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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Pablo Hernandez is available for their upcoming Championship fixture against Queens Park Rangers (via @Phil_Hay).

The Spanish attacking midfielder has missed the Whites’ last six Championship fixtures with injury (Transfermarkt), and Bielsa has admitted that they have missed him (@Phil_Hay).

Hernandez has been a key player for Leeds during his time at Elland Road, particularly last season when he contributed 12 goals and 12 assists in just 39 Championship appearances (via @Transfermarkt).

It would be fair to say that they have missed the former Swansea City man in his absence. Indeed, they have managed to score just four goals in the six games in which he has been out (Transfermarkt).

It is unknown whether Bielsa will throw him straight into the starting 11 or utilise him from the bench, but having him back in the squad should be a major boost for them.

Naturally, plenty of Leeds fans are delighted to see the 34-year-old back in the fold, with many of them admitting that he has been a huge loss whilst out injured. Here is how some of them have reacted to the news on Twitter…

Leeds fans, how happy are you that Pablo Hernandez is back from injury? Let us know in the comments below…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

As per Football Insider, former England international Darren Bent believes Everton should try and sign former Toffee Eric Dier. The Tottenham Hotspur man has played just twice in the Premier League for the Lilywhites this season and was once apart of the Blues’ youth setup before leaving for Portugal.

What did he say?

Well, Dier has been massively overlooked by Mauricio Pochettino this season with new signing Tanguy Ndombele and regulars Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko keeping him out the side, and his first top flight start of the campaign not coming until Brighton last weekend.

Bent believes Everton should therefore try and lure him to Merseyside, and states that Manchester United should also consider his signature to help Paul Pogba. He said: “I think Leicester would be a good one, they could get the best out of him, Everton, yeah, good.

“Even someone like Manchester United could do with him, a holding midfielder – don’t play Fred there (as) a holding midfielder, he (Dier) plays holding, Pogba plays next to him where he can go and have a free role.”

Always buy versatility and experience

Right now, if there is any position that Everton are strong in, it’s the centre of midfield. With Andre Gomes now injury-free, Silva has five options in the middle of the park and when Jean-Philippe Gbamin returns the Portuguese will certainly be spoilt for choice in this area.

Watch Everton Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

This does not mean, however, that those available to him have pulled up trees. Tom Davies has so far played just 20 minutes of league action, whilst Morgan Schneiderlin’s average rating of 6.07 from WhoScored and Gomes’ average of 6.47 prove certain names have consistently underperformed.

Because of such torrid form, and considering Dier’s versatility and experience, he will surely be a worthy addition. The Englishman is still only 25, having made 40 caps for his country and played 32 times for Sporting and 213 times for Spurs.

Similar to that of Fabian Delph, Dier would bring incredible versatility for the Blues, as Transfermarkt demonstrates he has played everywhere in the defence, both centre and right-midfield and played 124 times in his predominant position as a defensive midfielder, as per the matches in which the website has recorded his position.

Not only would the 25-year-old help out in midfield, he could also work as a back-up for Yerry Mina and Michael Keane, with the two of them playing every league minute so far, conceding 13 goals. Dier has shown he can play as a centre-back, stepping out in that role 86 times throughout his career, according to Transfermarkt.

Last season, the former Sporting man averaged 1.3 tackles, 2.1 clearances and 1.4 dribbles per game for Spurs in the league and with his proven versatility and experience around Europe and internationally, it would surely be a great signing.

Some QPR fans have taken to Twitter to discuss whether or not Eberechi Eze can have a better career than a former R’s star – Adel Taarabt.

The flamboyant Moroccan and his box of tricks played for the Londoners from 2009 to 2015, as he scored 34 goals and recorded 42 assists in 164 appearances.

Taarabt went on to play for AC Milan and Benfica, where he is now making appearances for the Portuguese giants in the Champions League – he has had a fairly decent career in the grand scheme of things, winning the League Cup, Portuguese League and Portuguese Super Cup along the way.

In Eze’s case, he is still a young player at just 21, but has shown real star potential this season.

The former Millwall man has scored four goals and recorded two assists in 11 Championship games this term, winning the WhoScored Man of the Match award on four occasions in 2019/20.

He has every chance of matching, and even bettering, the silky Moroccan’s career, but let’s take a look at what some QPR fans on Twitter think…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

“I didn’t have doubts.”

After seeing him deliver a stellar performance in an unfamiliar role against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola lauded Fernandinho’s ability to adapt. Manchester City’s injury crisis has left them desperately short of options at centre-back, and the Brazilian was thrust into the deep end in the Champions League.

Speaking after the Citizens’ resounding 3-0 victory in Ukraine, Guardiola pointed to the holding midfielder’s “intelligence” as the main reason behind why he looked so comfortable in the heart of defence.

“That’s why he is so important for us. We don’t have many choices. I think he is the only one I have (at centre-back). Other players can play in that position but Fernandinho is a clever player and so intelligent – an incredible guy.  Of course he has a lot of experience and personality, and what he says the people follow him in the locker room so it’s important.”

