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Leeds United will be looking for only their third win of the season as they head to the south coast for this evening’s late kick-off in the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side make the trip to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton and Hove Albion, having been defeated six days ago by Tottenham Hotspur.

The Argentine has had to deal with numerous injury problems throughout the season, which is why the Yorkshiremen find themselves in an early-season relegation battle, though they can alleviate such worries with a victory tonight.

What sort of side could Bielsa name? He has been handed a triple injury boost ahead of kick-off, so here’s how Football FanCast think the Whites could line up…

There may be two changes to the side which suffered a 2-1 defeat in north London last Sunday.

With Rodrigo and Raphinha both available for selection, having missed the trip to Spurs, they should come straight back into the starting XI. That’s at the expense of £52k-per-week Dan James, who has looked poor and lightweight in recent weeks, and Mateusz Klich, who was only just recalled to the side in the Spaniard’s absence.

They should join recognised centre-forward and academy gem Joe Gelhardt and Jack Harrison in the attack.

It means we could see a midfield three of Stuart Dallas, Adam Forshaw and Kalvin Phillips, with the latter sitting a little deeper as Bielsa’s long ball-playing anchorman.

Further back, it’s likely that the Argentine reverts to a back-three, meaning that Pascal Struijk keeps his place but shifts inside from left-back, with skipper Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente joining him in front of Illan Meslier.

Leeds United’s predicted XI vs Brighton (3-3-1-3): Meslier; Struijk, Cooper, Llorente; Phillips, Dallas, Forshaw; Rodrigo; Harrison, Raphinha, Gelhardt.

AND in other news, Leeds could finally land key Marcelo Bielsa target this January…

Taking to Twitter, these Southampton fans slammed the “awful” performance of Jan Bednarek after his performance in their 4-0 defeat to Liverpool this afternoon.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men faced a tough task right from the off at Anfield and were always up against it in facing one of the most in-form teams in the country.

The Saints endured a torrid afternoon against Liverpool, who are aiming to regain the Premier League title, with the visitors’ defence in particular suffering against Jurgen Klopp’s electric front three of Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

Mohamed Salisu and Alex McCarthy were handed poor SofaScore ratings for their displays on Merseyside, yet it was Poland international Bednarek who attracted plenty of criticism from supporters.

Saints fans slam Bednarek…

The 25-year-old seemed to be walking a tightrope throughout the entire first half, being placed in the referee’s book inside the opening few minutes after an awkward challenge on Sadio Mane.

Coming in late on the back of his right leg with a ‘nasty’ tackle, Bednarek spent the rest of the 45 minutes struggling to cope with the Senegal star on that side, winning none of his ground duels on an afternoon to forget and being hooked at half-time (SofaScore).

He also ranked as one of Southampton’s lowest-rated players on the afternoon with a 5.8/10 – leaving little wonder supporters weren’t happy.

Check out some of their verdicts below:

“Bednarek is useless. He needs to go, thank god Stephens is back”

Credit: @WillsfcMitchell

“Bednarek is trash”

Credit: @jh_dourado

“Ralph adjusts at half-time and brings on Tella, removing the Bednarek deadweight. Does he get any credit?”

Credit: @EFranzo17

“Can we please drop Bednarek, he’s so bad”

Credit: @LiamEyre25

“Bednarek, Livramento and Romeu have been awful. Should be subbed at half time and dropped until they earn there place back”

Credit: @willdebruin27

“Bednarek isn’t a serious footballer”

Credit: @sfccalum

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that there is still no timeframe in regards to Christopher Jullien making a Celtic return, as reported by Jo Hendry.

The Lowdown: Jullien’s terrible 2021…

The 28-year-old hasn’t featured for the Hoops for almost 12 months now after suffering a serious knee injury against Dundee United just after Christmas 2020.

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The Frenchman, labelled as ‘excellent’ by former Hoops boss Neil Lennon, is yet to feature under Postecoglou, who brought in a number of defensive additions over the summer.

Jullien returned to training back in October, but he hasn’t managed to feature in a competitive match for the Bhoys in the current campaign.

The Latest: No timeframe…

Postecoglou confirmed on Wednesday prior to the meeting with Hearts that Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic would be available to fact Hearts tonight.

However, Carl Starfelt and Giorgos Giakoumakis remain sidelined, while no timeframe has been given in regards to Jullien’s return.

