All posts by h79snht.top

He’s the gum chewing, former no nonsense defender that has a style of football that upsets some and pacifies others.

Sam Allardyce was regularly criticised by West Ham fans in his four years at the Upton Park club, but when you looked at what he was asked to do and what he did, then there is an element of success.

His style of play may not have been to everyone’s liking and certainly wasn’t the ‘West Ham way,’ but he was asked to get promotion and keep them in the Premier League. He did that and no more. It’s not easy to get a team recently relegated to the Championship back into the Premier League at the first time of asking but that’s what Sam did, albeit via the play-offs. Since then, there have been forays into the bottom half of the table at the Boleyn, but he did exactly what was asked of him.

West Ham’s plight in the second half of last year was a bit of a disaster, as they crashed out of the FA Cup, 4-0 away to West Brom, and slid from fourth in the league at Christmas down to 12th with only three wins in the league after the New Year.

Although Sam’s return to East London was one to forget for Sunderland last weekend, he can be rightfully proud of handing over the reins of a stable club to Slaven Bilic. Don’t forget that although Big Sam didn’t seem to use the talents of the academy on many occasions, he did make some shrewd signings that are paying dividends now. Adrian, Cheikhou Kouyate, Aaron Cresswell, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia were all Sam Allardyce signings.

Bilic praised Allardyce just recently by saying: “Sam did great for West Ham.

“He has managed for 20 years very successfully, and he took West Ham at a moment when we were in the Championship. He got us up straight away and stabilised us in the Premier League, so he did a great job here.”

At Sunderland, he will become another hero if he can keep them in the Premier League. Allardyce is always touted as the man you want if you need to stay up because at this point, he has never been relegated from the top division. Never say never, though.

His job is tough because The Black Cats are inconsistent to say the least, but they can now concentrate on the league with only 10 games to go. His defensive formation and the addition of Kirchhoff and Kone should enhance a frail defence, though Kone’s use of the ball at West Ham was appalling while Kirchhoff is playing more as a midfielder.

Allardyce knows just how hard this job is going to be and it’s probably the toughest he’s had so far. Talking to BBC Sport, the 61-year-old ex-West Ham manager said: “It’s a flaw in our character on occasions.

“We’re creating more chances than the opposition, but we’re not converting them – and at the other end, we’re always conceding the goals.”

This is going to be a struggle, but if anyone can, then Sam can.

Before all of these struggles ever occurred, Allardyce managed Limerick, Blackpool and Notts County before managing Bolton Wanderers from 1999 to 2007. Sam came to prominence with Bolton and led them to a League Cup final, as well as guiding them to UEFA Cup qualification for the first time in their history. He made big name signings too, as the likes of Jay Jay Ococha joined his revolution and made the club one that was difficult to beat.

Big Sam made it very apparent that he was disappointed not to get the England job in 2006 and subsequently left Bolton due to a lack of silverware. In 2007 he joined Newcastle, but that was short lived, as in 2008, following a string of poor results and fan protests, Allardyce left and found life at Blackburn not much better. Despite some resounding results against the big four, the club didn’t seem to progress very much and it’s said that Allardyce was just unlucky at Ewood Park, but once again he was sacked.

You have to remember that whilst his footballing style hasn’t always been richly admired, Sam’s teams do get results. He has never been relegated from the top flight, he has the ability to stabilise teams and if you reflect on his early managerial career, Allardyce’s spell at Bloomfield Road included him leading Blackpool to their most successful season in years. At Notts County, he won promotion at the first attempt by finishing top of Division Three in 1997–98.

Notts County broke several club and national records, winning the title by a 19 point margin and becoming the first post-war side to win promotion in March. At Bolton it was top 10 finishes and European football, and so it goes on.

He may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Big Sam is a safe pair of hands and Sunderland have a better chance of staying up with him than without him. He deserves more credit than he often gets.

