All posts by h716a5.icu

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to an apparent leaked photo of the Reds’ 2021/22 kit, with many not keen on it.

When it comes to kits, football supporters can often find themselves fascinated by them.

The sight of your team wearing a brand-new strip often brings fresh hope and optimism, as we dream of our heroes lifting silverware in their new attire.

Liverpool have had some glorious outfits down the years, from the glory days of the 1970s and 1980s right the way through to the present period.

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The Reds are coming towards the end of their first season in a Nike kit, having switched from New Balance last summer, with their new manufacturer not exactly bringing a huge amount of luck in 2020/21.

A photo shared by LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) on Twitter seemingly shows what Liverpool’s strip next season will look like, with both the home and away jerseys on show.

Liverpool fans react to leaked kit

It’s fair to say that the image hasn’t been met with resounding positivity, with these Reds supporters taking to Twitter to provide their honest thoughts on it.

“Dreadful”

Credit: @praneeth1012

“How are people who are paid legal tender by Nike worse at designing kits than people on Twitter who do it as a hobby?”

Credit: @NotoriousJOS

“That’s a hard pass for me this year. Didn’t even get to wear this season’s kit to the pub that much, so will stick with it.”

Credit: @BartGlilly

“OK let’s go back to NB”

Credit: @GharteyTimothy

“Terrible, hate Nike’s designs”

Credit: @ceklfc

“They’re boring. The stripes add no value. Would actually rather plain red and plain white”

Credit: @michaelbargache

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting positively to a fresh Reds transfer link. Read about it here.

West Brom return from the international break to face an in-form Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge this Easter weekend.

The Baggies are still living precariously in the relegation zone and, in reality, it will take a lot to salvage their Premier League status – but if they’re going to do so, then it must begin with a shock result here.

Sam Allardyce has improved Albion in recent weeks, picking up three clean sheets in their last five outings, which is a vast improvement considering they are still the top-flight’s leakiest defence.

However, shoring up the defence has come at a price – they cannot find the net at the other end of the pitch, meaning that any chance of picking up enough points in the final nine games is looking like an arduous task.

On the Chalkboard

Mbaye Diagne has made a positive impact since arriving in January, but one goal in eight starts is far from encouraging. However, that largely comes down to a lack of service, and as such, it’s time for Big Sam to turn to Grady Diangana to start from the off.

The last time these two sides met, they drew 3-3, and you’d imagine Albion would take that result once again.

During that game, Diangana was a nuisance on the left flank. As per SofaScore, he put in four tackles, provided two key passes and succeeded with 50% of his crossing attempts – this would be far better service to Diagne than what he has been getting.

Against Palace, Matty Phillips – the man who’s likely to make way for the 22-year-old – was hugely wasteful, completing just one of five crosses (20%) and managing only ten passes during his time on the pitch, via SofaScore.

Diangana has struggled to get into the starting XI since he returned from injury, but it was only last season that he provided eight goals and seven assists on West Brom’s way to promotion, and it’s on Big Sam to get that back out of him.

The £10.8m-rated dynamo has been described as “explosive” and a “total nightmare” to play against, so it certainly seems like one huge waste to leave him on the bench when the Baggies are fighting for their Premier League lives, not to mention the £18m fee paid for his services in the summer.

Phillips should not be starting games in the Premier League, as evident by his shocker against the Eagles, so the natural replacement has to be Diangana.

Allardyce would only be doing the Midlands outfit a disservice by not unleashing the tricky winger on Saturday afternoon.

AND in other news, West Brom can secure their next Mulumbu in £8.55m-rated powerhouse…

Celtic are reportedly concerned that Crystal Palace could scupper their bid to bring Eddie Howe to Glasgow with a move of their own.  

As to be expected, the latest twist has had plenty of Eagles fans talking on social media.

According to an exclusive report from Football Insider, a Hoops source admitted the Scottish club are concerned that Palace could ambush a move, which has reportedly been verbally agreed.

The south Londoners are thought to be in the market for a new manager, with Roy Hodgson’s deal expiring over the coming months.

Burnley’s Sean Dyche is another man who has been linked with a move to Selhurst Park, and the Eagles have reportedly made contact with the Clarets boss.

However, it seems as if Howe is another man on the club’s radar, but it appears as if they face a race against time should they wish to snatch the former Bournemouth boss from Celtic’s grasp.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the news from Football Insider on Saturday afternoon, and here is what some Eagles fans had to say in reply…

“I feel sick to the stomach”

Credit: @DonnyToIiver

“Howe and Dyche ping pong. We end up with Lampard.”

