Aston Villa: Gregg Evans makes major claim

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has suggested that Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis will get his chance to shine against Everton in the Premier League.

What’s the story?

In what was a disappointing afternoon all-round for Dean Smith’s side on Sunday against Manchester United, Ollie Watkins received his marching orders late on in the game and will now miss the upcoming clash against the Toffees.

And, responding to a question in his post-match Q&A for The Athletic, Evans said: “Sure Davis will get his chance against Everton now. Will be good for him, but a shame for Watkins who would have liked to maintain his 100% attendance record.”

Time for Keinan Davis

With 15 goals in 37 games in all competitions in his debut campaign for the club, there’s no questioning that Watkins has been an absolute success story at Villa Park this season.

What has been even more remarkable arguably, is the fact he had played every single minute in the Premier League up until the point he was sent off against United on Sunday.

But with him now missing, Smith will surely turn to Davis to be his main man when the Toffees come to town in mid-week, with Wesley surely unlikely to be given a start just yet given the nature of his knee injury.

Davis has been restricted to just substitute appearances all season due to Watkins’ form, but has recently shown the ability to change a game off the bench, providing an assist against Fulham and then netting a late equaliser against West Brom.

The striker will surely be champing at the bit to make his mark on the side, and give Smith the belief that he’s someone who the manager can really rely upon going forward.

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It’s exactly why Villa fans will be buzzing at finally seeing Davis get his reward of starting from the off when they take on Everton at home on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, this Villa ace had a shocker vs Man Utd…

Rodgers conflicted on Leicester rotation

Brendan Rodgers’ comments over Youri Tielemans have caused confusion as the season moves into its twilight.

Due to the Foxes’ hectic schedule, having been involved in the UEFA Europa League this season, the Foxes’ boss has said that he would have ‘wanted’ to rest Youri Tielemans more than he has so far this campaign.

This makes sense considering that the Belgian is Leicester’s most used player this campaign having made 37 appearances in all competitions.

As a matter of fact, the £45m-rated midfielder has played 400 more minutes than anyone else in the Leicester City squad.

In that time, he has been in sparkling form, hitting seven goals and providing four assists in all competitions this season.

Due to Tielemans’ commitment so far this season, Rodgers has even gone as far as to say that he would ‘love to take him out’ of the starting XI, but with injuries to Dennis Praet, James Maddison and Ayoze Perez, that has simply not been possible.

The decision has almost been taken out of the Foxes’ boss’ hands but these recent comments are particularly jarring though when looking at Rodgers’ opinion of the 23-year-old just a little under four months ago.

Following a win against Leeds United against Elland Road, the Northern-Irishman said that Tielemans was better when in ‘rhythm’ and did not want to give him a rest.

Of course, Rodgers is entitled to change his mind on his squad as they got to grips with the UEFA Europa League and injuries started to hit but it’s a confusing change in opinion.

With the number of players missing, it almost became a necessity to keep playing Tielemans – as per Rodgers’ recent comments concerning a rest.

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It now looks hugely unlikely that the former AS Monaco will finally be afforded time to rotate having once again been included from the off in Wednesday’s clash against Burnley at Turf Moor.

It will be interesting to see as the Foxes’ injury crisis abates later on in the season whether Tielemans is afforded a well-earned rest or whether Rodgers allows him to keep his “rhythm” and play through the fatigue.

AND in other news, take a look at our Leicester City predicted XI to take on Burnley…

Everton: Darren Bent reacts to Moise Kean joining PSG on loan

Darren Bent has given a rather blunt reaction to Moise Kean leaving Everton on loan for the rest of the 2020/21 term to join PSG.

Indeed, the Italy international has managed to get himself a move away from the Merseyside club to the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League finalists.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa striker gave Football Insider his thoughts on the move:

“First and foremost, he must have the best agent on earth to get a move to PSG because that is crazy.

“He’s going there, I understand it. He’s probably sitting there thinking ‘I’m sitting on Everton’s bench, I may as well go and sit on PSG’s’.

“At least he’ll get to play with the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, players like that. He might as well go and do that.

“It has been difficult  for him and he has found it really tough, but if he does need game time, I don’t think he’s going to get it there.”

Kean struggling at Everton

Indeed, Kean only managed to score a mere four goals and make just two assists in 37 matches over all competitions for Everton, according to Transfermarkt.

With the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison as options up front for Carlo Ancelotti at the moment, the 20-year old fell down the pecking order, and so a move away from Goodison Park would have perhaps been best for all parties going into the rest of the season.

