All posts by h79snht.top

The fall-out from Sunday’s big game between Celtic and Rangers rolls on, it always does after these games, and the latest talking point comes from striker Leigh Griffiths.

Speaking exclusively to The Evening Times, the Celtic star has fired a shot at Rangers and their fans for over-celebrating their point at Celtic Park on Sunday.

Clint Hill equalised late in the game after a Stuart Armstrong strike, prompting scenes of celebration in the away end.

That’s amused the 26 year old striker though, who says supporters celebrated the goal as if they’d won the league.

As quoted by The Evening Times, Griffiths said:

Rangers fans will all get a bit excited now, thinking that they can come and do exactly the same to us in the semi-final as they did last season. You saw the Rangers fans after the game cheering as though they had won the league. They would have snapped anyone’s hand for a point before they came here.

However that jibe has not bothered Gers supporters one bit, who feel wholly justified what was a well earned point after three derby defeats in a row. Rangers fans have had a pretty tough season and heading to Celtic Park with a caretaker manager to get a point must be seen as a pretty fantastic result.

They’ve taken to Twitter to respond and send some jibes of their own back to the Celtic star…

[ad_pod id=’Shoot-Xmas-Survey’ align=’left’]

[ad_pod id=’playwire’ align=’center’]

With Liverpool having midweeks off after failing to qualify for European competition, anyone could forgive them for feeling a little sorry for themselves as they see big games take place across the continent.

Alas, we suspect they are using this time to keep an eye on talent taking part in such clashes, with a return to continental football likely on the cards, which will surely lead them to snap up a few players in the summer transfer market. One star they have been aligned with is Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette, so the Reds will surely have been keeping an eye on their 4-2 victory over Roma, in which the striker was truly excellent.

One goal (which was a cracker, by the way,) and an assist illustrate his ruthlessness, while a pass completion rate of 100% hints that he could slot into a Liverpool team that rely on neat balls being played in the final third.

Lacazette won’t come cheap, but maybe he’d be the ideal option for Liverpool.

[ad_pod id=’playwire’ align=’center’]

Manchester United look set for a big summer transfer window, as Jose Mourinho looks to put the finishing touches on a squad that has consistently improved at a steady rate throughout the course of his debut season at Old Trafford.

But could the club’s immediate future lay in its not so distant past? The Red Devils coughed up a world-record fee to bring Paul Pogba back to the club last summer and considering the sheer number of talented players who’ve passed through the doors at Carrington, it’s likely stars of similar ability have also fallen through the net in recent years.

With that in mind, we asked United fans earlier this week to vote for which former stars they’d like Mourinho to re-sign in the coming window. The results of our exclusive poll are now in, so here’s a rundown of the top three.

3. Memphis Depay

The Memphis Depay who showed world-class potential as he fired PSV to the Eredivisie title simply didn’t turn up at Old Trafford – and Jose Mourinho’s arrival was unsurprisingly the nail in the coffin for the workshy winger. But the Netherlands international has been nothing short of phenomenal since moving to Lyon in January, bagging two assists and five goals in just nine Ligue 1 appearances – including the above effort from the halfway line that’s sure to get a nomination for this year’s Puskas Award. Third in our poll, it seems a significant chunk of Red Devils fans think a failure to realise his full ability with United was as much down to the club as the 23-year-old.

2. Javier Hernandez

Well-liked during his time at Old Trafford, it’s no surprise to see Manchester United’s former super-sub Javier Hernandez ranking second in our poll. Despite predominantly featuring from the bench, he reached double figures in three consecutive Premier League campaigns before a loan stint at Real Madrid and a permanent move to Bayer Leverkusen; which has given the Mexico international the platform to prove the kind of hauls he’s capable of when given a place in the starting XI. Indeed, since moving to the BayArena in summer 2015, Hernandez has netted 38 times in 71 appearances across all competitions – and earned himself a spot in last term’s Bundesliga Team of the Season.