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It seems like every day there is a new media report about something that is utterly false. Some stories just seem to come out of thin air, with absolutely nothing but a mysterious ‘source’ to back up the claim, but clearly without very much backing at all.A lot of these stories, whilst perhaps not purely fabricated, are at least based upon idle speculation. Sometimes, as seems to be the case very often with Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool these days, it’s because a manager has worked with a player with some degree of success in the past. Other times it’s speculation based on what a player or a manager said months or even years ago.But today’s reports in the Sun told us that Mesut Ozil would leave Arsenal if Arsene Wenger stayed at the club past this summer.And then something happened that never happens, and it makes you wonder why not. Mesut Ozil himself took to Twitter to rubbish the reports.

In an age where the biggest and juiciest news stories – such as this one – get the full viral treatment, being shared, rehashed and repackaged by other news outlets, it would seem like the best way to quell the rumours would simply be to jump onto your phone and put a stop to it there and then.

Footballers are notorious for their misuse of social media, but maybe if were to take to Twitter and the like to rubbish lazy news stories then maybe journalists would think twice about writing stories with no basis. That certainly seems like the most prudent way a footballer should use his smartphone. Just a thought.

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After Manchester United sacked the widely criticised Louis van Gaal on Monday, it’s seemed destined that Jose Mourinho will be their next boss.

‘Mou’ has long awaited his opportunity for the Man United job, and now, ‘The Special One’ inherits a team with budding prospects, ageing staples and loads of money to spend. Winning is synonymous with the Red Devils, and as Mourinho has shown over the years that the same goes for him.

The Portuguese manager is one of only five head coaches to win a title in four different countries. Now, with his dream job in his palms, he will have the opportunity to excel once again. Mourinho has already sacked nearly the entire United coaching staff, aside from longtime Red Devil, Ryan Giggs.

United’s recent FA Cup victory propels them into next season on a high note, and Mourinho is sure to be hungry to return to his winning ways.

These are the FIVE reasons why Mourinho and Manchester United are a match made in heaven…

He has wanted this job for years

After Mourinho was sacked from the Chelsea managerial position less than a year after winning the Premier League, he was dubbed ‘desperate’ for the Man United job.

Mourinho’s 2015/16 season with Chelsea was perhaps the most disappointing of his career. ‘The Special One’ hardly resembled his moniker as Chelsea suffered nine losses in the team’s first 16 games.

The recent failure will motivate Mourinho. The last time he had such a disappointment was his final season with Real Madrid in 2012/13, after which he left Spain and joined Chelsea – within two years he formed a Premier League-winning squad.

He has always coveted the prospect of managing at United, and now he gets the opportunity to restore excellence for himself and the club after a hugely disappointing spell.

He will explore the market

One of Mourinho’s calling cards is a propensity to explore the transfer market. He did it in Real Madrid when the club acquired Mesut Ozil, and again when he brought in Didier Drogba with Chelsea. Both players thrived under the Portuguese manager.

Now, at one of the world’s most recognisable clubs, Mourinho has £270m to work with. Reports have suggested that Mourinho has already indicated that he wants to reunite with midfielder Wesley Sneijder, who, together, propelled Inter Milan to a Champions league title in 2010. Acquiring the playmaker would provide the necessary boost that United’s midfield needs, with Wayne Rooney ageing and younger players untested at Old Trafford.

In addition, ‘The Special One’ is interested in landing Zlatan Ibrahimovic from PSG. The world-class striker has clearly indicated he will be leaving PSG and it appears the new United manager listened.

John Stones is another potential target. Mourinho will use the extensive resources available to form the team he feels will succeed.

His formation has worked

Mourinho is much maligned for his ‘park the bus’ strategy, a defensive mindset that may not sit well with the Man United faithful, but that isn’t necessarily an accurate pretence.

His 4-2-3-1 style shone in his second stint with Chelsea. His strategy of playing defensively in big games, then counter-attacking isn’t always welcomed by fans, yet Mourinho wins wherever he goes.

His teams also score quite often. In his tenure at Real Madrid, his side outscored Barcelona in two out of three seasons, while Chelsea also finished in the top three of goals scored in his full two seasons during his second stint with the club.

Louis van Gaal’s style of play was constantly criticised by United fans. The team finished 10th in scoring out of all Premier League teams this season, a far cry from what is expected at Old Trafford.

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Boisterous personality

Wherever Mourinho goes, conversation and drama follow. United’s most successful manager of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson, admitted he was “ruthless,” but he saw the approach as necessary for success.

