Tag Futebol

Injury expert Ben Dinnery has suggested that West Ham United defender Craig Dawson could be rested for the Europa Conference League qualifier against Viborg this week. 

The lowdown: Defensive mainstay

Since arriving from Watford on a permanent basis following a loan spell, Dawson has established himself as a regular in the David Moyes starting XI for the Irons.

The 32-year-old former England youth international has made 73 appearances for the Hammers, taking an overall career tally to 437 professional outings, chipping in with seven goals and two assists in the process.

However, after being left out of the defeat to Manchester City at the London Stadium last weekend, one specialist has suggested that Dawson could be used sparingly over the coming weeks…

The latest: ‘Looking to leave him out’

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery – who runs the popular Premier Injuries site and contributes to Sky Sports – suggested that should the 16 times capped Under-21 star feature against Nottingham Forest then rest may well be in order.

He said: “This is something that Dawson has carried over from pre-season. But it’s certainly not an injury we would expect to be long-term.

“David Moyes will be looking to bring him back as soon as humanly possible, with Zouma the only recognised, experienced centre-back at the moment. That Europa Conference League tie against Viborg – no disrespect, but that would be a game you’d fully expect West Ham to win comfortably, even if they’re not at full strength.

“If Craig Dawson is to return this weekend, then I’d suggest Moyes would be looking to leave him out for that European game. That’ll keep him fresh for next weekend.

“It could go the other way. If he missed out on Sunday, then he could use that European game to give him some minutes. We could also see Ogbonna feature in that game, as he’s been building fitness with the Under-23s.”

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The verdict: Defensive dilemma

Moyes has found himself in somewhat of a predicament in the central defensive department once again after new signing Nayef Aguerd was ruled out, Angelo Ogbonna continues his comeback and Issa Diop headed to Fulham.

Last week in the absence of the man once hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Gary Neville during a meeting with Chelsea, talented full-back Ben Johnson was forced to act as a makeshift centre-back against City, far from the ideal situation given the strength of the opposition on opening day.

Even with Dawson’s potential return in mind, West Ham need to add another defensive option following Diop’s departure and GSB should be pushing to turn links to the likes of Thilo Kehrer and Jakub Kiwior into something more substantial.

Celtic have completed numerous deals throughout the current summer transfer window so far.

One particular move that would have had plenty associated with the Hoops delighted was last month’s permanent signing of Cameron Carter-Vickers from Tottenham Hotspur.

After enjoying a successful loan spell at Parkhead last season where he ended the SPFL campaign with more interceptions (43) and a higher average for clearances per game (4.1) than any other Celtic player, it’s easy to see why the Hoops were eager to make his temporary stay into a permanent one.

With the new season approaching, the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window could see the Parkhead club add some extra defensive reinforcements to their ranks, thus presenting Ange Postecoglou with the chance to create a formidable partnership alongside Carter-Vickers.

One figure that has been linked with a move to Glasgow that could fit the bill is Schalke’s Malick Thiaw.

Last month, it was reported that the Bhoys were in talks over a potential move for the defender.

With 31 appearances to his name in the German second division last season, the centre-back ended the campaign with more interceptions (55) and more successful tackles (45) than any other player at the club.

The £7m defender also racked up a higher average of clearances (3.4) and blocks per game (0.7) than any of his current teammates.

This highlights his clear defensive talent and why he’d be a good fit at Celtic alongside Carter-Vickers. It also backs up why he was labelled as a “big talent” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig on Twitter.

Hailed for his “excellent” performances by Christian Gross, who also described the 20-year-old as a player that has “great potential,” Thiaw could be a long-term figure at Celtic given his young age and clear talent that he has shown on the pitch.

Having been linked with a £7m move to Liverpool back in 2020, the Schalke starlet would be a solid addition to Postecoglou’s ranks this summer alongside the likes of Benjamin Siegrist and Alexandro Bernabei.

Despite sealing Carter-Vickers’ long-term future at Parkhead earlier in the window, bringing in Thiaw should be very much in the thinking of the Celtic hierarchy.