1. Angel Di Maria

Always the one that got away, United fans still clearly respect Angel Di Maria’s ability even if he did leave the club on rather frosty terms, struggling to settle in Manchester and departing just twelve months after his club-record arrival. Nonetheless, the Argentine was mesmerising during his first half-season at Old Trafford and has continued to excel since signing for PSG in summer 2015, notching up ten goals in Ligue 1 last term and really producing the goods in the Champions League this year with four goals in seven outings – including a brace in a 4-0 battering of Barcelona last month (above). Signed by Jose Mourinho in 2010 during his first transfer window as Real Madrid boss, the Portuguese would surely love to work with the attacking midfielder once again.

Results

Former Leeds United midfielder David Prutton believes that the club will do enough this weekend to keep their Premier League promotion hopes alive.

Garry Monk’s side are placed in fifth in the Championship table, five points above closest playoff challengers Fulham with six games left to play.

The former Swansea City boss has done a remarkable job after a shaky start to the campaign, but they head into this weekend’s match against Preston on the back of two defeats in a row.

The Whites were beaten 1-0 by Reading at the start of the month, and that was followed up with a 2-0 loss to Brentford on the road.

Saturday’s fixture at Elland Road is extra special due to former Whites boss Simon Grayson being in the opposing dugout.

The 47-year-old, who began his playing career at Leeds before leaving in 1992, spent four years in charge of the West Yorkshire outfit before joining Huddersfield Town in 2012.

Prutton, who spent three years of his playing days at Leeds, believes that there will not be a winner on the day, but a point will be enough for Monk’s side.

He told Sky Sports:

“This one is nicely poised. Simon Grayson has done a superb job at Preston and has a great affinity with Leeds, but will feel he has something to prove at his former club.

“Leeds have had a couple of poor results since the international break, but they’ve come too far this season to let it go from here and I think they’ll get the draw here and go on to make the playoffs.”

This weekend sees Chelsea travel to Manchester United in Football FanCast’s Fixture in Focus, and much emphasis will be placed on the men in the dugout after the bad blood that swelled between them during the reverse fixture, a 4-0 win for the west Londoners, earlier this season.

Needless to say, Jose Mourinho has history with the Blues; winning three Premier League titles in two spells before leaving in rather unceremonious circumstances in December 2015, as the reigning champions unexpectedly found themselves lingering just above the relegation zone.

But Mourinho’s tenures were always plagued by controversy, media antics and a questionable brand of football. In comparison, Conte’s kept his head down on the most part, letting Chelsea’s imperious results in their new 3-4-3 set-up do the talking as they charge towards another Premier League title.

So ahead of this weekend’s almighty clash, we have a curious question for Chelsea fans; which manager do they prefer life under? Club icon Mourinho or the man currently donning the dugout? Let us know by voting below…

According to reports in The Mirror, Chelsea defender John Terry is a summer target for Stoke City after announcing he will leave the club during the summer, but they may have to pay him £100,000-a-week to lure him to the Britannia Stadium.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the 36-year-old announced last month that he will make an emotional exit from Stamford Bridge at the end of the season following the expiry of his contract, which will bring an end to a 19-year spell at Stamford Bridge.

Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion have already been linked with moves for the centre-back but now the Potters are said to have joined the chase with doubts over the future of Bruno Martins Indi.

The Netherlands international joined Stoke on a season-long loan deal from FC Porto but Mark Hughes has confirmed that the Portuguese giants don’t appear keen to discuss a permanent transfer.

According to The Sun, they may have to offer Terry at least a £100-a-week deal if they are to be successful in adding him to their ranks.

What else has Hughes said?

The Stoke boss says he spoke to Terry about his future when the two teams met earlier in the campaign.

The Welshman said: “I know John very well but whether or not we’d be able to present anything to John that would make him think, I don’t know.

“But we spoke briefly and had a word after the Chelsea game here this year about where his future lies.

“You’re not just getting John Terry the player, you’re getting John Terry the leader so someone will benefit from that.”

