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The Scottish Premier League title race is almost over, and Steven Gerrard should use the last few games of the season to test out a new system that may help his side in the future.

After Celtic’s win against Dundee on Sunday, Rangers’ campaign is effectively over.

The Gers still have the Old Firm to look forward to, but there will be no silverware at Ibrox this summer, and Gerrard is surely already plotting his plans for next season.

The boss brought in a whopping 14 new signings during his first summer at the club, so there could well be some serious movement in the transfer market again, but what can he do with the players already at his disposal?

Well, with nothing left to play for this campaign, the gaffer should switch to a three at the back. It may not be a system he employs permanently, but the experience will only help his squad in the future, and hey, what’s the worst that could happen?

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

On the chalkboard

So what exactly does switching to a three at the back system do for the Gers? To start with, it would make life an awful lot easier for the midfielders, who would not have to spend half of every game filling in for the full-backs.

James Tavernier and Borna Barisic both like to bomb forward, and having three centre backs covering would allow the midfielders to keep their eyes forward, rather than constantly looking for gaps to protect because their full backs are nowhere to be seen.

The switch would also help Alfredo Morelos, who has been completely isolated in every match he has featured in since the beginning of March.

With Tavernier and Barisic getting the freedom to fly down the wing and get balls into the box, as well as more progressive and risky passing from the midfield, the feisty Colombian international would see far more of the ball and would rarely find himself isolated against two towering centre backs.

Boost for McCrorie

This could also be the perfect chance to get Ross McCrorie some regular minutes, as the 21 year-old’s lack of playing time is really quite baffling.

He is strong, a fantastic leader (he is captain of the Scotland Under-21 side), versatile enough to slot into a back three, and has the ball-playing abilities to spread the ball around from deep.

The youngster does tend to struggle with his discipline, but with nothing left to play for this season, now is the right time to iron out those creases in his game.

McCrorie could be a star for the Gers in the future, but not if Gerrard doesn’t take this golden opportunity to erase the mistakes from his game and get him used to the intensity of regular first-team football.

Since the new year, Chelsea’s defence has been pretty poor with full-back a particular area of concern.

Marcos Alonso has been atrocious with his abysmal Everton display the latest of his terrible showings this term, while Cesar Azpilicueta looks to be on a rapid decline.

Still, the latter has been a great servant for the club since joining from Marseille back in 2012.

All things considered, at the initial £6.5m (BBC Sport) Chelsea paid for him, the Spaniard was an absolute steal.

Not only did he play a huge part in two different Premier League title wins, but he did so playing in two different positions.

Under Jose Mourinho in the Blues’ 2014/15 triumph, Azpilicueta, a natural right-back, excelled as a left-back as his side went on to claim their fourth Premier League crown.

Two years later, Azpilicueta was again a Premier League winner, but this time as a central defender with Antonio Conte using the 29-year-old on the right side of his three-man defence to devastating effect.

There, the Spain international’s exceptional 1v1 defending was once again present for everyone to see, the sort of 1v1 defending his game has probably been lacking this term.

Nevertheless, Azpilicueta has still been an incredible acquisition for Chelsea, helping them to win multiple honours during his time at Stamford Bridge.

His defending in general is the example for full-backs like his Spanish team-mate Alonso who simply gets beaten too easily.

Down the years, especially of late, Chelsea have made some terrible signings. But Azpilicueta is certainly not one of them.

[ad_pod ]Ezgjan Alioksi joined Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa for the club’s press conference on Thursday.The 28-year-old left-back has been in fine form in recent week. Just like everyone else at Elland Road, he has been reinvigorated and improved by the guidance of Bielsa, and the Macedonian heaped credit to the Argentine coach during the press conference.Are fans being priced out of the Championship as well as the Premier League? The angry Bolton fan in the video below certainly believes so…

What he said

As quoted by the Whites’ official Twitter account, when asked about the impact Bielsa has had at the Yorkshire club, Alioski said: “This year, with this coach, we’re enjoying the season. It’s like a surprise, like a gift, so as players we make sure we’re working hard.â€

A full recording of the press conference has also been provided by the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Massive impact

When considering the transformative effect Bielsa has had on Leeds, and how quickly he has been able to imprint his ideals and philosophy on the squad, then a ‘gift’ to the club is perhaps the best way to describe him and his influence.

