EFC fans react to Calvert-Lewin report

Many Everton fans have been reacting to the news that Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been learning Spanish (as per The Athletic).

Calvert-Lewin has been in impressive form for the Toffees so far this campaign, scoring 13 goals in the Premier League (Transfermarkt). The Goodison Park outfit are currently in the race for a top four spot, and the likes of Spanish-speaking Yerry Mina and James Rodriguez have contributed to their good performances.

The £40.5m-valued England international (Transfermarkt) is clearly eager to work as well as possible with the duo, reportedly taking Spanish lessons to be able to communicate better. Of course, the 23-year-old was linked with a move to Real Madrid last year (todofichajes.com, via Calciomercato), so who knows whether that has had an impact on his new project.

The news attracted plenty of attention from these Everton supporters, who took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Calvert-Lewin news below

“Dom’s always worked hard on the pitch but his work off the pitch has definitely upped”

Credit: @EFC_Cal

“I’m all for this. Even at a young age he knows there’s things he can do to improve not only his game but can also help improve his teammates.. love all that”

Credit: @tomosefc

“I’ve noticed his bond with Yerry Mina is strong.”

Credit: @mannie_efc

“Or it was the rumours of Barcelona being interested thankfully Koeman has made that move very unappealing.”

Credit: @Toffee_Alan

“He’s clearly off to Sporting Hee-hon.”

Credit: @santo_dominguez

“Working for that Madrid move :(“

Credit: @DNA_EFC

In other news, some Everton fans slammed this man against Southampton.

Aston Villa vs Leicester Predicted XI

Aston Villa will be looking to bounce back from their draw with Brighton & Hove Albion when they play host to Leicester City in the Premier League at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Villans will head into the match against Leicester on the back of a 0-0 draw with Brighton away from home in the top flight.

Dean Smith’s side will be determined to make amends when they try to secure all three points from the encounter and maintain their push for a place in the top four.

With that in mind, here is Football FanCast’s prediction for Smith’s starting XI to face Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Ahmed Elmohamady will most likely replace Matty Cash at right-back as one of three changes that could be made this afternoon.

Smith’s No.1 Emi Martinez is fast becoming one of the first names on the team sheet and will keep his place in the starting XI, as he has done for all league games so far this season.

Apart from Elmohamady coming in for the injured Cash, the rest of the back four will be left unchanged. Alongside Matt Target, the in-form Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa are undroppable if fit, and they should provide stability at the back to combat Leicester’s lively attacking players.

It’s hard to imagine too many changes to the midfield, either, with Douglas Luiz and John McGinn also both likely to keep their places, although Morgan Sanson could return in place of Ross Barkley to earn his first start of the season.

Going forward, Ollie Watkins keeps on improving, with two goals in his last four starts.

Last year’s Villa Player of the Season Jack Grealish is a mainstay, while the £75k-per-week Trezeguet, valued at €15m (£13m), deserves the chance to stake his claim for a starting spot after impressing in a brief cameo against Brighton, which means Bertrand Traore may be forced to settle for a place on the bench.

AND in other news, Tyrone Mings was superb for Aston Villa vs Brighton…

Rangers have ‘no interest’ in Ben Davies

Glasgow Rangers have been linked with all and sundry since Steven Gerrard’s side stormed to the summit of the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers have just ten days to bring in any new signings, although Gerrard has hinted that there will be more outs than ins at Ibrox in the January transfer window.

But that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from churning out new transfer stories, with Preston North End duo Ben Davies and Daniel Johnson among the names tipped to make the switch to the 54-time Scottish champions.

It appears Gerrard was targeting a new name for Rangers’ defence, as Filip Helander, 27, and Leon Balogun, 32, have been sidelined by knocks and Nikola Katic remains a long-term absentee.

However, despite several outlets suggesting otherwise, a recent report from the Press Association has subsequently revealed that a club insider has made it clear that Rangers have ‘no interest’ in Preston’s Davies, dealing a blow to Gerrard’s chances of finding suitable defensive cover.

If Ross Wilson and co. are serious about stopping Celtic from winning ten in a row and competing in the Europa League, then Davies is the man who could seriously help the club.

This season, the 25-year-old defender is averaging 1.2 tackles and 1.4 interceptions in 17 appearances across all competitions, with his 6.83 WhoScored rating ranking him sixth out of Alex Neil’s side – his centre-back partner Patrick Bauer is one of only five players to have a higher rating.

Rangers signed Balogun after he left Wigan Athletic as a free agent at the end of last season – since his arrival last year, Gerrard has opted to go with him as part of his preferred defensive partnership with Connor Goldson, acting as a shield wall for veteran goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Whilst the Nigeria international has shown he can mix it with the best in Scottish football, the same can’t be said for George Edmundson, who has fallen down the pecking order under Gerrard this season.

Although there’s a case to be made that Edmundson still has room to improve at the age of 23, he has largely struggled to impress for the Gers on the very few occasions he has made an appearance after he endured an afternoon to forget against Motherwell at the start of this season, finishing the game with a low 5.8 SofaScore rating – the worst out of any player from either side.

It’s perhaps hardly surprising when you consider the fact that he only won one out of four duels (25%), was dribbled past once and scored an unfortunate own goal, despite playing just 14 minutes of football.

When you consider the fact he was banned for seven games after breaching lockdown regulations, it’s frankly a minor miracle that he is still at the club after his reckless behaviour both on and off the pitch.

On the other hand, Davies has demonstrated a level of confidence and maturity far beyond his years, with WhoScored pointing out that he ‘does not dive into tackles,’ emphasising the fact that he has an experienced head on his young shoulders. It’s a move that Rangers must surely consider before it’s too late.

AND in other news, Rangers should unleash Cedric Itten against Ross County…

Rangers must sign Ben Davies

According to Football Insider, Glasgow Rangers target Ben Davies has rejected a club-record deal from Preston North End.

What’s the word?

The English centre-back has been one of the standout performers for the Championship outfit but now seems destined for a Deepdale exit.

Steven Gerrard has got the Gers far ahead of their arch-rivals in the Scottish Premiership title race and may look for January additions to keep them there and Rangers could trump their bitter rivals Celtic to the signing of the talented Davies during the transfer window.

Steal a march on Celtic

The Light Blues are in the market for a new centre-back whilst Neil Lennon’s side have their own problems at the back, having shipped 15 goals in 19 games so far.

Gerrard’s Gers have a number of senior players who are out of contract at the end of this season, and though the Rangers manager has insisted that he isn’t looking to sell right now, players such as outcasts George Edmundson and Jordan Jones could be heading for the Ibrox exit in January.

Should such a possibility arise, a bid for Davies could be on the cards with the 25-year-old’s contract set to expire in June this year.

Preston boss Alex Neil has previously heaped praise on the wantaway defender, describing him as a “fantastic” beast after the 2-1 victory over Bristol City back in 2017, whilst former Rangers full-back Alan Hutton recently told Football Insider he “ticks all the boxes.”

Gerrard could cover most of his bases at the back with a versatile player who can play in the centre or on the left if he can convince Ross Wilson to dip into the market.

Davies has made 15 appearances in the Championship this season, picking up one assist, whilst he is currently averaging 1.2 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 4.3 clearances on average per game, via WhoScored.

As the Gers seek to stop Celtic from winning ten in a row, the recruitment of Davies could be a good bit of business. Stealing him from right under Celtic’s nose would be the icing on the cake.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must reward Leon Balogun for his services with a new contract…

Exclusive: Sheffield Wednesday caretaker Neil Thompson tipped to get job permanently

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Sheffield Wednesday legend Carlton Palmer has revealed what he’s heard about the vacant managerial role at Hillsborough Stadium.

The Owls are looking for their fifth manager in three years following the shock sacking of Tony Pulis just over a week ago, and the former midfielder believes that current caretaker boss, Neil Thompson, is going to get the gig for the remainder of the season.

Wednesday are now unbeaten in four matches as the 57-year-old has guided them to back-to-back Championship victories for the first time since December 2019.

Thai chairman Dejphon Chansiri laid into Pulis during a two-hour press conference, criticising his style of football and admitting it was a “mistake” to appoint him in the first place just days after his dismissal, via talkSPORT.

He will surely be pleased with the reaction since with Thompson in control as he begins the search for a new boss.

And Palmer has claimed that the long-serving Owls coach will get the job until the summer…

He told FFC:

“The shout, from what I’m hearing, is they’re going to give it to Thompson until the end of the season, which would be an easy fit for them because he’s going to do what he’s told.

“He knows the players, he knows about the players and they will run through a brick wall for him, and [they will] give him until the end of the season to just keep them in the division.

“You know, that’s the easiest scenario for the chairman.

“But if they kick on, and no disregard to Thompson, but he’s not the man who’s going to get them promoted to the Premier League.”

A decision will need to be made quickly as Pulis’ sacking couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Wednesday need reinforcements during the January transfer window and at the minute, they’re likely to be made without a permanent manager, which could spell trouble later down the line.

Which is also why the possibility of Thompson being appointed permanently makes a ton of sense.

But as Palmer says, the short-term fix isn’t necessarily the right one for the long run, and Chansiri could be back at square one come the summer.

AND in other news, Sheffield Wednesday could find their next Carlos Carvalhal in one-time UCL winner…

Southampton can finally bring an end to their Wesley Hoedt nightmare

Big things were expected of Wesley Hoedt when he joined Southampton in a £15 million deal back in 2017 but it is fair to say that things did not go to plan for the defender at the South Coast club.

