West Ham United will have no problem paying the asking price to sign a forward who's been called "similar" to Mohammed Kudus, according to reports.
Hammers chasing new forward
Michail Antonio's uncertain future, coupled with David Moyes and his seeming lack of faith in Danny Ings, highlight the potential need for West Ham to bring in new forward options sooner rather than later.
Technical chief Tim Steidten is the man tasked with overseeing their transfer activity, and it is believed he is growing in influence at West Ham. The east Londoners are thought to be chasing a striker as their main focus for January, but Moyes has been forced to improvise in the meantime.
Winger Jarrod Bowen has been used down the middle on occasion, with Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson actually suggesting West Ham have enough cover there already.
“I think Moyes has that cover with Mohammed Kudus, he’s been a great signing," said Robinson on West Ham's striker situation to Football Insider.
gideon-kidoa-jarrod-bowen-west-ham-opinion
"He’s the option. He can play down the centre as well, but also in recent weeks, we’ve seen Jarrod Bowen fill in that role and he’s been excellent. I’ve seen him a few times this season.
“With Kudus and Bowen, maybe not direct competitors, but David Moyes certainly has options and he is not afraid to use them.
“I really like what he’s done there. They’ve progressed again whether or not he looks for a direct competitor for Antonio to strengthen his squad. It’s a squad that’s used to the rigours of European football and they’re in a much better place. In regards to Antonio, if the manager can afford that luxury, maybe it’s something he looks at.”
The Irons, in their pursuit of a new forward, are actually believed to have their eyes on quite an interesting option in Genoa star Albert Gudmundsson.
West Ham ready to "break the bank" for Gudmundsson
The Iceland international is versatile and can play out wide, through the centre and as a second striker – which is what he's done under manager Alberto Gilardino.
Gudmundsson has often been deployed as the second striker behind Meteo Retegui this term, where he has impressed with five goals in 12 Serie A appearances.
Genoa rewarded the 26-year-old with a new contract on Friday as a result of his excellent performances, but that hasn't deterred Steidten and co.
Indeed, according to Calciomercato.it (via Sport Witness), West Ham are ready to "break the bank" for Gudmundsson and will have no problem paying his asking price.
The "exemplary" attacker (Kevin Strootman) is said to be valued at around £17.5 million, and they aren't the only ones who wish to make a move for Gudmundsson.
Rivals from the Premier League, Napoli and Roma are mentioned as other suitors for the player and it will be very interesting to see who comes out on top.
Given Gudmundsson's versatility and form, coupled with the notion that he is actually "similar" to Kudus (Football Transfers), £17.5m could be a price worth paying.
Newcastle United's meteoric rise from relegation battlers to European challengers is a glowing testament to how quickly things can change in football.
Since the PIF took over the club and entrusted Eddie Howe as manager, the English tactician deserves so much credit for this spectacular turnaround, having dragged the Magpies to Champions League football for the first time in 20 years last term.
Whilst the Toon are currently bottom of their continental group, there is still every chance of qualification with only three points separating them from table toppers Borussia Dortmund.
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.
That said, Newcastle have struggled from a whole host of misfortune this term with 12 first-team stars currently injured or suspended, including summer signing Sandro Tonali, who is serving a suspension till August 2024.
Newcastle's Tonali replacement plan boosted as "exceptional" ace wants move
He specifically wants the Magpies…
ByHenry Jackson Nov 11, 2023
With this in mind, Howe is eyeing up a number of replacements for the Italian in January and one of those is 20-year-old Javi Guerra.
Newcastle transfer news – Javi Guerra
According to reports in Spain – as relayed by Caught Offside – Newcastle could submit a €40m (£35m) bid for the Valencia midfield maestro, whose performances for the Spanish club have caught the eye.
It is claimed that the Magpies are lining up a proposal for the talented youngster and could look to make a move for him once January rolls around.
Guerra is currently under contract with Valencia until the summer of 2027 and while it is unknown whether they are ready to sanction his departure, the report states that the Spanish side could be open to accepting the offer as it represents a substantial financial gain for them.
