Leeds are lingering in the wrong half of the Championship at the moment and are in desperate need for some inspiration in the remainder of the transfer window to keep them afloat in England’s second tier.
The drop is a long way off for the sleeping giants, but the club will be wary of dropping off into a relegation scrap and the one victory in their last six league games hasn’t left too many Leeds fans harbouring much optimism for the second half of the campaign.
The chaos at the club doesn’t seem to be stopping and it is hard not to feel a twinge of sympathy for Leeds fans at the moment. Steve Evans wasn’t a popular appointment and the manager is continuing to be questioned by fans and pundits alike.
Kyle Lafferty could be the level of signing that could change the path of Leeds’ season and fire them into a more secure position in the table.
Here are FIVE reasons that Lafferty would be an ideal signing..
Euro Dreams
Football – Northern Ireland v Finland – International Friendly – Windsor Park – Belfast, Northern Ireland – 15/8/12Kyle Lafferty – Northern Ireland Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason Cairnduff
Lafferty will want to prove a point before the Euros this summer and the Northern Irish striker will be extremely motivated to prove to the national management that he should be leading the line.
Short of a goal..
No Leeds player has registered more than eight goals this season and, naturally, that would suggest that you are probably short of a striker in your squad.
Wood and Antenucci have only provided 13 goals between them this season and Lafferty would certainly add to that.
Relegation looming
Although the points difference might be quite large, Leeds’ current form would suggest that they could slip down into the relegation dog fight.
As ever, strikers who can guarantee you goals, like Kyle Lafferty, can pull any side away from the relegation zone.
Options
Chris Wood carries a lot of responsibility in the front line this season, and it would make a huge difference to the club if they could have the option of playing Lafferty as well.
Fresh hope
With the recent sale of Sam Byram, Leeds fans are feeling horribly negative about the second half of the campaign and the signing of a player like Lafferty would help cheer up the Elland Road faithful.
Such a big stadium can be a huge positive for any club and creating some fan momentum would make quite a difference.
With his normal pre-tournament injury, many England fans are already questioning Wayne Rooney’s place in the England team. Though Rooney is the most experienced player within the England set up, he can never replicate his qualifying form in the big tournaments. At the age of 30, he is no longer the best, consistent striker that England have to call up.
With the emergence of the likes of Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy, as well as Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott and Raheem Sterling – England now have plenty of options ahead of France this summer.
The friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands will give these England players the chance to prove to Roy Hodgson that they have what it takes to not only perform, but keep Rooney out of the England set up.
Harry Kane has continued to defy the odds up front for Spurs and is having yet another consistent season at White Hart Lane. In 28 games this term he has 17 goals and one assist, and is becoming one of the emerging talents in the Premier League that all the big clubs are showing an interest in. Should he continue his form until the end of the season and perhaps even fire Tottenham to Premier League glory, then Kane could easily make the starting line up.
Considering he has spent most of the season injured, Sturridge always seems to come back and find form. In six games on Merseyside, he has already scored three goals. When fit, he has been a regular with England, netting five goals in 16 appearances for the Three Lions.
If he played consistently, this number would be a lot higher for the ex-Chelsea man, but if he stays fit until the end of the season, he should be on the plane. It will be interesting to see if he can add to his goal tally against Germany and the Netherlands.
Similar to Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy has exploded on to the scene this season, scoring 19 goals in 28 games, with four assists. Even though Vardy is 29-years-old, it hasn’t effected is pace, with opposition defenders unsure of how to mark or defend against him. Against Estonia in October last year, the defence couldn’t cope with his pace. Vardy had only been on for a few minutes, but set up Sterling to take the score to 2-0.
Although he didn’t score, he was deadly enough, and England need a player who the opposition can’t cope with. If he goes, England will be in with a good chance of doing well.
However, it may be too early to rule out Rooney from leading the line. His five tournaments will provide great experience to the team, even if he struggles to replicate his form on the international stage.
Even though any had written him off earlier this term, he went on a great goal-scoring run before his injury, and as his county’s leading goal scorer it, could be his last tournament. Having him play alongside any of the above will be more beneficial to England, rather than not play him at all.
With the final international break of the season out of the way, it’s pure Premier League action every weekend between now and the end of May.
And the coming one has thrown up a mouthwatering round of fixtures. West Ham face Crystal Palace in a fiery London derby on Saturday afternoon, later followed by Tottenham Hotspur’s visit to Liverpool, whilst shock table-topper Leicester City play hosts to regular giant-killers Southampton on Sunday.
