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Nathan Redmond could be handed a golden opportunity to redeem his recent form against Everton on Sunday. The winger has had a disappointing start to the season, being missing from the squad for two Premier League matches because of injury, and putting in pretty quiet performances when he has played.

Last campaign he mustered up just four goals and four assists in 32 league appearances, being silenced far too easily by his opponents (via Transfermarkt). In his most recent display against Chelsea, Redmond had a very disappointing match. The 26-year-old managed to complete just 58% of his attempted passes, lost possession 17 times and had one successful long ball out of five (via Sofascore).

A chance for redemption vs Everton

Southampton will prepare to host to league leaders at St Mary’s on Sunday after pulling off an impressive draw against Chelsea last weekend. Despite the odds being against them, the Saints have a good chance of upsetting Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Captain Seamus Coleman has been ruled out of the fixture after suffering a reported hamstring injury (via premierinjuries.com). With only Jonjoe Kenny to fill in, the Toffees will be forced to deploy the 23-year-old, who recently returned from loan in the Bundesliga. Of course, since coming back to Merseyside, he has been forced to play second fiddle to Coleman, and has so far only featured in the Carabao Cup.

Kenny’s most recent performance earned him a measly SofaScore rating of just 6.4 after having a very quiet game against West Ham. Ralph Hasenhuttl should be relishing the idea of the Liverpool native playing instead of Coleman, and will look to exploit the odd one out in the backline.

Redmond will also be looking to grab himself an assist or two if he can put pressure on Kenny. With the right-back missing out on the Premier League action so far, he could be nervous to perform and keep Everton’s impressive unbeaten streak alive.

In other news, Ralph Hasenhuttl comments could mean new fate for Jannik Vestergaard…

Glasgow Rangers have already strengthened their defence by signing Leon Balogun, who picked up a clean sheet on his debut for the club. It looks like Steven Gerrard wants to bolster the back line even more as they are now interested in a left-back.

According to Sportslens, the Gers are interested in Iranian left-back Milad Mohammadi, who currently plays in the Belgian league for Gent.

It will not be easy to sign the player, who would cost around £6.3 million to sign, as Premier League side Leeds United are also in the race to acquire him.

Mohammadi has only been in Belgium for one season, after signing on a free transfer in July 2019 from Russian side Akhmat Grozny, per Transfermarkt. Since joining Gent, the 26 year-old has featured 24 times, scoring one goal and picking up two assists, as well as keeping eight clean sheets. He has also managed two appearances in Europa League qualifying, giving him some good experience on a big stage.

Throughout his career, Mohammadi has not just played at left-back, but also featured as a left winger and left midfielder, as well as a right-back and right midfielder, which shows that he is a very versatile player. This is good for any squad to have.

Steven Gerrard currently has two players who play at left-back for the club, the very experienced Borna Barisic, and 20 year-old Calvin Bassey, who joined on a free transfer from Leicester City in July 2020.

If Gerrard wants to add some strength in depth, then the Gent defender looks like a shrewd addition, and it is understandable to see why the manager might sign him despite the young full-back they have as cover as the club have a lot of fixtures throughout the season, which includes the Scottish Premiership, two domestic tournaments and playing in Europe.

A Premier League side being interested further highlights the quality the player has and bringing him to the Gers would definitely strengthen the squad.

Glasgow Rangers fans, do you think Mohammadi would be a good signing? Let us know down below!

It seems like Mohamed Elneny will be offloaded by Arsenal in the summer, and the latest reports suggest that the midfielder will be leaving sooner rather than later as he already has sides interested in signing him.

According to Turkish media outlet Asist Analiz, via Football.London, Elneny has already agreed personal terms with Super Lig team Trabzonspor, and all that is left is for the two sides to agree a deal.

At the moment, the Turkish outfit are waiting to see the price-tag that Arsenal place on the defensive midfielder. If it is too much for their liking, they will look into the possibility of a season-long loan.

Elneny, who has won the Swiss League four times, per Transfermarkt, is clearly not seen as a player that Arsenal want to use as he was loaned out to Besiktas last season. As a player if you are getting loaned out at the age of 28, it probably means the club are trying to move you on and it looks like this is exactly the case with Egyptian.

Therefore, if the Gunners can get some decent money for the player, who is valued at £4.20 million, then it would be a good move for all involved. Trabzonspor get a player that they want, Elneny gets to play consistent football in a league that he is used to after he played there last season, and Arsenal get some money that they can use to buy players that Arteta feels will strengthen the squad.

Gunners fans, what are your thoughts on this news? Let us know down below!

Michael Owen believes Jack Grealish would fit Manchester United’s midfield like a glove, and would be a smart replacement for Paul Pogba.

The Red Devils have been linked with several mega money transfer targets this year, including Bundesliga superstar Jadon Sancho. United could also be ready to offer Aston Villa’s star player a lifeline, and club icon Owen is all for it.

Despite the current financial climate, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to drop his name amongst the big fish who will demand high eight-figure sums for their services. If United continue their pursuit of Grealish, he will cost the club £80 million, which the Midlands club will not budge on even if they are relegated, according to The Mirror.

Owen recently discussed the situation of having both Pogba and Bruno Fernandes fighting for a spot in the United midfield.

“I think it’s taken a huge bit of pressure off him [Solskjaer] that Fernandes has done fantastically well. Now he doesn’t necessarily have to put Pogba in straightaway because there’s going to be questions about whether they can play together,” the former England international told Premier League Productions (via Metro).

After leaving Man United in 2012 for Juventus and then rejoining in 2016, Pogba could be on the move again after struggling to perform consistently in the Premier League. The Serie A giants are once again interested in the Frenchman joining their ranks (via Sky Sports).

Owen feels the time is right for United to replace Pogba and thinks Grealish would be a good asset to the team.

“If I was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer I could get big money bearing in mind they’ve got Fernandes now and then you could go and invest in someone like Grealish,” the 40-year-old said. “He might have the style that compliments Manchester United better than Pogba does at the moment.”

The midfielder has registered nine goals and eight assists across all competitions this season (via Transfermarkt), solid numbers to join up with a side looking to expand their attack.

United fans, should the club move for Jack Grealish this summer? Join the conversation in the comments below!

Tottenham Hotspur are set to battle Manchester United for Valencia star Geoffrey Kondogbia in the summer. 

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has identified Kondobgia as the signing he needs to rebuild the midfield. According to Foot Mercato, as relayed by Ricky Sacks, Spurs are interested in signing him this summer.

Valencia are now open to offers for the veteran as he has entered the last two years of his current contract.

Mauricio Pochettino wanted to sign the African during his time in charge of White Hart Lane and it looks like his successor will manage to land the £30m-valued ace in the summer.

The Bats are in turmoil as a power struggle has broken out between the players and backroom staff.

Valencia have struggled to fend off financial pressures and may have to resort to a quickfire sale of key players to cover the costs of these uncertain times.

Kondogbia, 27, has made 27 appearances in La Liga this season, scoring one goal, supplying one assist, making 2.3 tackles per game, averaging 2.1 interceptions, and completing 1.2 clearances so far (via WhoScored).

Tottenham and Man United have entered the race to sign the box-to-box midfielder, amid interest from overseas. The powerhouse is pushing for a move to the Premier League, which should give both clubs a boost.

The Lilywhites were linked to the former Inter Milan man several years ago but a move never materialised.

Standing at 1,88m tall, he cuts an imposing figure in the midfield, which explains why Mourinho is determined to get his man.

The Portuguese spent huge sums of money on Nemanja Matic to bring him first to Stamford Bridge and then to Old Trafford, and Kondogbia is a similar build to the Serbian.

Valencia will be without Champions League football next season, which has weakened their position in the transfer window, and this is something Daniel Levy could be looking to exploit. They will not be able to demand a hefty asking price as a result.

Tottenham fans, should Levy sign Kondogbia in the summer? Let us know down below!

Allan Saint-Maximin has had to be patient in waiting for his first Newcastle goal but he picked the right moment to claim it as it put his side in the ascendency against Sheffield United.

The well-timed jump and header into the bottom corner was an important part in the win at Bramall Lane and supporters have made the winger well aware of just how highly they appreciate him.

Fans had already become enamoured with the 22-year-old through a mixture of his entertaining performances and his character, often making jokes on social media and winding up opposition supporters.

Take a trip down memory lane to a time when Newcastle were giants on the European stage in the video below…

With more moments like his goal against the Blades he will help to make himself a firm favourite at St. James’ Park, with many left impressed by the way he headed home following Javier Manquillo’s cross.

His cheeky demeanour on and off the pitch makes him instantly likeable, particularly as there are few players in the Premier League like him, with Hatem Ben Arfa perhaps the last Magpie who dazzled with the ball at his feet like Saint-Maximin.

As a result, there is clearly love growing between the Frenchman and supporters, who have made their feelings towards the player quite clear.

He should take this encouragement on board and use it to his advantage, as with more faith and confidence in his own ability he could become an even more effective player for Newcastle – perhaps one that scores and assists more often.

The winger has been in fine form recently and given how useful he is with the ball at his feet he could be the difference for Newcastle once more against Southampton.

West Bromwich Albion’s festive run-in could really define their season.

They currently sit atop the Championship table with just one game remaining until we reach the halfway point in the league.

Slaven Bilic’s side have opened up a gap of 12 points to those outside of the automatic promotion places with games against playoff-hunting Brentford and nearest challengers Leeds United to come.

And this week the club have received a major boost ahead of their top of the table clash against Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites on New Year’s Day.

It is expected that their enigmatic loan winger Grady Diangana will be back in action at the Hawthorns to kickstart 2020.

