West Brom have finally started to turn things around, even if it is a little too late, with two draws and one victory.

In the process, the Premier League’s leakiest defence has only conceded one goal and that was to second-placed Manchester United, who the Baggies ended up securing a point against – and even then, it could have been better.

However, with Albion boss Sam Allardyce stopping the rot defensively, it has come at a grave consequence as Brazilian midfielder Matheus Pereira has struggled to make much of an impact further up the pitch.

The 24-year-old playmaker is now suffering big time…

On the Chalkboard

According to WhoScored, the Midlands outfit are averaging 7.7 shots per game this season, and in two of the aforementioned trio of matches, they have failed to surpass a total of seven attempts.

The only time they did, Pereira racked up six shots on his own but still failed to score.

It’s now six appearances since he last scored, and 12 games since he delivered an assist.

The £11.7m-rated dynamo has seen his defending figures increase over the last few matches, seeing five tackles with a season-high three in the game against Burnley but in terms of creativity, it’s decreased.

Pereria has only managed to provide more than two key passes once since November, where he delivered a whopping nine against relegation rivals Sheffield United.

Similarly, the attacking maestro has manged a rating above 7.0 just once in his last five outings, via WhoScored.

Two weeks ago, Allardyce revealed that the Baggies needed eight clean sheets in 13 matches to have a shot at clinching survival in the big time, but in doing so, they have suffered in front of goal.

Pereira has often been shifted out wide as the signing of defensive anchorman Okay Yokuslu has brought about a new system that sees Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Conor Gallagher at the tip of a three-man midfield, leaving the enigma to play out wide.

His poorest returns have come out on the wing, providing only five goals and eight assists, compared to eight goals and 13 assists when deployed in the no.10 role, as per Transfermarkt.

This is a player once lauded as a “genius” by former Nurnburg coach Nate Weiss and considering he’s among the highest-earners on a reported £30k-per-week at the Hawthorns, he must be utilised to great effect.

Yes, Albion needed to stop leaking goals (they have conceded 11 more than any other PL side) but they will not pick up points unless they find the back of the net – only two teams have scored fewer.

Getting Pereira back to his best through the middle is clearly the way, otherwise, Allardyce risks ruining one of their better players.

AND in other news, West Brom’s “dynamic” £15k-p/w gem has been Moore’s finest parting gift…

There were high hopes when Southampton signed Wesley Hoedt from Lazio in 2017 but the Dutch defender has endured a nightmare spell with the South Coast club and has seen his market value fall off a cliff as a result.

It is hard to believe that the 27-year-old is still contracted to Southampton after failing to make an appearance for the Saints since the 2018/19 season and the club will seriously be regretting handing him a five-year deal when he joined for £15 million in 2017.

The centre-back has spent much of the last three seasons out on loan, having spells at Celta Vigo and Royal Antwerp before returning to his old side Lazio for this season, with the Italian side holding the option to sign him permanently should they so wish.

However, the former Dutch international has struggled to perform in Serie A, and it is difficult to see Simone Inzaghi’s side wanting to make his move permanent this summer, as he has averaged a shocking 6.36/10 rating across his 15 appearances in Italy’s top-flight so far this season.

Therefore, it appears likely that he will return to Southampton in the summer and the South Coast club will undoubtedly be looking to sell him, or they risk losing him for nothing at the end of next season when his contract expires.

If they do manage to find a buyer for the former AZ Alkmaar man, it seems as if they will have to accept significantly less than the £15 million they paid four years ago, as his market value now stands at a measly £4.5 million according to Transfermarkt.

In the space of two and a half years, Hoedt has seen his market value seriously decline, as a result of his poor performances out on loan in Spain, Belgium and Italy.

Therefore, you could definitely argue that Wilson made a huge error when signing the centre-back in 2017, as it has cost Southampton a serious amount of money in both transfer fee and wages, and they look set to make a significant loss on him when he leaves St Mary’s.

And, in other news… Forget Diallo: Southampton could sign their ideal Romeu heir in 22 y/o gem

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Lee Hendrie has tipped Manchester City to go on and dominate if they can manage to acquire Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.

