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Leeds United haven’t had the easiest of starts to their first Premier League campaign in 16 years.

Just three weeks after a trip to defending champions Liverpool, the Whites are tasked with hosting Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at Elland Road.

Guardiola’s side have been one of the dominant forces in English football in recent years, but despite City’s brilliance, Leeds are catching them at just the right time.

The Manchester outfit arrive in Yorkshire in the midst of an injury crisis with no fewer than eight first-team players at risk of missing out on Saturday’s clash. This spate of problems has understandably coincided with poor form, with the Citizens being beaten 5-2 by Leicester last week.

So, what XI will Marcelo Bielsa field against Guardiola on Saturday? We’ve had a go at predicting United’s starting eleven this weekend with one change from the line-up against Sheffield United.

There aren’t too many changes to report ahead of this one, with the back five remaining exactly the same as it did against the Blades.

Illan Meslier starts between the sticks, while Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas hold down the full-back roles.

There’s no room for £18m signing Diego Llorente this week as Robin Koch and Liam Cooper keep their spots after last week’s clean sheet, with the ex-Real Sociedad man having to make do with a place on the bench.

The midfield is largely the same as we’ve seen for the past 12 months with the cohort of Kalvin Phillips, Mateusz Klich,  and Helder Costa keeping their spots, but there is a change in the attacking midfield role with Rodrigo coming in for Tyler Roberts. Indeed, the Spaniard impressed from the bench at Bramall Lane, taking 41 touches, playing two accurate long balls and taking one shot on target in a 44 minute cameo (SofaScore).

There is another change on the wing as Ezgjan Alioski replaces Jack Harrison, with the former NYCFC man being ineligible due to Leeds’ opponents being his parent club.

There are no surprises up top as Patrick Bamford keeps his place after scoring in three consecutive matches.

In other news, one Leeds loanee showed exactly what he can do last weekend.

Romanian journalist Emanuel Rosu, who regularly provides updates on Glasgow Rangers midfielder Ianis Hagi, has been on the end of some poor treatment from an unnamed representative of a Scottish newspaper.

Rosu was a constant source of knowledge for ‘Gers fans when Hagi moved on loan to Ibrox earlier this year and has provided updates on the 22-year-old ever since. Given his valuable position as an expert on all things Romanian football, you can understand why Scottish journalists would be eager to have him as a source.

However, it seems that one unnamed writer has taken advantage of Rosu. The latter was asked to provide some information on Hagi and his family, with the promise of payment. In the end, although he did provide what he promised, he did not receive any money for his work.

He shared a Twitter conversation with the journalist on the social media platform and it attracted plenty of attention from ‘Gers supporters. It is fair to say that many were far from happy – they have had plenty of problems with that they call the “mainstream media”.

Let’s see what they had to say about the treatment of Rosu below

In other news, Rangers fans slam this star who had a “touch like an elephant” against Standard Liege. Let us know what you think in the comments!

Everton’s season has come to an end in disappointing fashion as they were thumped by relegated AFC Bournemouth at Goodison Park.

You could tell that it was a battle between a team already on their holidays against one with everything to play for.

A rare start for Moise Kean paid off as he equalised in the first half following Josh King’s early penalty, but the Cherries fought back thanks to strikes from Dominic Solanke and Junior Stanislas – though it wasn’t enough to keep them in the top-flight due to Villa’s draw at West Ham.

Plenty of the Toffees faithful were left fuming by the performance of Theo Walcott, who was withdrawn before the hour mark by Carlo Ancelotti.

He was blasted for being a passenger as well as a disgrace with one supporter claiming the veteran winger wasn’t fit to wear the shirt.

Lots of other fans pin-pointed some of the former Arsenal man’s faults, ranging from his crosses to his inability to keep hold of the ball.

Per SofaScore, Walcott managed a dire 69% passing accuracy, provided no accurate crosses, lost possession 13 times and missed one big chance.

So maybe these supporters are onto something.

It’s led to many others suggesting that he should be offloaded this summer – some were even praying that it was the last time they see the 31-year-old in a Blues shirt.

Walcott joined Everton in January 2018 for £20m and it appears plenty in Merseyside are hoping that 2020 is the final time he features.

AND in other news, Everton facing another Brands disasterclass if they sign Serie A star…

Stoke City are among a string of clubs in the English Football League rivalling Sunderland in the transfer race for Scott Fraser, according to Daily Record.

Ahead of a third straight season in League One, Black Cats manager Phil Parkinson is seeking to assemble a squad that he feels is capable of gaining promotion to the Championship.

