All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle predicted XI vs Arsenal

Newcastle United play at St. James’ Park for the final time this season as they host Arsenal in the Premier League tonight.

The Gunners arrive on Tyneside chasing Champions League football and the Magpies have little to play for as they are safe from relegation and five points adrift of the top 10 with two matches to play.

Eddie Howe will be hoping for a reaction from his team as they were hammered 5-0 by Manchester City in their last outing.

How many changes will he make to the team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the side, with Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Fabian Schar all coming back in.

Starting off at the heart of the defence, we are predicting that Howe will bring Schar back into the fold after he was only fit enough for the bench against City. Jamaal Lascelles started in his place and struggled badly as he lost four of his six duels and recorded a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.1.

The Magpies coach must now axe him from the XI in order to bring the Swiss international back in alongside Dan Burn at the back.

At right-back, Trippier may come in to start his first game since picking up an injury in February. The gem, who was once dubbed “underrated” by Gareth Southgate, has scored two goals in five Premier League outings for the club to date and will be able to provide an attacking threat on the counter against the Gunners.

Finally, we are predicting that Wilson will come in for Chris Wood, who Frank McAvennie claimed is “struggling” this season. The New Zealand international missed a glorious chance with his head against City and lost 10 of his 13 duels as he failed to showcase his quality at the top end of the pitch.

Axing him will allow Howe to start the striker he worked with at Bournemouth to complete the front three alongside Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin. The Englishman has scored six goals in 14 starts this season and will be aiming to add to that before the end of the campaign.

AND in other news, “Keeping a close eye on..”: Downie delivers big NUFC claim that’ll excite supporters…

Everton team news vs Crystal Palace

Patrick Boyland has now shared a double injury blow for Everton before they play Crystal Palace at home in the Premier League on Thursday night.

The Lowdown: One win away

Given that Leeds United can only get to a maximum of 38 points, the Goodison Park faithful know that they are only one win away from securing their safety in the top flight for next season.

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They would probably fancy their chances more at home to the Eagles than away at Arsenal on the final day, and so Frank Lampard and his team will surely be pushing for all three points on Thursday.

The Latest: Injury news

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist Boyland has now shared the latest injury news from Merseyside, with two players now set to miss out:

“Mina and Delph still out.”

The Verdict: Blow

It is certainly a blow to be without both Yerry Mina and Fabian Delph for the clash against Patrick Vieira’s side.

They are already without long-term absentees Andros Townsend and Nathan Patterson, while both Jarrad Branthwaite and Salomon Rondon are suspended after red cards in the 3-2 loss at home to Brentford.

Mina and Delph rank highly among their teammates in terms of average interceptions and blocks per game in the Premier League so far this season, and their five yellow cards further suggest that they like to get stuck in (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, the Toffees will need battlers on Thursday, and so losing them both is a blow to their chances of winning a potential dog fight.

In other news, find out which Blues star Carlo Ancelotti is now eyeing this summer here!

Spurs: Conte interested in Barak

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Antonin Barak to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Mondo Udinese (via Sport Witness), who claim that, following an extraordinary campaign in Italy, Antonio Conte is now keen on a move to bring the Hellas Verona attacking midfielder to the Premier League at the end of the current campaign.

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The report then goes on to state that the 52-year-old Spurs manager would play a key role in tempting the 27-year-old into a switch to north London, while it is also claimed that Juventus are also keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Czech Republic international.

He’s better than Soucek

With it being reported that a new central midfielder is one of Conte’s primary targets in the summer transfer window, and with Spurs having already been linked with a move to West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek, the argument that Barak would be a much better fit for Tottenham than his Czechia compatriot is a rather easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 29 Serie A appearances this season, the £18m-rated talent has been something of a revelation in the Hellas midfield, bagging 11 goals, registering four assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 1.0 key passes and completing 1.1 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £15k-per-week man who Josh Bunting dubbed a “fantastic” player average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.05, ranking him as Igor Tudor’s second-best performer in the top flight of Italian football – playing a key role in Hellas’ push to secure a top-half finish in the league.

In comparison, over Soucek’s 33 Premier League outings this term, the £43m-rated midfielder has scored five goals, provided one assist and created two big chances, in addition to taking an average of 1.3 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.3 dribbles per fixture.

