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Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing defeat when they head to Everton in the Premier League this evening.

Jose Mourinho’s side know that a loss at Goodison Park will see them leapfrogged in the standings, and that would subsequently make their hopes of breaking into the top six an arduous task, let alone the top four.

It means that the Portuguese must get his team selection and tactics spot on, and one decision could prove to be the difference-maker…

On the Chalkboard

Some of Spurs’ best football in recent months has come with Real Madrid loanee and fan favourite Gareth Bale in the starting XI.

After providing an assist from the bench during their 2-1 defeat to West Ham in late February, the Welsh winger was trusted to start their next three league outings, from which Tottenham emerged with three straight victories. Bale contributed substantially, picking up four goals (two braces apiece) and a further assist, as per Transfermarkt.

His hour against Arsenal was far from inspiring, but you couldn’t name a positive Spurs performer across the pitch that day, so snubbing him for Aston Villa, Newcastle and then Manchester United seemed a tad unfair.

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As ever, Harry Kane largely carried the north Londoners through those matches with his goalscoring exploits, but Mourinho’s side looked devoid of confidence in attack after throwing away another lead.

It’s now 18 points lost from a winning position this season and, whilst that largely comes down to defensive mistakes, those errors wouldn’t be so glaring if Spurs could put teams out of sight – and that is why Bale must start in a match as big as this one tonight.

He’s a game-changer, someone capable of producing something out of nothing. The same can’t really be said for any of Mourinho’s other options on the right flank.

The £18m-rated star may have only started six league games but he finds himself among Spurs’ most consistent performers (6.96), as per WhoScored ratings. In Tottenham’s squad, only Kane (19) and Heung-min Son (14) have found the net more often than Bale (five) in the Premier League this term.

By comparison, Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela and Steven Bergwijn – the alternatives – have combined for just four goals. That’s a rather damning return.

If Bale’s recent omission wasn’t strange enough on that basis, it was only at the start of March when Mourinho claimed the Madrid loanee was “better than ever.”

The 31-year-old has even been lauded for his impact off the pitch, too. “His behaviour as a team guy is incredible, his behaviour as a Tottenham guy is remarkable,” revealed the Spurs boss back in October.

Mourinho must not make Bale the scapegoat for their recent failings, so ahead of kick-off tonight, he must make a U-turn and seek to start him alongside Kane and Son in attack.

It could certainly help Spurs to get back on track with a result at Goodison Park.

AND in other news, Levy could save Spurs millions with swoop for the next Ibrahimovic…

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United have been linked with a move for Reading playmaker Michael Olise.

Leeds will face strong competition for Olise

Football Insider have recently reported about Olise’s situation, saying that the Whites are very keen on signing the Reading star but they are expected to face competition because a lot of top flight clubs are looking at him.

Leeds are interested, but they are also aware of other clubs’ interest in the player, who has a release clause of just £8 million and that clause still applies in the upcoming summer transfer window. Apart from Leeds, there is interest from Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal.

The Frenchman has five Championship goals this season, picking up ten assists as well. He has played in a variety of positions across the front line, and the Royals are hoping to extend his current contract and include a larger release clause.

Reading star Sam Baldock heaped praise on Olise, saying: “Michael is a real talent, he’ll get on the ball in any situation. He’s fearless, if you ask him today I’ll guarantee that he had no nerves. He’s a lively character and one who I’ve noticed a real change in the last couple of months.”

Olise would add flair to the Leeds side

In the Championship this season, Olise has grabbed an impressive average match rating of 7.08. Only two other Reading players have picked up better ratings than the Frenchman. He is currently their highest assister and has played the highest number of key passes per game for the side (as per Whoscored).

This shows that he’s a creative outlet and to sign someone like him for a cheap fee could be a very good deal for Leeds. He still young and might still improve in the future, but even now could offer a new creative threat as playmaker Pablo Hernandez approaches the end of his career.

In other news, a Leeds defender has been tipped to leave the club – read more here.

West Ham United have been tipped by Noel Whelan to pursue the signature of Rangers left-back Calvin Bassey in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

While speaking with Football Insider, former Leeds United striker Whelan claimed the Irons might look to test the Gers’ resolve after Steven Gerrard identified the 21-year-old as one of five players who recently breached Covid-19 regulations.

