All posts by n8rngtd.top

Aston Villa truly are dreaming at the moment. After finishing seventh last season, having flirted with the relegation zone early in the campaign, Villa are now third in the Premier League table, just four points off the top.

Unai Emery has transformed this team from a side battling it out in mid-table to one that can genuinely compete among the very best that English football has to offer.

An incredible 1-0 win over treble-winners Manchester City on Wednesday night was a testament to this. The Villans limited Pep Guardiola’s well-oiled machine to merely two shots on goal and managed to clinch all three points with a late strike from Leon Bailey.

However, Villa do not have time to rest on their laurels as Emery’s former side Arsenal come to town this weekend. Here is the predicted line-up that the Spanish coach could put out against the Gunners.

11

GK – Emiliano Martinez

Normally, when a goalkeeper keeps a clean sheet against Man City, they come away bruised and battered, having made save after save.

Interestingly, this was not the case in midweek. City had two opportunities and Emiliano Martinez saved both. The shots recorded an xG of 0.17 and 0.58 respectively, which is quite high so the Argentine goalkeeper still did well to keep the opposition out. As a result, Martinez is a shoo-in to start at home to his old club.

10

LB – Lucas Digne

Despite having been in the Premier League for several seasons, Lucas Digne is playing the best stuff of his career under Emery. This season alone, the Frenchman has averaged a 7.03 match rating, according to Sofascore.

Versus the European champions on Wednesday, Digne won 80% of his ground duels and 67% of his aerial duels, created one opportunity for Villa and put more crosses into the penalty area than any other player for the home side. The 30-year-old should start once more and will be key to shutting out the high-flying Bukayo Saka.

9

CB – Pau Torres

Just like he was during Villa’s 2-1 win away Tottenham Hotspur a fortnight ago, Pau Torres was superb yet again when City came to Villa Park, completing seven passes into the final third, winning 100% of his aerial duels and making five ball recoveries, showcasing his offensive and defensive qualities as a centre-back.

The £35m summer signing is one of the first names on Emery’s teamsheet and this will be no different against Arsenal, whom he helped knock out of the Europa League en route to winning the competition back in 2021.

8

CB – Ezri Konsa

Diego Carlos is one player from Villa’s most recent starting lineup that could fall to the bench. The Brazilian was the only Aston Villa player to receive a lower score on FotMob than 7.0.

The £26m centre-half had a calamitous display at Bournemouth on Sunday as Emery’s men scraped a draw late in the game. The Athletic’s Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell described Carlos’ performance at the Vitality Stadium as “sloppy”.

Emery must now bench "sloppy" 6/10 Aston Villa star

This £26m dud lost possession of the ball 12 times for Aston Villa against Bournemouth and should be dropped in the next game.

By
Adam Scully

Dec 3, 2023

Emery’s favourite experiment in recent weeks has been to deploy Ezri Konsa over on the right, keeping Carlos and Torres together at the back. This decision worked on Wednesday as the former Brentford defender won 100% of his duels and made six ball recoveries, keeping City’s left side very quiet.

However, against Arsenal, he could put Konsa back in his preferred position next to Torres to make way for the next player.

7

RB – Matty Cash

Matty Cash has not started in the Premier League for Villa since a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur right after the international break. The Polish fullback will be desperate to get back out on the pitch and prove his worth to the manager.

In the past, Emery has described Cash as a “versatile” player as he can play on the left and even as a winger, but it could be a good option to keep him at right-back to defend against Gabriel Martinelli.

6

LM – John McGinn

John McGinn is almost guaranteed starter for Villa because he is the club captain, has been in tremendous form, and was stellar against Man City.

No player completed more dribbles or won more duels during Wednesday night’s clash at Villa Park than the Scotland international did.

The 29-year-old ace is also Villa’s third-highest-rated performer of the season, according to Sofascore, showcasing to the world why he was given the armband as the gem has lead by example.

5

CM – Douglas Luiz

Moving onto Villa’s highest-rated performer of the season, as per Sofascore, Douglas Luiz was one of Emery’s best players during the week. The Brazilian created four chances and had five of Villa’s 22 shots on goal, hitting the woodwork on one occasion against his former club.

It would be cruel of the manager to not reward Luiz with another start this weekend, even if his gas tank is emptier than before Wednesday.

4

CM – Boubacar Kamara

Boubacar Kamara’s display in midweek was not as thunderous as his midfield partner, but the Frenchman oozed class once again, creating three chances during the game, while also boasting seven passes into the final third.

Kamara and Luiz have struck up a nice partnership in the middle of the park this season and Emery certainly won’t want to upset the apple cart ahead of the league-leaders’ visit to Villa Park.

3

RM – Leon Bailey

Leon Bailey was the man of the moment on Wednesday, with his goal stunning the league champions fifteen minutes from time. This was the Jamaican’s eighth goal in all competitions for Aston Villa this season, with only Ollie Watkins finding the net more times for the Lions.

The winger’s impressive form as of late has kept £52m club-record signing Moussa Diaby out of the team and will likely continue to do so against Arsenal.

2

AM – Youri Tielemans

Youri Tielemans has not been a regular starter for Villa in the top-flight this season, having made merely three starts in 15 games. However, he was superb at home to City on Wednesday and grabbed the assist for Bailey’s winning goal.

The midfielder, once called “elite” by Statman Dave, also put a shift in defensively, making two ball recoveries and winning 50% of his ground duels and 100% of his aerial duels. Emery will likely reward the Belgian with another start on Saturday.

Real Madrid will be presented with their new La Liga trophy twice in the coming week after a disagreement with the RFEF.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Real Madrid have already won La Liga title
• Will receive trophy at their training ground
• And for a second time ahead of Alaves clash

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Real Madrid will enjoy not one but two trophy presentations after winning the 2023-24 La Liga title. Los Blancos have secured top spot in the Spanish top flight with four games to spare and will be able to celebrate with their fans shortly. Yet Real Madrid will not be handed their latest piece of silverware next time out in La Liga against Granada, instead fans will have to wait until Tuesday, May 14, when Alaves visit the Santiago Bernabeu.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE EXPLANATION

  The RFEF had wanted the trophy presentation to go ahead at Granada but Real Madrid asked for a change as José Ramón Sandoval's could be relegated on Saturday. Los Blancos felt a trophy presentation would therefore not be appropriate, according to . The trophy will now be officially presented at Madrid's training ground on Sunday morning, allowing the team the chance to show it off later to fans at a celebration event at Cibeles Fountain and at the City Hall in Madrid. A second presentation will then take place at the Bernabeu when Alaves visit the Spanish capital.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Real Madrid have won 87 points in LaLiga this season, their second-best points tally after their first 34 games in a single campaign in the competition's history. Their best-ever tally came in 2011-12 under Jose Mourinho when they hit 88 points.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID

  Real Madrid's will turn their attention back to European competition next time out when they take on Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie. The match is level at 2-2 ahead of the return at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. The winners will play either PSG or Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley.

Leeds United are in a blistering run of form under Daniel Farke and could now look to strengthen one key area in the January transfer window, according to journalist Phil Hay.

Leeds United prepare for Sunderland…

Leeds United secured a precious three points at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers as goals from Daniel James and Crysencio Summerville secured a 2-0 victory and kept the Whites on track in their hunt for Championship promotion. Now, the Yorkshire outfit sit third in the league standings with 41 points from 20 fixtures played; however, they still find themselves seven points adrift of Ipswich Town in second ahead of their showdown at Elland Road two days before Christmas.

In the aftermath of their triumph in Lancashire, Farke was delighted with his side's resilience after keeping a clean sheet, as he said via BBC Sport: "I'm especially pleased that we travel back with a clean sheet against a really good and dangerous side. We didn't allow them to have much."

Farke could unearth his next Aarons in Leeds swoop for "unbelievable" teen

The Whites are reportedly keen on the impressive teenage full-back ahead of January.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 11, 2023

He then added: "They had their spells in possession but in terms of big chances, there was not too much. It was important after a few weeks where we have conceded one goal, sometimes even two goals, today to return absolutely rock solid defence with a clean sheet. It's a really good performance and a massive win for us. I'm pretty delighted."

Of course, stiff tests are on the horizon for Leeds United as Farke's men plot a return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, with a trip to Sunderland next on the agenda.

In light of this, journalist Hay has now taken to social media to provide an exciting update from the manager regarding an area where the Whites could potentially strengthen in the upcoming transfer window.

Leeds United could target a left-back

Taking to social media platform X, The Athletic journalist Hay has shared quotes from Farke's pre-match press conference ahead of their clash at the Stadium of Light that convey the message that Leeds are ready to target a left-back in January, as he stated the following below.

Of course, the German coach also intimated that Junior Firpo is now close to returning to the fold, in training at least, which will help to give the Whites' fans some added optimism that the Dominican Republic international can once again provide another option on the left-hand side of defence over the festive period.

Nevertheless, recruiting a left-back will be a top priority at Elland Road in January as they look to make sure they have sufficient squad depth to compete with their promotion rivals.

Coming through a clutch of difficult matches will be their first port of call; however, it is encouraging to hear that the notion of strengthening is already being spoken about directly ahead of the New Year.

Kylian Mbappe has formally announced that he will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Mbappe to leave PSG
• Expected to join Real Madrid
• France international to say farewell this weekend

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The France international has confirmed that he is leaving PSG this summer, ahead of an expected move to Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have long been linked with a bid for the World Cup winner, and it finally appears that the deal will go through once the transfer window opens, and when his contract expires.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mbappe's future has been unclear for months but there is now an official confirmation from the player himself that he will be departing the city he was born in. Real Madrid had the opportunity to sign the global star last season but refused to pay PSG's hefty asking price and instead opted to wait until he became a free agent. This summer, he will likely join Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham in Madrid as the Spanish giants assemble one of the most talented squads of the modern era.

• WHAT MBAPPE SAID

  Speaking through a video message on social media, Mbappe said: "I've always said I would speak to you when this time comes and so I wanted to announce to you all that it's my last year at Paris Saint-Germain, I will not extend and the adventure will come to an end in a few weeks. It's a lot of emotions, it's hard and I never thought it would be this difficult to announce that I am leaving my country, but I think I needed this, a new challenge after seven years.

  "PSG is a club that never leaves anyone indifferent, I do not regret at any moment signing with this prestigious club. It's a club I will keep in my memory my entire life. I won't be a player anymore but I will continue to always watch every game. I wanted to say thank you because without you all I would never have felt half the emotions I felt. Thank you all, I hope we will finish this year with a last trophy and I believe you will remain in my heart forever."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

  Europe's most sought-after player will officially become a free agent at the end of June and all eyes will now be on Real Madrid for their expected announcement of the 25-year-old joining them. Mbappe also has international duties to fulfil this summer with France as he looks to lead them to more international silverware at Euro 2024.

Everton are looking to strike a deal for a central player who could stage his return to England in January, according to a reliable journalist.

Everton transfer targets

Ahead of next month, Sean Dyche will be assessing his options in the market as to who he could sign to improve his current squad. However, while there are a couple of stars who he has already been linked with, he knows he will be on a very restricted budget.

The Toffees have been credited with an interest in Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle and Gent left-back Archie Brown as they look to increase the numbers they have in the building, with the centre of the park being another position where they want to recruit fresh faces.

Everton eyeing move for "important" player who has refused new deal

The Toffees have turned their attention towards reinforcements…

By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 29, 2023

Over the summer, Iliman Ndiaye put pen to paper at Marseille from Premier League rivals Sheffield United, and the attacking midfielder has been a regular feature at his new club having made ten starts and five substitute appearances this season in Ligue 1 (WhoScored – Ndiaye statistics).

The Merseyside outfit highlighted Senegal’s international as a target during the previous transfer window, and while a deal for the 23-year-old failed to come to fruition before the deadline, the hierarchy are considering taking a second bite of the cherry in the coming days and weeks.

Everton plotting swoop for Ndiaye

Taking to X, editor and reporter Ignazio Genuardi revealed that Everton are keeping close tabs on Ndiaye, but they aren't alone in their pursuit with two other clubs in the top-flight also hoping to offer him a return to England.

He wrote: "Recruited last summer by OM, I. Ndiaye remains popular in England. The Senegalese international is of particular interest [to] Everton, but the Phocaeans are not lenders. The same goes for Crystal Palace and Sheffield United, his former club."

Ndiaye could be a "top-quality" addition

Since the start of his career, Ndiaye has racked up 40 goal contributions (23 goals and 17 assists) from 111 outings, showing the positive impact that he can make in the final third, posing a constant threat to the opposition’s defence (Transfermarkt – Ndiaye statistics).

The Rouen native currently ranks in the 85th percentile for successful take-ons compared to positional peers in Men’s top five leagues over the last 365 days, representing his desire to use his pace, dribble past his marker and create as many chances as possible for his fellow teammates (FBref – Ndiaye statistics).

Dyche’s target is also a versatile operator, having been deployed in five different positions over the grass following his arrival on the professional scene, including everywhere across the frontline, alongside his usual role in attacking midfield, making him a useful option to have in the building should any unexpected injuries occur.

As lauded by Josh Bunting, Ndiaye is a “top-quality” dynamo, and considering the fact that Everton have been pursuing him ever since the summer, it would surely be a massive coup if they were finally able to get this deal over the line in January.

Kylian Mbappe's mother and agent Fayza Lamari has hinted that the Paris Saint-Germain star will complete a long-awaited transfer to Real Madrid.

