Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert hasn’t enjoyed the best of stays as manager of Aston Villa. Since taking over from Alex McLeish in June 2012, he has been unable to help Villa find the consistency needed to be challenging for at least a top half finish.

He has had money to spend, but not as much as the majority of clubs in the Premier League. The £7million signing of Christian Benteke from Genk in August 2012 was the most he has spent on one player. But Lambert still has quality in his team and has had two and a half years to build a young squad.

However, a win percentage of just under 30 and two 15th place finishes suggests his tenure has been anything but successful. This season hasn’t gone to plan either, with the club in 15th position once more, looking desperately over their shoulder at the relegation zone, just three points behind them.

No win in seven Premier League matches has Villa on a downward spiral, which is huge cause for concern among the faithful at Villa Park. The most worrying statistic is that Villa haven’t scored in five league matches – the last time they found the net was over a month ago against Man United – and they have only managed a pathetic 11 goals in 22 Premier League encounters. Lambert has proven time and again that he is out of his depth managing in the Premier League, which begs the question; is now the right time for change?

It is obvious to point out that scoring goals has been Villa’s biggest weakness this season. Andreas Weimann and Gabby Agbonlahor are the joint top scorers for the Villians with just three league goals each. Christian Benteke has been the club’s top goalscorer for the past two seasons, but only has two goals in 13 Premier League appearances this time around.

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The 24-year-old Belgium international hasn’t looked his clinical self this season, missing many chances that he would have buried in previous campaigns. His lack of goals has hurt Villa massively, after scoring an impressive 29 in 60 before this season started. His 19 goals in his first season brought about interest from a lot of clubs and speculation has continued right up until now, which has perhaps turned his head slightly. It’s not just the strikers that are to blame, with a lack of creativity in midfield another of Aston Villa’s biggest problems.

However, the recent signing of Carles Gil from Valencia for £3.2m could rectify these issues. The Spanish under-21 international is highly rated and impressed during a two-year loan spell at Elche. He had just started to break into the Valencia side for the first time this season but still played something of a fringe role. Gil scored his one and only La Liga goal last September, but a move to Villa could bring about a change of fortune for both parties.

Villa’s rapid decline in recent years is starting to become a worrying trend for the club and its loyal supporters. A club with great history and tradition, including European Cup success in 1982, it’s fair to say the fans certainly deserve better than the poor league standings that have occurred in the past four years or so. 2011 was the last time Villa achieved a top half finish – coming 9th – after several top six finishes in the years before.

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But with Paul Lambert in charge, things don’t look to be improving any time soon. They have more chance of suffering a first relegation since 1987 than competing again for a European place unless something quickly is done about it.

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that he does not regret selling Danny Welbeck to Arsenal, Sky Sports reports.

The Red Devils were knocked out of the FA Cup quarter-finals after a 2-1 loss to the Gunners on Monday, which means United are set to go another season without any silverware.

And Welbeck, who moved to the Emirates on transfer deadline day last summer, scored the winner against his former club after a stray back-pass from Man United defender Antonio Valencia.

But despite this, Van Gaal insists he does not regret letting Welbeck leave Old Trafford in order to make way for Radamel Falcao, with the Colombian struggling for form and fitness since his move from Monaco.

Asked if he regretted selling Welbeck for Falcao, Van Gaal said: “He (Falcao) has scored four goals, had three or four assists and he stimulates the other players, so that is an aspect of the profession. But it is now easy for you to say that and you are happy to say that.

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“It’s very disappointing when you give the victory to your opponent,” said Van Gaal. “When you haven’t lost because of the opposition, you have lost because of yourself.

“The players are very disappointed because they know that it could be different. Matches are decided by goals and you see the second goal, it was nothing, we gave it away. The man who did that was the best man of my team and that’s also disappointing for him.”

Nacho Monreal put Arsene Wenger’s men into the lead in the 26th minute, but shortly after Wayne Rooney equalized from a brilliant Angel di Maria cross.

