Manchester City continue to excel in the Premier League and once again ran out winners this weekend as they look to defend their Premier League title.
Pep Guardiola’s men have been in superb form in the main once more, and it looks like they are going to be the team to beat once more in the top flight, despite the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool both putting in some excellent displays thus far.
The squad at the Etihad is one of the strongest in Europe, but there are still some question marks surrounding certain areas of the pitch, especially in goal, where second string ‘keeper Claudio Bravo continues to look shaky.
That’s why we here at the Tavern think the club need to be making a move for Stoke City ‘keeper Jack Butland, who amazingly stayed with the Potters over the summer.
Valued at a whopping £22m by Transfermarkt, the young England stopper has been a regular once again this season despite Stoke struggling in the Championship.
Butland though will want his move back to the Premier League if he can get it, and a move to City to become number two to Ederson might well be an appealing one.
Although he will want regular football, the sheer amount of games City compete in during a season mean he would get his chance to impress, and it could well be the perfect solution for both player and the club.
City fans, what do you think? Would Butland be a good signing? Let us know in the comments!
FootballFanCast.com’s Fixture In Focus coverage is brought to you by 5p0rtz. Try 5p0rtz’s Beat the Streak Predictor and you could win £1million! Click here to play.
Liverpool vs Manchester City looks set to be the Premier League clash of the season so far. This rivalry has steadily moved to the forefront of English football in recent years and we’ve now reached a point where both sides are expected to push each other all the way for the 2018/19 title.
Add to the fact both are the Premier League’s resident entertainers, netting a staggering 36 times already this term, and partook in a series of high-scoring thrillers last season, and Sunday’s meeting at Anfield has all the makings of another classic.
But what will be the key factors that decide a potentially crucial title clash? Football FanCast take a look at where the 4.30pm kickoff will be lost and won…
The Key Battle – Alisson vs Ederson
It may seem unnecessarily hipster to focus on the two goalkeepers for a match involving two fantastically entertaining, attacking teams but that’s precisely why Alisson and Ederson’s efforts at their respective ends of the pitch will be so important on Sunday. City and Liverpool stand first and second for shots on target this season, so both No.1s will need to be at the top of their games to hope for a clean sheet.
But in terms of buildup play too, these two modern goalkeepers who look to start attacks from the edge of their own penalty box will be of intrinsic importance. Especially with both sides looking to press high and win the ball in dangerous areas, their distribution will be as crucial as their shot-stopping at Anfield.
Throw in the fact both goalkeepers, who were both brought to the Premier League for record-breaking transfer fees, are vying for Brazil’s No.1 jersey and it could quickly develop into an exciting individual battle of one-upmanship.
The Key Dynamic – Measured football versus momentary bursts
[ffc_insert title=”Try 5p0rtz’s Beat The Streak Predictor and you could win £1MILLION!” name=”Win £1MILLION with 5p0rtz” image_ link=”https://app.5p0rtz.com/?affiliate=FFCeditorialwidget” link_text=”Click here to play”]
A big part of the reason Liverpool caused Manchester City so many problems last season was their ability to suddenly explode into bursts of unstoppable dynamic football, coinciding perfectly with City’s knack of suffering from momentary capitulations. From Liverpool’s three wins last season, there were two sets of three goals scored within twenty minutes of each other.
Perhaps as a consequence though, there has been something more measured about both teams this season. Liverpool have been efficient rather than rip-roaring, sparing themselves those awkwardly nervous ends to matches when Jurgen Klopp’s boys hold on having clearly run out of steam. City, likewise, feel like they’re a little more cautious and a little less gung-ho this time around – potentially because Pep Guardiola doesn’t want his side to peak too early into the campaign.
But that could actually cost Liverpool this weekend, because those injections of energy were so crucial to their wins over City last season. The visitors, on the other hand, can take confidence in how measured they’ve been – knowing they’ll need a much steadier and more composed performance to take something away from Anfield.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”303880″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Fixture in Focus Liverpool v Man City”]
The Deciding Factor – Who can deliver without their star talent?
It would be unfair to argue Mohamed Salah will be essentially absent for Liverpool on Sunday, but it’s already clear the Egyptian international is some way off the standards he set for himself last season – tellingly, Klopp hauled him off with around half an hour to spare in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend. Indeed, Liverpool’s potency has been much more of a collective effort this term, with just three clubs boasting a higher number of different goalscorers in the Premier League, and unless Salah’s form completely transforms in the space of a week, they’ll be relying on that again versus City.
City, meanwhile, are still without Kevin De Bruyne – albeit there have been rumours of surprise involvement in the matchday squad this weekend. Although it’s hardly affected them in terms of results, it has impacted the Etihad outfit’s ability to launch sweeping attacks from back to front with quite the same velocity – David Silva and Bernardo Silva, as talented as they may be, are far more sideways in terms of their passing games. Having largely faced considerably inferior opposition so far, the Belgium international’s absence could be truly felt for the first time this season at Anfield.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Chelsea v Liverpool – Stamford Bridge, London, Britain – September 29, 2018 Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is substituted and shakes hands with manager Juergen Klopp Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please
The Impact Subs – Daniel Sturridge and Gabriel Jesus
Liverpool found just two goals and two assists from the bench in 38 games last season, but have almost met that total this term with just seven matches gone. Daniel Sturridge has of course played a huge part in that, scoring against West Ham on the opening weekend and then netting an absolute ripper against Chelsea last time out, and the oft-crocked striker appears to be back to his best after so many years of frustrating injury problems. With four goals across all competitions, Klopp will have no hesitation in throwing the Englishman on in search of a late equaliser or winner.
