Leeds United have been a side swamped with controversy in recent weeks with Spygate and the Daniel James saga, but it appears they might finally able to draw a line under Marcelo Bielsa’s opinion-dividing strategy in the imminent future.
Spygate has been a tempestuous and contentious issue at Elland Road ever since the lid was lifted on Bielsa’s tactic prior to Leeds’ clash with Derby County.
Emotions have varied and opinions have been split throughout the footballing world, but now that the dust has settled on the issue it appears an official EFL decision is set to be made.
The uniqueness of the situation has understandably evoked plenty of cause for scepticism, confusion and, amongst some supporters, a small touch of fear.
Will the EFL clamp down on Bielsa and Leeds with a points deduction, a hefty fine or simply let them off with a warning? It remains up in the air but Phil Hay revealed on Friday morning that the verdict is likely to become clear ‘within 24 hours’, as per Yorkshire Evening Post.
The delay in reaching a decision on the matter has prompted plenty of supporters to fear the worst, with a handful subtly and not so subtly implying that a points deduction could be in the offing.
The waiting game is undoubtedly creating a sense of paranoia amongst the supporters with promotion hanging in the balance, and they will be hoping to be put out of their misery with some positive news as soon as.
One does get the feeling, though, that a points deduction would ensure a place for Spygate at the core of the Leeds narrative in the final months of the season, while a lenient decision would finally bring closure to the matter.
Here’s what the fans have had to say as a conclusion to Spygate edges ever closer:
Everton’s official Twitter account wished former striker Kevin Campbell, who turned out on 147 occasions for the club and managed 45 goals in all competitions between 1999 and 2005, a happy birthday on Monday and Toffees fans were quick to react.
Campbell started his professional career with Arsenal, but departed the Gunners in 1995 for Nottingham Forest, before also representing Trabzonspor ahead of a move to Everton.
It would be fair to say that the striker was a popular figure at Goodison Park and he certainly knew how to find the back of the net.
Everton do not really have a starting striker at the moment, which has placed incredible pressure on Richarlison to continue gettingon the score-sheet.
Indeed, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Cenk Tosun have both struggled for goals this season and the Everton fans would not mind having Campbell back.
He may now be 49 years of age, but a number of Toffees supporters feel that the former striker could still do a job for the team in the final third of the field.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…
Newcastle will face Arsenal on Sunday in their next Premier League match.
The Magpies have not played since their FA Cup fourth-round replay against Oxford United, which they won 3-2. That is due to the winter break implemented this year.
A football legend: Can you get over 80% on this Gazza quiz? Find out now…
After the pause, Steve Bruce will want his team to hit the ground running. Here, we try to predict his starting XI for the match.
In goal, Martin Dubravka will come back into the side. The Slovakia international has been in top form between the posts this term – only Alisson (87%) and Dean Henderson (75.6%) have a better save percentage ratio than the 31-year-old’s 72.9% in the Premier League, and he will be looking to keep his eighth clean sheet of the campaign at the Emirates Stadium.
The defence should see wholesale changes. Only Jamaal Lascelles should keep his place from the match against the Us, with Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez coming back into the side to replace Fabian Schar and Florian Lejeune. This match could see maiden starts for both Valentino Lazaro and Danny Rose, two of Bruce’s three loan signings during the January transfer window.
The third of those short-term arrivals, Nabil Bentaleb, should play once again in the middle of the park. Alongside him, expect Isaac Hayden to feature as Jonjo Shelvey is still unavailable. On the flanks, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin should line-up. The latter scored the winner against Oxford – a brilliant solo strike – and he will be hoping to have a similar impact against the Gunners.
Watch Newcastle United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
With Dwight Gayle and Yoshinori Muto to be assessed before the game and Andy Carroll out injured, Joelinton should start up front as the only remaining, fully-fit option. Having scored just one goal in 25 Premier League appearances to date, he will be hoping to improve that record against a defence that has conceded 34 goals this season. Bruce will likely be hoping for exactly the same.
