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Aston Villa will be looking to improve from their 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Boxing Day when they travel to London to take on Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

It will be another tough test for Unai Emery and his men, however, Spurs aren’t in the best form, winning just two out of their previous six Premier League matches and Villa certainly have the chance to secure a positive result and give them momentum.

Douglas Luiz impressed against the Anfield side last time out, making three key passes and grabbing an assist; however, it was Ollie Watkins who should be unleashed again today, with the player finally coming into some decent form following a poor opening half to the season.

On the chalkboard

The English striker has struggled this term, no doubt about it, scoring just four goals all season, a far cry from last season where he scored 11, and it’s evident that he needs to get back to the form that led to former Villa manager Dean Smith to dub him as “one of the best” in his position.

The £75k-per-week striker showed signs that he was getting back to his best against Liverpool, finding the net with an expertly placed header in the second half while taking four shots in total during the match, proving that he was keen on getting back to his goalscoring best.

He also missed a big chance while playing one key pass and winning both of his aerial duels and although Liverpool sealed the win with ten minutes left on the clock, the display by Watkins will give Emery confidence he can deliver against Spurs today.

Watkins and Danny Ings remain the only two senior centre-forwards at the club and unless Emery signs one or two attacking options in the new year, he will have to put his trust in the pair to deliver during the second half of the season.

Spurs will be another big test, but if Watkins can score and impress against Liverpool, then he should be more than capable of finding the net against Antonio Conte’s men.

Southampton striker Che Adams would ‘seriously consider’ a move to Leeds United this month, according to an update from journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Adams linked with Leeds move

The Whites are badly in need of signing a striker during the January transfer window, with Patrick Bamford’s continued absence becoming a real problem.

Adams is one of the possible forward options linked with a move to Leeds, as the Southampton attacker potentially looks for a fresh challenge away from his current club.

The 26-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of next season and so Saints may have no choice but to sell him soon if he does not intend to stay put, in order to risk losing him for free in 2024.

The Latest: Striker would ‘consider’ transfer

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke said that a switch to Leeds is something that could appeal to Adams:

“Obviously nobody wants to be involved in a relegation fight, and I’m sure if an offer did come in it’s something that Che Adams would seriously consider.

“Again, if he did move clubs he’d probably be on a more lucrative contract as well, so that will come into his thinking.”

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The Verdict: Regular source of end product

Adams could be an ideal solution to Leeds’ current striker woes, bringing proven Premier League quality and being hailed as ‘fantastic’ by former Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The 22-time capped and six-goal Scotland international has scored 24 goals in the top flight total, as well as netting four times in just two EFL Cup games this season.

There is an argument to say that stronger options are out there with more prolific records, but Adams feels like a safe bet given his contract situation should create a strong negotiating position for Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani.

Tottenham Hotspur have now set their sights on Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as a long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Pickford a target for Conte

Hugo Lloris has been a loyal servant to Tottenham, making an incredible 439 appearances for the club, but he is now 36-years-old, and Antonio Conte has seemingly started to think about long-term replacements.

It has previously been reported that Pickford is the manager’s ‘main objective’ to replace the Frenchman, with the Everton man emerging as England’s first-choice keeper, making 50 caps, and there is now belief that they could tempt him into a move.

The Latest: Spurs confident

According to a report from the Mirror, Spurs are indeed targeting the 28-year-old as a successor to Lloris, and they now believe that they can tempt him, given his contract stand-off with the Toffees, yet to agree a deal to remain at Goodison beyond 2024.

The allure of playing Champions League football could entice the Englishman into the move, with his current side struggling considerably in the Premier League this season, now sitting in the relegation zone.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

While Everton are enduring a difficult campaign, the former Sunderland man has been a shining light in a poor team, ranked as the third-best average performer in the squad, with an average SofaScore rating of 7.11.

The shot-stopper has made 68 saves in the Premier League, the second-highest amount of any player, and so the Toffees are very fortunate to have him in goal, or they could be in even more danger than they already are.

Lauded as ‘sensational’ by journalist Jeff Wallner, while also being said to have ‘world class distribution’ by Nick Emms, Pickford would be the perfect successor for Lloris, and at 28 he could be a mainstay between the sticks for many years to come.

Everton being linked with a move for Hertha Berlin forward Dodi Lukebakio is an ‘interesting one’, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

The Toffees currently find themselves in the Premier League relegation zone after a poor first half of the season, with attacking reinforcements evidently needed should Frank Lampard want to avoid the drop.

The Merseyside outfit have reportedly identified the Belgian as an ideal target, and with just 18 months remaining on his contract in the Bundesliga, a potential move to Goodison Park could be on the cards.

The Latest: ‘Interesting’ Lukebakio links

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones reacted to reports linking Lukebakio with Everton and admitted that it was good to see Farhad Moshiri looking at a different profile of player than what the Toffees already have in the building.

He said: “In terms of Lukebakio, it’s an interesting one, and it’s actually nice to see and hear of Everton thinking outside the box a little bit.”

The Verdict: Townsend replacement?

Andros Townsend hasn’t featured since March 2022 after sustaining a cruciate ligament injury, so Lukebakio would be the perfect replacement whilst Everton await his return.

The Nike-sponsored player has posted 11 goal contributions in 16 appearances across all competitions for Hertha this season and is a versatile attacker with the ability to operate at centre-forward as well as out wide (Transfermarkt).

Everton are in desperate need of prolific new arrivals given their precarious position, and the potential acquisition of Lukebakio would surely increase their chances of maintaining their top-flight status come the end of the campaign.

A return to Newcastle United for midfielder Mikel Merino is unlikely, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What’s the word?

The Real Sociedad midfielder previously plied his trade at Newcastle before departing the Premier League in 2018, making 25 appearances for the club.

He was the one that got away for the Magpies, as he is now flourishing in La Liga, but has been linked with a sensational return to the Premier League, with Liverpool reportedly interested.

However, speaking on NUFC Matters, Jacobs claimed a move for Merino was currently not on the cards for Eddie Howe’s side and that Liverpool seems to be a more likely destination.

He said: “As I understand it, the Newcastle links are not likely.

“It actually is more Liverpool who are potentially looking at him for the summer, and it then would be about what the valuation is – and that’s the other factor from Newcastle’s perspective.

“When you had a player, not only do you know a bit more about them in terms of their value, their personality, but you also have to factor in whether or not you’re going to get any value buying them back.”

A top-quality addition

Merino has developed into a top-class midfielder in Spain and we feel he would be an excellent addition to the Newcastle side if they end up going for him.

He ranks in the top 10% of midfielders for assists, clearances, aerial duels and attacking penalty area touches in Europe’s top competitions, as per FBref, highlighting his all-round ability and technical supremacy.

With seven assists this season, his final ball would be a weapon for any side, and he would add a lot of creativity to an already-firing Newcastle team.

He originally left Newcastle as he wanted to leave England and is enjoying life in his native Spain, but if he can be convinced to return, it would be a major statement signing for Eddie Howe.

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has been called out by the TalkSport pundit Simon Jordan following his recent comments on the Engish press.

What’s the latest?

The Whites have endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign so far and find themselves mixing – once again – among the relegation scrap in the Premier League.

And this has seen major question marks surrounding the future of the American in Yorkshire with suggestions some of the players aren’t in favour of him:

“Even this report that comes out, the ‘BS’ that some of the players are against me, is just awful, just awful. We are united, we are together, we are doing everything we can as a group,” said Marsch.

Which has then seen Jordan hit out at the 49-year-old on TalkSport with the pundit suggesting the American is only in power at Leeds because of their American backing:

“He is rattled, and I don’t think he has the chops to do the job. I think Leeds, as I said the other day, are one manager and probably a change of ownership away from really kicking on again.”

“And I think that he is only in situ because they’ve got American influence in that boardroom as a result of the American investment. Otherwise, he probably wouldn’t have been in the conversation. I think he’s okay. I don’t think he’s a great manager. I think that in every dressing room in every football club, there’ll be people that are against him.”

“You’re a Premier League football manager in the most spotlighted league in world football. You’re paid commensurate to that, grow up, push your chest out and get your team winning, and the conversation will reduce, won’t it?”

Grow up

It was certainly damning to hear Jordan suggest the American manager needs to grow up given the spotlight that is on all managers in the Premier League.

There is certainly some merit to that comment given the likes of Frank Lampard and Graham Potter are perhaps seeing even more scrutiny put on them by the media amid their struggles.

And given the Whites’ underwhelming start to the campaign, it is probably a stretch to deny the notion that some of the players are not in favour of Marsch being the manager.