A technically gifted central midfielder, who would add creativity, control and composure in the middle of the park, the 20-year-old has all the attributes in his locker to become a key player for Newcastle and could easily supply Howe with a long-term upgrade on Tonali.
The statistics that show Guerra would be an upgrade on Tonali
Tonali was captured from AC Milan for his sensational technical and ball-carrying attributes, offering the Magpies more control in the centre of the park while allowing the likes of Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes to maraud further forward.
In the Premier League this term, he boasts a passing accuracy of 88%, a dribble success rate of 60% and a goal conversion of 33%, as per Sofascore, and while those are impressive statistics, Guerra has supplied better metrics than the 23-year-old across most departments in the past year.
Statistics
Javi Guerra
Sandro Tonali
Non-penalty goals
0.22
0.06
Expected assists (xA)
0.15
0.12
Shots total
1.82
0.80
Progressive carries
2.37
2.07
Successful take-ons
1.98
0.41
Carries into the pen area
0.55
0.06
Progressive carries received
2.98
3.16
All stats via FBref
Hailed by journalist Antonio Mango as "very talented", the Spaniard offers more of a threat in the final third, better quality chance creation and ball-carrying attributes than Tonali.
Guerra is able to glide past his markers from deep, as implied by the number of progressive carries and successful take-ons he amasses, whilst peppering the goal with shots.
According to talent scout Jacek Kulig, who describes him as a "deep-lying orchestrator", the 20-year-old boasts exceptional vision, athleticism and technique that could help Newcastle gain the upper hand in central midfield.
In the absence of Tonali, the Magpies have lost a bit of a stranglehold on proceedings in the middle of the park and could regain some much-needed technical excellence with the capture of the Spanish maestro in January.
Newcastle United were just moments away from earning a historic three points at the Parc Des Princes to complete the double over French champions Paris Saint-Germain until a pointed arm from Szymon Marciniak handed the hosts a controversial penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time.
It was harsh on Tino Livramento who had been utterly brilliant all night as his outstretched arm made contact with the ball. Who else but Kylian Mbappe dispatched the penalty, breaking the hearts of the Magpies who are now forced to rely on getting all three points at home to AC Milan in a fortnight on the final day of the group stage, while hoping that Borussia Dortmund can topple PSG.
Alexander Isak opened the scoring for the visitors in the 24th minute, marking his European return with a goal and making it two from two, having found the net at the weekend as well during a 4-1 thrashing of Chelsea.
However, there was one star that shone the brightest for head coach Eddie Howe in what was a disappointing end to the game.
Newcastle United's game in numbers
While Newcastle fans may not be overly keen to hear this, a draw was a good result given the balance of play.
In fact, a PSG victory wouldn't have been a robbery either. Les Parisiens held 72% of the ball during the game to the Magpies' 28%, but what is more damning is the expected goals (xG) comparison. The home team boasted an xG of 4.47 from a whopping 31 shots on the night to Newcastle's 1.48 from merely five opportunities at goal.
Additionally, Isak's goal inside the six-yard box recorded an xG of 0.71 alone, meaning the remaining four strikes had a total xG of just 0.77, with three coming from outside the penalty area, according to FotMob.
The English side were very much on the back foot throughout the game. As per WhoScored's player positions map, the only Newcastle United star who positioned himself above the halfway line on average was Isak.
The rest were parked inside their own half. Miguel Almiron, Bruno Guimaraes and Livramento made more tackles combined than PSG's entire team during the game, proving just how defensive Howe's team had to be.
Nevertheless, Howe and his players can thank one man in particular for even getting out of the game with a point for their efforts.
Nick Pope's game in numbers
Nick Pope was certainly Newcastle's hero during the game. The English goalkeeper faced 31 shots in total, with twenty coming from inside the penalty area, but it took a 98th-minute spot-kick for Mbappe to put the ball past him finally.
According to FotMob, Pope made six saves over the course of the match and five inside the box which led to 2.48 goals prevented in total.
