[ad_pod ]

John Hartson was left mystified by Alex McLeish’s decision to leave Celtic’s James Forrest out of Scotland’s starting XI against San Marino on Sunday.

What’s the word, then?

Scotland limped to a 2-0 win over the European minnows, a result which heaped further pressure on the manager after the Scots lost their opening qualifying match 3-0 away at Kazakhstan.

With goal difference already becoming an issue the trip to San Marino offered an opportunity to move back into the black with a thumping victory, but a winning margin of just two goals left them in the red.

It was a game which did little to inspire the Scotland fans and convince them of McLeish’s credentials, and his decision to omit Forest from the starting line-up was met with bewilderment by Hartson.

The former Celtic man and regular BT Sport pundit published a column in the Evening Times discussing the peculiar decision, with the attacking midfielder’s heroics in the UEFA Nations League still fresh in the memory.

‘The Celtic man is a class act, one of the best Scots around, and should be the first name on Alex McLeish’s team-sheet.’

Hartson later went on to add: ‘This guy has to start.’

Forrest key to Euro 2020 qualification

The 27-year-old underlined his importance to the Scottish national side shortly before the turn of the year.

Forrest had never notched at international level prior to Scotland’s trip to Albania, and he went on to score five goals in the space of three scintillating days as they moved into top spot in the group.

Perhaps McLeish felt the trip to San Marino offered an apt opportunity to afford his star player some rest after the defeat at Kazakhstan, but his absence proved that he will be vital in his nation’s bid to qualify for Euro 2020.

The electric midfielder’s form at both club and international level has been outstanding this season so it’s easy to sympathise with Hartson’s standpoint, even if the Scotland boss had legitimate reason to leave him on the substitutes bench on Sunday.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer on a permanent deal? New signings to strengthen an already rejuvenated squad? What a time to be a Manchester United fan. Living in the moment, it sure is good again.

Still, on the run to the end of the Premier League and football leagues around the world, fans are beginning to look forward to the summer transfer window. That’s just the insatiable nature of the proverbial silly season.

Indeed, one name that has been thrown around for United is the young English superstar Jadon Sancho and it’s not hard to see why. The Dortmund star looks a real prospect and would be a statement signing for the Red Devils, helping form a wonderfully devastating attacking line with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial.

However, it could be that (as per the Sun) the 18-year-old could look to play his football elsewhere. So, with this in mind, we look at TWO other potential players United could spend their money on.

Gareth Bale 

Since leaving the Premier League for La Liga, Gareth Bale has struggled to hit the height of expectations at the Bernabeu. Despite winning a number of Champions League and La Liga trophies, the Welshman has become the subject of negative abuse from the Real Madrid fans, and is even failing to break into the first-team under manager Santiago Solari.

Perhaps the best British footballer of all time, he needs saving in the Spanish capital.

Having an impressive record in Spain, scoring 77 goals and providing 42 assists in 147 La Liga appearances, as well as being Premier League proven, this one makes sense. Yes, he’d be expensive, but can you imagine the sight of Bale running at full pelt in front of the Stretford End?

He’s often been linked with a move to Old Trafford, after all. They almost seem too perfect for each other.

Memphis Depay 

After already having an under par spell at Manchester United, Memphis Depay should look to return to the Premier League with some unfinished business. Indeed, since leaving the Theatre of Dreams, the Dutch winger has enjoyed a much happier spell in France with Lyon.

Things were never going to work under Jose Mourinho but the idea of the current Norwegian genius in charge of the Red Devils working with such a supreme talent is truly exciting.

Having scored 30 Ligue 1 goals and grabbing 29 assists, Depay is showing that his spell at Manchester United – who are understood to have a buy-back clause – was a blip in what is an otherwise impressive career so far.

It can be argued that his spell at United didn’t work due to the lack of creative football produced, however with this current side, the fans will feel that the 25-year-old will fit right in and can finally show he has what it takes to be a Premier League player.

Last week’s loss to Bristol City was a damaging result for Sheffield United’s promotion hopes.