These metrics have seen the £70k-per-week colossus average a SofaScore match rating of 6.99, ranking him as David Moyes’ fourth-best player in the English top flight.

As such, while Socuek’s returns are far from underwhelming, when taking into account the fact that Conte already has the options of the defensively-minded Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the middle of the park, the signing of a central midfielder who possesses a more attacking mindset would appear the smarter move by Spurs – something which it is undeniable that Barak is when compared to Soucek.

Furthermore, with it being reported that the West Ham star will be available for around £40m this summer – as well as the 27-year-old himself demanding a weekly wage well above his current salary at the London Stadium – compared to Barak’s more modest €20m (£17m) asking price, the Hellas sensation would appear much better value for money.

So, all things considered, it would indeed appear that a move for Barak would be a far more intelligent choice by Conte and Fabio Paratici this summer.

AND in other news: Spurs now plot £17m bid for “one of the top four or five No 8’s”, Conte would love him

West Ham: Moyes’ double injury boost

West Ham United have received a timely injury bonus ahead of Thursday’s pivotal Europa League, semi-final clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.

What’s the word?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, manager David Moyes revealed a double injury boost for the match, with both Ben Johnson and Issa Diop seemingly set to be in contention to feature.

Asked about the fitness of his charges, the former Everton boss confirmed the return of the defensive duo: “At the moment, everybody is fit, Ben Johnson had a thigh strain but he seems to be okay at the moment, so he’ll come back into the squad. Issa Diop had rolled his ankle but he has made an incredible recovery. Is he absolutely 100 per cent? Maybe not, but we’re at the stage of the season where we needing to maybe take one or two risks and get him back in the squad.”

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Johnson had missed the weekend defeat to Arsenal with that thigh issue, while his 25-year-old teammate, Diop – who was an unused substitute on Sunday – missed the loss to Chelsea and the first leg tussle against Frankfurt with an ankle injury. Long-term absentee Angelo Ogbonna remains out, however, with Moyes seemingly denting any hopes that he may return before the end of the season.

Huge boost

While neither man has been regular a starter so far this term, their return to action comes at a real crunch moment in the campaign, with the east Londoners seeking to secure their passage to a European final, as well as achieve a top-six finish in the Premier League.

At present, the London Stadium outfit are on a run of four games without a win in all competitions, albeit with injury having seemingly played its part in that slight stumble.

The lack of options, particularly defensively, was evident at the weekend against the Gunners, with the Hammers boss forced to name something of a makeshift backline, placing full-back Aaron Cresswell at the heart of the defence with £38k-per-week man Ryan Fredericks in an unconventional left-back berth.

The absence of Craig Dawson due to suspension had also been a factor in that defensive shakeup, although the former Watford man is available to feature against the German outfit, with the return of Diop also finally providing some competition at the heart of the defence.

The Frenchman has made just 13 league appearances in what’s been a frustrating campaign thus far, although the £10.8m-rated man has found some solace in European competition, scoring once and offering one assist in seven Europa League outings thus far.

The 6 foot 4 centre-back has also chipped in with 1.6 tackles per game as well as 2.1 clearances per game on the continent this season, while also winning an impressive 74% of his total duels.

As for Johnson, the 22-year-old academy graduate has also featured in seven games during the club’s surge to the last four, registering some standout defensive statistics of his own with 2.3 tackles and three clearances per 90 thus far.

Although there are doubts over whether the duo will start, their availability in itself is a huge positive, particularly on a night that could go the distance with the gruelling prospect of extra time.

IN other news, Moyes must unleash West Ham’s £47k-p/w “terminator” tonight, he’ll terrify Frankfurt

Paratici in ‘final stages’ of Spurs plan

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent and reliable source Alasdair Gold has now shared some major in-house news for Lilywhites supporters.

The Lowdown: Paratici shake up?

Spurs transfer chief and managing director Fabio Paratici has been orchestrating a shake up behind-the-scenes since his appointment last summer.

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The Italian has already performed a scouting overhaul with Brian Carey, Tottenham’s former head of recruitment, leaving his post most recently.