As Jordan suggested, even outside of their struggles in the league, there will likely be some unhappy players who may not be getting the game time under Marsch that they may feel they deserve.

But with results not improving since the return from the World Cup break, it will likely leave the Leeds board with a decision to make on Marsch’s future.

Leeds were able to pick up a victory in their FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday night but face a stern test at home to Brentford on the weekend.

The Bees have produced some big performances this season with victories against Liverpool and Manchester United so it will be a big opportunity for Marsch to silence some of his critics.

But perhaps, instead of taking offence to the comments being made in the press, Marsch should take note of some of Jordan’s comments and focus on what is really important at Elland Road.

Journalist James Copley has claimed that Sunderland may have been fortunate to be awarded a penalty this weekend.

The Lowdown: Sunderland continue to power on

Sunderland perhaps went into the Wear-Tees derby as underdogs given Middlesbrough were sitting third in the Championship and on a stunning run of form under Michael Carrick.

However, a tight game took a dramatic turn early in the second half when Dael Fry was handed his marching orders for fouling Ross Stewart despite the contact appearing to be initiated outside of the box and there being very little in it.

While there did appear to be a push into Stewart, for the referee to award a penalty and a red card was a huge call – as Sunderland duly took advantage.

The Latest: Black Cats benefit from controversial decision

Copley, who was at the Stadium of Light, has admitted on The Sunderland Echo YouTube channel that Boro can count themselves rather unlucky to have been on the end of Fry’s red card.

He said: “In real-time, I thought Dael Fry’s foul on Stewart was in the box – having watched it back just then, I don’t think it is in the box, and when you slow it down, it does look a bit soft, to be honest.

“In real-time, I thought Fry had sort of put the shoulder into him and Stewart had gone over, but I think Stewart’s done well to buy that.”

The Verdict: Huge decision changed the game

With Sunderland having a goal ruled out for offside prior to Fry’s red card and Stewart netting the opening goal, they were the dominant side, while the dismissal certainly hindered Boro’s ability to get back into the match.

Boro boss Carrick certainly wasn’t happy with the decision, insisting post-match that the foul was indeed outside of the box and should have been a free kick – and we feel he has every right to feel aggrieved.

However, Stewart still had to score, and despite failing to do so from the spot initially, the Black Cats went on to assert their dominance and not give the visitors a sniff of getting back into the game, which Tony Mowbray will have been delighted with.

Leeds United face a budding transfer battle for an exciting wide man…

That’s according to French publication L’Equipe, who claimed that the Whites were considering a move for on-loan Lyon trickster Tete, who plans to terminate his current deal in favour of a move to England.

Facing opposition from other Premier League clubs, the Yorkshire outfit are far from in the pole position.

Negotiations are ongoing between all clubs, but this could mark a huge coup at a cut price in comparison to the touted deal to sign Nicolo Zaniolo. The Italian is reportedly commanding a €30m (£26m) fee, whilst other reports have suggested Shakhtar Donetsk will demand a £21m fee for a permanent move. A loan could be prioritised.

Forget Zaniolo

Not only would the deal for Tete make better fiscal sense, but his talents would arguably be more effective for the Yorkshire outfit who could always benefit from added depth out wide.

The 22-year-old already boasts 11 goal contributions this season for his current side, looking to build upon the 19 he recorded across his half-a season in Ukraine and subsequent move to France.

He has proven himself to be a consistently impressive force going forward, with his trickery and pace often converted into tangible goals and assists.

Meanwhile, Zaniolo has only really had one outstanding season, where he scored eight and assisted nine across the 2021/22 campaign.

Other than that he has flattered to deceive ever since bursting onto the scene as a teenager, and is yet to really kickstart his career to anywhere near the valuation AS Roma are demanding for him.

This is likely the main factor surrounding a potential preference for Tete, who was lauded in the summer by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig for being “on fire”.

His exploits and unpredictability have also led the CEO of his parent club Shakhtar Donetsk, Sergei Palkin, to dub him a “hurricane” before explaining exactly why: “This means that he brings confusion into the opposition defence, being extremely difficult to stop. He has some serious technique, shooting and passing.”

Perhaps he could convert this blistering form and incredible technical ability into some fine displays in England, helping to propel Leeds’ survival bid whilst saving them millions.

Spending a club record fee already this January, they cannot afford to spend another hefty sum on an unproven commodity in Zaniolo.

