West Ham are going in to this summer with a new sense of optimism after two extremely underwhelming seasons since switching to London Stadium from the Boleyn Ground.
Their relocation has been nothing short of catastrophic but this pre-season fans will be hoping new Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini can put some promising foundations in place to ensure they do not suffer a third consecutive battle against relegation.
Last term, the Hammers were forced to play their opening four games of the season away from Stratford due to a pre-arranged athletics tournament taking place in the summer – the time it takes to convert London Stadium from athletics to football mode takes longer than initially thought.
That won’t be the case this season, though, and the Hammers will be keen to continue what was a strong end to the season with a strong start to the 2018/19 campaign. They ended 17/18 with a run of three games unbeaten and just two defeats in eight, including impressive victories over Leicester City at King Power Stadium and Everton at home on the final day.
With a number of exciting players being linked with moves to East London this summer, the coming season promises to be an interesting one for West Ham.
Their opening fixtures of the 2018/19 Premier League season, now officially confirmed, will give Hammers fans an indication of how likely that is…
11th August – Liverpool (A)
18th August – Bournemouth (H)
25th August – Arsenal (A)
1st September – Wolverhampton (H)
15th September – Everton (A)
22nd September – Chelsea (H)
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Verdict
Pellegrini’s West Ham spell faces a tricky start. The Hammers have won at Anfield just once during the last half century, while Goodison Park is never an easy away day either.
Throw in two London derbies with Arsenal and Chelsea and there are certainly challenges for the Irons new boss to overcome – ones that will test his commitment to attacking football and his ability to implement it quickly enough on the training pitch to ensure the east Londoners are effective enough at it to really have a go at the bigger teams.
They should get some joy out of Bournemouth though during Pellegrini’s first home game, while Wolves may still be adapting to Premier League life by the time the Hammers host them on September 1st.
West Bromwich Albion should consider taking a chance on Tottenham Hotspur winger Georges-Kevin N’Koudou.
What’s the word?
In order to cope with a gruelling Championship season, the Baggies need strength in depth.
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Darren Moore’s main, and probably only, objective will be to secure promotion to the Premier League following last season’s relegation.
The team are in need of some added zip in attacking areas, and there is one man at Tottenham who could potentially provide that.
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N’Koudou, who is valued at £6.3m by Transfermarkt, has struggled to get his chance at the North London outfit, but he possesses pace on the wing and he will have something to prove.
Is West Brom a good fit?
Since moving to Tottenham from Marseille in 2016, the Frenchman has failed to earn a regular spot in Mauricio Pochettino’s team.
N’Koudou was sent out on loan to Burnley for the second half of last season, but he struggled to impress.
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Even though his recent history is not ideal from the Baggies’ point of view, the winger does provide different options as he can play on the left or the right.
In addition, due to the fact that he has been given very little game time so far, N’Koudou may be determined to prove himself at a new club.
Plus, the attack-minded player is likely to be used regularly by the Midlands outfit, which can only bode well for his career.
Yep it’s that time, plenty of Leeds fans have gathered in the Tavern once again to hear the latest transfer news concerning their club.
New boss Marco Bielsa has worked quickly to identify who he needs to bring into the squad. The Argentinian manager seems to have a list of targets already drawn up and one of the areas he’s looking to strengthen is at goalkeeper.
Manchester City’s Angus Gunn has been linked with a move to The Whites recently, following his impressive loan spell with Norwich City. However, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post (h/t HITC), Leeds are now targetting a loan deal with a view to it becoming permanent next summer.
Leeds endured a terrible time with goalkeepers last season which has resulted in Felix Wiedwald to leave the club after a poor season. It’s also reported that Andy Lonergan will also depart the club as Bielsa looks to bring in a new number one.
Although David Stockdale is coming from a club that finished below Leeds last year, a new goalkeeper is essential for Leeds if the club is to progress. Moreover, the report also states that Birmingham City boss, Garry Monk doesn’t see Stockdale as part of his plans and therefore a deal may be easy to secure.
