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The Blues could blood some of their top academy talents in the final week of the season as they bid to avoid losing more homegrown youngsters

Despite their late-season struggles, Chelsea's place in the Champions League for next season is now secure.

Arsenal's defeat at Newcastle on Monday assured Thomas Tuchel's side of a place among Europe's elite for 2022-23, and with new ownership on the horizon, summer plans can finally be firmed up.

There are still two Premier League games to go, however, with Leicester City and Watford visiting Stamford Bridge on Thursday and Sunday, respectively.

Tuchel will be keen to ensure his side finish third rather than fourth, but with the pressure mostly off, the German coach has now been given a chance to get a full look at his squad options in the final matches of the campaign.

With a host of players set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, this feels like the ideal opportunity to blood some youngsters, allowing Tuchel to get a taste of what they could offer him next term.

There have been growing concerns among the Chelsea fanbase over the pathway from the club's famed academy to the first team, with a host of academy stars having left the club in the past couple of years.

The success of Marc Guehi and Tino Livramento after departing the Blues in the summer of 2021 has brought this into sharper focus, and so playing some teenage talents now could work both ways for Chelsea going forward.

It would allow Tuchel to get a proper look at what the academy has to offer, while showing those talents that the road to the Chelsea first team still exists.

But who are the candidates to potentially play over the next four days and into pre-season? GOAL has the answer…

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  Harvey Vale

  Vale is currently the frontrunner to win Chelsea's Academy Player of the Year award, following in the footsteps of the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

  The versatile forward, who can also play at wing-back or in midfield, has been given more first-team opportunities by Tuchel than any other academy player this season, appearing for a total of 131 minutes in domestic cup competitions.

  With nine goals and five assists at age-group level this season, the 18-year-old has been a leader for both the Under-23s and U18s.

  There is also an extra incentive for Tuchel to use Vale, with the England youth international having just one year left on his current contract, and first-team opportunities likely to be a sticking point when negotiations over a fresh deal begin.

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  Lewis Hall

  At just 17, Hall rose to prominence after starring in Chelsea's 5-1 FA Cup third-round win over National League side Chesterfield in January.

  A natural midfielder, the teenager actually played at centre back, but still ended the match with an assist after playing 90 full minutes.

  Since then, Hall has dropped back down to youth level, racking up close to 40 appearances in all competitions in a season that has seen him play all the way down with the U16s as well as with the senior side.

  Another appearance at that level in a more favourable position could, then, be a just reward for a player who those at Cobham say has developed far more quickly than they could have imagined.

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  Charlie Webster

  Webster is regarded as being the great entertainer of the Chelsea academy, combining his agility and balance with wonderful ball-striking technique that has led to him producing stunning passes and a series of long-range goals.

  One of the highest earners in the Blues' youth system, much was expected of the 18-year-old this season, but like many, he began the year without the required level of consistency. 

  In the past few months, however, he has rediscovered his form, and played a key role in the clubs U23s avoiding relegation from Division One of Premier League 2.

  Tuchel was in attendance to see Webster shine in the Blues' final-day win over Tottenham that secured their survival and could look to reward Webster for realising his potential, having not yet given him a senior debut.  

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  Xavier Simons

  Xavier Simons already has one senior appearance to his name, after he started December's Carabao Cup win over Brentford amid a Covid-19 outbreak at Chelsea.

  Playing slightly out of position at right wing-back, the Cobham starlet did well when facing the club he was originally signed from in 2016.

  Another appearance may be on the cards in the coming days, though the 19-year-old's contract situation is likely to work against him.

  Simons is now expected to leave Chelsea this summer with his current deal into its final weeks, with Southampton, Brighton, Norwich City and Watford all in the running to sign him on a free transfer.

The highest-rated players in the Spanish top flight have been revealed for this year's edition of the best-selling video game

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  27Frenkie de Jong – Barcelona – Rating: 85

  85 | CM

  79 PAC	88 DRI
  64 SHO	76 DEF
  84 PAS	76 PHY

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  26Koke – Atletico Madrid – Rating: 85

  85 | RM

  68 PAC	82 DRI
  75 SHO	74 DEF
  86 PAS	79 PHY

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  25James Rodriguez – Real Madrid – Rating: 85

  85 | CAM

  55 PAC	86 DRI
  86 SHO	50 DEF
  87 PAS	63 PHY

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  24Saul Niguez – Atletico Madrid – Rating: 85

  85 | CAM

  70 PAC	81 DRI
  78 SHO	78 DEF
  79 PAS	78 PHY

Spurs have signed their fair share of poor players over the years. Goal takes a look at the worst over the years

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  John Scales

  A centre-back by trade, Scales joined Tottenham for £2.6 million in 1996 but an awful injury record saw him make just 29 Premier League starts for the club in four years, and he joined Ipswich Town in 2000.

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  Kazuyuki Toda

  The red-haired Japanese midfielder joined Spurs on a one-year loan in 2003, but he made just four appearances and failed to make any sort of impact, with many fans believing his signing was designed to boost the club’s popularity in Asia.

