Wolverhampton Wanderers endured a turbulent summer transfer window, losing some key players such as Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore, while head coach Julen Lopetegui resigned in protest a few days before the season commenced to voice his displeasure at the club's transfer business.

Gary O'Neil succeeded the former Real Madrid manager in the Molineux dugout and faced an uphill battle from the get-go. However, the ex-Bournemouth boss has guided Wolves to 12th in the Premier League thus far, one place above last season's finish.

Now, the manager is looking to bolster his attacking department ahead of the second half of the campaign and has eyed up one of Europe's most efficient goalscorers.

Wolves transfer news

According to FCInter News, Wolves have identified Iranian centre-forward Mehdi Taremi as the perfect number '9' to sign ahead of the January transfer window to improve the forward line and are prepared to make a significant offer to Porto. The outlet have also reported that the Midlands club face competition from Italian giants and Champions League finalists Inter Milan.

Taremi has been a prolific goalscorer in Portugal for a number of years and managed to hit 31 goals last season in 51 appearances in all competitions, including 22 in the Primeira Liga, claiming the league's Golden Boot award for the second time in his career. Nevertheless, the Iran international also recorded 14 assists for the Portuguese giants despite missing out on the title by two points.

In 2022, Taremi finished as the fourth-best goalscorer in Europe, finishing above the likes of Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema. Manchester United legend and TV pundit Rio Ferdinand was in awe of the 31-year-old, calling him "ridiculous" for his form in front of goal.

Mehdi Taremi's stats this season

The experienced frontman hasn't been as potent up top this season as in recent years but has still managed to bag three goals for Porto, including one goal and two assists in the Champions League as the side sit second in Group H and are pushing for qualification to the next round.

It has been reported that Porto slapped a £17m price tag on Taremi's back which could be a good price for Wolves ahead of the transfer window, particularly since the Iranian is outperforming Hwang Hee-chan in a number of key attacking metrics this season.

Goals

0.23

0.74

Expected Goals

0.37

0.31

Assists

0.23

0.21

Expected Assists

0.19

0.21

Shots

1.71

2.02

Shots On Target

0.85

0.74

Shots Per Goal

0.09

0.35

Stats via FBref

Hwang is outscoring Taremi this term but the latter has still bagged 34 goals since the beginning of the previous campaign, showcasing his efficiency inside the penalty area. O'Neil could potentially have found the perfect partner in his front three for winger Pedro Neto.

The Portuguese attacker is the top assister in the Premier League this season with seven assists, while he is also averaging 0.71 assists per 90, as well as 2.55 key passes per 90 and 2.04 passes into the penalty area per 90, as per FBref, proving his incredible knack for creating chances for teammates.

Taremi could thrive in English football by being fed such high-quality chances each game and would instantly improve Wolves' attacking threat as O'Neil looks to ensure that his side aren't dragged down into an unforgiving relegation battle.

One Manchester United “leader” could soon be sold with clubs in Saudi Arabia ready to offer him a “jaw-dropping” salary to turn his head and leave Old Trafford.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils were busy over the summer, bringing in a number of new faces ahead of Erik ten Hag’s second season in charge. However, despite big-money deals for the likes of Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, things haven’t exactly gone to plan on the pitch.

Ten Hag’s side have lost five of their opening 11 Premier League games and have been without a number of key players through injury. One of those to miss some fixtures with an unknown injury is Raphael Varane. The centre-back has played just seven minutes of league action in the last four games, and by the looks of things, his future could be away from Old Trafford.

According to Football Insider, Saudi Pro League clubs are expected to register an interest in Varane and are willing to offer a “jaw-dropping” salary, looking to turn his head. Meanwhile, CaughtOffside have reported that “Man Utd would be ready to consider the right offer for Varane, who is attracting interest from the PIF group of Saudi clubs, meaning he could end up at any one of Al Ahli, Al Hilal, Al Nassr or Al Ittihad, depending on who needs him most.” The player has also expressed a desire to try a new challenge, with Man Utd’s transfer priority for 2024 a centre-back.

