Arsenal fans will be reaching a new level of anxiety ahead of their encounter with Watford at Vicarage Road on Monday evening with the big possibility of out of sorts defender Shkodran Mustafi might have to be named in Unai Emery’s starting lineup.

The Gunners will be without talisman Sokratis Papastathopoulos due to suspension, which means Mustafi will most likely partner Laurent Koscielny at the back. Indeed, the German has had a terrible season and it won’t be a big surprise if he is sold off in the summer transfer market.

But, if Mustafi wants to salvage his Arsenal career and future he will need to step up the occasion big time from Monday onward as the Gunners can’t afford to drop any unnecessary points before the season concludes.

Arsenal are in a tight race for a top-four finish and will need to start picking up points on the road after some poor away performances this season.

If Mustafi, who is valued at £27 million (by Transfermarkt), continues to be as inconsistent as he has this whole campaign, then Arsenal will find it tough to beat the likes of Watford and Wolverhampton Wanderers, who they also still need to face away from home.

Emery is expected to play with a back-three formation again on Monday evening, which will make Mustafi’s responsibility even bigger and more important.

If he can remain calm under the pressure and focus on the job at hand then Arsenal might have a chance of putting the Hornets to the sword.

But, if he continues to make half-hearted challenges and not give his full commitment on the field then it could be another long 90 minutes for Arsenal.

The nerves. Oh God, the nerves.

Arsenal fans, what are your honest thoughts on Mustafi? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

أكد سيد عبد الحفيظ مدير الكرة بالأهلي أن فريقه ينظر إلى الفوز ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، وذلك عقب التتويج بالدوري المصري.

وكان الأهلي قد نجح في حسم بطولة الدوري لموسم 2019-2020 قبل انتهاء المنافسات بنحو 7 أسابيع، للمرة الـ42 في تاريخه.

وقال سيد عبد الحفيظ في تصريحات إذاعية عبر آثير “أون سبورت اف ام”: “الحمد لله على الفوز ببطولة الدوري ولكن تبقي الفرحة الأكبر وهي الفوز بدوري أبطال إفريقيا، مررنا بموسم صعب ولكن تبقي في النهاية الروح الجماعية”.

وتابع: “لم أر واقعة مشادة محمد فضل وكهربا ولكني سأتحدث مع الأول كونه عضو مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة وأنظر للأمر”.

اقرأ أيضًا عبد الحفيظ يكشف موقف الأهلي تجاه كهربا بعد مشاهدة فيديوهات المشادة مع فضل

واستطرد: “محمد شريف وناصر ماهر وصلاح محسن وأكرم توفيق تم الاستقرار على عودتهم للفريق بالموسم الجديد، وننظر لمستقبل باقي المعارين”.

وأوضح: “أحمد فتحي لم يبخل بمجهوده مع الأهلي في الفترة الأخيرة حتى انتهاء مسيرته مع الأحمر”.

طالع أيضًا.. رسميًا.. الاتحاد السكندري يعلن ضم ثنائي الأهلي

وأشار: “لا يجوز أن يتعامل أي لاعب مع النادي كونه نجم وهذا لا يليق مع الأهلي، ولا أختلف مع أي لاعب في العقوبات ولكن يتم الاختلاف في التعامل، طبقًا لأهمية اللاعب ومكانته في الفريق”.

واختتم: “موسيماني يعلم قيمة الأهلي ومكانته في القارة الإفريقية والوطن العربي وهو متعطش للفوز بالألقاب خلال الفترة المقبلة”.

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Sky Sports pundit Liam Rosenior believes that Mauricio Pochettino will have learned a number of lessons from Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 loss to Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, per The Debate.

What’s he said?

Spurs fell to a disappointing loss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday evening, with Donny van de Beek scoring the only goal of the game.

Pochettino’s men, then, need to win in Amsterdam if they are to have any hope of reaching the final in Madrid.

