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Bruno Lage’s Wolverhampton Wanderers side went into Saturday afternoon’s West Midlands derby in much-improved form, as after losing their first three league games of the 2021/22 campaign, the 45-year-old’s Wolves side had picked up nine points from a possible 12 over their last four fixtures.

However, after Danny Ings opened the scoring for Aston Villa shortly after half-time and John McGinn doubled the home side’s lead on the 68-minute mark, it appeared as if Wolves’ fine run of form would be coming to an end at Villa Park.

The latter of these goals led to Lage making a double substitution with around 15 minutes to go, bringing on both Fabio Silva and Daniel Podence for Joao Moutinho and Fernando Marcal respectively – a decision which would change the game completely.

Just five passes made

With Francisco Trincao being ruled out of the game after falling ill while on international duty with Portugal, there was something of a pre-match debate as to who should come in to replace the Barcelona loanee in the Wolves starting XI – Adama Traore or Podence.

While Traore did light up the fixture on occasion due to his remarkable strength on the ball and dizzying dribbles – of which he completed six – it was undoubtedly the Portuguese’s introduction to the game which began to turn the tide for Wolves.

Indeed, despite the £22.5m-rated forward featuring for just 16 minutes, as well as making only five passes and touching the ball just 14 times, the 25-year-old nevertheless ended the game with one assist and one key pass to his name. He played an influential role in his side’s thrilling comeback, with late goals from Romain Saiss, Conor Coady and Ruben Neves securing a famous 3-2 win over Wolves’ West Midlands rivals.

As a result of his efforts, Podence earned a SofaScore match rating of 7.3 – with only Saiss and Neves receiving a higher score for Wolves on the day – while The Athletic journalist Tim Spiers claimed that the Portugal international’s introduction to the game finally saw Lage’s side showing signs of “intent” in the match.

While it is impossible to know whether or not Podence would have had the same impact if he had started ahead of Traore, it seems certain that the £60k-per-week winger will ultimately believe that his performance proved his manager wrong – a sentiment that we wouldn’t argue against.

In other news: “Huge” £51k-p/w Wolves target “able to leave” in January, he’d be a major coup for Shi

Manchester United has a lot of making up after early dismal displays under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Thankfully, they have been taken over by Ralf Rangnick until they find a permanent fixture.

Although Manchester United hasn’t returned to their best, they are winning games now, and that’s the essential part. This is great news if you like to bet on the outcome of Man United matches, and don’t worry, you are in safe hands making a bet through one of these betting sites.

And now let’s look at the predicted starting lineup, which features regular faces that will be part of the squad through the 2022 season.

David De Gea

David De Gea will likely be the man in front of the net, with an impressive 71 saves this season and only 31 goals conceded. De Gea has been a Red Devil since he was 14 years old and has made a stamp on the pitch as one of the greatest goal keepers in the world.

Diago Dalot

At only 22 years old, Diogo Dalgot has made an excellent name for himself in defence. Across the current season, he has won 17/23 tackles and come out on top in more than 50% of his duels. He has appeared ten times this season, and of the five he was in the starting lineup, he has not been substituted off.

Victor Lindelof

Leading the Red Devils’ defensive game is Victor Lindelof, who deals extremely well when put under pressure. After suffering breathing difficulties in their game against Norwich, Lindelof is reportedly back in shape and ready to give it his all. Lindelof had appeared in 18 games this season and has only been substituted off one time – when he played Norwich.

Harry Maguire

England’s very own defensive hero Harry Maguire joins Lindelof in central defence. He’s found impressive action in the opponents’ box and has also scored a goal. So far, Maguire has played 18 games and only been substituted off once. The game against Brighton where he might have played again was sadly cancelled.

Alex Telles

Closing the defence line is Alex Telles on the left. Donning the number 27, the 29-year-old brought impressive outside talent to Old Trafford, and he has joined the team on many of their most critical European outings.

Donny Van De Beek

Van De Beek will play in midfield alongside Scott McTominay. Finding his start with Amsterdam-based Ajax, Van De Beek is a highly talented footballer. He has won almost half of his tackles and has been in the starting 11 four times.

Scott McTominay

Joining Van De Beek is Scott McTominay, who has been part of the senior squad since 2017. At the beginning of 2021, McTominay captained United during the Emirates FA Cup. He’s joined the starting lineup 16 times and isn’t afraid to get stuck in.

Jadon Sancho

Moving forward, there will likely be Jadon Sancho on the right-wing, working tirelessly to create opportunities. So far in the 2021/22 season, Sancho has appeared 19 times and found the back of the net twice. His style of play mimics the gritty street scene of London and the Brazilian samba style of the greats.

Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes will work hard to smash crosses into the box on the left wing. This Portuguese footballer made a name for himself in Italy, where he spent the first five years. Fernandes has scored five goals across his 22 appearances in the current season.

Mason Greenwood

At only 20 years of age, Mason Greenwood is well above expectations regarding stats. He’s appeared 17 times and hit the back of the net five times. At only the beginning of his career, this energetic striker will go far.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Red Devil talisman Cristiano Ronaldo will join Greenwood in the front. So far this season, he’s appeared 18 times and scored 13 goals. You can expect to see Ronaldo in the starting lineup for most of Manchester United’s games.

There are many other key players in the 2022 United squad, but these are the most likely to appear in their next game. Despite all the talent, the question remains whether they can reclaim their former dominance.

Images from: https://www.pexels.com/@pixabay

Manchester United have held internal talks over signing Everton forward Richarlison, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Richarlison’s season

The Brazilian forward, valued at €50m by CIES Football Observatory, has contributed to ten Premier League goals in a struggling Everton side this season.

Richarlison has scored six times and provided four assists under both Rafa Benitez and Frank Lampard while playing mostly as a centre-forward or a left-winger.

He’s still under contract at Goodison Park for a further two years, but with the Toffees flirting with relegation, it looks as if United are keeping tabs on the forward’s situation.

The Latest: United talks

Romano shared an update on Richarlison on Thursday afternoon, sharing details of an agency switch for the 24-year-old.

The transfer guru revealed that the Red Devils have spoken about Richarlison internally, along with Benfica’s Darwin Nunez.

“Everton striker Richarlison and his Velasco Sport Group have now officially signed with CAA Base agency.

“Been told Manchester United have discussed Richarlison internally, alongside Darwin Nunez and other options.

“Of course no talks now – he’s totally focused on Everton.”

The Verdict: Ten Hag involved?

Erik ten Hag looks likely to be the next manager at Old Trafford and wanted to be involved in talks over signings, outgoings and new contracts.

However, it is unlikely that he’ll know about these talks regarding Richarlison as he is preparing his Ajax side for a Dutch Cup final this weekend.

Should the 52-year-old want Richarlison, then a summer move could be explored, especially if Everton suffer relegation, however, for now, it seems to be a case of United chiefs drawing up a list of potential targets for their soon to be new boss.

In other news: ‘Brilliant…’ – Sky Sports man buzzes at who Ten Hag may now bring to Man Utd; it’s ‘important’. 

Tottenham Hotspur and Antonio Conte have now been gifted a triple boost before their game at home to Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Tough task

Spurs fans know that even though they are at home, beating the Seagulls to progress through to the next round will not be easy.

While they overcame League One Morecambe at home in the third round, Graham Potter’s men edged out an away win against Championship side West Brom.

In the Premier League, only two places and six points separate the two sides, while Brighton have actually conceded fewer goals and lost fewer matches than the North London club (Premier League), suggesting that the game could be tight.

The Latest: Early team news

As per The Evening Standard, new signing Dejan Kulusevski has now been granted a work permit, and so is in line to make his debut, although the Sweden international is ‘unlikely’ to start.

In addition, Son Heung-Min has now returned to full training, while Cristian Romero is ‘expected’ to feature for the Lilywhites for the first time since early November after recovering from a hamstring injury.

The Verdict: Huge boost

It certainly is a boost for Conte to have two of his main players back, as well as Kulusevski as a new and exciting option.

He is thought of very highly by both the Italian manager and Fabio Paratici, who see him as a ‘gem’ with big potential, and on loan from Juventus, the 21-year-old will certainly have a point to prove.

Nonetheless, what better way to introduce himself to the THFC faithful than by scoring on his debut and sending them through to the next round.

In other news, find out which Tottenham player’s attitude ‘stinks’ here!

After only a few days since the club announced they had struck a deal for the loan signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona, it seems as though Aston Villa have set their eyes on another incoming transfer target this month which would surely please a lot of fans.

What’s the latest?

After it was recently revealed that Villa were leading the race to sign Everton defender Lucas Digne, in a recent Twitter post from journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, he claimed that “new direct contacts will take place between Aston Villa and Everton to discuss fee on [a] permanent move” this week.

Romano also added that Digne’s “understood to be attracted by Villa” but that it’s not yet fully agreed between the two clubs.

Fans buzzing

Since joining Everton back in the 2018 summer transfer window from Barcelona in a deal worth a reported fee of £18m, the Frenchman has gone on to make 127 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions.

In the process, he’s scored six goals and provided 20 assists along the way, showing how much of an attacking asset he could be for Steven Gerrard’s side if he does make the move to Villa Park this month.

