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Referee Andre Marriner and his VAR team may have made a big mistake in the recent Newcastle United draw as he failed to send off Bruno Guimaraes.

What’s the latest on Newcastle and VAR?

Eddie Howe’s side were able to secure a spot in the top four and this qualify for the Champions League despite being held to a draw against Leicester City.

The Magpies dominated with 78 per cent possession, 12 concerns to one, and 23 shots to one, but still couldn’t score as the game ended 0-0 (via BBC Sport).

Even so, Newcastle will be delighted to get that one point that means they cannot be caught by Liverpool who are fifth in the Premier League with only one game to play.

However, they can potentially count themselves lucky to have completed the game with 11 men on the pitch as Guimaraes landed a brutal challenge on Boubakary Soumare.

In the end, the referee only opted to dish out a yellow card but as you can see by the still image shared on the TalkSport Twitter feed, it was bad foul potentially deserving of a red card.

You can also see the footage here.

Did Bruno Guimaraes deserve a red card?

In the end, Guimaraes wasn’t sent off with VAR opting not to upgrade the yellow card to a red but as you can see with how high his studs are raised, he’s a lucky boy.

Had that been a dismissal, Newcastle may well have lost the game and not secured Champions League football on the night as they would have had to play from the eighth minute onwards with just ten men.

In the ChronicleLive player ratings, journalist Lee Ryder noted the midfielder was “lucky to stay on with a wild challenge.”

He wasn’t the only one to comment on the bad tackle either, with football writer Craig Hope also adding: “That looked like a red card to me?”

After the game, Foxes manager Dean Smith wasn’t happy about the tackle. He told the press: “I do feel that Bruno could have been sent off. It was a dangerous lunge that endangered the opponent.”

Liverpool are understood to have concrete interest in Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.

What’s the latest on Ruben Neves' future?

Football Insider reported earlier this week that the Merseyside outfit are eyeing a summer swoop for the 26-year-old.

Although Barcelona has been tipped as the favourites for the Portuguese’s signature, it is believed that Wolves are only willing to accept a deal involving cash, rather than a player exchange for their captain, so the Reds are patiently waiting to see how the situation unfolds.

After the Midlands club played their last home game of the season in a 1-1 draw with Everton, Neves fuelled the uncertainty with a poignant statement on his future sayng: “Let's see what's going to happen. I always say the same thing, I truly love to be here. But I never hide that I want to play Champions League football."

Although Jurgen Klopp’s side faces an outside chance of securing the top four, a move to Anfield would be an extraordinary step up for Neves, who deservedly should play European football in some capacity next season.

What could Neves bring to Liverpool?

The £50k-per-week star joined Wolves in 2017 and has made 252 appearances, achieving promotion from the Championship in his first year and has since made Wolves a sturdy and competitive top-flight side, who have barely been threatened by relegation.

This season, the former Porto prodigy has appeared on 34 occasions in the Premier League and has recorded the second-highest average rating (6.98) in the whole squad, according to WhoScored.

Hailed as "fantastic” and "amazing" by his teammate Jose Sa, the titan has evolved as a splendidly component all-rounder – this is showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 22% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, as well as the highest 15% for interceptions.

However, beyond the stats, Neves is a commanding pillar of leadership and experience. In October 2015, he became the youngest player to start as a captain in the Champions League, aged 18 years and 221 days.

The £45m-valued talent was also announced as the permanent Wolves captain at the start of the current campaign, meaning Liverpool could repeat their Jordan Henderson masterclass if they seal such a deal.

Not only would they be plucking a star midfielder away from another English club, but they'd also be bringing in a player with outstanding leadership skills.

The Englishman has been a stalwart for the Reds and has made 491 appearances for the club, and as he approaches his 33rd birthday, the integration of Neves, another skipper who embodies Henderson’s incredible leadership, would be a smart move.

A fountain of experience, the 39-cap international would need no time to acclimatise to English football and would seamlessly slot into Jurgen Klopp’s team.

West Ham took a massive stride towards top-flight survival in their last Premier League outing when they defeated Champions League-chasing Manchester United at the London Stadium.

They also won their latest fixture on Thursday, when they secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final.

However, this encounter was far from comfortable, especially in the opening 45 minutes, whereby the Hammers failed to gain any ascendency and seemingly succumbed to huge pressure attached to their efforts for a first European trophy since 1965.