PSG move ‘crazy’

As Bent perfectly puts it, Kean getting a move to PSG is ‘crazy’ given his woes at the Toffees and the pedigree of the French champions.

Paris Saint Germain will compete in the UEFA Champions League again in this campaign, with the Blues having no European football to offer, and will also be looking to add yet another league title to their recent success.

Kean fighting for his Everton future

Kean will surely now have to perform on the big stage if he is to have a future at Everton, or else he may be a player that the club look to offload in next summer’s transfer window.

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That said, the goals and chances created in Paris may offer the youngster a chance to – for lack of a better phrase – pad his stats a little, perhaps increasing the eventual transfer fee Everton will receive.

Evertonians, would you keep or sell Kean after his loan spell ends? Comment below!

Liverpool fans rave over Jordan Henderson news

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is rapidly becoming one of the most revered figures in English football.Having lifted the Champions League last season and then led the club to the summit of the Premier League this season, the 29-year-old has established himself as one of the best players in the country.But it is not only on the pitch where he has impressed.

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Indeed, in the midst of the global pandemic everyone has their part to play, and The Times journalist Paul Joyce has revealed that Henderson is organising a fund for the NHS that will run into the millions.

The report also states the initiative pre-dates criticism from Health Secretary Matt Hancock towards Premier League footballers, and Henderson has spent the last few days contacting captains of other top flight clubs regarding the idea.

It’s the type of gesture that will be warmly received by people far and wide during this incredibly challenging time for society, and it’s one that has absolutely thrilled his adoring supporters.

The news from Joyce prompted hoards of praise for Henderson on social media, with fans suggesting he is a natural leader both on and off the pitch.

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Here’s how the Liverpool fans reacted to Joyce’s revelation…

West Ham United: Fans fuming as Chelsea make bid for Gedson Fernandes

Plenty of West Ham United supporters aren’t happy with the club’s board after it was revealed that Chelsea have made a rival offer for Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes (Sky Sports).

The Hammers had reportedly made a bid for the player before the Blues came in for him, offering an 18-month loan with an obligation to buy. However, according to Sky Sports, they were struggling to come to an agreement with Benfica about some conditions of the deal.

Because West Ham have taken their time in agreeing terms with the Liga NOS outfit it means that it has left the door open for Chelsea to make an approach and therefore the Irons may well end up missing out on him.

After seeing that their London rivals were now in the race to sign Fernandes, several Hammers fans were left fuming that they had dawdled with the deal, allowing other clubs to potentially steal the player from under their noses.

Indeed many took to Twitter to express their anger towards the board for failing to get a deal done quickly. Here is what some had to say…

West Ham fans, how frustrated would you be to miss out on signing Gedson Fernandes? Let us know in the comments below…

Man Utd fans don’t want Mario Mandzukic after transfer update

Having sold Romelu Lukaku to Inter, and then giving the green-light for Alexis Sanchez to join the Nerazzurri too, Manchester United headed into the current campaign with very limited options up front.

Anthony Martial’s injury earlier on in the season essentially increased the burden on Marcus Rashford ten-fold, and the 21-year-old has understandably struggled to carry the side’s attack, scoring just four times.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested the Red Devils are interested in signing Juventus man Mario Mandzukic, and Maurizio Sarri revealed last week that the Croatian is not training with the first-team group.

Now, Italian publication Calcio Mercato (via Sport Witness) have provided a transfer update, claiming United “should” be Mandzukic’s next destination, and that “everything indicates” Old Trafford will be his next stop.

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After hearing the latest news on their pursuit of the 33-year-old, United fans flooded to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

Many supporters of the Manchester side insisted it would be a major mistake, whilst one fan in particular suggested if the club signed the veteran forward it would prove Ed Woodward is “bonkers”.

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Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:

Manchester City’s shock swoop for Scott Carson is perplexing

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

In one of the most surprising moves of the summer, Manchester City have confirmed via their official club website that they have signed Scott Carson from Derby on a season-long loan.

What’s the word?

Following the departure of 20-year-old shot-stopper Arijanet Muric on a season-long loan to Championship outfit Nottingham Forest earlier in the transfer window, Pep Guardiola’s side were left with just two recognised first-team goalkeepers in Ederson and Claudio Bravo.

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Reports then claimed Carson was on City’s radar as a possible back-up option for the upcoming season, and now the Etihad side have confirmed the 33-year-old has joined the club on a temporary basis.

The biggest surprise of the summer?