The Verdict: Not ideal…

It’s been more than six weeks since Jullien returned to training, so it appears as if the Hoops are being extremely cautious when it comes to the centre-back.

Celtic have a very busy month ahead with nine fixtures in all competitions, so it isn’t ideal being without Starfelt and still having no timeframe when it comes to the French centre-back.

Hopefully, we will learn more on Jullien before the end of the year, but at this moment in time, it appears as if we may not see the 28-year-old defender until 2022.

In other news: Nicholson ‘plans’ to sell ‘terrific’ Celtic ace in record-breaking £25.5m deal. 

Flocking to Twitter, some West Ham United fans have erupted over a transfer update by ExWHUemployee involving Liverpool striker Divock Origi.

Irons boss David Moyes has been eager to land an alternative centre-forward to Michail Antonio as he recently confirmed to the press (Daily Mail), but his side now also have other concerns in the defensive department.

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Injuries to Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma have prompted West Ham to seek central defensive reinforcements with GSB and new head of recruitment Rob Newman tasked with helping to maintain Moyes’ push on all fronts.

The Hammers have made into to the Europa League Last 16 phase whilst also continuing their pursuit of a top four finish, with their Carabao Cup efforts also on the line.

In terms of potentially landing a new striker in January, some news has emerged as reliable club insider Ex shares an update on West Ham’s interest in Origi.

According to the club source, via his West Ham Way website, Moyes and co could make a move to sign the Belgium ace in January and it would ‘not be a surprise at all’ if they do so.

The 26-year-old has also been ‘very close’ to joining previously and his lack of game time at Anfield may well mean he departs the club.

Irons erupt…

Flocking to this news, some Hammers fans have erupted on social media with some labelling Origi the ‘perfect’ striker signing.

Still fairly young, an experienced 31-cap international and big game player – it’s clear to see why some feel that way given Jurgen Klopp has even called him ‘really quick’ and a ‘monster’ in the air recently (The Mirror).

His career tally of 63 senior goals at club level indicates he knows where the back of the net is and Origi could be just the signing to come in and back Moyes’ charge for West Ham glory.

Here’s how fans responded to Ex’s news on Twitter:

“oh my god please make this happen, he’s absolutely world-class on his day and perfect for us”

Credit: @stephenlott

“Would be a good signing IMO. Scores regularly when used and is capable against the biggest sides at home and in Europe.”

Credit: @whugreg

“All day long yes yes yes”

Credit: @andyjameskemp

“Get him done!”

Credit: @X3Number1

“Origi and Cabral or Origi and Hlozek and we’re cooking”

Credit: @arrrrrrchie

“He be perfect for us, be surprised if Liverpool let him go”

Credit: @Paintpot7

In other news: West Ham could also turn to signing ‘powerful’ £15.4m standout who’s outshone Zouma, find out more here.

Manchester United are reportedly lining up a move for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic in the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to talkSPORT, the Red Devils are one of several Premier League teams interested in securing the highly-rated 21-year-old’s signature this winter, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also listed as potential suitors.

With just 18 months left to run on his current contract, Vlahovic is believed to have turned down a new deal that would have made him the highest-paid player in La Viola’s history, opening the door to an imminent exit.

Ralf Rangnick must swoop

The Serbia international has become one of the hottest properties in European football over the last 18 months after putting in a string of impressive performances for Fiorentina.

After notching up 21 goals in 40 appearances last term, Vlahovic has elevated his game to new heights this time around, bagging a remarkable 17 strikes in just 19 outings in all competitions.

The youngster’s outstanding exploits in Italy have seen him dubbed a “complete number nine” by Serie A expert Conor Clancy, while talent scout Jacek Kulig labelled him a “machine,” highlighting his truly top-class potential.

Although United are currently well-stocked in the forward positions, Edinson Cavani is out of contract next summer, Anthony Martial is desperate to depart and Cristiano Ronaldo is set to turn 37 in February.

Therefore, new interim manager Ralf Rangnick must swoop for Vlahovic over the coming months, fending off the extensive competition for his signature.

With long-term target Erling Haaland appearing to be out of their reach following the recent comments by his controversial agent Mino Raiola, the 6 foot 2 beast is a great alternative option capable of providing a similar level of firepower.

It has previously been claimed in recent reports that Fiorentina are set to demand £70m for their prized asset as Vincenzo Italiano’s charges look to maximise their profits, but if Vlahovic can fire the 20-time English champions back to their previous perch, it will be deemed money well spent.