The 52-year-old coach has already added some new faces to his squad with the signings of Bailey Wright and Aiden O’Brien, whilst Tom Flanagan signed a new deal to remain at the club.

Sunderland’s interest in Fraser has also been reported in the last few weeks, although that has now been matched by a number of clubs.

Fraser, who had spent the last two seasons with Burton Albion, opted to turn down a new contract at the Pirelli Stadium this summer and move on to a new chapter in his career.

The 25-year-old, who boasted five goals 11 assists in 30 League One appearances in 2019/20, is not just wanted by Sunderland, though, with both Stoke City and Hull City also said to be keen on him.

The Daily Record reported that Stoke manager Michael O’Neill is keen on the Scot, whilst League One newcomers Hull City will be keen to add quality to their squad as they seek to bounce back following their relegation from the Championship last month.

The race to sign Fraser looks likely to come down to the winner having the most pulling power, both financially and in terms of league stature.

If that proves to be the case, then Championship outfit Stoke could have the edge over League One duo Sunderland and Hull, which would leave frustration for the Black Cats were they to miss out on a player that they have targeted for some time.

Do you think Fraser would be a good addition to the Sunderland squad? Let us know your views in the comments section below…

Tottenham Hotspur face competition over one of their reported transfer targets this summer and it’s on Daniel Levy to ensure they won’t be coming away as the losers…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Burnley are set to make a £8m move to sign Mainz forward Robin Quaison despite the 26-year-old having a £14m release clause.

Spurs have also been linked with interest in the Swedish international, though it appears as if Sean Dyche has made the first move this window.

They claim that Quaison’s goalscoring threat and dribbling ability has attracted many top European teams but it is only the north Londoners who are named alongside the Clarets.

Versatile threat

Spurs are severely lacking a creative outlet as well as a back-up to Harry Kane, which is why a swoop for the Mainz talisman makes perfect sense as he can provide Jose Mourinho with both.

In 31 appearances last term, Quaison provided 13 goals and two assists playing pretty much anywhere along the front three and also in the hole. He averaged 2.2 shots, 1.4 dribbles and 0.9 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

You’d imagine those numbers would only increase with better players around him and that’s what Spurs have in abundance, particularly out wide.

The Swede has been likened to both Xavi and Serge Gnabry in the past but the comparison to the latter does indeed make the most sense. Bundesliga.com claim:

“Both have stocky frames, are quick on their feet, excellent at dribbling, can play in central attacking midfield or off the flanks, and are equally adept at scoring from outside the box as they are at teeing up teammates to score.”

Whilst comments from past and present staff at the Bundesliga club make this link seem all that more realistic – ex-head coach Sandro Schwarz believes Quaison’s “movement behind the opposition defence is very intelligent” whilst sporting director Rouven Schroder suggests he’s a player with “a lot of potential.”

If Burnley are successful with their £8m attempt, then it should set Levy’s heart racing to try and get a deal done. He’d be killing two birds with one stone – maybe even three.

AND in other news, 6 foot 3 monster would be a great successor to Harry Kane at Spurs…

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton has said that a potential deal involving Tanguy Ndombele and two Barcelona defenders will be tempting for Spurs, in an interview with Football Insider.

What does he say?

According to Sky Sports, Barcelona have offered defenders Samuel Umtiti and Nelson Semedo in exchange for Spurs midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.

Ndombele joined the North London club this summer from Lyon but has been publicly criticised by manager Jose Mourinho and this looks to have triggered speculation that he could be sold.

Asked whether this deal was a good one for Spurs, Hutton said the offer on the table would be tempting.

He told Football Insider: “It’s massively tempting. We’re talking about two positions that Tottenham will be desperate to fill if we’re being honest, right-back and centre-half.

“It’s well documented the Ndombele’s trouble he’s been having with Mourinho. I do believe he’s a class player, he’s definitely got the quality to make it. It’s how the manager, how Levy sees it – does the value of the players add up for what they paid for Ndombele?

“What about wages? These two players are going to be on high wages, are they going to be on more than Ndombele? There’s a lot of ifs and buts but from the outside looking in, it would be a good trade if you were to trade them.

“It is a place Ndombele could go, fit in, he’s used to that continental football and he’s not had the best of times with Mourinho so maybe his head’s a wee bit turned.”

Fascinating proposal

If the rumours are to be believed this is a huge move from Barcelona that could represent a big switch in the way transfers are conducted.

Umtiti and Semedo are both good players, while it is clear that the Ndombele move has not really worked out, so if the deal on the table makes financial sense you can see Spurs being interested.

