Relegation the grim prospect of the post-Zaha era at Palace

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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could look to re-sign Wilfried Zaha this summer, per The Sun.

The Norwegian worked with the Crystal Palace star at Cardiff City and he is considered an alternative to Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi and Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.

What’s the word?

Zaha, of course, was Sir Alex Ferguson’s final signing during his decades-long tenure at Old Trafford.

The move did not work out, however, and he was sent on loan to both Cardiff and Palace, the latter of which became a permanent move.

The Sun now claim that another return could be on the cards as Solskjaer weighs up his options ahead of the summer transfer window.

Hudson-Odoi and Sancho are mentioned as possible targets but both would be difficult deals to do – Chelsea are under a transfer ban while Sancho could reportedly cost upwards of £100million.

A potential move for Zaha, then, has been mooted, with Solskjaer a big fan of the Palace ace.

He played 13 times for Cardiff under Solskjaer and has enjoyed another good season this term, scoring eight goals and laying on six assists in 29 outings in all competitions.

A relegation battle if they lose him

Palace had better be very careful.

If Zaha departs the club – and maybe few would blame him if he is given another shot at conquering Old Trafford – Palace will be woefully short of game-changers.

The likes of Andros Townsend and Christian Benteke have flattered to deceive this season and, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka also continually linked away, there is the potential of Palace seeing their most important players depart this summer. January signing Michy Batshuayi is only on loan until the end of the season

The Eagles have drifted under Roy Hodgson this season and could still, however unlikely it is, be pulled into the relegation battle before the end of the campaign.

Losing Zaha would be a bitter blow as he is borderline irreplaceable; one wonders how another mercurial winger would be convinced to join a club that has consistently struggled to finish in the top 10.

Without Zaha, they may well drop into the bottom three next season.

Tottenham fans react to reports of Steven Bergwijn interest

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According to De Telegraaf, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing PSV Eindhoven attacker Steven Bergwijn in this summer’s transfer window.

Bergwijn is having a very, very good season at PSV – contributing 12 goals and 13 assists in 32 appearances.

Just 21 years of age, it is not too difficult to understand why there is a lot of excitement surrounding the three-time Netherlands international.

According to De Telegraaf, Tottenham are interested in a deal this summer, but will have to pay more than £30m to land the attacker.

To be honest, that seems more than a fair figure in the current market, but it remains to be seen whether chairman Daniel Levy is prepared to meet the asking price.

The Tottenham fans have been on social media offering their views on the transfer report.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he would have snubbed Tottenham for Arsenal if they’d come knocking in 2005…

And it would be fair to say that the supporters are mixed when it comes to the Dutchman’s potential arrival at the end of the season:

Everton fans impressed with Calvert-Lewin performance

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin enjoyed an excellent display as Everton earned a 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Goodison Park.

The result extended Everton’s run of games without a win over the Reds – they last defeated them in 2010.

However, Marco Silva’s side have ensured that Liverpool have lost significant ground in the title race – they are now second, one point behind Manchester City having played the same number of games.

Calvert-Lewin was matched up with Virgil van Dijk, challenging a player who is widely regarded as the finest central defender in English football right now.

Per WhoScored, the 21-year-old had two shots on goal, one of which was on target, and also won six aerial battles, second only to the Dutch centre-back.

Calvert-Lewin also completed both of his attempted dribbles and generally ran himself into the ground, leading to effusive praise from a number of Everton fans.

Take a look at the best of the reaction on Twitter below!

Steve Bruce praises Sheffield Wednesday’s resilience

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Since Steve Bruce took over as Sheffield Wednesday manager last month, the Owls have been completely revitalised. Now, after seven matches in charge – including his first Steel City derby – Bruce is yet to lose a game with his new club.

Three wins and four draws have seen what looked destined to be a drab, disappointing season transformed into one where the prospect of qualifying for the play-offs is genuinely on the cards. 

A new-found defensive solidity is the reason for the Hillsborough club’s recent upturn in form. Bruce himself has taken the time to credit his side for their recent resilience.

Did Chris Wilder get it wrong in the Steel City derby? Check out the thoughts of Ingood Nick below…

What he said

As quoted by the club’s official website, on the prospect of vying for promotion through the play-offs, Bruce said: “We’ve given ourselves a chance because of our defensive record all of a sudden…we’ve made sure that we are difficult to beat and I think that was vitally important…it gives us a chance to not give up the dream.”

The manager further noted that his players have had to work extremely hard for him to get to this point.

“I’ve only been here a month but already they are showing a bit of resilience and I’m pleased with that…they are giving me everything they have got.”

