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West Ham United return to Europa League action as they welcome Genk to the London Stadium this evening.

David Moyes and his side will be looking to keep up their 100% win record in Group H and they will be buoyed with confidence from the weekend’s narrow but convincing 1-0 victory over Everton.

The Scotsman will surely be tempted to rotate his starting XI, as he often has done in this competition, especially with the small matter of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

One player who is surely in line to start is Craig Dawson, who has a pretty remarkable record when playing for the club, notching a 63.5% win rate. He played from the off in the 2-0 win over Rapid Wien but not against Dinamo Zagreb.

His involvement could hand a rest to either Angelo Ogbonna or Kurt Zouma ahead of this weekend’s London derby, and as evident above, he can definitely be relied upon.

In fact, the Hammers’ only two losses this season have come when he has not played any involvement whatsoever.

The 6 foot 2 colossus has been described as a “leader” by former Hammer defender Anton Ferdinand, so the presence of the Italian beast will not be completely missed and whoever partners him, likely to be Issa Diop, will be in safe hands too.

Furthermore, Genk’s major weakness is from set-pieces, where they have already leaked a whopping ten goals, so the presence of Dawson could terrify them in east London tonight.

“In Belgium, they dominated the games that they lost. But they missed too many chances and conceded too many easy goals. Already ten from set pieces, especially against West Ham that can become a big problem,” explained journalist Marnik Geukens to football.london.

Dawson is a massive threat from set-pieces, so it would be wise for Moyes to start him tonight.

“I enjoyed working with Dawson and he’s the best attacker of set pieces that I’ve ever come across in my managerial career,” once claimed former Irons boss Alan Pardew.

The £42.5k-per-week star must be unleashed at the London Stadium this evening.

AND in other news, Get rid: Moyes must now axe shocking West Ham disaster, he has cost GSB £3.9m per goal…

Liverpool will assess the condition of their Brazilian No.9 Roberto Firmino ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby.

What’s the latest?

In Friday’s press conference (via Liverpoolfc.com) Jurgen Klopp issued news on the injury status of his squad heading into the game against Frank Lampard’s relegation battlers, Everton.

The news is positive on the whole, as Klopp was asked by the media whether there were any further fitness issues within the squad, to which he replied: “Not that I know yet. No other problems.”

However, Roberto Firmino will face a late fitness test after missing the 4-0 victory over Manchester United on Tuesday night with a foot injury.

In regards to the Brazilian’s injury, Klopp said: “And Bobby, getting better and better. It’s just uncomfortable, painful. [Friday] is his first day on the pitch, so there are still two days to go, so maybe [he could feature].”

Whether the 30-year-old will feature against the Toffees appears to be entirely up to him, with Klopp saying: “If Bobby gives the thumbs-up then he will be involved. And not, then we wait another few days, but then I think after that it should be possible.”

Touch-and-go

This season has seen Firmino make the six seasons in the Premier League.

With just 28% of games for Klopp having also returned the least amount of goal contributions out of his last six campaigns – with the Brazilian netting five and assisting three.

However, the £34.2m-rated striker has been hampered with injuries this season, something which has coincided with the emergence of Diogo Jota – the Portugal international who is having the season of his life, scoring 15 goals over 29 appearances in the league.

Firmino’s link-up play could certainly have been used to good effect against a side who have struggled to keep possession this season – with Everton expected to deploy a low-block – which would have been music to the ears of the pass-master, who has conjured up some sensational numbers for his pin-point passing.

Bobby could still feature for the Reds on Sunday, though he will face a late fitness test that will declare his inclusion or exclusion in the squad – something that is sure to have Klopp sweating, as the loss of the Brazilian would undoubtedly be a huge blow for the Reds.

AND in other news: Klopp could unearth Liverpool’s next Konate by unleashing “incredible” £450k-rated gem

According to a report by AS, translated and relayed by Sport Witness, an update has emerged on the future of Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier and it involves Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Magpies keen…

As per numerous sources, the Magpies have been heavily linked with a move for the England international recently as the January transfer window fast approaches.

Mundo Deportivo reported (via Sport Witness) that PIF and Eddie Howe are willing to table an eight-figure bid of €30m (£25.3m) to get a deal done next month. Meanwhile, reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Trippier is indeed a target for the Tyneside club.

