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Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale will be hoping to continue his perfect start to life at Ibrox with a fourth straight win in the Premiership tonight.

The Light Blues host Motherwell in the Scottish top-flight in their fourth match since returning from the break for the 2022 World Cup, after winning their first three.

Beale replaced Giovanni van Bronckhorst at the helm and has beaten Aberdeen, Ross County and Hibernian so far, maintaining a 100% record in competitive matches to date.

John Lundstram’s long-range strike in the first half against Ross County was enough to seal all three points in a 1-0 win last time out and the Gers coach could look to make changes to his side to keep things fresh and increase the competition within the squad.

Whilst some may want Alfredo Morelos to come back in after Fashion Sakala, Malik Tillman and Ryan Kent failed to score in their last game, the manager should unleash rarely-seen Rabbi Matondo after a promising cameo off the bench.

He had only played a total of one minute in Beale’s first two games in charge but was given 23 minutes to showcase his quality against County and caught the eye with one chance created, one dribbled completed and two shots from out wide – as per Sofascore.

The winger, who has produced three assists and three ‘big chances’ created in six Premiership starts, has the potential to be an exciting player for supporters to watch at the top end of the pitch and the Gers should be looking to get the best out of him.

In the Belgian Pro League last season, Matondo plundered nine goals and two assists, creating four ‘big chances’, in 23 starts on loan at Cercle Brugge.

The £28k-per-week Welsh international, who was once described as “electrifying” by former manager Ryan Giggs, also showed signs of promise in Manchester City’s youth team earlier in his career as he scored 11 goals and assisted five in 31 matches for the U21 outfit.

He is a wizard with the potential to be a match-winner as he has shown, prior to joining the Gers, that he has the quality to score and assist goals on a semi-regular basis.

It is now down to Beale to put him in a position where he can thrive in the Light Blues’ team and finally unleashing him from the start tonight could ignite the gem’s career at Ibrox.

So, whilst some supporters may want to see Morelos back in the side to improve the team’s goalscoring prowess, the manager must bring Matondo into the team out wide.

Journalist Charles Watts has slammed Arsenal defender William Saliba after another ‘rusty’ performance in the club’s most recent match.

What’s the latest? The Gunners managed to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points on Saturday as they claimed a 4-2 win over Brighton away from home.Twice in the game, Mikel Arteta’s men lead by three goals, but twice they let the Seagulls cut the deficit to just two, which made for a nervy final stage of the game.In particular, Saliba was guilty of making a big error for the home team’s second goal, failing to clear the ball before Evan Ferguson ran in behind to pull one back for Brighton.Speaking on YouTube after the game, Watts was critical of the defender’s display, saying (9:54): “He’s definitely rusty Saliba, which is no surprise because only pay about 20 minutes while he was away for France in six weeks. He just hadn’t played much football.”I think he’s come back, he was rusty against West Ham. He was definitely rusty [against Brighton], really uncharacteristic error for the second goal.”World Cup hangover?Against West Ham, Saliba was also at fault for the opposition’s goal as he lunged in and brought down Jarrod Bowen inside his own box resulting in a penalty. Although, he did win every single one of his duels.And so after this latest mistake, it’s easy to see why some criticism has been aimed at the centre-back. Of course, having been away with France at the World Cup, he may still be feeling the impact of that.After all, he only played 28 minutes across the whole tournament, so won’t have great match fitness. But he could also be very disappointed by the way things panned out as his country lost to Argentina in the final and he didn’t come off the bench.Elsewhere, we’ve seen Kalvin Phillips criticised by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after returning from the World Cup overweight, so perhaps a little rustiness from Saliba isn’t the worst thing in the world.

Tottenham Hotspur’s right wing-back problem can be resolved by Djed Spence, claims Alan Hutton.

The Lowdown: Right wing-back issue

Tottenham have found themselves in a position where they have three right wing-backs but all three have so far been unable to convince Antonio Conte that they can hold down the role.

Predominately throughout the season the position has been given to Emerson Royal who started seven of the opening eight games of the campaign before being sent off against Arsenal in the Premier League back in October.

That meant Matt Doherty stepped in but despite three starts in a row, the Brazilian was handed his place back.

Amid the third option Spence playing just five games all season, failing to start a single one.

The Latest: Hutton’s comments

Football Insider previously reported on New Years’ Eve that Spurs are willing to sell Emerson due to a training ground bust-up, with the 23-year-old incidentally not starting a game since.

This led former-Spurs right-back Hutton to tell Football Insider that Conte already has a replacement for Emerson in the Englishman.

“Emerson Royal for me has just not worked. I think you do know what you are going to get with Doherty.

“I think Spence is unfortunate because I really think he could be the guy. I think he has got all the attributes to push forward.