The Ibrox head coach stated that he felt “personally let-down” by the group of players, who attended a house party just days before Thursday night’s Europa League Last 32 tie against Royal Antwerp.

It has left the futures of the quintet uncertain less than a year after West Ham had a bid rejected for Bassey, who went on to join Rangers in the summer for a compensatory fee of just £300,000 when he quit Leicester City.

Bassey is understood to be devastated and deeply sorry for his actions and is desperate to save his Rangers career, yet Whelan believes West Ham will be keeping a keen eye on the situation.

“West Ham might think to test the water in the summer just in case the club do want to move him on,” he said.

“It is a tough one because when you make a mistake, everyone jumps on you, but Stevie G isn’t daft. I think he will give him the benefit of the doubt.

“I’d presume that he wants to keep Bassey for next season. The last thing you want to do is win the Championship and then get rid of one of your best young players because he has slipped up during the previous season.

“Bassey is a talented player, so I would be surprised if Stevie G was to move him on. If anyone was to make an enquiry, I think he would squash that straight away.”

Should West Ham pursue Bassey?

With Gerrard unhappy with the actions of his players, it may be worth West Ham testing Rangers’ resolve with an approach for Bassey, having missed out to the Premiership giants last year.

The Irons were linked with several options to add depth at left-back during the recent winter market to show that they are still keen to strengthen the position.

With players like Brentford’s Rico Henry, Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko and Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri all touted for a London Stadium future after Arthur Masuaku’s knee surgery.

Bassey could prove to be a lot cheaper than those aforementioned options given how little the Gers paid Leicester for him, and West Ham clearly liked what they saw from the young full-back in Leicester’s academy to forge an approach in 2020.

With first-team opportunities not being too forthcoming north of the border for Bassey so far, with just 602 minutes of senior football to his name over 13 outings in all competitions, he may also be willing to reconsider his future.

That has partly been due to Gerrard considering Bassey as a “rough diamond”, yet Moyes could look to polish the edges of the £6k-per-week full-back that former Rangers defender Alan Hutton claims has “all the attributes”.

The 21-year-old has also demonstrated his potential in the Premiership with 1.7 successful tackles and 1.0 interceptions a game, per SofaScore, enough to rank fifth for tackles and sixth for interceptions among the West Ham squad for their Premier League efforts, per WhoScored.

So, if Rangers are open to offers for Bassey at the end of the season, Moyes should urge West Ham to launch a swoop and see if the defender would consider life in claret and blue.

AND in other news, West Ham face a Premier League tug-of-war to retain a £60k-p/w David Moyes favourite this summer…

Newcastle United have landed a huge boost ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with West Bromwich Albion as Elliot Anderson is expected to be fit.

That’s according to The Shields Gazette, who note that the 18-year-old has recovered from an ankle injury sustained during an Under 23s clash with the Baggies’ academy last week.

The blow prevented Anderson from playing any role in Steve Bruce’s plans as the Magpies drew 1-1 with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, along with representing Chris Hogg’s junior side as they lost 2-1 at home to Reading on Monday.

Anderson is now expected to be one of the contenders to replace Miguel Almiron at the Hawthorns on Sunday, after Bruce lost his Paraguayan playmaker due to a knee injury as one of three casualties against Wolves.

Allan Saint-Maximin sustained a groin issue during the draw, and will now join top-scorer Callum Wilson on the sidelines after the French wing wizard was ruled out until April.

Emil Krafth was also forced off with a shin injury on Saturday, but he is due to resume training ahead of facing West Brom in a crunch encounter between two relegation-threatened sides.

Having Anderson available as well will come as a huge boost for Bruce, with the academy product expected to be in the mix to replace Almiron beside the likes of Ryan Fraser, Jacob Murphy and Jeff Hendrick.

Bruce awarded Anderson his senior Newcastle debut away to Arsenal in the second half of January’s FA Cup tie, before introducing the 18-year-old to the Premier League for the final three minutes at the Emirates Stadium nine days later.

The North Shields-born prospect is yet to feature for the Toon first-team since facing the Gunners, but has seven goals and one assist in nine U23s outings after finding the back of the net against West Brom in a 3-2 PL2 win last week.

