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Marcelo Bielsa introduced Liam Cooper for Helder Costa in the 76th minute of Leeds United’s Championship clash with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon.

The substitution saw the Whites switch to a back three with their fit-again skipper slotting in alongside Ben White and Luke Ayling in defence.

However, the Yorkshire side could not find a late goal on the afternoon as they shared the points for a second successive match having drawn at Preston North End on Tuesday.

The club’s fans are already frustrated that their manager is not making more changes to his starting XI on a week-to-week basis.

And a number of the supporters were unhappy with the late alteration against Wednesday as Cooper replaced Costa.

Costa has actually been slammed by the fans for his form in recent weeks, but not too many could understand why a centre-back was introduced when their team were looking for a late goal at Hillsborough.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Sky Sports pundit Danny Mills has claimed Everton midfielder Andre Gomes has been “a big miss” at Goodison Park since suffering a rib injury, with the Portuguese’s absence helping to show his true worth to the Toffees.

What’s he said?

Everton turned Gomes’ temporary stint on loan from FC Barcelona into a permanent arrangement this summer for £22million, per BBC, after the midfielder featured in 29 games across all competitions last season, assisting twice.

Watch Everton Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The 26-year-old began the new campaign as a regular in Silva’s plans, as well, with a starting role in each of the Blues’ opening four games of the Premier League season, but has featured for just six minutes since, coming in his return appearance from the bench at Burnley.

His absence from defeats against AFC Bournemouth, Sheffield United and Manchester City through a rib injury has helped to show what Gomes brings to the table, in the eyes of Mills, who believes the 29-cap international often goes under the radar.

Speaking with Football Insider, Mills said:

“He’s one of those players you don’t always notice until he’s not there. A lot of people go: ‘Yeah, he’s alright, he does this, does that, but what does he really do?’ Then he goes missing and they go: ‘Oh yeah, that’s what he does.’

“He doesn’t have those outstanding performances where he’s bossing it and driving through the midfield, scoring and shooting and all those types of things.

“He has been a big miss. It’s no excuse, Everton have got strength in depth and some quality and they should have coped better without him, but if they can get him back fit and firing that’s a massive plus.”

Schneiderlin showed why Gomes was missed

Since featuring from the bench at Burnley, Gomes has had the international break to help finalise the closing stages of his rehabilitation in the hopes of earning his fifth start of the term against West Ham United on Saturday.

So long as Silva has no doubts over the 26-year-old’s fitness, the Everton boss will likely be keen to hand his compatriot that start, as Schneiderlin and Delph were not able to fill the void Gomes’ absence created, as Mills pointed to.

Particularly against Burnley last time out, Schneiderlin showed why Gomes was missed, as the Frenchman often tried to keep things simple and play it sideways or backwards at Turf Moor, rather than advancing play up the field.

The 29-year-old offered no defensive support, either, with no tackles attempted or interceptions recorded, while WhoScored registered his central partner Delph as making one of each.

Gomes was not statistically superior to his Everton teammates in his first four outings of the season, with both Delph and Schneiderlin recording more successful tackles, interceptions, and accurate short and long passes, but it is in the things you often do not notice, as Mills said, that saw Gomes prove himself as Silva’s first-choice midfielder.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Barcelona thumped Sevilla 4-0 on Sunday but one player was surprisingly excluded from the starting lineup, and it just might suggest his time as one of the Catalans’ key men is slowly coming to an end.

On the chalkboard

Sergio Busquets has been a key player at Barcelona ever since he was promoted to the senior team back in the summer of 2008.

A La Masia product through and through, the Octopus of Badia represented the true values of the Catalan giants and year upon year, he featured in all of their major moments.

Watch Spanish Football Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

After all, the 31-year-old already has 544 appearances for the club, winning 31 senior trophies, and while he certainly has more fuel in the tank, there are some early signs indicating that he might not have as big of a role in the future as he used to have.

The end of an era

Saying that Busquets’ career at Barcelona is at the very end would be a bit too much but we’re certainly getting into the latter stages of it, at the very least.

And sure, saying that about a 31-year-old player is not that big of a surprise but considering we’re talking about Busquets of all people, it does sound a bit strange.

But the proof is already here for everyone to see.

Watch Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale answer the internet’s weirdest questions in the video below…

Just the other night, the Spaniard was benched once again, his third omission from the starting lineup in the eight games that Barcelona have played so far in the 2019/20 La Liga season.

Not to mention that he remained on the bench for the entirety of their curtain-raiser against Athletic Bilbao and the clash against Granada. So far, he has tallied a total of 449 minutes in the opening eight games of the campaign while he had a total of 592 this time last season.