“I think if they are looking at somebody to come in as well, somebody has to go. You can’t have four, that is just silly. So you would like to think that one would leave,” Hutton said.

The Verdict: Interesting transfer window

Spurs only just turned the corner on their record of conceding the opening goal in the 4-0 win against Crystal Palace, which brought an end to the 10-game run.

The right wing-back role was taken up by Doherty who even scored as he started his third-game in a row, with Emerson not recalled following the alleged bust-up.

However, Spence, who is valued at £7 million (CIES Football Observatory), was an unused sub for the eighth time this league campaign as he’s evidently still yet to convince Conte of his credentials.

With the January window looming it does seem increasingly likely that at least one of the three will depart with Spence or Emerson the most expendable on recent selection. Indeed, it has come out that Djed Spence supposedly wants a loan move away this month, with the need for regular football being one of the main drivers in this.

Manchester United have reached a ‘full, verbal agreement to sign Wout Weghorst’ on loan from Burnley, Fabrizio Romano reports.

The Lowdown: Butland in

The Red Devils have already made a January signing by securing the services of goalkeeper Jack Butland from Crystal Palace on loan until the end of the season.

United acted swiftly after Newcastle United recalled Martin Dubravka, with Butland set to provide cover for David de Gea alongside Tom Heaton.

Old Trafford chiefs are now working on signing Weghorst after they parted ways with Cristiano Ronaldo towards the end of 2022.

The Latest: Weghorst next?

Romano took to Twitter on Tuesday to share an update on Weghorst. He revealed that a ‘full, verbal agreement’ has been reached which will see United pay Burnley a €3m (£2.7m) loan fee.

The transfer expert added that Besiktas, where the forward is currently on loan, still need to approve a transfer and will only do so if they find a replacement.

The Verdict: Good move for United

Described as a ‘World Cup hero’ by journalist Alex Brotherton following his two goals against Argentina in the quarter-finals, Weghorst has plenty of experience at the highest level for club and country.

The Adidas-sponsored forward contributed to five goals in 20 games in the Premier League for Burnley last season and has impressed in Turkey, scoring eight times in 16 league appearances for Besiktas.

The 30-year-old, who stands at 6 foot 6, will give Erik ten Hag a different option at centre-forward to Anthony Martial, should a move go through. That in turn should allow Marcus Rashford to remain out wide, looking to continue his fine goalscoring form.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that reported transfer target Edson Alvarez would be a ‘huge statement signing’ for West Ham United.

The Lowdown: Rice replacement?

Journalist and transfer expert Graeme Bailey recently told Loaded Mag NUFC that West Ham are considering signing Alvarez because of Declan Rice’s potential move to Chelsea.

The England international is reportedly a summer target for the Blues, and so if he is to leave, the Hammers will have to line up a suitable replacement.

The Latest: ‘Huge statement signing’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke has claimed that Alvarez would be a ‘huge statement signing’ at the London Stadium:

“Midfield has been an area of concern for West Ham. They didn’t land all of their top targets in the summer, so it’s been a position that David Moyes wants to fill. And if he can sign someone like Alvarez, it would be a huge statement signing.”

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The Verdict: Hard to replace Rice…

It would no doubt be a tough task for any player to replace Rice at the Irons.

Lauded as a ‘monster’, a ‘force of nature’, a ‘leader’ and a ‘serious talent’ by journalist Rob Blanchette, there are not many better players in Rice’s position, while former England international Paul Parker even believes that he the ‘best central midfielder in the country‘.

He has won the Hammer of the Year award twice, including last season’s, and some supporters may even deem him irreplaceable.

However, with 61 caps for Mexico, Alvarez is also a top player, and someone Chelsea were willing to bid £43m for in the summer.

David Moyes’ side are also reportedly interested in signing strikers Youssef En-Nesyri and Terem Moffi, so if they can get enough quality signings through the door, it may cover for the potential loss of Rice.

Newcastle United could well be looking to strengthen their midfield ranks before the end of the month, with Eddie Howe seemingly keen to secure a quality recruit to aid in the quest for Champions League qualification.

According to The Athletic, a new recruit to help bolster the current options in midfield is seemingly something of a priority, with Leicester City contract rebel Youri Tielemans having been named as one of those that the Magpies are watching closely.

The 25-year-old had previously been a reported target for the Tynesiders during the summer, with CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs stating at the time that the Foxes had valued the Belgian at around £30m.

The playmaker’s future now appears even more uncertain at present with just six months remaining on his existing deal, which hints that a potential cut-price fee could likely be agreed this month, or that a free transfer exit could be on the cards at the end of the season.

