Monday, August 31, 2020
How Chelsea could line-up with Lampard having to fit Havertz up top with Werner, Ziyech, Abraham and Giroud https://ift.tt/32AUdHw
FRANK LAMPARD is due to be given a managerial headache once his summer spending spree is over.
The Chelsea boss has already brought in FIVE additions for the upcoming season.
Kai Havertz is close to joining Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr as a new Blue.
It leaves Lampard with plenty of options on how his new look side will shape up and start.
The manager’s preferred formation last season was 4-3-3 and his new additions point to that remaining throughout the campaign.
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Kepa Arrizabalaga looks set to fight for his position in the starting 11 next season, but could go up against a new signing.
At the back Silva is expected to slot straight in, and will be partnered with either Antonio Rudigier, Kurt Zouma or Andreas Christensen or Fikayo Tomori.
At left-back Chilwell was signed from Leicester for £50million and will walk into the team, barring any injuries.
At right-back Lampard has to decide whether skipper Cesar Azpilicueta keeps his place over promising defender Reece James.
N’Golo Kante was shifted back into his more preferred defensive role after the Premier League restart.
And with Lampard favouring attacking midfielders either side of the Frenchman, Mason Mount and Havertz are tipped to make up a fearsome trio.
But Chelsea’s player of the season Mateo Kovacic is sure to rival for his right to start from the off.
If Lampard was to switch to a 4-2-3-1, it could see Kante paired with Kovacic or Jorginho in a deep-lying pair, with Havertz pushed into a No10 role.
Going forward Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech are expected to occupy the flanks with Werner leading the line.
Havertz is also capable of playing out on the right, with Ziyech comfortable in an advanced midfield role too.
Similarly, speedy German Werner played five times of the left wing for RB Leipzig last season.
Meaning he could go out wide should Tammy Abraham or Olivier Giroud be preferred to start in the middle, adding more physicality.
Lampard also dabbled with three centre-backs last season with two attacking full-backs.
Azpilicueta could shift over to the centre to provide added experience next to Silva leaving one more space for Lampard’s four other options.
Chilwell, capable going forward and tracking back, would be pushed on to a more advanced role on the left, much like Marcos Alonso enjoyed at Stamford Bridge.
James would be a prime contender to occupy the right-wingback position.
But having splashed the cash on Ziyech – who is renowned for his delivery – the Moroccan could handed the unusual job of playing RWB.
Kante, Havertz, Kovacic, Jorginho and Mount are then in line to challenge for the two midfield spaces.
Pulisic, Werner and also Havertz and Ziyech – depending on where they are played – are options to play as inverted wingers.
If Werner was overlooked as a striker to instead play out wide, again Abraham and Giroud would compete to play through the middle.
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Playing a 3-5-2 formation could now be unlikely for Lampard as it throws up too many problems for the Blues boss.
It would force him to either play Ziyech, Havertz, Chilwell and Werner out of position – or bench them to accommodate more conventional options.
Having focussed on attacking midfielders, wingers and a striker early on in the window, it points to Lampard building on a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 set up.
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Sunday, August 30, 2020
Transfer news LIVE: Messi REFUSES to attend Barcelona Covid testing, ‘believes he is a free agent’ – latest updates https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
LIONEL MESSI is more determined than ever to force through a move away from Barcelona and as a result has missed the club’s Covid tests today.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is reported to believe that he has exercised a contractual option to leave the club and is now a free agent.
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Saturday, August 29, 2020
Friday, August 28, 2020
How Arsenal could line up without quarantined stars for Community Shield vs Liverpool as Leno eyes way back in https://ift.tt/3b4un2i
MIKEL ARTETA faces a selection dilemma ahead of Arsenal’s Community Shield tie with Liverpool.
Four players are thought to be unavailable from the Gunners’ camp due to coronavirus quarantine rules.
Incoming transfer Gabriel Magalhaes will not be able to make his debut on Saturday, even if he does sign in time.
That is because the new arrival from Lille must spend 14 days in quarantine after the short hop across The Channel.
Likewise, Emiliano Martinez is unlikely to feature having missed part of pre-season following a holiday in Portugal.