This come as Paratici aims to back manager Antonio Conte this summer in an effort to appease the ex-Chelsea boss and ultimately display Spurs’ ambition for 2022/2023.

To do this, he will need all the technical assistance possible, with Gold now sharing a major update on Paratici’s plan to appoint a number two.

The Latest: Appointment in ‘final stages’…

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, the journalist claims Paratici is in the ‘final stages’ of hand-picking his assistant Spurs chief.

When quizzed on the former Juventus director’s progress, Gold explained:

“As far as I’m aware, Fabio Paratici has drawn up a shortlist of the candidates to assist him in running the football side of Tottenham and is in the final stages of appointing his number two, who is expected to be from abroad.

“Paratici had Spurs’ technical performance director Steve Hitchen to help him in the months after he joined from Juventus but he left the club in February and head of recruitment Brian Carey, who worked remotely and is believed to have been more of a chief scout figure, also left this week.”

The Verdict: Interesting summer ahead…

Depending on the name coming in, with little known in that regard, it’ll be interesting to see how the imminent appointment of a Paratici number two will help Spurs in the summer market.

Conte, according to reports, has his eye on as many as six major signings this summer as he seeks to transform Tottenham back into a Premier League force.

An extensive list of transfer targets has already been mocked up at Hotspur Way as Paratici and his incoming assistant are soon tasked to advance and finalise moves for Conte’s perfect players.

In other news: Spurs ready to make major bid for ‘world-beater’ who allegedly told friends he was keen to join…find out more here.

Spurs: Conte dealt Reguilon injury blow

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of their Premier League meeting with Leicester City this afternoon.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via football.london), Antonio Conte revealed that Sergio Reguilon will now be unavailable for selection for the 14:00 kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as the 25-year-old has picked up a groin injury.

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When asked for an update on the current fitness of his Tottenham squad, the 52-year-old said: “The only update is that Reguilon is not available. He has a groin pain. The others are OK.”

Conte will be fuming

While it is true that Reguilon has not exactly been in the best form of his career so far this season, it is nevertheless undeniable that losing the services of the left-back at such a crucial stage of the campaign will have left Conte fuming.

Indeed, over his 25 Premier League appearances this term, the £25.2m-rated full-back has been an important part of the Spurs backline, scoring two goals, registering three assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.8 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

The £53k-per-week defender has also helped his side keep six clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 1.6 clearances and winning 4.6 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the Spaniard average a SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as Conte’s 12th-best performer in the English top flight.

As such, considering that the 52-year-old’s only other natural option at left wing-back, Ryan Sessegnon, has also struggled for fitness this season, the unavailability of Reguilon for the Leicester game – and potentially further fixtures over the run-in – is sure to have come as a huge blow to Tottenham’s chances of securing all three points against the Foxes – as well as the club’s hopes of securing a top-four finish in the league.

AND in other news: “Eyeing move…”: Journo drops big Spurs transfer claim, he’s a “young Paul Gascoigne”

Farke must now bench Leeds star who’s so “close to exploding”

Leeds United are on a roll at the moment. Daniel Farke’s side have gone unbeaten in their last two games, beating Chelsea and drawing against Liverpool, with both games coming at Elland Road.

The game prior to playing the Blues, Manchester City only beat them due to a stoppage-time winner.

At the start of the gameweek, the Whites were out of the relegation zone. Now, a clash away to Brentford in the prime time slot on Sunday afternoon represents a chance for the West Yorkshire side to put even more distance between themselves and the drop zone.

Leeds will not have a full squad for their trip to West London to face the Bees, however.

Leeds’ team news vs. Brentford

Unfortunately for Farke, he has a few players missing for the game against Keith Andrews’ side. Someone who remains sidelined after picking up an injury in November is midfielder Sean Longstaff.

He is yet to recover from the calf injury he suffered against Aston Villa.

The Whites will also be without winger Daniel James. He suffered a long-term injury against Man City, with the hamstring tendon issue keeping him out for at least two months.

Leeds will be hoping to have him back sooner rather than later, but that layoff could be longer depending on whether he needs surgery.

The player who might have made it back for this game was Lukas Nmecha. However, Farke confirmed that the striker’s injury has “still not completely healed,” before going on to confirm that the German is “definitely out” against Brentford.

