Matchday three of the Champions League is upon us, with all four English teams in action once more. The format of the competition dictates that the return set of fixtures in the group stages mirror the first three games, which means that the teams facing each other this week will be doing so again in a fortnight during matchday four. A double-header, as it were, and while the fixture schedule has been kind on Arsenal and Chelsea, who can expect to collect maximum points against comparatively weak opposition, Liverpool face a gruelling duo of duels against the current European champions. As for Manchester City, a poor start to their campaign means their games against the bottom-seeded side in their group are crucial. So what can we expect this week in the best club competition in world football?

[ffc-gallery]

Click on Manuel Pellegrini and all will be revealed…

[/ffc-gallery]

Must-win double header for Man City…

How sheepish must Man City’s Twitter gurus have felt in the aftermath of their team’s most recent Champions League tie against Roma. After stressing the fact that Francesco Totti had never scored in England prior to the game, the Italian side’s captain inevitably went on to score a sumptuous equalising goal in a 1-1 draw, leaving copious amounts of uovo splattered all over the voltos of City’s social media brainboxes. “City’s tweet? It really brought me luck,” was the suave Totti’s witty response. Humour aside, the draw left Manuel Pellegrini’s men with one point from a possible six, meaning that their next two matches against CSKA Moscow have been promoted to must-win status. City were the victims of another tough group stage draw, as they have been in past seasons, yet this is no excuse for a team who boast virtually unlimited wealth and a dazzling array of world-class players. Russia is always a daunting venue for even the most experienced of European clubs; luckily for City, however, their tie will be devoid of the notoriously hostile Eastern European atmosphere as CSKA are currently serving a stadium ban for crowd trouble. It is inconceivable for City not to progress from the group given their privileged situation – home and away wins against CSKA are vital if they are to avoid further European disappointment.

…and for Arsenal

The Gunners are in a better position than Man City, yet their two ties against Anderlecht are also of great importance. The team from Belgium have never been a serious threat in the competition, while Arsenal’s 4-1 trouncing of a hopeless Galatasaray side three weeks ago indicates that Arsene Wenger’s men and Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund will almost certainly occupy the top two spots in the group. However, the Gunners have been struggling in the Premier League, with Wenger’s icy post-match interview following a 2-2 home draw against Hull City suggesting that the Frenchman is feeling the pressure after another below-par performance from his side. A win in Belgium on Tuesday as well as a victory in the return fixture at the Emirates in a fortnight would give Wenger some respite, and would send the Gunners well on their way to qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition.

Can Balotelli finally win over his critics?

After snatching a fortuitous win against Ludogorets Razgrad at the death in their return to Champions League football, Liverpool were taught a lesson in just how hard the competition can be in their next game against Basle, succumbing to a pitiful 1-0 defeat. This means that the Reds must take something from their next two games against reigning champions Real Madrid, otherwise progressing from the group is going to be an almighty struggle. Another injury setback for Daniel Sturridge means that Mario Balotelli is likely to lead the line once again, and with his only goal for the club coming in the Champions League, the pressure has only increased for him to prove his worth. His critics are growing in number with every game, and his open goal miss during an ineffectual performance against QPR over the weekend summed up Balotelli’s difficult start at his new club. Although the striker is often unfairly and disproporitonately scrutinised compared to other underperforming footballers by virtue of simply being Mario, Brendan Rodgers paid £16 million for him to score goals, which he is not doing so far. Any striker would find it difficult to score against one of the best teams in the world, yet by finding the net against Real – which will require some effort, both on and off the ball – Balotelli can silence his critics.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Mourinho the tinkerman?

