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Celtic head into Saturday afternoon’s Premiership meeting against Hibernian off the back of a disappointing 2-0 defeat against RB Leipzig in midweek, a result which means the Hoops can no longer qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

As such, Ange Postecoglou will undoubtedly be hoping that his side can immediately return to winning ways in the league.

However, as has become something of a recurring theme for the Bhoys in Europe, the 57-year-old must address his side’s wastefulness in the final third if they are to take all three points at Parkhead this weekend.

Indeed, despite creating eight big chances over their four Champions League games this autumn – including five in Tuesday’s defeat to the Bundesliga side – Celtic have so far found the net just twice in Europe’s most prestigious club competition, suggesting that the Hoops manager may need to change up his attack against Hibs.

How many alterations will Postecoglou make to the starting XI which lined up against Leipzig? Here’s how we think the Celtic team could look against Hibernian, along with the latest team and injury news…

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Postecoglou revealed that all three of Jota, David Turnbull and Stephen Welsh are unavailable for Saturday’s fixture, alongside longer-term absentees Callum McGregor and Carl Starfelt.

The 57-year-old manager stated on Friday: “Jota’s not available for tomorrow again. We’ve just got to be a bit conservative with him and we expect him to be back in training next week at some point. David Turnbull picked up a bit of a knock on his ankle [against RB Leipzig] so he’s out tomorrow and [Stephen] Welsh also picked up a knock in training.”

With this in mind, we predict that the Greek-Australian coach will make just one change, as well as a slight tweak in formation, from the side which started the 2-0 defeat to Leipzig on Tuesday.

The back five remains intact, with Joe Hart starting between the sticks and Greg Taylor, Moritz Jenz, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Josip Juranovic making up the Bhoys’ back four.

In the midfield three, the “unbelievable” Oliver Abildgaard – in the words of David Sansun – finally makes his full Celtic debut in a holding role, allowing both Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley slightly more licence to bomb forward and join the Hoops’ attacks.

In attack, Liel Abada is available after limping off against Leipzig, but with the winger currently being on a run of six games without a direct goal contribution, the 41-goal starlet drops to the bench.

Sead Haksabanovic moves out to the right-wing, while both Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi keep their places on the left and up top respectively.

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is set to lose his place in the team for Tuesday night’s Champions League clash against Ajax, according to Paul Joyce of The Times. 

The lowdown

The Reds host Ajax on Match-day Two in Group A, looking to muster a response to last week’s 4-1 defeat against Napoli.

Gomez started that game alongside Virgil van Dijk in the heart of defence but was withdrawn at half time, with Joel Matip sent on in his place.

Jurgen Klopp has picked the Englishman for the last five games in all competitions after Matip and Ibrahima Konate both suffered injuries.

The latest

Joyce reports that Klopp is expected to make at least one tactical change to his line-up when the Eredivisie outfit visit Anfield.

Gomez is likely to be dropped to the bench, with Matip partnering Van Dijk instead.

The verdict

Gomez can, ultimately, have few complaints off the back of his display in Naples.

His SofaScore rating of 6.1/10 was the second lowest in the Liverpool side, bettering only James Milner (5.6).

He gave the ball away in his own defensice third twice, and while Van Dijk bailed him out in the first instance through a goal-line clearance, he was punished the second time round as Giovanni Simeone scored.

Matt Addison of Liverpool.com called it a ‘woeful’ display, podcaster Joseph Cousins dubbed him a ‘liability’ and journalist James Martin said he’d endured an ‘absolute nightmare’.

Everton are reportedly nearing a deal for Manchester United midfielder James Garner, having been heavily linked with the youngster in recent weeks.

What’s the word?

Transfer insider Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – had revealed that the Toffees were still in the mix to sign the 21-year-old, with reports earlier this month revealing that United are open to offers for the Englishman.

With the Merseysiders having reportedly been in discussions regarding a deal for the playmaker, Jones stated: “They are definitely still in that conversation for Garner as well.

“So, we’ll find out very quickly where Everton are going to be in terms of shaping up this season because if they don’t get three people through the door, Frank Lampard knows that he’s in a relegation battle.”

The latest suggestion is that the England U21 international – who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest – is now closing in on a £15m switch to Goodison Park, with journalist Fabrizio Romano revealing that “a full agreement” has been reached between United and the Toffees for his signature after a bid was accepted.

Better than Gomes?

The highly-rated prospect has been unable to force his way into Erik ten Hag’s plans at Old Trafford in recent months, hence the Red Devils’ desire to sell, although their loss could well be Frank Lampard’s gain with the 44-year-old able to acquire a real emerging talent.

While the £6.3m-rated ace has made just two Premier League appearances in his career thus far, he has more than shown his quality in the second tier of late, notably starring at the City Ground last season as Steve Cooper’s side romped to promotion.

