All posts by z3u9t.icu

With things beginning to look on the up for Celtic under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou in recent weeks, as the Bhoys have picked up 12 points from 12 available over their last four fixtures in all competitions, the 56-year-old manager will undoubtedly be hoping for yet another positive result when the Hoops make the trip to Hibernian on Wednesday evening.

And, with Jack Ross’ side being in rather contrasting form to Celtic at present, with Hibs currently on a run of three straight defeats in the league, Postecoglou will be more than aware that the fixture presents his team with a fantastic opportunity to close the gap on the current Scottish Premiership leaders.

So, will Postecoglou make any changes to the team which started the 2-0 win at St. Johnstone last Saturday? Here’s how we think Celtic could line up against Hibernian, along with the latest team and injury news…

With Postecoglou recently revealing that he has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Wednesday’s fixture, as well as suggesting James McCarthy could be in line to make a return to the matchday squad, we predict that the 56-year-old will make two changes to the team that lined up against St. Johnstone last weekend.

The first of these changes comes in the heart of the Celtic defence, with the £20k-per-week Cameron Carter-Vickers making way for 21-year-old Stephen Welsh – who could very much do with a run-out having not featured in any of the Hoops last four league fixtures.

The remainder of the back five is untouched, with Joe Hart starting between the sticks, while Josip Juranovic and Anthony Ralston retain their spots at left and right-back respectively, and Carl Starfelt lines up alongside Welsh at centre-back.

In the middle of the park, Callum McGregor, David Turnbull and Tom Rogic also retain their starting spots, with the trio having highly impressed for the Bhoys in recent weeks – while, despite his return to fitness, James McCarthy has to make do with a place on the bench.

The second change comes in Celtic’s front three, with the recently recovered Mikey Johnston replacing Jota on the left-hand side of the attack in order to afford the £900k-rated man some much-needed game time, while Georgios Giakoumakis and Kyogo Furuhashi line up alongside the 22-year-old.

In other news: Ange must unleash £2.7m-rated Celtic “phenomenon” vs Hibs, he’s a game-changer

Rangers secured their place in the final of the Scottish Cup in an enthralling Old Firm clash with their rivals on Sunday.

Gio van Bronckhorst’s side came from behind to seal a 2-1 win and they now have a chance to lift silverware next month.

After failing to capitalise on their good play in the first 45, Rangers were made to pay for falling asleep at a free-kick as Callum McGregor was afforded the time and space to feed Greg Taylor and the full-back’s shot deflected in off Calvin Bassey.

However, they found their equaliser with just over 10 minutes left as substitute Scott Arfield found the back of the net from James Tavernier’s assist.

This allowed them to take the game to extra time and they found their winner in the 115th minute as Carl Starfelt turned the ball into his own net after a ball into the box by Bassey.

Whilst Arfield coming on to level the scores set-up the win for the Gers, the player who really stole the show was James Tavernier at right-back.

Former Gers man Neil McCann lauded his display, saying: “James Tavernier has defended really well, the fitness that the boy shows is absolutely out of this world.”

Journalist Joshua Barrie also dubbed his and Connor Goldson’s play as “superb” in the build-up to the equaliser as the full-back’s cross – aided by Kemar Roofe – set up Arfield to score.

The £24k-per-week Englishman held his own defensively and was a constant threat in possession as he put in a complete performance on Sunday. He did not allow the likes of Jota and Liel Abada to expose him at the back as he remained strong in his one-on-one duels and this meant that Jon McLaughlin was not troubled as much as he could have been, with Celtic managing two shots on target all game.

Along with his great work for the equalising goal, the machine also almost scored the winner in extra time. He hit the post late on as he came inches away from being the match-winner before Starfelt turned the ball into his own net a few minutes later.

Van Bronckhorst will surely be delighted with his captain’s performance as the ex-Newcastle man stood up to the test and led by example throughout the match. It is now down to him and his teammates to continue to produce on the pitch in the coming weeks to win as many trophies as they can.

AND in other news, £10.1m in the bank: Rangers hit the jackpot on “brutally ruthless” £31.5k-p/w machine…

Liverpool will take on AC Milan tonight in a Champions League clash that means very little to the Merseyside giants’ campaign but will mean everything to their opponents who desperately need to win this game to boost their chances of moving forward in the competition.