This season, despite not managing to score a goal or provide an assist in the league for Rafa Benitez’s side, his performances in the 13 appearances he’s made have earned him an overall rating of 6.8/10, making him Everton’s fifth-highest rated player to have played in more than four league games according to WhoScored, which would only leave four current Villa players with a higher rating, showing he has the quality to be a standout figure for the Villans.

As a consequence, fans would surely be buzzing knowing that a reliable top-flight performer would be joining their ranks.

Putting aside his quality on the pitch, with reports of an apparent behind-the-scenes falling out with Benitez last month which has presumably been why he has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park, perhaps his attitude may have to be something that Villa take into account when discussing a potential deal for him and make sure the same doesn’t happen with Gerrard.

With all of that said, if Villa can secure Digne’s signature in the coming days and get him to deliver for them on the pitch, this would be another excellent piece of transfer business from the Midlands club and show that they are serious about improving their squad and progressing under Gerrard.

Having already signed Coutinho, this is an incredibly exciting time to be a Villan.

In other news: Aston Villa interested in highly-rated midfielder

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Newcastle fans have taken to Twitter to discuss the possibility of signing Kenedy on a permanent deal, after it was revealed that his parent club, Chelsea, will not be allowed to sign players for the next two transfer windows after FIFA imposed a ban.

Brazilian forward Kenedy is currently on a season-long loan with the Magpies, having spent the second half of last season on loan at St James’ Park as well, where he turned out to be a huge hit on Tyneside.

This season, however, the 23-year-old has scored just a single goal and recorded just one assist in 22 appearances in all competitions whilst disappointing massively – he also missed a last-minute penalty away to Cardiff which would’ve handed the Magpies all three points.

Boss Rafa Benitez was already quizzed back in December over whether he was thinking about terminating the loan, but the decision on Kenedy’s future might be out of his hands after the Blues’ transfer ban.

Let’s see what Newcastle fans on Twitter are saying about the Brazilian…

Crystal Palace have made great progress on the pitch under Patrick Vieira in the opening weeks of the season, but his squad rebuild off it is far from complete.

What’s the story?

The Frenchman oversaw significant changes in personnel during his first summer at the helm, replacing several experienced campaigners with a host of exciting young talents.

So far, it appears as though Vieira has expertly identified some astute acquisitions for the south London club, and he must do so again over the coming months if they’re to continue making progress.

It was recently reported that striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is set to depart Palace in January after failing to impress during his loan spell, so Vieira is likely to be in the market for a replacement for him in January.

One player who would be an ideal candidate to do just that is Arsenal’s unwanted forward Eddie Nketiah.

The Eagles were first linked with the 22-year-old in the previous transfer window when The Athletic claimed that Palace were willing to pay £10m for the youngster, but a deal couldn’t be agreed between the two clubs as the Gunners were holding out for a £20m fee.

Patrick Vieira needs him

If Mateta does leave Selhurst Park over the winter, Christian Benteke and Odsonne Edouard would then be the only recognised strikers in Vieira’s first team squad.

With the latter already deputising out wide on multiple occasions this season due to Palace’s limited attacking options, a new striker will be needed if Palace are to fulfil their potential in 2021/22. In Nketiah, Vieira could unearth a gem capable of finding the back of the net on a regular basis for the Eagles for many years to come.

The £10.8m-rated gem was lauded by his current boss Mikel Arteta last season, with the Spaniard lauding the forward’s maturity and potential.

“I want him to keep doing what he’s doing. The way he played last night against those players, in those difficult conditions, for me is extraordinary at his age,” said the Arsenal manager.

“He has an immense personality to play, confidence, he’s powerful and is developing in every area I think. I have a lot of faith in him.”

Despite only receiving two starts this season – both in the Carabao Cup – Nketiah has continued to show his class, scoring on both occasions, including a delightful goal against Leeds United last time out.

Therefore, Palace chairman Steve Parish must revive his interest in the former England under-21 international, providing Vieira with the strength in depth that he needs to bring the club forward.

And, in other news…Vieira could unearth Palace gem in “talented” 20 y/o colossus, fans should be excited 

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has won six of his first seven matches in charge of the Ibrox giants and is yet to taste defeat.

The ex-Feyenoord boss came in after the 3-1 loss to Hibernian in the League Cup and has gone on to win all five of his Premiership outings, whilst winning one and drawing one in the group stages of the Europa League.

They now play host to Dundee United in Glasgow as they look to extend that run, having beaten St Johnstone 2-0 in midweek.

Key issue

One change that could be enforced upon the head coach is axing Borna Barisic from the XI. Van Bronckhorst provided an update on the defender after the win on Wednesday, saying:

“He’s okay. He was just not feeling well. He’s not injured.”

Whilst he did not pick up a physical knock during the match, the news that he was feeling unwell is concerning ahead of this weekend. There is no need for the Gers to make him play through poor health, assuming he is still not 100% at the moment, and that means that he could be taken out of the team to give him a rest ahead of Christmas.

