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Paul Robinson has criticised Carlo Ancelotti for his decision to drop Jordan Pickford for Everton versus Newcastle United.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Spurs and Leeds United goalkeeper did not think that the England international should have been dropped for Robin Olsen:

“I do not like that, as a goalkeeper. I do not see what that achieves.

“Yes, he has taken him out of the firing line but he has then doubled the firing line for the next game.

“There is going to be so much scrutiny on him against Manchester United. People are going to expect him to respond.

“It shows a real lack of trust and confidence in Jordan Pickford by taking him out for one game. It shows that he is obviously has questions and doubts over Pickford.

“It raises more questions than answers in my opinion. It creates even more of a stigma around the position. A position that has already been questioned.”  

Pickford in the firing line

Indeed, Pickford has been in the firing line ever since his challenge on Liverpool central defender Virgil Van Dijk in the Merseyside derby, which has since seen him ruled out for a long time with injury.

The 26 year-old could have received a red card for his tackle, but VAR did not deem his challenge to be a sending off offence.

He also received no retrospective action after the game finished, which was quite heavily criticised.

Reds goalkeepers Adrian and Alisson have also heavily scrutinised the challenge made by Pickford, but Robinson, a former ‘keeper himself, still believes that he should not have been put on the bench by Ancelotti against the Magpies.

Was Ancelotti right to drop Pickford?

Perhaps Ancelotti was wrong to drop Pickford for the match as it might have damaged his confidence going into the game versus Manchester United at Goodison Park over the weekend.

The former Sunderland star has shown that he can be ‘immense’ if he is given a run of games, exemplified by the some of the plaudits he received courtesy of his pretty impressive displays in the 2018 FIFA World Cup for the Three Lions under Gareth Southgate.

That said, only time will tell if Ancelotti or Robinson have called this one correctly, and a big performance at the weekend could silence Pickford’s critics.

In other news, find out which star the Toffees are fighting Liverpool to sign here!

The return of the Premier League is only around the corner, with just over three weeks until the season kicks off again. Last time out Liverpool were crowned champions for the first time in 30 years, but it is likely that this next season will be as competitive as ever with other clubs gunning to try and contend for the title one more.

The Reds will be hoping to win back to back titles for the first time since 1984 – and will have a task on their hand given the quality and competition that the Premier League possesses. There will also be plenty of action at the other end of the table, with new boys Leeds, West Brom, and Fulham all hoping to stay up in the league.

The wait for the kit releases is no more, with almost all the clubs having promoted their new away kits – but how well do they rank against each other across the league?

Burnley, Brighton, Fulham, and Wolves – Unclassified

Sadly the four clubs haven’t released their away kits yet, nor has there been any leaked images – so automatically they go joint last due to this.

It is rather late into the kit calendar as well so let’s hope we get to see them soon.

16. West Bromwich Albion

I don’t even know where to start, what even is it? Doesn’t look like a football kit.

I’m desperate to put it behind the four aforementioned clubs as it would be very impressive to make a kit as bad as this one. The design worked okay for the colours of the home shirt, but this is atrocious and lazy for Puma to just use the same template and just change the colours. The green and yellow just slap you in the face, it’s even worse than Norwich’s away kit from last season – this needs to go straight in the bin, and maybe burnt as well.

15. Leicester

The reported Leicester away kit is just a bit average. It’s not horrible, it’s just really boring. Typical white with a bit of Adidas three stripes gold trim down the side – not a fan.

A lot of the other clubs in the league have been daring with their away kit designs which is why Leicester goes straight at the back of the pile – dull.

14. Newcastle United

The print and style are great – just the colour lets it down. I like the button collar and the pattern across the shirt is really nice, I’m not sure the colour works with it though.

I can handle a bright vibrant colour but just not sure on this shade of neon yellow – not awful but not amazing, just meh.

13. Aston Villa

Again it’s just a bit plain – the pinstripe pulls it up above the previous however, and the colour scheme works moderately well. The button collar works well just like the Newcastle kit, but if the leaks are true then Villa fans will ikely forget about this kit after this season.

