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West Bromwich Albion travel to face Midlands rivals Birmingham City on Sunday afternoon in what could make for a fierce clash.

On Friday, Steve Bruce revealed that the Baggies had just 11 fit players over the international break, whilst the rest of the squad were representing their respective nations.

According to the 61-year-old, notable injuries include “exciting” 21-year-old striker Daryl Dike, Kenneth Zohore, Kean Bryan and Matty Phillips, who are all at different stages of the rehabilitation process after suffering injury setbacks.

Apart from the injury to Dike, the squad is in the same shape as before the international break, which is a big positive for Baggies fans. However, Bruce still has a lot to consider, as Albion will be looking to add to Birmingham’s disappointing pattern of failing to score in any of the last three games.

Andy Carroll will be hoping to start, having not played a full 90 minutes since late February, but that may be a tough ask, with the partnership between Karlan Grant and Callum Robinson starting to blossom over the last few weeks, with five goals in the last three games for the pair.

In terms of system, it’s expected that West Brom will continue to deploy their defensive three formation, and it would not be a surprise if we saw both teams shaping up in a 3-5-2 system and going man-for-man.

Here is our predicted Albion XI ahead of the clash with Birmingham on Sunday:

Johnstone; Ajayi, Bartley, Clarke; Furlong, Gardner-Hickman, Livermore, Mowatt, Townsend; Robinson, Grant

It could be the case that Steve Bruce will stick rather than twist, despite a relatively disappointing performance last time out against Bristol City.

In terms of form coming into this game, West Brom hold the advantage, having bagged two wins and two draws across the last five fixtures; including an impressive 1-0 defeat of Championship leaders Fulham.

Meanwhile, Lee Bowyer’s Birmingham side come into Sunday’s clash having picked up just five points from a possible 15, not the sort of form you’d want to be in during the business end of the season.

Despite failing to score in four out of their last five games, it is certain that the Blues will feel the pressure from their home support coming into this tie and will look to disrupt Steve Bruce’s side as the Baggies look to add to their ascending momentum.

In other news – Sold for £2.5m, now worth 180% more: West Brom had a howler on gem who scared Luis Enrique

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Glasgow Rangers side head into Sunday’s Premiership clash knowing that they simply must secure all three points if they are to give themselves any chance of retaining their domestic crown this season.

Indeed, with their Glasgow arch-rivals currently leading by nine points in the league, the Light Blues cannot afford any slip-ups if they are to push the table-toppers as far as possible over the remaining five games of the 2021/22 campaign after today’s clash.

As such, while a trip to Stephen Robinson’s 10th-placed St Mirren should not cause the Europa League quarter-finalists too many problems, Van Bronckhorst must nevertheless ensure that he gets his team selection spot-on against the Buddies in order to secure victory.

While it is true Leon Balogun had something of a shocker in the 1-0 defeat to Sporting Braga last time out, it would appear as if Fashion Sakala is the most likely candidate for the chop on Sunday afternoon, as the 25-year-old well and truly fluffed his big chance leading the line for Rangers on Thursday.

Van Bronckhorst must axe Sakala

Indeed, over his 62 minutes on the pitch in Portugal, the centre-forward cost his side dearly through his wastefulness in front of goal and extremely poor hold-up play. The £3.6m-rated striker missed the target with both of his shots at goal – one of which was deemed a big chance – completed just three of his seven attempted passes and enjoyed just 20 touches of the ball.

The £10k-per-week forward also lost all 10 of his duels, committed two fouls, was flagged offside once and lost possession 11 times, meaning he gave the ball away with every 1.8 touches. These returns saw the 25-year-old earn a hugely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.1.

Furthermore, the Daily Record’s Andrew Newport also awarded the Zambia international a five in his own player ratings, stating of the centre-forward’s display: “Given the unenviable task of filling Alfredo Morelos’ boots but missed two huge chances to give Rangers the lead. Hold-up play was hopeless.”

As such, with Rangers needing to ensure that they take their chances on Sunday afternoon, Van Bronckhorst simply must axe Sakala from his starting XI, as the player who Tom Stoltman claimed “doesn’t cut it” could very well end up costing his side their Premiership crown against St Mirren.

AND in other news: Van Bronckhorst can axe £10k-p/w liability as Rangers eye “frightening” £8.4k-p/w “bag of tricks”

With Everton once again on the hunt for another permanent manager after the Merseyside club sacked Rafa Benitez as a result of a poor run of form in the Premier League that capitulated with a 2-1 defeat against relegation struggler Norwich City at the weekend, numerous names have been thrown around as potential candidates to take the reins at Goodison Park.

One name that has been mentioned with the position is one that will be very familiar to not just Premier League followers, but specifically Everton fans.