Credit: @Alitheeagle1

“If we wanted him we could have him. The Luton job is more attractive than Celtic. Winning an egg race playing the same League One standard sides each week whilst two clubs hog all the wealth? Pass. I’d go to Luton”

Credit: @CPFC_Puffin

“I’m saying nothing”

Credit: @cjbearcpfc

“BuT CeLtIc ArE a MuCh BiGgEr ClUb”

Credit: @jamessinman

“April fools was 2 days ago”

Credit: @JA9GOAT

In other news: These Palace fans react as club contact versatile forward, find out more here. 

Leeds should look to bring back Liverpool ace James Milner this summer amid Dean Windass’ transfer claim.

What’s the story?

The veteran midfielder has only been a bit-part player for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season in the Premier League, with his 22 appearances in the competition only amounting to 923 minutes of football.

And now, Windass has raised the prospect of Milner potentially leaving Anfield this summer and going back to join Marcelo Bielsa’s side at Elland Road.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: “Being a local lad, would he go back to Leeds? Yes. To end his career. But does he want to go back as a squad player, because that’s what he’d be. Bielsa would he go, ‘come in, but you’re not going to play week in week out, but I need you in the changing room’.

“Does James want to continue playing for another two seasons? If so, it won’t be at Leeds United. He’d get into any Premier League team outside the top-four because of his experience.

“I’ve known him for a long time, he’s teetotal the lad. You can tell by the way he’s lived his life and looked after himself. He might want to go back home to Yorkshire and enjoy his life, but he might want to go and play for another two seasons.”

Perfect for Bielsa

While at 35, Milner is hardly in the peak years of his career, his versatility and work ethic surely makes him an absolute dream for a manager like Bielsa.

For a Leeds coach who has tried to instill a team-first approach at Elland Road, the Liverpool star fits that bill to a tee, as someone who never complains and simply puts the effort in wherever he’s asked to play.

Former Whites full-back Danny Mills who played with Milner in his early years at the club, said: “He’ll play anywhere. He’s good enough to play almost anywhere and whatever his opinion, he applies himself with total dedication. Ask him to do something a little bit leftfield and he’ll do it with vigour.”

Dubbed “exceptional” by Klopp, the Liverpool boss is just one of the many people who have lauded Milner’s sheer professionalism, saying: “He’s the perfect professional. I have been very lucky to surround myself with great professionals through my career, but Milly is 100 per cent in the top five.”

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This season alone has seen Milner feature in both full-back positions as well as in central midfield, while, of course, he made a name for himself as a winger too, and his ability to still keep himself fit at his age has seen Virgil van Dijk dub him a “machine”.

Moving for a locker room leader like the 61-cap ace would give Bielsa another commanding voice in the dressing room, as well as someone who’s perfect for his way and style of working on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Leeds are facing a transfer battle to sign this midfielder…

Jose Mourinho will want to see a reaction from his Tottenham Hotspur side when they head to Merseyside to face Everton in the Premier League this evening.

Spurs once again dropped points from a winning position last weekend, having taken an early lead before being defeated by Manchester United. The north London outfit have now missed out on a whopping 18 points this season after hitting the front.

A defeat tonight could deal a huge blow to their chances of qualifying for Europe and all but end any chance of a late top-four push.

Mourinho has the same squad at his disposal as Sunday, so it will be interesting to see who he opts for after picking up their 10th league loss of the season last week.

Here’s our predicted XI, along with the latest team and injury news from the Spurs camp…

As revealed by the Portuguese in his pre-game press conference, full-back duo Matt Doherty and Ben Davies are “still out” through injury. In a bid to spark a reaction, we may well see as many as four changes up at Goodison Park this evening.

Two of those are likely to come in defence, as the recurring theme of individual errors in the backline continued on Sunday. After returning to the side for the first time in five games, Serge Aurier should be dropped once again.

The right-back drew scathing verdicts from the Sky Sports punditry team, with Roy Keane claiming he’s a “huge problem for Spurs” and Micah Richards echoing those thoughts by calling him “lazy.”

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In Aurier’s absence, Japhet Tanganga did a fine job, so he should be the man to start on the right against the Toffees. Jurgen Klopp dubbed him “impressive” on debut against Liverpool, whilst ex-striker Darren Bent believes that the 22-year-old is a “very exciting prospect.” Clearly, he isn’t overawed by the big occasion.