Of all the English teams, Chelsea’s group is the easiest, and in Maribor they face the weakest team in this straightforward group. Jose Mourinho’s men are also flying high in the Premier League, and with an away fixture against Manchester United coming up next, resting first-team players for Tuesday night’s game at Stamford Bridge – especially Diego Costa, whose hamstring problems are ongoing – is surely to be expected. Or is it? The Blues possess enviable strength in depth, yet the last time Mourinho rested Costa in the Champions League, his deputy Didier Drogba struggled badly. Even the belated introduction of the Spaniard towards the end of the game could not inspire Chelsea, as Schalke grabbed a deserved away point. With this in mind, Mourinho may be tempted to field his strongest side to ensure that the three points are gained, however giving his key players a break is surely the better option. Despite the blip against Schalke, Chelsea will still top the group with ease, and Costa cannot be risked in a game where the Blues will win comfortably. Chelsea will need him to be fit in the latter stages of the season, particularly if they are still competing for both the Premier League and the Champions League. Mourinho has previously stated that Costa can’t play three games in a week, so why take the risk in what will be one of their easiest games in quite some time? Give Loic Remy a chance, as well as some other fringe players, and he may be pleasantly surprised.

Arsenal’s midfield has come under scrutiny in recent games. The question of whether to play Jack Wilshere in a deeper role is still ongoing, Frenchman Mathieu Flamini is not producing the form he used to which resulted in a move to AC Milan six years ago and Mesut Ozil is being dubbed as one of the biggest flops the Premier League has seen. The midfield, in any football match, is where battles are won or lost and is a defining factor in gaining maximum points.

One Gunners player who this season is failing to show the form he is capable of is Wales international Aaron Ramsey. Considering the work rate and composure on the ball Ramsey brings, the midfield maestro has rather gone unnoticed in a derailed Arsenal squad. This is the last thing Arsene Wenger needs considering they are currently sitting in a disappointing eighth place, 15 points behind the leaders Chelsea. Aftre spending heavily in the past two years, a serious title challenge should have been in store, but it has gone completely in the opposite direction.

This is the chance for the likes of Ramsey to buck up their ideas, and become a leader on the pitch, which is the fundamental reason why the North Londoners are failing to compete with the big guns of the Premier League.

Ramsey started last season with a bang, and quickly become an early contender for the Premier League player of the year, before his unfortunate injury arose in the latter stages of the season. Ramsey ended the season strong, and he capped off another fourth place finish for the Gunners by scoring the winning goal in last season’s FA Cup win against Hull City.  Last season saw Ramsey notch an impressive 18 goals, and scored nine in his first 10 games in all competitions. This was the perfect response after coming under some heavy criticism since his move from Cardiff City.

This year has seen him score just three goals in 18 games and even got himself sent off in the 0-0 Champions League qualifier away at Turkish outfit Besiktas. With Mikel Arteta and Wilshere the first choice holding midfield players, Ramsey will often be used as an impact substitute. With his technical ability and eye for a goal, Ramsey should never be used as an impact substitute; he’s too good for that.

With a crucial Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund in store, and in need of a win after failing to hold onto a three goal lead at home to Anderlecht, this is Ramsey’s time to shine.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

With Wilshere set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines, this is all the more reason for ‘Rambo’ to show that has the abundance to show he still has the prowess and drive to perform like he did last season. With too much reliability on Alexis Sanchez’s shoulders and Theo Walcott finding his feet again after a long lay-off with an ankle injury, Ramsey desperately needs to rediscover what he is truly capable of.

[ffcvideo file=”FunniestMemesoftheSeason” type=”mp4″]

It’s fair to say it’s been a difficult couple of weeks for West Ham United.

The controversy surrounding Diafra Sakho’s inclusion in the Hammers’ 1-0 victory over Bristol City is an issue that Fifa have subsequently found the Hammers guilty of, fining them £71,000 for the rule breach. West Ham lost against Liverpool in the Premier League last weekend and gained a number of injuries in the process, meaning that Sam Allardyce is down to the bare bones in both defence and attack. Furthermore, the disappointment of as many as eight potential deals collapsing, according to the Express, on transfer deadline day meant that West Ham could not get any players in to ease the injury crisis.

When all of these factors add up, it looks as if West Ham are facing a difficult few months ahead.

