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John Obi Mikel is not known for his goal-scoring but in Middlesbrough’s 2-1 win over Rotherham on Sunday he scored his first goal in English football for five years.

The goal itself was a fine left-footed strike from the penalty spot that flew into the roof of the net and the Nigerian captain looked to be sending his new team to the playoffs.

Sadly, however, Derby beat West Brom 3-1 which meant that they finished sixth and Boro seventh. In truth Boro made very hard work for themselves when they lost six in a row between March and April.

Form though picked up in recent weeks, winning five out of their last six, and Derby drawing with Swansea City in midweek gave the Teesiders hope that they would make the playoffs.

For a period of time they were finishing sixth, after Stefan Johansen had equalised for the Baggies at Pride Park, but Derby scored a quickfire double. They will now play Leeds in the playoffs.

Boro were disappointing for most of the season but Mikel proved to be an inspired signing as his vast experience and calmness on the ball steadied the midfield.

Middlesbrough fans may not want Tony Pulis to stay but they certainly want the 6 foot 2 midfielder to, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

One fan said “Don’t go John” whilst another added “Sign him up.”

See the best of the Boro fans’ reactions down below.

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Tottenham Hotspur take on West Ham United this weekend aware that a victory will place them in the driving seat to finish in the top four this season.

The club are currently four points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal and, with three games of the season remaining, could take a massive step towards qualification with a victory over the Irons.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side, meanwhile, are mathematically safe from relegation but are unlikely to overhaul Wolves and finish seventh.

The carrot of becoming the first team to beat Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, however, should be motivation enough for the Irons.

Football FanCast takes a look at where the game will be won and lost this weekend.

The Key Battle – Son Heung-Min vs West Ham’s full-backs

Son is almost certain to start against the Hammers.

A Champions League semi-final against Ajax looms for Spurs but Son is suspended for the first leg next week.

The South Korea international, then, will surely play this weekend and his form this season should worry the Irons; he has scored 20 goals and laid on 10 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions.

With Aaron Cresswell struggling with an injury – he has only just returned to training – Arthur Masuaku a decent attacker but a poor defender at left-back, and Pablo Zabaleta ageing at right-back, Son will have his pick of players to target throughout the encounter.

He is truly two-footed and could drift from the left flank to the right, terrorising each full-back in turn.

Pellegrini, then, would do well to instruct his wingers to track back routinely and offer protection to their defenders; stopping Son is integral to the Irons’ chances of victory.

The Key Dynamic – Rotation vs Consistency

Mauricio Pochettino is likey to rotate his squad with the Champions League semi-final clash with Ajax looming.

The two sides will play their first leg in north London on Tuesday, perhaps the biggest game in Spurs’ history.

Pochettino made a number of changes to his XI for the encounter with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League, having seen his side knock Pep Guardiola’s men out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

The likes of Juan Foyth, Kyle Walker-Peters, Oliver Skipp and Vincent Janssen could all potentially play, with key first-team stars kept fresh for the encounter with the Dutch giants.

The opposite is true of the Hammers, with this perhaps the biggest game of their season.

Pellegrini, then, is likely to go for broke and pick his strongest XI. West Ham may well be confident, then, that they can potentially hand Spurs their first defeat in their new stadium.

The Deciding Factor – Goals, goals, goals

Harry Kane is injured, of course, and Fernando Llorente is becoming something of a burden to the team. His performance against Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this week was roundly terrible.

The pressure, then, is on Son to again find the net without Kane in the side, or else they will be hoping for a repeat of Christian Eriksen’s late heroics against the Seagulls.

West Ham, meanwhile, can select from the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Lucas Perez and Javier Hernandez. It is essentially out-and-out strikers versus versatile forwards.

Son is good enough to win that battle but so too is Arnautovic; it remains to be seen who will come out on top this weekend.

The Impact Subs – Vincent Janssen vs Manuel Lanzini

Vincent Janssen made his astonishing return to action on Tuesday night, coming on as a substitute for his first appearance for the club since 2017 as Spurs attempted to break Brighton down.

He has endured a difficult time in north London, scoring just six goals in total, but has been needed as back up to Llorente with Kane injured.

He could again be called upon this weekend if Spurs are on the back foot and he will be chomping at the bit to prove his worth.

For the Hammers, meanwhile, Manuel Lanzini has a small chance of playing in the game, per ClaretandHugh.

