Crystal Palace have several young English prospects in their squad and after fantastic performances over last season, some of Patrick Vieira’s most promising rising stars were given the golden opportunity to play for their country for the first time.

Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi and loan player, at the time, Conor Gallagher were all handed their debuts in Gareth Southgate’s side over the last 12 months for their outstanding contributions with the Eagles, something that has led to a continued conversation about their inclusions in the upcoming World Cup.

The Athletic published an article where the publication’s journalists put together their predicted 26-man England squads and despite a slow start for Palace, some of the club’s players were mentioned.

Senior writer Dominic Fifield named midfielder Eberechi Eze in his predicted squad, a player who has not only been a standout performer for Palace this season but also took an unfortunate blow to his chances of featuring in the Euro 2020 squad last year.

It was reported in May 2021 that Eze was given notice of his selection for Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad for the European tournament, however, a serious Achilles injury sidelined the player in the same month and he spent 162 days in recovery.

Unfortunately, the talented Palace ace hasn’t featured for his country since returning to action from his injury and it will be interesting to see if he will make the cut when Southgate does put together his squad over the coming days and weeks ahead.

However, there was another player named in Fifield’s predicted squad who has had the opportunity to prove himself on the international stage for Southgate, with Guehi named as a potential selection for the World Cup.

The Athletic’s Chelsea reporter Carl Anka also named Guehi in his predicted 25-man squad, and it’s not hard to see why when you consider his consistency in the centre-back position for Palace.

The 22-year-old – who was dubbed an “absolute tank” by Josef Bursik – averages 71.6 touches, 1.1 interceptions, 1.2 tackles and 3.6 clearances per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels (59%) over 12 league appearances.

When you compare Guehi to regular England centre-back Harry Maguire over this season, it is clear that the Palace ace is in much better form in comparison ahead of the international tournament.

The £18m machine has a better pass completion rate (88% v 87.6%), has made more tackles and interceptions (26 v 7) and has won more aerial duels (14 v 7).

Guehi is no stranger to international success either, as he scored one of the goals that led England to victory in the 5-2 defeat over Spain in the U17s World Cup final back in 2017, something the Palace centre-back claimed was the “best moment” of his life.

With that being said, there is no doubt that Guehi should be given the opportunity to travel to Qatar with the England squad next month as he has proven he can offer consistent form and has defensive attributes that could prove invaluable to Southgate during the tournament.

Indeed, with Southgate looking short of quality central defensive options, and Maguire out of form, the Palace defender could be an unexpected answer to his prayers.

Leicester City are eyeing a move for in-form Rennes forward Martin Terrier, with journalist Graeme Bailey sharing news on the in-demand Ligue 1 star.

The Lowdown: Leicester flying again…

Despite the Foxes’ recent 1-0 defeat to Premier League champions Manchester City, it’s safe to say that an air of optimism has returned to the King Power Stadium in recent weeks.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have lost just two of their last six top-flight matches whilst picking up crucial victories against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Wolves. The Foxes have also kept four clean sheets in their last six whilst also conceding just three times in total, not to mention scoring an impressive 11 goals at the other end.

Their resolute display against Man City at the weekend was only undone by a superb free kick from Belgium superstar Kevin De Bruyne, and going by their latest showings, Leicester could fancy their chances of avoiding the drop.

The Latest: Leicester eye Terrier swoop…

As per 90min and reporter Graeme Bailey, who says there are ‘few better players in Europe’ than Terrier right now, Leicester are among a host of clubs to have scouted the forward recently.

Foxes officials have apparently ran the rule over Rennes’ star man, with the Midlands club taking an interest alongside many of their top-flight rivals.

The Verdict: One to watch…

The 25-year-old is in electric form right now and could certainly be one to watch heading into the winter, and it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that France head coach Didier Deschamps could consider the player for his 2022 World Cup squad.

As per WhoScored, Terrier stands out as Rennes’ top scorer and best player by average match rating, while he also tops their charts for most attempts at goal per 90 (three).

Dubbed ‘sublime’ by members of the press, the winger’s recent meteoric rise looks to have grabbed the attention of Leicester, and numerous others.

Football Insider pundit Frank McAvennie has been reacting to an Aston Villa transfer update involving Unai Emery.

The Lowdown: Emery green-lights January move

The 51-year-old has enjoyed an excellent start to life in charge at Villa Park, winning his first two Premier League games against Manchester United and Brighton.

The Spaniard is set to be backed with a ‘huge’ budget in the January transfer window and has personally green-lighted a move for Villa to bring in a new A-list versatile forward.

The Latest: McAvennie’s comments

Speaking to Football Insider regarding the transfer news, McAvennie said that it ‘would be a great piece of business’ by Villa and Emery if they manage to land a ‘top striker’.

The former Villa marksman said of Emery: “I think he is a great manager. He is well-respected, well-renowned and plays the game the way it should be. I do not know if he complicates it too much.

“But they need to bring in somebody that can bang in the goals. Aston Villa is a huge club. People tend to forget that, they are absolutely huge. It would be a great piece of business if he brings in a top striker.”

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The Verdict: Exciting times for Villa

Danny Ings was among the goals on the weekend, taking his Premier League tally to five for the season, with four of those goals coming after Steven Gerrard’s exit last month.

He looks set to be a key member of the squad for Emery in the second half of the season alongside Ollie Watkins, although bringing in another high-quality forward could help take Villa to the next level.

Everyone associated at Villa Park will be hoping that Emery can take the club into Europe, so landing a marquee forward could be the perfect first step in his transfer window at the helm.

Aston Villa are seemingly eyeing a January swoop for Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram, according to recent reports.

What’s the latest?

As per Sky Sports Germany (via Sport Witness), the Midlands outfit are reportedly ready to move for the Frenchman in the coming window after news that the German club are faltering financially.

With the 25-year-old’s contract due to expire in the summer, this represents the final opportunity to garner a fee for their star man, who was reportedly available for €40m (£35m) in the summer of 2021. This fee will surely have diminished now given their ever-worsening financial situation.

With clubs such as Arsenal and Crystal Palace also named as interested parties, Unai Emery will want to act quickly to secure this signing which would prove a sensational coup.

Emery’s new Martinelli

Whilst manager of the Gunners, the Spaniard was involved in plenty of transfers which have gone on to earn success at the Emirates.

One such name who could draw comparisons to this ongoing deal for the Villans is Gabriel Martinelli, who similarly to Thuram, can feature on both the left wing and up front.

The Brazilian youngster seems to now have grown into the player Emery clearly thought he could become, with five goals and two assists already this season.

Both boasting blistering speed and quick feet, Martinelli ranks in the top 18% and Thuram in the top 8% respectively for dribbles completed of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s big five leagues over the last 365 days.

However, what they more importantly share is a keen eye for goal, despite the French forward appearing to be more of a finished article than the 21-year-old was when he brought first arrived in north London.

This is exemplified by his sensational start to the Bundesliga season, where he has already scored 13 goals and registered four assists in 17 games in all competitions.

Not only is he clearly more proficient than Martinelli, but physically he is near-unstoppable. The Parma-born marksman pairs his pace with a 6 foot 3 frame, with French coach Herve Renard seeing fit to label him a “physical monster”.

To tempt him to Villa Park would mark a sensational piece of business, and talent as “phenomenal” as he is – as dubbed by former teammate Denis Zakaria – are sure to take the club to the next level.

They must pounce on this opportunity, as few as lucrative as this will appear again for a long time.

Crystal Palace will be looking to make it three Premier League wins in a row on Saturday as they face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Patrick Vieira’s side are within touching distance of the European spots in the top flight after back-to-back wins against Southampton and West Ham United, and another three points against the side currently bottom of the table could leave the Eagles in a very promising position ahead of the World Cup break.

The French manager made a number of changes in midweek at St James’ Park as his side were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties against Newcastle United, and it seems likely that he will revert his side once again on Saturday for the trip to Nottingham.

Here is how we at Football FanCast expect Palace to line up this weekend, with six changes from the team that started in midweek.

Predicted Crystal Palace XI: Guaita; Clyne, Guehi, Andersen, Mitchell; Schlupp, Doucoure, Olise; Eze, Zaha, Ayew.

Despite a promising display in midweek, the “sensational” Sam Johnstone seems likely to be relegated to the bench once again for this Premier League tie, with Vicente Guaita returning in between the sticks.

Vieira opted for a back five against the Toon but should revert to a back four against Forest, with Joel Ward and James Tomkins dropping out, while Tyrick Mitchell and Nathaniel Clyne start as full-backs rather than wing-backs.

Joachim Andersen returns to the side to resume his partnership with Marc Guehi in the heart of the Eagles’ defence.

There are two changes in midfield, with Cheick Doucoure and Jeffrey Schlupp making a return after being rested in midweek, while Will Hughes and Luka Milivojevic drop to the bench.

Michael Olise also takes up a central midfield position after playing on the wing at St James’ Park, with Eberechi Eze returning to the starting XI in the attack.

Jordan Ayew also keeps his place in the front three, while the talismanic Wilfried Zaha is almost certain to start in place of Jean-Philippe Mateta in Vieira’s final change.

Sunderland return to the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon as they take on Cardiff City in the Championship.

Tony Mowbray’s side got back to winning ways in midweek as they earned an impressive 2-0 victory at Huddersfield, and the former Blackburn Rovers manager will want to continue that momentum against the Bluebirds this weekend, in what is the Wearsiders’ final home game before the World Cup break.

Three points could see the Black Cats move into the top 10, whereas a defeat could see them slip closer towards the relegation zone, in what is a tightly-contested division.

Here is how Football FanCast expects Sunderland to line up on Saturday, with three changes from the side which started at the John Smith’s Stadium on Wednesday.

Anthony Patterson has started every game in the Championship for the Black Cats this season and he looks unlikely to lose his place after a sixth clean sheet of the season in midweek.

Similarly, it would be strange to see Mowbray deviate from the defence which won Sunderland the game on Wednesday, so Luke O’Nien, Bailey Wright, Danny Batth and Dennis Cirkin should all start.

Despite scoring the opening goal in midweek, Alex Pritchard could drop out of the side in favour of Jack Clarke, who is available again after suspension, with the 21-year-old the second-best performer in Mowbray’s side this season according to WhoScored.

The Black Cats can afford to be more adventurous at home, so Corry Evans drops out of the side in favour of the more attack-minded Dan Neil. The “young Paul Gascoigne” partners Elliot Embleton in the middle of the park, with Patrick Roberts keeping his place on the flank.

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Finally, in attack, Ellis Simms gets the nod to start up front alongside Amad Diallo, after the two combined for Sunderland’s second goal in midweek, with Leon Dajaku dropping out following a tepid display on Wednesday which saw him dubbed the team’s lowest-rated performer by Sofascore.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes that Leeds United are ‘actively looking at the January transfer window’ ahead of potential additions.

The Lowdown: Summer business

The Whites were certainly active in the summer transfer window, bringing in a number of players at a cost of £93m. However, the club actually made a £7.79m profit after selling both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha in big-money deals.

Jesse Marsch’s side have struggled in recent months but earned a surprise win against Liverpool last weekend to take them out of the Premier League relegation zone, and it looks as if the Yorkshire club are already preparing for the winter transfer window.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke was asked about Leeds’ transfer plans heading into 2023. He believes that the club ‘definitely’ need to strengthen and is sure they are ‘actively looking at the January transfer window’.

The journalist said: “I think they definitely need help in that squad. Jesse Marsch obviously had a great result at Liverpool, which has eased the pressure on him. But again, the pressure can soon be turned on, if results don’t go their way, so I’m sure they’re actively looking at the January transfer window to see what they can do.”

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The Verdict: Exciting comments

Leeds have never tended to strengthen their squad in the New Year over the past five years, so O’Rourke’s comments are certainly exciting for Whites supporters.

Many would argue that Elland Road chiefs could have done with signing a new left-back and centre-forward in the summer due to the injury struggles of Junior Firpo and Patrick Bamford.

Centre-back Pascal Struijk has frequently lined out at left-back, whereas Bamford has looked out of form, already missing nine big chances in the Premier League this season.

Struijk has impressed at left-back and is currently the club’s best-rated performer, as per WhoScored, but the club may look at adding to their central attacking ranks as they look to avoid another intense relegation battle.

Everton have found themselves struggling to make their presence known in the Premier League once again after a poor run of form that has left them one point shy of the relegation zone and Frank Lampard will be hoping he will be afforded the opportunity to strengthen his team in the January transfer window.

The Toffees have picked up just four points in their last five games ahead of the World Cup break which will be hugely frustrating for the manager after acquiring eight new signings last summer.

Indeed, the centre-back partnership between Conor Coady and James Tarkowski has flourished since they arrived at Goodison Park but in terms of the attacking prowess of the team, Everton are struggling.

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer goals than Lampard’s side after 15 league outings so far and addressing this issue by finding high-quality natural finishers who can not only boost goal-scoring opportunities but convert them too is a must.

One player who has been linked with a move to the Merseysiders over the last few months is LOSC Lille forward Jonathan David, and he could be just what Lampard needs to replace Richarlison’s output.

The £43.5m-valued talent has scored 78 goals and registered 23 assists over his career so far with a goal contribution every 134 minutes, proving he is consistent and reliable in front of goal something he has displayed for his team this season so far.

Over 15 Ligue 1 appearances, the 22-year-old has scored nine goals, delivered three assists and created three big chances, as well as averaging 1.4 key passes, 3.3 shots and winning 3.6 duels per game.

David has been tipped to be a “silent assassin” in the World Cup with Canada in Qatar by his nation’s manager John Herdman (via talkSPORT):

“Jonathan is one of those silent assassins. He’s very clued up tactically and that’s what I really enjoy about Jonathan, he really wants to get into the details of the game and understand the pressing tactics.

“The forwards at times want to understand other elements, he knows he’s going to lead that defensive line and will get into the details of that with you.”

The powers at Goodison Park will surely be watching the young forward’s performance at the international tournament over the next few weeks before they potentially make a move when the transfer window reopens.

With that being said, the signing of David in the January transfer window could save Everton’s season if he can flourish in the Toffees team and improve their goal contributions.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery could bring Villarreal trio Nicolas Jackson, Pau Torres and Yeremy Pino to Villa Park.

The Lowdown: £152m

The trio were all seemingly important players under Emery at Villarreal and all have release clauses totalling €175m (£152m).

Forward Jackson’s termination clause is thought to be the cheapest of the three at €30m, whereas Torres’ is €65m and Pino’s the most expensive at €80m after recently agreeing on new terms.

NSWE are set to hand Emery a ‘huge’ January budget, though, despite spending over £400m since their return to the Premier League.

The Latest: All named

According to one Spanish source, Emery wants to bring all three Villarreal players to England.

Their report adds that Villa are preparing ‘a millionaire investment’, with the trio’s respective release clauses named in the update.

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The Verdict: Exciting

Emery enjoyed success with the La Liga side during his two-year stint, winning the Europa League during the 2020/21 season.

Torres was a regular at the back under Emery and is set to represent Spain at the World Cup later this month, whereas Jackson and Pino appear to be two exciting young forwards who could go on to become future stars.

Therefore, with the club after a new centre-back, potentially ending Tyrone Mings’ time at Villa Park, and also needing to add goals to their squad, a raid for the three Villarreal gems could be a shrewd move, but also fairly expensive.

Tottenham Hotspur have already been linked with a number of centre-backs ahead of the January transfer window, with Antonio Conte thought to be keen on strengthening his central defensive options ahead of the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, Spurs are rumoured to be interested in winter moves for the likes of Benfica’s Antonio Silva, Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij and RB Leipzig’s Mohamed Simakan, however, while any one of these players would undoubtedly make exceptional additions to Conte’s current options, it is arguably Kim Min-jae who would be the best fit for Tottenham’s side.

Having missed out on an €18m (£16m) move for the South Korea international in the summer transfer window, Gianluca Di Marzio recently revealed that the long-term Spurs target has a €50m (£44m) release clause that will become active at the end of the current campaign – something that could present Fabio Paratici with a second chance to land the 25-year-old.

And, while it would appear unlikely that Tottenham’s sporting director will be able to get a deal over the line for the 6 foot 3 colossus this January, considering just how impressive the defender has been this season, the Italian simply must do his utmost to land the 44-cap international in the summer of 2023.

Indeed, over his 14 Serie A appearances in the current campaign, the £31m-rated talent has been in imperious form, helping his side keep five clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 3.9 clearances and winning 4.9 duels – at a success rate of 62% – per game.

The £54k-per-week centre-back has also caught the eye going forwards, hitting the back of the net twice, as well as making an average of 0.4 key passes, playing 3.5 long balls and completing 66.1 passes – at a success rate of 90% – per fixture – proving he is very much the type of ball-playing and progressive defenders Conte prefers in his backline.

These returns have seen the South Korean average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.22, not only ranking him as Luciano Spalletti’s sixth-best performer in the league but also as the 21st-best performer in the Italian top flight as a whole – an extraordinary feat considering he is still in the infancy of his career at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Furthermore, Napoli sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia recently heaped a considerable amount of praise on the centre-back, stating in an interview with the Serie A YouTube channel:

“He is a very strong defender. For me, he is one of the best in the world. If he is in the defence, you are in front of an iron barrel! You know he will stop the attacker and will not let the opponents score. This is why he is an extraordinary defender, which is why he is one of the best in the world.”

And, with Min-jae set to star alongside Son Heung-min at the World Cup later this month, the 25-year-old looks set to truly announce himself on the world stage this winter, something that could easily see interest in the defender skyrocket.

As such, it would appear extremely advisable for Paratici to start laying down the foundations of a move for the centre-back as soon as possible, as the South Korean star would undoubtedly represent an exceptional addition to Conte’s current defensive options at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.