The ex-Burnley keeper's display was so impressive that he earned a 7.9 match rating from Sofascore which was more than any other Newcastle United player, while just Mbappe and PSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz received a higher score. Meanwhile, Isak ended the game with a 6.7 rating.
Pope made one save just after the hour mark from Bradley Barcola which was truly astonishing and even led TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher to call it "one of the saves of his life".
Journalist Martin Hardy from The Times also tweeted that Pope has faced 97 shots in total in the Champions League this season but has conceded merely five goals, one coming last night from the penalty spot. Following another excellent shift in the opening gameweek against AC Milan in a goalless draw at the San Siro, manager Howe called his shot-stopper "outstanding". That is certainly apt in this scenario too, with Shields Gazette journalist Dominic Scurr handing him a 9/10 match rating.
Incidentally, the 31-year-old didn't receive a call-up to the England national team for the most recent international break. His performance in the French capital might make Gareth Southgate feel a little foolish as he continues to excel at St. James' Park and reach new heights.
Arsenal will be looking to record their fifth Premier League win in a row as they face Aston Villa in what promises to be an exciting clash of excellent teams this evening.
A last-minute winner against Luton Town in midweek spared any blushes, but this is a team that keeps finding a way to win and Mikel Arteta will be striving for another three points against Villa.
With the festive season in full swing, games are coming thick and fast and this might suggest the Spaniard could rotate his starting XI as the Gunners travel to the Midlands.
Despite the win against the Hatters, not every player was at their best…
Jakub Kiwior’s game in numbers vs Luton Town
The Polish defender was shoehorned into an unfamiliar left-back slot during the 4-3 win, and while he tried to get to grips with the position, he was severely limited.
During the clash, Kiwior managed to make just 16 successful passes while taking just 39 touches. He contributed with two tackles, three clearances and won three of his four ground duels to prove that his defensive skills were there for all to see, yet he failed to produce anything of note going forward.
The youngster didn’t even attempt a dribble while he delivered just one successful cross, and it was clear that Arteta was missing Oleksandr Zinchenko, while the natural centre-back received a rating of just 6/10 from 90min for his display.
The Ukrainian did come on for Kiwior with just 25 minutes left and he won 100% of his total duels while making one key pass and having a 90% pass success rate.
That cameo sets Zinchenko up nicely to be unleashed against Villa this evening, and he will be a better option on the left side of the defence for Arteta.
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s season in numbers
The £150k-per-week gem has given Arteta another attacking option from the full-back position as the former Manchester City defender has registered two goal contributions, created two big chances and averaged 1.1 key passes per game during the Premier League this term.
Arsenal's "massive" Hale End teen could force Zinchenko into a new role
The Gunners could find the latest Hale End prodigy in this rising dynamo
ByAngus Sinclair Nov 27, 2023
He subsequently ranks fourth in the squad for big chances created and for key passes per game, demonstrating further evidence of his importance to Arteta and there is no doubt he should be the first choice at left back this evening.
Podcaster Adam Keys lavished praise upon Zinchenko before the start of the 2022/23 campaign, saying the defender was “extremely technically gifted” and judging by his performances since joining the north Londoners last summer, that statement is spot on.
A win against Unai Emery’s side could see the Gunners extend their lead at the top of the table, although Villa will be a difficult side to break down as they are well-drilled under the former Arsenal boss.
If Arteta can secure all three points against the Villa Park outfit, it will surely give him plenty of confidence heading into the hectic festive period and unleashing Zinchenko at left back instead of Kiwior could well be crucial.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is in a sticky situation at Old Trafford and has reportedly pushed chiefs at the club to take action in January due to Rasmus Hojlund's current fitness.
Rasmus Hojlund's unfortunate Manchester United start…
Much fanfare followed the £72 million addition of Hojlund in the summer as Manchester United finally looked to have found their long-term answer in the striker position; nevertheless, it is fair to say that things haven't exactly gone the way either the Denmark international or Red Devils would've liked.