The Diafra Sakho controversy looked to be something that would disrupt Sam Allardyce’s selection for Sunday’s game against Manchester United, but this week’s Fifa ruling looks to have at least ended that problem. The manager was advised not to play Sakho against Liverpool after Senegal complained to Fifa that West Ham fielded the player when they shouldn’t have. They argued that if Sakho was fit to play, he should have been playing for Senegal and not West Ham.

Sakho’s inclusion for Sunday’s game means that West Ham are relying on just three strikers. One of those strikers, Carlton Cole, was on the verge of moving to West Brom on transfer deadline day before West Ham pulled out of the deal as they failed to find a replacement. He is suspected to be absolutely livid at the decision, so playing Cole may not be in Allardyce’s best interests at this particular moment in time.

Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho have performed excellently together when they have played alongside each other this season, the Hammers faithful will be hoping that behind the scenes controversy will not affect what their star strikers can do on the pitch.

[ad_pod id=’football-friends’ align=’center’]

Injuries in central defence is also a massive issue for the Hammers. James Collins had to be substituted against Liverpool and looks doubtful for the weekend. James Tomkins is also injured whilst Winston Reid did not finish the game at Anfield, coming off the pitch despite the fact that West Ham had already made three substitutions.

After failing to sign a centre-back on deadline day, the Hammers will look to the likes of Reece Burke and Reece Oxford to fill in at the back. Doneil Henry, the new signing from Toronto, is also injured so West Ham are really struggling to find cover in the defensive areas. The Hammers have injury problems across the entire pitch so it will be interesting to see what formation and personnel Allardyce selects against Louis Van Gaal’s side.

If the injury situation does not improve for Allardyce, West Ham may find it difficult to pick up points with so many of their first team players missing from the side. Upcoming fixtures against the likes of Manchester United, Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea in the Premier League suggest that the club are really up against it in the coming month.

The pressure is now on Allardyce to work something out with the players available to him. After such a convincing start to the season, West Ham are in danger of slipping away from the European places. The manager will be hoping that various issues at the club won’t lead to a crisis.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

However, there is no doubt that West Ham are facing a very tricky upcoming period.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video’ align=’center’]

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Harry Kane is the man of the moment. His hat-trick against Leicester City has made him the Premier League’s joint top goal scorer and England caps look on their way following an inevitable call up to the national team.

Kane has dipped in and out of the Tottenham squad since making his senior debut in 2011, which was a Europa League qualification round against Hearts. But it is this current season which has made him a household name.

It all started when Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino named him as a substitute for their opening fixture against West Ham and Kane came on to provide an assist for Eric Dier. Slowly momentum built and Kane consistently put in solid performances, but it was from November when the young forward really came into his own. He has now scored 19 Premier League goala, seemingly coming out of nowhere to challenge the likes of Sergio Aguero and Diego Costa for this season’s top Premier League scorer award.

Naturally England supporters can’t wait to see what he produces at international level, believing that we might finally have a world class Englishman to lead us to glory. Though the jaded amongst us who have seen many an English talent light up the league only then to flop when playing for country instead of club are not ready to hold our collective breath just yet.

Too much too soon can overwhelm a player. Not to mention the fact that this brilliant season of Kane’s has yet to be replicated. It stands alone. Last season he scored only three league goals and while you could argue that he didn’t get enough of a run of games to be able to showcase and develop his talent, you could argue that a great player only earns that accolade when, year after year, they reliably produce. Kane is not great, yet.

Still, he is an exciting prospect. But how long can Tottenham hold onto him?

Kane signed a new five-and-a-half year deal with Spurs back in February and, while he comes across as a mild-mannered and down to earth young man, I wonder whether his personality will change when both his club and country are forming teams around him.

At 21, Kane has shown great skill and discipline and I hope he sticks with Tottenham for at least a few more seasons. A footballer’s career is so short that it is understandable that they would find the call of a Real Madrid, Barcelona, etc an enticing and simply tempting prospect. And they should go if that is their desire. But first they should focus on gaining consistency and a deeper understanding of the game before running off to a club that expects you to be the finished product, not a developing one.

