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Loads of Liverpool fans have been reacting to some news that could have an effect on the title race, as Marko Arnautovic left West Ham’s defeat at Wolves on crutches.

Newcastle did Liverpool a huge favour on Tuesday evening, but that wasn’t the only advantage they gained in the title race on the night.

West Ham will host the Reds on Monday night, and it looks fairly certain they will be without talisman Arnautovic.

The Austrian international, who recently signed a new contract amidst talks of a move away from East London, has scored seven times in the Premier League this season, per Whoscored.

He left Molineux in crutches on Tuesday though, as confirmed by injury expert Ben Dinnery.

Football.London’s Sam Inkersole has since said the injury “isn’t as bad as initially feared” but popular insider ExWHUemployee does expect the Austrian to miss one to two weeks.

The 29 year-old joins a long list of key first team players nursing injuries, such as Fabian Balbuena, Manuel Lanzini, Jack Wilshere, Carlos Sanchez and Andriy Yarmolenko.

The Irons have conceded seven goals across their last two games in all competitions, and the Twitter reactions down below are expecting a trouncing on Monday…

West Ham United are once again interested in a deal to bring Hugo Ekitike to the London Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claim that, after failing with a bid for the Stade Reims centre-forward in January, West Ham remain interested in a move for the 19-year-old at the end of the current campaign.

The report goes on to state that the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Arsenal are also keeping a close eye on the situation of the France U21 international – for whom the Ligue 1 side are believed to be demanding a figure in the region of €20m (£17m) in order to part with this summer.

“The next Mbappe”

Considering just how much potential Ekitike quite clearly possesses, in addition to the fact that David Moyes is in rather desperate need of a new centre-forward this summer, the argument that the teenager would be something of a dream signing for West Ham is a rather easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 21 Ligue 1 appearances this season, the £18m-rated forward has been in sensational form for Reims, bagging nine goals, registering three assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.3 shots and making 0.6 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the striker who Graeme Bailey dubbed an “outstanding talent” – as well as claiming that “many in France believe he could be the next Mbappe” – average an incredibly impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.88, ranking him as Oscar Garcia’s 10th-best player in the top flight of French football.

As such, with Moyes currently only having the option of the 32-year-old Michail Antonio up top – a player who has suffered terribly with injuries in recent years – it would indeed appear an extremely wise move for the West Ham board to finally provide the Jamacia international with adequate backup and competition in leading the Hammers line, with Ekitike very much looking to be an extremely exciting prospect for the Irons.

AND in other news: Sold at £37m, now worth £58.5m: Moyes had a WHU nightmare on “unplayable” £56k-p/w ace

Arsenal remain interested in Bruno Guimaraes but they may have to wait until the summer to sign him…

What’s the word?

Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano delivered a series of updates over the Gunners’ interest in the Lyon midfielder over the weekend. He first claimed that the north Londoners had been “following him since long time” before later adding:

“Arsenal are working to sign a new midfielder. Bruno Guimarães appreciated but currently not discussed as January target – deal too complicated, €45m fee.”

Goal linked Arsenal with a move for the Brazil international back in July, also suggesting that they tried to sign him in January 2020, so clearly, he’s a long-term target for Mikel Arteta and co.

Sign him up

A number of circumstances this month have seen Arsenal’s priorities change in the transfer market.

Both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are unavailable for selection due to their involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, whilst the club have sanctioned the exit of Ainsley Maitland-Niles to AS Roma.

It makes Arteta very light on midfield options, leaving him with only livewire Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga for the two deeper roles in the engine room.

Therefore, it would be wise to consider Guimaraes now, rather than waiting for the end of the season.

The £27m-rated midfielder has excelled for Lyon in recent seasons, and last term he rated out as one of their most consistent performers – as per WhoScored, he averaged 2.3 tackles per game and an impressive 90.5% passing accuracy, earning a seasonal rating of 6.81.

His form has gone up a notch this season as he rates out as the French outfit’s second-best performer, averaging a WhoScored rating of 7.04.

The 24-year-old enforcer, who stands at 6-foot, has a similar playing style to that of Wolves’ Ruben Neves and former Gunners target Manuel Locatelli.