According to Keith Downie – who was speaking to GIVEMESPORT – Newcastle could well be in line to make an approach for the former Monaco man, having seemingly been admirers of the 25-year-old over an extended period of time.

The Sky Sports reporter stated: “Tielemans is a player they’ve had a long-standing interest in, and I would be surprised if they don’t go for him. I think it would be a mistake if they don’t. I just think he would be perfect. What he would do is he would raise the standard moving forward as well.”

The one-time Anderlecht ace would provide a real cutting edge to Newcastle in the final third, having scored four goals and laid on one assist in 24 games in all competitions this term. He would also offer a real creative presence, with seven big chances created and an average of 1.1 key passes per game in the Premier League.

Such ball-playing quality has ensured that Tielemans could well prove a “sensational signing” for the St James’ Park outfit, according to pundit Tam McManus. He also offers the benefit of providing an effective screen in front of the back four, having averaged 2.1 tackles per game this season, along with winning 71% of his aerial duels.

Snapping up such a combative presence could well allow Howe to form a menacing midfield partnership involving the £35k-per-week ace and Joelinton, with the latter also a truly relentless asset in the middle of the park.

The Brazilian powerhouse has also laid bare his ball-winning prowess, averaging 2.6 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per top-flight match this term. He mirrors Tielemans in recording 1.1 key passes per game, in addition to creating four big chances.

The duo could complement each other nicely. The Belgian might take on a more deep-lying, creative role – showcased by his ranking in the top 18% in Europe among those in his position for attempted passes – while Joelinton can offer a more dynamic, box-to-box presence, as he ranks in the top 2% for touches in the opposition penalty area to illustrate his attacking intent.

Amid fears over the potential loss of Bruno Guimaraes to injury, having another impressive midfield asset to rely upon – such as Tielemans – could well be vital for Howe and Newcastle in the second half of the season.

Leeds United have been named in the race to sign AS Roma attacker Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Gnonto success

The Whites are enjoying great success after signing an Italy international in the summer, with Wilfried Gnonto going from strength to strength at Elland Road.

The 19-year-old cost Leeds around £3.8m on deadline day and has been in fine form in recent weeks, scoring his first Premier League goal against West Ham.

He followed that up with an impressive display against Aston Villa that caught the eye of Gary Neville and channelled his inner Paolo Di Canio with an excellent FA Cup volley against Cardiff City on Wednesday.

The Latest: Zaniolo interest

Calciomercato shared an update regarding Zaniolo’s future on Thursday, where Leeds were named. They said that Zaniolo is fed up at Roma, with England a potential destination for the left-footed player.

The report claimed that Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham are possible destinations, with ‘first polls also from Leeds and Newcastle’.

The Verdict: Unlikely?

Zaniolo is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also turn out as a right winger or as a second striker. Victor Orta has already bolstered the club’s attacking ranks with a club-record move for Georginio Rutter, so the club seem well-stocked in the final third, especially with Gnonto’s recent rise.

A new defensive or central midfielder could be more beneficial to Jesse Marsch, with Marc Roca, Tyler Adams and Adam Forshaw the only experienced options available after Mateusz Klich’s exit.

Therefore, it could be wise if Leeds allowed their Premier League rivals to fight for Zaniolo, placing their focus on additions in the middle of the park in the final weeks of the window.

Everton have been slammed by journalist Luke Edwards over the managerial merry-go-round over the last few years at Goodison Park.

What’s the latest?

On Monday afternoon, it was confirmed that the Toffees had relieved Frank Lampard of his duties following their latest defeat at the weekend in London.

It has been a dreadful start to the campaign for Lampard’s side who now find themselves sitting second bottom of the table with Southampton only worse off on goal difference.

And it appears the defeat against West Ham United was the final nail in the coffin for the Everton board who made the decision to look for a new man to take the reins at Goodison Park.

Speaking prior to Lampard’s exit, journalist Luke Edwards took aim at the Everton board and slammed the likes of Farhad Moshiri and Bill Kenwright for the constant changing of managers:

“What the problem Everton have now is they probably feel at the boardroom level that they don’t have any other choice but to sack the manager and replace another one. And I think this reminds me and Everton fans – this will make Everton supporters angry, I’m sure it will – but they remind me a lot of Sunderland.”

“It’s true Sunderland were stuck in this kind of spiral where they brought in a new manager and a manager with a big name normally. We’re talking about the likes of David Moyes, Martin O’Neill, Sam Allardyce, Dick Advocaat, Gus Poyet, Paolo Di Canio.

“They all came into Sunderland to keep them in the Premier League and they did manage to do that until eventually, they went down. And I think Everton are in that similar sort of place at the moment where it doesn’t matter what they change in the dugout.”

Next up

It has not even been one year since Lampard was appointed the job at Goodison with the Englishman taking over on the final day of January last year.