Arsenal’s players and staff were left delighted with the signing of Jorginho on transfer deadline day, according to journalist David Ornstein.

What’s the latest?

The Gunners capped off their January spending with the signing of Italy midfielder Jorginho on the final day of the window.

It has been a sensational 2022/23 campaign for Mikel Arteta’s side so far and over the course of January, the Spaniard saw three new faces come through the doors.

However, their final arrival was the experienced Italian midfielder who has been brought in following their failed attempts to sign Moises Caicedo.

Indeed, speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, Ornstein has provided a behind-the-scenes insight on how the Italian’s arrival was welcomed by those at London Colney:

“Arsenal will be happy to have got him in the building. As I understand it, a lot of the players and staff at Arsenal were very happy to acquire a player of such tactical intelligence and understanding for Mikel Arteta’s system, technical quality, and experience as they look to push on for the Premier League title in the second half of the season.”

Experienced head

Following a stunning start to the season, Arteta’s Gunners are now looking to lift the club’s first Premier League title since the infamous 2003/04 season.

But it is apparent the Spanish coach felt the north London side needed to strengthen their options over January and did so by bringing in three new players.

However, the final addition, Jorginho, arrives with a wealth of experience from both his time with Chelsea and also through his international career.

Playing for Arsenal’s London rivals, the 31-year-old has been able to get his hands on the Champions League, Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup (via Transfermarkt).

Adding to this, the midfielder played a big role in Italy’s European Championship triumph in the summer of 2021.

So there is little wonder why those at London Colney are so pleased with the signing of an experienced head when they are striving to do what the club have not been able to do for almost two decades.

Aforementioned, it’s believed Arsenal were looking to bring in Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion but the Seagulls rejected the two bids put forward to them.

There has been a lot of praise surrounding the Ecuadorian midfielder but the move for Jorginho could prove a masterstroke with what he can provide off the pitch, as well as on it.

Newcastle United’s latest draw with West Ham United will no doubt have provided Magpies boss Eddie Howe with the chance to take a closer look at Declan Rice in the opposition midfield, with the England international having seemingly emerged as a possible target for the Tynesiders of late.

According to Football Insider, the St James’ Park outfit could be ‘in the running’ to sign the 24-year-old this summer should they secure Champions League qualification at the end of the season, albeit with a number of the Premier League’s leading clubs also in the mix at present.

The report suggests that the one-time Chelsea youth product could command a fee of around £80m if he is to move on in the near future, with the Hammers skipper having just 18 months remaining on his existing deal at the London Stadium.

As pundit Paul Robinson stated, a move to the northeast could well be a “very tempting proposition” for the £60k-per-week maestro if the club can seal a top-four finish, with it set to be a real coup if Howe and co can persuade Rice to make the switch later this year.

The 6 foot 1 sensation will have only enhanced his standing among those at Newcastle as a result of his display on Saturday, having been the “game’s outstanding player”, in the words of Daily Mail journalist, Craig Hope.

That standout showing illustrated the array of the highly-coveted gem’s talents, as he recorded three interceptions and made 12 recoveries in his 90-minute outing, while he also provided six passes into the final third to illustrate his forward-thinking approach.

The 39-cap man’s most telling contribution came for the visitors’ equaliser, with Rice producing a lovely, inswinging corner that eventually found its way to Lucas Paqueta to fire home at the back post.

That standout showing – which earned the commanding ace a 7.6 match rating, as per FotMob – was also lauded by 90min’s Tom Gott, who awarded the player an 8/10 match rating, while also stating: ‘His physicality was far too much for Newcastle, who couldn’t match his tempo-setting intelligence either.’

Such a performance has been the norm for the Kingston-born ace so far this season despite West Ham’s struggles, as he notably averages 2.3 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game this season, with that a better record than that of current Newcastle trio, Sean Longstaff (1.1, 0.6), Joe Willock (1.6, 0.6) and Bruno Guimaraes (2.2, 1.2).

With Howe and co having seen their midfield ranks depleted by the departure of Jonjo Shelvey last month – having been unable to acquire a suitable recruit – it could well be that the summer is where that area of the pitch is finally addressed.

Bringing in Rice as that solution would surely be a dream scenario, with the Irons talisman simply the type of figure that the Newcastle boss “craves in the middle of the park”, as per Hope.