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Nottingham Forest will look to continue their sprint towards Premier League promotion tonight, but will face a tough test against Champions-elect Fulham at Craven Cottage.

A victory would effectively cement Forest’s spot in the play-off places, though Cooper will be looking for a win in case of the possibility that they could pip both Bournemouth and Huddersfield to the second-place automatic promotion spot.

Including tonight’s fixture, Forest have four games to play with one of those ties against Bournemouth – their rivals for automatic promotion. A win today is a must for Steve Cooper’s side.

In terms of injury news, Max Lowe is still out with a groin issue, and Steve Cook is also unlikely to start after just coming back from an ankle injury. Fulham will not roll over though and still have the title to play for, despite already sealing their ticket back to the Premier League.

Keinan Davis is another who is ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained against Luton Town two games ago.

Lewis Grabban is also unlikely to feature after hobbling off after a 15-minute cameo appearance against Peterborough.

With that update, here is how we at Football FanCast expect Nottingham Forest to line up against Fulham tonight.

In what would be a real statement of intent, our predicted line-up sees Surridge retain his starting spot through Grabban’s injury, meaning that there is just one change, with £1.8m-rated Tobias Figueiredo axed for Joe Lolley, due to the 4-2-3-1 system switch.

With his attacking prowess – he has 26 goals for Forest in total – and Lyle Taylor’s praise, dubbing him a “wriggly worm”, he could cause the Cottagers all sorts of problems this evening.

Cooper’s side have stuck with the 3-4-1-2 system for the last six games which has seen them score thirteen goals and concede just two during that run. And although the saying “don’t fix what isn’t broken” rings true in most cases, it failed to work for them last time out against Fulham who ran out 4-0 winners.

The 4-2-3-1 system has notably been used in big games by Cooper. In the game against Fulham before the 4-0 thrashing, they used the 4-2-3-1 system and narrowly lost 1-0.

This system was also used against Liverpool, who also found it tough against Forest.

A change to a hardy 4-2-3-1 could pay dividends for Cooper and provide an element of shock for Marco Silva.

In other news: Sold after 1 appearance: Nottingham Forest had a disaster over 23 y/o “top talent”…

MatériaMais Notícias

Na véspera do clássico contra o Atlético-MG, que acontece às 11h deste domingo, no Independência, o técnico Mano Menezes fez linha dura e fechou o último treino do Cruzeiro antes da partida. O comandante mantém cautela total, já que um empate garante a Raposa na liderança da primeira fase do Campeonato Mineiro com duas rodadas de antecedência.

Até as entrevistas coletivas ficaram fora dos planos da delegação. Em troca, o clube publicou em seu canal oficial no YouTube vídeos contendo pequenas entrevistas com o meia Thiago Neves e o lateral-esquerdo Egídio. Titular na derrota por 4 a 2 para o Racing, pela fase de grupos da Libertadores, o camisa 6 deixou o resultado ruim de lado e mencionou a expectativa que vive para reencontrar o Atlético no Independência.

– A expectativa é a melhor. Estamos vindo de uma crescente muito boa, a gente sabe que o clássico é decidido nos detalhes. Vamos jogar na casa do adversário, então, sabemos da dificuldade que vamos encontrar. Mas também vamos dificultar para eles. Vai ser um jogo muito bom e que a gente saia feliz de campo com a vitória – disse Egídio.

Assim como nos últimos jogos, o clube não irá divulgar a lista de jogadores relacionados para o clássico válido pela nona rodada do Campeonato Mineiro. A principal dúvida no time é o zagueiro Manoel, que realizou atividades internas na Toca da Raposa II e deve ficar fora da partida. Desta forma, a dupla de zaga seria formada por Leo e Murilo.

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According to a report from Spanish outlet Super Deporte (via Sport Witness), Wolves are interested in signing Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos. 

The lowdown: Impressive rise

Signed for €13million (£10.7million) in 2019 from Marseille (Football Espana), the Argentine ace quickly established himself as a key member of Julen Lopetegui’s side.

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The 27-year-old was the club’s top goal scorer in his debut season in Spain with 16 goals in all competitions and has since gone from strength to strength, dazzling on the wing with 1.6 successful take-ons per game this term.

Now, as the summer transfer window approaches, Premier League clubs are paying close attention…

The latest: Big spend needed

As per the report from Super Deporte, as translated by SW, Wolves and West Ham are both keen on the Argentina international.

