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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…

Wednesday signalled the one-year anniversary of Aston Villa appointing Dean Smith as their new manager following the sacking of Steve Bruce.

It’s fair to say that the appointment has led to where they are today as the club embarked on a historic campaign last season, culminating in them clinching promotion in the Championship playoff final.

The mood at Villa Park prior to his appointment was quite frankly ugly, and it had gotten to the stage that a pensioner had launched a cabbage at the head of Bruce.

Check out the real-life version of FIFA 20’s Volta Football in the video below…

Now a year on, no such items are being thrown on the pitch as Smith has now probably cemented his legend status, after all, he’s ‘one of their own.’

The fanbase must surely be thrilled by the fact that they are back in the top-flight after a three-year hiatus.

During that time, the team managed to pick themselves up a record – ten straight wins without a defeat. This run of form ultimately springboarded Villa from a team that looked down and out following Bruce’s destruction to a side buoyed by the momentum of sneaking into the playoffs.

Although, all of this has been part of the wider story.

Watch Aston Villa Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

When the 48-year-old was appointed, Villa CEO Christian Purslow said: “Most importantly, he has a very recognisable football coaching philosophy.

“His motivation, energy, and hunger to manage at the highest level is another outstanding feature of Dean. He really understands what Aston Villa is all about. That’s a very good set of qualities.”

The former Liverpool Managing Director was clearly sold by this in just the one six-hour interview which led well into the night in Purslow’s hotel room, he added:

“We wanted a coach committed to playing football the right way and a coach that was intimately acquainted with who and what Aston Villa is.”

And that tells the story really.

The Villa boss has fully encaptured what the role is about – it helps to be a supporter, but that’s irrelevant because of the managerial ability which Purslow has described.

It’s clear to see that the CEO set out clear aims and ambitions for the club, and by getting the club back into the Premier League, that’s only just getting underway.

If the club did end up flirting with relegation, there’s a considerable chance that Smith is able to keep hold of his job, and that’s because of the vision created between the two, all originating from that eager overnight meeting.

Purslow seems to have his feet grounded and that should certainly play to Smith’s advantage.

We’ve heard some things in our time.After being crowned champions of Europe last season, Liverpool are primed to break the Premier League record for most games won in a row (18) when they face their struggling arch-rivals Manchester United. But for some, this isn’t enough.Watch Liverpool Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Danny Mills might not be everyone’s first port of call when it comes to sourcing Liverpool opinions and he won’t have put himself in Reds’ fans good books with his latest verdict.

During a recent interview with talkSPORT, a bastion for absurd opinions and claims, the former Leeds and Manchester City midfielder questioned whether Jurgen Klopp’s one trophy, the Champions League, would be enough to put the German amongst the Liverpool greats.ÂMills played for 14 years and won one trophy, the League Cup (often considered the Micky Mouse cup).

Whether you want to laugh or rage at the man wearing a woolly hat indoors, we have the clip ready in waiting…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Leeds United have dropped down to fifth in the Championship after results in recent games saw them register just one win in the last four. Defeats to Millwall, Charlton Athletic and a draw to Derby County have shown a slight concern in the goalscoring department recently, with just three goals in four games.

On the chalkboard

Although the Whites are the best defensive side in the Championship, they have the least amount of goals inside the top 11, scoring 15 times which puts them on the same amount as Luton Town in 18th.

As for the centre-forward role, Leeds are slightly undercovered in that department, with only Patrick Bamford and Eddie Nketiah the two usual candidates, as Tyler Roberts has played just 65 minutes of league action. Bamford has started every game so far in the Championship but has only netted four times in those 11 fixtures, whilst Nketiah has just two Championship goals, although he has played in only seven substitute appearances.

In theory, the Arsenal loanee has a much better goals per minute ratio than the former Middlesbrough man, with Nketiah playing 703 fewer minutes but still scoring twice. The 20-year-old has also scored another two in the Carabao Cup for the Whites and has so far proved to be a decent addition to Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

There was a debate last month on the two playing together up top, and fans seemed to love the idea. But is it really what is best for the club?

Why are Leeds fans the best in the country? Find out in the video below…

But who should be sacrificed?

As Bielsa alluded to earlier on in the season, if Bamford and Nketiah are to play together, a midfielder must lose their place in the side. This would be a tough call for the Argentine to make, considering the form of those in question.

Pablo Hernandez has continued his breathtaking form from last year, scoring and assisting twice, whilst midfield partners Mateusz Klich, Kalvin Phillips and Stuart Dallas have averaged a 6.93, 7.33 and a 7.02 rating respectively so far. In truth, every midfielder in Leeds’ line-up thus far does not deserve to be dropped, especially considering Nketiah only has two goals in the Championship anyway.

Dropping a midfielder would potentially tarnish what has been the league’s best defence, and some players like Phillips and Klich have been just as important as the strikers at times this year.

So, would Leeds’ attack improve if one of the midfielders switches for an attacker? Potentially. But it simply isn’t worth damaging their fantastic defence to accommodate another attacker.