A key figure in the Welshman’s side, the £17k-per-week sensation scored four goals and provided eight assists in 41 games in all competitions from his central midfield berth, recording an impressive 7.26 average match rating in the process, as per SofaScore – the highest in the entire Forest squad.

Lauded as “exceptional” for that stunning run of form in the Championship by pundit Paul Robinson, the Birkenhead-born starlet has been tipped for big things throughout his time at his current club, with former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer previously suggesting that he is going to be a “top player” in the years to come.

An exciting addition then for Lampard and co, his arrival could well hasten an exit for current Toffees man Andre Gomes, with the 29-year-old having been heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer.

Hampered by injury throughout his time in England, the Portugal international – who signed from Barcelona on an initial loan deal back in 2018 – has largely underwhelmed in his Everton career to date, scoring just twice in 100 appearances across all competitions for the club, laying on only seven assists.

That is a dismal return for a progressive midfielder player – particularly in comparison to Garner’s record from last term – with journalist Paul Brown previously suggesting that the 29-cap dud has “gone backwards” since arriving in the Premier League.

Seemingly now a fading force, Gomes could well find himself rightly replaced should the United gem, who is quite evidently a younger upgrade, be secured before Thursday’s deadline.

TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has revealed that Everton are ‘pushing’ to sign Neal Maupay in what ‘could be a late twist’ to the transfer saga.

The Lowdown: Forest bound?

Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed earlier this week that Nottingham Forest are ‘closing in’ on Maupay, and that he ‘will be their next signing’.

However, it looks as if that deal is far from done, as other clubs are now entering the race for the Brighton and Hove Albion striker.

The Latest: Everton ‘pushing’

Taking to Twitter, Crook revealed that there ‘could be a late twist’ in Maupay’s proposed move to Forest, adding that both the Goodison Park outfit and Fulham are ‘pushing’ to sign him as well:

“Could be a late twist in Neal Maupay’s move from BHAFC to NFFC with both EFC and Fulham pushing for the Frenchman.”

The Verdict: One to watch

Given the Merseyside club’s need for a striker after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury, this deal could be one to watch.

Hailed as an ‘exciting‘ forward by former Seagulls ace Glenn Murray, Maupay has been his club’s top scorer in all competitions for five years straight, stretching back to his time at Brentford as well as Brighton.

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Of course, the Frenchman boasts three seasons of Premier League experience, so should be able to settle in fairly quickly at the Toffees, and at 26 years of age, they would be getting a player about to enter his prime.

Frank Lampard’s team will have to be quick if they are to hijack his proposed move to the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper can land his dream heir to Lewis Grabban by signing Borussia Monchengladbach striker Alassane Plea this summer.

According to a recent report in L’Equipe (via RMC Sport) Forest are one of several clubs in talks with the representatives of the forward – who has just entered the final 12 months of his contract in Germany.

They face competition from fellow Premier League side Everton as well as French sides Marseille and the player’s former club Nice. Plea will cost around £7m which is an affordable price for the Garibaldi.

However, the reports state that the Frenchman would prefer a move back to Ligue 1 which would appear to put the English clubs behind in the race to sign him.

It’s not a surprise that Cooper wants to strengthen the striker position at the club following the loss of Lewis Grabban who was so crucial in their promotion success last season.

He scored 12 and assisted four in 32 appearances for Forest in the league last season but has since left the club due to his contract expiring. In four years at The City Ground, he appeared 147 times and became the first player since 2002-03 to score over 20 goals in a single campaign.

The 34-year-old will be a huge miss for the club next season, but given his age, it might be a blessing in disguise that allows Forest to plan ahead for the future.

Cooper has recently signed Taiwo Awoniyi from Union Berlin for a club-record £17m but could add even more quality and competition by signing Plea.

The Monchengladbach star made 32 Bundesliga appearances last season and was directly involved in 15 goals. Signing him would replicate the experience that has been lost with Grabban’s departure and would be another addition who is proven in a top division.

He’s a player who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by Statman Dave and his numbers prove exactly why.

Given the small fee Plea is available for, it really should be a no-brainer for Cooper to try and sign him, it could also potentially weaken rivals Everton who are a club Forest could be competing with in a relegation battle next season.

AND in other news: “In the next hours”: Sky Sports journo drops NFFC transfer update supporters will love

Derek Rae has dropped an update on reported Glasgow Rangers transfer target Malik Tillman.

What’s the talk?

In a number of recent posts on Twitter, the ESPN journalist revealed that, following reports linking Rangers with a move for the Bayern Munich attacking midfielder this summer, they would be willing to loan the 20-year-old out ahead of the 2022/23 campaign – something that would appear to open the door for both Ross Wilson and Giovanni van Bronckhorst to launch an offensive for the USA international.