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  Mbulelo Mabizela

  Signed from Orlando Pirates in 2003, Mabizela was billed as a strong, technically sound defender but he made just seven appearances for the club before being released from his contract two years later following a string of disciplinary problems. Nevertheless, his superb strike against Leicester City left a lasting legacy in north London.

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  Helder Postiga

  An £8.25m signing from Porto in 2003, Postiga managed just one goal in 19 appearances before he was shipped back to the Portuguese giants in exchange for Pedro Mendes.

As we enter the final games of the group stage, Goal has created their best XI from each nation's second match of the World Cup

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  Robin Olsen | GK | Sweden

  The Sweden shot stopper pulled off some sharp saves to deny Ilkay Gundogan, Jonas Hector, Thomas Muller and Mario Gomez to keep his side on a par with the world champions, making clear that it would take something special for them to get a winner. Unfortunately for Olsen, Toni Kroos delivered just that at the death.

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  Domagoj Vida | CB | Croatia

  The 29-year-old defender put in a superstar performance as his side ran out 3-0 winners against Argentina. With a crucial block and some vital clearances, he kept the Albiceleste at bay and helped preserve a clean sheet in a superb performance from Croatia.

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  John Stones | CB | England

  The 24-year-old capitalised on some terrible defending in Panama’s box to head in the opening goal eight minutes in and get the party started for England.

  The defender added another later in the half and was sound on the ball throughout as the Three Lions went on to win 6-1.

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  Carlos Salcedo | CB | Mexico

  The defender was a dominant figure in the Mexico back line as they impressed once again against South Korea.

  Salcedo, 24, recorded more passes than anyone else in the game and very little got past him as he impressed with blocks, tackles and clearances to protect El Tri’s advantage.

Lee Johnson has revealed Aiden McGeady’s chances of appearing for Sunderland against Accrington Stanley this weekend are 50-50.

Johnson provides McGeady update

McGeady missed the Black Cats’ match against Hull City during the week with an ankle issue as his side managed a 2-2 draw.

Speaking prior to this weekend’s clash against Accrington, Johnson provided an update on the 35-year-old. He said (via The Northern Echo):

“I’d put Aiden at 50-50 (for the weekend). He’s tough, like I’ve said, so he wants to play. He’s still very bruised, but at the same time it is a superficial injury.

“It’s not anything bone-related or ligament-related, so if he can handle the pain of smashing one in from 25 yards, hopefully in the top corner, then he can play. It’s as simple as that.”

Save him for the play-offs

Even though he is approaching the end of his career, McGeady is enjoying a fantastic season, especially since the arrival of Johnson. In his last 24 League One appearances, he has managed four goals and 12 assists (Transfermarkt), helping the Black Cats chase their dream of automatic promotion.

Unfortunately, results over the last few weeks mean Sunderland are likely to have to make do with the play-offs if they want to move up to the Championship. As such, it makes no sense to rush McGeady back into the action too quickly. They will need him for the last few games of the campaign – it is then that he can make a real difference to his side’s fortunes.

In other news, Kevin Phillips has made this worrying transfer claim.

There has no been ‘no contact’ from clubs showing an interest in Leeds United star Raphinha, according to The Athletic‘s Phil Hay.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic season for the Whites, arguably standing out as his side’s star man.

Raphinha has chipped in with six goals and assists apiece in the Premier League, with his pace, dribbling and unpredictability making him a nightmare for opposition defenders.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Brazilian’s form has seen him linked with some of the top clubs in the country, with Liverpool one of those tipped to sign him.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Hay provides key Raphinha update

Hay has given a positive update from a Leeds perspective, however, telling David Ornstein that there has been no concrete interest in Raphinha yet:

“In terms of Raphinha, the last time I asked about him there had been no contact of note.

“For all the links to the various clubs, particularly the top four in England, there was nothing behind it.

“But you have to be sensible enough to know it all depends on who bids what and when they bid.”

Transfer Tavern take

The thought of Leeds losing Raphinha just a year after he arrived is a worrying one, considering what a huge impact he has made.

If Marcelo Bielsa’s men want to go up another level in the league, they need to be keeping hold of their biggest players and the silky wide man is certainly one of those.

His aforementioned 12 goal involvements are proof of that and his level of threat means opponents often focus on him, opening up space for teammates to run into.

It would also leave a sour taste in fans’ mouths, given the kind of cult hero Raphinha has already developed into thanks to his frankly ridiculous moments of skill – such as the nutmeg on Gary Cahill.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a potentially game-changing signing this summer. Find out who it is here.

Glasgow Rangers fans are shocked after it was revealed Bayern Munich are interested in signing Ibrox flop Umar Sadiq.

Sadiq spent around six months on loan at Rangers in 2018, and managed just four outings for the 55-time Scottish champions – he failed to hit the back of the net even once (Transfermarkt). However, since then, his career has gone from strength, scoring 23 goals in 52 games for Partizan Belgrade before netting 17 in 32 for Almeria.

