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Queens Park Rangers will be aiming to return to winning ways when they take on an out-of-form Cardiff City in their Championship clash this evening.

Mark Warburton’s charges have failed to secure a victory in any of their last three outings in all competitions, although they did put in a much-improved performance against Nottingham Forest last time out.

An injury-time strike from Jack Colback denied the Hoops all three points on Friday, but that bitter blow wasn’t the only damage done at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

Wing-back Sam McCallum and central defender Jordy de Wijs left the field in the first half due to injury concerns, and the pair may be forced to watch tonight’s clash from the sidelines as a result.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects Warburton to line up at the Cardiff City Stadium, with only two changes from the side that started against Forest…

Senegal international goalkeeper Seny Dieng is set to keep his place between the sticks after a solid start to the season, and it’s set to be a familiar back-three ahead of him.

With de Wijs potentially absent through injury, Warburton is likely to select Rob Dickie, Jimmy Dunne and Yoann Barbet from the off as the capital club go looking for their first league clean sheet in two games.

The engine room could be where the game is won and lost in Wales, and therefore, the £810,000-rated Andre Dozzell may make way for the more defensive-minded Dominic Ball in what would be a big call by the manager.

Completing the midfield setup is likely to be Albert Adomah, Moses Odubajo and club captain Stefan Johansen.

In attack, Ilias Chair and Chris Willock then feature just behind lone striker Lyndon Dykes who deserves to feature after finding the net last time out.

And, in other news…Signed for £0, now worth £3.6m: QPR struck gold over “quality” £11k-p/w magician 

According to a report from The Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Bristol City playmaker Alex Scott. 

The lowdown: Rising stock

Born in Guernsey, the 18-year-old made the move from FC Guernsey to Bristol City in 2020 and has gone from strength to strength since arriving in the English Football League.

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Having made three fleeting appearances during the 2020/21 season, Scott has established himself as a mainstay in Nigel Pearson’s side this term.

Now it appears that Spurs, as well as a host of other top-level clubs, could be taking a closer look at the England youth starlet…

The latest: Tottenham eye talented youngster

As per the report from The Mirror’s James Nursey, Tottenham officials have ‘scouted’ the playmaker and were in attendance to run the rule over Scott during their win at Stoke City on Good Friday.

It’s claimed that the Championship outfit rate Scott at £10million but could be open to a summer sale of the seven-cap England Under 19 ace in order to meet Financial Fair Play regulations.

Furthermore, the report confirms that officials from N17 were in situ with a ‘view to a summer raid’ as the teenager – who has the ability to ‘float’ around the pitch according to ex-manager Tony Vance – played 90 minutes against Stoke City.

The verdict: No brainer

Already dubbed the ‘Guernsey Grealish’, signing Scott looks to be a relatively risk-free venture for Spurs.

Whilst both manager Antonio Conte and transfer guru Fabio Paratici are likely to target ready-made first-team operators during the summer transfer window, it’s important to keep at least one eye on the future.

So far this season Scott has scored four times and provided two assists in 36 second-tier outings and has shown an unrivalled versatility with a capability of playing in advanced midfield roles, as a centre-forward and more recently as a makeshift wing-back.

Under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), the fee, playing style and homegrown status makes this deal akin to the capture of Dele Alli in 2015 and is one that Spurs should be desperate to get over the line.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano delivers exciting transfer update involving Tottenham! Find out more here.

Loads of Everton fans were reacting to some early team news that has emerged ahead of their game away at Burnley in the Premier League on Boxing Day.

As per Patrick Boyland, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has said that he is now ‘hoping’ to return from injury against the Clarets at Turf Moor, in what The Athletic journalist claims would be a ‘boost’ for the Goodison Park faithful.

The striker has been out injured since August, and scored three goals in his first three games of the season (Transfermarkt). This, added to the 21 goals that he managed as the Merseyside club’s top scorer last term, shows just how important he is to the team, and so to have him back would be a big welcome.

However, with a longer term injury, some Toffees supporters are cautious that he is not rushed back, and are just hopeful that he is fit enough to play some part.

Everton fans on Calvert-Lewin injury news

These Blues reacted to the news as it was shared on Twitter:

“It’s a Christmas miracle Tiny Tim”

Credit: @bmoney831

“Don’t know if he starts Sunday, but nevertheless good news. We’ve missed Dom greatly.”

