West Ham fans will be disappointed to see their side not secure three points at home to Liverpool on Monday night.

The Reds opened the scoring early in the first-half through Sadio Mane who beat Lukasz Fabianski despite James Milner crossing from an offside position. However, the Hammers soon equalised from a well-worked free-kick with Michail Antonio beating Alisson Becker expertly on his right foot. Liverpool almost stole victory late on but Divock Origi couldn’t beat Fabianski even though he was offside.

Nevertheless, Manuel Pellegrini will look at the result as a good point gained. The Hammers’ progress under the Chilean has been steady and a good run of form in the latter stages of the campaign could secure European football at the London Stadium. The club must also look ahead to the summer window for players who could take them to the next level.

A perfect addition to the squad would be Eibar maestro – Joan Jordan. Valued at just £7.2m by Transfermarkt, the midfielder joined his current employers for just £900k in the summer of 2017 after departing Espanyol. Jordan has since become a crucial player for his side, making 21 appearances in La Liga so far this season.

Jordan is a well-rounded midfielder who would add another dimension to the Hammers engine room. The Spaniard loves to transition defence into attack meaning he would be the perfect partner for Declan Rice in a double pivot. Jordan has scored three goals and registered four assists for his team-mates this season, averaging an incredible 2.1 key passes per game – more than any other West Ham player so far this season (WhoScored).

While he may be an unknown name, this move could prove to be an astute piece of business.

West Ham fans, thoughts?

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Loads of Celtic fans have been reacting to a tweet from the club wishing former star Charlie Mulgrew a happy birthday, and it’s fair to say fans are missing the 32 year-old.

After a slightly up and down start to the season, Celtic are well and truly flying at the moment, winning 11 domestic games in a row since December’s Old Firm defeat.

However, the Bhoys could still be facing a defensive crisis this summer, with Dedryck Boyata yet to show any signs of penning a new contract and the likes of Jozo Simunovic and Jack Hendry still failing to really impress.

Fans are thus hoping the club brings Mulgrew to Glasgow for the third time, after they tweeted their good wishes to the 39-cap Scotland ace on Tuesday.

Mulgrew spent four years at Parkhead to start off his career and returned in 2010 for a six-year spell, racking up 29 goals in 208 total appearances for the club over the two spells. Most of his second stint was of course under the management of Neil Lennon.

Now 32 and plying his trade for Blackburn in the Championship, the versatile defender has scored an impressive ten goals this season, and fans are all calling for his return – a return that would surely only happen if Boyata leaves the club.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Naby Keita has faced his fair share of criticism from the Liverpool fans this season.

Indeed, the midfielder has largely struggled to show his best form for the Reds.

It would be fair to say that there have been signs of improvement in recent weeks, though, particularly in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth last time out.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was certainly pleased with Keita’s showing against the Cherries, with the German paying tribute to the central midfielder.

The Liverpool fans have been reacting to Klopp’s comments on social media and it would be fair to say that a number are in agreement.

Keita’s talent was never really in question, but there were fears that the 33-cap Guinea international would not be able to fully adapt to the Premier League.

The Liverpool fans have been frustrated in recent weeks after watching Manchester City move to the top of the table, but many are delighted with Keita’s recent form.

A selection of the Twitter reaction to Klopp’s comments can be seen below:

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Duncan Watmore took a huge step towards recovery following a career defining anterior cruciate ligament injury by completing 90 minutes of football on Tuesday evening, but he will be unable to back up that performance with any further action on Friday evening.

What’s the word?

Jack Ross will have been delighted to welcome Watmore into Sunderland’s starting lineup against Blackpool – a fixture which saw him complete 90 minutes for the first time in more than two years.

However, the visit of Accrington Stanley has come too soon for the 24-year-old, as Ross revealed he will be absent at the Stadium of Light on Friday evening, per Sunderland’s official website.

“He won’t be involved tomorrow night, which is a blow for us because obviously his performance was so positive,” Ross said.

“The reality of his recovery is that it’s not possible for him to play two games in as quick succession as that – not that it will be the case for him indefinitely.

Long road to recovery

It’s hardly surprising that the attacker is unable to take part in the Black Cats’ clash with Accrington.