At just 20 years of age, Hojlund undoubtedly possesses the raw ingredients to become a top-class centre forward, evidenced by his stunning start to Chmpions League competition. However, he is still yet to net his first Premier League goal for the club and has been starved of service at times since moving to Old Trafford, with those around him failing to lay enough chances on a plate for the ex-Atalanta man to get off the mark.
Man Utd could sign "terrifying" £75m Hojlund upgrade in 2024
The Belgian could carry the Red Devils back into the Champions League places.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 11, 2023
Club icon Rio Ferdinand has offered an unusual explanation as to why Hojlund hasn't yet hit the heights expected of him at Manchester United, stating on the FIVE YouTube channel: "If Man United had [Michael] Olise, Jack Harrison, [Dwight] McNeil at Everton, Jacob Murphy at Newcastle – any one of those four wingers, I reckon [Hojlund] would have five or six goals by now."
He then added: "Why? Because they cross the ball. All four of those boys, their first thought is get the ball, head down, either beat the full-back and cross or give me a yard and cross the ball."
In a way, the former England international has a point, given that Red Devils' winger Antony is yet to record a single goal or assist this term. Marcus Rashford has also endured his own inconsistencies in 2023/24; meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho has shown signs of real promise, though he will also go through ineffective spells as he develops under Ten Hag.
Now, new information has emerged detailing that Ten Hag has urged Manchester United chiefs into action regarding a problem that is haltering Hojlund's progress at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag concerned over Rasmus Hojlund's fitness
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United boss Ten Hag is concerned about Hojlund's fitness due to back issues the Denmark international sustained earlier in the year, and has personally urged the Red Devils' hierarchy to let him dip into the market for attacking reinforcements.
Rasmus Hojlund's Premier League statistics – Sofascore
Shots per game
1.3
Expected goals
2.55
Big chances missed
8
Balls recovered
1.9
Expected assists
0.34
The Red Devils are conscious of overworking Hojlund during the festive period and have given Anthony Martial opportunities over the last few games as a result.
Rasmus Hojlund
New reinforcements in the attacking third have emerged as a priority for Ten Hag in January, with Brentford's Ivan Toney, Stuttgart poacher Serhou Guirassy and RB Leipzig man Timo Werned all deemed to be potential options to beef up their forward line in the New Year.
Rome wasn't built in a day and bringing in another striker would be a wise move from Manchester United to allow Hojlund to get himself fully fit and firing at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are now believed to be leading the race to sign a talented player but may need to pay over £100 million to land his signature, according to a report.
Man Utd's January plans…
Following an inconsistent time of things in the Premier League so far this campaign, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could be desperate to strengthen his side in January to try and maintain their challenge for continental qualification, especially following the news of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's recent investment. Nonetheless, Red Devils chief operating officer Collette Roche has warned that Financial Fair Play restrictions may force the club into a quiet transfer window, as she stated at a recent fans forum:
"Looking ahead to the January transfer window, we are not expecting it to be particularly busy.
"There will always be the possibility of deals around the edges of the squad, particularly in terms of finding opportunities for players who are not playing as much football as they would like. However, we've always been consistent in saying that we do not see January as the optimal time to do business and our recruitment strategy remains focused on summer windows."
David Alaba
18th December
Fikayo Tomori
16th December
Ronald Araujo
11th December
Jean-Clair Todibo
10th December
Marc Guehi
9th December
Leny Yoro
8th December
According to journalist Ben Jacobs speaking to GIVEMESPORT, RB Leipzig star Timo Werner and Stuttgart poacher Serhou Guirassy are under "internal consideration" at Manchester United to strengthen the striker department, saying:
"I am told Timo Werner and Serhou Guirassy are both under internal consideration but nothing yet is advanced. Dortmund and Milan are also tracking Guirassy, who has 17 Bundesliga goals."
Now, a fresh report has emerged claiming that the Red Devils are at the front of the queue to sign a talented young midfielder in a potential big-money deal.
Man Utd in first place for Joao Neves
According to reports in Portugal via Sport Witness, Manchester United are in first place to sign Benfica star Joao Neves and may need to pay more than £100 million to sign the midfielder.
