The Whites’ Premier League campaign has got off to the worst possible start with four losses from their opening four games, and while incomings are absolutely vital for the Cottagers on Monday, one outgoing is equally as important.
Indeed, Jean-Michael Seri remains on Fulham’s books and with less than 24 hours remaining for the Whites to find him a new club, the clock is ticking.
To say that one of Fulham’s top priorities should be ditching a man who almost signed for Barcelona a few years ago sounds a bit strange on the surface, but if you’ve watched Seri since he came to Craven Cottage, you’d know exactly why he needs to go.
He’s reportedly on £65k-a-week, making him a huge financial drain, and he’s simply not good enough to forge a career in the Premier League, as shown by his shocking performance against Brentford in the Carabao Cup last week where he made a mistake leading to a goal and missed an absolute sitter against Championship opposition.
For £65k a week, you want a player who can make a huge impact, not a man who struggles against Championship players.
The Whites have had loan interest from both Galatasaray and Inter, but they’re prioritising a permanent sale rather than a loan move, but getting him off the books in any capacity is surely better than nothing at this point.
This could end up being more important than any centre-back deal that is concluded before the window closes, saving £65k-a-week on wages could give the Whites the financial power needed to bring their team up to the level needed to survive in this division.
Fingers crosses, Seri has at least one suitor lined up.
The Vitality Stadium, originally known as Dean Court, is the home of AFC Bournemouth who are currently playing in the English top-flight. The ground was built in 1910 and has since been refurbished and improved and is located east of the town centre and close to Boscombe.
Currently, the Vitality Stadium has a capacity of 11,329, both at club level and for international purposes, with a pitch size of 105m x 68m. The ground is not surrounded by a running track and has natural grass with no undersoil heat installed.
The record attendance stands at 28,799 for AFC Bournemouth’s clash with none other than Manchester United on 2 March 1957.
A history of Vitality Stadium
Even though the ground was originally named Dean Court, due to sponsorships it is now more commonly known as Vitality Stadium. In 1910, Boscombe FC, as the club was known back then, were given a piece of land by the town’s Cooper-Dean family and since it was not built in time for the upcoming season, the team had to play at the adjacent King’s Park until finally moving into Dean Court in December 1910.
Initially, it only had a single stand but further stands along with terraces were built in the 1930s following the purchase of fittings from the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley. There were some other rebuilding projects in place during the 1980s but the lack of financial resources meant they were put on hold and ultimately scrapped until further notice.
In 2001 the stadium was completely demolished and then subsequently rebuilt, rotating the pitch for the full 90 degrees from its original position but it still lacked the South Stand. Over the years, they had different temporary stands designed at the empty end until in 2013 a permanent stand was finally installed.
It’s also interesting to note that the Vitality Stadium had various different names over the years, as a direct result of sponsorship deals. In 2001 it was called the Fitness First Stadium then, in 2011, Seward Stadium and in 2012 it was the Goldsands Stadium. The current name was announced in the summer of 2015 and still stands to this day.
In July 2017, the club confirmed they will be looking to build a new stadium near the current site in Kings Park.
Tickets to watch AFC Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium
All tickets to watch AFC Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium can be purchased on the club’s official website. The cost of the ticket depends on multiple factors such as age of the buyer and the position in the stands with the most expensive adult ticket price standing at £55.
There are, of course, season tickets available for the home supporters but there is a limited number and only the current season ticket holders can renew their tickets while others have to wait for them to become available first.
Related Links
https://www.afcb.co.uk/ – Official website of AFC Bournemouth
https://www.afcb.co.uk/tickets/ AFC Bournemouth Ticket Office
The fight to stay in the Premier League has become an intense battle over the last few weeks, and this Friday night two clubs who have survival in their own hands go head-to-head.
Both West Ham and Watford go into this clash three points above the relegation zone and with a game in hand on both Bournemouth and Aston Villa. It is widely believed that if a team can come away with all three points here, they will have all but secured their top-flight status.
West Ham also have the luxury of having a far superior goal difference to everyone else in and around them in the table, including Watford. So even a point for David Moyes’ men might be enough with just two games left to play.
But they will be eager to put as much distance as possible between themselves and third from bottom Bournemouth and on the back of an impressive 4-0 thrashing of Norwich last weekend, they’ll be confident of doing just that here.
Watford are also in a confident mood after taking all three points against Newcastle United at Vicarage Road last weekend, but they will need to end a run of six away league games if they’re to leave East London with all three points.
The Hammers will be favourites here but it’s always difficult to call results during a relegation battle, and this is expected to be a very tight and tense Premier League affair.