Sound familiar? Mourinho constantly engages in dialogue with fans, media and players alike. He pushes his stars to the brink of disdain, but it has worked in several cases.

Mourinho is comical with his goal celebrations and he patrols the touch line with a confident bravado. He often isn’t the most likeable manager, but the United faithful will experience nostalgia if and when Mourinho wins at Old Trafford.

A blue chip club like United just needs a personality like Mourinho. David Moyes’ reserved nature didn’t coincide with the passion that circulates around United as a whole.

Now the club has one of the world’s most well-known personalities as its head man.

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United’s win-now philosophy

The Red Devils are eager to return to the top of the Premier League standings – the last time United won the league they has long dominated was the 2012/13 season. Currently, the club is in the midst of its longest spell without a title for some time – the last time United went three years without a Premier League championship was a decade ago.

Similarly, Mourinho is addicted to winning and has always wanted his players to feel the same. His self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ creates expectations to succeed.

And throughout his career, Mourinho has done so. He has won 22 titles in four different countries throughout his career.

Mourinho’s past successes place massive expectations on ‘The Special One’ to be the one who revamps United.

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“I wouldn’t change Kieran Tierney for anyone. You see his attitude, it’s always first class and he’ll only get better. He can play at the highest level if he continues to develop.” – Ronny Deila.

“He’d tackle his granny and he’d go into any situation and thrive just because of his attitude. He’s a born winner, a born leader and he’s a great young lad.” – Scott Brown.

The gushing praise for Kieran Tierney this season has not just come from Celtic fans but, as evidenced above, from his former manager and captain, too.  If you’re not familiar with him, it’s time to join the bandwagon. As an uncompromising, hard as nails and determined full-back he’s lit up the left wing of his boyhood heroes this season.

Since his debut at the age of just 17 away to Dundee, he hasn’t looked back, despite suffering a broken foot and being up against an established international star in his position. In just 389 days he notched up another 34 appearances for the club, all of them starts. For Celtic fans it feels like he’s already been playing for years. Unafraid to surge forward and eager to fly into precise tackles, he’s everything they want in a footballer.

He was perhaps always destined to be a star. Before he’d made the first team he was already making a name for himself, famously scoring from the edge of his own area for Celtic’s Development Side in 2014. The video was uploaded to YouTube and, as these things do, went around the world.

Before that even he was catching the eye. Celtic icon Shunsuke Nakamura once gave the young player his boots after a training session in 2006, when Tierney was just eight years old, because he had already stood out at being best in possession. He still has them in a glass case in his home.

Later a Japanese camera crew came to Celtic Park to produce a film on the Japanese star and again the young starlet was singled out. He spoke on camera about his admiration for the former Celtic midfielder and was filmed at his home practicing skills made famous by the Japanese superstar.

It’s brilliant footage showing not only that the club has always been a massive part of his life but that he has always had the potential to make it as a pro footballer.

This season that potential has had the chance to burst into life. Swashbuckling, all-action displays regardless of how the rest of the team is performing has meant he’s firmly become a fans favourite. He’s been immune to the criticism given to his teammates at times. His passion for Celtic and desire to win is clear to see every time he steps across the white line. In the minds of supporters he could be any one of them.

It’s a breakthrough and ability noted by his opposition. Earlier this month he was voted as the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year by his fellow professionals. A sign that all the bluster isn’t unwarranted hype from the Celtic camp.

The Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has also recognised his talent. Tierney won his first cap for Scotland against Denmark in March before ever appearing for the U-21 side. Impressing both pundits and fans, Tierney put in a excellent debut performance, even saving a certain Danish equaliser with a typically accurate challenge. The faith from Strachan to give national responsibility to him at such a young age is a testament to his character.

Is he the next great Celtic player? That of course remains to be seen but his first year as a senior footballer could not have gone better. There are already people predicting he’s a future captain, there are already comparisons to Celtic legend Danny McGrain. Predictions that at face value seem too soon and too fast. But who would bet against it?

The Bhoys haven’t produced a home grown, first class, top tier talent in a generation. If anyone has a chance of doing that it’s Kieran Tierney. We’ll be watching closely.