He has been sidelined with a groin injury and, while he is more likely to play against Southampton, the club have not ruled out the possibility of him featuring versus Spurs.

A brilliant attacking midfielder with the ability to carve defences apart, Lanzini could have a major impact if introduced as a substitute, particularly if the scores are level in the second half.

Indeed, he is far more likely to positively influence the game than his Dutch counterpart, injured or not.

It’s not crazy to suggest that Arsenal could be on the brink of a golden generation of youth coming through at the club.

From Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock impressing on the final day of the season to Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson making waves in Germany out on loan, Arsenal have a good crop of youngsters coming through that could genuinely be first-team players in the future, but one player who has really caught the eyes of fans is Bukayo Saka.

The 17-year-old winger dazzled fans in his first start for the club against Qarabag in the Europa League and has been immense in the youth leagues this season, scoring 14 goals and assisting 12 for various Arsenal teams, and with the Europa League final coming up, Saka could be a genuine secret weapon for Unai Emery to turn to.

With Henrikh Mkhitaryan unlikely to make the trip to Baku due to political tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Emery could turn to the teenage winger to take the playmaker’s spot in the team, and Saka will make the most of the experience, especially if he plays.

The England U-19 international has impressed whenever he has been given a chance in the Arsenal first-team this season no matter the opposition, and in the club’s biggest game this year, Saka can make the final the game he introduces himself into world football and solidify himself as a player Emery can consider for senior squad status next campaign.

Arsenal fans, would you put Saka in the squad for the Europa League final? Let us know!

Spurs have once again had a fine season this year with Maurcio Pochettino’s men looking likely to clinch a Champions League spot once again.

The Londoners are now firmly settled in their new home and could well have a big summer ahead of them with regards to potential new signings.

However, keeping hold of some of their own star players could well be a big issue too for Pochettino to address, and with news emerging this weekend that Juventus could move for Toby Alderwiereld, it’s already clear Spurs have some big decisions on their hands.

The Belgian defender has long been courted by a number of top clubs across Europe, but he has remained integral to the cause for Spurs and he is the sort of player who they really don’t want to be losing.

Alderwiereld is a class act, and on his day can be one of the best defenders in the league, not to mention his threat going forward in terms of attacking set pieces.

Spurs need to be building for the future and making a run at the title now they have got their new stadium up and running, and they really need to be greeting Juventus with a firm no if the Italian giants do make their move.

With the promise of big signings along with a squad which is already full of potential, Alderwiereld might just consider this enough of a reason to stay put and make a sure Spurs finally see some success in terms of trophies under Pochettino.

يلتقي منتخب مصر الأول مع نظيره توجو اليوم الثلاثاء في إطار منافسات التصفيات المؤهلة لأمم إفريقيا.

منتخب مصر يلاقي نظيره توجو علي ملعب كيجي في الجولة الرابعة من التصفيات.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة مصر وتوجو في تصفيات أمم إفريقيا

ويتواجد منتخبا مصر وتوجو في المجوعة السابعة مع جزر القمر وكينيا. موعد مباراة مصر وتوجو اليوم

تبدأ مباراة مصر وتوجو في تمام 6 مساء بتوقيت القاهرة، 7 مساء بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر وتوجو

تُذاع أحداث مباراة مصر وتوجو علي قناة beIN Sports HD 7.

طالع أيضًا.. تشكيل منتخب مصر الرسمي أمام توجو في تصفيات أمم إفريقيا معلق مباراة مصر وتوجو

اختارت قناة بي ان سبورت المعلق المصري أحمد الطيب للتعليق على المباراة التي ستقام بالتصفيات.

ويحل منتخب مصر في المركز الثاني برصيد 5 نقاط، فيما تتصدر جزر القمر المجموعة برصيد 8 نقاط، بينما تقبع كينيا في المركز الثالث برصيد 3 نقاط، أما توجو فتتذيل الترتيب بنقطة وحيدة. هدف فوز مصر على توجو في الجولة السابقة

جدير بالذكر أن منتخب مصر فاز على نظيره توجو بهدف نظيف بتوقيع محمود الونش في المباراة التي أقيمت على استاد القاهرة الدولي.

يُمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنا

Having led Sheffield United to an incredible second place finish in the Championship during the 2018/19 campaign, Chris Wilder will be hoping to prolong the club’s stay in the Premier League over the coming years.

