Martin O’Neill is delaying his decisions on whether to pick four players for Saturday’s Aston Villa clash who are fighting injury.
Seb Larsson, Danny Rose and Craig Gardner all suffered knocks during the Black Cats’ draw with Stoke last weekend, whilst Carlos Cuellar is again having problems with a hamstring strain which ruled him out earlier this season for a fortnight.
O’Neill has indicated that Sunderland are monitoring the situation with Cuellar. However, he says that the injury situations are not serious, but that he cannot definitely say which players can take part.
He said to the Jarrow & Hebburn Gazette: “Carlos got through the Middlesbrough game fine. No problem. But then overnight he felt a tightening in his hamstring, and it’s something that we’ve been looking at since then. None of the injuries are serious – Seb and Craig had dead legs and Danny Rose has a cut to his ankle which is taking time to heal. That’s why we decided to rest them for the cup tie. But there’s every chance they’ll be fine – Crig trained yesterday, and generally they’ll be there or thereabouts. It’s just that we can’t say for definite as things stand right now who will be fit and who won’t be.”
The Sunderland boss has called the League Cup loss “a major disappointment”. He believes they have players who are talented, and that they have to score to solve the team’s problems.
“We’ve got some very talented players in the club, and for one reason or another it just hasn’t been happening for them. But what you need to do is just keep on going because the simple fact is that all the problems we have are nothing that a goal or two wouldn’t solve.”
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Martin O’Neill will surely be hoping for an improved performance tomorrow in the clash against his former club Aston Villa
It may seem almost preposterous for a club of Manchester United’s stature and lavish spending to take such a frugal approach to their summer budget, but according to The Independent Jose Mourinho is unlikely to sign a new left-back this summer because he’s prioritising a backup striker to Romelu Lukaku.
In fairness, Ashley Young made the role his own last season and there’s always the option of Luke Shaw. But the former turns 33 next month and the latter’s Old Trafford career has spiralled into relative anonymity amid a spate of spats with Mourinho.
Likewise, left-back has been a problem position for much of the Portuguese’s tenure; in addition to Young and Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind have all been fielded there with mixed results.
And the impact heavy spending on full-backs last summer had on Manchester City’s season shows how important defensive flankers are in the modern game. So with that in mind, Football FanCast have outlined five potential solutions – cut-price strikers who will add depth at centre-forward while leaving enough in the bank to sign a new top-class No.3.
Solution A – Bas Dost
Another four players have terminated their contracts with Sporting Lisbon following the infamous training ground assault from radical fans, including star striker Bas Dost. While the Dutchman may be just short of the top-class bracket, his scoring record has been strong at every club he’s played for – his career return at club level stands at 194 goals in 370 games, including 70 in 90 for the Portuguese outfit.
Also measuring in at a lofty 6 foot 5, he offers the physical presence Mourinho commands from his central strikers and should be able to bring the likes of Paul Pogba into the game in dangerous areas. Now available on a free transfer, he could prove to be an absolute steal for the Red Devils.
Solution B – Salomon Rondon
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Salomon Rondon’s scoring record in the Premier League may seem a little underwhelming, managing just 24 in 108 outings, but being the centre-forward for a Tony Pulis side is one of the hardest jobs in English football.
The Venezuelan certainly has the talent to be far more prolific than that – in fact, his club career strike rate before moving to the Hawthorns was better than one-in-three – and in terms of style, he’s exactly what Mourinho will likely be looking for too, powerful and physical enough to hold up the ball in key areas. The fact he’s already experienced in the Premier League is a major plus as well, especially when combined with a relegation release clause of just £16.5million.
Solution C – Mario Balotelli
Considering Mario Balotelli has already plied his trade with Manchester City and Liverpool, joining the Old Trafford ranks this summer would mark an incredibly controversial move. But controversy is Mario’s middle name and after a few years in the wilderness, the Italy international has really got his career back on track with Nice, notching up 43 goals over the last two campaigns to muscle his way back into the Azzurri picture.
Mourinho worked with Balotelli at Inter and may therefore have a better chance than most in mentoring a talent he once described as ‘unmanageable’. Most appealingly though, the enigmatic 27-year-old is currently available on a free transfer.
Solution D – Danny Welbeck
Mourinho told reporters last year that he’d never have allowed Danny Welbeck to leave for Arsenal and it’s not hard to see why; versatile, physical, industrious and incredibly functional, he’s pretty much the perfect Mourinho player.
