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Jarrod Bowen will be key to David Moyes guiding West Ham United to victory over Aston Villa in Monday night’s Premier League clash at the London Stadium.

Moyes has called on Bowen to start all nine of the Hammers’ top-flight fixtures thus far this season, but is yet to see the 23-year-old strike home his fourth goal having now gone five games without finding the back of the net.

The Leominster-born winger hasn’t registered his first assist of the campaign, either, despite providing a creative masterclass in victory over Sheffield United last time out with a joint-game high three key passes.

Bowen is among West Ham’s most important forward men this term thanks to his unbroken involvement in their Premier League fixtures, with the former Hull City ace signed in January for £22million ranking joint with Tomas Soucek for most shots taken (20) by an Irons player, per WhoScored.

Yet Bowen only ranks fifth for efforts directed on target with just five to his name and ranks seventh for key passes with six recorded to date. Defender Arthur Masuaku (21) and midfielder Declan Rice (11) even have a higher number of successful dribbles than the £96,154-per-week attacker (8).

Moyes will certainly need to see Bowen match the level of his performance against Sheffield United, rather than his previous displays, when West Ham host Aston Villa on Monday night. But the Scot will need to see the 5 ft 8 maestro offer more than just creativity.

Bowen, who Hull boss Grant McCann lauds as an “exceptional talent” who is “unplayable” on his day, will have his work cut out should he start against Aston Villa, as Dean Smith’s outfit are among the Premier League’s most one-sided outfits.

The Villans average 42% of their attacking moves on the left-hand side of the field, sacrificing central play (25%) to spread the ball wide to the likes of influential captain Jack Grealish and their overlapping full-back, Matt Targett.

Villa’s preference to focus their advances to one side of the field has also aided Smith’s men in becoming one of the top-flight’s most dominant attacks, with 33% of their actions registered in the opposition’s defensive third.

Bowen has not proven himself adept in aiding Vladimir Coufal defensively this term with just 0.9 tackles, 0.3 interceptions and 0.2 clearances per league game, while winning possession 0.7 times and being dribbled past 0.8 times, per SofaScore.

But Moyes will need to see the 23-year-old add another side to his game if West Ham are to beat Aston Villa on Monday, regardless of whether or not Michail Antonio makes his return from a hamstring injury.

AND in other news, a pundit has exclusively claimed a 26-year-old ace would have been a “very good” West Ham signing.

The Southampton union was split up last night as Denmark and England locked horns in their latest international performances. Jannik Vestergaard came off the bench for the Danes, who enjoyed a slim 1-0 victory over an unsteady looking Gareth Southgate side.

The Three Lions picked up a startling two red cards as Harry Maguire and Reece James were given their marching orders. Saints stars Danny Ings and James Ward-Prowse didn’t make it off the bench for England, despite the game crying out for some creative play.

However, their skills haven’t gone unnoticed and Vestergaard has lauded his south coast teammates for their influence on the club. Speaking to Goal.com, the centre-back praised Ings’ huge goal tally from last season – finishing just one goal shy of Jamie Vardy’s Golden Boot winning amount.

A winning formula for Southampton

“I am always madly impressed by his nose for goals – he can sniff them up out of nothing,” Vestergaard said. “He is an amazing player to have in your team and a fantastic person as well.”

Indeed, the former Liverpool man has been a dream signing for Ralph Hasenhuttl. Ings bagged 22 goals in 38 Premier League appearances last season and has already burst out of the blocks this term, netting three goals in four (via Transfermarkt).

Similarly, Ward-Prowse was hailed for his work ethic, with Vestergaard boldly tipping him to have unmatched free-kick skills. “What an engine Ward-Prowse has got! It just never runs out of fuel during games – he is so hard-working for the team,” the 28-year-old said before going on to state that he sees his teammates as close friends of his.

This clear tight-knit chemistry Hasenhuttl’s team has could be key for driving Southampton up the table this season. The duo – both valued at £18million by Transfermarkt – may play a huge part in ensuring the Saints secure a top ten finish at the end of this campaign.

In other news, Theo Walcott comments could see exciting partnership between him and Kyle Walker-Peters…

Wolves U23s manager James Collins heaped praise on youngster Theo Corbeanu after his performance against Doncaster Rovers in the Papa John’s Trophy.