Furthermore, he was not once left on the bench in the 35 games played last season; he’s already been named among the substitutes twice this term.

Maybe it was the arrivals of Frenkie de Jong and the emergence of Arthur Melo or maybe it’s just time catching up with the 31-year-old midfielder, but it seems that he is bound to enjoy a much smaller role in the squad this season.

It remains to be seen if that will be to Barca’s detriment or not.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

It’s fair to say there have probably been better times than now to be a Manchester United supporter. The club have drifted away from the elite since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2013, and have had a huge turnover of both managers and players alike.

Now it’s the turn of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to try and turn things around for the Red Devils, and the Norwegian has publicly insisted he is keen to rebuild this new side around some of the club’s brightest home-grown players.

Whilst that hasn’t exactly been the case entirely – stand-out prospect Mason Greenwood hasn’t made a single Premier League start this season – the future does look genuinely bright for the Manchester side, despite their current struggles.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

Teenagers and young stars are on the verge of making their breakthroughs into the side, and quite promisingly for United, in a wide array of positions too. So cheer up United fans, as we take a look at just what the team could look like if the academy is really given the chance to shine.

Having signed a new long-term contract, David de Gea is likely to be the man in between the sticks for the foreseeable future despite potential competition from Dean Henderson. And as two big-money arrivals this summer, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will surely nail down two of the positions in the back-four.

Elsewhere is where things get really interesting. Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams could be two of United’s homegrown youngsters to play in defence – and as such, it will make for equally good reading for England boss Gareth Southgate.

In central midfield, Scott McTominay looks to be an ever-present, as he continues to get better game-by-game. Former United ace Lee Sharpe even drew huge comparisons between the Scot and Red Devils legends Roy Keane and Bryan Robson – high praise indeed. Alongside him, 18-year-old James Garner could finally replace the likes of Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes.

Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The teenager has earned rave reviews from Solskjaer, and looks set for a very bright future indeed. And, in an academy-dominated front four, Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong may feel confident of establishing themselves on a more regular basis. Marcus Rashford’s striking woes could see him shifted out on to the left-hand side, but it is the position from where he has produced two goals and an assist in three games this season.

Last, but not least, Greenwood is the man the entire club appear to be resting their fortunes on. The starlet has hit the ground running in the first-team, scoring in his first two starts of the season against both FC Astana and Rochdale. Amidst all the criticism the club have received for not having a proven goal-scorer, the Manchester-born forward may ease those concerns once and for all over the next couple of seasons.

Things may look bleak now, but there does appear to be a light at the end of the tunnel for United and their supporters.

[ad_pod ]This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…Former Wolves midfielder Jamie O’Hara has given a strong prediction on Aston Villa’s quest to stay in the top-flight.

What’s he said?

Villa have so far found life in the Premier League very tough – they sit fourth from bottom with just one win to their name.

Last Monday night, the west Midlands club struggled to see off ten-men West Ham as the two sides battled out a 0-0 draw.

Defensively, they look sound enough recording two clean sheets which is the joint highest for the most in the league so far this season. However, in attack, they have are one of the lowest scorers in the division, so it’s clear to see where their problem lies.

O’Hara, who is now a manager at Billericay Town, spoke to talkSPORT about Villa’s survival chances. He said:

“I think they’re going to struggle to be honest. I think they’re a brilliant club, I lived up there when I was at Wolves and it’s a huge, huge football club – fantastic stadium, I always loved playing there.

“But I just think that they’re going to struggle. They’ve spent a lot of money but it just hasn’t clicked yet. I hope it does, I really do.

“I just can’t see it clicking. Have they got enough to keep them up? I don’t know.”

Finding a solution

It is only September, but that still can often mean the writing is on the wall for some clubs.

Villa’s problem is clear to see, as already mentioned. It’s in scoring goals.

The manager failed in getting an additional option in the transfer window. The club had been linked to several strikers including Neal Maupay, Mbaye Diagne and Jean-Kevin Augustin.

Watch Aston Villa Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

So they will have to make do with club-record arrival Wesley and the wingers around him.

In January, if the problem still lingers, they can take measures to find a solution by bringing in further firepower.

They just can’t afford to slip away from the rest of the league before then and to be fair, they have been more than competitive in the majority of their matches. For instance, against Tottenham, they remained in the game until the 73rd minute before a late flurry of goals made the scoreline rather flattering.

