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Steven Gerrard’s experiment with playing two up top failed miserably in the 2-1 defeat away at Kilmarnock last month, but he should take advantage of an ideal opportunity to retry it when Rangers host St Johnstone on Saturday, as long as the right personnel are fit.

On the chalkboard

Well, it was no surprise when the Liverpool legend tested out a 4-4-2 diamond formation following the January arrival of Jermain Defoe on loan, as it was clearly difficult to leave either he or the first-choice Alfredo Morelos on the substitutes’ bench in his preferred 4-3-3 system.

However, it was something of a failed test as the Glasgow giants were beaten, and while defensive errors hardly helped on that occasion, Gerrard hasn’t used it again from the start in the Scottish Premiership.

It could be said that Morelos and Defoe aren’t ideally suited to playing as a partnership and a little-and-large combination of the latter and Kyle Lafferty could be more effective, which could be an option this weekend given the Colombian is suspended.

Could Gerrard go for it?

It depends on a few factors.

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

Firstly, the 38-year-old reported on Friday, via The Herald Scotland, that Defoe and Lafferty are actually struggling with injuries ahead of the top-flight clash, and obviously if one or both of them are absent then the aforementioned tactic wouldn’t be possible.

If they are available though, Gerrard should take a risk and go with it.

Unlike against Kilmarnock they are in front of their own supporters against a side that could be low on confidence following their 5-0 thrashing by Celtic in the Scottish Cup last weekend.

With the right players in wide areas there is no doubt that the Ranger duo can prove to be a thorn in the side of their opponents on Saturday, and it looks to be the ideal opportunity to go with it in Morelos’ absence.

Sadio Mane could be in line for a move away from Anfield as returning Real Madrid boss eyes him amongst the club’s top targets.

Senegal international and Liverpool star man Mane has been in scintillating form recently, scoring five goals in his previous five games, ensuring that his side does not fall any further behind in the title race.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, are having torrid time over in Spain. Dumped out of almost every possible competition in the space of a week – including their beloved Champions League – and desperately in need of some inspiration, they have turned to their former boss Zinedine Zidane.

The Frenchman has a serious task on his hand to instil a sense of pride back in the squad, and with Gareth Bale facing down the barrel of squabbling, spoilt, greedy, hostile Real Madrid fans, there could well be a ‘star player’ vacancy opening up.

The Daily Mail have suggested that Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Sadio Mane and Paul Pogba are all targets this summer, and with Mane being a previous target of Zidane’s there is every chance he could be the one to make the move – especially given the other candidates current position. Indeed, Spanish media outlet El Chiringuito TV also relayed the claims, scaring Kopites even more. we’re sure. 

From Liverpool’s perspective, it would be an incredible ill-informed decision to allow Mane to leave next season.

As an integral part of Liverpool’s start forward line-up, to lose him would certainly disrupt the balance of the squad. And they will need all the chemistry they can get next season if they fail to secure Premier League glory this term.

Mane, on the other hand, may be convinced.

He has been very impressive since arriving at Anfield but has scantly seen his efforts come to fruition, with any form of silverware still evading him.

Liverpool fans, how gutted would you be to potentially lose Mane? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

With his contract set to expire next summer, there has been plenty of talk about Christian Eriksen’s future.

The 27-year-old, however, is only focusing on his football as he looks to help Tottenham win their first top-flight title since 1961.

The Breakdown

“Christian only wants to focus himself on football,” Eriksen’s agent Martin Schoots recently told ESPN. “Besides his technical, tactical and athletic skills, also this attitude has contributed over the years to his impressive transformation from world class talent to world class player.”

With things extremely tight at the top of the Premier League table, Tottenham do not need any added distractions, especially at a time where they have been forced to pick up results without star duo Harry Kane and Dele Alli.

Considering all of that, it is imperative for Eriksen to make sure the uncertainty surrounding his future does not affect his performances. And to the Denmark international’s credit, he has done just that.