Similar players to Joao Neves (FBRef)
Player
Club
Rodrigo Aliendrio
River Plate
Mats Wieffer
Feyenoord
Ben Sheaf
Coventry City
Erick Gutierrez
Guadalajara
Steven Alzate
Standard Liege
The 19-year-old currently has a release clause of €120 million, which could rise to €150 million in the event he were to agree fresh terms at Estadio da Luz; with Benfica working on a new deal. Nevertheless, several outlets cite the Red Devils as the strongest competitor for his signature at present, although the player doesn't appear to be keen on an exit in January.
Dubbed a "warrior" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Portugal international has gone on to make 25 appearances in all competitions for Benfica, registering one goal and one assist (Joao Neves statistics – Transfermarkt).
With Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat's long-term futures both deemed to be uncertain at Old Trafford, bringing in someone like Neves could help to add some valuable stability over the coming years in Ten Hag's engine room while his arrival may also act as a statement signing by Manchester United, making this one to watch in 2024.
Glasgow Rangers signed off for the winter break with a convincing 3-1 win over Kilmarnock on Tuesday thanks to goals from Ross McCausland, Abdallah Sima, and Todd Cantwell.
The Light Blues remain eight points adrift of rivals Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership table but still have two games in hand over them.
Philippe Clement has already secured one trophy in charge of the club – the League Cup – and will be eyeing up more pieces of silverware before the end of the season.
He could look to use the January transfer window, which has already brought the arrival of Fabio Silva on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, to add to his options.
The Belgian head coach has confirmed that the Gers will be "very active" as they look at plenty of potential signings to bolster their squad.
Rangers transfer news – Owen Beck
It was recently reported by DaveOCKOP that the Gers are one of the clubs eyeing up a possible swoop to sign Liverpool left-back Owen Beck.
The impressive youngster spent the first half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Dundee in Scotland and the Reds decided to activate a break clause in that deal to bring him back to Anfield this month.
This has opened up the door for other teams to pursue a temporary move for the young defender and Celtic and Rangers are both said to be keen on a loan for his services during the second half of the season.
It is said that Jurgen Klopp will give Beck an opportunity to impress him this month whilst Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas both remain out injured.
However, if Robertson is able to return to first-team action before the end of January then they could decide to loan the talented gem out and Celtic and Rangers would then 'battle' it out to secure his signature to bolster their respective squads.
Glasgow Rangers defender Borna Barisic.
Left-back is an area of the squad that could need surgery this year as experienced Croatia international Borna Barisic is out of contract at the end of the season.
His current deal at Ibrox is due to expire at the end of May and this means that he is currently free to speak to foreign clubs to put pen to paper on a pre-contract ahead of the summer.
Unless Rangers agree a new deal with the Croatian battler, this window is their last opportunity to recoup some money on him if they decide to cash in over the coming weeks.
Clement could finally ditch Barisic with Rangers swoop for £5.2m whiz
The Croatian full-back is out of contract at the end of the current season.
ByDan Emery Jan 3, 2024
Meanwhile, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Hellas Verona are interested in a deal to sign Ridvan Yilmaz from the Scottish giants.
They are in the market for a left-back and have identified the Turkey international as a target, although there is no suggestion that the Gers are willing, or looking, to sell him.
Whether the club decide to move Yilmaz on or not, Clement and recruitment chief Nils Koppen could land a big upgrade on Yilmaz by winning the race for Beck's signature.
Ridvan Yilmaz's season in numbers
The 22-year-old dynamo has finally had a decent run of appearances in the first-team for Rangers this season after a difficult first year at the club.
He only played nine Premiership matches, and started eight, in the 2022/23 campaign after his permanent move from Besiktas in the summer of 2022.
The Turkish full-back has already beaten that tally this term with 13 league appearances and nine starts after 20 matchdays for the Gers.
Ridvan Yilmaz for Rangers.
Yilmaz has showcased his attacking quality from left-back with one assist and 1.8 key passes per match to go along with four 'big chances' created in total.
He has also had to do his fair share of defending with 1.9 tackles and interceptions combined and 3.7 ball recoveries per match across his 13 outings.
Opposition players have been able to dribble past him 0.8 times per game and the former Besiktas man has won 55% of his duels in total, which shows that he has been able to handle the physical nature of Scottish football this term.
Rangers could now land a big upgrade on Yilmaz by swooping to sign Beck from Liverpool, as the youngster has outperformed the former Besiktas man in the Premiership so far this season.
Owen Beck's season in numbers
The 21-year-old whiz caught the eye during the first half of the campaign whilst on loan at Dundee before the Reds decided to recall him at the start of the month.
Beck established himself as a regular starter down the left flank with 17 starts in what was just his second first-team loan, after five appearances in League One with Bolton last term.
Appearances
Five
Starts
Two
Goals
Zero
Assists
Zero
Duel success rate
28%
The Welsh dynamo produced more quality as an attacking force than Yilmaz with two goals, two assists, and 2.0 key passes per match for Dundee.
This shows that he has the ability to provide a greater threat at the top end of the pitch as the Liverpool youngster could offer more as a goal threat and create chances for his teammates more frequently.
Beck, who was once described as a "spectacular" left-back by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also showcased his terrific defensive qualities for the Scottish side.
Liverpool defender Owen Beck.
The Gers target made an outstanding 4.2 tackles and interceptions combined and 4.9 ball recoveries per match in his 17 starts for Dundee, whilst he also came out on top in 55% of his duels.
These statistics indicate that Beck could cut out far more opposition attacks per game than Yilmaz with his ability to make defensive interventions at left-back to win possession back for his team.
Therefore, the £2.8k-per-week ace could be a big upgrade on the current Gers defender due to his superior output as both an offensive and defensive contributor, which has been proven in the Scottish top-flight already this season.
However, this does not mean that Rangers should cash in on Yilmaz amid interest from Hellas Verona as he could compete with Beck for a starting spot, whilst Barisic could be moved on as the Croatian veteran heads towards the end of his contract with the club.
Eddie Howe will hope his Newcastle United team can up their performance levels today for the big occasion, his lacklustre Magpies side in real danger of being turned over by arch rivals Sunderland if not.
Losing to the Black Cats in the Tyne-Wear Derby would just pile on even more misery to proceedings in Tyneside, Howe's men going from the unbelievable high of beating Paris St.Germain in an all-time classic in the Champions League to sinking all the way down to ninth spot in the Premier League at this current point in time.
The Toon could immediately win back grumbling sectors of the fanbase with a win over their old nemesis in Sunderland though, with Howe potentially tinkering with his lineup in a bid to recapture the winning formula that has become so elusive recently.
Bruno Guimaraes could even be spectacularly dropped for this tasty Tyne-Wear showdown, Howe showing to his players that nobody's spot in the first team is concrete in the process.
Bruno Guimaraes' game vs Liverpool in numbers
For the Brazilian midfielder's lofty standards – which has seen him muster up a respectable 7.37 Sofascore average rating for his efforts in the Premier League so far this season – the Toon number 39 was below-par versus Jurgen Klopp's Reds.
The typically reliable midfielder failed to register a single shot on Alisson's goal at Anfield alongside never cutting open up the Liverpool defence with zero key passes managed, a creative off-day from the Magpies star.
It was his usual accurate passing game that was notably flat against Liverpool too, misplacing nine passes in the contest to give the dominant hosts even more of a foothold in the eventual 4-2 defeat handed out.
Bruno Guimaraes' numbers v Liverpool
Minutes played
90
Touches
83
Accurate passes
52/63 (83%)
Key passes
0
Shots on goal
0
Duels won
8/17
Possession lost
19x
Sourced by Sofascore
This led to the former Lyon man also giving away possession 19 times in the middle of the park, midfield rivals for Liverpool in the form of Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones excelling where the Newcastle man faltered with both combined losing possession just 17 times.
Howe will be left wrestling with who to select ahead of his fixed first-teamer now, the Magpies boss having to make do with limited resources for some time now owing to an injury crisis at St James' Park that is not showing any signs of improving.