Haaland has quickly become one of the best centre-forwards in world football, managing to score over 40 goals for Dortmund and RB Salzburg last season.

His levels have not dropped, with the 20-year-old already past the 30-goal mark in all competitions this term, and he is now being linked with a whole host of top European clubs, including Manchester City.

Premier League rivals Chelsea and Spanish giants Real Madrid are also said to be chasing Haaland’s signature but, according to the MailOnline, it is Pep Guardiola’s side who are leading the race for the Norway International.

If the Citizens manage to get this deal over the line, for Hendrie, it could be game-changing. He told FFC:

“I think he’d be absolutely outrageous at Man City because he plays between the lines of the box, he scores goals and he’s literally ruthless when he’s got a chance. His work ethic is second to none, it really is, and I feel playing in a team of that calibre, with the likes of [Phil] Foden and [Raheem Sterling], the list goes on, I just feel he’ll get so many chances.”

“I feel he’ll do a similar job to what [Sergio] Aguero does if not better because he’s a completely different player to Aguero. But he’s in the box and he likes to score goals and we’ve seen how consistent he’s been. I just feel that he’d certainly fit the bill for Man City for me. I think he’d be an unreal addition to that football squad and I feel they would go on and dominate.”

With Aguero’s contract up in the summer, Manchester City’s interest in Haaland comes as no surprise.

Guardiola may want a replacement and the former Salzburg No.9 would fit the bill perfectly when you look at his goal record. Competition will be fierce but, with their finances and position in European football right now, the Premier League favourites will surely fancy their chances.

MatériaMais Notícias

Aos 36 anos, o atacante Ricardo Oliveira está perto de alcançar o gol de número 300 na carreira. A partida contra o Vasco pela Copa do Brasil pode ficar na história, em caso de dois gols do jogador. Em atividade no Brasil, apenas dois jogadores têm mais gols que Ricardo Oliveira, Fred e Magno Alves.

Dos 298 gols de Ricardo Oliveira, 71 foram marcados com a camisa do Santos, atrás apenas dos números do atacante pelo Al Jazira, onde balançou as redes 91 vezes.

O maior artilheiro em atividade no país é Magno Alves, do Fluminense, autor de incríveis 437 gols. Para se ter uma ideia, dos jogadores em atividade no mundo, apenas Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi e Ibrahimovic têm mais gols que o Magnata. Neymar, por exemplo, tem 280 gols.

Outro que tem mais de 300 gols na carreira é Fred, do Atlético-MG. O atacante tem 326 gols marcados por América-MG, Cruzeiro, Lyon, Fluminense, Atlético-MG e Seleção Brasileira.

A lista dos artilheiros em atividade no país inclui ainda Robinho (242 gols), Grafite (222 gols), Borges (209 gols), Guerrero (209 gols) e Alecsandro (203 gols). Vale lembrar que Borges rescindiu o contrato com o América-MG e Alecsandro está suspenso por suposto doping.

Steve Madeley has revealed that questions have been raised at West Bromwich Albion over Sam Allardyce’s suitability to lead the team in the Championship.

Allardyce future questioned

As it stands, the Baggies look as though they will playing in the second tier next term. With just 10 games left to play, they are eight points adrift from safety (Sky Sports).

Writing for The Athletic, Madeley has revealed there have been “privately raised questions” at The Hawthorns as some people are not sure whether Allardyce can do the job required in the Championship.

Backwards

Allardyce does have a track record of getting promoted to the top tier – he achieved the feat with both Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United. However, both of those successes came a considerable while ago – they now seem to be nothing but a distant memory.

The Championship has changed in recent times. Leeds United have played fantastic football this term after earning promotion last year, while Scott Parker’s Fulham have given themselves a shot at survival thanks to an attractive style. With all due respect to Allardyce, his pragmatic philosophy is somewhat outdated, and at 66 he is unlikely to change now. There are likely better options for the Baggies to pursue if they want to return to the elite as quickly as possible.

In other news, some West Brom fans slammed this man against Newcastle.