Alongside Son Heung-min, Eriksen has helped to keep Tottenham’s title dream alive in the absence of Kane and Alli with his creativity on the pitch proving to be too much for opposition teams as ever.

If Tottenham are to go all the way this season, then they need Eriksen free of any distractions.

Steven Gerrard’s quest in winning back the Scottish Premiership has been tarnished with their recent draw to St. Johnstone.

While Gerrard made the Gers dream big with an encouraged fight to Celtic, they’ve fallen short of the mark.

However, all is not lost for Gerrard’s side. There’s still the prestigious Scottish Cup to play for, which has evaded the Gers for almost a decade. If not anything, the narrow win against Celtic before New Year’s proved that Gerrard’s taught them how to win the big matches, something they’ll need in the Cup.

With dominating victories in the earlier rounds, Rangers have proven they’re taking the competition seriously. Considering it’s the only remaining cup they could win, Gerrard will now instil his focus into winning it. Being trophyless for a long time, having last won the Scottish second-tier in 2016 and a proper competition in 2011, Rangers fans are desperate to see some gold.

If Gerrard’s thrilling football’s proved anything, they can definitely dream to expect silverware at the end of the season. Having brought in the experienced Jermaine Defoe in the winter and goal-machine Alfredo Morelos having scored 27 goals in all competitions (stats via WhoScored), The Gers look favourites for the Cup.

They face bitter rivals Aberdeen in the quarter-finals and beating them at the Pittodrie Stadium would be the icing on the cake. However, unlike other seasons, Rangers aren’t convinced at considering a derby win as a trophy. They’re going all out this time, as Gerrard will make sure this sizzling attacking football ends their trophy-drought.

[ad_pod ]Rangers have suffered an injury setback ahead of Friday night’s clash at Easter Road, as Gareth McAuley has picked up a fresh hamstring concern.

What’s the word?

McAuley has featured just ten times in all competitions this season, next to nothing considering the Gers have had four trophies to fight for.

The Northern Ireland international was brought to the club after the summer window ended last season, signing as a free agent as Steven Gerrard bid to strengthen his defensive ranks.

After missing the early part of his first term at Ibrox with a calf problem, the defender is now nursing a hamstring injury, Steven Gerrard confirmed at his press conference on Thursday, and the boss even added that it is a “new issueâ€.

What’s the verdict?

Put simply, this was a pointless signing by Gerrard.

The 39 year-old was supposed to be at Ibrox to provide depth, yet missed most of the first part of the season through injury, and at his age it is no surprise to see him pick up another muscle problem.

Gerrard brought in some quality additions in his first summer window, but signing a then-38 year-old to improve depth is pretty foolish, as older players are far more inclined to struggle with fitness and muscle injuries, just as McAuley has done.

The boss already had an impressive pairing in Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson before he signed the veteran, though the former has since been replaced by Joe Worrall, and the capture of McAuley now looks like one of Gerrard’s earliest managerial blunders.

فتح رامون بلانيس، السكرتير الفني لنادي برشلونة الإسباني، الباب أمام رحيل عدد من لاعبي الفريق الكتالوني.

وتحدث بلانيس خلال مؤتمر صحفي، أثناء تقديم لاعب برشلونة الجديد، سيرجينيو ديست، ونشرت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية تصريحاته.

وقال بلانيس عن صامويل أومتيتي وإمكانية رحيله: “أومتيتي لاعب رائع، لكنه الآن يمر بحالة سيئة، وهي الإصابات في كرة القدم”.

وأضاف: “هناك أربعة أيام متبقية في السوق، إنه سوق غير اعتيادي، لدينا الكثير من الاحترام لأومتيتي، وسنبحث عن أفضل حل له”.