The England international hasn’t exactly flourished since joining the Gunners, a spell that has been surprisingly thwarted with injury problems, but with his contract due to expire next summer and Unai Emery taking the reigns from Arsene Wenger, now is the time to try and bring him back to his boyhood club in a cut-price deal – Transfermarkt value him at just £13.5million.
The question though, bearing Mourinho’s opinions on Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in mind, is whether United really need another forward who is part-winger and part-striker.
Solution E – Andy Carroll
Chelsea were considering a swoop for Andy Carroll in January before eventually landing Olivier Giroud and although he’s an incredibly agricultural kind of player, there’s no doubt the England international is one of the most effective strikers in the Premier League when fit enough to be involved. Few can counteract his power in the air or his strength on the ground, and in some ways he’d be an ideal replacement for Marouane Fellaini whose height was often utilised as Mourinho’s Plan B when United struggled to get themselves over the line.
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His West Ham contract only has a year left and because of Carroll’s injury problems, a half-decent bid will likely convince them to part with the oft-crocked centre-forward this summer.
So, Manchester United fans, which cut-price striker would you sign to ensure Mourinho can afford a top-class left-back this summer? Let us know by voting below…
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As reported by The Daily Record, Celtic are interested in signing Emiliano Martinez before the January transfer window shuts but face an uphill battle to secure his signature.
What’s the story?
Adding a goalkeeper to the Celtic first-team squad is a massive priority for Brendan Rodgers after Craig Gordon suffered an injury against Hibs on Saturday that will keep him out for three months.
One option the Hoops are pursuing is Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The Daily Record report that Celtic want to bring him to Glasgow but that La Liga side Getafe, who currently have the player on loan, could block the move.
The paper say that they’ll only let Martinez leave if they can keep hold of shot-stopper Vicente Guaita until the summer, who has signed a pre-contract with Crystal Palace but could make his move this January.
Can the Hoops get this complicated deal over the line on deadline day?
Would he be a good addition?
Emiliano Martinez does have limited first team experience but that isn’t uncommon for goalkeepers in their mid-twenties, especially at elite clubs like Arsenal.
He isn’t completely devoid of action though, making 56 first team appearances for six clubs, 13 of which have been at Arsenal.
Two of those appearances at the Gunners were in the UEFA Champions League where he helped keep a clean sheet against Borussia Dortmund and win against Anderlecht. Clearly then he wouldn’t be overwhelmed by European football in the second half of this season at Celtic.
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At 6ft 4in tall, he has the stature to make an impression at Celtic and his football education has certainly been sound enough for Scottish Premiership action.
As last-minute deals go, this could prove to be an excellent one.
January is not very exiting for Ipswich fans with Mick McCarthy having limited funds to make any major additions, but can he continue to upset the odds and push into the top six?
The January transfer window will no doubt have harmed the Tractor Boys play-off chances as most of the teams around them have strengthened whilst the Suffolk side have just been looking to retain their current talent.
If Ipswich were to make the play-offs it can be assumed that they would have to nip into 5th or 6th place as the top four teams currently have a strong lead.
To make matters worse, Nottingham Forest who currently sit in 5th place have just signed highly rated left-back Danny Fox from Southampton and Olympiacos striker Rafik Djebbour. You may not have heard of Djebbour before but the Algerian has Champions League experience and has scored 39 goals in 56 league appearances for his former employers.
Many will expect Forest to push on and I can see the top five teams pulling away from the other contenders in a bid to win automatic promotion. That will only leave Ipswich with one play-off place to grab and there will be fierce competition for that place too.
Brighton, Wigan, Reading, Blackburn, Middlesbrough and Leeds are all looking like strong sides that could easily finish in 6th place and without any major additions Ipswich could drop off.
Of course this is no criticism of McCarthy or even Marcus Evans as the club are looking to meet financial fair play guidelines and are doing what is best for the club’s long-term future by not overspending.
There are also some positive aspects to take from January because Ipswich have managed to keep hold of their best players. Additionally, having a smaller closely knit squad will help maintain a great atmosphere in the dressing room and McCarthy will continue to get the most out of the average group of players he has at his disposal.
I believe that the recent addition of right-back Frazer Richardson is a real positive move too. The former Leeds man has taken the captains armband before and the leadership qualities that he possesses will be vital in the later part of the season. Furthermore, Richardson was part of the Southampton team that won back to back promotions from League One to the Premier League, but he has also suffered defeat in four other play-off campaigns.