With eight games left it seems unlikely that Tottenham will be playing Champions League football next season. For an emerging talent like Harry Kane that is a shame. But if he can focus on his game and keep improving himself further then surely within the next few years even if Spurs don’t get him there then a big money team will be waiting in the wings ready to snap him up.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

But only if he can replicate what has been an unforgettable year.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video’ align=’center’]

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Amid some pretty sensational rumours that Cristiano Ronaldo – perhaps the world’s most coveted footballer – is increasingly growing frustrated at the Bernabeu, could a move back to former club Manchester United really be on the horizon for the Portuguese international?

The Real Madrid star has certainly been in some pretty childish form of late. Last time out against Levante, the ex-Red Devils man seemed partially upset that Gareth Bale had ended his goal-scoring drought and that he had subsequently not scored as a result – but perhaps more telling – was when Ronaldo looked despairingly on at the Bernabeu faithful as sections of the Madrid crowd began to boo their highly valued no. 7.

Perhaps it’s down to the fact that Lionel Messi has so far out-classed him in 2015, or because many are labelling him as a selfish team-mate who should increasingly be avoided – or maybe it’s just because all good things seemingly have to come to an end – but if Real Madrid fail to repeat their successes of last season, Ronaldo could well in-fact call time on his illustrious career at the Bernabeu.

If such a dramatic turn of events eventually does take place, do the recent reports of Sir Alex Ferguson meeting up with the former Manchester United man to discuss ‘talks’ suggest that a move back to Old Trafford could really be on the cards? Many seem to believe they do…

This story has taken on a certain weight for several significant reasons. The Red Devils simply lost a certain something when Ronaldo first departed for Madrid in the summer of 2009 – and despite all the hefty amount of cash that the historic Premier League club have since splashed out in recent seasons – it has been something that United have never truly recovered from.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video-small’ align=’left’]

Yes, life at Old Trafford obviously continued just as it usually would without their former hero on board, but as Cristiano Ronaldo brings with him his own global following much like a rock-star would with their respective fan base – the Red Devils seemingly became mortal again in the wake of his £80million departure. A player such as the one in question is pretty much irreplaceable after all.

If Ronaldo were to make a dramatic return to Old Trafford, it would also signal that United are in-fact worthy of their neo-Galacticos status that the club have somewhat been reaching out for in recent transfer windows. The Portuguese star would simply give everyone involved with the team a huge lift – from the players on the pitch and the fans in the crowd, to the U21’s in youth development and every single one of the club’s backroom staff. What better way to achieve such a reputation than to sign the biggest Galacticos currently plying his trade in the modern game?

That said, perhaps this particular story has developed its momentum all too quickly as a result of the excitement and hype that inevitably tags along for the ride. Ronaldo may be going through a somewhat dry patch currently at Real Madrid – but as he is a player who can seemingly make his circumstances change at the drop of a hat – such a scenario does seem somewhat temporary at the moment, regardless of what the Bernabeu fans happen to think of him.

Ronaldo has always been like this in reality – a childish, petulant sort of player who seemingly succeeds on the back of his exceptional ability alone, definitely not as the result of his character on the pitch. He is not a team player, he doesn’t always celebrate with the rest of his colleagues when the spotlight is on them for a change, and he is seemingly allowed to do what he wants most of the time just because of his impressive record.

Yet as this is Ronaldo we are talking about, such negative connotations will likely have little effect when it comes to Real Madrid ultimately wanting to keep hold of their star talent at the end of the season.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

If circumstances continue in the way they have done however, and if Manchester United are seemingly bold enough to stump up the cash for their former star, then who knows – maybe Cristiano Ronaldo back at Old Trafford could one day in-fact become a reality – no matter how unlikely it seems at the moment.