However, under the former Chelsea man, the Toffees did endure a relegation fight last season and have shown little signs of improvement this campaign.

But it has to be questioned whether Lampard was given a platform to succeed at Everton with minimal money available to spend over the summer transfer window.

Everton did spend fairly significantly on the signing of Amadou Onana, however, one considerable signing was never going to be enough to see the Toffees transform their performances from the 2021/22 campaign.

And it has been made apparent this season their struggles lie up top with a severe lack of goals crippling the Toffees time and time again this season.

Only one other side (Wolverhampton Wanderers) has scored fewer goals than Everton this season (15) and that can be put down largely to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s struggles.

However, all Lampard was given over the summer to subsidise Calvert-Lewin’s goals was Neal Maupay, a player who has only once provided a double-digit return in the Premier League.

So there will now be a new manager taking over the reins at Goodison but it is difficult to see this bringing any significant changes with a history of managerial appointments showing this to be the case under Moshiri’s reign.

Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Tottenham Hotspur winger Lucas Moura and the Brazilian could be a bargain signing for Patrick Vieira ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, Antonio Conte’s side are keen to move Moura on this month following the signing of Arnaut Danjuma and would be willing to let him leave for a likely minimal fee, in order to avoid paying his wages until the end of the season when his current contract is set to expire.

Palace, Southampton and Everton are all supposedly keen on the former PSG man, who could demand £150k=per-week despite the injury issues that have plagued him so far this campaign.

The 30-year-old has been a regular at Spurs since signing in January 2018, making 213 appearances and contributing 38 goals and 27 assists, which included his memorable hattrick in the Champions League semi-final victory against Ajax in 2019.

This led journalist James Ducker to sing his praises on Twitter, writing: “Lucas Moura has had an outrageous second half. Incredible quality, skill and composure for those goals.”

A bargain for Palace?

Although Moura’s wages may prove to be a sticking point for Steve Parish, Moura’s quality and experience suggest that he could be a worthwhile signing before the transfer window closes.

The Eagles have struggled immensely in front of goal in recent weeks, scoring just four times in their last seven outings in all competitions, which suggests that attacking additions should be a priority for Vieira before Tuesday’s deadline.

The French manager also looks set to be without the talismanic Wilfried Zaha after he picked up an injury against Newcastle United, so signing an experienced winger such as Moura could be a great way to fill the gap left by the Ivorian’s absence.

While Moura has lost his regular starting spot under Conte at Spurs, he still impressed in the Premier League last season, notching two goals and six assists, with WhoScored awarding him a strong 6.85 average rating for his performances.

Considering only Zaha, Eberechi Eze and Joachim Andersen have earned better ratings so far this campaign, Palace fans would be wrong to turn their nose up at Moura, especially if he can be brought in for a bargain transfer fee.

Indeed, his rate of assists in 2021/22 is better than anyone at Selhurst Park this term, while it’s also more than any of Vieira’s squad members last season, with the Eagles therefore evidently in need of a creative asset.

Therefore, Parish should definitely consider bringing the Brazilian across London this month; he could just be one of the club’s biggest bargains in years.

Crystal Palace are still thought to be keen on signing Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher before the January transfer window closes, according to Alex Crook.

The Lowdown: Ahamada move

The Eagles look set to bolster their midfield ranks for Patrick Vieira with a move for Naouirou Ahamada. Stuttgart and Palace appeared to have agreed on an €11m (£9.7m) deal, with the player undergoing a medical on Monday.

The 20-year-old can play as a holding or central midfielder, and it looks as if he isn’t the only midfielder wanted by Selhurst Park officials.

The Latest: Gallagher claim

Crook shared a transfer notebook for talkSPORT on Monday, describing Gallagher as ‘one of the most sought-after players heading into the final hours of the transfer window’.

He said that Palace are one of three Premier League clubs keen on the 22-year-old’s services, with the Chelsea man keen on reuniting with Vieira at Selhurst Park.

The Verdict: One to watch?

It looks as if this will be one to keep an eye on as the day progresses, with Chelsea keen on adding to their midfield by signing Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez.

A £100m+ transfer fee has been mooted, so if that materialises, perhaps Stamford Bridge officials would be more open to the idea of offloading Gallagher, who Graham Potter recently described as ‘fantastic’.

The Englishman enjoyed a hugely successful Selhurst Park loan spell last term, winning the club’s Player of the Season prize after contributing to can also play in a variety of central roles and could provide a more attacking threat in the middle of the park, with Matt Woosnam believing that the midfield is a problem towards Palace’s lack of goals.

It seems to make sense to bring him in at Selhurst Park, but whether or not Chelsea will give the green light remains to be seen.