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Liverpool were lucky to emerge from their encounter with Crystal Palace last time out in the Premier League with a 4-3 win.

On Wednesday, Jurgen Klopp’s table-topping Reds will face Leicester City at Anfield. The Foxes ought to learn from what the Eagles did well and seek to make that part of their own game plan.

On the chalkboard

The Eagles pressed Liverpool intensely, and were able to harry their opponents into making mistakes. Producing those energy levels takes a physical toll, but in the likes of Jamie Vardy, James Maddison, Marc Alrbighton, Demarai Gray and Kelechi Iheanacho, Leicester have plenty of attackers to call upon capable of pressing in this manner.

Claude Puel’s side must be positive and confident and willing to take the game to Liverpool. If they do so then they could overcome the home side.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

This off-the-ball game plan could be very effective for the visitors, but what they do once in possession is equally important.

On the ball

Liverpool themselves are a side that press relentlessly. Crystal Palace had the confidence and composure to try to play quick, neat, intricate passes around this press. When it worked it worked to great effect. Andros Townsend’s goal, and the fine build-up play that preceded it, is a good example of this.

Again, Leicester can take inspiration from this. In the likes of Wilfred Ndidi, Harvey Barnes, Ricardo Pereira and Maddison, they have players with enough technical ability to play passing football through Liverpool’s press, rather than resort to more hopeful long ball football which will ultimately only see the pressure mount up on them as they repeatedly return possession to Liverpool.

Aston Villa are prepared to cash in on Bertrand Traore during the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that Steven Gerrard has given Aston Villa the green light to accept offers for the 26-year-old winger in the upcoming winter market, as the 41-year-old believes his current squad features too many wide attacking options.

The report goes on to state that, in order to give themselves the best possible chance of parting with the Burkina Faso international, the club would be willing to sanction the forward’s departure on either a temporary or permanent basis in January.

Gerrard must axe Traore

Having joined Aston Villa from Olympique Lyon in what was an initial £17m deal – plus £2m in add-ons – back in the summer of 2020, with the winger being handed a four-year deal on £63k-per-week, it would appear to be a fair statement to make that Traore has not quite lived up to his price tag so far in his career at Villa Park.

Indeed, despite scoring seven goals, providing six assists and averaging a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.95 over his 36 Premier League appearances last season, the £18m-rated man struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance throughout the campaign, something which Dan Bardell took aim at the 26-year-old for.

Speaking on The Villa View Podcast (via This Is Futbol), the journalist said: “There was a period where I thought, ‘this guy’s brilliant, what a signing, he looks great,’ but he’s suddenly just become so inconsistent.

“He got his assist against Fulham and I thought right here we go, that might give him a little bit of a lift-off again, but [he was] just completely ordinary [against Liverpool] and just not really offering us anything at times on the flanks.”

Unfortunately for Traore, this has proven to be the case more often than not over his four Premier League appearances so far this season, with the forward scoring no goals, registering no assists and averaging an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.67 – ranking him as Villa’s 11th-worst performer in the top flight.

As such, considering that Gerrard has a wealth of options on the wing, coupled with the fact that Traore’s returns thus far have not exactly reflected the near £23m figure Villa have shelled out on his transfer fee and wages since joining the club, the 41-year-old manager simply must axe the Burkinabe winger this January, as he is somewhat stealing a living at Villa Park.

In other news: Lange can seal dream AVFC deal for £54k-p/w beast with “no limits”, Gerrard is in love

Celtic will once again be without striker Giorgos Giakoumakis for Thursday evening’s Europa League clash with Bayer Leverkusen, Jo Hendry reports.

The Lowdown: Hoops struggles

The Greece international hasn’t exactly had the start to life in Scotland he would’ve wanted after joining the Hoops on transfer deadline day over the summer.

The 26-year-old, labelled as ‘special’ by Dutch reporter Rik Elfrink after a four-goal performance in one match last season, has started just two games in green and white, scoring once.

He has been in and out of the squad following his arrival due to fitness and injury issues, with his latest knock coming last week.