Former Scottish Premiership striker Noel Whelan believes that Eddie Howe fits the profile to become the next permanent manager of Celtic.

Howe to Parkhead?

Neil Lennon recently resigned after his second stint in the hot seat – leaving the Hoops well adrift of rivals Rangers in the standings.

But the former Bournemouth boss has been heavily linked as a target for the Bhoys and was described as “incredible” by Bournemouth legend Brett Pitman after leaving the Vitality Stadium last summer.

Howe famously guided the Cherries all the way from English League Two to the Premier League in the space of six seasons, in what was a remarkable rise to stardom for the South Coast side.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan insisted that Howe would be the man to bring the best of the Hoops’ talented players.

When asked if Howe is the right man for the job, he said: “Yeah, absolutely. Thank god. Thank god someone has actually seen sense.

“I think a change of direction, a change of style. Fresh ideas is what I’ve been saying at Celtic. I think the players will become better players with Eddie Howe there.

“I’m surprised that no one’s taken a little chip at him yet outside of Scotland. I’m very happy if that’s the direction they’re looking.

“I think that’s the right direction with Celtic. I think he’s a fantastic manager, great ideas. He’s fresh, he’s very intelligent and he’s got that know-how with younger players as well.

“He’s not that old himself. He knows how to man-manage players, he knows how to get the best out of players. I think that would be a great move for Celtic if they can get it signed, sealed and delivered.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

Not only has Howe got an impressive CV, but he has also proved himself to be an inspirational figure, despite suffering relegation from England’s top flight last season.

However, whether Celtic need more than just a psychological lift, remains to be seen. But with reports suggesting that mass changes are due to take place at the end of the season, the stage could be set for Howe to work his magic.

That said, we doubt that a decision will be made on the manager until the new chief executive Dominic McKay comes in.

In other news, Kieran Maguire believes key Celtic board member should be axed on one condition.

حقق النادي الإسماعيلي الفوز على سموحة بهدفٍ نظيف في المباراة التي أقيمت اليوم الخميس ببطولة كأس الرابطة المصرية للأندية المحترفة.

والتقى الفريقان في إطار منافسات الجولة الأولى بالمجموعة الثانية من البطولة.

طالع | الأهلي يواصل تدريباته دون راحة استعدادًا لمواجهة الإسماعيلي

وسجل عبد الرحمن مجدي لاعب الإسماعيلي الهدف الأول لفريقه بعد مرور دقيقتين فقط على انطلاق المباراة، بتسديدة بقدمه اليسرى، لتسكن الكرة في أعلى الزاوية اليمنى لمرمى هاني سليمان حارس مرمى سموحة.

ورفع الإسماعيلي رصيده لـ3 نقاط، متصدرًا بها ترتيب المجموعة الثانية، في حين ظل سموحة بدون أي نقاط.

وكان الأهلي قد تعادل مع الجونة في أولى مباريات الجولة الأولى للمجموعة الثانية التي أقيمت ظهر اليوم.

ويتواجد في المجموعة الثانية كل من الأهلي والإسماعيلي وسموحة والجونة والمقاولون والبنك الأهلي. هدف فوز الإسماعيلي على سموحة في كأس الرابطة

Manchester City will be looking to extend their winning run and take a huge step towards the title by beating Manchester United at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola’s side have now won 21 games in a row in all competitions after beating Wolves 4-1 in their last fixture and the Citizens are currently 12 points clear of second-placed Leicester City, having played a game less than the Foxes.

Therefore, victory in the derby on Sunday would be another big result for Guardiola’s side in their hopes of securing the title this season, as if their current form continues, it is difficult to see any team catching them.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Guardiola to line his side up against Manchester United, with three changes from the team that started against Wolves…

Ederson keeps his place in goal and will be looking to pick up another clean sheet, having conceded rare goals against West Ham and Wolves in the last two fixtures.

There’s one change in defence, as John Stones returns to resume his partnership with Ruben Dias at the back, with the pair having been superb so far this season.

Ilkay Gundogan is likely to return in midfield alongside Rodri after being rested for the game against Wolves, which allows Kevin De Bruyne more freedom to go forward.

