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Lots of West Ham United fans have been fuming at Craig Dawson and they are demanding him to be dropped by David Moyes.

Dawson featured for the Hammers in their 3-2 win over Wolves in the Premier League last night. He was partnered by Issa Diop and the former West Brom man picked up a WhoScored rating of 6.62 for his performance.

The centre-back was the second-lowest rated player for the Irons out of all those who had started and only Aaron Cresswell picked up a worse rating than him. Only two of the starters registered fewer than his 23 passes – one of whom was Michail Antonio, whose match lasted just 35 minutes.

This performance came after Dawson had scored two own goals in as many games, putting the ball into his own net against Arsenal and Manchester United.

Before the own goals, though, the defender had impressed at the back in appearances against the likes of Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace. He had also done well against Southampton earlier in the season (as per WhoScored).

Back in March, it was stated that Dawson would seal a permanent West Ham move if he played three more games. It now seems as though that condition has been met.

However, some Hammers fans aren’t happy with his recent performances and have called for the “liability” to be dropped in forthcoming fixtures.

What did West Ham fans make of Dawson’s performance?

“Dawson has been such a liability last 3 games, I think Balbuena and Diop is a shout.”

Credit: @ReeceEnever_

“Dawson don’t look like the same player the last 3 or 4 games . I think he maybe the one that needs taking out.”

Credit: @IANL80s

“Dawson was more of a liability yesterday than Diop.”Credit: @MJ_Jeffries”Dawson literally scored 2 own goals in 3 games and has been more of a liability then Diop. I honestly don’t get the agenda. Haller and Diop you both have agendas against, i wonder why….”Credit: @ThatGuyChichar”Hard to know, Balbuena is slower than Diop, so having Dawson and Balbuena v Vardy isn’t a good idea, he’d tear them apart with his pace, Diop is faster but switches off at times!!”Credit: @LiamHammer7″I think without Ogbonna we look suspect. Dawson being found out for not being a good footballer and Diop switches off too much. I’d rather neither didn’t play.”Credit: @FlawsdrawIn other news, one journalist has dropped a worrying claim about Jesse Lingard – read more here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who played 99 times for Manchester City, has backed Sergio Aguero to stay in the Premier League after his contract expires with City at the end of the season.

Since it was announced that Aguero would be leaving Man City at the end of the season, he has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur as they prepare to potentially lose Harry Kane, while Foot Mercato reported that he had received offers from both Chelsea and Manchester United.

Aguero has been with City since 2011 when he joined from Athletico Madrid for £36 million and has become the club’s all-time top scorer, as well as scoring the winning goal against QPR to earn them their first-ever Premier League title in 2012.

Speaking on why Aguero may fancy himself to stay in the Premier League and how a move to Qatar or China could also be on the cards, Howey told FFC:

“I know there were rumours about him going to Man United so it’ll be interesting to see what he does decide to do.

“Somebody like Aguero may feel as if he could still do a great job in the Premier League, or he could easily get a move to Qatar or China.”

Aguero has long been linked with a move to Barcelona which would potentially convince his international teammate, Lionel Messi, to stay at the club.

The £230,ooo-per-week striker has only managed five starts in the Premier League this season as he continues to battle different injury problems.

Newcastle United will strive to get back to winning ways in a crucial relegation six-pointer with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday night, but Steve Bruce is set to remain without Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Toon have failed to win any of the five matches played since Wilson sustained a hamstring injury against Southampton last month to now sit only two points clear of the drop zone, having once held a nine-point gap to the relegation places.

Newcastle can move five points clear and still hold a game in hand over 18th-placed Fulham with a win at the Amex Stadium, where Miguel Almiron could make his return from the knee injury sustained in the 1-1 draw with Wolves which also saw Saint-Maximin sidelined with a groin issue.

Almiron is unlikely to be the only change Bruce makes from the line-up which drew with Aston Villa last time out. With that in mind, here’s a potential United XI that Brighton could face…

Joelinton and Dwight Gayle led the line at St James’ Park as Newcastle drew 1-1 with Aston Villa last Friday, but neither could end their droughts in front of the net to remain on a single goal each in the Premier League this season.

A change to a more centralised position for the second half also failed to help Gayle find a foothold in proceedings, as he cut an invisible bystander for much of the game and will likely make way for Almiron to return if the latter is passed fit.

