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BBC Sport journalist Phil McNulty has stated that he believes some of Marco Silva’s current struggles at Everton to be due to some of the players he inherited at Goodison Park.

What he said

McNulty shows some sympathy with the Portuguese coach, whose side have slumped to 9th in the Premier League table having gone on a run that has seen them lose four of their last five matches in all competition.

However, McNulty comes to the manager’s defence, stating that he is being hampered by the likes of “Theo Walcott and Cenk Tosun, two expensive, highly-paid flops Silva has been saddled with.”

What is behind Liverpool’s recent title race slip ups? The Pl>ymaker FC squad discuss in the video above…

He continues to suggest that the club’s previous poor transfer dealings are partly responsible for the Merseyside outfit’s current predicament, “yes, Silva has struggled to get performances and results but it would be wrong for him to assume total blame for the mistakes of others.”

Demanding more

Whilst it cannot be denied that Walcott and Tosun have failed to shine since their arrival at Goodison, they are not hapless. At 29-years-old, Walcott should still have plenty more in the tank. The 47-cap England international scored over 100 goals for Arsenal in his time at the Emirates Stadium, proving he has the capacity to deliver.

Tosun, too, has plenty of the attributes required to be successful in the Premier League. Neither him nor Walcott can be considered world class, but both should be performing better. It is Silva’s responsibility to coax the best out of his players, whether they were his own signings or not.

Silva must demand more from the likes of Walcott and Tosun, and the longer their toils continue, the more should be demanded from Silva himself.

A number of Liverpool fans have noticed that Gini Wijnaldum didn’t celebrate Alisson’s goal against West Brom as much as his teammates.

The Reds picked up their most dramatic win of the season on Sunday afternoon in a scarcely believable match. It looked as though Jurgen Klopp’s men were going to draw 1-1 with West Brom from a second time in 2020/21, but incredibly, Alisson had other ideas.

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The goalkeeper came up for a 95th-minute corner and steered home a brilliant header, sparking scenes of ecstasy at The Hawthorns.

Endless footage of the moment has been shared across social media, and if you look closely, you can see that Wijnaldum’s celebration is muted, with the Dutchman jogging towards his teammates in fairly low-key fashion.

Every player is different, of course, but it was hard not to think that the goal possibly didn’t mean as much to him because he is set to leave Anfield this summer, with no sign of his contract being renewed.

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Liverpool fans react to Wijnaldum’s lack of celebration

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to discuss the incident, with some unimpressed by Wijnaldum’s no-show of emotion.

“Maybe show that you care a bit more next time lad. But regardless best of luck in the next 2 games”

Credit: @lfcnickk

“Don’t lie, you were devastated we scored”

Credit: @viciousvirgil

“You don’t care, stop pretending”

Credit: @AllezAllezAllez

“Thing I dislike most was Gini celebration. Is it me or very subdued vs everyone else in ground tbh”

Credit: @gregdeacon

“Bit weird that non celebration from Gini”

Credit: @JotaBelieveIt

“Celebrate next time fella”

Credit: @lfcthursto

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been left fuming at an update on one player. Find out who it is here.

Some Liverpool fans have been bemoaning the Reds being linked with Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, with many growing bored of the rumour.

A new centre-back is likely to be at the top of Jurgen Klopp’s agenda this summer, as he looks to address a problem area this season.

Liverpool have had to make do without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for many months, playing a huge part in the Reds’ struggles in 2020/21.

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Ozan Kabak was signed on loan in February and has performed well, but it has still been a far-from-ideal scenario, with Nathaniel Phillips perhaps not at the level required, despite some admirable displays.

Ibrahima Konate seems to be the most likely centre-back to be heading to Liverpool, but FC Inter News claim that De Vrij is also a target.

The 29-year-old has made 31 appearances in Serie A this season, playing his part in Inter being crowned champions under Antonio Conte.

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Fans don’t want Liverpool to sign De Vrij

Despite this, the rumour hasn’t gone down well with a number of Reds supporters, who took to Twitter to provide their thoughts.

“This story comes every month for 5 years now and is incredibly annoying to read”

Credit: @JxrgenKlxpp

“Wow. is it 2017?”

Credit: @shangri_la121

“Hearing that since 2017”

Credit: @riax

“Skriniar better anyway”

Credit: @LFCHurst7

“Why would we unless we’re planning to sell Matip?”

