Juventus: Fans show love for Paulo Dybala after winner

Juventus fans have shown their love for Paulo Dybala after he scored a double in the final 15 minutes to secure a win over Lokomotiv Moscow.

Juve were 1-0 down heading into the final quarter of an hour but the Argentinian forward was able to score two goals in two minutes to make sure that they stayed top of Group D.

The Old Lady were largely dominant throughout the match, having 78 per cent possession throughout the match and having 28 shots to five (BBC).

Lokomotiv took the lead on the half-an-hour mark as Aleskei Miranchuk scored past Wojciech Szczesny.

At the halfway stage of the groups, Juventus are above Atletico Madrid only on goal difference as they beat Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 in Madrid.

Unsurprisingly, when Paulo Dybala tweeted about the victory, fans absolutely loved the message.

Here are some of the responses…

Man Utd fans already fearing the worst over facing woeful Newcastle

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Newcastle may have been thrashed 5-0 by Leicester on Sunday afternoon, but that hasn’t stopped the Manchester United doomsdayers from tipping the Red Devils to lose to them this coming weekend.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have hardly set the world alight this season, and have seen their troubles compounded by injuries to key players in important positions.

Wherever things could go wrong, they have gone wrong. United’s decision to let go of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez certainly raised the ire of the Old Trafford faithful, and subsequent injuries to the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have just made things worse.

After their clash against Arsenal on Monday night, the Red Devils take on Steve Bruce’s Newcastle – a side languishing in 19th in the Premier League table.

Despite the Magpies’ lowly position however, United fans took to Twitter to reveal they know a defeat to the Tyneside club is going to be inevitable now.

Some supporters of the Manchester side even suggested Bruce’s men would turn into “prime Barcelona” or “prime Milan” and completely destroy them.

Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:

Newcastle’s Almiron continues to disappoint and should be concern for Bruce

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

It is fair to say that Miguel Almiron has struggled to get firing in the Premier League since joining Newcastle in what was a club-record fee at the time.

The £20m signing promised a lot when he arrived on Tyneside having scored and assisted a total of 43 goals in 70 appearances for Atlanta United, and there was certainly a lot of expectation on him performing from Toon fans.

He has looked to be a threat on occasion and his pace has suited the Premier League by allowing him to get in behind the defence and cause the opposition problems, as highlighted against Manchester United on Sunday.

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However, too often, as it was the case in that match, Almiron doesn’t have the quality to provide the decisive touch to either score or assist his Newcastle teammates.

It is not the only area of concern for the Paraguayan, either, and against the Red Devils he disappointed with the ball at his feet as he was careless in possession and wasteful in the final third, as his stats from WhoScored demonstrate.

That will be a big worry for Steve Bruce, particularly as summer signings Joelinton and Allan-Saint Maximin are still finding their feet, too, and thus are yet to add the attacking threat that makes the Magpies a dangerous outfit, with one goal and zero assists between them.

Their goal-scoring record reflects that with five in eight league games, and if Almiron doesn’t improve quickly he should find himself out of the team.

Players such as Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu will likely be frustrated at not getting more game time despite Almiron’s shortcomings.

The 25-year-old is still yet to register a goal or assist for the club in 18 games and a lack of composure and instinct against United indicated that it could be a bigger problem than a lack of confidence.

It is not just in front of goal where he struggled at the weekend, having also failed to beat a man or supply a key pass to a teammate, whilst his 24 touches show that he wasn’t involved as much as the St James’ Park faithful may have expected.

Bruce has come under fire from supporters since taking over but if key players are underperforming it makes his job a lot harder, and as a result he may consider dropping the winger or altering his position in order to improve the team, and his level of performance – with WhoScored giving him an average rating of 6.2 in the Premier League.

Man Utd target James Maddison told to snub Old Trafford move by Stuart Pearce

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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…

Speaking on Sky Sports’ The Debate, via The Leicester Mercury, Stuart Pearce has urged James Maddison to stay put at Leicester amidst speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.

What did he say?