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The Latest: Out of Leverkusen clash

Ange Postecoglou confirmed to the media that the Hoops look set to be without Tom Rogic and Carl Starfelt, while Giakoumakis also won’t make it for this evening’s match in Germany.

Hendry relayed Postecoglou’s comments on Twitter, claiming that the striker requires ‘further investigation’ on his knee injury.

The Verdict: Not good…

Postecoglou shared news of Giakoumakis’ latest injury prior to the Scottish League Cup semi-final win over St Johnstone last week, claiming that he would be out for at least seven days.

However, it now seems as if that will be a lot longer, with the Hoops needing to look into the issue further and no timeframe on a return.

Hopefully it isn’t serious and Giakoumakis can be back playing next month; but if it is, questions may well be asked regarding the £2.5m summer signing and his inability to remain fit.

In other news, read this exciting Jota claim from a journalist.

Rangers have decided not to exercise their recall option on defender Nikola Katic, according to Football Scotland’s Mark McDougall. 

The lowdown

Katic joined Croatian side Hadjuk Split on loan in the summer, having missed the entirety of the title-winning campaign after suffering a cruciate ligament rupture.

The deal included a January recall clause as well as a £3million option to buy.

Rangers are set to be down a centre-back next month with Leon Balogun named in the Nigeria squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

£1.44million-rated Katic could have offered an experienced option in his absence, having made 59 appearances for The Gers. Indeed, former manager Steven Gerrard described him as a ‘winner and a warrior’.

The latest

“[I] understand Rangers have no plans to recall Nikola Katic in the January transfer window,” McDougall wrote.

The player is expecting to remain in Croatia until the end of the campaign, though he hopes to return to Ibrox thereafter.

Rangers have been so impressed with the performances of Calvin Bassey at centre-back that they don’t see a need to bring Katic back mid-season.

The verdict

Rangers could perhaps come to regret their decision if they’re hit by injuries next month, but it’s an understandable call.

Bassey has now started the last seven Premiership games as a centre-half, and Rangers are on a run of six without conceding a single goal.

He’s been a key part of that, consistently delivering performances that earn a seven out of 10 or better from statistical experts SofaScore.

Katic, who was once compared to Cristiano Ronaldo after an ‘unbelievable leap and an unbelievable header’ in the Old Firm in December 2019, may even find that Bassey’s form shuts the door on the long-term Rangers future he craves.

In other news, could Rangers possibly sign a new CB?

Crystal Palace are having a quiet transfer window so far, with their team currently intact for the challenges of the second half of the season as Patrick Vieira attempts to compete for a top-half finish, but with three weeks left until the window closes, they could be about to lose one of their players.

What’s the word?

Journalist, Tom Barclay, has given his perspective on the current loan situation that Jean-Philippe Mateta finds himself in at Crystal Palace, and it doesn’t look like it’s good news for Palace.

Barclay told GIVEMESPORT:

“I know Mateta scored the other day, but unless he goes on an incredible run, I’m not convinced that Vieira is convinced by him, so I’m expecting him to return from his loan rather than Palace sign him permanently.”

Mateta was acquired on loan by the London club after he was putting in impressive performances for his parent club Mainz at the beginning of last season, with ten goals and one assist that had caught former Palace manager, Roy Hodgson’s eye, who signed the 24-year-old on an 18-month loan with the club last January.

Fans may be concerned

Vieira is clearly not convinced by the Frenchman’s performances so far in his presence since joining the club as head coach in the summer, and has only given Mateta two Premier League starts this season.

With rumours that the loan could be cut short fans have taken to social media to slam the potential decision to let him return five months early to his Bundesliga club. One supporter tweeted:

“I think we should just keep Mateta and forget about Nketiah and keep the money for positions that need improvements.”

The 30k-per-week star put in a fantastic performance against Milwall at the weekend in the FA Cup game, where in the 54 minutes played he scored the winning goal in the 58th minute to beat their rivals 2-1, as well as offering up some clinical play, with a fantastic pass accuracy of 93% during his opportunity for minutes on the pitch, according to SofaScore.

