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Huddersfield Town’s nightmare season in the Premier League is finally heading towards its crescendo.

The club’s supporters have been starved of hardly any positives over the past nine months as the Terriers have lost a remarkable total of 25 games in their last 33 outings which has resulted in their relegation from the top tier. Dean Hoyle’s appointment of Jan Siewert in January has seen a slight improvement in terms of performances but the lack of quality in the squad has only allowed him to take things so far.

One of the players who has been a shining light amidst the darkness surrounding the John Smith’s Stadium has been Jonas Lossl. The Danish goalkeeper has kept five clean sheets this year which is an impressive total when you consider just how poor the club’s defenders have been throughout the campaign.

Yet despite delivering stand-out performances against the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City, Lossl has been dropped by Siewert for the past two games and is expected to be an understudy for Ben Hamer for Saturday’s clash at Tottenham Hotspur (according to the Examiner). Although the exact reason for why the 30-year-old has been absent is not known, Siewert has been making a variety of changes to his squad ahead of what is expected to be a very busy transfer window for Huddersfield.

After being relegated in March, the Terriers still have five games to play in the top flight before they return to the Championship after two years away and so it is not surprising that they are fielding experimental sides. However, if they are to be successful next season they must bring Lossl, who is valued at £4.5 million (by Transfermarkt), back into the fray and offer him a new deal, especially when you consider just how poor Hamer was in last week’s 4-1 defeat to Leicester City.

What do you think Huddersfield fans? Should Siewert do all that he can to keep Lossl at the club in the summer? Or do you think that Hamer deserves a longer run in the team? Let us know below…

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According to The Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur could move for Leicester City’s James Maddison in this summer’s transfer window.

Christian Eriksen will see his contract at Tottenham expire in June 2020 and the Denmark international has been strongly linked with a move away from the club.

According to The Mirror, should Eriksen depart, Spurs will consider making a bid to sign Maddison from Leicester.

The 22-year-old joined the Foxes from Norwich City last summer.

He has scored seven times and registered six assists in 32 Premier League appearances during the 2018-19 campaign.

There is absolutely no question that the attacker is a talent, but the Tottenham fans are split when it comes to his potential arrival.

Indeed, whilst some want Maddison to arrive this summer, others are not convinced that he would be the right replacement for Eriksen.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Nottingham Forest fans will be hugely disappointed at how their season has petered out, but one positive is the revelation that Joao Carvalho is capable of being their next star! Indeed, he now requires more chance to prove what he can do.

He’s played 36 times in the Championship this season, making seven assists and scoring four goals. He’s been given a great run in the team and all credit to Martin O’Neill for presenting him with that opportunity.

Now, he needs the same next term.

He impressed again in Forest’s 3-0 win against Middlesbrough on Easter Monday. And then some. A result that ended the club’s run of four straight defeats and Carvalho was key until he was subbed off.

With that in mind, next season’s starting 11 should be built around him.

At only 22-years-old, he’s shown magnificent maturity to play at such a big club under such pressure. He’s proved he has the quality to become their main man if he’s given the time to grown into the number 10 role and to fulfil his potential.

The club will look to go one step forward next campaign and continue their early season form into the second half. The play-offs are a minimum requirement for the club and Carvalho has the speed and trickery to guide them there.

There’s no need for Forest to look anywhere else for a number 10 when they have one right in front of them. This season he’s proved he’s capable, and next season’s he’ll be crucial in their bid for promotion.

Forest fans, what have you thought of Joao Carvalho this season? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Liverpool put the pressure on their title rivals last night as they secured an emphatic 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town, with just two games left to play in the Premier League. 

The Reds still have to travel to Newcastle to face Rafa Benitez’s side before welcoming giant-killers Wolverhampton Wanderers to Anfield on the final day of the Premier League season.

Of course, Jurgen Klopp will only have his eyes set on securing an elusive trophy in either the Champions League or in the Premier League at this moment in time, but it may be worth him taking a closer look at one of the club’s youngsters at the end of the current campaign.

Indeed, one youngster who’s making a name for himself in the youth ranks is Bobby Duncan.

