Juventus icon Leonardo Bonucci snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in favour of a Serie A striker when naming his toughest opponent.
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The Blues won 3-1 against Phil Parkinson's side as they maintained their unbeaten record, and ended the Red Dragons' in one fell swoop.
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West Bromwich Albion might well view this first leg stalemate against Southampton as a missed opportunity on the whole, with the Hawthorns acting as a fortress in the regular Championship season.
Boasting 15 home wins under Carlos Corberan during the bread and butter of league action before the tense playoffs got underway, the Baggies will now have to go to St. Mary's and pick up a result in a clash that will suit Russell Martin's men more back on their own turf.
Only having two shots on target all game will be the troubling statistic from a West Brom perspective, however, knowing that lone centre-forward Brandon Thomas-Asante flopped again on the big occasion.
Brandon Thomas-Asante's performance in numbers
Touch-and-go over whether he'd be kept in his manager's first-team thoughts for the opening playoff tie owing to a recent drop-off in form, Thomas-Asante's struggles as the lone striker were clear for all to see in his anonymous showing against the Saints.
Only amassing 15 touches of the ball, which saw just four accurate passes be played, the likes of Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis at the back had a routine afternoon in the West Midlands dealing with the ex-Salford City striker who was weak and unassuming in his attacking play.
The best chance of the game would fall to Thomas-Asante's brighter partner up top in Grady Diangana, who was denied by Alex McCarthy instinctively from point-blank range, with the lacklustre 25-year-old only registering one shot in total himself which was blocked.
Birmingham World's Charlie Haffenden dished out a low 4/10 rating to the wasteful attacker consequently, stating that the striker – who has now bagged just two times in his last ten Baggies appearances – 'struggled' throughout.
The out-of-form number 21 could now finally be dropped from Corberan's XI for the second leg to come on the South Coast, therefore, with the Spaniard in the West Brom dug-out scrambling in his mind now as to who can lead the line to spearhead the promotion hopefuls to success on their travels away from Thomas-Asante.
The players that could replace Thomas-Asante
West Brom supporters would have been puzzled with the complete absence of Josh Maja for this goalless first-leg draw, with the injury-prone attacker edging closer to more action after battling back from being stuck in the treatment room recently.
There is a possibility that Corberan throws the ex-Sunderland man in at the deep end for the second clash at St. Mary's on Friday night now, attempting to spring a surprise on Martin's hosts in the process.
Away from this wildcard selection, the Baggies boss could opt to play Jed Wallace in this lone striker spot having got mild success out of the ex-Millwall man playing him here during the regular campaign – the experienced and versatile West Brom man does have six goal contributions when selected here from 12 games.
The adaptable 30-year-old was only afforded an eight-minute cameo against the Saints at the Hawthorns, with only three touches registered, but Corberan wouldn't hesitate to chuck him in from the start in such a crucial contest despite not starting him in the first leg.
Southampton 2-1 West Brom
11th November 2023
Saints 2-0 West Brom
4th October 2020
Saints 1-0 West Brom
21st October 2017
Saints 1-2 West Brom
31st December 2016
Saints 3-0 West Brom
16th January 2016
Glancing at West Brom's record on their travels to St. Mary's in the past, the Baggies will go into the clash as slight underdogs which could result in a tweak from the manager in attack potentially being seen as a masterstroke if it pays off with Andreas Weimann even in contention to start after making up the numbers on the substitutes bench in the home clash.
Aiming to channel the side of December 2016 when they make the long trip to face the Saints this coming Friday, Corberan will hope whatever striker is selected can be a hero on the night.
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne was stunned after seeing his pace rating on EA SPORTS FC 25 has fallen.
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Newcastle United have been hampered by inconsistency and a number of injuries over the past months, with a top-four spot now firmly out of reach.
However, a European berth is still firmly within their grasp, with the Magpies sitting in seventh place ahead of their home game against rock-bottom Sheffield United this weekend.
As we get closer towards the business end of the season, Eddie Howe will be eager to avoid any further blows to his squad, so with that in mind, Football FanCast is here to keep you updated with the latest injury and suspension news coming out of St James' Park.
Latest Newcastle United injury news
Eddie Howe gave his latest update ahead of the Blades' visit on Saturday. Tino Livramento appears set to feature at St James' Park after being left on the bench against Crystal Palace. Elsewhere, Miguel Almiron looks to be the closest to a first-team comeback, though he has been ruled out for this weekend, with the trip to Burnley a more likely return date.