The Express & Star claim the 21-year-old will miss this weekend’s clash with the Bees as well as Boxing Day’s fixture against Barnsley, and even the Middlesbrough game too as he recovers from a niggle in his back.

Diangana has been an integral part of the Baggies’ fortunes this campaign with his 11 direct goal contributions, per Transfermarkt.

The Hammers ace took an early bath against Birmingham City last time out as he was forced off in the 41st minute before Albion went on to secure all three points.

His return from injury will come at the perfect time as the west Midlanders will want to get one back over Leeds, who are the only team to record a victory against them this season.

No clues: Can you name all of these Premier League icons? Test your knowledge below…

And in other Hawthorns news, West Brom face Premier League competition in pursuit of this lower league defensive ace…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Michail Antonio came on at half time for West Ham United against Tottenham Hotspur, becoming one of very few positives for the Hammers to take from the game.

On the chalkboard

Having replaced Felipe Anderson, Antonio went on to record a WhoScored rating of 7.8, which was the highest of any man in claret and blue.

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The 29-year-old, who is rated at £13.5m on Transfermarkt, was the player to score West Ham’s first goal of the game, when he produced a great faint before firing the ball past Paulo Gazzaniga.

He carried a threat outside of that though, completing all three of his attempted dribbles, making one key pass and taking three shots, two of which were on target.

Watch West Ham United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Moving forward

This was Antonio’s first involvement for West Ham since he was forced off eight minutes into the Carabao Cup win over Newport County in August, meaning he has missed nine Premier League games.

That he was so lively after such a long lay-off will be highly encouraging for Manuel Pellegrini, as the Chilean looks for a solution to end the club’s eight-game winless run in all competitions.

Antonio has shown that he could be the man to help do this – as well as Lukasz Fabianski when he returns – through that performance.

The player who could benefit most from the 29-year-old’s reintroduction is Sebastien Haller, who has struggled in recent weeks, having now gone five league games in a row without a single goal or assist.

Having the lively Antonio up alongside him could help to bring out the side of the Frenchman that saw him bag a brace against Watford.

Overall, it should be a bonus to have Antonio back fit and available, meaning his reintroduction is one of the few good things remember the Spurs game by.

In other news, one of Antonio’s fellow attackers was criticised by fans for his performance against Spurs.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

According to reliable West Ham United insider ExWHUemployee on episode 160 of the West Ham Way show (35:30), it will cost the club around £10-15m if they want to sack Manuel Pellegrini, his coaching staff and Mario Husillos.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the pressure is growing on the Chilean manager with the club now lying 17th in the Premier League standings, with their defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend meaning they have now taken just two points from the last 21 available.

ExWHUemployee was discussing the managerial situation on the latest podcast, and while he believes the 66-year-old still has up to four matches to turn things around, he also said it would cost between £10-15m to get rid of him and his staff.

Stick or twist?

The board may not want to axe Pellegrini now – especially because of the potential cost – but upcoming fixtures against Chelsea, Wolves and Arsenal don’t look to be particularly easy on paper either, given their lack of form and confidence right now.

It is difficult to see them getting a positive result at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and with Southampton playing Watford they could easily find themselves even closer – in points – to the relegation zone than they are now by the end of the weekend.

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Having seen some of West Ham’s performances in recent weeks, these don’t appear to be players that are playing for their manager, and the two goals they scored late on against Spurs masked what was an awful display against their arch-rivals.

No matter the cost, the board should bite the bullet and act now rather than letting these poor performances and results continue, because it is clear a change is needed.

In other West Ham news, one 19-year-old could be named in the squad for the first time vs Chelsea…

A selection of Southampton fans were left astonished by Ralph Hasenhuttl opting to start James Ward-Prowse against Manchester City on Saturday, something that soon came back to bite them when he opened the scoring.

The 25-year-old central midfielder has started each of the Saints’ Premier League and Carabao Cup fixtures this season, and had not been withdrawn before the full-time whistle in any of his outings proceeding’s Saturday’s clash.

One fan noted that his inclusion in the XI to face Pep Guardiola’s title-holders was a sign of things ‘becoming a joke’ at St. Mary’s, while another added that Ward-Prowse must be displaying something special in training to impress Hasenhuttl.

Every Premier League club’s WORST player is named and shamed in the video below…

Southampton supporters would seemingly have preferred that Hasenhuttl did not start the two-time England international against Manchester City on Saturday as he was ‘average’ in their previous fixtures, including Tuesday night’s EFL Cup clash with the Sky Blues.

Ward-Prowse assisted Jack Stephen’s late consolation strike at the Etihad during the week, but only managed to record one successful tackle from eight attempts, to achieve the worst success rate of any player at 13%, per WhoScored data.

The Southampton product also flattered to deceive against Leicester City in his prior Premier League appearance, too, as Ward-Prowse failed to register any successful tackles beyond the 30th-minute as the Foxes won 9-0.

Here are some of the messages that were shared when Southampton announced who would be starting against Manchester City on Saturday…