Time is running out for manager Marco Silva and his team to give the Everton fans something to be excited about as the season begins to draw to a close.

But, following a very disappointing defeat at St James’ Park on Saturday, Silva will have to show quick and rapid improvement for that to be achieved.

The one thing he should, however, have noted from Saturday’s loss against Newcastle United is that defender Yerry Mina should start matches, rather than being used a substitute.

The defender replaced Richarlison on Saturday with 12 minutes left to go and although Newcastle managed to score twice in that period, Everton might have had a better chance of seeing out the game should he had been on the pitch earlier.

The decision to replace the £50m man with the former Barcelona ace was, ultimately, to sit back and defend the two-goal lead they had at the time but it didn’t work and Ayoze Perez struck twice in the final ten minutes to seal a famous win for the Magpies.

The short appearance Mina made on Saturday, however, was only the second match he has featured in this year and he hasn’t been given the proper opportunity to settle as a player or regular starter in the team.

His experience and expertise are exactly what Everton are in dire need for now and they are desperate to have some defensive stability.

Despite his potential, Michael Keane has been far from his best this season, while Kurt Zouma has also been a bit too inconsistent in defence.

Mina, though, should’ve been a key defender for the club this season, but due to injury and Silva not completely backing him, Everton have been punished at the back on multiple occasions.

If the manager starts to back him and use him more regularly then the Toffees might be able to finish the season with some sort of momentum.

Everton fans, how highly do you rate Yerry Mina? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

[ad_pod ]

Loads of Celtic fans have been reacting to a tweet from the club, as the Bhoys wished a happy birthday to popular attacker Scott Sinclair.

It’s been a funny old season for Celtic, as in some ways it’s actually been the best of any of the campaigns since Brendan Rodgers’ arrival.

Sure, the Bhoys crashing out of both the Champions League and Europa League was a setback, but isn’t it more fun winning the league when Rangers are actually up near the top to witness it?

Check out the video below to see how Brazil fans reacted to being asked how Cristiano Ronaldo would perform for them in a hilarious prank by Pl>ymaker FC…

The Hoops will face off against their old foes once more before the year ends, and a second Old Firm win of the campaign would be a memorable way to secure their eighth consecutive league title.

And no one would be more deserving of an iconic winner in the derby than Sinclair, who turned 30 on Monday.

The versatile attacker has racked up 60 goals and 34 assists in 152 showings for Celtic, and fans were full of praise for him on his special day.

There were even a few calls for a new contract in response to the club’s tweet – his current deal expires in the summer of 2020.

Have a look at the Twitter reactions down below…

[ad_pod ]According to The Evening Standard, Charlton have received an offer worth £30m from an unnamed former banker, who is keen to take the reigns of the club from controversial owner Roland Dutchatelet.Belgian Dutchatelet has been in ownership of the South East London outfit since 2014, when he shelled out £17m to purchase the club. Since, it has pretty much all been downhill, with the Addicks slipping back down to League One having won promotion to the Championship in 2012.The 72-year-old seems to be in no denial about the hole he has dragged the club into and had even suggested to the EFL that take it off of his hands, although, of course, that proposal was quickly rejected.Veganism, solar energy, chasing promotion. Forest Green Rovers are one of the most unique clubs in the Football League. In the video above, Thogden catches up with their progressive owner, Dale Vince…While Charlton might be in turmoil off the pitch, Lee Bowyer and his team are doing an excellent job on it – the former Addicks player has guided them to fifth place, where, should they remain in that spot come the end of the season, they will have the opportunity to win promotion back to the second tier.Bowyer and his boys would undoubtedly be helped massively by a new influx of cash into the club, though, and most Charlton fans on Twitter think that Dutchatelet would be mad not to accept the eight-figure offer…

[ad_pod ]

Loads of Sunderland fans have been running the rule over Saturday’s League One action, and they’re absolutely gutted about Barnsley’s late winner.

Sunderland did not play on Saturday due to multiple players being drafted away on international duty, but even without taking part in the action the Black Cats still suffered.

Portsmouth moved above Jack Ross’ side with a win at Shrewsbury and Luton Town extended their lead at the top with a comfortable home victory against Doncaster.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

Most gutting of all though, Barnsley nicked a very late winner against Walsall to move five points clear of Sunderland.

It looked like the Black Cats’ main rival for that second automatic promotion spot had blown their chance to put some space between the two sides, but Jacob Brown poked home in the 92nd minute.

