Chelsea’s striker issues are still persistent and evident from the EFL Cup final loss to Manchester City, Maurizio Sarri doesn’t entirely believe in Gonzalo Higuain’s ability. While the Italian striker was signed to be their missing goal-scoring link, he’s been unconvincing so far.

This is obviously an issue that needs to be solved – and fortunately they already have a dangerous striker on loan. Michy Batshuayi is with Crystal Palace only until May. Following some loan deals, it’s finally time for Batshuayi to come good at Chelsea.

If his recent form at Palace proves anything, the Batsman is ready to roll in the Premier League. He’s been an asset for Roy Hodgson’s side since arriving last month, already proving to be a more proficient striker than Christian Benteke. Batshuayi’s made three appearances for the Eagles, scoring one goal from only four shots on target (via the Premier League).

The Belgian striker’s first goal arrived in their 4-1 demolition of Leicester City, where he was fortunate to get a touch on James McArthur’s powerful shot to deflected onto goal. However, that wasn’t his only contribution. Batshuayi’s movement in the final third was really threatening, diverting the defenders’ attention and dragging them out of position.

He’s allowed Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend more freedom to create and score, showcasing how well he could fit in at Chelsea. Not only can the Belgian be a consistent goal-scorer for them, but also elevate those around him to help Chelsea start playing efficient, attractive football again.

This is all, of course, without also considering his brilliant form at Borussia Dortmund last year. Sure, he’s inconsistent – but Batshuayi’s talent is evident. He just needs a stable home from which to build.

Thoughts?

What a turnaround in fortune it’s been. In the quarter-final of the FA Cup and looking upwards in the Premier League, Crystal Palace after a poor start, could soon have a very memorable season indeed.

With talent all over the pitch in every position, the right signings over the summer could lead to Crystal Palace really pushing the rest of the league, showing what they’re capable of.

One signing who may not steal the headlines but would make a strong addition at least is ADO Den Haag centre-back Wilfried Kanon.

Kanon, (who is valued at £2.2 million on Transfermarkt) would only add to the quality of the Eagles back-line, as back-up to the likes of James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho.

Wilfried Kanon, an international team-mate of Wilfried Zaha, was considered a target (as per the Sun) for Crystal Palace in the January transfer window and although a move never came to fruition, he should still be an option for the Eagles.

Roy Hodgson could certainly do with recruiting another tough centre-back, which Wilfried Kanon fills the criteria for.

The 25-year-old has done a stellar job for his Eredivisie side this season, helping to preserve five clean-sheets in 23 outings this season. Indeed, Crystal Palace right now don’t have a great deal of back-up in their ranks and could be found out with a long injury to one of their centre-backs.

Alongside Sakho, the two could form one of the best defensive partnerships the club have ever seen and ensure the relegation battles of the past are no more. A powerful enforcer, there’s no doubt he’d fit in well in South London and prove to be a wonderful addition.

Wilfried Kanon has shown he looks to be ready for a bigger challenge and that’s exactly what he would get with a move to Selhurst Park.

Thoughts Palace fans… Let us know!

There is no hiding the fact that Christian Eriksen is a Real Madrid target. The Danish midfielder has been one of the best players in both the Premier League and the world for the last few seasons and interest from the best is inevitable. However, as Los Blancos consider how to lure him to Madrid, Marca claim a Gareth Bale loan deal is on the cards.

The article claims that whilst Manchester United, Chelsea and Spurs are the clubs who hold an interest in Bale, Real Madrid are more interested in letting the Welshman leave for either of the two London clubs. At Chelsea, there’s Eden Hazard whilst Tottenham have Eriksen, who are both players the Spanish giants want. Although Chelsea’s recent transfer embargo may have given Tottenham the lead.

Whilst this all sounds peachy, the fans don’t want to lose their Danish magician, even if it means bringing back one of White Hart Lane’s greatest players of recent years. The Welshman’s exit this summer is looking more and more likely seeing as he’s lost his place in the Madrid squad to the 18-year-old Vinicius Junior, and Tottenham fans would love to welcome him back, but would never do so if it meant seeing the back of Eriksen.

You can read the Lilywhites’ verdict on the touted part exchange deal here:

Tottenham fans are all pretty clear on where they stand on this deal and whilst they’d love to welcome Bale they won’t do so if it means losing Eriksen.

Well, last weekend did not go to script did it United fans? Still, with a nice break away from the Premier League, it really is a must win game for the Red Devils in the FA Cup. The momentum can’t stop. Too much has happened since the sacking of Jose Mourinho at the turn of the year to allow this season to fade away. 