Watch Manchester City Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

And when looking at the numbers behind his performance against his former club, it is clear to see why the Brazilian was singled out for praise by his manager.

As is to be expected with having a midfielder by trade dropping into centre-back, the passing numbers were very impressive. The 34-year-old looked understandably at ease with the ball at his feet, but he also proved he can read the game particularly well too. The Brazilian registered two interceptions over the course of the game, whilst his 5 foot 9 stature didn’t seem to matter much as he won three aerial duels too.

And that second stat is perhaps what Guardiola should be most intrigued about. The stereotypical centre-back is a 6 foot plus beast who barges and bullies opposition players off the ball and hoofs it into row Z. But just like he did with Javier Mascherano in his time at Barcelona, it could be the perfect time for the City boss to fully convert Fernandinho into a central defender.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

The former belied his physical flaws with an exceptional reading of the game, with former Blaugrana teammates like Gerard Pique and Dani Alves hailing his “intelligence”. Sound familiar?

Fernandinho’s equally masterful ability to break down opposition attacks by simply being in the right place at the right time – last season he averaged 2 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in the Premier League – shows he can be the latest Guardiola tactical masterpiece.

If the Spaniard can succeed in his project of converting the Brazil international into a bona-fide centre-back like Mascherano, City may well have an in-house solution to all their defensive worries.

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Some Tottenham fans have taken to Twitter to discuss Hugo Lloris, after the glovesman made a terrible error in the 2-1 win over Southampton.

The France international tried to be too clever on the ball with Danny Ings lurking, and the Saints striker robbed him on his own goal-line before poking the ball home – it was a truly embarrassing moment for the World Cup winner.

To his own credit, the former Lyon keeper atoned for his error with some match-winning saves, but his mistake did invite unnecessary pressure onto himself and his teammates.

Mauricio Pochettino has since come out and defended his No.1, but this isn’t the first time the 32-year-old has slipped up in-between the sticks.

One fan said that Lloris must now give up the captaincy following his error, while another called for people not to get on the shot-stopper’s back.

Let’s take a look at some more of the Twitter reaction…

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Leeds fans have taken to Twitter to react after it was revealed on the club’s official website that Kemar Roofe will spend a period on the sidelines after damaging knee ligaments in the recent win over Swansea.

The news will come as a big blow to promotion chasing Leeds, who will now be without their top scorer for the bulk of the run-in – 2-goal Patrick Bamford will most likely step in to cover the English striker.

Roofe has scored 14 goals in 26 Championship starts this season, so his absence will be a huge blow to Marcelo Bielsa who currently has his side sat in third and just two points off the top, along with a game in hand.

It is yet to be revealed just how long Roofe will be out for, but with such little striking depth in reserve who can match the 26-year-old’s output, Leeds supporters on Twitter are understandably worried about their chances of promotion following the crippling news…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Judging by their previous displays this season, the winner of Chelsea vs Liverpool could be decided by whichever team is able to dominate the midfield.

On the chalkboard

Frank Lampard has shown is preference for possession football since beginning his managerial career, and so far the Blues have averaged 54% possession in the league, below that of Liverpool’s 58%.

The Reds faced a similar challenge in their visit to Napoli on Tuesday, and their defeat was partly due to them being unable to exert their usual influence over the game, with the two sides having an almost equal share of the ball.

In order to prevent the same happening this weekend, Jurgen Klopp must keep a close eye on Jorginho, and Jordan Henderson would be a suitable player to mark the deep-lying midfielder.

The Italian has often been criticised since arriving in London last year but he has quietly gone about his business with great effect this season. He will provide the focal point for Chelsea in keeping the ball, as well as possessing the ability to potentially unlock the Liverpool defence – underlined by his 1.3 average key passes.

Henderson has been his typical consistent self this term, highlighted by his statistics on WhoScored, and his energy could prove valuable to his side in both attack and defence.

It may come as a surprise to some that Jorginho has been more industrious than his midfield counterpart in a variety of areas, but perhaps most impressive is the average number of interceptions he has managed so far – two, according to WhoScored.

That places him inside the top six for the average number of interceptions from a midfielder in the Premier League, proving that he has added to his game, with much of his quality coming on the ball.

Watch Liverpool Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

That is evidenced by the number of passes he makes per game, and if £20m man Henderson fails to contain his influence he will likely dictate play, and frustrate Klopp’s team by keeping the ball from them.

The Reds’ skipper will have a crucial role, therefore, but if he can close down the Brazilian he will hand the advantage to his side, and his average number of tackles this season suggests he should be able to do that.

He will also be important to Liverpool’s attacking threat, particularly his ability to find the full-backs, so if he can be effective in winning the ball back and setting off attacks then Chelsea may not be able to find a response.

Leeds United have made a late approach for Nantes forward Moses Simon, GFFN report.

The Lowdown: Simon profiled

Simon is 26 years of age and has been with the French side for 18 months since arriving in a £4.5m move from Spanish outfit Levante after a successful loan spell.