Injury concerns over Umtiti do exist, but with Jan Vertonghen likely to on his way out, the Frenchman would be an ideal replacement.

Leeds United fans absolutely adore midfielder Kalvin Phillips so you can only imagine the reaction should the 24-year-old ever depart Elland Road, but maybe they shouldn’t worry going by Beren Cross’ latest article.

The LeedsLive reporter profiles young prospect Alfie McCalmont dubbed Marcelo ‘Bielsa’s next project’.

He claims that the Argentine was asked by Victor Orta about what he wanted should Phillips leave the west Yorkshire outfit – a contingency plan if you like – and Bielsa went away and watched all of the U23’s 2018/19 campaign and decided that the 20-year-old Northern Irishman was the man.

McCalmont was handed his debut earlier this season, coming on as a substitute against Salford City in the EFL Cup and would record his first start in the same competition two weeks later against Stoke City.

Can you get full marks on the Ultimate Leeds Quiz? Test your knowledge below…

He’s also picked up a cap for his national side.

Some supporters have been reacting to Cross on social media, here’s what has been said…

AND in other news, Leeds fans react as Marcelo Bielsa image emerges…

Leicester are reportedly favourites to sign Adam Lallana from Liverpool this summer.

According to Dominic King (via Sportslens), the Foxes are keen on bringing the former England international to the King Power to reunite him with former boss Brendan Rodgers. Lallana will be available as a free agent at the end of the season and will be able to join the club of his choice.

It was recently confirmed by Jurgen Klopp that Lallana would play no further part in Liverpool’s 2019/20 season. King has reported that this is so the 32-year-old doesn’t risk any unexpected injuries squandering his chance of a top move.

The midfielder has dedicated six years to the Merseyside outfit after joining from Southampton in the summer of 2014 (via BBC Sport). Despite long-term injuries affecting a lot of his career in red, Lallana has made a total of 178 appearances, scoring 22 goals and assisting another 22 (via Transfermarkt).

Lallana would bring experience in abundance to Leicester’s midfield if they were to sign him up. With a Champions League and Premier League medal to his name, the 32-year-old could be what the Foxes need to challenge in Europe next season.

As it stands, Rodgers’ side are fourth in the league table, having slipped down a place following their recent draw against Arsenal. Both Chelsea and Manchester United are eager for a top four spot, so Leicester need to keep hold of their current position.

Should they qualify, Lallana could be a key figure in their Champions League run as well as pivotal player in the middle of the park. Especially as a free signing, the Foxes would be foolish not to bring the Englishman to the club.

Would you like to see Leicester sign Adam Lallana this summer? Join the discussion in the comments below…

Liverpool fans are buzzing about the performance of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on international duty with England. The 26-year-old was playing in a midfield three with his country and opened the scoring with a sweet finish.

Now, after his first international goal since he bagged against Scotland over two years ago, fans are delighted with his newly found form. The former Arsenal man has had a torrid time with injuries and missed most of Liverpool’s incredible season last year by sitting on the sidelines for 293 days.

Now, however, it seems there has been a huge revival in his career and fans are loving it.

The £35m star has only started twice in the league but has bagged five times in his last six outings for club and country.

As a result of his fantastic form, Liverpool fans are very excited for the rest of his season, with many other supporters pointing to the fact he “can’t stop scoring”.

Up next for the Reds is the tough away trip to Crystal Palace. Now, with the injury news on Mohamed Salah unclear, there is a good chance Oxlade-Chamberlain could continuing this run at Selhurst Park.

Here’s what fans have had to say about another great performance from their man…

Everton fans have got themselves fully behind the club’s owner Farhad Moshiri after it was revealed he believed that former manager David Moyes is not the right man to take the reins at the club.

Current boss Marco Silva is under intense scrutiny at Goodison Park after a series of poor results and performances that have left his side four points above the relegation zone in 16th.

To add to the pressure, speculation continues to circulate about Silva’s potential successor, with one of those managers being ex-Blue David Moyes.

His tenure at the club lasted 12 years but despite being unable to win a trophy with the Toffees, he brought an element of progression and stability to the side that had not been seen since the successful years of the 1980s.

Despite what he did for the club in the past, Football Insider revealed that Moshiri is not convinced that Moyes is the right man. However, Bill Kenwright and club CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale are keen to see the Scotsman return to the dugout.

Supporters were fully onside with the beliefs of the club’s owner and made their feelings clear on social media.

Here you will find some of the best comments from Everton fans:

Everton fans, would a Moyes return really be so bad? Share your thoughts below!