At 32, Stockdale could add some added experience to Leeds and although some fans may disagree with the transfer if Leeds can’t bring in Gunn – which seems likely – Stockdale would be a safe option at least in the short term.
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According to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet, Wolves have met the €5m buyout clause of Egyptian winger Mahmoud Hassan – better known as Trezeguet.
What’s the story?
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are up against Galatasaray, who have also met the buyout clause in Trezeguet’s contract with Turkish Super Lig side Kasimpasa, but the Turkish champions have offered higher wages.
The 23-year-old scored 16 goals and provided eight assists in 33 matches in all competitions last season and has impressed for his country in Russia on the biggest stage.
Trezeguet was given the nickname by a youth team coach due to the Egyptian’s striking physical resemblance to the French World Cup winner at the time.
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Battle for his signature
Santo’s preferred formation for Wolves last year was a variation of a 3-4-3 and Trezeguet could fit perfectly into the left-sided forward role that this creates.
He has played as an inside forward for Egypt in this World Cup and has linked well with striker Marwan Mohsen. Playing in this position also allows for attacking wing-backs to utilise the space left out wide when the oppositions full-backs attempt to track Trezeguet’s runs.
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Trezeguet is a hard-working forward player who excels at the press that has become so popular in English football recently and could be a bargain at just €5m. Santo should do all he can to convince the winger that he should be playing at Molineux next season.
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Newcastle fans were left with their heads in their hands once again as they watched the performance of Joelinton against Leicester City.
The Brazilian featured in his 21st league game of the season and failed to find the target once more, meaning he has contributed just one goal in his attempt to pay back his £40m transfer fee.
That price is now seeming like a big waste of money as Joelinton has been unable to influence matches playing up-front or on the wing, with his latest display drawing significant criticism from fans.
Such remarks are understandable but in the striker’s defence he is not often blessed with goalscoring opportunities. He has averaged 1.5 shots per league game this campaign and Newcastle achieved just 23% possession against Leicester, which was a big part of why he has struggled.
Andy Carroll has started in recent games but he is yet to find the net in the Premier League, and that leaves Bruce with a difficult decision to make in terms of who should lead the line.
Some supporters have called for Joelinton to be dropped or sold but the Magpies’ other three strikers have contributed just one goal all season.
A football legend: Can you get over 80% on this Gazza quiz? Find out now…
That means Bruce will likely have to rely on his number nine unless he is able to sign a new player this month, which could be possible as Dwight Gayle has been linked with a move away.
In transfer news, it has been reported that Bruce is keen on a player who could replace Joelinton, a man who already has 28 goals this season.
Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin has admitted he turned down a return to the Premier League this summer, as reported by The Shields Gazette.The England international was the subject of increased transfer speculation during the transfer window, with Newcastle, West Ham, Tottenham and Manchester United all linked with a move for his signature.But with QPR refusing to consider bids ofÂanything less than £15million for the front man, a move never managed to materialise.WANT MORE? >> West Ham transfer news | Newcastle transfer newsAnd Austin has admitted he did indeed receive an offer from a Premier League club, but decided to turn it down in favour of remaining with the Championship outfit.He said: “I turned down a move [to the Premier League] which wasn’t right for me and my family.”I didn’t feel it was right for me to go, so I stayed at QPR.”The club in question remains a mystery, but it was widely believed West Ham were serious about bringing him to east London before the Hammers’ chairman David Sullivan publicly admitted they wouldn’t pursue a move for Austin because he has “no ligaments in his knee” and “when he played against us last season he wasn’t very good.”And just a few hours before the end of the transfer window, Austin confirmed via his Twitter page that he would indeed be staying at Loftus Road.
Austin scored 18 Premier League goals last season, but failed to prevent the west London club from being relegated to the Championship.
The rivalry between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham always throws up feisty encounters, in typical London derby style. But there is much more at stake than simply local bragging rights as the Hammers head down to White Hart Lane on Sunday – kickoff at 4pm – with just one position and three goals separating both sides in the Premier League table.
