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After only managing a 2-2 draw at home to West Brom last time out in the Premier League, Aston Villa will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they take on Everton on Saturday night.

Dean Smith’s side were rescued by a late goal from substitute Keinan Davis and now face a Toffees outfit who will no doubt be bouncing after beating Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium last week.

The Villa manager will have some big decisions to make both in defence and midfield, and it will be very interesting to see whether he looks to reward those who have performed well when given the opportunity.

With that in mind, below is a look at how Villa might line up for the trip to Goodison Park to face Everton.

In goal, Emiliano Martinez will be hoping to keep his first clean sheet in seven games, with the Argentine making some uncharacteristic errors in recent weeks.

The back four could see one key change with the return of Matty Cash, who served his one-match suspension against the Baggies last week. Alhough Ahmed Elmohamady certainly didn’t let Smith down with his performance, it would be a surprise if the summer signing doesn’t come straight back into the line-up despite the recklessness of his red card against Manchester City.

In midfield, Ross Barkley could be dropped following yet another disappointing outing in the Premier League, with the England international having not scored since the end of January.

The Chelsea loanee could well be joined on the bench by the £55,000-a-week Bertrand Traore who was the man to make way for a returning Wesley last week – the Burkina Faso international has also had his struggles in recent weeks, having not found the back of the net since the defeat to Leicester back in February.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-aston-villa-transfer-rumours-and-news-copy-copy” title=”Latest Aston Villa transfer rumours and news”]

In their places, Jacob Ramsey and last weekend’s hero Davis will surely be knocking on the door of making the starting line-up for the trip to Goodison Park and would merit their places in the side if picked.

Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; El Ghazi, Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey; Davis, Watkins.

Meanwhile, Villa must avoid selling this star; it’s not Grealish…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer has suggested that Sam Allardyce could be a good option for the Whites if Marcelo Bielsa decides to leave in the summer.

Bielsa’s current contract expires at the end of the season and the Leeds manager is yet to agree to new terms.

He has done an excellent job since arriving at Elland Road back in 2018, taking the Yorkshire club back to the Premier League and keeping them away from any real sort of relegation trouble. Bearing that in mind, it is easy to understand why some would fear losing Bielsa.

Palmer, however, does not believe Leeds’ Premier League future is dependent on the Argentinian, with the retired England international adamant that there are plenty of other capable coaches out there, including West Brom boss Allardyce, who labelled Bielsa as “so crazy” earlier this season.

When asked by FFC whether a Bielsa-less Leeds would find themselves in trouble next season, Palmer said:

“If he does go, you know, there are plenty of good managers out there. I think West Brom are going to go down now, so Sam Allardyce, if they don’t give him the funds to do the job to get them back up, he’s going to become available. He might be a good bet for them.

“So you can’t automatically assume that Leeds are going to get relegated if Bielsa leaves, but you can’t also underestimate the job he’s done with that squad of players and the way that they play.”

After such a successful campaign in the Premier League this season, following a 16-year absence away from English football’s top flight, Leeds will surely do everything in their power to keep hold of Bielsa.

Charlton Athletic have every chance of making the League One play-offs this season.

Heading into the final seven matches of the campaign, the Addicks occupy eighth place in the table and are only three points behind Portsmouth, who occupy that final play-off spot – and they hold a game in hand on Pompey, too. Win that game in hand, the south-east Londoners are only five points off Sunderland in third, who they beat last time out.

However, if Nigel Adkins is to steer Charlton back to the Championship within just two months of his arrival at The Valley in March, then he must resolve one of Lee Bowyer’s biggest problems – their abysmal home record.

On the Chalkboard

The Addicks sit 17th in the home league standings for results at The Valley this term – they have won six, drawn five and lost seven on their own patch, picking up just 23 points. That is the same return as Bristol Rovers, who are embroiled in a relegation dogfight, and fewer than every single team above them vying for promotion.

By comparison, the Red Robins are second-best in the division away from home, winning 11 and losing just four of 21 matches – a feat only bettered by Adkins’ former club Hull City.

Therefore, it’s abundantly clear that the Addicks need to quickly improve on their own patch, especially as five of their seven remaining league games are at The Valley.