Meanwhile, football talent scout Jacek Kulig believes the Brazilian is an “elite talent” with “world-class potential”, so it’s no wonder Arsenal have been keen on him for quite some time.

On the above evidence, he would be a fine addition to the squad and one that Arteta badly needs this month. Edu Gaspar must make a U-turn and consider making his move, sooner rather than later.

AND in other news, Arteta could finally axe Arsenal’s £110k-p/w flop by signing £16.2m-rated “big talent”…

West Brom confirmed on Thursday morning that young wing-back Taylor Gardner-Hickman has signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract.

And, as to be expected, a number of Baggies supporters have been reacting to the news on social media.

Gardner-Hickman made his senior debut against Arsenal in the EFL Cup earlier this season and has gone on to make five Championship appearances.

The wing-back, who was named Man of the Match against Coventry, has played in three different positions in four second-tier starts.

His previous contract at The Hawthorns was set to expire in 18 months time, with manager Valerien Ismael delighted at securing Gardner-Hickman’s services until 2026.

Baggies fans react

He turned 20 on Thursday, with the Baggies revealing the news on their official Twitter page.

This is what these West Brom fans had to say in reply to the contract news, with many going wild at the update and one labelling it as ‘massive’.

“Val’s done it again”

Credit: @KipreSun

“Finally a massive slice of great news.”

Credit: @Baggiephil

“COME ONNNN. TGH 2026. BRILLIANT NEWS.”

Credit: @StevoSmith0

“Now that’s some signing!”

Credit: @Albionwestand

“Massive”

Credit: @PhaseVisuals

“BIG WWWWWWWW!!! Cleary next admin?”

Credit: @__Hashar9

In other news: ‘Lost the plot’ – Many West Brom fans fume at ‘laughable’ official post. 

Leeds United return to Premier League action this afternoon with another trip down to the capital.

Marcelo Bielsa’s depleted squad were frustratingly knocked out of the FA Cup by West Ham United last weekend and will have to face them again later today.

He is faced with plenty of selection decisions as the injury crisis at Thorp Arch begins to ease up, so it will be interesting to see what sort of side he fields at the London Stadium.

Here’s our predicted XI for the Whites’ trip to east London…

There could be as many as four changes to the side that tasted defeat last Sunday.

Between the sticks, Illan Meslier is likely to remain but there’s an alteration to his back four as Diego Llorente is facing suspension. As a result, we could see Robin Koch drop back into defence to partner academy gem Leo Hjelde, who impressed despite the loss.

Bielsa is still without skipper Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk is only just returning from injury, so the 18-year-old could keep his place. Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo also remain.

In midfield, Adam Forshaw returns after being rested, as should Stuart Dallas and the pair may feature alongside Mateusz Klich.

Further up the pitch, Raphinha is a shoo-in to come back into the fold, having also been named on the bench last week. Jack Harrison may be preferred to Daniel James for the spot on the other flank.

The £52k-per-week Welshman is, therefore, axed due to his poor form in the Whites colours.

Meanwhile, in a big boost, we could see Patrick Bamford finally return from injury – as revealed by The Athletic’s Phil Hay this week, he is likely to be available for selection. If fit, you’d imagine he comes straight in given the lack of alternatives.

Predicted Leeds United XI vs West Ham (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Firpo, Hjelde, Koch, Ayling; Forshaw; Harrison, Dallas, Klich, Raphinha; Bamford

AND in other news, Phil Hay reveals triple injury boost for Leeds United…

Rumoured Wolves transfer target Sven Botman is wanted by Newcastle United in the January transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Botman wanted by Wolves

Bruno Lage may be eyeing up a new centre-back next month and the £25.2m-valued beast has been linked with a move to Molineux, having been lauded as ‘incredible’ by journalist Robin Bairner.

The 21-year-old has been a colossal performer for Lille in recent months, starting 11 Ligue 1 matches this season and winning 2.3 aerial duels per game.

There looks set to be a fight for Botman’s signature, though, and Wolves may have suffered a setback in their quest to sign the Dutchman.

The Latest: Romano makes Newcastle claim

According to Romano on Twitter on Monday, Newcastle are ‘seriously interested’ in snapping up the defender in January, with AC Milan also mentioned as possible suitors as Wolves appear to be losing ground in the intense race for his signature. The journalist tweeted:

“Newcastle are seriously interested in signing Sven Botman in January. He’s top of the list – but still waiting to know Lille position/price tag. AC Milan are keeping tabs on Botman situation too.