Manchester City may not be letting up in the race for the Premier League title but they appear to have gifted Jurgen Klopp a potential Anfield hero, as Duncan swapped Manchester for Liverpool last year.

The 17-year-old has been simply sensational in the current campaign, scoring 25 goals and seven assists in just 34 appearances. It’s clear to see that he’s a special talent and he could play a big part in the future of the club.

Klopp should look incorporate him into his summer plans to give him a taste of what it’s like to be in and around the first team ranks. If he impresses the German and manages to hold his own then there’s no reason as to why he shouldn’t be involved in any senior games next season at Anfield.

He could be Liverpool’s secret weapon as no side will have seen him in action and he could prove to be a real danger off the substitutes’ bench, especially with Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi looking average.

Duncan may not have any experience and he may only be 19 years of age but he’s already done more than enough to suggest he should at least be considered, so Klopp should look to unleash him next season in the cup competitions.

Liverpool fans, do you think Duncan should be given a chance in the first team ranks next season? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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Declan Rice has blossomed into one of England’s most promising young talents this season with the influence and mentoring of Manuel Pellegrini, who’s overseen the evolution of the youngster from defence to midfield.

Eric Dier seems to hold the starting place as the anchor of England’s midfield after Jordan Henderson’s reinvention of his own from a holding midfielder to one with more flair and forward drive, but does the young Hammer arguably deserve the starting spot over the Spurs star after coming out victorious against his England counter-part on derby day?

The Chalkboard

Rice has done very well to break into West Ham’s midfield. The likes of Pedro Obiang and Carlos Sanchez are more experienced and natural holding midfielders, and Jack Wilshere also arrived in the summer only to resume his injury problems of old at his new club.

Mark Noble has always been a rock for the Hammers, but these names show the need for some fresh young blood to come in and make the role his own: Rice is stepping up.

Dier has endured a mixed time at Tottenham Hotspur, one that’s included his own evolution from defence to midfield as he battles with more experienced names in his position.

Like Rice, Dier has developed from a young, cultured centre-back into a more accomplished midfielder, charged with breaking opposition attacks and adding balance to the naturally more attack-minded around him.

Rice for England

Both Rice and Dier have had similar developments, play very similar positions with almost identical attributes, but one is looked at far more positively than the other.

Despite Dier’s heroics at the World Cup as he slotted home England’s winning penalty against Colombia, the Tottenham man is often accused of tepid and ineffective displays in the middle of the pitch. Dier has evolved into somewhat of a ‘cog in the machine’ type player. He serves a purpose, and perhaps his influence is under-appreciated, but he’s not one to steal the limelight with midfield masterclasses. He’s there to do a job.

However, one of his undoubted strengths is his flexibility, a trait which allows his side to play with more vigour and intent. His ability to slot in as a centre-back when the fulls backs pour forward or the full-back position when the counter-attack begins and to get up and down the pitch quickly when pressing and recovering from the press makes him a player who can give his side a different dimension and unpredictability.

Rice plays the role slightly differently, and somewhat more traditionally. For all the qualities mentioned above about Dier, his natural instinct in that position has evolved from being the ball-winner to being more of a deep-lying playmake and trying to spray the ball around. Rice, on the other hand ,runs for the full 90 minutes, winning the ball and feeding the more creative players before looking to snuff out and read the dangers of a possible counter-attack.

Dier’s role is less noticed and appreciated to the naked eye, whereas Rice offers a more energetic presence. Unfortunately, this England team need more Rices to compliment the flair that England have going forward than they do Diers.

Despite the Tottenham man’s versatility, it’s hard to look beyond Rice’s form this season. Dier undoubtedly has a role to play in the England squad like he did at the World Cup, but when it comes to simply having your best players out on the pitch, Rice surely gets the nod.

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Speaking to Football insider, former Leeds defender Danny Mills believes that Kiko Casilla has been an excellent addition to his former club’s squad, despite a handful of errors made by the new arrival since he joined in January.

Casilla most recently was at fault for two of Ipswich’s goals on the final day of the Championship season, but Mills has defended his casual style of play.