Raphael Varane’s record at Man Utd

Varane arrived at Old Trafford from Real Madrid back in 2021 and has made 73 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, scoring twice and providing one assist. (Raphael Varane stats – Transfermarkt)

However, as mentioned, the France international has struggled with injuries in England, and his fitness appears to be a concern with Ten Hag recently selecting the likes of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans ahead of him for the Manchester derby.

Varane injury history at Man Utd

Date

Games missed

Groin injury

October 2021

3

Hamstring injury

November 2021

11

Abdominal problems

February 2022

1

Muscular problems

April 2022

3

Ankle sprain

October 2022

1

Leg injury

October 2022

7

Foot injury

April 2023

7

Unknown injury

August 2023

4

Despite his injury history, when fit, Varane has come in for praise from Ten Hag, who called the centre-back a “leader” last year.

“With Rapha Varane there as the leader, he puts everyone in the right position, he fits really good together with Licha Martinez and also the two full-backs did their job really good.”

Lisandro Martinez and Varane established themselves as the first choice pairing at the back last season in what was a successful first season under Ten Hag, winning the EFL Cup, reaching the FA Cup final and finishing in the top four, but with the Argentine out injured until the New Year and speculation of Varane’s future being elsewhere, it seems to be the right decision to make a centre-back a transfer priority in 2024.

Pat Howard and Ben Amarfio, two of Cricket Australia’s most polarising executives, have been jointly ousted by the new chief executive Kevin Roberts amid a significant management restructuring in the wake of a scathing cultural review of the governing body.Howard, who took his role in 2011 in the wake of the Argus review, had indicated he would not renew his contract when it expired next year, but now Roberts has hastened his departure, which will now take place next week. Amarfio was key to the new AUD1.18billion broadcast deal that was struck earlier this year, a move that took some of Australian home cricket off free-to-air-TV.The creation of the win-at-all-costs environment that was highlighted in the Longstaff review has fallen significantly at Howard’s feet.”It’s a time for reflection and learning, a time for us to deepen our relationships. It’s important we show leadership, that we aren’t about words but about actions,” Roberts said. “Pat in particular had determined that he intended to leave the organisation and we just discussed an alternative leaving date. I think it’s important we give cricket a fresh start and we start looking forward so we can heal.”It continues the high-profile exits around Australian cricket which in recent days has seen chairman David Peever resign and long-serving board director Mark Taylor stand down. James Sutherland also recently brought an end to his 17-year tenure as CEO.The Longstaff review was highly critical of the board and team culture that had been created and Roberts had been a key executive figure during the time as COO, notably around the heated MoU debate, but he said the findings had shown enough successes in his role – pinpointing The One Team initiative to bring state and territories together, gender pay equity and community cricket – to mean he was the man to take CA forward.”If you look at the Longstaff review it’s independent and objective, they have called out at least three key positive involvements I’ve had and one that wasn’t so positive,” he said. “On balance, none of us are perfect, we are all human, and I’ll do my best to keep improving.”The CA board has been having multiple phone hook-ups on a daily basis of late while working with Roberts to work out solutions to the current crisis and Roberts said it would be the last of the major changes for the time being.Belinda Clark, the former Australia captain, will take on an interim role as executive general manager of team performance while a recruitment process has been undertaken to replace Howard.Stephanie Beltrame, previously the general manager of media rights, will move into a new role as interim EGM Broadcasting and Commercial. She has been at CA for as long as anyone and been passed over numerous times for executive roles, most notably after her key role in securing the 2013 rights deal between Nine and Ten.The CA digital team, previously under Amarfio, will be moved to the Events and Leagues department under Anthony Everard with the department being renamed Fan Engagement. It was Everard who tweeted the image of the Australian dressing room in Perth last week that revealed the term “elite honesty” which has since provoked much debate and no little ridicule.”It is clear that we need to deepen our relationships with fans, players and the broader cricket community,” Roberts said. “We are committed to making cricket stronger and developing closer connections with the community and greater alignment across the organisation. Everyone at CA is focused on rebuilding and moving forward after what has been a turbulent year in Australian cricket.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Campeonato Cearense de 2021 pode ter casa nova. Pelo menos se depender da ‘TV Jangadeiro’, afiliada do ‘SBT’ no estado. Ela negocia com a federação cearense para transmitir o estadual no próximo ano. A informação foi publicada pelo ‘Uol Esportes’.