Having the final say on the weekend’s Premier League action are Everton and Manchester United, who face each other in a 4pm kickoff at Old Trafford this Sunday. Result results between these two sides are split right down the middle, both winning three of the last six encounters, and neither are enjoying the most memorable of seasons – in fact, quite the opposite.
With that in mind, the result on Sunday could well depend on who dominates the key individual battles. Here are FOUR Football Fancast view as the most important.
ROMELU LUKAKU VS CHRIS SMALLING
Romelu Lukaku has emerged as one of the most potent and complete strikers in European football this season, finding 18 goals and six assists in 29 Premier League appearances through his eclectic mix of pace, power and aerial ability.
Indeed, few defences have been able to contain the beastly Belgium international but Manchester United might fancy their chances of doing so, having conceded the second-fewest goals of any Premier League side this term.
Much of that is owed to the leadership and thuggish defending of Chris Smalling, who will feel confident in contesting Lukaku when it comes to physicality. He’s quick, powerful and tall and has become one of the first names on the United team sheet under Louis van Gaal.
That being said, United have kept just two clean sheets from the England international’s last ten outings – one of which came against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup – so there are certainly weaknesses for the Everton frontman to exploit.
ANTHONY MARTIAL VS SEAMUS COLEMAN
Marauding full-backs are a defining feature of Everton’s attacking play, with Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman famed for their surging drives and technical quality on the overlap.
But Roberto Martinez may feel compelled to put the leash on his wide defenders for the visit to Old Trafford on Sunday, particularly in regards to the Ireland international who will be playing directly against Manchester United winger Anthony Martial.
The Frenchman’s output for the campaign may not be exactly astounding, bagging seven goals and three assists in 24 Premier League appearances, but he’s become arguably the most consistent attacking outlet in the United starting Xi and in the absence of Wayne Rooney is now the focal point of their attack.
No doubt, however, Coleman’s ability can make the difference in the final third and the United starlet isn’t exactly a workaholic, so he will get opportunities to run off the back of the 20-year-old.
ROSS BARKLEY VS MICHAEL CARRICK
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Ross Barkley’s England performances were decent if unspectacular during the international break so the Everton midfielder will be desperate to rediscover his club form as soon as possible and continue impressing Roy Hodgson ahead of Euro 2016.
The 22-year-old has bagged eight goals and seven assists in 29 Premier League outings this season, whilst averaging the most created chances per match, 1.6, of any player in the Toffees’ first team squad and providing scintillating drive from the tip of midfield.
That will likely see him line up directly against compatriot Michael Carrick on Sunday and Barkley should relish the challenge of outperforming another Englishman in contention to make Hodgson’s next squad – especially considering the Man United veteran lacks the legs to keep up with him.
But the 34-year-old is one of the best in the business when it comes to creating play from the holding role and although he’s never been the most natural of defenders, his ability to read the game has only increased with age.
Resultantly, this could become a battle of wits more than anything else.
MARCUS RASHFORD VS PHIL JAGIELKA
Everton are always a better side with captain Phil Jagielka in the starting line up, providing old-fashioned defensive instincts and leadership at the heart of a largely progressive backline.
The 33-year-old is one of the most experienced defenders in the Premier League and that could pay off dividends on Sunday, when he’ll likely line up against Manchester United’s latest boy wonder Marcus Rashford whose senior career to date consists of just eight appearances across all competitions.
That being said, youthful enthusiasm and natural talent has served the 18-year-old well enough so far, bagging two goals against Arsenal and the winning strike in the Manchester derby before the international break.
So this battle is very much a contest between Jagielka’s old head and Rashford’s considerably younger legs. Bursting with confidence at the moment, however, few would bet against the United youngster getting on the score sheet.
If it weren’t for Leicester City’s incredible performances this season, Dimitri Payet could have been named the PFA Player of the Year over Riyad Mahrez.
The West Ham United attacking midfielder has been sensational ever since his first game with the Hammers, helping his new club beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates.
He was virtually an unknown outside of his homeland when joining from Marseille for a now bargain price of £10million, despite the France international having some of the best stats in terms of chances created in Europe.
But he showed the Premier League (and the world) his incredible quality, as Payet is the perfect mixture of power and technique that has him being compared to the great Zinedine Zidane.
And after his last game against Manchester United, which was the last ever fixture at Upton Park, here are 10 moments that sum up Dimitri Payet’s season…
First game of campaign against Arsenal (09/08/2015)
Dimitri Payet bossed the midfield against Arsenal, earning an assist to help West Ham to an unlikely 2-0 victory over the Gunners at the Emirates.
