As reported by The Daily Mail, Brendan Rodgers has warned Celtic fans that in the current football climate they can’t expect the club to relive glory days of the past.

What’s the story?

The Hoops face tough UEFA Europa League opposition this evening at Celtic Park, hosting Russian Premier League side FC Zenit in the Round of 32.

Despite the long trip for the Russians and the fact they haven’t played a competitive match for months due to their winter break, Roberto Mancini’s side are seen as favourites.

It’s a far cry from the days when the Hoops could string together extended runs in the competition, most famously all the way to the final back in 2003.

However, Rodgers has warned the current situation facing the Bhoys is different and is taking a realistic view of tonight’s match.

As quoted by The Daily Mail, the Celtic boss said:

The financial climate is totally different now to what it was back then for Celtic. There will be always be expectation here. We always want to fight and, like our predecessors, try to do the very best that we can. But when you compare it to that, football and Celtic have changed a lot.

I always think that we are Celtic…. but I have always been realistic. I think that I have always been a realist and when you look at their (Zenit’s) investment and the level of players they have they will expect to go through. We have to find a way and we will see if we can get a result.

Can Celtic tap into an underdog spirit and shock the Russians ahead of the return leg in St Petersburg next week?

Great expectations

Whenever a European night arrives at Celtic Park, there is always expectation from the home support that they are about to witness something special.

The Hoops have seen more illustrious outfits than FC Zenit come and go without a result in the East end of Glasgow, even when Celtic aren’t spending big money on transfers.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Brendan Rodgers’ side must show they can raise their game to match the threat of their visitors and the manager himself must show he has the tactical nous to change the way Celtic play to fit the occasion.

Last time out against Anderlect, the Bhoys were far too passive and were punished with a 1-0 scoreline as a result.

A repeat of that performance will end in disaster tonight and they really need to bring a win to Russia if they’re to have any hope of making it to the last 16.

Leeds United will look to further boost their Championship promotion hopes when they face Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Friday night.

The Yorkshire outfit were still just within touching distance of the play-off positions prior to their clash against Brentford at Elland Road on Saturday, despite no victories since Boxing Day seemingly leaving their hopes in tatters.

However, Paul Heckingbottom picked up his first three points since he succeeded Thomas Christiansen against the Bees, with Liam Cooper’s first-half goal moving them to within five points of sixth-place Bristol City, and just three points adrift of their opponents on Teesside on Friday.

The former Barnsley boss will be well aware that his side need to keep picking up points to keep the pressure on the sides above them, and he will know that the clash against Tony Pulis’ side is the ideal opportunity to move level on points with Boro and throw themselves right into the promotion mix.

Heckingbottom made five changes – with some of them enforced – to his team against Brentford, and he will perhaps be thinking about making some more in the north-east to give his side the best possible chance of taking all three points back to Elland Road.

Here is how Leeds must line up against Middlesbrough on Friday, ahead of Felix Wiedwald in goal…

Defence

Heckingbottom omitted left-back Laurens De Bock from the squad against Brentford on Saturday following his horror show against Derby last week, although he said afterwards it was due to the home-grown rule with Adam Forshaw missing because his wife was in labour.

It meant that Vurnon Anita came into team on the left-hand side of the back four, and he will hope to keep his place in the side ahead of De Bock after helping the team keep a clean sheet against the Bees.

However, Heckingbottom should choose to have the more naturally left-footed De Bock back in the side, especially with Adama Traore available after his dismissal against Sunderland at the weekend was overturned.

The rest of the back four picks itself right now with Gaetano Berardi at right-back and Pontus Jansson and captain Liam Cooper, who scored the winner on Saturday, likely to start in defence.

Midfield

Heckingbottom selected a midfield duo of Adam Forshaw and Ronaldo Vieira in the 2-2 draw against Derby last week, but it was all change against Brentford with Eunan O’Kane and Kalvin Phillips starting in the middle.

With Forshaw likely to return against his former club he should come back into the starting XI, and Phillips certainly did more than O’Kane did against Brentford and it is the latter that should drop to the substitutes’ bench against Tony Pulis’ men.

Attack

Lasogga must be the first pick in the centre-forward spot right now because of his impressive goal record for Leeds this season, but Heckingbottom has some big decisions to make in the three attacking spots behind the big German.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Stuart Dallas, Samu Saiz and Ezgjan Alioski started in the win against Brentford with neither Pablo Hernandez nor Kemar Roofe in the 18 due to injury concerns, but the duo will be hoping to be involved at the Riverside Stadium.

Alioski produced the assist for Cooper’s goal against Brentford and Saiz impressed against the Bees, but Heckingbottom should consider bringing in Hernandez for Dallas against Boro to ensure his team have the attacking threat to get a much-needed three points.