To think of all the illustrious names City have welcomed through the doors at the club since the takeover by Sheikh Mansour, and now seeing England’s Euro 2008 villain Carson be the latest man in. The veteran goalkeeper has enjoyed somewhat of a journeyman’s career, playing for a host of different clubs and different leagues, including the likes of Liverpool and Bursaspor.

But Carson’s signing is ultimately another damning indictment of City’s much-criticised attempts in integrating their youth players. A report from Sky Sports saw Guardiola’s side come bottom of the table when it came to giving minutes to homegrown players – just 371, compared to Manchester United’s 9,334 at the top.

Whilst loaning out Muric to Forest is understandable in allowing the Kosovo international to gain valuable first-team experience, could City simply not have promoted someone from their academy sides to the role of third-choice? Ederson and Bravo are likely to feature in every league and cup game for the upcoming season, so the chance of Carson making an appearance is minimal.

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Allowing a youth prospect to be in and around the first-team during training and match-days would have given them hope of eventually making it at the club, and potentially act as a reminder to some of the side’s fellow prospects that there is a clear pathway for them.

Instead, City effectively closed the door to any young ‘keepers at the club, taking the easy way out with a swoop for Carson.

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United’s first offer for Wan-Bissaka suggests Palace fans are in for a long summer

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According to The Evening Standard, Manchester United are readying a £25m offer for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with the impressive Crystal Palace man surely seen as Antonio Valencia’s successor at Old Trafford.

Eagles fans will rightly turn their noses up at such an offer, with the combative number 29’s actual valuation surely closer to double that figure – while there’s nothing too much to worry about right now, then, this approach from the Red Devils suggests that this saga could torment the Selhurst Park faithful all summer long.

What’s the word?

Well, The Evening Standard reports that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made the 21-year-old his number one right-back target this summer, with the aforementioned Valencia departing, and has instructed Ed Woodward to test the waters with a first offer.

Steve Parish and the Palace bigwigs are expected to demand at least £50m for the highly-rated Englishman who only broke through to the first team in February 2018, meaning that the reported £25m bid is certain to be rejected, although unfortunately that doesn’t mean this book closes.

United’s lowball offer means that they can slowly climb towards Palace’s asking price of £50m over the course of the summer, which is likely what they’ll do considering how highly Solskjaer rates the Croydon-born starlet.

A long summer for Palace fans

A successful window for the Selhurst Park outfit would constitute keeping hold of their main stars: Wan-Bissaka and Wilfried Zaha. In fact, if you asked most Palace fans, they would probably tell you that they’d rather keep the aforementioned duo than lose them both and spend £100m-plus on new faces in the coming months.

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Has this guy found the worst stadium in English football? Decide for yourself by watching the video below…

United won’t call it quits once their £25m offer is inevitably scoffed at and will surely be on the phone every other week with a new, fractionally-improved bid until they finally get their man or Palace say enough is enough, meaning that the SE25 faithful should start sweating over the star’s future now. This one will likely roll on until the window slams shut on 8th August.

Everton fans loved Kurt Zouma’s derby performance

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Kurt Zouma was one of Everton’s most impressive performers as the Toffees held Liverpool to a goalless draw in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

It was a huge game for the Reds as they looked to return to the top of the table, but a strong display by the hosts meant that the points were shared at Goodison Park.

It would be fair to say that Jurgen Klopp’s side had some excellent chances to take all three points, but Marco Silva’s men certainly had to defend well to secure a point.

And Zouma put in a strong performance in central defence.

The 24-year-old, who is on loan from Chelsea, won two aerials and had a pass success rate of 65% on Sunday afternoon, according to WhoScored.

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There were players easier on the eye, but Zouma performed a very important job for his team alongside the equally impressive Michael Keane.

The Everton fans were very pleased with what they saw from the Frenchman in the Merseyside derby and a selection of their Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Tottenham fans once again hail Moussa Sissoko

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Good grief. The Tottenham Hotspur social media account is absolutely loving Moussa Sissoko at the moment, and the same can be said for the club’s fans.

There is no question that Sissoko has turned things around in London.

He has gone from a bit of a joke figure at Spurs to one of their most important players, and he will be in the XI that faces Arsenal this weekend.

Tottenham’s official Twitter account went a little bit mad with images of Sissoko on Friday, with three arriving in the space of a couple of hours.

The Spurs supporters were not complaining, however, with many jumping at the chance to lavish praise on the France international once again.

The 29-year-old really has turned it around following a poor start to his career at the club, and the winner against Arsenal this weekend would top it all off.

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A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

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