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Porém, a prioridade de compra do estadual de 2021 seguem com a atual detentora do direito, a ‘TV Verdes Mares’, afiliada da ‘Globo’, que pagou R$ 1,6 milhão, com aporte da ‘Globo Rio’, até a edição deste ano e segue na negociação para a próxima edição.

A ‘Verdes Mares’ aguarda um posicionamento da Globo para saber se dessa vez terá o mesmo aporte, incluindo o canal Premiere na negociação. Caso isso não aconteça, a emissora cearense oferecerá uma cota menor para as equipes participantes.

Já a ‘Jangadeiro’, detentora da ‘Copa do Nordeste’, quer o estadual para se consolidar como ‘a casa do futebol cearense’. O ‘SBT’ estaria ciente da negociação e teria prometido ajudar na divulgação do torneio em telejornais e no programa ‘Arena SBT’, apresentado por Benjamim Back.

The surface at Allan Border Field proved far too good to produce a result as batsmen filled their boots throughout

Alex Malcolm06-Nov-2018

Will Bosisto made a career-best 167 not out•Getty Images

Joe Burns posted his second half-century of the season as Queensland and Western Australia played out a tame draw on a batsman’s paradise at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.The Bulls began their second innings just before lunch on day four after the Warriors batted on for 23.2 overs to add 90 runs to the overnight total before being bowled out for 540.They started brightly with Burns and Matt Renshaw moving swiftly to 42 in the ninth over before the latter was clean bowled by Jhye Richardson from around the wicket for 21.Mitchell Marsh capped his fine game claiming the wicket of fellow Test incumbent Marnus Labuschagne, who was trapped lbw for 10. Burns continued on to post an unbeaten 80. Charlie Hemphrey was 23 not out when the two captains agreed to end proceedings with no prospect of a result just after tea.Earlier, Will Bosisto finished unbeaten on 167, his highest Sheffield Shield score. He faced an epic 377 balls and struck 22 boundaries. Bosisto and Richardson put on 88 for the eighth wicket with Richardson posting his second first-class half-century. Usman Qadir also whacked a run-a-ball 27 before he was Mark Steketee’s third victim and the last man out in the Warriors marathon first innings.

The opening batsman will remain under the physio’s observation

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Nov-2018Pakistan batsman Imam-ul-Haq’s scans returned clear after he was rushed to the hospital for ‘precautionary tests’ following a blow to the helmet during the second ODI against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi. The PCB said Imam will remain under the team physio’s observation.The opener was struck on the grille off the first ball of the 13th over from New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, when he was batting on 16, and retired hurt shortly after. Ferguson’s bouncer had beaten Imam for pace as he tried to pull it.It was clear as soon as he was struck that he was in discomfort, with Imam dropping his bat and reaching for his helmet as he stumbled towards the floor. Moments later, he was lying down with his eyes closed, although he did not lose consciousness. During a lengthy examination by doctors on field, he continued to look dazed and unfocused even after getting back on his feet .It appeared as if he wanted to stay on, but it became clear that wasn’t possible when he hobbled briefly from a stationary position as batting partner Fakhar Zaman and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson checked on him. At this point, umpire Shozab Raza intervened and signaled for the doctors to help Imam off the field. A PCB spokesperson confirmed that Imam was conscious inside the ambulance while being driven to the hospital.Imam had just returned to the side for this ODI series after a freak finger injury in the second Test against Australia last month.