وعن جان كلير توديبو، أردف بلانيس: “توديبو هو لاعب له خيارات مختلفة في السوق الأوروبية، وقد أظهر الإمكانيات التي يمتلكها أن هناك عدة فرق مهتمة به”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. برشلونة يوضح مصير مفاوضاته مع جارسيا وديباي

وأستطرد: “ومن المحتمل أن نقبل أحد العروض المقدمة له، وهو ما يمكن أن يساعده على لعب المزيد من الدقائق كما يريد، ويجب احترامه”.

وبشأن ريكي بويج، أكد بلانيس: “ريكي اتخذ قرارًا بالقتال لتحقيق حلمه، وهو أمر يبدو جديرًا بالثناء، ونحن ندعمه وفي النهاية قد تكون هناك دقائق للجميع”.

وبشأن ليونيل ميسي الذي رغب في الرحيل ثم قرر البقاء واصل: “سأظل متمسكًا برسالة ليو، والتزامه المطلق، ولم يشكك أحد هنا في التزامه”.

وأتم: “بالأمس أمام سيلتا فيجو، أعطانا ميسي العديد من الدروس، لقد قلبنا هذا الوضع ونواجه مستقبلًا مثيرًا للاهتمام لبرشلونة الجديد الذي بنيناه خلال هذه الأسابيع، قرار استمراره هو الأفضل للنادي”.

Chelsea have an Eden Hazard problem lurking in the shadows.

As things keep getting uglier on the field, outside it, the Belgian already has his heart set out towards moving to Real Madrid in the summer. Seemingly, there is no going back on that desire. Los Blancos always get their man, there’s simply no doubt about it.

What’s the worst thing about this is the Blues’ untimely transfer ban won’t allow them to sign an adequate replacement either. So, Maurizio Sarri and fans will be thankful they sealed Christian Pulisic’s (who joined for £58m according to BBC Sport) transfer before the disaster, yet in reality, even the young American cannot match Hazard’s particularly high standards anytime soon.

The Blues will be hoping for Pulisic to be their wing wizard’s ideal potential replacement, however, even the most ardent fan will know that – deep down – it isn’t possible. To replace a player at the height of his powers – who’s scored 13 and assisted 11 in the Premier League (stats via WhoScored) – saving Chelsea from despair uncountable times is relatively impossible for anyone, let alone a developing youngster.

Of course, many Chelsea fans loved Roman Abramovich’s decision to splash the cash on Pulisic, but it’s safe to say that he’s got an awful lot to live up to and youngsters haven’t exactly been given a fair chance at Stamford Bridge, so it was a huge gamble to spend so much money on someone who’s not exactly hit the heights this season.

He’ll be a small fish in the huge ocean that is the Premier League and will take time to adapt. Pulisic hasn’t really had the most prolific seasons at Borussia Dortmund either, only making 15 Bundesliga appearances, while scoring only two as Jadon Sancho outshines him in front of the famous yellow wall. Furthermore, injuries and inconsistency have ravaged him to make appearances mostly from the bench.

The young American has a mountain to climb to reach where Hazard stands right now in the footballing food-chain. Lodging the pressure of replacing the world-class winger won’t only crumble Pulisic’s confidence-level, but Chelsea might also end up ruining another wonderkid in the process. Indeed, the likes of Josh McEachran and Charly Musonda were both tipped for big things, but a lack of game time and a lot of pressure turned things sour.

Chelsea fans, do you think Pulisic can replace Hazard successfully next season? Join the discussion by commenting below. 

It was the perfect opportunity for West Ham United to pick up points on the road and, after being in fairly solid form in recent weeks, it should’ve been a rather easy task at hand for Manuel Pellegrini’s men to see off Cardiff City on Saturday.

But, instead, Neil Warnock’s men caused a bit of an upset in the Premier League by beating the Hammers 2-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Despite dominating the possession and passing stats, West Ham failed to create any worthy chances of finding the back of the net, while they also failed to convert the rare the opportunities they did in fact have.

It is not often you witness a team enjoy 71% of the ball but only manage two shots on target, while the opposing team takes a total of 16 shots at goal with seven of them being on target.