Speaking on air (via Football Daily), reliable Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio has dropped a live TV transfer hint involving AC Milan star Franck Kessie.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Kessie swoop…

As per numerous reports, Tottenham are eyeing a move for the Ivory Coast international and reports suggested recently that it was actually advancing behind the scenes.

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Indeed, as per La Gazzetta (via Get Italian Football News), the Lilywhites were said to be in very advanced talks to sign the 24-year-old on a pre-contract as his San Siro deal continues to wind down.

The Serie A giants risk losing Kessie on a free deal next summer and Spurs have been continuously tipped to be working on a move, as also explained by reporter Rudy Galetti.

The Latest: Lilywhites hint dropped…

Speaking on air (via Football Daily), Di Marzio doesn’t go that far but hints it may be possible in 2022, not in January.

When asked if Stefan de Vrij or Marcelo Brozovic could join Antonio Conte at Spurs, he refuted that possibility but refused to rule out a potential Kessie transfer.

“Kessie, not in January, but Kessie could be,” he explained.

“He’s not top, but he’s a very good player, but the philosophy of Tottenham is to get top young players so Brozovic and de Vrij are too old for this project.” 

The Verdict: Get it done…

While Lilywhites supporters will arguably be gutted to miss out on de Vrij and Brozovic, they can take solace in the fact that Kessie could still be a possibility.

Lauded as ‘extraordinary’ by ESPN pundit Nicky Bandini, the Milan star has been a key player under manager Stefano Pioli – especially last season.

A natural defensive midfield player, Kessie still managed 13 goals and four assists in 36 Serie A starts last season – demonstrating a real prowess further forward.

Averaging a 92.2% pass accuracy in the Serie A this term, more than any Spurs player in the Premier League, he could be an ideal midfield presence to have under Conte with plenty of calmness and composure (WhoScored).

In other news: Eight players now safe from Spurs axe after impressing Conte behind the scenes, find out more here.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard could bring assistants Gary McAllister and Michael Beale with him to Aston Villa, should a move to Villa Park materialise.

That’s according to The Telegraph, relayed by @villareport, and the rumours have had plenty of Villa fans talking online.

Gerrard is thought to be interested in a move to the Midlands to take over from Dean Smith, who was sacked on Sunday, with an official approach to the Scottish giants expected soon, with Ashley Preece going as far as to say that Gerrard to Villa is all but done.

The Telegraph shared a story on Tuesday evening, suggesting Villa could launch moves for McAllister and Beale, should discussions with Rangers and Gerrard run smoothly.

Gerrard recently hailed Beale, who has been by his side since taking over, after he was linked with the Cardiff City job.

Meanwhile, McAllister, who has been with Gerrard ever since taking over at Ibrox in 2018, knows Villa Park well following a spell as an assistant over 10 years ago.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to the links to McAllister and Beale, with many hoping to see the pair join Gerrard.

“As long as we keep Neil Cutler I’m buzzing with that”

Credit: @tom_avfc1

“This is extremely important. I think if these guys join, we would also keep Cutler and one of Danks or McPhee. Also, pumped for the return of Gary McAllister.”

Credit: @jmhart1

“This is absolutely vital. Without his trusted assistants in tow, I’d be seriously concerned. With them, there are reasons to believe this could be a good appointment”

Credit: @dvtavfc

“Rangers fans won’t like that. I’ve seen several wanting Beale to take over if Stevie left.”

Credit: @JayVtid

“We are taking over”

Credit: @Blakeavfc2

“This is good news. They are very good coaches, especially Beale. Cutler to stay at AV too please.”

Credit: @nick44james

In other news: ‘More like it’, ‘Best CV’ – Many Villa fans want boss who shares agency with Traore after links. 

West Ham United return to Premier League action this afternoon as they head to the Midlands to face an out-of-form Aston Villa side hungry for a result.

David Moyes and his side will know that another victory would see them go level on points with defending champions Manchester City, who are currently in third place.

As such, the Scotsman has to make some big calls in regards to his starting lineup, especially after their midweek penalty shootout victory over the aforementioned Citizens in the Carabao Cup.

The Irons have won their last four in all competitions, having defeated local rivals Spurs and Everton by a 1-0 scoreline in recent weeks, as well as Genk in the Europa League.

This hectic fixture list has seen Michail Antonio rested rather often, as he was against City at the London Stadium on Wednesday. But for the trip to Villa Park, Moyes must ensure he’s back in the starting XI as he could really damage Dean Smith’s team.

After some serious investment over the summer, many would have expected the Midlands outfit to mount a serious challenge on the European spots but instead, they find themselves in 15th place, just three points outside of the relegation zone.