Do you agree, Leeds fans? Let us know below.

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has opted against pledging his future to the club, according to The Shield’s Gazette.

What’s the latest?

The Spaniard penned a three-year contract when he took over from Steve McClaren in March 2016.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss was unable to keep the North-East outfit in the top flight.

However, he guided them straight back to the promised land by winning the Championship in the following season.

The club find themselves in another difficult position as they try to avoid relegation, but their campaign will be helped by Saturday afternoon’s 3-0 victory over Southampton.

According to The Shield’s Gazette, prior to the match, the manager spoke about his future and seemed rather coy with regards to the possibility of staying.

“Let me finish, let me do well, let us stay in the Premier League and then we can talk about the future.”

Should Benitez commit to Newcastle?

Not until the ownership situation is resolved.

In October, current club owner Mike Ashley put the club up for sale, much to the delight of the fans, who have had a tense relationship with the businessman.

However, the Sports Direct tycoon is yet to strike a deal with any interested parties, which leaves the club in limbo.

Benitez has been public about his frustrations during the transfer windows, and that could continue if Ashley remains at the helm.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

While fans will be disappointed by the Spaniard’s comments, they should understand that it would make no sense for him to pledge his future when so many things are uncertain.

The Magpies are five points above the relegation zone with eight games left to play.

[ad_pod ]

Everton fans are absolutely adamant they don’t want to move for Phil Jones this summer, after odds were slashed on the 26 year-old moving to Goodison.

Phil Jones is likely to leave Manchester United this summer, and the bookmakers have Everton as second favourites for the English international at 5/2.

Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling are all now ahead of Jones in the Old Trafford pecking order, and reports suggest Jose Mourinho will sign another centre-back this summer.

According to Oddschecker, 84% of all bets on the 26 year-old’s next club are on Everton, suggesting the odds could be cut even more in the coming weeks.

There is a history with Sam Allardyce as well; the Everton manager gave Jones his first breakthrough in football when the pair were at Blackburn.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Everton have had some woeful defensive displays this season, and fans have not been particularly impressed by the signing of Michael Keane or the performances of Ashley Williams, but they are adamant they don’t want Jones.

Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

Celtic are one win away from the Scottish Premiership title after a 2-1 victory away to Hamilton Academical on Sunday.

The Hoops were again below the standards they have previously set under Brendan Rodgers but managed to dig out the three points to put themselves on the verge of a seventh successive title.

Brendan Rodgers’ side went ahead thanks to Callum McGregor before being pegged back by Rakish Bingham.

After the interval though it was substitute Leigh Griffiths who wasted no time in making a big impact, netting in the 46th minute to give Celtic a lead that they would hold onto for the win.

Supporters were delighted with Griffiths’ impact, with many believing he should be starting matches rather than coming off the bench.

Now he’s getting back to full fitness after a couple of months out, he’ll be eager to stake a claim as Rodgers’ number one striker.

The Scotland international is also closing in on scoring a milestone 100 career goals for the club, which would make him the first forward at the Hoops to do so since John Hartson.

Should he start next week’s massive semi-final vs Rangers?

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

[ad_pod ]

Scott McTominay capped a fine breakthrough season at Old Trafford by making his international debut last month in Scotland’s one-nil defeat to Costa Rica. The young midfielder, 21, has impressed fans this season with his combative approach complimented by tidy passing skills.

McTominay was born in Lancashire to an English mother and Scottish father. He was eligible to play for either country. Much was made of McTominay’s decision to reject Gareth Southgate’s request to declare for England and instead opt to play for Scotland, the homeland of his father.

McTominay broke into Manchester United’s first team this season, making 11 appearances thus far. His performances have warranted praise from fans, pundits and even team mates. In an recent interview, Ander Hererra praised the versatility of the midfielder.

“He’s a team player and he can help in any position you put him. You saw against Chelsea he was a little more defensive and almost doing the job I did against [Eden] Hazard last season. He can be more offensive as well and he presses a lot.”

It was widely reported that McTominay initially rejected an approach to feature in Scotland’s friendly against the Netherlands back in November. However recent reports suggest that this was purely down to the player’s determination to establish himself in the Manchester United team.

According to Frank McTominay, Scott’s grandfather, both Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho “were both quite keen” on the talented youngster to play for Scotland.

Govan-born Ferguson was manager of United when McTominay was offered his first professional contract at 16. Frank McTominay attests that his grandson enjoys a close relationship with the legendary manager and that Ferguson ‘made sure’ the contract was extended when McTominay reached 18.