And Rosenior, speaking on the Debate podcast (April 30, two minutes, 35 seconds), believes that the Argentine will have learned that he cannot again set up with a 3-5-2 formation.

Indeed, Spurs struggled in the opening half an hour against the Dutch outfit, who dominated possession in the first period, but found a foothold after Moussa Sissoko replaced the injured Jan Vertonghen and utilised a back four.

Asked about how Pochettino can turn the game around, the former Fulham and Hull City star said: “Not to play 3-5-2 against Ajax. It’s difficult setting your team up as a coach or a manager and he will have looked at that, but before Vertonghen went off he actually moved to a back four because, what was happening, Ajax were building through their two full-backs; they had so much space and time.

“From 3-5-2 it’s so difficult to press the opposition’s full-backs. As soon as they changed to a diamond, and they go to a four, Sissoko comes on, they pressed Ajax higher up the pitch and Ajax’s passing rhythm went out of the game.

“All of a sudden they got themselves back in the game so, yes, being 1-0 down is difficult but he will have learned so many lessons from a tactical point of view.”

Major injuries

Spurs struggled against Ajax because of the club’s lengthy injury list.

Sissoko started the game on the bench and Pochettino’s men subsequently ceded possession to a team that loves to dominate the ball.

The Frenchman made a significant difference after his introduction, taking the ball on the transition and giving his side an outlet on the counter-attack.

Next week, Sissoko will likely be fit to play from the outset, while Son Heung-Min will not be suspended for the second leg.

Pochettino perhaps made the wrong call but next week, with two of his best players back to fitness, he is unlikely to make such an error again.

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Shane Long’s record-breaking goal just seven seconds into Southampton’s 1-1 draw with Watford last time out was his third strike in the last four games in what is becoming an incredible turnaround of form from the Irishman, who has previously been struggling to find the net at all.

Regardless of his recent form, the hitman’s future at St Mary’s Stadium is uncertain with his contract running out next summer and he has now spoken about whether he thinks he can secure an extension.

What did he say?

Well, speaking to The Southampton Daily Echo, the 32-year-old said:

“I think with the last four or five performances I’ve put in, there have been some good ones in there.

“I have only got a year left on my contract and I don’t think I’ve earned the right to go knocking on the door and asking for more years.

“It’s hard to validate giving a new deal out if you aren’t getting the goals or the results on the pitch.

“I am working as hard as I can to try and sway it in my direction and if it’s not to be then I will look to pastures new, but I don’t want that.”

A short time for Long to prove himself

With just three games remaining and survival not yet secured, the Saints will be hoping to end the season strongly by producing a hat-trick of high-quality performances. If they are to evade the drop, they may need more goals from the resurgent Long, who is the only Southampton striker to find the net in 2019.

Why should Southampton be more like Dortmund? Find out in the video below…

The number 7 himself knows that he cannot rest on his laurels now and that a couple more goals will go a long way in convincing the hierarchy at St Mary’s to give him a new deal, so expect him to fight not just for three points, but his future too.

This kind of spirit evidenced in Long’s comments is exactly what Ralph Hasenhuttl demands from each and every one of his players and he will surely be impressed with what the forward, who already fits the high-tempo system perfectly, has said.

If Long can continue his fine goalscoring run, it would be a travesty if he isn’t rewarded with a new deal. Let us know in the comments below, Southampton fans, if you think the striker has earned a contract extension.

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Leeds United fans have been sharing their thoughts on Twitter ahead of their next two games as they look to tighten their grip on second place.

Despite Leeds being within touching distance of the Premier League some fans are lacking confidence ahead of their next two fixtures as Sheffield United breath down their necks.

Phil Hay pointed out on Twitter that both the Whites and Sheffield United have to play Preston and Birmingham in their next two fixtures. Some Leeds fans believe those teams will up their performances in order to stop Leeds’ promotion push.

Leeds have had consistent good results this season, but these next two games represent a real challenge for the Yorkshire club. They face a Birmingham team managed by their former boss Garry Monk and a Preston side who beat them 2-0 in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.