It’s claimed that the Wanderers ‘want’ Ocampos and would be looking to utilise a pre-existing ‘good relationship’ between the La Liga outfit and Scott Sellars.

However, Sevilla are believed to be determined to keep the left-winger and would therefore demand a €70million (£58million) release clause was met.

The verdict: Record-breaking

Signing Ocampos for the mooted fee would require executive chairman Jeff Shi to shatter a previous £36million high-spend on the deal that brought Fabio Silva to Molineux (Transfermarkt).

So far this season, the skilful forward, hailed as ‘electric’ by journalist Fede Praml, has scored nine times and registered four assists in 36 outings.

Capable of playing on either wing, the 10-cap Argentinian would seemingly be the ideal candidate to replace the outgoing Adama Traore in Bruno Lage’s squad.

In other news, Wolves interested in South American wonderkid. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips will sign a new long-term deal at Elland Road provided they are not relegated, according to Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: Manchester United interest

Phillips has attracted plenty of interest over recent months, with Aston Villa, Newcastle United and West Ham all keen on his services.

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Manchester United have now joined the race for the England international and are thought to be ‘working on a deal’ which would take Phillips to Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old last signed a new deal with Leeds back in 2019 and is in the process of changing agents ahead of the summer window.

The Latest: Journalist’s update

Talbot took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon shortly after the major update on Manchester United’s interest.

The journalist believes Phillips won’t seek a move away from Leeds and will sign a new deal after what he’s been told.

“The way I’ve been told is that Kalvin Phillips is not seeking a move away from LUFC and will be signing a long-term extension with the club in the summer once the club’s Premier League status is secured. The midfielder loves Leeds so chance of a move to a close rival is scarce.”

The Verdict: Marsch gets his way

Jesse Marsch admitted last month that he would love to keep Phillips at Elland Road, and it looks as if he’ll get his wish, providing the Whites remain in the Premier League.

Phillips looks set to play a key role in the club’s attempts to avoid the drop too after making a long-awaited return from injury last weekend, so perhaps his motivation will be doubled.

He’s in contention for a first start since December against Watford tomorrow, where a win could go a long way to ensuring the club’s safety.

In other news: 5 key passes, 1 goal: Leeds target produces stunning midweek display as Orta eyes move – opinion. 

Wolves are reportedly the front-runners to sign Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer, with Molineux his ‘most likely destination’.

The Lowdown: Palhinha a key man for Sporting

The 27-year-old has continued to be a key figure for the Portuguese giants, scoring three goals in 17 Primeira Liga starts in the middle of the park this season.

He played a huge part in their league title charge last season, playing fifth major trophy to his collection.

Wolves have been linked with a move for Palhinha in the recent past, as Bruno Lage potentially eyes up a long-term replacement for 35-year-old Joao Moutinho.

The Latest: Wolves favourites to sign midfielder

According to A Bola [via Sport Witness], Wolves are now the most likely team to snap up Palhinha in the summer, with the report stating that they are his ‘most likely destination’.

Wanderers are thought to be ‘very attentive’ regarding a move, with the midfielder winning 12 caps for Portugal to date.

The Verdict: Exciting potential addition

Palhinha looks tailor-made to come in this summer – not only because of his Portuguese roots but also as a replacement for Moutinho, as he has been called a ‘special’ player by Sporting manager Ruben Amorim.

While a little more attack-minded than the current Wolves hero – he has only actually made one appearance as a defensive midfielder this season – he possesses a similar level of quality on possession, enjoying an 86.8% pass completion rate in the Primeira Liga in 2021/22.

At 26, Palhinha is also at an ideal age in terms of being in and around the peak years of his career and that shouldn’t change for a while yet, so it would be no surprise to see him become the next Portuguese great in the Black Country.

In other news, Wolves have been boosted in their attempts to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has been ruled out of the five-ODI series against England starting later this month due to an elbow injury that prevents him from picking up a bat