The manager also hinted that the likes of Kieran Trippier, Joelinton and Nick Pope were all potentially able to return before the end of the campaign.
However, Howe was less positive about Matt Targett, who he expects to miss the remainder of the season, as he joins the likes of Lewis Miley and Joe Willock on the treatment table.
Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman and the suspended Sandro Tonali remain long-term absentees for the Toon.
Miguel Almiron
Knee
April
4th May
Kieran Trippier
Calf
2nd March
May
Joelinton
Thigh
6th January
May
Nick Pope
Dislocated shoulder
2nd December
May
Lewis Miley
Back
International break
Next season
Matt Targett
Achilles
Late March
Next season
Joe Willock
Achilles
April
Next season
Sandro Tonali
Suspended
27th October
27th August 2024
Sven Botman
ACL
16th March
2025
Jamaal Lascelles
ACL
April
2025
Miguel Almiron – knee
Based on Eddie Howe's latest press conference, Miguel Almiron is the closest to returning to the first-team fold after tweaking his knee earlier this month.
According to The Chronicle, Howe indicated that although Almiron is out of the clash with Sheffield United, the Paraguayan will be "there or there about" ahead of Newcastle's trip to Turf Moor next weekend.
Kieran Trippier – calf
Kieran Trippier has been out for a while now, but Howe indicated that a return is not too far away for the defender. He could even be in contention for the squad against former club Burnley, but faces a race against time.
Ahead of this weekend, Howe said: "We hope he’ll be back soon, but not for this game."
Joelinton – thigh
Joelinton could miss the remainder of the current campaign due to a thigh injury, which was picked up during the 3-0 win over bitter rivals Sunderland in the FA Cup. It was confirmed by the club after the midfielder underwent thigh surgery.
Howe was understandably despondent when commenting on it back in January, saying (via The Chronicle): "Massive blow for us. We knew when he did the injury it immediately didn't look good. We didn't know he'd be out as long. He's had a stop-start season. When he is fit and firing, there's no one like him and he brings a different dynamic to our midfield. He's a leader as well. He'll be a big miss."
More recently, he has hinted that a return before the end of the season is possible, with The Chronicle stating that he could return alongside Kieran Trippier in the coming weeks.
Nick Pope – dislocated shoulder
Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder during his side's 1-0 victory against Manchester United in early December, and it was stated that he could miss up to four months, keeping him sidelined until April.
Howe provided an update on Pope's condition soon after when speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle: "He's had a couple of appointments, visited specialists. I am sort of awaiting final news on what is going to happen.
"The operation hasn't happened yet but we are thinking roughly around four months. So it is a big blow to us, but one that we expected after the game. As soon as you see the dislocation, we were fearing the worst."
Pope is not expected to face ex-employers Burnley next week, but he could be between the sticks again before the end of the campaign, having returned to training.
Lewis Miley – back
Lewis Miley picked up a back problem while away with the England Development Squad.
And, it doesn't look like he'll be back before the end of the season, as Eddie Howe said this:
"The decision was made on Lewis to protect him long-term. We won’t see Lewis again this season. Even if there was a chance, we took that away quite early on with his age, we are just thinking about his long-term prospect."
Matt Targett – Achilles
Eddie Howe also revealed recently that Matt Targett's Achilles injury will likely see him sit out the rest of the season.
He told reporters before Newcastle's clash against Sheffield United (via The Chronicle): "We'll not [see him again], I'll say. If we rushed him back and hit the accelerator, he might be back for the last game. But with that in mind, we'd be better off waiting for next summer."
Joe Willock – Achilles
Joe Willock was added to the injury list at Newcastle after lasting only 40 minutes against Fulham in early April.
He's now set to miss the remainder of the current campaign. Here's what Howe had to say:
"We have decided that a period where he strengthens the area around his Achilles will benefit him more. The long-term view was taken, we will get him right for next season. Surgery wouldn’t be beneficial for him in this situation. It is frustrating for Joe, but hopefully we can get to the situation where he is playing freely next season.”
Sven Botman – ACL
Sven Botman picked up an ACL injury while playing against Manchester City in the FA Cup prior to the March international break, and is now set to be out for an extended period of time.
