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Theo Walcott sustained a head injury during Everton’s defeat to Manchester City at Goodison Park, leaving the pitch in the first half, and was immediately taken to hospital.The Englishman was soon discharged, however, leaving the hospital not long after the final whistle on Merseyside. Since his discharge, the club’s medical staff have continued to monitor him, with head injuries not to be taken lightly at all.Walcott is indeed on track in his recovery, as reported by Everton themselves, and the former Arsenal man could return to full training later this week.Now at 30 years old, the England international has found himself in and out of the Toffees’ starting XI. Up until his injury, Walcott played only 74 minutes for his club in the Premier League this season and scored just five times in 37 Premier League games last term.It’s fair to say that despite the general poor form throughout the squad – Everton are currently 15th in the Premier League – the forward has become something of a hate figure amongst the club’s supporters.That’s even evident amongst the replies to Everton’s tweet regarding Walcott’s condition which mentioned he could return to training this week, although a fair chunk of fans were far more sympathetic about the situation.You can check out their responses below…

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Jesse Lingard will miss the trip to Newcastle with a hamstring injury, and many Manchester United fans hope he won’t be available anytime soon.His injury is not thought to be too serious and he could be back for the Liverpool clash after the international break, which has disappointed some sections of the United support.Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The England international has had a tough time in terms of productivity across the last 12 months, and has continued to struggle this season with no goals and only one assist in nine matches, which came against League One Rochdale.

As a result, it is unsurprising that fans aren’t too keen on the attacking midfielder, and feel that they are a better team when he is out of the side, with a few even upset at the thought he could return for Liverpool.

Below are some of the reactions to Lingard’s injury news, many of which are unfriendly towards the 27-year-old.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to Football Insider, Premier League side Southampton are eyeing up a January move for QPR left-back Ryan Manning.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Saints are believed to be monitoring the Irishman ahead of a winter move for the full-back, who has been in excellent form for the R’s this term.

Manning, 23, has played every minute of the campaign in both the Championship and the Carabao Cup, a stat that suggests he’s a big favourite of Mark Warburton.

The 5 foot 11 defender has amassed three assists – one below the league’s highest amount of set-ups, which is four – while he has also proven that he can operate in both of Warburton’s systems.

May be a win-win for QPR

Significantly, Southampton are eyeing up Manning at a cut-price fee due to the fact that he is reportedly out of contract in the summer.

The R’s have the option to extend his deal though, so interest from the top flight could be a win-win for the Londoners if they can trigger that extension and/or tie him down to a new contract.

If QPR can convince him to extend his stay, at least on paper, then they’ll be winning either way for the following reasons.

The R’s will then be more likely to be able to keep him for the next few years, which considering his importance to Warburton so far is clearly a big boost.

On the other hand, if Premier League interest continues to linger, then it will ensure that the QPR asset’s value will be preserved and they will get more money for him than they would do if they sold him this winter, with just six months left before he becomes a free agent.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Presented with three investment options, it’s fairly obvious which one many involved at Leeds would prefer.

Option one is the potential purchase of a stake from the owners of PSG, QSI, a firm that gained over €542mÂ(£467.1m) in revenue during the 2017/18 campaign.

The second option is a supporter based in America and the third is more Italian investment, but from an individual that currently owns a club in that region.

That’s according to their current owner Andrea Radrizzani, anyway.

He told The Times this week that QSI could put Leeds on a level that would compete with Manchester City. However, their third option bears similarities to darker days and Massimo Cellino. There’s no prize for guessing the preferred choice.

But not only would it be up there in comparison to their former controversial owner, but it also looks like a short-term plan, as opposed to one that helps them compete over an extended period of time.

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Radrizzani said: “Another one is the owner of an Italian club. With another club you can create synergy to be more competitive and to target the Premier League — we could maybe get a loan to increase the quality of the team.”

Cellino owned Cagliari for 22 years, a few months of which crossed over with his tenure at Leeds – a time in their history where they were subdued to mid-table mediocrity and controversy wherever the Italian went.

At one stage he was deemed ineligible to be an owner or director by the EFL as they cited his handling of money.

An official statement in 2014 read: “Mr. Cellino was recently found guilty beyond reasonable doubt by a Court in Sardinia of an offence under Italian tax legislation relating to the non-payment of import duties on a boat.”

That isn’t to suggest that all owners of a football club in Italy are of a farcical nature but he did implement a pie tax on supporters. He also sold a player after one training session and refused to sign someone because he was born on the 17th day of the month.

It was a completely ludicrous time in the memory of supporters and it could all come flooding back too – certainly, that seems to be the case already.

Radrizzani is left with a highly promising option in QSI but he could ultimately land investment from a similar source that once caused the club so much chaos.

However, that only scratches the surface of the issues that reside in this third opportunity he’s spoken about.

Managing to establish a link with another team on the continent would be cunning but that stinks of a team happy to sit in the Championship, not one who actually wants to compete in the top-flight.

The sheer revenue QSI earn at PSG dictates the effects could be felt at Leeds for a long time.

It would presumably allow them to purchase highly-rated players, rather than simply loaning them in for a temporary stay.

