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Aston Villa are already planning to strengthen their right-back ranks, with Frederic Guilbert’s Villa Park future hanging by a thread. 

According to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans, the club are monitoring the Frenchman’s progress out on loan at Strasbourg.

Guilbert has already registered two assists in Ligue 1 and scored an injury-time winner against Monaco earlier this month.

However, Evans goes on to add that the 26-year-old, who is attracting interest from English sides, is unlikely to get another chance to feature for the club.

Villa will reportedly head back into the market this summer for an additional right-back to provide competition for first-choice Matty Cash, as well as keeping a close eye on teenager Kaine Kesler in the academy.

Transfer Tavern take

Guilbert, on £27,000-a-week, signed for Villa back in January 2019 for £4.5m and has made 31 appearances for the club to date.

His Transfermarkt valuation has dropped from a career-high of £8.1m in December 2019 to £4.5m just 12 months later.

So, based on that, it will be interesting to see how much Villa receive for the full-back, should they decide to cash in. Guilbert’s Villa Park deal currently runs until 2023 and with unnamed English clubs keen, Villa could still make a profit on the Frenchman.

In other news: Plenty of Villa fans have been buzzing at a simple club post earlier this week, find out more here.

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been giving their thoughts over a potential permanent deal for Ross Barkley on social media.

That’s after Marlon Harewood shared his views on the attacking midfielder, with the former Villa striker believing Barkley will want to make his move permanent in the Midlands.

Barkley initially impressed at Villa Park but he’s managed just one goal involvement in his last 11 Premier League appearances and has had to make do with a place on the bench in recent weeks.

Chelsea’s huge asking price

Reports last month suggested that Villa would need to smash their transfer record, which stands at the £28m plus add-ons deal to bring Ollie Watkins to the club, to land Barkley on a long-term basis.

Chelsea will ask for a fee in the region of £40m this summer, with Thomas Tuchel’s stance on Barkley not yet known.

However, Harewood, talking to Football FanCast, gave Villa the green light in regards to a permanent deal for Barkley.

Harwood’s comments were shared on social media in a story by @AVFC_News on Thursday evening, who asked supporters if a deal will happen.

Villa supporters not keen

“Hopefully not. Will cost us 20-30 million as well. Really needs to step up his game. He hasn’t proven himself yet imo”

Credit: @SSaultyyy

“Ramsey over Barkley anytime and spend the cash elsewhere…”

Credit: @Mrb47016877

“#nothanks”

Credit: @villa_vernon

“He needs to step up then if he wants the move. Imo he’s not done enough for us since joining”

Credit: @villaman101

“Very much doubt it if he can’t even retain his place in the starting line-up.”

Credit: @joeinpoole

“Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!”

Credit: @AstonZillaFC

In other news: Many Villa fans have hit out at Dean Smith for his training ground comments, find out more here.

If anything summed up Wolves’ season, it would be the last couple of weeks.

Throughout February, the Old Gold were brilliant as they bounced back from some relegation talk to go through the month unbeaten.

Nuno Santo has been nominated for the Manager of the Month award while Ruben Neves is in the conversation to be crowned Player of the Month.

However, the cracks are starting to appear in Wolves’ armoury again. They are now winless in three successive outings with their performance against Aston Villa on Saturday providing very few positives.

Nuno’s men drew 0-0 as they lacked ruthlessness in front of goal. It has been the same story in their last two matches, drawing 1-1 with Newcastle and being battered 4-1 by Manchester City.

It has been a poor week for the Midlands outfit and nothing typifies that more than their ability or lack of it rather, to find the net.

Willian Jose is still yet to score in a Wolves shirt while Adama Traore’s goal drought goes on. It would seem that they’re beginning to rely on their defenders to score the goals.

Conor Coady netted in midweek, while he and Romain Saiss had their best chances against Villa on Saturday.