As a result, it seems perplexing that just as he begins to find form, he’s set to head back to his parent club.

Indeed, the supporter above makes a valid point that money on a potential successor could be better spent on other areas of the team that need improving, including the full-back areas where they are strapped for depth.

Although he’s not impressed since landing in London, fans could be concerned by the ongoing situation surrounding Mateta. After all, they’d just be losing a player and then having to fork out what could be quite a considerable sum to find a replacement.

The French manager has a big decision to make in a short amount of time on the future of his 24-year-old forward, as Saint Etienne are rumoured to be interested in swooping to offer him a loan deal this January.

With Palace linked to signing Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, Vieira clearly needs to make a quick decision on how he intends to see out the strike force of the side for the rest of the season.

In other news: Crystal Palace targeting January swoop for Marseille striker Bamba Dieng

Following Newcastle United’s first league win of the season last weekend against Burnley, Magpies boss Eddie Howe will be keen to have a fresh bill of health as they travel to face a Leicester City side who may be short on confidence on Sunday afternoon.

Newcastle defender Fabian Schär set up Callum Wilson’s winner against the Clarets as well as keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory. However, the 29-year-old required treatment during the game and missed training earlier in the week.

What’s the latest?

When speaking ahead of the trip to the King Power Stadium, Howe stated that there were a “couple of knocks and niggles” in the squad and that Schär “had a rib problem earlier in the week and missed a bit of training” but “hopefully he’ll be ok.”

The Swiss international has started all four of Howe’s games in charge of the Toon Army thus far, having previously not featured since late August, and has already proved to be a key asset for the new manager.

Granted, the defender had a quiet game against Burnley, making three clearances and blocking one shot according to SofaScore. Schär may have had an assist but also posted a passing accuracy of just 42% and lost possession 20 times in what was a mixed performance.

However, having played just six times this season, Schär is still bound to be rusty and could well be a key player for Howe once he reaches his peak form.

United are also set to welcome back Ciaran Clark from suspension after the Irishman was sent off early in the 1-1 draw with Norwich City, further boosting Howe’s defensive arsenal this weekend.

With Jamaal Lascelles also fit after his recent return from suspension, Howe suddenly has the welcome luxury of deciding which centre-back out of the three now available will be dropped, with the formation of a strong defensive partnership key to United’s survival hopes this season.

Either way, the Toon Army will be surely buzzing to hear that Schär could be good to go this weekend, especially given his recent resurgence under the new manager.

In other news – Forget Fraser: Howe must unleash £74k-p/w Newcastle beast whose energy is “infectious”

A number of Crystal Palace supporters have been expressing their delight after Conor Gallagher was called up to England’s senior squad for the first time.

The 21-year-old joined Palace on loan from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, with Thomas Tuchel unable to guarantee him regular playing time at Stamford Bridge.

Gallagher has enjoyed a superb start to the season for the Eagles, immediately becoming a key player under Patrick Vieira and bringing quality and energy to midfield.

The youngster has scored four goals and registered two assists in the Premier League and his efforts have now been rewarded at international level, while a recent piece in The Telegraph described him as one of the most vibrant talents in the country right now.

On Sunday, it was confirmed via Palace’s official Twitter channel that Gallagher has been drafted into Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup qualifier against San Marino on Monday.

Palace fans hail Gallagher’s England call-up

These Eagles fans took to Twitter to reveal their happiness at the news, with some of them “buzzing” over Gallagher getting the national team call.

“Yes Conor! One of the top players in the Premier League every week this season, so deserved”

Credit: @jdmcpfc1990

“Really brilliant news. Well deserved”

Credit: @MattyMiller14

“Massive congratulations to a fabulous lad! Good to see his incredible efforts being recognised”

Credit: @christheeagle1

“Buzzing for the boy”

Credit: @callumwatkins24

“GET IN! Thoroughly deserved”

Credit: @redandbluesite

“SIGN HIM UP!”