Bruce described Anderson’s debut at Arsenal as a “big positive” as the attacking midfielder’s performance instilled a sense of confidence in the United head coach.

“Big positive. I thought the kid was very, very good. He’s been with us, knocking on the door, for a while now, so it was good to see him making his way. He’s got a big future ahead of him, hopefully,” Bruce noted after the Emirates Stadium affair.

Anderson has been named as an unused substitute on three occasions since facing Arsenal, but the Scotland U19 international does not want to settle for a seat on the bench.

“I’ve played twice, come on but I want to be playing more, even if you’re playing a lot you want to be playing more,” he told NUFC TV. “As a footballer, you need to keep pushing and pushing, so I’ll continue to work hard and take my chances.

“Making my debut at the Emirates was massive but it wouldn’t be the same feeling making it at St. James’, so I’m waiting for that to come – the day that happens it will probably be the best day of my life, hopefully with the fans back. I can’t wait.”

Sunday’s clash with West Brom may not be at home so Anderson would have to wait for his St. James’ Park bow, but Bruce should see it as a boost having the Newcastle talent back fit, even if he doesn’t want to start the youngster, he could be a more than useful option coming off the bench.

AND in other news, an “absolutely awesome” titan has been tipped to quit Newcastle this summer…

Steve Bruce has dropped a big injury blow for Newcastle United going into their away game against Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against Graham Potter’s men, the former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss has revealed that it is ‘too early’ for Fabian Schar to come back into the team despite commenting on his progression and recovery from his latest injury setback.

Schar blow for Newcastle

It is certainly a huge blow for the St. James’ Park faithful that they will not be able to play Schar in what looks to be a crucial fixture against the Seagulls in the battle to avoid being relegated from the top flight down to the Championship.

The Switzerland international has missed the last five games in the division with a knee injury, and in those matches the Tyneside club have failed to pick up a win, losing two and drawing three, conceding seven goals in the process (Transfermarkt).

Schar has done a decent job for the Magpies whenever he has played in the league so far in the 2020/21 term, winning no fewer than 3.1 of his duels per appearance as well as averaging 3.1 clearances and 1.6 interceptions a game (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, the Toon will have to try and find a way to get the three points without the 29-year-old central defender.

In other news, find out what two managers Lee Ryder has named would listen to an offer from NUFC if Bruce left here!

Celtic are struggling through an erratic 2020/21 season,  a campaign which is almost summed up by the fact that they have 14 senior players and their manager in quarantine. Their last two fixtures have seen stand-in boss Gavin Strachan have to field a makeshift starting XI whilst multiple key players see out their self-isolation periods.

This problem, however, is just the tip of a very troublesome iceberg for the Hoops, who are trailing to runaway leaders Rangers by a mammoth 21 points.

The makeup of Neil Lennon’s squad will need reviewing once the season ends and Peter Lawwell must be prepared to splash the cash on new personnel. One major problem area for the Bhoys is their goalkeeper.

Celtic have been linked to Dundee’s Benjamin Siegrist amid their worrying form. That’s according to the Daily Record, who claim that the shot-stopper’s agent believes that the Hoops are considering a January swoop.

Should Celtic sign Siegrist from Dundee?

The reigning Premiership champions undoubtedly need a clear out in their ranks. Players like loan signing Shane Duffy have not cut the mustard since arriving at Parkhead and Celtic must recruit fresh meat if they are to compete with Rangers next season.

The main issue to fix had been their inability to keep clean sheets. By signing a new goalkeeper, Lawwell will be making a statement of intent. With neither Vasilis Barkas or Scott Bain impressing at all this season, the responsibility has fallen to Conor Hazard, who has recently been plunged into the deep end by Lennon.

The 22-year-old has done a solid job so far, keeping four clean sheets in his five league appearances and conceding just the one goal, via Transfermarkt. Adding Siegrist to this union would be a very smart move for a side at risk of being ousted by their arch rivals as, at the moment, neither Barkas or Bain look like they can keep clean sheets and if Hazard was forced out of the line-up, the Hoops could be in trouble. The Dundee ace was recently lauded by manager Micky Mellon as a “top drawer” performer for the Tangerines.