In his tweets, Rae said: “Have had so many questions about Rangers’ interest in Bayern’s Malik Tillman, who is now committed to the USMNT rather than Germany. Reporting on this interest has so far all come from colleagues in Scotland. Nothing new from Germany.

“What we can say is that Bayern don’t feel Tillman is someone who is going to challenge for regular first-team football at the moment & a loan has been a strong possibility for a while.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting a prospect Tillman undoubtedly is, Rae’s update suggesting that Bayern would be willing to allow the forward to leave the Allianz Arena on a temporary basis this summer is sure to have left Van Bronckhorst and his Rangers transfer team buzzing.

Indeed, the £1.35m-rated prospect has highly impressed throughout the various age groups in Bayern’s youth setup, scoring 15 goals and providing 10 assists over 42 appearances for the U17s, bagging 17 goals and registering 11 assists over 36 outings for the U19s and netting seven goals and providing four assists over 24 fixtures for Bayern Munich II.

These returns have seen the £5k-per-week starlet fast-tracked into Julian Nagelsmann’s first-team squad, with the 20-year-old making seven appearances for the senior side in 2021/22 – scoring one goal in the process.

Furthermore, those in the know quite clearly expect big things from Tillman in the not too distant future, with the USMNT head coach, Gregg Berhalter, stating in an interview with The Athletic of the attacking midfielder – who scored three goals in four appearances for Germany’s U21s prior to making the switch to America – earlier this year:

“I think he’s an attacking midfielder in a 3-4-2-1, he could be a pocket winger in a 4-3-3, could be a centre mid in a 4-3-3, depending on if he can get his defensive work up to it. But he’s really talented between the lines, really natural with scoring goals, good and calm around the penalty box. Good technique, good with both feet, so a really interesting player.”

As such, it is clear to see that, should Wilson and Van Bronckhorst manage to get a deal over the line for the versatile forward this summer, Rangers will have a real talent on their hands heading into their 2022/23 campaign – something that is sure to be an incredibly exciting prospect for both the Ibrox faithful and the Dutch manager alike.

AND in other news: Rangers keen on “strong” £2.5k-p/w gem with a “high ceiling”, he’s a Jack upgrade

Leeds United will ‘really push’ to sign Wolves forward Adama Traore this summer, according to Dean Jones.  

The Lowdown: Traore linked with Leeds

Hailed as a ‘danger man’ by Noel Whelan, the Spain international has once again been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road this summer.

Leeds appear to be in the market for a new pacey forward after already making three signings, with Wolves willing to sell the 26-year-old for around £18m.

Reports in recent days have claimed that the Whites have made an approach for Traore, who has 18 senior career goals, and Jones has shared what he knows regarding the situation.

The Latest: Jones’ comments on Traore

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist said that Leeds are looking to make a ‘breakthrough’ in their pursuit of Traore after going back in for the Spaniard.

Jones outlined:

“One of the things I have heard is that Leeds are back in for Adama Traore and they’re going to really push to see if they can get a breakthrough on this one.”

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The Verdict: A gamble?

Jesse Marsch already has a quick forward at Elland Road in Dan James, who has question marks when it comes to his end product, so looking to sign Traore could be a gamble by Leeds officials.

Despite his searing pace, the Spain international has also struggled in front of goal throughout his career, netting just eight times in 160 Premier League appearances for Wolves, Aston Villa and Middlesborough.

However, Victor Orta is a big admirer of the 26-year-old and signed him for Middlesbrough in 2016. Marcelo Bielsa was a huge fan of James and eventually got a deal over the line last summer, so it wouldn’t come as a shock if Orta gets his way and brings Traore to Yorkshire.

Leeds United are lining up a move for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, according to Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Phillips to Man City rumours

Manchester City have been heavily linked with a move for Kalvin Phillips and have reportedly firmed up their interest with an offer this week.

The Premier League champions view the boyhood Leeds fan as a replacement for Fernandinho and to provide competition to Rodri at the Etihad Stadium. Ian Abrahams believes that a move is edging closer, and it looks as if the Whites are now preparing for life without their star midfielder.

The Latest: Berge interest from Leeds

Writing in a column for GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Berge is emerging as a Leeds target to replace Phillips.

The transfer insider stated that Victor Orta will have a good chance to sign the 24-year-old, should a pursuit receive the green light, with Sheffield United valuing Berge at £25m.

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The Verdict: Too expensive?

A valuation of £25m appears to be quite expensive when you take into consideration that Berge’s Transfermarkt valuation has never hit £20m.

The Norwegian has been labelled a ‘complete midfielder’ by former Blades boss Chris Wilder but he missed large parts of last season with a hamstring injury and played mainly as a box-to-box midfielder.