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Footballers these days may not all be shining beacons of morality. But there are some that come across as genuinely likeable and good people, and we’re going to go through the top TEN of some of our favourite players.

From brilliant goalscorers and players who do all of their talking on the pitch, to those who are likeable for who they are off of it, it’s truly a mixed bag. And it will be agreed that these TEN are some of the good guys and just general jokers of the football world.

Of course there are likeable players throughout the football universe so if you think you know of any that weren’t included in this list then please feel free to comment and let us know some of your favourites and why…

10. David Luiz

The former Chelsea man is known for his somewhat erratic defending. But the people all over love him for his wacky personality he brings off the pitch. His jokey presence makes him a popular figure in any dressing room and he comes across as a very grounded player who is happy to communicate with football fans everywhere. And that haircut is so glorious… it’s difficult to hate a man like David.

9. Mesut Ozil

The Arsenal playmaking wizard has lit things up at Emirates since he made his move from the Spanish capital. Since making the move to London, Premier League fans have begun to notice his off the field antics. At the 2014 World Cup where Germany came home winners, Mesut used his bonus from winning to give 23 Brazilian children life-saving surgery. He is also a devout Muslim and shows a lot of commitment towards his religion.

8. Juan Mata

Juan Mata always plays football with a smile on his face and is a player who loves to get fans on their feet. After he scored in a 1-0 win against Norwich he went to celebrate with a disabled fan, probably giving him and his family a memory of a lifetime. Aside from this Mata keeps a regular blog so fans can have an idea of his thoughts and feelings behind big events over the season, he even used this platform to thank Chelsea supporters for their kindness after his move to Man Utd.

7. Vincent Kompany

Vincent Kompany has been a stalwart (when not injured) for the blue half of Manchester. But it isn’t his club football that is necessarily winning him the adoration of football fans all of the land. His punditry work while he has been away from the pitch has made him appear much more grounded than many people may expect. He also does a lot of charity work and has given a lot back to his parental county of DR Congo.

6.Thomas Muller

Thomas Muller. How do you define him as a footballer? Without appearing to be spectacular at anything he always pops up with lots of goals. To add to that he is clearly utterly hilarious, so much so that his league had enough material of him fooling around to make a compilation dedicated to his hilarity. He even gave Dante such a hard time after Germany beat Brazil to the extent where management had to have a word. Here’s to you, Thomas, keep doing whatever it is you’re doing.

5. Ronaldinho

Not so relevant as it looks like with everyday that passes his playing days may be gone but wherever you can appreciate just brilliant Ronaldinho is, you should take that oppurunity. One of the most well liked footballers among the community he has always played with a smile on his face, add to that he was instrumental in helping give Lionel Messi the confidence he needed when he came through, Ronaldinho is the gift that keep on giving.

4. Didier Drogba

How many footballers have built hospitals and stopped civil wars? Not many you can imagine. So a special place is reserved for Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. The former Blues frontman may be the personification of a nightmare to some Arsenal fans but away from the pitch Drogba has given a lot to the country he represented at international level; Ivory Coast. Any Chelsea fan will tell you their adoration for this man but if a footballer is also an international peacekeeper, then he deserves to make this list.

3. Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso. A classy player with a personality to match. After touring some of the biggest football clubs in the world Xabi has claimed plaudits wherever he’s been. An interview with ex-teammate and now pundit Jamie Carragher gives you a flavour of how he can control the tempo of conversation with the same effect as he can control a game on the pitch.

Alonso brings an air of calmness wherever he goes and will surely be remembered as one of the greats when he calls it time to hang up his boots.

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2. Peter Crouch

Peter Crouch. From scoring last minute goals to put Spurs into the Champions League to bringing the robot back to British dancefloors all over the country, the man gives entertainment from every angle. A reporter once asked him what he’d be if he wasn’t a footballer and he simply replied with ‘A virgin’. It is this sense of self-awareness that has won him a place in the heart of many Premier league fans. Add to the fact that he has got the potential to score an absolute worldy then you have someone who deserves placement high up this list!

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1. Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero. This man has truly upset the apple cart of the Premier League since joining the Blue half of Manchester. From scoring THE goal that needs no more description, Aguero’s determination to always shine on the football pitch has shone through brightly and even Manchester United fans are finding it hard to have bad words to say about their rivals talisman.