Players who are in prime physical condition are rarely at their best when they are forced to play two games in the space of three days, so the Sunderland man was always going to struggle to feature.

The road to recovery is long and arduous, but it’s important that the supporters stand by him during his recovery as it will naturally take plenty of time for him to rediscover his best form.

It’s unlikely that Watmore will discover anything close to top form until the 2019/20 campaign, but the fact Ross regards his absence as a “blow” suggests he believes he could still play a key role at the business end of the season.

West Ham United will be desperate to cause an upset against Manchester City in their next outing, as they almost got the better of Liverpool recently. 

The Hammers’ European dreams are vanishing as they’ve not been able to identify the winning formula in recent times, with improvements definitely required if they are to make anything of their season.

However, the London club may already have their sights set on potential summer moves, as a number of the club’s summer signings have worked wonders up until this point in the current campaign.

One player who could be of interest to West Ham United is Harold Moukoudi.

West Ham United were believed to be keen on signing the defender last month, according to Made in Foot. And, the Frenchman could be available for free in the summer with his contract set to expire.

Indeed, the defender has established himself as one of the hottest defensive prospects in Europe as he continues to impress at current club Le Havre in France. He’s been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Raphael Varane, Aymeric Laporte and co, and he has all the ingredients to become a future star in years to come.

David Gold and David Sullivan managed to secure what has proved to be an absolute bargain back in the summer transfer window when they signed Issa Diop for a reported £22 million, as he’s already made a name for himself.

But, with Moukoudi possibly being available on a free transfer at the end of the season, it’s safe to say that West Ham must bring him to the London Stadium.

He has all the ingredients to follow in Issa Diop’s footsteps as he’s already developed into a dominant defender, with his pace, strength, power, tackling and aerial ability making him as well-rounded as they get.

Indeed, the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla, Aston Villa, Wolfsburg and Napoli were all reportedly keen on signing the defender last month, which just goes to show how highly-rated he really is. So, Gold and Sullivan really could pull off something special if they manage to lure him to the Premier League at the end of the season.

West Ham United fans – thoughts?

Leeds United currently find themselves sitting at the top of the Championship table after securing all three points against Swansea City last time out.

The Whites will need to ensure consistency from here on in if they are to stand any chance of meeting their aims, with a number of teams all fighting for a limited amount of places.

However, one thing that has been worrying supporters in recent times is the fact that Kemar Roofe has dropped off the pace massively, with no goals to his name in his last five Championship appearances.

Indeed, the Englishman established himself as one of the standout performers for the Whites during the first half of the season as he grabbed an impressive amount of goals, with his tally currently standing at 14. But, things have gone awfully quiet in recent times, which has had a negative affect on some of Leeds’ results as he just hasn’t been able to find the finishing touch that brought him so much success earlier on in the current campaign.

It’s safe to say that Leeds should have cashed in on him last month, despite him playing a big part this season, as his performances since January have been less than impressive. The Whites would have had time to bring in a proven replacement for Roofe and he would have more than likely attracted a big fee.

So, with Leeds now having to deal with his inconsistencies in front of goal, it now looks as if they should have made the brave decision to move him on while they could.

Leeds United fans – thoughts on whether you should have cashed in on Roofe?

كشف زكريا السيد رئيس نادي إنبي، موقفه من ضم محمد شريف لاعب الفريق المعار من الأهلي، في الفترة الحالية.

محمد شريف غادر الأهلي معارًا إلي إنبي، في فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الماضية، ومن المقرر أن يعود إلي الأحمر بداية الموسم الجديد.

وقال السيد خلال تصريحات لبرنامج نمبر وان عبر قناة النهار: “طلبناه من الأهلي بشكل رسمي ولكن إدارة القلعة الحمراء قررت عدم حسم أمر اللاعب إلا بعد الرؤية الفنية ومدى الاحتياج للاعب”.

وبسؤاله عن مصير مفاوضات الأهلي مع أسامة جلال مدافع إنبي، أوضح: “ما تردد عن أننا طلبنا 200 مليون جنيهًا غير صحيح، نحن لم نحدد سعر اللاعب وأجلنا كل المفاوضات على أي لاعب إلى نهاية الموسم”.