Kappa usually do a nice job – but this doesn’t hit the mark in my opinion.

12. Everton

Hummel are great, and often outside the box. The kit takes inspiration from the clubs 1970’s amber/yellow away kit – and it actually. It’s not my most preferred colour scheme, but it works for the club and the design of the kit.

The striped/faded Hummel V across the shoulder pannels looks good rather than the block like it is on the home strip.

Just get rid of the awful sponsor and you’re on to a winner.

11. Manchester United

The club has differed a little from last seasons away kit – the colour shceme has changed to bulk black witht the white Adidas stripes, and features a sort of ripple effect across the kit which works with the colour.

It’s not a barnstormer of a kit but it sure is a lot better than their home jersey for this season, and the United fans should maybe opt for this purchase rather than that bus seat inspired home strip.

10. Leeds

Leeds back where they belong – with an away kit that isn’t half bad.

I like the colour scheme used for the kit, and it works in a stripe pattern. The typical Adidas tenplate has been used as expected, but the gold three stripes across the shoulder pannels really works, and the club badge ties in really well with the design and colour scheme of the kit.

Let’s just hope the kit isn’t ruined by a giant awful sponsor right in the middle of it.

9. Southampton

Not bad at all from the Saints.

The sponsor is a letdown but it’s sports-related for a change, but I love the deep rich blue with the yellow trim here and there. The shield style badge works well as it does on the home kit too – and again with the scarf detail and the phrase ‘We March On’ on the inside of the collar. Southampton and Under Armour have produced a smart one here, well done.

8. Crystal Palace

C’est manifique.

This is as France as it can get – but I really like it. It takes the same design as the home kit, but unlike the West Brom away kit the colour scheme actually works. The sponsor is okay and stands out well against the kit – I can easily get behind this kit, it’s a great addition by Puma and the Palace faithful will surely be happy.

7. West Ham

Smart as they come. It’s a simple design but it looks great.

The club has changed the colour scheme compared to last seasons away kit, and this one is almost as good as it. The two claret stripe panels either side of the sponsor work really well, and the 125-year anniversary badge adds to the simplicity of the kit.

I often enjoy a lairy away kit, but when they’re done simply like this you can’t help but admire.

6. Sheffield United

It’s pink!

Very happy with this one, and much better than their strange home strip. There’s a faint army type print that features across the whole of the kit in a shiny and lighter pink – and I really like it.

It’s a brave and bold move to go for a pink kit and it has to be done well to pull it off, much like Leicester’s away kit from last season. The slight black detail on the trim of the sleeves and the three stripes on the shoulder panel suits too.

Blades fans, you lucky bunch.

5. Arsenal

Funky, Fresh, Vibrant, MARBLE.

I like this one, I like it a lot. The club has gone bold once again after them and Adidas revisited the bruised banana last season, and this is a lovely follow up to such an iconic design.

The off-white colour goes fantastic with the sharp red marble print that runs across the kit – and the sponsor, kit manufacturer badge and club badge work best in just the plain back to match the trim details on the shoulders. The Gunners will be skipping around the Emirates with this one.

4. Tottenham

Finally, Spurs have another top-four finish. I’m not usually a fan of green, but Nike has pulled off a dead ringer for Spurs this season.

The neon pink trim with the contrast side panel on each side of the kit works wonders, and if you are able to see closely enough the club and Nike badges are 3D with a slightly peachy pink layer across the bottom – a nice touch.

It is a fantastic kit and will look great next season alongside the club’s equally great home kit.

3. Chelsea

Now we’re getting to the big guns.

Nike again has pulled it off with this Chelsea away strip for this season – I love the sketchy little zig-zag pattern across the kit in the different shades of blue. The colour scheme works so well, and to have the badges and sponsor in the same colours just adds to the classiness of it all.

It’s just a great kit, simply put, and Chelsea fans are over the moon with it.

2. Liverpool

It’s such a close call, but unlike this year the Reds have just missed out on the top spot.

This has to be one of the most out-there away kits that Liverpool has had for years – and it’s beautiful. The pattern across the short looks a little like some sort of torn French Renaissance Wallpaper, and I’m all here for it.

The bright blue with the black trim on the sleeves and around the collar of the shirt just enhances the whole design, but the white trim on the badges and sponsor helps to make them pop against the pattern and colour of the whole top.

Nike has truly started their journey with the Reds in a good place.

1. Manchester City

As a Liverpool fan, it pains me to say it – but this kit is incredible.

The design that Puma has used looks unbelievable, along with the bronze used for the badges and the sponsor just plays off of it so well. They’ve used a base standard black, but it all just looks so good with the print, which looks like a type of blue colour but is hard to make out unless you were to have the kit in your hands.

Puma let the club down with their home kit – but all has been settled with this masterpiece, a truly remarkable away kit.

Leeds United have finally made a splash in the transfer market but this week, one of Marcelo Bielsa’s stars has been linked with an exit away from Elland Road this summer…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mirror’s David Anderson, the Yorkshire giants will consider offers for veteran goalkeeper Kiko Casilla as he’s set to be the second-choice behind Illan Meslier this term.

Although he does suggest that United aren’t shipping him out, they are open to any bids that may come their way.

It comes just a few months after the reliable Phil Hay hinted towards the Spaniard’s departure, claiming that his “gut feeling is that they’ll replace Casilla.”

Orta reminder

The 33-year-old’s Leeds career should have been over the minute he was found guilty of racially abusing another professional, then Charlton loanee Jonathan Leko.

During his eight-game suspension, he rightfully lost his place in Bielsa’s starting XI and the performances from Meslier in his absence were clearly enough to convince the Argentine into trusting him in the top-flight.

Casilla has always been a divisive figure to supporters, they’ve been on his back on more than one occasion due to the mistakes he can make.

It’s been a pretty poor decision all-round to bring him to Yorkshire but none more so than financially – yes, he was secured on a free transfer from Real Madrid, who undoubtedly were keen to get him off the books but his high wages are surely a cause for concern.

As per Football Insider, Casilla is thought to be on around £40k-per-week, which means the club has splashed out nearly £3.4m in wages alone. This is surely something they won’t want to keep up if he’s not going to be starting matches this season.

It also provides a stark reminder that Victor Orta doesn’t always get everything right, so you can bring in Robin Koch and the two Rodrigo’s, but they are by no means going to be a success just yet.

AND in other news, Leeds United enter race to sign Championship sensation…

Tottenham Hotspur play host to Everton in North London on Monday in a crucial fixture for both sides as they chase the final few European qualification spots.

Spurs suffered a crushing 3-1 defeat to Sheffield United on Thursday and will be keen to return to winning ways, with Jose Mourinho’s side now ninth in the table, 10 points adrift of the top four.

Everton have been much improved since the restart and continued their good form on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over Leicester City.

Everton are now up to 11th in the table and could move ahead of their opponents with a win.

Form

Spurs have won just once in their last six Premier League matches, picking up just five points from a possible 18.

At home, things have been slightly better, with Mourinho’s team winning three of their last five and being unbeaten since the resumption of football last month.

Everton on the other hand are unbeaten since the return of the Premier League, picking up seven points from a possible nine, despite facing Liverpool and Leicester.

Away from Goodison Park they have struggled, winning just two from their last six, although they did win their last away day against Norwich City, with Michael Keane sealing a 1-0 victory at Carrow Road.

Team news

Juan Foyth and Japhet Tanganga are both being assessed following injuries but are set to miss out, while Troy Parrott could be available after returning to training last month.

After starting on the bench against Sheffield United Dele Alli, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Harry Winks and Erik Lamela could all be in line for recalls.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Fabian Delph are both long-term absentees who will not return this season, while there are doubts over Djibril Sidibe and Theo Walcott.

Richarlison is also a doubt with an ankle injury and will be assessed ahead of the match.

How to watch

Tottenham vs Everton kicks off at 20:00 UTC at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and will be broadcast live Sky Sports, while fans can also live stream football online.