The former Norwich star has been lighting up the Premier League for the Foxes since his move from Carrow Road last season.

His debut campaign in the top-flight ended with him registering seven goals and seven assists, and he has continued that form into the opening few games of this season too with one goal and two assists already to his name.

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Despite reports suggesting United are continuing to monitor Maddison’s development in regards to a potential move, Pearce has claimed the midfielder would be better served staying at Leicester.

He said: “I think he’s an improving talent. From his point of view at this moment in time, he’s working with a wonderful manager in Brendan Rodgers. I think it’s perfect for him to stay at Leicester. I wouldn’t suggest that he leaves Leicester at the moment.

“He’s probably started the season as good and as strong as he has ever been as a footballer. For me, I think he’s got to stay put. Will he be an asset to other teams if he keeps improving? Yes, he will. But I think at this moment in time, for his sake, he’s better off at Leicester.”

Size of United’s problems

Having already found it painstakingly difficult to tempt Harry Maguire away from the Foxes this summer, United are beginning to fully understand the situation at hand. No longer can the Red Devils simply cherry pick the best talent, and use their name and glamour to convince clubs to hand over their best players.

Perhaps even more worryingly than that however, is the notion that moving to United isn’t quite the step up in class it used to be. Whilst it is still early days in this Premier League season, Leicester find themselves above Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in the table, and a victory over them on Saturday would see them extend the gap to six points after just five games played.

As things currently stand, it’s Leicester who truly look like they’re going places, whilst United find themselves stuck in this transition period. Pearce’s observation really puts things into perspective for the club.

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Sheffield Wednesday’s Jacob Murphy could have to make way on Saturday

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

Sheffield Wednesday have been through just about every footballing scenario you could imagine already this season – and we aren’t even a quarter of the way through yet.

Steve Bruce left them managerless just as pre-season was getting underway as he took the vacant reigns at Newcastle United which left Lee Bullen in caretaker charge for the third time in his career.

Under their former captain, they started the season brightly recording back-to-back victories over Reading and then Barnsley, but that rich vein of form wasn’t to last long as they hit a rough spell, losing three of their next four matches.

That ultimately resulted in the club’s chiefs making a move to appoint Garry Monk as the club’s permanent boss and his new side delivered in front of the TV cameras against Huddersfield last Sunday.

It was the first look at how the Owls will operate for the foreseeable future, but don’t take too much from it as Monk himself has said he will ‘adapt’ as the season goes on.

We did learn one thing though, as he said the following about Adam Reach: “I have already spoken with Adam. He will primarily be a wide player for us and it is where he is most effective.”

On the Chalkboard

With Kadeem Harris impressing the Hillsborough fanbase, it would seem that Magpies loanee Jacob Murphy is walking on a tight rope at the minute.

He’s underperformed so far this season, managing just one goal in six appearances and is yet to even record an assist.

Considering he’s averaging 2 shots per game it’s quite a poor return that he hasn’t found the net.

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The 24-year-old is also dispossessed at least once each match while 1.3 unsuccessful touches on average is certainly below par.

Since his debut, where he picked up an 8.33 rating and that goal, things just haven’t gone to plan, and his inconsistencies led to him being dragged off at half time against Preston North End.

As a consequence, he started the next match on the bench.

He was handed a start under Monk but he failed to impress recording a rating of just 6.48.

With the 40-year-old stating that Reach will be utilised as a winger, it means Murphy could well make way, and that could occur as early as this weekend as Sam Winnall’s winner against Huddersfield means he too is pushing for a starting spot.

Monk frequently used 4-4-2 at Birmingham last season, so the recent exploits of the striker leaves the manager with plenty to think about.

Sancho’s comments show Manchester City’s quest for domination may come at an unwelcome cost

This season, Jadon Sancho has been making quite the impression at Borussia Dortmund.

The 18-year-old, who won his first senior cap for England last November, is now a starter at the Bundesliga outfit and is making regular goal contributions from his position out wide.

The winger, of course, joined Dortmund from Manchester City back in the summer of 2017 and has recently spoken about what motivated him to make such a move.