Of course, the Wearsiders have two games in hand on the Tykes so their fate is still under their control, but Saturday’s results heap way more pressure on Ross’ side to win their games in hand.

That late winner from Brown could ultimately be a hugely damaging setback for the Black Cats, or at least that’s what the Twitter reactions down below think…

[ad_pod ]

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith’s worst fears have been confirmed after it was revealed via the club’s official website that key centre-back Tommy Elphick will be out for “four or five weeks” with a heel injury.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Midlands outfit don’t have a plethora of centre-back options anyway, and it didn’t look good when the 31-year-old was substituted off during the second half of the 4-0 win against Derby County at Villa Park on Saturday.

Now the former Bournemouth man will definitely miss the second city derby against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Sunday after suffering a small tear, and may not be back in action until mid-April if the prognosis is correct.

The fact that the experienced defender has gone from being out in the cold and being sent out on loan to Hull City to becoming a key first-team player tells you all you need to know about Villa’s situation at the back.

Who could fill in?

With James Chester still recovering from a knee injury, Smith has some big decisions to make before the clash against the Blues this weekend.

Who do you want to see promoted this year? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have picked their 3 favoured teams in the video below…

Tyrone Mings looks to be a guaranteed starter following some impressive displays in recent weeks, but he could be partnered by any of Kortney Hause, Mile Jedinak or even Neil Taylor, who should be back after illness.

Six points adrift of the play-offs and two behind Birmingham this is a crucial period for the Villans, but they will have to get through the majority of it without a leader in Elphick.

وجه مرتضى منصور رئيس مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك عددًا من الرسائل بعد جلسة رموز القلعة البيضاء التي انعقدت اليوم لتأييده إثر صدور بعض العقوبات عليه من اللجنة الأولمبية.

وكانت اللجنة الأولمبية قد قررت إيقاف مرتضى منصور عن مزاولة أي نشاط رياضي وألزمت نائبه بالدعوة لانعقاد جمعية عمومية وإجراء انتخابات جديدة على مقعد الرئيس.

وأكد مرتضى منصور أنه كان حريصًا على عدم حضور الاجتماع الذي عقده رموز كرة القدم اليوم بصاله محمد حسن حلمي، وذلك من أجل أن يتحدثوا ويناقشوا الأمور دون أي ضغوط، موضحًا أنه لم يجرؤ أي شخص على معاقبة أي ناد في العالم، ولكن في سابقة دون العادة عوقب الزمالك، موضحا أن المقصود من قرار اللجنة الأوليمبية هو محاربة النادي وليس شخصه.

وأشار إلى أنه لا يتأخر أبدًا عن أبناء النادي وحريص تماماً على تلبية مطالبهم خصوصا اللاعبين والرموز القدامى، مشددا على أنه لا يوجد ناد في العالم يفعل ذلك، مبينا أن من صنع شعبية هذا النادي هم أبناؤه لذلك يجب تكريمهم.

وشكر مرتضى رموز النادي وقدامى اللاعبين، وقال: “أشكركم على دعمكم ومساندتكم لي خلال هذه الفترة الحالية لا تخافوا”.

وأضاف أنه علم بأن قدامي النادي وأبنائه ذاهبون لمقابلة الوزير، متسائلا: “هل القرار الصادر من اللجنة الأولمبية صحيح وقانوني؟.. وتابع: “بالطبع لا”.

وأوضح: “عمرو الجنايني وهشام نصر قاما بتقديم شكاوى ضدي في اللجنة الأولمبية”، مشيرا إلى أن أبناء الزمالك يتعاملون مع الكيان بشكل خاطئ، وتساءل مجددًا: “هل الانتماء للزمالك أصبح لعنة؟ وهل كل زملكاوي يسند له منصب يقوم بفرم الزمالك؟”.

وواصل: “ليست لدينا أي مشاكل مع النادي الأهلي وجماهيره، نحن خلافنا مع شخص معين فشل في كل الاختبارات الإدارية التي خاضها”.

وأردف: “أشكركم على دعمكم الكبير لي”.

وشدد على أن قرارات الأولمبية تعد بلطجة واضحة ضده وضد نادي الزمالك، وأنه تم تجاهل خطاب مجلس النواب الذي حذرهم من اتخاذ اي قرار نظراً للحصانة التي يتمتع بها أي نائب، مشيرا إلى أن القرار صدر في وقت حساس قبل مواجهة الزمالك مع سموحة في بطولة كأس مصر، وكل هذا يحدث ضد نادي الزمالك قبل بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا من أجل إسقاط النادي.

