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West Ham United can all but confirm their place in the Europa League knockout stages with a win over Genk this evening, in what will be David Moyes’ 1,000 game in management.

Fresh off the back of leading the Irons to their record points and win total in the Premier League last season, the Scotsman has his side unbeaten in Europe with a 100% record in Group H.

The Hammers could become the first English team to win their opening four games in the competition without conceding a goal, so it could be quite the landmark occasion over in Belgium tonight.

But with a huge clash against Liverpool on Sunday, the 58-year-old has plenty of decisions to make in terms of team selection.

Here’s the lineup he could run with against the Jupiler Pro League outfit…

After dispatching Aston Villa with ease last weekend, Moyes could afford to rotate the bulk of his starting XI and that is what he’s expected to do. There could be as many as nine changes with only vice-captain Declan Rice and winger Jarrod Bowen remaining.

It means Alphonse Areola resumes duties between the sticks as he is seemingly West Ham’s ‘cup ‘keeper’, so veteran Lukasz Fabianski is rested.

The entire back four is altered, too.

Craig Dawson and Issa Diop have formed a solid partnership in the tournament so far and are likely to return, handing a breather to both Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna, whilst Vladimir Coufal is in line for his first start since injury.

The 29-year-old replaces the impressive Ben Johnson on the right, whilst Arthur Masuaku starts over Aaron Cresswell on the other flank.

Rarely-seen summer signing Alex Kral could earn some minutes from the off as he partners Rice in the middle. The 23-year-old Czech Republic international has played only 90 minutes since arriving in east London.

Further afield, it would be a surprise to see Michail Antonio named in the starting lineup, so Andriy Yarmolenko is trusted to lead the line again as Moyes lacks senior options in the centre-forward role.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-the-latest-gossip-and-much-much-more-3” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and much more!”]

Meanwhile, Manuel Lanzini and fellow summer arrival Nikola Vlasic join Bowen behind the striker, meaning Said Benrahma is axed after his sub-par showing at Villa Park, with Pablo Fornals also rested.

AND in other news, Moyes must unleash West Ham’s £18m-rated “machine” tonight, he could terrorise Genk…

Lots of Everton fans have been left buzzing as news emerged from Dominic Calvert-Lewin on his injury.

Speaking at a Football For Change event (via Tony Scott), the striker has now confirmed that he will be back in a few weeks, claiming ‘we’ll see for the Merseyside derby’.

The Toffees are due to play Liverpool at home on December 1st, suggesting that Calvert-Lewin may only be out for a couple more weeks.

Of course, Everton supporters do not need reminding just how important he is to the team. He has not played since August but had scored three goals in his first three matches in the Premier League this term before his injury setback (Transfermarkt).

His record against Liverpool is not the greatest, having only won once in 12 appearances against the Reds, but he has scored one goal and provided two assists against them before (Transfermarkt), so has proven to be a handful against the Toffees’ biggest rivals.

Everton fans on Calvert-Lewin injury news

These Everton fans buzzed as the news was shared on Twitter, with one hailing it as an ‘amazing’ update:

“Praise the lord”

Credit: @_luke1878_

“If he’s back for the derby and I’m there??? Oh baby”

Credit: @usaefc

“Best thing we’ve heard about the club for quite a while…”

Credit: @EFCT0M

“Yes!!”

Credit: @ste_efc76

“JUST IMAGINE”

Credit: @KatherineDaly19

“Amazing news”

Credit: @JamieMirror

In other news, find out which player’s comments delighted many Evertonians

Daniel Farke may have only just left the manager’s role at Norwich City, but the Canaries are reportedly already in talks with potential replacements as Sporting Director Stuart Webber aims to find a successor.

Norwich have had a shocking start to the season, with their first and only win so far coming from a 2-1 victory over Brentford last weekend. The side are currently at the bottom of the table, taking just 5 points from 11 games, as a result, Farke was sacked with immediate effect shortly after the game on Saturday evening.

Frank Lampard has since been tipped as one of the hot favourites to take over after being shortlisted for the job.

There has been a lot of buzz around the potential appointment of Lampard, specifically surrounding the connection between the former Chelsea midfielder and Norwich loan player, Billy Gilmour, who has failed to make a solid impression on the side so far.

Gilmour has been considered a promising young player, with some eye-catching displays for his national team, Scotland, in Euro 2020, as well as breaking through into Chelsea’s midfield under the former Blues boss. To better the youngster’s experience, Chelsea decided to send Gilmour on loan to Norwich this season. Farke did not appear to be impressed by the Scottish midfielder but was quick to shut down the media when asked about his lack of game time.

