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Arsenal fans on Twitter are one of the most fickle and demanding fan bases out there. Nothing is ever right for the Gunners, and ahead of their clash with Watford at Vicarage Road tonight, the supporters all seem to want the returning Granit Xhaka to start in the middle of their midfield after his injury lay-off.

The Swiss midfielder is a superb option for the Gunners and when he plays he makes Unai Emery’s side tick. In the early days of Xhaka’s career at The Emirates he came in for plenty of abuse from his own fans, and now it seems that the stick he’s taken over the years isn’t all down to him. As soon as he’s been given a chance to start alongside Lucas Torreira he’s shown what he can do creatively from deep.

Later tonight, Watford will surely be set to sit deep and look to use the pace of Gerard Deulofeu and Andre Gray who will be playing off of Troy Deeney and looking to hit the Gunners on the break. However, when Arsenal go forward they’ll be up against a tough Watford side who will be tough to break down, so having Xhaka’s passing range from deep could be key to getting three points on the road.

You can read the Gunners’ calls for Xhaka here:

The Gunners are desperate for Xhaka to return and star, and Watford won’t know what’s hit them if he’s on his top form.

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Newcastle were swept aside by Arsenal at the Emirates on Monday night, and Andy Gray has slammed the Magpies’ performance.

Rafael Benitez’s side have made St. James’ Park a fortress in recent months, but they haven’t had the same luck away from home.

In fact, their last away win in the league came at Huddersfield back in December, and Arsenal made it look all too easy on Monday as goals from Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette locked up all three points for the Gunners.

Gray, who made his living as a target man, was not impressed by the Tyneside outfit, particularly in an attacking sense.

What did he say?

“Newcastle were disappointing. They were like they were at the start of the season – flat, and never offered a thing in attack,” he said.

“They were punchless. I felt for Salomon Rondon, I have played up there and I know what’s it like going to these grounds and not getting a kick. That’s what Rondon would feel like.

“Arsenal were never threatened. It was too easy for them.”

On-going issue

Gray is not exactly a popular figure on British television nowadays, having formed somewhat of a dream-team of ignorance with Richard Keys on BeIN Sports’ pundit team.

However, it’s quite hard to disagree with his verdict on Newcastle’s performance at Arsenal, and more worryingly it is a pretty apt analysis of nearly every Magpies away trip.

But Gray also highlighted Rondon as a player who was not involved enough, and while that is true, the 63 year-old has failed to recognise the true source of the problem.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

Rafael Benitez said his side requires another “£40m, £50m or £75m” on attacking players after the game, but the real issue is in midfield.

Miguel Almiron, Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez would get into most Premier League teams outside the top six, but how many would Mo Diame and Isaac Hayden get into?

Newcastle’s inability to mark their presence in away games and really threaten opponents is down to a lack of control in the middle of the park, and an experienced but dynamic partner for Sean Longstaff should be top priority this summer.

Whether or not Mike Ashley backs Benitez enough to fix this issue though is truly a question for another day.

Instead of being destroyed by it, Unai Emery’s embraced Arsenal’s limitations since arriving last summer. Many managers would complain about the meagre investment, yet Emery’s made the best use of whatever he received while also using his new signings really well.

The Spaniard’s impressed many by bringing spirit into Arsenal’s game and making them play thrilling attacking football. However, the constant loses and embarrassment have happened due to Arsenal’s squad lacking in individuals. With Aaron Ramsey leaving, the Gunners need to get replace him with someone with similar potential.

According to reports (via Daily Mirror) they might’ve found it in a relatively unknown player. They’re keen on Charlton Athletic’s breakout star Joe Aribo, who’s been a standout in the League One. The 22-year-old’s proven himself as a dynamic central midfielder, who can not only distribute the ball around, but also open things up for his attackers.

Aribo’s scored 6 goals and assisted quite a few for the Addicks this season, being a vibrant figure in the middle. Going by his playing style, the youngster almost mimics Adrien Rabiot, while also having traits of Mesut Ozil. He’s quick, alert, has an eye for goal and can carry the ball forward, something which Emery needs to polish in his system.

Yes, it’s a fairly underwhelming name right now (one of our writers is particularly annoyed about it), but think of a certain Dele Alli and his impact across the road in North London…

He could be purchased fairly cheap and allow Arsenal to invest their funds on improving their defence. While signing an untested player like Aribo is a big gamble, Emery’s tendency to elevate promising talents means he can mould the electric 22-year-old into something special.

Arsenal fans, do you think Aribo can be a successor to Ramsey? Join the discussion by commenting below. 

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West Bromwich Albion manager Darren Moore has refused to rule out changing his preferred 4-3-3 system following the 4-0 defeat against Leeds United at Elland Road on Friday, and the potential decision would undoubtedly change the Baggies’ season for the better.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the 44-year-old has largely been stubborn when it has come to his use of formations this season, even if it has seen summer arrival Dwight Gayle play out wide rather than through the middle – surely his preferred position.

The 4-3-3 has come up short in recent times though with the west Midlands outfit failing to find the net in the losses against Sheffield United and subsequently their Yorkshire rivals Leeds, and they have gone from serious automatic promotion contenders to being seven points adrift of the top two with just 11 Championship fixtures remaining this term.

However, Moore has suggested in quotes reported by The Express & Star that he is willing to be more flexible: “I’m not afraid to play players in different positions and different shapes in the systems and it is something that this year we’ve always alluded to.”

When asked if the result should signal the end of his current system, he added: “I don’t know yet.”

Switch on the cards?

It appears so seeing as he has said he is open to change, and has refused to rule out ditching the formation he utilises currently.

While the Baggies have largely done well this season, successive reverses against promotion rivals appear to have alerted the manager to the fact changes are need if the club is to stay in the race to finish in the top two.

More adaptability and using Gayle in his preferred position – potentially alongside Jay Rodriguez up top – would give West Brom the extra defensive cover they were completely missing at Elland Road.

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On-loan Aston Villa forward Tammy Abraham has revealed that he is desperate to become part of the Chelsea first team for the 2019-2020 campaign.

What’s the word, then?

Abraham told Sky Sports:

“That’s the aim going into next season. As a young kid, I’ve always believed I will play for Chelsea. I always believe that. I think I have the ability to. I just have to, when I get the opportunity, grab it with two hands.”

The 21-year-old joined Villa in last summer’s transfer window and he has been in excellent form for the Championship outfit this season.

Indeed, the two-time senior England international has scored 21 times in 31 Championship matches thus far.

Only Norwich City’s Teemu Pukki and Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp have found the back of the net on more occasions in the second tier than Abraham this term.

The striker has revealed that he is desperate to become a first-team player at Chelsea next season, though, and his words are a blow to Villa.

Have Villa got a chance of keeping him?

If they remain in the Championship then it is an obvious no.

Abraham will feel that he has now had enough football in the second tier, having also starred at Bristol City during the 2016-17 season.

It is worth remembering that the striker spent last season in the Premier League with Swansea City, but dropped back to the Championship last summer.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

Villa are currently in the playoff positions following an excellent run of form and will be looking to Abraham for more goals before the end of the campaign.

Even if Dean Smith’s side are promoted, though, it seems extremely unlikely that they will be able to re-sign the attacker for the 2019-2020 season.

Chelsea are short of strike options and with a two-window transfer ban looming, it looks as though they’ll be forced to finally maximise the potential of their vast loan army – in which Abraham is a part of.

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Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in a clash that is more hyped than the Carabao Cup final it precedes and both clubs will be hoping to claim three all-important points.

The Red Devils’ exceptional run of form might have hit a stumbling block in their 2-0 loss to PSG in the Champions League last week, but they got right back on track with a comfortable victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup 5th round.

Jurgen Klopp’s side meanwhile, will be looking to produce a far more clinical performance than the one they put in on Tuesday – the Reds’ lacklustre finishing meant Bayern Munich left Anfield with a truly undeserved clean sheet.

Regardless of the bitterness between the two long-time rivals, the clash is of enormous importance to both in the Premier League – United will be aiming to leave fifth placed Arsenal in the dust while Liverpool can go top of the standings.

This week’s expert fans, the TT’s United apologist Alex Rigby and Football League World assistant editor and Liverpool nut George Dagless, offer their predictions ahead of the Super Sunday battle…

If you’re Jurgen Klopp, who partners Virgil van Dijk in defence out of Fabinho and Joel Matip? 

George: “I’d not be surprised if Fabinho actually played there because he looks a decent centre-half but, by virtue of me thinking he’s going to be in midfield, Matip starts.

“Van Dijk is the leader and Matip benefits from that, I think together they are a decent enough partnership and I’ve no issues with them going in together – nor do I if the Brazilian ended up alongside our number 4.”

Alex: “It’s a tough one because Fabinho has been performing very, very well in defence. But I’d have to say Matip. The big man is decent enough to partner alongside the league’s best centre-back and make it work – despite it being a less than ideal situation. 

“Fabinho’s services will be needed in midfield as well. He performed excellently in the reverse fixture and there’s every chance he’ll be the man set up to nullify Paul Pogba.”

Indeed, former Monaco man Fabinho has impressed at the heart of defence in Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez’s stead despite being a holding midfielder by trade. Deputising for the suspended van Dijk against Bayern, the 25-year-old cut a composed figure and the timing of his tackling was exemplary.

While he may grow to be a better option at centre-half than Matip, the Reds will sorely miss Fabinho’s physical presence at the base of midfield if he does continue in defence against United. As Alex says, he will be instrumental if the Anfield outfit are to shut down the increasingly influential Pogba.

United’s victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup saw Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku deployed up front, with Juan Mata as the No.10. Is this the best trio?

Alex: “Yes and no. What United did at Chelsea was remarkable and every player had their part to play. However, there were glaring signs that Lukaku doesn’t really suit United’s new style of play under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He’s no way near gifted enough technically, I think everyone can see that.

“The club now rely on rapid transitions from defence to attack, much like the old days under Sir Alex Ferguson, and if you’ve got Lukaku ballooning his touch into row-z it doesn’t really work. 

“Mata on the other hand looks far better in the central role compared to when he plays right-wing. Clearly, Solskjaer has realised far quicker than Jose Mourinho that Mata’s lack of pace really doesn’t suit the position.”

George: “I don’t think it is with the way Solskjaer likes to play.

“Mata is a fantastic footballer and does well against us invariably so he might feature but all fit United probably aren’t going to use him as much under the Norwegian.

“He wants pace and directness and for me their best three are Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard. Obviously, Martial and Lingard face late fitness calls but could be available and I’d say that’s their best attack.”

It has become apparent in Solskjaer’s short reign that strikers of Lukaku’s mould don’t exactly fit perfectly into the Norwegian’s system.

Instead, the sight of Rashford on the shoulder and running in behind to latch onto a Pogba pass and slot home has become a regular one – the England international’s mobility makes him far more suited to Solskjaer’s style than Lukaku but that hasn’t stopped the ‘Baby-faced Assassin’ from fitting the former Everton man into his side.

Is this Liverpool’s biggest test of the season so far considering the nervy performance against Bayern on Tuesday and United’s resurgence? 

George: “No. But it’s up there, as it is any season when it’s United.

“I’d say the game at the Etihad was bigger this season – which obviously didn’t go well – and the home game against Napoli given what was riding on it – and that did go well.

“I think the Bayern result could have been far worse – if you can’t win at home in Europe don’t concede – and so I don’t think that places any more onus on us winning this one.

“It’s Manchester United against Liverpool, anyway, this is one you’ll always be up for.”

Alex: “Manchester United and Tottenham stand in the way of the one trophy Liverpool truly care about – the Premier League. It’s been nearly 30 years since they last won the title, far longer than their relatively recent Champions League success.

“It’ll be a test of bottle and skill on Sunday, and the biggest one yet, no doubt.”

Aside from a much-improved defence, the major improvement Klopp’s side has made is that they have learned how to win at all costs – see clashes against Brighton and Crystal Palace, where the Reds had to dig deep to grind out a result.

Unfortunately, that ruthlessness was lacking in their stalemate with the Bundesliga champions on Tuesday, with many players guilty of missing glorious chances to give the Reds the lead – Sadio Mane screwed wide his side’s best chance of the game as the ball fell to him in the box.

A loss to United this weekend could be disastrous for Liverpool psychologically, if not in terms of their title hopes. While it has to be said the Red Devils are a far improved team since the two sides last met, the Reds will surely accept nothing other than a win.

This game will be far more of an even contest than the 3-1 Liverpool win in December, where the Reds were dominant in midfield. Can United match or better them in the middle of the park this time?  

Alex: “Liverpool’s midfield isn’t better than Manchester United’s, especially when you have Pogba dropping in there to perform some wizardry. 

“Of course, they certainly had the edge on them back in December but how much of that was down to players giving up on the manager?“You’ve got to say that the way United are pressing now isn’t much different from Klopp’s style, and the players they have in their lineup should have the technical edge on the day. Ander Herrera relishes these types of games and he’s playing incredibly at the moment. Will be the difference on the day.”George: “They have a better chance but they’re still not as mobile.“Paul Pogba is obviously the big difference – Liverpool don’t have a midfielder like him in terms of the goals and assists he can bring from the middle of the park and so the Reds must keep him quiet.“Is he still disciplined in the biggest games, though? He was shown up against PSG and so he is far from infallible.“Herrera and Nemanja Matic look to be the sitting two and they are good at what they do but players can run off them – and the likes of Gini Wijnaldum breaking lines should hopefully cause them issues.”World Cup winner Pogba has chalked up eight goals and five assists since Solskjaer’s United revolution began and is finally looking like the player the Old Trafford outfit were expecting to get when they spent big to bring him back from Juventus.It hasn’t been a perfectly smooth ride for the Frenchman since Mourinho’s departure, though – the 25-year-old was sent off against PSG and, in losing his temper, could cost his side again if Liverpool don’t give him the time on the ball he craves.The Reds will likely swarm the number 6’s every touch and limit his influence on the game to the best of their ability. While the rest of the team have undergone huge transformations too, it seems that if you can stop Pogba you can more or less stop United.Mixed fortunes for English sides in the Champions League so how far off are they from dominating Europe’s top table? The Pl>ymaker FC squad discuss in the video below…Finally, what are your score predictions? Alex: “3-2 United.” George: “My heart says we spark into life and outclass them, 2-0. Head says 1-1.”

Many Arsenal fans have slammed their former goalkeeper Manuel Almunia after a throwback tweet was posted by the official Arsenal Twitter page about their 2009 win against AS Roma in the Champions League on penalties.

Arsenal won 7-6 in the shootout after Roma had levelled the aggregate score to 1-1 following a goal by Juan, assisted by Francesco Totti, only to see the Gunners progress into the quarter-finals (full match report via Sky Sports).

Despite the heroics from the north London club, many Arsenal fans took to Twitter to slam Almunia. The Spanish international made a total of 291 appearances in his career, conceding 295 goals and keeping 104 clean sheets (via Transfermarkt). He notably played for Premier League sides Watford and West Ham United as well as the Gunners.

He is perhaps most well-known for an incredible double-save he made for the Hornets in a Championship play-off semi-final against Leicester City which resulted in Troy Deeney scoring up the other end to send the Hertfordshire side into the final (via YouTube).

These Arsenal fans still decided to slam Almunia with one fan calling him ‘one of our worst ever keepers of the last 30 years’:

Almunia was incredibly poor 😅😅🤭

But in this day he got away with it.

— Jay Njoroge (@Jay2em) March 12, 2020

Arsenal fans, was Almunia one of your worst players? Where does he rank amongst your worst ever goalkeepers? Let us know in the comments down below!

Despite Manchester United’s resurgence in recent weeks, it appears the club are intent on making some reinforcements. The Red Devils enjoyed a relatively impressive month of December, which saw them pick up fine victories over the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City.

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A slip-up to Watford was promptly brushed aside with morale-boosting wins over Newcastle and Burnley to round off the month, and they are now looking to add to their triumphs off-the-pitch too. And according to The Sun, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have lined up Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to help boost their attacking options after they saw Erling Braut Haaland move to Borussia Dortmund.

No clues: Can you name the Man Utd result purely based on these images? Give it a go now…

The report claims that Calvert-Lewin has “risen to the top” of United’s wish-list for the summer, and that he would potentially cost the club £50m. After hearing their club’s links to the forward, fans of the Manchester side took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the possible swoop.

A couple of fans felt the interest in Calvert-Lewin is far too reactionary, and that his good form in recent weeks – he has netted five in his last five – has contributed to the rumours, and urged the club not to make a move for him.

Some fans were quick to insist the Red Devils would simply be better off placing their faith in their abundance of youth talents, with one supporter in particular suggesting they would prefer it if they promoted 18-year-old Largie Ramazani.

With the form that he is in, it is understandable to see why Calvert-Lewin may be of major interest to United. And after all, being only 22 and British, he fits into what the Red Devils are seemingly looking for in the transfer market based on their business last summer. If the striker can keep delivering over the coming weeks and months, then a move may not be as bad as these fans of the Manchester side initially think it might be.

Meanwhile, Manchester United may have proven one thing after grinding out a victory over Burnley.

West Ham United supporters were expecting great things from Simone Zaza when he arrived at the club in the 2016 summer transfer window, but the standard of his performances far from mirrored pre-season expectation. 

Zaza was unquestionably one of West Ham’s worst signings in recent years. The Italy international joined on an initial season-long loan deal, but his time in east London was cut short in January after he failed to score in 11 appearances for the club before a knee injury left him sidelined throughout December.

Fortunately the financial implications of the deal were not overly disastrous for the club, but it appears that the club have failed to learn their lesson following recent reports detailing their interest in Samir Nasri.

According to the Daily Mirror, Manuel Pellegrini is still keen on securing a January reunion with Nasri if he proves his fitness in the coming weeks, with a weekly salary of £80,000 per week reportedly on the cards.

Now, for a 31-year-old known troublemaker, who has been absent from professional football for the entirety of 2018, a contract worth £80,000 per week is verging on farcical.

West Ham may well feel that they need to bolster their options in attacking midfield, particularly given the lengthy absence of Manuel Lanzini and Jack Wilshere’s injury troubles, but they must invest in a talent for the long-term future rather than a player who is well past his best.

A deal bearing a similar resemblance to the one currently being eyed by West Ham was completed last year when Patrice Evra moved to the London Stadium, and that proved to be pointless at best.

Perhaps the signing of Jordan Hugill is regarded as the worst signing in recent memory but, considering Zaza’s reputation upon his arrival compared to his incredibly lacklustre performances, it’s fair to say that he was the most disappointing and underwhelming of the two strikers.

But if Nasri eventually signs for the club it’s difficult to see his spell being anything other than an incredibly underwhelming waste of money, so the club should abandon their pursuit, unless, of course, Nasri significantly slashes his wage demands.

West Ham fans – thoughts? Let us know!

Marouane Fellaini joined Manchester United on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2013, reuniting with former Everton boss David Moyes at Old Trafford in the process. Moyes didn’t last the season, but five years on and the 6’4” Belgian remains a Red Devil.

Over the years, the midfielder has proved a useful squad member and has become a particular favourite of current boss Jose Mourinho. Earlier this summer, Fellaini signed a new contract with the club that will keep him in Manchester until 2020.

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The 30-year-old’s status in the squad even appears to be growing. Having spent much of his United career to date as a bench option, this season Fellaini has started two of the five Premier League games played so far.

Despite all this though, a surprisingly high 36% of the United fans we polled consider Fellaini to be a massive flop, indicative of the decline in standards at the club that has taken place since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. See the full results below.