“Sevilla, Wolves & Atalanta were in talks to sign Botman last summer.”

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The Verdict: Only one winner?

In the past, Wolves may have fancied their chances of pipping Newcastle to the signing of any player, but the Magpies’ big-money takeover has changed the situation hugely.

The fact that they could now likely offer Botman larger wages than Wanderers could be a significant blow, with Serie A title challengers Milan also a massive club who could be a big draw for the Lille man.

Wolves should still do their utmost to sign the 21-year-old, though, considering that his average of 4.6 clearances per game in the league this season is bettered only by Romain Saiss (4.9) at Molineux, hinting at his no-nonsense defensive prowess.

In other news, some Wolves fans were fuming with one player against Manchester City. Find out who it is here.

Celtic have been handed a potential double injury boost ahead of their upcoming Scottish League Cup semi-final.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, Ange Postecoglou revealed that both Tom Rogic and Carl Starfelt are in contention for the Bhoys’ semi-final clash against St. Johnstone next weekend.

Rogic has missed the Hoops last three fixtures due to a hamstring injury picked up in the 3-1 win at Hibernian, while Starfelt has been sidelined for the club’s last two games as a result of his own hamstring injury.

However, speaking about the respective recoveries of the duo, Postecoglou said: “Carl and Tommy are trying hard to make the semi-final next weekend. It’s obviously an important game but we also have an important one four days later.

“Tommy is probably a little bit ahead of Carl at the moment, but I wouldn’t rule either of them out right now. We won’t put them at risk so it’s probably going to be one of those touch and go ones. If they don’t make the semi-final, I’d think they will probably be ready for the Leverkusen game.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive both Rogic and Starfelt have been for Celtic this season, the news that both players are back in contention for the semi-final is sure to have left Bhoys fans buzzing.

Indeed, over Rogic’s 11 Scottish Premiership fixtures this term, the £1.35m-rated midfielder has scored one goal, registered two assists and created five big chances for his teammates, with these returns seeing the £16k-per-week man average a SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

Meanwhile, over Starfelt’s own 11 league appearances, the £2.7m-rated centre-back has helped his side keep five clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 1.1 tackles, 3.7 clearances and winning 6.3 duels per game – with these metrics seeing the Sweden international average a SofaScore match rating of 7.23.

As such, the potential return of both players will undoubtedly provide Celtic’s chances of reaching the League Cup final with a major boost, something that will certainly delight everyone involved with the club, none more so than Postecoglou himself.

In other news: Ange must seal Celtic swoop for “unbelievable” £72k-p/w ace, he’d be an absolute steal

Transfer insider Dean Jones has now dropped a claim involving Newcastle United and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund.

The Lowdown: FFP thoughts

Of course, with the riches that the consortium possess, they will have to have one eye on Financial Fair Play (FFP) before they start splashing the cash in the summer.

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The St James’ Park club had already spent around £90m on five signings in the January transfer window, but The Daily Telegraph have reported that the owners have ruled out making ‘expensive superstar signings’ when the summer market opens.

They want ‘room for manoeuvre’ under FFP regulations, but that does not mean they won’t spend a lot of money providing that the club can stay within the parameters.

The Latest: Jones reacts to PIF/FFP development

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has now claimed that PIF will put FFP in the back of their minds if an ‘amazing’ transfer opportunity comes up for Newcastle over the summer.

He stated: “They’ve always got that ability to land big signings based on the fact that their budget is almost limitless.

“I know people talk about FFP, but to be honest, that’s something they’ll think about further along the line if an amazing opportunity crops up.”

The Verdict: Exciting for Newcastle fans

It is certainly exciting for the Toon Army that it seems as if PIF will look to spend big this summer.

Newcastle have already been linked with some star names like Kalvin Phillips, Jarrod Bowen and Victor Osimhen, so if they can bring in a few players to strengthen their starting XI, then the Tynesiders can well and truly kick off their long-term project.

Nonetheless, they will need to comply with FFP rules, but everything appears to be pointing towards a busy summer for the Magpies on the transfer front.