Farke said to reporters; “Billy is a fantastic player and we are all glad that we have him, he has already many minutes under his belt and I am pretty sure that he will add many minutes under his belt during the season.”

Lampard has been championed for his work with younger players in his time at Chelsea, giving both Gilmour and Mason Mount their Premier League debuts.

The Chelsea legend has always spoken highly of the Norwich loanee, expressing his admiration for the 20-year-old back in 2019 after a fantastic performance in the FA Cup for Chelsea.

“He’s young and, like all the youth I talk about in the squad, we need to give him time, but his talent is huge and I’m really happy with where he is,” said Lampard, “he is going to be a huge player for this club.”

If the former England international did take the Norwich job, there is plenty of young talent to unleash in the squad, with Todd Cantwell, Max Aarons, Adam Idah and Andrew Omobamidele all available for the side.

Lampard’s experience of nurturing young talent could be a perfect fit for the Canaries going forward, and his working relationship with Gilmour will be a huge asset in unlocking the potential and performances needed to get Norwich out of a tight relegation challenge ahead.

Norwich are yet to announce their new manager, however, reports have suggested that they are interested in three candidates – Lampard, Smith and Hassenhuttl.

AND in other news…Could there be a better alternative to Lampard at Norwich?

Southampton could be in danger of losing one of their youth talents in the near future, with fellow Premier League club Manchester City reportedly keeping an eye on Kgaogelo Chauke.

What’s the news?

That’s according to talkSPORT, who also claimed that several other top European clubs are currently tracking 18-year-old.

During his time in Southampton’s youth ranks, the central midfielder has made nine appearances for the under-18 side and 34 appearances for the B team.

In his first two appearances for the B team in the EFL Trophy against Leyton Orient and Charlton Athletic this season, Chauke earned a match rating of 7/10 in both games according to SofaScore, proving that he has what it takes to perform at a good standard against senior opposition.

Currently valued at £135k according to Transfermarkt, he has appeared in all of the B team’s Premier League 2 games so far this season, completing the full 90 minutes in most of them, which just goes to show how important he is to the Saints at that level.

Chauke, who Ralph Hasenhuttl apparently “really likes” according to journalist Joe Crann, has also had a taste of playing in Southampton’s first team, with one appearance under his belt, which came during the 2-0 win over Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup back in January as he played 79 minutes.

Taking all this into account, it would be safe to say that it could be a disaster for the club if they were to lose the 18-year-old, who could well go on to break into Hasenhuttl’s side and become a regular figure at St Mary’s in the same way that the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Jack Stephens have done.

For this to happen, Southampton owner Gao Jisheng will have to ensure that the club keep Chauke out of City’s clutches or any other suitors who may have their eyes on him.

The best way they could do this would be to offer him a new deal, considering that his current contract is set to expire in the summer, and give him assurances that he will get some chances to perform in the first team and prove his worth at that level.

In other news – 100% duels won: “Important” £20k-p/w Saints monster has just shown his worth to Hasenhuttl

After securing a 1-0 win over West Ham United last weekend, Wolves are back in action today with an away clash against Norwich City. 

Speaking ahead of the match in his latest press conference, Wolves manager Bruno Lage revealed that the club have been dealt some negative injury news as Willy Boly will be absent today after suffering a muscular injury.

With this in mind, here’s how we feel Wolves could line up to take on the Canaries this afternoon, with two changes from last Saturday. 

In goal, considering that he’s played in all of their league games so far this season, it seems likely that Lage will stick with Jose Sa to see if he can keep another clean sheet this time out. 

For the back three, we can see the 45-year-old sticking with the same trio which managed to keep a clean sheet against West Ham, with Max Kilman and Romain Saiss on either side of Conor Coady. 

Then for the wing-back positions, we think Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait Nouri will keep their places in the team, with the same pairing of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho in central midfield. 

Although we reckon Raul Jimenez will keep his place in the side to see if he can add to his goal tally for the season after scoring the winner against David Moyes’ Irons last weekend, we think Lage will make a couple of attacking changes to freshen up his team slightly. 

The first of those sees Adama Traore come back in on the left wing instead of Hwang Hee-chan, who didn’t have a shot at goal against West Ham. Also, Francisco Trincao comes in for Daniel Podence, who is currently earning a wage of £60k-per-week according to Spotrac, to see if he can help Jimenez in the attack. Despite Podence setting up the winner seven days ago, Trincao has had a higher WhoScored rating overall for the season and could be restored today.