However, 17 minutes into the second half, Welbeck struck to advance Arsenal into the semi-final, with Di Maria also seeing red for pulling referee Michael Oliver’s shirt following an incident that did not go Argentine’s way.

“I think he’s touched the referee and that’s forbidden in every country, so he has no excuses,” said Van Gaal.

“In Spain he knows that he doesn’t touch the referee, but that is also in his emotion. I’ve already spoken with him, he knows my opinion but also I have to see on the video.”

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It seems that whenever a player makes a name for himself then either Barcelona or Real Madrid ready big money offers to tempt them away. That appears to be the case with Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea who, with only another year left of his contract, has set Real Madrid’s alarm bells off.

At 2, de Gea is seen in his native Spain as Iker Casillas’ natural successor. Casillas has been between the sticks for both Real Madrid and Spain for 15+ years now and as he appears to have lost some of his sharpness, De Gea has been lined up to replace him.

Now that fit might seem perfect for Real but de Gea has become very much a part of the furniture at Old Trafford. David de Gea has started every one of United’s 30 league games this season keeping 10 clean sheets and his unwavering composure in goal easily holds back any competition from reserve ‘keepers Anders Lindegaard and Victor Valdes.

When United decided to sign ex-Barcelona goalkeeper Valdes on an 18-month-deal supporters speculated whether that meant de Gea would be moving on but in the three months that the 33-year-old has been at the club he has yet to break through to the first-team.

Both Lindegaard and Valdes are decent ‘keepers but neither are currently at the level that De Gea has showcased all year. Even with defensive frailties and an ever changing line-up the young stopper has stayed focussed, at times being the difference between United taking a precious point or none at all.

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But most if not all players want not just to win games but also trophies. United have been spectators of the Champions League this season and for an ambitious person like de Gea that must be hard. With only eight games left of this campaign United, who sit in fourth, have a good chance of qualifying for Europe but just dropping a few points could rule them out once again. That is not the case for Real Madrid. They are second in La Liga and are the current holders of Europe’s top prize.

de Gea was actually born in Madrid but began playing for Real’s city rivals Atletico when he was 13. Considering the bad feelings between the two clubs hopefully de Gea is not swayed by the chance to play for the 32 times league winners.

If it comes down to money then United just need to pay it. If they were willing to spend £6 million for one-year of Radamel Falcao’s time then de Gea, who has proven his worth for four seasons, should get a record amount also. After all there are a lot of good ‘keepers out there but not many who are great.

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If United can persuade de Gea to pledge his future to the club then the Red Devils will have a safe pair of hands for many, many seasons to come. He is still very young and the experience he will have gained not only on a domestic but international level in the coming years will be invaluable to a club that wish to reassert themselves back at the top.

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It’s not been the best few weeks for Arsenal on the striker pursuit front.

They were strongly linked with PSG star Edinson Cavani after his touchline bust-up with manager Laurent Blanc, but the Uruguay international has since downplayed rumours suggesting he could be on his way to the Premier League this summer – as reported by The Daily Star – whilst a host of rival suitors have emerged from the woodwork.

Indeed, according to reports from The Express yesterday evening, Manchester United, Liverpool and Juventus are all targeting the £60million-rated front-man.

So although Cavani is a sensational talent, boasting 150 goals in 224 appearances throughout affluent spells with Napoli and the French champions, it might be time for the Gunners to consider some viable alternatives.

And using our god-given powers of transfer know-how, Football Fancast have come up with a list of five centre-forwards the Gunners should resultantly turn to this summer.

Could one of these FIVE prove equally formidable as Arsenal’s next front man?

CHRISTIAN BENTEKE

Just as Christian Benteke seemed to be regressing towards the realms of mediocrity, he’s re-emerged as one of the most formidable front-men in the Premier League.

Since Tim Sherwood took the managerial reigns at Aston Villa from Paul Lambert in February, the beastly Belgian has claimed nine goals, two assists and four man of the match awards in ten appearances across all competitions.