Joelinton is expected to remain as one of Bruce’s two split strikers on Saturday, as the Toon boss was pleased with his efforts against the Villans despite failing to find the back of the net.

“I thought Joelinton, arguably, had his best game in a Newcastle shirt,” Bruce said, via quotes shared by the Shields Gazette. “I thought he was terrific on the night. But, of course, a striker has to top it off by scoring a goal. He understands that, but his overall performance was very, very good. I thought he led the line very, very well.”

Ryan Fraser, who initially occupied a false nine role against Aston Villa before a move to the wing to accommodate Gayle, will also be expected to drop to the bench at Brighton after being slammed for underperforming in the 1-1 draw.

Bruce opting to axe Fraser may see Jacob Murphy awarded first Premier League start in nine games, having impressed the United boss from the bench last week while setting up Jamaal Lascelles’ stoppage-time equaliser.

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“I thought he was very, very bright when he came on [against Villa],” Bruce said of Murphy. “We like Jacob, he trains well every day and gives us a different option with his pace and directness. He had an impact last week, which is what we’re looking for.”

Bruce will be expected to name a mostly unchanged defensive and midfield line at Brighton, with Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden and Joe Willock once again protecting Paul Dummett, Ciaran Clark, Lascelles and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

However, the right-back spot could feature a new name after Emil Krafth struggled with closing down opposing players against Aston Villa before the £58k-per-week defender was replaced by the returning Javier Manquillo.

Manquillo had played no role in his side’s previous four games due to an ankle injury sustained against Southampton, but returned to fitness quicker than expected and may now be given his 10th start of the Premier League season.

AND in other news, Newcastle’s hopes of signing a “standout performer” have taken a major blow…

David Moyes is hopeful that Michail Antonio will be able to make his return to the West Ham United starting line-up for Sunday’s London derby with Tottenham Hotspur.

The striker sat out the Hammers’ last Premier League fixture and his side’s FA Cup fifth-round defeat to Manchester United through fatigue, after being withdrawn from the goalless draw with Fulham earlier this month.

Antonio looked extremely jaded at Craven Cottage as he played two games in the space of three days, having started and featured for the full 90 minutes of the Irons’ 3-1 win away to Aston Villa earlier that week.

Antonio had only played the full 90 three times before visiting Fulham on February 6 following his second hamstring injury of the campaign, coming against Burnley and in an FA Cup third-round win at League Two side Stockport County in mid-January.

Moyes now hopes that an extended break between appearances will have given Antonio the refresh he needed, after showing good signs of progress in training.

“Michail has a good chance of being available for Sunday because he’s had three days training,” the West Ham boss said during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“We’ve always been careful with Mich in trying to get him right, but he was close for the last game [against Sheffield United]. We didn’t quite think it was worth the risk.

“He’s not been training with the group every day, but he’s been doing some individual work and hopefully we’ll know a bit more tomorrow [Saturday].”

West Ham host Tottenham on Sunday looking to record a first home victory over the north London side since 2017, having lost each of Spurs’ last four visits to the London Stadium in all competitions.

Having Antonio back available for such a match would come as a huge boost for Moyes, with the 30-year-old not only the Hammers sole recognised senior striker after Sebastien Haller’s winter departure but also a player who gives his all to the cause.

“Antonio leaves everything on the pitch when he plays, he’s that sort of player,” former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor said of the £11m-rated star to Football Insider when it was revealed he would miss the FA Cup clash with Manchester United.

The centre-forward’s five goals in 15 Premier League appearances – only Tomas Soucek (8) has scored more for West Ham this season – also account for seven of the Irons’ 42 points in the top-flight this term, which without would leave the Hammers 10th in the table.

Instead, a win over Spurs on Sunday could be enough to move the east London side above Chelsea and into fourth in the standings, depending on their result against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

AND in other news, West Ham face a Premier League tug-of-war to retain a £60k-p/w David Moyes favourite this summer…

This Sunday’s clash with Newcastle United is the very definition of a six-pointer for West Bromwich Albion.

The Baggies are currently sitting in the relegation zone and a win over Steve Bruce’s men this weekend would take them to within six points of 17th place in the table.

It’s a monumental game for Sam Allardyce and co, who are starting to see some more positive signs at The Hawthorns.

