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David Moyes has a major call to make as his West Ham side return to Premier League action this afternoon.

The Irons head to the Midlands to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, where they will be looking to keep their place inside the top four, and they should still by in high spirits after their 3-2 win over Liverpool before the international break.

However, central defensive colossus and regular starter Angelo Ogbonna picked up a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury during the game, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Moyes must now decide who replaces him in the starting lineup to play alongside summer signing Kurt Zouma.

In reality, it’s a two-horse race between Craig Dawson and Issa Diop, and it’s the latter who could strike up the most formidable partnership with the Champions League winner in the absence of the Italian stallion.

Diop and Zouma are, of course, both French and they have already played together this term.

The pair were rock-solid in Croatia as the Hammers kickstarted their Europa League quest with an impressive 2-0 victory against Prva HNL champions Dinamo Zagreb, the very team who knocked Tottenham Hotspur out of the competition last season.

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Both were graded amongst Moyes’ best performers that night, earning a 7.0 rating by SofaScore, and it is a partnership that must continue with Ogbonna on the sidelines.

Diop has looked in great nick whenever trusted this season – largely in Europe and the domestic cups. One example of this was seen against Manchester United, against whom he has an incredible record.

The 24-year-old titan nullified the threat on offer from Anthony Martial when the teams met in the Carabao Cup two months ago, recording a match-high seven clearances and making several crucial blocks. His performance was so good that Irons assistant manager Stuart Pearce dubbed him a “colossus”.

It comes just a few years after a similarly commanding display against Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils, when the former Old Trafford boss lauded the Frenchman as a “monster” to reporters after the game.

Valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, it is Diop who could cause Wolves a big fright on Saturday afternoon.

Whether Bruno Lage starts Hwang Hee-chan or Raul Jimenez – or even both – the Hammers’ one-time club-record signing is the man who can stop their threat at Molineux.

AND in other news, Forget Kral: Newman can seal West Ham’s dream Noble heir in £25.2m-rated “phenomenon”…

Newcastle United could attempt an ‘ambitious’ January move for Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to Scott Wilson for The Northern Echo. 

The lowdown

The Ukrainian has only played 56 minutes across City’s first 12 Premier League fixtures, although that’s partly down to injury.

In total, he has made 105 appearances for the Cityzens, collecting three Premier League winners’ medals among the 10 trophies he has won at the club, and he was named Ukraine’s Footballer of the Year in 2019.

It’s therefore clear to see that the 24-year-old, who has been labelled ‘incredible’ by his manager Pep Guardiola, isn’t short of pedigree.

The latest

Sharing a link to his article for The Northern Echo (in which he linked Zinchenko) on his Twitter profile, Wilson wrote: “#NUFC stepping up plans for January – which increasingly looks like being make or break for the season. Proven Premier League players will be the order of the day”

The Manchester City defender fits Eddie Howe’s criteria in that he is proven in the Premier League and he also ticks an important box for the new PIF ownership, who are keen to scope out players who are struggling for game-time at their current clubs.

According to Wilson, there has been ‘talk’ that the Magpies will attempt an audacious swoop for Zinchenko if he can’t break into Guardiola’s first team on a regular basis.

The verdict

Newcastle operated with wing-backs during the first game of Howe’s reign last weekend, with Matt Ritchie on the left and Jacob Murphy on the right.

One player who watched on from the bench was Jamal Lewis, with the £15m signing being tipped to benefit from Howe’s arrival ‘given his engine’. However, this report is a worrying development for the Northern Irishman, who has played a mere six Premier League minutes this season and may struggle to dislodge a player of Zinchenko’s calibre and CV.

Lewis needs to prove to his new manager in the coming weeks that Howe doesn’t need to look elsewhere for a left-back when the next transfer window opens.

In other news, the Magpies are also lining up a move for another Premier League winner

Despite currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League table, Southampton have only conceded 14 goals, leaving just Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Wolves having conceded fewer at this point in the season.

One player that has played a part in their impressive feat is Southampton’s 22-year-old centre-back Mohammed Salisu.

So far this season, Salisu has played in every single one of Southampton’s Premier League games, completing the full 90 minutes in all but one of them, highlighting just how important he has been for Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

In those games, the defender, who is currently valued at £9m according to Transfermarkt, has racked up an average of two tackles per game, 2.6 interceptions per game and 3.9 clearances per game, which just goes to show how much of a capable defensive unit he is for the team.