Bielsa should stick to his guns and not drop a midfielder for the hope that it returns goals.

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

A solid choice, but can they make it work?

What’s the story?

According to a report from Football Insider, Leeds United are looking into the option of bringing in Chelsea’s young right-back Reece James on a temporary deal.

The 19-year-old has already got plenty of Championship experience, having spent last season on loan at Wigan Athletic and certainly impressed people in Lancashire as he walked away with a number of awards at the DW Stadium, as well as making it into the EFL Championship Team of the Year

James has made just two appearances at Stamford Bridge this term, but has found his path blocked by Cesar Azpilicueta, so may be forced to leave in order to continue his development.

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Take a bit of the pressure off

Leeds United aren’t exactly blessed with central defenders right now but despite James predominantly being a right-back, he could prove highly beneficial.

If the west Yorkshire side were able to acquire his services it might be a move that allows Luke Ayling to push inside and act as a backup for the likes of Ben White and Liam Cooper.

This would mean Marcelo Bielsa wouldn’t have to rely on the liability that is Gaetano Berardi and his shambolic disciplinary record of eight red cards.

Leeds lost their first outing with Cooper out injured so perhaps an alternative solution to Berardi is needed. Ayling played in the middle when he was dismissed so it’s feasible to suggest he could move position if James arrives.

Why are Leeds fans the best in the country? Find out in the video below…

However, it’s not just in terms of extra bodies that he can be vital for them, but having provided three goals and three assists for the Latics last term, he clearly loves to go forward and would suit Bielsa’s system of attacking full-backs quite well.

Stuart Dallas and Gjanni Alioski have three strikes between them this season from full-back alone.

James showed during his time at Wigan Athletic that he is more than comfortable at this level, so it’s not as if they would be taking a risk by bringing in someone who can give them an instant boost not just at right-back but give them a little bit of breathing space when it comes to cover for their centre-backs.

There is something though that could throw a spanner in the works.

According to a report in The Sun from the summer, there are some concerns at Leeds that Chelsea boss Frank Lampard might be reluctant to help them out because of the whole Spygate saga when he was at Derby. Resultantly, they might have to be rather convincing in their conversations to get Lampard to play ball.

Danny Rose was left out of the Tottenham Hotspur squad altogether for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Red Star Belgrade.

The England international has been a regular for Mauricio Pochettino’s side this season – making nine appearances in all competitions – despite being strongly linked with a move away from the club over the summer.

Rose was not included in Tuesday’s European affair, though, with Ben Davies selected at left-back and Juan Foyth providing the cover on the bench.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for the defender, who will see his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium expire in the summer of 2021.

However, it would be fair to say that the majority of Spurs fans were pleased to learn that Rose was nowhere to be seen against Red Star Belgrade, who were thumped 5-0.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Toby Alderweireld was also left out of the squad with the Belgium international’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.

A selection of the Twitter reaction is available to view below:

Many Liverpool supporters have been lauding the efforts of Sadio Mane against Tottenham Hotspur, after the Senegal forward caused Mauricio Pochettino’s North Londoners several problems on Sunday.

Spurs had attempted to man-mark Mane out of the game on occasion to try and minimalise the threat of the Reds’ potent offence (Liverpool Echo), after the winger, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino had scored 12 goals in the opening nine Premier League games between them.

Mane often managed to find space on the left-wing to offer an outlet in attack, though, and regularly tormented Serge Aurier to give the Ivorian right-back an afternoon to try and forget.

Watch Liverpool Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Of Mane’s 33 passes on Sunday, 25 came in the final third and two were converted into key balls that were not capitalised on, per WhoScored data. The 27-year-old would also record three tackles, win four aerial duels, and have a game-winning contribution by winning a penalty midway through the second-half.

His pace and persistence saw Mane drive into the box and get in-between Aurier and the ball, to leave referee Anthony Taylor with no choice but to point to the spot when the Tottenham defender clipped the forward’s leg.

Mane’s connection with Andy Roberston on the left-flank led to numerous chances, as well, but the winger failed to convert a great opportunity to level the scoring in the 31st-minute when his glanced header floated wide of the post following a lofted ball by the Scotland left-back.

Liverpool fans swiftly took to social media to laud Mane for his relentless display at Anfield, with supporters praising the £34million (BBC) man for his ‘immense’ efforts that showed him as one of the world’s best.

Here are some of the messages shared…

QPR are having an impressive season so far, if not a topsy-turvy one.

Before Monday evening’s game against Brentford, Mark Warburton’s side sit 9th in the Championship table, just four points off the top of the league.

The R’s have scored an impressive 23 goals in their 13 Championship games so far, but have also conceded a whopping 23 as well – only a few of the league’s basement sides have conceded more.

Additionally, the Londoners are also yet to keep a Championship clean sheet this season – they are alarmingly the only team in the second tier not to record a single shutout this term.

