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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…

Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka isn’t any closer to signing a new deal at Villa Park.

That’s according to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans, with a number of supporters unhappy at the news on social media.

The 18-year-old’s current contract runs until 2023, however, he hasn’t featured in the last seven Premier League games following his full debut against Brentford back in August.

Dean Smith had an ideal opportunity to hand Chukwuemeka more top-flight minutes during the 4-1 defeat to West Ham on Sunday.

Fellow youngster Jacob Ramsey had to be replaced following a collision with Tomas Soucek, however, Smith opted for versatile wing-back Ashley Young from the bench over Chukwuemeka, a more natural midfielder.

Evans claimed in a story on Wednesday that the teenage attacking midfielder is no closer to penning new terms in the Midlands, labelling it as ‘no surprise’.

Villa fans react

@villareport relayed Evans’ claim on Chukwuemeka on Twitter on Wednesday. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many placing the blame on the club and not the player and one labelling it as ‘disappointing’.

“Sigh what is happening to my club”

Credit: @utvaidan

“hate this club”

Credit: @catrinavfc

“Thanks for ruining my day”

Credit: @avfcdannn

“This is disappointing and we need to get Chuk signed up asap. Such a talent.”

Credit: @reel_villan

“Don’t blame him a single bit. For some reason he was sitting on the bench the whole game when we needed a CM sub in the first half, when we subbed on a 37 year old wing back on instead of Carney.”

Credit: @rico_chong

“If we lose him bc of Smiths inability to make good subs, I will change sport entirely”

Credit: @JoeAVFC_

“No positive news coming out of the club at the minute!”

Credit: @JamieDorman96

“This isn’t good”

Credit: @DomTheOmnic

In other news: ‘Source close to him has told us’ – Sky Sports drop news involving manager contacted by Villa. 

Flocking to Twitter, lots of Manchester City supporters have gone wild over news coming out of Eastlands involving Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz.

The 18-year-old, who is now emerging as of the hottest prospects in European football, has enjoyed a stellar start to the new season, with four goals and four assists in just three Bundesliga starts (WhoScored).

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His sensational run of form has attracted attention from top Premier League clubs, and Man City appear to be one of them.

Despite the plethora of attacking midfield talent already at the Etihad Stadium, manager Pep Guardiola appears to have his sights set on another as Bild journalist Christian Falk shared news (via Sport Witness).

The German insider claimed that Guardiola has personally sent scouts to watch the 18-year-old ‘time and time again recently’ with the Sky Blues ‘very specifically’ interested among the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

As news of City’s intense interest emerges, these Sky Blues supporters have gone wild and pleaded for sporting director Txiki Begiristain and co to get a deal done, with one of them calling it the “best news” they had heard today.

Check out some of their verdicts from Twitter below.

Man City fans go wild over Wirtz news…

“Serious baller”

Credit: @emperor_teejhay

“I beg we get this done”

Credit: @McfcRobbo23

“Yes please”

Credit: @Centurion_City

“Praying”

Credit: @hipyjon

“YESSSSSSS”

Credit: @XeVeYT

“Best news I’ve read this morning”

Credit: @SatieMCFC

In other news: ‘Insanity’, ‘No way’…Man City fans erupt as Txiki sets sights on £103.5m ‘machine’ who is ‘better than Lewandowski’, find out more here.

After suffering their first defeat under new manager Steven Gerrard in midweek with their 2-1 loss against Manchester City, Aston Villa welcome Leicester City to Villa Park this Sunday for their next Premier League fixture.

Ahead of the match against the Foxes, it seems as though the Villans could have a double injury boost handed to them just in time for the clash, which will have lots of fans thrilled.

What’s the news?

Speaking after the City defeat, Gerrard shed some light over the injury that Villa left-back Matt Targett picked up which forced him off the pitch in the second half against Pep Guardiola’s side.

The Villa boss revealed that the 26-year-old had “a little bit of a knock” but will “hopefully” be available for the match against Leicester, which should put to bed any concerns that some fans may have had on the defender.

Additionally, Gerrard said that they were “protecting” Jacob Ramsey by not playing him against City so that he will also “hopefully” be fit enough to feature at the weekend.

Taking this into account, it seems as though there is reason to be optimistic for everyone at Villa that Targett and Ramsey will be fit enough to play against Leicester so that they can get back to winning ways after their midweek setback.

With Gerrard set to speak to the media at some point before Sunday’s clash, lots of Villa fans will undoubtedly have their fingers crossed that the 41-year-old will have a definite answer as to whether the duo will be fit enough to play this weekend.

Having played in all but one of Villa’s Premier League games so far this season, Targett has shown how useful he is for the side. It will be a big boost for them if he’s fit enough to play on Sunday, having averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.3 clearances and 1.2 interceptions per game in the league.