And, in other news…Imagine him & Bruno: Ralf can form scary MUFC duo by landing “exceptional” £33m beast

Aston Villa have enjoyed an excellent start to life under manager Steven Gerrard, winning four of their six games under the Englishman. However, a recent outbreak of the pandemic in the Villa camp has halted progress after last weekend’s game against Burnley was postponed, meaning the Villans haven’t played for 12 days.

It appears as though Gerrard’s side have recovered from the outbreak and are set to host Chelsea as planned this evening, with the West Midlands side five points off of the top six.

Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea have struggled for consistency in recent weeks amid numerous injuries, winning one of their last four Premier League outings.

The contest could prove an opportunity for the Villans to claim a major scalp, but also a chance for Gerrard to experiment with a trip to Leeds to come just two days after Chelsea. It is time for the Aston Villa boss to hand youngster Carney Chukwuemeka a start.

Described to be “at a different level” by a former youth coach, Chukwuemeka has been a name that has been mentioned regularly amongst the Villa faithful this season with the 18-year-old starting to become a regular fixture in first-team squads and has featured in three of Gerrard’s games in charge.

Handed his first Premier League start by Dean Smith in August, the midfielder has slowly made progress this campaign despite reports of rejecting a new contract offer.

The Englishman has come off the bench against Manchester City, Leicester and Norwich and registered the assist for Ollie Watkins’ late clincher at Carrow Road last time out. He is certainly starting to knock on the door.

Gerrard, who will be absent from the touchline over the next two games having tested positive for the virus and could be tempted to change things up a bit with a hectic fixture schedule. Furthermore, the midfield may require some tinkering with Marvelous Nakamba facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The £2.25m-rated youngster will certainly be an option for the Villans in the coming games and, with injury and illness affecting the squad, a first Premier League start since August could be pending.

AND in other news, Villa now eyeing 129-goal icon who’s “already gone down in history”, would be exciting…

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has requested the signing of Aaron Hickey from Bologna, according to Tuttosport (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

Hickey joined Bologna from Scottish Premiership outfit Hearts in a £1.5million move in September 2020.

The 19 year-old may have caught Gerrard’s eye in a Scottish Cup clash in February 2020 when Hearts beat the boss’ Rangers side 1-0.

Hickey, who can play as a left-back and a left midfielder, has scored five goals in 20 Serie A appearances for mid-table Bologna this term.

His contract runs until June 2024 and he’s valued at £11.7million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

Interest from Villa has ‘filtered through’ to Bologna, the report (via SW) says.

Gerrard is said to be the driving force behind the move, having been a fan of Hickey for a long time.

Villa have been sending scouts to watch him in action, but they’re yet to formalise their interest.

The verdict

It feels like only a matter of time before Hickey takes a step up from Bologna. He’s in elite company this season as one of the highest scoring teenage talents in Europe’s top five leagues.

And his reputation is growing quickly too. BT Sport posted a clip of his recent strike against Sassuolo – ‘an incredible first-time finish’ – and it was viewed more than 350,000 times.

Were he to join Villa, he’d be competing for places with the likes of Matt Targett and Leon Bailey. The signing would be a long-term investment, but would also significantly improve Villa’s depth in the short term.

In other news, this Villa star is attracting interest from a UCL giant.

Everton put in a dire performance against Brighton this afternoon, and lost their chance to climb the table with significance by conceding a defeat at Goodison Park, leaving them on 19 points in 15th in the league table.

Rafa Benitez led his side to yet another defeat in the Toffees ninth loss of the season and their fourth at home, with the return of Dominic Calvert Lewin failing to revive the side in their first game of 2022.

After the returning striker missed a penalty, only Anthony Gordon could salvage something from a poor performance in front of the fans in Merseyside this afternoon.

The 20-year-old talent scored two goals in the 53rd and 72nd minutes of the game, but it wasn’t enough to claw back a point in the game as Brighton scored their third just before Gordon’s second killing the game for the Toffees.

One area of blame for such a performance is in the defensive line in a three at the back set up that clearly did not work for Everton today, with one defender in particular having a below average performance.

According to SofaScore, Seamus Coleman lost possession 19 times in defence, and was dribbled past three times against Brighton, with a shot attempted that was sent wide.