Marcelo Bielsa has completely transformed Leeds United this season but as they approach the finish line a few fans are getting jittery about the run-in.

Here’s what Leeds fans had to say on Twitter…

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Rangers are reportedly set to swoop for Steven Davis on a permanent deal this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, the Gers are confident of agreeing a deal for Davis.

The 108-cap Northern Ireland international joined the Ibrox outfit on loan in January, and while he has been far from perfect, the report claims the club is “keen” to turn his temporary stay into a fixed one.

He is reportedly on £12,000-a-week at Ibrox at the moment, and his Southampton contract is set to expire this summer.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

Is he good enough?

The short answer is no. Davis is not the calibre of player Rangers require in order to catch up to Celtic.

The 34 year-old has provided no goals and just one assist in ten Premiership games this season, and was fading at Southampton long before arriving in Glasgow.

However, the fact that he will be free agent and thus not cost the Gers a hefty transfer fee does change things a little.

Even if the veteran midfielder doesn’t feature regularly or make much of an impact on the pitch, such a versatile and experienced player is good to have around the squad.

He has played five different midfield positions this season according to Transfermarkt, and this ability to fill different roles in the side will be extremely useful to Steven Gerrard as the boss looks to compete on four fronts next year.

Davis is not a marquee signing who will score double-digit goals and fire the Gers to a title. He is however a handy player to have in the squad with great leadership, experience and versatility.

On a free signing this one makes perfect sense for the Gers, buffing up the squad depth and saving money for other more important arrivals, like a centre back.

We’ve really had some problems on the road this year, haven’t we? So much so, that some Hammers may be beginning to question Manuel Pellegrini after a few poor performances which then means the summer transfer window is of the utmost importance to West Ham.

Having spent over £100 million in the summer, fans had every right to assume the Irons would be on course to push on up the table but now in 11th, that hasn’t happened.

Clearly, many are still keen for Manuel Pellegrini to get the full backing he deserves and rightly so but this summer could prove to be make or break for him and the club as a whole.

As ever, the rumour mill has already started and it will be unsettling to hear that Felipe Anderson (as per Bleacher Report earlier this month) would be allowed to leave for huge money. If worst comes to worst and he does leave, West Ham should act fast to get Nice forward Allan Saint-Maximin in his place.

Allan Saint-Maximin, (who is valued at £22.5 million on Transfermarkt) was previously a rumoured (as per the Sun) target for West Ham before they went and acquired Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko in the wide positions instead and again (according to the Sun via HITC) after the latter’s injury earlier in the campaign.

The speedy playmaker has once again enjoyed a successful season with Nice, going on to provide six goals and four assists in Ligue 1. Imagine the sight of him tearing up the London Stadium, bringing goals from all over the pitch.

The 22-year-old is used to changing positions frequently and could be used on either wing, as well as down the middle as a supporting striker. His electric pace and trickery makes him an absolute nightmare to defend against, so he could prove to be a real handful in the Premier League.

Indeed, he’s got the makings of a fan favourite and you Irons would be in for a real treat.

Again West Ham would have to take the risk in signing a player that has never played in England before but in certain cases like Felipe Anderson, that has worked out well this season.

Saint-Maximin is without a doubt someone who could quickly help fans forget about Felipe Anderson, should he leave this summer. We’ve been here before with Dimitri Payet, after all.

West Ham fans, do you agree? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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According to Football Insider, Crystal Palace and their Premier League rivals Burnley have both set their sights on signing Cardiff City winger Josh Murphy this summer if the Bluebirds go down, and Eagles striker Christian Benteke will surely have his head in his hands at the report.

What’s the word, then?

Well, apparently the south London outfit have been impressed with what they have seen from the 24-year-old this term, despite the Welsh side’s struggles at the foot of the division and the fact he hasn’t been a regular in the starting XI under Neil Warnock.