First victory at the Boleyn Ground (14/09/2015)
After two home losses in succession, Hammers fans wanted a win and Payet delivered with both goals in a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United.
Comeback against Sunderland (14/09/2015)
2-0 down, West Ham fought back to draw the game 2-2, with Payet grabbing the all-important equalising goal.
Out for three months after injury against Everton (07/10/2015)
Payet was the victim of a rash challenge by Everton’s James McCarthy, forcing him out of action for over two months.
Return against Liverpool (02/01/2016)
Payet made his return against Liverpool as a late substitute, but oozed class in his short cameo.
Payet scores first trademark free-kick (12/01/2016)
He’s now being compared to David Beckham for his free kicks, but he only scored his first of the season in January against Bournemouth in a 3-1 win.
Payet dismantles Blackburn in FA Cup(21/02/2016)
Many were worried that Payet’s injury could see him need time to regain fitness, but the Frenchman was at his best in the FA Cup against Blackburn, scoring another brace which included another trademark free kick.
Payet long-range free kick beats David de Gea (13/03/2016)
20 yards out, not many would fancy anybody to beat one of the best goalkeepers in the world in David de Gea, but Payet somehow managed to do so with an incredible strike.
Payet at it again, this time for France (29/03/2016)
Payet has been left out of the France squad the past few years, but was recalled back after his terrific campaign with West Ham for friendly against Russia and obliged, again scoring a fantastic free kick.
Final West Ham game at the Boleyn Ground (10/05/2016)
2-1 down against Manchester United, Payet produced two brilliant crosses that landed on the heads of Michael Antonio and then Winston Reid, helping his side win the last ever game at Upton Park 3-2.
Manchester United star Anthony Martial has emerged as a key player for his club since his arrival from Monaco last summer.
The 20-year-old even netted on his debut when he scored against rivals Liverpool after coming on for Juan Mata in the 65th minute.
He has since continued to impress, managing to score four goals in his first four appearances for United.
However, despite his abilities and importance to the club, Martial may not get the glory he deserves if he eventually decides to commit his long-term future to staying at Old Trafford.
With the Red Devils still fighting for a fourth place finish after 37 games, the forward could still miss out on challenging for Europe’s top crown, the Champions League.
Even after featuring regularly for his side so far this term and scoring 17 goals, he could be forced to move elsewhere in order to fulfil his potential.
So, here are FIVE reasons why Anthony Martial is wasting his career at Manchester United…
Manchester United are no longer the powerhouse they once were
Manchester United were once a huge presence in the Premier League as well as Europe, but following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, they have struggled to reach their previous level.
Anthony Martial is directly affected by this factor given that he may not be able to win the Champions League or even the Premier League until the club can get back their fear factor.
He is being played out of position
Anthony Martial was brought it as the answer to Manchester United’s striking shortage, but is continuously being used on the wings to accommodate Wayne Rooney as well as academy starlet Marcus Rashford.
Unless Louis van Gaal is able to deploy him as a central forward, he may never manage to reach his full potential if his situation doesn’t change.
Manchester United are in transition
As mentioned earlier, Manchester United are no longer the European powerhouse they once were, meaning that they are now in transition in their attempts to get back to the top.
Anthony Martial could be seen as a key figure in the squad now, but if things don’t go his way, he could easily be replaced as the owners continue to alter their tactics in hope of achieving their objectives.
Current / potential managers tend to play more defensive
Anthony Martial is a full out attacker, capable of taking on players as well as finishing the one-on-ones, but may struggle to get chances given the manager’s tactics.
Current boss Louis van Gaal is known for his safe style of football, while heavily linked replacement, Jose Mourinho, will also encourage the squad to defend, hence his ‘park the bus’ style of play.
There is too much weight on his shoulders
Despite being only 20-years-old, Manchester United are putting so much pressure on the forward to perform on a weekly basis.
Unless the club can reinforce and improve all aspects of the squad, Martial may eventually feel jaded with his situation of trying to carry the entire team on his shoulders.
The Pep Guardiola empire is starting to take shape at Manchester City as he has signed two players in the space of 24 hours. Thursday saw the signing of Australian midfielder Aaron Mooy, which, in all fairness, is somewhat of a left-field move, but then again he does come from City’s Australian sister club in Melbourne, so that will go a long way to explaining that signature.
But the real news is that they have signed Nolito from Celta Vigo after meeting the £13.8m release clause the Spaniards were demanding.