Yet in order to give the Blades the best chance of competing with some of the world’s best club sides next season, the 58-year-old will have to get his recruitment spot on this summer.

Although Wilder has been very successful in the transfer market since taking over at the club in 2016, a failure to sign the right players during the upcoming window could result in his side being relegated in 12 months time.

Therefore, to avoid this scenario, it is imperative that the former Oxford United boss resists the temptation to sign Britt Assombalonga this summer from Middlesbrough.

According to the Northern Echo, Wilder is reportedly interested in securing the services of the forward having been impressed with his performances in the Championship last season.

Despite being an extremely competent striker in the second tier, the fact that the £9m-rated ace (via Transfermarkt) only managed to fire in 14 goals in 42 appearances for the Smoggies should act as a warning to the Blades.

Although there is no doubting Assombalonga’s finishing ability, when you consider that he has no previous experience of playing in the Premier League, it could be argued that United should not even consider taking a risk on him.

With the club already having better-attacking options at the club in the form of David McGoldrick and Billy Sharp, they should use the funds available to them this summer to bring in individuals who have a track-record of performing in the top-flight rather than haggling over second-tier players.

What do you think United fans? Would you welcome a move for Assombalonga when the transfer window opens? If not, who would you like your club to sign this summer? Let us know below.

Tottenham fans simply cannot wait until their beloved team walks out onto the Wanda Metropolitano pitch for the upcoming Champions League final.

It’s most definitely an occasion most wouldn’t have believed Spurs could get to but now they’re here, Tottenham are in it to win it.

With qualification secured for the competition next season as well, Spurs are really starting to change the perception about them. No longer viewed as bottlers, the football world is finally seeing the north London club for what they truly are: a very dangerous outfit.

Next season will be a new challenge entirely but one Mauricio Pochettino’s side will without a doubt be ready for.

The capture of a number of big names could do Tottenham the world of good and one of those linked with a move to London and the Premier League is German international Julian Brandt, recently linked with a move to the club by the Daily Mail.

Brandt, (who is valued at £40.5 million on Transfermarkt) is a player that has exceptional quality and because of that will likely get a move this summer, whether that is Tottenham or not.

Indeed, with nine goals and 17 assists, interest is quite rightly aplenty in a player that has great potential to get even better. Clearly, the 23-year-old has enjoyed a prolific season for Bayer Leverkusen and his goals could even see his team rise into fourth place by the end of the campaign.

Brandt has brilliant versatility which means he is able to play out on the wing or through the middle as an attacking midfielder.

Yes, Tottenham do already have plenty of quality in those positions but Brandt would add even more to an ever-improving side, especially if Christian Eriksen was to leave as well.

Daniel Levy must have more than enough money to splash after two disappointing transfer windows.

Would you want to sign Julian Brandt… Let us know!

شدد مدرب يوفنتوس أندريا بيرلو على أن الفترة الانتقالية انتهت ويستعد الفريق بالفعل للموسم الحقيقي، قبل مواجهة الغد أمام كالياري في منافسات الدوري الإيطالي.

وعاد اللاعبون من فترة توقف دولي بتحقيق نتائج إيجابية مع منتخبات بلادهم وقال بيرلو إن بعض لاعبيه قد اكتسبوا الثقة خلال الأسبوعين الماضيين.

وتحدث المدرب في مؤتمر صحفي قائلاً: “لا أعرف ما إذا كانت هذه ميزة لدينا، فهم بالتأكيد لاعبون أقوياء، ربما لعب البعض أقل من ذلك بقليل في الأسابيع الأخيرة وقد لعبوا بشكل جيد مع المنتخب الوطني، لكسب الثقة والسرعة، نحن سعداء بعودتهم برغبة كبيرة وأنهم الآن جاهزون للعب”.

وأكد بيرلو أن مباراة كالياري أساسية من أجل نمو السيدة العجوز، وذكّر لاعبيه بأن الفترة الانتقالية قد انتهت الآن، متابعًا: “إنها مباراة أساسية، لقد جئنا من فترة توقف بسبب المنتخبات الوطنية، لكننا نحتاجها لنمونا”.