Although over the last couple of season he has struggled with injuries he has finished every season around the top scorer positions and is always a source of goals.

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For all of Liverpool’s great attacking play, they do have an alarming weakness – and it’s a significant one – defending. The Reds frailties at the back were for all to see on the opening weekend of the Premier League against Arsenal as they raced into a stunning 4-1 lead before almost throwing the game away.

The saying ‘snatching defeat from the jaws of victory’ has been apt for a lot of the Reds’ performances in recent memory and that is something Jurgen Klopp needs to stamp out. The German has bought defensive reinforcements in the form of Joel Matip and Loris Karius but could really do with a midfielder that can defend as well as attack.

It looked as though Gary Medel was going to be that man but reportedly a bid was rejected by Inter Milan for the Chilean leaving Liverpool to reassess their options.

Recently, we’ve teamed up with 7 Of The Best to bring you a footballing treat for the coming campaign. It’s free to play and the best team each week wins £1,500, as well as monthly prize of £4,000 for the best individual.  Want to win bigger? Nab yourself a whopping £500k if you get all seven of your selections correct for seven consecutive weeks.

So in the 7 Of The Best spirit, here are SEVEN Gary Medel alternatives for Klopp to look at…

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Mahmoud Dahoud

Liverpool certainly seem interested in Dahoud and have seen a bid rejected for him turned down according to The Sun. The young German has a lot expected of him but does not seem too bothered by it in the centre of midfield as his performances have far exceeded what someone of his age should be doing. Monchengladbach look determined to keep hold of him so the Reds will have to carefully plan their next bid.

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Marco Verratti

Verratti is a real fighter in the centre of the pitch despite his slight frame. The young Italian gets around the playing surface with ease and would give the Reds some much needed bite in the midfield battle. His disciplinary record could be improved but at 23 there’s time for him to bring that control into his game and whilst it might cost good money to take him from PSG, he’d be worth it.

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Max Meyer

Meyer ticks a lot of boxes for what Liverpool look for in a player. He’s young but he’s shown he’s more than capable of playing at the top level for Schalke and also has a full German international cap under his belt. He’s a slightly more creative force than Medel but can still handle himself on the pitch whilst his ability to carry the ball would ensure the Reds’ transitions from defence to attack are rapid.

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Riccardo Saponara

Saponara is a very industrious player like Medel but carries a far bigger goal-threat with twelve goals in 49 games for Empoli. At 24-years-old the next few years are vital in his career and Jurgen Klopp might feel it’s time to take a punt on a player that would carry a small fee yet can play in a number of positions in midfield. At over six foot he’s a physical presence too and Liverpool need that.

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Julian Weigl

Weigl is a new type of deep lying midfielder that will only become more popular in the next few years. Whereas most holding players are expected to just break attacks up and play it simply the young German can dictate the tempo of the game. He’s seen by Dortmund as the natural successor to the departed Ilkay Gundogan so for the Reds to sign him they’ll need deep pockets.

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Ignacio Camacho

Malaga’s Camacho has been a permanent fixture in their side since 2011 because he knows exactly how to carry out his job well. The one time Spanish international has twelve goals to his name with his current club so whilst he doesn’t score loads he lets the rest of his team play as he holds the fort. Balance between attack and defence is exactly what Liverpool need and Camacho would provide it.

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Ruben Neves

Liverpool have been linked with the Porto star but as yet no more has come of it. He’s only 19 but no-one gets near him in terms of taking his position for the Portuguese side and it won’t be long until he’s a permanent part of the Portugal national team. He has two senior caps to his name already and as the European Champions usher in a new era he’s sure to make many more.

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We love opinions here in the Transfer Tavern, though sometimes the views of some fans at the bar can leave us questioning their sanity.

Nevertheless a discussion about who we like as a footballer and who we don’t think is much good, is always welcome and is what makes the game so watchable.

In recent years we’ve seen Manchester City fans go from discussing the iconic Shaun Goater to the perhaps even more iconic, Sergio Aguero in a dramatic turnaround of their fortunes.