Everton has been far more impressive this year than their last two Premier League campaigns.

In their 12 games so far, they have picked up four wins, two draws, six defeats and 14 points; well, they were on 14 points until the league deducted ten for breaches of the profit and sustainability rules.

This ruling has seen the club drop to 19th place, and their 14 points turn to four, meaning they are now level with Burnley in 20th place and one behind Sheffield United in 18th.

While this undoubtedly makes Sean Dyche's job of keeping the team in the top flight that much harder, the Toffees have looked genuinely great at points this season, and there is a general belief that they will still survive even with the deducted points.

In fact, the team are on a four-game unbeaten run in all competitions, claiming all three points from a highly entertaining clash with Crystal Palace before the international break.

With that in mind, here is a look ahead to Everton's next six fixtures as Football FanCast predicts how far the Toffees can continue their rare unbeaten run.

Everton fixtures

Date

Opposition

Competition

H/A

25th November

Manchester United

Premier League

H

2nd December

Nottingham Forest

Premier League

A

7th December

Newcastle United

Premier League

H

10th December

Chelsea

Premier League

H

16th December

Burnley

Premier League

A

19th December

Fulham

EFL Cup

H

Everton vs Manchester United

26th November, Premier League, Goodison Park

Everton's first game back from the international break is a real doozy: Manchester United at Goodison Park.

Now, had this been last season, predicting the outcome would be relatively easy – a comfortable win for United. However, with how both sides have started their league campaigns this year, we aren't so sure it's as clear-cut as it was.

United are currently sitting in sixth place, having won seven games from 12 and losing the other five. Their last three games have seen them beat Fulham and Luton Town 1-0, but lose to FC Copenhagen 4-3 in the Champions League.

Still, United have made their worst start to a top-flight campaign in 34 years, so a game away to Everton looks a lot more daunting than usual.

The crowd is sure to play a factor in this one as well, as this is the first game Everton will play after their points deduction, so the atmosphere might well be incredibly hostile.

It might not be a particularly high-quality game, but it should be a tense one, and we reckon a backs against the walll Everton might just come out on top.

Prediction: Everton 1-0 Manchester United

Nottingham Forest vs Everton

2nd December, Premier League, City Ground

Following their home tie against Manchester United, Sean Dyche's Toffees will be back on the road and travelling down to the City Ground to take on Steve Cooper's Nottingham Forest.

Everton might have more Premier League pedigree on their side, but with how the two sides have started their league campaigns this year, it would be hard to deny that the Tricky Trees will be firm favourites heading into this one.

Cooper's men find themselves in 14th place, with three wins, four draws and five defeats to their name. However, those figures don't tell the whole story.

In a few of their games against the big sides like Arsenal, United and Manchester City, Forest have performed excellently and probably deserved to come away with at least a point in each encounter.

Everton, on the other hand, have been quite inconsistent overall, and so we can't really see anything other than a home win in this encounter.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Everton

Everton vs Newcastle United

7th December, Premier League, Goodison Park

Just three days after their trip to the City Ground to face off against Nottingham Forest, Everton will be back in action, only this time, they will be playing host to one of the best teams in the league, Eddie Howe's Newcastle United.

As things stand, the Toon are sitting in seventh place, with six wins, two draws and four losses from their opening 12 Premier League games. What's more worrying for the Toffees, though, is Newcastle's goal-scoring record this season, as they have already scored 27 goals, which is more than any other side and 16 more than Everton.

For their part, Everton are down in 16th, with just four wins to their name and a goal difference of minus five. However, it's not all doom and gloom for the Toffees, as with the game taking place at Goodison Park, they will be able to count on an extremely partisan crowd to give them the boost they will need – especially after last week's points deduction.