Lots of Everton fans have been destroying the latest link to former Chelsea man Branislav Ivanovic as Republika have reported comments made by him on his future.

As per the outlet, he said that he will probably continue his career at the Merseyside club and claimed that he has received a good offer from them.

The Zenit St. Petersburg defender also added that he has not receive an offer from Red Star Belgrade, which may potentially put the Toffees in the front seat.

Perhaps it is not a surprise that Ivanovic has been linked given that Carlo Ancelotti has worked with him before at Stamford Bridge, playing in 89 games in all competitions across two consecutive seasons, scoring a rather impressive seven goals and making a further 13 assists, according to Transfermarkt.

He seems to have emerged as a transfer target for the Blues given that he has previously been linked to EFC before in this summer window, which did not go down well with supporters.

Nevertheless, being 36 years of age now, perhaps one can question whether he has the legs to cope with the sheer pace of the Premier League.

These members of the Goodison Park faithful destroyed the link to the Serbian international on Twitter:

Evertonians, would Ivanovic be a bad signing? Comment below!

Aston Villa are reportedly considering a move to sign Chelsea winger Pedro during the January transfer window, as reported by The Telegraph.

The Spaniard has made six starts in all competitions for Frank Lampard’s team so far this season, making a further three substitute appearances.

This lack of game time has led to the possibility of him leaving Stamford Bridge on a cut-price deal, with Villa interested in making a move.

There are various fans who are excited by the prospect of signing the 32-year-old, with superlatives such as “baller” and “super” being used to describe him as a player.

After all, this is a man who has won a World Cup, three Champions Leagues and a plethora of other major trophies throughout his career with Barcelona, Chelsea and the Spanish national team.

He offered an indication last season that he can still have an impact, as he made 52 appearances across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and assisting five.

However, not everyone is as thrilled about the links as those shown above, with some referring to his age as a reason not to sign him, whereas one fan has suggested he can “jog on” because the club needs a striker more.

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Villa only have two current players – Tom Heaton and Ahmed Elmohamady – who are above the age of 30, so there seems to be a wariness around the idea of adding to that number.

The latter stance comes with concerns over Wesley after the Brazilian took his run of games without any goals or assists to eight during the 4-1 loss against Leicester.

In other news, Aston Villa fans have been discussing Wesley’s performance against Leicester.

Newcastle United’s prospective takeover has brought plenty of questions marks and an abundance of rumours.

A change in management could follow suit with Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane amazingly linked with the club whilst superstar names such as Gareth Bale, Philippe Coutinho and Kalidou Koulibaly have been mooted with a transfer to the northeast.

But what is to be made of Mike Ashley’s current staff? Well, according to ChronicleLive’s Lee Ryder, his right-hand man Lee Charnley is still at the club conducting business – potentially from home.

In a recent Q&A, the reporter replied to a fan’s question about him:

The managing director has helped contribute to the Premier League’s ‘Project Restart’ whilst it is thought that no major financial decisions have been made.

Charnley’s position at the Magpies could be under threat should the Saudi-backed consortium be given the green light to take control from Ashley.

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They are surely likely to want their own staff, especially if the above murmurs are to be believed, but for the time being, it appears as if the long-serving 42-year-old remains in charge.

AND in other news, Newcastle fans slam PL star amid transfer report…

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…

Newcastle have enjoyed mixed results this season but the counter-attacking style deployed by Steve Bruce seems to be an unsustainable method to obtain success in the Premier League.

The Magpies’ boss has been happy to concede possession in every match he has overseen so far, preferring instead to rely on the counter-attack and goals from set-pieces.

There have been promising performances from the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Allan Saint-Maximin, but too often they are restricted in how they can influence proceedings, and that is primarily due to the negative approach of the manager.

Averaging 38% possession in the league this term means it has been impossible for Newcastle to impose themselves on the opposition, and without that control in matches, their attacking players are suffering as a result.

Watch Newcastle United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

That is partly why Joelinton is yet to get up and running, and why the Brazilian’s one goal is the only time any of the regular front-three have hit the back of the net.

The match against Aston Villa on Monday highlighted that concern. Due to a resolute defence, the Magpies were able to launch a breakaway on multiple occasions, but with nobody near him, Joelinton often failed to retain possession.

On one occasion he ran from the halfway line to the opposition penalty box without a teammate near him the entire time – all because of Bruce’s instructions to maintain the team’s shape at all costs.

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Such orders remove any freedom the more creative and attack-minded players in the squad have.

It means players such Miguel Almiron and Saint-Maximin focus too much on defence and in attack they don’t receive enough support. To solve the problem, Bruce must begin telling DeAndre Yedlin and Jetro Willems to get forward more often.

Both wingbacks have shown this season that they can be useful in the final third, each scoring despite the defensive style which they are operating under.

By getting down the flanks with more frequency and purpose Newcastle could begin pinning the opposition down in their own half and create more space in the middle for the front-three to operate in.

That could also create chances for Jonjo Shelvey who has looked good in attack with two goals. Since there are three centre-backs on the pitch the Magpies would not need to worry too much about being exposed at the back.

Meanwhile, there could be another solution for Steve Bruce to turn to, and the answer lies in a player already at the club.

West Ham’s night at Molineux was one to forget for most, but Nathan Holland will look back on the defeat with pride as he made his Premier League debut after coming on in the second half.

The 21-year-old has shown a lot of promise for West Ham U23s this season with nine goals and seven assists in 13 games but it was still a surprise to see him on the bench for the Hammers, who had plenty of fit wingers to choose from.

With Pablo Fornals initially on the left and the team in need of an equaliser, Manuel Pellegrini turned to the youngster to inject a bit of life into the visitors, but the substitution didn’t really work out, and left some fans puzzled.

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Others thought the winger failed to make an impact and indeed he ran into trouble too often, failing to find a way through Wolves’ resolute backline, which meant he drew criticism from some sections of the fanbase.

Such criticism is a little harsh considering Holland was only on the pitch for a little more than 15 minutes, and with most of the team underperforming it is expecting too much of a young player to turn things around by himself.

Other supporters have acknowledged that, along with the caveat that it was his debut league game, coming up against defenders who are amongst the best in the division.

Holland did at least show energy and intent, something West Ham lacked for most of the night, and some fans are keen to see him more often because of that reason.

Meanwhile, the future of one West Ham player is looking uncertain, though that is perhaps unsurprising given his lacklustre displays.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Son Heung-Min is likely to play for Tottenham Hotspur against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League on Wednesday, Mauricio Pochettino has said, per The Independent.

What’s the word?

The South Korea international was at the centre of a grisly injury on Sunday, as his tackle led to Everton midfielder Andre Gomes sustaining a fracture-dislocation of his ankle during the 1-1 draw.

Son was sent off for the tackle – the red card has since been rescinded – and was left in tears after seeing the extent of the injury Gomes had sustained.

Reports had suggested that he could subsequently miss the European encounter but Pochettino has now confirmed that he is likely to play a part.

He said: “Son was devastated after the action.

“It was a mix of everything, it was a mix of the injury, a mix of the red card, the situation of the game it was an emotional moment for everyone.

“Now after a few days, everyone is available to play. He is in a very good way, he feels sorry like everyone, but he is in good form.”

Clinical

This is vital.

Son has been in clinical form in the Champions League thus far this season and has netted three goals in his first three appearances.

Those strikes include a brace against Red Star at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Spurs ran out 5-0 winners over a fortnight ago.

Having him available, then, will be a major boost for Pochettino, who has started Son in every available game this season bar two, the draw with Olympiacos and the loss to Colchester United. Even there, he came on as a substitute.

Since his time at Spurs, Son has made 28 appearances in the Champions League, scoring 12 goals, while also registering one assist.

As a left winger who is there to supplement the form of the likes of Harry Kane, that is an impeccable record and one that will surely worry the Red Star defenders on Wednesday night.