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…

Crystal Palace’s start to the season has been a mixed one, to say the least.

Impressive wins over Manchester United and Aston Villa have been slightly stained by a drab defeat to Sheffield United and a disappointing draw against 10-men Wolves, but one thing has remained constant – their lack of depth at full-back.

As it stands, the south Londoners have just one senior left-back and one senior right-back in Joel Ward and Patrick van Aanholt – if you decide to see Jeffrey Schlupp as a midfielder now, of course.

However, a recent transfer target could help add depth to both of these positions.

The Sun (print version, 22 September, page 61) reported earlier this week that Crystal Palace are interested in signing West Brom youngster Nathan Ferguson as they look to add cover to their full-back positions.

The 18-year-old is an encouraging target for the south Londoners due to his age and potential to improve – we have previously detailed the problems that come with Palace often signing older players, who end up leaving the Eagles in a problematic position in terms of failing to make a profit on their investments.

Ferguson has shown plenty of signs so far this season to suggest that he is a promising young player whose value will only grow as he learns his trade in the game – he has started seven of the Baggies’ Championship games this term, grabbing one assist while making 2.6 tackles and 2.6 clearances per game. Decent beginnings.

With just Ward and van Aanholt available, those areas of the field are problematic for Palace – even more so after the latter’s worrying display against Tottenham, which did not go down well with some supporters.

Roy Hodgson was recently forced to play academy centre-back Sam Woods and centre-midfielder Jairo Riedewald at right-back and left-back respectively in the Carabao Cup, after injuries to Ward and van Aanholt – the 72-year-old later said he felt “sorry” for the makeshift duo. Indeed, Palace lost the game on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

Significantly, Ferguson can actually play in both full-back positions, having appeared four times on the right of Slaven Bilic’s backline so far this term, as well as three times on the left. That could make him an incredibly important member of Hodgson’s squad, even if it’s primarily from the bench.

He does lack a little going forward, averaging just 0.3 key passes per game this season, but the trade-off appears to be greater defensive solidity, and that only fits the Hodgson mould after his side finished up with the sixth-most clean sheets of any Premier League side last term.

Ferguson, then, appears to tick some crucial boxes in terms of the type of defender Palace need – defensively sound, versatile and offering genuine resale value. We’ll have to see whether that’s enough to convince the Eagles to make a concerted effort for his services.

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…

Seamus Coleman was sent off for a second yellow card on the 56th minute against Burnley last weekend, which forced Marco Silva to bring on back-up right-back Djibril Sidibe during the second half.

The Frenchman joined Everton this summer on a season-long loan from AS Monaco but has had to settle for a place on the bench so far, other than two Carabao Cup fixtures where he started.

Upon entering the fray for his first-ever Premier League outing, Sidibe was also booked towards the end of the match. However, with Coleman suspended, now is his time to show Silva that he is the main man for the Toffees at right-back.

Watch Everton Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

In Ligue 1 last season, Sidibe provided two assists in 27 appearances – the same amount as the Irishman in the Premier League – and after averaging 3.3 tackles per game in the Champions League, the 27-year-old could prove to be a positive addition both defensively and creativity.

As Coleman’s dismissal came in the form of two yellow cards, the Everton regular will miss just the one game against West Ham United, which further justifies the importance for Sidibe in that game. It may be a one-shot take for the former Lille defender, and should he impress, a spot as the Toffees’ main right-back may well be on the cards.

This is because Coleman’s form has indeed been questionable so far, being part of a defence that has conceded 13 goals in eight games. However, the 30-year-old does have the one assist to his name and has averaged 3.3 dribbles each match thus far. Although, his topsy-turvy start may allow Sidibe to take his spot in the side should the Frenchman stand out against West Ham.

The last time the Monaco loanee started for his new team, he achieved a 7/10 rating for his display against Sheffield Wednesday, which may have already given Silva some food for thought in the full-back slot. With a solid performance against West Ham, Coleman may find himself missing even more action, and quite frankly, he couldn’t have chosen a much worse time to get himself a suspension as now Sidibe has a golden opportunity to snatch his place.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

Rangers overcame Feyenoord in their opening Europa League group game on Thursday night, and much of their success was due to the performance of one man – Alfredo Morelos.

Although he didn’t score – he has 8 goals in 9 Europa League appearances already this season – Morelos was a constant menace to the Feyenoord back line, enough for manager Steven Gerrard to single him out for praise after the match and describe him as unplayable.

“I thought he was unplayable. I thought he caused them endless problems and his hold-up play was fantastic. The only thing his performance didn’t have tonight was a goal.”

Indeed, all that was missing from his performance against Feyenoord was a goal but other than that, the numbers (via WhoScored) speak for themselves.