Would he be a good signing for Stoke?

Of course he would.

Playing alongside Ryan Shawcross he could form quite a formidable partnership for the Potters, because he still has the ability and experience to make a real difference at this level despite his advanced years.

What’s the verdict, then?

While reports suggest that his wage demands would be £100,000-a-week, he would likely have to lower those if he is to complete a move to any of the interested Premier League sides.

According to reports from Turkish news outlet ofsayt, via the Daily Star, Manchester United are ready to launch a £17m bid for Benfica attacking midfielder Anderson Talisca.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the 23-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season on loan at Turkish giants Besiktas and it is believed that he won’t return to his parent club this summer.

Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho is said to have been impressed with the Brazilian’s performances this term and he could be ready to launch an offer for the client of Jorge Mendes, who of course also represents the Portuguese manager.

How well has he done this season?

He has made a huge impact for the Istanbul-based outfit.

The 23-year-old has scored 14 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions – providing a further six assists – and Besiktas are in pole position to win the Super Lig title.

Where would he fit in at United?

As we mentioned previously, Talisca has made a huge impact from a central attacking midfield position but it is unclear if he would be utilised there by Mourinho if he made the move to Old Trafford.

He would be able to play either in that position or on the left side of a front three if needed, but he has certainly shown that he could bring a real goalscoring threat to a United side that has struggled to find the net on occasions.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, after such an impressive season and with his agent being the same as Mourinho’s there could be something in this rumour.

If he is available for £17m, then it would certainly be a risk worth taking for the Portuguese boss as he looks to bring more goals to his side.

Just as many expected, Newcastle United bounced straight back to the Premier League at the first time of asking as Rafael Benitez’s side won the Championship title.

The Magpies were relegated in humiliating fashion during the 2015/16 season, even with the appointment of former Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez later in the season.

However, with Benitez staying at St. James’ Park and Newcastle investing money on worthy additions such as Dwight Gayle and Matt Richie during last summer’s transfer window, the club met its goal and now find themselves preparing for the Premier League once again.

Much of this season had been plain sailing for Rafa’s men, besides a poor first few games and minor blip in November in which they lost three on the bounce.

The Championship and the Premier League are two different beasts, however, and safety for next season is by no means a guarantee despite the relative successes of this year.

Given that Benitez is not likely to be given a huge pot of money to spend this summer, where do you think Newcastle will finish next season? Have your say below…

Chelsea fans will have high expectations heading into the transfer window given that they are the champions of England and plan to continue that dominance next season.

This week, two players have agreed to leave the club, with second-string goalkeeper Asmir Begovic joining Bournemouth and youngster Dominic Solanke signing for Liverpool.

In terms of incomings, no official deals have been announced yet, but reports claim that the Blues are closing in on a defensive midfielder.

The Independent states that the West London outfit are in talks with Monaco over the £42m swoop of Tiemoue Bakayoko, who played a role in the French club winning Ligue 1 and progressing to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The 22-year-old made 47 appearances in all competitions this season, and even though his main attributes are of the defensive variety, he managed to score three goals as well.

If Bakayoko does move to Stamford Bridge, then it perhaps raises questions over Nemanja Matic’s future.

It is likely that Chelsea manager Antonio Conte would want his new signing to work alongside reliable N’Golo Kante.

Supporters have taken to Twitter to give their views on the Bakayoko reports.

According to reports in The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a surprise £15m move for Swansea City defender Alfie Mawson this summer.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino wants to bring in a new centre-back before the start of next season as he looks to provide cover for Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, with the latter stalling on signing a new contract.

Mawson was certainly one of Swansea’s stand-out performers as they narrowly escaped relegation from the Premier League last term, scoring four goals in 27 top flight appearances for the Welsh side, while he will have impressed many with his ability on the ball.

Tottenham supporters were quick to have their say on the rumour via social media, and they were divided with their opinions.

While some believe that he is a good player and could be a good signing, others say he has an error in him and isn’t good enough for Spurs.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…