The influence of two of the most successful football managers of modern times aside, Scotland manager Alex McLeish played an important role and was delighted with the midfielder’s decision.

“Yeah I felt very chuffed with myself with that one. I did a lot of travelling that night to get to Manchester. I said, ‘Listen I’m not forcing it down your throat’ … (and) he said ‘I want to play for Scotland'”

McLeish rightly remarks that the 21-year-old is far from the finished article; “He’s not got all the answers. He’s 21. He’s a young guy learning the game and we have to be patient with young guys.”

Time will tell if McTominay will regret his decision not to play for England but the patience and opportunity that McLeish could offer was too good to turn down. The Tartan Army will not feature at the World Cup in Russia this year and McLeish has time on his side to assemble a new-look Scotland side.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

McTominay  – who Transfermarkt value at £6.3million – could be at the heart of that side for the next decade and that experience will aid his development at club level too. That can only be a good thing for the youngster, Scotland and the Red Devils.

[ad_pod ]

As reported by The Sun, West Ham United are interested in signing Nice striker Alassane Plea this summer.

What’s the story?

If the Hammers are to improve next season, they need upgrades in many positions across David Moyes’ squad. The summer transfer window is a massive opportunity to freshen up the squad and put a team on the park that fans can be proud of.

One player on their radar is Ligue 1 forward Alassane Plea.

That’s according to The Sun, who say the Nice hitman has been the subject of multiple approaches from the Hammers as he enjoys an impressive goalscoring season.

He will cost a fair amount of money though, with the paper reporting it could take £25m to bring him to the London Stadium.

[ad_pod ]

Who is he?

A former French U21 international, Plea has been something of a late bloomer in Ligue 1, netting double figures in the French top-flight for the first time last season.

This term he’s been more impressive still, scoring 19 goals in all competitions including four in the UEFA Europa League. Also creating six assists, it’s clear the 25-year-old is a man in form.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

It’s form that suggests he could be a hit at West Ham next term, especially considering his all-round game is strong and isn’t just a pure poacher that relies on those around him.

The reported £25m is expensive but if Moyes sees enough in him then it could be a crucial buy this summer and one they should certainly pursue further than their initial interest.

With Michael Carrick set to retire at the end of the season to join the Manchester United coaching staff, Jose Mourinho will be tasked with choosing a new club captain to replace him.

Antonio Valencia has deputised for much of the season but the former Inter manager looks set to embark on a defensive overhaul in the summer, which might see the former Wigan man lose his starting place.

Paul Pogba is another who may have been in the frame long-term but his fractious relationship with Mourinho may well jeopardise those plans, and he could even depart the club during the summer.

United’s fans are clear on who they want the armband to be handed to; David de Gea. With Real Madrid constantly lurking in the background, they want the club to do anything they can to convince the Spanish international to stay.

We’ve taken a look as the Reds fans make their mind up…

[ad_pod ]

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has been stealing most of the headlines this season for his incredible form in front of goal.

Despite not being a striker, the wide-man has managed to score 43 goals in 46 games in all competitions, and currently has a four-goal advantage at the top of the charts in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old pipped Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne to PFA Player of the Year, and is now one game away from potentially reaching the Champions League final.

Even though Salah has been Liverpool’s goal machine, there is another figure in the team that has been crucial in the scintillating displays.

Roberto Firmino so often has gone under the radar, but this season he has shined by perfecting the false 9 role.

The Brazilian – valued at £45m by Transfermarkt – has contributed with 26 goals and 13 assists in 48 appearances in all competitions, and is arguably one of the hardest-working players in the Liverpool team.

Not only is Firmino an important component of Klopp’s forward line, he also tracks back and puts in some decent tackles to snatch back possession.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

At the weekend, the 26-year-old committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new long-term deal which led us to ask you whether Firmino is more important to the team than goal-hungry Salah.

Interestingly, the majority of supporters have suggested that the Brazilian’s absence would be felt much more than if Salah were to leave.

The Champions League final is not for another 17 days, but Liverpool fans are already making score predictions.

The Merseyside outfit will take on Real Madrid in Kiev with the hope of claiming their sixth European Cup.

It will be a hugely tough task for Jurgen Klopp’s team as they are facing a club that are hunting for their third consecutive title in the competition.

Prior to the showdown in Ukraine, Liverpool have a rather important objective – securing Champions League football for next season.

Klopp’s side need to beat Brighton at Anfield on the final day of the season this Sunday in order to cement a place in the top four.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Despite that fixture being the main priority at this moment, Liverpool fans have begun discussing the possible outcome in Kiev.

Most are expecting a high-scoring game, and they made that evident on Reddit while responding to Zinedine Zidane’s quotes about the final.

Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.