Corbeanu has the world at his feet

The Canadian-born Romanian winger has only recently been introduced to the second string setup after scoring four goals and providing one assist in the U18 Premier League last season. Corbeanu has managed to replicate that form for Collins’ team, scoring twice from his first seven outings (via TransferMarkt).

The 18-year-old played just behind the club’s record signing Fabio Silva, as his Portuguese teammate notched a brace which helped them to a 2-1 win at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Cited by BirminghamLive, Collins was full of praise for Corbeanu and is excited about what is to come from him.

“He’s athletic, tall, can head it, can defend, can dribble past people and score, he can shoot, he can pass, he’s both footed, he’s got a bit of everything,” he said.

“Theo can be anything he wants to be,” Collins continues. “He’s an outstanding prospect. But, and there’s always a but with these players, he’s got to learn to play within the system and play with the others, adapt his game for different scenarios and situations.

“He’s got to keep improving and he knows that, he’s another good kid who wants to learn – but I think Theo can be as good as he wants to be.”

Transfer Tavern take

Corbeanu has made himself one of Collins’ key assets already during this campaign, which could force Nuno Espirito Santo into looking at him for possible first-team appearances further down the line.

Having played alongside Silva so competently, Corbeanu has put his name out there and supporters will now be more away of his ability, thanks to Collins’ generous words about him.

The former Romania U17 international needs to maintain his consistency and ensure that his attitude is spot on. If he can do that, the Molineux faithful could have another future star on their hands.

In other news, Wolves fans beg Nuno Espirito Santo to sign ‘monster’ midfielder.

As Premier League games go, they don’t come much harder than having to face the reigning Premier League champions. But that’s the task that awaits Aston Villa when they face Liverpool at Villa Park on Sunday night.

Dean Smith rang the chances for the Carabao Cup clash against Stoke City on Thursday, and promptly saw his side crash out of the competition at the last 16 stage.

But he is likely to revert back to his strongest eleven for the Premier League encounter with Jurgen Klopp’s men. However, there may be one player who Smith should look to finally unleash: Jacob Ramsey.

The 19-year-old spent the first-half of last season playing for Villa’s youth sides, before making a loan switch to Doncaster in the January transfer window. And whilst there, the teenager made quite the impression, scoring three goals in just seven League One games.

That form would no doubt have caught Smith’s eye during pre-season back with the club, and it’s been quite telling that the youngster has already played four times with the senior side this season, including picking up an assist in the Carabao Cup victory over Bristol City.

Despite starting all three of Villa’s games in that competition, Ramsey has only been restricted to 13 minutes of Premier League football, coming on as a substitute against Fulham.

The 19-year-old has come through the academy at Villa Park, and given the way Jack Grealish has developed into a superstar and talisman for them, that same path could be trodden by Ramsey too.

The club’s academy manager said: “If he continues to match his undoubted technical ability and eye for a goal with the desire and energy to reach the next level, he will have a bright future in the game.”

All he needs is an opportunity to showcase his talent in the Premier League, and whilst it of course comes with an element of risk, Smith could be more than surprised.

Carlton Palmer has predicted Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United in the not too distant future.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast correspondent Tom Ward, the former England international insists Ole Gunnar Solskjaer cannot blame Pogba for his team’s poor performances.

The Red Devils have struggled for consistency this season, having won three and lost three out of seven games in the Premier League so far.

Solskjaer’s side beat both Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig but lost to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League before the international break.

And Palmer believes the French World Cup winner cannot be entirely blamed for their inconsistent start to the season.

He told FFC: “I see him leaving United.”

“Why was he successful at Juventus? Well, they played three at the back, five in the middle of the park, which allowed him to play in a free role. Go and do and what you’ve got to do son.”

“He’s a talented boy, but you can’t keep blaming Pogba if you don’t play him and set the team up the right way for him to perform.”

“He [Solskjaer] can’t keep blaming him, because that’s not his game.”

Once again, Solskjaer finds himself facing the same questions over his future at a time when one of his stars faces an uncertain future.

Pogba is undoubtedly one of the best footballers in the world as he boasts an impressive trophy cabinet – one World Cup, one Premier League title, one Europa League trophy and four Serie A trophies. The Red Devils re-signed the French international from Juventus for a then world-record fee reportedly worth £89m in 2016.

Since then, the 27-year-old has established himself as one of the senior figures in the dressing room for club and country.

France manager Didier Deschamps seems to agree, as he hailed him as a “leader” after the 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Nations League in October.

Pogba began his professional career at his boyhood club, before leaving Old Trafford in unfavourable circumstances back in 2012, as he could not reach an agreement with the Red Devils over the terms of a new and improved deal.

Although not everyone is a fan of the Frenchman, with United legend Roy Keane insisting “he wouldn’t believe a word he says” following the humiliating 4-0 defeat at Everton in 2019, it’s hard to deny the fact that he is an incredible talent, as 33 goals and 35 assists in 175 games is an impressive return for a deep-lying midfielder.

Pogba, who’s market value is rated at £72m via Transfermarkt, has won 66 games in 118 appearances in the Premier League, losing on just 20 occasions so far. Not too shabby.

AND in other news, Woeful Woodward: Manchester United will forever regret not signing Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund…

Giovani Lo Celso has excelled in his new role at Tottenham Hotspur ever since the Premier League restarted last month.

After Jose Mourinho decided to give Harry Winks another chance, Lo Celso was deployed further forward, and he was let loose against the Everton defence.

While it may not have been pretty, he played an instrumental part in breaking the deadlock, as Michael Keane deflected his strike into the back of his own net.

Paul Robinson insists he would not swap the Tottenham ace for Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs star claims Lo Celso has been “outstanding” for Mourinho’s side.

Last month, Fernandes revealed Spurs came close to signing him before Sporting Lisbon blocked the deal, via Sky Sports.

Mourinho dismissed his compatriot’s comments and said he would rather have Lo Celso anyway.

After being asked by Dylan Childs if he would swap the Argentine for Fernandes, Robinson admitted he would like to have both of them, but would choose Lo Celso if he was forced to pick between the two.

He told Football Insider “I would like to have them both! Two top-quality players.

“Lo Celso has shown a side to his game that not many people, including myself, knew that he had. He is not afraid to do the hard yards and play as a holding midfielder as well as an attacking midfielder.”

“I certainly would not swap him for Bruno Fernandes. Two outstanding players but Lo Celso has become key to what Spurs do. He’s settled and adapted to life in the Premier League very easily and very quickly.

“He looks to be a very astute signing along with Bergwijn. They are the type of signings that Spurs need. They have changed the team.

“Fernandes is a top player but I would not swap him for Lo Celso.”

It is hard to argue with Robinson here, as Lo Celso pulled all the strings in the 1-0 win over the Toffees.

The midfield maestro was widely touted as Christian Eriksen’s successor but ended up playing in a deeper role alongside Winks before the break. This didn’t stop him from being one of the club’s best players prior to the nationwide lockdown in March.

However, the 24-year-old has burst into life since the restart, as his performances have continued to get better and better with each passing week. Indeed, he earned a solid SofaScore rating of 6.8 in the draw with Manchester United, but bounced back with impressive displays against West Ham and Everton.

While Bruno Fernandes has been in electric form ever since he arrived at Old Trafford in January, the statistics don’t paint the full picture.

Lo Celso only has two goals this season, but these numbers can be attributed to the fact that it has taken him until 2020 to get his shot in central midfield.

Mourinho has let him off the leash over the past week or so, which has given him the freedom to move further forward, and he was unlucky not to score his first Premier League goal after his effort ricocheted off Keane.

It is difficult to believe it will be too far away if the Portuguese sticks with his new system as Lo Celso continues to take new strides in the final third.

That isn’t to say Fernandes wouldn’t make an immediate impact, as the evidence is there for all to see, the fact remains Lo Celso is arguably a better fit for where Spurs are at right now.

It is highly likely he will stick around for the foreseeable future, whereas Fernandes will no doubt be attracting attention from Barcelona and Real Madrid, which could unsettle the United squad.

Mourinho’s side are currently eighth in the table, eleven points behind fourth-placed Leicester, tied with Sheffield United on 48 points.

All hope of claiming silverware this season is basically over at this point and he will be looking to plan ahead for next season instead.

Tottenham fans, who would you choose? Let us know down below!

Many Aston Villa fans have reacted to a transfer report that links Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard with a move to the club this summer.

Claret and Blue boss Dean Smith will look to address a number of areas within his squad that need improvement this summer ahead of the 2020/21 season.

One particular area that Villa are in desperate need to improve is in attack having seen the likes of Wesley, Mbwana Samatta and Keinan Davis all struggle to find regular goal-scoring form.