AND in other news: Ange can seal dream Souza alternative with Celtic swoop for “complete” £5.4m-rated gem

Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move for James Maddison…

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider and journalist Dean Jones, who has claimed that the north London outfit have “touched base” over a potential move for the Leicester City midfielder.

“I’m told Spurs have touched base over Maddison and a deal would not be impossible but it would cost them a lot of money,” he told GIVEMESPORT. “Probably more than they would want to spend. But you never know, the door isn’t closed.”

It’s thought that the Foxes may have to sell some of their top stars if they are to raise funds to bolster Brendan Rodgers’ squad, and the Englishman is one player who could garner a substantial fee, as per the reliable John Percy of the Telegraph.

Maddison could cost in the region of £50m.

Would be a huge coup

This would be something of a massive coup for the Lilywhites as they would be getting one of the top English creative talents in the Premier League – over the course of 133 top-flight appearances, he has scored 33 goals and provided 25 assists.

The 25-year-old, valued at £45m by Transfermarkt, enjoyed one of his best seasons to date last term, where he delivered a whopping 18 goals and 12 assists from 52 appearances in all competitions.

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In the Premier League last campaign, Maddison ranked inside the top 5% of his positional peers for goal-creating actions (0.70 per 90), the top 10% for non-penalty goals (0.44 per 90) and the top 12% for passes into the final third (2.89 per 90), via FBref, which only highlights his playmaking ability.

Once dubbed a “special talent” by The Times journalist Henry Winter, it’s evident that the one-time England international is something of a proven and reliable option for any top-flight team.

If Spurs are really in the market for a new no.10-type figure, as the Evening Standard suggests, then they should look no further than Maddison, especially as he has also been lauded as a “genius” by BBC Norfolk presenter Rob Butler.

Of course, any quality English talent is going to cost a pretty penny but the prospect of Maddison feeding in the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son with his creative and set-piece ability is surely enough to pull the trigger.

Tottenham are certainly considering it, based on Jones’ latest claim, so supporters around N17 are surely buzzing by the prospect of them signing Maddison as their seventh, and potentially final, signing of the summer window.

AND in other news, Paratici given green light to seal “extraordinary” £34m Spurs signing, Conte needs him…

An update has emerged on Tottenham Hotspur and their plans to bring in a new forward in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Express reporter Ryan Taylor has suggested that they are more likely to go for Leeds star Raphinha than Everton’s Richarlison in the coming weeks.

Fabio Paratici is looking to add to Antonio Conte’s attacking unit and Taylor believes that the former Rennes magician is the main target.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Spurs are edging slightly more towards Raphinha at the moment.

“I think if you look at Richarlison’s profile, my personal view is he’s mainly better centrally and if you look at Tottenham’s side, he won’t have many opportunities through the middle. Outside of that, he sometimes plays off the left, and Son plays there as well.”

Supporters will be excited

Spurs supporters will be excited by this claim as Raphinha would be a sublime addition to Conte’s squad for the 2022/23 campaign.

Since arriving in England, the Whites gem has scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists in the Premier League – including 11 goals last term – whilst playing out wide on the right.

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In that time, Richarlison has managed 17 goals and eight assists whilst playing on the left and through the middle as a centre-forward.

This means that Raphinha has been more productive than him in the final third, despite the Everton man spending time as a number nine, and this suggests that he would be the better signing.

There is little between them in terms of their scope for development. They are both 25 and heading toward the peak years of their respective careers, which means that they would both come in with the potential to improve in the years to come.

Therefore, it should be a matter of current ability and suitability for the team. Taylor explained why Raphinha suits Tottenham’s team more than Richalison and the statistics suggest that the Leeds man is also the better player with his ability to score and assist goals on a regular basis from out wide.

The Spurs supporters will be excited by the prospect of the ex-Ligue 1 attacker coming through the door as he will provide another big attacking threat in the final third. He can support the likes of Heung-Min Son, Harry Kane and Dejan Kulusevski to form a mouth-watering attack in the top-flight next season.

AND in other news: Conte could land Spurs masterclass in deal for “explosive” £30m gem, he’s Foden-esque…

Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy have intervened in the club’s transfer activity as the Lilywhites line up ‘exciting’ player talks, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Paratici busy…

Spurs, after completing a £25 million deal to sign Premier League star Yves Bissouma recently, are now setting their sights on more key additions.