Salisu recently said that he would one day like to become as good as Liverpool and former Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk.

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He left St. Mary’s back in the 2018 January transfer window in a deal worth a reported fee of £75m after originally joining the south coast club for a price of £13m from Celtic.

However, since then, Salisu has certainly shown that he has the capacity to become one of Europe’s top centre-backs too, leading us to believe he could be Hasenhuttl’s next version of the Dutch defender at St Mary’s.

Labelled as a “big talent” by former Saints defender Jannik Vestergaard, the defender was signed for a fee of £10.9m from Spanish club Real Valladolid back in August last year. With that in mind, he’s certainly turned out to be a bargain for the club.

With Salisu currently listed as Southampton’s highest-rated player by WhoScored with an overall performance rating of 7.1/10 in the Premier League, perhaps the Saints star is closer to Van Dijk in terms of ability than he thinks with the Dutchman’s current season rating standing at 7.06/10 according to WhoScored.

With Southampton set to take on Liverpool at Anfield this weekend in the Premier League, it’s safe to say that Salisu will have to be at the top of his game if he wants to keep a clean sheet. After all, Jurgen Klopp’s side have managed to score more goals in the league (35) than any other team.

If, however, the Ghanaian is able to keep the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah quiet, this would surely be another sign that the Saints man is capable of being their next Van Dijk for the foreseeable future.

In other news: Ralph can finally replace Lallana by luring “immense” 35-goal beast to Saints in Jan – opinion

Many Wolves fans have been slamming the performance of Adama Traore in their 0-0 draw at home to Burnley in the Premier League tonight.

It was a frustrating night for the Spaniard, who showed moments of brilliance at times when dribbling through the Clarets’ defence, but his end product often let him down.

Traore failed to score with all four of his goal attempts, while he was also inaccurate with five of his crosses, and lost the ball on no fewer than 17 occasions in total (SofaScore).

The winger also lost out on six of his duels and misplaced six of his passes (SofaScore) as the Molineux faithful grew more tiresome with him as the game went on.

He could not make the difference in the final third of the pitch as Bruno Lage’s team had to settle for just a point in the end.

Wolves fans slam Traore

These Wolves supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one fan going as far as to claim that Traore was a ‘liability’ tonight:

“Traore is the most frustrating player in world football”

Credit: @Scouse_Wolf

“Traore is a liability.”

Credit: @SwanWolf10

“Time to sell Traore. Useless!”

Credit: @jayaldridge50

“Yeah what was Adama Traore doing, that was embarrassing”

Credit: @Wolvesf42654430

“I just don’t see what Traore brings to this club. Selfish, arrogant and clearly doesn’t want to stay so get him out the squad. He doesn’t deserve that shirt.”

Credit: @ShaineRafferty8

“Traore couldn’t finish if there was no goalie”

Credit: @Ang5982

In other news, many Wolves fans have flocked to this transfer news!

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa could be set for a shock January exit from Elland Road, according to a report from the continent.

The Lowdown: Bielsa a Leeds icon

The Argentine are arguably been the most influential figure at Leeds in the past decade or so, bringing the good days back to the club.

Bielsa has of course guided the Whites back into the Premier League, finishing ninth in their first season back in the division and playing some superb football along the way, endearing himself to those in Yorkshire with his enigmatic personality and obvious passion for the beautiful game, even showing up to coach football-loving local kids out of the blue.

The 66-year-old’s current Leeds deal expires at the end of this season, however, and it remains unknown if he will extend his stay beyond that point.

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The Latest: Shock exit rumour emerges

According to Jeunes Footeux [via Leeds All Over], Bielsa could actually leave Leeds in January, in what Leeds All Over describe as a ‘significant twist’ and ‘big shock’.

A board meeting is rumoured to be taking place next month and his future will be discussed there.

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The Verdict: Surely not?

The thought of Bielsa leaving at any point is a sad one but it seems unfathomable that he would either leave or be sacked in January.

The Leeds hero is a man of his word and has committed his future until at least the summer, so it would be an almighty shock if that suddenly wasn’t the case. It would also feel incredibly harsh for the club to take decisive action even despite the poor form to kick off this campaign, given his role in their promotion back to the big time.

It may be that Bielsa decides he has taken Leeds far enough come the end of the season, but with key men like Patrick Bamford back fit again, the hope is that the Whites rise up the Premier League in the coming months, increasing Bielsa’s chances of staying put even beyond this season, let alone through the winter.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly keen on a January move for one player. Find out who it is here.