• Mbappe tipped to join Madrid
• Has already announced his exit from PSG
• The deal might be made official after UCL final

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbappe is on the verge of completing a much-anticipated transfer to Real Madrid. The transfer saga has kept fans on the edge of their seats, and the latest developments indicate that the official confirmation is now just a matter of time, with the World Cup winner set to join Real on a free after his contract at PSG expires in June.

Advertisement

• GOAL
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Before leaving Paris, Mbappe hosted a farewell party at the upscale Paris restaurant Gigi, formerly known as La Maison Blanche (the white house). The event was attended by his closest friends and many of his PSG team-mates, but club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was reportedly absent from the guest list of 250. Lamari made an early exit from the party, and fielded a couple of questions from the media before heading home in a taxi.

• WHAT LAMARI SAID

  As per , when Lamari was asked about the party and the evening, she said: "Honestly, it’s like a separation, it’s magical, Paris is magical.”

  She was then quizzed about Mbappe's next destination, and replied cryptically: "I think you all already know."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Although AL-Khelaifi wasn't on the guest list, it has been reported that French President Emmanuel Macron did make time to attend the gala. However, his presence was not officially confirmed by his public relations team.

Manchester City are always in the market for up-and-coming talent, and they have started internal discussions regarding a player who is already thriving within the City Football Group.

Manchester City look to arrest Premier League slump…

For most sides, losing just once in their last six Premier League wouldn't be deemed as a slump, especially given when the sole defeat came at the hands of Aston Villa, who have put together an almost formidable run of results at Villa Park this term.

Nevertheless, Manchester City aren't like most sides, which is evidenced by the fact Pep Guardiola and his men are attempting to pull off a record-breaking fourth successive title in a row. Four draws, one triumph over Luton Town and a loss in the West Midlands have left the Sky Blues with work to do if they are to retain the league; however, they will hope to take confidence from their Club World Cup success last week.

Man City make "big-money" offer to "very unique" target; he's wowed scouts

City are in pole position to secure his services.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Dec 24, 2023

Goodison Park awaits Guardiola's side in one of the toughest assignments they could encounter following their trip to Saudi Arabia. Speaking to official club media pre-match, Portugal international Bernardo Silva said his side must improve as they seek the Premier League crown: "First, we have to focus on the games left this month as it is going to be a very tough month with Everton, then Sheffield United and then Huddersfield in the FA Cup.

"Now we are really focused on the domestic competitions – especially the Premier League as we are not in a very good position. We can think about Copenhagen in the Champions League later on as we have some tough, tough games coming up."

Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has offered up the latest state of play regarding Manchester City's pursuit of a talented attacker who could arrive in the summer.

Manchester City discuss Savio deal

Taking to social media platform X, Romano has confirmed that on-loan Girona attacker Savio is a player City chiefs are "discussing internally" as they plan for the long-term under Guardiola.

On loan from ESTAC Troyes, the Brazilian wonderkid is operating under the umbrella of two clubs that are already in the City Football Group, creating a potentially complicated scenario that could eventually lead to the 19-year-old moving to Manchester.

Labelled a "brilliant talent" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Savio, also known as Savinho, has registered five goals and five assists in 20 appearances across all competitions this campaign at the time of writing (Savio statistics – Transfermarkt).

Harnessing the power of the player network provided by the creation of the CFG, Guardiola could now land himself a star of the future if negotiations go to plan.

Brighton have confirmed that manager Roberto De Zerbi will leave the club at the end of the season.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• De Zerbi to leave Brighton after Man Utd clash
• Likely to join Bayer Munich next season
• Guided the Seagulls to highest league finish

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Premier League club announced on Saturday that the club's clash against Manchester United on May 19 will be the final game of the Italian coach. The 44-year-old took charge of the Seagulls in September 2022 after Graham Potter left for Chelsea. Under his tutelage, the club finished sixth in the 2022-23 campaign – their highest-ever top-flight finish and also reached the round of 16 of the Europa League.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  De Zerbi has been linked with a move to several clubs, however, Christian Falk reports that he could head to Germany and join Bayern Munich ahead of the 2024-25 season. Bayern sporting Max Eberl has reportedly identified the Brighton coach as his first choice to appoint as Thomas Tuchel's replacement.

• WHAT ROBERTO DE ZERBI SAID

  Speaking to the club's official website, the outgoing Brighton boss said: "I am very sad to be leaving Brighton, but I am very proud of what my players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our amazing fans in the past two historical seasons. We have agreed to end my time at Brighton so that the club and I can continue to work in the way that suits each of us best, following our own ideas and visions, as well as our work and human values.