The Evening Standard claim a right-wing-back, central defensive star and new striker are the current priorities in north London as transfer chief Fabio Paratici gets moving.

Three major incomings, including Bissouma, have already been confirmed with both Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster preceding the Mali international on Bosman deals.

The Latest: Sky share big update as Spurs line up ‘talks’

Following this plethora of activity, it appears Spurs have set their sights on another move as they line up talks.

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According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, sharing news on Twitter, Lilywhites hierarchy have even intervened as chairman Daniel Levy ‘personally’ drives a deal for Middlesbrough starlet Djed Spence.

He explained:

“Tottenham set for further talks over signing Djed Spence. Daniel Levy personally driving this deal as Fabio Paratici concentrates on other targets. Initial talks did not find agreement but Spence wants #Spurs move.“

The Verdict: Exciting…

The 21-year-old, called a ‘perfect player’ for manager Antonio Conte, seriously impressed whilst on loan at Nottingham Forest over 2021/2022.

Spence was a key figure in their promotion push and his status as a homegrown player could also help Tottenham balance the books in terms of their worrying quota.

Called an ‘exciting player’ also by members of the press (Marc Williams, Basford United head of media), it’s little wonder Levy has personally intervened and is attempting to strike an agreement.

Reliable journalist Pol Ballus of The Athletic has now shared a major update on Manchester City and their chase for Brighton star Marc Cucurella.

The Lowdown: Guardiola sets sights on Cucurella…

After clinching a fourth Premier League crown in five seasons last month, Sky Blues head coach Pep Guardiola has now set his sights on the transfer window, and a real summer of change could be on the cards at Eastlands.

City’s 3-2 smash-and-grab final day victory over Aston Villa sealed one of the most dramatic title wins in English football a month ago as Guardiola’s men came back from 2-0 down with three goals in five minutes late on.

However, some members of that pivotal team may well be on the way out as exit links surround the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus and final day hero Ilkay Gundogan (The Times). Even one of City’s best players of the 2021/22 season, Bernardo Silva, is being heavily courted by Barcelona.

In terms of incomings, it is reliably believed that Cucurella of Brighton is a major target for Guardiola, who is looking to add more balance down the left channel.

The Latest: City talks imminent…

According to Ballus of The Athletic, City’s talks for the Spaniard are set to begin ‘within days’, and fellow reporter Andy Naylor of the same publication anticipates ‘hair-raising’ negotiations.

Ballus explained: “Talks to start within days. Brighton to ask £50m-plus. City expecting to negotiate, or will walk away. Chelsea expected on the mix too. Cucurella more seduced by City.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

While £50m would be a heavy price to pay for sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, we believe that City should grant Guardiola his wish and make a move for the Brighton defender.

Cucurella dazzled at the Amex Stadium last season, finishing as their second-best regular starter by average match rating, with only star midfielder Yves Bissouma outdoing him (WhoScored).

The marauding full-back, who has been called ‘sensational’ by members of the media (Josh Bunting, Islington Gazette), also put in some memorable outings, perhaps most notably against City’s arch-rivals Manchester United.

Former top-flight goalkeeper Paddy Kenny raved to Football Insider over Cucurella’s relentless performance against the Red Devils, even claiming the ex-Getafe man ‘tore them apart’ in the Seagulls’ 4-0 win last month.

Still just 23 years old, the Spaniard could be a real fixture in Guardiola’s starting XI for many years to come.

In other news: Club already preparing to lose ‘very special’ star with Man City agreement possible…find out more here.

Leeds United winger Raphinha will be ‘buzzing’ after helping the Whites to secure Premier League survival, Noel Whelan has said. 

The lowdown

The 25-year-old scored the Whites’ opening goal as they beat Brentford 2-1 on the final day of the season to avoid the drop.

Leeds had gone into the final day level on points with Burnley but well behind on goal difference. However, the Clarets lost 2-1 at home to Newcastle United, surrendering 17th spot to Jesse Marsch’s team.

Shortly after the end of the club campaign, Raphinha jetted off to Brazil for his country’s friendlies against South Korea, Japan and Argentina.