Credit: @EFCCollins11

“Holds breath”

Credit: @Blueste35650715

“Bring me the one who floats”

Credit: @ShoeyEFC1234

“Hopefully he lasts longer than Mina did on his return”

Credit: @timjenkinson28

“We really could do with Mina back as well percentage of games we win when he plays”

Credit: @MarkMur25726299

In other news, find out what stadium news has Evertonians buzzing here!

West Ham United have learned the latest information regarding the future of Manchester United winger and Hammers transfer target Jesse Lingard, with the 29-year-old weighing up his options.

What’s the latest?

According to the Daily Star, West Ham remain interested in signing the Englishman, who spent the second half of last season on loan at the East London club. However, Premier League rivals Newcastle United are ready to offer more money to bring Lingard to the North-East.

The £18m-rated wide man’s contract at Manchester United expires on 30 June, meaning that if he remains at Old Trafford for the remainder of the campaign, he’ll be able to leave in the summer for free.

Having played just one minute of Premier League football under new boss Ralf Rangnick, despite being labelled “brilliant” by former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, it is becoming increasingly more clear that the 29-year-old’s time at United is in its final stages. Therefore, it would seem obvious that the Red Devils would sell this month whilst they can gather a fee, albeit low.

David Moyes is still keen to reunite with Lingard, but it will be a case of who offers the right money, with the Irons not looking to involve themselves in a bidding war.

West Ham must sign Lingard

West Ham’s head of recruitment Rob Newman will be well aware of the impact that Lingard had on David Moyes’ side in the second half of last season and why the Hammers faithful are desperate to see the winger in claret and blue once again.

The 29-year-old scored nine goals and registered five assists in 16 appearances for the East London outfit whilst on loan last term, helping them secure Europa League qualification by finishing sixth.

Unfortunately for West Ham, a permanent move didn’t materialise in the summer and they still find themselves in a hunt to bring Lingard back to the capital.

However, the void left by the 29-year-old hasn’t been a major predicament, with 25-year-old Jarrod Bowen really finding his feet in the top-flight this campaign. The Englishman has scored nine goals and contributed ten assists in 31 appearances across all competitions this season, with five coming in his last seven matches.

The prospect of having both an in-form Bowen and Lingard, should he replicate last season’s form, in the same side would be simply mouthwatering for West Ham fans.

After all, the England international was dubbed “special” by assistant boss Stuart Pearce last season.

Moreover, Moyes will have to add new recruits this window, regardless of whether or not Lingard returns to East London, with the Hammers still juggling three competitions and in need of as much squad depth as possible.

In other news: Moyes could finally replace Haller as West Ham plot bid for “complete” £13.5m-rated machine

Everton are likely to sign a couple of players on transfer deadline day as the club moves closer to appointing Frank Lampard in the manager’s dugout at Goodison Park.

What’s the word?

This has been a chaotic transfer window for the Toffees and on deadline day this Monday, it’s set to get even crazier.

As well as being on the verge of appointing Lampard, they are set to welcome Donny van de Beek to the club on loan from Manchester United.

But, the new boss won’t stop there in his pursuit of new signings according to reporter Alan Myers.

The journalist was asked on Twitter on Sunday whether the Dutchman would be the club’s final addition but he responded; “I doubt it.”

Myers then added in another tweet: “I’d guess 2 to 3 [signings] maybe.”

Fans buzzing

After all of the protest and rage that has engulfed Goodison this month, it looks as though Everton are set to end the month on a high.

The appointment of Lampard is ambitious and will take the club in a new direction after the previously appointed Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez; two individuals with far more coaching experience under their belts.

However, what Lampard has in common with those two, is a lure, particularly for young English players or footballers looking to get their careers back on track.

Van de Beek perfectly fits that description and with Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli also on the club’s radar, this could be a captivating finish to the window.

Myers doesn’t mention who may follow the Man United midfielder through the door but the fact that Lampard is wasting no time in looking to strengthen his squad should be music to the ears of supporters.

After all, this is a team that sit in 16th place in the Premier League after just one win in their last 14 top-flight encounters.

AND in other news, Everton gifted late transfer boost that may save their season, Lampard will be a hero…

Huddersfield Town proved to be the surprise packages of the week when they forced through a shock 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night.