He completed eight dribbles, rolling his marker on numerous occasions to either get a shot away or attempt to set up a team mate.

On six occasions he pulled the trigger and forced saves on two of those, with five of the efforts coming from inside the box – showing is expert movement to get into genuine goalscoring opportunities rather than simply peppering the goal from range.

But Morelos was also responsible for three key passes and on another occasion he would’ve created goals for both Scott Arfield and Sheyi Ojo, who couldn’t convert.

The most telling statistic detailing just how involved in the match Morelos was, he also had 60 touches of the ball – third-highest in the Rangers team, only behind James Tavernier and Ryan Jack. Usually forwards are amongst the lowest ranking in this regard, but Morelos’ impact on the game was frequent and relentless.

Morelos has shown so far this season that he is the man for the big occasions and if Rangers are to go far in the 2019/20 Europa League, they’ll need more ‘unplayable’ performances from El Buffalo.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have perhaps recruited better than any other Premier League team in recent years, they’ve really got it right with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and many more.

But it hasn’t always been like that at Anfield and today we’re going to be revisiting a number of occasions where they have got it woefully wrong in terms of an incoming transfer.

So here’s a look at Liverpool’s 20 worst signings of the Premier League era…

Sean Dundee

Pictured above celebrating with one of the club’s better acquisitions over the years Michael Owen, Sean Dundee was a true waste of money for Liverpool.

£2m may not seem like a lot of dough now at all but back in 1998 it was and all joint-managers at the time Roy Evans and Gerard Houllier would get for that lofty sum would be five appearances (all of them from the bench) and no goals from the centre-forward.

Charlie Adam

Despite that one cracking season in the Premier League for Blackpool, Charlie Adam was never good enough to represent a side like the Reds and he probably knew that as well.

That’s why the creative Scotland international lasted just the one campaign on Merseyside in what was a very strange time for Liverpool Football Club.

Christian Benteke

There are similarities between Adam and the next infamous member of this list, the man known as one of the attacking flops of all time at Anfield, Christian Benteke.

Then gaffer Brendan Rodgers splashed out an eye-watering £32.5m on the striker in the summer of 2015 and like both Adam and Dundee would last just the one term – ironically, Benteke left the north west with a record of ten goals in 42 matches, not too bad at all.

Alberto Aquilani 

Mention the name Alberto Aquilani and most Kopites would offer a chuckle, this is certainly not the effect that the Italian would have wanted to leave when he arrived from Roma for £17m plus bonuses prior to the 2009/2010 season.

In truth, Xabi Alonso was always going to be a hard act to follow and that role always had the potential to be a poisoned chalice to whoever had to fulfil it, however, the woeful Aquilani made a special mess of it and it’s no small miracle that he managed to officially remain a Liverpool player for three years.

Milan Jovanovic

Famous for that hilarious video of his Reds best bits on Youtube, Milan Jovanovic turned up in the Red Half of Merseyside to a different manager to the one that signed him in 2010.

Roy Hodgson was hardly renowned for getting the best out of his players at Anfield and the Serbia midfielder is some example of that.

The balding winger is remembered at the Reds for the wrong reasons and 18 pathetic appearances after his signing he was shipped back to the league he tricked Rafa Benitez into thinking he was any good in, the Belgian first division.

Christian Poulsen

Is that a picture of Dirk Kuyt?

No, if Christian Poulsen was even half as decent for Liverpool as the legendary Dutch frontman he wouldn’t be anywhere near this list.

Putting any ifs and buts aside, Roy Hodgson was probably right to identify the Dane’s quality, after all he is one of the rare few to have played in all five of Europe’s big five divisions, though by 2010 he was fast slowing down and his terrible only campaign in Anfield Road is best forgotten.

Tiago Ilori

All the big teams have done it, signing a youngster dubbed to be the next big thing in European or even world football only for them to flop massively.

Well, Tiago Ilori is the Reds’ anti-climactic starlet and they paid a fair amount of money for him in September 2013, a reported £7m for the then 20-year-old who would only ever represent the club three times.

Paul Konchesky

As you may have already noticed, the Reds made some stinkers of signings around the turn of the decade, but none of them quite as terrible as Paul Konchesky.

The left-back was Roy Hodgson’s main man at Fulham so he saw no reason why he couldn’t follow him to play the same role at Anfield, however, his spell was nothing short of a total disaster shrouded by his mum’s Facebook rant in which she branded Liverpool fans “scouse scum.”

Mario Balotelli

Sure Mario Balotelli’s mother never said anything bad about Kopites, but his football in Liverpool could hardly do the talking for him either.

