James Tavernier once again underlined his importance to Glasgow Rangers as Steven Gerrard’s side routed Ross County to extend their lead over Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

A goal from Kemar Roofe gave the Gers the lead before the club captain finished from close range, Callum Morris diverted the ball into the back of the net, and Jermain Defoe added the icing with a lovely finish on the turn to mark his 800th senior appearance in his professional career with a goal.

Whilst Roofe opened the floodgates, Tavernier was the real standout, as the Bradford-born right-back has defied the critics to establish himself as an integral part of Gerrard’s side, which has coincided with their resurgence in form since the start of the season.

Once again, the club captain produced another near-perfect performance, having scored his ninth penalty of the season against Standard Liege in the Europa League at Ibrox on Thursday night.

As per SofaScore, the 29-year-old was given a high grade of nine out of ten for his efforts against Stuart Kettlewell’s side, as Rangers largely dominated proceedings from start to finish.

Tavernier’s penchant for scoring goals from right-back has led to some, including legendary Ibrox gaffer Walter Smith, describing him as one of the most impactful full-backs in the world, as he has bagged 10 times and 7 assists in 16 games in the Scottish Premiership so far this season.

But it is his defensive contribution that cannot be ignored as the Gers restricted the Staggies to just one shot on target in the entire game, as Harry Paton’s powerful strike was comfortably saved by wily goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Tavernier, who currently earns wages worth £14,000-per-week, played the full 90′ minutes and he did not disappoint, as he won three out of his six ground duels, won both of his aerial duels, and made one tackle, whilst he wasn’t dribbled past at all, which implies that he put in a defensive shift.

The free-scoring full-back looked comfortable in possession and confident on the ball, as he took 96 touches in total, made one key pass, produced 47 out of 62 passes (76%), created one big chance and took one shot on target, two shots off target and had one attempt blocked.

As is often the case, the Rangers skipper found himself on the scoresheet once again, as he took advantage of a deflection to register his 16th goal of the season. The monster defender then had a cross deflected in by Callum Morris to cap off an impressive performance.

It’s fair to say that if he can continue his current run of form, it’s hard to see his understudy Nathan Patterson getting a chance in the starting line-up anytime soon, as the captain has started every single game in the Premiership so far this season.

With both Borna Barisic and Tavernier bombing up and down the flanks, Gerrard’s side are looking like a force to be reckoned with at this moment in time.

AND in other news, Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield can fulfil the role Gerrard has wanted for so long…

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are planning on offering a new contract to Jacob Murphy in order to block a potential January exit.

What’s the story?

After spending the last couple of seasons out on loan, the winger has enjoyed a renaissance in his Magpies career this campaign, coming back into the fold under Steve Bruce and becoming one of the first names on the team-sheet – he’s started the last four games in the Premier League.

However, with his contract expiring at the end of this season, there was speculation that interested sides like Rangers would swoop in, but Football Insider have now delivered a major update on his long-term future.

They claim that the Magpies plan to offer Murphy a contract extension to ward off a potential cut-price departure in the January transfer window, or even lose him on a free transfer next summer.

Steve Bruce deserves credit

Bruce may not be Mr Popular on Tyneside right at this moment given how he’s gotten his team playing, but there’s no questioning that he deserves a bit of credit for giving Murphy the chance to reignite his Newcastle career.

After the winger’s sparkling display in the Carabao Cup against Morecambe, the Magpies boss was absolutely adamant that he wouldn’t be going anywhere in the summer transfer window, saying: “I won’t be letting him out on loan! Not after a performance like that. He deserves to stay with us and he has improved enormously.

“I have been very, very pleased even though he didn’t make the squad for the weekend. We have 20 odd players to choose from. But at this particular moment I won’t be letting Jacob go on loan.”

Since then, Murphy has become one of the few bright spots and key performers in a struggling Newcastle side, netting a stunning last-gasp equaliser against Wolves for example. Having arrived for £10m back in the summer of 2017, the 25-year-old is finally proving why he’s been hailed for having “so much ability”.

Leeds United midfielder Adam Forshaw is still not ready for action after a horrible 15-month lay-off.

In response to supporters on Monday, The Athletic’s Phil Hay claimed the 29-year-old “has been trying to get over the last hurdle for a long time”

A hip problem has seen Forshaw sidelined since September 2019 with his final appearance in a Whites shirt being a 45-minute stint against Charlton.

The former Brentford and Middlesbrough man has played a total of seven matches since the start of the 2019/20 season and underwent surgery nearly a year ago in the United States.

With the emergence of Jamie Shackleton, the signing of Rodrigo and Stuart Dallas a natural central midfielder, it’s hard to imagine Forshaw ever playing for the Yorkshire giants ever again.