That starts with Ipswich Town this Saturday, a crucial encounter as defeat could see the Tractor Boys leapfrog Charlton in the table, and that would certainly deal a blow to the Addicks’ hopes of breaking into the playoff zone. Adkins’ men will also face automatic promotion-chasing Peterborough United, fourth-placed Lincoln City and league leaders Hull at home in the coming weeks.

Under Adkins, Charlton are unbeaten in three matches, but each of those has been played away from south-east London, so there has to be some confidence that they can continue that form going into the weekend.

If Adkins can fix the poor home record that Bowyer left behind, then they should easily make the playoffs – and given that 71.5% of their remaining matches are at home, then any improvement would certainly bolster their promotion dreams.

AND in other news, Adkins must wave goodbye to 29 y/o flop, he’s just not good enough…

Keith Hackett has dropped his view on the VAR official not drawing lines for Harry Kane’s second goal for Tottenham Hotspur against Newcastle United.

The England international captain was put through by Tanguy Ndombele before striking the ball into the bottom corner to put Spurs 2-1 up at St. James’ Park before half-time in a game which eventually finished 2-2 thanks to a late equalizing goal from Arsenal loanee Joe Willock.

While the call to see whether Kane was offside was quickly checked by VAR, there was no sign of the usual incessant frame-by-frame line-drawing that has often occurred, and thus the goal was given.

Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett, who is a former referee in the Premier League, claimed that it was the right decision in the end and that he is not a fan of the lines being drawn for tight offside calls:

“I thought that was a good goal.

“There were screams of ‘Where’s the lines on this one?’ but I’m against the lines anyway.

“Therefore I think, actually, it underpins the fact that the match official, the assistant referee has made a good decision. They are capable of doing that at the Premier League level.

“We might have some iffy referees but in the main, we’ve got some outstanding assistant referees.

“There’s an expectation that every scenario should be checked. Ok, fine, if that’s what you want. But I think this is how football should be played and VAR should come in on what is a clear and obvious error and this wasn’t a clear and obvious error.

“I’ve been complaining about the lines all season so I was quite happy with that goal.”

More VAR controversy

Even though Hackett claims that the right decision was made in the end, the lines should have been drawn and visible in the context of the consistency of what has been happening for the rest of the 2020/21 term.

Kane may well have been found not to be offside, but the lines are drawn to make sure that he is either shown to be onside or offside and thus the correct call can be made.

Nonetheless, Steve Bruce’s team will not be too bothered by the incident as the Toon Army grabbed what could turn out to be a big point in their hopes of avoiding being relegated down to the EFL Championship.

In other news, find out what claim on the potential takeover Mark Douglas has dropped after comments from James Pallotta emerged here!

Many Aston Villa fans have been left stunned at the decision by Gareth Southgate not to pick Ezri Konsa for England for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

As per a tweet from the Three Lions, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Harry Maguire and John Stones have all been picked as options ahead of him in the centre of the defence, as well as his club teammate Tyrone Mings.

Ollie Watkins has also been picked by Southgate for his first senior international call-up, but several members of the AVFC faithful were still left to question why Konsa was not selected with them for the three qualifying games against San Marino, Albania and Poland coming up.

It could have been the perfect opportunity for the 23-year-old to show what he can do ahead of the Euros in the summer, but now it looks more unlikely that he will make that squad given his recent omission.

Aston Villa fan reaction to Konsa omission

These Villa supporters fumed after hearing of Konsa’s omission on Twitter, with one fan saying that they were ‘shocked’ while another branding it as ‘scary’:

“Insane how Konsa didn’t make it but Dier did”

Credit: @ComboedOW

“I hope Konsa chooses Portugal now. Ridiculous he’s not included.”

Credit: @JAnnetts_

“Fully deserved for Watkins – struggling to understand how Dier gets in ahead of Ezri Konsa though! #utv”

Credit: @LeeGibson6

“Well done Ollie, but where’s Konsa?”

Credit: @marls74

“Konsa isn’t that’s shocking. Scary how this man picks his squads”

Credit: @andylynch80

“Shocked to not see Konsa but congratulations Ollie and Tyrone”

Credit: @avfcfanxoxo

In other news, find out what transfer update on one Villa star has left fans talking here!

يرفض يورجن كلوب المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول التخلي عن آمالهم في المنافسة على لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز لهذا الموسم، رغم فارق النقاط مع المتصدر مانشستر سيتي.