The problem, ultimately, came down to the West Ham attackers who failed to really trouble the Cardiff City defence with Javier Hernandez, in particular, finding it tough to get clear cut chances at goal.

In the midfield, Pellegrini’s charges lacked a lot of creativity and never really got the ball in good spaces to feed the likes of Hernandez and Felipe Anderson.

West Ham were far from the composed team they were a week ago when they easily saw off Newcastle United at the London Stadium but the defeat to Cardiff City again emphasised the consistency problem they’ve had the whole season.

Just when it looks as if the club is finally starting to get some momentum going they deliver a disappointing performance like that when they were in a prime position to secure a victory.

The result all but means West Ham won’t finish high enough in the Premier League to play in the Europa League next season and they will now have to challenge Watford for seventh spot. It’s one step forward and two steps back.

West Ham fans, just how frustrated have you been at your club’s lack of consistency this season? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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Everton got back to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 victory over a Cardiff City side that, despite having been buoyed by recent results, were humbled this week in back-to-back defeats. One major talking point emerging from the clash was Phil Jagielka’s return to the starting XI.

On the chalkboard

Prior to their dispatch of the Bluebirds, Marco Silva’s side had endured a torrid run of form that had seen them take just one win from their last six matches in all competitions, with the Toffees defence of set-pieces proving a big weak point – all of the Goodison Park outfit’s three goals conceded against Millwall in the FA Cup 4th round clash were from such situations.

Therefore, the midweek clash against a physical Cardiff side represented yet another big test for the Everton defence. The 17 days worth of rest afforded to the Merseyside outfit, though, seemed to help Silva solidify his back line.

A lot of credit should go to Phil Jagielka, who made just his third appearance of the season, for shoring up a previously leaky defence.

A lynchpin or a liability?

The 36-year-old was restored at centre-back alongside Michael Keane and his presence seemed to calm the entire defensive contingent, aside from some sloppiness in the early moments.

The 40-cap international might not have the legs anymore, but his positioning and footballing brain are unrivalled in a Toffees defence that often seems to lack sense.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

Winning 4 aerial duels against the Bluebirds and earning a match rating of 7.13, according to WhoScored, the Everton captain staked a strong claim for a starting spot against Liverpool this weekend.

In the upcoming Merseyside derby, there will be no room for mistakes from Everton’s point of view – the Reds’ front three will more than likely rip them to shreds if they seize upon a loose ball – and so Jagielka’s lack of pace could be detrimental to his side, even if they could sorely do with his leadership.

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As exclusively revealed by the Express, Liverpool are confident of avoiding a repeat of past situations in which players such as Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho have left the club following new-found financial might.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the news comes after Tuttosport revealed that Juventus were lining up a Paulo Dybala-plus-cash deal in a bid to sign Mohamed Salah, with the fee said to be around the £50m mark.

One would assume that a bid such as the Old Lady’s would be rejected without the slightest consideration, although as aforementioned, the Reds haven’t always been in such a strong negotiating position when teams come after their best players.

Nowadays, as per the Express article, Liverpool can boast pre-tax profits of £125m, with a source telling the Express: “Liverpool are no longer a selling club. After posting profits of £125m they can resist any offers.”

Anfield is no longer a stepping stone

Where players might have arrived on Merseyside in the past with a view to leaving for a bigger club a few years down the line, Anfield is now becoming the final destination rather than a stop on the way for influential footballers.

Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have all signed long-term contracts that will keep them at Liverpool until 2023, whilst Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson have also renewed their deals to secure the club’s best players for the foreseeable future.

There is no need for Liverpool to cash in on their star players anymore, and unless personal problems arise and transfer requests are handed in – which seems highly unlikely right now – then Klopp has the spine of a youthful team challenging for the title locked down.

A lot of this is down to sporting director Michael Edwards, whose work in offloading the likes of Mamadou Sakho, Christian Benteke and Jordan Ibe for large fees helped keep things balanced.