Credit: @joshstirman7

In other news, Palace could reportedly help a player get an ‘escape route’ out of his club. Find out who it is here.

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…

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing £180k rated Newcastle attacking midfielder Elliot Anderson who has been labelled “classy” and “like Peter Beardsley” by Graham Carr.

What’s the talk?

Forest are said to be rivalling QPR and Preston North End for the 19-year olds signature, according to The Mirror, via Football League World.

He has two senior appearances for Newcastle United to his name. With that said, they may want to hold onto him for a little while longer meaning a loan move might be more likely.

Given where Forest sit in the Championship table compared to the others vying for his signature, they should be in pole position.

He is currently on loan at Bristol Rovers in League Two where he has excelled contributing six goals in just 15 appearances for the Pirates, helping Joey Barton’s side in their push for promotion.

A perfect replacement for Johnson

Anderson could be the perfect replacement for ‘prospect’ Brennan Johnson who has been targeted by several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle.

They would be huge shoes to fill with Johnson topping the goal scoring charts at the City Ground this season with 14.

He may have less experience overall, but he is slightly younger than the Reds’ star who only burst onto the scene himself last season.

Forest is also the perfect place when it comes to developing young talents, this season their academy has achieved success by reaching the FA Youth Cup semi-final where they are still yet to face Chelsea.

There are also certain aspects of the game where Anderson is already excelling. When it comes to total shots per 90 minutes he sits on 3.62 compared to Johnson’s 1.96.

One thing his parent club would have to assess is how much game time he would get. If Forest do end up losing Johnson then it would make this move even more likely.

They will also be without striker Lewis Grabban whose contract is up at the end of the season.

As Newcastle have already shown interest in 20-year old Johnson, maybe a deal involving the two could be done. Either way, it can’t be long until we see both players at a higher level than they currently are.

IN other news: Nottingham Forest had a stinker with Nicklas Bendtner…

Rangers have seen a change in management at Ibrox this season, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst arriving in the midst of the Gers’ campaign to retain their league title from last season and make strides in Europe.

Domestically, Rangers have managed to win 22 of their 31 league games, drawing seven and losing just two, scoring 62 goals and conceding 25 in the process.

In terms of which players have done a good job for Rangers throughout the season, particularly in the Premiership, one man who hasn’t been quite up to the standard that Van Bronckhorst may have been seeking is Scott Arfield.

Since arriving at Ibrox in 2018 on a free transfer from Premier League side Burnley, the Canadian midfielder has made 177 appearances across all competitions, scoring 33 goals and providing 18 assists along the way.

Despite chipping in with four goals in 23 league appearances this term, there have been other aspects of his game that have not been quite as impressive. Although he has found the back of the net four times, the 33-year-old has only gotten 15 of his 42 shots on the target.

From a defensive point of view, the midfielder has committed 26 fouls, made 14 interceptions and only won 10 tackles, along with losing 64% of his duels, showing that he can be a liability when Rangers don’t have the ball.

His overall performances have earned the former Burnley man – who is currently picking up £16k-per-week according to Salary Sport – a rather underwhelming season rating of 6.6/10 from WhoScored. That makes him one of the lowest-rated outfield Gers players currently in Van Bronckhorst’s squad to have started more than two league games. On that evidence, he has been anything but a “manager’s dream”, something he was labelled by his former boss John Hughes.

Moving forward, Arfield will need to fix up his performances if he is going to help them retain the Premiership title under their Dutch manager.

The best way for the 33-year-old to do this is by putting in a solid display in Rangers’ crucial upcoming league clash against Celtic, with whom the Gers can draw level at the top of the league table if they can defeat their arch-rivals in next week’s Old Firm derby.

With the Hoops having more possession than any other team in the league this season, this is where Arfield will need to show how useful he can be for the Light Blues when they don’t have the ball, or else he could potentially cost the club the chance of winning the title.

In other news – Wilson nightmare: Rangers dropped the ball on 23 y/o gem who “looks beyond his years”