to Nathan Redmond’s winner at St Mary’s, but they still faced an uphill task to get to Wembley for their first League Cup final since 1979.
However, having kept Jurgen Klopp’s men relatively quiet for 90 minutes, they broke away in injury time and having carried the ball with him for yard after yard, substitute Josh Sims played in Long who finished brilliantly past Loris Karius in goal to send the visiting fans into raptures, as per BBC.
Claude Puel’s side ended up unfortunate 3-2 losers to Manchester United in the final at Wembley the following month, with Manolo Gabbiadini scoring a brace and having another wrongly chalked off for being offside.
While Long has found goalscoring form hard to come by since that moment, Sims has barely seen any action either – but having recently returned from an unsuccessful loan spell with Reading, as per The Daily Echo, he will be hoping to make an impact under Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Southampton supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the memory, and while one said they “still remember [Dejan] Lovren’s sad little face”, another said they hope Sims “gets some game time soon”.
Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…
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The clock’s ticking and as always at this time of year, clubs are rushing around like headless chickens looking for last minute deals.
There isn’t a single club who isn’t being tipped to complete some late January business before the window slams shut on Thursday evening, with so many managers still desperate to strengthen their squads ahead of the final run-in of fixtures this season.
You’ve only got to look at any of the live transfer feeds around the internet to know that we haven’t seen the last of the business being done this month, with a number of huge deals touted to go through.
Will Solskjaer dip in to the market to make his United team even more unbeatable? Can Sarri bring in another attacker to complement Higuain in Chelsea’s attack?
Will West Ham go ahead of break another club-record transfer before the weekend? Here’s a look at the most likely deals expected to go through before Thursday’s deadline, and some of them will get fans very, very excited…
Vincent Janssen – Cardiff, Boro, Wolves, Burnley
A switch to China is currently the most likely of destinations for the Dutch striker, who is hoping to bring an end to a nightmare spell at Tottenham. Cardiff (9/1), Middlesbrough (12/1), Wolves (2/1) and Burnley (4/1) are currently the leading favourite English clubs, according to the bookies.
Youri Tielemans – Leicester City
Soccer Football – Ligue 1 – Monaco vs Montpellier – Stade Louis II, Monaco – December 1, 2018 AS Monaco’s Youri Tielemans celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Reports this week have linked Leicester with a move for Belgian wonderkid Tielemans. It’s believed, with a number of midfielders being allowed to leave the King Power Stadium this month, funds have been freed up in order for Puel to make a move for the youngster.
Gelson Martins- Newcastle
Newcastle being linked with anyone these days doesn’t normally lead to a deal being done but reports over the last few days suggest Rafa Benitez may just be able to secure a few deals before the window shuts. Gelson Martins is one of the favourites to sign for the Magpies before Thursday. Watch this space.
Adrien Rabiot – Spurs
The Frenchman is in to the final six months of his PSG contract and therefore is able to start discussing personal terms with other clubs. Tottenham have reportedly already made an offer to Rabiot and we wouldn’t be surprised to see him being brought in to replace the departed Mousa Dembele. He’s as short as 3/1 with some bookies to agree a move to North London.
Nathan Ake – Chelsea
This would be classic Chelsea, but it does seem as though Sarri is interested in bringing Nathan Ake to Stamford Bridge. He’d cost a fair whack financially but it’s no secret the Blues need to tighten up defensively and it’s believed they’re lining up a huge bid before the window closes.
Michy Batshuayi – Crystal Palace, Everton
Higuain’s arrival last weekend has all but ended the Belgium international’s Stamford Bridge career, but there shouldn’t be a shortage of suitors ready to offer him a way out. Crystal Palace (4/1) and Everton (2/1 are currently the favourites among the English clubs interested in him, but Spurs, West Ham, Watford, Southampton and Fulham are all considering late moves.