What’s been said then?

Mills stated that Casilla was a stressful goalkeeper to watch, but on the whole he believes that he has been reliable between the sticks at Elland Road.

The 41-year-old pointed towards the Spaniard’s ability to play out from the back and how that has helped him cement his place as the Yorkshire club’s number one.

Mills said: “He’s the most casual goalkeeper on the planet, he’s so laid back. The ball goes back to him sometimes you just think (puts hands over his face), ‘Oh my goodness, what’s he going to do?’

“He’s so casual but actually I think that’s been good because he’s got that ability to play out from the back, doesn’t seem to get flustered at all.

“I think he has been a good addition, goalkeeper is fine, it doesn’t matter if you’re a little bit crazy as long as you’re predictable and the players know he’s going to be laid back. They know he might take a chance or two and you can adjust to that.”

Needs to be reliable

It’s all well and good Mills saying that Casilla’s teammates can adjust to his unique style of goalkeeping, but when he is making costly mistakes questions must be asked.

The former Real Madrid man was sent off at Elland Road against Sheffield United earlier in the season. He may count himself lucky that he didn’t receive the same fate against Ipswich on Sunday, as he escaped with just a caution.

Mills says that the Spaniard’s backline can adjust to the keeper’s style, but it is impossible for even the best defenders in the world to accommodate when their keeper is dropping clangers and running the risk of being dismissed in important matches.

If Leeds are to be promoted to the Premier League, then Casilla needs to keep a cool head and make more rationalised decisions, rather than rushing out at any available opportunity and costing his team goals.

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Leeds United will need to call on their key men to put in solid performances if they are to secure promotion to the Premier League through the playoffs.

Speaking to Football Insider, former England defender Danny Mills has highlighted the four players he believes will need to be at their best if the Whites are to be triumphant in the post-season.

Which players?

Mills has highlighted the central spine of the team as the area which needs to step up and make an impact in these matches.

“My fear for Leeds is whether they can perform when the pressure is on,” Mills told Football Insider.

“The big players need to deliver against Derby, starting on Saturday.

“Kemar Roofe needs to have a good game. Scoring goals and converting chances has been a bit of a problem for Leeds.

“The two central defenders, Jansson and Liam Cooper, need to play well. Kalvin Phillips is key. If he gets dragged out of position, Leeds are very vulnerable.

“The full-backs and midfielders bomb on, and if Phillips is not there to protect the centre-backs, there is suddenly a huge gap to exploit, and they are outnumbered.”

Spot on

The ex-Leeds player is spot on with his summary of who needs to step up.

Kalvin Phillips, in particular, has absolutely no margin for error in these games. The 23-year-old has been the most dependable player at Elland Road all season.

Derby have an incredible amount of creative talent going forward, with Frank Lampard having Mason Mount, Harry Wilson and Tom Lawrence at his disposal.

Coming up against players of that calibre represents a daunting task for any defensive midfielder in the league. If Phillips is at his very best, he should be able to cope, but he can’t afford a single slip up when he comes up against the Rams.

Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper have been a solid centre-back partnership this season, but the Swede’s tendency to make brash decisions could be costly for the Whites.

Marcelo Bielsa needs to make sure that his centre-half keeps a cool head against Derby and doesn’t make any stupid mistakes.

Kemar Roofe’s poor run has been well documented, and it’s clear to see where he needs to improve. The striker is still the club’s top scorer this season, so he is more than capable of finding the back of the net.

These four players may well have the deciding say on whether or not Leeds go up, but they will have to step up amidst the pressure of the playoffs.

It has been a roller-coaster of a year to be a Sheffield Wednesday supporter hasn’t it?

After experiencing a truly awful start to the season, the Hillsborough faithful must have been fearing a possible relegation battle in the Championship.

Yet following Dejphon Chansiri’s decision to replace Jos Luhukay with Steve Bruce in January, Wednesday’s fortunes where completely transformed as they embarked on a 12 game unbeaten run in the second tier that had fans dreaming of an appearance in the play-offs.