That is a huge blow for Leeds. Although he missed the game against Liverpool, Nmecha has been one of their most in-form players.

He’s bagged four goals in 14 Premier League games this season, a tally surpassed by no other Leeds player.

Despite these injuries in attack, there is a Leeds forward who Farke might well need to drop after a poor performance against Liverpool.

The Leeds star who Farke must axe

Despite managing such a brilliant result against Arne Slot’s side last weekend, there was one Leeds player in particular who struggled to make an impact.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

That was a rarity across the board, with Farke’s side generally impressing.

It was a really poor performance from Noah Okafor. The Swiss star was one of Leeds’ summer additions from AC Milan, but he has struggled to hit the ground running since moving to West Yorkshire.

25-year-old Okafor, who earns £72.5k per week at Elland Road and is one of the top earners, has only managed two goals for the club so far.

Those have come in 12 Premier League appearances, including the club’s 800th in the competition against Tottenham Hotspur.

Against Liverpool, Okafor put in a 5/10 performance and ‘didn’t add a huge amount’, according to Graham Smyth of The Yorkshire Evening Post.

He did struggle to get into the game, having just 14 touches, completing five out of six passes and losing the ball five times.

Touches

14

Passes completed

5/6

Number of times ball lost

5

Duels won

2/6

Shots

2

Expected goals

0.13xG

It was certainly a disappointing performance from the Swiss attacker, who showed great promise in the first few days of his Leeds career, with content creator Alex Moneypenny even suggesting that he is “so close to exploding”.

Perhaps playing as a number nine alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin is not how to get the best out of him.

If Farke is to drop Okafor this weekend against Brentford, there are options to replace him despite the injury issues.

Wilfried Gnonto is the most likely one, with the Italian getting back to full fitness after a fitness issue himself. Jack Harrison could also slot into the team, although he might not thrive as a number nine, or Farke could even bring teenager Harry Gray into the fold.

Regardless, Leeds will want to keep this impressive, and crucial, run of form going.

Thus, Okafor may be rotated out of the side after a poor showing last weekend, with Farke choosing someone who can have more of an overall impact.

Next Ampadu: Leeds in the race for "explosive" PL star who wants a move

Daniel Farke could sign his next Ethan Ampadu at Leeds United by landing this explosive Premier League star.

ByKelan Sarson 3 days ago

Outclassed by Rashford: Newcastle must drop 5-pass star & it's not Trippier

Newcastle United were defeated at St. James’ Park as their Champions League campaign started on the wrong footing.

Then again, let’s not be too pessimistic. Eddie Howe’s side met Barcelona, after all, and the La Liga champions were pressed against the ropes at points in the first half, and more clinical finishing might have shaped a different narrative. A talking point, inevitably, will prick at the decision to have left club-record signing Nick Woltemade on the bench.

Anthony Gordon got himself on the scoresheet, but sadly, it was another English winger who stole the plaudits, with Marcus Rashford netting an emphatic second-half brace for the visitors.

And while the Magpies fought the good fight, Kieran Trippier struggled to contain his countryman.

Kieran Trippier loses out to Rashford

Trippier played against Barcelona on the eve of his 35th birthday, but he held his own against a forward who, on his day, can be a stern test for any defender worth their salt.

And Rashford was on his A-game, all right. The 27-year-old scored a precise header after 58 minutes before unleashing a wonderful strike from range. Past Nick Pope the ball went and into the inside netting.

The veteran was withdrawn with an injury toward the closing stages of the game, and Howe will need his tenacity and experience going forward, two facets showcased at St. James’ Park last night.

Trippier might have won all five of his ground duels on the night, but he was spun by Rashford in the second half, the Manchester United player, on loan with the Spaniards, showcasing the gulf in pace to break away down United’s right channel.

While Trippier battled well, he left plenty to be desired, and there will be many who might advocate a return to the starting line-up for the fit-again Lewis Hall, thus shifting Tino Livramento back into his right-back berth.

Minutes played

62′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

49

Accurate passes

21/30 (70%)

Key passes

0

Dribbles

0/0

Tackles

4

Clearances

2

Ground duels

5/5

Aerial duels

0/5

Perhaps Hall’s inclusion would open up a greater sense of attacking fluency down the left. Joelinton flattered to deceive in the centre, but Harvey Barnes in particular had a game to forget, and Howe will no doubt be thinking about dropping the £80k-per-week star.

