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Aston Villa manager Dean Smith confirmed on Monday that centre-back Tommy Elphick will definitely miss the second city derby with Birmingham City on Sunday as he will be out for “four to five weeks”, which is great news for Blues striker Lukas Jutkiewicz ahead of the weekend meeting.

On the chalkboard

The 29-year-old has formed a strong partnership with Che Adams up top for Garry Monk’s men in recent months, but while the in-form ex-Sheffield United attacker has been scoring left, right and centre, it hasn’t been as easy for his teammate.

In fact, the Southampton-born centre-forward hasn’t found the net in the Championship since the 4-2 defeat against – ironically – Villa at the end of November, and will be desperate to get back on the goal trail sooner rather than later as Brum chase an unlikely top-six finish.

Jutkiewicz has still made a big impact despite the drought though, providing seven assists for the promotion hopefuls during that spell.

Elphick absence great news

The Birmingham brute loves to throw his weight around and cause problems for oppositions defenders with his height and strength, and he will be delighted that he won’t be coming up against a fellow tough character in Elphick.

With James Chester currently out with a knee issue Smith has quite the dilemma ahead of the huge clash at St Andrew’s this weekend – Kortney Hause, Mile Jedinak and Neil Taylor are the likely candidates to start alongside Tyrone Mings.

Out of the three only the former is a natural centre-back though, and given his lack of football this term Jutkiewicz would surely fancy his chances of getting the better of him.

The 29-year-old has proven to be a thorn in Villa’s side before, and he will hope to do the same again following the latest eye-catching update.

[ad_pod ]Chelsea goalkeeper Jamal Blackman has provided an update on his recovery from a broken leg, which has sparked a reaction from the Leeds United fans.Blackman joined Leeds on loan from Chelsea last summer and made two appearances for the Whites in the first half of the 2018-19 campaign.The 25-year-old suffered a broken leg in an Under-23 fixture against Birmingham City in November, though, which ended his loan spell at the club, returning to Chelsea to recover.Blackman will not play again this season, but has posted a positive update on his recovery.The Leeds fans have been on Twitter reacting to the post and as expected, there were a number of kind messages for the goalkeeper.Pl>ymaker FC’s Theo Ogden found two rebelious Leeds fans in the home end at Loftus Road in QPR’s 2-1 FA Cup win. Find out what happened next in the video below…Some of the Championship club’s supporters even said that they were hopeful of seeing Blackman back at Elland Road once he has fully recovered from the injury.A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Where would Crystal Palace even be without Wilfried Zaha?

Obviously, no Eagle reading this will need telling but the majestic winger has been their shining beacon for many years now, keeping them etched into the Premier League even when dark times were at bay for the Croydon side.

A man rejuvenated even further under Roy Hodgson’s guidance, Zaha’s come a long way since being rejected by Manchester United and looking as if the experience up at Old Trafford scarred him. Following his heroics with the Eagles, United signed him as their own “next big thing”, but one problem led to another, eventually triggering his release from the club. That. oddly, looks to be the best thing that ever happened.

However, even at his worst phase, the Eagles stuck right by their man and moulded him into the superstar he is today. Zaha’s having another prolific season for his boyhood charges, having scored eight goals and assisted twice to keep them safe from relegation.

Game by game, the Ivory Coast international has lit up Selhurst Park with his trickery and amazing dribbling ability.

He’s turned Palace into a team everyone takes cautiously due to their attacking prowess. Linking up well with Andros Townsend and company, Zaha’s helped create some stunning moments for the Eagles, even flooring top oppositions with his skilful feet. The confidence he displays while roaming forward, going past one man after another, makes him a player defenders fear taking on.

The nature of modern football lends itself a recency bias but, without going over the top, Zaha is the best signing Crystal Palace have ever made. He’s just that good.

Even Palace probably didn’t realize he’d burst into the dazzling winger he is today when they initially resigned him from Manchester United. Once a discarded talent, Zaha’s now transformed into a heavily desired winger well on his way to scripting himself into the Crystal Palace record books.

Palace fans, do you think Zaha’s on his way to becoming one of the club’s best ever player? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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Loads of Crystal Palace fans have been running the rule over their defeat against Brighton, and they are not at all happy with former fan favourite Patrick van Aanholt.

As has so often been the case at Selhurst Park this season, Palace dominated Saturday’s match against the Seagulls but barely mustered a single clear-cut chance.

Roy Hodgson’s decision to start three workhorses in midfield backfired again, as superb goals from Glenn Murray and Anthony Knockaert gave the visitors all three points.

The gaffer is taking plenty of stick for his team selections at the moment, but one of the biggest problems has come in an area where he doesn’t really have other options to choose from – left-back.

Van Aanholt is a very popular figure in south London thanks to his passion for the club, ability to add goals and assists from defence, blistering speed and of course his entertaining social media presence.

However, the 28 year-old is enduring a horrific run of form, and scored just a 6.32 on Whoscored’s player rating system on Saturday.

He was way too relaxed in allowing Knockaert to cut inside onto his stronger foot and score the winner, and the Twitter reactions down below are well and truly fed up with the Dutchman…

Newcastle were pretty woeful during last nights defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates last night, with the side never looking like getting back into the game following the opening goal.

They gave possession away too easily throughout, lacked creativity and never looked capable of stringing passes together in a bid to unlock an Arsenal side that looked confident from the outset.

Fans must have lost count at the number of times Rafa Benitez’s side tried to play cross-field or diagonal balls, only for them to be off target — usually being yards short of a teammate — and just being swept up by a red shirt.

The stats do not make pleasant reading, with Newcastle only managing 286 passes to Arsenal’s 700, but only 185 of those were accurate, compared to Arsenal’s 600. That gave Benitez’s side just 65 per cent pass success — and most of those were across the back four, or negative passes back to them.

The one player with the vision and ability to consistently find a key ball, is Jonjo Shelvey, and the sight of him sitting on the bench, not even being brought on in the second half, will have even the most ardent of Rafa fans, questioning his decision.

It seems a strange situation. Shelvey was the first choice midfielder, and even during times when his form dipped, he was still able to find passes that none of his teammates could.

Then, of course, he got injured, as did Ki Sung Yueng and Mo Diame, which gave Sean Longstaff his chance, along with Isaac Hayden.

The young duo performed wonderfully well together, and so it made sense that when the elder trio returned to fitness they would not walk straight back into the starting lineup.

But then came Longstaff’s injury blow.

Ki was brought in to replace him, then Diame got a chance. But it has been noticeable, that Hayden has not performed as well with either of these two, than he did with Longstaff.

But whereas Diame and Ki both got opportunities, Shelvey has been limited to ten minute cameos, if he is lucky.

The Magpies desperately needed some inspiration from the middle of the park last night, and yet, Shelvey was left on the bench, with Ki coming on for Hayden, and doing a poor job when he did.

So the question is: what has happened between Rafa and Shelvey?

Clearly, there must be a reason why he is not getting game time, and the excuse of building fitness up following his injury spell, does not wash anymore.

Of course, we are not privy to what goes on behind the scenes, but with the rumours and speculation surrounding the former Swansea midfielder and West Ham refusing to go away, it makes you wonder if there were some knocks on the manager’s door in January asking about moves away.

But regardless, it is about picking up points first, and internal club politics second. After all, Hayden has been clear, open and adamant about wanting to leave, but he is still playing games.

It is a difficult thing for fans to work out, and after none of Diame, Hayden or Ki did themselves any favours last night, it will be very interesting to see if Benitez turns to Shelvey against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

With three points being an absolute must, the Geordie fans will be hoping so.

What do you think of the Shelvey situation? Should he be starting in the Newcastle midfield? Join in the debate and let us know your thoughts…

Celtic have been thrown into disarray following the premature departure of Brendan Rodgers, and with their next manager the hottest topic, fans will surely be relieved to hear that Alex Neil is not in the running.

Former Celtic man Chris Sutton has blown a fuse since Rodgers exit, and probably for good reason.

The Hoops were on course for their eighth domestic title when Rodgers made the hurried decision to make his way back over to the Premier League, leaving his former team well and truly in the lurch.

We do not doubt that at some point he was going to leave: commentators have been discussing the move for some time, after all.

Former Scotland forward Kris Boyd, for example, told Talksport: “There is potential to create something there with Leicester,” (via Leicester Mercury).

“Brendan likes a project there is no doubt about that – you can see what he’s done at other clubs,

“It might be the start of something again for Leicester to stay at the top end of English football.

“In terms of the size of the club, the history then it’s a step down,

“but if you ask any manager where they want to manage then it’s the English Premier League.

“I think Brendan Rodgers would want to finish the season up here and finish it on a high as Celtic manager.”

Unfortunately Boyd and the majority of us were wrong, Rodgers has left, and with that he has created a mammoth void to be filled.

David Moyes was the first nightmare Hoops fans had to overcome, with the ex-Celtic player reportedly interested in returning to the club where his footballing career began (via Express). Considering how rotten his record has become since being sacked by Manchester United, his appointment would be most unwelcome.

Current Preston North End coach Alex Neil was the next man to be briefly linked, but, according to The Scottish Sun, the former Hamilton boss has recently ruled himself out. To the relief of many, we are sure.

Interim boss Neil Lennon is surely the preference now. Lennon has been at the club before and done great things, winning three Scottish titles and two Scottish Cups.  To consider anyone else during this vital point of transition would be negligent on the club’s part. They need someone who knows Celtic inside and out, and their current man is the best candidate for the job.

Every failed link with be music to the ears of fans.

Celtic fans, who do you want as your club’s next manager? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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Wolves supporters have had plenty to cheer about this season and they have found another reason for optimism in academy prospect, Niall Ennis.

The Molineux faithful were quick to give him praise on Twitter as the young forward scored twice during Wolves U23s’ 3-1 win over Southampton U23s on Monday evening.

Ennis found the net to open the scoring from close range after nine minutes before scoring the final goal of the game with a low driven shot from outside the box just after the hour mark. The 19-year-old nearly had a hat-trick too, hitting the crossbar in the dying moments.

His performance caught the eye of Wolves supporters who, as well as singling him out for plaudits, were keen to give him advice too, ensuring he continues to work hard in a bid to earn more first-team minutes.

The attacker hasn’t had an easy career so far, struggling with injury in the past which has halted his development. He suffered a long-term knee injury when on loan at Shrewsbury in 2017/18 in a spell that lasted one game.

We’ve found Raul Jimenez’s No. 1 fan and… it’s a little scary. Check out the video below to see for yourself…

Ennis hasn’t been able to get much senior football since and has played just once for Wolves’ first team in competitive football. He made his senior bow for the club as a substitute in their 3-2 win over his previous loan club in the FA Cup in February.

Ennis has six goals in his last seven academy matches so he’ll surely be pushing for another senior team call-up. Here’s what Wolves fans have been saying…

أبدى عبد الناصر محمد مدير الكرة بنادي إنبي، سعادته بعد فوز فريقه على المقاولون العرب اليوم في الدوري المصري.

وفاز إنبي على المقاولون العرب بهدفين دون رد، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما مساء اليوم الخميس، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة والثلاثون من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كاف يعلن موعد قرعة تحديد ملعب مباراة نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وأضاف عبد الناصر محمد خلال مداخلة عبر إذاعة الشباب والرياضة: “نحن سعداء بالفوز بالثلاثة نقاط من نادي كبير مثل المقاولون العرب، والوصول للنقطة 48 لها فرحة كبيرة جدًا”.

تابع: “نأمل أن نلعب المباراة المتبقية لنا أمام نادي طنطا يوم 22 أو 23 من الشهر الجاري، لأنه لا يوجد مبرر أن ننتظر لمدة 15 يومًا حتى نلعب هذا اللقاء”.

وعن موقف اللاعب محمد شريف مع الفريق، قال: “الذي يملك عقد محمد شريف هو النادي الأهلي، ونأمل أن يستمر معنا، فهو عندما يتواجد لدينا سيشارك في المباريات ومستواه سيتطور وهذا أفضل للأهلي، ولكن في النهاية القرار يعود للقلعة الحمراء”.

استكمل: “أحمد علي الذي يملك عقده نادي بيراميدز ونتمنى استمراره معنا”.

أردف: “محمود جاد متبقي في عقده موسمين ومن الصعب أن نفرط فيه، لأن لا يوجد لدينا حراس مرمى”.

اختتم: “حلمي طولان المدير الفني مستمر معنا في الموسم المقبل ولن نفرط فيه”.

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A recent report in the Daily Mail claimed that Tottenham Hotspur were ready to reignite their interest in Aston Villa attacker Jack Grealish in this summer’s transfer window.

And the Spurs fans have been on social media offering their views on the potential deal.

Whilst there are those who are keen to sign Grealish at the end of this season, others feel that their club missed a trick by not completing the deal last summer before his value skyrocketed.

Grealish – recently back from injury – has scored four times and contributed four assists in 24 Championship appearances for Villa this season.

There is absolutely no question that the 23-year-old is a talent and it might be hard for Villa to keep him unless they are promoted to the Premier League for the 2019-2020 campaign.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he would have snubbed Tottenham for Arsenal if they’d come knocking in 2005…

It is certainly one to watch in the coming months.

A selection of the reaction from the Spurs fans can be seen below:

Sunderland are one of several English clubs interested in signing Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing in the summer, if the player is not offered an extension to his current deal at the Riverside.

Scottish giants Rangers are also credited with an interest, as well as possible overseas interest, according to a report in the Northern Echo.

At 34-years-old, the player could be offered an extension to his current deal, which will automatically be triggered if he makes just one more Boro’ start.

It is a strange situation, as the player has not made the starting lineup since 29 December, which suggests that the club are reluctant to trigger the extension clause.

The irony is how this is playing out at a Boro’ side that is struggling to win games, and the winger’s creativity is exactly what the Teessiders crave.

But his contract situation could play into Sunderland’s hands, with the player wanting to remain in the North East, with Sunderland the only viable option for that, away from the Riverside.

It is hard to think that Sunderland fans would be rushing to buy season tickets at the thought of Downing’s arrival, but if you look deeper into the move, we think it could be a good deal.

Should the Wearsiders achieve promotion, they will need guile and experience from players that have played in, what is widely regarded as, the most difficult and competitive division in football.

Downing, who is valued at £1.8 million (by Transfermarkt), could provide that, and if he is felt wanted by the club — which he is not feeling 25 miles further down the A19 — he could provide exactly what they need.

As much as Sunderland fans may not want to hear this, when back in the Championship, their club needs to take a leaf out of their neighbours’ book.

Newcastle, under Rafa Benitez, built a squad that would ensure they got out of the division. Many of the players brought in were never going to be good enough for the Premier League, but that was irrelevant.

Promotion was the goal, the next season could look after itself when it happened.

That is exactly what Sunderland need to do. And Stewart Downing would fall into that category perfectly.

Football is a ruthless sport, at times, and Jack Ross needs to exploit that.

Of course, it all relies on his side going up this year. Something that failure to do could prove catastrophic for the famous old club.

What do you think about a swoop for Stewart Downing Sunderland fans? Is he the type of player you need to see you through a Championship campaign? Will you be a Championship team next year? Let us know your opinion…