So, after last weekends’ dismal performance at the Emirates, one that has also given up fourth spot, for the time being, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer will look to continue the hunt for silverware with a trip to Wolves later on today. Despite the success under Louis van Gaal in 2016, every Red reading this will agree that the FA Cup is a trophy to have eluded them for far too long and – considering their trophy haul over the years – hasn’t been brought back to the Theatre of Dreams enough.

So, eager for success, there is certainly a change of personnel that must be considered for the Red Devils in this important FA Cup clash.

Here’s our verdict.

Drop Nemanja Matic 

After coming back into the side from injury against the Gunners, Nemanja Matic really struggled with the pace of the game and had many wondering if he was truly back to match fitness. Though certainly a useful tool at his best, the Serbian looks absolutely awful when at his worst.

Despite being used in the FA Cup games against Arsenal and Chelsea, it can be argued that the 30-year-old just isn’t back up to match speed yet, proven by his performance at the Emirates. Indeed, it may be time for Matic to take a step back and let the young guns come in and revitalise the United midfield.

Start Andreas Pereira 

What an exciting time for the 23-year-old as it looks as if he has finally found his place within Old Trafford! Being utilised by his Norwegian coach, fans have been treated to hard-working, and quite brilliant performances from the young Brazilian, who looks every inch a United player.

After being dropped against Arsenal, despite the historic night in Paris, United fans will be eager to see Ole put Pereira’s name back on the team sheet for Wolves later on today.

Bagging himself what was a truly special goal as well as an assist in his last domestic outing, Pereira will be keen to get back onto the pitch and bring the intensity and speed that others in the United midfield cannot provide.

يرغب نادي برشلونة في استعادة خدمات الإسباني إريك جارسيا من صفوف نادي مانشستر سيتي، في نافذة الانتقالات الصيفية الجارية، ويعرض أحد لاعبيه لحسم الصفقة.

جارسيا من أبناء أكاديمية برشلونة (لاماسيا)، وتواجد مع فريق الشباب مُنذ 2008، ورحل في عام 2017 لـ مانشستر سيتي، وقام بيب جوارديولا بتصعيده للفريق الأول في الموسم الماضي بعد رحيل كومباني.

وبحسب صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الكتالونية، فإن برشلونة ينوي عرض خدمات متوسط ميدانه رافينيا ألكانتارا على مانشستر سيتي ضمن صفقة جارسيا.

اقرأ أيضًا.. وودوارد يقنع ديمبلي بمغادرة برشلونة إلى مانشستر يونايتد

رافينيا قضى المواسم الثلاثة الماضية مُعارًا خارج برشلونة لـ سيلتا فيجو وإنتر ميلان، ثم عاد لـ فيجو مرة أخرى.

وقالت الصحيفة إنّ النجم البرازيلي لن يكون ضمن خطط المدرب رونالد كومان المدير الفني للبلوجرانا.

وأوضحت الصحيفة أنّ برشلونة سيُبلغ مسؤولي سيتي بعرضهم الجديد، والذي يتضمن الحصول على خدمات رافينيا أيضًا، والذي يقدر النادي الكتالوني قيمته السوقية بـ16 مليون يورو.

Chelsea are a club in a bit of turmoil at the moment, although a midweek win over Malmo in the Europa League will ease the tensions somewhat.

The Blues have been inconsistent to say the very least and are in big danger of not even making the top four come the end of the season, as manager Mauro Sarri already appears to be facing a fight to keep his job.

Chelsea have always had a massive squad, and keeping that squad happy has to be one of the hardest challenges in the top flight, but there are some players there who are simply doing nothing and taking up a wage and space in the squad.

One such player is Danny Drinkwater, who to say has become surplus to requirements would be an understatement.

It was alwasy going to be a big ask for the former Leicester man when he joined Chelsea. He seemd to fit the Foxes well, and a move to a club like Chelsea always posed the risk of swallowing him right up. That has proved to be the case exactly.

There is still a quality player in there though, and Drinkwater can and should get himself out of the club and find a new home to showcase his talents.

A player who was once a regular in England squads and talked about as a starter at his best, his stock has fallen massively, and he needs to shift himself out of The Bridge and onto pastures new ASAP.

Blues fans, would you agree? Let us know in the comments!

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Sheffield United fans on Twitter have been reacting on Monday morning as WWE legend Mick Foley announced that he is now a Blade.

Foley posted a picture of himself in a club shirt on the social media platform with the words “I am officially a Blade,” much to the delight of the fan base.

This came after striker Billy Sharp mimicked the ex-WWE wrestler and current commentator’s famous ‘Mr Socko’ celebration back in January.

It was Sharp who sent the 53-year-old the jersey to parade on Twitter so that fans could officially welcome Foley into the United family.

“Cactus Jack” has previously shown an interest in English football, often appearing on Soccer AM for Sky Sports, but never before pledging allegiance to a certain team.

Supporters of the club currently chasing automatic promotion to the Premier League reacted very positively indeed and were extremely proud of the announcement, repeating “he’s a Blade” and telling him that he’ll forever be one, with one even commenting “this is the best thing ever” in response to the “surreal” news.

Below is a list of their best reactive Tweets…

Did Chris Wilder get it wrong in the Steel City derby? Check out the thoughts of Ingood Nick below…

كشفت تقارير صحفية برتغالية، أن أحد لاعبي فريق ليفربول بات قريبًا من الانتقال إلى الدوري البرتغالي، خلال موسم الانتقالات الصيفي.

ولم ينتهِ الميركاتو الصيفي في البرتغال حتى الآن، عكس دول العالم، حيث سينتهي بعد أقل من ساعتين.

وحسب صحيفة “ريكورد” البرتغالية، فإن نادي بورتو بات قريبًا من الحصول على خدمات اللاعب ماركو جروييتش من صفوف ليفربول.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فينالدوم يثير الغموض حول مستقبله مع ليفربول ويؤكد: اهتمام برشلونة ليس جديًا!

وارتبط جروييتش في وقت سابق بخطوة الرحيل عن بطل الدوري الإنجليزي حيث لا يتواجد ضمن خطط المدرب يورجن كلوب، وقضى مواسم عديدة مع أندية أخرى.

وأفادت الصحيفة ان خطوة انتقال اللاعب الصربي إلى بورتو ستكون على سبيل الإعارة حتى نهاية الموسم الحالي.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suggested that he would rather Tottenham Hotspur win the Premier League than Manchester City and Liverpool, according to the Daily Star.

Spurs are third in the table, five points behind both the Blues and the Reds, who are separated only on goal difference.

What’s the word?

United sit fourth and play Liverpool this weekend, with the opportunity to issue a serious blow to Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of lifting the trophy in May.

However, they are seemingly out of the reckoning in the title race – they are nine points behind Spurs and 14 behind City.

It would take a significant collapse from the top three clubs for United to have any hope of being champions again and Solskjaer was asked on Friday who he would like to be crowned at the end of the season.

“I’ve not really focused on the [other] teams and what they’re doing,” Solskjaer said, per the Daily Star.

“I’m focusing on us and what we have to do to get to where we want to be.

“It’s a three horse race for the title and fourth that’s my focus.”

However, when asked if he would prefer that Spurs are the ones celebrating, he added: “I don’t get myself involved in that but maybe.”

An understandable long shot

Solskjaer is perhaps the personification of the United Way and this question will surely have riled him.

It is understandable, then, that he chose Spurs over his club’s eternal rivals City and Liverpool.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been in fine form this season but it is a long shot at best.

Spurs still have to play both Liverpool and City away from home but they will surely have to win every game between now and the end of the season if they are to have any chance of being champions.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

It is not beyond the realms of possibility but it is incredibly unlikely.

Solskjaer, though, knows all about incredibly unlikely triumphs, having scored the winning goal in the last minute of the famed 1999 Champions League final.

Perhaps history will repeat itself and he will again get his wish.

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Portsmouth secured passage to the Checkatrade Trophy final, to be held at Wembley Stadium on March 31st, with a convincing 3-0 win over Bury on Tuesday night.

Kenny Jackett’s side were superior throughout and produced a scintillating second half performance to secure the victory. Second half strikes from Gareth Evans, Oliver Hawkins and Ronan Curtis clinched victory for Pompey.

The south coast club are currently enduring a poor run of form in League One, having drawn their last five league games in a row. Jackett will be hoping that this cup triumph will give his side the boost of confidence they need in order to get back on track in the league and compete for the automatic promotion spots.

However, some Portsmouth fans are less than excited about the approaching cup final. Many supporters have been boycotting the competition due to the involvement of Premier League clubs’ under-23s sides.

After the match, plenty of Pompey fans took to Twitter to discuss the upcoming final…