The controversial character was alright at Manchester City and pretty impressive at the 2012 UEFA European Championships, however, Luis Suarez’s were big boots to fill at Anfield plus there was always the weight of his £15m+ price tag – he was set up to fail really and did.

Joe Cole

Liverpool’s decision to sign Joe Cole in the twilight of his career was a strange one and they got what they deserved for what was a poor bit of business.

The former England and Chelsea star may not have cost Roy Hodgson (yes, him again) any actual money but his £130k-per-week salary was obscene for what the Reds actually got, a mere 42 matches, five goals and three assists, sub-standard for any attacking midfielder let alone Cole.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Little by little he’s forcing his way back into the picture.

Tyler Roberts has sort of become the forgotten man at Elland Road this season.

There has been plenty of talk surrounding who should lead the line between Patrick Bamford and Eddie Nketiah, meanwhile, Roberts has been coming back from a knee operation that he undertook during the summer.

As a result, his contributions from last season, and what he can offer in this campaign have been pushed aside. Speaking after the Birmingham City game, Roberts spoke about his recovery so far and how important it is for him to be getting back into the swing of things:

“Coming on in the second half and getting some minutes it was great, it’s been a long summer, so I’m glad to be back and helping the team get up the table.”

On the chalkboard

Roberts is the perfect man for a Marcelo Bielsa team, because whilst he has predominantly spent his career as a centre-forward, he can play in so many positions across the front line as well as an attacking midfielder.

Bielsa has spoken about his preferences to carry a small squad, so for him to be able to fill in multiple roles makes him crucial.

He’s also very effective on the pitch as well, if you take a look at his record from last season, even though it was only three goals and six assists, he spent large parts of the campaign either on the bench, not in the squad or forced out wide (where his assists came from).

Whilst Bielsa has stated that the team will be unchanged for the game against Preston North End, he really needs to consider using Roberts a lot more going forward.

Whilst the 20-year-old may be the perfect utility man to bring off the bench if there is an injury to anyone in the front-line, it shouldn’t necessarily rule him out to start games either, especially when supporters loved his cameo so much last weekend.

After all, he did start 20 games under Bielsa last season, so it’s not as if he hasn’t had the chance to prove himself. Although his numbers weren’t amazing, perhaps if he got a more consistent run in the side, he might be able to get those numbers up and help the team like he’s talked about.

Either way, he’s returning at just the right time if you consider Leeds’ struggles in front of goal. Bamford has failed to find the back of the net for seven games so they definitely need an added attacking threat.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has a big decision to make ahead of the game against Swansea on Wednesday evening.

The Addicks are in a spot of bother at left-back, with first-choice Ben Purrington set to be assessed ahead of the game and his backup option Lewis Page also struggling to stay fit.

Alarmingly, the situation has added significance given who the Swans have available to line up on the right flank…

Who do they have?

The Welsh side have the in-form Andre Ayew available to them, a man who has been in eye-catching form so far this season upon his return to the Liberty Stadium.

Ayew, who has 80 caps for Ghana, spent last term on loan at Fenerbahce but has returned to south Wales in focused fashion as he embarks on his first taste of Championship football.

The 29-year-old has registered three assists in seven league appearances so far in 2019/20, while also recording 2.4 shots and 2.1 dribbles per game.

His skill and the difficulty he causes opponents out on that right flank is emphasised even more by the fact that Ayew gets fouled two times per game on average.

Who does Bowyer have to choose from?

Aside from the aforementioned Purrington – who has been playing on with a calf problem lately – Bowyer may have to look at some unnatural options for the left-back role with Page also unavailable – the 23-year-old is yet to appear this term.

The south Londoners may have to consider the likes of Naby Sarr and Deji Oshilaja for the position.

Sarr is a natural centre-back according to Transfermarkt, although a left-footed one meaning he could potentially be moved out to left-back, whereas Oshilaja – as per his Transfermarkt page – is able to operate at left-back and right-back as well as at centre-back.

Two other options Bowyer has at his disposal are Chris Solly – who can play in both full-back positions – and Adam Matthews- the recent arrival can also operate in either full-back area as well as at right-midfield.

With Ayew in such good form, the decision in Bowyer’s hands is certainly a big one.

[ad_pod ]

The Scottish Premiership table is beginning to look quite interesting.

After seven games of the campaign, Celtic are top of the table, as you would expect. But they are only one point ahead of Rangers in second place. The Gers will no doubt be the Bhoys’ main rivals as the latter attempt to win their ninth league title in a row.

Celtic were in action on Saturday against Hibernian as they aimed to maintain their 100% record in the league. However, they could only come away with a 1-1 draw from Celtic Park after going 1-0 behind thanks to a Kristoffer Ajer own goal.

Neil Lennon’s substitutions were perhaps questionable. For example, Odsonne Edouard, the team’s second top goalscorer this term, was brought off with 18 minutes left on the clock as the home side pushed for an equaliser.

The Glasgow outfit’s fans were far from happy with their boss’ changes, and they took to Twitter to share their thoughts. You can see some of the best comments from the social media platform below.

اعترف يورجن كلوب مدرب فريق ليفربول أنهم لا يستطيعون تحمل إهدار المزيد من النقاط في المباريات المقبلة، إذا رغبوا في إنهاء الموسم الحالي من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ضمن المراكز الأربعة الأولى.

ويعاني ليفربول من نتائج سيئة في الموسم الحالي، حيث يحتل حاليًا المركز الرابع برصيد 46 نقطة، بعد خوض 29 مباراة.

وعندما سُئل عما إذا كان هذا يبدو وكأنه موسم صغير، بالنظر إلى أهمية المباريات المتبقية، أجاب كلوب في تصريحات لشبكة “سكاي سبورتس” العالمية: “نعم، يجب أن يكون هكذا”.

وأضاف: “هناك الكثير لنذهب إليه، لسنا في أفضل وضع للقتال من أجل التأهل إلى دوري أبطال أوروبا، لكننا من الواضح سنقاتل من أجل ذلك، إذا لم يكن هكذا الأمر، فسنقاتل من أجل المراكز الأوروبية الأخرى (الدوري الأوروبي)”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كلوب: سأتحدث مع كورتيس جونز عن طرده مع منتخب إنجلترا

وواصل: “إنها وظيفتنا وهذا ما نريده، نريد أن نكون ناجحين قدر الإمكان، في بداية الموسم كان لدينا أهداف مختلفة وهو أمر طبيعي ولكننا الآن هنا في واقعنا الحالي، والوضع ليس سيئًا، لذا سنحاول للخروج بشيء ما من هذا الموسم”.

وأردف: “هناك فرق أخرى في مراكز أفضل، لذلك علينا التأكد من أنه يمكننا ملاحقتهم ولكن ما إذا كان ذلك ممكنًا أم لا سيتم تحديده في المباريات القادمة، مثل يوم السبت ضد آرسنال، ليس لدينا الكثير من النقاط لنضيعها بعد الآن”.

واختتم: “تبدو مرحلة صعبة، عندما تكون في الموقف الذي نحن فيه، ليس لديك الكثير لتخسره، لذا دعونا نذهب ونرى ما سيحدث”.

[ad_pod ]

When it rains, it pours. Manchester United’s first-team didn’t enjoy the greatest of days on Sunday after slipping to a 2-0 defeat to West Ham in the Premier League.

Now, it appears the curse has hit their U-23 side too, after they received a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Aston Villa on Monday night.

The Red Devils’ youth side had previously not lost a game in the Premier League 2, but fell to their first defeat of the season to the Villans.

After seeing the U-23s’ result, United fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on how things appear to be going horribly wrong for the club as a whole.

Many supporters of the Manchester side delivered a worrying assessment of things, suggesting that the whole club is “falling apart”.

Some Red Devils fans insisted a “virus is spreading” and that it is all a “mess”.

Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Sheyi Ojo joined Rangers on a season-long loan in the summer and Football Insider report that the Scottish club are interested in making the move permanent.

What’s the story?

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard appears to be a big admirer of the Reds winger having signed him on loan for the second season running.

He is 22 years of age now but has only made 13 appearances for Liverpool, and therefore looks unlikely to break into Jurgen Klopp’s first-team plans, which means the club could look to offload him.

Watch a Liverpool fan discover the internet and get a nasty surprise in the video below…

Ojo has scored five goals and assisted four in 17 games for the Glasgow outfit this term, including a brilliant strike to earn his side a 1-0 vicotry over Feyenoord in the Europa League group stage.

As a result, he has been an important player for the former Liverpool captain, so could replicate the path of Ryan Kent by making the permanent switch from Anfield to Ibrox.

Time to part ways

Liverpool have not had much success in recent years in terms of academy players breaking into the first-team, but it has proved a fruitful avenue of income, with a few joining other big clubs.

Kent is an example of that, as is Jordon Ibe, and with Ojo some way below the standard set by Sadio Mane or even Xherdan Shaqiri, it is unlikely he will be of any use to the Anfield outfit.

Watch Liverpool Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

With that in mind, Klopp will likely give a green light for his sale, and may have given his admission already with the club said to be open to offers.

With players such as Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones coming through there is no shortage of young talent at the club, and by selling Ojo it provides them with a clearer pathway to the first-team, so the importance of their development could lead Liverpool to accept an offer from Rangers.