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Manchester United take on Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday night in what could be a crucial game for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s future at the club.

The Red Devils bounced back from their humiliating 5-0 thrashing at the hands of fierce rivals Liverpool with a convincing victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Solskjaer surprised many by changing his entire setup for the pivotal fixture in north London, but he guided his charges to a well-deserved and comfortable three points.

One player who struggled against Spurs, losing a whopping 15 defensive duels , was Fred. And the midfielder has often been on the receiving end of criticism from certain sections of the media and fanbase alike throughout his time at Old Trafford. For instance, he was even described as “dreadful” by Roy Keane earlier this year.

Many perceive his lack of goals and assists and inability to play as a holding midfielder without someone alongside him as signs that he’s below the standard expected of a United player.

However, the Brazil international has a different set of skills that are vital for Solskjaer’s team to thrive and have success, he’s just arguably being played slightly out of position – like a lot of United’s midfield and forward options.

As per WhoScored, Fred has recorded an average of 2.4 tackles per league game this term and 2.8 defensive dribbles, meaning he’s outperforming all his teammates for both metrics, as well as making 0.8 interceptions. Those are certainly game-changing numbers.

But the South American is also proving relatively effective when in possession, averaging 56.6 passes per top-flight fixture – the second-highest tally amongst his club colleagues – with a respectable total of 0.8 key passes as well.

Solskjaer has previously praised the 28-year-old’s efforts in the engine room, claiming Fred is a “top performer” following an eye-catching display at Anfield back in 2020.

“I’m very pleased with Fred. He’s a top, top performer,” said the Norwegian tactician. “All the supporters can see now why we believe in him. He covers every blade of grass on the pitch and wins challenges. Of course, he is more confident on the ball.”

And former United academy graduate Ben Thornley was also quick the praise the £19.8m-rated gem, saying: “I thought that, in Fred, we probably had the outstanding player on the park.

“He worked brilliantly defensively, and offensively he was the instigator of a lot that we did well.”

Therefore, Solskjaer must be controversial and keep faith with Fred as he takes his team to Bergamo with an intriguing midweek clash; he could have a huge impact upon proceedings and buy his manager some more time to turn things around in the red half of Manchester.

And, in other news…Murtough must revive Man Utd move for “magnificent” £63m-rated gem, he’s like Carrick 

Marcelo Bielsa’s position as Leeds United manager remains ‘solid’ despite a disappointing start to the season, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Leeds’ early-season struggles

The Whites bounced into the 2021/22 campaign hoping for a repeat of last year’s efforts, when they finished ninth in the Premier League upon their top-flight return.

Instead, Leeds currently sit 17th in the table and have only won two of their opening 10 league games, one of which came at bottom-placed Norwich City on Sunday.

Bielsa might have come under pressure because of this poor form, but it doesn’t appear as though there is any talk of him losing his job.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″]

The Latest: Hay provides Bielsa update

That’s according to The Athletic’s Hay, who claimed that Bielsa is still seen as the man to take Leeds forward and that results will continue to improve once key players are back from injury.

In an article for the publication, he wrote: “Within the four walls of Elland Road, Bielsa’s position remains solid. There has been no discussion about it at a high level and the prevailing view is that he will find the straight and narrow once certain players dig up their best form and injuries stop biting so deeply.”

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The Verdict: Still the right man

At a time when managers are too readily sacked – Nuno Espirito Santo has become the latest victim – it is refreshing that Leeds are not panicking when it comes to Bielsa’s future.

The Argentine has been a revelation at Elland Road, guiding the Whites back into the Premier League after a 16-year absence and leading them to a strong first season back at that level, and this dip in form doesn’t change that.

Bielsa’s contract expires at the end of the season, and barring a disaster between now and May, he remains the man to take the team forward, having made such a difference since arriving.

In other news, Hay has also provided an update regarding Leeds’ potential interest in one player. Read more here.

Fabrizio Romano claimed on Saturday that Poland are ready to approach Aston Villa’s Matty Cash over a possible switch of nationalities.

And a number of Villa supporters have been giving their thoughts to the update on social media.

Cash, who qualifies for Poland through family on his mother’s side, had been reluctant to turn away from England as he has hopes of turning out for England.

The 24-year-old hasn’t featured for The Three Lions at any level, with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, Reece James and Kieran Trippier all seemingly ahead of him in Gareth Southgate’s right-back ranks.

According to Romano, Cash is ‘open’ to the opportunity of playing for Poland and is waiting for a passport to go through.

Villa fans react

Romano posted the news regarding Cash on Twitter on Saturday afternoon, hours before he netted his first Villa goal in a 3-0 win over Everton.

This is what some Villa fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘interesting’.

“I think he should accept it. I don’t see there is much of a chance he would get into the England squad as there are approximately 4178.9 RB that’s capable to be in the England squad right now.”

Credit: @rico_chong

“great move for him he’d be their starting rb”

Credit: @luke1874_

“Hope he goes for it. England are stacked in that position.”

Credit: @JayVtid

“interesting”

Credit: @Kim_UTV

“makes perfect sense really”

Credit: @avbiIly

“Looks like our all English back 4 is coming to an end. Understand why Cash has done it. England has so many good RB !”

Credit: @seanlangley94

In other news: Source says Lange wants 40-goal ace on £25k-p/w for Villa; he’s scoring a goal per game. 

Aston Villa make the trip back down to Chelsea on Wednesday night looking to make it into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Dean Smith’s side’s last visit to Stamford Bridge ended in a 3-0 defeat, and the Villa boss will no doubt be tempted to shake things up in terms of his team selection, especially when you consider Manchester United loom on the horizon at the weekend.

With that in mind, below is a look at how Villa might line up when they face Chelsea tonight.

In goal, Jed Steer could play his second game in as many weeks, with Emi Martinez being given the chance to have a proper rest following his late arrival at the weekend in order to play the game against Everton.

In front of him, Tyrone Mings may be axed from the starting line-up to give Kortney Hause an opportunity, with the 28-year-old having had a day to forget when the two sides met in the Premier League a couple of weeks ago.

Ashley Young come could into the team in place of Matt Targett, while with Axel Tuanzebe ineligible to face his parent side United at the weekend, he is a shoo-in to start tonight.

The midfield could see Morgan Sanson make a rare appearance in the starting line-up – something we’ve called on Smith to do here on FFC – while he could be joined in the engine room by one of Villa’s brightest academy prospects in Carney Chukwuemeka.

Further forward, Jaden Philogene-Bidace should feature out wide with Bertrand Traore on the opposite flank, while Emi Buendia will be hoping to start just behind Ollie Watkins after only making the bench for the game against the Toffees at the weekend.

Predicted XI: Steer; Cash, Tuanzebe, Hause, Young; Sanson, Chukwuemeka; Traore, Buendia, Philogene-Bidace; Watkins.

Meanwhile, Dean Smith must start this Villa “warrior” vs Chelsea…

Steven Gerrard has admitted that Juninho Bacuna only has an outside chance of being fit for Rangers’ meeting with Hibernian this weekend.

The Lowdown: Bacuna picks up injury

Gerrard’s men suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Sparta Prague on Thursday night, as their disappointing start to their Europa League campaign continues.

Not only did Rangers lose in the Czech Republic, but Bacuna suffered a first-half injury, only lasting 38 minutes before being replaced by Ianis Hagi.

With Sunday’s key Scottish Premiership clash with second-place Hibs at Ibrox looming, the 24-year-old faces a race against time to be fit.

The Latest: Gerrard provides update

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday [via the club’s official Twitter account], Gerrard gave a nine-word update that suggests Bacuna could miss out:

“Has a small chance to be involved on Sunday.”

The Verdict: Blow for Gerrard

It is vital that Rangers bounce back from their loss this weekend, but not having Bacuna available would be an undoubted blow.

He has enjoyed a highly impressive 91.7 percent pass completion rate in the league this season, highlighting his quality in possession since making the move north of the border.

Gerrard’s side should still have enough quality to get all three points and pull further clear at the top of the table, but this is no doubt a blow for the manager to be sweating over such a quality summer signing.

In other news, some Rangers fans have erupted over news regarding one player. Read more here.

West Ham face Manchester United for the second time this week as they begin their Carabao Cup campaign this evening.

David Moyes takes his side to his former stomping ground for the third-round clash at Old Trafford and he is left with plenty to think about in terms of team selection, with fixtures aplenty in the coming weeks.

The Irons will return to Premier League action on Saturday, when they return to the north to face Leeds United, before hosting the first-ever Europa League group stage game at the London Stadium in just over seven days time.

United will be the more confident of the two sides heading into this clash, having defeated the Hammers 2-1 on Sunday afternoon, though it came close to being a different story as club captain Mark Noble missed a last-minute penalty to salvage a point.

But what sort of side could we see from Moyes tonight? Here’s what Football FanCast are predicting…

Both the Premier League and the Europa League should take priority for the east Londoners, so it would not be a surprise to see some form of rotation in Manchester today.

There could be as many as eight changes as Moyes weighs up the return of Michail Antonio. We’re expecting the 58-year-old to keep his leading talisman fresh for the test of Leeds this weekend in what is a massive call, so Jarrod Bowen may well lead the line once again.

He, along with Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma, are the only players to remain from Sunday’s defeat.

We could see two further debuts for the Hammers’ summer signings, with Paris Saint-Germain loanee Alphonse Areola coming in for veteran Lukasz Fabianksi between the sticks, and he may have a new back four in front of him.

The likes of Aaron Cresswell, Kurt Zouma, Angelo Ogobonna and Vladimir Coufal should be rested alongside Antonio, meaning Arthur Masuaku and Ryan Fredericks take up the full-back positions with the vastly-experienced Craig Dawson partnering Issa Diop, who impressed in Croatia last week, in the middle.

Whilst two of West Ham’s Czech stars aren’t likely to feature, new arrival Alex Kral could make his first bow for the club, partnering Noble in the middle, handing both Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice a well-earned rest.

They could be joined by Manuel Lanzini in a three-man engine room.

Predicted Hammers XI vs United (4-2-3-1): Areola; Masuaku, Diop, Dawson, Fredericks; Kral, Noble (c), Lanzini, Benrahma, Fornals; Bowen.

AND in other news, Moyes must unleash “exceptional” West Ham titan tonight, could be big in the long run…

Middlesbrough have reportedly opened talks with Sheffield United winger Oliver Burke over a summer move to the club.

The Lowdown: Burke struggles at Blades

The Scotland international has struggled to make an impression at Bramall Lane, scoring and assisting just once apiece in the Premier League last season.

The Blades are thought to be willing to listen to offers for Burke this summer and he may not be without suitors.

The Latest: Middlesbrough move for winger

According to Football Insider’s Boro source, ‘discussions are underway’ between Middlesbrough and United over a move to the fellow Championship club.

Nottingham Forest, West Brom, Celtic and RB Leipzig are also thought to be interested in signing the 24-year-old, who has won 13 caps for his country.

The Verdict: Time to move on

Burke is a talented attacking player but he has been a disappointing signing for the Blades, so it makes sense for him to move on this summer.

The Scot still has two years remaining on his current deal, meaning United could receive a hefty fee for his services, with Transfermarkt valuing him at £5.4million.

Admittedly, selling Burke to another Championship team could help strengthen a rival, but Slavisa Jokanovic doesn’t appear to see a future for him at Bramall Lane, so there is little point keeping hold of a depreciating asset.

In other news, another Sheffield United player is set for an exit this summer. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace are keen on signing Liverpool forward Divock Origi before the transfer window closes, according to reports.

What’s the story?

The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath claims that the Eagles are one of three Premier League teams eager to secure the 26-year-old’s signature this summer, with Wolves and West Ham United also credited with an interest.

Previous reports have stated the Reds are set to demand between £15m and £20m for Origi and are open to letting the Belgium international depart Anfield after he struggled to make an impact last season.

Crystal Palace fans will be buzzing

Origi arrived at Anfield back in 2015 from Ligue 1 outfit Lille but has failed to establish himself in the Merseyside outfit’s starting XI during his six-year stay on English shores.

A relatively successful loan spell at Wolfsburg throughout 2017/18 saw the pacey hitman bag seven goals and provide three assists during his 12-month stay, showing enough potential for Klopp to reintroduce him into his first team plans.

And Origi wrote his name into Liverpool folklore upon his return to Anfield. A brace in their sensational 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals earned him hero status, despite his limited time on the pitch.

He then wrapped up the club’s sixth European title with another goal in the final against Tottenham Hotspur, ensuring he’ll remain a fans favourite for many years to come.

However, Origi has struggled to replicate those heroics ever since. Over the last couple of campaigns, the former Lille ace has started just nine Premier League games, bagging only four goals during that time period.

It’s hard to argue that his performances have warranted extra game time, with the 6ft forward recording a miserly WhoScored rating of just 6.19 last season.

Nevertheless, his potential arrival at Selhurst Park will surely have a large section of the Palace supporters buzzing.

Although Origi may not have the quality to succeed at Liverpool, he’s still proven himself to be a reliable source of goals – especially in the biggest of games – throughout his career, a quality that the capital club are desperately short of.

The south London outfit only had one shot on target in their opening day encounter against Chelsea over the weekend, an issue Origi’s arrival would surely help to address.

And, in other news…Lost 15 duels: Shocking Crystal Palace lightweight badly let Vieira down vs Chelsea 

West Ham United could capitalise on a ‘stalemate’ between Inter Milan and Cagliari to sign midfielder Nahitan Nandez, according to La Repubblica (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

The Uruguay international made 32 league appearances for Cagliari last season, averaging 1.8 tackles, 1.2 dribbles and one key pass per game (via WhoScored). His performances earned him a call-up to his country’s squad for the Copa America this summer.

Serie A expert Mina Rzouki has raved about Nandez, labelling him ‘unstoppable’ and claiming that he’s ‘one of the most underrated players’ in the Italian top flight. The 25-year-old, formerly of Boca Juniors, is valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt.

The latest

The report from La Repubblica (via Sport Witness) claimed that Inter boss Simone Inzaghi has made Nandez a primary target, but the reigning Serie A champions have seen an offer rejected by Cagliari.

The player is ‘certain’ to leave the Sardinian club this summer, either in a permanent deal or on loan with an obligation to buy.

He is said to relish the idea of joining Inter but negotiations between the two clubs appear to have stalled. The Nerazzurri are under pressure to make a breakthrough, with West Ham waiting in the wings if the impasse between the Serie A duo isn’t resolved.

The verdict

Nandez appears to be an excellent all-round midfielder judging by his performance figures and the praise which has come his way, but West Ham’s priorities should lie elsewhere in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.

Above all, they need to sign a starting centre-back to ensure that their defence doesn’t prove to be their undoing. The goals they conceded in Sunday’s 4-2 win at Newcastle made this abundantly clear.

After that, the focus should be on recruiting some cover and competition for Michail Antonio at centre-forward. A clear gap exists in that area of the squad, where there is no natural alternative to the injury-prone 31-year-old.

In other news, some West Ham fans were unhappy with this man’s performance at St James’ Park on Sunday.

يستعد قطبا الكرة المصرية الأهلي والزمالك، لصدام قوي غدًا الأحد، في مباراة قمة جديدة بالدوري المصري الممتاز.

ويلتقي الفريقان على أرضية ملعب “الأهلي وي السلام” في تمام الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، في لقاء مؤجل من الأسبوع الـ20 من عمر المسابقة المحلية.

مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في قمة الدوري

ويدخل الزمالك المباراة متصدرًا جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 44 نقطة من 20 مباراة، وتسعى كتيبة المدرب البرتغالي جوسفالدو فيريرا للفوز باللقاء ولا بديل عن ذلك، من أجل مواصلة الانفراد بالصدارة.

ويعاني الزمالك من غيابات عديدة بين صفوفه، حيث يدخل المباراة بدون محمد أبو جبل وطارق حامد وأحمد فتوح وحازم إمام وسيف الدين الجزيري وحمزة المثلوثي.

على الجانب الأخر، يمر فريق الكرة بالنادي الأهلي بفترة انتقالية بعد رحيل المدير الفني بيتسو موسيماني، ويقود المارد الأحمر حاليًا بشكل مؤقت سامي قمصان، والذي يراهن على روح اللاعبين في حسم نتيجة المباراة لصالحهم. 

طالع | حكم مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في قمة الدوري.. شاهد على سقوط برشلونة الأخير وتتويج ريال مدريد

ويحتل الأهلي المركز الثالث في جدول الترتيب برصيد 40 نقطة من 17 مباراة، علمًا بأن للمارد الأحمر 3 مواجهات مؤجلة.

وكانت مباراة الدور الأول بين الفريقين، حسمها الأهلي لصالحه بنتيجة 5 – 3، لذلك سيسعى لاعبو الزمالك للثأر الكروي من المارد الأحمر، بما يُنذر بمباراة ندية وقوية.

وتُعتبر قمة الأهلي والزمالك هي الديربي الأشهر على مستوى الوطن العربي، نظرًا لشعبية الفريقين الكبيرة، وهذا يُضيف للمباراة طابعًا خاصًا من الإثارة.

وسبق والتقى الأهلي والزمالك 123 مرة في بطولة الدوري، كان الفوز حليف الأحمر في 47 مباراة، وسجل لاعبوه 157 هدفًا.

وحقق الزمالك الفوز على الأهلي 27 مرة، وأحرز لاعبوه 105 أهداف، وحسم التعادل بين الفريقين في 49 مباراة.