All posts by h716a5.icu

When Leeds United fans think back to the great players of time gone by, few will cast their minds to the 2012 signing, El Hadji Diouf.

The Senegalese forward was certainly a controversial figure during his time playing in England but his ability on the pitch and the chaos that he could have brought may just have been an excellent wildcard for Sam Allardyce to have in his attempts to keep the Yorkshire outfit in the Premier League this season.

After all, Diouf's best spell in England arguably came under the experienced Englishman at Bolton Wanderers, so he clearly knew how to get the best out of him.

How did Diouf perform at Leeds United?

Leeds would sign the much-discussed forward back in 2012 after a successful trial period under Neil Warnock which was certainly a surprise move at the time, given that the English manager had infamously dubbed him worse than a 'sewer-rat' only 18 months earlier.

Following an incident with QPR's Jamie Mackie, who was stranded with a broken leg, Warnock said:

"I can't abide people like that, I don't know why he wants to take on the world. He's a nasty little person.

"For many years I have thought he was the gutter type – I was going to call him a sewer rat but that might be insulting to sewer rats. He is the lowest of the low."

However, he would make 40 appearances under Warnock at Leeds, notching a respectable six goals and nine assists, which emphasises the quality he had when he was focused on the game.

Diouf would finish his Leeds career with a solid return of seven goals and 11 assists in just 52 appearances, with his spell at Elland Road proving to be his last in England before he retired in 2016.

Could Leeds have used Diouf now?

This season, Leeds have been far too difficult to play through and have arguably rolled over in recent defeats against AFC Bournemouth, Liverpool and Crystal Palace, which certainly wouldn't have been tolerated by either Diouf or Allardyce.

Under the Englishman at Bolton, he would contribute 22 goals and 17 assists in 151 appearances, which was comfortably the most of any manager in his career, emphasising that the current Leeds boss was one of few who could get the very best out of him.

With Patrick Bamford continuing to misfire in the Leeds attack with recent big misses against Leicester, as well as from the penalty spot against Newcastle, but only inexperienced options such as Mateo Joseph and Sonny Perkins available as replacements, Allardyce surely could have used a figure such as Diouf to help inspire Leeds to survival in the final games of the Premier League campaign.

Legspinner Graeme Cremer, who led Zimbabwe in the limited-overs series against India in June, has been named captain for the upcoming two-Test home series against New Zealand

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jul-2016Zimbabwe squad for NZ Tests

Graeme Cremer (capt), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Tino Mawoyo, Peter Moor, Richmond Mutumbami, Taurai Muzarabani, Njabulo Ncube, Donald Tiripano, Sean Williams
In: Graeme Cremer, Prince Masvaure, Tino Mawoyo, Peter Moor, Taurai Muzarabani, Njabulo Ncube, Donald Tiripano, Sean Williams
Out: Brendan Taylor, Elton Chigumbura, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Shingi Masakadza, Wellington Masakadza, Natsai M’shangwe, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusi Sibanda, Malcolm Waller

Legspinner Graeme Cremer, who led Zimbabwe in the limited-overs series against India in June, has been named captain for the upcoming two-Test home series against New Zealand. Uncapped batsman Prince Masvaure features in the 16-man squad. Opener Vusi Sibanda has been dropped, while a back injury has ruled out fast bowler Tinashe Panyangara.Masvaure had been in form for Zimbabwe A in the recently concluded unofficial Tests against South Africa A, scoring 277 runs from four innings at 92.33, including a century and a half-century.The squad includes allrounder Chamu Chibhabha, who has played 96 ODIs but is yet to make his Test debut. Two others who have debuted in ODIs but are yet to play Test cricket feature in the squad: opener Peter Moor and fast bowler Taurai Muzarabani.Returning to the squad are batsmen Tino Mawoyo – who last played a Test in 2013, and any international cricket in 2014 – and Sean Williams, and fast bowlers Njabulo Ncube and Donald Tiripano. Either Ncube – who played his only Test so far in November 2011 – or Tiripano is likely to open the bowling with Tendai Chatara.Zimbabwe’s previous Test assignment was 20 months ago, in Bangladesh, when former captain Brendan Taylor was still part of the set-up; Cremer was not part of that squad.Several players miss out from the squad that played in Bangladesh, including long-time limited-overs captain Elton Chigumbura (who had stepped down from the role in January this year) and the two younger Masakadza brothers: Shingi and Wellington. Zimbabwe had lost that series 3-0. Their last Test at home was in August 2014, a one-off game against South Africa, which the visitors won by nine wickets.Zimbabwe’s series against New Zealand begins on July 28, in Bulawayo.