Pedro Neto whipped in a mean ball from the right during the second half which found its way to Coady at the back stick. He hit the post and then with the goal at his mercy, Saiss somehow missed an open goal from a matter of yards.

Tim Spiers claimed the effort “defied the laws of physics” and it’s hard to argue with that point. The Moroccan just needed to tap the ball home but instead skied it miles over the bar. It was a moment that ultimately cost Wolves the game and left every Old Gold player in the camera shot with their head in their hands.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-news-on-wolves-from-molineux” title=” Check out the latest news on Wolves from Molineux!”]

It was a bewildering miss, one that might just go down as the worst of the Premier League season. Though, it was an incident that just about summed up a woeful night for Saiss; a player who never got going at Villa Park.

The £22k-per-week defender has been inconsistent this term and his display on Saturday evening proved that very point. Nuno likes his defenders to be able to play out from the back but he failed in that department, achieving a pass success rate of just 70%.

That tally happened to be the worst of any Wolves outfield player. It was also a number that was 12% worse than his seasonal average of 82% this term.

The Express & Star were rather damning in their assessment of the defender at full-time, saying; “Headed the ball with authority, however, his passing was inconsistent throughout. But it’s the miss of the season that will cause the Moroccan international some sleepless nights.”

Saiss was kept busy by the likes of Trezeguet and Ollie Watkins but he often came out second best, winning just a solitary tackle in the entire match. In addition, the centre-back surrendered possession on 15 occasions.

It was an uncharacteristically poor performance from Saiss, someone who should now be wary of his place in the team.

With Willy Boly back among the substitutes, Nuno must consider wielding the axe on his place in the starting XI and replacing him with a more reliable defender. Boly is certainly that.

AND in other news, Wolves gem who made just 23 passes let Nuno down a lot, Spiers said he “offered nowt”…

Rhys Williams looks as if he will be regularly called upon by Jurgen Klopp for the rest of the season at Liverpool as a result of their injury concerns but his performance against Aston Villa emphasises that he is a long way off being first-team quality for the Reds.

After a loan spell with Kidderminster Harriers last season, the 19-year-old has earned a promotion to Liverpool’s first-team this season after injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and more lately, Joel Matip.

The academy graduate has impressed at times, particularly in the 5-0 win against Atalanta and the 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur but his performance against Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday emphasised that he isn’t ready to be a first-team regular for the rest of the season.

The young defender was outpaced by 17-year-old Louie Barry for Villa’s equaliser and he never looked likely to catch the young striker as he raced through on goal, before finishing past Caoimhin Kelleher.

He also picked up a 6.7 rating from SofaScore, which was the joint-worst of any Liverpool player who started the game on the night.

Whilst a partnership of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho at centre-back didn’t produce ideal results in the Reds’ last Premier League fixture when they were beaten by Southampton, Williams’ lack of pace will likely be exploited by Manchester United in their next fixture, so Klopp must axe the 19-year-old.

Earlier in the season, Trent Alexander-Arnold was full of praise for the centre-back after he replaced Fabinho in the 2-0 win against FC Midtjylland, saying:

“That position’s probably a bit bare, to say the least. But we’ve got an amazing squad, you’ve seen Rhys Williams stepping in and doing a world-class job, at a young age with such little experience. He’s got a bright future ahead.”

Despite this, Williams must be axed by Klopp for the Reds’ next fixture, as his disappointing performance against Villa exposed his lack of concentration and pace, something which United’s dangerous front three will surely punish at Anfield later this month.

And, in other news… Exclusive: Pundit claims he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Virgil van Dijk was back soon

West Ham United must swoop for FC Barcelona full-back Junior Firpo in the January transfer window after losing Arthur Masuaku for the foreseeable future through injury.

What’s the word?

According to Mundo Deportivo, Firpo faces an uncertain future at the Camp Nou having featured little for Barcelona since joining the La Liga powerhouse from Real Betis in 2019.