The Everton captain hasn’t been at his best this season, and One Versus One records that the 33-year- old has made eight errors leading to goals this season so far, which should be enough for Benitez to axe the captain from the side.

Despite his poor performance, the Irish defender was actually playing out of position on the complete opposite side as left wingback at Goodison Park today, as Benitez continued to refuse Lucas Digne for a start amid a feud, a decision that could be argued cost them a proper defensive performance against Brighton.

Fans took to social media to scathe their captain and the decision who is currently in his thirteenth season for the club.

One fan tweeted in response to Benitez’s decision to drop Digne again and play Coleman out of position;

“Remember when we had a French international left back and decided to play Seamus Coleman there instead.”

Another simply criticised the £3.15m-rated liability’s performance, humorously tweeting;

“Seamus Coleman has the footballing IQ of a tortoise.”

Everton will now have a break from the Premier League to tackle a domestic cup challenge in the FA Cup next weekend against Hull City, and Benitez will be hoping that a positive cup run can distract from the awful performances fans have seen in the league so far this season.

In other news: Benitez could sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles in January

Everton’s new signings Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko could be in line for their Toffees debuts on Saturday evening as the Blues travel to Championship outfit Hull City.

What’s the latest?

Everton manager Rafa Benitez has revealed that the two new signings could make their debuts against the Tigers on Saturday as the Spaniard’s side look to put together a cup run.

On potentially giving the signings their debuts, the 61-year-old said: “We know both players well and know the potential. Both players showed they want to do well.

“Are they ready? We will see. Today [Friday] we have another training session. If you have to play them, they can play.

“Maybe they can start, maybe one of them, maybe both. They’ve been 15 days without training so we have to consider if they’re fit enough.”

Everton fans will be buzzing

Patterson (Rangers) and Mykolenko (Dynamo Kiev) arrived at Goodison Park over the last week and will bolster Benitez’s full-back options with the former a right-back and the latter a left-back.

Moreover, both have the potential to be long-term servants to the Merseyside club, with Mykolenko being 22-years-old and Patterson 20 and signing deals until 2026 and 2027 respectively.

There has been particular attention on Everton’s left-back predicament, with Lucas Digne expected to leave Goodison Park this transfer window, with Sky Sports reporting that the Frenchman has told Everton that he wants to leave this window.

The club was in desperate need to find a left-back replacement before Digne was allowed to depart and Mykolenko will be able to provide that option.

Everton fans will also be desperate for a good result against Hull to kick-start a run in the FA Cup with the club enduring an underwhelming start to the season in the Premier League.

In other news, Everton linked with promising midfielder…

Fabrizio Romano has backed up previous reports that Newcastle United are now ‘keen’ on signing Benoit Badiashile in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Botman off?

Romano has confirmed that the deal to try and bring Sven Botman to St. James’ Park has ‘collapsed’, meaning that they will now have to look at other targets in the centre-back area.

They have conceded no fewer than 42 goals the Premier League so far this season, the second-worst in the division, and so bringing in a new central defender should help improve that number.

Nick Hammond has already secured the signings of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, and the North East club can now target the centre-half position over the next few days.

The Latest: Badiashile interest

As per Romano, the Tyneside outfit are now ‘keen’ on doing a deal for Badiashile, although West Ham United are also ‘interested’ in his signature, and the AS Monaco ace has recently picked up an injury:

“Newcastle are keen on Benoit Badiashile after Botman deal collapsed. West Ham are also interested. Nothing agreed yet.

“From today’s medical tests, AS Monaco expect Badiashile to be back with the team in 2-3 weeks. Timing will be key to understand next steps.”

The Italian’s update comes after previous reports from The Sun believed the clubs to be ‘in talks’ over a deal.

The Verdict: Sign

If the Botman deal cannot be done, then the Magpies need to bring in another centre-back fast, as crucial games like the one at home to Watford on Saturday afternoon are coming thick and fast.

Although Badiashile has no experience in England, he has been playing at a high level in Ligue 1 and in the UEFA Europa League, despite being just 20 years of age.

Described as a ‘tenacious’, ‘strong’ and ‘fast’ player by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman has a bit of everything, and could certainly thrive in the Premier League.

Nonetheless, if Eddie Howe’s team can scoop him up in this window ahead of David Moyes’ high-flying Hammers, then it would represent a real sign of intent.

In other news, find out which other centre-back NUFC are ‘eyeing’ here!