Sharing the latest, AS (via Sport Witness) have come out with an intriguing update.

The Latest: Trippier handling Newcastle offer…

According to their information, Trippier is handling an ‘important offer’ from the Magpies, prompting Atletico to sweat over his future and meet with the player to express his importance to the La Liga champions.

After the summit, Diego Simeone’s side now hope that the 31-year-old will be focused on the task at hand and ‘forget about’ offers from England.

The Verdict: Crunch time?

These next few weeks of the looming transfer window could prove crucial to Newcastle’s Premier League survival, and it’s safe to say that Trippier’s signing would boost Howe in this regard.

Described as a ‘world class’ right-back by former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell (Football Insider), the 31-year-old has a wealth of experience on the biggest stages in football at both international and club level.

Part of the Three Lions’ 2018 World Cup semi-final squad, he has also won a La Liga title with Atletico and has featured three times in the Champions League this season. Players of this calibre could be needed at St James’ Park if Howe is to maintain Newcastle’s Premier League status.

In other news: Newcastle now willing to table eight-figure bid to sign ‘sensational’ ace for Howe, he wants to move…find out more here.

Liverpool are willing to pay €40m (£33.3m) for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to a fresh transfer rumour which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Phillips on the move?

The 26-year-old has arguably been the standout player of the Marcelo Bielsa era at Elland Road, also becoming an important figure for England, winning their Player of the Year award in 2021.

Unsurprisingly, Phillips has been linked with a move away from Leeds numerous times in recent months as he potentially eyes up a fresh challenge.

The midfielder may believe that he belongs at a Champions League-playing club, and there is no sign that he will be signing a new Whites deal any time soon.

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The Latest: Liverpool keen on signing Phillips

According to El Nacional, Liverpool are interested in making a €40m (£33.3m) move for Phillips in the summer, with Leeds more keen for their star midfielder to move abroad.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are all mentioned as potential suitors in the report, although a move to Anfield is thought to possibly appeal to the player himself.

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The Verdict: Higher bid required

There is surely no chance that Leeds would allow Phillips to join a Premier League rival for just £33.3m, considering what a formidable footballer he has become in recent years, being hailed as ‘excellent’ by England manager Gareth Southgate.

His current Whites deal doesn’t expire until 2024 so there is no rush to sell him yet, with a far higher bid surely required to prise him away from his boyhood club.

Leeds fans may needs to mentally prepare for the prospect of Phillips leaving in the summer but only if the right offer comes along, one which would see the Whites to receive a huge amount of money that would duly be put towards signing a replacement of equal or better quality.

In other news, Phil Hay has revealed his happiness at one key Leeds update. Read more here.

Celtic recorded an eleventh straight victory over Motherwell to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

Ange Postecoglou’s side were in rampant form as they found the net four times to make it 19 games unbeaten, putting the pressure on their arch-rivals.

Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda scored either side of a Tom Rogic brace on what was his return to the starting XI and he announced his comeback in stunning fashion as he nonchalantly rifled home an effort from long range.

The Australian midfielder stayed on for the whole game and recorded the highest rating of any Bhoys player (8.7), as per SofaScore.

However, in a quickfire first half it was the presence of Israeli winger that caused all sorts of trouble for the home side.

“Celtic are creating so many opportunities through Abada – and that’s a huge problem from Motherwell. Total composure from the Hatate with the pass,” claimed former Hoops goalkeeper Pat Bonner to BBC Sportsround after the 20-year-old’s opener.

He may have lasted only 45 minutes but Postecoglou obviously wants him rested before their trip to Aberdeen in midweek and that goes to show just how important he is for this side.

From 36 touches, Abada laid on three key passes which resulted in the two goals after he had banged in the first effort. He also made 82% of his 17 passing attempts, via SofaScore.

It’s awfully telling that Celtic’s free-scoring nature quietened down when he was withdrawn at the break.

The Scottish Daily Express ranked Abada amongst the Hoops’ highest-performers, grading him a joint-best 10/10.

‘Looked lively again from the beginning and took up dangerous positions in the box, eventually making a darting run to knock in the opener from a Hatate pass. Influential in the third goal too teeing up Rogic perfectly,’ they wrote.

On that evidence, the £4.05m-rated dynamo absolutely ran the show in the short time he was on the pitch and the Australian head coach will be hoping that he can repeat such exploits on Wednesday evening.

AND in other news, Nicholson continuing Ange’s revolution as Celtic make bid for “graceful” 111 G/A beast…

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Crystal Palace visit Leicester City this weekend and will be hoping they can make it a fourth consecutive win over the Foxes, although they will have to do it without Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Martin Kelly, who have been ruled out through injury.

The former has been the Eagles’ outstanding performer on the right hand side of defence and has garnered interest from a number of top clubs, including Premier League champions Manchester City.

Meanwhile, the latter has stepped in capably when required and has earned himself a new deal which will keep him at Selhurst Park until 2021.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

Wan-Bissaka’s absence, in particular, will please Claude Puel and Leicester – the right-back has become one of the best in the league in his position and even outshone talisman Wilfried Zaha this season.

The Eagles have proved they can best the Foxes without their key men, though – the Ivory Coast international was suspended for the last meeting and the SE25 outfit still came out on top, keeping a third consecutive clean sheet against the 2015/16 champions.

Here’s how the Palace fans reacted on Twitter, with many surprised that 21-year-old Wan-Bissaka could even get injured – indeed, he has looked “immortal” since his breakthrough to the starting XI…

Everton’s season under new manager Rafa Benitez has already been a tale of two halves, and we’re only 11 Premier League games in.

The Toffees began 2021/22 with a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions, with their 3-0 loss to Aston Villa being followed up by a victory over Norwich City and a draw away from home against Manchester United.

However, injuries to several key players have contributed to the Goodison Park outfit picking up just one point from a possible 12 in recent weeks, and Sunday’s draw with Tottenham Hotspur ended a three-game losing streak.

While the tactics and style of play implemented by Benitez can be questioned, the experienced 61-year-old has had one hand tied behind his back due to the personnel currently available.

The likes of Richarlison, Yerry Mina and Abdoulaye Doucure have all been sidelined for significant lengths of time throughout 2021/22, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s enforced absence has arguably hit them the hardest.

In the opening three league games of the campaign, the England international bagged a goal on each outing, heavily contributing to Everton’s fast start.

A quadricep problem has seen Calvert-Lewin consigned to the treatment table ever since, though, meaning backup striker Salomon Rondon has been leading the line more often than not.

The 32-year-old arrived from Chinese outfit Dalian Professional in the summer after a previous spell on English shores and was excited to make his Premier League return.

“Defending the colours of a club with a history as rich as Everton’s fills me with pride,” said Rondon after his unveiling as a new Everton player. 

“I can’t wait to pull on the shirt and be reunited with Rafa Benítez, a coach who has changed the way I understand the game. I’m really grateful for the faith he’s shown in me.”

The Venezuela international, who had a spell on loan at CSKA Moscow last season, had bags of Premier League experience prior to his arrival on Merseyside, scoring 28 goals in 120 appearances for West Bromwich Albion between 2015 and 2018.

Rondon then linked up with Benitez for the first time in his career, bagging 12 goals in 33 games under the Spanish tactician while on loan at Newcastle United from Albion during the 2018/19 season.

But things have not gone to plan for the South American during his time in an Everton shirt.

As per WhoScored, Rondon has had just eight shots during his 432 minutes of top-flight action and via SofaScore, he’s only made three key passes, failed to create a single big chance and won just 32 of his 89 duels (a loss rate of 64%).

He’s also yet to score or assist in his eight Everton appearances as his shocking start to the season continues.

Benitez will, therefore, be desperate for Calvert-Lewin to return to full fitness as soon as possible, providing him with the firepower needed to achieve success, something Rondon appears incapable of doing.

And, in other news…Brands plots EFC move for “very talented” £22.5m-rated wizard, fans will be buzzing 

Leeds United correspondent Beren Cross labelled Leo Hjelde’s return to action as a ‘disaster’ following a big mistake for the under-23s.

The Lowdown: Hjelde back on the bench

Hjelde had been missing since February after suffering a knee injury in a 3-0 defeat to Everton. The 18-year-old required surgery on the issue, with Jesse Marsch unsure at the time if the youngster would definitely make a return before the end of the season.

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However, the versatile defender has made brilliant progress and returned to the bench under Marsch in the 3-0 win over Watford on Saturday.

