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A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to the news that Reds youngster Layton Stewart has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, the latest such blow to afflict the club.

It has been a cruel season for the Premier League champions, with Jurgen Klopp having to deal with an endless stream of injuries.

Liverpool are currently having to make do without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for the rest of the campaign, while the likes of Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, James Milner, Thiago and Diogo Jota have also missed noticeable chunks of action in 2020/21 to date.

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While the Reds’ problems appear to be easing a little now, with Jota and Keita both returning recently, youngster Stewart suffered a devastating setback at the weekend, injuring his ACL in Liverpool under-23s’ 1-1 draw with their West Ham counterparts on Saturday. The teenager confirmed the news via Instagram, with a screenshot of his post shared by journalist Neil Jones on Twitter.

It means the promising 18-year-old’s season has been ended prematurely, with the striker expected to be missing for several months, having suffered the same fate that Van Dijk did against Everton back in October.

Liverpool fans bemoan Stewart’s injury setback

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to provide their reactions to Stewart’s “heartbreaking” injury, expressing their sadness for him and wishing the youngster a speedy recovery.

“Heartbreaking. He will be back stronger”

Credit: @CaoimheSport

“So gutted for him. He looked in agony”

Credit: @annemullin1

“Take it easy and be back soon”

Credit: @englishjen2

“YNWA”

Credit: @AlbaUnda

“Get well soon Layton and come back stronger. YNWA”

Credit: @BigTallTweets1

“Sorry for Layton Stewart. ACL injury after coming back from long term ankle injury. Damn LFC are cursed this season.”Credit: @NasiruRashid7

In other news: Some Liverpool fans beg for a major Bundesliga signing – read more about it here.

Speaking exclusively with Football FanCast, former England international Steve Howey says that the injury for Angelo Ogbonna will be a blow for West Ham United.

Ogbonna sustained a high ankle sprain during the first-half of the Hammers’ FA Cup defeat to Manchester United after a challenge with Anthony Martial on Tuesday night, and now faces a lengthy layoff.

David Moyes has confirmed that Ogbonna is meeting a specialist to assess the extent of the issue, but early signs are that he does not require surgery.

When asked how much of a blow it will be for Moyes to lose his first-choice centre-half, given the relationship Ogbonna has built with Craig Dawson, but also his replacement in the same game, Howey told FFC:

“Well, it’s a blow. I think West Ham have done very well this season. Obviously, they had the lad [Tomas Soucek] that got sent off by Mike Dean, his cards been rescinded, so he’s back in the team.

“But, obviously, the two lads at the back, it’s always good when you’ve got that good understanding and a bond in a relationship with your partner back there. You can understand what he’s really strong at, what he’s kind of a little bit susceptible to, you can kind of read each other’s minds a little bit.

“So, obviously, it’s going to be a blow for them. It will be interesting to see who David puts in there, I’m sure he’ll have choices. But it’s a case of which I’ve said before, somebody’s injury or misfortune is another person’s fortunate break, and it’s up to them, if they are given the opportunity, is to take it with both hands.”

Moyes is refusing to put a timescale on Ogbonna’s rehabilitation, but accepts losing the 32-year-old will come as a huge blow as the defender has been ‘magnificent’ this season.

“First of all, I’d say it is a big blow because he’s been magnificent in the games he has played and his leadership has been really important to us as well,” Moyes said on Friday.

“I don’t have a timeframe [on how long he will be out for] just now and I wouldn’t want to put one on it either, even if I got it, because obviously we want to get him back quickly.”

Ogbonna had started all 23 of West Ham’s Premier League fixtures thus far this season while missing only the final half an hour of October’s 1-0 win at home to Fulham, when it was feared the 13-cap international had sustained a groin injury.

Diop has only opened one top-flight match since September and watched the Irons’ last 10 as an unused substitute, but is expected to be available to feature against Sheffield United on Monday.

AND in other news, West Ham may face added competition to sign a highly-rated 6 ft 7 titan…

Ben Jacobs has dropped a claim on possible relegation in terms of the potential takeover of Newcastle United by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

Writing in a Twitter thread, the sports journalist claimed: “PIF sources tell me the business plan put forward does factor in long-term contingencies (over ten years) for relegation, but the shorter term strategy outlined would change “radically” if the club started in the Championship.”

Jacobs added that talks of a takeover of the St. James’ Park faithful were always “on hold” due to the North East club’s pending arbitration case against the Premier League, as he quite worryingly stated that the deal between Mike Ashley and the KSA consortium is “meaningless” until the Tyneside club were safe from being relegated from the top flight down to the EFL Championship.