Form
After losing their first two games after the restart, West Ham have managed to vastly improve their peformances and have since picked up seven points to give themselves a huge chance of Premier League survival. Their home form has been somewhat sporadic, though, with a 3-2 victory over Chelsea being followed by 1-0 home defeat to Burnley.
Watford have won back-t0-back games in the Premier League for the first time since the New Year but as mentioned above, they are without an away win in the league since the middle of January – a run of six away league games. They have also failed to score in their last four away league games.
Team News
The only long term absentee for the Hammers is Robert Snodgrass, with Felipe Anderson returning to training this week. The Brazilian may be ready to feature from the bench after missing West Ham’s last couple of games.
Watford are without Gerard Deulofeu, Daryl Janmaat and Isaac Success through injuries while there is a slight dought over the fitness of captain Troy Deeney, who was pictured with strapping and an ice pack around his new after last week’s win over Newcastle
How to Watch
In the final match of the current Premier League gameweek, fans can catch this huge relegation six-pointer on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event on Friday, July 17 at 8pm.
Supporters can also use live football streams to watch the game if they prefer.
Newcastle United’s prospective takeover hasn’t come without its opposition and criticism, given Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the deal.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is part of the consortium looking to conclude a deal to take the reigns at St James’ Park alongside Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers.
Best of the Decade: Top scorers & creators – Can you name them?
One person who is trying to stop the move is Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. She was given a chance to say a statement at last night’s digital town hall where fans and experts could speak their mind.
The Athletic’s George Caulkin relayed her statement, saying:
“My message to you as loyal NUFC fans is to stand together and oppose the takeover. It is the right thing to do because MBS was involved in the murder of the love of my life, Jamal Khashoggi. He was brutally killed days before my wedding. I know many NUFC are desperate to get rid of the owner but that must not blind us to what the Saudi crown prince is accused of. Is this really someone you want to be associated with you or your club? Jamal Khashoggi’s murder has had a devastating impact on Mohammad Bin Salman’s reputation. If he is allowed to buy NUFC it will help him cover up the crime.”
And supporters have been reacting to her comments on social media, but there weren’t many on her side.
If this deal can get over the line, then it’ll end Mike Ashley’s 13-year reign in charge of the Magpies – something loads are desperate to see.
Here’s what has been said…
AND in other news, the new owners would show no ambition if they make one big decision…
Glasgow Rangers midfielder Jason Holt looks set to leave Ibrox permanently at the end of June once his contract runs out, although he harbours no grudges against Steven Gerrard about his impending exit from the club.
Indeed, the 27-year-old has praised the manager’s honesty in telling him straight-up that he would not be guaranteed regular action under the Liverpudlian, with Holt spending time on loan at Fleetwood Town and St Johnstone over the last couple of seasons.
He told The Scottish Sun: “You never want to leave a club like Rangers but you have conversations with managers and there comes a time when you need a move for the benefit of your career.”
Holt added: “When he (Gerrard) got the job, the first thing I did was speak to him to find out where I stood in his plans. I was aware he was going to bring in new players, he was fair with me and said he can’t guarantee me the games I’d had in the past.”
Holt had been a regular presence for the ‘Gers in the three seasons prior to Gerrard’s arrival at Ibrox in 2018, making 115 appearances for the club. However, once the new manager told the midfielder that he couldn’t guarantee him a fixed starting place, he linked up with ex-‘Gers team-mate Joey Barton at Fleetwood for the 2018/19 campaign.
The 27-year-old has managed to feature regularly during his loan spells at Fleetwood and St Johnstone, although he was unable to make a significant impact for either club. He netted just twice in 36 games for the English League One side and failed to register a single goal involvement in his 17 appearances in Perth this term. [via TransferMarkt]
Also, with the ‘Gers having an abundance of more potent midfield options in Joe Aribo, Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack, along with Ianis Hagi being signed permanently, Holt would surely have found opportunities very hard to come by had he remained at Ibrox.
Holt now faced the unenviable task of trying to find a new club, although his experience of more than 170 SPFL games could make him an enticing free transfer for prospective suitors over the summer.
Irrespective of where he ends up next, it has been clear for some time that he had no future with the ‘Gers and, to Gerrard’s credit, he did not make any false promises to a player who has been left behind by other midfield options at Ibrox.
‘Gers fans, are you disappointed that Holt was never given a chance by Gerrard at Ibrox or was the manager right to trust in other players instead? Join in the conversation in the comments section below!
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Crystal Palace have sent scouts to watch Sassuolo left-back Alessandro Tripaldelli in action, while Manchester United and Southampton are also keeping tabs on the youngster.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Eagles are reportedly eyeing up the 20-year-old full-back who has quite a lot of admirers, despite making just two Serie A appearances this season.