Similarly with Ramsey, the 20-year-old had only missed one league game this season prior to the City match as he tries to cement himself as an important midfield option for the Villans.

Looking ahead to the clash against Leicester, with Brendan Rodgers’ side only winning one of their five previous league games, Gerrard will definitely see this as a great opportunity for his team to pick up three points, hopefully with Targett and Ramsey being able to play a part in the process.

In other news: This Villa man was an “absolute revelation” v Man City…

Former Celtic hero Frank McAvennie believes that the Parkhead club should look to avoid giving the permanent managerial role to John Kennedy.

McAvennie not impressed

The Scottish tactician and ex-Hoops centre-back has taken charge of the first-team until the end of what has been a forgetful 2020/21 campaign for the reigning champions.

Neil Lennon resigned in February after dropping further behind arch-rivals Rangers in the Scottish Premiership table, with their pursuit of an unprecedented 10-in-a-row going up in smoke.

Chris Sutton accused Kennedy of “running for the hills” before the Christmas period with his side having picked up just two wins from 10, leaving Lennon to face the music alone (via Daily Record).

Celtic beat Aberdeen 1-0 in what was the first game of the post-Lennon era in Glasgow, but McAvennie told Football Insider that the football was no different to what was being played before the Northern Irishman’s departure, leaving him baffled by the Hoops’ interest in giving Kennedy the permanent gig.

“Same old, same old,” he said. “Nothing changed and in the second half, they were awful.

“These games are just like training games. There is no urgency and there is no commitment.

“This is why I don’t think the club should appoint John Kennedy permanently. You cannot cut your teeth at a club like Celtic. There is too much pressure and the burden is too high.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

It may be a bit unfair to pass judgement on Kennedy after just 90 minutes of football. However, the first impressions do not look promising for him.

It’s a simple formula at Celtic. There will be a colossal demand for the team to bounce back and reclaiming the title next season at the first time of asking will be paramount.

Whether it is with Kennedy, remains to be seen. But the likes of Steve Clarke, Rafael Benitez and Roberto Martinez remain in the picture to possibly inherit the role.

In other news, Celtic contact ‘fantastic’ manager as news from Hoops source emerges.

Everton have been dealt a blow in their hopes of signing Adrien Rabiot in the summer transfer window.

Speaking to Tuttosport, Vincenzo Morabito – who is a historic FIFA agent and international mediator specialised in the Premier League – has claimed that the central midfielder is a target for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, but insists that ‘he will not leave Juventus’.

Everton were reportedly ready to make an offer for him in February, but now it looks as if the Merseyside club will miss out on his signature.

Everton set to miss out on Rabiot

The Toffees look set to miss out on what would be a decent acquisition for them. Rabiot has been solid in Serie A so far in 2020/21, winning no fewer than 4.9 of his duels per game and also averaging 2.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.1 successful dribbles, one shot and one clearance per match (Sofascore).

Italian football legend and Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo described the France international, currently valued at £28.8m by Transfermarkt, as a ‘complete player’ in November of last year, and with solid statistics in both attacking and defensive areas, it is hard to argue with the 2006 World Cup winner.

Carlo Ancelotti also has the benefit of managing him before, but it looks as if the Blues are going to miss out on signing the 25-year-old at least in the summer.

In other news, find out what development affecting some Everton stars has been lauded by many fans!

Another update has emerged regarding Ruben Neves’ future at Wolves, with a summer move to Barcelona once again popping up in the press this week.

The Lowdown: Neves on his way?

The 24-year-old has matured into arguably the Wanderers’ most influential player over the years, providing endless quality in the middle of the park.

Sadly, Neves is being continually linked with a move away from Molineux this summer, with Barcelona looking like the front-runners to snap him up.

The Portuguese may feel the need to move on to pastures new, having possibly outgrown the club after their push for European football faltered.

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The Latest: New rumour emerges

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], Neves ‘creates absolute consensus’ at Barca among those high up at the club, being seen as a primary summer target within the Catalan board.

His agent, Jorge Mendes, has been given the job of ‘reformulating everything’, with the La Liga giants ‘willing to study ‘ the move ‘carefully’.

It is also stated that the Portugal international is ‘crazy to join’ Barca, who see him as a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.

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The Verdict: Time to plan for life without him

With each passing week, the more it looks like a matter of time until Neves leaves Wolves – the key now is to use the funds wisely and replace him with a top player.

He will leave a gaping void in the middle of the park, having averaged 2.3 tackles per game and registered six goal contributions (four goals and two assists) in the Premier League this season, with rumoured target Joao Palhinha someone who could offer similar, having averaged 3.1 tackles in the Primeira Liga.

It is hard to begrudge Neves a move to Barca, given the magnitude of the club, but it is now vital that Wolves’ positive trajectory continues without him

In other news, Wolves are reportedly eyeing up a move for an exciting player. Find out who it is here.