However, it now seems as if there could be a way out for the Dutch centre-back, as Lazio, where he is currently on loan, are reportedly keen to make his stay permanent in the January transfer window, in a deal that would see them re-sign the 26-year-old.

In his three years with Southampton, Hoedt has managed just 45 appearances, in which he contributed one goal and one assist (per Transfermarkt).

The Dutch international has spent time on loan with Celta Vigo and Royal Antwerp in his time with the Saints but never looked likely to re-establish himself in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side when he returned in the summer and was sent back to Lazio on loan shortly before the transfer window shut.

In fact, the centre-back is yet to make a first-team appearance under Hasenhuttl, suggesting that he has no future with the South Coast club whilst the Austrian remains in charge.

Therefore, the club will surely be relieved that Lazio are reportedly considering making his move permanent in the January transfer window, although they will surely have to take a loss on the £15 million they spent on him in 2017, considering he is now valued at just £5.4 million.

Hoedt’s performances in Serie A this season have been less than impressive, as he has averaged a disappointing 6.41 rating for his performances, so really, Southampton will be lucky to receive any sort of fee for the 26-year-old.

However, with his Southampton contract set to expire in June 2022, they may be better accepting whatever Lazio might offer in January, rather than holding on to him and potentially seeing him leave on a free transfer in 2022.

Whilst things didn’t work out for Hoedt at Southampton, it seems as if it would be best for both parties if he just left the club for good in January, to bring an end to what has been a nightmare three-year spell with the Saints.

And, in other news… Southampton can sign 22 y/o beast likened to Frenkie De Jong in January…

Crystal Palace: Fans react as the club are linked to Glen Kamara

Many Crystal Palace fans are reacting to the news that Scottish Premiership midfield star Glen Kamara is attracting the interest of the South London side.

According to TEAMtalk and tweeted out by @cpfc_xtra, Palace and fellow Premier League sides Everton, Newcastle, Sheffield United, Southampton as well as Portuguese giants Benfica are monitoring the Rangers player.

The 25 year-old has been a key asset for Steven Gerrard this season, playing 18 times in all competitions (WhoScored). In his Europa League appearances, he has proved how crucial he is at breaking up opposition attacks as he has managed two tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game. Clearly, some fans at Selhurst Park rate the player highly, with one saying his performances this season have shown real ‘quality’.

James McCarthy is linked to Celtic, Luka Milivojevic is struggling to perform at the level needed and James McArthur is nearing the end of his career. Therefore, a central midfielder around Kamara’s age could be exactly what the club need and would be a very astute signing.

Here is how Palace fans reacted to the update on Kamara:

In other Palace news, have a read of a bizarre statistic about the club which fans aren’t happy with here!

Monk has to axe Sheffield Wednesday flop Jack Marriott after another shocker

Sheffield Wednesday fell to a fourth straight defeat in the Championship on Saturday afternoon, meaning the pressure is surely mounting on manager Garry Monk to quickly turn things around.

The Owls were defeated by basement boys Wycombe Wanderers, who now have recorded their first victory of the season. Embarrassing.

Statistics tell a different story – 73% possession, 15 total shots and well over double the number of passes, per SofaScore, but at the end of the day, it’s only the scoreline that matters.

Evidently, the South Yorkshiremen have struggled in front of goal and perhaps Monk is risking his own downfall with his persistence to start woeful Rams loanee, Jack Marriott.

He was abysmal in leading the line once again.

The 26-year-old won just one of seven duels (14%), committed two fouls, made just 63% of his passes, lost possession ten times and had both of his shots blocked by the opposition, via SofaScore.

As a result of his socking performance, YorkshireLive’s Dom Howson scathingly handed him a four out of ten rating, claiming: “Another difficult afternoon for the Derby County loanee. Nothing seems to be falling for him right now. Cut a frustrated figure when he was subbed off.”

Since arriving in the summer, Marriott has bagged just once and that came in the second match of the season for Derby, meaning he’s yet to get off the mark for the Owls in five attempts. Somehow, he has still started the last four and has looked utterly hopeless.

Monk will undoubtedly be under pressure to deliver, that much is evident in supporters’ reaction to the club’s official Twitter account at full-time, as you can read here.

He’s building his own grave by continuing to trust Marriott. The former Peterborough star has been a calamity at Hillsborough thus far.

Instead, the former Swansea, Leeds and Birmingham boss should axe his summer arrival – accept that it hasn’t gone to plan just yet. It could well buy him a little more time.

Jordan Rhodes, who will certainly have a point to prove, is wasting away on the bench. Monk needs to make the change to salvage his Owls career before it’s too late.

AND in other news, try the Ultimate Sheffield Wednesday transfer misfits quiz…

How Football Has Influenced Online Slot Games

Football is by far one of the most loved sports with over 4 billion fans worldwide. Its impact is felt in various fields like the arts, business, and gaming world. Moreover, it has found its way to slot games. Slot online gaming uses a theme-based method to provide a unique gaming experience. It is no surprise that football-based slots are successful in online betting sites.