The other defensive change could see Eric Dier axed after returning to the starting fold with a less than convincing performance against the Red Devils. With Toby Alderweireld back on the bench, Mourinho has to turn to the vastly experienced Belgian sooner rather than later.

He should come in to partner Joe Rodon, with Sergio Reguilon keeping his place.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is another who remains from the United defeat but he could be joined by Moussa Sissoko after Mourinho hinted that he’ll be given a chance to make his 200th appearance for the club. It means that Tanguy Ndombele is likely to make way as Lucas Moura has impressed in the number 10 role.

The Brazilian starts in attack alongside Heung-min Son, Harry Kane and the returning Gareth Bale, who is preferred to Giovani Lo Celso and Erik Lamela.

AND in other news, Mourinho could unearth his next Rashford in 17 y/o “diamond” with “incredible potential”…

Sheffield Wednesday’s desperate survival hopes were dealt a severe blow as they were held by the ten men of Bristol City at Hillsborough Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Owls are all but relegated as they lie seven points adrift with only four games remaining, it is something that could be confirmed as early as next week depending on results elsewhere.

Darren Moore was absent from the dugout as he recovers from a bout of post-covid pneumonia and he was severely let down by his side, who all wore t-shirts respecting their boss in the pre-game warm-up, as they went down without a whimper in South Yorkshire.

Wednesday led the majority of the match rafter central defender Julian Borner headed home in the fourth minute and their chances of clinching a morale-boosting victory were bolstered when Henri Lansbury was sent off just over 15 minutes later for a handball on the line.

But the Owls couldn’t hold on and were punished three minutes from time when Tyreeq Bakinson slammed the equaliser home from distance.

It could’ve been a very different story had Barry Bannan scored from the spot-kick they were awarded from Lansbury’s red card.

The 31-year-old skipper saw his “weak” penalty saved by Dan Bentley in just one of many squandered chances, so he was certainly one player to massively let Moore down on the day.

Everything the Owls do runs through the Scottish playmaker and evidently, that seemed to be the case once again as he recorded a whopping 109 touches, some 21 more touches than the next best, Adam Reach (88), as per SofaScore.

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However, Bannan was simply not his usual self as he made just 79% of his 76 passing attempts, of which just one was a key chance created – he very nearly averages double that, so it shows he was not as creative as usual.

Of the Owls’ 20 shots at goal, the midfielder accounted for four of them, including 25% of their efforts on target and thus, Bannan proved to be equally wasteful in front of goal.

Having missed a crucial chance from the spot, he really needed to make amends with a goal later in the game.

At times, it was bordering on desperate as he lost possession a whopping 32 times in the engine room, comfortably more than any other player on the pitch and way worse than his average of 19 times per league outing this campaign.

This hindered Wednesday dearly in their bid to grab three points.

Bannan’s poorly missed penalty wasn’t the sole reason the Yorkshire strugglers picked up another disappointing result but his ineffectiveness in attack and profligacy on other chances were major factors.

When your key man, captain and leading talisman isn’t performing, the rest of the side falters too.

Bannan was just one of many that let Moore down massively on Saturday but they needed ever so much more from their leader.

The writing is certainly on the wall now.

AND in other news, Owls can finally wave goodbye to “hungry” Luhukay flop, he’s not good enough…

Many Wolves fans have been left to fume as Tim Spiers shared an update on fixture scheduling for the Molineux faithful in May.

As per a tweet from The Athletic journalist, the Black County Derby away at West Brom has been fixed for the Bank Holiday Monday on May 3rd at 6pm, being shown on Sky, while they will play Brighton and Hove Albion on the following Sunday at midday, live on the BBC.

Supporters of the Midlands club are especially angry at the decision for the derby to be played on a Bank Holiday in the evening, when they may be busy with family and friends, and it is also being shown on Sky, which some supporters may not have access to.

Such a feisty encounter should surely be a Super Sunday fixture or perhaps prime time on Saturday evening, but both sets of supporters will have to bookmark a slot in their Bank Holiday calendars.

Wolves fans on fixture schedule

These WWFC supporters fumed upon reading the fixture schedule after it was shared on Twitter, with one fan even going as far as to claim that it was ‘horrific’:

“Shambles”

Credit: @wwfcglover

“Horrific kick off time for a BCD.”

Credit: @nocky1982

“Shocking 6PM on a Monday night”Credit: @Joe71gill”Football is literally being ruined”Credit: @wolfpackaywe”State of that”Credit: @LewisLgill”6pm seriously”Credit: @chrisbag12In other news, find out what Nuno Espirito Santo update Wanderers have flocked to here!