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The goalkeeper’s self-isolation period is over but his time away means he lacks match sharpness.
Two other unnamed players are expected to be absent as Arteta puts his plans together.
Bernd Leno may be deemed fit enough to enter the fray having missed the back end of last season.
In the recent friendly win over MK Dons, the German featured alongside Cedric Soares, Rob Holding and Mohamed Elneny.
Arteta also handed an outing to William Saliba and must find a balance between stars who endured a gruelling end to last campaign and fresher rotation options.
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The coach has already lamented the timing of the curtain-raiser, stating: “We’ve been through all the different moments with the restrictions and rules from the government and Premier League testing.
“It’s all so unexpected what is going to happen from day to day.
“But we are trying to adapt and to get the team in the best possible shape to compete on Saturday.
“We’ve only had two training sessions and this game comes right in the middle of our mini pre-season, so it’s not an ideal moment to play.”
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Thursday, August 27, 2020
Phil Thompson snubs Lionel Messi and Pele from his World XI but includes Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe https://ift.tt/3b3oEK5
PHIL THOMPSON opted for Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe in his attempt at picking a World XI without two players from the same club or country.
Naturally, some big-name stars were left on the cutting room floor when the Liverpool hero, who has been axed by Sky, went without Lionel Messi and Pele.
Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher were among the former players carefully picking their line-ups and Thompson drew upon his experience to enlist stars of his 1970s and 80s pomp.
Pat Jennings, Billy Bremner and Gerrard added a British touch to his XI, which also features 1970 World Cup winner Carlos Alberto.
The right-back spent his career in the Americas and arrived ahead of attacking icon Pele and Neymar, given that he rules out any fellow Brazil or Santos player from the team.
Men typically associated with only one or two clubs are prevalent, from Liverpool’s Gerrard to AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini and former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany.
Joining them in defence is Mats Hummels, who has spent his entire career in Germany.
Cristiano Ronaldo, snubbed by both Gerrard and Carragher, is picked by Thompson alongside Diego Maradona, Mbappe and Didier Drogba in the frontline.
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An Ivory Coast international who stuck with Chelsea throughout his peak, Drogba proved a popular choice in the lockdown selections.
Messi has not, meanwhile, because he would rule out any fellow Argentina or Barcelona player but ex-defender Thompson could have traded him in for Maradona when he made the call in April.
Likewise, bringing in Ronaldo condemns any other Real Madrid, Juventus, Portugal or Manchester United player – but given Thommo’s loyalties perhaps the latter was always unlikely to make an appearance.
Featuring in Rangers boss Gerrard’s XI were the likes of Cafu, Roy Keane and Andrew Robertson, although he did agree on Kompany, Drogba and Mbappe being worthy of a place.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2020
How Chelsea could line up with Lionel Messi, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell after Ferdinand makes shock transfer claim https://ift.tt/2FTodXj
CHELSEA are set for a completely different look next season after a major spending spree.
Boss Frank Lampard already signed Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner before last season had finished.
And now he looks close to completing deals for Kai Havertz, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell.
But in the biggest twist of them all, Lampard’s ex-England team-mate Rio Ferdinand claimed the Blues are in to sign superstar Lionel Messi.
Messi rocked the Barcelona hierarchy after handing in a transfer request.
Despite Manchester City, United, PSG and Inter Milan all leading the race over Chelsea, the London giants do have the financial capability to entertain the move.
Should Lampard somehow manage to complete the sensational signing of Messi, he would likely occupy the Blues right wing.
With Werner expected to play through the middle, Messi could be shifted out wide, like was the case when Luiz Suarez arrived at the Nou Camp.
Christian Pulisic could help complete a fearsome trio leading the line at Stamford Bridge.
Playmakers Ziyech and Havertz, who can play in the middle and on the right, would then be moved back into midfield.
N’Golo Kante would be expected to play a holding role, in what would be a an ultra-attacking line up for Chelsea.
Should Lampard prefer more defensive options in midfield, Kante could have a partner, with Havertz or Ziyech pushed out wide, likely meaning Pulisic would make way.