Berge does have 18 months experience of playing in the Premier League and is primarily a holding midfielder.

However, Orta may well get more value for money outside of England, having looked to do so already this summer with moves for Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and prospective new arrival Marc Roca.

In other news: Leeds now want to sign £20m ‘game-changer’; Orta’s already made contact

Aston Villa are closing in on the permanent signing of goalkeeper Robin Olsen, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the word?

As per the transfer insider, the Midlands outfit appear keen to exercise the buy option in the Swede’s loan deal, with the 32-year-old having joined the club on a temporary switch from Serie A side AS Roma back in January.

Writing on Twitter about the situation regarding the 56-cap international, Romano revealed that an agreement is close: “Aston Villa are getting closer to find full agreement with AS Roma on Robin Olsen deal. Buy option clause for €3.5m expected to be triggered soon, as Aston Villa want to keep Olsen at the club. Talks in progress, the deal could be completed soon.”

The £1.8m-rated giant had spent the first half of the 2021/22 season on loan at Championship outfit Sheffield United, prior to moving to Villa Park, having also played the role of understudy to Jordan Pickford at Everton the year prior.

Supporters delighted

It may not prove to be quite as exciting as the club’s other summer business – having already snapped up Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos and Philippe Coutinho – yet supporters will no doubt be delighted to see the proactive attitude to Steven Gerrard’s squad rebuild, with the former Rangers boss seemingly wanting to get his transfer dealings done swiftly.

With further additions also in the pipeline, amid links to soon-to-be free agent Luis Suarez, the former England skipper appears to be receiving substantial backing in order to put his stamp on the squad, with expectations for next term now likely to have sky-rocketed.

As for Olsen, there may not be too many fireworks over a player who was technically already at the club and had made just a solitary Premier League appearance during his six-month loan stint, although he will no doubt provide quality cover to undisputed first-choice, Emi Martinez.

The 6 foot 5 stopper’s solitary top-flight outing came in that remarkable final-day defeat to eventual champions Manchester City at the Etihad, with the visitors squandering a two-goal to help hand Pep Guardiola’s men the title.

The one-time Malmo man had hardly been culpable for any of City’s excellently crafted goals – nor did he deserve to be on the receiving of an awful, post-match assault from a home supporter – with Villa’s problems this term having largely been among the defence, rather than between the sticks – shipping 54 goals in the most recent campaign.

A veteran at international level, Olsen also provides valuable experience to a dressing room that is beginning to overflow with top-class talent, with his presence in the dressing room potentially set to prove vital next term.

As for supporters, they will likely be glad to see the deal wrapped up quickly, so that the club can prioritise other areas of need.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Manchester United are looking to strike a deal for Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.

What’s the word?

That is according to journalist Oriol Domenech, who was speaking on Gerard Romero’s Twitch stream, [via The Express]. He claimed that incoming United manager Erik ten Hag is keen to add the 22-year-old to his ranks after the allegedly bullet-proof signing of Frenkie de Jong has all but been confirmed.

Domenech said that the 52-year-old wants both former Ajax players at Old Trafford to ignite his era in charge of the Red Devils. Both De Ligt and De Jong were part of Ten Hag’s Ajax squad which reached the semi-finals of the Champions League three years ago.

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Imagine De Ligt and Ten Hag together again

Having managed the 22-year-old at Ajax, Ten Hag knows exactly what De Ligt’s game is all about. The Juventus star, who is rated at around £63m by Transfermarkt, braved the move to Turin back in 2019. He hasn’t looked back since, making 27 or more Serie A appearances in each of his three seasons with the Bianconeri.

The young Netherlands international has also managed to transition his goalscoring touch from Ajax, having scored in each of his seasons at youth and senior level in Amsterdam and managing to keep this consistent across his three years at Juve.

With a passing completing rate of 89% in the current Serie A campaign, De Ligt is sound in possession, and that figure suggests that he nicely suits Ten Hag’s philosophy of playing progressively from the back.

However, his arrival would pose an issue for either Raphael Varane or Harry Maguire, both of whom are right-footed. De Ligt is also a natural right-footed centre-back; and judging by the way he sets up his Ajax side, Ten Hag likes to have one left-footed and one right footed centre-back within his four-man defence.

With Varane listed on FBRef as 59% right footed, Ten Hag could utilise the Frenchman’s left-footed ability and could deploy him as a left-sided central defender. In that case, Maguire – who currently occupies the role of left-sided centre-back despite his right-footedness – could well wave goodbye to his starting berth.

De Ligt, who has been dubbed “an absolute monster”, will turn 23 in August – the same age that Ruben Dias was when he made his move to Manchester City – so it could be the perfect time in his career for him to make an impact in the Premier League.

In other news – “100% sure..”: Man Utd can sign “underrated” £38m-rated gem who’s “better than Dias”