The Aston Villa train just doesn’t look like it’s coming to a halt anytime soon.

Dean Smith’s side have been the undisputed surprise packages of the new Premier League season, flying high with some big victories away against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal already.

They kept up their recent hot streak with a superb 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, made all the more impressive given the fact Tyrone Mings got himself sent off late on in the first-half.

Such is the hectic nature of the Christmas schedule, Villa find themselves playing again within the space of two days, travelling to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.

Smith is likely to ring the changes to try and keep things fresh and ensure his players don’t pick up any unnecessary injuries, and with that in mind, below is a look at just how Villa might line up for the clash.

In goal, Emiliano Martinez kept yet another clean sheet, and his performances may even take another step up given the fact Tom Heaton finally returned to the first-team squad following a lengthy injury.

With Mings of course suspended, Smith will no doubt bring Ezri Konsa back into the fold, and he is likely to partner Kortney Hause in the centre of defence, with regulars Matty Cash and Matt Targett either side of them.

In midfield, Douglas Luiz might finally get a rest given the amount of football he has played this season for both club and country, and Marvelous Nakamba is on standby to play.

Further ahead, Jacob Ramsey has seen some first-team action already this season, and could be given the chance to start again in that number ten role, with Jack Grealish on the left and Bertrand Traore on the right – the in-form Anwar El Ghazi may be seen as a weapon to use off the bench against Chelsea to try and keep things fresh for Villa.

Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Hause, Targett; Nakamba, McGinn; Traore, Ramsey, Grealish, Watkins.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer has criticised Dejphon Chansiri for his decision not to hire a director of football.

The Sheffield Wednesday owner recently reiterated to the fan engagement panel that he has no intention of appointing a director of football, adamant that the manager should have the final say on recruitment.

With the managerial merry-go-round that has taken place at Hillsborough this season, though, some may wonder if there is any point in giving a manager total control over transfers when he could be shown the door the next month.

On the topic, Palmer told FFC:

“He keeps reiterating he doesn’t want to get a director of football. He’s put a shedload of money in the football club and he’s on the brink of being relegated to League One when he should have been in the Premier League. And he’s saying he doesn’t want a director of football at the football club? That says it all.

“As far as I’m concerned, whoever is advising him… I’m not knocking the chairman. I get grief for not supporting the chairman and whatever, but I’m just a realist and call it as it is.

“He has put a lot of money into the football club, that there can be no arguments about. But he’s been badly advised, hence why Sheffield Wednesday are in the position they’re in this season.”

As things stand, Wednesday are set to lose a whole host of players this summer due to expiring contracts.

It means a large rebuilding job may need to be carried out at Hillsborough before the start of next season, so perhaps the arrival of a director of football would be useful.

After a nightmare spell at St Mary’s, Southampton appear to have been presented with an opportunity to finally get rid of Wesley Hoedt for good this summer, although he seemingly won’t be joining Lazio on a permanent deal following a less than impressive loan spell with the Serie A club.

The Dutch defender joined Southampton from Lazio in a £15m deal back in 2017 but has managed just 45 appearances for the Saints since then, with the last of those coming in the 2018/19 season.

He subsequently spent time on loan with Celta Vigo and Royal Antwerp before being loaned to Lazio this season, perhaps in the hope that he could rediscover some of the form which encouraged the Saints to shell out £15m for him four years ago.

Unfortunately, his performances in Simone Inzaghi’s side this season have been shocking at times, with his 17 appearances in Serie A earning him a lowly 6.38 average WhoScored rating, so it was no surprise to hear that Lazio won’t be exercising their option to make his deal permanent this summer. He is unlikely to be missed in Rome, with some supporters targeting him after a particularly horrendous display against Atalanta in January.

Therefore, it had seemed as if Hoedt was destined to return to Southampton, where he is unlikely to dislodge the likes of Jannik Vestergaard and Jan Bednarek at centre-back in Hasenhuttl’s line-up. Nor has he helped his cause with disparaging remarks towards the club and manager amid one of his loan spells.

According to The Athletic, however, there is some interest being shown in the 27-year-old defender from Belgian and Dutch clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, which suggests that Southampton may well have been handed a huge lifeline in their hopes of getting rid of him for good.

Although they will undoubtedly be forced to take a significant loss on the £15m they paid, as he is now valued at just £4.5m by Transfermarkt, it will surely be a relief to get him off the books rather than paying his wages for another year and seeing him depart on a free transfer when his Saints contract expires at the end of next season.

Southampton chairman Jisheng Gao will undoubtedly be delighted if Southampton can finally sell Hoedt, as his time with the south coast club has been an expensive disaster.

in other news… Saints suffer devastating transfer setback to “unbelievable” gem, Hasenhuttl must be fuming