The 29-year-old, fresh from Spain’s EURO 2016 exit earlier in the week, has signed a four-year contract and is Guardiola’s third signing since taking charge at the Etihad. Nolito’s form for Celta Vigo in La Liga last season was rewarded with a place in Vicente Del Bosque’s European Championship squad, which is some going considering the talent La Roja have. Although Nolito and co couldn’t make history and become the first ever nation to win three successive EUROs, he’ll look to channel that disappointment into the excitement that lies ahead with a move to the Premier League.
Although the Spanish contingent seems to be growing at Manchester City, does Nolito’s arrival mean a departure for his compatriot Jesus Navas? The 2010 World Cup and EURO 2012 winner has never really matched the form that he showed when he played for Sevilla and hasn’t scored in the Premier League in the last two seasons, even though he has made a total of 67 appearances, quite damming statistics, I’m sure you will agree.
I don’t think the signing of Nolito will mean the exit door for Raheem Sterling, but it will certainly raise questions as to where he will fit in a Guardiola starting XI. The first thing Guradiola has to do is put an arm around him and try and rejuvenate a player who is so low on confidence right now. Considering he was getting such little game under Manuel Pellegrini towards the tail end of last season, his performances in France over the past fortnight or so have done little to push for a place in the side on the opening day of the season.
With three new signings for Guardiola, you certainly get the feeling that they won’t be the last. You could arguably have made the case that the side that finished 4th last season could do with at least half a dozen changes. The summer spending is by no way finished here and we will all keenly be watching this space as to who else enters the Etihad.
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Though Arsene Wenger splashed the cash late on in the market to bring in (reasonably) proven players at long last, the Frenchman hasn’t got the greatest track record in terms of buying players.
Granted, plucking the likes of Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira from relative obscurity will always go down as some of the best moves in Premier League history, but Le Prof has undoubtedly stalled in recent years.
While the 66-year-old is often lamented for his dormancy on the marketplace, some of the Gunners propping up the bar in the Tavern have been joking they’d rather he didn’t bother at times!
The club are quite clearly one of the most cosmopolitan on the continent, in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, though have had a raft of dreadful transfer duds.
In recent years, it seems like supporters of most clubs have liked to take a cheeky swipe at Arsenal’s transfer dealings.
However, here’s a list a list for the die-hards.
Igors Stepanovs
Igors Stepanovs is probably the worst defender to ever play for Arsenal.
The Latvian was signed after an injury to Tony Adams and couldn’t have contrasted the Highbury legend any more.
Just 17 appearances in four years at the club, and while they won an awful lot during his time, he played very little part.
Kaba Diawara
The Emirates faithful these days may be pretty quick to lament Olivier Giroud, though Gunners of a certain age will be thankful he isn’t anywhere near as bad as Kaba Diawara.
Arriving in 1999, the former Guinea international failed to find the back of the net in any of his 15 games for the North London giants.
Shipped out soon after he joined, he scored just 65 goals over the course of an 18-year career.
Pal Lydersen
Norwegian defender Pal Lydersen was purchased back in 1991 as a backup to the likes of Lee Dixon.
Now, the fact he never made his way into that backline is both a testament to just how good they were and just how bad he was.
Playing just 16 games across his two years in North London, he was thrown back out to the continent.
Glenn Helder
Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie are just two of the classy Dutchmen who have appeared for the Gunners over the years.
However, sadly for them, it also includes Glenn Helder.
Played 39 games in two years, notching just once, and saw his place taken by majestic compatriot Marc Overmars.
When Tottenham completed the £30m deadline day signing of Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko, there was a predictable backlash on social media.
A lot of fans balked at what seemed to be an inflated fee for a player who only turns up, or even warms up, when the cameras are rolling.
On his day, however, the Frenchman can be an unstoppable force. He was unfortunate to be on the losing side in the Euro 2016 final as he used his powerful athleticism to find himself in dangerous positions and threaten the Portugal defence.
While Sissoko undoubtedly has to fight for his place in a Spurs side that were unlucky to finish third in the league after a late-season collapse, there are some at White Hart Lane who are cautiously optimistic the Frenchman can be a success.
So will Sissoko live up to his price tag? Here are five reasons he can:
HE IS VERSATILE
One thing that is invaluable for a number of Premier League sides is having players with the ability to play in more than one position.
Not only can they act as cover for a number of players in the squad, but having a versatile player in your side also allows the manager more tactical flexibility during a match.
Sissoko is capable of playing in the hole, on the wing or as a box-to-box midfielder in the centre and can therefore expect plenty of pitch time in a number of different roles.
ROTATION, ROTATION, ROTATION
After a successful 2015/16, Spurs are currently embroiled in a Champions League campaign meaning rotating players is key.