Manchester United's ownership battle has aligned all parties to agree on trying to make sure a deal is completed between prospective bidders and the Glazer family before the transfer window opens to avoid missing out on key deals, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest ownership news involving Manchester United?

As per The Telegraph, it is said that the ownership situation engulfing Manchester United could run into the summer and risks continuing on into the transfer window, which is due to open on June 10th.

The outlet claim that neither Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim or Sir Jim Ratcliffe's respective offers have been ranked in level of preference, while Erik Ten Hag is looking to seek clarity over his potential transfer budget in the off-season.

The Athletic report that an internal disagreement between the Glazer family has delayed the process of a potential sale of the club to any prospective bidders.

BBC Sport explain that Sheikh Jassim wants to buy a 100% controlling stake in the Premier League giants. At the same time, Jim Ratfcliffe and his petrochemical firm INEOS want 69% of the club and are open to leaving the rest on the New York Stock Exchange.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has indicated that all parties want to conclude a sale before the transfer window opens.

Jacobs told FFC: "So the existing football infrastructure are planning and we know that clubs like to do their business early and line up players to come in in the first two or three weeks of the window. If you're seeking a player and you've got buy-in from the player and your recruitment team has done their job, but it's unclear when that player is ready to move and with other options, potentially, who actually is going to be fronting the bill? It can cause a delay and that delay might mean that you miss out on a target. So from a transitional point of view, these groups have always said the same thing. Yes, it will take as long as it takes, but they desperately want to be in for when the transfer window opens."

What next for Manchester United?

Ten Hag and his players will know that there is little they can do to influence matters off the field and will only be tuned into what they can make a difference to between now and the end of the season.

Manchester United have a chance to seal top-four qualification by winning their last three Premier League matches against Bournemoutn, Chelsea and Fulham; however, they will know that these sides will present obstacles that they will need to overcome to realise their ambitions.

FA Cup glory is also at stake for the Red Devils, who face off with bitter rivals Manchester City in a powderkeg final at Wembley Stadium in early June as they look to add a second piece of domestic silverware to their trophy cabinet following their Carabao Cup triumph against Newcastle United in February.

It is an exciting time to be a Manchester United fan and Ten Hag will hope he can reward his supporters for their faith in his methods this campaign by securing a Champions League slot and FA Cup triumph.

CBS’ coverage of major nights in the Champions League are always terrific viewing.With Kate Abdo as host, she is traditionally joined by one of the best forwards we’ve ever seen in the shape of Thierry Henry, alongside defensive stalwarts Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards.Together they combine to make golden television with Richards often the one who is poked at with fun. As ever, Henry will ooze class and Carragher will always guarantee an interesting debate.Although their punditry is excellent, it’s often the extra activities they get up to on the show that causes most hilarity.As the panel previewed the Milan derby, a game that Inter won 2-0, football great Paolo Maldini joined the crew pitch side with Peter Schmeichel at the San Siro.

What happened when Maldini joined CBS?

After a round of questions with Schmeichel the Italian got the chance to speak to the three aforementioned pundits in the studio.

The conversation was not only hilarious, but fascinating too as the trio were simply left in awe of the World Cup winner.

Henry began by detailing a story of how “scared” he got when facing the Milan great when France took on Italy in the 90s.