Tripaldelli is on the radar of Sassuolo’s fellow Italian sides Fiorentina, Atalanta and Bologna, while Spanish outfits Levante and Valencia are also monitoring the youngster.
Sassuolo’s No.33 helped the Italy U20 side to fourth place at the U20 World Cup back in the summer, and he must certainly have something about him if he is being watched by sides with the pedigree of Valencia and Manchester United.
Tutto Mercato Web describe the young Italian as being “suitable for a British championship” while also mentioning his pace as a key asset of his.
Potential threat to Patrick van Aanholt
Now, while it would be far-fetched to state that a 20-year-old will arrive in England and immediately dislodge a first-teamer from his spot, context must be applied to Crystal Palace and Patrick van Aanholt’s situation if Tripaldelli did end up in south London.
[ad_pod ]
Firstly, the Eagles have just one senior left-back at the club in the shape of van Aanholt, so depth is definitely required in that area – Roy Hodgson was forced to play midfielder Jairo Riedewald there in the Carabao Cup earlier this term, something that the former England boss later apologised for.
Secondly, his poor performances must be mentioned.
The Dutchman is a liability for Palace from a defensive aspect – while he may score some important goals, he is caught out at the back far too often by opposition attackers.
His performance against Leicester a few weeks ago drew anger from some Palace fans on Twitter, a game in which his poor attempt to clear the ball led to the Foxes’ opener.
In that respect, if Palace managed to beat some big clubs to the highly-rated young left-back and he arrived at Selhurst Park, van Aanholt’s place may be under threat.
In other news, check out what these Crystal Palace fans have been saying about a teenage hat-trick hero who dazzled Andros Townsend…
Whilst the sporting market climate continues to be affected by the current global crisis, it looks more and more unlikely that clubs will be able to splurge on the transfer targets they had in mind this summer.
According to a recent report by Transfermarkt, player values have dropped by up to 20%, which could impact the way teams go about their summer business.
If spending big, or even at all, is not an option in the upcoming window then clubs may need to turn to their youth ranks in order to provide depth for the senior players next season.
We have put together a list of five players from Newcastle’s youth ranks that should be called upon if budget is an issue for next season…
Thomas Allan
Newcastle have been struggling to find the back of the net this season, scoring the joint-fewest amount of goals alongside bottom of the table Norwich. The Magpies currently have a goal difference of -16 as they sit 13th place in the league.
As well as their lack of goals, Newcastle haven’t got a single recognised right-winger in their first team. The addition of Allan Saint-Maximin in 2019 helped bolster the attack but the Frenchman needs support on the opposite flank. The support could come in the form of 20-year-old wide-man Thomas Allan.
The Newcastle-born forward has played across the entire front three this season but is a right-winger by trade. Allan has scored seven goals this term and assisted two, as well as wearing the captain’s armband three times in the reserve league.
Once football resumes, Allan will be nearing his 21st birthday, which is an ideal age to integrate him into the senior squad and see what he can create on the big stage.
Matty Longstaff
Matty Longstaff was slowly introduced to the first team this season and he made the dream start to his senior career. The 20-year-old started against Manchester United back in October and opened up his scoring portfolio immediately.
Longstaff’s long-range strike was the only goal of the game and was enough to see his side snatch all three points. He started the next two games after his winning goal before being dropped to the bench and even left out of the squad on two occasions. After missing out for eight weeks, Longstaff was put back in the squad against United in the reverse fixture, where he scored yet again.
The England youth international also scored at the start of this year against Rochdale in the FA Cup, contributing to Newcastle’s third-round win.
Unless an agreement is made, Newcastle could see one of their most promising young players leave this summer as a free agent. If the takeover goes to plan, the new owners should make tying down Longstaff a priority.
Yannick Toure
Soccer Football – Premier League – Newcastle United vs Manchester United – St James’ Park, Newcastle, Britain – February 11, 2018 Newcastle United fans celebrate at the end of the match Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your
Swiss striker Yannick Toure could be the ideal back-up for Newcastle’s lacklustre forwards. Between the club’s four senior centre-forwards, one Premier League goal has been scored all season which simply isn’t good enough. Only Joelinton has found the back of the net in the league this season, and the Magpies must switch it up if they want to start improving their attack.
Toure has scored three goals and assisted a further three in the reserve league this term, and in every game he has scored, his side has gone on to win. Newcastle’s new owners should consider giving the young Swiss a chance to not only get his career going but to freshen up their stale attack.