Having previously been linked with a move for Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos, it is now emerging that the Midlands based club are keen on Celtic’s Edouard.

Daily Telegraph writer Mike McGrath reports that Villa would like to make a summer move for the £13.5m-valued striker who netted an impressive 21 goals in 27 games and gained 12 assists in the Scottish Premiership last term.

Reacting to the transfer claim, Villa fans gave varied opinions via Twitter account @villareport with many keen on the potential addition – one even suggested he would be a ‘great’ signing.

Do you think Edouard would make a good summer signing for Villa? Let us know in the comments section below…

Newcastle United’s prospective £300m takeover has been a long and drawn-out process and it appears as if it is still quite some way off from being resolved.Premier League CEO Richard Masters didn’t give much away when asked about the current situation during an interview with Sky Sports’ Bryan Swanson but he did hint towards ‘timing’ not being an issue – meaning this is surely set to rumble on.And Keith Downie has responded on Twitter, questioning previous reports that have suggested the takeover being given the ‘green light’ in recent weeks.He said:

Downie believes that there is still plenty of work to be done and given it has taken nearly two months already, the Magpies faithful are going to be far from pleased with the news.

The Premier League have also had to deal with ‘Project Restart’ and following their announcement that the season will resume in mid-June, it is hoped that their focus can now be put towards approving the takeover.

The single toughest football logo quiz of all time…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

AND in other news,ÂLee Ryder slams Mike Ashley for contract situation…

As the opening week of the Premier League draws nearer, Liverpool continue to keep faith in signing Thiago Alcantara in time.

The Reds have been in talks with Bayern Munich over securing the signature of the Spaniard, but despite a long and ongoing saga, no official offer has been made from the English champions.

The Germans value their midfielder at £26.6million, which is a reasonable amount for a player who has just lifted the Champions League trophy. However, Liverpool are struggling with funds and could be holding out for the sale of Gini Wijnaldum before they can bid for Thiago.

Manchester United are now also reportedly interested in the 29-year-old, with Fredrik A. N. Filtvedt claiming that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made contact with the player (via @LFCTransferRoom).

Loads of Reds fans have responded to this update and some are concerned that their Northern rivals may snub their chances of signing Thiago after all this time. One supporter has tweeted ‘I have a bad feeling’ about the Thiago situation as they suspect a move to United could be on the cards.

Read more replies from the Twitter selection here:

Do you think Thiago could potentially join Manchester United? Have your say in the comments below…

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…

It has been a disappointing start to the season for Everton.

The Toffees currently sit 15th in the table after 12 games, having won just four matches so far. There was one particularly bad run, where they lost four games in a row in the Premier League and, although they have lost just once since then, they have still underwhelmed.

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That has partly been down to their problems in front of goal. Only five sides in the top tier have scored less than the Goodison Park outfit this term, which is just one of the reason why the pressure is on Marco Silva. It remains to be seen whether he can turn it around.

There are plenty of names to have been linked with a moved to the north-west should the Portuguese be relieved of his duties, with the latest being Bruno Genesio as per L’Equipe (via Sport Witness). Currently with Beijing Sinobo Guoan, he is best known for his four-year stint with Lyon, with them qualifying for the Champions League in three out of the four seasons he managed there. It was their prolific ability to score that was most noticeable from his reign.

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In the four Ligue 1 campaigns he spent at the Groupama Stadium, Lyon scored 67 goals, 77, 87 and 70. To put this into context, they have only managed to match or surpass the lowest of those four totals three times since the turn of the century outside of the 53-year-old’s time in the dugout.

Alexandre Lacazette, who now plays for Arsenal, benefited from his management – under Genesio, he had his most prolific season to date – whilst the quartet of Nabil Fekir, Bertrand Traore, Mariano Diaz and Memphis Depay bagged 84 goals and provided 38 assists between them in the 2017/18 season. Last term, six different players scored at least 10 goals for Les Gones.

Not only that, but he has a tendency to use younger players. For example, last season, the average age of the players who appeared for Lyon was 24.3. Only three teams managed lower in Ligue 1.

Just imagine what he could do with the likes of Richarlison, Alex Iwobi, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Moise Kean, all of whom are 23 or under. By focusing on their attacking strengths, Genesio could really get the best out of a forward line that has the potential to be prolific. If it was decided that Silva could not take the team any further, Genesio would be a fantastic choice to replace him.

In other news, Silva will be impressed by one man’s form on international duty.