Glasgow Rangers were not at their best away to Hearts earlier this afternoon, but early goals from Alfredo Morelos and Joe Aribo ensured that they got another three points.

It was actually the home team who had more possession and recorded more shots on goal than Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side, and The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst Gers players (to have featured for at least 45 minutes) were on the day:

Glen Kamara (6.8)

Kamara was ranked by SofaScore as the Light Blues’ third-worst performer with a 6.8 overall rating.

The Finland midfielder lost out on three of his duels in total and also failed to record a single clearance, interception or tackle in the game, while losing possession of the ball twice.

Fashion Sakala (6.7)

Sakala actually got the assist for the first goal scored by Morelos, but was still given a relatively low 6.7 rating by SofaScore.

The Zambia international lost nine duels, the most out of any of his teammates, while he failed to get on the scoresheet with any of three of his attempts on goal.

Sakala was also guilty of giving the ball away far too often throughout the match, 16 times in all, the second-most out of any Rangers player.

Scott Arfield (6.5)

Despite his efforts, Arfield was ranked as the Gers’ worst player with a 6.5 rating given by SofaScore.

The 33-year-old lost six of his duels and was also unsuccessful with his two shots and one dribble attempt.

In addition, Arfield lost the ball six times in what proved to be a frustrating afternoon individually for him.

In other news, another man’s performance against Hearts was slammed by many Gers fans

With Tottenham Hotspur out of the Europa Conference League, the Carabao Cup represents a solid chance for Antonio Conte to seal a piece of silverware at the club.

Later this evening, his side hosts Premier League rivals West Ham United in the quarter-finals of the competition with a place in the final four at stake.

Spurs head into kick-off on the back of a 2-2 draw with ten-man Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, whilst the Hammers’ game with Norwich City was postponed, so they’ve had to wait a week since they last played.

It will be interesting to see what sort of side the Italian head coach will put out in terms of team selection, so here is the starting lineup we are predicting tonight…

There could be as many as three changes from the weekend.

Hugo Lloris is expected to remain between the sticks, despite loan summer signing Pierluigi Gollini often taking the gloves in Spurs’ cup competitions. They are now at the stage where regular starters are needed.

A back three of Ben Davies, Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez should also continue from the weekend, especially with Cristian Romero still out through injury.

Conte will be forced into at least one change after Ryan Sessegnon picked up a muscular injury on Sunday, so we could see the £36m-rated Sergio Reguilon return to the starting XI on the left, with Emerson Royal on the right.

In midfield, there is a chance that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg makes a return but Conte may want to keep him fresher for the remainder of the festive period. Instead, Harry Winks could keep his place, only this time he is joined by Oliver Skipp.

That means Tanguy Ndombele makes way, whilst Dele Alli is another casualty from the draw here at the weekend.

Lucas Moura could, therefore, rejoin Heung-min Son and Harry Kane in the attack.

AND in other news, Talks planned: Spurs source drops major January transfer update, fans will be buzzing…

Ryan Jack’s latest injury setback will be ‘sickening’ for the 29-year-old, Noel Whelan has told Football Insider. 

The lowdown

The 29-year-old hasn’t started for Rangers since the 1-0 Premiership win over Kilmarnock way back on 13 February. He worked his way back to fitness following a calf problem, making three substitute appearances between 7 November and 4 December.

However, prior to the clash with Hearts earlier this month, Giovanni van Bronckhorst revealed that the midfielder had suffered a setback, and the Dutchman has since confirmed that Jack won’t be returning until the latter part of January at the earliest.

The latest

BBC Radio pundit Whelan told Football Insider that ‘there’s nothing worse’ in football than getting injured shortly after a comeback from a lengthy layoff and said that it’s a crushing blow for Jack, and indeed a big loss for Rangers.

The 46-year-old said: “He’s had a very long time out, come back in – it will be very devastating for him psychologically.

“There’s nothing worse. He’s done his rehabilitation, training, worked his way up to being match-ready – and then another setback happens.

“It’s heartbreaking for him. I’ve been there a few times, and you do get that sickening feeling inside your stomach.

“I really feel for him, but we all have tests put in front of us – and hopefully he comes through this one with flying colours and comes back stronger.

“He’s a quality player that Giovanni van Bronckhorst will want to have in his squad.”