Last season, Leeds finished 13th in the Championship. This time around, with largely the same squad, they’re in the thick of the title race and playing scintillating football.

On top of that, Bielsa has also committed himself to bringing through talented academy prospects, with the likes of Jack Clarke, Leif Davis and Aapo Halme, amongst others, all getting first team minutes this season.

Ayoze Perez may have picked up all the plaudits, but the tactical genius of Rafa Benitez played a major role in Newcastle’s comeback against Everton on Saturday.

When Rafa was forced into a change at half-time due to Jamaal Lascelles picking up an injury, he brought on Paul Dummett as his replacement.

But rather than slot him in at centre back — a position that Dummett has excelled at in the past — he changed the formation.

The trusted five at the back — Rafa’s preferred choice of late — was abandoned, and Dummett went out to left back with Matt Ritchie swapping onto the right flank, and Miguel Almiron patrolling the left.

It was the recognition that the Magpies needed an extra body in midfield to compete with Everton, having been overrun in the first half, that make Rafa’s tactical nous head and shoulders above anyone they could ever hope to replace him with, were he to leave in the summer.

In fact, some fans have questioned why Rafa sticks with Perez week after week, and have often called for him to be replaced in the starting lineup. I will bet they are pleased he did now!

But it is because Rafa thinks on a different plain to most of us. He knows that Perez has the ability to produce that sort of display. It is also why, regardless of how much criticism he gets from pundits, he will always set his side up with the best formation to get a result, even when it is largely derided as negative and boring.

The problem is, the people who are criticising him are former managers who are sitting in a studio because they do not have the managerial ability that he possesses.

That is why the second half against Everton is another clear sign — if there weren’t enough already — that Mike Ashley must give Rafa everything he wants and needs to sign on for a longer stint at the club.

Yes, Rafa has made tactical mistakes in games, who hasn’t? But the club hierarchy will rue the day they ever let him go, because, frankly, he is virtually irreplaceable. Someone capable of building something on Tyneside, future generations of Toon fans may not have to endure the kind of struggles we all have, if Ashley gives the man what he wants.

Newcastle fans, how far would you go to keep Rafa at the club? Will Ashley realise it too, and give him what he wants? Your thoughts would be appreciated. Comment below…

Axel Tuanzebe’s potential is limitless.

However, in order to reach his absolute best, the 21-year-old needs regular football, which isn’t something he’ll get at Manchester United right now. After watching him bloom over at Aston Villa before an unfortunate injury, the Red Devils are reportedly (via the Sun) pondering on extending his loan at Villa Park.

Ever since arriving as a loanee, the young defender’s taken to the EFL Championship like a duck to water. Be it at right-back or centre-back, Tuanzebe’s been a revelation in their defence, helping neutralize some dangerous attacking threat and showcasing his composed defensive skills really well.

While the fairly serious metatarsal fracture seemingly ended his season back in December, the 21-year-old has worked hard to retain fitness and is back in training for the Villains. With the final hurdles needed to earn a playoffs place, Villa will definitely welcome the return of the young defensive sensation.

Regardless of whether they can make the Premier League promotion or not, Tuanzebe’s impressive work means he should be loaned another year to Villa. The rising defender can work on his skill set and can learn a lot under assistant coach John Terry’s guidance, at one of the biggest clubs in England.

The 21-year-old has the ability to become a United first-team regular in the future, thereby saving the club millions when it comes to buying defenders of both the required level and potential.

He’s strong, tall, assertive and fearless in keeping his side in control. However, he’s not yet ready for the big leagues, so continuing his development elsewhere makes sense, as it did with Jesse Lingard during the burgeoning stages of his career before breaking into the first-team.

Tuanzebe should take one step at a time and another year at Villa could help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer receive a more refined, experience defender in 2020.

United fans, would you mind sending Tuanzebe on another loan next season? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

اقترب نادي وست هام يونايتد من التعاقد مع الجناح سعيد بن رحمة، من صفوف برينتفورد هذا الصيف.