Draws with Manchester United and Burnley got them back on the right track before their win over Brighton breathed fresh life into their survival bid. Allardyce’s men were unfortunate not to take something from their clash with Everton on Thursday evening.

Mbaye Diagne scored what he thought was a late equaliser, only for it to be ruled out by VAR.

With prospects of survival looking a little rosier for Big Sam’s men, how will they line up on Sunday lunchtime? Here’s what we’re tipping to occur.

We think that Albion could make two changes to the side which lost to Everton on Thursday.

The first change is in the back four, where Semi Ajayi returns to the XI. The centre-back was sent off during the club’s 0-0 draw with Burnley and was back among the substitutes in midweek.

His presence has been colossal for the Baggies this term, however, so he replaces Dara O’Shea in the side. It’s harsh on the young defender but Allardyce has to get his selection spot on with so much on the line.

His other change comes on the left wing. Matty Phillips endured a quiet evening at The Hawthorns a few days ago and was beaten by Mason Holgate on a regular basis. The winger attempted half a dozen dribbles but only succeed with one as the Everton full-back made an eye-catching six tackles.

With Phillips’ inability to get the better of the Everton defenders, it means that the £19,000-per-week attacker is axed from the XI. Robert Snodgrass, the man who replaced him as a sub in that loss, starts on this occasion.

Besides that it’s an unchanged XI, particularly in midfield where Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Okay Yokuslu and Conor Gallagher were all so impressive against the Toffees.

The latter duo completed over 90% of their passes, while Maitland-Niles managed the third-most touches (72) in the Baggies side. They all have to start.

AND in other news, “Absolutely fantastic” – Exclusive: Pundit raves over West Brom star shining under Sam Allardyce…

Carlo Ancelotti can sign a top-draw upgrade on Yerry Mina in SSC Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, as Farhad Moshiri looks to back the Everton manager in the transfer market once again.

What’s the word?

According to talkSPORT, Ancelotti is eying a cut-price deal for Koulibaly as he looks to be reunited with the Senegalese star.

The Italian coached Koulibaly for 18-months during his time in charge of the Serie A side, a period in which he lauded the 29-year-old as “the best defender in the world”.

Ancelotti now hopes he can convince Koulibaly to follow him to Goodison Park, as the former Liverpool and Manchester United target is expected to be valued at far less than the £89m that Napoli had demanded last year.

The Napoli star’s precise valuation remains to be seen, but Blues owner Moshiri is expected to back Ancelotti in the coach’s efforts to land his man.

Everton feel they have the right manager at the helm in Ancelotti, so will present the funds the 61-year-old feels are needed to sustain the club’s challenge for a consistent top-six spot.

Recent reports had suggested that Ancelotti has marked Koulibaly as his top defensive target for the summer market, as he does not believe Everton’s current options have the ability to play together in the long-term.

Ancelotti’s doubt in the talents of his current centre-back group, apart from Ben Godfrey, were also noted last month, with the Daily Mail claiming that questions marks had arisen over the Italian’s best possible pairing.

Should Everton sign Koulibaly?

The question marks that arose over Everton’s current centre-half options added that Mina could be moved on at the end of the season, seemingly having failed to imprint a positive impression on Ancelotti.

Mina had been a pillar of the Toffees backline before sustaining a calf injury at home to Manchester City last month, with the Colombian only failing to open four Premier League fixtures from a possible 23.

He returned to the line-up for last weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester City, but his long-term presence appears to be up in the air with Koulibaly being linked.

Ancelotti has previously questioned the performances of Mina, with the Blues boss noting in September how the 26-year-old was not aggressive enough in shutting down West Bromwich Albion whilst Grady Diangana opened the scoring.

“Yerry had an average game, I think he could be more aggressive and do more with the ball,” Ancelotti said, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo. “The only aspect we have to look at is him being more aggressive when he can press the opening.”

Reports of an uncertain future and interest in Koulibaly would suggest those concerns are still present, as the £45m-rated Napoli star – who former Chelsea star Craig Burley claims is “fantastic” – would offer Ancelotti a superb upgrade on Mina.

Ancelotti knows Koulibaly well from his time in Naples and clearly thought highly of him, having claimed the 43-cap international was worth as much as €150m (£130m) in 2019 and that there was “no question” that he would be staying.