The verdict

It’s very much a possibility that Jack will go more than year without starting a match for the Gers, and to make it even more painful, he’s also missing a large chunk of his theoretical peak years.

However, Rangers should be able to navigate the festive period preceding the winter break without him. Van Bronckhorst’s squad for Saturday’s win over Dundee United looked well-stocked in terms of central midfielders, featuring Glen Kamara, John Lundstram, Scott Arfield, Juninho Bacuna and Joe Aribo.

Let’s hope that Jack has already had his fill of injury woe and can make up for lost time in 2022.

In other news, Rangers have made a decision on the future of this player

A big update has emerged regarding the short-term future of Rangers defender Jack Simpson at Ibrox…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, the centre-back is primed for a loan move away from the club amid growing interest in his services.

The report claims that Giovanni van Bronckhorst will not prevent him from leaving, with Ross Wilson now tasked with sorting out the best solution to his situation.

Fans will be buzzing

Rangers fans will surely be buzzing with this news as it suggests that the club are willing to send Simpson out to obtain regular game-time without completely giving up on him.

The £3.1k-per-week outcast has not played a single minute of competitive football for the first team since the Dutchman arrived at Ibrox, suggesting that he is not in the 46-year-old’s immediate plans.

His last appearance came in a 6-1 win over Motherwell in October, when Steven Gerrard was at the helm. He has been named on the bench three times under Van Bronckhorst but was never used.

However, this does not mean that his future at the club is non-existent. Wilson previously heaped praise on the centre-back upon signing him for the club, saying: “His contractual situation at Bournemouth provided a natural and attractive moment for us to pursue Jack’s signature. It has been well publicised that he has been a much-coveted player south of the border but from our first discussion with Jack, we could see how the opportunity to join Rangers was one that was very appealing to him.”

This suggests that there is a good player IN there somewhere, as Wilson claimed that Simpson was ‘highly-coveted’; and going away to play consistently could be what he needs to discover his best form. If, for example, he goes to the Championship in England and catches the eye with consistent performances, that could tempt Van Bronckhorst into giving him a chance at Rangers.

Therefore, Gers fans will surely be buzzing as the club will potentially recoup money back in wages over the coming months for a player who is currently rotting away on the periphery, whilst still offering him the opportunity to go out and prove that he has more to give at Ibrox. A loan exit appears to be a move which suits all parties involved, and it could be a masterclass from Wilson if it works out.

AND in other news, “Money talks”: Journalist drops key Rangers prediction which will leave fans fuming…

Since Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris took over from Tony Xia for ownership of Aston Villa back in 2018, they have not been particularly shy when it comes to spending money on bringing new players to the club.

Now that Steven Gerrard has taken charge after Dean Smith left in November, there have been reports suggesting that the former Rangers boss has his ideas of how to make his mark on the Villa squad in terms of potential incomings, and that he will be given the financial backing from the club’s owners to make it happen.

In terms of what future transfers Gerrard could make to transform this current Villa side to potentially fulfil the owners’ ambitions of securing European football on a regular basis, one man who could be seen as a big investment and possibly their new version Gareth Barry is Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

In a recent Villa transfer report from The Athletic, it was claimed that Phillips – who has been described as a “destroyer” on the pitch by former England manager Steve McClaren – “is a player Villa strongly admire but the difficulty of getting him out of Leeds if they remain a Premier League club makes it a non-starter for now.”

Labelled a “powerful” player by former Leeds manager Neil Redfearn, the 25-year-old was comfortably one of their best players in the Premier League last season. WhoScored gave him an overall rating of 7.01/10 for his performances, showing that he took to playing in the top flight like a duck to water after the Yorkshire club’s 16-year absence from that level.

Regarding the idea of Phillips being Villa’s potential new version of Barry, the former Villa midfielder was described in The Guardian as “a technically gifted player with an eye for a pass and an ability to anticipate danger”.

That isn’t too dissimilar to the praise that former Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo gave Phillips by saying that he was a “rock” in midfield for England during their Euro 2020 campaign, whilst also showing his technical passing ability by setting up Raheem Sterling’s winning goal against Croatia in the tournament.

In terms of a potential move to Villa Park in the future, if Leeds do end up being relegated this season, Villa should definitely explore the possibility of signing the £36m-rated midfielder in the summer, even though his current contract isn’t set to expire until the summer of 2024.

In other news – Imagine him & Konsa: Gerrard could solve big Villa issue with £7.2m-rated “monster”