In terms of height and power, the 6 foot 3 striker fits Arsenal’s lone striking role perfectly – and his deft link-up play often goes unappreciated.

Now 24 years of age and on the verge of ending his third consecutive Premier League campaign with double figures, Benteke seemed destined to join one of Europe’s higher powers.

Tim Sherwood has recently admitted the Belgium international could force a move away this summer, but he’ll likely set suitors back around £25million.

CARLOS BACCA

Arsenal were strongly linked with Carlos Bacca at the start of the season and they’d be well-advised to revive their interest after the Colombian international’s sensational 2014/15 campaign.

Last season, his 21 goals helped fire the La Liga outfit to a Europa League title, but he’s already matched that haul this year in just 43 outings, bringing his grand total to 42 in 95 for Sevillistas.

The 28 year-old is quick, powerful and unorthodox in style, suggesting he’d be a good fit for the physical demands of the Premier League.

According to The Metro, the former Club Brugge man has a release clause of just £21.3million, which should be well within Arsenal’s financial reach this summer.

ANDRE PIERRE GIGNAC

A token bargain amid a list of otherwise expensive stars, Andre Pierre Gignac might not meet the calibre of some of the aforementioned names but he will be leaving Marseille on a free transfer this summer.

And the 29 year-old has been in fantastic form over the last three seasons, bagging 60 goals and eight assists in his last 118 appearances for L’OM, including twenty strikes this term.

Measuring in at 6 foot 2 and famed for his broad shoulders, the France international would offer a similar kind of front-man service to Edinson Cavani, albeit in a somewhat less eloquent manner.

As previously stated, he’ll be leaving Stade Velodrome under the bosman ruling this summer. According to talkSPORT, however, he’s already ‘agreed a move in principal’ with Dynamo Moscow.

PAULO DYBALA

The striker virtually every major club in Europe want to get their hands on this summer, mooted suitors of Palermo prodigy Paulo Dybala include the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, PSG and Juventus.

Indeed, the 21 year-old’s 13 goals and ten assists in 30 Serie A appearances this term have seen him emerge as one of the hottest prospects on the continent, drawing comparisons with Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

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He certainly shares the latter’s drive, energy and potency on the counter-attack, and after ripping up Italian defences on a weekly basis appears ready for the next level.

Club president Maurizio Zamparini has made no secret of his desire to cash-in on the young Argentine this summer – even claiming he’ll be sold before the end of April.

But as previously stated, there’s huge already competition for the £30million-rated striker’s signature.

GONZALO HIGUAIN

Easily the most proven suggestion on this list, Gonzalo Higuain boasts a prolific haul of 224 goals in 442 appearances throughout his spells with River Plate, Real Madrid, Napoli and the Argentina national team.

Arsene Wenger tried to sign the 27 year-old in summer 2013 until a lengthy dispute over his price-tag, but now the move makes more sense than ever; he and Mesut Ozil built up quite the on-pitch rapport at Real Madrid and if the Gunners gaffer can replicate that in north London, he’ll be onto a real winner.

In direct contrast to Cavani, Higuain is diminutive, quick and technical. He’s also very astute at bringing others to the game – a trait that should bear particular significance in regards to Arsenal’s high-scoring midfield – with 14 assists over his last two Serie A campaigns.

The Argentine international will reportedly leave the Naples outfit this summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, and according to The Independent, he’ll be available for around £30million.

This season cannot end soon enough for Liverpool.

The minimum aim of a top four finish is gone, the European return was a nightmare, the spectre of Steven Gerrard leaving has been hanging over Anfield for too long and Raheem Sterling’s transfer saga has descended into lunacy.

However, there’s always next time, and with a few choice additions the Reds could mount a real challenge for Champions League qualification and build a side as impressive as the 2013/14 offering.