However, any move for Siegrist would surely spell the end of £7,600 per week goalkeeper Bain. The 29-year-old has had a wretched time between the sticks recently, conceding 17 goals in just seven appearances. He is still yet to keep a clean sheet this season too, as per Transfermarkt.

Lawwell will probably not want to move Barkas on so soon after signing him last summer for £4.5million, but with Bain disappointing and Hazard stepping up to the plate, the addition of another goalkeeper will likely only be bad news for the Scotland international who would almost certainly have to move on for the good of his career, and for the good of Celtic too.

In other news, Signing Omar Colley would fix Lennon’s huge defensive worry…

Former Southampton flop Sofiane Boufal has picked up a serious injury at his new club Angers.

The Morocco international made the permanent move to the French club during the summer transfer window after spending four years on the south coast. He had enjoyed a decent start to the new campaign, scoring once in his first five matches, ahead of this past weekend’s clash versus Lorient.

However, in the second half, he was stretchered off with a serious leg injury. It is so far unclear as to how long he will be out for, but it is the latest problem in a line of injuries that the 27-year-old has suffered throughout his career as a professional.

It was these injuries that meant he was unable to produce his best on a regular basis at St. Mary’s Stadium, although he seems quite popular amongst the Saints supporters as many were gutted in reaction to his latest issue.

The fans took to Twitter to show their support for Boufal upon hearing the news, sending their love to a player who scored just five goals in 84 games.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Boufal news below

In other news, this Saints man is on the verge of a move to a Champions League club.

Steven Gerrard has been dealt a huge blow ahead of the Old Firm clash with Celtic after Glasgow Rangers ace Scott Arfield was ruled out of action due to injury.

The attack-minded midfielder had barely missed a beat since the start of the season before he suffered an ankle injury during the 1-0 victory over Hibernian on Boxing Day.

Speaking to reporters prior to the highly-anticipated clash at the top of the Scottish Premiership, the Light Blues boss provided an injury update to Arfield after he hobbled off the pitch in the win at home to Hibs.

Gerrard said, as quoted by The Scotsman: “The scan came back and we are just waiting on a few more opinions on it.

“We’ve had one opinion on it and he will obviously be missing in the short term. He will definitely be missing for a few weeks, that’s for sure.

“But in terms of the exact date or time, it’s very difficult to say right now. He will certainly miss the next two or three fixtures.”

Arfield has been an integral part of Gerrard’s side since he first arrived at Ibrox, starting five out of his six appearances and playing the full 90′ minutes on three occasions in the Europa League this season, via Transfermarkt.

The Rangers manager revealed the club are still waiting the results of a second scan to show the full extent of the injury, but expects him to be out of action for several weeks.

Rangers will also be without Ryan Jack for the second Old Firm derby of the season, as Gerrard previously confirmed he will be forced to sit and watch from the sidelines as he works his way back to fitness.

“It has taken a little bit longer than we thought, so that is just not clear at the moment. I don’t really want to rush that, so he won’t be available for the next game,” the Ibrox boss previously stated.

There’s no doubt that losing Arfield for the foreseeable future will be a devastating blow for Gerrard as the Gers seek to juggle both domestic and European competitions whilst trying to prevent Celtic from winning an unprecedented ten titles in a row, with the 32-year-old central midfielder proving to be a key cog in the engine room.

No midfielder has scored more goals than the former Canada international with Arfield accounting for seven goals across all competitions so far this season, via Transfermarkt. Only three other players in the entirety of the Premiership have provided more assists than Arfield (5) has achieved in 20 appearances in the top flight, though it’s worth pointing out at least half of those appearances have come off the bench.

He will be sorely missed by Gerrard at Ibrox as the Gers look to kick-off the New Year in style, having scored the second goal against Celtic to secure a victory over the eventual champions last season.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers defender Filip Helander badly let Gerrard down vs St. Mirren…

According to Sky Sports, Arsenal are monitoring Hibernian left-back Josh Doig.

What’s the story?

With Sead Kolasinac having joined Bundesliga side Schalke on loan in the January transfer window, Arsenal are short of options at left-back, with Kieran Tierney the Gunners’ only natural, senior option in that position.

And now, Sky Sports claim that along with Celtic and Chelsea, Mikel Arteta’s side are also tracking Hibs’ 18-year-old defender, Doig, and that they are closely monitoring his progress.

Edu can sign the next Tierney

Hailed by Hibernian boss Jack Ross as being “brilliant” this season, Doig has broken onto the scene for the Scottish Premiership side, making 16 appearances in the league alone.

Goal claim that “scouts have noted Doig’s attacking output as a huge part of his game, with his crossing ability and tireless running two of his key attributes”.

And when you look at the last Scottish left-back that Arsenal bought – Kieran Tierney – you can see why Doig could be another shrewd acquisition from the Gunners’ scouting team.

Tierney has been a revelation since his arrival from Celtic, and has been one of the Gunners’ stand-out, and most consistent, performers this campaign – he’s missed only three games in the Premier League, and has picked up three assists, including a virtuoso display against West Brom when he scored one and made one too.

Then, when you factor in the fact Kolasinac could be set for a more permanent exit in the summer – Arteta allowed the Bosnian to leave the club on loan and join Schalke this month even despite the lack of depth in that position – and it makes that much more sense for the Gunners to wave goodbye to the man signed by Arsene Wenger, and bring in Doig.

Meanwhile, this Arsenal star was outstanding against Southampton…

Chelsea are working on a deal to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli before the transfer window slams shut tonight, but there is a possibility the deal could collapse, with Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli also in hot pursuit.

Osimhen's reported £480k-per-week salary demands proved to be an early roadblock in negotiations – especially since Al Ahli are willing to fork out as much. Chelsea are desperate to sign a striker; if the deal falls through, an alternative has been lined up.

Chelsea ready for last-minute drama

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are ready to move for Brentford centre-forward Ivan Toney, despite making headway in negotiations to sign Osimhen.

Enzo Maresca is hoping to see his club complete several outgoings before the day is done, while a Premier League-proven star like Toney could make a world of difference – for £40m, the Blues might be inclined to make this move.

Why Toney would thrive at Chelsea

Toney is a top-class striker with the brawn and bullish attitude to succeed at the front of Maresca's attacking line, having actually been praised for having the "mindset of a lion" by Thomas Frank in the past.

Toney's well-documented, long-term suspension last season precluded him from taking to the field until January, and while a resounding return saw four goals and an assist plundered across his first five games back, his influence waned as the Bees failed to fly as high as recent seasons.

Injuries were prominent, but Toney showcased his quality the year before upon devastating Premier League defences in 2022/23, scoring 20 times and actually only being outscored by Erling Haaland (36) and Harry Kane (30).

1.

Ivan Toney

83

36

2.

Yoane Wissa

103

27

3.

Bryan Mbeumo

99

22

4.

Mathias Jensen

100

8

4.

Vitaly Janelt

105

8

With such strength in his focal role, lashing goals past hapless goalkeepers and using his physicality to reign supreme in the final third, he could be the perfect addition at Stamford Bridge, perhaps more so than Osimhen, who will need to acclimatise and missed large chunks of the 2023/24 season due to injury.

He could restore Jadon Sancho, who might be joining him on his potential Chelsea venture. The Manchester United winger has flattered to deceive since signing from Borussia Dortmund in a £73m package three years ago, having been ostracised from the team under Erik ten Hag and only having nine top-flight goals to show for his troubles.

Still, there's a player in there, as the England international's short-lived return to the Yellow Wall last year proved, for Sancho's fleet-footed aura, crackling with electricity, was revivified, a glimpse of the once and former prodigy received once more.

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Champions League last season for successful take-ons per 90 (4.19), which effectively means that he beat his man, ball pinned to his feet, with frightening constancy.

With Raheem Sterling expected to depart Chelsea today and Arsenal and Man United interested, the way could be paved for Sancho's arrival, for the west Londoners are indeed hoping to complete a merry-go-round scenario and secure Sancho's signature.

His penetrative presence and once potent goalscoring and creative threat speak highly of Sancho's potential to succeed once more, and next to Toney, he could be a menace indeed.

Who knows if either will make their way to Stamford Bridge before the sun sinks this evening, but either would be a credit to Maresca's project and would be an utter menace if bonded into one deadly offensive force.

Their answer to Saka: £40m "phenomenon" now wants late move to Chelsea

The Blues are looking to tie up some loose threads before the deadline…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 29, 2024