Bradley Dack – West Ham, Burnley
Bradley Dack has been smashing it in the Championship for Blackburn, so it’s no surprise to see him being linked with a move to the Premier League. It’s widely expected that he’ll be rocking up in Stratford before the month is out, with the Hammers the bookies’ favourites to sign him at 4/1, while Burnley are priced at 10/1 to complete a deal.
Gary Cahill – Crystal Palace, Fulham, Arsenal
Gary Cahill, once a mainstay stalwart of dominant Chelsea teams gone by, is widely expected to leave the Blues in January and despite his age, there does seem to be some concrete interest in his signature. Crystal Palace (9/4), Fulham (3/1), Arsenal (10/3) and even Aston Villa (4/1) are all battling for his signature this week.
Nicolo Barella – Man United, Chelsea
The 21-year-old Cagliari midfielder is quite rightly attracting interest in some of Europe’s biggest clubs, but it’s Man United and Chelsea who are both leading the chase to sign him this week. The bookies currently have Chelsea down as the favourites at 4/1 but reports suggest the youngster would prefer a move to Old Trafford. Keep an eye on this one!
Che Adams – Southampton, Burnley
Che Adams can’t stop scoring for Birmingham in the Championship, so it’s little wonder Southampton and Burnley have been keeping close tabs on him this month. Both Premier League clubs have struggled for goals this term so expect Adams to be rocking up at one of these clubs come Thursday evening.
Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter to react after it was revealed that Connor Wickham has been struck by yet another injury problem, as revealed by Roy Hodgson in his pre-match press conference before the visit of West Ham.
The English forward only recently made his long-awaited return to first-team action, earning a start in the 2-0 win over Tottenham in the FA Cup at Selhurst Park – a game in which he scored the opener and celebrated passionately.
Sadly for the 25-year-old, however, he has suffered a setback having worked so hard to get fit, and his chances of game time this season with the south London side are now looking bleak after yet another issue, coupled with the arrival of Michy Batshuayi.
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Palace fans, who are still yet to see Wickham’s fellow striker Christian Benteke score for them this season, have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts on the former Sunderland man’s dire situation…
Swansea City boss Graham Potter has conceded that Oliver McBurnie could miss Wednesday’s Championship clash with Leeds United at Elland Road.
McBurnie, who has been in excellent form for Swansea this season, has been hindered by illness in recent weeks and his spot against Leeds is far from certain.
What did Potter say?
Swansea’s official website quotes Potter as saying:
“Oli has just had a period where he has picked up a few things, so we just have to be careful with him and monitor him.
“He trained lightly yesterday (Sunday), so we will see how he goes. I think it was tough for him to come on, but we will make a decision for Leeds closer to the time.”
McBurnie is enjoying a terrific season for Swansea, having found the back of the net on 15 occasions in 30 appearances in all competitions this term.
In the Championship, the striker has 13 goals in 29 appearances, including a brace in the recent 3-3 draw with Birmingham City.
McBurnie came off the bench in his team’s 1-0 win over Millwall at the weekend and it had been thought that he could return to the XI against Leeds.
Potter, however, has conceded that Swansea ‘have to be careful’ with the centre-forward as they risk losing him for a longer period without the right treatment.
What is the state of play for Swansea?
It has been a strange season for Swansea and not too many of their fans were happy with the club’s business in the January transfer window.
The Welsh outfit have only lost one of their last seven in the Championship, however, with a total of 44 points leaving them in 11th position in the table.
The former Premier League team are just six points off the playoff positions and a win over title hopefuls Leeds this week would send out a huge message.
Leeds have really wobbled in recent weeks, but did manage to pick up a good point away to Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.
It promises to be a fascinating clash at Elland Road on Wednesday night and the Swansea fans will be hopeful that McBurnie passes a late fitness test.
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Manchester United have recovered nicely from their first leg loss to PSG, as they progressed into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
The Red Devils look a much better side to the one they were under Jose Mourinho and, now with guidance from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have since surged into fourth position.