With Norwich having struggled in the league so far this season, this is a great opportunity for Wolves to secure another win and push themselves higher up the table. 

In other news: One man is edging closer to a significant deal with the club

Steven Gerrard was unable to make it three wins out of three as Aston Villa manager after losing 2-1 to Manchester City in midweek.

Their next Premier League clash sees them take on Leicester City this Sunday to try and get their winning streak back on track.

On the chalkboard

In terms of which players Gerrard could pick for his starting XI to take on the Foxes, one man who featured in the defeat against Pep Guardiola’s side and should be in the team on Sunday is midfielder Douglas Luiz, who set up Villa’s consolation goal against the Premier League champions.

Making his first start since Villa’s 3-1 defeat against Arsenal back in October, Luiz played the full 90 minutes against his former club and prove to Gerrard how valuable he can be for the team from an attacking and defensive point of view.

With 55 touches of the ball, the 23-year-old made 28 accurate passes, five key passes, two crosses and three long balls, highlighting his range of passing ability.

From a defensive point of view, Luiz – who is currently earning £52k-per-week according to Salary Sport – won five duels, blocked one shot, and made two clearances and two interceptions against the reigning champions.

The performance ultimately earned the Brazilian an overall match rating of 7.3/10, leaving just John McGinn and Ollie Watkins with higher ratings on the night for the home side according to SofaScore.

Birmingham Live also picked up on Luiz’s performance by saying that he “was solid on his return and looked fired up against his former side. Standout operator in Villa’s engine room. Looked like he had the bit between his teeth.”

Taking all this into account, it would make sense for Gerrard to stick with Luiz, who Villa journalist Gregg Evans previously claimed was “better than [Paul] Pogba” when the Brazilian played against Manchester United in July 2020, to see if he can replicate the same standard of performance against Leicester and cause them some problems as he did against Man City.

Whether or not Gerrard goes with Luiz in the team to face Leicester, he will surely this match as a great opportunity to get back to winning ways against his former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, given how the Foxes have won just one of their five previous league games.

In other news: Villa handed double potential injury boost ahead of Leicester clash which will leave fans thrilled 

Everton could form a formidable attacking duo after they were linked with a move for Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard as the January transfer window fast approaches.

What’s the story?

According to The Express (who cite The Mirror), Los Blancos have given up hope of extracting the 30-year-old’s best form and now prepared to part ways with their £88 million signing.

The report states that Madrid have slapped a mere £21m price tag on Hazard, attracting interest from the Toffees and fellow Premier League outfit West Ham United as a result.

Imagine him & Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Enticing Hazard back to English football would be a significant coup for Everton, and the diminutive dynamo could create a deadly partnership with star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

During his time at former club Chelsea and for his national team, the Belgium international has often prospered when playing alongside a more traditional centre-forward.

The likes of Diego Costa, Romelu Lukaku and Olivier Giroud have all enjoyed lining up in the same side as Hazard, and the creative talent could certainly have a similar fruitful time with Calvert-Lewin.

Over the last two-and-a-half years, the 6 foot 2 gem has elevated his game to new heights, scoring 39 goals in 83 appearances for the Merseyside outfit, highlighting his potential to become an elite-level striker.

And Calvert-Lewin would also complement Hazard’s more relaxed approach to the game. While the Englishman is renowned for his hard work, the Madrid ace is known for a more laissez-faire attitude, as John Obi Mikel pointed out.

“He didn’t like to train hard. While we were working he was waiting for us to finish training just standing there. But on Sundays, he was always Man of the Match, it was unbelievable,” the retired midfielder revealed to BeIN Sport.

“Hazard has an incredible talent, maybe not as good as (Lionel) Messi, but he can do whatever he wants with the ball at his feet.”

Therefore, Everton’s hierarchy must swoop for Hazard over the coming months, putting him out of his Santiago Bernabeu nightmare and potentially reviving his career.

And, in other news…Journalist provides big Lucas Digne update after Everton absence, fans surely fuming 

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans were critical of Florian Kamberi’s performance in their 0-0 draw at Portsmouth in League One on Tuesday night.

The Owls perhaps would have settled for a point in the end as Massimo Luongo was given a straight red card for violent conduct in the 69th minute, meaning that they had to hold out for more than 20 minutes with 10 men on the field.

However, when a team goes down a player, they really need the help of the forwards to hold the ball up and bring others into play whenever they can attack.

Alas, Kamberi struggled while Wednesday had 11 men, let alone 10, as he lost out on all seven of his duels and also failed to record a single shot on goal or dribble. In addition, he was guilty of losing possession of the ball seven times in total during the game (SofaScore).