The players who could replace Bruno Gumiaraes
Shoehorning Joelinton into his starting eleven away on Merseyside as a winger, Howe could utilise the hot-and-cold number seven in a more comfortable central position against Sunderland to replace Guimaraes.
The former Hoffenheim man scored in his last away outing for Howe's men when played through the middle, a good omen potentially and a valid justification as to why the Newcastle manager would select the 27-year-old in this role for the Tyne-Wear Derby.
The fully-fledged Brazil international could give Newcastle the bite they desire against their fierce rivals too, Joelinton unafraid to get stuck in and do the dirty work as a firm fan favourite.
The £85k-per-week menace feels like the only logical like-for-like swap for Guimaraes if Howe decides to axe the underperformer, especially with midfield presence Joe Willock still being sidelined with an injury knock that could keep him out of action for the entirety of January.
Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton.
Newcastle will just hope they can exit the Stadium of Light at full-time unscathed, not letting the pressure of the match or their poor form get the better of them and a passage to the FA Cup next round is secured without a hitch as a result.
Aston Villa return to Premier League action this afternoon as they travel away from Birmingham to take on Sean Dyche's Everton at Goodison Park.
The Villans were in FA Cup action last weekend as they secured a 1-0 win away at Championship side Middlesbrough, who then went on to beat Chelsea in the League Cup a few days later.
Unai Emery's side booked their place in the fourth round of the competition and will now face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge – 12 days after their clash with the Toffees.
The Spanish head coach could look to make alterations to the starting XI that defeated Middlesbrough last time out, and here is FFC's predicted Villa line-up to take on Everton – with five changes…
1 Emiliano Martinez
In between the sticks, Emiliano Martinez should make his 20th start in the top-flight this season, having been the number one throughout the campaign so far.
The Argentina international has enjoyed a save success rate of 68% so far and has prevented 1.14 goals more than expected based on Expected Goals, which shows that he has been an above average performer in goal.
2 Ezri Konsa
Ezri Konsa
Emery could keep Ezri Konsa in the starting XI but move him from centre-back to the right side of the back four ahead of Matty Cash to accommodate the next two players in this predicted team.
The English titan has started 20 Premier League matches so far this season and completed 92% of his attempted passes, which shows that he has been supremely reliable in possession.
3 Diego Carlos
At the heart of the defence, Diego Carlos could be recalled to the starting XI after being given a rest as an unused substitute in the FA Cup.
The Brazilian enforcer has started ten Premier League games so far this season and won 57% of his individual duels, which shows that he has been solid in physical contests with opposition forwards.
4 Pau Torres
Aston Villa central defender Pau Torres.
On the left of the centre-back pairing, Emery could bring Pau Torres in. The Spaniard has returned to training ahead of the match and could be fit enough to start.
He has been crucial to how Villa build out from the back with his fantastic ability in possession. The former Villarreal star currently ranks within the top 13% of Premier League centre-backs for progressive passes (5.63) and the top 2% for progressive carries (1.84) per 90 this season.
These statistics show that Torres is among the best in the division when it comes to progressing play through carries and passes, which could help the Villans to break down Everton's defence.
5 Alex Moreno
Aston Villa'sAlexMoreno.
At left-back, Alex Moreno could keep his place in the side as Lucas Digne remains unavailable to the head coach. The French full-back could make his comeback against Chelsea in the FA Cup towards the end of this month.
Moreno only has two Premier League starts to his name this term and Digne's continued absence provides him with a huge opportunity to impress the manager.
In the middle of the park, Boubacar Kamara should start once again. He has made 16 appearances in the league this season and showcased his defensive skill with 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game to cut out opposition attacks and win possession back for his team.
7 Douglas Luiz
joao-palhinha-douglas-luiz-liverpool-opinion
Alongside the French ace, Douglas Luiz should be brought back into the starting XI ahead of Leander Dendoncker, who started against Boro.
The Brazil international has been a star performer for the Villans in the Premier League so far this season and has started 19 games to date.
