Many Aston Villa fans are reacting to Dean Smith’s latest comments around three of his players and their chances of being in the England squad.
According to Ashley Preece, when Dean Smith was asked about whether Gareth Southgate would have been impressed with Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa during the victory against Leeds, he said: “Southgate would have been impressed, yeah, but he’d have been impressed with Matt Targett at left-back who’s having an outstanding season.”
Targett is clearly very appreciated by the Villa fan base, with one calling him ‘class’. Villa are a team that the Three Lions boss should be looking at closely as they are only six points away from the Champions League spots with two games in hand (SofaScore). They also have 13 clean sheets this season (Premier League) and this is the second-best in the division.
This is an even better stat for England that the majority of these clean sheets have involved Mings, Targett, Konsa and Matty Cash, and although the two centre-backs are picking up a lot of attention, the manager is right to highlight the efforts of others like Targett as well.
Here is how Villa fans reacted to the comments:
“Unfortunately England have too many left-backs. Konsa deserves to be in the conversation though.”
Credit: @CrippyCooke
“He is a completely different player and his performances are the most improved over last seasons. I’d of happily seen him leave after last season but I don’t want him going anywhere now!”
Credit: @designaw
“Targett deserves so much praise”
Credit: @Samigul69
“He’s having a great season .. this time last year I’d have sold him for £7M”
Credit: @FowlerLegend
“Targett Player Of The Season for me.”
Credit: @terrytini99
“Targett has impressed me so much a very solid efficient player”
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Credit: @jamesefield
“Class again”
Credit: @BackpostTrez
In other news, Villa fans fumed at this defender despite the club beating Leeds on Saturday!
It is safe to say gameweek two was full of surprises, with Premier League football still never failing to bring the joy and action that we love and expect from one of the best leagues in the world.
One of the biggest upsets and surprises of the weekend was Crystal Palace’s 3-1 win over Manchester United – with the Red Devils failing to create anything elusive going forward, having had 75.8% of possession with just 4 shots on target compared to Palace’s 5 shots on target.
With that being said – this weekend could see some fantastic results with some killer games scheduled for our viewing, such as Manchester City vs Leicester and Liverpool vs Arsenal.
So with further ado, here are my score predictions with Premier Picks for gameweek three – don’t forget you can sign up and play Premier Picks for free, and also set up a mini-league to challenge your mates in. Click here to get involved.
Brighton 1-1 Manchester United
The Seagulls have had a fairly strong start to the season, despite losing their opening game to Chelsea, Graham Potter’s side produced a great performance against Newcastle in gameweek 2 with a comfortable 3-0 victory to earn their first three points of the campaign.
Manchester United, however, had a poor start in their aforementioned opening game against Crystal Palace, and I can’t see things picking up come the weekend. The attacking quartet of Leandro Trossard, Aaron Connolly, and Neal Maupay impressed in their last game for Brighton by all contributing to the goal tally, whereas Manchester United failed to really create anything for themselves against Palace with just 4 shots on target despite their lions share of possession.
I can see this one playing out in a draw, with the final score at 1-1, despite the 71% going in United’s favour.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Everton
It is fair to say the majority agree with this one – with 65% of Premier Picks users going for an Everton victory. The Toffee’s last game against West Brom produced a staggering 7 goal thriller, which saw Carlo Ancelotti’s side come out with a 5-2 win.
Crystal Palace themselves had a great result too, beating Manchester United 3-1 with an impressive brace from Wilfried Zaha – but I see Everton coming out on top in this fixture. Ancelotti’s side has two wins from two so far this season, having scored 7 goals along the way – as well as the fact that Palace failed to win against them last season, hence why I feel that the Merseyside club will come out with three wins from three after this fixture.
West Brom 1-4 Chelsea
It has been a tough start for West Brom since their return to the Premier League this season, having lost their opening two games and conceding 8 goals in the process.
Slaven Bilic’s side will have a tough test on their hands this weekend when they face Chelsea, who lost their last game against Liverpool but won their opening game against Brighton 3-1. Frank Lampard’s new signings are yet to properly click, but their game against the Baggies could prove a pivotal turning point for their new-look squad – with new signings such as Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, and Thiago Silva all looking closer to being fit to play.
Along with the other 100% of users, I see this being a victory for the Blues, with a 4-1 win.
Burnley 0-0 Southampton
Both clubs have had a tough start to this season – the Clarets lost their opening game against Leicester on Sunday, losing 4-2 thanks to a spirited performance from Brendan Rodgers’ side. Southampton are also yet to win a game with two losses against Crystal Palace and Tottenham.
I can’t see this game being a win for either side due to their current form, and despite Danny Ings scoring a brace in his last game, as well as Burnley putting two past Tottenham – I predict this game to finish in a stalemate, with a 0-0 draw and a point for either side.