Mauricio Pochettino has always done a superb job at managing player fitness, something which is vital to his high-pressure game.
While Tottenham had to contend with the Europa League last season, Pochettino was quite happy to field weaker sides in some matches and save his key players for a league challenge.
This won’t do in the Champions League and players like Sissoko will be important, whether in the Premier League or Europe.
KEEPS PLAYERS ON THEIR TOES
Even though he had a number of options in midfield, Pochettino seemed to find his preferred lineup in the second half of the season.
For the majority of the campaign, Dier and Dembele made up the midfield anchor while Erik Lamela, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen took up advanced positions.
While this worked as Spurs racked up the wins and the goals, players like Eriksen often flattered to deceive, going absent in stretches but safe in the knowledge their starting place was assured.
With players of Sissoko’s quality eager to impress, this is no longer the case, and Spurs’ players know they need to raise their game to keep their place.
POCH CAN GET THE BEST OUT OF HIM
One of Moussa Sissoko’s main problems appears to his mentality and finding consistency in his form.
When the Frenchman arrived at Newcastle he looked to be an exciting player, but Tyneside fans quickly became disillusioned with him after a series of lazy and ineffective performances.
Tottenham fans can be assured Pochettino won’t cut him any slack; if Sissoko thinks he can get away with anything other than 100% he’ll find himself out of the door quickly.
Hopefully Pochettino can inspire Sissoko because…
ON HIS DAY HE’S A JUGGERNAUT
As Sissoko showed at Euro 2016, when he wants to be, he’s unstoppable.
Sissoko’s performance against Portugal led to some people question which midfielder Manchester United should be spending their money on.
He showed glimpses of this at St James’s Park, firing a brace past Chelsea early in his Newcastle career and turning in a number of superb performances throughout his stay.
If Sissoko can harness that power into a consistent output, Tottenham will have a gem on their hands.
Spurs’ start to their Champions League comeback has been a mixed bag.
Their ‘home’ game at Wembley Stadium ended in defeat at the hands of French powerhouses Monaco, but a tricky trip to Russia saw a positive scoreline as Mauricio Pochettino’s team ran out 1-0 victors against CKSA Moscow courtesy of another goal from Heung-min Son.
But, arguably, Tottenham’s toughest set of fixtures are now upon us, with a double-header against German outfit Bayer Leverkusen. The Bundesliga boys may not be absolute giants of the European game, but Roger Schmidt’s side are quietly building a reputation for their energetic play, which is complimented by some technically excellent players.
Bayer sit in mid-table in their domestic division and have drawn their opening two Champions League fixtures, proving they will be no pushovers on Tuesday night. So, who should Pochettino and his men be watching out for? Well, here are THREE Bayer danger men…
Bernd Leno
Leno hasn’t been enjoying the finest of seasons thus far, but the German stopper remains a formidable goalie. Spurs are likely to get chances across the 90 minutes – so it will be vital that the likes of Son and Vincent Janssen are on top of their game when opportunities come.
Javier Hernandez
A familiar face for Premier League followers, Hernandez has been a goal machine since his move to Germany. Indeed, ‘Chicharito’ has netted five already this term in Bundesliga action and a further one in the Champions League. Although he’s unlikely to impose himself on the game, Hernandez is a constant danger in the 18-yard box and will keep Spurs’ centre-backs on edge for the 90 minutes.
Hakan Calhanoglu
YouTube addicts will know all about Calhanoglu. The Turkish playmaker has developed a reputation for his set-piece prowess and is widely hailed as one of the most dangerous free-kick takers in Europe. However, there is more to the 22-year-old’s game than just smashing the ball at goal from distance, with his neat passing and supreme close control making him a very dangerous No.10 and a threat from out wide.
Matchweek 3 in this season’s Champions League is under an hour away from kicking off and Tottenham have travelled to Germany to take on Bayer Leverkusen in Group E.
The two clubs are separated by just a point with the London club just in front sitting in second place and know a win combined with Monaco losing to CSKA Moscow would see them go top of the group with three games to play.
It’s a big opportunity for Spurs to show their credentials against an experienced European campaigner in the shape of Leverkusen and it gives Mauricio Pochettino’s squad the chance to highlight their ability to compete with the best on the continent.
Speaking of his squad, the Argentine has decided to use it with the likes of Kieran Trippier coming in to the line up but one player that has missed out is Kevin Wimmer, much to the disappointment of the Spurs fans on Twitter. Here’s a gist of how they’re feeling about the central defender missing out…