Why Howe must drop Harvey Barnes

Howe made a contentious call to bench Woltemade and start Gordon in his stead at number nine. Gordon is a winger, not a striker, but he plays the role dutifully when asked to provide, and he toiled away, albeit sliding home a consolation goal in stoppage time.

With an important tie against Bournemouth forthcoming in the Premier League on Sunday, Howe will need to shuffle the pack, but it’s not Gordon who should be dropped, but Barnes.

The 27-year-old is a direct and clinical left winger, but he was nullified by Hansi Flick’s men and failed to provide convincing creative support, completing only five passes and failing with all three of his attempted crosses into the box.

More than that, Barnes failed to win even a single duel. He did not even attempt to complete a dribble before being hooked shortly after the hour mark.

Chronicle Live were scathing in their assessment of Barnes’ performance, writing that he produced a ‘half-attempted’ effort to prevent Jules Kounde’s cross for Rashford’s opener while missing a big chance and indeed proving wasteful with his crossing. A 5/10 match rating was what he got.

There’s no doubt about it: Rashford outclassed his compatriot on his trip back to England, and Gordon must replace him as Newcastle’s left winger at the weekend, with Woltemade returning to the starting line-up.

A frustrating evening for Newcastle and Howe. There are improvements that need to be made, but if this defeat against Barcelona has taught us one thing, it’s that the Toon have the tools to compete in the Champions League this season.

Bigger bargain than Burn: Newcastle star is cementing himself as a "legend"

Newcastle United are readying for another big night in Europe, with Dan Burn – and others – keen to step up again.

1 ByKelan Sarson Sep 17, 2025

INEOS have made £22m ex-Arsenal star Man Utd's top target for January

Manchester United enjoyed a productive summer window and could now have landed a shot in the arm as they bid to force an exciting deal over the line in January.

Man Utd preparing for Man City battle

Despite a mixed start to the Premier League campaign, Manchester United sit above rivals Manchester City in the table as they prepare for Sunday’s derby clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Ruben Amorim will have found some solace in the international break after leading his side to a last-gasp victory over Burnley before his players jetted off to different corners of the world, but the hard work begins now if the Red Devils are serious about climbing the top-flight standings.

Paul Scholes has admitted that it is difficult to gauge what level of league finish would be acceptable given the transitional nature of Manchester United’s season, claiming that anywhere from eighth upwards may be deemed as an adequate return.

“This season… It’s so hard to tell. You’re even looking at the first three games: okay, they won one, drawn one, lost one. So difficult. I think top eight. I think he would take that at this point.”

After a strong showing in the transfer window, Manchester United have Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson on their radar heading into January, and he may not be the only name on their radar as the Red Devils build under the guise of INEOS.

Ajax defender Aaron Bouwman is also on the Red Devils’ radar, indicating that they could be set to target youthful assets with years of development potential ahead of them at Old Trafford.

Regardless, the need for ready-made experience is always paramount at Manchester United, and INEOS have now received a boost in pursuit of their top target.

Man Utd have Emiliano Martinez at top of January shopping list

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United have Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez at the top of their shopping list in January as he continues to remain out of the picture in the West Midlands.

The Argentina international, a former Arsenal player, is said to be desperate for minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which could hasten the process of an exit should he manage to land a stunning move to Old Trafford. The report also adds that Martinez could cost €25m (£22m) halfway through the season.

Man Utd decision makers head over heels for big money English midfielder

Man Utd are keen on an English star to kickstart the Ruben Amorim era.

BySean Markus Clifford Feb 8, 2025

Maintaining a save percentage rate of 69% in the Premier League last term, per Fotmob, Martinez, a World Cup winner in 2022, kept 16 clean sheets in 53 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, though has started just once this campaign.

AC Milan’s Mike Maignan is also being looked at on a free transfer as an alternative, something that could potentially put the cat among the pigeons regarding Senne Lammens’ place in the pecking order.