Cricinfo staff05-Jun-2010Australia’s wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has been ruled out of the five-ODI series against England starting later this month due to an elbow injury that prevents him from picking up a bat. Tim Paine, the Tasmania gloveman, will take Haddin’s place in the one-dayers and will be in line for a Test debut if Haddin fails to recover in time for the two Tests against Pakistan in July.Haddin said the problem flared up three months ago when he smashed a century against New Zealand in a one-dayer, but didn’t have enough time off the game to give his elbow sufficient rest.”It’s like having tennis elbow,” Haddin told the . ”It has gradually deteriorated to the point where I can’t hold a bat. The frustrating thing about it is I can still wicketkeep – everything else is fine – but I can’t pick up a cricket bat and to play cricket you have to be able to bat.”I had to wait a bit after the [Twenty20] World Cup to allow it calm down, it [the tendon] was pretty angry because we played constant cricket. I have to basically get the strength back into it [the tendon] and see how it responds.”Australia play England between June 22 and July 3 before taking on Pakistan for two Twenty20s and two Tests. Though Haddin was confident of recovering in time to take on Pakistan, he was keen not to rush back too soon and would be focusing largely on the Ashes at home in November-December.”I’m hopeful I can be ready for Pakistan, but if I’m not I’ll have eight weeks to get the strength back [in time for the Australian summer],” Haddin said. ”I have a series of exercises that are designed to do that.”Australia’s physio Alex Kountouris added: “Brad has been struggling with tendon elbow pain (tennis elbow) while batting during the ICC Twenty20 World Cup. As with most tendon injuries, time is required to allow the pain to settle and gradually increase the tendon load.”As such, Brad will not be taking part in the ODI matches against Ireland and England. His availability for the Twenty20 internationals and Tests matches against Pakistan in the UK will be dependent on his progress over the next few weeks.”Paine’s call-up to the one-day team has also allowed Matthew Wade, the Victoria wicketkeeper, to take his place in the Australia A squad to take on Sri Lanka A later this month. The promotion of Wade, 22, is a strong indication that Graham Manou has fallen down the pecking order despite making his Test debut in the Ashes last year.

Pakistan fast bowler Naved-ul-Hasan will be appealing against the one-year ban and the Rs 2-million fine slapped on him by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).Naved, 32, was one of the seven leading players punished by the board following Pakistan’s disastrous tour of Australia, where they lost the three Tests, five ODIs and the lone Twenty20 international. He was also denied a central contract by the board yesterday, and said he would submit his appeal in a couple of days’ time.”I have been preparing the response papers with my representatives and they will be ready in a couple of days’ time,” Naved told .He said he was also in possession of the report prepared by the inquiry committee. “Yes I have the report and have read it. The only reason why they have banned me is due to underperformance. They felt that my performance on the tour of Australia was below par. I always give 100% effort every time I take the field, it doesn’t matter who I am playing for, I always give my all”.”If necessary I will take my appeal papers by hand and meet whoever I need to from the board to discuss these matters. I hope the situation is resolved soon and I can recommence my career for Pakistan”.Reports also suggest that former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, who was handed a ban similar to Naved’s, would also make an appeal. Though the PCB has not revealed the nature of charges against Malik, it is thought that his role in creating unrest within the side during the tour, among other things, came under scrutiny.”I will fight against the ban and go to every possible platform to prove my innocence. I want to prove my innocence as there have been no cases of indiscipline in my 11-year career,” Malik told AFP.The PCB on Thursday sent letters to the banned players, explaining the committee’s findings, and gave them a 30-day period within which they can appeal against the charges.Both players, however, have been granted permission by the board to play in a domestic Twenty20 league in Bangladesh, just two days after Mohammad Yousuf, another banned player, was allowed to play in the country.

According to a report from Football Insider, Giovani Lo Celso could leave Tottenham as soon as next week after failing to even make the bench recently.

The Lowdown: Lack of game time

In an interview on 23 December, Antonio Conte revealed to Football.London that Lo Celso was fit enough to feature for Spurs, after recovering from a knee injury he sustained in November whilst on international duty with Argentina.

However, Lo Celso is yet to feature in the Premier League under Conte.

The midfielder was on the bench for Tottenham’s recent games against Liverpool and West Ham. However, he did not make the squad for the Lilywhites’ Boxing Day win over Crystal Palace or the draw at Southampton on Tuesday.

The Latest: Lo Celso could depart in January

According to Spurs insider John Wenham (speaking to Football Insider), Tottenham may already have agreed a deal for Lo Celso to depart the club in January.

“Lo Celso didn’t even make the bench against Palace,” Wenham told FI correspondent Ben Wild.

“I hope we have something lined up for him next week.

“He is our second most expensive signing ever and he’s always unavailable.

“Somehow he’s always fit and available for Argentina and he always performs for them.

“It would be good if we offloaded him as soon as possible, maybe it is the case that something is agreed.

“It would make sense if he wasn’t even on the bench. Conte said he was fit and back training.

“There is no other reason for him to not be on the bench. Even Winks is ahead of him seemingly.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if Lo Celso goes very early on in January.”