And because of that, it would be wise for Victor Orta to look to move him on at the earliest convenience, as ruthless as that would be.

Leeds are merely wasting financial resources keeping players like this at the club.

Between Forshaw (£60k-per-week) and Gaetano Berardi (£35k-per-week) alone, they are spending nearly £100k-per-week on a pair of players who aren’t going to contribute one minute to their cause this term.

Those wages could be spent elsewhere – on a central defender who is going to help shut up shop, perhaps?

Indeed, the 5 foot 9 maestro has cost the club around £500k-per-game since the start of their Championship-winning season and overall, around £265k-per-match since his £4.5m arrival in 2018.

It would be a brutal call to sack him off, but United need to look at the bigger picture to help their chances of remaining in the top-flight.

Noel Whelan believes Forshaw would even welcome fresh start elsewhere, he told Football Insider: “The January window has obviously just opened and I’m sure he wants to go and get settled in a team where he can play football. He’s a good footballer, so I’m sure that will be on his mind.”

Orta must show no mercy over the “exceptional” and long-serving midfielder this month.

AND in other news, Orta can find Bielsa his next Kalvin Phillips in £13m BRUTE…

If you had told Aston Villa fans before the start of the new Premier League season that they would have beaten both Liverpool and Arsenal at an aggregate of 10-2, then they surely would have thought you were crazy.

But such has been the incredible start that Dean Smith’s side have enjoyed, that they find themselves in sixth place in the table, and only three points behind current leaders Leicester – that too, with a game in hand on the Foxes.

On Saturday, Villa return to top-flight action after the two-week international break, with Graham Potter’s Brighton standing in their way. Smith has largely gone for a settled side this season, and who can blame him, but he might want to freshen things up against the Seagulls.

And with that in mind, below is a look at how the Midlands club line up for the visit of Brighton.

After helping to keep a clean sheet against his former side last time out, Emiliano Martinez will hope to continue his impressive start to life at Villa.

In front of him, a back four of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Matt Targett have played a crucial role in ensuring high-scoring Villa have also been one of the meanest teams in the league too. Their tally of just nine goals conceded from their opening seven league games is the joint-best in the division.

The first big call Smith must surely consider making, is the dropping of John McGinn. The Scotland international has looked nothing like his old self, and with Marvelous Nakamba waiting in the wings to make his mark, this could be the perfect time for that change to happen.

Douglas Luiz on the other hand continues to see his star grow, but has played an incredible number of minutes this season for both club and country, and Smith may wonder if a rest against Brighton could do the £24.3m-rated star the world of good when it comes to the crunch winter schedule in the Premier League.

If that’s the case, Conor Hourihane may fancy his chances of making a rare start after playing in mid-week for the Republic of Ireland.

In attack, there’s no reason to make any changes for Smith, with the likes of Jack Grealish, Ross Barkley, Trezeguet and Ollie Watkins all in fine fettle this season.

Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Nakamba, Hourihane; Trezeguet, Barkley, Grealish; Watkins.

Fulham return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon and face another tough game against reigning champions Liverpool at Craven Cottage.

Scott Parker’s side were comfortably beaten by Manchester City in their last fixture, suggesting that changes are likely ahead of their game against the Reds.

The Cottagers were perhaps fortunate that City only managed to score twice last time out, however, as they completely dominated proceedings, taking 15 shots during the game, compared to Fulham’s six.

Therefore, it might be best if Parker adapts his side to be slightly more defensively solid ahead of the game against Jurgen Klopp’s side, in the hope that they are not carved open as easily as they were at the Etihad.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Parker to set his side up against Liverpool…

Alphonse Areola keeps his place in between the sticks, with the PSG loanee having been one of Fulham’s standout performers in the Premier League so far this season – he ranks as the sixth-best performing player as per Whoscored.

The defence stays the same, although Parker will be hoping that they put in a performance similar to the one in the 2-1 win against Leicester City, rather than the one they produced against Manchester City.

Joe Bryan can provide some much-needed security on the left-hand side, as he can help Antonee Robinson stem the threat of Mohamed Salah on Liverpool’s right-wing.

He replaces Ivan Cavaleiro, who earns £60k per week at Fulham, with Ademola Lookman preferred to start on the wing.

There’s one other change in midfield, as Tom Cairney replaces Harrison Reed, with the Scottish midfielder perhaps the man who can unlock this strong Liverpool defence, whilst he could also be a threat with his long-range shooting.

Bobby Decordova-Reid starts up front, after the strange decision to play him as a right-wing back last time out, and the former Bristol City man will be hoping to add to the three goals he has managed in the top-flight so far this season.