Luiz has contributed with six goals, three assists, and five 'big chances' created from a central midfield position and could be needed to make the difference this afternoon.
8 Moussa Diaby
On the right of the attacking midfield trio, Moussa Diaby could be brought back into the XI ahead of Leon Bailey – who started against Middlesbrough.
The French whiz scored in his last start – against Burnley – and has racked up four goals, four assists, and seven 'big chances' created in 16 top-flight starts.
Bailey, who failed to score or assist against Boro, has one goal in his last six appearances in all competitions and could drop out of the side for this clash.
Diaby, who was once hailed as "outstanding" by journalist Josh Bunting, could look to use his electric pace to cause Vitaliy Mykolenko constant problems down the flank, in the hope of adding to his tally of goals and assists since his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen.
9 John McGinn
John McGinn
Another player who could keep their place in the side is captain John McGinn, who has started all 20 of the club's Premier League games this season.
The Scotland international will be looking to add to his return of five goals, two assists, and seven 'big chances' for the Villans so far this term.
10 Jacob Ramsey
Jacob-ramsey-villa
Emery could keep faith with academy graduate Jacob Ramsey on the left of the attacking midfield trident after his impressive showing against Middlesbrough.
The England U21 international played the full 90 minutes on the left flank and caught the eye with his play in and out of possession for the Villans.
He completed 91% of his attempted passes and created three chances for his teammates, which shows that the forward took risks on the ball to make things happen whilst still being reliable.
Ramsey also kept working hard to win the ball back for his side with four tackles, one block, and one clearance, which shows that he has the quality to make an impact in and out of possession.
Crystal Palace have submitted an offer to sign a new player as Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman eye a late double move in the January transfer window.
Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace future
Most of the speculation at Selhurst Park this month has been regarding the future of manager Roy Hodgson following a woeful run of form for the Eagles. Palace have won just once in their last 12 matches, and after a heavy 5-0 defeat to Arsenal last time out, there were rumours of a change in the dugout.
Steve Cooper and Julen Lopetegui were just two managers under consideration by Parish and Freedman, but it looks as if Hodgson will remain in the hot seat for the clash with Sheffield United on Tuesday.
"Incredible" manager leading race to replace Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace
He’s ready to return to the dugout.
ByCharlie Smith Jan 23, 2024
Therefore, the club’s attention over the coming days could be on some new arrivals to bolster Hodgson’s squad, and Palace have made their move for one specific target.
Crystal Palace make Adam Wharton bid
According to The Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella, Palace are pushing for a double signing in Blackburn Rovers midfielder Adam Wharton and Genk right-back Daniel Munoz.
When it comes to the former, the Eagles have made an £18.5m offer for the England U20 international, although it has been rejected by Blackburn, who are holding out for at least £20m.
Blackburn Rovers midfielder Adam Wharton.
Palace are still pushing to sign the 19-year-old, though, and alongside Wharton and Munoz, are also exploring the striker market with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future still uncertain, amid links to Chelsea's Armando Broja.
Wharton has been a regular for Blackburn this season, turning out on 29 occasions in all competitions, mainly in a defensive midfield role.
Passing
Aerial duels
Key passes
Taking set-pieces
Ball interception
The highly-rated youngster penned a new long-term contract at Ewood Park last month and came in for plenty of praise from manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, who described the midfielder as a “Champions League level” player on the ball.
“I saw the quality on the ball. He can do things that nobody sees before, he can play passes under pressure, he can play one-touch and he has great vision. I think he’s stepping up to another level from the start of this season.
“On the ball, he’s Champions League level, I’ve said that many times. I’ve played there and coached enough at Champions League level and I should know that. I think he’s learning a lot off the ball and is improving a lot. He’s still a young boy who needs to learn a lot but he’s improving really well.
“He’s a good boy and someone who the Academy have worked with, so it’s great for the community to have one of the local boys signing a new deal and playing the way he is.
“He also has weaknesses that we’re working on and he’s improving all the time. You can always work on becoming better. There’s still plenty to come.”