Carragher got the chance to tell a story about how he acquired the former defender’s match-worn shirt after the 2005 Champions League final.

Richards, on the other hand, didn’t have a story to tell but was in shock as he got the chance to speak to Maldini. He greeted him in Italian before telling the 54-year-old that his love has switched allegiances towards him instead of Henry in a funny exchange.

Once the footballing great left the show, Abdo asked why he was so special, with Henry detailing several reasons from being a one club man to the fact that he could pull off any style of clothing.

Barinder Sran’s 4 for 10 sprung the trap on Zimbabwe, Jasprit Bumrah’s 3 for 11 made sure they couldn’t even think about escape and India levelled the series 1-1 with a 10-wicket victory

The Report by Alagappan Muthu20-Jun-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:17

‘We implemented our plans well’ – Mandeep

” [Don’t do anything],” screamed MS Dhoni. Zimbabwe were 57 for 5 at the time and they were gifting their wickets away.Left-arm fast bowler Barinder Sran picked up three in a single over and recorded the second-best figures by a debutant in T20I cricket. His 4 for 10 sprung the trap on Zimbabwe, Jasprit Bumrah’s 3 for 11 made sure they couldn’t even think about escape and India levelled the series 1-1 with their first ten-wicket victory in T20 cricket.If a team was kept to 99 for 9, it would be reasonable to think that conditions had been bowler-friendly. But a 1pm start in Harare with not a cloud in sight reduced the chances of swing. The pitch was being used for a third time on the tour, which gave the team batting first a slight advantage. Zimbabwe gained that advantage when the coin fell in their favour. If they had put up a big enough total, the natural wear and tear of the surface could have made the chase that much more difficult.Instead, Zimbabwe were 35 for 4 after the Powerplay on the same deck they had made 170 on only two days ago.India gave the new ball to two debutants for a second time in as many matches and Sran made sure to extract as much as he could from it. Only one delivery in his first spell of three overs was pitched short.His first wicket was excellently constructed. Zimbabwe could not find a single run off the bat in nine balls. Chamu Chibhabha came on strike. He had found eight of his 10 runs through boundaries. Sran sensed the batsman would go for a release shot and bowled his offcutter. The batsman mistimed his swipe over mid-on and Ambati Rayudu snapped up an excellent catch over his shoulder while running towards the boundary.Hamilton Masakadza got his first run off his seventh ball with a fearsome drive through the covers and moved into double figures with a thump down the ground. To the next ball he faced – an inswinger, pitching on a good length – he heaved across the line and lost his middle stump. Sran welcomed the new batsman Sikandar Raza with a wide slip and he obliged by steering his second ball to that fielder. Tinotenda Mutumbodzi fell for a golden duck, though replays indicated he was incorrectly adjudged lbw by umpire Russell Tiffin. The batsman was struck above the knee roll and Hawk-Eye suggested enough of the ball had pitched outside leg stump.Nevertheless, Sran had three wickets in an over and Zimbabwe were on course for a terribly underwhelming performance. Not even one of their eleven batsmen could reach a strike-rate of 100 – only the fourth time that has happened in 559 T20Is.Peter Moor, brought in for the injured Richmond Mutumbami, top scored with 31 off 32 balls. His presence would have given Zimbabwe hope but Dhoni played a mean trick. Knowing the opposition was in recovery mode – in other words fearful of losing any more wickets – he called on his spinners to rush through the middle overs. Yuzvendra Chahal deceived an advancing Malcolm Waller in the flight, and refused Elton Chigumbura the leverage he so desperately wanted.With the score at 73 for 5 after 14 overs, panic set in for Zimbabwe. India preyed on that by bringing back their premier fast bowler – Bumrah. Moor never saw the slower delivery coming and was caught at point, Chigumbura’s stumps were bulldozed a few minutes later, and with all their specialist batsmen dismissed, the best Zimbabwe could do was play out the 20 overs. Bumrah, now, has 24 wickets in 2016 – the most by any bowler this year.The chase was straightforward. Mandeep Singh cruised to his maiden T20I fifty, but he could have been caught in the fifth over had Malcolm Waller, rushing forward from deep square leg, and Taurai Muzarabani, running back from short fine leg, communicated better. In the end the ball fell between them and trickled for four. The India opener offered another chance on 22 when he pulled straight to Donald Tiripano, the fielder on the square-leg boundary, who parried over the rope for six. It was just that kind of day for Zimbabwe. They struggled with the basics from start to very early finish.

Liverpool have assembled a late-season surge after a frankly shambolic campaign to put Champions League qualification in feasible distance, but hopes still lie with Newcastle United or Manchester United ceding further territory.

Both aforementioned Premier League rivals hold a game in hand on Jurgen Klopp's men and have one and three-point cushions respectively, but the Reds' six-game winning streak has reminded the top-flight of the calibre that has lain dormant this term, beneath the rubble of an inexplicably woeful year.

There is to be a significant clearout on Merseyside this summer, and with the midfield department needing more than just a paint job, signing someone with genuine fortune-shifting credentials could rejuvenate them.

According to the Daily Mail late last month, Liverpool are alongside Arsenal in eyeing a move for £30m-rated Lovro Majer, with the creative Rennes midfielder indicating that he is ready for a new challenge.

Majer played a starring role in Croatia's 2022 World Cup campaign, and despite struggling for regular minutes could be a dazzling signing for an aspiring outfit such as Liverpool.

Who could Lovro Majer replace at Liverpool?

Majer has forged 37 appearances this season, scoring two goals and supplying four assists from his primarily deep-lying midfield role.

Last season, the 19-cap Croatia international was hailed as "phenomenal" by talent scout Jacek Kulig and dazzled with a return of 11 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, instrumental in Rennes' fourth-place Ligue 1 finish.

As per FBref, the £26k-per-week ace still ranks among the top 5% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive carries, the top 6% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for assists per 90, highlighting the dynamic, forward-thinking threat he holds at his feet.

There was a time, in the early days of Klopp's tenure at Liverpool, when Philippe Coutinho wreaked havoc with similar flair and guile from the offensive section of the Reds' midfield, scoring 37 goals and supplying 22 assists from 89 outings under the German's wing.

Coutinho was sold to Barcelona for an extortionate £146m, a sale which helped to facilitate the £67m arrival of Alisson and £75m signing of Virgil van Dijk.

But, his creativity in the first half of the 2017/18 campaign helped the Anfield outfit score 84 goals despite only finishing fourth with 75 points, with Klopp hailing him as a "genius".

Majer brings that added dimension to the pack, and integrating with such a talented crop of players will only enhance his own prospects of success, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez all devastating attacking forces.

Much of Liverpool's attacking intent under Klopp's illustrious rule has flowed from the flanks, notably Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, but with Majer pulling the strings in the middle, boosting both the creative and direct threat, the Reds could return to the forefront once more.

Leeds United may lose forward Wilfried Gnonto in the summer if they are relegated from the Premier League this season, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

What's the latest news involving Wilfried Gnonto?

As per Football Insider, Leeds United 'will likely be forced to sell' Gnonto if they fall into the Sky Bet Championship and could demand a fee of £40 million in order to sanction his departure.

The report states that there is interest in the 19-year-old from several Premier League clubs while Serie A sides are also alerted to his situation due to his impressive performances for the Italy national team.

Since the arrival of Javi Gracia in Yorkshire, Gnonto has found game-time hard to come by as Leeds United try to salvage their top-flight status (via Transfermarkt).

Gazzetta Dello Sport claim that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are among those who hold an attraction towards the Whites' forward heading into the forthcoming transfer window.

The £20k-per-week winger has enjoyed a commendable debut campaign in English football, scoring four times and laying on three assists in 23 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist O'Rourke thinks that Gnonto would look to seek a new challenge if Leeds United suffer relegation.

O'Rourke told FFC: "I think if Leeds were to go down, there will definitely be interest from Premier League clubs and also clubs in Italy I think for Willy Gnonto. I'm sure the player himself wouldn't be too keen on playing in the Championship and would want to continue playing at the highest level possible."

Will Leeds United be able to keep hold of Wilfried Gnonto?

If Leeds manage to stay up, it will be a natural boost in their hopes of keeping the Italian at Elland Road. On the other hand, if they are to get relegated to the Sky Bet Championship, their chances of being able to keep hold of the Italian forward would significantly diminish.

The 19-year-old has been a key offensive threat for the Whites this term and has managed to successfully perform 41 shot-creating actions in 19 Premier League outings, as shown on FBRef.

Of course, Gnonto is still in the infancy of his career and has room to develop further as a player; however, his low centre of gravity, speed and ability to drive at the opposition's backline make him a force to be reckoned with when on form.

For now, at least, all focus at Leeds will be on trying to guarantee their place in the English top-flight next term, before then dealing with the incomings and outgoings that will lie ahead in the summer transfer window.

But the prospect of losing one of their top talents in the summer will provide Leeds fans with a lot of concern ahead of their final five games.

Wolverhampton Wanderers will take on Crystal Palace this evening in a Premier League clash in which a win could be a monumental step towards securing safety for Julen Lopetegui’s men.

After impressive back-to-back wins over Chelsea and Brentford, Wolves suffered a hugely disappointing defeat at the hands of relegation-threatened Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

However, Wolves still retain a six-point gap between themselves and the drop zone, so a victory tonight would take them above their opponents into 12th position.

Lopetegui is expected to name a rotated team and here is how Wolves' starting XI could look when they take to the field at Molineux this evening.

How could Wolves line up against Crystal Palace?

4-3-3 – Sa; Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Toti; Nunes, Neves, Gomes; Traore, Podence, Cunha.

Sa will start in goal despite having one of his worst performances against the Foxes last weekend when he unceremoniously apprehended Jamie Vardy to concede a penalty, which Kelechi Iheanacho dispatched.

However, the Portuguese has begun every game this term and this poor display is not expected to deter Lopetegui’s faith in him.

Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, and Toti are to make up an unchanged back four. These were the same defenders who performed admirably in the previous two home league matches that starved Chelsea and Brentford of any goals.

Nunes and Gomes will also keep their places, whilst Neves will replace Mario Lemina. The Gabonese sustained a minor hamstring issue in the last outing and the return of Wolves’ prize asset, club captain, and most influential player seems like a formality.

The £38m-rated star was back on the bench for the Leicester game after serving a two-game suspension.

The biggest changes for this team could appear in the frontline. Daniel Podence was surprisingly dropped from the last lineup and could replace Diego Costa in a rotated attack. The £60k-per-week man is the club’s top scorer with six goals this campaign and has created the second most chances in the squad (39) at a rate of 1.15 per 90, as per BBC Sport.

The diminutive winger has been likened to Eden Hazard by retired Premier League striker Darren Bent, due to his effervescent and dynamic profile.

The final Wolves change will see Traore come in for Pablo Sarabia, to provide some more pace and athleticism on the right wing. The former Barcelona man scored the last time the Midlands club faced the Eagles back in October 2022.

Finally, Cunha, who scored the goal last weekend with a coolly placed finish, will be deployed as the lone central striker.

Leeds United have found themselves in a precarious position in the Premier League following their third consecutive defeat against Fulham this afternoon at Craven Cottage, and Javi Gracia will surely be frustrated with his team's performance.

The Whites will have to wait for the outcomes of both Everton and Nottingham Forest's fixtures this afternoon to get a clear indication of how deep in trouble they are in when it comes to the tight relegation battle unfolding, however, tallying up another defeat today does not put them in an advantageous position.