Perhaps it would be sensible to watch this space if Real Madrid fail to win the Champions League again this season…

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Alongside the likes of Memphis Depay, Mauro Icardi and Paul Pogba this season, Palermo’s Paulo Dybala has been one of many young stars to make a name for themselves in Serie A in the past twelve months. The quick-footed Argentine attacker has simply been a joy to behold for the Stadio Renzo Barbera faithful so far throughout the 2014/15 campaign.

In light of such a notion, Dybala has subsequently been labelled the ‘new Messi’ for his daring runs and seemingly endless bag of tricks – and as Arsene Wenger has been one of several Premier League managers to reportedly register an interest in signing the rapidly rising star – the striker’s future potentially looks set to test his qualities beyond the realms of Italian football sooner rather than later.

So then, whilst it still remains very early days in the emerging career of Argentina’s latest hot-shot talent, will Arsenal ultimately fight off the fierce competition surrounding Paulo Dybala across the coming summer months, and would the Emirates really be an adequate next step for the striker throughout the course of next season?

Well for one thing, Arsenal fans should certainly be pleased with themselves if this particular transfer saga eventually works out favourably for the Gunners in 2015/16. It even has the potential to become one of the transfers of the decade with the signs of the player’s talent already wowing fans across the world.

Paulo Dybala simply has so much to his game that even the most critical football supporters out there would have to issue him with the full credit he deserves. The no. 9 clearly has a knack for scoring goals, as his 13 league finishes this season certainly eludes to. He can seemingly beat players with an abundance of head turning tricks that often leave the opposition dazzled as he moves past them, and he can also do the business from set-pieces in the final third as well.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video-small’ align=’left’]

Most tricksters in Dybala’s category often have little else to their game than just the worn out showboating freestyle moves that get old all too quickly, yet as the silky Palermo man uses his qualities to effectively beat defenders when necessary, the results really seem to indicate that something truly special is on the table with this guy.

It takes a lot to be considered the new Lionel Messi at the meagre age of 21-years-old after all, but because the player in question is somewhat more explosive and less elegant than the notorious Barcelona no. 10 at this stage in his career, perhaps Paulo Dybala should be labelled the next Alexis Sanchez instead.

Arsenal would therefore be a great place for the Argentinean youngster to ply his trade next season, should the Gunners eventually see fit to cough up the hefty price tag that will inevitably be commanded by his current employers. Wenger may be in more need of a Karim Benzema type striker to lead the line for his side next season – but with the likes of Ozil, Sanchez and potentially Dybala filling the void behind Olivier Giroud in 2015/16 – the signs could certainly look promising for the Emirates faithful next term.

That said however, it still remains questionable as to whether or not the 21-year-old Serie A favourite will consider Arsenal a big enough step in the right direction next season. The likes of Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked to the striker of late, as well as PSG who are reportedly ready to match his sizable €40 million price tag in the run up to the new campaign.

Without the lure of major domestic and European silverware on the table for Arsenal in recent years, landing such a high profile name may prove difficult in what is likely to be a competitive transfer window this coming summer.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Even though the Emirates would seemingly become the perfect environment for the Argentinian star next season – with the club philosophy at Arsenal matching the youngster’s talents down to the ground – it remains yet to be seen where Paulo Dybala will eventually be plying his trade come the end of the 2014/15 campaign.

With Arsene Wenger going down as a long-time admirer of the striker however, Arsenal nevertheless remain firmly placed near the front of the pack at this current stage in the proceedings.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

It’s been another disappointing campaign for Tottenham regarding their efforts to break into the Premier League’s top four, and with it secure a return to the Champions League.

The North London side sit a point behind fifth-placed Liverpool and look set for a return to the Europa League with just one game of the season remaining.

But it’s not necessarily been an awful season by Spurs’ standards, and a place in the top six is about par given the squad at their disposal.

A reshuffle looks on the cards during the summer with a number of players expected to leave to make room for some new arrivals who can hopefully help in Mauricio Pochettino’s bid to break into the top four next season.