Whilst still attempting to juggle domestic and European football, David Moyes is expected to name a rotated lineup for the upcoming game against Brentford before they travel to the Netherlands for that fateful second leg.

One important change could be to rotate Aaron Cresswell for Emerson Palmieri, who deserves a start against the Bees.

Why should Emerson Palmieri start against Brentford?

An experienced professional who has played in Brazil, Italy, and France, the seasoned veteran has amassed a tremendous CV that could prove crucial in the closing stages of the season.

This, coupled with the faltering form of his defensive counterpart, sets up the Italian for a likely start in west London.

Against AZ Alkmaar, Cresswell began the encounter but failed to adequately support the defence or the attack. The Englishman didn't register any clearances, blocks, or tackles.

He was also disappointing when he ventured forward, being unable to complete any successful dribbles and only one accurate cross.

Furthermore, as per Understat, Emerson has averaged a higher xGChain90 (the total xG of every possession the player is involved in) than Cresswell (0.46 to 0.25), showing he is more threatening in offensive situations.

When comparing the two left-backs, Emerson has displayed himself to be a more reliable and influential option. This is showcased by the fact that he makes 1.75 tackles per 90, in comparison to Cresswell’s 0.84.

The 28-year-old is used to rotation, as he faced competition for game time at Chelsea with Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso, but has always maintained a positive attitude – as referenced by his former boss Thomas Tuchel, who described the £95k-per-week star as a man with "unbelievable qualities".

The Irons’ defence will have to be at their absolute best if they are to tame Brentford’s Ivan Toney, who has netted 20 Premier League goals this season, a total only bettered by Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has now dropped a West Ham United transfer claim involving Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.

The Lowdown: Ward-Prowse rumours swirl

Back in January, the Spanish media reported that Premier League clubs Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham were all interested in signing the Saints midfielder in the summer.

More recently, the Daily Mail have claimed that Fabio Paratici is interested in a deal to sign the 27-year-old for Spurs, whilst ExWHUemployee has claimed that West Ham are now expected to make an offer for the England international.

The Latest: Romano’s news

Romano has now shared his own update on Ward-Prowse’s transfer interest, amongst a number of rumours suggesting various potential destinations.

Taking to an interview on YouTube with Chris Cowlin, Romano claimed (via a transcript on Twitter):

“No update on him (joining Spurs). West Ham are tracking him though.”

The Hammers are widely expected to wrap up a deal for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd in the coming days, so perhaps Ward-Prowse could be their second major target this summer.

The Verdict: Would be a great signing

The Saints skipper’s set-piece abilities have always been lavished with high praise, and his numerous fantastic free-kicks this season have now pushed him towards David Beckham’s Premier League record.

With 11 goals in all competitions, the midfielder was Southampton’s top scorer for the 2021/22 campaign, earning plaudits from football analyst Statman Dave as having had a ‘memorable season’.

However, according to former teammate Charlie Austin, it is “the nuts and bolts of his game: running hard, winning the ball back, and leading his team, [which] are phenomenal”.

Austin’s comments suggest Ward-Prowse could be a great acquisition for many top-half sides, including the likes of West Ham, who could do with signing another midfielder following the retirement of club legend Mark Noble.

In other news: Irons will look into signing Emmanuel Dennis

West Bromwich Albion are interested in Millwall midfielder Jed Wallace.

What’s the word?

As per a report from The Sun’s Alan Nixon, it has been claimed that West Brom have opened talks to sign the Millwall midfielder who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Steve Bruce is said to be keen on the 28-year-old but he has been offered new terms by his current employers.

Bruce needs him

The latest news is timely for Bruce, who is set to lose midfield depth in the form of Romaine Sawyers, who will leave in the summer on a free after the Baggies decided against triggering his one-year contract extension.

It is no wonder as to why Wallace has so many reported suitors, especially when you consider that he was hailed as “unbelievable” by current manager Gary Rowett too.

Of the last three Championship campaigns, the Englishman has struck gold with his attacking returns – managing a whopping 27 goals and 30 assists.

57 returns over the last three seasons presents serious value for a club who can prise him away on a free at the end of the season.

And he has continued in that vein, with another six goals and 12 assists shooting Millwall to within touching distance of the play-off places.

Compared to Sawyers, therefore, he’d be a huge upgrade. Since signing for Albion, the 30-year-old has only ever scored once and laid on a solitary assist.