Manchester City, even in De Bruyne’s absence, still have an embarrassment of riches in the middle and final thirds – not least including Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian probably hasn’t reached the levels expected since initially exploding into his Manchester City career 18 months ago, but he’s no doubt a fantastic talent and his ability to play anywhere across the front-line, or even just behind the central striker if necessary, gives Guardiola the ability to change the shape and structure of City’s attack.
According to 90min.com, Arsenal could be set to sign Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron in the January transfer window.
What’s the word?
The 24-year-old was in scintillating form in 2018, racking up 12 goals and 13 assists in 31 outings for the MLS outfit. Those are wonderful figures for an attacking-midfielder and demonstrate just how developed the midfielder’s all round game is.
On top of the end product he is capable of producing, Almiron is also tremendously technically gifted and boasts great pace. He is also versatile, meaning that he is comfortable operating on each of the flanks as well as in a central berth.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”303880″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Fixture in Focus Liverpool v Man City”]
The Paraguay international has now reached the stage in his career where he is ready to join a top European side, and with a Transfermarkt valuation of just £9 million, he would represent a bargain to many of the continent’s top clubs.
According to the aforementioned report, Arsenal are currently leading the race for Almiron’s signature. The 24-year-old would be an exciting acquisition for the Gunners.
Ramsey replacement
With Aaron Ramsey seemingly set to depart the Emirates Stadium at the end of this season – as reported by the BBC – the North London club could soon be in need of an attacking-midfielder to serve as competition to Mesut Ozil. Almiron would fit that bill nicely.
Arsenal have signed a succession of promising young players recently, such as Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira, and Almiron could be the next name on that list.
What do you think, Arsenal fans – would you be happy to see the club move for Almiron?
In the summer of 2015, West Brom signed Venezuelan striker, Salomon Rondon for a then club record fee of £13 million from Russian side, Zenit St Petersburg.
When the burly striker arrived at the club, it was seemingly justified for the fans to be excited over the new addition. While the striker was never horrific at West Brom, at the same time he never quite fulfilled the excitement the fans had for him on Twitter.
After a solid but not impressive final season with Zenit, a season in which he scored 13 goals in 26 games, the praise and widespread euphoria he received seemed slightly over the top. Indeed, his highest goals tally in a season came with Malaga when he scored 14 in 30 games. While some may argue that his goal tally was fairly suitable for a striker that won’t be asked to score 30 goals but instead chip into the attack while also offering a target man, to break your club record fee on a player that isn’t a top class striker, seems misplaced.
In his three seasons for West Brom, Rondon scored nine, eight and seven goals respectively. In truth, amid Tony Pulis’ defensive style of football, Rondon was never given any licence to express himself and in truth, instead of finally being allowed to blossom into a much better version of his previous incarnations, Rondon was shackled to the defensive Tony Pulis ship that would eventually sink.
With Pulis’ departure came the arrival of Alan Pardew who did his absolute best to send the club down. Under Pardew, West Brom went on a run of terrible form and despite Darren Moore managing to muster some sort of response, the club was relegated.
Over the summer, Rondon joined Newcastle United on loan and seemingly, his future West Brom career seems over. Therefore, it seems the early optimism of his arrival was slightly misplaced.
Aston Villa are entering a new period under the guidance of Dean Smith, who has arrived at Villa Park with the intention of getting the club’s promotion push back on track.
A sequence of just one victory in the past 11 matches across all competitions has increased the pressure on Villa, who have struggled to find form with a leaky defence that is crying out for reinforcements.
Improving the backline is one of the big challenges on the horizon for Smith and the former Brentford boss raised eyebrows by suggesting that veteran Micah Richards could earn an opportunity – two years after his last appearance for the club.
Those comments certainly ruffled the feathers of Villa fans on social media and many took to Twitter to express their view on the quotes, urging Smith not to bring the former Manchester City man back into the fold.
We have gathered some of the best reactions below.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”307232″ player=”12034″ title=”Rafa’s Pub Facts Germany Hit New Low & Jadon Sancho Makes Us Feel Old”]
Liverpool’s initial £8m capture of Andy Robertson is becoming one of the steals of the century, so how much is the Scottish international worth now?
When Liverpool signed Robertson from Hull City last summer, it’s fair to say more than a few fans thought it was a controversial move.
The Reds have been without a consistent, trusted left-back since cult hero John Arne Riise left in 2008, and fans wanted a proven star to take over from Alberto Moreno rather than a young prospect from a relegated club.