Worrying times for potential Newcastle takeover

These are now worrying times in terms of whether the potential takeover of the Magpies by the KSA group can get itself back on track.

With Steve Bruce’s team currently sitting in 17th spot in the EPL table at the moment on 26 points after 26 games, just three above 18th-placed Fulham in the drop zone (BBC Sport), there is a real distinct possibility of relegation.

As Jacobs points out, the deal for the KSA consortium to take over from Ashley is “meaningless” unless the Toon can avoid relegation, and if they were to suffer that exact fate come the end of the 2020/21 term, then it may well seriously jeopardise the chances of the bid being pushed through.

Nonetheless, NUFC will want to prioritise safety first before any talk of the potential takeover can come back into fruition.

In other news, find out what claim a finance guru has dropped on the potential takeover here!

One of Sam Allardyce’s former signings wants a reunion with him at West Brom, though if the Baggies have any sense, they’ll stay well clear…

What’s the word?

Speaking to ‘The Beautiful Game’ podcast earlier this week, ex-Everton frontman Oumar Niasse issued a ‘come-and-get-me’ plea to his old boss, Big Sam,  he still remains without a club.

The 30-year-old said:

“I’m always on the phone with my agent. Big Sam is a guy I’ve worked with and we had a good relationship in his time at Everton.

“When he was appointed West Brom manager, it’s kind of something open. Right now the only thing on my mind is, if I get to a team in England, the opportunity to get on the pitch and to do exactly what I’ve been missing all this time.

“I know with Big Sam I have a good relationship, as I said. He knows how I am, he knows me personally. That can be a very good thing and, to be honest, I’m open.”

Continuing the trend

Niasse has been out of work ever since his release from the Toffees in the summer, meaning he’s not featured in a competitive fixture since a two-minute cameo last January. That’s nearly a year without playing.

His record in the top-flight is hardly inspiring, and certainly doesn’t suggest to him being the solution to their problems in front of the net – in 65 appearances, the Senegalese striker has scored only 12 goals, via Transfermarkt.

At the Hawthorns, they never seem to get the attacking department right and Luke Dowling isn’t going to buck that trend if he allows Niasse to sign on a free, nearly five years after costing Everton £16.5m amid interest from even the likes of Spurs and Chelsea.

Kenneth Zohore, Victor Anichebe, Rickie Lambert to name just a few examples. Though, a move for Niasse could bear similarities to Brown Ideye, who struggled big time in the Midlands, scoring seven goals from 31 appearances after a record-breaking £10m move.

Neither Niasse nor Ideye are your typical Big Sam target man, but rather someone adept in playing off the bigger striker and that’s just not something Albion have in their armoury right now.

Whilst at Everton, the free-agent was slammed by Noel Whelan, he said to Football Insider:

“As a player, to say no to playing Championship football is a foolish mistake. He’s going sit there rotting away, doing nothing. A real opportunity missed in my opinion and kind of stubborn, a stubborn attitude from probably a spoiled player who’s spat his dummy out. Go and play your football, go and ply your trade, go and prove people wrong.”

A stark contrast to U23 boss David Unsworth calling his attitude “incredible” and that he is “just infectious,” whilst Big Sam was always a fan at Goodison.

Dowling must look for better if he’s to give Allardyce a genuine chance of survival at West Brom.

AND in other news, Allardyce heading for FIRST Baggies mistake if he signs £26m “liability”…

Manchester City will be looking to avoid an upset when they travel to Whaddon Road to face Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup on Saturday, but the game should represent an opportunity for Pep Guardiola to play some of the academy talents at the club.

City beat Birmingham City in the third round playing a strong side, although youngsters such as Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Felix Nmecha did feature.

If City win on Saturday afternoon, then they face another away trip to either Swansea and Nottingham Forest in the fifth round.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects the Spanish manager to line his side up against Cheltenham, with nine changes from the side that beat Aston Villa in midweek…

Zack Steffen comes back in for Ederson in goal, having impressed for Guardiola’s side in the absence of the Brazilian earlier this season.

There are two changes in defence, as Benjamin Mendy comes in for the injured Kyle Walker, with Joao Cancelo reverting to right-back.

18-year-old centre-back gem Taylor Harwood-Bellis partners John Stones in defence from the start, although if City are comfortable you would imagine the former Everton man will be replaced at the earliest opportunity, as we saw in the Birmingham game with Ruben Dias.

Fernandinho provides the experience in an otherwise youthful midfield, as Nmecha and Tommy Doyle earn rare starts for the Citizens, with Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan sitting this one out, whilst Kevin De Bruyne is now set for a spell on the sidelines.

There are three changes in attack, as Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden drop to the bench, with Riyad Mahrez and Ferran Torres starting on the wing, supporting 17-year-old Liam Delap up front.