Phil Foden also comes back into the side having not started either game against West Ham and Wolves, which moves Raheem Sterling up front in place of Gabriel Jesus, who despite his brace against Wolves, was again guilty of missing big chances.

Riyad Mahrez drops to the bench as a result, with Bernardo Silva moving to the right-wing as the Algerian’s replacement, however, the “special” former Leicester man, who earns £120k per week at City, can definitely be relied upon to make a difference from the bench if required.

And, in other news… Forget Zinchenko: Man City can sign their dream Mendy successor in £34.4m gem

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie is confident his old side will progress under Dean Smith despite their recent struggles.

After a bright start to the season, the Villans have really underperformed of late. Following their recent 2-0 defeat to Tottenham, they have now won just one of their last five Premier League fixtures, a development that may leave some asking questions of the manager.

Smith has been unable to get the team firing in the absence of captain Jack Grealish, arguably showing that the Englishman’s system heavily relies on the attacking midfielder.

Nevertheless, Hendrie has complete faith in the former Brentford boss, firmly believing that he is the man to take the club forward.

When asked if Villa had perhaps peaked under Smith, Hendrie told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“No chance, not a chance at all. Since he’s come in, he’s been a breath of fresh air, he’s a Villa man himself. It’s well-documented where his background’s come from. Listen, the thing is, what’s gone against Villa this season is the reflection of last season of where they were so poor. They’re in a relegation scrap for most of the season, they end up just staying up by the skin of the teeth.

“And then this season, there’s been a few new additions, and they’ve done reasonably well. I feel that Villa possibly just overachieved a little bit this season if I’m being quite honest.”

The ex-Villa player also added:

“I think Dean’s done a fabulous job, I really do. I still think he can take us further on. I don’t feel that people should jump on the bandwagon of, you know, ‘he’s taken us as far [as he can]’ because I feel that he’s still got more to come.”

While Villa are certainly in a difficult period, sitting in 10th place and not that far off a Europa League spot, Smith has certainly done a good job overall this term.

After being tested in a new right-back role against Manchester City in midweek, Ryan Bertrand returned to a more natural left-back position for the Saints’ game against Brighton on Sunday afternoon.

Unfortunately for Ralph Hasenhuttl, the 31-year-old produced another poor display, as the Seagulls claimed a 2-1 victory which leaves Southampton looking over their shoulders at the relegation spaces, as their woeful run of form continued at St Mary’s.

The former Chelsea man is yet to agree to a new contract with the South Coast club and Arsenal are reportedly taking an interest in him ahead of the summer, which makes you question whether he is completely focussed on Southampton right now.

As per SofaScore, Bertrand would earn a 6.8/10 rating for his performance, which was nowhere near the worst of any Saints player, however, his attacking play against Brighton was truly awful.

The left-back would fail with his only dribble attempt, whilst only one of his six crosses during the game would find a Southampton shirt.

His passing was nowhere near its usual standard, as he would complete just 33/49 of his passes, resulting in a poor accuracy rate of 67% – significantly below the 79.5% he has averaged in the Premier League this season.

None of his four long balls were accurate and he managed to lose possession on a remarkable 28 occasions, which was the most of any Southampton player on the pitch, and only second to Pascal Gross from Brighton’s team, with the German losing the ball 32 times during the game.

Whilst his defensive game was fairly solid, as he made four tackles and three clearances, the experienced defender’s attacking output has been a cause for concern all season, as he has just one assist to his name in the top-flight, and the game against Brighton was unfortunately no different.

Bertrand has to start offering Hasenhuttl more down the left-hand side from an attacking perspective, especially with the Saints struggling to create opportunities in the absence of Danny Ings.

As one of few experienced options in a fairly young Southampton side, it was a disappointing display from Bertrand once again against Brighton, and hopefully, his form will improve before the end of the season as Hasenhuttl really has his hands tied behind his back when it comes to possibly selecting an alternative, with back-up left-back Jake Vokins having left on loan in January.

And, in other news… Forget Forster: Saints can sign serious McCarthy upgrade in £8.6m beast