Quick impact

Wednesday certainly have looked a far more resilient side in recent weeks. They produced an immaculate defensive performance to hold off their bitter rivals Sheffield United last time out. The commitment, discipline and diligence they showed at the back in that derby clash was a testament to Bruce’s impact.

They may still fall short of the play-offs this season, but what the manager has already achieved so far in his short time in charge should give the Owls plenty of confidence heading into the next campaign.

رغم زيادة إصابات كورونا.. مدرب لاتسيو: لا يمكن أن يتوقف الدوري الإيطالي

شدد المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي لاتسيو، سيميوني إنزاجي، على أهمية استمرار بطولة الدوري الإيطالي رغم زيادة إصابات فيروس كورونا المستجد، كوفيد 19.

وتعاني أندية الدوري الإيطالي في الأيام الأخيرة من زيادة أعداد اللاعبين المُصابين بفيروس كورونا وعلى رأسهم ميلان، نابولي، جنوى، إنتر ميلان مما قد يهدد باستمرار البطولة المحلية.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رسميًا.. إنتر ميلان يُعلن عن سادس لاعب مُصاب بـ فيروس كورونا

وتحدث إنزاجي عن رأيه في إمكانية توقف البطولة بسبب إصابات فيروس كورونا عبر شبكة “توتو ميركاتو” الإيطالية، وقال: “كنا نعلم أن الإصابات ستعود مع دخول فصل الخريف”.

وتابع: “لكني اعتقد أننا أكثر استعدادًا من المرة الأولى التي تعرضنا فيها لهذه الأزمة ولدينا كل الاحتياطات الممكنة”.

وأضاف: “يجب أن نستمر والتعايش مع الفيروس، طالما لا يوجد لقاح فسيتعين علينا المضي قدمًا”.

وأتم تصريحاته: “لا يمكن أن تتوقف بطولة الدوري الإيطالي بسبب فيروس كورونا”.

Klopp should reunite with Mkhitaryan

Jurgen Klopp needs to look towards the summer transfer window, as well as focusing on his side’s pursuit of silverware this season, as there’re a number of areas that could do with improving.

The German has brought Liverpool supporters’ wildest dreams to life in the current campaign as they remain in the race for the Premier League title and Champions League glory.

But, fans will agree that the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are in desperate need of a creative midfielder just behind them, as they’ve been short on service at times in key games.

Of course, Philippe Coutinho’s departure last year didn’t help but his absence hasn’t been too evident up until recently in the Premier League.

Much to the delight of Liverpool fans, Klopp may have the chance to sign a potential replacement for the Brazilian.

According to the Mirror, Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s future is in doubt as Unai Emery is keen on offloading the midfielder.

The Armenia international once played under Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund and it’s safe to say that he’s a big fan of the Arsenal man, as he labelled him as ‘rare ‘ back in 2017 in a press conference (as per Independent).

Here’s what he had to say:

“He combines technical ability and tempo. It is rare,”

And, the Daily Mail reported back in 2017 that Liverpool almost signed Henrikh Mkhitaryan in 2013, so the Reds may finally be interested in landing their man.

FSG simply must look to bring the attacking midfielder to the club in the summer as he could be available on the cheap if Arsenal are looking to get rid of him, and Klopp managed to get the very best out of him during their time in Germany so he could get him back to his best at Anfield.

He’s quick, incredible with the ball at his feet and he’s shown that he can score goals and provide assists in the Premier League, so the Reds wouldn’t have to worry about him settling down in the top-flight.

Liverpool fans, do you think Mkhitaryan is good enough to replace Coutinho? Join the discussion by commenting down below!

Aston Villa Injury News: Axel Tuanzebe back in first-team training

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According to the Birmingham Mail, Axel Tuanzebe returned to first-team training with Aston Villa on Monday as he bids to play a part in their playoff challenge.

What’s the word, then?

Tuanzebe re-joined Villa on loan from Manchester United last summer, having seen his loan spell with the Championship club cut short last season through injury.

The centre-back has made 19 Championship appearances this term, but has not featured since the middle of December after undergoing a foot operation.

Tuanzebe has since been back at United recovering, but according to the Birmingham Mail, the 21-year-old returned to first-team training with Villa on Monday.

The report has claimed that the Englishman will not be available to face Nottingham Forest or Middlesbrough over the next week, but could return for the home game against Blackburn Rovers at the end of the month.

What does it mean for Villa?

It really is a huge boost for a Villa team currently struggling with a number of defensive injuries.

Tyrone Mings has been impressive since joining on loan from Bournemouth, but the likes of James Chester, Tommy Elphick and Alan Hutton are currently on the sidelines.

