All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Sheffield Wednesday came from behind to record back-to-back wins in the Championship and moved back into the playoff picture.

The Owls defeated Brentford 2-1 at Hillsborough after Steven Fletcher bagged a four-minute brace midway through the second half, which was kickstarted with an attempt from the spot before he tucked home a Kadeem Harris cross.

Watch Sheffield Wednesday Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Bryan Mbeumo had headed the visitors in front in the 29th minute but Wednesday boss Garry Monk managed to inspire his side to a comeback after the break, putting all the drama off the pitch temporarily to one side.

At half-time, the 40-year-old surprisingly elected for striker Jordan Rhodes to replace Atdhe Nuhiu and it paid off with several sections of the Owls faithful praising his impact.

The 29-year-old has been an anonymous figure since Monk took charge in September. It was just the third time he’s even been named in a matchday squad – he missed out in three straight matches prior to Saturday.

Rhodes has also managed just 74 minutes of game action, but that didn’t stop him displaying the sort of qualities that a club-record signing should bring.

His movement was a particular factor noted by some of the home support…

The former Blackburn Rovers striker could still have a future in south Yorkshire based on this appearance, especially if Monk continues to operate a 4-4-2 system.

Sam Winnall hasn’t been seen since his start against Hull City, the Owls boss’ fourth game in charge, while some fans would like to see Rhodes starting ahead of Atdhe Nuhiu after this latest showing.

The 14-time Scottish international sees his contract expire at the end of the season with several others so it could be a case of proving his worth to Monk or potentially other suitors as we enter the second half of the 2019/20 Championship campaign.

Maybe he has even played himself into the starting lineup when Wednesday head to Derby County in midweek.

[ad_pod ]

In other news, Sheffield Wednesday’s previous record in January makes for concerning reading…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Wolverhampton Wanderers return to Europa League group stage action for the final time on Thursday evening when they host Besiktas at Molineux.

The west Midlanders have already qualified for the knockout stages while the Turkish outfit cannot do the same, regardless of any potential outcome, so to say this game is a dead-rubber tie would probably be the understatement of the century.

There is one factor that could influence manager Nuno Santo’s team selection, however, as Wolves need to better SC Braga’s result to top Group K.

Watch Wolverhampton Wanderers Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Although this comes with its risks. There’s no knowing if the Portuguese side will rest players or look to secure the easier-looking tie in the next round.

Therefore, Nuno needs to make a logical decision – one that will aid their long-term season at the expense of any short-term glory.

This is the perfect opportunity to rest pretty much every first-team player that has regularly featured this season – the likes of Matt Doherty, Leander Dendoncker, Conor Coady, Joao Moutinho and Raul Jimenez shouldn’t really be anywhere near this tie.

They are currently in Marbella for warm-weather training where several of the club’s promising academy hopefuls have made the trip, which suggests they could well feature on Thursday night. A very wise move.

Wolves have already played 29 matches this season across all competitions, on top of a gruelling pre-season schedule in China, which surely puts them well ahead of just about every single Premier League side.

This weekend, they face the tough test of a resurgent Tottenham Hotspur, who side just one place behind them in the standings. The game is far more important as it will prove just how far Wolves are in their goals – they have beaten reigning champions Manchester City this season too.

Nuno needs to look at the bigger picture, especially with the FA Cup to come next month, if he can keep his whole squad fit and firing, then they have an excellent chance of surpassing last season’s historic exploits.

The fact they are 11 games unbeaten in the top-flight, without Willy Boly and with two midfielders in defence, speaks volumes on the team as a whole.

Don’t let the chance to finish top of the group hinder the long-term picture here.

[ad_pod ]

In other news, xG figures suggest that Wolves should have defeated Brighton last weekend with relative ease…

Mikel Arteta has left his role at Manchester City to take over as the new head coach of Arsenal.