Sheff Wed fans on Kamberi display

These Owls fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘poor man’s Stevie May’, referring to the Scottish striker who only managed seven goals in his 42-match Wednesday career:

“Kamberi not offering much at all!”

Credit: @ABKTowl

“Kamberi, poor man’s Stevie May”

Credit: @Elliott51084

“Kamberi & Gregory just can’t play together. Running the same lines, banging into each other. It’s embarrassing.”

Credit: @bensaavage

“Kamberi totally oblivious. Hook him.”

Credit: @mrpaulhank

“Kamberi ain’t good enough”

Credit: @LockStar9

“Just like to say, I don’t think I have ever seen anyone slip over on a football pitch as much as Kamberi. Reckon he might need bigger studs or something.”

Credit: @ReeceDaviesSWFC

In other news, one man’s display against Hartlepool was slammed by these Sheff Wed fans

Leeds United and West Ham are definitely showing some interest in Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz, according to talkSPORT, relayed by MOT Leeds News.

The Lowdown: Orta desperate…

Rumours over a possible move to Elland Road for the Chile international appear to be gathering pace.

The Sun’s Alan Nixon shared a story over the weekend, claiming Leeds are thought to be desperate for an attacking addition in the New Year.

He linked the Whites, Brighton and Sevilla with a move for Brereton Diaz, who is thought to be valued at £25m.

The 22-year-old can play anywhere across the front three and has scored 17 goals in 22 Championship appearances this season – already his best campaign in front of goal.

The Latest: talkSPORT’s claim

As relayed by MOT Leeds News, talkSPORT provided an on-air update on Brereton Diaz’s future on Wednesday lunchtime.

Alex Crook was the reporter to share the information, replying to presenter Jim White’s question regarding the Chile international.

“He’s just about the hottest property outside the Premier League right now, his name is Ben Brereton Diaz. 17 goals in 22 games this season. We understand he is attracting interest from the likes of Leeds and West Ham in the Premier League.”

The Verdict: Good move?

Versatility is key in Bielsa’s small squad, and Brereton Diaz would certainly bring that with him to Yorkshire, should a winter window transfer go through.

He appears to be at the top of his game with his 17-goal tally already this season and would be able to play out wide if needed.

However, Leeds aren’t short of fit wingers at this moment in time, so you’d expect he’d play in a centre-forward role with Patrick Bamford missing the majority of the campaign due to injury.

Andrea Radrizzani may have to write a cheque of £25m for the Rovers star, but it seems as if Bielsa and Victor Orta are desperate for an attacking addition over the coming weeks.

In other news: Phil Hay now shares Leeds transfer ‘intention’ after huge injury news. 

Manchester City are reportedly leading the race to sign in-demand Fiorentina striker Dušan Vlahović, according to reports by La Repubblica (as shared by TuttoJuve).

The Lowdown: Vlahović is hot property

The Serbia international has been gaining plenty of attention ahead of the January transfer window following his fantastic start to the 2021/22 Serie A campaign.

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Vlahović sits as the top scorer in Italy this season, having netted an incredible 16 times in 18 matches. This has made the 21-year-old one of the most highly sought-after players in European football right now.

Vlahović looks set to be on the move in either the upcoming January window or over the summer, having rejected Fiorentina’s contract proposals, with his current deal set to expire in 2023.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Juventus have all been linked with the player, so Pep Guardiola will be up against some stern competition as he attempts to bring the Serbian to Manchester in January.

The Latest: Manchester City lead the race

According to reports by La Repubblica (as shared by TuttoJuve), it has been suggested that City have the best chance of anyone of signing Vlahović, with Juventus not at the forefront of the transfer race.

Reports have suggested that the 21-year-old’s preference is to remain in Italy until the end of the season before making his move in the summer, and it appears that City are the front-runners in securing the player’s signature.

The Verdict: Would be an unbelievable signing

With many of Europe’s top clubs fighting it out for the striker’s signature, this would prove to be a phenomenal signing for Guardiola. National teammate Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has described the youngster as ‘outstanding’, saying that ‘he’s bound to become one of the greats’.

After failing to bring Harry Kane to the Etihad Stadium in the summer, the City boss is still on the lookout for an attacker, and it is claimed that Vlahović is his priority. He is said to be ‘in love’ with the Serbian’s goal-scoring ability, so this could be a dream transfer for all parties involved.

In other news: ‘Take the £50m and run’, ‘Let him go’ – Lots of Man City fans erupt at Fabrizio Romano transfer claim