At the back experienced centre-back Silva, close to joining on a free, would add much needed composure in defence.
Chelsea’s problem at left-back is also due to be fixed as Lampard nears acquiring his No1 target in Chilwell.
But a major problem yet to be figured out at Stamford Bridge is who will be between the post next season.
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s Chelsea future appears over, with a replacement top of Lampard’s wish list.
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A mega-money move for Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak looks unlikely, with cheaper alternatives instead favoured.
Burnley’s Nick Pope and Andre Onana of Ajax have emerged as possibilities.
Lampard is said to admire Onana and already held talks with the stopper this year.
from Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun https://ift.tt/3aZPJxK
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Raheem Sterling tests negative for coronavirus after partying with Usain Bolt at Olympic legend’s 34th birthday https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
RAHEEM STERLING has tested negative for coronavirus after partying with Usain Bolt at the Olympic legend’s 34th birthday bash.
A source close to the Man City and England ace claimed he was “feeling fine and showing no symptoms”.
Sterling, 25, will be tested again before linking up with the Three Lions squad – with Gareth Southgate naming his squad for on Tuesday.
The flying winger is due to be named in the England squad to face Iceland on September 5.
His spot had appeared to be in jeopardy after he was pictured at Bolt’s birthday celebrations in Jamaica on Friday.
On Monday, Bolt announced he was self-isolating after returning a positive result for Covid-19.
Videos from the party showed guests dancing close together without masks and ignoring social distancing.
A Jamaica radio station claimed Olympic legend Bolt had tested positive for Covid-19 early on Monday.
Hours later he posted a video on social media to say he was self-isolating after taking a test, although he did not confirm the positive result.
A source close to Sterling said: “Raheem feels fine and is showing no Covid-19 symptoms.
“But he’s in close contact with medical experts from both Manchester City and England.”
Sterling will have to pass a Covid-19 test before he is allowed to join up with the his Three Lions pals.
The 25-man squad is due to meet up from Sunday before going into a protective “bubble” for the games.
And Gareth Southgate is now enduring a “real headache”.
A source said: “It’s a real headache for Gareth.
“Raheem’s a key player but he’s now relying on medical experts to ensure there’s a safe way for him to join the squad.
“He’ll be tested as quickly as possible but everyone knows it can take 14 days for symptoms to develop and the squad meets up in less than a week.”
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Monday, August 24, 2020
Sunday, August 23, 2020
Saturday, August 22, 2020
11.30am Chelsea transfer news LIVE: Chilwell and Havertz deals close, Rice offer afterwards, Thiago Silva talks https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
CHELSEA are closing in on the signings of Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz, according to reports.
And when those deals are done, the Blues are set to enter the market again for West Ham’s Declan Rice.
Get all the latest transfer gossip and updates from Stamford Bridge…
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Friday, August 21, 2020
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
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Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Harry Maguire stats reveal amazing impact Man Utd skipper has had and how he’s BETTER than targets Koulibaly and Gabriel https://ift.tt/31ZLOgs
HARRY MAGUIRE has come in for some harsh criticism following Manchester United’s Europa League heartbreak.
Yet the stats show the amazing impact the Red Devils skipper has had this season compared to his centre-back rivals.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were dumped out of the Europa League by Sevilla in a 2-1 defeat that exposed defensive mistakes.
Paul Scholes has already urged United to sign another defender to cover “Maguire’s weaknesses” while fans have also called for him to be replaced as captain.
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But the stats show that it’d be unfair to lay the blame solely at the England star’s door.
The Red Devils were linked with a move for long-term target Kalidou Koulibaly earlier this summer to get the best out of Maguire.
Yet it could be the Three Lions ace tasked with improving the Senagalese after registering better overall league stats than his defensive counterpart.
The former Leicester star won over double the aerial duals than Koulibaly, while making more clearances and interceptions per match.
Despite playing more minutes than any other footballer in the world during an exhausting 2019-20 season, Maguire also didn’t make a single error leading to a Premier League goal.
The 27-year-old would be tasked with overseeing Gabriel Magalhaes at the back should United complete a £27m move for the Lille prospect.