Now, according to Spanish outlet AS, Bayern are said to be eyeing a move for the 24-year-old Nigeria international. He has a release clause of €60m (£52m) at his current outfit – that will become €80m (£69.4m) if they are promoted to La Liga – but Almeria would reportedly consider an offer of €30m (£26m).

Given his poor displays for them during his time in Scotland, Rangers fans are perplexed as to how he is now on the radar of the European champions. They took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Sadiq below

“Worlds gone”

Credit: @HazleHeader

“Umar Sadiq. Bayern Munich. €60-80m…… What is happening?”

Credit: @Pena_Cartel

“Umar Sadiq linked with Bayern, the reigning European champions. That’s enough Twitter for today”

Credit: @rfcryan1995

“Utter madness”

Credit: @RangersMan2907

“Umar Sadiq to Bayern!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????!!?!!?”

Credit: @staunchsadiq

“Umar Sadiq can’t believe what I’m reading”

Credit: @ally_watp

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this broadcaster’s comments.

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to footage of the club’s Under-18 side on social media.

Villa’s youngsters turned out at Villa Park on Wednesday afternoon against Burton Albion in the FA Youth Cup last-16.

Sean Verity’s side put nine past their opponents to advance to the quarter-finals where they will now take on Newcastle United.

Louie Barry scored a hat-trick, Carney Chukwuemeka netted twice and Aaron Ramsey, Brad Young and Seb Revan also got on the scoresheet in an emphatic display.

Villa were actually six goals to the good before half time, bouncing back brilliantly from a 7-0 defeat to Chelsea on the weekend.

Villa fans react

The club shared all nine goals on their official Twitter page on Wednesday evening in highlights which lasted close to eight minutes.

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many full of praise and one describing the clip as ‘special’.

“Wow”

Credit: @tw1708

“I am so excited for the future of AVFC”

Credit: @_JJ_stone

“Something special about this youth team”

Credit: @CarlvHarris

“Fantastic. Well done lads.”

Credit: @SmokeeLou

“How good are these lads man”

Credit: @danlawlor28

“Poetry in motion”

Credit: @AvfcBoxing

In other news: Many AVFC fans react to Ross Barkley update, find out more here. 

Former Sheffield United midfielder Keith Gillespie has exclusively told Football FanCast that the Blades have missed Sander Berge’s “quality”, but thinks his injury record could see him struggle for a future move away from Bramall Lane.

The Norwegian joined from Genk for a club-record fee last January, but whilst the midfielder featured in all 14 of United’s Premier League remaining 2019/20 games following his arrival, he’s been plagued with injuries this term and therefore hasn’t been able to help the club battle against relegation.

He appeared in Sheffield United’s opening 13 league matches this season, but hasn’t been available since having surgery on a tendon his leg following an injury sustained in the defeat to Manchester United before Christmas.

Berge still has more than three years remaining on his Blades contract, but with the club on the verge of relegation, is set to leave Bramall Lane this summer – with north London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal both interested in the 23-year-old.

Despite those links, Gillespie believes that Berge’s recent injuries could make a potential summer move difficult for him. He told Football FanCast:

“Berge was brought in for a lot of money and he has been injured for most of the season, so that can hinder you because you want somebody with that quality to come in and help the side.

“Berge, who’s going to come in for him? He hasn’t played that much. You don’t know how injury prone he can be, he’s missed a huge chunk of the season.

“I certainly think he would have improved Sheffield United this season.”

It has been a long nine days since Wolverhampton Wanderers were last in action.

Nuno Santo’s men played out a 0-0 draw with Midlands rivals Aston Villa – a game that they should have won.

Romain Saiss somehow blazed an effort over the bar from just a matter of yards out; a moment in the match that proved pivotal for both teams.

Small cracks are starting to appear in this Wolves side again, though. They haven’t won in their last three games and received a battering at the hands of Manchester City in the process.

In a normal season, they may well be on the end of a similar result against Liverpool on Monday. That being said, the Reds have lost six of their last seven Premier League outings. It’s a remarkable turn of events for a club who have been so impressive in recent years.

With that in mind, Wolves should feel confident about their chances this evening, but how will they line-up?

Here’s what we’re predicting at Football FanCast.

We think that Nuno may go in a similar way to how he fielded his team against Manchester City.

That means Nelson Semedo starts at right wing in order for Wolves to get the most from his attacking attributes. As a result, Willian Jose drops out and Adama Traore moves into the central role he started in at the Etihad.

Jose has found life difficult since moving from Real Sociedad in the winter and is yet to score a single goal in Wolves colours. With Liverpool’s defence as fragile as it is, Traore could prove to be a real weapon for the Molineux outfit.

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With Semedo moving forward it means that Ki-Jana Hoever comes in at right wing-back to play against the team that sold him last summer.

There is a second change in defence where the £23k-per-week Saiss drops out. We bemoaned his performance against Villa a few weeks ago and with Willy Boly now fit, he has to start.

The Frenchman has been back on the bench and after having nine days to train with the squad, should be in good shape to play from the off.

AND in other news, Shi could land Wolves’ perfect Moutinho heir in £35k-p/w gem with “boundless energy”…