It was a no-frills display for either side in west London, but Fulham took full advantage of Leeds' lack of confidence and poor defensive structure, despite the visitors matching their hosts for possession (50%), having 10 shots on goal and equalling the big chances created throughout.

It was a quiet first half on Thameside with neither side looking convincing or in a position to take the game by the scruff of the neck, however, it wasn't long before Illan Meslier had his confidence challenged when the game resumed for the final 45 minutes.

The Leeds 'keeper would have been feeling the pressure after the humiliating 6-1 defeat to Liverpool earlier this week at Elland Road, so it will come as no surprise that Meslier found himself quickly punished for a mistake that led to an opener from Harry Wilson in the 58th minute which was followed up by another just 14 minutes later from Andreas Pereira.

Indeed, a deflected own goal from Joao Palhinha that was largely created by Patrick Bamford gave Leeds a glimmer of hope in the 79th minute but it wasn't enough to take anything from the game when the final whistle was blown at 2-1.

Whilst Meslier will likely front the brunt of criticism for his errors, there were many players who didn't rise to the occasion this afternoon, with Jack Harrison one of the biggest villains on the pitch for Leeds.

How did Jack Harrison get on vs Fulham?

Earlier this month, the 26-year-old penned a brand new five-year deal to secure his future in West Yorkshire but since then, has done absolutely nothing on the pitch to celebrate becoming a mainstay at the club with uninspiring and lacklustre performances that have contributed to the poor form.

Against Fulham it was more of the same from Harrison and although he was hooked in the 80th minute by Gracia, it was too little, too late to salvage a positive result.

Over his 80-minute performance, the £50k-per-week dud – previously dubbed "frustrating" by journalist James Marshment – completed just 12 accurate passes, lost possession of the ball a whopping 17 times, lost eight duels and failed to complete three of his dribble attempts, as well as being dribbled past three times.

With that being said, it may be time for Gracia to start considering switching up his attacking threat to freshen it up in upcoming fixtures following the disappointing defeat to Fulham and Harrison should be one of the first players to lose his place as his poor form could cost Leeds their Premier League status.

Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that West Ham United may look to raid three rival Premier League clubs this summer in pursuit of "bargain" transfers.

What's the latest West Ham transfer news?

It's been a funny old season for the Hammers. After all, manager David Moyes has consistently been under the threat of losing his job while the notion of being relegated has loomed large.

However, West Ham are currently four points above the relegation zone despite having played one fewer game than the five of the teams below them, and so look likely to avoid the drop.

On top of that, they could even win the Europa Conference League seeing as they are currently in the quarter-finals and play Gent later this week after drawing 1-1 away from home in the first leg.

If the Irons can end the season on a high, it sounds as though they may look to snap up youngsters from the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal in the summer.

Indeed, while speaking on The West Ham Way Podcast, Ex revealed his understanding of the club's possible transfer plan.

He explained (12:29): “Now there's a number of players at Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal – I think Manchester United as well.

"But particularly Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal that we believe could be bargain signings, as well as players from the Championship, we could pick up a couple of young players that may not get their route through a club like that, but could come to West Ham and really make a success.

"I've been given some names. But for now, I'm gonna hold on to them. Because at the moment, we don't know what league we're going to be in, we don't know whether we're going to be in Europe."

Who will West Ham try and sign this summer?

There is no doubt plenty of talent at the three aforementioned top clubs and while Ex doesn't name specific players, there are some options that immediately come to mind.

For example, Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson has reportedly been offered a contract believed to be worth in the region of £35k-p/w, with his current deal set to expire in the summer.

However, the 23-year-old has only played 107 minutes of league football this term for the Gunners. Seeing as he's delivered three goals and two assists in that time, he may well feel as though he deserves more of a chance to shine.

And so, if he holds off on signing a contract, a team like West Ham could try and swoop in and pick Nelson up on the cheap.

No doubt, their negotiating position on any summer deals such as this will be aided massively if the Hammers are still a Premier League club and have European football to offer.