Now, the question is whether Ancelotti can convince Koulibaly to leave southern Italy for Merseyside, and offer the Everton boss the defensive player he seems to feel is missing.

AND in other news, an “exceptional” Everton figure is being eyed by a Premier League rival…

West Brom face an almighty task as they welcome Manchester City to the Hawthorns this evening.

Sam Allardyce’s men are in desperate need of results as they sit six points adrift of safety at the half-way stage of the season, though there are no easy games in the Premier League these days.

Usually, this sort of fixture would be a bit of a free hit but the Baggies really do need to start picking up points before it’s too late.

And the 66-year-old’s chances of pulling off a shock in the Midlands tonight have been boosted by the return of their only senior striker, Karlan Grant.

On the Chalkboard

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Big Sam revealed that the 23-year-old forward is available for selection, he told reporters, via wba.co.uk:

“I’m glad to say we have Matt Phillips and Karlan Grant back. That boosts our squad,” said Allardyce. “Granty, before he got here, scored plenty of goals at Huddersfield so we would like him to be back in the team and finding positions to score goals.”

The £9m-rated marksman may have only scored one top-flight goal in 867 minutes of action, but evidently, his manager is a fan and has hinted towards his involvement this evening.

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Grant has missed their last three Premier League outings as well as their FA Cup exit and in his absence, winger-by-trade Callum Robinson has been deployed upfront – a desperate experiment that has failed to work out.

Indeed, the Irishman has failed to score in that run of matches, even during their 3-2 win over arch-rivals Wolves. That day, two spot-kicks from Matheus Pereira and centre-back Semi Ajayi’s header from a set-piece sealed a rare victory.

Only two other players (Pereira and Conor Gallager) in this Albion squad are averaging more shots per game than Grant (1.3), while Robinson is further behind, averaging 0.8 attempts per match, via WhoScored, which shows he’s not really threatening enough to have the chance to score.

Grant’s expected goals per 90 minutes (0.17) is also above Robinson (0.10), so the summer arrival is certainly a better option in attack.

The Baggies are also among the lowest scorers in the division having bagged 15 goals in 19 outings – only Burnley and Sheffield United have scored fewer (ten).

Former Terriers boss Danny Cowley once dubbed the 6-foot striker “ruthless in front of goal” to The Athletic while another one of his ex-managers, Lee Bowyer, believes Grant is a player who “causes problems” for the opposition.

It’s on Big Sam to get those type of performances back out of him and his presence leading the line tonight could come as a major boost towards West Brom’s chances.

After all, he’s their only real striker and as such, he ought to be in the starting XI right now. They need goals if they’re to defeat – or even draw with – Pep Guardiola’s side so Grant must be selected from the start.

It’s time to unleash the 23-year-old dynamo.

AND in other news, 3 new signings, no Sawyers: How West Brom’s XI may look after deadline day…

Newly-appointed Sheffield Wednesday boss Tony Pulis is heading for his first masterstroke in charge of the Owls, if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mirror, the Yorkshire giants have offered talismanic captain Barry Bannan a two-year contract extension ahead of his current deal expring in the summer.

However, it is claimed that the 31-year-old favourite will only accept if the Owls are active and show ambition during in the upcoming January transfer window.

The Wednesday skipper is currently thought to be on around £24k-per-week at Hillsborough, which puts him quite rightly among their highest earners.

First Pulis masterclass

So far, Pulis’ reign in Sheffield hasn’t gone to plan as he’s yet to win a single game since taking over from Garry Monk – three draws, three losses.

And having scored just three goals in those six matches, the void left behind by 13-goal top scorer Steven Fletcher has become ever so much more apparant.

Although tying Bannan down to a long-term extension will be the 62-year-old’s first wise decision in charge of the Owls.

Bannan has emerged as the most influential member in the squad, tying first for goals scored – even from midfield – with two from 17 starts. The Scotsman is also averaging the most key passes (1.4) too.

Without him, the Owls midfield would practically be non-existent.

Ex-manager Steve Bruce was a massive fan of his during his short spell at Hillsborough, he said: “Barry is a very good footballer and going forward, you always want your good players. He’s been here a few years and made himself a crowd favourite and to be a favourite at a big club like this you must have ability and he’s got it in abundance.”

Whilst the veteran playmaker even drew praise from Pep Guardiola last season after the City chief labelled Bannan an “incredible player” and a “fantastic footballer” after their meeting in the FA Cup.