However, those accustomed with this fixture will know that the Terriers have been absolute nightmares for Wolves in the past few years.

As a matter of fact, they had won their last four games in all competitions against Nuno Espirito Santo’s men (stats via SofaScore). Despite being stuck to the bottom of the league and having last won a league game in November, the Terriers somehow managed to pack all their energy in dealing a knockout punch to the Wanderers.

After pushing on relentlessly for a winner, Steve Mounie scored in the dying moments to give Jan Siewert his first win as manager. That being said, this inspired win doesn’t mean things are going to turnaround for their doomed season. The Terriers are still 13 points astray from avoiding relegation and have a tough schedule ahead.

While Siewert might have brought back life into their game, allowing them to attack with more intensity, they’re still quite poor defensively. Wolves were clueless in front of goal in the mid-week, allowing Huddersfield to cling onto hope for a winner till the absolute end.

Huddersfield have games against Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester United remaining along with tough away fixtures against in-form sides. Being so far off from the shallow end of surviving relegation, Huddersfield’s fate is almost sealed and despite picking up form recently, it’s too little too late for the Terriers.

However, Siewert’s appointment is – oddly considering results against him – is looking a smart one and could yet be another masterstroke from Dean Hoyle.

Newcastle United have been handed a fresh injury lift over Miguel Almiron…

What’s the latest?

Magpies boss Eddie Howe has revealed that the midfielder has recovered from his ailment and will be back in the squad against Wolves for their Premier League clash tonight.

The 28-year-old was absent from the matchday squad for the 5-1 defeat to Tottenham last weekend but will now be available for selection against Bruno Lage’s side.

On Thursday, Lee Ryder tweeted: “Eddie Howe says he is ‘delighted’ to welcome back Miguel Almiron from illness #nufc.”

Buzzing

The 44-year-old will be buzzing with this news, as it means that he will have a solid option to bring off the bench if required.

It will be a big boost to his squad as Almiron offers plenty of endeavour and work rate when he comes off the bench for Newcastle. He works his socks off for the team and that is a valuable trait to have in a player coming on as a substitute.

Whilst he may not have the attacking quality required to make an impact in the final third, from the start or off the bench, he is the perfect player to bring in to help see out a game by adding a steeliness to the forwards on the pitch.

For example, if Newcastle are winning 2-1 in the 70th minute and Allan Saint-Maximin is starting to look fatigued, Howe can put Almiron on and let him run himself into the ground to help the team. The Paraguayan has averaged 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game this season, which shows that he puts in a shift out of possession to try and win the ball back for his side.

Meanwhile, Saint-Maximin has only averaged 0.8 tackles and interceptions per game, the same as Ryan Fraser. This suggests that neither of them offers the defensive protection that the Paraguay international does when he is on the pitch, as they do not win the ball back as often as him.

Therefore, Almiron is a useful option for Howe to have, and that is why the manager will be buzzing to have the 28-year-old available for selection. The head coach will surely want as many options as possible on the bench to use in a multitude of scenarios, with the Magpies attempting to put their three-match losing streak to an end against Wolves tonight.

AND in other news, Signed for free, now worth £9m: Ashley sealed his final NUFC gift in £35k-p/w “dream”…

Many West Ham fans have slammed the performance of Lukasz Fabianski in their 2-1 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday.

David Moyes made just one change from their last Premier League game, with Jarrod Bowen dropping to the bench in place of Arthur Masuaku. However, it was Fabianski’s display which had a lot of Hammers fans talking, and not for the right reasons.

The 36-year-old continued to keep Alphonse Areola out of the side in the Premier League and kept up his record of playing in every Premier League fixture this season.

Fabianski struggled with the ball at his feet in tricky conditions at the Etihad Stadium, though, and he was fortunate that Riyad Mahrez was ruled offside after his poor clearance in the opening stages ended with the City winger putting the ball in the net.

As per SofaScore, the shot-stopper, who made six saves, lost the ball on 15 occasions, misplacing 15 of his 23 attempted long passes.

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West Ham fans react

Here is what these West Ham supporters had to say about the goalkeeper’s display against the Premier League champions, with one labelling him a ‘liability’.

“Fabianski is a liability, please start playing Areola”

Credit: @WHU_EUFC

“Fabianski playing for City?”