What’s the latest?

Speaking on a recent live Sky Sports programme, journalist Kaveh Solhekol revealed that if Everton were to offer the manager’s role to current Derby County boss Wayne Rooney, the former Toffees star would find it difficult to turn down.

He said: “The information we have that is although Wayne Rooney is focused and working hard at Derby County, if he was offered the opportunity to return to Everton, he would find it very very difficult to say no.

“If he was to return to Everton, you are talking about somebody that is footballing royalty.

“Other players, current players respect him so much.”

He’d raise the roof

In his playing days, Rooney made a total of 117 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions, scoring 28 goals and providing four assists along the way.

As a manager, the 36-year-old has taken charge of 64 games for Derby as their caretaker and permanent manager, winning 19 games, drawing 19 and losing 26 in the process.

Given the financial situation the Midlands club have found themselves in that have led to points deductions as well as transfer and contract issues with players, the former striker has been able to show his mettle in the dugout at Pride Park this season by guiding his team to eight wins and 11 draws.

With Rooney’s connections at Goodison and his knowledge of the Premier League having played 491 games in the top division, he has the ability to raise not only the mood at Everton but the standards as well, especially if he’d be able to get a positive run of results under his belt and get a big reaction from the fans as well; something he’s already achieved at Derby.

With Rooney previously sharing his intent on staying at Derby regardless of how their current campaign ends whether it be in the Championship or as a League One side next season, it seems that even if the Toffees do approach their former striker with a job offer to replace Benitez, he wouldn’t want to leave halfway through what could be a great achievement for him and the club in keeping them in the second tier.

With that in mind, it could be worth Everton targeting a manager that isn’t currently employed that would be able to make a quick move to Goodison Park and get to work on getting their season back on track.

In other news: “As things stand”: Fabrizio Romano drops fresh EFC manager claim, fans surely relieved – opinion

Celtic are in talks concerning a deal to bring Cameron Carter-Vickers to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Sky Sports, who claim that Ange Postecoglou’s side have now started negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur regarding the centre-back’s full-time switch to Glasgow – with Celtic possessing a £6m option to buy clause for the defender.

The report goes on to state that the discussions between the two clubs concern the structure of this £6m fee, rather than the overall price of the transfer – as it is understood that there is no wiggle-room over the total cost for the USA international.

An update Celtic supporters will love

With Carter-Vickers having gone on to establish himself as a key part of Postecoglou’s first-team side this season, the claim that Celtic are now in talks to secure the permanent signing of the 24-year-old is sure to be an update the Parkhead faithful love.

Indeed, over his 26 Premiership outings this term, the £2.7m-rated centre-back has been in imperious form in the heart of the Celtic backline, helping his side keep 14 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 4.2 clearances and winning 5.9 duels – at a success rate of 68% – per game.

The £22k-per-week defender has also impressed going forwards, scoring three goals and providing his teammates with one assist, in addition to taking an average of 0.5 shots and making 0.3 key passes per fixture.

These metrics have seen the player who Keith Costigan dubbed a “monster” average a rather remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.35, ranking him as the fifth-best player in the top flight of Scottish football.

As such, should Celtic go on to seal a deal for the American sensation this summer, it would undoubtedly come as a huge boost to Postecoglou and his side, as Carter-Vickers could well prove to be the rock that the Hoops’ defence is built upon for many a year to come.

AND in other news: The Scotsman drop huge 14-word Celtic update, unforgivable error may be inbound

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According to The Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur have added James Maddison to their list of targets as they look to find a replacement for Christian Eriksen amid growing concerns that the Dane could be out the door in the summer.

Eriksen’s contract with the north London club expires in summer 2020 and there may well be a number of clubs queuing up for the former Ajax man’s signature, including Real Madrid, as per The Mirror, should he fail to agree new terms at White Hart Lane.

Meanwhile, Maddison has been impressing in his first season in the Premier League and Spurs see him as a potential solution to their lack of homegrown players and the void to be left by Eriksen’s potential departure.

Watch the best fails from the world of indoor football in the video below…

Maddison has been playing as an orthodox No.10 for the Foxes or as a left-winger, where he can cut inside, as he creates chances for Jamie Vardy or drives at the defence himself.

Having chalked up five goals and four assists this season, the 22-year-old has been brilliant at times for Claude Puel’s side this term. Eriksen, meanwhile, has double the Englishman’s assist tally with eight – Maddison clearly has some way to go if he is to fill the Dane’s shoes but this is only his first season in the top flight having completed the £20m switch to the King Power Stadium in the summer.