The Latest: Cross’ post on Hjelde

Cross reported on the Leeds under-23s’ clash with West Ham on Monday, with Hjelde getting the nod from the off. January signing Mateo Joseph marked his first Whites start with a goal, but West Ham were level shortly after, with Cross describing it as a ‘disaster’ by Hjelde.

The defender made a big mistake playing out from the back which was punished and made way for Kris Moore at half-time, with Leeds eventually falling to a 5-1 defeat.

The Verdict: Minutes needed

Hjelde is clearly rated highly by Whites officials following his move from Celtic in the summer. Marcelo Bielsa handed him a senior debut back in January and Marsch was quick to have him back on the bench at the first possible opportunity.

His return to action for the under-23s didn’t go to plan, but he’ll need more minutes to build up his fitness and match sharpness over the coming weeks, with a view to breaking through to the first team more prominently in Marsch’s first full season in charge.

In other news: Phil Hay has his say on ‘horrible’ Leeds ace who Marsch and Orta now want to offload.

Leeds United are in line for an encouraging injury boost ahead of this weekend’s clash with Newcastle United…

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, the Yorkshire outfit are likely to have three first-team attackers available for selection ahead of Saturday’s league encounter at Elland Road.

“Better news – Joe Gelhardt could be back at the weekend, as could Tyler Roberts. Rodrigo also sounds like he’s come through his appearance at West Ham without a problem,” he tweeted.

The Whites head into the weekend on the back of an impressive 3-2 victory over West Ham United but there was cause for concern looking at the bench as the returning Spaniard was the only senior professional from nine substitutes.

Big boost

That is how bad the injury situation has been at Thorp Arch over the last few months and it shows no signs of easing up, with Patrick Bamford’s continued absence.

The England international has missed 16 of their last 17 league games with ankle and hamstring injuries and it appears he is still not available to feature against the Magpies after missing last weekend’s win.

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In his absence, Bielsa has had to turn to a number of different options, largely the likes of Daniel James and Jack Harrison playing out of position to fill the void.

So the fact the club’s young academy striker Gelhardt is available is certainly encouraging to see. He has one goal and two assists in the Premier League from only two starts, so he’s more than capable at this level.

Roberts is an experienced option to have too.

If these two return alongside a fit Rodrigo, it will alleviate some of the worry facing Bielsa ahead of kick-off – after all, he still is missing key midfielder Kalvin Phillips, skipper Liam Cooper and many others.

Therefore, the Argentine will surely feel a little more relieved this weekend.

AND in other news, “What I have been told”: Journo drops huge Leeds transfer claim, Bielsa will be fuming…

Newcastle United are willing to offer Marcelo Brozovic ‘crazy money’ to lure him to Tyneside, according to The Athletic. 

The lowdown

The 28-year-old is thought to be earning £106,000 per week under his current deal at Inter Milan. For context, Newcastle’s highest-paid player at present is reportedly £86.5k-per-week frontman Joelinton.

Crucially, Brozovic’s contract is up at the end of the current season, so if Inter can’t agree fresh terms, they’ll either have to cash in during January or allow him to walk away for free next summer.

The Croatian showed his class with a strong performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage in September. SofaScore rated him as the Nerazzurri’s best player after he played 99 accurate passes (including seven out of nine long balls), won three out of his five ground duels and chipped in with four clearances and two tackles.

The latest

Newcastle appear to be desperate to sign Brozovic, with The Athletic’s report suggesting that a ‘crazy’ contract may be tabled.

However, that interest isn’t reciprocated by the player, who is especially hesitant to join the Magpies midway through the season given the looming spectre of a relegation battle.

The verdict

Herein lies the problem for Newcastle United. They may be one of the wealthiest clubs in the world now, but they could struggle to attract top talent for as long as they remain in the lower reaches of the Premier League.

Brozovic has started every single Serie A match for reigning champions Inter this season and helped the Nerazzurri to book their place in the Champions League round of 16. Why would he want to swap those circumstances for a relegation battle?

What’s more, if he does end up leaving in the summer, you’d imagine that this World Cup finalist and seasoned Champions League operator would be able to pick a club who have already established themselves in European competition.

In other news, Lee Ryder talks up Newcastle links with this Premier League ace