According to The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur are not prepared to pay more than £15m to sign Aston Villa attacker Jack Grealish in this summer’s transfer window.
It is understood that Spurs will make a take-it-or-leave-it offer for Grealish as the Premier League club look to test Villa’s resolve.
The Championship outfit are not exactly in the best of positions to negotiate when considering their financial problems.
It has previously been reported that Villa want £40m for the 22-year-old, but it is extremely difficult to imagine any club coming up with that sort of money in this transfer window.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255574″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Four World Cup myths debunked”]
The Villa fans have been reacting to Tottenham’s reported bid, and it seems that the bulk are in agreement when it comes to whether their club should accept £15m.
Grealish scored three times and registered five assists in 27 Championship appearances last term, and he might not see a lot of first-team football if he moves to Tottenham.
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.
That said, Villa’s financial problems could well force them into a sale for less than his true value.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
Tottenham Hotspur extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 15 games on Sunday thanks to a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Mauricio Pochettino’s team were firm favourites heading into the contest given that their opponents are fighting a relegation battle and had not picked up a victory in five attempts.
However, Roy Hodgson’s side managed to keep Spurs at bay until the 89th minute when Harry Kane netted the winner and his 35th goal of the season in all competitions.
The North London club have put on some scintillating displays this season, but Sunday’s encounter was not as easy on the eye.
[ad_pod ]
Former Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas highlighted that fact in a tweet following the final whistle.
Tottenham fans responded with their take on the football pundit’s post, with some in agreement and others challenging his claim.
Before the start of the season, Spurs would have hoped to be fighting for the league title given that they finished third and second respectively in the last two campaigns.
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.
However, Manchester City are streets ahead of the pack with a 13-point advantage and a game in hand.
Tottenham currently reside fourth in the standings, four points behind second-placed Manchester United.
Having shipped fifty goals in the Premier League last season, Brendan Rodgers is understandably in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer. Along with Alberto Moreno and Ricardo Rodriguez, Rojo is another name that has consistently been linked with Liverpool over the last month. The 24 year old netted the winner against Nigeria in the final group fixture and is expected to start against Switzerland this afternoon.
The Argentine made the move to Spartak Moscow in 2011 but evidently struggled to settle, moving on to Sporting Lisbon after just one season. However, the left back has thrived in Portugal and as well as impressing Liverpool’s scouts, the 24 year old is reportedly attracting attention from the likes of Barcelona and Juventus.
Predominantly a full back, Rojo has deputised centrally for large portions of this season. The 24 year old was a key component of a defence which only conceded 20 goals in the Primeira Liga. Standing at 6’1″, the Argentine uses his physicality to contest for the ball and unsettle his opponents. In possession, the 24 year old remains composed even in tight situations. Having netted four times in the league last season, the defender also clearly poses an offensive threat from set pieces.
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.
However, although he was deputising in central defence for large periods, the failure to record an assist in the Primeira Liga suggests a potential deficiency in the full back’s offensive play. As ludicrous as it sounds, the Argentine may be deemed somwehat too conservative for a modern full back. In Rodgers’ attack-minded Liverpool side, the manager would expect Rojo to contribute much more in the final third.
If the reports are to be believed, Moreno is Liverpool’s preferred target but the Reds’ are baulking at Sevilla’s £20 million valuation. With Sporting willing to accept a fee around the £10 million mark, Rojo provides a much cheaper versatile alternative to the Spaniard. The Argentine would provide a strong presence in the Liverpool backline but concerns remain as to whether he possesses the required attributes to succeed offensively in Rodgers’ attack-minded formations.
One of the most important days of the footballing calendar is upon us with the first Merseyside Derby of the season. As the latest instalment takes place at Goodison Park this afternoon, let’s remind ourselves about all that makes a Derby day special with a look back on the Top 10 Merseyside Derbies of all-time. There’s blood, sweat and with it, the obligatory tears to boot. Let’s take a look.