And, in other news… Txiki can sign Pep his next Walker in “fearless” £18m-rated speed demon

According to recent reports, former Newcastle United loan signing Jetro Willems has rejected the offer of a new contract with Eintracht Frankfurt.

The report by the Chronicle Live states that the 26-year-old left-back, who spent a large part of last season on loan at Newcastle, has rejected the offer of a new deal from the Bundesliga side, meaning that he will be free to sign a pre-contract deal with any European club this January.

And, according to the report, the £4.05 million-rated defender would ‘welcome a move’ back to Steve Bruce’s side, with the player’s agent stating: “Jetro felt very comfortable at Newcastle and he said he felt like it was home, so of course he would be happy to go back if the chance came up.

“It is a great club and he had a great time in England. Newcastle were very good after the injury so it is something he would be happy with if the opportunity came up.”

In his time at Newcastle, the Netherlands international highly impressed, scoring two goals and providing three assists over his 20 appearances for the club.

However, the 26-year-old then ruptured his cruciate ligament, an injury which has resulted in the defender not playing a game since his last appearance for Newcastle back in January this year.

Transfer Tavern Take

While Willems did undeniably impress during his spell in Newcastle, the fact that the club spent £14.85 million on bringing Jamal Lewis in over the summer transfer window could mean that the Magpies are no longer in need of another player at left-back.

Having said this, the fact that Willems would be available on a free transfer could mean that a deal that is too good for Newcastle to refuse Fans of the club may now face an anxious wait to see whether or not their side do indeed make move for the 26-year-old in January.

In other Newcastle United related news, Steve Bruce has stated that he cannot influence the club’s potential takeover, find out more here! 

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Premier League striker Dean Windass has backed Charlie Austin to be handed his first Premier League start for West Brom this evening.

The 31-year-old had fallen out-of-favour under former Baggies boss Slaven Bilic, but the Croatian was sacked earlier this week and quickly replaced by survival veteran Sam ‘the firefighter’ Allardyce.

His first game in charge will be tonight as Albion host arch-rivals Aston Villa at the Hawthorns.

Austin only made the bench twice in West Brom’s opening 11 matches before Bilic called upon him as a substitute in his final two matches in charge.

Windass believes that Big Sam could turn to him in their time of need…

He told FFC:

“Charlie’s a born goalscorer. Any balls in the box, you know where he’ll be.

“He’s coming towards the end of his career as well, but Sam will look at that and say ‘Yeah, I need goals. Yes, I need to stop goals, but I [also] need to start scoring goals,’ so Charlie could go straight in there [vs Villa].

“He knows he will get them a goal, so yeah, that could be a massive plus for Charlie now. A new manager has come in, and he’ll say ‘Go on then, go and prove to me [that you should be starting].

“Charlie’s a proud lad and is very good around the changing room. He’ll have been hurt when not playing.”

Albion paid £4m for Austin during the 2019 summer transfer window, and he finished as their top goalscorer in all competitions on their way to promotion despite only starting 18 times in the Championship.

Bilic landed a key target in Karlan Grant before the domestic deadline, but he’s yet to truly deliver on his £12m price tag having bagged just once in nine starts.

As Windass claims, it could be a wise decision to turn to Austin as the veteran has played 108 times in the Premier League alone, contributing to a total of 44 goals.

Big Sam has been known to play two up-top, so there is also a chance we see both feature this evening.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Sam Allardyce tipped to bring Premier League striker to West Brom in January

Manchester United welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford looking to build on their four-game unbeaten streak stretching back to the 4-1 win away at Newcastle United.

The Red Devils romped home to a comfortable 5-0 midweek win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League, thanks to a hat-trick from hometown hero Marcus Rashford.

However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has some big decisions to make, with Edinson Cavani, Bruno Fernandes and Rashford all pushing for starts.

Football FanCast have taken a look at how we think Solskjaer will set his side up for the clash with Mikel Arteta’s men, which sees the club legend make three changes to the team that beat RB Leipzig.

United’s first-choice goalkeeper David de Gea will most likely keep the gloves, as the Spanish international has impressed in recent weeks, having kept two consecutive clean sheets in a row.

The 29-year-old should take his place between the sticks behind a back four consisting of club captain Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, with Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka alongside them in their usual positions on opposite sides, as Alex Telles has tested positive for coronavirus.

Fred and Paul Pogba impressed against RB Leipzig so both midfielders should keep their places in the starting line-up, whilst Nemanja Matic drops to the bench to make room for Bruno Fernandes.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Solskjaer admitted United are starting to look like themselves again after a dramatic U-turn in results. He said: “At the moment, we are looking like a Man United squad because I’ve got opportunities, I’ve got options for places.