Andre Onana’s recent loan move to Trabzonspor has created a space for someone to fill between the sticks at Old Trafford, and Martinez would definitely be a popular solution among supporters to their goalkeeping debacle.

Their best signing since Gvardiol: Man City could land a £40m "superstar"

After what was a dire season for Manchester City, they ruined their chance to end it all on a high note on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side travelled to Wembley for the FA Cup final with Crystal Palace, but came out second best, much to the dismay of their manager come full time.

They will hope to right their wrongs just a few weeks on when the East Mancunian outfit travel to the United States of America for the Club World Cup, where they will compete for the competition for the first time in its 32-team format. Moroccan side Wydad AC, UAE outfit Al Ain FC, and Italian giants Juventus are their three group stage opponents.

Manchester City's James McAtee.

One player who will play a huge role in any success over the next few weeks is Josko Gvardiol.

Gvardiol’s importance for City

There are not many players in the City squad whose form is as important to their success as Croatia international Gvardiol. The 23-year-old was described as a player who “does stuff very few can” by football analyst Umir, who also said the defender has been “brilliant” going forward this term.

There have been just four games in which Gvardiol has not appeared this term, further highlighting his importance to Guardiola’s side. In total, he has played 51 times across all competitions, including all but one in the Premier League.

One of the biggest benefits of the former RB Leipzig is his versatility. A centre-back by trade, he has featured more often than not at left-back for the Citizens this term, which has been important for Guardiola amid injuries and a lack of options.

goncalo-inacio-josko-gvardiol-newcastle-premier-league

The other thing that the 23-year-old offers to this City side is goals. He had found the back of the net six times this term, which has been bettered by just five players at City.

The fact that he is such a rich source of goals shows just how important the left-back is to Guardiola.

Interestingly, City are linked with a player who could join the club and become just as important to Guardiola as Gvardiol has this term.

Man City's search for a defender

If a report from Fabrizio Romano earlier this week is to be believed, then City are plotting a move for Newcastle United right-back Tino Livramento.

The 22-year-old is ‘under consideration’ at the Etihad Stadium, with City looking to sign a new right-back. A price tag is not clear at this time, but he cost the Magpies £40m including add-ons almost two years ago.

Newcastle's Tino Livramento

Described as a “superstar” by Newcastle content creator Kendall Rowan, Livramento has played an important role for Eddie Howe, in a side pushing for a second-place finish this season. That would see them leapfrog City in the Premier League.

The London-born right-back, who is a product of Chelsea’s academy, has played 44 games in all competitions this campaign for the Magpies. Perhaps one of the biggest worries for City is the fact that he has just one assist, which came in a 3-0 win away to Leicester City.

Like Gvardiol, Livramento is a versatile player. This term, he has featured at right-back, left-back and even as a wing-back for Howe’s side.

Admittedly, he has made 29 appearances on his favoured right side, but with another 12 coming on the left, it shows dependable versatility.

Alexis Mac Allister challenges Tino Livramento

In fact, the similarities between the two players do not stop there. The underlying numbers on FBref highlight how alike they are, too. For example, the Newcastle star averages 0.78 key passes per 90 minutes, compared to 0.73 each game for Gvardiol.

Key passes

0.78

0.73

Passes into penalty area

0.88

0.58

Tackles and interceptions

2.53

2.7

Ball recoveries

5.98

3.84

Progressive carries

2.5

2.53

There is evidence to suggest that Livramento could be City’s best defensive signing since Gvardiol. Vitor Reis was one of two defensive signings in January, but he is unproven and has played just three first-team games.

Fellow winter addition Abdukodir Khusanov did well to bounce back from a nightmare start to his City career, following his error on debut against Chelsea, but is also largely unproven at Premier League level, despite glimpses of promise shown.

Matheus Nunes, a midfielder by trade, has been playing right-back this term but “doesn’t know how to defend”, according to Man City content creator Steven Mcinerney.

This could be a wonderful signing for City. There is no doubt about just how important Livramento can be under Guardiola, given his attacking capabilities and how reliable he is defensively. He could certainly be their best signing since Gvardiol, given the lack of experience or struggles those made since have experienced.

If he can replicate anywhere near the impact Gvardiol has had at the Etihad Stadium, this is a signing that City fans can surely get excited about.

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