However, Robertson has gone from strength to strength since breaking into the team last winter, and is now one of the Reds’ most consistent performers.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”310054″ player=”12034″ title=”Rafa’s Pub Facts Fake Madrid & Ross Barkley Emulates… David Ngog”]
He was superb once again in the 4-0 win over Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday, yet all the plaudits are going to the likes of Fabinho and Joe Gomez.
The reason for this is that fans have simply come to expect great performances out of Robertson, so much so that his dominance down the left flank on Wednesday was simply seen as ordinary.
So how much is he worth now? There aren’t many world class left-backs around these days, and at 24 he is already showing his composure and leadership abilities as Scotland captain.
Given the consistency of the Anfield fan favourite’s performances and the lack of other options in that position, he is now worth at least the £52m Manchester City paid for Benjamin Mendy last summer – more than six times what the Reds paid for the Scotsman.
So, Liverpool fans, how much has Robertson’s value soared? How much is he worth now? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…
Liverpool travel to The Emirates to take on Arsenal at the weekend and whilst the stats may be in their favour from previous clashes, it will be interesting to see who Jurgen Klopp plays in midfield for the clash. Fabinho is coming to form now after signing back in May, but it could be a game for the tried and tested Jordan Henderson, although the fans are calling for the former.
Fabinho has shown in his last few games that he is more than just a defensive colossus capable of winning the ball back and hoofing it. He is a seasoned professional and the way he carries himself on a football pitch simply oozes class. Whether his team is in or out of possession he looks assured in himself and it will be no surprise to see him start at The Emirates and show the likes of Granit Xhaka how a real midfielder plays.
His days in Monaco saw him start out as a right-sided full-back, and what he will have learnt bombing up and down the right flank will have been a valuable lesson as he transferred to being a midfielder. When he first joined Anfield the fans will have expected him to play as a defensive midfielder but it seems clear that he’s more than capable of being a box-to-box man who can spray passes forward and turn defence into attack quickly.
You can read The Kopites’ calls for Fabinho to start here:
The Reds want to see Fabinho start against Arsenal and will hope he can show what he’s all about when the world is watching him at The Emirates.
The name Julio Pleguezuelo may not mean much to a lot of Arsenal fans, but last saw the Spanish centre-back start against Blackpool at the heart of The Gunners defence in the 2-1 win in the Carabao Cup 4th round. Starting alongside Shkodran Mustafi, the Spaniard looked calm and assured and the fans want to see more from the 21-year-old in the next few months.
After the game, and the quarter-final draw, Pleguezuelo featured in a video put out by Arsenal’s Twitter page where he thanked the fans for their support and told the fans that they couldn’t wait to face – and beat – Tottenham in the last eight of the competition. The fans, in response, have called for the 21-year-old defender to be given more game time after his commanding display from the heart of The Gunners’ defence last night.
His performance will be giving Unai Emery selection headaches. Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Laurent Koscielny and Dinos Mavropanos are all sidelined and are whilst they’re all nearing a return, it probably won’t be safe to throw them in for first team action just yet, leaving just Rob Holding and Mustafi as the senior centre-backs. Now, though, with the 21-year-old Spaniard proving his worth, it will be interesting to see how Emery lines his side up for Liverpool on Saturday evening.
You can read The Gunners’ thoughts on Pleguezuelo here:
The Gunners will be keen to see more from Pleguezuelo in the coming months and will hope he starts against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Manchester United must travel the short distance to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday where they’ll meet Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions, Manchester City.
The Red Devils arrive in 7th place in the table and already nine points short of table-toppers City. Though, whilst on paper this ought to be a fairly straightforward victory for the Cityzens, this fierce local rivalry often serves up surprises.
In order for United to stand any chance of victory though, Jose Mourinho must get his team selection right. A problem position for United right now is the centre-forward role.
In Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez, they have two big-money stars in awful goalscoring form. Therefore, for this huge derby clash, Mourinho should be bold and entrust the central striking duties to the 21-year-old 29-cap England man, Marcus Rashford.
United fans certainly seem to favour Rashford. In our poll, he received a total of 58 votes. Second choice Sanchez was trailed by the big Belgian No. 9, Lukaku, who amassed an embarrassing -20 score. See the full results below.
England take on Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Sunday with all to play for for both sides in the Nations League. For the Three Lions and the visitors, victory would mean topping the group and passage to the knockout phase, whilst defeat would condemn them to the ignominy of relegation.
Both sides come into this must-win clash in good form and full of confidence and it should certainly be an engrossing spectacle at Wembley this weekend.
If England are to stand any chance of victory, they can’t afford to let Croatia’s Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic run the show. Gareth Southgate must be sure to pick a mobile, hard-working man in the middle to chase down and harry the Croatian playmakers.
Check out the harsh words the Playmaker FC squad had to say about Wayne Rooney’s England career in the video above…
Either Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson or Spurs’ Eric Dier are the most suitable candidates for this task. However, playing both of them together causes England’s midfield to lack creativity and incision. Therefore, it must be one or the other, with more dynamic options around them, such as Dele Alli and Ross Barkley.
Of the two, Henderson’s experience, stamina and passing range makes him a preferable option over Dier.
What do you think, England fans – should Henderson or Dier start against Croatia?