The Spaniard joined City in 2016 as an assistant to Pep Guardiola, and was linked with the Arsenal managers job in 2018 before the appointment of Unai Emery.

His time at City has been among the most successful in the club’s history, winning back-to-back Premier League titles and a domestic treble in 2018/19.

He sparked up a good relationship with Guardiola, with the City boss admitting Arteta has what it takes to be a successful manager.

Arteta arrives at the Emirates Stadium hoping to arrest the slump in form, with the Gunners slipping to 10th in the Premier League table.

As for City, Guardiola has to find someone to fill the void left by Arteta as they aim to get their title challenge back on track.

The City boss wished him well as he left the club – here’s how some City fans reacted to his farewell:

Watch Wolves vs Manchester City LIVE on Prime on December 27th

If Liverpool needed any evidence of how the current situation surrounding the world has impacted them, then seeing Timo Werner inching closer to joining Chelsea is surely that.

Reports in recent weeks and months had seemed to suggest the RB Leipzig striker was heading to Anfield this summer, and that Jurgen Klopp himself had told the Liverpool board of his wish for the Germany international’s signing.

But with Werner heading for Stamford Bridge, it’s been claimed the Reds have set their sights on Wolves ace Adama Traore. And whilst the Spaniard may be a shrewd alternative to the Leipzig man, perhaps Klopp should look closer to home when it comes to reinforcing his attack for next season.

Can you spot your Xabi Alonso from your Bruno Cheyrou? This Liverpool quiz will have you questioning your knowledge…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

Step forward, Harry Wilson. The Wales international has spent this current campaign on loan at fellow Premier League side Bournemouth, and it was recently confirmed that his spell with the Cherries has been extended until the end of the season.

The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle has now claimed that Wilson’s long-term future is up in the air, with it unlikely that Klopp’s side will receive a big-money fee for him to leave on a permanent basis given the current circumstances.

And based on his performances in the last couple of seasons, the Liverpool boss should finally give the winger a chance to succeed at Anfield.

Last year saw Wilson turn out for promotion-chasing Derby County, and he almost fired them into the Premier League with his performances in the Championship. He struck 15 times in 40 league games, and has shown the ability to play in English football’s top-flight with his impressive performances for Bournemouth.

In just 23 games for Eddie Howe’s side, he has found the back of the net seven times, including a brace against Tottenham, and a superb strike against Liverpool’s title rivals Manchester City.

As the Reds chase for success on multiple fronts next season, having someone like Wilson as an option, whether off the bench, or as someone to ease the burden on Mohamed Salah and give him a much-needed rest in certain games, Klopp would be foolish to let him go permanently this summer.

Instead of first paying top dollar for Traore, the Liverpool manager should seriously consider giving Wilson the opportunity to really stake his claim and see whether he can save millions in the transfer market for the Merseyside club.

Speaking to Football Insider, Alan Hutton has urged Rangers to hand Connor Goldson a new deal amid interest from elsewhere.

What did he say?

Reports had claimed that the likes of Leeds and West Brom were interested in securing Goldson’s signature this summer, but Hutton has urged the Gers to extend his stay at Ibrox unless “the price is right”.

He said: “It’s going to be difficult if some of the bigger teams come calling but I think maybe it’s time that Rangers look to offer him a new contract, maybe hold him down if you like.

Are you a massive Rangers fan? Know everything about the club? Well do you know your Gary Stevens from your Michael Ball? This quiz will separate the loyal from the fake…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

“He’s 27 now, he’s obviously getting to the peak, he’ll probably be looking to tie himself down for the next few years so hopefully it is Rangers because he has done excellently well.

“However, I think if the price is right then maybe it’s one Rangers will look to cash in on.”

Priority

After getting a permanent deal for Ianis Hagi over the line, Rangers need to switch gears and turn their attentions towards giving Goldson a new contract.

The £3.6m-rated centre-back has been a virtual ever-present for Steven Gerrard’s side, making 51 appearances across all competitions, including playing the full 90 minutes in every league games this season.

Despite being in the peak years of his career as Hutton alludes to, with the current climate the way it is, trying to get big-money for a key player will prove to be a very difficult task.

Rangers would simply be better off giving Goldson a new contract and ensuring a vital cog of Gerrard’s starting eleven remains in tact.

Plenty of Everton fans have been reacting to some comments made by Carlo Ancelotti as he revealed the three players at the Merseyside club that he feels have what it takes to become managers and therefore could possibly succeed him at Goodison Park one day.

Speaking via the Liverpool Echo, the Italian boss named Leighton Baines, Seamus Coleman and Gylfi Sigurdsson to have the same traits as what he identified in current Chelsea coach Frank Lampard before he became manager of at Stamford Bridge and implied that they could possibly succeed him at the Toffees when he eventually leaves his post.

“Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman have all the qualities to be good managers, Sigurdsson could also be a good manager,” Ancelotti said. “They all have strong football knowledge and good tactical understanding.”

Coleman is the current captain of the football club and so a leader on the pitch, so it is perhaps not a surprise that Ancelotti has named the 31-year old to be a future boss one day.

Baines has a wealth of experience to his name being 35 years of age and has shown great loyalty to the Blues, having made a rather impressive 418 appearances in 13 consecutive seasons in his EFC career so far, according to Transfermarkt.

Sigurdsson is arguably the most left-field option of Ancelotti’s, but the attacking midfield player has at times led by example on the pitch with his 22 goals and 14 assists in 105 games in all competitions over the past three campaigns for Everton, as the Icelandic international has also played in 74 senior matches for his country, as per the website.

These supporters reacted to Ancelotti’s comments:

Evertonians, how long will Ancelotti stay at the club? Comment below!

Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has revealed that Lewis Mayo will likely go out on loan this coming season, but only after the ‘Gers have been able to bring in a replacement for the injured Nikola Katic.

The Croatian centre-back suffered a damaging training injury which will see him sidelined for the foreseeable future, and that could well see Mayo step up to be a part of Gerrard’s plans for the new season. He featured in the Veolia Trophy but, with just three competitive appearances to his name, he needs to play more regularly.

Gerrard has acknowledged this and says he wants him to go out on loan, but only once a replacement is in. He explained:

“I need to replace Katic because I need four good centre-halves if we are looking at what we are hoping is going to be another 60-game season.

“We love Mayo. His attitude has been fantastic and he has a really good chance.

“But I think he needs game time rather than to be number four centre-back.

“We will keep him in until we get the right one in and then we will look to Lewis out to get him 30 games for his development.

“But I have to be selfish with Lewis in the short term.”

Losing £1.44m-valued Katic is a blow for Gerrard. The 27-year-old made 19 appearances in the Premiership last term and featured the most at centre-back after Connor Goldson. Whilst Mayo may be an exciting talent, it is surely too early into his professional career for him to step right into the starting XI.

Some time away from Ibrox, allowing him to play regular first-time football, should benefit all involved. Hopefully Gerrard will bring in that replacement for Katic sooner rather than later.

‘Gers fans, is Gerrard right to seek a loan move for Mayo rather than throwing him straight into the fray? Let us know what you think by commenting below!

Jadon Sancho’s potential transfer to Manchester United is still a “work in progress,” despite reports insisting a deal is “imminent.”

Bild claim, as cited by The Daily Express, that the Red Devils are very close to reaching an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for the 11-cap England international winger.

Dortmund had also set a deadline of August 10 to sort out a deal in time for the Bundesliga club’s return to pre-season training.

But Fabrizio Romano revealed there is still some way to go before Sancho can move to Old Trafford.

The Italian transfer expert suggested that there is “no agreement” at the moment, although talks are still ongoing between the two clubs, but the transfer remains a work in progress.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified Sancho as his top target in the summer, having scored 20 goals and supplied 18 assists in all competitions (viaÂWhoScored).

After arriving at the Signal Iduna Park from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in 2017, the 20-year-old forward has featured in nearly 100 games for the Yellow and Blacks, bagging 34 goals so far.

However, Sancho apparently accepts Man United must meet Dortmund’s £108m demands, according to sporting director Michael Zorc.

Ed Woodward is unwilling to pay their staggering asking price, despite the fact Solskjaer is determined to get his man. It is understood that Woodward will only meet the valuation if he can pay a significant proportion of that price tag with performance-related bonuses.

The Red Devils are still trying to drive down the demands, although the German side are refusing to change their minds.

Whether or not Woodward will be able to sign Sancho in the summer remains to be seen, after Zorc admitted he “does not expect any difficulties.” It seems as though the executive vice-chairman has more than met his match and it will be interesting to watch as this story continues to develop in the coming days.

United fans, do you think Ed Woodward will sign Sancho this summer? Let us know down below!

Mikel Arteta’s work at Arsenal is already quite commendable but in order to take the Gunners to the next level, he will have to reinforce the squad even more, potentially bringing in a star or two to really cement his philosophy.

As we now already know, the Premier League outfit was interested in acquiring the services or RB Leipzig’s star defender, Dayot Upamecano. So much so that Arsenal were believed to be in pole position for his signature for quite some time now.

However, they just might have received a huge blow in their transfer chase as AS report Real Madrid have taken a liking to the centre-back and will make him one of their transfer targets next year.

This summer, Los Blancos are unlikely to sign any players simply due to the outside circumstances that have put the club in a financially difficult situation. But next year suits them even better anyway.

Upamecano has a release clause of £40m which can be activated next campaign. Of course, the young defender has recently penned a new contract until 2023 so he is a really difficult target for the ongoing summer transfer window.

But if Real Madrid really do enter the race to sign him, Arsenal could quickly find themselves outgunned, both financially and sporting-wise.

Only time will tell whether Arteta has another ace up his sleeve or will he simply have to look for alternatives elsewhere. One thing is for sure, Upamecano is an incredible talent and replicating what he would’ve brought to the Emirates will be difficult.

Verdict

Arsenal’s only hope would’ve been getting the player now while Real Madrid are still recovering. But if AS’ report ends up being true, the Gunners’ chances will decrease drastically.

Of course, Arteta can always look elsewhere but getting the young centre-back would’ve been ideal as he fits his philosophy perfectly.

The future of Rangers superstar Alfredo Morelos has been under a question mark for quite some time now as recent reports suggested he might be packing his bags for Ligue 1 in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Of course, this would’ve been a huge blow for Steven Gerrard’s squad, seeing how instrumental he’s been for their campaign. Still, according to the latest update from Daily Record, Morelos is set to stay at Ibrox despite strong links with Lille.

The two parties have apparently agreed terms for his potential switch but the French outfit has now opted against going through with the deal as they are on the brink of finalising the transfer of Gent’s Jonathan David for £27m instead.

Morelos was happy to join Lille but Rangers were the ones blocking the transfer as they believed an offer of £17m – which is reportedly what the French team had offered them – just wasn’t enough for them to part with their prized asset.

Of course, with his ever-growing popularity, the Colombian forward is attracting a lot of interest from the Premier League as well but, as Daily Record explain, he is still committed to the Scottish Premiership titans and will gladly continue at Ibrox.

Either way, it will be interesting to see whether Gerrard can fend off all the inquiries as his in-demand player continues turning heads from abroad. Rangers have secured the signings of Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe but retaining Morelos is a huge boost for them going into the season.

Verdict

Needless to say, losing Morelos would’ve been a big blow for Rangers but alas, it seems that the Colombian is set to stay at Ibrox for a while longer. This, without a doubt, will come as a relief to Gerrard for the time being.

But the transfer window is still open and we’ll have to wait and see what the future holds for the coveted forward.