The 24-year-old is now considered surplus to requirements having featured infrequently under Ernesto Valverde, Quique Setien or now Ronald Koeman, who has been particularly loath to field the defender, with Firpo awarded just 29 minutes of La Liga action thus far this season.

Firpo is aware to the fact that if he wishes to play more often, he will have to leave Barca, who are not opposed to sanctioning a winter exit with a handful of potential destinations already emerging.

West Ham, SSC Napoli and Granada are all said to be considering January moves for Firpo, with David Moyes’ Premier League outfit long-time admirers and interested in a loan with an option to buy.

Firpo, who Barcelona signed for €18million (£16.3m), is also thought to be a target for Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan as Barcelona strive to reduce their enormous wage bill.

Perfect Masuaku replacement

West Ham must seize on Firpo’s uncertain future at the Camp Nou to strike a deal with Barcelona this winter, having lost Masuaku for the foreseeable after the DR Congo international underwent career-saving surgery on a knee injury that has plagued him for the best part of two years.

Moyes called on Aaron Cresswell to replace Masuaku against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, but the three-cap England international could not cope with the pace needed for the full-back role after his excellent displays at centre-half this season.

Cresswell was often turned inside out by Andros Townsend, as Moyes’ need for winter reinforcements was laid bare in front of an empty London Stadium.

The Scottish coach may now have the ideal chance to find his solution in Firpo, who former Betis teammate Marc Bartra believes has “a lot of potential” and was tipped to join Liverpool before moving to Barcelona, with the Reds said to have eyed activating his €50m (£45m) release clause.

Firpo may not have featured much in La Liga this season, but has been given frequent minutes in the Champions League with five outings, in which he’s averaged 2.0 duels won with a 67% success rate and offered 0.2 key balls, 0.2 accurate crosses, 0.6 successful tackles and played 29.8 accurate passes with a 93% completion rate, per SofaScore.

AND in other news, a £67k-p/w West Ham dud’s torturous midweek display proved why he cannot be trusted vs Chelsea.

Crystal Palace have been handed a major transfer boost in their pursuit of Reading defender Omar Richards if recent reports are to be believed.

What’s the word?

Reports in recent times revealed that Palace were one of several Premier League clubs who were interested in signing Richards in January.

According to The Reading Chronicle, the Royals are ready to balance their books to bring the club in line with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

It’s claimed that discussions are currently ongoing between the club and the young left-back over a “bumper new contract” but they could be forced to put him up for sale in the New Year.

January swoop?

Richards has been in such fine form for the Royals so far this season, it’s no wonder Palace and the Hammers have shown an interest – with the latter inquiring about his availability.

In 15 appearances in the Championship this season, the 22-year-old versatile player, who can play at the back or in the midfield, is averaging 2.5 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 1.6 clearances per game, via WhoScored.

If Richards does indeed reject whatever offer is thrown his way, then Steve Parish must be prepared to swoop in for a cut-price deal next month.

Roy Hodgson currently has a couple of options in his position with Patrick van Aanholt and Tyrick Mitchell vying for a place in the starting line-up. Joel Ward can also be called into action as well.

Former Reading boss Mark Bowen once described Richards as an “outstanding” talent, saying “everyone knows he’s good going forward, but defensively he went in and won tackles he wasn’t favourite to win.”

The England U21 international is out of contract in the summer, which means he may not cost Parish a penny if he runs down his deal at the Madejski Stadium.

With Van Aanholt angling for a move, Richards may be the perfect ready-made replacement to fill his boots if he departs Selhurst Park.

AND in other news, Time to shine: Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson must put faith in Jeffrey Schlupp…

Speaking exclusively to FootballFanCast, ex-Newcastle United ace Steve Howey has demanded more from midfielder Jonjo Shelvey this season.

The 28-year-old, described as being a ‘liability’ by The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards in 2019, has been one of the first names on the team-sheet for Steve Bruce’s side this season. He has started in every single Premier League game, including taking the captain’s armband for the clash against Burnley.