So, here is the XI Brendan Rodgers could be fielding in a few months’ time in the much-desire 4-4-2 diamond set-up…

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GK – Simon Mignolet

Say what you want about Mignolet’s command of his area and consistency, but 14 clean sheets – the most in the Premier League this term – is the ultimate marker of his influence between the sticks.

Okay, a solid backline since the turn of the year has helped, but the Belgian appears to have come through, possibly, the most difficult spell of his career – the run up to Christmas – a stronger player. There have been links with alternatives, but Mignolet deserves the nod again for next term.

RB – Martin Montoya

With Glen Johnson on his way out of Anfield and this set-up the much-demanded 4-4-2 diamond, attacking full-backs are needed. Montoya is a player being linked with a switch to Merseyside, and the Barcelona man appears to fit the bill well in a Rodgers team.

Capable of getting forward down the wing, but also reliable in his own third, the Spaniard is a great option and could be a bargain due to his plight at the Nou Camp.

CB – Martin Skrtel

The big Slovakian has often been critics for his wresting in the area and lack of pace on the turn, but he’s been a colossus in a fairly disappointing Liverpool season. Strong, commanding and a genuine leader – he captains his nation – the 30-year-old is a senior figure at the club now, so his influence with Steven Gerrard going could be key.

CB – Inigo Martinez

Although an impressive centre-back, Mamadou Sakho cannot be relied upon to stay injury-free for extended periods of a season, so Liverpool may need to look elsewhere.

Genuine links with defenders have been few and far between so far, but Martinez appears to be a player being looked at. Having only just turned 24, his position as a La Liga regular at Real Sociedad is impressive, as is his status as a full Spain international – albeit he has only one cap.

LB – Alberto Moreno

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Despite being defensively suspect, Moreno still makes the cut. The young Spaniard was a late summer addition last year, and despite the hype he’s largely disappointed.

There was the excellent goal at Spurs, but the full-back has found coping with the physicality of the Premier League tricky, while lapses in concentration have been punished. However, we’d like to think that the 22-year-old will learn from his debut campaign and come back stronger.

DM – Arturo Vidal

With Steven Gerrard off to America, Liverpool need a commanding midfielder to run the show, and it seems that the club are aware of this, with Vidal a £25m target.

The Chilean has struggled with knee problems over the course of the past few years, but at 27 he’s in his peak, which is what the Reds need. Energetic, able to get forward and keen to put in a strong tackle, the South American could be the future of the Kop midfield.

CM – Jordan Henderson

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Captain in waiting, Henderson has to make the XI. The Former Sunderland man has come on leaps and bounds after a questionable debut season under Kenny Dalglish and appears to be adding goals to his game.

A willing runner and a neat passer, Henderson may not be a ‘box office’ player, but he has looked impressive without Steven Gerrard hogging the limelight, so he may be able to take the next step in 2015/16.

CM – James Milner

Seemingly a nailed on deal, Milner looks to be heading down the M62 from Manchester to Liverpool on a free transfer. A major stipulation in this seems to be his desire to play central midfield, so that would suggest that Rodgers is willing to offer him his desired role.

Despite being shifted into almost every position in the sky blue shirt, Milner’s best position is, arguably, central, which he showed in the latter months of his spell at Aston Villa.

AM – Philippe Coutinho

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It may be a bit petty, but Raheem Sterling gets nowhere near this XI. Coutinho has out-performed the England international – who may well not be at Anfield in a few months’ time – across the campaign, and looks to be the player Rodgers wants to build his side around.

Dynamic, intelligent and incisive with his passing, putting the Brazilian in the ‘No.10’ role could get the best from his skill set now he’s found a level of consistency.

ST – Alexandre Lacazette

Undoubtedly the issue for Liverpool this season has been goals. Right now the Reds are 50 off their haul of last term (101), and it appears extremely unlikely that even a dent on the void will be registered against Stoke on Sunday. Lacazette appears to guarantee goals.