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These statistics show that Ipswich’s new addition is very much used to being a key part of successful teams and it seems likely that he could do a great job in final part of the season. Obviously Luke Chambers has been playing well but there may well come a time when his form drops, he needs a rest or picks up an injury and it is reassuring to know that you have a solid player like Richardson ready to replace him.
McCarthy will also be fully aware of the challenge that faces him and as long as they keep themselves within touching distance then with a bit of luck they may pull off a surprise. The Ipswich boss tends to pick up a lot of points in the later part of the season when other managers start to feel the pressure kicking in so I certainly would never count the Tractor Boys out.
There is a real fresh sense around the Britannia Stadium this season that has been absent for 12 months. On the outside to the average fan it seems the same, same style of football, same expectations, same Stoke.
But the reality is far different. There was a general feeling of stagnation towards the back end of the 2011-12 season and with a lack of transfer activity for most of the summer, combined with the clubs toughest start to a Premier League season, left many Potters fans cast a worrying eye over their shoulders for the first time in three years.
The Premier League did what it always does; it worked out the problem – Stoke City. Teams found a way to stifle the attacking, physical threat and deal with the set-plays while snuffing out the wingers which had served us so well. In the Premier League you need to evolve and improve your standards, standing still isn’t an option like Stoke did last year.
But deadline day delivered as it always seems to do for Tony Pulis and in came Charlie Adam, perhaps the most important signing the club has made in a long time as Adam is the figure head of the Stoke City evolution.
His inclusion has seen Stoke alternate to a 4-3-3- formation. They no longer get outnumbered in midfield and have added a creative spark (a midfielder that can pass a ball!!!), the main ingredient missing from and otherwise well-balanced side. Adam’s ability to retain and distribute the ball is key to the new Stoke. They have kept their rough approach, while adding a touch of class.
Adding to that has been signs of rejuvenation for Matthew Etherington and the fresh impetus of Michael Kightly down the wings. Stoke look a goal threat again in open play and Peter Crouch is no longer isolated on his own upfront. Adam controls the Stoke game, there are players finding space for him to pass into instead of waiting for it to be lumped in the general direction of Crouch. Geoff Cameron looks a fine full-back who is comfortable going forwards and backwards, N’Zonzi is flourishing in a three man midfield, Ryan Shawcross has been called up for England and have I mentioned we have signed Michael Owen?
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Sitting 13th in the league may seem like par for the course as far as we are concerned, but in the opening eight games we have played both Manchester clubs, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. Now with a kinder run of fixtures up until Christmas there is an air of excitement and quiet optimism that we can surprise a few teams and critics alike. But for now, as always, Stoke are going gently under the radar just how they like it.
As reported by The Yorkshire Post, Newcastle United are interested in signing Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore this summer.
What’s the story?
After securing a top ten finish in their first season back in the English Premier League, Rafa Benitez and Newcastle will be looking to strengthen the first team squad at St James’ Park further this summer.
That won’t be easy given their comparative lack of resources with other clubs, but Benitez has shown he can work magic with unpolished talent so far in his time as Magpies boss.
One player on their radar is Adama Traore of Middlesbrough, according to The Yorkshire Post.
The paper say he could be available for a £15m fee in the upcoming transfer window after they failed to gain promotion back into the Premier League, and Newcastle are the latest side to show interest.
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Would he be a good signing?
Traore had a fantastic 2017/18 season in the Championship, scoring five goals and assisting 12 more in all competitions, helping Boro reach the play-offs where they ultimately fell short against Aston Villa.
Still just 22 years of age, there’s no doubting the player has significant talent and ability, but if he’s to be a hit at St James’ Park, he will need to find an end product in the Premier League.
In 2016/17, he managed just one assist in 27 top-flight appearances for Middlesbrough, not the kind of contribution that would be useful at the Magpies.
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The former Barcelona man could be a bargain at the reported £15m fee though and if he’s available, this is the kind of signing that Newcastle should be making.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, Everton are in pole position to beat Southampton to the £20m signing of Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, who has scored 108 goals in 398 games for the Gunners.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Daily Mail says that the Toffees are challenging their Premier League rivals in the battle to land the 28-year-old attacker this month, and they are confident that they will beat Saints to his signature.
The Daily Mail says that the Merseyside outfit would be able to get closer to match Walcott’s current £110,000-a-week wages, whereas Southampton would be looking for their former player to take a wage cut if he was to return to St Mary’s before the window slams shut on January 31.
The report adds that if comes down to location however, the England international may choose not to uproot his young family from the south of England which could give Mauricio Pellegrino’s men the advantage.
How has Walcott done this season?
