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Glasgow Rangers could be denied the chance to go the whole Premiership season unbeaten amidst suggestions the campaign could be brought to a premature end.

Rangers season could end early

The Gers’ status as champions was confirmed on Sunday after Celtic could only manage a 0-0 draw with Dundee United. In the aftermath, thousands of the Ibrox outfit’s supporters took to the streets of Glasgow, disregarding lockdown regulations in the process (Sky News).

The Gers are set to face their fierce city rivals Celtic on March 21, and there are fears that similar scenes could unfold. As such, Ian Maxwell and Neil Doncaster, of the SFA and SPFL respectively, have been ordered to talk to the Scottish government, and a premature end to the campaign has not been ruled out (Daily Record).

Disappointing

What should have been a wonderful weekend for the 55-time Scottish champions has had the shine taken off it ever so slightly. Given we are in a global pandemic, it is worrying to see so many people on the streets, even if it is to celebrate an important achievement for the Gers. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon brandished the public scenes of celebration as “disgraceful”.

However, it is wrong to suggest that this will now become a huge issue for the rest of the season. Yes, the Old Firm derby is a huge occasion in Scottish football, but the Premiership has already been won at this point by Steven Gerrard’s side. Even if they were to prevail in that match, what would be the point of the supporters taking to the streets?  Hopefully, the worst is now over.

In other news, many Rangers fans laud key Ibrox figure.

Many Crystal Palace fans are reacting to a big update at Selhurst Park which could suggest big changes are on the way in the imminent future.

According to the Evening Standard, and tweeted out by @cpfc_xtra, US-based investor Robert Franco has injected funds into the £20million redevelopment of Palace’s academy and has been listed as a person with “significant interest” in the club alongside chairman Steve Parish and American owners Joshua Harris and David Blitzer. One fan called this update ‘pretty big news’.

Looking to youth is something that the club need to start doing, as they had the second oldest squad on average in the league last season, (101 Great Goals). Palace do have a strong history when it comes to developing young players, with the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Moses and Nathaniel Clyne all previously coming through their academy.

If this report is true, then the club could be set to have a very exciting future and it is understandable to see why this news is receiving a lot of reaction.

Here is how Palace fans reacted to the update:

“Another yank? Oh great! Coz we’ve done so well since the others have got involved haven’t we…”

Credit: @85Gilds

“Should never underestimate the importance of a good academy. We are a selling club and always will be and this is important for survival, regardless of what division we are in.”

Credit: @audreysprayer

“We have had our longest stretch in this top flight under various incarnations of this key owner (SP) and US investors. I’d say we have done quite well. Yes, I’d like to be polishing my passport but it’s Palace.”

Credit: @martinbrowni

“This seems like pretty big news”

Credit: @erictwigs

“20m injection into the academy? Huge if true”

Credit: @jaseiles

“Hello Mr Franco please buy the Sainsbury’s land”

Credit: @liamb0117

In other news, Palace fans reacted to this Zaha update!

David Moyes should unleash Jarrod Bowen in a striker position when West Ham visit Manchester United in the FA Cup on Tuesday night amid doubt over Michail Antonio’s fitness.

The Irons boss has confirmed he wishes to name as strong a side as possible at Old Trafford, as he continues to build on the east London outfit’s strongest run in the competition since 2015/16.

But Antonio faces a late fitness test to see if the striker can play his part, having been taken off with a quarter of an hour to go against Fulham on Saturday amid suspicions of fatigue.

Antonio looked laboursome at Craven Cottage as he struggled to lead the line for the second time in the space three days, after also playing the full 90 minutes as West Ham beat Aston Villa 3-1 on Wednesday night.

The Villans affair was only the third occasion that the 30-year-old has played a full 90 in any competition since returning from a second hamstring injury this term, with Moyes opting to withdraw Antonio early in four of his seven starts and twice introduce him from the bench.

Antonio was also left an unused substitute as the Hammers beat Doncaster Rovers 4-0 to book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup, but Moyes has confirmed he will make a late decision over whether or not the £11m-rated beast will feature against Manchester United.

“He’s still fatigued, so it’ll be a close call whether he makes it or not,” Moyes said. “I’ll see how he is today [Monday]. We’ll need to assess him tomorrow to see if he’s able to play or not.

“I think we’ve picked strong teams against Stockport and Doncaster. We’re certainly not picking a weakened team.

“We may have one or two changes through injury or suspension, whatever it may be, but we plan to go there with a really strong team and [see] if we can get through to the next round of the FA Cup.”

Andriy Yarmolenko was tasked with standing in for Antonio against Doncaster in the previous round of the FA Cup and scored West Ham’s second goal of the day, to net his first strike since bagging a brace against League One Hull City in the Carabao Cup in September.

It was not the only occasion this season that Moyes has started the Ukraine winger in a central role, after featuring through the middle against Tottenham Hotspur and in both Premier League meetings with Liverpool. He also took over the reins at Fulham on Saturday but offered little impact during his half an hour on the pitch.

Thus it should be Bowen who starts at the top of the attack against Manchester United if Antonio cannot, in a move that may also allow Ryan Fredericks to replicate his Aston Villa showcase on the right-wing in front of Vladimir Coufal.

Moyes has experimented with Bowen playing centrally twice this season, having looked to the £25m-rated maestro against Brighton in December while without Antonio and at home to Newcastle on the opening day of the season.

The decision did not return any goals on either occasion, but Bowen had proven to be a creative force in the middle with Hull by netting four and providing an assist in six games as a centre-forward.

He also offered three goals and three assists in six games as a shadow striker for the Tigers before his move to the London Stadium last January, which Noel Whelan lauds as a “really shrewd” piece of business by the Irons. Proving that he has the track record Moyes needs with no senior striker available after Sebastien Haller’s winter farewell.

AND in other news, West Ham failed to offload a £70k-p/w outcast in January despite a manager’s intent efforts…

West Brom are closing in on the addition of a new forward, according to manager Sam Allardyce…

What’s the word?

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of Albion’s bottom-of-the-table clash with Sheffield United, the 66-year-old revealed that his side could finally bring free-agent Ahmed Musa in for checks over his current fitness.

He told reporters, via the Express & Star’s Joseph Masi: “We’ve been waiting patiently. All of the problems have been due to the controls & Covid. I’m probably due my injections soon, I’ll feel a lot better when I get mine. It’s been protocol but hopefully, if we see the player very shortly, it’ll be good news.”

The Athletic’s Steve Madeley has also claimed that the 28-year-old “could sign” after tonight’s transfer deadline passes as he is a free agent, so that’ll ease the pressure on the need for desperate and late reinforcements.

Imagine him & Diagne

Whilst it would still be a last-gasp move, should he pass all imminent checks, the addition of Musa would be a smart and cheap decision from Allardyce and the club.

The 87-time Nigeria international has been unemployed since October after leaving Saudi side Al-Nassr and he would arrive at the Hawthorns with a decent career record and some versatility.

Valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt, Musa has scored goals wherever he’s been – most known for his stint in Russia, the 5 foot 8 speed demon bagged 61 goals and 33 assists in 184 appearances for CSKA Moscow.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/west-brom-deadline-day-latest-news-transfer-rumours-and-more” title=”Deadline day is here: Read the latest West Brom news, transfer rumours and more!”]

That form earned him a move to Midlands rivals Leicester in 2016, and despite rarely starting (13 of 32 appearances were starts), he still found the net five times, per Transfermarkt.

The decision to bring him in after already sealing a move for Galatasaray colossus Mbaye Diagne could hint towards a much-needed change in system as, after all, the Baggies hold the third-worst goalscoring record in the English top-flight.

Perhaps Big Sam wants to pair the diminutive forward alongside his 6 foot 4 colossus.

“I’m big and strong, I can hold up the ball and lay it off, I’m good in the air and I’m a finisher,” explained Diagne, via the Express & Star.

Karlan Grant is also a candidate to fulfil the ‘little man’ role off a target man but given he’s only scored once in 14 appearances since his move in the summer, it can’t hurt to throw the experienced Musa into the deep end to play alongside Diagne.

With finances very tight at Albion, securing someone of Musa’s pedigree and quality without paying a transfer fee is a surely shrewd financial decision. If Big Sam can get him to click with Diagne, just imagine the returns in front of goal.

AND in other news, West Brom handed setback in pursuit of 38-cap monster…

It’s fair to say Diego Llorente hasn’t enjoyed the happiest of starts to life at Leeds United.The Spain international has been out of action for the majority of this Premier League season with injury, with his only appearance for Marcelo Bielsa’s side coming against Chelsea back in early December.But having recently returned to training, an opportunity may be on the horizon, especially after his performance for the club’s U23s side on Monday night.Llorente got a crucial 45 minutes under his belt against Stoke City, and put some icing on the cake by seeing his first-half header prove to be the winner.In their post-match ratings, Leeds Live gave the 6 foot 1 gem a nine out of ten, saying: “Hardly put a foot wrong on his return from injury,ÂLlorenteÂwas everything a centre-back should be. Composed in possession, he attempted plenty of passes into the channels as well as reading opposition play excellently.”The Spaniard made a number of interceptions and never looked troubled by Stoke’s pressure. He capped his 45-minute display with a well-taken header, nodding in from Kalvin Phillips’ floated delivery.”Before the U23s’ clash, The Athletic journalist Phil Hay took to Twitter to declare that especially with Robin Koch missing for the Whites, Llorente has “got to be in the reckoning”.

And after seeing him score the winner and help the U23s keep a clean sheet, Bielsa will surely be tempted to throw Llorente into his starting line-up in the Premier League very soon.

Next week’s clash against Newcastle presents the perfect opportunity for him to do just that. It may be a long time coming but Llorente may finally get his chance to prove why Leeds spent big money to bring him to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, Leeds should give this future Klich successor a chance…

This has been another horrendous year for Sunderland, one that’s failed to buck the trend at the Stadium of Light.

Once again, the Black Cats failed to achieve promotion from League One and are now enduring a third successive year at this level.

For a club with such rich history, one that were in the Premier League so recently, it’s far from ideal.

However, are they beginning to turn the tide towards the end of 2020? Stewart Donald sold his majority stake to Kyril Louis-Dreyfus on Christmas Eve and they have also sacked Phil Parkinson.

Lee Johnson arrived and they have lost just once since he took charge, being beaten on his first day in the job. Together with Kristjaan Speakman and their new owners – Dreyfus and Sartori – there are reasons to be positive and hopeful for a brighter future.

Of course, Sunderland supporters won’t want to count their chickens but 2021 could well be their year.

So, what better way to bring it in than partaking in our big fat Sunderland quiz of the year for 2020, we bet you can’t get 100% correct…

AND in other news, SAFC must swoop for “speedball” who’s a “nightmare to play against”…

West Ham United target Oleksandr Zinchenko gave David Moyes plenty of reasons to walk away from a potential deal for the Manchester City left-back, by producing a shaky display in Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final win over rivals Manchester United.

Pep Guardiola kept the 24-year-old in his starting line-up for the midweek meeting at Old Trafford, having recalled Zinchenko for Sunday’s win at Chelsea after more than two months out of the Sky Blues’ Premier League side.

Reliable insider ExWHUemployee revealed last month that Zinchenko was a potential target for the London Stadium outfit in the January transfer window after Moyes lost Arthur Masuaku for the foreseeable following knee surgery, while reports claimed Guardiola is open to offers.

Man City were believed to be prepared to listen to bids for Zinchenko this month after initially falling out of favour at the Etihad Stadium, with Southampton and Leicester City also keen to monitor the former Wolverhampton Wanderers target’s situation.

Zinchenko now appears to be back in Guardiola’s good backs after two successive starts across all competitions for the first time since October, yet was far from the star of the show as the Citizens secured their place in the Carabao Cup final.

The £18m-rated left-back endured more than his fair share of shaky moments up against Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with Zinchenko often lacking the physical presence needed to contain Manchester United’s right-sided options.

He struggled to contain Anthony Martial at set-pieces, too, but produced a bright moment in the 24th-minute to feed Phil Foden through to score, only to see the strike ruled out for offside.

All in all, Zinchenko ended the night with success in just one of his eight combined duels for a measly success rate of 12%, having lost each of his three battles on the ground and four of his five aerial contests, per SofaScore.

He additionally lost possession 12 times, failed to complete his only attempted dribble, made no successful tackles, was dribbled past twice, recorded no clearances or blocked shots and registered just one interception.

The defender was often safe in possession with 79 completed passes from 89 attempts having seen the ball frequently for 102 touches, but struggled to offer any real accuracy at range with six of his nine long balls failing to find a teammate.

Zinczenko’s performance will have offered Moyes plenty of reasons why West Ham should walk away from any interest in the Ukraine international, should the former Manchester United boss look to acquire a new left-back to replace Masuaku.

AND in other news: “Problem in the dressing room” – Exclusive: Pundit issues stark warning on £9m-rated West Ham target…

Glasgow Rangers secured a top seed place in Monday’s Europa League last 32 draw after Steven Gerrard’s side beat Lech Poznan in Poland on Thursday night to win Group D.

The Light Blues need to match or better Benfica’s result against Standard Liege to finish top of the group, and they passed with flying colours as goals from Cedric Itten and Ianis Hagi gave them the deserved victory.

Itten opened the scoring before half-time and Hagi scored his first goal since August after Connor Goldson’s header hit the bar to double the lead.

The 22-year-old has copped a fair amount of stick in recent months but put in a performance to remember on Thursday night.

Per SofaScore, the Romania international received a high rating of 8 out of ten for his efforts – he took 50 touches of the ball, three shots on target, provided 25 out of 31 passes, produced two key passes, won five out of his seven duels overall, and was fouled twice.

Glasgow Live gave Hagi a grade of 7/10, claiming he ‘made sure Goldson’s header cross the line and grew in confidence as the game went’, whilst The Daily Record awarded him with a similar score, insisting he ‘has been operating on the fringes of late but given an opportunity to shine as part of a three-pronged attack and was unlucky not to score with deflected shot before nodding home the second goal.’

In 20 appearances for the Gers, the attacking midfielder has scored two goals and supplied eight assists in all competitions, via Transfermarkt, whilst he is averaging 2 shots and 1.7 key passes per game, as per WhoScored.

Hagi has arguably struggled to hit the ground running at times since making the move permanent in the summer, having started just three out of six games in the Europa League so far this season.

But it’s fair to say that this was a big step in the right direction and will have gone some way towards silencing any lingering doubts about his obvious talent, as he mustered more shots on target than any other player on the pitch.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers striker Cedric Itten was Gerrard’s hero vs Lech Poznan…

Gary Mabbutt, while speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, has claimed Eric Dier “could be the general” in Jose Mourinho’s defence at Chelsea on Sunday after Tottenham Hotspur confirmed Toby Alderweireld will be out for the next two to four weeks.

Mourinho confirmed Alderweireld faces a potential month on the sidelines after the Belgian sustained a muscular injury in the 81st-minute of Spurs’ 2-0 victory at home to Manchester City last weekend.

The Portuguese tactician was fearful of a prolonged absence for the 31-year-old he has called on to play 10 times across all competitions this term, but further assessment earlier in the week revealed the blow was not as serious as first thought.

“He has a muscular injury but not as big as we initially thought,” said Mourinho, via quotes by the Daily Mail. “He’ll have his time to be out but not like a month, which was immediately what we thought. I would say between two and four weeks.”

While Alderweireld will be a loss for Tottenham at Chelsea on Sunday, Mabbutt is confident Dier can step up in the absence of his Belgian defensive partner and offer Mourinho the experienced product he will need beside summer signing Joe Rodon.

“Having Joe alongside him will give Eric the chance to actually work with Joe to make him the player I believe he can become. So, it was great opportunity to get that defence sorted out, and Eric Dier could be the general in there. And obviously bringing in Joe would be a good opportunity,” Mabbutt told Football FanCast.

Dier has been a regular of Mourinho’s plans this term, with the England international opening all eight of his Premier League appearances and playing the full 90 minutes in September’s EFL Cup win over rivals Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mourinho is yet to put the same faith behind Rodon, who he signed from Swansea City for an initial £11million rising to £15m this summer, with the 11-cap Wales international featuring for just nine top-flight minutes while being ineligible in Europe.

Dier has stood out in the Tottenham backline with a defensive-high eight interceptions, 44 clearances and 23 aerial duels won, while being dribbled past the least (3) and blocking the second-most shots (7) so far in the Premier League this season, per SofaScore.

The 26-year-old has struggled to record successful tackles with just three to his name – five fewer than Alderweireld and a third of Davinson Sanchez’s total – and Mourinho will need to rely on Dier performing above those levels should he hand Rodon his first career start in the Premier League against his former employer Chelsea.

Frank Lampard’s Stamford Bridge natives ranked seventh among all top-flight sides for shots taken per league game at home this season (13.3) and fourth for shots on target (5.8), per WhoScored.

AND in other news, Spurs are in the hunt for a gem who “can do everything” and might not cost Daniel Levy a penny.

Not that you’d know it, but Glenn Middleton may have already played his last game for Glasgow Rangers, having fallen even further down the pecking order at Ibrox after Steven Gerrard summer spending spree.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, Middleton has been deemed surplus to requirements having been frozen out of the first-team squad.

Sources told the outlet that Gerrard had agreed for the winger to go out again on loan this season in the summer, but a move failed to materialise.

Rangers are currently enjoying a 20-game unbeaten run, dating back to the 1-0 win away at Aberdeen at the start of the season. However, the 20-year-old hasn’t made a single appearance for the senior squad this season, despite the fact he played 28 games during Gerrard’s debut season at Ibrox, scoring five goals and supplying five assists.

End of the road

Since then, the outcast has struggled to make much of an impression, as he has been completely cast aside after the arrivals of Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe in the summer – only for his own exit to fail to materialise.

Without wanting to sound too dramatic, it seems Middleton has hit a crossroads in his career. He can’t get anywhere near the squad at the moment, with Brandon Barker, Ryan Kent, Jordan Jones, Ianis Hagi, Itten, Roofe, Joe Aribo and even Scott Arfield all starting out wide in recent weeks.

Not for the first time, the Norwich City academy product, who has predominantly played on the left wing in the past, faces an uncertain future, having spent brief spells on loan at Bradford City and Hibernian FC.

Once hailed as a “terrific finisher” by the Ibrox boss, Middleton failed to register a single goal or assist in all competitions during his unsuccessful stints with Bradford and Hibernian respectively.

He burst onto the scene as a teenager but needs to get some minutes under his belt to continue his development as a player, which is something that Gerrard has been unable to provide. At any rate, it’s hard to imagine him starting ahead of the ever-reliable Ryan Kent on the left wing, which is his preferred position.

Scotland U21 boss Scot Gemmill has recently admitted he is frustrated by the situation , via the Daily Record. Maybe it’d be best for all parties involved if the Bears cut their losses and found a new club for the once highly-rated prodigy as he needs to be given opportunities to fulfil his obvious potential.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must give Connor Goldson a bumper new deal in Nikola Katic’s absence…