Some of them still struggle to comprehend players like the Argentine play for their club and naturally, rate him as one of their best ever.

They’re quite right to do so with Aguero, but some City players seem to get off lightly simply because they are part of this new era at the club.

There’s some players at the Etihad that really aren’t that good anyway or still have quite a bit to prove.

Our landlord can think of some for sure, here are THREE of them…

Gael Clichy

The left-back came through at Arsenal dubbed by our landlord as the next Ashley Cole, but hasn’t got anywhere near that level.

He found his way to Manchester City though and somehow still has a place in the side.

He’s an okay left-back but there are many out there who would be better for City, whilst it also speaks volumes that he still has to battle Patrice Evra for the French starting spot despite him being 35.

Claudio Bravo

The way Joe Hart has not even been given a chance to prove himself to Pep Guardiola suggests the Chilean international Bravo is light-years ahead of the Englishmanm but truth be known he’s not.

He might be slightly better than Hart with his feet but apart from that there isn’t much to note, and you have to say to sign a goalkeeper who is 33 and appear so desperate to want him, is a tad odd.

Bacary Sagna

The French right-back wasn’t great at Arsenal yet somehow secured a move to Manchester City.

He has pace and power in abundance, but defensively there are a lot better out there and that’s what seems to be overlooked, wrongly, at the moment with full-backs.

He shouldn’t really get near the team when Pablo Zabaleta is fit, but sometimes does and that in itself is a complete mystery.

It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since Celtic beat Barcelona in Parkhead. It’s also hard to believe that only four of the Barcelona starting lineup from that day are still at the club.

Only Jordi Alba, Javier Mascherano, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi remain from the Barcelona starting line-up that night, plus Gerard Pique who came off the bench.

It’s also a completely different Celtic team, of course, and that was the last time a Celtic side has managed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League. Since then, Celtic have been pottering around the play-off rounds and languishing in the Europa League, for the most part.

But the arrival of Brendan Rodgers has changed the feel of the club. New, exciting players have arrived, and it now feels like Celtic have a manager and a playing squad befitting of a club with a European Cup in the trophy cabinet.

But no matter how big you are, playing Barcelona is a difficult task. They are without a doubt one of the best teams to ever play the game, their front three is perhaps the most fearsome ever assembled, and they enjoy an embarrassing amount of possession even against clubs who are considered amongst Europe’s elite.

And yet, Barcelona have lost three of their last six home games in the league, the latest to newly-promoted Alaves at the weekend. Can Celtic exploit that poor form and grab a result at the Camp Nou tonight?

Here’s five things they need to do to get a result against the best team in the world…

Have a solid gameplan and stick to it

Barcelona are coming off the back of a fairly embarrassing defeat at the Camp Nou.

The defeat is, of course, mitigated by the fact that Barcelona are always at their most vulnerable after an international break (some very key players have to travel to South America and back) and the fact that Barcelona rested most of those players anyway with the Celtic game in mind.

That makes it harder for Celtic than it was for Alaves, of course, but they came to the Camp Nou with a solid gameplan and they stuck to it. Celtic need to do the same.

It sounds easy, simple, but it’s not. There is a natural tendency to be overawed by the occasion, by the huge stadium, by the players you’re playing, but keeping your discipline is half the battle of getting a result in Barcelona.

Don’t get dragged out of position by dummy runners, make sure you stick to your position, identify real danger rather than tracking a man who poses no threat. It’s all easier said than done, and when you don’t have the ball the whole game, the fatigue – both mental and physical – take their toll. It’s not easy, but sticking to it for 90 minutes is the key to success.

Cut down space between midfield and defence

It’s one thing having a game plan, but you also have to have the right gameplan!

The most effective against Barcelona – as Alaves this season and Atletico Madrid in last season’s Champions League proved – is to close down the space between the midfield and the defence.

That space is where Messi and Iniesta want to play. They slip in between midfield and defence, defenders don’t want to step out and midfielders don’t want to step back. That leads to confusion but also to players getting dragged out of position: fertile ground for a clever run and a threaded pass.

Play five defenders?

One of the ways Alaves ensured this space was covered was by playing with five defenders. That meant there was always a back four, even if one defender stepped out to track a player trying to play in between the lines.