Microgaming and NetEnt have used real-life players like Johann Cruyff, Pele, and Maradona from their glory days. You can feel the eccentric excitement associated with the game through the casino slots. Another impressive aspect of football-themed slots is their compatibility with mobile gadgets. You can play any game that you prefer from your smartphone, PC, and tablets. Play these slots yourself at the best online casino of your choice anytime you wish.

Here are some of the best football-themed slots to try out.

Champions Cup

Who does not wish for their home team to win the championships? The champions cup is a creation of NetEnt and released for the 2016 European Championships. It contains five reels and three rows. This slot game features 20 ways to win and free spins. Besides, an RTP of 96.82% and overlay wild substitution increases your chances of winning.  If you prefer a slow and steady approach, then you will love this game.

When it comes to the graphics, wild cheering crowds and teams add authenticity to the slot game. You will also enjoy two bonus features and a penalty shootout bonus. Getting through the four rounds of the tournament can earn you 500 times your stake.

Football Star Slot

The Football Star is among the most popular slots in online casinos. It is popular due to its relating concepts with the real-world football experience. As a fan, you can relate to the game as the symbols used relates to football in the best possible way. The slot activities range from striker heading the ball to goalkeepers making a save.

With 243 paylines, this creation from Microgaming presents various chances to win. Football star features an RTP of 96.42%, five reels, and three rows. You will love the world cup songs, 3D animated visuals and the opportunity to win real money. This slot further features stacked wilds, striking wilds, and rolling reels.

Foxin’Wins Football Fever

This creation is by NextGen Gaming, one of the top casino software developers. The game centers on Mr. Fox around the 2018 World Cup. With this slot, you get five reels and up to 25 ways to win.  The vibrant colours combined with football-related symbols create an exciting football atmosphere.

Not only can you win 50 times your bid by catching leprechaun but also when your spin activates the random bonus. If you want to access wilds and massive wins, turn on the SuperBets options. Watch out for Mr. Fox as he might throw huge cash your way. Because this is a high-risk game, you can opt to change your bankroll needs. The least you can stake per spin is 0.25, with an RDP of over 95%.

Subbuteo

Do you remember those childhood evenings you used to spend playing Subbuteo football? This NextGen game is filled with nostalgia to bring back those old memories to reality. Quick-paced game lovers are bound to find this slot highly entertaining. Furthermore, it features a universal appeal thanks to its colourful interface and immersive feeling.

The slot contains football-related items such as football boots, referees’ whistles, Subbuteo players, and even trophies. It is interesting to know that on getting eleven players, you activate the free spins feature. This bonus includes penalties, free kicks, and action replay. The Manager of the Month feature is responsible for gaining extra players.

Universal Cup

This football slot from Leander Games captivates with its defiance of gravity. It features possibly the best team in the universe. This alien tournament has a galaxy backdrop and various amazing ways to win big. Besides, with the 20 fixed pay lines, players can bet from 0.20 to 100.

What is more, is the wide selection of bonuses and amazing graphics. Not only does the fun and upbeat atmosphere favor football fans, but it also appeals to gamblers.

Final Thoughts

Generally, sports continue to influence casino games. With various championships around the corner, you can expect more football-themed slots in the future. The provided list is some of the best football slots that you can play in most online casinos. However, you can check out reviews for various features and offer bonuses.

Newcastle United: Craig Hope reveals Martin Dubravka injury

Craig Hope has revealed on his official Twitter page that Martin Dubravka may be out injured for six to eight weeks, according to the coach of Slovakia.

The Daily Mail journalist has confirmed the “huge blow” to Newcastle United, who may also be without strikers Dwight Gayle and Joelinton for the start of the new 2020/21 season.

However, the likely absence of Dubravka at least for the first few games will surely hurt Steve Bruce and the members of the Toon Army.

The goalkeeper was voted as the Tyneside club’s player of the year after a relatively impressive 2019/20 campaign that saw him rack up 11 clean sheets in 39 matches in all competitions, including playing in every single minute of the Premier League term, as per Transfermarkt.

It means that the Magpies will now have to rely on Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie as the only ‘keeper options available to Bruce, with the latter a new signing from Scottish team Motherwell (via the website) and will surely need time to settle in and adapt to life at St. James’ Park.

Whether this means that the English manager will now go in and try to get another player between the sticks as cover is another question, but the injury to Dubravka has certainly not helped his plans going into the next season.

The 31-year old very much established himself as Bruce’s number one by playing in every minute of the top flight in the last campaign, and by winning the player of the year award, the Slovakian international cemented himself as an important part of the side.

Geordies, how much of a blow is losing Dubravka? Comment below!

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