Finishing top 10 in the rather feisty environment of the Premier League is usually a job easier said than done. Crystal Palace know that better than most. They just missed out on it last year, but it’s possible looking ahead to 2019/20, and here are five key dates that might determine whether they make it.
10 August, Everton (H)
Palace will start the new season with a bang, literally. Everton should be top of their list of teams they have to take down in their journey to the top 10. This becomes even more evident when we factor in that they barely scraped a point off the Toffees last season. Starting the new campaign strong is vital.
28 September, Norwich City (H)
Establishing themselves against the newcomers could also prove to be important. But this game is an absolute must-win considering it comes right after Spurs (A), as well as Wolves (H), and is preceded by West Ham (A) and Manchester City (H). A huge sequence for Palace where getting any points will be vital.
2 November, Leicester City (H)
Another huge home game where they can’t afford to drop any points if they are to make the top 10. Beating the Foxes is a top priority, considering this game is sandwiched between Arsenal (A) and Chelsea (A). The match against the Blues is also followed by a heavyweight contest with Liverpool at Selhurst Park.
7 December, Watford (A)
Watford finished one place above Crystal Palace last season, so beating them should definitely be on the agenda when the new campaign rolls around. This is amplified even more when we consider that the Hornets beat Palace home and away when the two sides met last term.
18 January, Manchester City (A)
Crystal Palace can’t really hope to take down too many of the top teams throughout the whole season, but let’s not forget that game at the Etihad in 2018/19. If Palace can somehow replicate that result, or maybe even improve on it in some other big encounters, it could prove to be essential if they are to break the top 10 ceiling, as Wolves beat Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea last term.
Crystal Palace and Wolves are both keen on signing forward Lucas Joao this summer, Football League World report.
The Lowdown: Joao profiled
Joao is 28 years of age and has been on the books at Reading since 2019. The Portugal international, primarily a centre-forward who can also play on either wing, has also played for Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers during his time in England.
He was described as ‘unplayable’ during his time at Hillsborough and will be into the final 12 months of his contract in the summer, with Palace seemingly eyeing a cut-price deal due to Reading’s financial situation.
The Latest: Palace links
Sources from Football League World provided an update regarding Joao on Thursday lunchtime.
They suggested that both Palace and Wolves are now keen on the player following Joao’s excellent form in recent weeks, where he has contributed to five goals in his last three Championship appearances.
The Verdict: Benteke replacement?
Reports recently have claimed that Christian Benteke is likely to leave at the end of the season, so perhaps Joao is viewed as a possible replacement for the Belgian.
He is three years Benteke’s junior and may well be available in a cut-price move, so if Palace secures their £5.8m valuation for Benteke, they could sign Joao and have funds left over.
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Joao’s form for Reading over the coming months could be one to keep an eye on, and if he continues to impress, it wouldn’t be a shock if links over a move to Selhurst Park gathered pace.
In other news: Journalist: Palace and Vieira leading race to sign energetic ace who ‘ticks a lot of boxes’.
Manchester United could also be without midfield powerhouse Scott McTominay today as manager Ralf Rangnick shares some injury news before their clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Lowdown: Rangnick without key names…
The German head coach is already without a few key players for United’s crunch clash with the Lilywhites at Old Trafford.
Both sides are well in contention for a top four finish in the Premier League but Rangnick is set to miss the likes of Luke Shaw, who still hasn’t recovered from COVID-19 (confirmed), with reports emerging this morning that David de Gea is ill as well.
Man United’s boss, speaking to the media yesterday, has revealed that McTominay is also a major doubt for their match against Antonio Conte’s men.
The Latest: McTominay a major doubt…
As confirmed by the United manager and shared by journalist Samuel Luckhurst of The Manchester Evening News, the Scotland international is more likely than not to miss this afternoon.
“Luke Shaw will still miss out,” Rangnick said to the press.
“Until yesterday, he was still testing positive for Covid. Scotty is a question mark, he had some problems with his calf, so we have to wait and see until after training.