Kortney Hause had to switch from left-back to central defence for Sunday’s clash with Birmingham City, with Neil Taylor coming into the XI.

Thogden has ranked his top 5 sets of Championship away fans for Pl>ymaker FC. Did your club make the list? Find out in the video below…

Tuanzebe’s form in the opening weeks of the campaign was fairly mixed, but he switched from right-back to central defence in the middle of October and was in a wonderful run of form before picking up his foot injury – cementing himself as a key member of Villa’s starting XI.

Villa now sit just four points off the top six in the Championship following back-to-back wins, and Tuanzebe’s return has come at the perfect time.

بيان رسمي | يوفنتوس يوضح حالة رامسي بعد الإصابة مع ويلز

أعلن نادي يوفنتوس في بيان رسمي حالة لاعب وسط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، آرون رامسي، بعد إصابته مع منتخب ويلز خلال التجمع الدولي الحالي.

وعاد رامسي إلى مدينة “تورينو” قبل ساعات، وخضع لبعض الفحوصات الطبية بإشراف نادي يوفنتوس بسبب إصابة تعرض لها مع ويلز بعد مباراة إيرلندا في دوري الأمم الأوروبية.

اقرأ أيضًا.. توتو سبورت تكشف إمكانية رحيل بارتيتشي عن يوفنتوس

وكشف يوفنتوس في بيانه الرسمي عن حالة رامسي، وكتب: “بعد الفحوصات الطبية على اللاعب، فهو بخير ولا يعاني من أي إصابة عضلية وسيتم متابعة حالته يومًا بعد يوم”.

ولكن بحسب شبكة “فوتبول إيطاليا” لن يتواجد رامسي في مباراة يوفنتوس المقبلة في بطولة الدوري الإيطالي أمام كروتوني يوم، السبت.

الجدير بالذكر أن يوفنتوس قد واصل الاستعدادات صباح اليوم، الأربعاء، تحت قيادة المدير الفني أندريا بيرلو للتجهيز لمباراة كروتوني في انتظار عودة اللاعبين الدوليين في الساعات المقبلة.

Before the big spend: Two of the smartest Everton deals in recent memory

Everton are longing for the day where they see a league position like back in the David Moyes era, however in truth, since the Scot left, it has been hard for any manager to come in and have a real stamp of authority on the Toffees. 

Now with Marco Silva trying to emulate the old times, he should possibly look back to how it was done before. Still, it can be argued, that despite a drop in league position, Everton have still produced enough talent to give the support hope that another strong season will come soon enough, and Goodison Park will once again be rocking.

With most of the good in the past, there have been a couple of signings made in recent years that will certainly recapture that hope of a European spot once again.

Let’s take a look at a couple:

Idrissa Gana Gueye 

Starting his English career with Aston Villa. Idrissa Gueye went right under the radar along with the Villa side that got relegated. However, Everton saw the potential that just couldn’t go to waste in the Championship, signing the then 26-year-old for a relatively little fee.

Indeed, compared to the modern day, is nothing for a midfielder of his quality.

He has brought a certain physical edge to the Everton midfield, and is one of the league’s most underrated runners. So, Everton will have to do a lot to keep him from moving to a European giant.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin 

Calvert-Lewin has been in and out of the Everton side in recent years.

Still, this season and the last he has begun to blossom into the deadly attacker that all Evertonians had hoped he would. Scoring as well assisting across the top of the attack, the 21-year-old is beginning to prove that a move to the first-team isn’t too big for him.

Having signed when he was only a teenager, many wondered if he could actually cut it in the summit of English football. Well, now he’s providing the answers.

Everton and the England national team will certainly be liking the look of what could be the new main man of the future.

Southampton fans react as Ralph Hasenhuttl is nominated for Manager of the Month

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Southampton’s excellent performances of late haven’t gone unnoticed by the Premier League high-ups who decided that Ralph Hasenhuttl should be nominated for March’s Manager of the Month award.

The Austrian has done a fantastic job at St Mary’s Stadium since being appointed in December and, regardless of what the table indicates, it now looks near impossible that the Saints will join Fulham and Huddersfield in relegation to the second tier.

The days of boring, unattractive football under Mark Hughes are long gone, replaced by high-tempo, high quality performances that have been getting the results they deserve, and the fans surely couldn’t be happier with how their 2019 has gone.

A Southampton fan shares his most gutting moment of the last 10 years supporting the Saints in the video below…

Wins over Spurs and Brighton in recent weeks, as well as a near miss at Old Trafford, have launched the Saints away from the drop zone and nobody can argue that Hasenhuttl doesn’t deserve the nomination. You can find the best of the reaction from the Southampton faithful below…

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