And it’s in attack where Tottenham look most likely to strengthen, as they look to provide some top-quality options to add to the outstanding exploits of Harry Kane.

Reports suggest a number of players could be close to arriving at White Hart Lane, and if true; Spurs could really be a force to be reckoned with come August.

Here are five stars who could be set for a move to Tottenham this summer…

[interaction id=“none”]

Jackson Martinez

Given his pedigree; the signing of Porto star Jackson Martinez would come as a major boost for Tottenham, particularly given his exploits in the Champions League.

The Columbian striker is one of Europe’s most sought after forwards having netted 89 times in 129 games for the Portuguese giants, and Spurs are thought to be closing on his signature in a stunning deal this summer.

Arsenal are said to be keen on finalising a £20m deal for Martinez, but the 28-year-old is apparently ready to complete a move to White Hart Lane, and would be a major signal of intent as Spurs look to break into the top four next season.

Javier Hernandez

Another striker on Tottenham’s radar is Manchester United star Javier Hernandez who must be contemplating his next move.

The Mexican has spent this season on loan at Real Madrid, but has found opportunities limited and the Spanish giants are happy to let him leave without a permanent deal.

It looks unlikely United are going to keep him either which has alerted a number of Premier League clubs including Spurs.

A proven goalscorer at this level, Hernandez would certainly increase Spurs’ attacking threat in the penalty box, and given an extended run in the side could easily net them 20 goals a season.

Everton, Southampton and West Ham are all keen on the striker, but Tottenham look set to beat them to his signature and could well benefit from signing a man who clearly has a point to prove.

Ezequiel Lavezzi

Having just picked up another title France, PSG star Ezequiel Lavezzi is another who could be on his way to Spurs, with the Ligue 1 club willing to listen to offers after a number of fall outs with boss Laurent Blanc this season.

Tottenham are said to be closing in on the 30-year-old Argentine as they look to strengthen their attacking options, and with Lavezzi potentially available for as little as £7m he could prove a real bargain if he can find his feet in England.

Nine goals this term is probably seen as a disappointing return for the French club, but he certainly has the potential to hit double figures given the chance at Spurs.

Morgan Schneiderlin

Pochettino knows first hand just how good Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin can be having worked with him during his time at Saint Mary’s, and the rumours of a reunion at Spurs continue to rumble on.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The Frenchman has been linked to Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United and a summer move looks increasingly likely despite Southampton’s best efforts to hang onto him.

And after failing to bring him to North London last year, Spurs have emerged as heavy favourites to land the Saints star with bookies slashing the odds on a move to Tottenham due a number of large bets last week. Providing they can convince him from signing for a Champions League club that is.

Yevhen Konoplyanka

One new signing that won’t cost them a penny is Dnipro winger Yevhen Konoplyanka who is set to become a free agent this summer when his contract at the Ukrainian side expires.

The 25-year-old has impressed once again in his side’s run to the Europa League final, and a year after turning down a move to Liverpool he could finally be on his way to the Premier League.

Having tracked Konoplyanka for a while now, Spurs are hopeful of completing a deal for the midfielder sooner rather than later and could grab themselves a real bargain should they pull it off.

Salomon Rondon isn’t a household name by any stretch of the imagination, but the big, powerful Venezuelan has been heavily linked with a £15m switch from Zenit St. Petersburg to Liverpool to bolster the Reds’ depleted striking ranks.

With the loss of the majority of the goals from the Liverpool side thanks to Luis Suarez’s move to Barcelona and Daniel Sturridge’s injury woes, Brendan Rodgers’ outfit went from a dynamic to frankly blunt last term.

A major aim for Rodgers this summer will be to fill that massive void in the Liverpool side with a top quality striker. The Northern Irishman has already signed Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino, and will be keen the add an orthodox hit-man to his ranks, too.

Liverpool do need an out-and-out-striker, someone like a Rondon, who can play with both his back to goal and bring team-mates in to play, while offering the physicality and pace to threaten the defence in behind.