Jurgen Klopp will go into this game with full confidence and nothing to lose, as Liverpool have taken maximum points and subsequently qualified with ease from their group in the Champions League after five wins out of five so far.

Despite being through to the knock out stages already, the German manager is not the type to happily concede a game and will be fully intending to continue the unbeaten run Liverpool find themselves holding on to in Europe this season, with the potential to qualify on maximum points.

If the Reds beat AC Milan at the San Siro this evening, they will become the first English side in the history of the Champions League to win every single group stage game, a record that we’re sure Klopp would love to have under his belt.

With that being said, Klopp will be buzzing to learn that his opposition go into this game with a number of injury concerns that could have a negative impact on their chances to put goals past the in form Reds, and will only encourage the German coach further to rotate his team with ease.

Milan have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of hosting the six-time Champions League winners, with both Pietro Pellegri and Rafael Leao set to miss out on the action due to sustaining muscular injuries.

These fresh injuries couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Italian giants, as they need to take all three points off the Merseyside outfit in the upcoming clash to qualify for a spot in the final stages of the competition, currently on four points in third position of the group, one point behind Porto.

It also represents a huge boost for the 19-time English champions as Leao has proven to be a devastating asset in the final third this term, scoring five and assisting three times. Thus, Liverpool’s defence will likely have an easier night defending their own goal, presenting them with the opportunity to perhaps field a young makeshift backline.

Not only will Milan need win tonight’s game, but they will also need to hope Porto do not take maximum points from their last game against bottom of the group, Atletico Madrid, who are also only on four points.

Atletico still have their chance to qualify too despite being bottom of Group B, needing to take three points from their last fixture against Porto and will need Liverpool to beat Milan.

Whilst the rest of their Champions League group remains open, Liverpool are now in a position to give their key players a rest and let their squad from the bench and youngsters step into cover positions, gaining a start in the line up and some much-needed game time on Tuesday evening.

In other news: Klopp could finally sign Wijnaldum replacement

Leeds United want Raphinha to sign a new contract, amid rumours of a January move to Bayern Munich, Phil Hay reports.

The Lowdown: Bayern links

Raphinha, described as an ‘unbelievable player’ by Illan Meslier, has been the club’s top performer this season. The winger has scored eight of Leeds’ 18 goals this season and has missed just two Premier League fixtures.

As a result of his impressive form, Bayern Munich have been linked with a January move for the 24-year-old, who is under contract at Elland Road until 2024.

Brazilian outlet TNT Sports even went as far as to say Raphinha would join Bayern in a deal worth €50m, however, The Yorkshire Evening Post rebuffed claims by stating the German giants are yet to express an interest.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay posted a link to a story on Twitter on Wednesday lunchtime, claiming ‘Leeds United want Raphinha’s next move to be the agreement of a new contract at Elland Road’.

Within his story, Hay claimed that the Brazilian likes Leeds and what his move to Yorkshire has done for him. Raphinha doesn’t feel as if the club are holding him back, with discussions underway over an improved deal.

The Verdict: New contract needed

Hay revealed that Raphinha’s current salary is a ‘fairly modest’ one by Premier League standards and behind Leeds’ biggest earners.

So, even if the Whites extend Raphinha’s contract by a further 12 months to 2025, a pay rise to make him one of the club’s biggest earners could be a wise move.

That would reflect his displays on the pitch and should keep him content in Yorkshire for the time being. A new deal would also allow Leeds to insert a release clause, meaning all parties involved could come out of discussions happy.

In other news: BBC man reacts as Leeds and Bielsa may now get ‘massive’ injury boost ‘for the Burnley game’. 

Ciaran Kelly spotted what Allan Saint-Maximin did right before he scored for Newcastle United in their game at home to Watford in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Great finish

The opening goal in the 1-1 draw against the Hornets was typical of Saint-Maximin with his outrageous ability on the ball.

The Frenchman cut inside from the wing, beating two players before rifling an unstoppable effort into the bottom corner of the net past Ben Foster.

It put the North East club in the driving seat at St. James’ Park, although Joao Pedro levelled things up with a smart finish.