The Breakdown

“Why Dortmund? It speaks for itself: youngsters get opportunities,” Sancho told FourFourTwo in an exclusive interview.

“You’ve got to thank Dortmund, because it’s unheard of for a team that gets 80,000 fans at every home game to put so much faith in youngsters. It was crazy how many clubs wanted me – it shows how well you’re doing, but I always felt Dortmund was right for me.”

Ultimately, it is fair to say Sancho’s move to Dortmund has worked out and extremely well one might add. From a Manchester City perspective, though, what does their former winger’s comments about youngsters getting opportunities at the Signal Iduna Park say about them?

It sounds almost like a jibe at the Citizens, who just do not offer that in this moment of time in their quest for trophies. For all of the success they can guarantee and money they can offer, the Etihad looks a place where exciting young players do not wish to be with Brahim Diaz also recently following Sancho out of the exit door.

And while supporters will be quick to point to Phil Foden, the 18-year-old looks to be the exception rather than the norm.

Sancho’s success could now lead to an exodus of young English players leaving their clubs to venture into a foreign league with Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi looking like the next name who could be about to follow in the England international’s footsteps.

Leeds fans debate Ryan Edmondson after scoring for England’s U19 side

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Leeds’ youth academy seems to be flourishing at the moment.

Already this season their fans have been treated to seeing a host of youngsters from the youth teams start to appear regularly in the first-team squad.

Mateusz Bogusz, Leif Davis and Alfie McCalmont are three of those names but another could soon be Ryan Edmondson.

The teenager earned his debut for England’s U19 side during the international break and also scored as they beat Greece 3-1.

As a result, fans were quick to debate the 18-year-old’s impact and his future.

One fan responded to seeing him score by suggesting he’ll be out the exit door unless he’s given a chance. A further individual said it was a no-brainer to have him as a backup in attack to Eddie Nketiah and Patrick Bamford.

Another supporter even claimed that Edmondson was actually better than Bamford. It was also suggested that he had a massive future.

The striker is yet to play for Leeds’ senior team this term but scored a hat-trick in pre-season as he well and truly staked a claim to Marcelo Bielsa.

Here’s the best of the reaction.

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Sky Sports: Spurs exit imminent

Tottenham Hotspur are set to sanction the departure of promising academy gem Dilan Markanday this week…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, who delivered an update on the situation to fans on Twitter this week.

“#Blackburn are close to agreeing [on] a deal to sign #Tottenham winger Dilan Markanday,” he said. “The context around this is that #Tottenham have wanted Markanday to sign a new contract and go out on loan, but he wants a permanent part of a senior first team and he’s good enough. A string of Championship clubs offering him the chance, including #Blackburn.”

Indeed, this certainly appears to be the case as fellow reporter Michael Bridge delivered his verdict to GIVEMESPORT.

“No confirmation yet, but I understand that Markanday’s contract runs out at the end of the season, so you’d assume it was a permanent deal.”

Terrible news

Spurs now seem set to lose out on one of their most exciting young talents, one that is a boyhood supporter of the club.

Markanday has been in electric form for the U23s this season, scoring 12 goals in only 14 appearances in the Premier League 2 and he has done so playing in a variety of attacking positions – largely, upfront and on the left flank.

A winger by trade, the 20-year-old seems a nice fit for Antonio Conte’s system as he can provide valuable backup to the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.

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However, he just hasn’t been trusted to feature under the Italian, whereas players like Dane Scarlett have. Baffling.

The Barnet-born starlet envisaged spending his whole career at the club, as he revealed to the Independent back in November.

“The dream is to play for Tottenham for the next 15 years, playing every game, but obviously I know things might not work out and there are going to be ups and downs. But all I can control is the controllables and things will work out for the best,” he claimed.

Dubbed a “big talent” by broadcaster and Spurs fan Greg Jenner, it seems inexcusable to let a player with Markanday’s talent and attitude leave the club this month, instead of tying him down and plotting out plans for him to become a first-team star.