Meanwhile, Mark Douglas reveals Bruce would “love” this Champions League winner on Tyneside.
According to The Star, Sheffield Wednesday are interested in signing Fulham outcast Neeskens Kebano on loan for the rest of the season.
The 26-year-old winger has only managed three appearances in the Premier League this season, and would understandably want to move elsewhere in search of game time. The Congo international was a mainstay for The Cottagers for the two seasons prior to this one, helping his club earn promotion last term.
At first, this seems like a bizarre decision from The Owls to sign a player on loan. Sitting in 16th place in the Championship, they are not exactly in danger of being relegated, which would be one reason for signing a loan player.
It would make more sense if they signed a player permanently, or not at all, in the hope that incoming manager Steve Bruce will be able to shape and build his squad when he arrives in February so that they are ready next season to be a greater force.
However, by signing the winger on loan, this may be a signal of intent from Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri that he has not given up on his promotion dream this season. That would be another reason why a Championship club would sign a player on loan, to clinch promotion. By recruiting a player who was with Fulham last season, who were not in the greatest position at this point last year, the club can tap into some of his experience.
The dream may well not be over at Hillsborough this season.
Sheffield Wednesday boss Jos Luhukay should make a loan move for Everton youngster Kieran Dowell, as the 21-year-old will have limited chances at Goodison Park without Carabao Cup football.
What’s the situation?
Dowell has started just two games for the Everton first team so far this season, both of which were in the League Cup against Rotherham and Southampton, but with the Toffees knocked out in a penalty shootout against their fellow Premier League side it looks as though the midfielder will have to return to the U23 side.
Sheffield Wednesday though could certainly use his talents as an attacking-midfield player. The Owls currently sit in 15th place in the Championship and could do with a signing who would take some of the creative onus from Adam Reach’s shoulders.
In Barry Bannan, Luhukay has one of the league’s top central midfielders, but signing Dowell would provide the necessary competition for players such as Tottenham loanee Josh Onomah.
Championship experience
Dowell spent last season on loan in the Championship with Nottingham Forest and quickly set about becoming a regular fixture in the first team, scoring 10 goals in the first half of the season. Unfortunately for him, when Aitor Karanka was brought in as manager he lost his place in the side.
The Everton youngster, who joined the club’s academy at age seven, did manage 38 Championship appearances for Forest though so he has the experience needed to hit the ground running in the middle of the season if a side does come in with another loan bid in January.
The 5ft 9in attacking midfielder has also represented England at every youth level since U16 and is now a member of Aidy Boothroyd’s England U21 squad, having also won the 2017 U20 World Cup.
There is sure to be strong interest in Dowell in January, so Luhukay must move quickly if he is to secure the services of one of the most talented young Premier League prospects.
So, Wednesday fans, would you support a loan move for Dowell in January or should the focus be on other areas of the team? Have your say by voting in the poll below.
Celtic make the trip to Hearts later today in the Scottish Premiership looking to maintain their 100% record in the league so far. They began the campaign last week with a convincing 3-1 victory over Livingston at Celtic Park.
The game comes only a few days before the Bhoys must travel to Greece for their vital second-leg match against AEK Athens in the Champions League play-offs.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”278420″ player=”12034″ title=”Pochettino Has Been Betrayed By Daniel Levy”]
With the aggregate score tied at 1-1, the Celts will need a big performance against AEK Athens on Tuesday, which could influence Brendan Rodgers’ team selection today.
Having secured trebles in each of the last two seasons, the manager may now feel that the time is right to prioritise his side’s European endeavours this time around.
//fixtureinfocus.podiant.co/latest/embed/
Whatever Rodgers’ may be planning, plenty of Celtic fans have taken to Twitter to give their take on who should be lining up in green and white hoops against Hearts…
According to reports in The Scottish Sun, Everton are lining up a January move for Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston, who is also a target for Premier League rivals West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Scottish Sun says that the 18-year-old caught the eye with his performance against Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar in the Champions League on Tuesday night, even though he was involved in a controversial incident with the former Barcelona man at the end of the match when the Brazilian refused to swap shirts with him.