The Blades were leapfrogged by Leeds United in the Championship standings and saw their unique attacking approach exposed by Robins forward Andreas Weimann whose hat-trick secured a superb comeback for his side at Bramall Lane. However, despite this defeat, Chris Wilder must not be tempted to make any alterations to how side approaches Saturday’s clash against Preston North End.

United’s belief in the 3-5-2 system which they have used for the last three years has delivered spectacular results during this period, with the club rising from League One in 2017 to the incredible situation that they currently find themselves in. A change in formation at this particular time in the season would be a risk that Wilder simply cannot take as they are still in with a great chance to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Indeed, a trip to Deepdale at this stage of the season will test the Blades’ resolve as their opponents are one of a handful of teams fighting for a play-off position in May. However, the Yorkshire-based outfit will take solace from the corresponding fixture with the Lilywhites which saw them prevail 3-2 earlier on this season. Since this clash, both sides have improved and so the showdown at the weekend should provide captivating viewing for the fans in attendance.

By maintaining the status quo, Wilder will not only avoid creating confusion amongst his players but will also give United the best possible chance of beating a Preston side who will be looking to respond to their disappointing 2-1 defeat against Reading last week.

A victory for the Blades could see them overtake Leeds United if Marcelo Bielsa’s side fail to pick up three points at Birmingham City. With the promotion race going down to the wire in the Championship, there is expected to be even more twists and turns in the weeks to come in what is turning out to be a fascinating battle.

What do you think United fans? How important is that Wilder sticks by his tactics at the weekend? Are you still you confident that your club can secure automatic promotion? Get in touch below.

[ad_pod ]

Back in May 2018, a solitary Tom Cairney goal saw Fulham promoted to the Premier League at the expense of Aston Villa.

What followed was the Cottagers spending £100m on players and subsequently being relegated from the division. Villa on the other hand, are right in the mix to be promoted this term.

As a result of Fulham beating the Villans in the play-off final last season, their fans have taken great delight at the London club coming straight back down, reacting on Twitter.

One fan called the club embarrassing whilst another said he enjoyed seeing them relegated.

A certain supporter chose to bring Joe Bryan into the equation, laughing at the fact he decided to join Fulham after making a U-turn from a potential move to Villa Park.

The attack on their play-off final opponents from last year was a savage one but the clubs could end up facing each other again soon unless Dean Smith’s men can find a way to go up.

Fulham were relegated from the Premier League on Tuesday evening following a woeful 4-1 defeat against Watford. It signifies one of the earliest relegations in the history of the division.

Here’s what Villa fans have been saying.

[ad_pod ]

Manchester City fans have taken to Twitter in good spirits after it was revealed that ten key first-team players would be missing out on international duty with their respective nations.

John Stones, Fabian Delph, Kevin De Bruyne, Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho, Aymeric Laporte, Benjamin Mendy, Nicolas Otamendi, Sergio Aguero and David Silva are all set to stay at the Etihad Stadium during the international break for various different reasons.

What is behind Liverpool’s recent title race slip ups? The Pl>ymaker FC squad discuss in the video above…

At this stage of the season, it is pivotal for the Citizens to keep everyone fresh in order to keep up with Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title – Pep Guardiola’s men are now two points behind the Reds, albeit with a game in hand.

City have just eight games left, and whilst their squad depth is impressive, they need their main stars fit if they are to defend their title.

Understandably, fans of the reigning champions on Twitter are glad to see that so many key players are set to miss out on international duty…

If all goes to plan, Leeds will be playing Premier League football next season, and it will be catastrophic if they fail to go up, after a brilliant campaign so far.

Most people assume it is a case of when, not if, they win promotion, although Norwich City and Sheffield United would argue otherwise.

Marcelo Bielsa has done a fantastic job, and once they reach the Promised Land, they will need more of his brilliance to build a squad capable of staying there.

Despite all the talent in the team, one thing they lack is Premier League experience.

It is something that Bielsa will need to address, and we think the first person he should turn to is former academy graduate, James Milner.

With his contract situation a somewhat unclear — some say it runs out this summer, while others say it runs until 2020 — either way, he is a player that would help develop Leeds’ young squad.

Milner is 33-years-old now, and has seen less game time for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season. Whether he is out of contract at the end of the season, or entering the final year of his deal, both the player and club may decide it would be the right time for him to move elsewhere.

The player has always maintained he was disappointed when he was sold to Newcastle in 2004, but insisted he was glad to do so, knowing that the transfer fee helped secure Leeds’ future due to their financial problems.

His love of the club he played for from junior level is evident, and a move home to become part of the Bielsa revolution, may be too much of a temptation for him to turn down.

Given his age and years of service to the Anfield club, it is difficult to see that they would command a huge fee for their popular player — if he does have another year on his contract, that is — and it would surely be a move that would prove popular with Leeds fans.

Would you be glad to see the return of one of your former stars Leeds fans? Give us your thoughts on what you think the club need next year…

[ad_pod ]

Josh Cullen has been in impressive form for Charlton Athletic on loan this season, and the standard of his performances have earned him recognition away from the Valley.

Indeed, the 22-year-old has earned his first ever international call-up to the Ireland squad to face Gibraltar and Georgia in a pair of Euro 2020 qualifiers, replacing the injured Ronan Curtis.

Cullen will join fellow central midfielders Jeff Hendrick, Glenn Whelan and Harry Arter as he bids to break into the starting XI.

Shortly after news broke concerning his late call-up, Cullen took to Twitter to reveal his delight at Mick McCarthy’s decision to draft him into the squad.

The call-up represents a landmark moment in the West Ham academy product’s career. Cullen’s bid to establish himself at the top level has not been a smooth process, but his latest achievement suggests that he has made significant strides forward in League One this season.

In response to his tweet, supporters turned out in their numbers to heap praise on the impressive loanee and urged him to remain injury free with the Addicks battling for promotion.

Here’s what fans of Charlton, West Ham and Bradford City had to say in response to Cullen’s post:

وجه حميد أحداد مهاجم الزمالك المعار إلى صفوف الرجاء رسالة إلى جماهير وإدارة الفريق المغربي قبل مواجهة الزمالك في نصف نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويلاقي الزمالك نظيره الرجاء المغربي مساء غدا الأحد في تمام التاسعة مساءا بتوقيت القاهرة لخوض المواجهة المرتقبة بين الفريقين في نصف النهائي.

وكتب أحداد عبر حسابه الشخصي بموقع التواصل الإجتماعي “انستجرام”: “رسالة حب وتقدير إلى كل مكونات فريق الرجاء الرياضي، أود شكر كل من ساندني وظل يشجع وينوه بمجهوداتي داخل هذا الفريق العظيم الذي أفتخر فيه بالتجربة التي قضيتها داخله مع جماهيره الوفية التي لن تفارق وجداني”.

وتابع: “الجماهير التي من أجلها نقاتل في رقعة الميدان ونحن عازمون على حصد الألقاب والبطولات، أعتز كذلك بالفترة التي عشتها مع رفاقي وإخواني اللاعبين وأشكرهم على حسن معاملتهم وأتمنى لهم كامل التوفيق والنجاح في القادم من المحطات”.

وأتم: “فخور كذلك بالجهاز التقني للفريق من مدرب ومساعدين وأشكرهم على كل توجيهاتهم القيمة التي استفدت منها الكثير، أحيي الطاقمين الإداري والطبي وباقي العاملين بالفريق على تضحياتهم في سبيل لاعبي الفريق، وأغتنم الفرصة لأشكر المكتب المسير لنادي الرجاء الرياضي وكافة المنخرطين، شكرا لكم جميعا”.

يذكر أن مسؤولي الرجاء حاولوا بشتى الطرق مع إدارة الزمالك أن يشارك حميد أحداد في مباراة الفريقين ولكن مسؤولوا القلعة البيضاء أصروا على تفعيل بند عدم مشاركة اللاعب ضد فريقه في العقد المبرم بينهما.

View this post on Instagram

رسالة حب وتقدير إلى كل مكونات فريق الرجاء الرياضي ، أود شكر كل من ساندني وظل يشجع وينوه بمجهوداتي داخل هذا الفريق العظيم الذي أفتخر فيه بالتجربة التي قضيتها داخله مع جماهيره الوفية التي لن تفارق وجداني، الجماهير التي من أجلها نقاتل في رقعة الميدان ونحن عازمين على حصد الألقاب والبطولات، أعتز كذلك بالفترة التي عشتها مع رفاقي وإخواني اللاعبين وأشكرهم على حسن معاملتهم وأتمنى لهم كامل التوفيق والنجاح في القادم من المحطات، فخور كذلك بالجهاز التقني للفريق من مدرب ومساعدين وأشكرهم على كل توجيهاتهم القيمة التي استفدت منها الكثير، أحيي الطاقمين الإداري والطبي وباقي العاملين بالفريق على تضحياتهم في سبيل لاعبي الفريق، وأغتنم الفرصة لأشكر المكتب المسير لنادي الرجاء الرياضي وكافة المنخرطين، شكرا لكم جميعاً 💚🙏🏻🙏🏻

A post shared by ⚜️H.A⚜️17 (@hamid.ahadad) on Oct 16, 2020 at 12:58pm PDT

[ad_pod ]

Brentford’s Yoann Barbet is currently in discussions to renew his contract, according to Football.London.

He’s a player Aston Villa were understood to have been interested in adding to their squad in January but with the Frenchman’s future still unclear, should they revive their interest in the defender?

What’s the word?

Barbet is set to become a free agent this summer with his contract at the Bees expiring at the end of the season. However, the Frenchman has claimed that talks are ongoing to keep him with the London based club.

The ex-Bordeaux man told Football.London: “We’ve been talking but there is nothing at the moment.”

Villa have had a prior interest in the 25-year-old, with the player speaking about rumours of a possible move to the club just a matter of months ago. However, loan moves for Kortney Hause and Tyrone Mings were preferred at the time.

No verdict has been reached between Brentford and Barbet yet but it’s unclear as to whether Villa are still monitoring him.

Perfect Mings alternative

The loanee from Bournemouth has been an instant hit in the Midlands but the player has been linked with Southampton, according to the Sunday Mirror, (17/03, page 72), via HITC.

Although his loss would be incredibly difficult to deal with, Barbet offers a very good alternative. Mings would likely come at a hefty price and therefore the Bees centre-back would represent far better business for the club.

Villa have a number of central defenders on loan, with Axel Tuanzebe and Hause both not permanent members of the squad either. Therefore the club would struggle for numbers in defence if all three were to depart.

Barbet has been part of a Bees defensive line that has conceded four goals less than Villa this term, despite sitting eight places below them. The fact he’s made more challenges per game than any defender currently at Villa also bodes particularly well.

Dean Smith has worked with the French defender before, having previously been the manager of Brentford and as a result, knows the player better than most. Potentially costing nothing, he would be the ideal replacement if they fail to land Mings.

[ad_pod ]

Marcelo Bielsa will be lacking a vital defensive lynchpin when Leeds United host Millwall at Elland Road after the international break, with Pontus Jansson set to be sidelined.

Dicussion over who exactly will replace the Sweden international is running rife in Yorkshire. The obvious solution is to restore Gaetano Berardi into the team, but he has spent a considerable length of time on the sideline through injury this season.

Kalvin Phillips, who enjoyed a decent spell in central defence during the winter months, also represents a viable option.

However, a handful of the Whites faithful have taken to Twitter to call for 6ft 4 colossus Aapo Halme to make only his second Championship start of the season.

Millwall are a side renowned for their added physicality, so it’s easy to understand why the fans have identified the Finnish defender as the man who is best equipped to replace Jansson.

The inexperienced 20-year-old has offered much more than just a commanding aerial presence when he has been called upon this season, and it’s his ability to combine his commanding aerial presence with a composed approach to possession-based football which has really caught the eye.

Here’s what the Leeds fans have had to say about Halme: