Newcastle fans have been applauding the form of centre back Florian Lejeune, who has formed a formidable partnership with Jamaal Lascelles.There has been plenty of talk about Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles, but fans have been showing the love for his partner in crime Florian Lejeune, after another fantastic performance in the win against Huddersfield.Lejeune was signed from Eibar last summer, and after missing some time with injury the 26 year-old has been a crucial part of the Magpies’ season saving run, which has seen them pick up three consecutive home wins.[ad_pod ]The French defender was at his very best against Huddersfield, as he completed an incredible 105 passes, more than double any player on the Huddersfield side. He also completed four tackles, and made two clearances and one block.Over the course of the season, Lejeune is averaging over a tackle per game, nearly two interceptions per game, and a remarkable 6.7 clearances per game.Fans have been praising the Frenchman’s form on Twitter, and some of the best reactions can be found below…
According to the Express, Real Madrid’s midfield maestro Luka Modric is unsettled at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and could be on his way back to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Chelsea both possible suitors.
Controversial FIFA agent Francois Gallardo, who has had a tendency of telling the odd tall tale or two in the past, said: “Modric is the engine of Real Madrid, but the problem it is his wife who did not fit into Madrid in Spain.”
Modric is currently sidelined after suffering with an injury setback since mid-November. Prior to his injury, the ex-Tottenham man featured regularly in Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team plans. But rumours have recently surfaced that Luka’s wife Vanja Modric is unhappy in the Spanish capital, which has reportedly alerted United boss Louis van Gaal.
On the pitch, the Croatian international is still one of Los Blancos’ most important players, as he remains the cog in the engine room that keeps Real ticking. He may not be as glamorous as Cristiano Ronaldo, Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez or Gareth Bale – to name but a few, but he is as equally vital, if not more so, than his ‘Galactico’ teammates.
The 29-year-old Croatian, who made the £33m move to the Spanish giants in August 2012, knows all about the Premier League after his time at White Hart Lane. Modric spent over four years with Tottenham – making 127 Premier League appearances for the Lilywhites, and netting 13 times. During his time in north London, Modric played a huge role in Spurs’ top four pushes, and was voted Player of the Year for the 2010-2011 season.
Despite Manchester United already having a huge array of attacking talent at Old Trafford, Luka Modric would be the final piece of the puzzle for United’s forward line – and he would certainly be a real coup for van Gaal’s Red Devils. Since his move to the Bernabeu, the midfield ace has developed into an even better all-round footballer, and he would slot into a United team with Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, Robin van Persie and his former Real teammate Angel di Maria no problem at all.
Van Gaal’s obvious number one priority is to get the defence sorted – numerous unfortunate injuries have led to him dipping into his reserves, and relying on his youngsters far too often. But if there was one ‘luxury’ player for the United boss to pursue, surely Luka Modric would fit the bill perfectly? With the consistent Michael Carrick, who will be 34 by the time next season starts, entering the latter stages of his career, Modric would be the perfect replacement for a man who’s undeniably been a superb servant at Old Trafford since arriving in 2006.
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As it stands, if the Real boss was asked about Modric, he would most certainly say he’s not for sale, and he will remain a Madrid player. But if the price is right, and the Croatian feels his future lies back in the Premier League – then Manchester United must jump at the opportunity to secure his signature.
Arsenal’s Abou Diaby spoke of his astonishment to be flung back into first-team action as he prepared to help his club push for UEFA Champions League qualification through a Premier League fourth-place finish, according to Sky Sports.
After a calf strain rendered Mikel Arteta unavailable the day before Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City, the French midfielder – to his surprise – was named by Arsene Wenger in the starting XI.
Struggling with injuries himself, Diaby has been out of action after suffering from a thigh problem in the Gunners defeat at the hands of Chelsea way back in September.
“I knew the day before the game that I was starting, so I just had to prepare for that. I had been out for a long time, so I did not expect to be on the pitch so quickly,” said Diaby.
The North Londoners eventually lost 2-0 at the Emirates, with the Frenchman playing 61 minutes in his comeback game after injury.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “I feel good physically. Of course I have been out for a long time so I am not at my best, but importantly I did not get any reaction. This is good for the future.
“I knew the day before the game that I was starting, so I just had to prepare for that. I had been out for a long time, so I did not expect to be on the pitch so quickly.
“But it doesn’t matter, you just need to be prepared and see how it goes.”
Wenger admitted after the game that his surprising team selection was a risky move, but that he hopes the French midfield general can build on his first performance for over four months.
“I took the gamble because I feel that it was needed. It’s good that he came through well. He will become stronger very quickly,” Wenger added.
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“The team is desperate to do well and has quality. We need to be conscious that we have quality and we have to show more authority from the start in big games.
“The authority comes with the confidence in your quality.”
Leighton Baines has applauded Everton teammate Cuco Martina for his performances this season.
Baines is a fan favourite at Goodison Park, and for good reason. The 33 year-old has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers for several years and always gives 100% to the cause.
The flying left back missed the entire Christmas period for Everton with a calf injury, and has heaped praised on Cuco Martina, who deputised in his absence.
Martina is naturally a right back, but his versatility has hurt him in a way, as he has been forced into the left back position with Baines out. Some lacklustre performances turned fans against the 28 year-old, but Baines says he deserves credit.
“I played right-back once and I know how tough it is,” Baines told evertontv. “People might think it is the same position but it isn’t. Your bearings are different. And I think he played really well in a lot of the games.”
“I think he has done very, very well. He deserves great credit for the work he has done in the past few months.”
While there are still a few who doubt Martina’s quality, most fans are agreeing with Baines, acknowledging that the team performances have been poor and the 28 year-old cannot be blamed for struggling on his less preferred side. Of course, a couple of fans have taken Baines’ comments as just another reason to praise Baines.
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Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
There certainly seems to be a lack of options available in the striking department to England manger Roy Hodgson.
With the likes of Rickie Lambert being selected on a regular basis despite limited appearances for Liverpool, perhaps Hodgson should look at different options in a bid to get more goals from his Three Lions.
There are plenty of talented strikers around who haven’t yet won a cap for England, here are the best four of them who we at FFC Towers think are in with a shout…
Saido Berahino
21-year old West Brom striker Saido Berahino is a player on Hodgson’s radar. The under 21 international was called up to the senior squad last month for the matches against Slovenia and Scotland, but didn’t feature in either fixture.
He has impressed a lot of people so far this season, scoring seven in 17 Premier League matches. Lately he hasn’t been as successful in front of goal but he is still learning his trade at West Brom and would a player for the long-term future with England.
He has a great record at the under-21 level with nine goals in 13 matches and with a great eye for goal and bundles of pace, it can’t be too long until he gets his first cap for Hodgson’s side.
Harry Kane
Another option is a fellow under-21 international in Tottenham striker Harry Kane. The 21-year-old is enjoying a breakthrough season at Spurs with 13 goals in 22 appearances – although only three have come in the Premier League.
A player who can play in a number of roles up front, he is still trying to become a regular for Tottenham in the league. He has looked great in front of goal for the under 21s aswell with eight goals coming in ten caps.
Another young striker with plenty of potential, it would be useful for Hodgson to keep an eye on him as new blood might be needed for any England success.
Charlie Austin
QPR striker Charlie Austin is having a great season so far in his first campaign in the Premier League. The 25-year-old is the only player in this list with no experience at any of the international age groups but is someone with a great scoring record, which always makes him a threat.
This season he has scored 11 times in 15 Premier League outings in a struggling side, scoring around half the team’s goals. He has the kind of work rate and finishing abilities that would make him an asset for England and if he continues to score goals in the league then it would be hard to Hodgson to ignore.
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Danny Ings
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Perhaps the most left field option in this list but 22-year-old Burnley striker Danny Ings has impressed so far this season. He has four goals in 14 league appearances in another struggling team, with an all round game up front that makes him a talent for the future.
He is a goalscorer that can also drop back to be more of a second striker if needed but certainly provides plenty of options to his manager. Ings is another player who is a part of the talented under-21 strike force, scoring four in seven.
Maybe he needs more development at the top level before being considered for England’s senior squad but he is definitely a name for the future.
Manchester City will enter their first game of 2013 left with the feeling of a huge hangover from 2012. They will be aiming to find just the right magic formula to slice away at the 7 point advantage they have given Manchester United in this fixture against Stoke.
City managed to achieve damage limitation last time out and stop the gap extending to 10 points as they edged 4-3 the seven goal thriller at Carrow Road against Norwich. This was in spite of being reduced to ten men with Samir Nasri sent for an early bath.
That victory went some way to reassuring fans of blue persuasion in Manchester that their team are still capable of having a title tilt in the second half of this season. However they know it will count for nothing if they don’t build on that victory here at the Etihad stadium.
They also have the added pressure of Chelsea breathing down their necks with Rafael Benitez’s men hitting a purple patch of late and they remain only 4 points adrift of Roberto Mancini’s team.
Stoke on the other hand, will be in buoyant mood after a Cameron Jerome screamer secured them an unlikely home point against Southampton in their last fixture.
The Potters have not been quite as successful on the road though and have only managed to muster one win away from the Britannia all season. It is not all bad news as they have managed to collect 6 creditable away draws.
Pulis’ side sit pretty going into this fixture unbeaten in 10 Premier League fixtures and they will be keen to upset their hosts here too and rise even higher than their impressive 8th in the table.
It won’t be an easy task though as they have not taken any points in Manchester against City since 1997 when they won 1-0 on that occasion.
City could have Nasri available if they decide to appeal his red card. Mario Balotelli (virus) is not yet ready to take his place in the squad while full-backs Aleksandar Kolarov and Maicon (knee) also remain on the treatment table. Micah Richards and Jack Rodwell are out for the long term too.
Steven Nzonzi will be in the Starting XI after appealing against his sending-off against the Saints, when he was shown a red card for an alleged stamp on Southampton’s Jack Cork.
Geoff Cameron returns from suspension and could slot back in. Rory Delap (hernia) and Marc Wilson (broken leg) remain on the sidelines.
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Only QPR (11) have been given more red cards in the Premier League since the start of last season than Man City (7). The Citizens would want to avoid any sendings off to give themselves an easy ride here.
Prediction: Man City 3-0 Stoke City
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According to BBC Sport, Southampton are on the verge of naming Mark Hughes as their new manager after they sacked Mauricio Pellegrino on Monday night, and fans of relegation rivals Newcastle United have been quick to react.
A 3-0 defeat at St James’ Park on Saturday proved to be the final straw for the Saints board, who had seen their side win just once in 17 Premier League matches to lie just a single point above the relegation zone.
The Magpies certainly boosted their own survival hopes with the victory at the weekend, which took them give points clear of the bottom three with eight matches of the season left to play, leaving the St James’ Park faithful in love with manager Rafa Benitez.
Newcastle supporters were quick to have their say on the potential appointment of Hughes at St Mary’s via social media, and while one said this news is “for all the Rafa doubters”, another said “the fact that Southampton are turning to dross like Mark Hughes should be a reminder to all those who criticise Rafa”.
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Three wins, three losses, and a draw have put Liverpool in ninth place despite finishing second last season, and Brendan Rodgers must use the international break to try and fix the club’s current problems.
It looks as though the superb side we saw in the previous campaign is a distant memory, and whether it’s because they lost Luis Suarez or just because they spent money in the wrong places, a big upset is on the cards unless improvements are made.
Based on how they’re playing in the league as well as Europe, here are FIVE problems Liverpool must fix during the international break.
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Lacklustre Defending
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Liverpool’s defending this season has been very unconvincing as they look to be error prone and unable to clear their lines. Maybe it’s because Dejan Lovren is yet to adapt to the club’s playing style and Mamadou Sakho should be recalled alongside Martin Skrtel, either way changes need to be made.
Brendan Rodgers has saw his side keep only one clean sheet in their last seven league games, losing two and drawing one. They have already conceded 10 goals, the most notable one being their 3-1 loss at the hands of West Ham United.
Lack of Goals
Daniel Sturridge has already made himself a prominent goal scorer for Liverpool, but when he picked up a knock, his team mates were unable to step up to the plate. They have some quality players capable of stepping up, but in the recent weeks, none of Brendan Rodgers’ men were able to net goals when it really mattered.
Both Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli seemed isolated up top, relying on their midfielders to do all the work in the hope they could pounce on a rebound or be left with a simple tap in. However, easy goals like that seem highly unlikely.
Mario Balotelli Drama
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Everybody knew that signing Mario Balotelli is a huge gamble given his nature of doing whatever he wants whenever he wants, whether it’s off the field, or even on it. He is often seen standing around calling for the ball rather than making any sort of effort to go and get it.
His scoring capabilities are there, but it seems like he is not being motivated to perform at his best. When he is at the top of his game, he can outpace almost any defender or even blast a shot from anywhere he feels like it. Brendan Rodgers cannot just keep calm and wait for him to wake up, he needs to act now!
Last Season Mentality
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Watching Liverpool this season and last season is the complete opposite. It seems that they are still carrying their previous mentality of lofting the ball forward to (Luis Suarez) who isn’t there anymore and hope for a goal.
Whatever they did in their previous campaign seemed to go their way, but if this time they don’t go searching for chances, they will continue to suffer defeats or perform way under par. Brendan Rodgers needs to keep the past in the past and move towards a brand new game plan.
Reliance on One Player
Liverpool just aren’t clicking as a team yet, hence their need to rely on certain players to do all the work. Whether it’s because of all their next additions or not, it looks as though they are trying to let people like Daniel Sturridge or Raheem Sterling carry them along.
Without Sturridge in their last four matches, they only picked up one win, losing two, and drawing one. It shows that they need him in their front line rather than try to perform without their star striker. Same goes for Sterling, who is an exceptional player, but the Reds cannot always look to him to get them out of trouble. Simply put, they are missing Luis Suarez notching goal after goal for them.
Yaya Toure has urged his Manchester City team-mates to react strongly to Sunday’s 3-2 derby defeat at the Etihad.
Robin van Persie struck a stoppage-time winner to end the reigning champions’ 37-match unbeaten home record in the Premier League and left them six points behind Manchester United in the title race.
But Toure is confident his City colleagues can emulate their comeback of last season, when they recovered from eight points behind with only six games left to claim the league title.
The Ivorian told Sky Sports, “This makes us more determined to win it. We are tough men, and when things get difficult, that is when you find the tough men.
“Last year was fantastic. But we have to forget what we have done in the past.
“We have to realise that sometimes you have a bad time. When you are at the top everybody wants to take you down. We have to be strong and work harder to turn this around.
“This year will be hard but we have a fantastic squad and we have the confidence to keep going until the final day.”
City had shown the sort of character for which arch-rivals United are famed, as they clawed their way back into the derby through strikes from Toure and Pablo Zabaleta.
But as they searched for a late winner, Van Persie’s deflected free-kick found the back of the net to break Sky Blue hearts.
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“It was a dagger in the heart – unbelievable,” Toure added. “We thought we would win it at 2-2, but United have great experience.
“We have to be strong mentally, and strong in every other way as well, because the Premier League is not finished yet.”
Southampton’s worries of relegation from the English Premier League continued on Saturday after labouring to a 0-0 draw at home to Stoke City.Saints have won just once in the top-flight since the start of December and with results failing to improve, they’re now just one point above the relegation zone with nine matches remaining.Fans continue to be frustrated by the tactics of Mauricio Pellegrino who, needing his side to show more attacking prowess, again failed to hand a start to Manolo Gabbiadini.The Italian forward has started just once since the turn of the year and supporters are dying to see him played alongside new signing Guido Carrillo, believing they could form an effective partnership.With just four goals this season, he hasn’t exactly been banging them in but fans know he can find form in the right system and when playing with confidence.They took to Twitter to share their desire for him to get more minutes on the pitch in future…