The Latest: Kelly reacts

Writing on Twitter, The Chronicle journalist Kelly spotted the hard work that Saint-Maximin did before he got his goal:

“Will go a little unnoticed but that all stemmed from Allan Saint-Maximin not giving up the ghost.

“Chased and harried Ngakia in build-up, forcing him into a mistake, before cutting inside and rifling the ball past Foster. Great finish. Deafening noise inside St James’ Park.”

The Verdict: All-rounder

Everyone knows that Saint-Maximin is an elite dribbler – he currently averages the second-most amount of dribbles per game in the top flight, only behind Wolves ace Adama Traore.

However, as Kelly points out, his work off the ball sometimes goes unnoticed, and his effort in trying to win it back off of Jeremy Ngakia before going on to score was such an important moment in the match.

Nonetheless, the 24-year-old will no doubt be a key player for the Tyneside outfit if they are to avoid relegation down to the Championship at the end of the campaign.

In other news, find out who NUFC are now in ‘advanced talks’ to sign here!

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Loads of Everton fans have been running the rule over their FA Cup exit at the hands of Millwall, and plenty are beginning to turn on Marco Silva.

With a European place in the Premier League slipping further and further out of the Toffees’ grasp, a cup run was absolutely necessary to get the fans and players back on the manager’s side.

The gaffer will be having nightmares about Saturday’s performance for quite some time though, as the Toffees were dumped out of the FA Cup in the fourth round courtesy of some truly shambolic defending.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

Richarlison put Silva’s side in front at the Den towards the end of a scrappy first half, but the hosts equalised almost immediately as Lee Gregory finished with aplomb after Jake Cooper looped a header into the box.

Cenk Tosun then came off the bench to put the Blues back in front, but once again they were pegged back instantly, as Cooper turned scorer this time, finishing controversially with his upper arm from close range.

The hosts then took full advantage of Everton’s uneasiness at the back, grabbing the winner in stoppage time through Murray Wallace.

All three of Millwall’s goals came from the second ball on a set piece, and Silva’s zonal marking system must now come under very serious scrutiny.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where fans are lashing out at the boss…

Patrick Vieira will lead his Crystal Palace team out in their first FA Cup semi-final since 2016 at Wembley this weekend in a fantastic achievement for the Eagles. However, there has been a late injury concern following the defeat to Leicester City on Sunday.

What’s the word?

According to The Telegraph, Crystal Palace are anxiously awaiting clarity on a potential injury problem following Tyrick Mitchell’s early departure from the pitch in the 37th minute of their Premier League clash at the King Power Stadium yesterday.

The Palace boss gave a brief update on the left-back’s condition in his post-match interview simply saying: “He felt something on his calf so we did not want to take any risk.

“We have to wait to see how bad it is.”

Vieira will be worried

Vieira will surely be worried not to have Mitchell in the team against Chelsea this weekend, after already losing Conor Gallagher following his parent’s club’s rejection of Palace’s request to let their loan player take part in the meeting.

The 22-year-old star has been incredibly influential this season for the Eagles, playing every single league game so far averaging at 88 minutes per match. He’s won the majority of his duels combined (61%), creating two big chances, delivering two assists whilst making three tackles, 1.2 interceptions and two clearances per outing on average, according to SofaScore.

If the defender isn’t available for the important clash, Vieira will have a huge headache in setting up his team and could potentially change formation in the defensive line, or he could simply deploy Joel Ward who is naturally a right-back but replaced Mitchell in the left-back position following his injury concern against the Foxes.

The 32-year-old has made 24 appearances in the Premier League this season, but before Sunday has not been involved in Palace’s last seven outings, out of the squad for five and on the bench for two following a groin injury, with Nathaniel Clyne taking up the right-back role during his absence.

The manager will now need to wait until he has full confirmation of the extent on Mitchell’s injury issues before he makes a decision on how best to deploy his team against Chelsea at the weekend, but the Frenchman will surely be frustrated to lose such an impactful player at this stage of the season.

In other news: Vieira now set for CPFC disaster on “phenomenal” £130k-p/w star

Tottenham Hotspur are ‘ready’ to fight for the signature of Braga striker Vitor Oliveira, according to Calciomercato. 

The lowdown

The youngster appears to be making his first team breakthrough at Braga, having featured in four of their last five league matches and earned his Europa League debut.