There are similarities to be drawn between the two though; WhoScored lists Maddison’s key passing, long-shots and set pieces as ‘very strong’, all three of which he shares with Eriksen. It’s unlikely the former would replicate the latter’s output straight off the bat, but anything is possible with a manager like Mauricio Pochettino in charge, who is renowned for his management of young talent.

Here’s how Spurs fans reacted to the reports, with many saying they should have made the move months ago…

Leeds United have been dealt a huge blow in their bid to keep Kalvin Phillips at Elland Road amid Manchester United’s reported interest this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Florian Plettenberg, with the Sky Sports Deutschland journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that United are currently “dealing” with the transfer of the defensive midfielder – with Ralf Rangnick’s side having been heavily linked with a £60m move for the England international this summer.

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Concerning Manchester United’s interest in the 26-year-old, Plettenberg said: “Been told that the club “is dealing” with Kalvin Phillips.”

Supporters will be fuming

Considering how important a part of the Leeds United side Phillips has become in recent years, in addition to the historic rivalry between Manchester United and the Whites, the news that the Red Devils look as if they are in discussions regarding a deal to sign the Leeds academy graduate this summer is sure to have left supporters fuming.

Indeed, while Phillips’ 2021/22 campaign has been severely hampered by a hamstring injury, the £45m-rated maestro undoubtedly proved over his 29 Premier League appearances last term that he is one of the leading defensive midfielders in the game, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.6 tackles, 1.7 clearances and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per game.

The £38k-per-week regista also impressed in a creative capacity, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, in addition to completing an average of 1.2 key passes, 4.7 long balls, 41 passes, four chipped through balls, 0.7 dribbles and one cross per fixture.

These returns saw the player who journalist Ali Martin dubbed “unreal” average an extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.21, not only ranking him as Leeds’ best performer in the league but also as the joint 17th-best player in the division as a whole.

As such, it is clear for all to see that losing the services of Phillips this summer would be something of a disaster for Jesse Marsch and his side, while the thought of the 26-year-old turning out for Manchester United next season is sure to be every Leeds supporter’s worst nightmare.

AND in other news: Victor Orta plotting Leeds bid for £20k-p/w “phenomenon”, it could be bye-bye Raphinha

Journalist Fabrizio Romano laid down a major West Ham update this weekend that will surely have supporters of the Premier League side disappointed.

What’s the word?

Romano took to Twitter to confirm that Declan Rice had indeed turned down a new deal proposal from West Ham as David Moyes looks to keep one of his stars at the club beyond the summer.

However, it was reported by Adam Newsom and relayed by Romano before the match between West Ham and Chelsea that Thomas Tuchel rates Rice “very highly”, but hasn’t given him much more thought due to the ban on Chelsea signing or selling players until their takeover is complete.

Tuchel isn’t the only admirer of the England international, with Manchester United reporting interest in the player too.

Moyes will want to keep Rice

Rice has emerged to be one of the Hammers’ key players as they have had a fantastic season in the top flight.

They are pushing to consolidate a top-six spot in the league and reaching the Europa League semi-finals has potentially justified Rice’s £67.5m market value, with some of the fees teams have been quoted with to sign him having pushed beyond the £100m mark.

With a SofaScore rating of 7.17, the highest of any other West Ham player, it is a case of when and not if before he eventually leaves the side.

With his contract not expiring until 2024 then Moyes is in a prime position to haggle for the best fee possible. His stock has never been higher and a £100m plus transfer fee could give the manager some major funds to continue the wonderful job he has done so far.

It’s fair to say the supporters will be gutted if Rice does go, but the reality is, once the big boys come calling, not a lot of people turn them down. That said, if it’s their London rivals Chelsea, it will aggravate fans even more.

AND in other news, Sources: West Ham eye swoop for “brilliant” 21 y/o, he’s “similar to Eden Hazard”

A big Newcastle United transfer update has emerged, regarding their efforts to sign Jesse Lingard in the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, the Magpies are set to ‘throw everything’ at Manchester United to land the midfielder this month.

The reporter claims that sources have told him that the confidence over a deal being done has been growing over the weekend, with the window slamming shut in less than ten days.

Elation

This will surely leave Newcastle fans elated for several reasons. Firstly, they will be delighted to read that PIF are willing to make a huge effort to sign Lingard and that they will do whatever it takes to bring him to St. James’ Park.

It shows that they are willing to go the extra mile to land a key target and supporters will be happy with the club’s attempts to strengthen the attacking midfield position, albeit there may be frustration at the lack of progress in the centre-back department.

The fans will also be buzzing with this news simply because of the prospect of Lingard playing in black and white in the second half of the campaign.

He is a proven top-flight player and he could add some much-needed goals and assists to the side.

No Newcastle central midfielder has managed more than two combined goals and assists, after all, with Jonjo Shelvey, Sean Longstaff and Joelinton all on two.