Howe had this to say on his situation:
“A big blow. It’s a complex story around Sven this season since he got his knee injury. Initially, he had a partial tear of his ACL, we saw [the] specialist opinion on that injury and there were conflicting reports on what he should do next.
"Ultimately, our medical team advised him to get surgery. He wanted to carry on playing and we'll always try to guide and help the players but it's their bodies and they have to make the final decision.
"I've seen several players from that injury come back and carry on playing and stay fit. It's a delicate issue for him. He now has a long period of rehab ahead of him and we wish him well and hope he comes back in a really good place."
Jamaal Lascelles – ACL
Eddie Howe also has to contend with Jamaal Lascelles's own ACL injury. This is set to see him miss around 6-9 months of action.
Latest Newcastle United suspension news
Sandro Tonali is the only Magpies player currently serving a long-term suspension.
Sandro Tonali – suspended (illegal betting)
The Italy international will be sidelined from competitive action until next August after breaching betting rules.
A Newcastle statement read: "Sandro Tonali has been banned from competitive football for ten months, as effective from Friday, 27th October 2023, following illegal betting charges by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
"FIGC's sanction includes an overall 18-month ban, with eight months commuted as the player participates in a therapeutic plan and educational programme in Italy consisting of 16 commitments.
"On the evening of Friday, 27th October, Newcastle United received confirmation that FIFA has endorsed FIGC's sanction to be applied worldwide, meaning Sandro will be eligible to return to competitive football from Tuesday, 27th August 2024."
West Bromwich Albion striker Brandon Thomas-Asante will be gutted with how his afternoon went against Sunderland last time out in Championship action, with the Black Cats defence getting under his skin which resulted in an early dismissal.
Albion lacked a focal point up top after the ex-Salford City attacker had been given his marching orders, handing the visitors from Wearside a much-needed 1-0 victory in the process.
The 25-year-old hasn't let himself down an awful lot this campaign however, having found the back of the net an impressive 11 times from 37 matches in the league to be the leading scorer for the Baggies in the division.
There will be no temptation in the West Midlands just yet to try and offload Thomas-Asante even after this reckless red card, with the Baggies making a wise call in the past when getting rid of this former centre-forward.
Shane Long's time at West Brom
Purchased by Roy Hodgson back in 2011, Shane Long would relocate to the Baggies with a reputation for being a prolific goal machine – firing in 23 goals in the Championship for Reading during the 2010/11 season, before the call from West Brom was made.
The seasoned Republic of Ireland international would go on to have an up-and-down stint for the Baggies, netting a weak 22 goals from 87 games in total.
That isn't to say his entire three season-stay with West Brom was seen as a complete failure, with Long netting 11 goals during his second year at the Hawthorns in all competitions, but there wouldn't have been too many groans when the Baggies managed to get a good deal out of Hull City in 2014.
Adding a hefty £7m into their bank account when Long confirmed his move to the Tigers – a profit on the £4.5m the Baggies had previously splashed on Long – this deal looks even more of a smart call looking back when you consider how much that sale would be in today's inflated market courtesy of Totally Football's Transfer Index.
What Shane Long would be worth in 2024 money
If that same deal went through in 2024, West Brom would have banked an even healthier £14m to further justify their decision to move the Irishman on.
Long would only go on to make 17 appearances for his new employers before Southampton swooped in, whilst West Brom gambled on young hotshot Saido Berahino to fire in the goals which worked wonders for a brief period of time.
Long would go on to become a feared Premier League striker with the Saints momentarily – bagging a career-best at the level during his debut season on the South Coast with ten strikes – but West Brom won't have been too disheartened with the money they received cutting ties with the now retired attacker when revisiting the sale back in their heads.
Thomas-Asante will hope he's a top-flight striker at some point this year, with Carlos Corberan's men still very much in the running to make the leap up to the Premier League via the playoff picture despite a recent bumpy patch of form.
West Brom struck gold with an icon who'd be worth £12m in 2024 money
West Bromwich Albion got their money’s worth with this excellent gem.
ByKelan Sarson Mar 28, 2024
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A disputa judicial entre Denílson e Belo ganhou mais um capítulo. O Tribunal de Justiça de São Paulo (TJ-SP) bloqueou a arrecadação do cantor com a venda de ingressos referentes a dois shows realizados em comemoração ao Dia dos Namorados. A instituição ordenou a transferência do valor para a quitação da dívida com o ex-jogador e comentarista da Band. A informação é do “Uol”.