وعندما سُئل عن دخول بيراميدز في المفاوضات لضم أسامة جلال رد رئيس إنبي: “لا لم يحدث”.

وأكمل: “محمود جاد حارس إنبي، وصل له عرض من نادي كرواتي ولكن أجلنا الحديث لنهاية الموسم ولم نناقشه”.

وأتم: “العرض كان مبدئي للاستفسار عن إمكانية التخلي عن اللاعب في هذا الوقت ونحن قمنا بالرد أننا سنؤجل المفاوضات لنهاية الموسم”.

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Loads of Leeds fans have been reacting to an update on the fitness of Jack Clarke, who is set to return to outdoor training next week.

Clarke has been one of the most exciting parts of this exhilarating season at Elland Road, as the teenager looks more than capable of becoming a true Leeds great.

Born and raised in Yorkshire, it’s no surprise fans are very fond of the 18 year-old, and he has bagged two goals and two assists this season despite starting just four Championship games.

He was stretchered away from the sideline during the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough though, and fans were extremely worried over the youngster’s future.

According to Phil Hay of the Yorkshire Evening Post, the winger was suffering from a virus, and has been doing indoor gym work this week, before returning to outdoor training next week.

This will come as a huge relief to Marcelo Bielsa, who is already without Kemar Roofe for an estimated eight weeks due to a knee injury.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Whoever doubted whether Leeds United are running out of steam as the season heads to a close, their destruction of West Bromwich Albion indicates quite the opposite.

After a topsy-turvy past few months following the “Spygate scandal”, Marcelo Bielsa’s rallied his troops to find back their groove and march onto the title.

After a shocking loss to Queens Park Rangers last week, the Whites provided the perfect answer at Elland Road. The fireworks began from the get-go, with Pablo Hernandez opening the floodgates with a first-minute strike. Patrick Bamford added a superb brace along with Ezgjan Alioski round off a dominant victory for the hosts.

However, the game also saw the return of the beautiful, “total football” Bielsa has implemented in the club. Leeds played some stunning passing football to bamboozle their opponents, with the fourth goal, which involved many intricate passes in the buildup, proving how Leeds have found back their confidence in attack.

That being said, the Whites were also really strong defensively, keeping out West Brom’s dangerous attack which had scored 12 goals more than them heading into the game. Kiko Casilla made some solid saves to deny them a sniff, while Leeds possession-based style didn’t allow them to have many chances either.

The dominant victory act as warning shots for anyone who started doubting Leeds’ promotion chances. Norwich City might be slightly ahead currently, but Bielsa’s men have made their intentions clear by retaining their scintillating attacking style and piling the pressure in the Championship title race.

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Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn returned to the starting XI and produced a man-of-the-match performance in the 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest at The City Ground on Wednesday night, and he proved he is destined for the Premier League next season with or without the Midlands outfit.

The Scotland international joined the Championship club for an undisclosed fee last summer and has quickly gone on to make a big impression at Villa Park, becoming a key player in the middle of the park.

Following a two-match suspension having accumulated 10 booking over the course of the league campaign, the 24-year-old sat out the draw with Stoke City and the win against Derby County, before having to settle for a spot on the substitutes’ bench for the second city derby on Sunday.

However, with the scoreline at 0-0 the former Hibernian man and gave his side some fresh impetus in the final third, and he was rewarded with the impact he made with a spot in the XI in place of Glenn Whelan against Martin O’Neill’s side.

McGinn didn’t disappoint despite the visitors falling 1-0 behind with just three minutes on the clock, as he scored two brilliant first-half goals to give Villa a crucial advantage as they continue to close on the play-off positions.

The Scot needed to make an impression from an attacking point of view and he certainly did that with his two goals coming from four shots in total – he was unfortunate not to get a hat-trick when he saw one of his efforts hit the woodwork.

It wasn’t just his work going forward that was good either and he proved that he is an all-round midfielder by also winning two aerial duels, as well as making three interceptions and three tackles for his team.

A WhoScored rating of 9.48 is nothing to be sniffed at and given his all-action box-to-box displays and the fact that he has four goals and eight assists to his name in the Championship this term, he is ready for a move to the Premier League, and it will happen whether Villa win promotion or not come what May.