Champions League qualification looked a long-shot at best under the Portuguese boss but with players now performing to the best of their ability, anything is possible for United.
Typical United performances are once again on show, with brilliant play and lots of goals on display for fans to see.
If they bid to add to that firepower in the summer, an option United should be pursuing is rising star Luka Jovic.
Jovic, (who is valued at £36 million on Transfermarkt) has enjoyed a magnificent loan spell with Bundesliga side Frankfurt, far greater than anyone could have predicted.
The Serbian international is the Bundesliga’s top goalscorer with 14 goals to his name, whilst he has also scored a further six in other competitions.
At just 21-years-old, Lukas Jovic is proving to be very hot property and Benfica maybe destined to sell this summer, with this being the opportunity to rake in the most money.
Whether Romelu Lukaku is still a Manchester United player if Jovic joined is unknown but the two could link up to create another famous partnership at Old Trafford, with contrasting attributes potentially working together.
There may be concerns that Jovic is a one-season wonder but with the ability he has shown this season, there is belief also that he could raise his game if he gained a big move to a club like Manchester United.
Sunderland are seriously struggling to score goals at the moment, and Jack Ross simply must re-introduce Max Power to the starting XI along with a slight tweak to Friday’s formation.
After facing pressure to play two strikers up front together, Ross finally pulled the trigger last week as Charlie Wyke and Will Grigg started against Accrington Stanley at the Stadium of Light.
Grigg missed two golden opportunities to open his Sunderland account while Wyke was barely even involved in the match as both of the front men blanked in the 2-2 draw.
Now, Ross must find another solution to fix the balance in his side. Sitting six points off the automatic promotion places and drawing six of their last seven league games, the Black Cats should bring back Power in a traditional 4-2-3-1 formation.
The ex-Wigan ace has become a somewhat controversial figure after picking up three red cards earlier in the season, but his return will help at both ends of the pitch.
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On the chalkboard
While scoring goals has been a problem – Ross’ side have scored just one goal in ten of their last 11 league games – the defence has looked weak in recent weeks too, perhaps due to a lack of protection from midfield.
Alongside the experienced and reliable Grant Leadbitter, Power’s energy, drive and skill will be able to get his side on the front foot from midfield, while also offering a little more defensive protection than starting with two up front.
The 25 year-old’s all-action presence will make life much easier for Leadbitter, and the pair should be capable of controlling the midfield – where the game is won and lost – against most of the sides in League One.
Get Grigg going
Switching to a 4-2-3-1 could also get Grigg firing in a red and white shirt, as the Northern Irishman hasn’t quite got going yet at the Stadium of Light.
With the likes of Aiden McGeady, George Honeyman, Lynden Gooch and Chris Maguire to choose from for those spots behind the striker, it shouldn’t be too difficult to surround Grigg with pace, creativity and movement.
With three attacking midfielders behind the January signing as well as Power bursting forward from midfield, the goals will be flowing in no time, and Grigg could be the biggest beneficiary of all.
Sheffield United travel to Hillsborough to take on fierce rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the Steel City derby on Monday.
The Blades will arrive full of confidence and aware that a victory will keep them in the thick of the Championship title race. However, Chris Wilder will be prepared for a tough test and will have to get his team selection and tactical approach right.
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On the chalkboard
Such derby clashes are often feisty, fiery affairs. United will have to be prepared for an intense physical battle against the Owls. For that reason, Wilder should bring Gary Madine into the starting XI.
The 28-year-old striker arrived at Bramall Lane on loan from Premier League outfit Cardiff City in the January transfer window. He has since impressed for the Blades when he has been given first team chances by Wilder.
The No. 14’s physicality and strength make him ideally suited for the upcoming trip to Hillsborough, and he should be full of confidence having notched a well-taken brace against Reading recently.
McGoldrick out
Of course, for Madine to come in someone else has to make way. To accommodate the Cardiff loanee, Wilder ought to pull David McGoldrick out of the firing line. The 31-year-old has been in fine form so far this season but wasn’t at his best against West Brom last time out.
Madine would certainly offer Wilder’s side more than McGoldrick in this particular upcoming fixture.
With the permanent job surely in the bag, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks set to make Spanish maestro Isco one of his first marquee signings. To do so, however, the Norwegian will need to enact his first display of ruthlessness and move two players on…
As one of the most iconic and influential clubs in the world, Manchester United possesses immense pulling power in the market.
Indeed, some of the greatest and best-known names in world football have graced Old Trafford’s turf – from Eric Cantona, to Ronaldo, David De Gea, Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Solskjaer, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, and now possibly Isco.
Real Madrid have acquired their fair share of Manchester United talent over the years, so it will make a welcome change for fans to learn that the tables are turning (source: Tuttosport via Daily Mail).
Playmaking talent Isco has really fall out-of-favour with current Madrid manager Santiago Solari and has seen his name in the starting line-up only five times in La Liga this season, scoring just once in 16 appearances, creating an ideal opportunity for United to pounce.
Fans would have so much to be excited about; as for these two players, though, it looks like their career could be over…
Alexis Sanchez
You would imagine Alexis Sanchez would be one of the first out of the door providing his current club find someone to meet his ridiculous £600,000-a-week wages (as per: Telegraph).
The Chilean failed to find the form shown at ex-club Arsenal in his first season at Manchester United and has since seen the worst attributes of his game perpetuated. His confidence in front of goal has withered away; there is no creative flair, no dynamic runs, no exciting runs. Nothing.
Everyone knows how quality he is, but things just have not worked out.
Time to move on.
Fred
Brazilian Fred has only been at the club for one season but what a disaster it has been.
It cost the Red Devils a reported £52m to acquire his services from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, which for most is about £45m too much (as per: Independent).
There is not much to be said about his time at Old Trafford but relatively little has happened. Which is exactly why he finds himself on this list.
We are sure Manchester United fans would just at the opportunity to swap him for Isco.
There is no denying how much of an underwhelming signing Fred has been given the expectation that came with his arrival at Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old joined Manchester United for big money and was seen by some as the next Fernandinho.
Yet he barely featured under Jose Mourinho and, when he did, he failed to make much of an impression.
With all of that being said, since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took the reins, the Brazilian midfielder has shown some signs of life.
His performance against Paris Saint-Germain in his side’s Champions League comeback, in particular, was impressive and has now given Manchester United supporters reason to be optimistic about his future at the club.
That game, Fred was energetic and tenacious, showing the sort characteristics many feel the Red Devils’ midfield has been missing.
Going forward, based on that display, a midfield of the Brazil international, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, who has also managed to find some form in recent weeks, could lay the foundations for a title challenge next season.
There is still a lot more Fred needs to do to show Solskjaer and fans that he is the answer, but recent signs have been encouraging.
Manchester United fans, has Fred finally turned a corner? Join the discussion by commenting below.
[ad_pod ]Charlton’s Josh Parker became the sixth Addick to earn a call-up to his national side this month with Antigua and Barbuda naming the forward in the squad for their CONCACAF Nations League qualification match against Curacao this weekend.The 28-year-old January arrival from Gillingham joins club teammates Josh Cullen, Chris Maxwell, Krystian Bielik, Lyle Taylor and Igor Vetokele in receiving the call every football player dreams of, and will be hoping to fire the Benna Boys to victory on Saturday.Regardless of the options available to Antigua and Barbuda boss Rolston Williams, 5 ft 11 Parker may count himself lucky to be included having endured a pretty poor season.Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…The number 10 has netted just four times in 24 league appearances this campaign and is yet to score for Charlton, with the aforementioned Taylor and Vetokele stepping up after Karlan Grant’s January departure instead.Here’s what the Valley faithful had to say in response to the update, with many taking the opportunity to make jibes at the Slough-born player…