Sheffield United 1-2 Leeds United
The Blades are yet to find their feet this season, having lost their first two games against Wolves and Aston Villa, and have failed to score in both games too. Leeds secured their first Premier League win for 16 years at the weekend with a 4-3 victory over fellow Premier League new boys Fulham – and I can see this form continuing for Marcelo Bielsa and his side.
Chris Wilder’s side has failed to carry on their impressive form from last season, and I just don’t see them securing a win over Leeds after their first two losses this season. 57% of Premier Picks users also see Leeds getting the three points from this game, with only 11% going for a Sheffield United win.
Tottenham 3-1 Newcastle
Tottenham fans will be hoping to see the form of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son continue into this weekend after the pair were involved in all 5 of Spurs’ goals against Southampton. Jose Mourinho will no doubt not change too much about his XI from the game against the Saints after their display – with Newcastle having lost their last game 3-0 against Brighton.
The Magpies did have a great start to their season with a 2-0 win over West Ham, but I just don’t see them getting past a Tottenham side that is coming off the back of a fine performance in a 7 goal thriller. Myself and the other 86% of Premier Picks users have gone for a Tottenham win, predicting a 3-1 win for Mourinho’s side.
Manchester City 3-2 Leicester City
The Citizens started their season strong, with a 3-1 victory over Wolves on Monday night – thanks to goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Gabriel Jesus, and I see their form continuing through to this weekend. The Foxes themselves have had a good start to their own season, winning their opening two games and scoring 7 goals along the way.
This game will be hotly contested with both sides securing big victories during gameweek 2. Despite Leicester’s strong start, 79% of Premier Picks users also agree with a Manchester City win, with my own prediction ending in 3-2 to Pep Guardiola’s side.
West Ham 0-2 Wolves
It has been a tough start for the Hammers faithful, with David Moyes’ side losing their opening two games to Newcastle and Arsenal, despite a better display against the Gunners. Wolves did kick off their season with a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United, but lost on Monday night to Manchester City, with the Citizens putting in a strong performance to beat Nuno’s side 3-1.
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West Ham’s poor start could continue, with me and 61% of Premier Picks users going for a Wolves win – predicting them to win 2-0 over the Hammers.
Fulham 0-2 Aston Villa
Aston Villa kicked off their season with a fantastic 1-0 win on Monday over Sheffield United, thanks to a winning goal from Ezri Konsa. Fulham on the other hand has struggled in their first two games of the season, losing both and conceding 7 goals all told. Villa has made some great additions to their squad this summer such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and striker Ollie Watkins – and I don’t see them losing against the Cottagers come gameweek 3 – predicting Dean Smith’s side to win 2-0.
Despite my personal prediction, Premier Picks users seem to be split down the middle, with 30% going for a Fulham victory, 33% for a draw, and the other 37% opting for a Villa victory.
Liverpool 3-0 Arsenal
The defending champions have had a great start to their season, with two wins from two and beating Chelsea last weekend in a comfortable 2-0 victory – and their form will likely continue against Arsenal this weekend. The Gunners themselves have had a strong start to this campaign, beating Fulham 3-0 in their opening game, then securing a 2-1 victory over a stubborn West Ham side.
Arsenal have only beaten Liverpool once in their last five meetings with the Reds, however, and myself along with 89% of Premier Picks users see this fixture going in Jürgen Klopp’s favour, opting for a 3-0 victory at Anfield.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane may currently be on the treatment table, but that hasn’t stopped transfer rumours circulating the footballing world over a potential exit this summer.According to Tuttosport, the England talisman is a top target for Serie A giants Juventus this summer with Mauricio Sarri’s side willing to pay £180m for his services.They claim that the Italian outfit are leading the chase for him with both Manchester clubs faltering this season.But this is something that former Spurs striker Gary Lineker struggles to believe as he claimed the papers “haven’t got a clue” on Twitter last night.He said:
Kane’s future has been speculated ever since he picked up a hamstring injury against Southampton on New Year’s Day.
The Telegraph ran a story suggesting that the north London club would struggle to keep hold of the 26-year-old should they fail to win silverware this season, and since then, their exit from the Champions League has been confirmed meaning they are not in any cup competitions.
Spurs also have to overturn a seven-point deficit to even challenge for the top four in the Premier League.
Calling Premier League experts ONLY: Which year were these top flight clubs formed?
Lineker may not have belief in Kane’s potential exit from Tottenham anytime soon, but if he’s to earn a better chance at clinching a trophy or two, then he’ll have to do exactly that as he enters his prime years.