Football Insider report that Palace are ready to pounce for the attacker who cost £11m from Norwich City last summer, and with Cardiff effectively needing to take six points from their remaining two fixtures relegation is looking almost nailed on.

Roy Hodgson and his men can actually stick the final nail in the coffin when they travel to the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, which would in turn boost their chances of getting Murphy.

Bad news for Benteke

While the wide man seems like a typical Palace signing on paper, Christian Benteke will be tearing his hair out.

Should Crystal Palace keep hold of Max Meyer this summer? Harvey Jones discusses in the video below…

The low on confidence centre-forward, who has been a regular starter in recent weeks and did shine in the win at Arsenal, is in desperate need of a winger who can put chances on a plate to help him get on the goal trail.

Murphy’s stats this season hardly suggest that he is the man to do that, given he has one assist in 27 top-flight outings.

At 24 years of age he still has time on his side to become the finished article at this level, but he is far from at that point as things stand.

With little over a year left on his contract at Selhurst Park and with potential suitors likely being difficult to find this summer, Benteke could easily be with Palace next term.

It is clear to see that he needs consistent wingers to bring the best out of him, and Murphy simply doesn’t fit the bill.

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The Times reported this week that Andy Carroll has played his final game for West Ham United after season-ending ankle injury, with a potential move to the MLS in the offing.

What’s the word, then?

The 30-year-old may well have been hoping to earn a new contract at the London Stadium coming into the current campaign, but it has been the same old story for the striker who has suffered major injury issues once again.

The latest surgery which means he won’t play again this term sums up Carroll’s career with the Hammers, and with his contract up at the end of June he is set for the exit door.

When he has been on the pitch his height, strength and aerial ability has often been a useful tool for the east London outfit, and manager Manuel Pellegrini may well feel that he needs a like-for-like replacement during the summer transfer window.

Who is the answer?

With The Times reporting that Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez could be sold, West Ham may well be undertaking a complete transformation of their frontline in the coming months.

If they want a top-level physical striker to do what Carroll hasn’t been able to on a consistent basis for them, then they should look no further than Eintracht Frankfurt star Sebastien Haller.

The 6 ft 3 hitman has been a huge hit ever since making the move to the Bundesliga outfit, scoring 32 goals in 74 appearances in all competitions.

It is not only his ability to put the ball in the back of the net that is impressive though – it is his all-round game, and the fact he has won an average of 7.2 aerial duels per game in the league in 2018/19 shows he is more than a match for Carroll.

The Frenchman has also provided 19 assists during his spell with the German club, and his ability to hold the ball up and create for his teammates would surely be brilliant news for the likes of Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko next term.

Because of his fine record he would likely come at a cost, but given he is 24 years of age and has the best years of his career ahead of him he would undoubtedly be an inspired addition.

As well as up front, Crystal Palace could also probably do with strengthening their squad out wide. 

Away from Wilfried Zaha, who continues to be linked with a move away from Selhurst Park (Sky Sports), and Andros Townsend, the south London club do not have too many other options.

And according to TEAMtalk, they could look to do just that after watching Brentford’s Said Benrahma closely in recent weeks.

The 23-year-old has impressed for Thomas Frank’s side this season, scoring 10 goals in the Championship while setting up another 14 along the way (WhoScored).

Looking at Roy Hodgson’s current options, that sort of goal threat is exactly what the Crystal Palace boss needs heading into the next campaign, especially if he ends up losing Zaha.

With Tottenham, Arsenal and West Ham also said to be interested in Benrahma’s services (also per TEAMtalk), it will not be an easy transfer to pull off.

But when looking at what the Algeria international can do on the flank with his pace and trickery, Crystal Palace would be crazy not to go all out for him or a player of a similar profile in the summer.

Whether Zaha remains at Selhurst Park or not, the Eagles need attacking reinforcements. And Benrahma could be the man to get the ball rolling.

Crystal Palace fans, would you like to see your club sign Benrahma? Join the discussion by commenting below.