The Scottish Sun says that Toffees scouts have been watching Ralston ever since he came through the youth system and broke into the Bhoys first team at the end of last season, and he has already made a handful of outings for the team this term, including his debut in the Champions League against PSG.
The report adds that West Ham and Tottenham are also keen on the right-back, who could be a wanted man during the January transfer window.
Why do Everton want him?
Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic vs Paris St Germain – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Britain – September 12, 2017 Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar clashes with Celtic’s Anthony Ralston Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
While the Toffees have Seamus Coleman to come back from injury following his double leg break while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland in March, Ronald Koeman may feel that he needs another option at right-back.
Summer signing Cuco Martina has struggled to make an impression in the early stages of the season and while Mason Holgate has played there, he prefers to operate at centre-back.
Ralston has certainly made a big impression in his five outings for Brendan Rodgers’ side this term, and he scored once and provided a further two assists from right-back in the 5-0 win against Kilmarnock in the Scottish League Cup last month.
With less than two years left on his Celtic contract, the highly-rated teenager could also be available for a good price if he doesn’t extend his stay with the Scottish Premiership leaders.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, the performances of Martina in recent times would certainly suggest that Everton need to start thinking about bringing in a new right-back not only for now, but also for the future, with Coleman also not guaranteed to be the same player he was before his injury.
Ralston looks to have a bright future in the game, and he could be the next talented youngster that the Toffees snap up.
Chelsea’s Premier League title chase this season has been a surprising one, but with just 11 games to go until the end of the campaign, the Blues are largely considered the clear favourites to secure the trophy in May.
After all, Antonio Conte has led his side 10 points clear at the top of the table – and with the teams below them struggling for form, it seems unlikely they’ll be caught before the end of the season.
However, Chelsea struggled last season and a return to that poor form could be just around the corner. So considering the wealth of top quality teams that the Blues still have to face, it will not be an easy ride for Conte.
Indeed, there are a number of fixtures that could very well define Chelsea’s season, and likewise, they could yet cost the Blues the Premier League title.
With that said, here are 3 games that could still cost Chelsea the title this season…
Manchester City
Britain Soccer Football – Everton v Manchester City – Premier League – Goodison Park – 15/1/17 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Everton manager Ronald Koeman Action Images via Reuters / Lee Smith Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representa
Manchester City’s form this season has been up and down, but on their day they can beat anyone.
Indeed, Chelsea won the first meeting between the pair fairly easily – with goals from Eden Hazard, Willian and Diego Costa sealing the points for the Blues on that occasion.
However, considering the Citizens lost out in the Champions League to Monaco, all hands will certainly be on deck to ensure Guardiola’s side finish the season strongly. A top four finish is absolutely vital, and so they will need to put in a big performance against Chelsea.
Conte had an easy ride last time, but that could change this time around – and the Italian must be aware of the offensive threat that the Sky Blues bring.
Manchester United
Britain Football Soccer – Hull City v Manchester United – EFL Cup Semi Final Second Leg – The Kingston Communications Stadium – 26/1/17 Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho Action Images via Reuters / Lee Smith Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account
Likewise, Chelsea have done well against Manchester United this season, with a recent 1-0 victory in the FA Cup ensuring progression to the semi-final of the competition.
Jose Mourinho, then, will be desperate for revenge, and you can bet that he will be going all out to finally get a win over his old side.
Chelsea may get lucky in that the Europa League is taking precedence for Manchester United over the Premier League at present, but this game will not be an easy one.
The game is Chelsea’s last fixture against one of the Premier League’s biggest sides, and so it will be a significant hurdle for Conte to jump over.
Middlesbrough
Whilst on the surface Chelsea will be favourites going into this game, Conte must be well aware of the threat that Middlesbrough might bring.