However, his performances for the Magpies have come under some severe criticism, with fans of the Tyneside club ripping into his display against Tottenham late last month.

Now, Howey has weighed in on the six-cap England international, insisting that whilst he’s got the ability, he simply has to do a lot more for the team.

Speaking to FFC’s James Beavis, Howey said: “I think he’s a very talented player. I think he just needs to grab the game by the scruff of the neck a bit more given his ability. He’s an experienced pro now, he’s been about a bit and been with some top teams. He’s got the ability to spray passes left, right and centre and he’s very, very good at it.

“But obviously, it’s what does he do off the ball. That’s why you’ve got maybe Isaac Hayden in there, who breaks play up and gives it to Shelvey to pass it. Even though he has a very good range of passing, he just has to make sure he finds his men. If you lose the ball, you’ve got to quickly go back on the defensive.

“I’ve got no doubt in my mind that he’s a very good player, but when you’ve got that ability, you’ve got to do the rubbish stuff that players don’t like to do. The hunting, the tackling and getting in there and trying to win the ball back. I’m not saying he doesn’t do it, but everybody’s got to be in the same pot together.”

Given that Shelvey has now been at the club for a number of years now, and has made 146 appearances in total, it’s quite telling that Magpies fans aren’t still unanimously in love with the midfielder.

The 28-year-old has produced some magic in his time at St James’ Park – his screamer against Manchester City last season was just one of those iconic moments – but it’s just far too inconsistent.

It’s up to Shelvey alone to try and answer his critics.

Football pundit Matt Murray has been sharing his thoughts on Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson and his future at the club.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Murray was asked if he thinks Henderson made the right decision to stay at the Manchester club this season after spending the previous season on loan at Sheffield United.

He said: “Yeah, I think all in all, as long as he gets enough game time to keep [him] in the England squad and it’s a fair fight with [David] De Gea, then I think he has made the right decision.”

During his career working his way through the youth ranks at United, Henderson has had numerous loan deals at different clubs.

In the 2019/20 season, Henderson earned himself a respectable season rating of 6.72/10 for his performances in the 36 league appearances he made for Chris Wilder’s side (per WhoScored).

Back in August, when the shot-stopper returned to Manchester, he signed a new six-year contract at the club keeping him at Old Trafford that will reportedly see him earn £120k a week until 2026.

Henderson recently played in United’s 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup in which he earned himself a solid match rating of 7.02/10 (per WhoScored).

This latest performance from Henderson proved that he has what it takes to provide good competition to David de Gea as United’s main goalkeeper.

Moving forward, it’ll be interesting to see just how many appearances the Englishman, who is currently valued at £18 million, will make for United throughout the remainder of the season.

Arsenal’s return to Premier League action did not go as planned as a decent first 20 minutes was ruined by a mistake late in the first half and then a red card in the second from David Luiz which saw the Gunners lose 3-0 to Manchester City.

However there is no time to think about what could have been as they face Brighton at the AMEX next, in what is a must win for both sides. Arsenal need to start picking up victories if they want to make the top six by the end of the season, whilst Brighton have not won a fixture since the 28th December, and this has caused them to drop firmly into the relegation battle, via BBC Sport.

Here is the Transfer Tavern predicted Arsenal starting XI, which sees Mikel Arteta make three changes for the fixture.

Arteta will be forced into changing his back four, as Pablo Mari is reportedly out for the rest of the season after limping off in the first half at the Etihad. With Sokratis injured and Luiz suspended, it looks like Rob Holding will be brought in to pair up with Shkodran Mustafi. Tierney and Bellerin both looked to have a decent game up until the red card, and should keep their places for the fixture.

Again Arsenal will be forced into a change at centre-midfield, as Granit Xhaka pulled up in the first half like Mari and is not available. Guendouzi looked sharp and earned praise from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville and he will probably be partnered by Dani Ceballos who replaced Xhaka in Manchester.