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And in other news, Spurs fans think they could have another Ryan Sessegnon on their hands amidst £20m transfer report…
West Ham United were dominant in their 4-0 win against AFC Bournemouth, taking 11 more shots than their opposition and getting seven more corners.
In his first game as Hammers manager, Moyes likely will have been satisfied with what he saw from the majority of his players.
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Declan Rice will certainly be one whose contribution he will be happy with.
The fans certainly feel that way, with “awesome” and “outstanding” being two words used to describe his performance on Twitter.
Did he really play for us?! No West Ham fan has managed to name all of these obscure Irons signings….
This level of praise is deserved, as the 20-year-old completed five tackles, two dribbles and maintained a pass success rate of 90%.
West Ham ended up looking very comfortable and the midfield partnership of Rice and Mark Noble was a key reason behind that.
However, there is one moment that stood out for many – his assist for Felipe Anderson’s goal, the final one of the game.
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The England international played a wonderful lofted ball to the Brazilian with his left foot, allowing him to touch it towards goal, before bursting forward and placing it past Aaron Ramsdale.
Fans were in awe of the technique involved, with one claiming that Rice has a “wand of a left foot”.
In other news, Kaveh Solhekol has offered a verdict on West Ham’s January window.
Liverpool visit Old Trafford on Sunday and they may be in a buoyant mood as Paul Pogba remains unavailable for the hosts through injury.
It is a notable absence which could possibly deflate Manchester United as much as boost Jurgen Klopp’s side, and that could prove decisive in the Reds maintaining their 100% record in the league.
Another bonus for Liverpool is that many of their players were able to rest over the international break, including Mo Salah, whilst Roberto Firmino continued his fine start to the season with a goal against Senegal.
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Salah looks to have overcome the knock he sustained against Leicester whilst there are also significant returns in other areas.
Alisson is expected to start for the first time since the opening day clash against Norwich, whilst Joel Matip is in line for a return to the team-sheet after injury forced him off against Sheffield United, a prospect which could be a big boost for the visitors.
Above all, though, is the problem of Pogba being missing, as that could have enormous tactical repercussions and determine how the game is played.
That is primarily because, without the France international, the Red Devils are a different outfit.
Their midfield lacks an attacking dimension and there is a derth of quality and creativity going forward when the likes of Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and Fred play.
Pogba’s passing stats suggest as much, as he completely surpasses any of his teammates in that area, with Fred’s 0.8 key passes per game the next best behind Pogba’s 2.6.
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As a result, United will lack a threat in midfield to unleash the likes of Marcus Rashford and Dan James, and that means Jurgen Klopp can concentrate on attacking.
Oxlade-Chamberlain should therefore earn a recall as he can provide the injection of pace and flair in the middle of the pitch that Jordan Henderson lacks, evidenced best by the 29-year-old’s average of 1.4 successful dribbles per league game.
The Reds will not have to worry about him having to cover defensively against Man United’s midfield because of their lack of attacking threat, and that means Klopp should be more adventurous, particularly as his side failed to score at Old Trafford last year.
As the Red Devils are scorching through their summer pre-season exhibition matches in style, Nemanja Matic celebrated a big threshold with the club.
Today marks his second anniversary at Manchester United as the Serbian arrived at Old Trafford back in 2017 from Chelsea.
Since then, he has played a total of 87 games for the red side of Manchester, scoring three goals and assisting a further three in the process.
And now, he quickly took to
/B0lAniciynD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link” data-lasso->Instagram and social media to celebrate with a new snap and a heartfelt message to the club whose colours he’s been defending for two years now.
He also went on to say thanks to all the fans supporting him along the way.
Manchester United’s next challenge pits them against AC Milan in the International Champions Cup (ICC), and the game will be played on August 3 at the Principality Stadium.
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After that, they will host Chelsea at Old Trafford for their 2019/20 Premier League opener in what is going to be a much-anticipated clash between Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and new Blues boss Frank Lampard.
After a few seasons of slowly declining, Petr Cech’s retirement has been welcomed with open arms by Arsenal fans.
The Premier League legend will hang up his gloves come the end of the season after 15 years of dominance between the sticks in the English top-flight, and although his final years at Arsenal haven’t been kind to the former Chelsea ‘keeper, Cech has timed his departure from football at the right time.
Having lost his first-team spot to Bernd Leno earlier in the season, Arsenal will be likely to look for a player who can take Cech’s spot on the bench for the upcoming campaign, and an answer for a new back-up keeper already lies in the team in the form of Emiliano Martinez.
The Argentine goalkeeper has been in north London for the good part of nine years and has constantly spoken about his admiration and love for Arsenal during that time, but first-team chances have been close to impossible for Martinez.