Furthermore, Wallace is also a more versatile threat, possessing the ability to play in Sawyers’ attacking midfield role, but also on the flanks.

In other news: Bruce can save WBA millions by unleashing 19 y/o dynamo who has a “knack of scoring” 

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has shared some worrying injury news regarding defender Fabian Schar ahead of the Magpies’ trip to Turf Moor.

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s finale

Newcastle are preparing for their away trip to Turf Moor on the final day of the season, as Burnley fight for three points and Premier League survival.

Sitting in 12th position, the Magpies have enjoyed a hugely successful end to the campaign, having won four of their last six league games under Eddie Howe’s management.

If all of the results go their way, Newcastle could see themselves climb up to 10th place, if they secure three points against a desperate Burnley side..

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The Latest: Howe’s injury news

Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s clash against Burnley, Eddie Howe has shared the latest injury news on Schar, after the Magpies defender was forced off during the side’s 2-0 win over Arsenal on Monday night, having clashed heads with Eddie Nketiah.

Journalist Lee Ryder relayed the comment on Twitter: “We’re following concussion protocols. He may be doing something outside today but we’re following the protocols closely so it’ll be a late decision on him.”

The Verdict: Worrying news

The fact that it will take a ‘late’ decision suggests that Schar isn’t 100% ready and thus should be left to rest on the bench, and only make an appearance if needs be. Head injuries are always worrying, and taking a risk at this stage would feel foolish.

However, this will come as a blow to the Magpies, as 30-year-old has become a mainstay in Howe’s starting XI, having been benched just three times in the Premier League under the former Cherries manager.

Therefore, it will be a big boost for Burnley if Schar is absent, and could even make the difference to whether the Clarets stay up.

In other news: Newcastle United: Italian source makes Thomas Strakosha claim

Rangers midfielder Aaron Ramsey has declared himself fit for Wednesday’s Europa League final. 

The lowdown

Rangers are due to meet Eintracht Frankfurt at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium as they go in search of their first European trophy since the 1972 Cup Winners’ Cup and only their second of all time.

Then, on Saturday, they take on Hearts in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park.

These could well be the final two games of Ramsey’s Rangers career, with his loan from Juventus due to expire at the end of the season.

The Welshman only started one of the Gers’ knockout matches – the second leg against Braga – and has only featured in the XI for five Scottish Premiership fixtures, missing out on eight matchday squads overall through injury.

But he got 60 minutes under his belt in the 3-1 victory over Hearts on Saturday.

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The latest

Speaking to Sky Sports, Ramsey said he is ready to play in Seville after managing to build up his fitness.

“I’ve managed to get some minutes in recently so I’m good to go,” he claimed.

The verdict

It remains to be seen whether Ramsey starts, but his experience of the biggest occasions could be an asset for Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

He won the FA Cup three times while he was at Arsenal and has also claimed the Coppa Italia during his time at Juventus.

Ramsey, named in the Team of the Tournament at Euro 2016, is a player who boasts real trophy-winning pedigree.

Sporting director Ross Wilson regards the £4.5million-rated ace as a ‘leader, a quality player and a wonderful character’, highlighting his value on the field and in the dressing room.

It’s a big boost to have him fit and available after the troubles he’s had.

In other news, Four Lads Had A Dream lavish praise on this man. 

Celtic are closing in on securing the Premiership title this season with just two matches left to play.

The Hoops are in action tonight as they take on Dundee United away from home, before Saturday’s final game of the season against Motherwell at Parkhead.

Heading into these two big matches, it seems as though a worrying update has emerged regarding the possibility of whether or not one important Bhoys figure will be able to play a part.

What’s the news?

Speaking in his latest press conference on Tuesday, Postecoglou updated Celtic fans about the current situation surrounding Josip Juranovic and his fitness.

The 56-year-old said: “Josip Juranovic is still not fit for tomorrow. He’s half a chance for the weekend – we’ll see. He’s in rehab.”

The defender has been out of action since last month after he picked up an injury during their Scottish Cup semi-final defeat against Rangers.

Celtic signed the full-back from Legia Warsaw last summer on a five-year deal worth a reported £2.5m.

Since then, the 26-year-old has been an important figure for the Bhoys, making 35 appearances across all competitions. In that time, the right-back has chipped in with five goals and provided two assists along the way.