Mesut Ozil was not even on the bench for the match against City, however in a game in which Arsenal will need to win, they need a creative spark in midfield and the German’s 2.1 key passes per game is the best in the whole squad, so he could be the one who links up the midfield to attack and helps find the eye for goal.

Nketiah earned the best rating out of the whole Arsenal squad (6.8) and deserves to keep his spot in the side over Alexandre Lacazette, who can be a great super sub if needed.

Gunners fans, would this be a good starting eleven? Comment below!

Football stadiums hold a certain level of importance in football culture.

These days we’re seeing more and more modern arenas being built to coincide with the influx of significant financial investment and rapidly developing global technology, but only a handful of clubs are able to go down that route.

Others have to make do with their old fashioned stadiums, and they’re the ones many fans will claim to be the best. While Tottenham’s new stadium is impressive, nothing beats a classic looking football ground.

So we’ve taken it upon ourselves to rank the Premier League stadiums from worst to best.

A lot of fans won’t agree with the result, but take a look and see where your club’s stadium is ranked…

20. Crystal Palace

Selhurst Park can create an electric atmosphere when Crystal Palace are on song, but the ground is in desperate need of an improvement to the facilities.

For some away fans, there is a pole in-between themselves and the action, so even watching the action unfold can be tricky. The stadium is in need of refurbishing.

19. Burnley

Turf Moor is an old-fashioned ground, but an electric atmosphere is rare.

Often a vast viewing of empty seats, there is no intimidation factor and is somewhat becoming outdated as a ground.

There is no special element to the ground which entices you in. Many stadiums are better in the Premier League and would be more suited to a Championship club.

18. AFC Bournemouth

The Vitality Stadium has the smallest capacity in the Premier League at just 11,329. A trip down to the south-coast for away fans can be an enjoyable day out, but as a stadium, it does not impress.

Another example of a ground that needs improving and increasing capacity could help.

17. Watford

Vicarage Road has endured recent renovations but still struggles to impress spectators.

The Graham Taylor stand has a massive flaw where the first few rows cannot be used, as they divert into the ground and you are too low down for the action.

This leaves many empty seats and dissolves any potential atmosphere that could be created from that stand.

16. Southampton

There is nothing unique about St Mary’s Stadium. Has the potential, but lack of attendance brings the rating down.

They need to find a way to fill the stands. It is good for away fans, packed out behind the goal, but the home support lets it down.

The design is generic and does not capture the ordinary spectator if they don’t have an attachment to the club.

15. Brighton & Hove Albion

It is a unique design with the arch of the Amex Stadium. The modern facilities are impressive and is a very aesthetically pleasing ground.

However, the lack of atmosphere again brings this stadium ranking down. It has potential but needs improvements to generate atmosphere.

14. West Ham United

London Stadium is often mocked for not being a “football” stadium, but fans still manage to create an atmosphere – more often than not.

People often criticise the design for away fans with a large gap between upper and lower tiers.

If West Ham’s owners purchased the stadium, they could potentially make adjustments to change it into more of a “football” stadium.

Not close to the best, but still not the worst.

13. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Molineux Stadium is a great example of an old-fashioned ground. The stands are close to the pitch, it’s intimidating to visit as an away fan, and overall, it is a good stadium.

However, away fans are packed on the lower tier, making it very difficult to connect and generate an away atmosphere. Moving the positioning of the away fans would significantly improve the ranking for this stadium.

12. Everton

Goodison Park is filled with emotion, sentimental value and history. It has been an excellent stadium over the years, but it is in desperate need of refurbishment.

Everton should keep in touch with the old, iconic look, but improve the facilities generally and renovate the stands to gain a higher ranking.

11. Norwich City

Carrow Road. A 27,00-seater with excellent traditions and values.

A great trip for the traveling fans, but the use of clappers to generate an atmosphere somewhat tarnishes the reputation. The stands are tight to the pitch and old-fashioned, and overall it is a good stadium.