Even if Radrizzani would prefer investment now, Leeds need something fresh and exciting. They need investment capable of taking them towards a bright new future, not from someone that reminds fans of darker times.

Cellino was a horrible anomaly but if bringing someone in from the corrupt nature of Italian football failed at the first time of asking, it would be foolish to explore a similar boat.

For Leeds’ grounded owner, QSI must be their only option – it could just well transform them.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

As quoted by the club’s official website, Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has delivered a hugely encouraging verdict on his partnership with Daniel James.

What did he say?

The pair were used as a strike duo in the clash against Liverpool, and it was James’ cross from the right-hand side that led to Rashford scoring the opening goal of the contest.

Speaking after the game, the latter gave a bit of an insight as to the kind of on-pitch relationship the duo had during the game, and hinted that there is more to come.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

He said: “We had a bit of eye contact before. These are the fine margins we’re working with, so probably without looking at each other and getting that little connection we wouldn’t have got the goal. Instead, you’d miss which has happened a lot in the past. So yeah, it was a good goal, but we definitely want more.”

Partnership

Having been the topic of hot conversation for such a long time, Rashford has enjoyed a very fine week by his standards. After scoring a superb goal for England against Bulgaria whilst on international duty, the 21-year-old returned to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon against Liverpool and netted once more.

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Whilst the Red Devils star can quite rightly be happy with his performance, it was his on-pitch relationship with James that really gives Ole Gunnar Solskjaer something to ponder about. The duo performed admirably at the top of United’s attack, causing all sorts of problems with their pace and movement in behind the Reds’ defence.

Goals have been hard to come by for United this season – they have now scored just ten times from their opening nine Premier League games – and it could prove crucial that their main men up top strike up a telepathic understanding. If Rashford and James can feed off each other, and compliment the other’s skills, then the Red Devils may have an intriguing solution to their goal-scoring worries.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

The time has come for Mesut Ozil to be reintroduced to the Arsenal starting XI.

Manager Unai Emery has frozen out the Germany international in recent months and he has played just 71 Premier League minutes this season.

Those minutes came against Watford in a 2-2 draw but since then, he was on the bench against Aston Villa and omitted from the squad altogether for the encounters with Manchester United, AFC Bournemouth and Sheffield United.

Against the Blades, Emery’s men huffed and puffed but were ultimately beaten 1-0, as they wilted in front of a vociferous Bramall Lane crowd.

The main thing that they needed, of course, was some genuine creativity.

Arsenal recorded nine shots in total and only three of those were on target.

Ozil, in case you needed reminding, is Arsenal’s creative fulcrum. He has recorded 74 assists in 233 games for the club and has also scored 43 goals. That’s a total of 117 goal involvements. That’s 0.5 goal involvements per match, or one every two games.

There isn’t anyone else with such numbers in the Arsenal squad.

Of course, Ozil is a difficult case. He can go off the boil and he isn’t guaranteed to win Arsenal games. In fact, he’s in a position where he can actively hamper his side; if Ozil doesn’t play well, and everything is being funnelled through him in that No.10 role, Arsenal can struggle to be effective in the final third.

But we’ve seen that leaving him out altogether can have the same effect, and that is without the prospect of him turning in a Man of the Match display.

If he manages to do the latter, he can turn the game on its head and pick the lock for either Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette up front.

After Monday night’s execrable performance, there isn’t really an excuse for leaving him out anymore.

Arsenal are crying out for the kind of player who can break through defensive lines with clever dribbling and passing. Ozil offers that.

Add into the equation the fact that he is likely angry about his own treatment and has a point to prove, and one has to think that he could be the game-changer Emery needs.

When the Gunners take on Crystal Palace this weekend, Ozil has to be in the team.

Liverpool are in great form with a number of players playing well, but despite that Garth Crooks believes that Sadio Mane is carrying the side, an argument several fans have rejected.

The BBC pundit praised the Senegal international for his contribution against Tottenham on Sunday, stating that he caused problems for the visitors and has now taken over the mantle from Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk as the Reds’ most important player.

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For some supporters it is a rather bewildering assertion, as they believe each one of their players is making a valuable contribution, with the fact they have won nine out of ten league games evidence of that.

In addition, they have seven players nominated for the Ballon d’Or this year, including Mane, whilst Salah has scored only one less than his attacking teammate, so it is understandable that fans oppose Crooks’ claim.

Many of the Anfield faithful want the whole team to receive the recognition they believe is deserved, with some claiming Mane is only so effective because of his teammates, as the following reactions show.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Injury News series, which considers the impact of the latest updates on players’ fitness.

There could be good news soon for West Ham fans as Michail Antonio is nearing a return from injury, and having him back would be a big boost for Manuel Pellegrini.

What’s the latest?

The Chilean manager confirmed in his Newcastle pre-match press conference on Thursday that the winger is nearing a return and could be back just after the next international break – in time for the clash against Spurs on the 23rd of November.

Antonio has had numerous problems with his hamstring, and even admitted to taking supplements to ward off further injury, and it is therefore likely that extra precaution will be taken regarding his recovery.