It’s now fully on Dejphon Chansiri to deliver the goods next month, failure to do so would be rather dangerous as Owls need their captain more than anything in 2021.

AND in other news, Chansiri could solve Pulis nightmare with swoop for £7.2m-rated dangerman… 

Sheffield Wednesday are heading for another managerial mistake if reports on this 47-year-old are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to YorkshireLive, former Al Ahly and Anderlecht boss Rene Weiler is among the shortlist of candidates to take the vacant Owls job at Hillsborough Stadium.

Dejphon Chansiri is looking for his fifth manager in three years after the sacking of Tony Pulis last month.

He won just one of ten matches during his seven-week tenure and was given his marching orders over a combination of on and off the field issues.

It’s claimed that Weiler is being considered for the role.

Shades of Jos Luhukay

There have been signs that the Thai chairman will be looking abroad for their next manager. He remained coy and didn’t rule out that possibility in a recent press conference whilst Josh Windass’ father, Dean, told Football FanCast that he had heard similar this week.

We’ve seen both sides of the spectrum with an appointment in this sense. Carlos Carvalhal came in and guided the Owls to back-to-back playoff campaigns, but he had decent pedigree prior to the switch having managed some of Portugal and Turkey’s top clubs.

The same can’t be said for Weiler and indeed, he seems more like the next Jos Luhukay than the next saviour.

Lukuhay arrived with two titles in Germany’s second-tier, which is in some was comparable to the Championship, but he was ever so quickly found out as he lasted less than a year in the job.

The 47-year-old has enjoyed success with Anderlecht, thought to be one of Belgium’s best sides and more recently, Al Ahly in Egypt. Neither show why he’d be fit for a relegation scrap in England.

Chansiri is better off appointing someone with a proven track-record because if he gets this one wrong, there’s a serious chance the Owls will drop down into League One for the first time since 2012.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Sheffield Wednesday star ruled out for AT LEAST 10 days…

Aston Villa will be hoping that they can correct their most recent outing in the Premier League and return to winning ways as they get this weekend kicked off with a lunchtime clash against Arsenal.

Dean Smith’s side will welcome the inconsistent Arsenal to Villa Park this afternoon as both sides look to bank a crucial three points in their respective season. The Lions are coming off the back of a 3-1 defeat to West Ham on home soil whilst Mikel Arteta’s men were recently beaten by Wolves.

Smith isn’t usually known for straying away from his usual lineup and team selections. However, times are becoming urgent as nine outfield players have played more than 1,000 minutes this season, with Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez playing all 20 Premier League so far, according to Birmingham Live.

With several players in need of a rest and plenty vying for their chance off the bench, here’s how Football FanCast has predicted Villa to lineup this afternoon…

Although rotation can be key in the Premier League, there’s very little chance that Smith will change up any of his defensive personnel. The Villa backline is unchanged in their last six Premier League games. Even with an injury scare on Matt Targett against Manchester City, the left-back was back in action the following match against Newcastle in their 2-0 victory.

However, the manager’s more creative options will be up for debate. Players like Bertrand Traore and Trezeguet are looking to get their chance to cement themselves in the Villa squad as one of Smith’s regular choices. Last time out, Anwar El Ghazi was disappointing on the right wing and was hauled off the pitch after half-time.

According to Sofascore, the Dutchman managed to complete just seven accurate passes in the first half and lost possession 11 times. This is far from the creative masterclass the boss will have wanted from his winger and could be tempted to bring Trezeguet back into the squad.

The Egyptian hasn’t started for Villa since the reverse West Ham fixture back in November. He then spent eight games on the sidelines due to a head injury and has been limited to cameo appearances since his return, according to Transfermarkt.

Another player who could be put back into the spotlight is £78,000 per week Traore. The wide-man has five goalscoring contributions in his last ten appearances for the Lions and will be paramount for breaking sown Arsenal’s backline this afternoon as Villa kick off this weekend’s action.

That could see Jack Grealish move into the number ten role, with Ross Barkley dropped to the bench. Ollie Watkins will of course lead the line as he has always done, despite not missing a single minute of Premier League football this season.

Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn: Traore, Grealish, Trezeguet; Watkins.

In other news, Aston Villa may rue not signing Josh King on transfer deadline day…