  "I have really enjoyed an intense and challenging two years working in the Premier League, not least competing in four major competitions this season. Leaving now provides me with time to take a break before deciding on my future plans."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BRIGHTON?

  The Seagulls, who have won just once in their last nine league outings, will aim to end the season with a win and give a fitting farewell to their manager on Sunday against United at Amex Stadium.

Real Madrid defender Nacho has teased a transfer that will see him join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, with a decision on his future already made.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Spain international leaving Bernabeu
• About to hit free agency
• Could join other La Liga icons in Florida

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 34-year-old is preparing to sever career-long ties with La Liga title holders at Santiago Bernabeu. He has taken in over 360 appearances for the Blancos – with one more set to see him chase down a sixth Champions League triumph when facing Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium on June 1.

  Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Nacho is about to hit free agency and is seeing a switch to MLS speculated on. He is considered to be another player in David Beckham’s sights, as the former Real midfielder looks to assemble a trophy-winning cast around eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi – with the likes of Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets already on board.

• WHAT NACHO SAID

  Nacho admits that his next move is decided, telling the show on Onda Cero: “My future? I have decided what I am going to do when the season ends, but I am not going to say it now, it is not the day, it is not the moment. Nothing that happens is going to change my decision, even if we win the Champions League or the European Championship.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  The experienced centre-half has been included in Spain’s plans for Euro 2024, as he looks to add to a haul of 34 caps for his country, and it could be that he links up with Inter Miami in the middle of a campaign that already has them setting collective sights on MLS Cup glory.

Jurgen Klopp appears to have distanced himself from some of the high-profile names that have entered transfer circulation now that the January market is in full swing, but Liverpool are still likely to make a move in some capacity this month.

Indeed, CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs has recently revealed that top targets Andre, Joao Palhinha and Piero Hincapie are not being pursued at present, with the Anfield boss claiming that concluding impactful deals in January is no easy feat.

That said, if the right opportunity arises then Liverpool will pounce – as has been evidenced across recent winter windows; Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo.

Liverpool transfer news – Federico Redondo

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are among the contenders to sign Argentinios Juniors midfielder Federico Redondo in 2024, with the South American club transfer-listing the 20-year-old prodigy for just £8m.

Manchester United and LaLiga giants Real Madrid are also interested, and while Liverpool would not usually make a swoop for an untested prospect in this manner, the affordable fee and abundant quality could urge Klopp to initiate a formal approach.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

The No. 6 is one of the hottest commodities in Argentina right now, causing a storm with his precocious performances, and the winter window offers the perfect chance to strengthen on Merseyside.

Federico Redondo's style of play

Described as a “baller” by one journalist, Redondo has amassed 58 total appearances for his side since rising from the youth ranks, posting two goals and assists apiece, impressing last term after completing 87% of his passes and succeeding with 68% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

As per FBref, the starlet ranks among the top 15% of midfielders across divisions similar to the Argentine Primera División for pass completion, the top 19% for passes attempted, the top 12% for progressive passes and the top 15% for successful take-ons per 90, showcasing his skill as an elite-level "controller" in the centre – as has been said of Redondo's ability by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

What this effectively means is that he is the metronomic presence in the middle, dictating play, picking out passages with his rangy game and protecting the backline.

While not a carbon copy stylistically, he could prove to be Liverpool's next Alexis Mac Allister, with his World Cup-winning countryman also beginning his career with Argentinos Juniors before moving to Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2019.

More accurate are the comparisons to Manchester City's Rodri, who wouldn't be a bad player to emulate if you are of a Liverpool persuasion and seeking a star in the making.

How Federico Redondo compares to Rodri

It was the aforementioned Kulig who made the comparison, writing that Manchester City's all-conquering midfield machine is the most similar profile to Argentinian football's latest prodigy.

Highlighting Redondo's biggest strengths in superb positioning and spatial awareness, sublime distribution, and his skill as a 'consistent, aggressive, and hard-tackling midfielder, with a very high work rate', there is little question that he is cut from the same cloth.

But to ascend to the level of the Spaniard, he would need to develop such attributes and sharpen them to a wicked point, with Rodri widely regarded as the best No. 6 in the world.

The 27-year-old ranks among the top 1% for pass completion and passes attempted, the top 3% for progressive passes and the top 12% for goals scored per 90.

He has also averaged a stunning 7.9 ball recoveries in the Premier League this season and succeeded in 77% of his dribbles and 75% of his aerial battles, dominant in the centre of Pep Guardiola's intricate system at the Etihad Stadium.

Should Redondo join Liverpool, he could nurture his innate ability to grow into a leading figure in European competition, and for a low fee, Klopp surely has to be all over this one.