Credit: @bantz_lfc

“Not true. Konate is the only CB Liverpool will be signing this summer, the focus has now turned to midfield and finding a Wijnaldum replacement”

Credit: @AllezAllezAllez

In other news, Liverpool have reportedly been given the chance to sign a World Cup-winning player this summer. Read more here.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, via West Ham Central, GSB fancy signing Orlando City striker Daryl Dike this summer, who is currently on loan at Barnsley – prompting these Irons supporters to erupt on social media.

Dike, who has scored nine goals in 12 Championship starts since joining the club on a temporary basis in January, has also managed an impressive 5.8 aerial duels won per game (WhoScored).

The 20-year-old, as a result, is attracting interest from West Ham and GSB – with these supporters raving over the claims of their club’s interest.

As well as some supporters calling him ‘massive’, with the forward standing at an imposing 6 foot 2, a section of these Irons fans have likened him to star striker Michail Antonio.

One supporter even claimed Dike could take Antonio’s place in the side as Hammers plead for GSB to potentially sign the striker this summer from Orlando.

Find all of their best verdicts on the forward down below.

West Ham fans erupt over Dike claim

“Would be the best day of my life.”

Credit: @AndrewKane221

“Under Antonio’s tutelage this lad could be different gravy”

Credit: @Dylan_Rudisill_

“Oh my dayssssss”

Credit: @FromTheAnvilWHU

“We totally should. Think he could be a good option off the bench. Antonio style work rate. He’s massive as well”

Credit: @jordan_smith510

“MAKE THIS HAPPEN”

Credit: @joelitt78828048

“His link up play is improving & his flick ons & link up play since joining Barnsley are always improving!

I think he could bench Antonio”

Credit: @WhufcSloth

In other news: West Ham fans react as club confirm ‘great news’, find out more here.

Celtic’s hunt for a new manager embodies a circus right now. There are more twists and turns than a helter-skelter as the Bhoys ramp up their progress in the search for Neil Lennon’s successor.

There have been a number of names in the hat but at the moment it’s former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe who has emerged as the favourite.

What’s the word?

Last week it was revealed that Howe was in advanced discussions with Celtic to become their new manager.

The 43-year-old has spoken to Dermot Desmond and has even performed due diligence on behind-the-scenes matters at Parkhead.

However, there have been a number of twists to the tale this week. It’s been revealed that the Englishman is reluctant to return to management until the summer, putting Celtic’s immediate pursuit in doubt.

A report from The Sun detailed this news before sharing why exactly it was that Howe hadn’t signed on the dotted line.

In a new twist, they claim that Howe is seeking assurances over his backroom staff; namely the appointment of Richard Hughes.

The ex-Cherries manager wants Hughes as his director of football but that would mean Celtic having to rip up a reported agreement with Fergal Harkin.

Time to worry?

Every week it feels like Celtic are dealt a setback in their quest to find a new manager. The longer it goes on the more the worry will grow amongst supporters.

A few weeks ago it looked as though Roy Keane was about to head through the door before he came unlikely to move within a matter of days.

The same eventuality is now occurring with Howe. One minute they look in the box seat to become the new manager and then the next, they’re moving out of the frame.

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It’s understandable that Howe wants familiar faces with him in Glasgow but Hughes hasn’t exactly set the world alight with his recruitment in the past.

He may have a great relationship with the potential incoming Celtic boss but he has splashed out high sums on fairly average players.

He spent £19m on Dominic Solanke, a player who has only netted 16 goals in 83 games for Bournemouth. He also forked out £15m for Jordan Ibe. The winger was subsequently released last summer after finding the net just five times in 92 outings.

Clearly, Desmond could create a better operation than this. He just needs to work out whether Howe is worth sacrificing Harkin for.

Couple Hughes’ record with the amount of time it’s taking to find a new boss and supporter concerns should be growing.

AND in other news, Left for £0, now worth £63m: Celtic will rue rash call on “unbelievable” £100k-p/w gem…

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting positively to the news that Roberto Firmino is back in training after injury.

The Reds will be approaching almost three weeks without a game by the time they visit Arsenal on Saturday night as they make a welcome return to action.

It may not have been the season that Jurgen Klopp and his players envisaged back in the summer, but there is still plenty to fight for, with a top four finish and Champions League glory not out of the question.

Liverpool’s struggles in 2020/21 have been mainly down to injuries, with an endless list of players absent at different times and centre-back trio Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all out until the summer.

The Reds’ woes have been easing slightly in recent weeks, however, and they have now been given a further boost.

Firmino was back in training on Monday after missing the last three matches with a knee problem, putting him in contention to start against Arsenal.

Liverpool fans react to Firmino update

While the Brazilian may not have been in the best of form this season, these supporters took to Twitter to express their happiness at Liverpool’s number nine returning to the fold.