Credit: @CraigPodevin

“Fabianski’s distribution is awful”

Credit: @georgejones_01

“Fabianski’s kicking is terrible”

Credit: @VintageLanzini

“Fabianski’s distribution is abysmal.”

Credit: @lukejessop16

“Fabianski out”

Credit: @JoelBids_

In other news: Journalist lifts lid on West Ham ‘meeting’ to sign red-hot Brazil international

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side face a break from their Premiership campaign on Saturday afternoon, when the Bhoys make the trip to Alloa Athletic in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

And, with the Hoops’ opponents currently struggling towards the bottom of the Scottish League One table, the fixture presents the 56-year-old Celtic manager with a perfect opportunity to rest a number of his regular starters, as well as handing minutes to some of his peripheral squad members – in addition to those returning from injury.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/?post_type=web-story&p=664142″ title=”Check out the latest Celtic news!”]

One player who falls into the latter category is none other than Christopher Jullien, the 28-year-old centre-back who last featured for the Bhoys all the way back in December 2020, with a recurring knee injury seeing the former France U21 international miss over a year of first-team football.

However, following the defender’s recent post on Twitter – in which Jullien shared a photo of himself in training at Lennoxtown alongside the caption “green light” – it would appear as if the Frenchman is now ready to make his long-awaited return to the pitch.

And, with the fixture against Alloa not likely to be the most strenuous game of the season for the Celtic backline, Barry Ferguson’s side could well be the perfect opponent for Jullien to ease himself back into the rigours of first-team football.

Game-changer

While the expression like a new signing is perhaps overused when describing a player returning from injury, should Jullien be able to refind the level of form he was in prior to his injury, the 28-year-old’s availability will undoubtedly be game-changing for Celtic’s title hopes this season.

Indeed, over his nine Premiership fixtures in the Bhoys’ 2020/21 campaign, the £4.95m-rated centre-back helped his side to keep five clean sheets, scored one goal and registered one assist, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 3.6 clearances and winning 6.9 duels per game.

These returns saw the £20k-per-week defender average a rather astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.43, ranking him as the Hoops’ second-best performer in the league last season.

As such, in order to help get the Frenchman back up to speed as quickly as possible, Postecoglou simply must unleash Jullien on Saturday afternoon, as the return of the player who Noel Whelan dubbed a “leader” could well turn the tide in Celtic’s favour regarding the Premiership race over the coming months.

In other news: “Excellent” 23 y/o may have played his final game for Celtic as January deal is agreed

As confirmed by Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard, his side will be without striker Danny Ings – with the player also sidelined alongside Bertrand Traore and Trezeguet ahead of Man City tonight.

The Lowdown: Gerrard era begins…

It has been a fine start to the Liverpool legend’s managerial career in the Midlands with Gerrard so far amassing a 100% win rate over his first two matches in charge.

Victories against Brighton and Crystal Palace have cemented a dream start for the 41-year-old but fixtures are about to come quick, fast and in greater difficulty.

Next up, the Villans take on Premier League champions and 2021/2022 title chasers Man City at Villa Park this evening and Gerrard has now confirmed that he will be without another player alongside Trezeguet and Traore.

The Latest: Gerrard confirms Ings ‘setback’…

As explained by Gerrard, summer signing Ings will not be available for the City clash tonight due to suffering an injury setback, coming after he made the bench against Palace.

“Danny, unfortunately, won’t make Man City. We were protecting him at the weekend,” he said (via Birmingham Live).

“He’s had a little bit of a setback – a previous injury – nothing major, but we had to put the brakes on for a few days at the least.”

“So there’ll be one change in the squad – Keinan Davis will replace Danny Ings, the rest is as it was the last time.”

The Verdict: Blow for Gerrard…

Being without the 29-year-old for this evening will come as a dampener for Villa as they seek to maintain their brilliant run of form since Gerrard’s arrival at the club.

Lauded as a ‘phenomenal’ striker by pundit Frank McAvennie, the Villans could have done with the addition of another option up front and alternative threat.

Out of Villa’s entire squad, Ings is also their joint top-scorer and joint-highest provider of assists in the Premier League (WhoScored) – outlining just how useful he can be when available.

His sublime overhead kick against Newcastle United earlier this campaign highlights an obvious forward threat and Villa certainly could have done with that injection of quality today.

In other news: Lange now weighing Aston Villa bid to sign top class £30m+ man as agents work behind the scenes, find out more here.