But playing with a back five means being very disciplined.

Three central defenders can cut down space, but that also creates extra gaps that can be exploited between defenders. Whereas with a back four you only have spaces between two centre backs and full backs, playing with an extra defender creates an extra gap that can be exploited.

Whatever the formation, being disciplined and making sure that gaps aren’t wide enough for Barcelona to do anything with them is essential.

Make the right decisions on the counter attack

It’s all well and good defending, but you can’t do it for 90 minutes.

Aside from the fact that Barcelona will have more time to pick an opening if you try to defend the entire game, you’ll also get too tired mentally and physically. You need to support the attack.

Players must be prepared to bury themselves because without the ball they are going to be running the whole game anyway, but they’ll also have to be prepared to take it forward when they get it. Making the right decisions on the counter attack isn’t only about creating a chance and landing a killer blow, but it’s also about taking the pressure off for a few minutes.

Making the right decisions on the counter attack isn’t only about creating a chance and landing a killer blow, but it’s also about taking the pressure off for a few minutes.

Exploit Barca’s home weakness

If you do defend with discipline, and you do counter attack with a clear head, there might be a chance to nick a goal.

Barcelona have, after all, lost three of their last six La Liga games at the Camp Nou, so there’s a weakness to exploit.

Against Alaves, new goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen looked fragile and with Marc-Andre Ter Stegen just returning from injury, Luis Enrique may not feel it prudent to risk the German stopper against Celtic.

The departure of Dani Alves also leaves a gap that Celtic might be able to exploit – Sergi Roberto is the jack-of-all-trades in the Barcelona squad, but not a natural right back, whilst Aleix Vidal hasn’t looked convincing since his move last summer, though he has only been able to play for the club since last January due to the club’s player registration ban.

Tottenham Hotspur’s October struggles continued this weekend as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

Whilst Mauricio Pochettino’s men were decent value for their point, Spurs haven’t quite top gear in recent weeks compared to the blistering form we saw earlier on in the season.

They’ve scored only once in their last three games, which have all coincidentally ended in draws. It’s not a poor run of form by any means but the Spurs faithful will be hoping their team can turn it around sooner rather than later, in order to avoid falling into a rut.

But attention now turns to the EFL Cup, where Spurs travel to Liverpool on Tuesday evening. It’s a game both manager’s will want to win but one which also gives them a good opportunity to rest some key players whist giving others a chance.

With that in mind, Football FanCast have constructed an XI that, despite a number of changes, will steer Spurs past Liverpool and into the quarter finals.

GK: Michel Vorm

Hugo Lloris has been in fantastic form for Spurs over the past few weeks but the EFL Cup gives manager Mauricio Pochettino the chance to bring Michel Vorm into the first-team.

He’s a competent, confident goalkeeper who will more than likely feature heavily in this competition going forward.

RB: Kieran Trippier

Kieran Trippier had a fantastic evening in Germany as Spurs held Bayer Leverkusen to a 0-0 draw and he more than warrants another start after that performance.

He was direct, read the game well and helped his team-mates in attack. If Trippier impresses again, a first-team berth might be on the horizon too.

CB: Eric Dier

Dier has had to play second-fiddle at times this season but we’re expecting him to slot in at centre-back for the game against the Reds.

He was one of Spurs’ standout stars last term and with a little more game time, there’s no reason why he can’t shine again this season too.

CB: Kevin Wimmer

Austrian international Kevin Wimmer has been forced to bide his time when it comes to first-team minutes but with Toby Alderweireld facing a spell on the touchlines, a strong performance on Tuesday evening good be his path into the first-team.

LB: Ben Davies

Another fringe player who will relish the chance to start against Liverpool is former Swansea man Ben Davies.

The form of Danny Rose has made it increasingly difficult for the Welshman to break into the senior side at times, but a strong showing here could give boss Pochettino some real food for thought.

CDM: Tom Carroll

Spurs academy graduate Tom Carroll is finally beginning to see his hard work pay off as he continues to flirt with the Spurs first-team.

He made over 25 appearances for Spurs last season and will be hoping to better that this campaign but with the quality Pochettino has in his ranks, he’ll have to take his chances to impress.