However, history is certainly not on their side, as in the last five encounters between the two sides, Everton have won just a single game to Newcastle's four – including last season's 4-1 mauling.

Ultimately, for as up for the game as Goodison is likely to be, we reckon Newcastle will have too much about them and cruise to a reasonably comfortable victory.

Prediction: Everton 1-3 Newcastle United

Everton vs Chelsea

10th December, Premier League, Goodison Park

The start of the winter congestion doesn't get any easier for Sean Dyche's Toffees as they face a visit from traditional domestic giants Chelsea straight after a date with the Magpies in December.

Chelsea have struggled at the start of the season. However, they have looked much better in recent weeks, drawing at home to Arsenal before beating Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 and then drawing 4-4 with Manchester City before the international break.

With the players they have at their disposal, alongside their seemingly bottomless pockets designed closer to that of warchests, the credence is that Chelsea will come good at some point.

But at a partisan Goodison Park, they are handed a poisoned chalice.

Under pressure is the scenario that Everton have proven to be most fruitful, and this – paired with their positive run of losing just three times in the two sides' previous nine meetings – will put the Toffees in good stead for picking up valuable points over the early Christmas festivities.

Particularly since Sean Dyche may be handed the prerequisite to get back to winning ways after a tricky run against stern opposition, a visit from Chelsea might prove to be the perfect remedy.

Prediction: Everton 1-0 Chelsea

Burnley vs Everton

16th December, Premier League, Turf Moor

Talking about perfect remedies. Sean Dyche will no doubt feel confident that, if he can't get a result against Chelsea or Newcastle, then his old team Burnley will present the Toffees with charitable points on the road.

Vincent Kompany's Clarets haven't lived up to the potential they exercised in the Championship last season, and it remains to be seen how long the Pep Guardiola apprentice will last should their dismal record continue to slump in the Premier League.

Currently, they sit in 20th, having only picked up four points from 12 Premier League games. Additionally, while they rank as the lowest side in the league for points, their goal difference also sits in this worrying position, with only Sheffield United on minus 21.

Everton will pinpoint this December match-up as the pick of the bunch as a must win, especially if they are still in the relegation zone when the game comes around.

In the busy winter congestion, every point matters, but a trip to Turf Moor, as things stand, will always demand three points.

Prediction: Burnley 0-2 Everton

Everton vs Fulham

19th December, EFL Cup, Goodison Park

Three days after their must-win game against Burnley, Everton have the chance to give their fans an early Christmas present by booking a place in the EFL Cup semi-final with a win over Fulham at Goodison Park.

The talk around the Toffees will still likely be dominated by the points deduction, and fair enough, but the Merseysiders have the chance to change the narrative somewhat should they beat the Cottagers.

To get to the quarter-final, Fulham had to beat Ipswich Town, Norwich City, and Tottenham Hotspur, whereas Everton beat Burnley, Aston Villa, and Doncaster Rovers.

In terms of the league, the West Londoners currently sit in 15th, while Everton are down in 19th, but the Toffees have actually won more games, with four to Fulham's three.

Ultimately, it will be a challenging game for both sides, but under the lights at Goodison Park with a highly partisan crowd, we reckon Dyche will be leading his men out in a semi-final in the new year.

Prediction: Everton 2-1 Fulham

West Ham manager David Moyes could now hand more opportunities for a player to revive his career at the London Stadium, according to reports.

Frustrating international break for Moyes

Following a torrid run of internationals for members of the Hammers squad, Moyes is now having to cope with a few injury problems to key players. Star winger Jarrod Bowen pulled out of England duty with a knee problem and is a small doubt to face Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, though Moyes is hopeful to have him, while striker Michail Antonio is a certain absentee after limping off for Jamaica (pre-Burnley press conference).

West Ham "set sights" on club's "massive" striker after Antonio injury

Moyes has been handed a big striker problem.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 22, 2023

Mohammed Kudus was absent for Ghana at points but played the second half of their final international game of the break, with the summer signing apparently suffering from back problems these past few weeks. Antonio, though, will come as a big miss for Moyes and West Ham are now very short of natural striker options as a result.

Kudus can play in a more central attacking role when required, as can Bowen, with the Hammers boss not exactly showing much faith in back up forward Danny Ings this season.

Indeed, Kudus in particular has been tipped to become more and more of an Antonio rotation option this season than the former Saints star.

"I think it makes most sense that he goes in to alternate the forward role for a little bit," said journalist Dean Jones to GiveMeSport last month.

"We know that West Ham are going to start looking towards signing a No.9 in the January market. We know that they're looking for somebody to alternate with Antonio a bit.

"Before he came in, I was told that's a role they had earmarked for him. It wouldn't be just that position that he would play, but the two things I was told was to look out for him as a striker rotator and also don't expect him to come in all guns blazing."

Fellow option Ings has featured over just 68 minutes in the Premier League so far, indicating that he just isn't quite fancied, but Antonio's injury problem could hand him a brief opportunity.

Ings tipped for "late, last" West Ham chance

Signed from Aston Villa in January earlier this year, Ings just hasn't quite managed to justify his transfer over the minutes he has played. Scoring just three goals throughout his entire West Ham career, time is running out for the 31-year-old to showcase his true ability, but reporter Jones believes Ings may be handed a "late, last" opportunity to do so amid Moyes' injury crisis.

"I don't think that there are that many West Ham fans right now who have got much faith in Danny Ings being the answer to this solution based on what they've seen so far," said Jones this week to GMS.

"I think that Danny Ings was heading for a January transfer. Maybe this is a late, last opportunity for him to prove that he can make this work out at West Ham.

Indirect set-piece threat

Plays the ball off the ground often

Likes to tackle

"Certainly, he is going to get more opportunities now than he would have had before. But it'll be interesting to see if that's definitely the route that West Ham want to go down and how much they even trust Danny Ings."

Glasgow Rangers return to action in the Scottish Premiership tomorrow night as they travel away from Ibrox to take on Dundee under the lights.

The Light Blues are five points off the top of the table and could swing that to two if results go their way on Wednesday as they look to continue their strong start to life under their new manager.

Philippe Clement came in to replace English head coach Michael Beale and is unbeaten in his first three competitive outings in charge of the club.

A 4-0 demolition of Hibernian came in his first match in the dugout before a hard-fought 0-0 draw away at Sparta Prague in Europa League action followed that.

His most recent game in charge was a dramatic 2-1 victory over Hearts at Ibrox as late goals from James Tavernier and Danilo in stoppage time secured all three points after an early goal from Lawrence Shankland provided the away side with a shock lead.

It now remains to be seen what changes the Belgian boss will decide to make from the starting XI that lined up on Sunday, although there could be an enforced alteration in midfield.

With that being said, here is our look at what the XI could look like tomorrow evening with as many as three changes that could be made…

1

GK – Jack Butland

The former England international has started every league game for the Gers since his free transfer from Crystal Palace and is the firm number one, with six clean sheets in ten starts.

He has saved 74% of the efforts on his goal and has been a reliable presence between the sticks for both Beale and Clement so far this season.

2

RB – James Tavernier (C)

The captain did miss from the penalty spot against Hearts but made up for it with an assist for Danilo's winning header after slotting from 12 yards at the second attempt to make it 1-1 before that.

His attacking contributions from that position of the pitch make him a valuable player to have in the team and that is why the experience whiz should retain his place.

3

CB – Connor Goldson

Standing at 6 foot 3, the central defender is a towering presence at the back for the Light Blues and should maintain his position in the side after a solid display last time out.

4

CB – Ben Davies

The English dud allowed Lawrence Shankland to pull away from him and pin Ridvan Yilmaz at the back post for Hearts' opening goal on Sunday, which could have been a costly mistake if not for the goals from Danilo and Tavernier.

