Pundit expects West Ham United to suffer FA Cup exit

West Ham United are on a five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, but their positive stretch could hit a snag this weekend, according to Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas.

David Moyes’s team are due to face Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on Saturday in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

In most cases, top-flight teams tend to rotate their squads in the early rounds of the competition.

In West Ham’s case, they may not have a choice as the East London outfit have a number of injuries to contend with.

Andy Carroll, Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic are currently on the treatment table with injuries.

Former Arsenal striker Nicholas believes that West Ham will face a difficult task when they take on the League One outfit.

In fact, the Scotsman believes that the Latics will earn a replay at the London Stadium.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.


By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The 56-year-old predicted a 2-2 draw with Sky Sports:

“The one upset I can see occurring from the Super 6 line-up is Wigan’s game against West Ham. David Moyes has his injury problems with Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll all sidelined, so he’s very limited to what he’s got to pick from.

“I don’t think Paul Cook will be too worried about disrupting the flow for their Sky Bet League One title push when they’re at home, so I think they will have a real go and can earn a replay at the least.”

Leeds United announce Heckingbottom appointment, fans react

Leeds United have made a swift appointment since parting ways with Thomas Christiansen on Sunday.

The club announced on Twitter that Paul Heckingbottom has become the new head coach on a deal until 2019.

The management change has not been completed without controversy, though, as the South Yorkshire-born coach had only signed a new extension with Barnsley five days ago.

Heckingbottom has been at Oakwell since 2015 as part of the coaching setup, but became manager in 2016 on a rolling contract.

The 40-year-old seemed committed to Barnsley, but in a matter of days, the former Darlington player performed a turnaround and is now in charge of Leeds.

During the 2015-16 season, Heckingbottom guided the Tykes to Football League Trophy glory and via the playoffs earned promotion to the Championship.

The new coach has a job on his hands at Elland Road as the club currently reside 10th in the Championship and are winless in their last six outings.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.


By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

After the announcement of Heckingbottom’s appointment was made, Leeds fans reacted to it on Twitter.

Celtic fans are disappointed with Scott Sinclair’s form after more dropped points

Celtic failed to follow up their excellent mid-week European performance with a win in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, dropping points at home to St Johnstone.

Coming into the match Tommy Wright’s side weren’t expected to take much from the encounter, having lost five of their last six matches in all competitions, with the solitary win coming against lower league side Albion Rovers.

However, they secured a vital point with a determined defensive performance that a much-changed Hoops side just couldn’t overcome.

Rodgers brought the likes of Calvin Miller and Cristian Gamboa into the starting eleven from the fringes of his first team squad, rotating heavily from the win against FC Zenit.

Scott Sinclair got a start too after missing out on the Europa League match but left fans disappointed, failing to produce the attacking performance that fans know he is capable of.

He’s scored just one top-flight goal in his last nine Scottish Premiership appearances, a far cry from his usual output.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.


By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Still the club’s top scorer this season, fans will be hoping he can turn things round as the Hoops’ hunt for more silverware heats up.

Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his performance…

Mangala vows to come back stronger following unlucky start to Everton spell

Eliaquim Mangala was recruited by Everton in the January transfer window as an option in defence.

The Merseyside outfit signed the 26-year-old from Manchester City on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The Frenchman made just two appearances before he was struck down with a knee injury.

The damaging moment came just 45 minutes into Everton’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League earlier this month.

Mangala required surgery to rectify the problem, but it remains unknown whether or not the defender will return to parent club City or work his way back to fitness at Goodison Park.

After going under the knife, the Frenchman took to Instagram to post a picture from his hospital bed and provide fans with an update.

/BfvpYpTnkgg/?hl=en&taken-by=eliamangala

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.


By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Everton supporters were desperate for the club to sign a new left-back in the January window, but instead, manager Sam Allardyce brought in left-footed Mangala.

Now, though, the experienced coach will have to cope with the squad he currently has.

Tottenham fans are still unconvinced with Lamela after hard fought victory

Tottenham Hotspur moved into the top four of the English Premier League on Sunday, capitalising on Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester United with a hard fought win away to Crystal Palace.

Having missed a number of big opportunities to open the scoring throughout, it was Harry Kane who predictably popped up to secure the three points for Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the 88th minute.

Kane has now scored 35 goals in 36 matches this season, already matching his entire total of last season with plenty of games left to go to 40 and beyond.

[ad_pod ]

Fans were pleased with the result but frustrated with the performance, believing their team didn’t perform to the standards required.

Much of the criticism was aimed at Erik Lamela, who was starting just his third Premier League match of the season. With opportunities to impress few and far between, it’s important players like Lamela play to the best of their abilities, but fans were left wanting more from the Argentinian.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.


By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

They took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

Liverpool fans can’t get enough of Virgil van Dijk right now

Liverpool produced a mouth-watering attacking display at home to Watford in the English Premier League on Saturday, winning 5-0.

Inspired by the ever impressive Mohamed Salah, who scored four of the goals and assisted the other, the Reds were at their sparkling best, strengthening their bid to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.

Huge plaudits have gone to Liverpool’s attacking threat, but fans were also quick to pay tribute to their defensive stars too after another clean sheet and dominant display at the back.

Virgil van Dijk has quickly become a fan favourite since signing from Southampton in January and again looked like a leader in the Reds’ back four, dealing with everything in the air and showing the communication skills that they’ve lacked for years.

Supporters will now be hoping they can combine their defensive and attacking skills to knock out Manchester City in their upcoming European clash. Can Van Dijk stop City’s front four?

Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his Saturday performance…

[ad_pod ]

Louis Moult would give Rangers solid alternative striking option next season

As reported by The Daily Mail, Rangers are eyeing up a summer move for Preston North End striker Louis Moult after a disappointing initial spell at the English Championship outfit.

What’s the story?

Rangers were reported to be interested in making a move for the player before he decided to make the move back to England and it appears the striker is back on their radar.

The Daily Mail say Rangers are keeping tabs on the player’s situation at Preston given the 25-year-old is struggling to get game time in Alex Neil’s starting eleven.

Signing for a reported £450,000 in January, an exit from the club so soon after his arrival would be surprising but the paper reckon Moult would be open to a return to Scottish football if his situation remains the same.

[ad_pod ]

A good signing?

In hindsight, the decision to sign Eduardo Herrera last summer and not Louis Moult looks like a very poor one. Were Pedro Caixinha not in charge, would the Light Blues have made their move for the ex-Motherwell striker?

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.


By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Moult had an excellent spell at the Steelmen, this season alone scoring 14 goals in all competitions before moving South, including two against the Gers in a League Cup semi-final.

Overall he netted 50 times in 98 appearances for the club, also contributing 16 assists. That’s the kind of attacking performance that would go down a treat at Rangers and they should definitely take a look at his situation in the summer.

Leeds fans call for Clarke after Heckingbottom comments

Leeds fans are desperate for academy winger Jack Clarke to start after Paul Heckingbottom said there is plenty of competition for places.

If Leeds fans are fed up of watching their team put in soulless performances devoid of any real quality, they might be better served watching the Under-23 side, who are absolutely flying under the guidance Carlos Corberán.

After four consecutive wins, the youngsters sit third in their division, and fans have been extremely impressed by the likes of Sam Dalby and Tyler Denton.

Another young star who has earned plenty of admirers for his displays with the U23s is Jack Clarke. The 17 year-old winger signed his first professional deal with the club earlier this season, having been promoted to the U23 side following some fantastic performances for the U18s.

Clarke provided two wonderful assists in last week’s 3-0 win over Cardiff, when fans compared him to Leeds legend Eddie Gray.

With plenty of calls to write off the season and give the youngsters a chance, manager Paul Heckingbottom admitted Clarke has been “doing well for a long time” but insisted there is still quality competition in front of him.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.


By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

We don’t think Leeds fans agree with the boss on this one, and some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

[ad_pod ]

Wenger delivers update on Mkhitaryan injury, Arsenal fans react

Henrikh Mkhitaryan got a new lease of life when he made the move from Manchester United to Arsenal in the January transfer window.

The Armenian international was included in a straight swap that saw Alexis Sanchez move the other way to Old Trafford.

Since joining the North London outfit, Mkhitaryan has made 12 appearances in all competitions, including five starts in the Premier League.

In total, the winger has provided two goals and five assists, but last week he was struck down with a knee injury.

[ad_pod ]

The blow occurred during Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over CSKA Moscow in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash.

There were initial concerns that Mkhitaryan would not play again this season given that he suffered ligament damage, but manager Arsene Wenger has suggested that the midfielder will return before the close of the campaign.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.


By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

At the moment, the ex-United player is expected to be ruled out of the next three games, but could make a comeback later on in the month.

Arsenal fans have given their say on the news.

Arsenal fans do not want Mustafi to face CSKA

It would be fair to say that Arsenal’s acquisition of Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia in the summer of August 2016 has not quite worked out.

The Gunners paid more than £35m to sign the Germany international, but he has largely struggled to make his mark in the English game.

Errors have become a common part of the centre-back’s game in recent months, and that was again the case against Southampton last weekend as his clanger allowed the Saints to take the lead at the Emirates Stadium.

[ad_pod ]

Arsenal are currently preparing to take on Russian side CSKA Moscow in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final, and Arsene Wenger’s side are well placed in that tie following a 4-1 victory in the reverse match last week.

Head coach Arsene Wenger is expected to select his strongest available side, but the Arsenal fans are hopeful that does not include Mustafi, who is believed to be on £90,000 a week at the club.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.


By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the club’s supporters can be seen below:

Game
Register
Service
Bonus