Indeed, the Lilywhites and the Irons are both gunning for European football this season so placed in 5th and 6th respectively, this Premier League clash is an official six-pointer – with a potentially huge bearing on final standings come the end of May.
Tottenham are undefeated in their last eleven league games and also have the home advantage, but Slaven Bilic’s side have already claimed wins against Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool this season and boast the better record in terms of recent encounters, recording three wins and one draw from their last six outings against the north Londoners.
With that in mind, Sunday’s match could come down to who dominates the key individual battles. Here’s FIVE we at Football Fancast think will decide the outcome.
DELE ALLI VS CHEIKHOU KOUYATE
Following his superb strike and Man of the Match performance against France in midweek, all eyes will be on Dele Alli this Sunday – English football’s latest darling.
Indeed, the teenager’s performances at the heart of Tottenham Hotspur’s midfield have been miraculous this season, considering he was plying his trade with MK Dons in League One before the summer.
An all-action, well-rounded midfielder, the 19-year-old offers great balance between defence, attack and ball retention alongside tactical flexibility, having performed well in both deep-lying roles and the No.10 position for the Lilywhites.
He and Moussa Dembele often swap around mid-match and that will likely be the case on Sunday if the Belgium international recovers from a calf injury as expected, meaning Alli will spend much of his time going toe-to-toe with Cheikhou Kouyate – West Ham’s defensively tuned dynamo.
He’s been amongst the Hammers’ best performers this season, claiming three goals and one assist in eleven appearances, and has an interesting role in their midfield.
Although Kouyate is commonly considered a defensive midfielder, this term averaging 3.5 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per match, he likes to break forward when possible as the more energetic accomplice to Mark Noble.
But playing away from home against local rivals, safety must come first for Kouyate on Sunday. Alli’s consistently proved his quality in recent weeks, especially in front of goal, and needs to be kept under lock and key.
HARRY KANE VS WINSTON REID
After a slow start to the season, Harry Kane of the Lane appears to be operating at full throttle once again, scoring five goals in his last three Premier League outings – including a hat-trick against Bournemouth and a strike in the North London derby two weekends ago.
The 22-year-old is already a very complete striker, this season averaging 3.8 shots, 1.2 created chances, 1.7 successful dribbles and 1.9 successful aerial duels per match, but it’s his mix of intelligence and enthusiasm that has made Kane one of the Premier League’s most feared front men in such a short space of time.
But West Ham’s Winston Reid is no novice and will be more than aware of the threat Kane poses after seeing him score a last-second equaliser in the same fixture last season.
Although the 27-year-old is most commonly praised for his athleticism, he’s an international captain with over 100 Premier League appearances under his belt and that experience will be vital to nullifying Kane’s subtle movements in the final third.
MANUEL LANZINI VS ERIC DIER
With the shining star of West Ham’s season so far, Dimitri Payet, ruled out for the next three months after picking up an ankle injury against Everton, I’m tipping fellow summer signing Manuel Lanzini to take his place at the top of midfield.
The Argentine has spent most his loan spell on the wing but provided two goals and one assist at No.10 earlier this season and is easily the Hammers’ next-best creative threat after Payet, with two tricky feet, good vision and a clinical eye for goal.
Slaven Bilic is particularly fond of the 22-year-old, even comparing him to Luka Modric, and I’m sure he’ll have no reservations about placing Lanzini in such an important role.
That being said, Tottenham’s resident play-breaker Eric Dier is enjoying a phenomenal season and was arguably as impressive as Alli for England on Tuesday night, albeit in a considerably subtler manner.
He’s been the biggest contributor to Spurs’ strong defensive record – ten conceded in twelve games – providing gritty protection in front of centre-backs Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld with averages of 3.1 tackles, 2.3 interceptions and 2.4 successful aerial duels per match.
The 21-year-old has already outmanoeuvred Everton’s Ross Barkley, Manchester City’s Yaya Toure and Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil this season to name a few – so Lanzini will have to be at the top of his game.
ANDY CARROLL VS JAN VERTONGHEN AND TOBY ALDERWEIRELD
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On the mend from an upper leg injury, we could see last season’s top-scoring Hammer Diafra Sakho return to the first team line-up on Sunday. But for both fitness and tactical reasons, I would stick with Andy Carroll despite isolated performances prior to the international break.
The arrival of Toby Alderweireld has immeasurably improved Tottenham defensively this season. He’s the consistent, dependable centre-back Jan Vertonghen has eternally craved since moving to White Hart Lane in summer 2012 and the subliminal understanding between the two Belgium internationals, who previously partnered each other at Ajax, has already impacted Spurs’ results for the better.
But if the Belgian pair are flawed by one intrinsic weakness, it’s a lack of height and dominance in the air, with both measuring in at 6 foot 2. Although he failed to get on the scoresheet in the north London derby, Olivier Giroud’s aerial threat caused more problems as the game went on – especially from set pieces.
Measuring in at 6 foot 4 and famed for his imperious leap, Andy Carroll could cause similar problems this weekend if he performs to the level we all know he’s capable of. The good news for Spurs, however, is that Slaven Bilic hasn’t quite got to grips with how to get best use from the England international just yet.
HEUNG-MIN SON VS AARON CRESSWELL
With Erik Lamela suspended and potentially injured for the West Ham meet, its more than likely summer signing Heung-Min Son will take his place on the right hand side.
Mauricio Pochettino has preferred Christian Eriksen on the left in recent weeks and overall his options are relatively limited, with Nacer Chadli injured and Andros Townsend in the doghouse after a bust-up with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner.
The South Korea international has already given a glimpse into what the future could hold for him at White Hart Lane, claiming three goals and one assist in his first six outings for Spurs, but much more is expected of the £22million acquisition with a preceding reputation from his prolific spell at Bayer Leverkusen.
But defensive contribution could be more important than the 23-year-old’s attacking qualities on Sunday. Although the Lilywhites will expect to dominate in the comfort of their home ground, left-back Aaron Cresswell is one of the Hammers’ biggest creative threats, averaging 1.3 created chances this season, and will look to join the attack when possible.
For both players, it is a question of balancing responsibilities. Cresswell’s deadly left foot – especially with Andy Carroll lurking in the box – means Son can’t allow him the room to cross even from deep positions.
Likewise, however, should the 25-year-old venture too far forward, the Spurs star possesses the speed and technical quality to punish West Ham on the counter-attack.
Mauricio Pochettino boasts the best record of any manager when it comes to developing young players; and by quite a distance at that.
Don’t let Poch’s success dishearten you, mind, because Football Manager gives you the chance to prove to yourself, and anyone who will listen to your stories, that you can spot and bring through the best young talent as well.
Spurs already have more than their fair share of wonderkids around their squad, but you can never have too many superstar teenagers, can you?
Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Harry Kane and Nabil Bentaleb can all become top class players in their own ways, but its hard to resist adding a few more potential world beaters to such a talented squad.
You may look to replace Mason, Chadli and Fazio – and you’d be right to do so – so you will need plenty of alternatives for your young squad.
Here are FIVE of the best young players for Spurs to aim for…
Ruben Duarte
With Ben Davies and Danny Rose already playing at close to their respective potentials, there must be some worth in finding a left-back who can exceed their abilities.
Duarte is not as adventurous as Rose, but the Spaniard is a highly reliable defender who will have a tackling rating of above 15 by the time he reaches his peak.
Espanyol will not be too demanding when it comes to a fee, so Duarte could be the ideal man to shore up the left hand side of the Spurs defence to allow Son more freedom to attack.
Ezequiel Ponce
It has been well publicised how little back-up Harry Kane has at Spurs this season and Ponce could be one cheap way to fix that.
Immediately, Ponce will not challenge Kane for his starting berth, but within a couple of seasons the Argentine will be ready to make the number 9 role his own. Ponce is comfortable playing back to goal or running the channels, much like Kane, and would be the perfect player to develop and slot into Kane’s position without changing your tactical system.
Ponce’s low first touch rating may be of concern, and rightly so, but you won’t find many cheaper players with this sort of potential.
Lincoln
Similar to many Brazilian wonderkids, Lincoln is a highly gifted, highly versatile attacking midfield player. Whether you want to utilise this starlet on either flank, or see if he can produce form like Christian Eriksen in the 10 role, Lincoln will develop into a superstar.
Early signs of his creativity can be seen from the beginning of your save, and he is undoubtedly a bargain transfer considering that you can pick him up for under £3million.
If you are sick of Townsend and N’Jie’s lack of productivity, invest the time and money in Lincoln to reap the rewards.
Predrag Rajkovic
It may seem a bit unorthodox to suggest signing a goalkeeper when Spurs have Hugo Lloris, but this young stopper has the potential be at least as good as the French number 1.
Within a few seasons, the Maccabi Tel-Aviv ‘keeper will be one of the best in Europe and is currently putting in remarkable Champions League performances as a teenager.
If Lloris is to ask for a move to a bigger club, as he often does, Rajkovic would slot perfectly into the side.
Sergi Samper
Previously linked with the Lilywhites in the real world, Samper is a steal if you can convince him to move.
The Barca youngster’s low release clause will have half of Europe interested, but Samper would fit nicely into Spurs’ midfield alongside the industry of Dembele and the box-to-box play of Alli.
If you opt to sign Samper, make sure you don’t neglect the importance of Eric Dier in your squad and keep a space open for him elsewhere.
The prospect of Samper feeding the ball to Eriksen is just too good to miss out on…
Check your advent calendars, boys and girls! It may feel like only yesterday you opened that first door to unveil a delicious lump of chocolate on December 1st, but we are now just eight days away from Christmas.
Children up and down the country will be spending the next few days making sure their Christmas wishlists are perfect in time for Santa Claus’ visit on December 25th – but it’s a little-known fact that Premier League managers partake in the annual tradition as well.
After all, who is in need of some Christmas magic and festive cheer more than the unfortunate souls working in the endlessly chaotic and dramatic world of the English top flight? That goes double for Louis van Gaal, whose future at Old Trafford has been thrown into serious doubt since Manchester United were eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of Wolfsburg last week.
But the Dutchman is certain he’s been a good boy this year – so certain in fact, that he’s given us a sneak peak of his Christmas wishlist. Unsurprisingly, it’s bursting to the brim with Bundesliga stars.
RICARDO RODRIGUEZ
With resident left-back Luke Shaw potentially out until the end of the season after breaking his leg in September, a new No.3 certainly wouldn’t go amiss this Christmas.
In that regard, it’s hard to look past Wolfsburg’s Ricardo Rodriguez, who has emerged as one of the best attacking full-backs in Europe, let alone the Bundesliga, over the past few seasons.
Indeed, the Swiss international has claimed 13 goals, 29 assists and an incredible 180 created chances in his last 96 Bundesliga outings – the majority of which have been sourced from his world-class set piece deliveries.
Aged just 23, many top clubs have taken note of the 32-cap international’s impressive rise since arriving at the Volkswagen Arena from FC Zurich in January 2013.
But with three-and-a-half-years remaining on his current terms, Wolfsburg are unlikely to sell any time soon unless a monumental markup is involved.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG
Having scored the fewest goals of any side in the Premier League’s top six this season, with strike force Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial netting just five times between them, I’m sure Louis van Gaal would be delighted to find a more dependable goal threat under his tree this Christmas.
Enter Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who boasts the most league goals of any player involved Europe’s five leading top flights this season – a whopping 16 in 18 Bundesliga outings.
That brings the Gabon international’s total for the Black-Yellows to 68 in 119, but it’s the athletic element to Aubameyang’s game that could make him such an important addition to the United squad – possessing the penetrative pace and power they currently lack in the final third.
Dortmund reportedly value the 26-year-old at around £42million, but convincing them to sell midseason – especially considering they’re just five points behind league leaders Bayern Munich – will require a substantial premium on top.
MATS HUMMELS
Manchester United have spanned the globe searching for a viable alternative, yet no player addresses their need for a world-class ball-playing centre-back better than Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels.
The German international boasts an aerially dominant 6 foot 3 frame and an exceptional reading of the game, but it’s his Franz-Beckenbauer-esque ability to instigate attacks from deep positions, with ranging passes and surging runs on the ball, that Louis van Gaal craves most.
As a World Cup winner, Bundesliga winner and former Champions League finalist, the 27-year-old’s vast experience would be another integral asset to United’s relatively youthful backline.
The Dortmund skipper has snubbed the Red Devils’ sustained interest for the last two summers, but a little Christmas magic might see LVG finally get his man, especially considering Hummels’ contract expires at the end of the season and he’s reportedly had a few bust-ups with manager Thomas Tuchel in recent weeks.
ARJEN ROBBEN
Louis van Gaal has made no secret of his desire to sign a ‘speedy, creative’ winger and old ally Arjen Robben fits the bill perfectly.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid man has made a career from combining scintillating dribbling speed with lethal long-range shooting, racking up 113 goals in 203 appearances for Bayern Munich.
He was one of the Netherlands’ leading performers under LVG’s direction at the 2014 World Cup, excelling in a one-man counter-attacking role alongside Robin van Persie, and would certainly add an injection of direct dynamism to United’s current wide options.
With his contract set to expire at the end of next season, this is undoubtedly the right time to make Bayern consider Robben’s long-term future at the Allianz Arena with a January bid.
But already aged 31, the veteran wide-man could become one of those presents that is unfortunately forgotten about by the time next Christmas comes around. Proneness to injury is another legitimate concern.
THOMAS MULLER
Make no mistake about it, all Louis van Gaal really wants this Christmas is a 6 foot 1 Bayern Munich forward named Thomas Muller.
Manchester United have made countless attempts to sign the world-class German since LVG took the Old Trafford helm in summer 2014 and it’s not hard to see why. He’s one of the most unique and talented attacking threats in world football, famed for blending physicality, industriousness and versatility with a consistent supply of goals.
Indeed, the 25-year-old has served the Bavarians as a striker, a No.10, a winger and even a central midfielder during his 329 appearances across all competitions, racking up 140 goals in the process. He’s also netted 10 times at the last two World Cups, claiming the Golden Boot in 2010 and firing Die Mannschaft to the title in 2014.
Having got his big break at the Allianz Arena under van Gaal, the Dutchman is desperate to bring the multipurpose attacker to United. Unfortunately, however, he’s on the verge of extending his Bayern contract until 2021.
It was a baptism of fire for Remi Garde when he took over at Aston Villa. His very first game at Villa Park was against a Manchester City side who were on rampant form. There was a raucous atmosphere in the Fabian Delph derby, and perhaps the Villa fans will come to the game with toy snakes once again.That day, though, Villa managed a commendable goalless draw. They looked solid at the back and were a threat going forward on occasion, too. Since then, Villa have improved, but they’re still bottom of the table and still look utterly doomed. Last season’s FA Cup finalists may be preparing for life in the Championship next season, but perhaps the cup is just the distraction they need in order to regain some confidence and end the season well. If you can’t gain confidence from beating Manchester City in the Cup, then where can you get it?City, meanwhile, are just coming off the back of a hard-fought game against Everton in midweek where they managed to progress to the Capital One Cup final, but at the cost of losing Kevin de Bruyne, possibly for the rest of the season given the time it will take to get him back to match fitness.Fatigue and injuries have been a problem for City this season already, but their biggest problem has, at times, looked like apathy. Will they be up for an FA Cup fourth round match away to the bottom side? If they are, it could be a thrill to watch, but City’s away form has been dismal this season, and a lot of that might have to do with the attitude of the squad, especially when faced with away games.It would hardly be a traditional Cup upset, but if Villa could pull it off, surely it would be unexpected – but with City’s attitude and form problems away from home, it would hardly be a shock.Here are the teams: