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Daniel Farke’s Norwich City side head into Saturday’s game knowing that a win will secure them the Championship title.

After a remarkable league campaign, the Canaries have already ensured that Premier League football will be returning to Carrow Road at the earliest opportunity following the club’s relegation from the top flight last season.

However, despite their guarantee of automatic promotion, the Championship table-toppers have not clinched the league title just yet, although a home win against Reading on Saturday would see Farke’s side over the line.

So, will the 44-year-old make any changes to his starting XI last time out against Queens Park Rangers? Here’s our predicted XI, along with the latest team and injury news…

With a number of players remaining sidelined due to either suspension or injury, with Dimitris Giannoulis serving the final match of his three-game ban and Sam Byram, Christoph Zimmermann, Ben Gibson and Lukas Rupp all being unavailable due to knocks, we expect Farke to make two changes from his starting XI against QPR.

Firstly, Pukki drops to the bench after having an unusually bad day in front of goal at Loftus Road, with 28-year-old Jordan Hugill being handed only his seventh start of the season in the Finland striker’s place.

The second change sees Cantwell, who much like Pukki was far from his best against Mark Warburton’s side, replaced by Przemyslaw Płacheta, after the Poland international was an unused substitute in the trip to QPR.

Aside from these alterations, the rest of the side should remain untouched, with young centre-back Andrew Omobamidele keeping his place in the starting XI as both of Farke’s other options in the position, Zimmermann and Gibson, continue to be ruled out.

In other news: Bye-bye Tettey: Webber must sanction NCFC swoop for £5.4m-rated ace Farke would adore – opinion

Farhad Moshiri played a blinder in backing a permanent centre-back transfer last summer after Marcel Brands revealed the Everton owner’s role in Ben Godfrey’s move from Norwich City.

What’s the word?

In quotes shared by the Liverpool Echo, Brands has told the Toffees’ USA Live event that Godfrey became the club’s number one target after the intervention of Moshiri.

The defender sealed a £20m move to Goodison Park at the start of October and has proven to be a key player for Carlo Ancelotti, with minutes across the Italian’s backline in 29 of a possible 32 games in all competitions.

Everton were not initially targeting a centre-back but were forced to make a quick change to their end-of-window plans in September after Mason Holgate sustained a toe injury and Jarrad Branthwaite tore ligaments in his ankle.

The Blues were unsure whether to add depth to Ancelotti’s unit with a temporary or permanent solution, but the influence of Moshiri led to a full-time deal being struck with Norwich for Godfrey.

“He was on our list already for two years, and when I had the discussion this summer with Carlo, the Chairman and our owner, we had to decide if we were looking for a centre-back on loan or if we want to buy,” Brands said.

“Our owner preferred to do a permanent, so Ben Godfrey was the first one on our list – and I think we did our homework well. He’s a great character, great athlete. He really adapted quickly to the level and to the club. I think the fans loved him from the beginning and that’s a good thing to see.”

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A blinder from Moshiri

While Everton may not have been sure whether to explore a loan deal or make a permanent centre-back signing last year before Moshiri stepped in, the Blues chief certainly played a blinder by backing a full-time deal being struck.

Everton were left in an uncomfortable situation in the summer 2019 market when Marco Silva sought to sign Kurt Zouma at the end of his season-long loan spell from Chelsea, having seen the Frenchman impress in royal blue but hold no option to retain him long-term.

Zouma eventually returned to Stamford Bridge after the southwest London natives slapped a minimum £30m asking price on the 26-year-old, and he has featured in 28 Premier League games last term and 19 so far this season.

The Toffees would have rued being in the same position with Godfrey had they only signed the centre-back on loan from Norwich, having seen the 23-year-old establish himself as a key part of Ancelotti’s defence.

Godfrey has covered at left-back when Lucas Digne has been injured, featured occasionally at right-back and played regularly at centre-half over his 29 outings in all competitions since his move.

The England under-21 international’s efforts reportedly led Tottenham Hotspur to launch an inquiry into why they passed on his potential availability, while many Everton supporters often laud the defender who Ancelotti has hailed as being “fantastic” and “tactically intelligent”.

With the manager also considering Godfrey to be the best of his current centre-back options and the one with the most potential, the Italian seemingly owes a lot of gratitude to Moshiri for backing Everton to make a permanent move for the 23-year-old last year.

AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti set to make shrewd Everton appointment with “hugely popular” coach…

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith must urge the club to make a summer transfer move for David Brooks, amid Lee Hendrie’s verdict on the Bournemouth star.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent months have suggested that the Villa boss is keen on landing the Wales international and offering him a return back to Premier League football following the Cherries’ relegation last season.

Former Villa ace Hendrie has now revealed that he’s a “big fan” of the versatile midfielder, and insisted that the 23-year-old could be a great player for Smith.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: “I’m a big fan of David Brooks. I’ve seen a fair bit of him this season and he’s an absolute talent, he really is. He’s a young man with bags of ability and I think if he comes into Villa, I think he’d be a great addition.

“He reminds me of Jack (Grealish). He’s very slight, he’s very mobile and, again, he’s another player that could set the Prem on fire if he’s given a chance.”

Get it done

In the £55,000-a-week earning Brooks, Smith would be getting someone who is able to play both in the number ten role and out wide, with the Welshman’s low centre of gravity and quick turn of pace something to really change the game – his former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe hailed him as someone who “turns well with the ball” and has “creative flair”.

This season has seen him bag four goals and provide a further five assists, and it’s no wonder that Chris Wilder, his former manager at Sheffield United, declared him a “match-winner” and someone he wanted to bring back in October last year.

Brooks could offer Villa that extra bit of dynamism going forward, with Howe also hailing his “creative flair” and “non-stop energy”.

It’s a move that Villa should be targeting this summer, with Hendrie’s glowing verdict another reason why the Midlands club would be foolish to pass him up.

Meanwhile, Gregg Evans has delivered a major transfer update on Aston Villa…

Aston Villa have suffered a major blow ahead of their Premier League clash against Newcastle on Friday night, with Jack Grealish once again ruled out of action.

The England international has missed the last four Premier League games for Villa after picking up a lower leg injury last month, with the club picking up just four points in those matches in his absence.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against the Magpies, Villa boss Dean Smith said: “Jack has been making really good progress and we are happy at where he’s at but, unfortunately, he won’t make it (Friday’s game).

“He has been ill this week so he’s been off for a couple of days as well, but we’re hopeful for the Tottenham game now, that’s for sure. Jack is still in and around the training ground. He takes part in the meetings. He’s got a voice and an opinion, which is good.”

Given how badly have Villa struggled without him in terms of their results, Smith will no doubt be gutted that the 25-year-old will once again be missing from first team action.

Grealish has been one of the shining lights of what has been an impressive Premier League campaign for Villa, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists.

It’s no surprise that, in the games that he has missed, Villa have lacked creativity and an eye for goal, finding the back of the net just twice in his absence.

The rest of his teammates will have to try and step up once more when they visit St James’ Park to take on Newcastle on Friday night.

Meanwhile, Villa could land a new Tyrone Mings in this ace…

Manchester City’s hopes of completing a historic quadruple are still alive as they prepare to face Everton in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side travel to Goodison Park hoping to secure a place at Wembley for the semi-finals with a win against Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees.

The Merseyside outfit have suffered back-to-back losses against Chelsea and Burnley recently, whilst the Citizens are on an unbelievable run which has seen them win 24 of their last 25 games in all competitions, which included a 3-1 triumph at Goodison Park in February.

With all of his players back fit, Guardiola is likely to rotate from the side which beat Borussia Monchengladbach in midweek, although he will still obviously want a strong side out to continue City’s impressive form in the FA Cup in recent years.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects the manager to line his side up on Saturday, with five changes from the side which started in Hungary…

Although Zack Steffen featured in earlier rounds, it seems likely that Ederson will keep his place in goal ahead of the American for a game of this importance for City.

There are two changes in defence, as Oleksandr Zinchenko comes in for Kyle Walker, with Joao Cancelo moving to right-back after featuring on the left in midweek. John Stones is handed a rest with Aymeric Laporte replacing him at centre-back alongside Ruben Dias.

Fernandinho has shown his qualities in recent months and deserves a start ahead of Rodri in midfield, where he is partnered by Ilkay Gundogan.