Despite their frailties at the back, QPR are still having a good season and could go second with a win against the Bees, so is their current approach a sustainable one that could reap a glistening reward come May?

Let’s see what Football FanCast’s writers think about the situation…

Billy Meyers

“Over the course of a gruelling 46-game league campaign, the goals will surely dry up for QPR at some stage or another.

“The R’s also have little attacking depth behind Jordan Hugill and Nahki Wells, so if one of the pair were to get injured, the focus would need to flip on securing a clean sheet first and foremost before someone else steps up to score the goals.

“Out of all of the sides who made the playoffs last season – an area that is now a realistic target for QPR – West Brom had the worst defensive record with 62 concessions in 46 games. In context, if Warburton’s side keep their current rate of conceding goals up, they will surpass that figure by some distance and surely weaken their chances of making the top six in doing so – defensive solidity must be worked on over the coming weeks.”

Charles Jones

“I believe that teams in the Championship can go a long way based on just their attacking prowess – just look at Norwich last term. There were seven teams in the league that conceded more than the Canaries, yet they ran away with the title.

“Saying that though, Warburton would be a fool to not want to improve his defence, as that is what may be the difference between a spot in the top six or a top half finish.

“The goals may be sustainable, but if they get into the playoffs, teams won’t allow them to play in such a broad and open way and they could get found out.”

Kealan Hughes “If QPR are to finish in the play-offs they need to address their defensive vulnerability quickly, as history suggests that a leaky defence often holds back teams in the Championship.“In recent years, Sheffield United and Cardiff have based their promotion campaigns on solid foundations, conceding just 41 and 39 goals respectively, so continuing to employ this approach while aiming for promotion seems unsustainable.“They have a great chance in keeping the goals up in Wells’ case, seeing as he once notched 17 Championship goals in one season – however, Hugill’s best-ever seasonal tally is just 12. Ebere Eze is the wildcard, though, and if he can add to his six goals and three assists, then QPR would still have an outside chance.” VJ  “Make no mistake about it, QPR’s current predicament is unsustainable. Sooner or later, their defensive nightmares are going to come back to haunt them big time. In the nitty-gritty games over a long, hard-fought Championship season, having a solid back-line goes a long way to getting massive wins.“Last year, out of those involved in the play-off positions, fourth-placed West Brom conceded the most with 62 from their 46 games. The year before that? Derby County with just 48. Already this campaign, QPR have let in 23, despite playing just 13 times. Mark Warburton’s men will have to fix up quickly, or risk their season unravelling. Strikers can only save you on so many occasions, and so it’s about time the Hoops’ defence take some responsibility.”

West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini could be tempted to recall Grady Diangana from West Bromwich Albion in January, as reported by Football Insider.

The 21-year-old has been impressive while playing on loan for Slaven Bilic, scoring 4 goals and getting 3 assists in 9 starts and 3 substitute appearances, as per WhoScored.

He may not have been returning in an official capacity, but the academy graduate joined up with the Hammers’ U23s for a trip to Thorpe Park, with Nathan Trott and Declan Rice also joining the group:

Despite the casual nature of Diangana’s link up with his teammates, many West Ham fans have been thrilled to see him back with his fellow players.

The indication is that they hope the winger will be recalled during the winter window, so they can see him with his fellow Hammers more regularly.

A selection of Twitter reaction to the photograph, including posts from enthused West Ham fans, can be seen below:

West Ham fans, do you think Diangana should be recalled in January? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Although results so far in the current campaign might suggest otherwise, Arsenal’s squad has been valued as the 12th highest globally by Transfermarkt, and these Gunners’ fans have been quick to vent their feelings given the current predicament at the club.

The north London side’s inconsistent start to the 2019/20 season has been compounded by Unai Emery’s dilemma in dealing with Granit Xhaka’s response to being substituted and booed against Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, pressure is seemingly mounting on the Spaniard with the Daily Mirror reporting he has just one month left to save his job.

Transfermarkt cite Nicolas Pepe (£67.5m), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£63m) and Alexandre Lacazette (£63m) as the club’s three most valuable assets in their squad’s value, but the trio will have to start delivering a series of impressive performances to ease the impending pressure on Emery if the former PSG boss is to keep his job at The Emirates.

Following a tweet from Arsenal Fan TV, these are some of the best reactions to Arsenal’s reported squad value.

Manchester United fans have taken to Twitter to react after Scott McTominay picked up an injury in the 3-1 win over Brighton on Sunday.The 12-cap Scotland international limped off the Old Trafford pitch before heading down the tunnel on a stretcher, with the Red Devils forced to play the final ten minutes of the game with ten men – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had already used his three substitutes.

McTominay has started all 12 of United’s Premier League games this season, scoring two goals and grabbing an assist, while he was also named as the club’s Player of the Month for September – he is arguably one of the most improved players in comparison to last term.

With an international break now upon us, McTominay should at least have some time to recover, although that hasn’t stopped some United fans taking to Twitter to discuss the blow.

Let’s take a look at some of the tweets…