1. Liverpool 4 Everton 4 (Anfield) – FA Cup Fifth-Round, 1991 – Quite rightly regarded as the best Merseyside Derby of all-time and memorable for the fact that it was Kenny Dalglish’s final game in charge of his first spell at the club with the Scot resigning the next day. Peter Beardsley drew first blood after Ian Rush dispossessed Kevin Ratcliffe and had his shot saved by Neville Southall, with Beardsley banging in the rebound. Graeme Sharp equalised right after the break before Beardsley bagged a spectacular left-footed effort from 25 yards into the top left-hand corner. A mix-up between Steve Nicol and Bruce Grobelaar saw Sharp equalise once more with a tap in from two yards before Ian Rush saw Liverpool take the lead for the third time in the 77th minute with a deft header from a Jan Molby cross. A hopeful punt up field led to Tony Cottee, on as a sub, bagging Everton’s third to make it 3-3. John Barnes handed Liverpool the lead in extra-time until Cottee once again pegged Liverpool back with a 114th minute equaliser. Everton went onto win the replay 1-0. Simply put, one of the best FA Cup ties of all time and a great advert for the Merseyside derby.
2. Liverpool 3, Everton 2 (Wembley) – FA Cup Final, 1989 – Held just five weeks after the shocking, traumatic and deeply upsetting events of the Hillsborough disaster where 96 fans lost their lives, this game went some way to cathartically healing the wounds for many across Merseyside. On the footballing front, the final didn’t disappoint. John Aldridge gave Liverpool a crucial early lead before Stuart McCall struck back in the 90th minute. In extra-time Liverpool sub Ian Rush put his side ahead once more. Stuart McCall, the unlikeliest of scorers, then struck a sensational second before Rush once again, the scourge of Everton fans everywhere, bagged his second and Liverpool’s third and with it the FA Cup on a very moving day for all connected with either club and the city.
3. Everton 2, Liverpool 3 (Goodison Park) – Premier League, 2001 – Both clubs approached the tie with very different priorities in mind. Liverpool were on the cusp of an infamous treble, Everton under Walter Smith, were trying to stave off relegation for a further season. This has to go down as the finest Derby of the Premier League era, notable for the final kick of the game, a 40-yard free-kick by Gary McAllister that crept into Paul Gerrard’s net – a truly astounding goal. This game had everything. Liverpool surged into a two-goal lead courtesy of Emile Heskey and Markus Babbel before terrace favourites Duncan Ferguson and Dave ‘Rhino’ Unsworth reduced the deficit and levelled the tie. Igor Biscan was sent off, there were 12 cards in total and even an uncharacteristic Robbie Fowler penalty miss to throw into the mix until McAllister stepped up with an unlikely and breathtaking winner. Pulsating.
4. Liverpool 0, Everton 1 (Anfield) – First Division, 1984 – The turning of the tide? Everton announced themselves as the new dominant force in English football with an era defining victory over Liverpool at home. Liverpool were the reigning European Cup champions, but on this display, it was to be Everton that were to go onto bigger things that season. Graeme Sharp’s thunderous volley that later went onto be named Goal of the Season was the difference in the score lines, but the difference in performance was startling. Everton went onto claim the league title, European Cup Winners Cup and narrowly lost out on a momentous treble with a defeat to Man Utd in the FA Cup.
5. Liverpool 3, Everton 1 (Wembley), FA Cup Final, 1986 – The first ever all-Merseyside FA Cup final. A close-run league campaign eventually saw Liverpool edge out their close rivals. At Wembley, Gary Linekar continued his only ever campaign in an Everton shirt in predictably prolific fashion giving Everton the lead. However, perennial thorn in the side Ian Rush struck twice and Craig Johnston added the icing on the cake.
6. Liverpool 2, Everton 2 (Maine Road), FA Cup Semi-Final, 1977 – What is is about the FA Cup that brings the best out of these Merseyside Derby encounters. Perhaps the most controversial on the list, Liverpool fans the world over will still be left wondering quite how they came away from this game with a draw and a replay. Bryan Hamilton had a goal unfathomably disallowed by referee Clive Thomas in the dying moments with the scores level after Jimmy Case and Terry McDermott had scored for Liverpool and Bruce Rioch and Duncan McKenzie had done the same for the Toffees. Liverpool went onto win the replay 3-0 to further add insult to injury.
7. Everton 0, Liverpool 5 (Goodison Park), First Division, 1982 – Ian Rush completely destroyed his boyhood heroes with a four-goal salvo. Everton weren’t helped by having debutant Glen Keeley sent off early on, though. Mark Lawrensen added the other with a tap in from a Kenny Dalglish cross. This game is memorable most for the true finishing masterclass put on by Rush.
8. Everton 3, Liverpool 0 (Goodison Park), Premier League, 2006 – A game personally memorably for me for so many reasons. Could it be the tortuous four-hour long journey home in a car with three Everton fans? Could it be the one-word riposte of Phil Neal in the stands when asked what he thought of the performance…’disgusting’? Or could it be the now infamous chant of ‘Reina drops keep falling on my head’ that was sung in the crowded streets after the game in reference to the third goal of the game? Everton recorded their biggest victory over Liverpool in 42 years with a display of clinical finishing. Tim Cahill notched the first before an Andy Johnson double ended the contest.
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.
9. Liverpool 3, Everton 2 (Anfield), Premier League, 1999 – Liverpool went into this game seeking their first victory over their nearest rivals since 1994 in a run that stretched to 9 games. Olivier Dacourt put Everton ahead inside the first minute with an excellent strike from 30 yards. Marco Materazzi then gave away a penalty after clumsily lunging for the ball and bringing down skipper Paul Ince in the process. Robbie Fowler dispatched the penalty before then celebrating with the now infamous ‘snorting the line’ celebration which manager Gerard Houllier bafflingly laughed off stating that Fowler was “eating the grass”. Fowler added a second with a header before Patrick Berger added a third with a fine volley from the edge of the area. Francis Jeffers got Everton’s second late on with a neat turn and finish. There was still time for more drama, though, as an 18 year-old sub by the name of Steven Gerrard managed to clear off the line from Danny Cadamarteri in the dying embers of the game.
10. Liverpool 0, Everton 1 (Anfield), Premier League, 1999 – A typically feisty Derby day encounter saw Kevin Campbell’s 12th goal in 19 games since arriving back from Turkey prove the difference in the fourth minute. Francis Jeffers and Sander Westerveld were both shown a red card for what can only be described as handbags at dawn and Steven Gerrard was also given his marching orders for a scything (not the first time that could be said of his challenges in a Derby game) challenge on Campbell late on.
Join us at 12.30 today for coverage of the Merseyside Derby – give your predictions and join the debate here
It could be said that Southampton were a little fortunate not to be relegated from the Premier League last season.
They eventually ended the campaign in 17th, three points above the drop zone and breathing a sigh of relief following a poor year of football at St. Mary’s.
Mark Hughes came in to replace Mauricio Pellegrino in March and after initial struggles to pick up results, managed to steer them to safety via a hugely important 1-0 victory away at Swansea in their penultimate fixture of the season – Swansea ended up going down as a result.
Hughes and Southampton now have a big job on their hands this summer to ensure a repeat of last season is prevented, and many eyes will be on how they choose to operate in the transfer market.
It would come as a surprise to many to see the Saints struggle again in 2018/19 and if they can start strongly this time out they should be able to make a huge improvement – they go in to the new campaign on the back of just one defeat in five, so they will be confident of doing better.
Their opening fixtures of the 2018/19 Premier League season, now officially confirmed, will give Saints fans an indication of how likely that is…
11th August – Burnley (H)
18th August – Everton (A)
25th August – Leicester (H)
1st September – Crystal Palace (A)
15th September – Brighton (H)
22nd September – Liverpool (A)
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.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255885″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Southampton’s opening fixtures for the 201819 Premier League season”]
Verdict
After a disastrous season at St Mary’s last term that saw the Saints stave off relegation at the final hour, Mark Hughes will be relatively happy with the makeup of this season’s fixture list – especially the opening months – that enables them some genuine opportunities to put some early points on the board.
With an opening day visit of Burnley followed by a trip to Goodison Park, the run of fixtures that includes games against the likes of Leicester, Crystal Palace and Brighton should ensure a reasonable start for Southampton and provide a strong foundation for the rest of the season.
There is no doubt that Virgil van Dijk has been one of the most sought-after central defenders in the Premier League for quite some time now. Landing him in the January window as clearly a significant coup for Liverpool, especially as league leaders Manchester City were said to have been sniffing around, too.
There is also no doubt that he isn’t worth £75m. But then again, this market is obscene. No one is really worth that amount, but if you had to make a list of the Premier League defenders you’d spend that money on, the Dutchman would be near the top of the list.
And yet, if you were to base your decision solely on his performances this season, he wouldn’t even come close to being one of the league’s top defenders.
Instead, his broken down move in the summer has left him out of the loop in many ways. He has spent the season barely caring, just seemingly counting down the days until he could sign for a new club and get as far away from St Mary’s as possible.
But the question few asked was if that would help.
Clearly you don’t become a bad footballer overnight, and it’s clear that few if any onlookers would be of the opinion that Van Dijk is only as good as his current form. And yet, there are now rumblings. Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports’ The Debate programme, has suggested that the new signing may be a little overweight – certainly not something a player of his calibre should be accused of, and at this stage of the season, it’s really rather shocking.
But it speaks to one of the real problems with the transfer for a man Liverpool paid so much money for.
Take Philippe Coutinho, for example. Last summer, he acted badly. He effectively went on strike to attempt to force a move out of the club. It was only after the transfer window was closed that he put his life back on track. But there’s a difference: he didn’t sulk. Despite his petulance in the summer, he got on with it again and played some of the best football of his career to date.
Van Dijk, on the other hand, has sulked. Instead of staying fit and healthy and caring about his football he appears to have landed at Liverpool in need of something of a pre-season.
It shows that you can’t just turn it on and off like a tap, which is presumably what Van Dijk and many onlookers thought might happen.
No one, other than some very misguided individuals, thought that Van Dijk by himself would transform Liverpool’s defence into world beaters. But many seemed to feel as though the team would be helped enormously by the arrival of a genuinely good defender. That will no doubt happen in time, but right now what we’re seeing is a player who has seemingly let himself go for a few months, not realising just how difficult it would be to get back up to speed.
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.
Is that simply to be expected from a player who was kept for half a season against his will? Or should we worry that this is symptomatic of an attitude problem which will plague him for the rest of his Liverpool career at times when things aren’t going well for him?
If you can unsettle a player in pursuit of his signature, perhaps that should tell you that his mentality isn’t one you want to invest so much money in.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that his side’s 3-2 win against Manchester City could prove to be “significant” in the title race.
After going 2-0 up through Raheem Sterling and Martin Skrtel in the first-half the Reds were pegged back within 15 minutes of the interval the interval as David Silva slotted home before forcing an own goal from Glen Johnson.
But despite City having seized the momentum, Philippe Coutinho fired home after a mis-hit clearance from Vincent Kompany to win the game and send Liverpool seven points clear of Manuel Pellegrini’s men.
Perhaps more significantly the result means that if Liverpool win their remaining four fixtures they will end their 24-year wait for English football’s top prize.
Although he refused to state that his team are favourites for the title, Rodgers celebrated the character his team showed to get such an important three points:
“I said before the game that it was a significant game and it may end up being a significant one, but we’ve got Norwich next week.” He told Sky Sports.
“We’ve been put under pressure in every game that we’ve played. But you see the level and the quality of our football – it was fantastic today – so we’re clearly coping with it.
“It was a remarkable performance. I thought we were incredible today. I think the world watching that would see a team with so much spirit and so much quality.
“It showed you the character in this group to come back, to get our composure again and to score a brilliant goal.”
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.
Liverpool face Norwich next weekend before hosting fellow title candidates Chelsea ahead of games against Crystal Palace and Newcastle on the final day of the season.
[ffccomp link=”https://www.footballfancast.com/competitions/win-nikes-brand-new-england-football-kit” oneliner=”For your chance to WIN the new England kit made by Nike, simply comment below with your size…” step=”TELL US YOUR SIZE BELOW” terms=”http://england-kit-giveaway.pen.io/” topics=”england, nike, brazil, kit, football, soccer”]
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers could be forgiven for already counting the days until the January transfer window opens after his side’s reliance on youth in the early stages of this season and the somewhat threadbare nature of his first-team squad, but with resources tight, where will he need to focus his attentions the most?
The 39-year-old has spoken of ‘operational issues’ hindering him in the past, with a clear and knowing nod to the way that the club managed to somehow let Andy Carroll leave on loan in the final few days of the transfer window without a guaranteed replacement lined-up, with Ian Ayre unable to negotiate successfully for either Daniel Sturridge or Clint Dempsey.
Indeed, Rodgers has even spoken this week about the need for reinvestment when the earliest opportunity presents itself, telling TheDaily Mail: “There are still areas we want to reinforce — and we have to reinforce as soon as we can. Our best team are comparable to any team in the Premier League. But we’re a very thin squad and we are having to challenge on a lot of fronts. I’ve had good conversations with the owners and they understand where we are at as a team.”
In light of Fabio Borini’s recent fractured foot injury that he suffered while on international duty with Italy’s U-21 side, it only served to compound their transfer failings in recent times, despite the lack of clarity over whether he is best utilised in a wide or central role. As a result, Rodgers looks extremely short on numbers up top, with the burden now falling even heavier on Luis Suarez to perform and provide a consistent stream of goals.
The only other options available aside from the controversial Uruguayan are youth-team players Samed Yesil, Adam Morgan and Daniel Pacheco and none of them can be relied upon to provide ample support to Suarez just yet, with Pacheco in particular in danger of missing the boat completely in terms of his ability to be a relied upon member of the squad.
It becomes clear that despite the midfield weighing in well with their fair share of goals so far, that Liverpool are going to require first and foremost another striker in the transfer window, with Demba Ba and Gary Hooper the latest names rather understandably linked with a move to Anfield in recent days. No other position in the squad offers the same paucity of options and dearth of recognised and established talent and Rodgers may even exercise the call-back option on Carroll’s loan move to West Ham if nothing else materialises.
In midfield, the likes of Gerrard, Sahin, Allen, Henderson, Shelvey and Lucas when he returns from injury provides a more than healthy competition for places, with each player showing a run of form at some point this season and even with the side playing three in the middle of the park, the squad would seem to be well set there.
Next up on the agenda may be another winger and while talk of moving for someone such as Cristian Eriksen may be fanciful at this point, it’s clear that Stewart Downing’s future is in doubt at the moment after a very public falling-out with Rodgers and Sterling and Suso, by virtue of their age and inexperience, along with Assaidi in his first year in England, are going to require some support further down the line.
The recent links to Angelo Ogbonna and Diego Lugano are also completely understandable, with Daniel Agger playing injured at the moment and the jury still out on whether Jamie Carragher can force his way into Rodgers Premier League plans. Quite where this leaves Danny Wilson at the moment remains to be seen, but the presence of the burly Micah Richards mark 2 that is Andre Wisdom means that this can be seen as less urgent for the time being at least.
Finally, Jack Robinson’s run-outs at full-back in the Europa League so far this season have been hugely promising, as has Wisdom’s elevation into the first-team, with Glen Johnson a versatile option, but Jose Enrique’s slump has now become the norm and he could be moved on if a replacement is found, while Martin Kelly is still a long-term casualty.
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.
Liverpool’s squad is full of promise and potential for the future but there’s a suspicion that just a few more injuries during the busy festive period, where the fixtures pile up every year, could leave Rodgers extremely short in several key areas, namely up front and out wide, while more depth at full-back would also be understandable. With the side still competing on four fronts, proven experience is the order of the hour, but whether he’ll be given the budget to bring the quality that’s required into the club is another matter entirely.
Realistically, who would you like to see Brendan Rodgers bring into the club in January? In your opinion, where do Liverpool need to strengthen most?
Tottenham Hotspur should consider making a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah if Toby Alderweireld leaves the club this summer.
What’s the word?
It is increasingly likely that the North London outfit will not have Alderweireld in the squad next season.
The two parties are at a standstill with regards to a new contract, which suggests that Spurs will sell now rather than allow him to leave next summer at a cut price of £25m.
According to The Express, Manchester United are prepared to up their pursuit of the Belgian international.
Selling to a direct rival would not be the smartest piece of business, but chairman Daniel Levy could potentially gain a huge figure from the Red Devils.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”252976″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch 21 things that will definitely happen at the World Cup”]
Who should be Alderweireld’s replacement?
There is no denying the centre-back’s quality, so Tottenham need to make sure that they recruit someone worthy of playing alongside Jan Vertonghen.
The club already have options within their own squad, with Davinson Sanchez being the leading figure.
However, the North London outfit should still swoop for a new defender, and they should certainly consider Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.
The 22-year-old – valued at £27m by Transfermarkt – is already a Germany international having picked up three caps.
Last season, the defender played in 28 Bundesliga matches and also provided two assists in that time.
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.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has proven that he can help young players shine, and Tah would get that opportunity.
However, Leverkusen tied the centre-back down to a new deal in March, which means that Spurs would have to spend big in order to land his signature.
The silver lining, though, is that the club failed to qualify for the Champions League, so Tah may push for a move.
Celtic host Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership this weekend as their busy schedule after the mid-season break continues.
So far the Hoops have managed to put their poor form of December behind them with a Scottish Cup victory and a comeback win against Partick Thistle on Tuesday night.
However, there are tough tests left before January ends, with both Edinburgh sides set to visit Celtic Park looking to show why they are top six sides.
Neil Lennon’s Hibs have given Celtic a hard time in each of the games they’ve played this season and even drew with Brendan Rodgers’ outfit the last time the two sides met in the East End of Glasgow.
While results have been going their way recently, there’s still some question marks about Rodgers’ team selections and tactics, with some established first teams stars either not performing or not getting a game.
These are the three dilemmas he must get right for Saturday’s match…
To play Moussa Dembele or not?
The ongoing saga surrounding Moussa Dembele has reached near farcical levels this week with Brendan Rodgers and Chris Davies having to field questions through regarding his future.
First Chris Davies suggested his head had been turned for a potential exit, then he was left out completely against Partick Thistle, for the second match in a row, and then Brendan Rodgers came to his defence and assured fans he was fully committed to the club.
The only people losing out right now are Celtic supporters who want to see their biggest and best players in action when fit and available. That Dembele hasn’t seen a single minute of action since the mid-season break is odd.
Rodgers should put all the speculation behind them and give him a start at home to Hibs on Saturday. He needs game time and regular action to try and recapture his form of last season and his value isn’t getting any greater sitting on the bench.
Is it time to drop Mikael Lustig?
Soccer Football – Champions League – Bayern Munich vs Celtic – Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany – October 18, 2017 Celtic’s Mikael Lustig looks dejected REUTERS/Michael Dalder
Mikael Lustig has been coming under increasing criticism over the past couple of months for poor performances, both at home and abroad. He was particularly poor in the 4-0 thrashing away to Hearts, but has also struggled to rebound from that, whereas the rest of his teammates have.
He was again at fault for conceding a goal against Partick Thistle on Tuesday night, conceding a clumsy penalty which Connor Sammon duly converted.
The Swedish international has no doubt been a fantastic player for Celtic over the years and is a leader in the dressing room, but if there’s ever been a time to change things up in the right back position then now would be it.
Unfortunately Anthony Ralston is injured, so if Lustig was to be dropped then Brendan Rodgers would likely have to deploy James Forrest as a wing-back, which has actually worked well on occasion this season.
Is it time to give Lustig a rest and ensure he doesn’t become complacent? Yes.
Without Tom Rogic, should they play two strikers?
Celtic’s regular 4-2-3-1 system under Brendan Rodgers works best when the Hoops have a genuinely creative and dynamic midfielder in the number ten position behind the 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.
However, with the likes of Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic unavailable right now, packing the midfield has become a hindrance rather than a positive. It hasn’t helped that the usually reliable Callum McGregor has seen his performance levels dip in recent matches.
Is it time again to experiment with two strikers at the same time?
Leigh Griffiths gave the side a fresh spark coming off the bench against Partick and combined with the potentially returning Moussa Dembele, the Hoops could hit their stride again in the final third and a couple of goals will certainly be needed to defeat Hibs.
Odsonne Edouard has looked sharp on occasion this season but so far has failed to reach the levels of these two and it should be time to test out the partnership once again.