ويتصدر مانشستر سيتي حاليًا جدول البطولة برصيد 56 نقطة، بفارق 11 نقطة عن ليفربول صاحب المركز الثاني، مع العلم أن الريدز لديه مواجهة مؤجلة.

وقال كلوب في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “مترو” الإنجليزية: “لا يتعين علينا إقناع أي شخص من الخارج ليؤمنوا بنا، إذا أرادوا أن يفعلوا ذلك، فليفعلوا”.

وأضاف: “إذا كنت معنا، ستستمتع بالرحلة وسنقدم كل ما لدينا، نحن على استعداد للمضي قدمًا بقدر ما نستطيع”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ميرور: شكوك حول إقامة مباراة ليفربول وآرسنال في كأس كاراباو

وواصل: “هذا ليس الوضع للحديث عن قتال على اللقب، هناك 11 نقطة الآن مع مباراة مؤجلة لدينا”.

واستكمل: “في عالم عادي لن يحدث أي شيء، ولكن ما هو الطبيعي في الوقت الحاضر، نحاول القيام بدورنا، ليس هناك شيء آخر نفعله”.

Tottenham Hotspur legend Gary Mabbutt has told Football FanCast that Manchester United took inspiration from Jose Mourinho’s tactics to beat Manchester City at the weekend.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men won 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium, as goals from Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw ended City’s run of 20 successive victories in all competitions.

City’s last defeat before the game against United came in north London, as Spurs won 2-0.

Goals from Son Heung-min and Giovani Lo Celso proved decisive that day and the statistics are remarkably similar.

In north London, Spurs had 34% possession; United had 34% possession at the Etihad Stadium. Spurs had two shots on target, United had six.

Quite simply, both Spurs and United used their time on the ball better than Pep Guardiola’s side, as they utilised efficiency over possession.

Mabbutt believes that Mourinho’s tactics inspired United as they picked up all three points.

City did not fall into the same trap against Spurs at the Etihad, as they won 3-0.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: “They go to Man City and basically they did to Man City virtually exactly what Spurs did to them in Man City’s last defeat, whereby you deny them space, they need that space to create their fantastic opportunities and to create their free flowing football.

“They were denied space by Spurs and by Man United, and both teams won two goals to nil.

“So yes, I mean, it’s just showing that every single team are fallible, every single team can be beaten. Get your tactics, right, which I thought Solskjaer did and, obviously, Jose did in the game at the new stadium at Spurs.

“And yes, so for me, it showed other teams that watch and go over those games, what do they do in those games that make it difficult for Man City, take those points and try and put that into when you play against them.”

Spurs will be aiming to repeat that 2-0 victory in the League Cup final when they take on City at Wembley.

A victory at the national stadium would end Spurs’ 13-year trophy drought, as they have not lifted a cup since their League Cup triumph over Chelsea back in 2008.

They have a blueprint to follow.

MatériaMais Notícias

O elenco do Palmeiras pode receber um novo meia nos próximos meses. Não se trata de um reforço contratado por Alexandre Mattos, mas de um garoto que estava emprestado ao Paraná e voltou ao clube de forma precoce para se recuperar de cirurgia no joelho. Gabriel Leite, que já trabalha com bola e pode ser liberado para os jogos em abril, sonha com uma oportunidade.

-Meu sonho é ser um ídolo do Palmeiras. Sei que é muito difícil, mas é um objetivo para mim. Espero poder me tornar um cara importante dentro do Palmeiras – disse o jogador de 21 anos, que rompeu o ligamento cruzado em setembro do ano passado.

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Antes de ser emprestado, Gabriel teve alguns períodos de treinos com os profissionais. O primeiro foi com Ricardo Gareca no comando, em julho de 2014. Depois, em fevereiro de 2015, ele ficou alguns dias fazendo um intercâmbio na Academia de Futebol ao lado de Gabriel Jesus, do lateral-esquerdo Guilherme e do atacante Chistopher, seus companheiros na Copa São Paulo Júnior. Só Jesus permaneceu no grupo.

-O Jesus trabalhou muito, deu o seu melhor e conseguiu chegar, então isso me motiva muito e me sinto preparado para alcançar o profissional.