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Last weekend, he emphatically made his case to be a regular going forward with a four-goal haul against Santa Clara in a 6-0 Taca de Portugal mauling.

The 21-year-old, who has three years left on his contract, is presently valued at just £450,000 by Transfermarkt.

The latest

According to Calciomercato, Oliveira’s form for Braga is said to have attracted the interest of ‘numerous foreign clubs’.

Spurs are among them, but so are their London rivals West Ham United, so the stage is set for the two capital clubs to do battle for his signature in 2022.

The verdict

Oliveira has also earned international recognition this month, making his Portugal under-21 debut in a European Championship qualifier against Cyprus.

The signs are that what looks like a modest price tag might about to be skyrocket after his flying start to the season, which has seen him hit seven goals in nine first team appearances for Braga.

However, one possible consideration for Spurs when buying young strikers is the impact on Dane Scarlett, whose path to the senior team could be blocked if Oliveira is signed. The Spurs starlet has plundered in 23 goals in as many matches for the under-18s, so you could question the need to look at emerging strikers elsewhere.

In other news, Conte has made this transfer request to Paratici.

A number of Liverpool supporters are fuming after journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed there has been ‘no negotiation’ for Porto attacker Luis Diaz.

The Reds are preparing for life without Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in January, with the pair on Africa Cup of Nations duty, along with Naby Keita.

It leaves Jurgen Klopp short of attacking options this month and there is of course the potential to sign someone to help fill the void.

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One player who has been linked with a move to Anfield is Diaz, who has impressed for Porto this season, scoring 12 goals in 15 Primeira Liga appearances.

Taking to Twitter on Saturday, however, Romano claimed that Liverpool have not started negotiations regarding a move for the Colombian, perhaps further suggesting no signings will be made in January.

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Liverpool fans unhappy at Diaz latest

It is an update that hasn’t gone down well with these Reds fans on Twitter, who bemoaned the club’s lack of spending.

“Stand still FC”

Credit: @garylouth

“Confirmed we are not signing anyone this window”

Credit: @taylorblueslim

“Foolish club”

Credit: @Jezscy

“Gerrard time soon”

Credit: @footnut

“We are actually finished. We go again, another 30 years trophyless”

Credit: @notyrgoku

“Every transfer rumour about Liverpool is NO”

Credit: @dondarius471

In other news, some Liverpool fans love David Ornstein’s transfer claim. Read more here.

Manchester United could still appoint current Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s successor this season, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What’s the story?

The Northern Irishman is believed to be high up on the United hierarchy’s wishlist as they line up possible replacements for Solskjaer following their disappointing start to the campaign.

Several reports have claimed that Rodgers is the leading candidate to take over the Old Trafford hot seat, but it seems as though the Glazers will keep faith with their Norwegian tactician for the time being.

However, transfer insider Jones has refused to rule out Solskjaer being replaced by the 48-year-old before the campaign comes to a close amid mounting pressure.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I wouldn’t rule it out later in the season somewhere if United can’t ride this out. It seems strange but it is definitely plausible from what I’m hearing.”

Man Utd fans will be excited

News that Rodgers could take the reins at United over the coming months will leave a large section of the club’s supporters feeling excited.

The former Celtic boss has cultivated an enviable reputation as one of British football’s most astute and innovative tacticians in recent years, guiding the Hoops to seven major trophies in just two-and-a-half years.

He then continued to prove his credentials at the King Power Stadium, guiding the Foxes to consecutive fifth-place finishes in the Premier League before claiming the FA Cup and Community Shield.

Solskjaer, on the other hand, is yet to find a piece of silverware during his tenure with the Red Devils, overseeing an agonising trophy drought for the 20-time English champions.

The Scandinavian’s good work should not be forgotten, though. Consecutive top-four finishes for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, a successful squad rebuild, and the blooding of several academy graduates have all marked his tenure.

However, concerns over whether Solskjaer is capable of taking United to the next step in their development and competing with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool for major honours are ever-increasing.

A ceiling appears to have been reached under his tutelage, and therefore, Rodgers’ arrival would be welcomed by many in United’s fanbase.

And, in other news…Forget Diallo: Ole could unearth Man Utd gem in “hugely talented” rarely-seen 17 y/o