وكان موسم الانتقالات الصيفي قد انتهى في مختلف دول العالم يوم الاثنين الماضي.

ورغم ذلك، تستطيع الأندية الإنجليزية في الدرجات المختلفة إبرام صفقات بينها، حتى يوم 16 أكتوبر الجاري.

ونجح سعيد بن رحمة في جذب انتباه العديد من الأندية الإنجليزية، مثل تشيلسي وآرسنال وكريستال بالاس ووست هام.

وحسب شبكة “سكاي سبورتس” العالمية، فإن وست هام بات قريبًا للغاية من حسم صفقة تعاقده مع الجزائري بن رحمة في فترة الانتقالات الجارية.

وأشارت إلى أن المفاوضات بين الناديين وصلت إلى مرحلة متقدمة وحاسمة.

وأفادت إنه من المرجح أن تبلغ القيمة المالية لصفقة انتقال بن رحمة إلى وست هام 30 مليون جنيه إسترليني.

Rangers are on the upturn thanks to Steven Gerrard’s work and there are some seriously good players in the side compared to previous year; however not one comes close to the individual brilliance of this man.

Former Liverpool man Gerrard has been extremely accomplished with his recruitment this year infusing experience and youth to help revive a struggling Rangers.

Indeed, though their performances have dipped at times, allowing Celtic to assert their dominance at the top of the table, things are looking considerably more positive than the relatively dismal past few years.

But which player has been most influential?

It could only be Alfredo Morelos.

Colombian forward Morelos is brilliant for a number of reasons.

There is an attitude about the player which, admittedly, often manifests itself in serious disciplinary violations. But that is what makes him so perfect to the Rangers faithful: he is their own rebel. The man they can rely on to rile opponents; to fight for his club through thick and thin and dedicate himself 100 percent; the villain no one else likes but the home fans adore.

Then there is his ability.

The Scottish Premiership may not stand up to the quality of the Premier League, but there is something to be said about the remarkable 28 goals in 40 appearances he has scored for Rangers in all competitions.

If this insatiable diet for goals was not impressive enough, you must consider he has managed this whilst contending with stop and start periods spent on the sideline through suspension. A menace in every sense of the word.

Everything positive Rangers do goes through Morelos and that is why he is our star player.

John-Joe O’Toole’s time as a Northampton Town player has experienced its fair share of twist and turns.

The enigmatic midfielder joined the club after his previous side Bristol Rovers were relegated to the National League, a move which angered fans of the Gas who accused him of jumping ship during a delicate period for the club.

His debut season for the Cobblers was relatively poor and a falling out with then-boss Chris Wilder saw him briefly leave the club on loan to Southend United before returning in December 2014. In a campaign which saw his side finish in mid-table, O’Toole featured in a number of different roles as the club sought to find a position in which he could thrive.

The 2015/16 season saw Wilder make the decision to employ him as an attacking midfielder which turned out to be a masterstroke. Alongside the likes of wingers Ricky Holmes and Nicky Adams and forwards Marc Richards and James Collins, O’Toole played an integral role for Northampton as they stormed to the League Two title, finishing thirteen points clear of challengers Oxford United.

Not only did the former Watford player find the net on 12 occasions in the league but he also provided two assists which is to date his highest amount of goal contributions for the Cobblers in a single season

O’Toole once again reached double figures for goals in the following campaign but couldn’t stop his side from being relegated last season from League One despite being impressive on an individual basis.

However,  a disturbing drop off in form by the midfielder during the 2018/19 campaign has raised questions amongst supporters on whether it should be time to bring an end to his five-year association with the club.

Indeed, O’Toole is somewhat of a cult-hero at the PTS Academy and his departure would be sure to divide fans yet when you consider the fact that he has scored just three goals this season, it is clear that he is past his best.

Also, it could be argued that the club’s midfield is more balanced with the likes of Sam Foley and Shaun McWilliams marshaling the play in-place of the 30-year-old who can lack defensive discipline at times.

Nevertheless, with Northampton just six points behind the play-offs, O’Toole could further his legacy at the club by leading his side to a fourth-ever Wembley appearance in their history.

Keith Curle’s side should edge even closer to the top seven if they are victorious on their travels on Saturday when they head to Blundell Park to face Grimsby Town.

What do you think Cobblers fans? Do you think the club should let O’Toole go in the summer? Or is he still an invaluable part of Curle’s squad? Let us know below.

كشفت تقارير صحفية عن محاولات مانشستر يونايتد الإنجليزي لضم مارتن أوديجارد لاعب ريال مدريد الإسباني، لعدة مرات من قبل.

الشياطين الحمر كانوا على استعداد لدفع أموال كبيرة للاعب النرويجي بعد أدائه أثناء إعارته في ريال سوسيداد الموسم الماضي.

وتشير صحيفة “ذا صن” البريطانية نقلاً عن “ماركا” الإسبانية، إلى أن ريال مدريد وقف أمام مانشستر يونايتد، بإعادة أوديجارد إلى البرنابيو هذا الصيف.

ولفت التقرير النظر إلى أن هذه لم تكن المرة الأولى التي يتحرك فيها الريد ديفلز لضم أوديجارد، حيث سبق وحدث ذلك في عام 2014، عندما كان عمره 15 عامًا.

وأشارت الصحيفة إلى أن اللاعب الشاب رفض الانتقال إلى إنجلترا في ذلك الوقت مفضلاً اللعب في إسبانيا.

وفي حديثه في عام 2015 ، قال: “زرت ليفربول وفريقان مانشستر وكان الجميع لطفاء للغاية، لكن خياري كان ريال مدريد وأنا سعيد جدًا بذلك”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كورتوا: هازارد غير محظوظ.. وبيل لم يختار أفضل فريق في لندن

عاد يونايتد بعد ذلك إلى أوديجارد في أكتوبر الماضي مع تولي أولي جونار سولشاير المسؤولية حيث كان النرويجي حريصًا على ضم مواطنه الشاب.

وكشفت “ذا صن” أيضًا أن كشاف النادي مارسيل بوت شوهد وهو يتابع أوديجارد في فوز سوسيداد 3-0 على فالنسيا في فبراير.

وكان يُعتقد أن مدريد قد عرضت صانع الألعاب على يونايتد في صفقة محتملة لضم بول بوجبا قبل الصيف.

والتأثير المالي الناجم عن جائحة فيروس كورونا ألغى فرص اللوس بلانكوس في التعاقد مع الفرنسي وأوديجارد.

ومنذ ذلك الحين، حصل اللاعب النرويجي الدولي على فرصة ثانية للتألق في مدريد من قِبل المدرب زين الدين زيدان.

Well, now it’s “almost” official then. Jimmy Shan’s impressive work with West Bromwich Albion’s convinced the hierarchy to keep him as the interim manager till the end of the season, according to the Daily Mirror. Indeed, while underwhelming, it’s actually a logical decision from the club considering the season ends in two months. 

Still, it’s not without risks.

Despite seemingly being a hit among the Baggies players, Shan’s still very inexperienced when it comes to high-pressure situations. So, with a play-off spot almost confirmed, his biggest test will be when they head on a potential path all the way to Wembley.

Obviously, Shan’s changed their style from Moore’s ultra-attacking one earlier this season, bringing more stability with his cautious approach. West Brom have shifted towards a more defensive 4-3-3 formation, with Chris Brunt being reinstated as their engine in the heart of midfield and everything looks pretty solid right now. Furthermore, Shan’s giving opportunities to those who worked hardest for the Baggies, while switching his options very well. While his two victories weren’t the prettiest, it guaranteed six crucial points for Shan.

The Baggies are treading water with their style, inviting pressure and giving opponents chances to score. However, their counter-attacking method’s worked and can actually work to their advantage in the play-offs. If not anything, Shan clearly knows how to see off results.

If he shapes them accordingly in the play-offs, West Brom could edge their way into winning promotion to the Premier League. While he’ll look to bring excitement back into the game, if Shan’s current “negative” method can get the Baggies back where they belong, then so be it.

West Brom fans, are you pleased with Shan’s extension as interim manager? Join the discussion by commenting below…