The Frenchman has 27 in Ligue 1 action for Lyon to his name this term – only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have higher totals in Europe’s top five leagues – making him one of the most dangerous options out there. Liverpool are thought to be interested…

ST – Daniel Sturridge

Even though he’s made of glass, Sturridge makes this team. If he can be kept fit –that’s a big IF – the England international is lethal in front of goal and provides skill and presence from the front.

This season may have been a horrendous blip in terms of fitness, with serious surgery having been performed and medical professionals having looked into the consistent problems he’s had.

Being an Arsenal fan must be odd. Each season is always seemingly poised for the glory days to return, with top players in place, the Premier League’s longest-serving manager at the helm and top-level European football a virtual guarantee.

However, on a consistent basis something goes wrong and the Londoners slip up and put together an unconvincing campaign… either failing to get out of first gear in the opening months or leaving it too late to make a serious push to get to the front of the pack on the home straight.

Having said that, with a player of Petr Cech’s ilk now in, Alexis Sanchez, arguably, the best attacker in the division and the end of 2014/15 having made a justifiable argument for Arsenal being the finest club side in English football, there is indeed an air of optimism at the Emirates Stadium.

As we know it’s hard to make a true prediction, but luckily at Football FanCast we know a fair few experts on all things Arsenal… so here’s what they believe is in store for the coming campaign.

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Nadji Grizzle

@goonergrizz is an USA-based Arsenal fanatic and sports writer, contributing to sites such as Arsenal Mania and Give Me Sport, and he’s pretty optimistic about the season ahead…

What the fans expect: At the very least we expect a consistent and sustained title challenge from start to finish. We believe in our squad, and know we are capable of winning the title, but for now at the very least we expect to be in an around the top places by the end of the season. We want the title of course, but anything lower than second is unacceptable.

What they’ll actually get: I think the lads will deliver, actually. The form and consistency we showed over the second half of the season was fantastic, and so long as we channel that into the next season, we’ll challenge for sure. I think we’ll get a more focused Arsenal, and much less senseless points dropped.

One to watch: Has to be Petr Cech for all the hype and controversy surrounding his move. Normally I’d go for Alexis (Sanchez) since he is coming off a brilliant debut season and now a Copa America win, or maybe even Mesut (Ozil) who still hasn’t reached his Real Madrid form but is improving. Theo (Walcott) and Jack (Wilshere) have much to prove as well having been out for so long and question marks over where they will fit in when they return, but Petr Cech is the man to watch. We waited so long for a top class goalkeeper, and he comes with such a huge billing I imagine his every move will be scrutinised. He has already been tasked with saving us 12-15 points so we’ll see how he gets on.

Predictions: Hate to say it, but if we don’t sign any more players, specifically a top goal scorer, I predict a second place finish at the moment. With a proven and consistent goal scorer and perhaps another defensive midfielder and/or centre back, we could win the league for sure. But as things stand, I predict runners-up.

Jules Wheeler

@TheRealGunner on Twitter, Jules Wheeler knows what’s going on at Arsenal… and she’s predicting a big, big, BIG season if Alexis Sanchez can continue to set the Premier League alight!

What the fans expect: Everything! They expect top players every season now, especially after the signings like Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez over the last two seasons and now Petr Cech. I think that they also expect to bring in a few quality players over the summer, particularly a top striker, DM and CB.

What they’ll actually get: We have now got a fantastic GK in Cech which will save us a few points a season. I do believe that Arsene Wenger will do his best to bring in a world class striker. Francis Coquelin did very well last season so I’m not 100% sure that a DM will be a priority now.

One to watch: I think that Alexis is the player to watch again this season. He had a superb first season in the Premier League. His work rate and enthusiasm for the game is infectious and has such a positive effect on the rest of the team.

Predictions: I think that we have a great chance to win the Premier League if we bring in those additional players.