Rosaire Longelo
An alarming realisation for Newcastle fans is that once Danny Rose’s loan contract is up this summer, the club will have no fit left-backs able to play. Back-up options Paul Dummett and Jetro Willems are both sidelined through major injuries – Dummett with his Achilles and Willems with an unknown return date due to an ACL tear.
If the Magpies are unable to bring in new personnel this summer, they will have no choice but to turn to their youth ranks. Rosaire Longelo could be the answer to their problems.
The 20-year-old is a very versatile full-back who has been operating in a more forward role this season. He has scored four goals and two assists so far from midfield but is still a recognised defender. The young left-back could really help plug a dangerous leak next season as well as boasting the ability to move further forward and attack when needed.
Sean Longstaff
Like his brother, Sean Longstaff is in a contract predicament. Despite being tied to the club until 2022, the midfielder has had interest shown from Europe and Newcastle could face losing him.
Despite playing 21 Premier League games this season, Longstaff has been on the bench for eight of those appearances, coming on as a substitute in the second half. The 22-year-old has contributed one goal and two assists this campaign but has a lot more in his locker.
Longstaff’s versatility could be a key ingredient to Newcastle’s 2020/21 season – he can rotate between playing in defensive midfield, to a more central role. Last term he even played as an attacking midfielder for three matches, as well as filled the position on the right for one appearance.
Newcastle currently have four senior players out with injuries, and versatile players like Longstaff could prove vital next season.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
According to The Sun (print version, 15th November, page 74), Crystal Palace scouts have flocked to the City Ground to watch Nottingham Forest right-back Matty Cash in action, while Southampton and Everton are also interested.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Eagles are reportedly eyeing up a January swoop for Cash, who has been a revelation at right-back this season after a smart coaching move from Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi.
The 48-year-old decided to convert Cash – who made 30 appearances at right-midfield last season – into a right-back, and the switch has worked wonders.
Cash, 22, has scored two goals and registered two assists in 14 Championship appearances this season, while also recording an impressive tackling rate of 2.8 tackles per game – he also makes 3.5 clearances per game.
You might recall that a certain Aaron Wan-Bissaka made a similar transition from being a right-midfielder into an effective right-back – Cash doesn’t come close to the Manchester United man’s 5.4 tackles per game, although there are certainly similarities in their professional development.
Would help solve a problem position for Palace
After losing Wan-Bissaka back in the summer, the south Londoners never signed a replacement.
Joel Ward was left as the Eagles’ only right-back, leaving that area of Roy Hodgson’s squad looking dangerously thin and definitely a problem position.
It has only become even more of an issue now as Ward recently suffered a groin injury against Chelsea, which will most likely see centre-back Martin Kelly slot in as cover.
In that respect, bringing Cash to Selhurst Park would be a great move from Palace as he appears to be an exciting young player who has also taken to his new role like a duck to water.
Additionally, he would help provide natural depth to what is arguably Hodgson’s biggest problem position – this would definitely be a smart signing for Palace.
Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter to react after The Daily Mail reported that West Brom may be set to cash in on Nathan Ferguson this January, with the south Londoners and Tottenham interested.
The 19-year-old prospect – who has made 13 Championship appearances for the Baggies this season – finds himself out of contract in the summer and the Midlands-based side are wary of losing him on the cheap if he doesn’t renew his terms.
Ferguson is able to play at both right-back and left-back, and has scored one goal while also recording one assist this season – the teenager has also registered 2.4 tackles per game and 1.3 dribbles per game.
Palace are in need of a right-back having failed to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and the problem position has only become more of an issue following an injury to Joel Ward.
As both Spurs and Palace monitor the situation, The Daily Mail believes that both London sides are set to make bids for Ferguson this winter.
Let’s see how the Eagles supporters on Twitter reacted to the news…
Loads of Tottenham Hotspur fans on Twitter don’t want defender Jan Vertonghen to start when they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday.
Spurs go into the clash with the Premier League leaders on the back of a much-needed 5-0 win against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League, which followed on from a disappointing draw at home to Watford and heavy defeats against Brighton and Hove Albion and Bayern Munich.
Vertonghen started in all three of those as well as against the Serbian club in midweek, but it appears as though some supporters of the north London haven’t been impressed with what they’ve seen from the Belgium international.
The 32-year-old was certainly fortunate not to give a penalty away against the Hornets following his coming together with Gerard Deulofeu, while he also relied on Ben Davies to bail him out on a couple of occasions on Tuesday.
Coming up against a frontline containing Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino is pretty daunting even for the most experienced players, and Tottenham fans are clearly concerned.
Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
While one individual simply said “Mane will destroy him”, another said how he “has been off the pace”.