With their manager Aitor Karanka recently being sacked, you can expect the players to pick up steam and attempt to turn their season around as the campaign progresses, and that could pose a problem for Chelsea.
Likewise, with this game the third last in Boro’s calendar, it could be a decisive fixture as they look to halt the threat of relegation.
Chelsea must not be complacent, as this game could be vital for both sides.
Football isn’t all about physicality – just ask Xavi – but it sure does help if you can out pace all of your opponents.
Fitness training has become more and more scientific over the past decade or so and we are seeing players reach top speeds that we couldn’t have even dreamt of just a few years ago. Pace is not all the game, but if you can cover more ground and do it more regularly than the opposition you are halfway there to defeating your rivals.
Some players can think faster than others, some can do faster stepovers and some are just exceptionally quick over 10 or 50 metres. A lot of the game is about skill and a lot is about tactics – but you can’t beat a good old fashioned electric speedster who can terrify any opposing defender.
With all this sprinting excitement, we thought you might be keen to hear about the FIVE quickest players in the league…
Jamie Vardy
From Fleetwood to a champion with Leicester City, Vardy has reached superhuman speeds at times this season.
Stretching the opposition’s defence like some sort of elastic band, Vardy has so much pace that is has led him to being one of the top scorers in Europe this season. Pair pure speed with a powerful and accurate shot and you’ve got quite a cocktail.
Hector Bellerin
Apparently, Hector Bellerin is the fastest player they have ever had at Arsenal.
The Spanish full-back still makes the odd mistake defensively, but his road-runner style sprints usually allow him to compensate.
Jeffrey Schlupp
Schlupp has only been a fringe player for the majority of Leicester’s title winning season.
Often being brought on to replace Marc Albrighton the left flank, Schlupp’s pace makes him an adaptable player and has been of huge assistance to Claudio Ranieri. There’s every chance that other Premier League clubs will have their eyes on Schlupp this summer.
Wilfried Zaha
Football – Crystal Palace v Burnley – Barclays Premier League – Selhurst Park – 13/9/14Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha in actionMandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven PastonLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
After his fairly torrid time at Manchester United, Wilfried Zaha seems to be back to his best at Crystal Palace.
It was touch and go between Zaha and Bolasie to make it on to this list, but the former Manchester United man just squeaked ahead of his Palace team-mate.
Willian
Chelsea’s best player this season has remarkably quick feet and he has scurried around every field in the league this season like his life depends on it.
The Brazilian might not have the talent of Eden Hazard, but he has sure shown that he can win a foot-race with the best of them.
Liverpool will be without goalkeeper Alisson for Saturday's early kick-off against Brentford after he suffered an injury setback in training.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Alisson missed Burnley clash last weekendKlopp declared him fit to play against BrentfordBut suffered hamstring setback in Friday trainingWHAT HAPPENED?
Manager Jurgen Klopp had declared his number one shot-stopper fit to feature against the Bees, but the Brazilian felt a recurrence of the same hamstring issue that saw him sidelined against Burnley last weekend. According to , Alisson suffered the injury in Friday's afternoon training session, less than a day before the clash against Brentford.
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The news means Caoimhin Kelleher will almost certainly deputise between the sticks, as he did against Burnley, with Klopp left sweating on the fitness of his star goalkeeper. Liverpool are already without Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold through recent issues, adding to the long-term woes of midfield duo Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic. But Klopp was handed a major boost with the return to the squad of Mohamed Salah this weekend, after his injury while on Egypt duty at AFCON.
DID YOU KNOW?
Alisson only missed one Premier League game all of last campaign as Liverpool had to settle for a fifth-placed spot. Already this term the Brazilian has missed four league matches, which Klopp will hope doesn't increase much further as they look to end his Reds swansong on a high.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
Klopp's side will aim to clinch all three points against Brentford to go five clear at the top before Manchester City face Chelsea in the evening kick-off. Bees boss Thomas Frank recently played down notions of replacing the German in the Reds dugout when he leaves in the summer.