وشدد: “الآن، يجب أن تبدأ بطولتنا، انتهت فترة التكيف، وسيكون لدينا 10 مباريات للعب كما لو كانت نهائيات حتى عيد الميلاد، بدءًا من الغد، أريد أن أرى روحًا قتالية مختلفة، واللعب بقوة كبيرة لتحقيق النتائج”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كالياري يعلن إصابة جودين بفيروس كورونا قبل مواجهة يوفنتوس

وعن فريق كالياري، أردف بيرلو: “إنهم فريق ممتاز بقيادة مدرب ممتاز، جلب دي فرانشيسكو حماسًا كبيرًا لفريقهم، وتطويرًا جيدًا للعبة عندما يلعبون بثلاثة وأربعة مهاجمين، لديهم لاعبون جيدون وذوي خبرة في خطي الوسط والهجوم، ستكون مباراة مهمة وصعبة، لكن لن نضطر إلى النظر إلى النتيجة ولكن نركز على أنفسنا ومحاولة الفوز بالمباراة”.

وأكمل: “أريد أن أرى فريقًا يريد تحقيق نتيجة بأي شكل من الأشكال، يجب أن يكون لدينا الجوع والرغبة في الفوز في كل مباراة دون إهمال أدق التفاصيل، ما فعله يوفنتوس دائمًا في هذه السنوات”.

واستطرد: “آمل أن تنتهي التجارب، لقد أتيحت لي الفرصة للعمل مع لاعبين على استعداد تام للتحدث وإجراء تغييرات فنية وتكتيكية، وهذا مرضي”.

وأتم: “بعد ذلك، اعتمادًا على المباريات، ربما يتغير شيء دائمًا، بعض التحركات من قبل لاعب ما، ولكن دعونا أولاً نعطي انطباعًا حيويًا ومستقيمًا”.

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Youri Tielemans has been a fabulous capture for Leicester in the back half of the campaign. Signed by Claude Puel on loan from Monaco, he has been a revelation since arriving at the King Power in January.

For a while now he’s been one of the most promising creative midfielders around and he’s more than shown that in the Premier League.

As such, speculation has been rife about his future in the last few weeks with a number of top-flight clubs showing an interest in the 22-year-old.

Brendan Rodgers has said the club will do everything they can to make his loan stay a permanent one but the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United are all circling around the player, per The Daily Star.

Meanwhile, Paul Merson has claimed, in quotes relaid by Leicestershire Live, that Manchester City should be looking at him.

Therefore, a picture of the Belgian superstar deep in conversation with City boss Pep Guardiola and the club’s captain, Vincent Kompany after the game could come as a cause for concern.

Tielemans’ Leicester side had just lost to a thunderbolt from his compatriot Kompany but it didn’t seem to have upset the midfielder too much.

The Foxes will be desperate to see him back at the club next term but it’s becoming increasingly unlikely.

His conversation with Guardiola, therefore, will not have had Leicester supporters feeling much better after missing out on seventh place in the league table on the night as well.

Thank goodness: Andrea Radrizzani apparently reveals future of Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United and its great news for fans.

On top of contending with the hurt and anxiety of possibly missing out on their best chance for promotion in years, Leeds fans have been desperately worried about the long-term future of their Argentine messiah. However, recent revelations may ease their pain.

Andrea Radrizzani is apparently confident that Marcelo Bielsa will remain as manager of Leeds United next season regardless of whether they get promotion, as per Football Insider.

The Argentine signed a two-year contract when he joined in the summer of 2018 and, though the second year is only activated if the club take up their option to do so, we have zero doubts that they will opt to stay with El Loco.

A second term is triggered automatically if Leeds are promoted this season, the chances of which remain dubious as the club prepare for the end of the season play-offs after missing out on a top-two finish due to poor end of season form.

A source close to Leeds has revealed to Football Insider that Radrizzani has told friends he expects Bielsa to stay at the club even if it means leading them through another long-haul Championship campaign for a 16th consecutive season outside of the Premiership. And this can only be good news for fans, who experienced one of their brightest runs in recent history under a coach who genuinely seems to know what he is doing.

Confidence may not be high at the moment, but a single point against already relegated Ipswich Town will guarantee third place and play-off semi-final against the team finishing sixth, either Bristol City, Derby or Middlesbrough.

This would avoid a two-legged matchup against either West Brom and Aston Villa, both of whom are very capable of derailing Leeds’ promotion hopes.

Leeds fans, do you really see Bielsa staying? What changes would he need to make to get the club up next year? Join the discussion by commenting below…