Riyad Mahrez starred on City’s last trip to Goodison Park so he keeps his place on the right-hand side, with Bernardo Silva, who reportedly earns £150,000 per week at City, dropping out to welcome Raheem Sterling back in on the left.

Finally, Gabriel Jesus replaces Phil Foden and offers City a more natural centre-forward option up front, although the Brazilian has the added pressure of a fit Sergio Aguero waiting in the wings to replace him, so hopefully he can start scoring goals on a more regular basis.

In other news… Forget Haaland: Txiki should swoop for “outstanding” £100m-rated maestro

MatériaMais Notícias

Se dentro de campo o zagueiro Maicon demonstrou não se abater, já que perdeu um pênalti e fez o gol da vitória do São Paulo sobre o Oeste, neste sábado, fora dele o defensor fez o mesmo. Na saída do Morumbi, o beque não fugiu da responsabilidade e afirmou que quer ter novas chances no posto de batedor.

-Vou bater o próximo se eu tiver oportunidade, sou forte o suficiente para admitir meu erro – disparou.

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Já sobre a disputa com Ganso, que pegou a bola depois de Calleri sofrer o pênalti, Maicon explicou:

-Eu falei para o Ganso que eu queria bater, infelizmente não converti.Estou feliz de poder ajudar o São Paulo – resumiu.

Ao balançar as redes após um rebote do Oeste, já nos acréscimos, o zagueiro extravasou na comemoração, indo em direção à torcida.

Durante a semana, Maicon também treinou cobranças, assim como Ganso, o batedor oficial.

According to a report by Sport Italia TV journalist Gianluigi Longari, writing on Twitter, West Ham United lodged an inquiry over Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic last summer – with GSB once eyeing a move for the 6 foot 5 powerhouse as this transfer news emerges. 

Milenkovic, who has reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Tottenham (Fabrizio Romano via WeAreTottenhamTV) – is now attracting Manchester United’s attention amid ‘difficult’ contract negotiations with his current club.

West Ham inquired for Milenkovic

This is according to Longari’s information, and whilst revealing the Red Devils’ interest in signing Milenkovic, the journalist also claims that GSB and West Ham lodged an inquiry for him last summer.

Once likened to legendary Premier League defender Nemanja Vidic, the Serbian stands at a towering 6 foot 5 and arguably holds the potential to become a world class centre-back at just 23-years-old.

Milenkovic’s former coach Ivan Tomic described the colossal defender as a ‘beast’ and journalist Dejan Stankovic labelled him ‘fearless’ (ESPN) – leaving little wonder why West Ham were allegedly interested.

However, there is no report of that interest being current, with Man United instead on the look out for his signature.

Transfer Tavern take

David Moyes has had no shortage of class centre-back options at his disposal this season, with the likes of Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna (currently injured), Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena all arguably impressing for West Ham at points over 2020/2021.

Seemingly the last position GSB need to strengthen at this present moment, this update that they lodged an inquiry for Milenkovic last summer comes as intriguing one.

In other news: West Ham fans blasted this ace against Man City, find out more here.

Manchester United were outfoxed by Manchester City on their own home turf on Wednesday night, leaving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a lot of work to do as the club’s wait for silverware continues.

Goals from City duo John Stones and Fernandinho dumped the Red Devils out of the Carabao Cup semi-final, as Pep Guardiola’s side set up a Wembley clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Hunting their first trophy since 2017, Solskjaer’s side seemed to have shrugged off early pressure from City after Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford both squandered chances. But poor set-piece defending ultimately proved to be their undoing when Harry Maguire failed to deal with a free-kick from Phil Foden – Stones bundling home from close range to give City the lead.

And their suspect defence came back to haunt them after Anthony Martial and Aaron Wan-Bissaka combined only to clear the ball as far as the edge of the box for Fernandinho to hit the ball first time into the back of the net.

Several players were at fault for the sub-par performance, none more so than United left-back Luke Shaw, who arrived at Old Trafford from Southampton for £27m in 2014. He reportedly earns around £150,000-per-week, as per Spotrac.

SofaScore graded the 25-year-old as the worst player on the pitch by a country mile with a miserable 6.2 rating – he lost possession 16 times, failed to win any of his duels from six attempts, was dribbled past once and committed two fouls.

The Manchester Evening News gave Shaw a low grade of 5/10 and claimed he ‘let Stones go for the goal,’ while The Sun were equally scathing in their assessment, insisting ‘he found himself tucked in centrally and was often a passenger on the break.’

Not only did he look lethargic, but he was also uncharacteristically lightweight as well with his teammates Fernandes and Paul Pogba managing more tackles between them, as per SofaScore.

After Alex Telles’ arrival in the summer, Shaw may have been forgiven for feeling a little threatened. But his latest shocking display may have given him more reason to do so and he ought to be nervously looking over his shoulder after he suffered a horror show against Guardiola’s side.

United have now lost four cup semi-finals in the past 12 months following yet another semi-final defeat at the hands of City in the Carabao Cup. With a trip to Liverpool on the horizon, this could be Shaw’s last start for quite some time after this latest showing.

AND in other news, Manchester United could find their next Nemanja Vidic…

MatériaMais Notícias

Cerca de 40 dias após dar uma declaração polêmica à Rede Minas na qual insinuou uma “compra de arbitragem”, Benecy Queiroz retomou suas atividades no futebol. Após obter efeito suspensivo da suspensão de 90 dias imposta pelo STJD, o Cruzeiro confirmou na tarde desta terça-feira que o ex-supervisor-geral retornou ao clube, mas na área administrativa.

A decisão de conceder efeito suspensivo a Benecy foi tomada peloauditor do Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD), José de Arruda Silveira Filho, e a data para a Procuradoria-Geral tentar um recurso ainda não foi definida. Até o momento, Benecy cumpriu 25 dos 90 dias impostos pelo órgão.

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Após a declaração polêmica ser divulgada, Benecy Queiroz anunciou seu afastamento do cargo de supervisor-geral do clube, em uma “licença em função de tratamento de saúde e realização de exames médicos”. Pedro Moreira foi chamado para substitui-lo, e continuará no cargo.

أسفرت قرعة كأس العالم للأندية، الإمارات 2022 عن مواجهات قوية، ولقاء متكرر للأهلي أمام مونتيري المكسيكي في افتتاح مبارياته بالبطولة.

وسُحبت القرعة في زيورخ مقر الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” وأسفرت عن مواجهة الأهلي لـ مونتيري، والابتعاد عن بطل أوروبا حتى نهاية البطولة.

ويشارك في البطولة الأهلي المصري بطل إفريقيا، والهلال السعودي حامل لقب دوري ابطال آسيا، وأوكلاند النيوزلندي من أوقيانوسيا، بالإضافة لـ تشيلسي بطل أوروبا، وأبطال قارتي امريكا الجنوبية والشمالية، بالميراس البرازيلي ومونتيري المكسيكي على الترتيب.

طالع أيضًا.. تعرف على طريق الأهلي في كأس العالم للأندية 2021

وتنطلق البطولة في الإمارات خلال الفترة من 3 إلى 12 فبراير ٢٠٢٢، بعد اعتذار اليابان عن استضافتها بسبب تفشي فيروس كورونا.

المباراة الأولى .. أوكلاند سيتي النيوزلندي والجزيرة الإماراتي

المباراة الثانية .. الأهلي المصري ومونتيري المكسيكي

المباراة الثالثة .. الهلال السعودي يواجه الفائز من مواجهة (الجزيرة وأوكلاند سيتي).

المباراة الرابعة .. بالميراس البرازيلي ينتظر في نصف النهائي الفائز من مواجهة (الأهلي ومونتيري).

المباراة الخامسة.. تشيلسي الإنجليزي ينتظر في نصف النهائي الفائز من مواجهة (الهلال والجزيرة أو أوكلاند).

اقرأ أيضًا.. أول تعليق من مونتيري لـ بطولات على مواجهة الأهلي في كأس العالم للأندية

الأهلي يواجه مونتيري بطل المكسيك والذي يشرف على تدريبه خافيير أجيري، المدير الفني السابق للمنتخب المصري، وفي حال الفوز سيواجه بالميراس بطل كوبا ليبارتادوريس في نصف النهائي.

وواجه الأهلي بالميراس في النسخة الماضية، وتفوق عليه بركلات الترجيح، وحقق المركز الثالث لينال الميدالية البرونزية الثانية له تاريخيًا بعد 2006.