This will undoubtedly be a tough game for Fulham but if they can produce a display similar to the one they did at the King Power Stadium recently, they certainly won’t make things easy for Liverpool.

And, in other news… Fulham can shackle “world-class” LFC beast by unleashing Joe Bryan on Sunday

MatériaMais Notícias

O momento no qual Miller Bolaños acertou com Grêmio foi divulgado em redes sociais. Em seu perfil no instagram no fim da manhã deste domingo, o meia-atacante equatoriano divulgou uma foto com a camisa do clube gaúcho, na qual posa segurando uma caneta, como se estivesse prestes a assinar contrato.

O jogador de 25 anos selou sua ida para o Grêmio na madrugada de domingo, em Guayaquil (EQU). O acordo aconteceu após uma reunião com o diretor executivo do Tricolor gaúcho, Rui Costa, e o advogado do Emelec, seu antigo clube.

Também em seu Instagram, Bolaños registrou quem estava envolvido na reunião. Na legenda, o meia-atacante, que é destaque da seleção do Equador, escreveu:

“Uma nova aventura. #Grêmio”.

Segundo informações do “El Universo”, Bolaños acertou contrato de três anos com o Grêmio. O Tricolor gaúcho teria desembolsado US$ 5 milhões (R$ 20 milhões) por 70% dos direitos econômicos do meia-atacante.

West Brom’s U23 match this week was a sight for sore eyes as numerous Baggies outcasts were named as starters in their Premier League 2 victory over Sunderland.

Two players who looked certain to leave in the summer, Charlie Austin and Kamil Grosicki, both featured with the Polish winger bagging a brace.

There were also appearances for first-team wing duo Matty Phillips and Kyle Edwards, who have hardly been involved in the Albion’s top-flight campaign so far.

The latter is even out of contract at the end of the season, so it’s quite an important year for him if he’s to remain at his boyhood club.

It speaks volumes that the club only triggered the 12-month extension in his deal back in May, had they been convinced on his true ability, then he’d have received a long-term offer considering he’s only 22.

Speaking in a Q&A with fans last week, The Athletic’s Steve Madeley revealed that talks over a new deal were progressing, albeit slowly and claimed that Slaven Bilic is a big fan of the young winger.

They should be approaching this situation with caution as he’s done nothing to warrant a new contract just yet. It can be argued that he hasn’t been given a fair opportunity, having only played 114 minutes in the Premier League so far, but Bilic watches the player in training more than we do.

And he may be inclined to turn to Grosicki instead as it was the veteran who made the biggest impact in this week’s youth outing, not Edwards. The 22-year-old needs to be pulling up trees in games like this to get truly noticed.

His current teammate, Romaine Sawyers, recollected the time he was compared to Lionel Messi, he told The Athletic:

“I remember Kyle when he was proper, proper small — he was an unbelievable player even then. Mark Harrison, our old academy manager, told my age group, ‘We’ve got this kid who is 10 years old and this is Messi. No word of a lie; I could see the comparison back then. If Kyle’s got videos, I’d urge him to show anybody. He was unbelievable and to see him now in the first team warms my heart.”

That level of ability is something we’re yet to see at a senior level with Edwards only delivering four goals and five assists in 48 appearances for Albion, via Transfermarkt.

For now, Bilic should be ruthless in order to make the wing dynamo earn his stripes.

AND in other news, West Brom could land an upgrade on Livermore with £12m swoop…

David Sullivan could land David Moyes a West Ham replacement for the Marseille-linked Manuel Lanzini by securing the services of Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.

What’s the word?

According to talkSPORT, the Irons are in a queue of Premier League sides chasing the signature of Lingard during the January transfer window.

The Hammers, Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United have all expressed their interest in a mid-season deal, while Ligue 1 outfit OGC Nice and Liga NOS giants FC Porto have also been keeping track of his situation.

Manchester United remain reluctant to part ways with the 28-year-old this month as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer strives to contend for Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League honours, but Lingard’s long-term future remains in doubt.

Reports by ESPN recently noted Lingard and Solskjaer are in a tug-of-war over his situation, with the 24-cap England international desperate to find regular first-team action and the Red Devils boss keen to retain his services as cover.

Manchester United are yet to offer a definitive answer in response to any approach for the £9m-rated man, also monitored by Olympique de Marseille and Inter Milan, as Solskjaer’s side could play as many as 33 fixtures between now and May.

Lingard has featured just three times across all competitions this season and is yet to play a single second in the Premier League, with the Warrington-born playmaker’s only outings of the term thus far coming in the EFL and FA Cups.