While he has been a regular in the domestic cups and in the Europa League, the 28-year-old has barely featured in the Premier League and has played just 49 minutes in total across five top flight appearances from the substitutes’ bench.
Elsewhere, the winger has scored five goals and provided a further four assists in 10 games – prior to the EFL Cup clash against Chelsea – although he was also part of the side that suffered a disappointing 4-2 defeat against Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup at the City Ground on Sunday – a display that may have put his future into further doubt.
Would he be a good signing for Everton?
He certainly would be given his impressive goalscoring record – usually from a position out wide –but it would be interesting to see where he would fit in.
Sam Allardyce has preferred a 4-2-3-1 system since he arrived at Goodison Park and with new boy Cenk Tosun surely the first-choice up top, Walcott would be fighting for a place out wide along with the likes of Yannick Bolasie, Ademola Lookman, Nikola Vlasic, Aaron Lennon and Gylfi Sigurdsson as things stand.
Will they beat Southampton to him?
The chase for Walcott seems to depend on a number of factors.
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Firstly, whether Arsene Wenger will be willing to let him go if Alexis Sanchez leaves this month, whether he will leave on loan or permanently, and what the player’s preference is.
If the 28-year-old doesn’t mind moving up north and isn’t desperate to rejoin his former club then Everton would be the frontrunners for his signature, so it will be interesting to see how things pan out over the course of the next couple of weeks.
Manchester United manager David Moyes has hit out at referees after last night’s 2-1 Capital One first leg defeat to Sunderland stating they are “having to play the referees”.
“We’re having to play them [referees] as well as the opposition at the moment,” he told Sky Sports.
“It’s really terrible. We’re actually beginning to laugh at them.”
David Moyes was infuriated a penalty was awarded to Sunderland after Adam Johnson was clumsily challenged by Tom Cleverly, with Fabio Borini scoring from the subsequent spot kick in the 64th minute giving Sunderland a 2-1 first leg lead at the Stadium of Light.
The former Everton boss was also unimpressed with the decision to award the home side a first half free-kick after Johnny Evans clashed with Steven Fletcher that resulted in Ryan Gigg’s own goal.
“The decision for the first goal, I don’t see how it was a free-kick – that doesn’t take away our poor defending from the free-kick though,” Moyes stated.
This is Manchester United third straight loss, the first time this has occurred since 2001, after just recently being knocked out of the FA Cup at home to Swansea three nights ago.
The Red Devils are also struggling to challenge in the Premier League, trailing league leaders Arsenal by 11 points.
Moyes was prompted whether he felt he was under any pressure due to poor form, he replied: “None whatsoever. This is a two-legged game and I’m actually really looking forward to this.
“More important is how good the Manchester United supporters were, how well they supported me and how well they supported the club.”
Manchester United will hope there is no repeat of a home loss to Swansea in this Saturday’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
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Brede Hangeland has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as a solution to Sir Alex Ferguson’s concerning list of defensive injuries.
The towering centre back has been at Craven Cottage since 2008, however with his contract set to expire at the end of this season, Fulham boss Martin Jol may be tempted to cash-in for the big Norwegian should an offer be made by Manchester United during the January transfer window.
Defenders Chris Smalling, Phil jones and Nemanja Vidic have all been sidelined for United with long-term injures, however Smalling returned to training last week. So far this season, Rio Ferdinand and Johnny Evans have been Fergie’s only available centre backs, with midfielder Michael Carrick stepping in as cover.
Aged 31, Hangeland is older than United’s usual acquisitions, however the player would add depth and experience to the squad’s defence which has struggled to hit top form this season.
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The Fulham captain may also be a short-term replacement for Nemanja Vidic, who could be lured away from the Premier League by Barcelona or Juventus this January according to the Mirror.
West Ham United midfielder Manuel Lanzini has been named in the Argentina squad for the 2018 World Cup.
The 25-year-old made his Argentina debut last June, and has since appeared on two more occasions for his national team – scoring once in the process.
A number of talented players were left out of the Argentina squad for this summer’s tournament in Russia, but Lanzini was included.
The attacker, who is valued at £16.2m by transfermarkt.co.uk, will enter the match off the back of scoring five times and registering nine assists in 29 appearances for West Ham during the 2017-18 campaign.
And he was outstanding in West Ham’s 3-1 win over Everton on the final weekend of the season.
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Liverpool continue to be linked with a player who will see his West Ham contract expire at the end of the 2019-2020 campaign, and the West Ham fans are concerned that a strong World Cup could see the former Al-Jazira attacker move on this summer.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below: