All posts by n8rngtd.top

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…

Celtic are currently going through a turbulent time as a club. They currently look a shell of their usual, dominating self and are trailing to arch rivals Rangers by 13 points in the Scottish Premiership.

With such a huge gap between them and the league leaders, plus their inevitable exit from the Europa League, there’s a target on Neil Lennon’s back.

Although the club are backing the man who has led the Hoops to five league titles and an infamous ‘treble treble’, the club’s poor run of form can only go on for so long before something must give.

Names linked to Celtic manager job

A lot of speculation is flying about as professionals and fans alike wonder whether Lennon will face the boot any time soon. If he does, the club has been linked to several high profile names who could swoop in and start to pick up the pieces in the wake of the Irishman.

One man who has been tipped by bookies as the favourite to replace Lennon is Martin O’Neill. But according to Football Insider, the 68-year-old has already dismissed the idea of joining the Glasgow outfit.

Whilst many just want a quick-fix solution to the current mess at Celtic, O’Neill is not a target that the club should be chasing. The former Northern Ireland international already had a stint in Parkhead, guiding the club to three league titles and two Scottish Cups.

On paper, he looks ideal to step in if Lennon is axed. But Celtic run the risk of repeating history by signing a manager who has already been in charge of the club. Plus, with being 68, he may not be the best choice for the future.

At this moment in time, a quick-fix would be a mistake for the club. Peter Lawwell must be looking for the next long-term head coach who can come in and restore Celtic’s stature.

In other news, Shane Duffy tipped for early exit after disappointing loan spell…

Stuart Dallas played through the pain barrier on Thursday night as he featured in his country’s latest European Championship qualifier. Despite his and the team’s efforts, it wasn’t enough to carry them into the competition as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Slovakia.

The Leeds left-back picked up what looked like a serious arm injury during the fixture, but played the full 90 minutes, plus the extra time to determine the winner. No confirmation of a long-lasting injury has been given by the club, but it looked like it could’ve been a huge blow for the Whites fans. Should Dallas be sidelined, it could force Marcelo Bielsa to give young Leif Davis the nod.

Davis could be forced to step up to the plate

The 20-year-old has been limited to just 13 minutes of action this season, coming on as a substitute against Manchester City as Leeds held them to a draw. Davis managed to bag himself an assist last season despite playing only 192 minutes of football in total (via Transfermarkt).

However, despite his elusive status for Leeds, it’s clear Bielsa sees a lot of promise in the £90,000-rated defender. His versatility is something that could be of vital use to the manager this season, particularly if key members of the team pick up injuries or develop positive cases of coronavirus.

“I want to give an example,” Bielsa told Leeds Live when asked about promising members of the Leeds set up. “[Leif] Davis is a great player, full of future, resources and skills.

“In my opinion, Davis was far from the first team in our first year and after he worked a lot in the team, with brilliant willing, a lot of effort, dedication, he gives everything.”

The hard-working youngster could see the fruits of his labour pay off in the absence of Dallas. It’s clear that Bielsa is already a huge fan of his, he is just waiting for the right time to deploy the left-back. That time could be now.

In other news, Ouasim Bouy is surely headed for the door after rinsing Leeds’ money pot…

Leeds United are seemingly still in the market for one more player.

Indeed, the Whites look like they’re after a new attacking midfielder and one man who is reportedly on their radar is Derby County’s Louie Sibley.

The attacking midfielder is certainly a player who may have a bright future, he burst onto the scene last year with the Rams, netting five goals in 13 Championship games last term, with two assists making his numbers look incredibly impressive.

His manager gave him a glowing review after he played against Manchester United saying: “He’s a great character — he has a good mentality, he has the desire to win, to play, to find his positioning between the lines. He’s not scared of anybody. It was a pleasure to see him play.”

However, he may not be all he’s cracked up to be.

Three of his five goals last season came in a hat-trick against Millwall, and while everyone was raving over this teenage sensation’s performance, Gary Rowett was less than impressed describing two of his goals as “very poor” and “soft”, so an argument can be made that the stats paint him to be a better player than he is.

His underlying stats from this season so far hint that he could be something of a flash in the pan. His shots per game metric is down to 0.3 compared to 1.8 last season, while he’s also been wasteful in possession, averaging two unsuccessful touches per game while providing nothing in terms of goals or assists.

Of course, it’s harsh to write off a 19-year-old like this, but we’ve seen it all before at Leeds where a player flourishes in the early stages of his career while confidence and momentum is high only to flop later down the line.

Just look at Jack Clarke, he had an incredible first season under Marcelo Bielsa, earning him a £10m move to Tottenham, but last term he couldn’t even get into QPR’s starting XI.

Sibley could well be another Clarke and Leeds don’t want to spend a hefty fee on a player who may not live up to the hype.

Everton are in drastic need of a new central defender as injuries have already started to pile up at Goodison Park and one reported transfer target could be the solution…

What’s the word?

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Toffees are one the teams to sound out Athletic Bilbao centre-back Unai Nunez over a potential move this summer.

They claim that the 23-year-old is considering a loan switch to the Premier League having only played a bit-part role in La Liga last season.

He still has three years to run on his current contract at the Basque club and also has a €30m (£27.4m) release clause.