Primarily a left-winger who can also play as a centre-forward and on the right, Simon has scored 61 goals for club and country during his career.

The Nigerian appears to be at the peak of his powers with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation of £8.1m and seems to be attracting interest from Leeds.

The Latest: Approach made

According to journalist Ignazio Genuardi, via Get French Football News, the Whites are among the clubs to have made an approach for Simon.

There have been no major developments since this was reported on Saturday, so it seems as if Leeds could be biding their time before a possible deadline day move for the versatile forward.

The Verdict: Unlikely

The report claims that it could take an offer in the region of €20m (£16.6m) for Nantes to part ways with Simon this month, a fee which would be double his Transfermarkt valuation and be a costly one for Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises.

Should Crysencio Summerville leave for Hamburg following recent rumours, then it looks as if Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino could be a serious target to replace the youngster.

Who knows, Simon could also be on the list, but Victor Orta and co may simply run out of time to push a deadline day move through, with Minamino a closer option geographically at Anfield. A deal for the Japan star will potentially have less complications in the negotiating room too if Liverpool opt to loan him out after the capture of Luis Diaz.

In other news, Leeds have been boosted in their quest to sign a Premier League player. Find out who it is here.

West Brom’s reputation as a “yo-yo” club could have been ended if the club made different transfer decisions to improve their squad over the years.

Having spent more than £240m on transfer fees alone in the last decade, it is hugely disappointing for Baggies fans to still find themselves an unestablished Premier League side, with them even struggling to push for promotion from the Championship this year.

They have lost a number of their talismans throughout recent years, like Brazilian playmaker Matheus Pereira, who left at the start of this season for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal for £16.2m.

Albion could have made a club-transforming transfer back in 2011, as according to the Daily Mail, then-Baggies manager Roy Hodgson was targeting a move for a teenage Wilfried Zaha, who subsequently became a hero at Crystal Palace under the English coach for years to come.

He has made 420 appearances for the south London club, scoring 78 goals and providing 73 assists as he has consistently helped the team remain in the top tier of English football for nine years and counting.

Eagles assistant manager Osian Roberts praised the Ivory Coast international earlier this season for his positive influence off the pitch – something which would have greatly benefitted a “yo-yo” team in helping them secure Premier League survival.

Roberts said: “I can only go on personal experience of the last few months, and I think Wilfried is a top professional, who is hungry for success. He wants to be successful as an individual, and he wants to be successful in a team environment, and in order to do so you have to push yourself and you have to push your teammates.

“Patrick [Vieira] is always saying to our group of players ‘you must demand more from each other’ and Wilfried is one of the first to do that.”

Ranking in the top 9% of wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions for dribbles attempted per 90 (4.86), top 11% for carries into the penalty area per 90 (1.84) and top 12% for pressures per 90 (21.75), the former Manchester United winger has proven himself to be one of the Premier League’s top forwards in recent years.

If West Brom had signed a clinical forward like Zaha, who would have not only got The Hawthorns crowd on their feet but kept them in the top flight right up to the present day, they could have shed their status as a “yo-yo” team by now. Instead, they’re left watching on as he’s done just that with Crystal Palace.

In other news: WBA could face disaster on “accomplished” 28 y/o who’s “getting better all the time”

Taking to Twitter, a number of West Ham fans have slammed the rumours suggesting that Andy Carroll could return to the club, following the news that he was pictured at the Hammers’ Rush Green training ground.

Shared by WestHamFans.org (via Claret & Hugh), images of former Hammers player Carroll at West Ham’s training ground have recently emerged, sparking rumours that he could be making a shock return to the club.

The 6 foot 3 striker made 142 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 34 goals during his tenure at the East London side.

In November last year, the 32-year-old joined Reading on a short-term contract. However, this contract has now expired, and the former Newcastle man is without a club. As a result, it remains to be seen what lies in the player’s imminent footballing future.

These West Ham fans react to the Carroll news

Club insider ExWHUemployee downplayed the rumours of Carroll’s return on Twitter, claiming that he has ‘been told the deal isn’t on’, further stating that he was ‘not sure why this Carroll rumour has so much legs’.

However, this still doesn’t explain why the player was pictured at the club’s training ground.

Consequently, fans flocked to the comments to share their disbelief, many slamming the club for entertaining such a prospect.

Here’s what some of them had to say:

“It’s baffling he is playing in the championship for a reason IMO even if we were in the bottom 4 it’s the wrong move and there are better options out there.”

Credit: @AshBarton70

“Don’t need to sign him ( we do need a striker). That’s a step backwards for us . Leave him in our history & move on .”

Credit: @SkeltonTony

“We’re desperate. That’s why hahahahaha”

Credit: @breggertelli

“Think it’s more about just how low our expectations still are!”

Credit: @richards_shaun

“Would be my last day as a West Ham fan”

Credit: @altgram

“Why on earth would they even consider it, are our fans deluded or something???”

Credit: @BKhammer1