Bye-bye Lanzini

Sullivan putting together a package that will convince Manchester United to part ways with Lingard this month could definitively spell the end for Lanzini at the London Stadium.

West Ham are said to have offered Lanzini to Marseille during discussions over Morgan Sanson, who Aston Villa have had a “pathetic” bid rejected for after claims of an €18m (£16m) offer as the Ligue 1 outfit hold out for €25m (£22m).

The Irons have also been shopping Lanzini’s services around on the transfer market since last summer, but have struggled to attract any interest in the £70,000-per-week midfielder who held Moyes’ side back during Tuesday’s 2-1 win at home to West Bromwich Albion.

Part of the issue in West Ham’s hopes of selling Lanzini may stem from the Irons valuing the 27-year-old at £15m, but securing Lingard’s services may see Sullivan prove more receptive to lower offers with the Argentine under contract for a further two years.

Lingard has been lauded for his ability to score important goals for club and country in recent years, having netted the extra-time winner during the 2016 FA Cup Final as well as key efforts for England against the Netherlands, Croatia and the United States.

Few have sung his praises more in recent years than former England and Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, who once labelled Lingard as “unique”.

Lingard’s importance at Old Trafford may have dwindled of late, but his title-winning and international experience would likely be welcome at the London Stadium where Moyes has West Ham just two points below the top-four places.

AND in other news, West Ham are considering a £15.5m-rated striker without a goal since October to replace Seb Haller…

West Brom have swiftly appointed their new manager.

Sam Allardyce.

What’s the word?

The Baggies sacked Slaven Bilic on Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after he steered his side to a 1-1 draw over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

And this evening, they confirmed the 66-year-old former Bolton, West Ham and England boss as their new manager. In an official statement on wba.co.uk, Albion revealed that Allardyce had signed an 18-month deal.

He will take training for the very first time on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Midlands derby against Aston Villa.

Austin redemption?

Whilst the overall appointment of a forgotten manager like Big Sam is questionable, to say the least – there’s nothing to suggest that he will be well-backed by the board, unlike his predecessor.

In reality, it is the lack of relegations on his CV that makes him seem an ideal candidate on paper but it’s going to take an awful lot to turn around this sinking squad. It’s practically a Championship-level outfit with an owner unwilling to invest.

No one’s changing that around.

Although the change in manager could be of benefit to several players, most notably Charlie Austin, who was effectively finished under Bilic despite the Croatian dubbing him “magnificent.”

Last month, The Athletic’s Steve Madeley claimed the 31-year-old was unlikely to play for the club again, though he has come off the bench twice in as many outings recently.

He could well be in line for some redemption thanks to the likely appointment of Allardyce as there’s nobody better equipped in the Baggies side to play his direct and aggressive style.

Austin cost just £4m in Bilic’s first summer and went onto bag ten goals in 34 appearances (18 starts) on their way to promotion last term, whilst his record in the big time is pretty respectable – 34 goals and ten assists in 108 games, via Transfermarkt.

Evidently, the 66-year-old will know exactly what he’s getting with the former Saints and QPR talisman as he eyed a swoop for him in 2015 whilst in charge of Sunderland, as per ESPN.

Once dubbed “absolutely ruthless” by Sky Sports commentator Don Goodman, could Austin go from zero-to-hero under Allardyce? He may well make the Hawthorns erupt if he finds his tune again.

He ought to consider he’s earning a whopping £70k-per-week.

AND in other news, Lai heading for a Pardew-like mistake…

رد المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة، تشافي هيرنانديز، على إمكانية تعاقد البلاوجرانا في الميركاتو الشتوي المقبل مع جناح مانشستر سيتي وإسبانيا، فيران توريس.

ونجح تشافي في الفوز بمباراته الثانية في بطولة الدوري الإسباني أمام فياريال مساء أمس، السبت، بنتيجة 1-3 في اللقاء الذي أقيم على ملعب “لا سيراميكا”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. موندو توضح موقف كافاني من الانتقال إلى برشلونة في يناير

وعلق الإسباني على الأنباء التي تربط برشلونة بضم توريس في يناير، وقال خلال المؤتمر الصحفي بعد نهاية المباراة: “الآن ليس الوقت المناسب للحديث عن الصفقات والشائعات”.

وتابع: “في الوقت الحالي، لا أهتم سوى بالاحتفال بالفوز لأنه مهم للغاية بالنسبة لنا في برشلونة”.

وكانت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الكتالونية قد زعمت أن توريس قد طلب الرحيل من مدربه، بيب جوارديولا، والأخير وافق ولكن إذا كان هناك اتفاق بين برشلونة ومانشستر سيتي حول الصفقة.