Urgent need

Carlo Ancelotti is going to need a defensive addition before next month’s deadline if they are to truly contend for a European place this campaign.

Mason Holgate has been ruled out for several weeks and now young prospect Jarrad Branthwaite has joined him on the sidelines. Even Yerry Mina has had his injury troubles since arriving in 2018.

It means the Italian can only really call upon Michael Keane for consistency, which could prove to be a gamble as the season goes on.

Nunez very much fits the bill of your typical modern-day ball-playing centre-back, so he’d be an interesting prospect at Goodison Park.

During his Bilbao career, he has averaged 4.3 clearances, 1.7 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and a passing success rate above 83.4%, via WhoScored.

He’s twice silenced Real Madrid, one of which was in 2017 with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema failing to score against the 6 foot 1 colossus. Nunez recorded six clearances, three interceptions and only lost possession five times, per SofaScore.

This is one emerging issue that quickly needs a solution and with Nunez lacking regular gametime, it could be a win-win for all parties involved.

AND in other news, Summer deal for Toffees star with “no quality” has been one costly catastrophe…

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.

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!

Aston Villa got last summer’s transfer window horribly wrong.

Over £100m was spent, and despite all this new talent coming in, the Birmingham outfit only secured their Premier League survival on the final day of the season.

Understandably, the higher-ups at Villa Park feel as though something has to change, and they have made steps towards that, parting ways with their transfer chief Suso and bringing in Johan Lange.

Gregg Evans documented what this change means, and he mentioned that the Villans already have some players of a certain mould lined up.

What’s been said then?

The Atheltic journalist wrote a long and detailed piece about Lange’s background and how his role at Villa Park is likely to affect the club, and he stated that the transfer strategy this term is going to go in a completely different direction than last season.

Watch Aston Villa Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

“First and foremost, The Athletic understands that tried and trusted players from the English game will be targeted and that some of those have already been lined up.” Evans wrote.

Better strategy

Dean Smith’s side may fare a lot better with this transfer strategy than they did last season.

We’ve seen it all too often that players from abroad sometimes struggle to get to grips with the tempo and tenacity of the Premier League, and that’s where Villa struggled this term with the likes of Wesley and Mbwana Samatta scoring just six league goals between them, while Bjorn Engels was often criticised by fans throughout the season.

It’s no coincidence that four of Villa’s five highest-rated players on WhoScored had experience in England before this season, with Frederic Guilbert the exception to the rule on this occasion.

Fingers crossed Smith can get the right profile of player in and guide Villa to a lot more comfortable position next season.

Tottenham’s Eric Dier has been banned for four games after confronting a spectator during the FA Cup defeat to Norwich in March and he will now miss the clash with Arsenal at the weekend as a result.

According to ESPN, the Football Association have handed him a four-match ban after he leapt into the stands and started a fracas with a Spurs supporter who had directed insults at his brother, with security guards trying to break up the midfielder and spectator.

The Lilywhites will face the Gunners at home when one of the biggest rivalries in the country plays out again on Sunday. However, Spurs will have to go into the game without the services of Dier following his suspension, dealing a significant blow for Jose Mourinho’s plans.

The 26-year-old has played in every single minute since the Premier League restart as Tottenham bounced back from a disappointing defeat at Sheffield United by edging past Everton at home on Monday night.

After he conceded a penalty against Manchester United three weeks ago, Dier helped the defence to keep a clean sheet in the subsequent 2-0 win over West Ham and again on Monday night.

The England international, who was a favourite of Mauricio Pochettino, has played 18 Premier League games this season, supplying two assists, winning 1.2 tackles, averaging 1.1 interceptions and completing 3.1 clearances per game on average (via WhoScored).

Dier has never had it easy at Spurs, as he has been beset by multiple injuries, illness and mixed form over the years. However, he has established himself as a regular starter under Mourinho in recent weeks and has received high praise from the manager. He is currently valued at £18m via Transfermarkt.

The Lilywhites have leaked goals for fun all season long and now they will be without one of their most trusted players when they face the Gunners at home.

Mourinho will be well aware of the dangers posed by Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Dier’s absence could be sorely felt as they prepare for the derby on Sunday.

Tottenham fans, will Dier be missed against Arsenal? Let us know your views in the comments below!

Tottenham Hotspur’s club-record signing Tanguy Ndombele hasn’t even been in north London for longer than a year yet his future under Jose Mourinho is constantly in doubt, and reports this week have no doubt further fueled the fire.

However, the £55m Frenchman posted a compilation of clips from his time at the club to Instagram along with the caption “Rien à signaler” meaning ‘nothing to report.’

Hilariously obscure Premier League players – Can you name them all?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

The Spurs boss has publically slammed Ndombele on more than one occasion whilst it’s claimed that La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are courting his services despite only joining in the summer.

He’s a player that has divided opinion all season amongst the fanbase and this footage has only compounded that further.

The 23-year-old has averaged just 51 minutes per appearances this season and has featured in 27 matches, contributing to a total of six goals, per Transfermarkt.

His lack of regular game time due to his fitness is predominantly the reason for any negative comments against him, but going by the video, it’s clear to see there is a superb player in him somewhere.

Here’s what fans have been saying…

AND in other news, Spurs backed to sign PL talisman but only if Kane EXITS…