Although the club would eventually finish 12th in the standings, it is clear that the former Aston Villa boss has brought an air of positivity with him to South Yorkshire and so there is no reason why the Owls cannot launch a sustained push for promotion next season.

However, in order to create the foundations needed to succeed over the coming years, Bruce will need to bolster his squad this summer in a number of positions.

According to Football Insider, one of the players who the 58-year-old is reportedly interested in signing when the transfer window opens in July is Moses Odubajo. Available on a free transfer after being released by Brentford earlier this month, the right-back would undoubtedly be an upgrade on Liam Palmer who experienced an inconsistent 2018/19 campaign at Hillsborough.

Having previously experienced promotion under Bruce three years ago at Hull City, Odubajo could benefit from a reunion with his former boss as by joining Wednesday, he could provide the club with an attacking threat from defence that would work in tandem with Dominic Iorfa.

If the £900k-rated ace (via Transfermarkt) can build a fruitful partnership with the former Wolverhampton Wanderers player, they could take the Championship by storm next year.

What do you think Owls fans? Should Bruce make a swoop for Odubajo in the summer? Or is there another full-back that you want your club to try and bring in? Let us know below.

Assessing Bournemouth’s squad, it is quite clear where the south coast club need to strengthen in the summer.

If Eddie Howe does not believe the promising Mark Travers is ready to become the Cherries’ No.1 yet, then he needs to go out and buy a new goalkeeper.

Asmir Begovic has made too many errors between the sticks this season, while Artur Boruc is 39 years of age.

That explains Bournemouth’s interest in Jack Butland, with the Daily Mail reporting that Burnley’s Nick Pope is also a target for the Premier League outfit.

Seen as a cheaper alternative to the Stoke City shot-stopper, Pope is exactly the sort of goalkeeper the Cherries need.

Should they be unable to land Butland, then they should go all out for the 27-year-old.

Pope has obviously featured very little this season due to injury. But prior to that, the former Charlton man enjoyed a highly successful 2017/18 campaign where he went on to win his first senior England cap.

Reliable between the sticks, Pope offered Burnley even more security behind a sturdy central defensive partnership of Ben Mee and James Tarkowski.

That reliability is something Howe has not seen nowhere near enough of from Begovic.

Bearing that in mind, ditching the Bosnia and Herzegovina international for Pope is certainly the play here for the Bournemouth boss.

Bournemouth fans, would you welcome the addition of Pope in the summer? Join the discussion by commenting below.

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According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, Leeds United will look to sign a goalkeeper this summer as Kiko Casilla could be headed back to Spain.

The former Real Madrid man was only signed in January, but a spate of bad performances looks to have seen him fall out of favour with Marcelo Bielsa.

Disaster

If this really is it for Casilla at Elland Road, then he will surely be remembered as one of the worst signings in recent history.

In six months at the club, he helped to derail the Whites’ automatic promotion push and almost single-handedly lost the playoff semi-final second leg to Derby County, with a little bit of help from Gaetano Berardi’s temper.

It seems that Bielsa has had the wool pulled over his eyes when it comes to the Spanish stopper. He was signed with the reputation of being a Champions League winner, but he proved to be one of the worst players in the Leeds squad.

Right thing to do

The Yorkshire club are making the right choice when it comes to shifting the Spain international.

Having the keeper in the dressing room next season will serve as a reminder of the failure he caused the team this season and could potentially disrupt the squad harmony. Therefore, taking this approach is the correct thing to do.

It is remnant of Liverpool’s treatment of Loris Karius after the Champions League final last season, and that proved to be a stroke of genius from Jurgen Klopp.

Not only could Casilla’s presence in the dressing room disrupt the atmosphere at the club, but he has undoubtedly lost the trust of his defence after these poor performances, and fans will be uneasy every time he goes near the ball, just as the Anfield crowd were with Karius.

A lack of communication between the Spaniard and Liam Cooper cost Leeds a goal against Derby County, and in future Cooper may hesitate to allow Casilla to claim any stray balls, which in turn may create more problems at the back.

The Whites should absolutely cash in while they have the chance.