وأكمل أن هذه القرارات من الممكن أن تؤثر على الفريق قبل مباراتنا الهامة أمام الرجاء المغربي في بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، ومن الاكيد أن يتأثر اللاعبون والجهاز الفني بهذه الأمور، مشددا على أن الأمر ليس مقصودا منه مرتضى وإنما يقصدون الزمالك، بداية من تسريب العقود والقرارات التي صدرت من اللجنة الأولمبية وفبركة فيديوهات وغيرها من الأمور.

وأوضح: “أؤمن بمبدأ من يخاف يمشي، وأعلم جيداً أن وزير الشباب والرياضة شخص نظيف اليد ومحترم وهو يرى الأمور جيداً، وتعلمت أثناء عملي في القضاء أن السلبي مثل المرتشي، ولكني أعلم أن الوزير سيقوم بدوره على أكمل وجه”.

ووجه رئيس الزمالك رسالة للجماهير، قائلا: “لا تقلقوا على نادي الزمالك، هناك مسئولون محترمون في البلد يعلمون جيداً قيمة النادي، والهدف من هذه الأمور عمل فتنة بأن يقوم جماهير الزمالك بالنزول من أجل النادي ويندس معهم الإخوان، لكنه لن يسمح لهم بالفوضى، نحن ندعم الدولة ومؤسساتها وسوف نأخذ حقنا بالقانون لأننا في دولة قانون”.

وتابع: “البعض في اللجنة الأولمبية يقول إن مصطفى مدبولي رئيس الوزراء هو من قرر عزلي، كيف ذلك وجميع أجهزة الدولة تتعامل معي، بالطبع أنا لا أصدق هذا الكلام لأن الدكتور مصطفى مدبولي أشرف من كل الموجودين في اللجنة الأولمبية، فهو شخص وطني محترم، وكنت وما زلت خلف بلدي ومؤسسات بلدي دون أي مصلحة، لا أخاف من اي شيء، الإخوان قاموا بكتابة اسمي في قائمة المطلوب اغتيالهم، وأنا مستمر في دعمي ومساندتي لبلدي، أقولها مرة أخرى لجماهير نادي الزمالك، إياكم والنزول لأي تجمع، لأن البعض يحاول استخدامكم لأمور تضر البلد”.

وحرص على توجيه الشكر للاعبي الفريق الأول على دعمهم أمس على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي.

وواصل بأنه تلقى خطابا جديدا من اللجنة الأولمبية والجميع يعلم مكان هذا الخطاب وماذا سوف أفعل به، وعلق: “نفسي طويل جدا”.

وعن الفريق الأول بالنادي أكد مرتضى منصور أنه يسير بشكل طيب في بطولتي الدوري والكأس، وأمامه مباراة قوية أمام الرجاء المغربي موضحا أن إسماعيل يوسف عضو مجلس إدارة النادي سيكون رئيساً للبعثة في المغرب ومعه أمير مرتضى منصور المشرف العام على الكرة والذي نجح بقوة مع الفريق وهذا ما أثار الضيق عند الجميع.

Clearly, Declan Rice is quickly turning out to be West Ham United’s most valuable prospect, emerging as one of the most promising English players in years. Now, it’s time for the Hammers to prove they aren’t just a stepping stone for him. 

With an England national team call-up surely looming large and big sharks surrounding him, Rice is slowly elevating to the big leagues of superstardom. With that in mind, the Irons need to protect him at all costs.

The 20-year-old’s bright performances for Manuel Pellegrini’s men this season has turned quite a few eyes upon him. The Premier League giants would reportedly love to have him, but David Sullivan needs to resist the temptation of his big selling fee. Manuel Pellegrini is slowly turning the Hammers into a quality side once again and has the pedigree to make them compete with the best next season.

Rice will be key to West Ham’s success, as his diligent work in midfield’s been key to winning them many games this season. Most recently against Newcastle United, where he scored a brilliant header and nonchalantly controlled the game, proved how vital he is to Pellegrini’s system.

In fact, it’s already got to the point that letting him go would be disastrous.