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Wigan Atletic manager Paul Jewell believes Marcelo Bielsa will have given Leeds United his word about signing a new contract, despite his new deal running out at the end of the season.

There have been reports linking Bielsa with the vacant Tottenham Hotspur job after Jose Mourinho was sacked, however many still expect the Argentine to remain at Elland Road for next season.

Bielsa has brought an ambitious and attacking style of play to the Premier League which has brought high praise, none more so than from Pep Guardiola who was in awe when Bielsa praised him as a manager.

Speaking on why Bielsa will be staying at Leeds United and how he doesn’t sign contracts before the season is finished, Jewell told FFC:

“I think if he gives you his word then he sticks to it, and I’ve heard that he only signs a new contract at the end of the season because he’s so focused on the job.

“He’s one of those managers that if you can’t do what he wants you to do then he will tell you very quickly that you aren’t for him, and I think that’s a great way to be.”

Bielsa has been able to get every last drop of effort and quality out of his squad this season after not adding too many players in the summer.

After a rollercoaster of a managerial career at the likes of Marseille, Lazio, Athletic Bilbao and the Argentina national team, Bielsa has found another club that appreciates what he does, in Leeds.

Sharing a development on the Tottenham Hotspur manager hunt involving Brendan Rodgers, Sky Sports have now relayed that Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers apparently has ‘no interest’ in the north London vacancy.

Rodgers has been touted by the media as a sure-fire candidate in recent months alongside Julian Nagelsmann, and with the latter boss confirmed to be taking over at Bayern Munich, it appears Tottenham’s list is growing smaller and smaller.

Sky Sports share development in Spurs manager hunt

Sky now relay that Rodgers apparently has ‘no interest’ in talking with Spurs over the position and remains committed to Leicester as a side who can challenge for European spots.

“Got some news to bring you regarding Brendan Rodgers,” explained Sky (via Football Daily).

“Says he has no interest in talking to Tottenham about their managerial vacancy.

“Instead, he believes that Leicester has the potential to regularly challenge for European places in the short term and the medium term.

“This is what Sky Sports news has been told.”

Transfer Tavern take

As the broadcaster shares this update, it could come as a blow in Spurs’ search for a prestigious new boss who can guide them back to the top of English football.

Daniel Levy’s project with former boss Jose Mourinho definitely didn’t go according to plan and Spurs will have to tread carefully over who they next appoint at the helm.

Ideally, the Lilywhites are reportedly on the search for an attack-minded coach who can re-install an exciting brand of football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Rodgers certainly fits that mould.

One man who has recently been linked and falls into this category also is Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag, and given his famed reputation developing young stars, he could be an ideal alternative to Nagelsmann and Rodgers.

In other news: Tottenham working to sign this colossus, find out more here.

West Ham are set to be handed a major boost ahead of this weekend’s crucial Premier League encounter against Everton…

What’s the latest?

According to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee on Twitter, Angelo Ogbonna “should be back” as they welcome the Toffees to the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The 32-year-old was a surprise absentee on Monday night for their win over Burnley, missing the clash with a hamstring problem, but it is not thought to be serious.

Ogbonna had missed more than two months of the season with ankle problems, only returning against Newcastle United three weeks ago, and is in line to feature against Everton barring any late complications.

Big boost

This comes as a massive boost for David Moyes, who will undoubtedly be desperate to see the Italian back in action as soon as possible given that he has played an important role in the Irons’ campaign so far. Ogbonna has started 25 league matches for the Irons in 2020/21, winning 2.3 headers (fourth-best in current squad) and making 4.2 clearances per game (second-best).

West Ham are firmly in the face for a top four finish but could be six points adrift of Chelsea if they manage to pull off a victory over runaway league leaders and Champions League final opponents Manchester City this evening.

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A win over Carlo Ancelotti’s side would keep the pressure on their London rivals heading into the final three matches of the season, and having Ogbonna available will certainly aid their chances substantially.

His presence will be needed against a player of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s calibre. He has found the net 20 times in all competitions, including one against Aston Villa last time out.

However, the England international failed to score against the Hammers in their league battle earlier this campaign, and Ogbonna was partnering Craig Dawson that day.

Moyes will surely want more of the same, so he will be encouraged by the fact that he can slot the 32-year-old colossus straight back into the team, most likely in place of Issa Diop.

AND in other news, Moyes can repeat West Ham’s Lingard masterstroke by landing “exciting” £18m-rated gem…