“Yessssss Bobbinho, glad you’re back from injury, let’s beat Arsenal and get our revenge on Madrid once and for all”

Credit: @Runisheen02

“Man I got time for Bobby. Squad is getting back to its normal level with so many fit players. Timing is perfect for the next few matches as well”

Credit: @BamzTindo

“Need a no look goal the weekend please Bobby”

Credit: @MrChadZA1

“Arsenal ain’t ready for this sauce”

Credit: @Zweli_Energy

“There is something that the kop want you to know…”

Credit: @danrumfa1

“Our number 9. Nuff said”

Credit: @janrye72

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly keen on signing a fellow ‘big six’ Premier League player – find out who it is here.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, former Southampton striker Kevin Phillips has claimed that he expects Danny Ings to leave the Saints this summer.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, when asked if he could see the 28-year-old departing, he said:

“Yes I can, as much as Southampton fans won’t thank me for it. I think he even came out at one point and said he wants to play Champions League football, so that suggests to me he would like to move on.”

“So I possibly could see him moving on. It’s just a case of, he is a little bit injury prone. We have seen what he can do, I’m not doubting that. I think he’s a fantastic striker, scores great goals, good movement, but he is a little bit injury prone, so I think ‘who would take him who would finish in the Champions League spots?’.

“But I do think that he’ll probably be angling for a move come the summer.”

Whilst Phillips’ claim does seem to be a fair one, with the former Liverpool man having reportedly expressed an interest in playing European football again in the near future, recent injury setbacks for the England international might just put some clubs off signing him this summer.

The striker enjoyed an injury-free campaign last season and scored a superb 22 goals in 38 Premier League appearances and looked set to repeat that feat with a superb start to the 2020/21 campaign.

However, he has struggled with minor injury problems since the New Year, which has, unsurprisingly, coincided with Southampton’s awful run of form, and he has just three goals in 12 appearances in 2021.

He suffered another setback in the 2-0 win against Sheffield United recently, which will keep him sidelined for another couple of weeks, and you feel that, given his injury history, top four clubs may well feel that it is too big a risk to bring him in for the sort of money that Southampton would likely demand this summer.

His last big move to Liverpool, unfortunately, didn’t go to plan because of significant injury problems and after his recent Issues, despite being minor in comparison to those he suffered at Anfield, might just prove to be a key factor in whether or not a club playing in Europe comes knocking during the summer transfer window, which might just work in Southampton’s favour.

However, all signs suggest that Phillips is right and that Ings will push for a move this summer, which won’t go down well with Saints fans. Whether he gets his move, or not, remains to be seen.

And, in other news… Semmens must avoid VVD repeat with £13.5m-rated “role model” Hasenhuttl loves

Several Crystal Palace fans have been discussing the possibility of Chris Wilder taking over from Roy Hodgson on social media.

That’s because of reports on Friday morning, suggesting Wilder is set to be sacked by Sheffield United. The Times’ Matt Lawton was one of the first to break the news just over 48 hours before the Blades’ trip to Leicester City. Sky Sports later confirmed that the 53-year-old has left the Yorkshire club.

Wilder made the move to Bramall Lane from Northampton Town in 2016 and led them from League One to the Premier League during that time.

It seems as if relegation back to the Championship is a formality, though, with United 13 points adrift of safety with 10 games of the season remaining.

The 53-year-old has taken charge of 227 matches with the Blades, averaging 1.59 points per game during that time.

With the news circulating rapidly, these Palace fans all shared their views on Wilder on Twitter, with many split on whether or not he would be a good option to potentially replace the sometimes-maligned Hodgson.

“This isn’t a call to get Wilder to Palace btw, keep him far away from Palace as possible”

Credit: @cpfc_sean

“I honestly think I’d take Wilder at Palace but I’m not certain. That squad is absolutely awful”

Credit: @liamb0117

“I would have Wilder at Palace in a heartbeat But most of the rest of our fans would get sick of his football after three months”

Credit: @The_ArmaniCode

“If Chris Wilder was genuinely wanted by some why were there no shouts to get him in before he was sacked?”

Credit: @Adam_Palace

“If all true about Chris Wilder, I would love the South Yorkshire man at Crystal Palace (if Roy leaves) and please can he bring John Egan with him. Thanking you in advance”

Credit: @Feemac20

“See a lot of people wanting Wilder at Palace. Personally, I still need another 5 years to mentally recover from the last time we played 3-5-2”

Credit: @J__CPFC

In other news: Many Palace fans buzz at the club’s links to £9m-rated midfielder, find out more here.