Van Bronckhorst could solve this key issue by unleashing the player who replaced him against St Johnstone. He was withdrawn from the match in the 79th minute and right-back Nathan Patterson came on to see out the game in an unnatural position. However, he was quickly able to adapt to his surroundings and won all three of his ground duels during his cameo, whilst completing 89% of his passes and making three tackles.

Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor previously lauded the young defender whilst on international duty with him for Scotland, saying:

“He’s been absolutely first class. You can tell he’s a real talent – even from the first day he trained with us in the summer.

“You could see his quality, his athleticism. And it’s great to see him make such a big impact, getting off the mark with a goal. He needs to just keep his head down and keep working hard. Other experienced boys will keep him on the right track, keep him honest.”

Patterson, who Che Adams once dubbed as “amazing”, scored and provided an assist in his last outing for Scotland as they beat Moldova 2-0 in a World Cup Qualifier. He also has one assist in five Premiership appearances, having started once, this season – showing off the attacking threat he can provide from full-back.

The £4.9k-per-week gem could, therefore, be an ideal choice to come in and replace Barisic at left-back for a game if he is not well enough to start. He showed great promise with his cameo in the week and he has proven his quality at right-back in his aforementioned games for club and country, which is why van Bronckhorst must unleash him this weekend.

AND in other news, 86% duels won: Rangers beast who made 5 tackles vs St Johnstone surely had Gio purring…

West Ham United could make a deadline-day beating swoop for West Brom star Sam Johnstone in this final week of the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to The Daily Mirror (print edition, 28/01 page 58, via The 72), the Hammers – along with Premier League rivals Spurs and Southampton – could make a late January move for the goalkeeper.

It’s added that, following Johnstone’s absence against Preston North End last time out despite having already served his suspension, there are rumours of a rift between him and Baggies boss Valerien Ismael.

Premier League proven

The big thing for Moyes will be that Johnstone already has plenty of Premier League experience under his belt given his stint in the top-flight last season with West Brom, while he’s also an England international to boot.

The 28-year-old’s former boss Steve Bruce labelled the shot-stopper a “diamond”, and given the kind of shift he had to put in last season at The Hawthorns, it’s no surprise why he has earned such praise.

No goalkeeper in the Premier League faced more shots on target (228) than Johnstone, while no goalkeeper made as many saves as him either (161) – it was no surprise then that he earned rave reviews for his performances, with Micah Richards hailing his former team-mate as “exceptional” last year.

Despite the Baggies being relegated from the Premier League, Gareth Southgate called up Johnstone for the England squad in September for the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifiers – an indication that the level at which he’s playing right now isn’t quite where his actual ability lies.

The £7.2m-rated star would be a shrewd signing for the Hammers and would have Moyes delighted if this prospective deal gets done.

Meanwhile, West Ham have made their “first offer” for this Ligue 1 striker…

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Goal this week, the north London outfit are among the potential suitors for the highly-rated 22-year-old but they face stiff competition from their Premier League rivals, namely Manchester United and Southampton, whilst Atletico Madrid are said to be leading the charge.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have also been mooted with interest by the report.

Spurs must ensure that quickly changes before the transfer window reopening for business in the off-season.

Kamara is one of Ligue 1’s, if not Europe’s, brightest talents and he has all the characteristics to become another Mousa Dembele-like presence at Hotspur Way.

Valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, the 6-foot powerhouse is out of contract in the summer and has been hugely impressive for Jorge Sampaoli’s side, ranking amongst their top five best performers, as per WhoScored.

He’s won an average of two tackles and also contributed 1.2 interceptions and 1.1 clearances per game in Ligue 1 this campaign. Kamara has also been outstanding with the ball at his feet, averaging a 90.1% passing accuracy from a whopping 65.6 attempts per game.

It’s no wonder he has been lauded as a “phenomenon” by former Olympiens teammate Rolando.

“This kid is a phenomenon. When he started training with us, he was 15 years old. And from day one, I said, no, but this little one is going to be a great player. He’s the kind of central defender I like. He is full of qualities and, above all, he works, he listens. It is out of the ordinary,” he told RMC Sport (via Africa Top Sports).

The France U21 international possesses the ball-carrying and ball-playing ability that Dembele had in his heyday at Spurs and as such, that will be a mouthwatering prospect for the Lilywhites fanbase.

Forget about Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, it could be the Marseille titan who runs Antonio Conte’s midfield for years to come.

Sporting director Fabio Paratici could well land the club another midfield monster with a swoop for Kamara this summer. He must ensure that their offer is substantially better than Atletico’s.

AND in other news, Spurs still paying for massive Nuno howler over “complete” £27m-rated “warrior”…