The Verdict: Departure looking likely

After spending the 2019/20 season on loan at Spurs, Lo Celso joined the squad on a permanent basis in a deal worth £28.8 million.

However, since arriving in North-London, the Argentina international has struggled with fitness, sustaining seven different injuries spanning over the two-year period.

Despite this, the central-midfielder’s talent is undeniable. Teammate Juan Foyth has hailed his fellow countryman as the ‘engine of the team’ at Tottenham, whilst Harry Winks has described him as a ‘technically gifted player’.

It could be suggested that if Conte were to give Lo Celso a run of games until the end of season, the Argentinian might be able to bounce back to his best, following a difficult spell with injuries.

However, due to his omission against Palace, it seems likely that the midfielder might be off in January.

Aston Villa will be looking to make a statement on Saturday afternoon as they travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool, for whom their manager Steven Gerrard made more than 700 appearances as a player.

The 41-year-old has been an instant hit at Villa Park, with the Midlands side winning three of their four league games under the Englishman. The one exception was a 2-1 defeat to reigning champions Manchester City, a game in which Villa massively impressed despite the outcome.

Judging by the lineup which started against Pep Guardiola’s side recently, Gerrard won’t make wholesale defensive changes despite facing the league’s top scorers in Liverpool with 44 goals in 15 games. However, the Villans will be boosted by the return of one of their top performers of late in Matt Targett.

Here’s what Football FanCast are predicting in terms of the starting XI as Gerrard looks to get one over on his former club.

After an impressive 2-1 win against Leicester last Sunday, there is little need for Gerrard to make wholesale changes, with the 41-year-old seemingly starting to discover his best side. The only change is in the defence, with left-back Targett returning from the head injury that ruled him out of the Foxes clash.

As for the remainder of the back five, all have been solid so far under Gerrard, conceding four goals in four games as well as Ezri Konsa (two) and Tyrone Mings (one) scoring three goals combined under the new boss.

In the midfield, John McGinn has certainly been a standout performer, with SofaScore giving the Scotsman an average rating of 7.95 under the 41-year-old. Douglas Luiz and £34k-p/w earner Marvelous Nakamba have also impressed, with the midfield trio becoming more of a given as each game passes.

In terms of the front three, with the injury to Leon Bailey, Jacob Ramsey keeps his place in the side. The 20-year-old found the net against the Foxes last week but the goal was ruled out by VAR in bizarre circumstances.

Emi Buendia set up Konsa’s first goal against Leicester and has been the first-choice left winger under the new boss, whilst Ollie Watkins has two goals in his last four games.

The Englishman will be particularly vital if Villa are to leave Merseyside with a result, as Gerrard’s side are likely to be limited to few chances. If an opportunity appears, the striker will need to be clinical at Anfield today.

In other news: Aston Villa can start January with a bang by signing “unbeatable” £27m-rated machine

As per Calciomercato, a Tottenham Hotspur transfer update has emerged involving Fiorentina star Nikola Milenkovic.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter summer talks…

The Lilywhites and Fabio Paratici where heavily interested in bringing the Serbia defender to north London at one point in the summer as they competed with bitter rivals West Ham for his services.

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As per Sky Sports, Tottenham had entered talks to sign Milenkovic after his proposed move to the Irons broke down, coming amid their previous search for a right-back and centre-half.

Despite eventually snapping up both Emerson Royal and Cristian Romero for those positions in the squad, it appears manager Antonio Conte has reignited interest.

The Latest: Conte re-joins race…

According to Calciomercato, Tottenham, and by extension Conte, have re-joined the race for Milenkovic and linger in the background as they eye a January move.

The 24-year-old is now apparently a target for Spurs again as his future with La Viola becomes one of the Serie A side’s biggest talking points of the winter window.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Milenkovic’s deal expires in 2023, putting Fiorentina under some pressure to potentially recoup a large fee while they can, with any figure around his £22.5 million Transfermarkt estimation coming as arguably good business.

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse, still a fairly young age, would come to Spurs with a degree of sell-on value whilst providing Conte with a needed reinforcement defensively.

According to WhoScored, only the in-form Eric Dier has averaged more clearances per 90 than Milenkovic out of Tottenham’s entire centre-back roster – while the Serb towers over every Spurs player in terms of aerial duels won.

Lauded as ‘extraordinary’ by Spanish defender Pol Lirola, these numbers and tags could point to shrewd January signing.

In other news: Conte wants player gone in January with final decision made, Spurs chiefs already told to sell…find out more here.