Meanwhile, Lingard has two goals in 89 minutes of football in the Premier League this season and produced nine goals and four assists in the division on loan to West Ham last term.

Former Manchester United coach Michael Carrick once lauded the midfielder, saying: “I think his movement is excellent. It’s something that sounds quite simple, but it’s difficult to defend against.

“He senses where the space is and how to use it. I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s a dribbler with skills and tricks but he’s dynamic. How he plays, he is unique in some ways. You don’t see so much of that now as everyone wants to get on the ball. Off the ball, he’s very effective.”

This suggests that the England international could come in and score the goals that Howe has been lacking in the midfield areas.

Therefore, he could be a fantastic addition to the side and one that will leave fans feeling elated, due to his proven quality at this level.

AND in other news, Player keen: NUFC can find their new Demba Ba in £34m powerhouse who’s “like a train”…

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United and their efforts to sign Sevilla enforcer Diego Carlos…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Pete Graves has revealed that the Magpies are now set to abandon their pursuit of the Brazilian defender due to issues with his parent club’s negotiations.

He tweeted: “#nufc ready to walk away from Diego Carlos deal. It’s thought original price quoted was €30m but Sevilla changed (

) numerous times. Tough on player who’s desperate to sign. Newcastle now actively looking elsewhere. They have money, won’t be taken advantage of.”

This comes after his colleague Kaveh Solhekol claimed that the Spanish club were ready to work on a transfer for a set price of £38m.

He told The Transfer Show, via Football Daily: “I sense there is a bit of momentum building today from the few people I’ve spoken to and they seem to be saying if Newcastle offer €45m, £38m, then there is a deal there to be done.

“I think it is a question of money now. Money talks, of course, in the transfer market and Sevilla, historically, always play hardball when it comes to transfers. Why wouldn’t they?”

Gutted

Newcastle fans will surely be left devastated by this news, as it suggests that Carlos will not be lining up for the Magpies this season. 

The supporters will be devasted because the Brazilian could have been a sublime signing for the club. He has been in terrific form for Sevilla this season and could have improved Eddie Howe’s starting XI. The 28-year-old has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.13 this term, helping his team to an impressive haul of 10 clean sheets in 21 league matches.

This suggests that he is able to perform consistently to a high level and could have come to England and replicated his displays for the Toon, helping them to keep shutouts in the Premier League. Therefore, he could have been a key player for Newcastle by winning them points with his stout defending.

Spanish football analyst Domagoj Kostanjšak previously compared him to other defenders in Europe and heaped praise on the centre-back, saying: “He’s a really physical player – he’s built like a tank and they don’t call him ‘The Beast’ for no reason. He’s really good in the air and he’s decent on the ball as well – you have to be under Julen Lopetegui.

“He’s been in my top three or four centre-backs in Spain this season, along with Raphael Varane and Inigo Martinez – he’s been a bit of a revelation. He’s playing the best football of his career and he immediately settled in. I would say there is a shade of Kalidou Koulibaly about him – not the same quality, of course, but I would compare him to him.”

This highlights the standard at which Carlos has been playing of late, coupled with his statistics, and this is why Newcastle fans will be gutted that the club are now set to miss out on a deal for him due to Sevilla’s antics.

AND in other news, “I’ve heard” – Keith Downie drops key Newcastle transfer update, Howe surely buzzing…

Adam Jones has now shared another Everton injury boost before they play Leicester City at home in the Premier League tonight.

The Lowdown: Big game

This is another big game for the Merseyside club as they look to avoid relegation down to the Championship.

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They are currently just three points above the drop zone ahead of the match in front of their supporters at Goodison Park, and with tricky games against Liverpool and Chelsea to come, a win against the Foxes would simply be huge.

The Latest: Team news

Taking to Twitter, The Liverpool Echo journalist Jones has now shared some comments from Frank Lampard in his pre-game press conference.

In what will come as a relief to the fans, Yerry Mina is finally back ‘in the squad’ after a while out injured, as is Donny van de Beek, who is also ‘back in contention’ after a spell out through illness, injury and family commitments.

The Verdict: Huge boost

Not only is it a huge boost to have Mina back in the heart of defence, but van de Beek should add some guile through the spine of midfield.

The Manchester United loanee ranks highly among his teammates in terms of average tackles and passes per match in the top flight, while his 84.9% pass accuracy is the highest out of any Toffees player to have made five or more appearances in the division (WhoScored).

He could well be the key to unlocking the door tonight, and will no doubt play a part under former attacking midfield legend himself Frank Lampard.

In other news, find out what ‘major’ summer business Farhad Moshiri is now ‘plotting’ here!