Essentially a striker who can go both ways, much like Diego Costa,whose impact at Chelsea last season highlights why Rondon is a forward Liverpool really need to sign.

The Venezuelan is just 25-years-old and fairly experienced around Europe – he has played in Russia a fair bit and has Champions League know-how. He has scored goals at a fair lick at every club he has played for, too.

The rumoured fee of just £15m is a really good price for a player in his prime. He will combine well with their creative players and provide a real physical presence up top – something that has been missing since Suarez left.

The difference a top striker like Rondon can make is monumental. A good marksman can make any team look better, as they have the ability to score the goals to get the wins. There is no doubt that Rondon will score goals for Liverpool if the Reds complete a deal.

As touched on already, one of the major factors that took Chelsea to the title was the signing of a top striker in Costa, and whilst I’m not saying Rondon will take Liverpool to the title – as the gap is much larger than it was for Chelsea last summer – he will make a big impact and could really be the difference between the top four and Europa League football.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Rondon is exactly the sort of striker that Liverpool need to lead the line. He will fill the Suarez-shaped void and could even develop a partnership with Sturridge. It may not be the new ‘SAS’, but it could be an exciting new partnership and may be lethal in a different way.

Time will tell, but Rondon is a player Liverpool should look to sign as he could make a real difference at Anfield this coming season.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video’ align=’center’]

According to reports in The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur have been joined by Premier League rivals Southampton in the race to sign Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon, who is rated at £20m according to The Mirror.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Spurs were heavily linked with the impressive 17-year-old during the summer but a move failed to materialise, but The Mirror claimed earlier this month that they are still keen to bring the youngster to north London with Danny Rose still keen on a move away.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph reports that Southampton are ready to make an audacious bid to land Sessegnon next month, and while they know a deal will be difficult given that some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League will be keen, they believe that they can offer the player regular playing time and act as the perfect stepping stone.

The report adds that Saints may be looking for a left-back either in January or at the end of the season, with the long-term future of Manchester City target Ryan Bertrand in doubt.

How has Sessegnon done this season?

He has been brilliant.

The 17-year-old has scored five goals – including a hat-trick in the 5-4 win against Sheffield United last month – and provided a further three assists in 23 Championship appearances, while he has shown his versatility by playing in both a left-back role and a more advanced role on the same flank.

While he is decent at both ends of the pitch and has a good left foot, Sessegnon has also shown the potential he has as a two-footed player with two fine finishes with his right as part of his treble against the Blades.

Will Tottenham be worried about Southampton’s interest?

It’s difficult to say.

If Rose stays in January then it may be difficult to convince the teenager that he will play more regularly for Spurs than the south coast outfit given that they would have the England international and Ben Davies available, but if he goes the situation could be different.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Sessegnon will certainly look at the progress someone like Dele Alli has made since joining from MK Dons and believe that he could do the same under the leadership of Mauricio Pellegrino.

However, Saints are also renowned for giving young players a chance and not standing in their way if one of the big Premier League clubs wants them, and that could prove to be an attractive option for the player.

[ad_pod ]

West Ham United’s revival under new manager David Moyes suffered a blow on Saturday after they were defeated by Newcastle United at home in the English Premier League.

The match started superbly at the London Stadium for the Hammers, with Marko Arnautovic netting in the sixth minute. However, the Magpies equalised just minutes later through Henri Saivet, before rushing to a 3-1 lead early in the second half thanks to Mohamed Diame and Christian Atsu.

The home side tried their best to get back into the match and pulled one back when Andre Ayew smashed home, but they couldn’t find the vital third, ending their impressive run under Moyes. The Irons were undefeated in their previous three top-flight matches.

Fans were frustrated with the performance, especially from their midfield, with Cheikhou Kouyate receiving sharp criticism for an ineffective display.

Some are even calling for him to be sold in January.

Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

[ad_pod ]