He has been sidelined since the beginning of September but if he makes a return in a few weeks it means he will have made a swift recovery,  with his original lay-off expected to last four months.

Pellegrini should be boosted by his quicker comeback, and it could help West Ham improve going forward.

Position change for Yarmolenko?

West Ham have lacked flair and imagination in attack too often this season and that is reflected in their return of 12 goals from ten league games.

Antonio’s return could help in that capacity, as not only does he bring goals and assists to the side – with 28 and 18 respectively in his Hammers’ career – but also pace down the right flank and an energy that has otherwise been missing.

Should he maintain his fitness and rediscover his form he could reclaim the right-wing spot, though Andriy Yarmolenko has performed well there this term with three goals and an assist in seven league matches.

With that in mind, the Ukraine international could move into a more central position, as that could be another very suitable role for him.

It is not a position he has regularly played in but he does have the skill set to perform there, with creativity and goal scoring crucial components of his game.

And there is evidence from his career history to suggest he’s well suited to the role.

If Pellegrini does wish to fit both players into the side, perhaps with Manuel Lanzini sitting out as he did against Sheffield United last week, he may be inclined to move Yarmolenko into the centre to accommodate the returning Antonio.

Based on his eye-catching stats, with nine goals and five assists to boast from 10 appearances, it could be a successful tactical experiment from the Chilean.

A reshuffle in attacking midfield could inject a new level of prowess into their attacking play and get the best out of Sebastien Haller.

The return of Antonio should convince Pellegrini to make an intriguing change.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Aston Villa’s chief executive officer Christian Purslow spoke out in the summer regarding the split in the club’s extensive transfer business that saw 12 new players arrive in a spending spree of over £130m.

Firstly, purchases that represented an immediate benefit to the club, yet also acquisitions that had the potential to “establish themselves in the Premier League and in doing so, grow their value”, according to Purslow.

One player who unquestionably belongs to the category of the latter is former Brentford man, Ezri Konsa.

The centre-back was signed from the west London side in a reported £12m deal, but the 22-year-old has been unable to earn a start in the Premier League so far this season – playing just 15 minutes in a cameo when Villa were 5-0 up against Norwich.

The former England U21 international has been unlucky to not feature regularly in the league, owing largely to the partnership that has formed between Bjorn Engels and Tyrone Mings.

But if Purslow’s comments regarding the potential increase in value of younger prospects are to come true, Villa must give these players the opportunity to perform and impress.

Although Konsa has made three Carabao Cup appearances, scoring one goal, if his rate of development is to continue the centre-back must be afforded more league opportunities in the first XI.

For now, it appears the experience and solidity that Mings and Engels are able to offer aligns strongly to Smith’s primary goal this season in ensuring survival – and rightfully so.

But as January begins to loom and thoughts turn to Villa’s plans for the 2020 summer window, Konsa is a player of such unquestionable potential who must be given opportunities if the club are to retain his services alongside increasing his value as outlined by Purslow this summer. 

Smith has a balancing act to perform in ensuring the West Midlands’ side can retain their Premier League status whilst also giving players the opportunity to perform in the top-flight, but a player such as Konsa is certainly deserving of more game-time.

After all, he was mightily impressive in the second tier last term, particularly with his ball-playing ability – one of the primary attributes a modern defender possesses. He completed 87.7% of his passes and could help bring added composure to Villa.

Despite Purslow’s ambitions, the potential Konsa can bring may have to wait. Either way, Smith faces a difficult decision.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

Newcastle’s marquee signing is yet to get firing this season, but his performance against Bournemouth did mean he began to show why his attributes appealed so much to the Newcastle hierarchy.

Joelinton’s winner against Tottenham remains his sole goal but his overall game, along with those of his two partners in attack, is beginning to improve.

There is a clear understanding building between Newcastle’s front three and each had chances to score against the Cherries on Saturday, and though their finishing boots continue to desert them, Steve Bruce will find the positives.

The Brazilian was more prolific last term in Germany with 11 goals in all competitions, but an important aspect of his style was the contribution he made in helping others excel, particuarly Andrej Kramaric at Hoffenheim.

This season he doesn’t have a strike partner and has thus been a little more isolated, and deprived of the ball with the Magpies averaging 38% possession, but against Bournemouth he showed that he has multiple uses.

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As per WhoScored, he increased his involvement in the final third quite drastically, with four shots compared to his season’s average of 1.7.

He seems as determined as ever to get back onto the scoresheet, too, working hard throughout with two interceptions. It is also good to see that his confidence and morale hasn’t dropped – taking a shot at goal in the first half when a pass to Miguel Almiron may have led to a better opportunity.

Despite failing to score, both the striker and his teammates becoming more active in threatening the opponent is a positive step, and the more the two wingers work off Joelinton, the better chance of success.

The £40m player made just one key pass against Bournemouth, the same as he has averaged per game so far, but if he can target it as an area to improve and find his teammates more often, Newcastle’s poor return of 11 goals in 12 league games and their reliance on defenders for goals will get better.

Joelinton should, therefore, take confidence from the game, and with the Magpies steadily improving, particuarly in attack with five goals in two games, then his chances to increase his goal tally will come more often.