CDM: Victor Wanyama

Whilst this is a great chance to give fringe players a go, Spurs do need to keep some seniority in their ranks for the Liverpool clash.

There is perhaps no other holding player in the division that Victor Wanyama, who offers his defence fantastic protection throughout the entirety of the game.

RM: Georges-Kévin N’Koudou

Georges-Kévin N’Koudou was a summer signing from Ligue 1 giants Marseille and like many others in this XI, he’ll be hoping to be given the nod to show Spurs fans what he can really do.

We haven’t seen an awful lot of him yet. But he’s a winger that packs a real punch going forward and a player who might relish a battle with the likes of Alberto Moreno.

CAM: Dele Alli

This was very much a toss-up between Moussa Sissoko and Dele Alli, but we’ve elected to go with the Englishman on this occasion.

He brings so much quality to the Spurs attack and even though Liverpool won’t be playing a first-team, they won’t be easy to break down in the slightest. Dele Alli will provide that class needed in the final third to make things happen and most importantly, see Spurs progress to the next round.

LM: Erik Lamela

Despite a tricky start to his Spurs career, Erik Lamela has very much turned into the Mr. Reliable of this team, continually cropping up with goals and assists.

He’s a great player to have in the squad and one that can very much change this type of game in an instant.

ST: Vincent Janssen

Vincent Janssen isn’t having the best of times his summer move from AZ Alkmaar but the Spurs management seem to still be behind him in the hope he’ll turn things around.

He’s a little short of confidence, however – something that would be easily sorted if he slotted home a couple of goals on Tuesday evening.

According to an exclusive from The Express, Southampton are lining up a January loan bid for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, with the view to £25million permanent transfer next summer.

What’s the word?

As Football FanCast discussed earlier this week, Southampton and Liverpool have struck up a rather unique relationship in the transfer market, with the latter club splashing out just shy of £100million on the former’s talent over the last few summers – their biggest outlay being a £36million deal for Saido Mane in the last transfer window.

But The Express suggest a role reversal in January, with Southampton reportedly preparing a loan bid for Liverpool’s out-out-favour front-man Daniel Sturridge, who has made just four Premier League starts this season and is still awaiting his first goal in the top flight.

The Express also mention interest from West Ham and Stoke City, echoing recent reports from Mirror Football – who claim the former Chelsea and Man City striker is ready to force an exit in the new year.

Does Sturridge have a future at Anfield?

Currently, the situation looks bleak. Despite scoring in last term’s Europa League final, Jurgen Klopp has made it abundantly clear this season that Sturridge doesn’t fit into his gegenpressing philosophy, which asks the central striker to trigger the high press.

Roberto Firmino has overtaken the England international in that regard, demonstrating fantastic chemistry with Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho in the process, whilst even 21-year-old Divock Origi, very much still a diamond in the rough, has been preferred to Sturridge on occasion this season.

Last weekend, when Liverpool coincidentally faced Southampton, provided perhaps the greatest evidence yet of Klopp losing his faith in Sturridge. As revealed on Match of the Day, Coutinho, Firmino and Mane travelled in excess of 30,000 miles collectively during the international break and it showed in a somewhat laboured attacking performance at St. Mary’s. Despite this, Sturridge started on the bench and wasn’t brought on until the final twelve minutes.

Would he drop down the table?

No doubt, Sturridge is a phenomenal talent – perhaps the most naturally gifted England striker of his generation – and has always scored consistently when fully fit wit the exception of the current campaign. But having already plied his trade with three of the Premier League’s top clubs, it seems unlikely the 27-year-old will be completing another move to the division’s summit any time soon.

So a move down the league, especially if its to take place mid-season, seems the more plausible scenario. At the same time, Southampton represent a much sturdier proposition than Stoke City or West Ham, who are currently looking nervously over their shoulders at the relegation zone after poor starts to the campaign – although the Potters have steadily improved in recent weeks.

That being said, in regards to a permanent move to the south coast, we’re not so convinced. Southampton have shown a lack of ambition in recent years but Sturridge will be well aware Europa League clubs, at a bare minimum, will hold an interest in his services – even if it requires a move abroad.