– Já estou na transição para o gramado, treinando com bola, fazendo finalização, trabalho de passe, com movimentação. Estou muito confiante, me sentindo muito bem para voltar a jogar. Sei que o elenco é grande e de muita qualidade, mas vou dar o meu melhor para poder agradar a comissão e poder ganhar uma chance de ouro no elenco – completou.

Gabriel Leite chegou ao Palmeiras após se destacar pelo Paulista de Jundiaí na Copinha de 2013, quando ainda era chamado de Mosquito, e até no Campeonato Paulista daquele ano, em que marcou dois gols e sofreu um pênalti justamente contra o Verdão, em uma derrota por 3 a 1. Ele tem contrato até março de 2019 e, como não tem mais idade para o sub-20, será emprestado de novo se Cuca resolver não deixá-lo no elenco.

According to The Guardian, Crystal Palace have set their sights on signing Demarai Gray, who appears set to leave Leicester City this week.

What’s the word?

Gray has been frozen out of the first-team picture at Leicester by boss Brendan Rodgers and is being chased by clubs across Europe as they seek to secure his services for a cut-price fee.

The versatile forward, who is out of contract at the King Power Stadium this summer, has also been linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen. The Bundesliga giants are believed to have made an approach for Gray but it’s unlikely a move to Germany is on the cards following his swift rebuttal.

As per the report, Roy Hodgson’s side have now entered the race to sign the uncapped Englishman. They are willing to integrate him into his plans for the second half of the season by reaching an agreement with his representatives regarding a move to Selhurst Park.

Imagine Gray and Eberechi Eze

Born in Birmingham, Gray joined Leicester for £5m from the Blues back in 2016 and was part of the squad that famously won the Premier League under manager Claudio Ranieri.

After impressing for Ranieri, the 24-year-old has featured 40 times for Brendan Rodgers over two seasons but has made just one solitary appearance in the Premier League so far this season. In all competitions so far, he has tallied a total of 169 appearances across all competitions for the Foxes.

Palace are crying out for a new winger right now, especially after Jeffrey Schlupp succumbed to injury. When he is fit, and with Eberechi Eze already a regular starter and Andros Townsend providing competition for places, the Eagles are actually quite well-stocked out wide.

However, Schlupp hasn’t featured since the start of the year as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. Although he will be sidelined for at least three months, the Ghanaian is still expected to be a part of Hodgson’s plans when he makes a comeback, having scored two goals in 15 top-flight appearances this season.

The future of Townsend, though, remains up for debate as his contract is set to expire in the summer. It appears that Hodgson is open to the prospect of making further additions to his options out wide with one eye on the future.

Given his age, there’s no doubt that Gray, who earns around £55,000-per-week at the King Power Stadium, ticks plenty of boxes for Palace as a fully-fledged professional who still possesses plenty of untapped potential. Rodgers previously praised him for his “excellent” display after he dazzled during a brief cameo back in 2019.

Last season, the attacking midfielder managed to score two goals and supply three assists from just three starts in the top flight, averaging 1.1 shots per game, via WhoScored. For context, that’s more than Townsend himself has managed this season (0.9), which suggests that he could provide more of a cutting edge for the Eagles.

Capable of playing on the left, on the right or in the midfield, his ability to play in three positions across the midfield would be an added bonus for Hodgson.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace can sign their next Scott Dann in Stoke City’s Nathan Collins…

MatériaMais Notícias

A Arena Corinthians deve estar praticamente lotada no duelo desta quarta-feira, contra o Independiente Santa Fé (COL), que marca a estreia do Timão em casa na edição deste ano da Copa Libertadores. Até a noite desta segunda-feira , restavam ingressos apenas para o setor Oeste VIP, o mais caro do estádio. Os setores Norte, Sul e Leste estão esgotados desde a última semana.

As entradas estão à venda por R$ 180 pelo site fieltorcedor.com.br/ingressos e nas bilheterias da Arena Corinthians e do Parque São Jorge e nas lojas Poderoso Timão da Rua Augusta, do Shopping D e do Tietê Plaza.

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O Corinthians ainda não divulgou a parcial de ingressos já vendidos, mas a expectativa é de que mais de 40 mil pessoas estejam presentes para acompanhar o duelo desta quarta, em Itaquera.