They have struggled defensively in recent weeks, conceding six goals in their last two outings – three to Arsenal and three to arch-rivals Wolves.

This is a prospect that should leave both the Hammers boss and Antonio rather excited ahead of kickoff as the 31-year-old talisman could feast if things go his way today.

Antonio sits third on the overall goalscoring charts behind Mo Salah and Jamie Vardy, having bagged six goals and provided three assists in only eight league appearances – 27% of his shots result in a goal, as per the BBC.

The £12.5m-rated forward also ranks as the Hammers’ best-performing player with an average WhoScored rating of 7.59. He leads the way for shots (4.1) and key passes (2.5) per game, proving that he really is Moyes’ main threat in the final third, whilst he isn’t far behind for dribbles per match (1.8) either.

Antonio has been described as the “complete number nine” and “unplayable” on his day by BBC Sport contributor Premier League Panel, whilst Daily Star journalist Paul Brown recently dubbed him a “complete monster” and “absolute revelation” to GIVEMESPORT.

West Ham could really punish Villa today by unleashing Antonio from the off. On current form, he could well destroy the home outfit and that will only bolster their top-four claims even more.

AND in other news, “They have…”: ExWHUemployee drops exciting West Ham claim that’ll leave fans buzzing…

Taking to Twitter, Fichajes reporter Ekrem Konur has now backed an exciting West Ham United development involving defender Vladimir Coufal.

The Lowdown: Big news on Coufal emerges…

Near the end of last week, some major news emerged out of Rush Green on the Czech Republic international’s east London future.

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Indeed, as first reported by journalist Roshane Thomas of The Athletic, the 29-year-old has now reportedly put pen to paper on a new deal at West Ham – becoming the first in a long line of players rumoured to be the subject of fresh terms.

This comes after there was an original delay in negotiations due to Coufal allegedly being unsatisfied with the club’s intial offer (Sky Sports).

The Latest: Konur backs Coufal development…

Now, taking to social media, Turkish reporter Konur has backed this exciting Coufal news out of West Ham whilst also sharing what he’s heard on the length of the deal.

The right back will apparently extend his current deal for another four years, coming after a fantastic debut season at the London  Stadium last year.

“West Ham will extend Vladimir Coufal’s contract until 2025,” Konur explained on Twitter.

The Verdict: Big boost for West Ham…

Lauded as ‘unbelievable’ and a ‘machine’ by club legend Mark Noble, it’s safe to say Coufal penning a new deal will come as a major boost.

Playing his way into the hearts of West Ham supporters, quickly becoming a favourite, he impressively made the joint-most tackles per 90 in the Premier League for Moyes’ side over 2020/2021 (WhoScored).

It’s certainly safe to say that Irons supporters will be overjoyed to see him tied down.

In other news: ‘Yessss’, ‘Beautiful’, ‘This is massive’…Many West Ham fans erupt as club confirm ‘actually brilliant news’, find out more here.

Football Insider pundit Danny Mills has been reacting to Celtic’s links to free agent Robbie Brady.

The Lowdown: Brady rumours

Brady, who was linked with a Parkhead switch back in February and May, is still without a club after leaving Burnley in the summer.

Reports earlier this month suggested that the Hoops now have a free run at signing the 29-year-old after Swansea City pulled out of the race.

Brady, who once cost £13m, can play out wide on either side and also as a left-back, and Mills thinks he could be a smart signing.

The Latest: Mills reacts

Mills was asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Celtic possibly swooping for the 39-assist free agent.

This is what the 44-year-old had to say in reply, believing a cut-price transfer could be a shrewd move if the Irishman’s attitude is right.

“You want a player that wants to play and maybe has a little bit of a point to prove.

“Also, he’s maybe got a little bit of a bruised or wounded ego and is going to want to say to other people ‘I’m still here you know. I’m not dead and buried just yet. Don’t write me off because there’s still more to come from me’.

“I would suggest, yes, a player like that, if his attitude is good, then you’ve got a real chance of getting a real quality player.”

The Verdict: Celtic to swoop?

Ange Postecoglou is fairly short in areas Brady could bolster. Left-back Greg Taylor has had shoulder surgery, while wide midfielders James Forrest, Mikey Johnston, Kyogo Furuhashi and Karamoko Dembele are all missing.

On that basis, bringing in Brady,  who has plenty of experience, could be a wise move, so they may want to act soon if Postecoglou is keen, adding versatility and depth in multiple positions throughout the squad.

In other news: Journalist hints another free-agent for possible Celtic move.