In other news, find out what could be the ‘best money’ that NUFC have ‘ever spent’

Celtic are interested in a deal to bring Martin Boyle to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Times (via the Glasgow Evening Times), who claim that Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side are keeping a very close eye on the Hibernian winger ahead of a potential swoop this month.

The report goes on to state that Hibs will demand a fee in the region of £3m in order to part with the 28-year-old, with a number of Middle Eastern clubs also reported to be keen on the Australia international.

Speaking about Boyle earlier this season, Postecoglou said: “I know Martin really well. I was pretty pleased when he chose to play for Australia because there was a bit of an arm wrestle when it came to who he was going to play for.

“He’s done really well for the national team so I’m well aware of him. He’s a good player and it’s not easy playing for Australia. Unlike other national teams, he’s got to do long-haul travel and getting back to this part of the world isn’t easy. So he’s handled that really well.”

Postecoglou could repeat Stokes masterclass

Considering just how impressive Boyle has been for Hibs so far this season, it is unsurprising to learn of Postecoglou’s interest in the forward – particularly considering the pair’s link via the Australian national side.

Indeed, over his 19 Premiership outings in the current campaign, the £2.25m-rated man has already scored a very respectable seven goals, registered three assists and created six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.4 shots and making 1.6 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player who Neil Lennon dubbed an “outstanding” talent average a SofaScore match rating of 7.12, ranking him as Hibs’ best performer in the top flight of Scottish football this term.

As such, considering his impressive eye for goal and the fact he plays his football at Easter Road, Potecoglou could go on to replicate Celtic’s masterclass of the £1.31m signing of Anthony Stokes back in 2010 – a player who went on to score a whopping 76 goals and provide 64 assists over just 192 appearances for the Bhoys.

Indeed, should Celtic manage to prise Boyle away from Hibs this January, we would not bet against the winger having a similar impact to that of the former Republic of Ireland international, with the 28-year-old appearing to be a superb candidate to add further depth to the Bhoys’ wide attacking options ahead of the second half of the season.

In other news: Big twist emerges in Celtic transfer pursuit, Postecoglou will be buzzing

Newcastle go in search of their first Premier League win of the season as they host Brentford at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Eddie Howe will be in the dugout for the first time since being named as the permanent successor to Steve Bruce and he will be looking for a reaction from the players on the pitch.

The Magpies were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton last time out in the top flight, with Graeme Jones in charge that evening, and the former Bournemouth boss could look to stamp his personality on the side following that result.

How many changes will Howe make to the team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alternations to the team which started at Brighton, with Jamal Lewis, Fabian Schar and Joe Willock all coming in today.

Along with the change in personnel, Howe could deploy a 4-3-3 formation. Jones lined up with a 5-4-1 against Brighton and looked to set up defensively. However, the ex-Cherries boss may want his side to be on the front foot and trying to attack the opposition, which is why 4-3-3 could be implemented from the start.

With this formation, a change in defence will be required. We published an article explaining why Fabian Schar must be unleashed against the Bees and this means that two of the centre-backs who started against Brighton need to be dropped – Ciaran Clark and Emil Krafth, neither of whom has been especially convincing of late. This leaves Schar and captain Jamaal Lascelles as the two centre-backs to start Howe’s reign at St James’ Park.

At left-back, Jamal Lewis could come in for his first start of the season in place of Matt Ritchie. The Scottish defender played under Howe at Bournemouth but he has been in patchy form of late – with SofaScore ratings of 6.4 and 6.3 against Tottenham and Chelsea respectively – and it could be time for Lewis to get a chance to shine.

The former Norwich man has only made one appearance in the league this season, which came off the bench, and Howe’s arrival has provided a clean slate for him. He could be given an opportunity to come in and show that he can perform to a higher level than Ritchie of late, with the £44k-per-week dud set to be axed from the starting XI.

Finally, Joe Willock could return to bolster the midfield, coming in to replace Krafth and facilitate the change in formation. The ex-Arsenal man scored eight Premier League goals during his loan spell on Tyneside in the second half of last season and could provide a goalscoring threat from midfield to improve Newcastle’s chances of finding the net, which is why he could be selected in the team today.

AND in other news, Sissoko 2.0: Howe could solve major NUFC problem in gem “inspired” by Yaya Toure…