Oli Price-Bates

@OliPriceBates – an Arsenal blogger, CEO of Fresh Football and a writer for Metro – thinks that the heroics of a certain idol of the white half of North London could be replicated at the Emirates Stadium this season…

What the fans expect: A decent effort at the title and two more big signings

What they’ll actually get: 2nd place and one more big signing

One to watch: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – He’s capable of ‘doing a Bale’ if he can stay injury free

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Predictions: An improved showing in the Champions League and runners-up in the Premier League.

Daniel Cowan

@thedanielcowan is the editor of Goonersphere & North London Is Red and is predicting big things for Theo Walcott this season…

What the fans expect: The treble

What they’ll actually get: The double

One to watch: Theo as striker

Predictions: Theo to win golden boot, Cech to win golden glove & Arsenal to break the ‘heroic failure’ trend in the Champions League before getting knocked out in the quarter-finals by Juve.

Javier Hernandez has been amongst the biggest victims of the change in management at the London Stadium. He arrived at West Ham last summer as arguably their most impressive signing of the transfer window and although injuries have been a factor under David Moyes, the Mexico international hasn’t made a start for the Hammers since the beginning of November.

There’s no question Hernandez is a supremely talented finisher, however – something he proved frequently with Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen – and with tonight’s League Cup clash against Arsenal representing a chance for Moyes to rotate his squad, Chicharito could well find himself back in the starting XI.

So, West Ham fans, would you start Hernandez against the Gunners this evening or opt for another figure to lead the line, with Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio being the other leading candidates? Let us know if the former United star deserves the nod by voting below…

Sorry folks this poll is now closed!

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Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha put in a man of the match performance as his side beat Leicester City 3-0 at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, and Everton fans have urged their club to sign the 25-year-old.

The Eagles found themselves rock-bottom of the Premier League with no points after losing their opening seven matches of the season – with Zaha missing six of those because of injury – but the 25-year-old’s return has been the catalyst to take Palace out of the relegation zone and up to 14th position.

The wide-man was a constant menace against the Foxes and he scored one to take his tally to four in 12 top flight appearances this term.

Meanwhile, the Toffees’ own rejuvenation continued as they moved into the top-half of the table with a 3-1 victory against Swansea City at Goodison Park on Monday night, but manager Sam Allardyce is still likely to strengthen his squad in January.

Everton supporters were quick to have their say on the Ivory Coast international’s display via social media, and while one said “what a signing he would be”, another said “we should pay big money for Zaha”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Liverpool announced on Wednesday afternoon that Marko Grujic had joined Championship side Cardiff City on loan for the remainder of the season.

Grujic joined Liverpool from Red Star Belgrade in 2016, but he has only made 13 first-team appearances for the Premier League club in all competitions.

Just two of his appearances have come in the Premier League this season, meanwhile, and speculation linking the midfielder with a loan move had gathered pace in recent weeks.

Cardiff won the race for his signature, and it is a big coup for the Welsh club, who are currently battling to earn promotion back to the Premier League.

At 21, Grujic, who is valued at £4.5m by transfermarkt.co.uk, certainly has time to develop, and news that the four-time Serbia international had left on loan was welcomed by the Liverpool fans on social media.

Indeed, many are already looking forward to the midfielder returning a better player at the end of the campaign. A selection of the Twitter reaction can be found below:

West Ham United supporters were left absolutely fuming on Saturday after midfielder Arthur Masuaku was sent off in the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic.

The 24-year-old received his marching orders for spitting at opposition player Nick Powell early in the second half, leaving the Irons with a mountain to climb having already conceded a goal.

The home side went on to net a second to secure a 2-0 victory, dumping David Moyes’ side out of the competition.

As reported by The Evening Standard, Masuaku now faces a lengthy six-game ban, leaving the Hammers with further selection problems in the coming weeks.

Clearly the sending off incident was one which not only frustrated supporters but left them embarrassed and disgusted, with many taking to social media after the fact to criticise the player.

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Some are even calling on him to refund travelling away fans or for him to never be selected again.