Sullivan and David Gold should shell out more finances for Pellegrini to fix the holes in West Ham’s system right now. If Rice sees ambition from his side, why would he leave? Those behind the scenes have to give him a reason to stay, he’s that good.

With the exciting attacking talents and a sensation like Rice running the show, the Hammers could even fight for a European spot. However, if West Ham gives in to the temptation of incurring big finances upon selling Rice, they’d undo all the good work Pellegrini’s done so far.

Hammers fans, do you think West Ham would benefit building around Rice? Join the discussion by commenting below. 

[ad_pod ]The career of a young footballer can go in many different ways. You can either completely fall away, end up mediocre or turn out to be a star.The pathway of Serge Gnabry looks set to go the way of the latter. Not afforded much game time with Arsenal and out of favour at West Brom, he’s proved his previous doubters wrong by now starring for Bayern Munich and Germany.It’s led Albion fans to debate their former loan man, as they reacted to a phenomenal goal he scored against the Netherlands at the weekend.Gnabry was able to turn Virgil van Dijk inside out, before cutting inside and rifling a bullet of a shot into the top corner.It sparked disbelief from Baggies supporters who couldn’t believe Tony Pulis couldn’t find room for him in the team, labelling their former manager a dinosaur in the process.One supporter made reference to his career path, looking at how far he’d come from being subbed off against Port Vale to now starring on the international stage.Given the chance to show what he was capable of with a temporary spell at the Hawthorns, the 23-year-old played just 12 minutes. The attacking midfielder was then let go for a minimal fee to Werder Bremen by Arsenal despite impressing during the opportunities he was afforded.Was Darren Moore’s sacking unfair? The Pl>ymaker FC squad name which Championship bosses should have gone instead in the video below…The German international now has seven goals and three assists in the Bundesliga this season.Here’s what West Brom fans had to say.

[ad_pod ]

Everton may potentially risk losing Ademola Lookman in the summer, unless Marco Silva throws the youngster into the starting eleven in place of the out-of-form Theo Walcott for the final few games of the season.

Makes sense for the team

Apart from the fact that the Toffees could potentially lose the England Under-21 international in the summer if he doesn’t get more game time, starting Lookman over Walcott would be entirely beneficial in terms of the pair’s impact on the pitch.

29-year-old Walcott has been extremely poor this season, scoring just three goals and recording two assists in his 28 league appearances so far, with many fans calling for him to be benched as a result.

In this era of ‘big 6’ dominance, has finishing 7th become as good as winning a trophy? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…

In Lookman’s case, the fact that he has been handed just three Premier League starts is a disgrace. The former Charlton man possesses a wonderfully low centre of gravity that allows him to dribble past his opponents like they aren’t even there – the fact that he has the same amount of league assists as Walcott this season speaks volumes.

Lookman was misled in the summer

After a stunning run of form in the second half of last season whilst on loan at RB Leipzig, the Bundesliga club made an offer upwards of £25m for Lookman, which the Toffees rejected.

The 21-year-old scored five goals and set up a further three in just seven starts for the German side, but was not allowed to join them permanently after Silva said: “In my opinion he is the present and the future of the club and we have to try to convince him to go in this way as well.’

So, to say that, and then give him such little game time whilst Walcott performs so woefully is inexplicable. Lookman and his agent would be wise to tell the former Watford and Hull manager that he must start in the final few games of the season, or he will be looking to force a move away from the club in the summer.

سجل مروان محسن مهاجم الأهلي الهدف الثاني له ولفريقه أمام إنبي في المباراة الجارية بينهما اليوم ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ويلعب الأهلي ضد إنبي على أرضية استاد الأهلي وي السلام ضمن مواجهات الجولة 32 من الدوري.

وأحرز مروان محسن الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 17 بتسديدة أرضية من داخل منطقة الجزاء على يسار محمود جاد حارس مرمى إنبي، وذلك بعد تلقي مهاجم الأهلي تمريرة من زميله أحمد فتحي من الجبهة اليسرى.

طالع أيضًا.. موسيماني يكشف موقفه من عودة أزارو.. ويوجه طلبًا لجماهير الأهلي ويشيد باللاعبين

طالع.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة الأهلي وإنبي في الدوري

وكان مروان محسن قد سجل هدف التقدم للأهلي فور انطلاق المباراة بتسديدة ساقطة من أعلى حارس مرمى إنبي “لوب”. شاهد هدف مروان محسن الثاني أمام إنبي