He has also shown how solid a defensive player he can be by making 22 interceptions and winning 28 tackles, putting him in the top five in Postecoglou’s squad for both metrics.

While the Parkhead club are on the verge of landing the league title and taking it off their Old Firm rivals, it will still be worrying for the 56-year-old to potentially see the summer recruit fail to make a recovery by the weekend.

Also, with fellow right-back Anthony Ralston posting the joint-lowest SofaScore match rating during Saturday’s 4-1 win over Hearts according to, perhaps having him play instead of Juranovic could be a concern for the Hoops manager.

If Celtic are able to get over the line and clinch the league title without the Croatian, everyone will then be hoping that he will be able to recover over the summer and stay fit for next season.

In other news: “Postecoglou knows”: Insider drops Lennoxtown claim, Celtic supporters will be elated

Manchester United legend Roy Keane singled out Anthony Elanga for praise during the Red Devils’ 3-0 Premier League victory over Brentford. 

The lowdown: Much-needed positivity

The Red Devils ended their 2021/22 home campaign on a high as Ralf Rangnick’s side ran out comfortable winners at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring in the first half before a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty was followed by Raphael Varane’s first goal for the club to cap a much-improved display.

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Sitting in the studio watching an important night on and off the field, United legend Keane was impressed by one bright spark in particular…

The latest: Keane praise for Elanga

Speaking at half-time during Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football [via Manchester Evening News], the midfielder who made 471 appearances for the club was full of praise for Elanga after the 20-year-old provided the assist for the first goal.

Keane gushed: “Just the movement from Elanga, he’s very positive. Very good movement, but poor defending.

“That’s what you want from young players. You got to mix your game up, when to go short, when to spin. It’s a good ball from Dalot.

“Right into the area and Fernandes, very simple but very effective. Lovely ball (from Elanga). He’s definitely got a bright future. Everything he does, on the pitch, is always positive.”

The verdict: Green shoots

Elanga has certainly been a rare beacon of positivity from what has been an otherwise dismal season for the red half of Manchester.

Predominantly operating as a right winger, the twice-capped Sweden international has created three big chances, completed 0.6 dribbles and taken 1.1 shots per game on average in the Premier League (Sofascore).

Overall, Elanga has scored three times and provided two assists in 25 appearances across all competitions and seems almost certain to play a major part in Erik ten Hag’s impending rebuild.

In other news: Man Utd star could make sensational summer exit…find out more here

As if Everton weren’t already having a nightmare season in the Premier League without speculation mounting on the future of their players, and now a fresh update on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future has been revealed.

What’s the latest?

Football Insider has reported that a recruitment source has revealed that the Toffees striker will leave this summer whether the club stays up in the Premier League or not.

The source also confirmed that Calvert-Lewin has told friends that Arsenal is his preferred choice of club after being linked with a move to the Emirates and St James’ Park this summer.

Fans will be fuming

There is no doubt that Everton fans will be fuming with the news on top of all the turmoil they are currently experiencing with their beloved club potentially set for their first-ever Premier League relegation this season.

The England international has had a less than a satisfactory season at Goodison Park, plagued with injuries throughout the campaign and has failed to tally up a single goal since last August when he scored against Brighton, making just 14 appearances scoring three goals and contributing which has played a part in Everton’s vulnerability in keeping their top-flight status.

Since returning from a quad and fractured toe injury Calvert-Lewin has struggled to stay fit and has now been sidelined again over the last two league games with another quad injury, but Frank Lampard has confirmed he’ll possibly return against Chelsea this weekend.

The amount of disruption Calvert-Lewin’s departure could have on the team is unfathomable at this point of the season, but when the side’s fate has been sealed this summer depending on whether they can succeed in their relegation battle, selling the striker could be the best option for the Toffees.

Despite being a clear fan favourite, Everton reportedly need to recoup money for financial losses if Lampard is to have any chance of rebuilding the squad with a healthy transfer budget in the upcoming window and if they can get a good price for Calvert-Lewin it could be a good opportunity for Everton to wipe the slate clean and start again by building an improved attacking force for next season.

Ultimately, Lampard and his team must focus on securing Premier League football next season in their last six games of the season, putting transfer dealings on the back burner until they have confirmed the position they will be in next season.

AND in other news: Talks planned: Moshiri must now finally brutally axe “dangerous” £49k-p/w Everton gem