Just as Jenner is angry, much of the Lilywhites faithful are too – many were left dubbing the youth system a “joke.”

It wouldn’t be the first time that the club has lost a promising talent, either. You only have to look at what Noni Madueke has done in Holland to see why this is a major mistake.

No wonder many are fuming with this news.

AND in other news, “I’ve just had a message”: Duncan Castles drops Spurs transfer bombshell, Conte will be livid…

Newcastle to fight Leeds for Nandez signing

Newcastle United have reportedly entered the race to sign long-time Leeds United target Nahitan Nandez, acting as a potential blow for the Whites.

The Lowdown: Nandez a long-term Leeds target

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Elland Road endlessly in the last year, with both summer and January rumours emerging from every direction.

Nandez has matured into a formidable performer for both Cagliari and Uruguay, starting 15 Serie A games for the former this season and playing 49 times in total for the latter, so it’s perhaps no surprise Victor Orta wants the tenacious midfielder given the lack of depth in that position at Elland Road.

The Whites’ transfer guru even flew out to Italy to discuss a deal last summer, claim some reports, but it now looks as though a strong contender has emerged in the battle to snap up the tough tackling ace.

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The Latest: Newcastle emerge as suitors

According to Tuttosport on Friday, Newcastle are interested in bringing Nandez to the club after their big-money takeover.

They are described as a ‘new entry’ in the race to sign the 5 foot 7 Uruguayan, with Leeds and Tottenham still very much in the fight.

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The Verdict: Potential big blow

In the last couple of seasons, there would be no reason why Newcastle would necessarily be a more appealing proposition than Leeds, but their takeover may change things significantly.

All of a sudden, the Magpies are able to blow other teams out of the water in terms of wages, which has the potential to work hugely against Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Nandez would be the perfect January signing to help solve the midfield shortage – his average of 1.9 tackles per game in the league this season is superior to both Robin Koch (1.0) and Mateusz Klich (1.1)  – so missing out on him to a Premier League rival would hurt.

In other news, Leeds have received a boost in their quest to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds eye Championship colossus in January

Leeds United are one of many teams interested in Rob Dickie ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic, who claim that the Yorkshiremen are among several sides keen to sign the Queens Park Rangers defender. Many of their Premier League rivals, including West Ham, Southampton, Wolves and Burnley are also mentioned.

Whilst no asking price is specifically mentioned by the report, it’s believed that the Championship outfit would command at least eight figures – give or take £10m – though Transfermarkt value him at just £2.7m.

QPR managed to squeeze nearly £20m out of Crystal Palace for Eberechi Eze last summer, so they are capable of driving a hard bargain.

Bielsa needs him

On the face of it, another centre-back addition is perhaps the last thing on Victor Orta’s agenda but given the injury nightmare that manager Marcelo Bielsa has suffered, it wouldn’t go amiss to add a talent like Dickie.

The likes of skipper Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente have all faced time on the sidelines since the start of the season. It’s gotten so bad that Luke Ayling had to partner the German in the middle against Arsenal last time out, despite both only just returning from their own injuries.

Standing at a whopping 6 foot 4 and right-footed, the 25-year-old would hand the Argentine a very reliable option to his backline, especially as he’s equally adept in a four and a three.

“Rob is so comfortable on the ball. Physicality, aerially strong, passing: his technical base is so sound. He’s a very talented player,” claims his manager, Mark Warburton.

The Athletic go as far as comparing him to Manchester United defender Harry Maguire in terms of playing style.

Currently, Dickie ranks as the Rs’ best performer on the season so far, averaging a 7.16 rating on WhoScored. An average of 3.9 aerial duels won, 1.8 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 82.2% passing accuracy, via WhoScored, would certainly back up the aforementioned praise and likeness.

Also lauded for his leadership and being an “unbelievable man” by his former Oxford boss Karl Robinson, the QPR star would surely be a player that Bielsa would love to have at his disposal.

For a little over £10m, it could be quite the steal.

AND in other news, Bielsa dealt gutting Leeds United transfer blow ahead of January…

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