The latest

Whelan, who came through the youth ranks at Leeds and made 53 senior appearances between 1993 and 1995, says Raphinha will have been energised by the team’s final day heroics. The 47-year-old added that the winger would have joined up with Brazil in a rueful mood had the Whites been relegated, but ‘now he can just enjoy the break’.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Elland Road striker said of Raphinha: “I think if results hadn’t gone our way on the final day, he might have a slightly different mindset. He might have that bit more mental fatigue and have been a bit more run down.

“But to finish the season the way he did on the final day, winning the massive game and staying up – I think that takes you into the break in a different mindset altogether.

“You’re happy, you’re buzzing, the pressure’s not there. Now he can just enjoy the break and playing for his country.

“I think we would be seeing a whole different Raphinha had things gone differently on the final day. Staying up like that has got to give you a huge boost going into the international games.”

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The verdict

Raphinha played 78 minutes in the 5-1 victory over South Korea and then clocked another 63 minutes as Brazil beat Japan 1-0. National outlet Globo Esporte rated him 6 out of 10 in the first game, suggesting that he could have been more ruthless in the final third and that he frustrated his manager.

However, the 25-year-old can be forgiven if there has been a dip in his on-field performances, having given everything to Leeds’ survival push. He led Marsch’s squad for goal involvements with 14 (11 goals, three assists), while his defensive numbers – 17.7 pressures, 1.7 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.82 blocks and 0.7 clearances per game – show just how hard he worked out of possession.

Leeds fans will hope that the experience has strengthened his bond with the club to the extent that he’ll decide to stay. Indeed, Raphinha climbed into the away end at the Brentford Community Stadium to celebrate with the supporters on that dramatic final day of the league campaign.

Barcelona are pursuing his signature, with the La Liga club’s director of football Mateu Alemany reportedly deciding to travel to England for talks over a potential transfer. Hopefully his trip will prove to be in vain.

In other news, Leeds are working on another summer transfer

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is eyeing an ‘impressive’ signing whilst also showing one of his players the summer exit door, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Big summer of change…

The Times, sharing news in the last week, revealed a private dinner between Conte and chairman Daniel Levy where the pair were thought to have discussed potential transfers.

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Spurs’ head coach, guiding the Lilywhites to within touching distance of a Premier League top four finish, has a plethora of incomings in his sights for the next transfer window with just as many leaving N17.

Looking to ‘offload’ the likes of Sergio Reguilón, Emerson Royal, Steven Bergwijn, Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele, the Italian also wants to bring in ‘at least’ six major signings (The Times).

A reserve goalkeeper to provide support for long-serving mainstay Hugo Lloris has also been touted with West Bromwich Albion keeper Sam Johnstone heavily linked.

The Latest: The Sun make Gollini and Johnstone claim…

According to The Sun, Conte is indeed eyeing a Bosman move for Johnstone as Spurs make ‘contact’ ahead of the summer window.

This comes after the ex-Chelsea boss tells current number two Pierluigi Gollini he’s set to leave and return to parent club Atalanta this summer, and contrasts with claims from The Athletic that they may have turned their attention to Fraser Forster.

The Verdict: Right move?

Called ‘amazing’ behind-the-scenes by defender Eric Dier, it appears Conte hasn’t been in agreement over 2021/2022 judging by Gollini’s lack of game time in the top flight.

Johnstone’s potential incoming would solve a gaping hole behind Lloris after Gollini’s exit and go some way to solving their current homegrown quota issue.

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder members of the media like journalist Pete O’Rourke believe he would be a ‘really impressive’ signing at Spurs.

In other news: ‘Spurs will…’ – Fabrizio Romano shares exciting behind-scenes update with Conte ‘very happy’…find out more here.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has urged Tottenham Hotspur to do everything within their power to keep Antonio Conte at the club, amid reports of Brighton manager Graham Potter being lined up as a possible replacement.

The Lowdown: Potter identified by Spurs

The 52-year-old still has one year remaining on his current contract with the north London giants, but his future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks after the Italian reportedly offered himself to Paris Saint-Germain, following the news that former Lilywhites boss Mauricio Pochettino looks set to leave the French capital.