However, with Cech retiring and Martinez impressing at Reading for the second-half of this season, the 26-year-old shot stopper could finally win a spot in the first-team and establish himself as a reliable backup option for Arsenal.
Martinez surely has aspirations of one day becoming the first-team keeper at Arsenal and could realistically become if should something happen to Leno in the future, and after years of being third-choice and waiting patiently on the wings for a chance, the Argentine more than deserves a shot to feature regularly for the team he is so fond of.
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Arsenal fans, would you take Martinez as second-choice keeper? Let us know!
Manchester United must move to strengthen their defence heavily during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Former manager Jose Mourinho was desperate to add defensive reinforcements last summer but United tried and failed to land a number of key targets. Mourinho was left disappointed and United’s poor form on the pitch ultimately cost him his job. His replacement, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has performed admirably in the role and his chances of landing the job permanently has been greatly improved as a result of their performances.
Should the Norwegian legend be appointed, improving his defence must be a priority. Solskjaer has finally got the best from Paul Pogba as well as reinvigorating Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial at the top of the field. Strengthening their back four would have United challenging for the title in no time.
One man the Red Devils should look to recruit is Lyon flyer – Ferland Mendy. Valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, the left-back has developed into a crucial player for his side since joining from Le Havre in the summer of 2017. Mendy is enjoying his finest season to date and has earned praise from fans and pundits alike due to his exceptional showings in Ligue 1.
The France international possesses blistering pace which allows him to keep up with the quickest of forwards as well as bomb forward to help out the attack. His biggest asset is his dribbling ability, averaging two successful dribbles per game this season, which helps him beat players with ease when bringing the ball out of defence. Mendy has also averaged an impressive 1.4 key passes per game this season which could mean even more goals for Rashford in the United attack (WhoScored).
Still improving and developing, this move should be a no brainer for Solskjaer.
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The Sun recently reported that outcast Brighton striker Jurgen Locadia is unsettled at the Amex Stadium and looking to force an exit in January due to his lack of game time.
The 25-year-old joined the Seagulls in January in a £14 million deal, however, he has made just 19 appearances for the Premier League outfit since his switch from Dutch club PSV.
Check out the video below to see how Brazil fans reacted to being asked how Cristiano Ronaldo would perform for them in a hilarious prank by Playmaker FC…
The fine form of veteran forward Glenn Murray, who has already netted seven league goals this season, is keeping Locadia out of Chris Hughton’s side. The Dutchman now appears tired of waiting in line behind the inspired 35-year-old and wishes to quit Brighton to get his career back on track elsewhere.
A January loan move may be the best option for Locadia, and Aston Villa would be wise to take a punt on the forward for the second-half of the campaign.
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The Villans could do with some additional depth up front and competition for Tammy Abraham. Locadia represents an excellent option to take up this role in the squad, and Dean Smith could rely upon the frustrated Brighton man being eager to prove he has what it takes to make an impact in English football.
However, Villa fans seem less keen on Locadia coming to Villa Park. Of those who took part in our poll, 56% voted against making a move for the out-of-favour Premier League striker. See the full results below.
According to the Evening Standard, Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen is still unsure whether the club will be activating a one-year extension to his contract, which otherwise would expire in the summer of 2019.
What’s the story?
The 31-year-old Belgian agreed his current deal with the Lilywhites in 2016 and is waiting to hear whether the club will take up the option to extend it for a further year.
Vertonghen has been at the North London club since the summer of 2012, when he arrived from Ajax after coming through the club’s famous youth academy. In those six years he has become one of the most crucial players in the squad and has made 256 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with 11 goals.
The Spurs man, who is valued at £28m by Transfermarkt, was also a key part of the Belgium squad that reached the semi-finals of this summer’s World Cup and eventually finished third after beating England in the playoff. Vertonghen made six appearances in the tournament and scored in the comeback victory over Japan in the round of 16.
Key decision
Although Tottenham failed to make any new signings this summer, Daniel Levy would have pleased boss Mauricio Pochettino by keeping the club’s stars of recent years together.
One man that was heavily linked with a move away was Vertonghen’s fellow Belgian centre-back Toby Alderweireld. The 29-year-old was supposedly set for a switch to Manchester United but a move never materialised.
Alderweireld is in a similar situation to Vertonghen though in that his contract expires next summer but the club have the option of a one-year extension. If they activate this though a £25.4m release clause also becomes active, meaning that clubs are likely to swoop for the experienced international.
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This means that Spurs and Levy absolutely must extend Vertonghen’s contract in the summer to prevent a defensive crisis at the club, and not only should they extend it by a further year, they should actually take a risk by offering the 31-year-old an even longer deal than that such is his importance.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”289180″ player=”12034″ title=”A Futsal Player Walks Into A Denmark Squad…”]