Queens Park Rangers will be looking to bounce back from defeat when they welcome London rivals Millwall to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium later this evening.

Mark Warburton’s side should still head into the encounter in confidence, having enjoyed an impressive start to 2021 which has seen them rise up the Championship standings with six victories since the turn of the year.

Although, the sudden defeat gives the 58-year-old plenty to ponder in terms of team selection for their third and final home game of the week.

Here’s the XI we’re predicting for the Rs tonight…

There could be three changes from the lineup that tasted defeat on Saturday afternoon.

Warburton should continue with his tried and tested three-at-the-back formation, though we’re expecting to finally see Jordy de Wijs return to the starting XI, having looked so impressive during his first two starts for the club.

The QPR boss claimed he brought in Osman Kakay in order to combat Terriers striker Fraizer Campbell, so the Belgian should come back in as the only defensive alteration, meaning Yohann Barbet and Rob Dickie partner him in the middle, with Todd Kane and Lee Wallace continuing on the flanks.

In midfield, there could be one change as Dominic Ball comes back into the starting fray, but he replaces Fulham loanee Stefan Johansen rather than West Brom’s Sam Field.

Ball and Field should sit just behind Ilias Chair, though if Warburton reverts back to a two-man attack, then we could see 23-year-old attacking midfielder Chris Willock axed in favour of bringing in another striker.

That means Lyndon Dykes is in line to start for the first time since the Barnsley defeat four games ago. He will surely partner Charlie Austin.

Whoever replaces Neil Lennon as Celtic’s new manager will have a seismic job on their hands.

Given how terribly this campaign has gone, they will need to rip things up and almost start again. Certainly, with Peter Lawwell also departing in the summer, lots of change will be needed in order to take Celtic back to the top.

A plethora of renowned coaches from within the football world have been linked with the vacancy. Whether it’s Frank Lampard or Roberto Martinez, some eye-catching names are regularly being branded about.

Though, one manager who hasn’t been in the discussion too much is Stoke boss Michael O’Neill. On paper, this might not look like an attractive proposition for Hoops supporters but they’d be foolish to ignore him.

Trevor Sinclair recently spoke about his chances of moving to Glasgow and how a man with his CV could be game-changing in Glasgow. He told talkSPORT (24/02 – 10:30am): “I would look at Michael O’Neill. He’s done a fantastic job with the Northern Ireland national team, he’s done a superb job with Stoke City,” he began.

Sinclair concluded: “(O’Neill) is a David Moyes kind of manager. He knows the game inside out, how to run clubs from top to bottom. You need a manager like that to come in and give the club a shake – and I think that’s what is needed.”

Indeed, despite O’Neill’s win rate of just 39% with Stoke, he has revived them, replicating a similar sort of job that he did with the Northern Irish national side.

When he walked into that job, they were in a desperate place. Northern Ireland were very quickly slipping towards their lowest FIFA ranking and in September 2012, were placed 129th. O’Neill, however, used supreme professionalism and tactical acumen to breathe fresh life into not only the team but also the country as a whole.

Just four years later, they were competing at the European Championships in France. They weren’t just there to make up the numbers either. O’Neill had guided his team from being one of the worst in Europe based on FIFA rankings to reaching the last 16 at the Euros.

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Wales knocked them out, but despite that, O’Neill had brought a country and its fan base together with his pragmatic approach.

In the words of BBC reporter Richard Petrie; “O’Neill’s philosophy of the sum of the parts being more effective than individual star performers built a sense of togetherness and collective team spirit which served a squad with a paucity of Premier League players at its disposal well.”

Petrie continued: “Tactically, his style was pragmatic – always a bespoke game plan in place depending on the opposition – difficult to break down, with pressing and exploiting opportunities to score from set-pieces or on the counter-attack in mind. It was a formation that his squad grew comfortable and familiar with and yielded positive results.”

For a side like Celtic, so in need of being revived, this could be ideal. You only need to look at what he’s done for Stoke too.

The Potters were sitting rock bottom of the English Championship when the 51-year-old took over in September 2019. He subsequently guided them to a finish of 15th last term. This season, meanwhile, they are now sitting in 11th position with an outside chance of reaching the playoffs.

He has engineered successful revivals in two successive jobs now. With that in mind, O’Neill seems like the ideal man for a crisis. Celtic could benefit ten-fold from his arrival at Parkhead.

AND in other news, Forget Harper: Kennedy should unleash 18 y/o gem never-seen in the Celtic first-team…