Souttar has started six league games this term and caught the eye against Sparta Prague last week as he won five of his seven duels to help his side to a clean sheet, and the colossus could have replaced Davies at the back.

However, the Scotland international has been ruled out of being available for selection due to a muscle injury. This means that there are no senior centre-back options to come in for the ex-Liverpool man.

5

LB – Ridvan Yilmaz

Borna Barisic is expected to be back this week but there is no need to rush him back from injury and the Turkey international could, therefore, keep his place in the team.

He could be partially blamed for Shankland's goal on Sunday but, as mentioned above, it was a result of a structural mistake as the 6 foot 1 striker should not have been allowed to pin him at the back post.

6

CM – Ryan Jack

Ryan Jack could come in as the first of the three changes in place of central midfielder John Lundstram, who struggled at times against Hearts.

The former Sheffield United man lined up in midfield and completed 95 of his 109 attempted passes at the weekend but his play out of possession was not as impressive.

He lost six of his seven ground duels and bringing Jack in for this game could provide him with a welcome rest after a troubled afternoon on Sunday.

7

CM – Jose Cifuentes

Nicolas Raskin was stretchered off against Hearts and it remains to be seen when he will be able to make a return to action on the pitch for the Light Blues.

This unfortunate blow could, however, open the door for Cifuentes to make his debut under Clement as the Ecuador international has not played competitive minutes for Rangers since Michael Beale was relieved of his duties.

The former LAFC star has a clean slate and could look to revive his MLS form from 2022, when he scored seven goals and provided six assists in 29 starts.

8

RW – Sam Lammers

On the right of the attack, the Dutch summer signing from Atalanta could keep his place without any significant competition from other players within the squad.

Lammers has only scored one goal in ten Premiership matches for the Light Blues but the senior alternative is Scott Wright, who has zero goals and zero assists in four league outings.

9

AM – Todd Cantwell

The former Norwich midfielder, who arrived at Ibrox in January, produced an impressive display last time out as he won a penalty and created one chance in 76 minutes on the pitch.

He is the creative hub of the team with his ability to pop up in positions all over the pitch to make things happen in order to spark attacks and create chances.

10

LW – Abdallah Sima

The Brighton & Hove Albion loanee produced an eye-catching five key passes against Hearts and should keep his place on the left side of the attack.

He has scored five goals in five Premiership starts throughout the 2023/24 campaign and, therefore, has the quality to pop up with a match-winning moment.

Jurrien Timber is closing in on a return to fitness at Arsenal, but the defender still has “a few steps to make” before gracing a competitive fixture.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Full-back signed from Ajax in 2023
• Injured on opening weekend of season
• Hoping to figure again in title race

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners splashed out £34 million ($42m) when luring the highly-rated Netherlands international away from Ajax in the summer of 2023. The 22-year-old was expected to nail down a regular role for the Premier League giants, but suffered an unfortunate ACL injury on the opening weekend of the 2023-24 season.

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• WHAT ARTETA SAID ABOUT TIMBER

  Timber has taken in a long road to recovery since then, with Mikel Arteta saying when asked to deliver an update on the buccaneering full-back and when he may be seen again: “Still he’s got a few steps to make. He needs to play at least a game with the 23s. We’re going to have an in house game too. He’s done everything in training now it’s about getting him match fit.”

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arsenal will be back in action on Sunday when playing host to Aston Villa. There are suggestions that Gabriel Magalhaes is nursing a knock ahead of that game, with Arteta saying when asked about the Brazilian’s absence from training: “We've got one more day to prepare the match and we'll see if everyone is available.”

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• WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Arsenal head into a meeting with top-four hopefuls Villa sat top of the Premier League table, but with only goal difference keeping them above Liverpool – while defending champions Manchester City are just one point off the pace with seven games left to take in.