“Right now it’s more likely he will not be available because if we risk him tomorrow he will more likely be out for the game on Tuesday (against Atletico Madrid). With some muscular issues, more if it’s the calf, I tend to be careful.”
The Verdict: Big blow…
McTominay is a name the away side will certainly be familiar with going by their last top flight encounter in north London.
United’s midfield engine ran the show for United against ex-Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo’s side with former Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer describing him as ‘man of the match’ and ‘by a mile’.
The Norwegian lauded McTominay’s ‘absolute top’ performance against Tottenham in October last year with club legend Sammy McIlroy also in absolute awe of his display.
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Speaking to Love Sport Radio (via allfootballapp), McIlroy called the 25-year-old ‘absolutely unbelievable’ for some of his displays this season and cited his ‘magnificent’ outing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as one of them.
Likely being without the colossal presence will certainly come as a blow for Rangnick and co.
In other news: Old Trafford twist: Man United set sights on ‘mad’ new manager target after dramatic development, find out more here.
Noel Whelan has been reacting to the injury to Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne, as per Football Insider.
The Lowdown: Digne injured against West Ham
The 28-year-old was forced off after 10 minutes in the 2-1 defeat to West Ham on Sunday with a hamstring problem and now looks set to join Marvelous Nakamba and Jed Steer on the treatment table.
Calum Chambers and Douglas Luiz also took blows to the face but carried on at the London Stadium as Villa’s run of three straight wins without conceding came to an end.
Steven Gerrard labelled Digne a ‘major doubt’ for the Arsenal game this weekend, with the full-back set to undergo an MRI scan back in the Midlands.
The Latest: Whelan reacts to Digne injury
Whelan, who contributes as a pundit for BBC Radio Leeds and watched Digne in the recent 3-0 win at Elland Road, was asked for his thoughts on the defender’s injury by Football Insider.
He labelled Digne’s absence as a ‘huge blow’ and believes they could have done with the Frenchman being fit up against Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka this weekend, saying:
“When you bring in new players, you want them to be part of the team week-in, week-out.
“There’s no other way to help them find their feet at a new club. They’ve got to get that understanding with the players around them, and you want them to feel a real part of the team.
“He’s not really had the chance to build those types of relationships on the pitch because of the stop-start first couple of months he’s had.
“It’s a huge blow for Aston Villa because he’s a quality player. Set-pieces, experience, talent – they’re going to miss all of that, especially going into a big game against Arsenal.
“They could really do with him fit against someone like Saka – who is in incredible form.”
The Verdict: Fingers crossed
Everyone at Villa will be hoping that Digne’s injury isn’t too serious and that he can make a return prior to the end of the campaign. He has impressed since joining in January, averaging 1.4 key passes per game and drawing more fouls than team-mate Philippe Coutinho. [WhoScored]
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You’d expect that Ashley Young will come in and provide cover for the Frenchman this weekend, but hopefully the experienced 36-year-old won’t need to line out at left-back for the remainder of the season due to Digne’s injury.
In other news: ‘Not strong enough’ – Ashley Preece slams Villa man who completed just seven passes against West Ham
Celtic’s appointment at Parkhead of Ange Postecoglou has been an inspired one for the Bhoys since he arrived before the start of the 2021/22 campaign.
The former Australian national team head coach has already won a domestic honour with Celtic and the Hoops are currently top of the league table after 31 matches.
He has also guided the team through to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup and this means that he is in with a shot of sealing the domestic treble.
Blinder
Part of his success so far has been down to how he has handled his players and one gem he has played a blinder with is Liel Abada.
He brought the 20-year-old to the club from Maccabi Petah Tikva as his third signing and the winger has been brilliant in green and white. Abada was valued by Transfermarkt at £1.44m at the start of 2021 and rose to £2.7m in May, just before his move to Scotland.
Postecoglou spotted a player on his way up and has been able to get the best out of him this season to make the most of his development.
In the Premiership this term, the winger has produced nine goals and six assists in 23 starts whilst averaging an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.08. He has created an incredible 13 ‘big chances’ and this suggests that he has been let down by his teammates as he only has six assists to show for his superb playmaking.
Ex-Hoops player Frank McAvennie showered the winger with praise earlier this season, telling Football Insider: “He looks a wonderful player and when he first arrived he wanted everything. There was an early game where he took the ball off Edouard for a penalty and Edouard just went ‘no, that’s mine’.
“That was brilliant and it’s what you want to see from a young player. You can’t buy that desire and hunger. He probably didn’t expect to play as much as he has so he will be delighted.”
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On the 31st of December, Transfermarkt updated Abada’s market value to £4.05m. This is a 181% increase on the £1.44m he was valued at during the opening months of 2021, which shows that the £15k-per-week gem has been developing at a phenomenal rate over the last 15 months or so.
Postecoglou has been able to help him progress as a player, with his value going up £1.35m in less than a season under the Australian’s management. This, along with his sublime performances on the pitch, shows that the head coach has played a blinder with the Israel international and, hopefully, he will be able to kick on and continue to improve in the coming years.
AND in other news, Forget Giako: Celtic’s 74-pass “easy target” proved his true worth to Ange vs County…
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has told those close to him that he wants to quit Old Trafford over the coming months, Football Insider have reported.
The Lowdown: Barcelona and Liverpool links
The 24-year-old has struggled this season under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, scoring just four Premier League goals.
He was recently labelled ‘absolutely shocking’ by talkSPORT pundit Micky Gray and is thought to be ‘concerned’ over his lack of playing time.
Barcelona and Liverpool have both been linked with a move for the forward this year, with Rashford out of contract in 2023.
The Latest: Source drops update
Football Insider shared a major update regarding Rashford after being informed by a source with knowledge of his situation.
They claimed that the Englishman has told friends that he wants to quit Old Trafford and a new challenge could be the best option.
The Verdict: Big…
It looks as if Erik ten Hag could come in to replace Rangnick in the Old Trafford dugout after ‘positive talks’ last week, but it seems as if Rashford will still want out regardless.
This summer may well be the last chance for the Red Devils to receive a respectable fee for the 24-year-old’s services, so an exit and a fresh start could be best for all parties.
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Plenty of change off the pitch looks set to materialise over the coming months, and Rashford leaving could be a big part of a summer shake-up at United.
In other news: ‘Agreement in place’ – Fabrizio Romano drops huge Man Utd news after Old Trafford ‘breakthrough’
According to journalist Gabriel Sans (via Managing Barca), Tottenham Hotspur are very interested in signing Barcelona forward Memphis Depay, having made an offer to the Catalan club.
The Lowdown: Depay’s Barcelona tenure
Upon the expiry of his contract with Lyon, the 28-year-old signed a two-year deal with La Liga giants Barcelona last summer. Since his arrival at Camp Nou, the Dutchman has netted an impressive 10 goals in 20 league appearances.
Whilst this suggests a strong start to life in Spain, Depay has suffered from multiple injuries this season, as a hamstring issue and Achilles problems saw him sidelined for 13 games. This has consequently raised general concerns over his fitness and availability.
As reported by Spanish journalist Sans (via Managing Barca), Spurs are very much interested in signing Depay in the summer. To that effect, they have already made an offer to Barcelona for the player.
Due to his injury issues and the club’s financial problems, it has been reported that the Catalan outfit are open to offloading the Netherlands international when the transfer window reopens at the end of the current campaign.
The Verdict: Would be a great signing
Spurs manager Antonio Conte could do with the addition of a forward alternative who can play in a different system to Harry Kane, who is the club’s only out-and-out senior striker.
Depay certainly has that killer instinct in front of goal – at Lyon he scored 76 goals in 178 games, while for the Dutch national side he has amassed a stunning 39 goals in 76 caps.
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Hailed by former La Liga striker and Dutch compatriot Roy Makaay as a “quality” player, the Barcelona ace has even received plaudits from the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy, who would agree with Ronald Koeman’s assertion that the 28-year-old is “a joy to watch”.
Given such glowing praise and a fantastic goal record, along with being in the peak of his career at 28, Depay would no doubt be a brilliant signing for Paratici and Conte if they can pull it off.
In other news: Pete O’Rourke makes Paulo Dybala to Spurs claim
West Ham have been given a boost in pursuit of a ‘top class’ player who’s believed to be keen on a switch to east London in January, according to insider ExWHUemployee.
Nuno in need of top January window as West Ham stare at relegation
The looming January window, set to open in under a fortnight, could be make or break for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side as they stare down the barrel of relegation.
There have been some positive signs since Nuno replaced Graham Potter, with a marked improvement in overall performances.
However, results still haven’t been good enough to lift them out of the Premier League relegation zone.
Only bottom side Wolves have conceded more goals than the Hammers so far, while Niclas Fullkrug’s departure to AC Milan leaves them a striker short.
The German spectacularly flopped at Rush Green, bagging just three goals in 29 appearances with his spell marred by constant injury problems.
Reports suggest that West Ham are entering the market for a new number nine, and they’ve been linked with a few intriguing options already, most notably Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen.
West Ham make first move to sign La Liga's 2024 top goalscorer to replace Fullkrug
He’s got a proven record.
ByEmilio Galantini
Nuno’s side are believed to have made an approach for the Norwegian, who in turn is open to swapping the Midlands for London to give himself a better chance of avoiding the Championship.
While a striker and talks for Wolves winger Adama Traore are taking centre stage, West Ham badly need an alternative to the likes of Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo too, with the former enduring a nightmare against Man City last weekend.
Now, as per ExWHUemployee, that man could be Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell.
Charlie Cresswell keen to join West Ham in January
Writing on his Patreon, via the West Ham Way website, Ex shared an update on Cresswell after claiming last month that West Ham could ‘reignite talks’ for the Englishman.
Cresswell was apparently close to joining West Ham in the summer, and that interest remains heading into January.
What’s more, Ex now reports that the 23-year-old is ‘keen on the move’ to West Ham next month — gifting Nuno’s side a boost as they still ponder a move for the former Leeds United defender.
Cresswell has enjoyed a remarkable 25/26 campaign with Toulouse, establishing himself as an indispensable figure in the heart of their defence.
The England Under-21 international has started all 16 of Toulouse’s Ligue 1 fixtures, playing every single minute of their season to date, demonstrating his importance to manager Carles Martínez.
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Cresswell has even netted three goals and one assist so far, showcasing his threat from set pieces while maintaining defensive solidity at the back.
Toulouse currently sit eighth in the Ligue 1 table with 23 points from 17 matches, having lost just once in their last seven games.
Cresswell’s performances have earned him comparisons to former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva due to his composure on the ball and aerial prowess in both penalty areas.
The centre-back has also earned recent recognition with England’s Under-21 squad, playing a key role in their successful European Championship defence last summer where he was named in the Team of the Tournament.
Daniel Farke was a big fan of his at Leeds too, calling him a ‘top class’ youngster who kept Leeds’ senior defenders on their toes.
"Could happen" – Player admits he may join West Ham as agent works on transfer
Bayern Munich are now preparing a £44m bid for one of Manchester United’s most important players, having identified him as the perfect target.
Two Man Utd players cause off-field controversy
There has been no shortage of controversy surrounding Man United since the 4-4 draw against AFC Bournemouth on Monday night, with Kobbie Mainoo’s brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, coming under fire for his questionable choice of shirt.
Mainoo has received very little game time this season, with the central midfielder still yet to start a Premier League game, but his brother’s stunt sparked an angry reaction from Simon Jordan, who said: “That’s part of the deterioration of the brand and ultimately the club’s culture when you’ve young players that have an expectation that they should be in the Man United team and so if they don’t they get their idiot brother to stand inside the stands wearing a t-shirt.”
Not only that, but Bruno Fernandes has taken aim at the board for their stance on selling him in the summer, saying: “Man United wanted me to leave last summer, I have that in my head.”
“I told the directors this, but I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision.”
Now, Fernandes could be presented with an opportunity to leave the Red Devils, with a report from Spain revealing Bayern Munich are preparing a €50m (£44m) offer for the attacking midfielder, which could arrive in the summer transfer window.
The Portugal international has been identified as the perfect target for the Bundesliga side, and there is a growing feeling this season could be his last at Old Trafford, with the Man United star now considering leaving.
Having been left extremely hurt by United’s willingness to offload him in the summer, there is a rift between the 31-year-old and the board, meaning the door may now be open for a move to the Allianz Arena, which would be a major blow for Ruben Amorim…
Bruno 2.0: Amorim pushing Man Utd to sign "world's most underrated player"
Ruben Amorim is driving Manchester United’s pursuit of another Bruno Fernandes-style figure.
ByRobbie Walls Man Utd must keep hold of Fernandes
While the £300k-a-week midfielder was left frustrated with the board in the summer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has waxed lyrical about him in the past, describing the former Sporting CP man as a “fabulous footballer”.
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Despite predominantly featuring in a deeper role, the United captain has continued to impress during the first half of the current campaign, picking up five goals and seven assists in 16 Premier League outings, most recently scoring a fantastic free-kick against Bournemouth.
Having set up more goals than any other Premier League player this season, Fernandes is showing no signs of slowing down, and it is vital that Man United resist any approaches from Bayern Munich.
Manchester United return to Premier League action at home to in-form outfit Aston Villa this afternoon, with Erik ten Hag and his charges likely to still be reeling following Thursday's second-half collapse away to Tottenham Hotspur.
Having largely been in control of proceedings heading in at the break, the momentum shifted after the interval as the north Londoners produced a spirited display despite their recent woes, with Heung-min Son sealing a point late on for new caretaker boss, Ryan Mason.
The United manager may well be regretting his substitutions in that chaotic second period as those alterations saw the visitors "relinquish control", as per club legend Rio Ferdinand, with another former Red Devils man – Owen Hargreaves – subsequently suggesting that Ten Hag will need to "address" the squad "depth" this summer, such were the woes of those who entered the fray in N17.
It was not only the substitutes who somewhat underwhelmed in midweek, however, with summer signing Antony having done 'little' in the second half, in particular, according to Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst, after 'fading into the fringes of the game' – as per 90min's Sean Walsh.
That limited impact from the Brazilian – as well as the quick turnaround in this hectic fixture schedule – could spark a need to freshen up the forward line against the Villans, albeit with teen sensation Alejandro Garnacho still not yet ready to return.
With Anthony Martial also undeserving of a starting berth after looking 'off the pace' in the capital, according to Luckhurst, it could be a chance for young Facundo Pellistri to make what would be just his second start for the club.
Will Pellistri play against Villa?
It would be something of a gamble to throw the Uruguayan in against a side who have won five of their last six Premier League games, although the 5 foot 9 gem is clearly a "special talent" – as per journalist Fabrizio Romano – having showcased that quality in flashes this season.
While there have been reports that the wide man could be moved out on loan next term, in the meantime the 21-year-old could still have a part to play over the coming weeks, having previously been described as a player who can "create danger" by experienced teammate, Raphael Varane.
Man United's Facundo Pellistri
Although he has just one assist to his name in nine first-team outings to date, Pellistri has made his mark in his brief cameo appearances of late, having memorably produced a "scintillating" run – as per journalist Alex Turk – in the build-up to United's fourth goal at home to Real Betis in the Europa League last-16 last month.
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The £9m youngster was subsequently handed a first start in the second-leg meeting with the La Liga side and 'took it with both hands' – according to 90min's Jamie Spencer – having been so 'exciting to watch on the ball'.
The Montevideo native is still waiting for a consistent run in the side having thus far made just three league appearances, although today's meeting at Old Trafford could be an opportunity for Ten Hag to put his faith in the promising talent.