The Brazilian made two errors leading to goals compared to none for Maguire despite playing almost half the games.
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Gabriel also made fewer recoveries and interceptions but was slightly more successful with his tackles.
Virgil van Dijk meanwhile proved why he is considered the best around with the best stats across the board.
But even Liverpool’s colossal Dutchman allowed two sloppy mistakes to creep into his game albeit when the Reds had secured the title.
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Monday, August 17, 2020
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Saturday, August 15, 2020
Friday, August 14, 2020
Thursday, August 13, 2020
11am Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Jadon Sancho ‘offered PAY CUT by United’, Ousmane Dembele talks, Pogba LATEST https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
MANCHESTER UNITED are continuing their pursuit of Jadon Sancho but Borussia Dortmund are refusing to budge on their demands for a £108m fee.
And the Red Devils are also reported to have held informal talks with Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele as a potential alternative to Sancho.
Get all the latest updates and gossip from Old Trafford here…
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Messi and Ronaldo named the richest footballers in the world – and are the only players to top £100MILLION in 2019 https://ift.tt/33Vtp79
LIONEL MESSI and Cristiano Ronaldo have been named as the richest footballers in the world.
France Football have compiled a list of the top ten best-paid players on the planet in 2019.
And there is just ONE Premier League player on the list – who also happens to be the only Englishman too.
The numbers are made up of wages, bonuses, endorsements, commercial revenue and other streams.
And topping the list is Barcelona ace Messi, with £120million.
He is closely followed by Juventus’ Ronaldo, who has £109m to his name.
Interestingly, they’re the only two footballers on the planet to surpass the £100m mark.
A large gap starts to open to third-place Neymar, with the Paris Saint-Germain man banking £87m.
Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale is fourth with £35.45m.
And he just narrowly pips Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann, who is on £35.25m.
Real flop Eden Hazard is fifth with £32.06m.
And despite playing for Japanese side Vissel Kobe, veteran Andres Iniesta is still making bank with £31.14m.
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Manchester City superstar Raheem Sterling is eighth with £30.96m, and is the sole Premier League and England representative.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski is ninth with £26.56m.
And PSG’s Kylian Mbappe completes the top ten with £24.73m.
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Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Transfer news LIVE: Daniel Sturridge Premier League return, Leeds’ double swoop, Liverpool complete first signing https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
TRANSFER season is reaching fever pitch with the window WIDE open for the summer.
And Premier League champions Liverpool have already completed a new addition to their ranks, signing Olympiacos defender Kostas Tsimikas.
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Pep Guardiola reveals what was said in private chat with Zinedine Zidane after Man City’s win over Real Madrid https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
PEP GUARDIOLA has revealed what was said when he and Zinedine Zidane spoke privately after their Champions League meeting.
The bosses – who between them have won the Champions League five times as managers – were spotted talking alone on the Etihad touchline after Man City dumped Real Madrid out of Europe.
Guardiola was gesticulating while sat on an ice box, looking up at Zidane who cut a relaxed figure with his hands in his pockets.
There was immediately huge intrigue as to what was said, particularly with Guardiola’s history with Real Madrid’s great rivals Barcelona.
And now the Man City chief has revealed all.
Guardiola said: “I congratulated him for LaLiga.
“I always said to win the league is the most difficult title because it shows 11 months being there.
“We spoke about our families and I wished him all the best. He was one of my idols when I was a player.
“I played against him in the national team with France and I suffered a lot.
“He was one of the greatest and as a human being he is an example and I like how he can represent our profession like he does.”
The post-match talk took place after Man City deservedly beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Etihad to advance ot the quarter-finals of the Champions League 4-2 on aggregate.
Incredibly, it was the first time Zidane had been knocked out of the competition as a manager, having won the tournament in his three previous campaigns as Real Madrid manager.
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For Guardiola, the victory means he remains on track to deliver Man City’s first ever Champions League triumph.
Personally, the Spaniard is seeking his third European Cup after winning it twice during his time at Barcelona.
Next up is a quarter-final on Saturday with Lyon who stunned Juventus in the last round.
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