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Segundo decisão do Juiz Carlo Mazza Britto Melfi, no dia 17 de junho, a transferência deve ser concluída em até cinco dias.
-Não obstante a manifestação da Empresa Brasileira de Comercialização de Ingressos S/A, cabe o cumprimento da determinação judicial de p. 2625 no sentido de promover a transferência dos valores obtidos com a venda dos ingressos referentes a apresentação de nome “Belo in Concert”, nos exatamos termos daquela decisão, no prazo improrrogável de cinco dias – ponderou.
Em nota ao “Uol”, Denílson alegou não ter mais o que falar sobre a temática.
-Um assunto que não mudou dos últimos anos. [O Belo] continua me devendo e eu continuo querendo receber – afirmou.
O casso corre desde 2017 e o despacho inicial, assinado peloJuiz Carlo Mazza Britto Melfi, ordenava a penhora deR$ 4.770.811,83 do cantor Belo, em ação a favor do ex-jogador Denílson.
AC Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani has revealed the "fundamental" role Zlatan Ibrahimovic and manager Paulo Fonseca played in recruiting Alvaro Morata.
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The manager has announced his departure after another agonising final defeat – so who could step into his shoes?
Gareth Southgate has the best record of any England coach when it comes to winning matches at major tournaments and going deep into them. He is comfortably the best manager the country has had aside from World Cup-winning Sir Alf Ramsey, taking the Three Lions to two European Championship finals, plus a World Cup semi and a quarter-final.
And yet he has the same number of major trophies as all of his predecessors with the exception of Ramsey: precisely none. It is that failure to get over the line that has likely led to Southgate announcing his resignation from the England manager's job on Tuesday following their painful but resounding defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
Southgate's role in changing the culture of the national team and his unifying influence should not be forgotten, but his credit was in danger of running out the longer he remained in charge. He was very aware of this after being the subject of ridicule during the tournament and having cups thrown at him by his own fans.
The Football Association were believed to be in favour of Southgate staying, but the coach's own humility has lead to a parting of the ways. He does, however, leave the team in very good hands for whoever takes the baton from him.
GOAL outlines the top candidates who could succeed Southgate and make England dream again…
حقق فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي مانشستر سيتي، فوزًا هامًا وقاتلًا على نظيره ولفرهامبتون بثنائية مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن الجولة الثامنة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
تلقى مانشستر سيتي مفاجأة في الدقيقة السابعة، بهدف أول لأصحاب ملعب موليناو، عن طريق ستراند لارسن في شباك الحارس إيديرسون مورايس.
طالع أيضًا | بعد اهتمام السعودية.. مانشستر سيتي يستعد لبيع نجم الفريق مقابل ثمن رخيص
وفي الدقيقة 33، سجل جوفسكو جفارديول بطريقة رائعة، هدف التعادل في شباك أصحاب الأرض، بتسديدة ممتازة من خارج منطقة الجزاء.
المد الهجومي استمر ولكن انتهى الشوط الأول، بالتعادل 1-1، رغم إهدار العديد من الفرص للضيوف.
في الشوط الثاني، أجرى بيب 3 تغييرات، ودخل فودين وجريليتش وماثيوس نونيز، بدلًا من سافيو ودوكو وكوفاسيتش.
غياب رودري كان مؤثرًا بالفعل، ولكن دفاع مانشستر سيتي كان له الكلمة العليا في المباراة، وبعد التعادل من جفارديول، ظهر جون ستونز في اللحظات الأخيرة.
ركنية يصعد لها ستونز ويسجلها في شباك سا، ولكن الحكم يلغي الهدف، قبل أن تنصف تقنية الفيديو حامل اللقب، وتكتب فوزًا صعبًا لأبناء بيب جوارديولا.
هدف ستونز جلب 3 نقاط لـ مانشستر سيتي، رفع من خلالها السيتيزين رصيده إلى 20 نقطة في صدارة مؤقتة للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز قبل مواجهة ليفربول وتشيلسي، بينما ولفرهامبتون واصل المعاناة، بنقطة واحدة يحتل مؤخرة الترتيب في المركز الـ20. أهداف مباراة مانشستر سيتي وولفرهامبتون في الدوري الإنجليزي