“Any successful team in the modern era of football has had that option to rest players and to rotate.”Former Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani is in contention to start as Anthony Martial serves the remainder of his three-game ban after he received a red card in the humiliating 6-1 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur.Rashford has hit a hot streak, as he has scored four goals in his past three games, which means he is expected to start on the left wing, whilst Mason Greenwood seems to have recovered from his recent injury, so summer signing Donny van de Beek could be benched for the game against the Gunners.

AND in other news, Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford outshone Bruno Fernandes to steal the show against RB Leipzig…

Phil Parkinson must prioritise building on Dan Neil’s “fantastic” opportunity, after the “excellent” Sunderland gem earned a rare chance to feature in the midweek EFL Trophy defeat to Fleetwood Town.

What’s the word?

Parkinson has been full of praise for Sunderland product Neil this week after awarding the 18-year-old his latest senior appearance, having brought a raft of changes to the starting XI which lost at Highbury Stadium on Tuesday night.

Neil had previously earned just three first-team outings totalling 145 minutes, but impressed against Fleetwood with Parkinson deeming the central midfielder’s first-half performance to have been among his best moments in a red and white shirt to date.

The performance produced was far more important than the result for Sunderland, having already qualified for the knockout stages, with Ollie Younger, Brandon Taylor and Josh Hawkes among those afforded minutes.

George Dobson – like Neil – caught Parkinson’s eye with his efforts, who later stated via quotes by the Chronicle: “In terms of some of the play in the first-half, some of the football, I thought Dan Neil and George Dobson were excellent in terms of their quality.

“It was probably Dan’s best 45 for us – he showed what he’s all about and I’m so pleased for him – and George as well. He’s had a difficult start to the season in terms of getting sent off, and his season hadn’t quite got going, but that was the best 45 minutes for George as well. I’m so pleased for him.”

Parkinson’s eye was not the only one caught by Neil’s display, either, with Black Cats icon Kevin Phillips swooning over the teenager’s performance while speaking with Football Insider.

“I think it is fantastic that Dan Neil took his chance,” he said. “It is great to see Neil given an opportunity and also taking it as well. It is a really encouraging for the football club.

“I have always said that Sunderland cannot afford to be letting their youngsters go. They have let far too many go over the last year, whatever the reason may be. The situation the country is in with youth players is something that might have to be looked at.”

Time to build

With Neil’s display catching the attention of the likes of Parkinson and Phillips, the Black Cats must prioritise building on his “fantastic” chance in order to see further “excellent” displays from the rarely-seen prospect.

Neil proved to be sharp in the middle of the park against Fleetwood during the week, while always keeping his head up looking to play the ball forward.

This was evident most in the young talent completing six of his eight attempted long balls – only Brandon Taylor (16) and Dobson (15) attempted more among Sunderland’s outfield players, per SofaScore.

Neil additionally completed 27 of his total 33 passes for an 82% completion rate, registered 47 touches, was successful with one of two attempted dribbles, won three of six ground duels and each of his two aerial contests.

He may not have attempted a shot on goal as Sunderland struggled to just two on-target efforts all game, but Neil contributed defensively, as well, with two tackles, one interception and one clearance while never being dribbled past.

Neil will be hoping that his efforts impressed Parkinson enough to be considered for a League One debut soon, having so far failed to make a single third-tier matchday squad.

AND in other news, Phil Parkinson must unleash a “tremendous” Sunderland gem who’s played just 136 mins all season.

Loads of Everton fans have welcomed a transfer link to Leon Bailey as Dharmesh Sheth, speaking on Sky Sports’ The Transfer Show (via Toffee TV), reported that the Merseyside club are interested in signing the Bayer Leverkusen ace in the summer window.

However, according to the football journalist, Tottenham are also interested in getting his signature over the line and have been watching him.

The transfer guru also said that the German club are looking for a fee of more than £40m, and that sum would have to come down if any business is to be done before the transfer window shuts.

The winger would arguably be an upgrade on the current first-team options available to Carlo Ancelotti, as he scored more goals and averaged more shots, dribbles and crosses per match in 2019/20 in the Bundesliga than Alex Iwobi, Theo Walcott and Bernard in their respective seasons in the Premier League, as per Whoscored.

These members of the Goodison Park faithful loved the news on Twitter, with one Everton supporter even claiming that he would ‘take him over Zaha,’ as the Crystal Palace ace reportedly wants to join the Blues, and another urging director of football Marcel Brands to seal a deal for the 23-year-old:

Evertonians, would Bailey be a good signing? Comment below with your views!