According to The Telegraph, it is claimed that the Seagulls coach has been identified as Spurs’ number one target if Conte decides to leave N17 at the end of the season, although they would have to cough up a hefty £10m in compensation should they want to lure Potter away from the south coast.

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The Latest: Keep Conte at the helm, says Robinson

When asked for his thoughts on the Brighton manager potentially making the switch to north London, former Spurs goalkeeper Robinson told Football Insider:

“They have got to keep hold of Conte. I wouldn’t like to see Graham Potter come in.

“Conte is going to get linked with every top job in the world and unless Spurs are in the Champions League it is not going to go away. Spurs need to be competing regularly. They have to fight off the interest in Conte and give him the money.

“I don’t want to think about who the next manager could be because I don’t want Conte to leave. Spurs have one of the best managers in the world right now. Anything from Conte would be a downgrade.

“Potter is a manager who is doing a great job but he is not Antonio Conte. The club can’t go down the route of looking for a lesser manager than what they have got.”

The Verdict: Not enough experience

Potter, who was once hailed an “unbelievable” manager by ex-Brighton player Will Buckley, first made the move to the Amex Stadium from Swansea ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, guiding the Seagulls to their then-highest Premier League points tally (41) during his first season in charge.

Most recently, he led his team to a staggering 4-0 victory over Manchester United at the weekend, and he has done a great job in steering them away from the relegation zone and transforming them into a team pushing for a top-half finish in England’s highest division.

However, if Spurs are looking to appoint someone who could take them to the highest level on the international stage, the 46-year-old hasn’t quite got this kind of experience at the top of the European game yet. Therefore, as Robinson has advocated, it could prove wise to stick with Conte and see what he can achieve with a potentially new squad next term.

In other news… a transfer insider has hinted that a reunion might be on the cards for one Spurs first-team star and his former boss

When you think of sports betting you tend to think of betting on match results or the score line. Often, you can bet on aspects such as the best goal scorer or shot stopper, and then you can factor in live play where odds and bets change as the game evolves. Another aspect of UK betting online that you may have overlooked, however, is transfer betting.

Normally, this reaches fever pitch in the preseason but it also happens throughout the season. So with this in mind, let’s look at some tips for better transfer betting.

It’s not Just About the English Premier League

As the biggest league in the world, it is no surprise that the transfer action is intense in the EPL. Prior to a big move, there are rumours and it is one of the things that makes Football the best game in the world. It builds excitement when a new player especially a huge name comes into a squad, and disappointment if that big name has left your club.

The English preseason transfer window takes place between June 9th and August 31st. This is not the case across Europe however, where the window is slightly longer.

German Bundesliga – June 1st – August 31st French Ligue 1 – June 1st – August 31st Italian Serie A – June 1st – August 31st Spanish La Liga – June 1st – August 31st Dutch Eredivisie – June 11th – September 2nd

So if you were tracking a Juventus player rumoured to be moving to Barcelona, make sure you understand that it can happen before the English transfer window begins.

It is also a good idea to become familiar with the mid-season transfer window:

English Premier League – January 1st – January 31st German Bundesliga – January 1st – February 2nd French Ligue 1 – January 1st – February 2nd Italian Serie A – January 1st – February 2nd Spanish La Liga – January 1st – February 2nd Dutch Eredivisie – January 3rd – January 31st

The golden rule is that a player can transfer from a league with a closed transfer window to an open transfer window, but not from an open transfer window to a closed transfer window.

Odds and Bets

Ensure you check odds and bets thoroughly as not every bookmaker applies either the same odds or bets. For example, some bookmakers count a loan deal as a transfer but some do not. Others offer additional bets on the value of a transfer should the player be famous.

Most offer bets on whether a player will leave or stay.

Always shop around for the best odds so you get the best payout should you be successful.

Gossip

When assessing your transfer betting it is essential that you follow transfer rumours while assessing whether or not you should make a bet. For sports betting to be successful you should always conduct analysis and transfers are no different. Most head to BBC Football Transfer Gossip and Sky Sports Transfer Centre for information, but there are other sources.

The best source is someone on the inside.

Good luck with your football transfer betting, and remember never bet more than you can afford to lose.

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